Beyond Bringing Up Boys

“It was exhausting.” That was Samuel’s comment after he dutifully escorted the female, first grade homecoming representative onto the football field to be announced tonight before the Homecoming Game. If he only knew!

Samuel's middle name means perseverance. He was born with a natural tenacity but we have encouraged perseverance by reminding him the meaning of his name when he wants to quit. I've heard him say to himself when he is struggling to conquer something, "Samuel 'I can't quit' Balty." His tenacity has frustrated me at times but I desire perseverance to be a character trait that all my children possess. One of our favorite Praise and Worship groups is Selah. The African songs on their project are the only songs my kids can sing in Congolese. It was a great privilege to worship with them last evening in God's outdoor cathedral with blue skies, painted by God Himself. One of our favorite parts of the concert was when a couple of men from the Congo came forward and sang, impromptu, Selah's African songs with them. What a delight to see them sing...and (gasp) move, dare I say dance to "their" music! Many of Selah's songs speak to me personally...

Dear friends from Kentucky, I regret to inform you that in just 4 short months we have a Card that has decided to become a (Georgia)Bulldog. (Today is "team" day at school)

This is the fruit of my labor today in addition to chili for tonight's dinner and one to freeze and marinade for Greek roasted chicken tomorrow night. All the time spent in the kitchen today means ALOT of housework tomorrow.

This week is spirit week at school since this Friday night is Homecoming. Each day has a different theme. Yesterday was "tacky day." David was SO tacky, it hurt to look at him. All I could say was, "eeek." And the littles...they were just smaller versions of the BIG tacky! David reported that he wasn't among the MOST tacky either. Imagine that. Both of the boys have been chosen to represent their classes in the elementary homecoming court. Samuel has such a tendency toward shyness that when he told us that he was chosen, he cried like he had to donate an arm and leg! Such crying! "I will look like such a dork in a suit on a football field," he said. Zachary wasn't very happy either but he was concerned about whether or not he would actually have to hold the hand of the fifth grader that he is escorting (I imagine that will become less of a concern in a few years). However he felt relieved that only her arm would be linked through his but mos...