It’s Day 3 of the #write31days challenge. My topic is 31 Days of Gratitude. You can see my previous Gratitude posts here.
Want to join the writing challenge but are unable to write everyday? Join me for the Weekly Writing Challenge in October instead.
Now for today’s post…
Posted yesterday on Instagram: “It’s the boys’ favorite part of Sunday – when they come home from Mass, undress and then have an underwear parade. Sigh. Life with boys. š
The other day someone told me that I was made to be a mom when they found out I was the oldest of nine siblings. The experience definitely acquainted me with kids. The funny thing is that by the time I was 20, I didn’t want kids. After two decade of helping raise my siblings I was done. Plus, I was going through my pain-in-the-arse stage so I was too self-centered to care about anything other than pleasing myself. Fast forward a few years after my reversion, and discerning a religious vocation and getting married, I was ready for a family and really wanted six kids. I assumed I would take after my mom and have no problem having lots of kids. However, it took a year to finally conceive Bella and after that it took six years and two miscarriages before Andrew was born.
It was as if God was letting me see just how toxic my attitude towards children was. I thought I had the control. If I didn’t want kids, I’d use birth control. If I did want kids,Ā I’d easily get pregnant. However, it was through pain and tears that He taught me that new life was precious and not something I automatically deserved or could take for granted. I was lucky that the physical problems that stopped me from having more children was able to be corrected. As a result, Brian and I had three consecutive boys after Bella.
That means that our life now is anything but calm and quiet. Everyday I am greeted with hugs that resemble football tackles, hysterical laughter at anything resembling bathroom humor, countess Legos and action figures wherever I look, and plenty of sweaty heads and muddy hands. And although I’ll roll my eyes or share a wry smile with Brian or Bella at their craziness, I have to admit that deep down I wouldn’t change any of it. (Okay, I’d change the bathroom from always smelling like pee and get them to put their dirty socks in the hamper and not under their beds) but I love my little guys. I love watching their creativity and hearing their laughter. I love seeing their little personalities emerge and when they show kindness to a sibling or friend.
These crazy little guys of mine are my joy and their hugs and kisses never fail to melt me. So for today, despite the mess and the noise, I am grateful for my life with boys.
What are you especially thankful for today?
PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, š
Loved this reflection! (And I know all too well the pee-smelling bathroom and random clothes around their room, hah!)
Thanks, Ashley. I find it oddly comforting that you understand what I am talking about with the pee smell. Seriously, nothing I try makes the bathroom smell even remotely fresh. LOL. Thanks for stopping by! I hope all is well with you and your family. (I’ll have to stop by your blog and find out. ) š
Yes, yes, yes on this! I think most of us take fertility for granted and think that we can just decide when we do and do not want to have kids, and that us being in control is the best thing. And then for many of us, reality hits as our families form in ways that are different than we imagined. Hopefully those experiences help us to understand that life and death is and should be God’s territory, and that He has beautiful plans for us, even if they are different from our own. I loved learning more about your story, thank you!
Exactly, Jennifer! It’s not until we humble ourselves before God that we can even begin to understand the sacredness of life. Thanks again for stopping by. š
Good to know the running around in underwear love isn’t something that pertains to just *my* son!! I often wonder where he gets his shenanigans, and sometimes chalk it up to “he’s a boy.” Good to know that excuse is okay, in regard to shedding clothing! LOL
Hi Anni! After living with five brothers and now with three boys of my own, I believe that some things can simply be chalked up to “being a boy.” At least the innocent stuff. I don’t abide by the “he’s just acting like a guy” attitude. A boy can still learn right from wrong and how to treat all people with dignity! Anyway, thanks for stopping by!