WHY I DON'T MIND OUR BOYS HAVING TATTOOS



My babies come home tomorrow for Thanksgiving week, tattoos and all! Yep, that's right, our two college boys each have a tattoo and before you judge or gasp or say, "Why in the world is Andrea ok with that?", let me explain a thing or two. 



You probably already know this from the blog, but our boys are pretty darn good! Yes, they are not perfect, and their antics can drive me crazy at times, but they are sweet, respectful and ambitious boys who usually have a pretty good head on their shoulders and if they don't, they're quick to ask us all the right questions.

It all started with the sweet guy! 

A few months before his 18th birthday last January, he started expressing how bad he wanted a tattoo for his birthday. In fact, he said it was the only thing he wanted and he thought long and hard about it for a long time. At first we were like whoa whoa whoa no way. But when he told us what he wanted, why he wanted it, and answered all our questions including that it would be hidden under his clothes and not hampering him from getting a good job in the business world someday, we thought about it and decided ok we are good with it.

Just read here about the symbol and you'll see why it is so important to him and his faith.



This next college boy, I never really thought would want a tattoo. 

However, about two months into the semester, I got a call asking our permission for one. Again, at first I was like no no no no. He assured me, it was going to be on his wrist and always hidden under a watch, which he has a vast collection of. It was when he told me what it was going to be, that my heart melted. A couple weeks into his college career, he was really homesick and he saved all my voice messages where at the end I always say "I love you." He edited it down to that portion and this is the sound waves of my voice.



The morning after he got it, this is the tweet he posted.

How Precious is this??


They are legally adults yet they still ask permission, they have valid reasons for their actions and we are so very proud of them for thinking through their decisions, learning about choices and consulting us on aspects of life that mean something to them. Cannot wait to HUG them so tight tomorrow!!!! My whole family together again...Thanksgiving indeed!! 


How funny are these tattoo memes!


53 comments:

  1. You honestly sound like you have the best, most considerate kids ever! I have a tattoo that I got when I was 18 and I put a lot of thought into it and don't regret it at all! It's a Greek acronym for Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

    ReplyDelete
  2. I can't - that is the sweetest thing ever! To have your voice waves tattooed on him like that forever - that is amazing! I think it shows how you raised them well that even at their age, when they didn't need to they asked for your permission. I don't think they'll ever regret their choice to get those tattoos! xo, biana -BlovedBoston

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh My God! Those are the best tattoos, and the one with your "I love you" could not be any better, how in the world could you ever say no to that???? You know the world is a different place now then when we were younger and tatts are normal for this generation. While I don't see myself getting one I have no problem with them, especially when they are so meaningful! Your boys are so special, what great men you are raising!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your boys sound like the sweetest!! I have 4 tattoos and I love them!!
    Jaymie

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh my word, Andrea, that is the sweetest thing I have ever seen! Your boys are both just amazing! That really says so much about the way that you raised them.

    And my little brother has a tattoo, so I don't mind them either. :o)

    Have the best week! XO

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tat don't bother me unless you cover your body in them and I'm like where' the circus? LOL My little brother got his first and so far only tat at 18. He has the same thing your son has - tribal - however he just picked it out of a book and it gave another meaning for it. HA! Tat books are not created equal? I just asked he didn't get any Asian language symbols because we all know they never mean what they say they do!!! Love you to pieces and you are my hero raising good boys!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love the meaning behind them and personally, I love tattoos and want more.

    ReplyDelete
  8. You have raised some sweet and amazing boys! I love that tattoo is your voice soundwaves! Have the best week with your family!

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

    ReplyDelete
  9. Awwwwwwww that I love you tattoo is seriously the sweetest thing I have ever seen!!! My parents took me to get my tattoo on my 18th birthday. I think as long as you aren't getting anything crazy or something that would hinder you in the professional world, then there is no harm as long as you thought long and hard about it. I love that your boys asked for your permission. It goes to show they have lots of respect for their parents and were raised right!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Awww this is seriously so cute! I love how he tattood something about you! That is seriously soo cute! I love this post so much! You have such a loving and wonderful family!
    xoxo,Victoria
    www.coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm not a fan of them on myself, but the hubby actually has a lot...which I love :) I have a hard enough time picking out an outfit for Thanksgiving - don't think I could permanently decide on a tattoo and stick with that idea! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving my friend! Enjoy all of the special family time! XO

