WHY WE LOVE RAISING TEEN BOYS

Ah, a life without pink.
Yes, we wished for a princess in
the family mix, but ya know what?
We're okay with it.
In fact, we LOVE raising boys, 3 teenage boys at that!


Sons and daughters are equally wonderful. Some things about boys are easier. Some things about girls are easier. Those of you that have at least one of each can probably attest to that.
 I can only tell you why we love raising these particular boys. This was one of my favorite posts but was before many of you awesome readers came along so I updated it a bit.
Maybe you can relate.

 1. WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET
No drama, very little manipulating, no hidden agendas. They seem to get over disappointment quickly. I remember crying and moping for hours when I broke up with a guy or someone hurt my feelings. These boys "bounce"!! We help them pick up their heart, feed em' something good and move on down the road. There is no sugar coating their thoughts and feelings. They "tell it like it is!" If they have to go to the bathroom, it's 
"I gotta go poop!"


2. THEIR RELATIONSHIP AS BROTHERS
These guys have each others backs!!! Occasionally we'll hear a little disagreement but they always work it out. Their conversations when they don't know we are listening are divine. They help each other with homework, go out to breakfast, talk "girls", support each others activities and truly care about each other. My hope is that they will have each others backs......always.
Their tenderhearted loyalty to each other is heart warming.
  

Sweet little beach boyzzz

 3. WE ARE RAISING FUTURE HUSBANDS
We've realized that in raising boys, we are raising future husbands.
We try to explain how to treat a lady. Tell them they will be a team and to assist their wives. I especially appreciate when they hang all the outside Christmas decorations and my husband loves the help too. We tell them how much their future wife will appreciate the little things like this. When they ask if they can cook dinner, which is rare, I do let them jump on it because I know how much a lady would love to have a meal cooked for her. My husband and I show our own love and affection to each other so that they learn to acknowledge their feelings and are well equipped to express them. We want them to take responsibility for their actions, to value compassion and live it daily. These are the boys who will grow into men who'll make loving companions. That's good for the women they marry. Even better for the men they become.



 4. THEY LOVE MY COOKING
Yeah, the reason why they don't ask to cook is because they say I am a great one. Sweet, yes. I know it seems like a small thing, but some of our best family talks are around the dinner table. If the way to a mans heart is through his stomach, so be it for boys too! For some reason, good, home cooked food makes boys want to please you. If I make a special favorite, like say a Reese Peanut Butter Cake,  Recipe Here they're at your beck and call. When they say "my mom makes the BEST cookies" or "your Ham Chowder is soooooo good", I swoon with pride knowing I am satiating their little bellies.

Look how little, Mother's Day 2010
(Not responsible for the youngest botched haircut #newbeautician #amishboycut)

5. THEY ARE INVENTORS
These boys are on pretty strong paths with what they want to be in the future and I think that drive boils over to the urge to invent things. We love it that they are creative minds at work and not always in front of a TV. They used to be riggers and rig up stuff in the house to scare me, like dropping fake spiders or turning the facet on so the spray wand sprays me in the face. Ha! Now that they're older they've moved onto things like Tesla coils and magnetic stirrers. Patent please! The two older ones may even take Entrepreneurship classes in College. 


6. THEY ARE STILL MUDSLINGERS
What boy or man doesn't love good ole dirt and mud? Little toes exploring mud puddles have now become big toes. As long as they don't track it in the house, I'm good. One of the best items my husband ever got them was MUK boots. Now that two are driving, they'll probably get a little mud on the tires too! Truth be told, I like a lil mud on the tires too!


7. THEY ARE SO MUCH FUN!!!!
Plain and simple, these guys make us laugh! Where they come up with some of their antics and notions is beyond me! It's so important to have fun together as a family, especially during these formative years. When we engage in activities with them that we all love, it helps them feel understood and you'll be amazed how the lines of communication open up.
Be silly, let loose, enjoy life!!


BLESSED BEYOND WORDS!!
  "Raising children is a creative endeavor, an art rather than a science."

60 comments:

  1. I adore this and one of the other best parts...you're the Queen of the house!! You have raised some great boys into young men and I'm sure you both are very proud! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  2. How sweet! Love that you're raising them intentionally knowing that they will be someone's husband one day! And you don't look like you've aged a bit, girl!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

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  3. Such a sweet post! You are a good mommy and I love all you said here. Can't wait to meet you in real life but until then I already consider you a friend. Be blessed today, dear one!

