The kiddos

I get a ton of comments from people about my boys...mostly from friends, neighbors, family, etc. I do get comments from random strangers as well, but I don't care so much about those comments. I just laugh and move on. Let me clarify that most of the words spoken from people are truly genuine, kind words. And I truly appreciate the people that just know what it's like to be around more than one boy at a time. They understand the frustrations, fighting, rowdiness, wildness, messiness, etc. of it all. Taylor and I always say that the 3 boys together(Conner, Ben, and Sam) are something like an organism. They move together in one big ball around our house, quite fast I might add. Back to the comments. I am shocked by some of the things people say to me about having 3 boys. Here are just a few that I get on a regular basis:
1- "Oh, you poor thing, how do you do it?"
2- "Bless your heart, there's a special place for you in heaven."
3- "Aww, don't you want to have a girl?"
4- "I would never want to have 3 boys." ( I am not joking...someone really said this)
5- "How are you going to do it when they are teens? Your house will be sooo smelly."
6- "I remember a friend of mine had 3 boys growing up and her toilets were so gross!"
7- "Don't they ever just sit and do puzzles? My kids do!"
8- "I'm just thankful God gave me a boy AND a girl, so I can enjoy both."

Just the other day I was picking up Conner and Ben from their kids choir at church. They are getting ready for a Christmas performance this weekend. As I was watching them practice, someone approached and jokingly said that Conner didn't look too enthuiastic or happy while he was singing. I politely told this person that singing really isn't Conner's "thing". As I walked away, I couldn't help but wonder why someone would feel the need to say something negative or unconstructive like that. I really try to discern what people mean when making comments. Do they mean well? Are they trying to help me? Are they trying to make conversation? I really don't get it. But what I do get is how blessed and fortunate I am to have 3 boys. The Lord has truly blessed me with smart, handsome, affectionate kids. Yes there are times that I want to pull my hair out, but I am grateful for this time in my life that I get to share with Conner, Ben, and Sam.
For every negative comment, I've always heard you need 2 positive ones. Fortunately, God knew I needed the encouragement after hearing that comment about Conner and I received 2 positive ones. One from the pastor's wife who is also one of the kids choir leaders and one from a really good friend. My pastor's wife gave me a hug(not knowing what someone had just said) and told me how proud she was of Conner for putting in the effort each practice and how great he was doing with his parts. My good friend said some kind words as well. I am definitely not a "poor thing" or a person that wants for anything else. Fact is, I am humbled and thankful to be a mother of 3 boys. Very humbled and very thankful.