Idol

i·dol (n.) - a person or thing that is greatly admired, loved, or revered.

Thirteen

Well, it has happened - we officially have a teenager in the house. I know that I am too young to have a 13 year old, so I am not sure how this is possible! Seriously though, it is difficult to fathom how this adorable little boy grew up so quickly.

Matthew - 2 Years Old

I simply cannot describe how much Matthew has matured during the last year. Over the course of the summer, Matthew transformed from a boy to a young man. He is extremely driven, smart, and strong. This has allowed him to experience significant success both academically and athletically.

Matthew is also a natural on the ranch. He is truly Toby's best hired man, and I know that Toby looks forward to the days that Matthew does not have school because it makes his life so much easier. Matthew is passionate about the cattle, the feeding routines, and can easily identify a sick calf out of a field of 300 pairs. After a recent visit to Uncle Tim's, his uncle commented that "Matthew can load a 100 pound bale of hay like a man!"

Matthew is an amazing big brother. All three of his younger brothers look up to him and try to imitate him. Matthew and Joseph truly have a special bond. There are instances when the only individual who can console Joseph is Matthew. It is very pitiful when Joseph cries - "I want my Maffew!"

We are so proud of Matthew and the young man he has become. He is compassionate, has a wonderful sense of humor, and an infectious smile. We cannot wait to see what Matthew will accomplish in the future!

October, 2014

Matthew's Birthday Party

15 Years

Toby and I celebrated our 15th anniversary today! It is amazing to think that 15 years have already gone by. It feels like yesterday that we were walking down the aisle. So much has happened during the past decade and a half that I thought it would be fun to find a photo of us together during each year. This turned into an evening of sorting through photos and reminiscing. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate our anniversary. Here is to the next 15 years and beyond!

 

January 7, 2000



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January 7, 2015

A Mom to All Boys

Photo by Red Barn Photography

When I had my first son, I thought it was natural to have a male first to carry on the family name. Then, my second son was born… then the third… and finally… the fourth. Four boys; no girls.

When I became a mother, I thought I knew everything there was to know about boys. After all, I have a brother, and I married a male. How challenging could it be? I was never a girly girl, so I figured it would be easy to raise all males. Boy, was I wrong.

As a mother to all boys, one cannot have a weak stomach. There will be dirt, mysterious smells, and blood – lots and lots of blood. Due to the frequent accidents, mothers of all boys automatically receive a medical license. It just comes with the territory. I have assisted in surgeries, diagnosed broken bones, and removed stitches. The ER staff and I are on a first name basis. Sadly, I am not joking!

I have become quite proficient at creating meals to satisfy a small army with bottomless pits for stomachs.

My skillset includes the ability to interpret a yell as a war cry, celebratory shout, or call for help, make realistic truck, train, and car noises, and play video games like a pro.

I am the crazy lady on the sidelines wearing the “football mom”, “wrestling mom”, “insert sport here mom” shirt, taking photos, and carting an ice chest full of drinks to hydrate the entire team.

Seriously though, what is it with boys and their infatuation with bathrooms? My youngest just became potty trained, and with five males fighting for two bathrooms, I am lucky to take a shower without someone using the toilet!

Little boys (and big boys) give the best hugs, and I am fortunate enough to give dance lessons before middle school dances, coach boy’s athletic teams, and offer advice about girls – who are crazy by the way!

I am captivated by the love my boys exhibit and the lengths they will go to in an effort to protect one another; they have affectionately named their brotherhood clan “Boys Club”.

My boys are compassionate, polite, and confident. They work hard and play even harder. As their mother, I have the privilege of guiding them to become young men.

When my troupe of boys and I are in public, strangers frequently chuckle, shake their heads, and give me looks of pity. Inevitably, one will ask if I am going to try again for a little girl. They have no idea how full and rich my life is as a mother to four amazing boys.

We will not be trying for a girl. We have a Boys Club, and I am proud to be an honorary member.

This post was inspired by this post by Just Leesha.