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  4. What a sweet post! You have raised some great boys that are growing into amazing men!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  5. What a great post!! It looks like you guys are raising three awesome guys! Thanks so much for linking up!!

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  6. I love this!! I have 3 boys too... 7, 4.5, and 2 and this was so timely for me after having some doubts on yesterday about being equipped and prepared to raise my household of boys! It's encouraging to see someone with older boys really loving and enjoying the adventures boys bring. =)

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  7. You have three very handsome dudes there!!! I love that they are so close. I can only imagine the conversations that you overhear. I look at my nephews (11 and 6) and I hope that they are close one day. Right now the older one has an "annoying little brother" that he picks on but I hope that they are close like my sister and I are when they grow up. We were the same age distance apart and didn't get along for several years and looking back I wish it would have been different but its hard to communicate that to kids. Haha!

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  8. You have such gorgeous sons and I'm sure they just ADORE you! I bet it's never a dull moment!! Happy Monday love!

    www.rosyoutlookblog.com

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  9. Aw, such handsome, intelligent boys you both have! You and your husband should be so proud and know that you did an awesome job! I may be biased with only having boys, but I really do think boys are so much fun!

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  10. Awwww, I see so much of my brothers and nephews in this post. You are amazing and blessed!!!! Hope you had a good weekend!!!

    And my new site is finally up: wwww.blackcoffeebeautiful.com - so glad to be back on a schedule :) :) :)

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  11. Aww those pictures of them when they were little!! SO cute!! They are so handsome now too. They also sound like wonderful boys with very bright futures. You seem like you are an amazing mom to them too. :-) I also like the part about the no drama and how straightforward they are too hehe. :-) I hope that you had a fun weekend too!!

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  12. This is soo sweet! I have heard many people who say they love having a house full of boys!!
    www.amemoryofus.com

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  13. Gosh those are some good looking boys...ahem! MEN!, Andrea! You are truly blessed my friend! But I would be more than happy to throw some pink and purple your way! And next year, when I have to do that $@*%^& Science Fair Project, I'm calling one of them!! Ha!

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  14. Love this Andrea!! Forwarding to my sister who also has three boys...who are not teens yet!! Have a great week!!

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  15. I can only imagine how much fun it is at your house or on family vacations! As much as I'd love a sweet baby girl, all I keep hearing from everyone is how much easier and more fun boys are. Definitely less drama, and you couldn't be more right about how they bounce back quickly. The only thing I'd be scared of is trying to feed 3 teenage boys!
    Green Fashionista

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  16. Aww! What a sweet post, Andrea! Looks like you have raised three wonderful boys! My husband is one of three boys too! Have a wonderful Monday!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

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  17. Precious post! I love this to pieces. I have a boy and a girl, as you probably know, and I'm lucky to have both but oh how dear is that little boy I have to my heart in a totally different way from my little princess!

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  18. What a sweet post. Your boys are so handsome!! You are such a great mom!! I'm sure it is super fun having three boys!! The boys totally out number the girls in my family and it is always so much fun when we all get together. My sister and I were the first set of twins and the first girls in the family for like 16 years. Happy Monday Pretty Lady.

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  19. I LOVE this post - what adorable boys you have!!! And they are lucky to have such a wonderful mom!! I have one of each so "best of both" but there's something so special about my little boy. It's the sweetest and I hope he stays that way forever!! :)

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  20. Andrea, this is just the SWEETEST post! As a mother to a 4 year old son I can somehow agree! Yes, we are raising future husbands, and I must say: It is easier with boys sometimes. Less drama. LOL Anyhow, your boys are very handsome and I cannot help but smile: You are just one fab mama!!
    Happy Monday, love!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    www.WhatWouldVWear.net

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  21. Awww, love this, your boys are just adorable or should I say handsome...You seem like such a great boy mom...way to teach them the way to treat a woman. Keep up the good work!

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  22. Andrea - it looks like you are raising some great guys!

    Lisa
    Daily Style Finds

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  23. This is so wonderful! Your boys are lovely and it sounds as though you are all such a close and happy family. I have a daughter and she's so much fun. I'm a girly-girl... and I love having her in my life! It's a joy to raise children :o)


    Amber
    All the Cute
    Today's Post: Pop of Pink...

