(BBN Submission) "Boymom 101: The Great Bean Plantation!"

Perfectly manicured lawns seemed to sort of frame my town rental. This was a new location for us, for my mini man clan had been comfortably living on 20 acres of sound proof woods that spared no expense at blocking noise. We now had rules and curfews and had to learn how to adapt to nosey neighbors that always found ways to subject themselves involuntary to our latest nerf gun war.
It was a morning unlike most others where I had found myself waking to the sound of sheer silence. I very rarely had an opportunity to wake before my boys for I was the one up at all hours of the night piecing back together things like kitchen appliances,  clock radios, and components of last years Christmas toys.  You see, all to often my boys would deem themselves a sort of project that involved mostly dismantling objects from our home in hopes of fixing up another. You don't even ask yourself how the toaster had just the working part that the old broken lawnmower was in need of for repair. But just as I thought I'd have an opportunity to enjoy a cup of hot tea on the porch..... the thunderous sound of 8 excited feet raced down my stairwell.  As the bellowing of mischievous giggling found its way to echo throughout my ears I think to myself.... being a boymom is a true joy, but I all to often wonder how on God's green earth will I keep them alive until adulthood! One by one my fearless four slobbered a big wet smooch on my cheek before placing an order for breakfast. As my still waking mind scrambles to remember such a feast requested.... the front door slams shut, the neighbor dog runs with all its little might back into his own yard, the mail carrier scampers quickly off the porch, and the neighbors begin to draw their blinds.
After frying 12 eggs, toasting 8 pieces of bread, flipping 12 chocolate chip pancakes, slicing 4 apples, and pouring 4 glasses of orange juice.....I was ready to call my troops in! There they were just the four of them playing ever so nicely with one another rather peacefully! They were taking advantage of the fact that we had a side walk in front of our home that was looking apparently quite bare.  And as I approached their works of art, I found myself trying to catch my breath for what I had been witnessing was chalk art unlike anything I'd ever seen before. "Mommy look!" "Hey mom check mine out!" "Hey mom wait till you see my drawing!" "Momma look it, look it!" Drawings of what appeared to be World War 3 graced my front lawn. The sidewalk just covered in pictures of squirrels being blown up by grenades, what looked to be the principal with an arrow through his forehead, a shark with an arm logged in its throat, and what looked like my homemade meatloaf with worms exploding from it.  And I did what mom's are supposed to do.... I smiled from ear to ear and praised each and every one of them for their creativity! "Time to eat boys!"
While the scarfing went on,  I explained to my mini man clan that mommy wanted to clean the carpets today and I needed them to stay outside. After a few,  "awe man!" And "but mom!" I provided them with a mission. I handed each kiddo a spoon and a bag of dried beans. I told them mommy wants them planted nicely in our own little bean garden. This not only detours four bouncing boys out of the house for a few hours, but provides a learning lesson on things like how plants grow..... needing sunlight, water, and care. Had I eaten my Wheaties,  I could captivate them with the science of photosynthesis. But for now boys.... "get to planting!" Four kisses out the door, rule reminders, and some good ol fashion shoe tying and they were off and I too became busy. And you know, when it comes to carpet scrubbing after 4 boys... you don't even question stains and you certainly never look forward to seeing what's under the couch. Why even move it anymore? The fast food remnants never even mold,  they clearly forgot about these old toys, and why in the world is my good pair of heels stashed under here?
The day was like most others and went on with routine. And as the sun went down, so did my fellas. I'm always overcome with a sense of pride as they drift off to slumber. My heart warm, knowing that their bellies are full (for now), homework completed, and that tomorrow will be another adventure. I try very hard to keep as quiet as I can while tackling the housework while they venture towards dreamland. Moaning stretches and long gated farts reassure me that they're falling fast asleep. But as I make my way to the kitchen to take on a mountain of dishes, I find it rather complicated to be as quiet as a mouse when the Legos beneath my feet feel much like roofing nails! But with much practice and perseverance, I take on the challenge much like tip toeing through a mine field!
Another day mastered in motherhood. No broken bones, no neighbor complaints, and no finger pointing as to who it was that stunk up the bathroom last. My turn to close my eyes just after disarming my nerf gun that I always kept bedside. Being a boymom means always knowing where YOUR nerf gun is because you never know when a rogue dart will hit you in the butt!
It had been nearly a week and as I awaited the school bus to scoop up my fearless 4, I noticed something rather unusual about our yard. Mind you that living in the city requires that you keep your lawn perfectly manicured! I overhear neighbors become actually quite combative over who's provider offers competitive prices and glamorous results. I'm just proud to give the local high school kid $50 to mow! As the school bus gulped up my babies and I waved back to four excited little paws bye bye,  I took note that the boys sure did a great job planting those beans..... on every square inch of our yard! The front yard, side yard, back yard, and even a few of my finest planters on the porch had been just exploding with bean plants! This was no longer a yard of lush green grass, but rather our very own bean plantation!