Back to school fashion

Summer is a time for epic growth spurts {apparently}.

Jared has grown an inch and a half and put on a few pounds {of all muscle, he wants you to know}.

Matt has grown 3/4 inch and hasn’t put on a single pound despite eating us all under the table EVERY day!

I look up to Jason, literally.  He is up to Mike’s chin, meaning he has to be a good 5′ 8″ {at least}.

Y’all know what this means, right?

Shopping. 

With boys.

Shopping with boys who all wear different sizes, styles and only one of whom enjoys the actual task of shopping.

Umm, hmm…fun times are ahead this weekend.  Fun times, indeed.

Pray for me, will ya?

If you would like to go shopping, you can do so right here at my MultiTasking Mama shop {I’ve done all the work of finding the perfect products for you}

Push, pull

Parenting adolescent boys is akin to playing tug of war.  They want you to park as far away as possible when picking them up from basketball practice but need you to listen (and *gasp* maybe even hug them) when their team loses the tournament.  One minute you are “the meanest mom ever” and the next (when you drive them somewhere they want to go or buy them ice cream) “you’re the best”….

You can read the rest of my post at The MOB Society today.

Miss(ter) Independent

There is a thirst for independence in teenagers. 

An unseen force, pulling them away from dependence on their parents and toward a future they don’t see or understand. 

Yet, they respond heartily to the call and pull of that force, while we parents want to fight it with every fiber of our soul.

In a few short days, my husband and I will drop Jared and Matt (14 and 12) in Florida to stay two weeks with my dad and my brothers.  They are going to have a great time!  Adventures with Grandpa Bill, beach with Uncle Ian, amusement park with Uncle Tom..they are going to have fun and create special memories.

And, they are pumped.  Their mama is deflated.

They have never been away from me for this long.  They will fly home alone in two weeks. My feelings are hurt that they are so excited to get away from us {yes, I know that is not completely rational- thankyouverymuch!}

But, when I look at this from a learning standpoint- this is a wonderful opportunity for my boys.  They will be able to exert some independence in a safe environment.  They will create memories with men in their family that mean a lot to them and that they look up to. 

And, I will learn from this too.  I will learn that they will be fine without me there to remind them to brush their teeth, spend time in the Word, say their “please” and “thank-you’s” and more.  I will learn that I will be okay without them under my roof {for a short, predetermined amount of time}.

Boy, this independence stuff is hard! 

If you have a post related to parenting teens/tweens please link it up below:

The B-I-B-L-E

I remember my first Bible.  It was a purple Precious Moments Bible with my name on it that someone {maybe a relative?} gave me when I was around eight.  I treasured that Bible but can’t say that I read it much or understood what I did read.

Thankfully, my kids have grown up in an era when the Bible is translated into words they can understand.  Couple that with the creative folks at Tyndale Publishing and you have the Hands-On Bible- an interactive Bible that my youngest son, Matt, has been enjoying since it arrived in the mail earlier this week.

Here are some things I am impressed with:

• The graphics are “cool” and engaging.  They draw my son in to want to read more and learn more about the stories they depict.
• There is a feature called “Bible Hero Biographies” that really pique a boy’s interest by making the people in the Bible stories relatable and interesting.  Every boy loves a good hero!
• There are “hands on Bible experiences” throughout the Bible that my son has been enjoying.  He has already completed several in just the few days he has had this Bible. (I will share my favorite at the end of this post).  Science experiments, crafts, snack ideas, journaling…true hands-on learning is encouraged in this Bible.

I also like the NLT (New Living Translation) for kids this age.  Matt understands what he reads in a way other translations have not provided him, which is great!  I also appreciate the effort the publishers put into the bonus interactive website, My Hands on Bible, that provides parents with additional resources and ideas (devotions, music and more) for making the Bible interesting and relevant to our kids.

Before I tell you about the contest going on over at the Hands on Bible site (think pizza, Bibles and family fun), I wanted to share one of the activities Matt recently completed from his Hands on Bible.