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

    ReplyDelete
  12. They both picked really sweet tattoos! My younger son has a large one on his chest. I am not bothered by it at all. It's just a form of expression. I'm glad that his arms aren't covered in them because someday when he has a career that won't be ok. However, I do see people wearing sleeves over them. :)

    Happy Thanksgiving girl.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love this post! I love the meanings behind the tattoos, and the one of your voice...how sweet! I also love that they asked your permission. I have a huge tattoo on my lower back from my first week of freshman year in college. Let's just say I didn't put a lot of thought into having this the rest of my life and wish I would have put more into it! Hahahaha! Have a great Monday.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I LOVE that you're so open-minded about tattoos! Can you talk to my mom?! LOL I've always wanted one but she has never been a fan! Not that I need her permission anymore but I'll always strive for mommy's approval!

    www.rosyoutlookblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. You have raised such amazing boys, and those tattoos are a true testament. Shedding a tear for how sweet and thoughtful the voice one is. Enjoy every second of having them home this week for the holiday <3
    Green Fashionista

    ReplyDelete
  16. They sound like wonderful kids! I love their tattoos, such nice ideas!

    Mary
    www.marymurnane.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. How sweet! And so creative to use your sound waves for it. I hope you enjoy all the time you get to spend with them this week!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

    ReplyDelete
  18. First off, it shows how respectful they are for asking permission, even when they really didn't have to. Second, oh my goodness, how sweet is that I love you tattoo!! How could you say no to that? They are sweet boys, Andrea! Enjoy your time with them this week.

    ReplyDelete
  19. You have raised such incredibly sweet boys! The last tattoo literally melted my heart- how sweet was that?! Hope you enjoy your time with them during the holidays! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Aww! What sweet and amazing boys you have! And this post comes at a funny time. I was just telling my mom yesterday that I want to get a tattoo. And yes, at 30 I still need to run it by my mom first!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Wow, this is just all kinds of awesome! I don't have a problem with tattoos - I think they're an artful expression. I love how thoughtful they were with the tattoos they got. You have raised such amazing young men!

    ReplyDelete
  22. What sweet boys they are, asking permission. And the second tattoo brought a tear to my eye, so lovely! Enjoy your special times with them this week!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I seriously can't -- Andrea! I may have shed a tear or two. This is the sweetest thing ever. You have such wonderful boys. I love both of their tattoos and the meaning behind them, adore so much! I hope one day I am blessed with boys like yours. Big hugs my friend!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

    ReplyDelete
  24. Its funny- we just had this conversation the other day.
    My parents used to say if we ever got a tattoo, not to come home. & now, my mom wants a Wizard of Oz one ;)
    I LOVE what your boys chose. Says a lot about their personalities.

    ReplyDelete
  25. They sound like such respectful guys, and how can you say no when they have such wonderful reasons for getting a tattoo. You are a smart mom for knowing which battles to fight and supporting what seems to be a well-thought out, mature decision. One lesson that I feel has been hammered home to me recently now that I am parenting a teen (now 2 of them!) is that you have to do what is right for your kids and your family, not necessarily what everyone else is doing. By not overreacting or making quick judgments, you are surely doing what is best for your sweet young men! Hope y'all have a wonderful Thanksgivng.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your sons are not only gorgeous but they are absolute sweethearts!! It's so nice to hear how thoughtful, kind and sweet your boys are. I work with alot of men (young and old) who aren't very nice and don't seem to have much respect for woman, so I appreciate a sweet man. I love their tattoo's and the meaning behind them. You should be very proud but I'm not surprised at all at how wonderful your sons are. They are just like their beautiful momma.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm not the biggest fan of tattoos, but I couldn't say no when my husband got one with his brothers. They all got the Celtic symbol for brotherhood together, which is pretty cool. I love the reasons that your boys got their tattoos, and it's pretty awesome that they still asked permission from you!

    ReplyDelete
  28. As if your boys didn't already sound amazing from what you write about them they go ahead and pick the most meaningful tattoos ever! You should be really proud, Momma. Tattoos and all. I'm not a huge fan of them either but both of my brother in-laws are all tatted up and have full sleeves. Now it's just part of who they are and I don't think anything of it. They're also out in Cali which is a different everyday then I'm used to and probably more acceptable. Anyway, I'm still getting over the fact that both of your boys still asked instead of just going out and doing it. They're awesome! Beautifully Candid

    ReplyDelete
  29. Tears! What sweet boys! I love that they still care so much about your opinion even though they are legally adults. Most of my friends got tattoos without telling their parents and then kept them a secret for years. What a better way to go about this. Your boys are good ones!

