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Boys Will  Must Be Boys!

The boys are at it again. Wielding swords, exploding grenades, and wrestling from one end of the yard to the other. It doesn't bother me that they need action and constant activity, as long as they take it outside. I know they must have an adventure to tackle, a mission to fulfill, and something larger than themselves to defend.  It is important for them to know life has a grand purpose. No hand holding around the campfire singing Kumbaya for my guys. Every aspect of their lives, even especially their faith, is manly. That is why we choose Conquest Camp for the boys' retreats. Where else can a guy zipline across a creek with an Army Ranger  priest before mass?


Our days are filled with fearless stories like Knight of the Golden Plain and adventures recommended by Michael O'Brien in A Landscape of Dragons. Our guys are allowed encouraged to be Hockey Stars, Cowboys, Knights and Warriors, even though they sometimes do get hurt. 
Mom just has to read books like Wild at Heart, to remember that God created them with an innate strength that needs not to be squelched, but formed for the defense of all that is beautiful, noble and true.  If you would like to discover The Secret of a Man's Soul, you may want to read it as well. Or perhaps you would simply like a few pointers on How To Talk To A High School Boy by Fr. Michael, who has the answers you need. 
 Yes,  our home is exploding with life, because it is filled with boys. Nine at the moment, if you include the men-folk who are just big kids at heart. More in the weeks to come when the older sibs return home to meet the newest in the pack (dubbed Cracker Jax and Gadget by Aunt KT). And there will be much arm wrestling, shoulder punching, body slamming, and dare deviling. True, there is often a fine line between allowing the guys to be wild at heart and letting them compete for a Darwin Award. That is why God gave them Moms- to cancel out balance out Dad's judgement. But to emasculate them for the sake of peace, quiet, and control, is not an option around here. 
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