Mother of Sons...

A few years ago for Christmas, my dad gave me this little wall-hanging that says, "Mothers of little boys work from son up to son down." That is the gospel truth! From time to time, people ask me if I want a daughter. My answer is usually (and truthfully), "Are you kidding? I WAS a teenage girl - I don't want one of those!" LOL! I am already practicing my "TURN THAT MUSIC DOWN!" yell. I DO get tired of monster trucks and baseball games, though. I love it when I get the opportunity to scrap in girly colors instead of blues and browns all the time.

A few weeks ago, my dh was sitting in an airport next to a man with an adorable puppy. The man had flown in to pick up a new puppy for hunting. It was his second hunting dog. He got his other puppy about 6 months ago. This man told my dh that he wanted to get 2 puppies at once but the breeder told him not to. He said that if you get 2 puppies less than 6 months apart, they will teach each other naughty puppy habits and be very hard to train. When my dh was tellling me this, I looked at him and said, "That's our problem - our puppies (sons) are too close in age!" They are a whopping 17 months apart and the same size. When people ask me if they're twins, I usually say, "They might as well be!". They definitely teach each other naughty puppy habits. The results of their misbehavior usually resembles a small prision riot. I have finely-tuned my "hostage negotiating" skills over the last few years and feel it would be a viable career choice for me once they leave home...

A couple of years ago, when I was in CA, we went to the Richard M. Nixon Library in Yorba Linda. Mrs. Nixon had the "pleasure" of 5 sons in a tiny little house. Hanging on the wall of the home is a framed poem that is perfect for the mother of sons. I intend to scrap a page about my own boys with this poem on it. The author is unknown:

Yes, I know there are stains on my carpet,

the traces of small muddy boots;

and I see your fairy tapestry glowing

all spotless with blossoms and fruits!

And I know that my walls are disfigured,

with prints of small fingers and hands

And that your own household whiteness

all fresh in its purity stands.

And I know that my parlor is littered

with many old treasures and toys

while your own is in daintiest order,

unharmed by the presence of boys!

And I know that my room is invaded

quite boldly all hours of the day,

While you sit in your own unmolested,

And dream the soft quiet way.

Yes I know there are four little bedsides

where I must stand watchful each night.

While you may go out in your carriage,

And flash in your dresses so bright!

Now I think I'm a neat little woman,

I like my house orderly, too;

And I am fond of all dainty belongings,

Yet I would not change places with you!

No! Keep your fair home with it's order,

It's freedom from bother and noise!

And keep your own fanciful leisure,

BUT GIVE ME MY FOUR SPLENDID BOYS!