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  24. You are raising some fine young men, and should be so very proud of yourself! As a single lady trying to make it in the dating world, you don't know how rare it is to find someone with manners and morals these days. You and your hubby should feel amazing about yourself!

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  25. Your boys sound like such great guys individually and this does not surprise me one bit because they're being raised by YOU!! Sounds like you have a lot to be thankful for and proud of!! They will be great husbands one day.

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  26. I am 1 of 4 girls, and sometimes I wish I had brothers, they seem like so much fun to grow up with. Your boys, I bet are so amazing because of how you have raised them. Proud Mama, I'm sure!!

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  27. Found your blog through the link-up. Loved your post! I have two little boys - 20 months and 1 month - and cannot wait to see them grow up together :) Looks like we have lots to look forward to!!

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  28. Love this! I'm pregnant with my second boy, and all of this rings true to what I imagine raising teenage boys will be like (and also kind of why I'm happy not to be raising teenage girls!!) My dad was one of 5 boys, so he alwyas has a ton of insight into what it will be like.

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  29. I love it! We have 4 boys and one girl. One of my boys told me the other day that we'd have 3 of them in high school at the same time. Now, I had not yet done that math myself, so that kind of came as a shock to me. I love having boys, too! They really are a lot of fun.

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  30. Love this article. I have three kids but two boys (ages 2 and 4). As much as I wanted #3 to be a girl (for me), it was meant to be that he was a boy when I see how much the boys play, wrestle and love each other. Visiting from You're Gonna Love It party.

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  31. I have two boys (20 and 18) and I agree with all of your comments! I love that my boys can open jars and reach things on the top shelf (I'm short). They love my cooking and my ooing and ahhing over their big muscles!
    ~Sheila
    Making the Most of Every Day

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  32. You are obviously raising three awesome young men. I cried the day I found out my second child was also a boy - but now I wouldn't change a thing about it. Love everything you wrote here, and you should be so proud!

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  33. What great boys! So far I love being a boy mom, but of course I don't have a ton of experience. I occasionally dread the teenage years, so I am glad you are here to give me hope along the way!

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  34. I love this post..I love seeing what parenting will be like in the years to come. Well done, mom, you sure raised 3 wonderful men!

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  35. Warms my heart!
    I have four boys -- two teens and two early twenties!
    Yes, they are amazing, and I love them to pieces.
    You are a blessed woman -- thanks for making me smile this morning.

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  36. I love this post! I have a 1 1/2 year old boy and another boy on the way and it makes me so excited to be a boy mom!!!

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  37. What handsome young men!! I have two boys and just adore raising them! We adopted our little princess, but because she has a lot of special needs, it's a unique interaction between the boys and her. They protect her and love her the same as they would any little sister, but they understand and grasp her reality in such a beautiful way! Boys are treasures!
    Thanks for making me smile today!!!
    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

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  38. Sweet. I feel like I'm looking at my future... mine are only 8, 10 & (almost) 12 now but I know I'll blink and have three teenagers.

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  39. This is so GREAT! Love it! This is exactly what I love about my ONE son (amidst 3 daughters LOL) - he just wants to hang and have fun, very little drama, and he makes me belly laugh! Ahhh, boys. And yes to the food - WOW.
    Also wonderful point about raising future husbands - love that they help hang the Christmas decs!
    I've a feeling you and your husband have worked very hard at building relationships with these guys - and encouraging relationships amongst themselves!

    I did love the teen years with all of my kids though. Teenagers are just so much fun and don't deserve nearly the bad rep they get!
    Andrea, Thanks for sharing with us today at Tuesday Talk - I'm going to feature this on my blog for next week's Tuesday Talk!

    Ruthie from http://www.rearreleaseregroup.com/

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  40. Stopping over today from Wow Us Wednesday and am so encouraged by your post! I am a mom to 3 boys, 9, 7, and almost 4, and it is a whirlwind! I do love them dearly and even though it's always loud and busy, I too appreciate the lack of drama! Last week my 9 year old walked over and kissed me on the forehead while I was dozing on the couch, and I though, "I don't want him to become a teenager!" But you have given me hope maybe it's not as bad as everyone says it is :) Thank you for sharing!

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  41. Loved your post. The images are wonderful and the text is perfect. Sharing.

