Nothing like a Smell of a Boy

I remember the sweet smell of my son's curly blonde locks of hair. The smell of Johnson's baby shampoo radiating off his head. That's pure bliss. And then he woke up one day and the curls have been replaced with what he likes to call shark hair...a nice fohawk...with the pungent smell of boy. And my world has officially changed...Hot wheels, dinosaurs, football...bring it on!

If any of you ladies have not had the pleasure to clean a boys bathroom then you should feel thankful that God has decided that your senses should be spared. I not only have had the privilege of trying to figure out how a grown man can nasty up a bathroom I've also been blessed with the challenging job of training a 3yr. old little man. I had full intentions on teaching this one how to "aim" correctly but what I quickly realized that this is a feat that is far fetched. I never imagined how important the use of fruitloops would come into play when training a boy! It has been an interesting road to say the least.

What are little boys made of?... frogs, snails and puppy dog tails? I don't know what that means but it sounds about right. ha!ha! Jack is such an amazing little boy. He is full of life and has so much character that I know he is going to do great things. He is already practicing his super power skills and his need for speed is unreal. My prayer for him is to be a Godly man...to love and inspire others to walk with Christ. On another note I often call him my little Rush Limbaugh. He is in the "girl's can't to it stage". I constantly challenge him in this war of boys vs. girls. But at the same time I want to empower him in a way that lets in him know that God does have intentions for both boys and girls (not that one is more dominant). Needless to say we are different...and if anyone wants to question that visit both a girls and then a boys public restroom...potpourri in one and well urinal cakes in another! ha!ha! Jack is strong willed and has the need to entertain others. My job is to teach him how to use those skills and not let them over power himself. I'm learning that a strong willed child doesn't always have to mean a defiant child. Showing love is the greatest tool in teaching a child how to love. I see it in my children everyday and it makes me proud. And along with that allowing grace to be present allows for forgivness when love isn't at it's strongest. I love when my kids say "I'm sorry." but I think I almost love it more when I hear them say "I forgive you".
Boys are often taught to be tough and I think often lack these skills but one is always stronger when they have a heart that is full of God's grace and love...to know is to live....
Don't be afraid to raise a man. To be strong, confident, and secure. We want our children to behave or have certain characteristics but we need to check that at the door and realize it's not our plan for them but God's plan for them. He already knows their life path and so trust in Him to instill the certain traits that He knows they will need but at the same time there is nothing wrong with trying to help your child feel "balanced". Jack will never be calm or soft spoken. But I can still teach him patience and to take time to listen. This is a challenge for him but life is about learning to challenge yourself.

He is Jack. And I love him....even if he smells. he!he!