April 23, 2025 Raising Boys

 A long-time friend commented on one of my last blogs, reminding me of the first-born leadership role with which I was graced in her memory of me heading the sibs into church. It made me suddenly realize that I had been in the "mother mode" three times!

My youngest brothers came in a close trio, the first of which when I was 12, then 14, and finally, 16. Always, and still, referred to as the Three Little Boys, even though they are all in their 50's now. They were my first babies. The youngest of the 3 was only a few months old when Randy and I started dating.

I spent a lot of time with those boys. The morning of our wedding, the middle child came to my room and asked where I was going. After I explained that after the wedding, we were going on a trip. He asked if he could come along. Can you imagine taking a 6 year old on your honeymoon?

When we were on the farm, they got a lot of first-hand experience with the workings of raising pigs, farrowing, and grinding feed. They were the first to become tractor-lovers, thanks to Randy. So many good, and funny, memories were had.

Our relationships stayed strong as each made his trek through high school, becoming our, and Jennifer's, favorite babysitters. At the same time, we morphed into the biggest fans of everything they did. College just meant more phone calls and much anticipated visits home. I still love those three like my own.

When the time came to raise our own two boys, I felt very comfortable with the prospect. I had gone to work once Jennifer, our tomboy and Daddy's girl, went to school, but decided I'd waited far too long to have my own babies that I stayed home with Ryan, and continued until Jared was old enough for school. I adored every minute with those boys and their sister, deciding that I was not going to miss a thing. A school job appeared at the same time Jared was ready for school, making my schedule so that when the kids were off school, so was I. How lucky was I? Randy made them into great problem-solvers and we are proud of the adults they've become.

And now, I have three boy Grands, my reward for not committing homicide with their mother when she was a teen, that are only blocks away from us. Randy has three more tractor fanatics, as well as budding handymen. The two older ones are proficient in the kitchen, with one preferring to grill, while the other is my baker. Grand3 is an avid reader, the direct way to my heart. They all love to mow, raid the cookie jar, and sleep over. 

I've had a lot of jobs in my life, but this mom gig is my favorite, no matter to what extent; brothers, sons, grandsons. 

Thanks for letting me share some memories. ☘

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