In the Hands on Bible, it was being explained that Psalm 119 is written as an acrostic poem, except in the Hebrew alphabet.  Then the activity was for kids to make an acrostic poem of their own, using their first name and words that describe God. Here is Matthew’s (spelling errors included =)

M- Maker

A- All-Knowing

T- Tollerent

T- True

H- Holy

E- Extrordinary

W- Willing

Isn’t that awesome?  The Word coming alive to our kids? Nothing better!

So, head on over to their website and check out this awesome Bible and an opportunity to win big!  I will be heading over to purchase one for my six year old nephew!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the Hands On Bible for review.  All opinions are mine (and my child’s) and were not influenced by anyone else.  Thank you to the MOB Society for facilitating this review!

Giving kids their space

“Leave me alone”

“I need to get out of here”

“I can’t stand being here with you”

These are all things that I hear on a regular basis in a house full of testosterone teen boys. 

Now don’t get me wrong, my boys are usually respectful and obedient children.  But, lately, they seem to really need their own space.  Especially when they are angry, hurt or need to think.

So, how do you handle it when your kids don’t want to be around you?  My nature as a mama is to want to hug them, talk it out and make everything better.

My nature needs to take a back seat to their needs. 

Aside from the fact that hormones and chemicals in their brain are surging at an all time high, making it hard for them to control their emotions, they are also dealing with a natural desire to handle things on their own.

It is so hard for me to give them time and space.  But, when I do the results are worth it.

If I let them have 45 minutes or so to cool down on the basketball court or reading in their room, they can actually come to me and tell me what they did wrong, why it was wrong, why they were upset, what they could have done differently, etc.  However, if I force them to talk about an issue when they are frustrated or upset, the hormonal fireworks in their brain are going to keep them from hearing ANYTHING I say.

So, I am learning to take a deep breath, suggest a time out for all of us and come back to discuss the situation when we have all cooled down.

I know sometimes I need my space and I’m learning to give my boys their space too!

Do you have a teen/tween parenting post?  Link it up below:

Unplugged

It was serene.

It was relaxing.

Time spent reveling in the uniqueness of my children and the sheer handsomeness of my husband.

Time spent laughing with friends and playing board games.

Roasting marshmallows, making smores and chatting by the fire. 

Watching my boys stoke the fire, enthralled by every spark and ember.

I unplugged this weekend and it was a gift I intend to unwrap more often.

This post is linked to Tuesdays Unwrapped.

The Fun House

We (my hubby and I) long ago decided we wanted to be the “go-to” house for our kid’s friends as they grow up.  That way we have our finger on the pulse (so to speak) of what is going on with our kids and the friends that they choose to hang out with.  That was a nice thought, especially when we lived out in the country and none of our neighbors had kids. 

When we moved in December, we moved into a neighborhood.  You know, the kind with other people living there?  My kids had an instant influx of friends because many of the children they attend school with also live in this development.

Our doorbell rings incessantly.

The thump, thump of a dribbling basketball can’t be escaped.

Whoops and hollering over fooz ball games is a frequent sound.

I have to step over a maze of legs and arms to get to the kitchen while the boys are playing Madden on the Playstation.

My bathroom is dirtier times six.

I go through bags of pretzels, popcorn and bottled water like nobody’s business.

But, this is exactly what I envisioned for our house and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  I get to know what is on the boys minds about girls, grades, and friendships.  Some of them even end up coming to church with us.

While there are a few downsides, especially the unique odor that multiplies when teen boys are laying in your house, I am thankful that our house is considered the “fun” house and hope it will be for years to come.

Where do your kids hang out?

Please link up your Teen/Tween Thursday post (any post about parenting kids this age) below:

 

Joining the M.O.B

I am married (to a guy).

I have three brothers.

My husband has two brothers.

My brothers each have a son.

I have three boys.

I am swimming in a world of testosterone.  And, to be honest, I think God sits up in heaven and chuckles at me.

You see, I am a girly girl.  I have always liked dresses, shoes, manicures and pink and purple are my favorite colors. 

