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For the Love of Kids

I love the contrasting sides of our children.  It's one of my favorite things that I didn't know I was going to love.  I think it's fair to say that when we have kids, we all know we will love the squishy babies, hearing kids laugh, seeing holidays through their eyes, and dressing them in the cute little outfits (I'm told boys don't wear outfits, but it's my blog).

I didn't know how much I'd love seeing my loud, dirt loving, gun fanatic, wrestling maniac five-year-old turn into the sweetest and most gentle big brother while holding his baby sister.  He sits and quietly tells her stories about his fishing and hunting conquests unaware of anyone else in the room, and my heart absolutely melts.

Then we have my slightly crusty, flannel loving, mismatching three-year-old that will choose a princess dress from the costume closet because although he likes sand and rocks and sticks and filth, he also likes and appreciates things that are beautiful.

I love when our boys are tough as nails, but I also welcome their morning cuddles; that they will force themselves to eat jalapenos with their dad, but will also drink warm milk while I drink my coffee; that they will do whatever it takes to win, but will also give sweet encouragement to someone just learning a new game or skill (although, let me tell you, they have no mercy for the weak in UNO.  I'm still licking my wounds and considering how I can stack the deck in future rounds.  How does a three-year-old already know card strategy?! Not good!).

I love these contrasting sides so much, but wasn't wholly aware until earlier this week when my friend's little boy scooped up a dead mouse with his right hand and handed his mom a bouquet of flowers with his left...

That pretty much sums up our boys and makes my heart happy...and my stomach a little weak.

Cheers and don't forget to wash your hands!

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