Beyond Bringing Up Boys

A. Accept responsibility.  B. Budget  C. Consider others less fortunate than you. D. Deliver on your promises. E. Exercise F. Forgive  G. Grow relationships with grandparents H. Have fun, but not at the expense of someone else.  I. Invest in others. J. Jump in to help! Don't wait to be asked. K. Keep your language clean.  L. Laugh often.  M. Make eye contact when you're spoken to.  N. Nourish your soul.  O. Opportunity waits for no one. Don't waste your time. P. Plan. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Q.Question whether your behavior aligns with God's Word.  R. Read and reflect on a wide variety of subjects.  S. Season your words with kindness and grace. T. Think!  U. Use your talents. V. Valiantly defend the voiceless.  W. Wholeheartedly love others.  X. Y. Yesterday is in the past. Don't live in past victories or defeats.  Z. Zealously follow after Christ!...

From the day Samuel was born, my mom declared that he looked like me. I denied it over and over.  I already knew Zachary was a composite of his father and me , but  I really wanted one child that looked exactly like David. Samuel didn't have David's dimples and the turned up nose, well, I knew where he got that, but oh! I just wanted him to look like his dad.  As he grew, from the ground up, his body type was certainly like his dad's, so I ignored allll the other things. When someone would comment that he looked like his dad, I'd smile and nod.  Eventually, I dropped the "lying" to myself and just accepted the fact that he's my face on David's body. Creepy, huh? Except on him, it's so darn cute!  I found this picture of me recently, and knew I had a very similar one of him. There's no denying--that's my boy.  

Sing with me! "Take me out to the ball game, Take me out with the crowd, Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks, I don't care if I never get back, Let me root, root, root for the..." Dodgers, Blue Jays, and Athletics... At least that's what I'll be singing for the next several weeks. Today was opening day for the boys' baseball teams.  They were pumped and ready to go! The weather was not exactly cooperative, although Samuel and Seth did get to play. Samuel has dreamed of playing catcher for a few years now and finally has the skills for the position. He played very well today, even from my unbiased opinion, of course. Chances are if Seth is awake, he is thinking about baseball!  He uses cushions from the couch to make bases and has imaginary games nearly every day.  In his mind, he plays every position--even the play-by-play announcer! In real life, he played first base today.  We were all disappointed when Zachary's game was called off due to the sto...

When Zachary’s slender hand grasps yours You lay aside your evening chores, Embarking out upon a pillowed sea. The books reclining on your knees (Yours motherhood; his history), Two spirits blend, his head leans on your arm. He doesn’t have to say, “I love you, Mom.” Seth’s plaintive cry splits pre-dawn’s calm Needing, it seems, your loving balm. His message, to the point: “Take me to Mom.” Setting the steaming mug aside You let him burrow deep, and hide, Enveloped in the solace of your warmth. He doesn’t have to say, “I love you, Mom.” Sam, snuggled in the upper bunk The drink of sleep not fully drunk Has no idea you’re already up. The mixing bowl, the flour and spice He’ll see, and lisp, “O Paradithe” And wrap two sturdy arms around your waist. He doesn’t have to say, “I love you, Mom.” Your husband rises every day And views – miraculous display – How shirts, once hampered, now hangers adorn. Somehow his bride has taught the boys, Delivered meals and picked up toys Each task accomp...