Paul is 12

Paul and I went on a lunch date on his birthday.  We went to Subway and split a $5 foot long.  Then Paul waited patiently in the car with Joseph while I ran a couple of in-and-out errands.  As we drove around town, I told Paul how much his Daddy and I love him, our first born son.  I also told him how thankful we are that the Lord gave him to us, especially when we came close to losing him at birth.

We ended our date in the sporting goods store.  Paul went straight to the knives.  I explained to the young man behind the counter that it was Paul's birthday.  He was extremely gracious with his time, spending over an hour with us as Paul handled about ten different knives (including a machete--"NO WAY!" said his mother) and eyed many more.  The man was very knowlegable about knives and even told Paul a couple of things he didn't know.

Paul finally narrowed down his knife selections to two favorites.  He agonized over which was his very favorite.  Daddy and I agreed we would pay for half of the knife and Paul would pay for the other half with money from his chicken egg fund.  When Paul made his decision, it was discovered that the knife he wanted was gone.  The box under the counter was empty and the knife was not in the display case.  Three other clerks came over to the knife counter to try to solve the mystery, to no avail.  We left empty handed, but Paul and I agreed that it would give him a bit more time to think about the purchase. 

Anyway, the missing knife turned out to be a blessing in disguise because when Daddy got home from work that night, he found the exact same knife on the internet for $20 cheaper, shipped.  Paul is now the proud owner of a Bench Made Griptilian, straight blade (not a combo blade), in black (not orange).  He also is the proud owner of a Winchester knife, courtesy of his Auntie Em.

Grandpa Tom and Grandma Jane joined us that evening to help celebrate Paul's big day.  We ate a ham dinner with Texas sheet cake for dessert, just as Paul requested.  Grandma and Grandpa gave him a combination lantern/flashlight which will be perfect for Paul's next camp out.

 

Now that Paul is twelve, his Daddy and I have reminded him that he is rapidly approaching manhood.  We've stressed to him the responsibilites that come with being a man, especially a godly man.  Paul takes his responsibilities seriously and recognizes the influence he has on his younger brothers, for good or for ill.  He's very patient with all of his younger siblings (most of the time) and is especially tender with baby Joseph.  We are very proud of the young man Paul is becoming and pray that he will some day be a mighty warrior for the Lord Jesus Christ.

A few resources which we have found to be helpful:  the book, Preparing Sons to Provide for a Single Income Family by Steven Maxwell, the audio CDs, Why Satan Wants Your Firstborn and What to Do About It and What to Expect of a Twelve Year Old by S.M. Davis.