Toy Thursday: When a Toy Becomes a Weapon

I knew this day was coming. I have three boys. Toys become weapons. Normal household items become weapons. They're boys.

I'm not trying to encourage violent play, but again, they're boys. Someone is always getting hit on the head, the back...something...with something. Balls? Flying projectiles (even if they were "just playing angry birds"--somehow I think little brother DIDN'T want to be a pig).

I recall as a child, normal toys (and even household items) became weapons. Barbie's Convertible could be a missile down the stairs at my little brother. And he learned early that micro machines could be instant roller skates, strategically placed of course.

And you can't tell me that an empty wrapping paper tube was never a loud microphone you would use to wake someone up...and then as a sword, that is until you hit someone with it and it collapsed.

I tell my boys to play nice...and they do, for the most part. But sometimes they get a little carried away.

My brother and I would spend countless hours coloring the outside of a cardboard box to look like a car, only to push each other down the stairs in it.

I try to avoid violent toys like swords and guns...but as long as they have imagination, there will be "tough boy toys". And I won't take away their imagination...just ask that they "play nice". But they're boys.

However, once someone cries (or hits mommy), the game is done.

What do you do when a toy becomes a weapon?

Toy Thursday: I Bathe With Aquaman (And Other Confessions from a Mom of Boys)

I've considered writing a book about raising boys. It wouldn't be a "how to" book, more like a "this is what to expect" or "yes, my kids did that too" kind of book. Something mothers of boys could read and laugh at. Something, when they feel like they want to pull their hair out, that says, "I survived and you can too."

When we found out our oldest son was going to have a brother at the ultrasound, the oh so common question kept coming up. "Are you going to try for a girl?" My response was polite "Oh, we don't know (insert smile)", for a while. But the larger I got and the more often I heard the question, my response turned to, "Can I birth this child first?"

Shortly after our second son was born (9 months), we found out we were expecting again. Another boy. And more of the same question. "Are you going to try for a girl?" My response changed from irritation to "you know, to be honest, I wouldn't know what to do with a girl!"

Growing up I always pictured taking my little girl to dance and cheerleading...planning her wedding (so I got a little carried away) etc. But I find I've been blessed with three boys. And I wouldn't have it any other way. After all, I finally have someone to watch baseball and football with and you can be a little more rough with boys. Now, I'm not saying there is no chance for a girl in our future...we're leaving that up to God. 

But really? I wouldn't know what to do with a girl. Sure, I could revert to my (somewhat) girlie ways. I wear makeup (daily) and dresses (occasionally) but if we have a girl, with three older brothers? She's going to be the toughest girl around.

Yes, I bathe with Aquaman. And I'm fine with that.

Toy Thursday: Boy Toys...But Yoda in the Place of Baby Jesus?

I am a mom of three boys. THREE. Which is why my personal blog is titled   Surviving in a Male Dominated Home. I knew that when we were expecting our first boy, I'd be exposed to the world of Star Wars, G.I. Joes, Cars, etc. I didn't have a problem with that. What I didn't realize was HOW exposed I'd be to all of the boy things.

When I do get the rare occasion of taking a quiet bath by myself, I often find I'm not alone. I'm usually joined by Aquaman, a couple of Army guys, maybe a car or two and Shrek. And I'm fine with that. My boys have their bath toys and it keeps them occupied while we wash their hair.

Setting up the Nativity Set is always a family event. Growing up, we always kept baby Jesus "hidden" until Christmas Eve. After Christmas Eve Mass, Mom would bring us Baby Jesus and we'd place him in the scene with the rest of the Holy Family. I always enjoyed this tradition and wanted to continue it with my children.

We set up the Nativity Set, my husband put Baby Jesus away and that was one more Christmas decoration done. Imagine my surprise when I saw this...

I was informed that Christmas Yoda was keeping Baby Jesus' place warm. The leg lamp was so they could see at night, if Baby Jesus arrived.

I'm a mother of boys. And they're using their imagination, that's for sure!