Lessons for a Mother of Four Boys

I know I am still relatively "new" at this motherhood thing compared to many moms out there.

Today I was thinking of several things I have learned, specifically being a mom to all boys.  I thought I would share.

1)  I need to be an AMAZING mother-in-law someday.  I will probably be relying on those daughter-in-laws to take care of me when I am old.

2)  Boys can be disgusting.  I mean - cleaning toilets takes on a whole new meaning for me now.  Enough said.

3)  There is nothing about bodily functions that cannot be laughed about - loudly - in public.

4)  My mother-in-law did a lot of great things for me!  My husband puts his dirty clothes in the hamper, picks up his socks, puts dishes in the dishwasher, makes the bed, etc.  I need to make sure all of my boys are equally sufficient.

5)  Boys are not without drama.  It is not a domain that girls have the market on - they just have a different kind of drama.

6)  When in doubt - they slug it out.

7)  If you build something, you have to knock it down eventually.  Especially if your brother built it. :)

8)  Hot wheels are meant to be raced everywhere.  In their minds, no surface is safe or sacred.

9)  I must be very specific with instructions regarding throwing objects in the house.  For instance - "not in the dining room" opens up the possibility for throwing the ball in the family room.  I must rule out every room for them.

10)  I am very well versed in Star Wars, Super Heroes, Cars, Toy Story, Legos, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys, MegaBloks, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and sports.  I know these will come in useful down the road again when I have grandchildren. 

11)  Little boys needs hugs/affection - even when they act like it isn't cool, they still like it!

What have you learned as a mom/dad/grandparent lately?