The Rocket Shirt

Sometimes little things show how quickly the kids are growing. Today, the Moose wore the rocket shirt, which used to be his oldest brother's favorite shirt. Rob thought it was cool because it had rockets, of course, and he wanted to wear it all the time. I still think the rocket shirt belongs to him, even though he had long since passed it down to Alex. Now, the rocket shirt belongs to Matt, and it reminded me of how much both the Moose and the second-grader have grown.

Mrs. Wahoo, though, took a more practical and less sentimental perspective. "I can't believe it's made it through three kids," she said.

Boys to Men

The Art of Manliness recently re-ran an old essay (written in 1907!) entitled "A Manly Boy," which appeared in Draper's Self Culture. Though the essay was written more than 100 years ago, much of the advice continues to ring true.

He can treat his parents with respect, follow their advice, and act in such a manner that they feel they can trust him to do right when he is out of their sight. They know that he is anxious to win their praise, and that he values their esteem.

It's worth a read.