hair

Pax received his first haircut last night.

He has curls still and seems to be the perfect balance of Oak and Cal.

Callahan and Oakley are big bike riders now, Cal taught himself and now i cant keep them in check anymore...the bike makes them invincible and fearless. They both rode their bikes to school today.

The boys got new shoes, the shoe game battle is still very real, Oak chose a new pair of Reeboks... he was very excited but was told at school the next day Reebok is not a cool brand. Of course Oak was fine and not heartbroken and still wears the shoes but i share this because i was proud of him not allowing those words to damage him. However it was a struggle for me... but if it isnt for him then it certainly cant be for me.

19th

Callahan taught himself to ride a bike in one day...that was yesterday.

Paxton is learning words... he says No very aggressively and Yes equally aggressively, im grateful for the balance.

Oakley is the busiest person i know, his visual memory is second to none and constantly needs a plan.

Oakley at 8 is by far the biggest challenge, we expect and push him more than the average 8 year old. I am honestly not sure if it is his height, his intelligence or moments of maturity that he displays. There are times when i try to slow him down to help both of us but it certainly falls flat on its face.
But im also not sure how to embrace it... it is a challenging spot.

Jans 5 and Leadership

New addition, Paxton James born July 30, 2015.

Certainly has been gap. I would like to be more consistent on this, it feels like a good run to share on here. I just have to start on a topic, the rest will flow itself. 

Leadership is where i begin

My daily challenge is leadership currently, not only within my office, but at my home and within my family. The Lord gave me three boys and this without question demands a steady consistent understanding of true leadership. With an 8 year old, 5 year old and 1 year old what i do daily echoes in their lives. Garbage in Garbage out could not mean more to these little souls. I truly appreciate the statement shared with me years ago "what you allow in your presence becomes the rule of your command" My processing of this idea everyday keeps me on course, on balance. Multiple times a day as a man i am met with negative opportunities to place something in my presence that will negatively effect me and thus my children and wife. I'm not perfect, i fail, but i am better today then i was yesterday. I often take these situations step back and look in the mirror to see my self making a decision, justly the mirror fills in the background with the faces of my wife and kids. I do believe this is maturity in action. 

Amber and i both struggled with being given a third son, we both desired and longed for a daughter. However we both understood that a child is a blessing, a gift and responsibility given to us by our Father. And as time has gone on his humor, bright eyes have destroyed that desire and longing and taught us that our ability to raise boys is a skill. A talent given to use to prepare men to honor, respect, and Christ Like Love a woman someday. So what the boys experience in there presence of love for a women will be their rule of command. So i start with leadership

maybe tomorrow i write again...