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  42. I have 3 boys too: 14, 12, and 6. I really love having boys too - it's challenging sometimes for an introvert like me, but they're good for me! Thanks for sharing your heart about your boys. They are so handsome!

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  43. I love this!! My own little boy is just 4 months old & I'm loving his little personality, his cuddles, the way he looks at me like I've hung the moon & the way the word "poo poo" cracks him up. Potty humor begins early lol! I love that your boys are buddies & get along so well!

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  44. I love your attitude, your energy and your perspective. Our sister-in-law has 4 and then they decided to stop trying for the princess and enjoy the ride!

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  45. You truly are blessed and you have a great attitude and a great family!

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  46. Oh my goodness, I LOVE this post! I am one of four girls with only one brother. So we had a house full of estrogen to say the least. And I loved it. :) My husband came from a family of two boys. He and his brother are 18 months apart and they were inseparable for most of their lives (they even roomed together all four years of college!). Today they still text and talk on the phone as much as I do with my siblings (who I'm super close to). When we talk about future kiddos Christopher likes to joke about the five sons and one princess daughter we're going to have (he also jokes about us having a dozen children so you can't take any of it seriously, ha!). Anyway, every time I think about a house full of boys it makes me SUPER nervous because it's not something I grew up with. But reading this post just really warmed my heart and made me think about all the pros to all boys. So sweet. :)

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  47. What a sweet post. I am glad you shared this again. Your boys are beyond handsome first of all. Secondly, I believe they are wonderful young men because they have you as their mother Andrea. I too believe ALL children are a blessing despite their gender. =)

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  48. Great post! I have twin 4 1/2 year old boys and love everything about being a mom to boys. Can't wait to watch them grow older and have even more fun with them!

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  49. I love this and you sound like such a fantastic parent. Love your point about husbands and yay to them loving the food. This is also very reassuring as I have a two year old and a one year old boy. Secretly I'd love one more, but husband says no no no. What handsome chaps you have too. Visiting from #brilliantblogposts xx

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  50. I was a teenaged boy once and I am amazed you find it so much fun! That said, I have daughters and love raising them. They never fail to amaze me. #BrilliantBlogPosts

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  51. Andrea, I love this! We have two sons who are now 26 and 23. They pretty much always got along and still do. They are as different as night and day and we love it. I think your description of boys is pretty spot on. :)

    Thank you so much for joining Thoughts of Home on Thursday. We are so glad to have you.

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  52. This is wonderful Andrea.
    We had 3 daughters, so I never really knew the wonders of having boys until I had 2 grandsons.
    I am in LOVE. Boys are so cool.
    Thank you for sharing this with all of us at Thoughts of home on Thursday.

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  53. You have a handsome crew there! You are so right about their having each others backs. I have two grown sons who live in different cities but still check on each other and hand out brotherly advice. It's a beautiful thing. And now I have a grandson and get to enjoy the wonders of little boys all over again. Thanks for a lovely post!

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  54. This was fun to read; a glimpse of the future for me. My 3 boys are 11, 9 and 7 right now (and we got a princess at the end). I never imagined myself with 3 boys, but here we are! :) Visiting from Grace at Home.

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  55. Agreed! I have a boy and a girl and my son is easier in many ways, and you hit most of them. My daughter was easier when she was young just because she was not as high energy and prone to injuries, but in the teen years that reversed. My son is so much easier as a teen. If my daughter is not dealing out drama, girls at school are and I am coaching her through that.

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  56. This is great to hear :) we have a little boy who is 3.5 at the moment and expecting our second in May and if honest initially I wanted one of each but as the pregnancy has progressed I have got my head around it and hope they will foster a great brotherly relationship as they get older. Good to know the teen years are easier with boys :) thank you for joining us at #BloggerClubUK hope to see you again next week x

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  57. Thoroughly enjoyed this sweet post because it's not a perspective we often get to hear! Usually, it's "Ugh, boys are ____!" or "Teenagers are ____!" Thank you for lifting your precious boys up--that will have a lasting impact on the men they become. :)

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  58. Oh your beautiful, wise, smart and caring boys. I cannot wait until my boys become older like this and stop fighting (most of the time). To me a mother of two strapping sons would make me so proud! Love this x

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  59. What an endearing post. I have two boys of my own and one is almost a teenager. This is such an inspiration to read. Thank you for touching my heart!

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