The boys.
(This photo is not random. It is carefully planned foreshadowing. You just wait and see.)
Oh, the boys.
Their age difference of a little more than 2 years between each is a blessing…
and a curse.
It seemed like such a good thing at the time.
They will be friends!
We will get it all over at once!
Snips, snails and puppy dog tails!
The reality is my living room has turned into a boxing ring, but they aren’t wearing proper protection or following league rules.
And they can fight.
It starts out with a comment or a push.
It escalates into name calling and grabbing.
And then chaos ensues as three boys separate into two teams and fight for their honor.
Honor or something stupid that no one will even remember in 4.2 seconds.
In decorating, the use of odd numbers is magical. In parenting, the use of odd numbers is maniacal.
It appears nature requires every battle to be fought by two teams. Three doesn’t evenly divide into two which is why there is always an odd man out.
Lately it has been Ryan(10) and Reid(7) against Rhett(5).
Ya, it doesn’t seem fair on paper but that just means you are underestimating Rhett.
Sure, Ryan and Reid are bigger, heavier and have more education, but Rhett has a secret weapon.
He only uses this weapon when he has been unfairly backed into a corner or dog-piled for no reason. He saves it for when he needs it the most.
This weapon is so effective that 100% of the time, it sends his brothers running and screaming for their mommy.
What is it?
Two words.
Advanced name calling.
Getting their goat.
All Rhett has to say is…
Hey Poppy!
I don’t get it either, but have learned when my two eldest are tattling that Rhett called them Poppy, I know with 100% certainty that they deserved it.
We have 5 boys and 5 girls. The 3 boys in a row (now 13, 11 and 8 1/2) fight all the time. We have 3 computers in the dining room, they argue about who gets the new windows 7 pc and who uses which of the other 2 vista machines. The 4 big boys share a room, but 2 of them prefer to sleep on the floor or outside in the tent when it is warm. I’m sure they will outgrow it eventually. Our oldest son, 17, is very responsible and helpful and gets along with all his brothers. He also has his own new laptop, as he is the child who works hard in school also. In 10 years, we will have the oldest 5 through college and out of the house?
Ha! My 3 boys are close in age also (more like triplets). And, I had/have the same wishes for them as far as the benefits of them being that close together. Lots of fun but lots of drama too- precious story! love it!
What mother could ask for a better secret weapon? No blood shed, no foul language, he could offer seminars!
I think yours are spaced perfectly!
I wish my kids were closer in age. One is 5 (almost 6) and the other just turned 2. It is really hard to plan family time activities that we can all do. I know that eventually it will be easier, right? Love the “Poppy” comment.. too funny. Glad I found your blog.
Poppy? Is that their secret word for something really bad? What ever works I guess.
Also, You scared me a bit. I have 3 kids with 4 years between them. They get along now but I fear for the future.
🙂 reminds me of mine when they were growing up…and yes, they do grow up. But you know that small means small problems…wait until they get older. I had an odd number too, 5– the first 3 were a year apart – thought that was easier..no
The next two were 2 years apart…that didnt work either…..but on a happier (I think) note – there were times they ganged up on us and stood up for each other..not often, but once in a while…….but just remember they do grow up and you will be looking for those fights ….being an emptynester has it downfalls…… but of course that is why I have grandchildren…..it starts all over again! lol
Where’s the like button?
Seriously, Rhett is my hero. I just have the two boys but they have a big sister whom they can gang up on. But OH. EM. GEE. The way she gets them back is just epic. A sight to behold. Though maybe not as good as Poppy….
Yes, the age difference is a blessing and a curse, isn’t it? OY the fighting… I’d like to know Rhett’s secret weapon…to use it for myself.