I loathe getting my hands dirty.  I don’t understand the hilarity of flatulence.  I cannot relate to the desire to wrestle on the floor until somone yells “uncle”.

Yet, God has surrounded me by boys.  And, now they are adolescent boys.  Whole.different.ballgame. people!

So, I have agreed to write about my expertise experiences in raising three rowdy boys for the new site- the M.O.B Society.  There are over 20 contributing writers to the site and I can’t wait to see what they all have to say about the day in and day out challenges of raising the male variety of offspring.  The site officially launches June 1st and I for one can’t wait.  I will be writing a series about S.E.X and also a column about raising older boys. 

So, if you are a mama of boys, you will want to check out this incredible site. You will also be able to learn more about M.O.B  during a special Twitter party, May 31 from 9:30-10:30pm.  Use the hashtag #mobsociety to join in the fun.

 Kudos to my friends, Brooke and Erin, for working so hard to bring this new site to fruition.

I am unwrapping the gift of parenting boys today at Chatting at the Sky.

Happy Birthday, Jared

You are confident.

You are social.

You are proud.

You are moody.

You are intelligent.

You are funny.

You are generous.

You are friendly.

You are industrious.

You are passionate.

You are….

a lot like your mama.

Which is why we bump heads and disagree and say we are sorry and move on until the next time that we bump heads and disagree…

Happy Birthday, my first born (of my womb) son. You are growing up so fast and in many ways I have grown up with you.  Thank you for being patient with me. 

Time is going by way too fast.  It seems like yesterday, I was just a scared seventeen year old waiting to meet her destiny.  All 5lbs 6 oz of him.  And now, you are almost as tall as me, tan and strong, golden skin and pesto colored eyes.  You challenge your dad and I everyday- particularly with this adolescent stuff- but we couldn’t love you more!

I can’t wait to see all the things God has in store for your life.  Your willingness to be used by Him and for Him is inspiring and remarkable.  You were made to be a blessing and you fulfill that purpose every day.

Thank you for being you.

Think on these things

As our children get older, it is important to place decision making in their hands more and more.  Where better for them to make mistakes or missteps then under the umbrella of our authority and guidance?

While it is easier said than done for this mama to relinquish control (hello?  I am a recovering Type A) it is imperative for their growth so I am committed to doing so.  An opportunity to do so presented itself this week and it developed into a great learning opportunity for both of my boys.

Picture two teen/tween boys standing at the Blockbuster Express kiosk, being allowed to rent any movie they want on their day off school.  They chose a movie that was, to me, going to have questionable content.  They even gave me those sideways glances to make sure I was aware that they were renting *that* movie.  I said a silent prayer and swiped my debit card.

After popcorn was popped and the movie was on for about ten minutes, Jared fast forwarded (I have no idea if that is a word) through an inappropriate scene.  Matt got mad and said “why are you skipping stuff?”.  Jared responded, “I can’t watch that with mom sitting next to us”.

Inwardly I was grinning but I said not a word (do you know how hard that was?).  Matt nodded in understanding and they went on with the movie.  Within three minutes, Jared said “Matt, I don’t think we made a good choice with this movie.  Do you want to go play basketball?”  AND THEY TURNED IT OFF AND ASKED ME TO RETURN IT.  Later that day, they told their dad about it (they genuinely felt remorse) and offered to pay for the rental since “mom wasted her money”.

Can I just tell you my heart soared?  Was it soaring when they chose that movie?  Heck no.  I was thinking “why did I choose today to let them pick any movie?  I knew this wasn’t a good idea”.  But, I trusted the prompting of the Spirit and let them choose their way.

Now, do I think that every time they have the opportunity to  make a choice they are going to make a good one?  No.  I don’t have stupid stamped on my forehead.  But, I do feel much more comfortable in this parenting approach.

Later that night, during our family time, I read the boys Philippians 4:8.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 

 I told them that with their decision to turn the movie off and go do something else they had put that verse into practice.  And that is what God’s Word is all about- guiding us through decision making in life with God’s will not ours.

If you have a post about teens/tweens please feel free to link up with us.  You are not alone on this parenting journey!

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