Caleb & Crazy Hat Night

Enter Caleb, the new 10 year old of the family. Mr. Serious, as he gets called often. He's the guy who thrives on learning the details, the nitty gritty minuscule facts about things I never cared about (and often still don't). It's been such a blessing to watch Caleb grow (graceful, like his mother) and see how he is beginning to step into uncharted waters. He's always enjoyed a good joke and of course, he likes to be silly like any other kid, but there are certain things that Caleb will NOT do easily or happily. For example, he has always HATED having his picture taken and often sported a "tude" during family photo sessions. I have lots of evidence of this in print. He has always HATED being in plays or skits. He just does not like being in the spotlight. Which is one reason he loves playing the piano--- you can hide behind it! Specifically, over this past summer we have seen changes in this area and it's very amusing.

Caleb and a friend have taken to making up their own skits and performing them for us, the parents. Sometimes they are funny, sometimes they're really not. This is something that Caleb has never wanted to do in the past, but is enjoying presently. Of course, this is partially due to the influence of his friend, but that doesn't make it any less a part of "Caleb".

On the last Wednesday of each month, our Patch the Pirate club has a crazy contest. September's contest was "Crazy Hat Night"! What fun! I had already told the children that I wanted them to come up with their own ideas and make their own hats. After all, I'm not in Patch club, why should I be making a crazy hat?!

When "Crazy Hat Night" came around I didn't think that Caleb would be "into" it, so I didn't push it with him, but casually mentioned it a few times. Caleb and Sophie were talking about what they were thinking of doing for their crazy hats. I flippantly mentioned that Caleb should wear his "Battle Helmet". (A Battle Helmet in this house is a clean disposable diaper put on your head to look like an armored centurion like helmet-- often used for silly war games with Brian---shocking, I know) I was TOTALLY JOKING and never considered it a serious suggestion for them to consider. I had no sooner said that and Caleb sparked into action and flew out of the room. He came back cackling his head off and wearing one of Titus' diapers on his head. This sent Sophie and still Caleb into fits of laughter--- it was VERY funny. Then after everyone calmed down slightly, I suggested he try one of Emily's diapers instead...maybe it would be a better fit---you should always go into battle wearing the right gear, right?! This brought even more laughter than the first helmet, they were bordering on hysterics at this point. First of all, it was funny that Caleb would get into this whole idea at all. Second, he was willingly wearing a diaper on his head and of his own initiative! (He actually wore it most of the afternoon as he finished his schoolwork) The thing that really shocked me was that he actually wore that diaper on his head---to church!! It's one thing to be silly at home, but it's totally different thing to do it in public! I was really taken back and surprised as were others, but Caleb was totally comfortable with his choice. It may seem like a strange thing to Praise the Lord that your son wears a diaper on his head to church, but in this case, it's not.