    ReplyDelete
  30. You are honestly the best mom ever! You are so supportive of your boys and it shows their your love towards your boys has no end! And I actually like the tattoos they got! Sending you much love!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    www.WhatWouldVWear.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love both of your son's tattoos!! The soundclip of you telling him that you love him is one of the sweetest things I've ever seen!

    http://thecourtneydiaries.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. Thanks for sharing! What sweet, and thoughtful boys you have!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Your family...no words. You are a lovely mom and have raised a beautiful family. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  34. You raised some winners, that is for sure! I am sure it will be great to have the whole family back together! Enjoy it!

    ReplyDelete
  35. A tattoo with sentimental meaning behind it is what makes it special and your boys hit the jackpot. They chose clean designs with so much meaning so it would be hard to deny them that self-expression. I'm extremely touched but the "I love you" voice memo...how creative, meaningful and genius! Just shows you what an impact you've made on their lives and how much you adored!

    ReplyDelete
  36. OhMyGoodness, how sweet are they! Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  37. OMG your boys are just adorable!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the 'I love you' on his wrist. I can so understand why your heart melted. I think mine did just from reading this! You have such a wonderful family, Andrea <3
    Suzy xx
    www.suzyturner.com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Oh wow! I have never seen a better tattoo as the second one! Wow, doesn t it bring tears in your eyes!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I've been MIA as usual but try to read my faves when I can . . . I love that you posted this and that you support your sons! I don't have any tattoos and wouldn't necessarily want my kids to get them (or at least too many of them), but how can you not approve when you know what their tattoos stand for??? I am so impressed with those boys which is a direct reflection of you and your husband! Hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  40. AWWWW! I got a little teary eyed when I got to the I love you tattoo. How could anyone be mad at that! No judgment here. I'm tattooed, my husband has tattoos...I don't think that has any measure on what type of person you are. Your boys are so cute! You've done a great job raising them, Mama!!

    Happy Tuesday!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love tattoos, or most tattoos. They can be so creative and beautiful. These are amazing, such great ideas for body art!

    xx, Elise
    www.sparkleandslippers.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. The voice soundwave!! How sweet!!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I think I need the passwords one! This was great, thanks for sharing. My heart would have melted too!

    ReplyDelete
  44. just what i needed this morning.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Love all of your outfits as always!! :-) That food has made me really hungry now too haha. The stories about your boys are very sweet too. I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  46. Oh my word! Your boys are two admirable young men! Hope you all have a splendid Thanksgiving, Andrea <3

    Blessings,
    Edye | Http://gracefulcoffee.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Cue the tears! They are both such gentlemen asking for permission and it shows how well you and hubby are raising them. I've never seen anything like then voice waves. That is absolutely incredible and melts my heart. Oh what sweet boys. You're the best Mama! Xo

    ReplyDelete
  48. Those are both great tattoos. I am tempted to copy the sound wave idea with my husband's voice.

    ReplyDelete
  49. I. am. bawling. Thank you so much for sharing this, my friend. Stephanie has several, several tattoo, but of course she had them before we came to know her. They are all "hidden," because she said if her daddy ever saw them, he would probably kill her. I'm not a tattoo fan, but I know it's the thing now. And if one of my girls wanted to get one of me saying "I love you" like your sweet boy did, well, then, how in the world could I ever say no?

    ReplyDelete
  50. Oh Andrea...tears!! That is the most precious thing ever! I have a tattoo so I could not very well judge if my kids decide to get one. I was shocked that my oldest daughter has ended up with 3!!

    ReplyDelete
  51. This is the most beautiful tattoo ever!!! I am in bits, what gorgeous, kind boys you have. You must be such a proud Mum! I hope that my boys grow up to be just as thoughtful. #Brilliantblogpost

    ReplyDelete
  52. Very sweet! I don't have any tattoos, but I can understand why people get them. Actually, my husband and I are the only ones of our siblings without at least 3. I love the idea of the sound wave tattoo - that's brilliant! #brilliantblogposts

    ReplyDelete
  53. As long as it means something to you I like a tattoo.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to Browse my Blog. Your comments mean the world to me and I treasure each and every one!! If you are a non-reply blogger I won’t be able to respond via email. Kindness and Love, xo

BLOG DESIGN BY DESIGNER BLOGS