Scene 1: A call from Teen Now Driving

 “Mom, I’m filling the van up with gas, but the gas just goes for a little bit and then stops.”  

Mother asks questions, questions, and more questions, but doesn’t have the right solution.

“You need to go inside and ask” she says.  

“No, I’m not going to do that, “ he says

Did my son just tell me he won’t go in and ask for directions, instructions, or help?

 Note to self: I’m raising a boy.

Scene 2: Tween Boy in Front of Mirror Getting Ready for Church. 

“I can’t get my hair to stay down” after spraying it with water for the millionth time.

“My shirt collar won’t stay down.”  He changes his shirt three times.

 “I don’t have anything to wear that fits me.”

Translation: My brother is bigger than me and none of his hand-me-downs fit anymore

Question: Since when does he care about what he wears? 

Answer: Since we are visiting a different church where there are girls his age.

Note to Self: I’m raising a boy.

 Scene 3: Stepping over Star Wars figures to open a window in Preteen’s room.

“Mom, why do we have to sweep?  Can’t we wait a couple more weeks?

This child’s room reeks of Must, Dust, Turtles, and unswept corners. I’ve dusted the room (attempt #1), washed the bedding (attempt #2), washed the windows, screens, and baseboards with Pine-sol (attempt # 3) to no avail in eliminating the odor.  I resort to good old-fashioned sweeping under everything in the room, which, of course, causes stress on behalf of the child.

“Mom, this battle has been going on for two weeks now.  Do I have to move it?”

I scan the “battle.”  There is an intricate battlefield of action figures spawning a bookcase, marble tower, and three other pieces of furniture. This took some hard work, creativity, and time.

Not to self: I’m raising a boy.

I tell him we’ll sweep under and around everything except the “battle.”  Two days later the room still smells musty, dusty, and turtlish.  

I buy an Airwick, close the door, and remind myself,

        I’m raising boys. 

and i wouldn’t have it any other way

Lord, help us to see our children with the humor and wonder that they are.

I’d love to hear the scenes at your house in raising girls and boys!

And today is the last day to sign up for “Isn’t It Time for a Coffee Break” giveaway.  Read here for details.

 Have a great Wednesday!