Turns out I had nothing to worry about. There was no arm folding or scowling at Belmont – as far as I could see, which isn’t all that far, but… Thanks to everyone at Belmont for saving 8 kids from poverty on Friday night. And for the kind reception.
After some hang time with folks after the show, I headed home where I was greeted with, “This is what I want you to make.” Becky keeps a file of magazine clippings, mostly ideas for food and parties. Then, at the last moment – late the night before our two year-old’s party, for example – she pulls out a picture of the most difficult idea, looks at me with those beautiful green eyes of hers and asks very nicely for me to make it a reality. I did my best. Here’s what we wound up with:
Looked better when Martha Stewart and her staff of professional chefs and artisans built it over the course of a month with a budget ten times mine, but she’s two. She doesn’t know the difference.
Then we woke up early to decorate and get food ready for the house full of kids, mostly cousins, who soon showed up to party. Music provided by Brody. Guitar loaned by my 9 year-old nephew Phillip, future rock star:
Brody‘s polka speed-metal ska version of the ”Cheeseburger Song” got a mosh pit going and Penelope, who by this time was three sheets to the wind from three sippy cups of sweet tea and two slices of cake, began partying a little too hard. Eventually she was given a time out for indecent exposure and inappropriate use of art supplies and begged to please stop saying “boobies” (and showing off hers) when company’s over. And Becky was asked many questions regarding where Penelope learned to dance like that and exactly how her mother spends her time when I’m out of town. She had to learn this kind of behavior from someone and God knows it’s been years since I’ve worn my flower stickers and been able to pull off moves like that.
It’s been a great weekend so far. The miraculous: A kind crowd in Nashville. The artistic: carousel cake building at midnight. And the obscene yet pretty stinkin’ cute.
.
Shaun,
I’m a Belmont student who saw you the other night. Might I say I’m the oldest of five children and totally understand what is happenin’ to your daughter. Don’t worry she’ll grow out of it…and then fall back in around the age of 13.
You mentioned Barry Manilow when you were here. Don’t feel bad–I grew up with Barry and I’m 18. I knew every word and then wondered if you would break into “I write the songs”. I was ready with my cell phone. Haha.
Thank you for being honest and real. The future isn’t clear now…but seriously is it ever? Anyway, you were a huge encouragement to me. More than anything I want my life to point to Him. Elizabeth Elliot said, “If your goal is purity of heart, be prepared to be thought very odd.” That is my heart’s cry. That quote is on my board next to Isaiah 40:26.
Thank you for being a living example of what God can do with a willing vessel.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Charity Callahan
Nice cake Shaun! Are you available for parties? Two yar old strippers are fairly common so I wouldn’t worry too much. The question begs as to her behavior though, is it due to heredity or environment?
Beth
Or both?
Hard to tell ain’t it?
Beth
Are ya’ll saying Shaun runs around the neightborhoods in Nashville wearing purple flowers over his boobies?!
Man, I hate that I already have someone doing my wedding cake!
I warned you my kids were bad influences…..wife…kids…whatever.