Monday, March 13, 2006

Boys will be boys... or not...

Being the mom to six boys... well, it doesn't take long before you discover that there really is a big difference between boys and girls- and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. My sons love to play with "guns." From the time they were old enough to hold a stick, they were pretending they were shooting things. Then, there came the wrestling. Like little puppies on the floor. Never once have my daughters involved themselves in a wrestling match with each other. I must say, that is one "guy" thing that I just don't understand. I must leave the room before the first bloodshed- or the first piece of furniture is broken. My boys tend to like things orderly, where the girls like things pretty.

But they all love being creative. My sons have all spent time at the sewing machine and most are anxious to get their turn, still. Joe and Dan made their first quilt when they were 12 and 11 years old. They seem to like trying whatever I am doing. I was sitting and doing some embroidery a couple of weeks ago and my #5 son comes in and watches a bit. We got him set up with fabric, a hoop, thread and a needle... he took right off- knowing only a daisy stitch and a french knot- he loves french knots. After watching me some more, he figured out how to make a daisy chain and then... well, I'll need to post a picture of his latest creation. He's thinking he'll make pillows for a living when he grows up. Of course, one of the advantages of having so many children is that you rarely have to teach the same thing, twice- I learned this when my 3 year old potty-trained my 1 1/2yr old. Well, DS Jak sits down with his older brother and his cousin and sets them up with their own hoops and thread... they had their own little sewing circle going!! I was curious as to what was going on when I heard Pavarotti singing at the top of his lungs in my sewing room. I stepped in and found them happily stitching on their little samples. How adorable is that?! I was curious as to why they had chosen Pavarotti ... seems they were just imitating me! "But Mom, we can't understand what he's saying." To which I say, "Why muddle up such a beautiful song with meaning? Can't you just feel what he's saying with your heart?" A blank look on their faces... ok, boys are different than girls.

The last picture of Abe is just included because the boys pitched such a fit to find the girls had dressed their little brother in a tutu. The girls thought it such fun- they were giggling their heads off. The boys are standing there with frowns on their faces, gritting their teeth, chanting, "Take it off!" The head piece was an original- a doll dress. When I grab the camara, the boys about fainted in horror that I would want to immortalize this humiliating moment... Ah come on guys, it's funny! Only if you promise not to blog it. Who made you boss of me? Guess I can be just as stubborn as a boy!

12 comments:

teelduo said...

teeheehee Tell them Aunt Lisa saw Abe as a girl!

Hunter said...

I love reading about your children. The experiences are so far from this only child's experiences that it's fascinating to me.

They are so lucky to be in your happy home.

Thank you for sharing.

Darilyn

Isobel said...

Those are priceless children and you are helping them create priceless memories. Keep up the good work.

Sarah said...

With Abe's hair out of the way you can really see how much he looks like his sisters. I had to laught when the sewing center owner told me they don't let kids take sewing classes until they are 10. To bad my four year old has been sewing by hand for over a year now! Miss you!

Cher said...

what a heart warming post and the photos are wonderful! I would say you have very motivated and creative children who clearly never get bored-seems there is plenty to do at your house!

Pamela (Peni) Teel said...

Nina, if you were any more WONDERFUL we'd have to shoot you. But as JAK says, we're going to keep you for sure!!!!
Love you ALL so, Mom/GM

Elizabeth said...

Nina,

When Abe grows up, you'll forget about that and just think that picture is Bekka or Evie... that's what I thought before I read the text! But he's adorable!
Love, Betty

Anonymous said...

gosh - how many children do you have LOL. The picture of the boys in their sewing circle is priceless and absolutely gorgeous!

Lucy said...

LOLOL.. oh the picture is so funny. You have lovely boys a lovely family!!

Jen said...

I love your lively stories and I can only imagine what it is like around your house. Good for you for nurturing creativity! I think the results are pretty impressive!
Jen

Quilts And Pieces said...

Nina! These pictures just made me laugh! What a switch from army outfits to tutu's to stitching! I think that is wonderful that they are so creative - they get it from mom!!!!

Frances said...

Nina I love your stories from your happy home, the sewing circle is wonderful, thanks,