Monday, February 22, 2010

The Three Ge Ge's (brothers)

I just had to take a little time from this "Wesleigh-fest" to talk about my three wonderful boys. I have to admit that when we decided to take the boys with us to China, I was a little worried. I was worried that they would complain about the food and it would become an issue. I was afraid that the traveling would be hard for them. I was afraid that they would get sick and then I'd have too much to handle. And, mostly, I was afraid that they would drive me crazy!! I could just see them in Wesleigh's face 24/7 and that the close quarters would make me lose my mind. In retrospect, I had nothing to worry about!
Before we left, we talked to the boys and explained that they were going to need to "step up". We told them that we were thrilled to take them on this journey but they needed to understand that it was not about them. We told them that it was an adventure for us too and that we didn't know exactly what each day would hold, so they would need to be flexible. That is exactly what they did! I can honestly say that in 2 weeks of living in hotels with these boys, never did I want to throw them out the window ;) They totally "stepped up". At meals, they would try some different things and find at least one thing that they could eat. They never complained about it. They, for the most part, stayed calm and didn't fight or bicker at all. When I told them to back off, they did...without question or hurt feelings. They were unbelievably helpful... getting food for me from the buffet, grabbing diapers for me, picking up dropped toys, whatever I needed them to do...they did...without complaining. They were so kind to their new sister. They loved her from the first minute and it showed.
Since we've been home, the trend has continued. They are so proud of their sister and are so disappointed if she's not awake when they leave for school. When they get home, they are immediatly looking for her. They gladly sacrifice their own time to play with her or help me keep her occupied so I can get something done. They are wonderful big brothers and wonderful sons. I am so very proud of them. I know this trip was a life changing experience for all of us. I loved every minute of sharing it with them. Seeing the way they responded to circumstances and to their new sister has made me love them even more, and I didn't know that was even possible!!


20 comments:

ww said...

This is a great photo of your beautiful children - loved this post. Your children are amazing as are their parents!

Dawn said...

This is such a sweet post...as you know my heart swells at the thought of your 3 Ge Ge's. Wesleigh looks adorable as usual!! soso

3 Peanuts said...

Jennifer I am not surprised at all. I know you and Richard have taught them well. They are great boys with awesome parents. LOVE this shot:)
WJ looks SO tiny in this photo:)

Mission To Macie said...

What a great picture!

Such sweet boys you have!!! I know you are proud!

Maggie said...

Your boys are amazing because you've done a great job with them. By approaching a coming challenge by appealing to their maturity you enabled them to use that maturity!

♦Down Willow Lane♦ said...

You have three very fine young men!

Chasing Dreams Photography said...

what sweet boys you have : ) you can tell by your post that you are just beaming with pride as you should be : ) You've done well Mama!!! : )

Linda said...

This brought me to tears. I am so very proud to be the grandmother of these compassionate, sweet boys. You and Richard have done a great job with them.

Anonymous said...

BEAUTIFUL POST!!! Your guys are awesome and I'm sure that Wesleigh thinks the same! I love how versatile, caring and understanding they are! Great Job goes to no doubt...good parenting!

Snekcip

Jodee said...

Wow! What amazing big brothers! Cute picture!

Kristy said...

Incredible big brothers!!! What a beautiful picture!!

Love and blessings, Kristy

Football and Fried Rice said...

You have some beautiful kids, Jennifer!! I love hearing about how the boys have taken to Wesleigh & how wonderful they were to have in China! I just knew they would love it and do a good job - they have some awesome role models!

p.s. I HAVE been reading & LOVING your posts (I am amazed at your ability to blog right now!) I am going to go back & comment though (seems to be a new routine for me these days?)

Aaron and Erica said...

I agree with everyone above...beautiful post and beautiful picture of your children :)

rachel Capello said...

We love the Doughty Boys!!!!

Anonymous said...

Your boys are blessed and are blessings. I'm so glad to have had the chance to FINALLY teach one of them. You and Richard are teaching them by modeling Christ-like living....love you all. Lauren McGowan

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

That is so awesome that your boys did so well. I thought they did when reading about your trip. Our girls were the same way when we went to get EllaKate. This time we are only taking EK and the big girls are staying home- it will be very different not having everyone there. So glad you all are doing so well!!!
blessings!

Anonymous said...

All throughout your journey in China, the love they have (and you whole family shares) radiates from all of you. They sound like remarkable boys - as I am sure they are!! Way to go raising three young gentlemen!!!

Blessings, Ashley

DiJo said...

Jen,
I am so glad you posted about this!!! I need to have that little pep talk with The Pearl tomorrow!!!! TOMORROW!!

Bryce, Braden, Cade - YOU ROCK!!

Love ya,
Diana

Kim said...

I would never doubt that they are good boys.
you have raised them well.
They take after their Mommy and Daddy..
Hugs..
Love the photo..
Have a great week..

Cori said...

It sounds like Wesleigh is so blessed to have them!! Sweet picture!!

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