Category Archives: Church

Liberty in Appalachia?!

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We’re still on the fence about moving to New Hampshire, or even moving at all, for that matter. Things are good, but we’re kinda bored.

Here’s the crux of it: Do we keep carving out our own niche here as Christians who happen to lean libertarian? Do we go searching for some kind of liberty-minded community in a far-off place in the hopes that our differences wouldn’t be so diverse as to get us shunned? Or are we seeking something that may not even exist?

“Here among the mountains, the pinions of thought should be strong, and one should see the errors of men from a calmer height of love and wisdom.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

It sounds like an oxymoron, I know. But like I said previously, many in the liberty movement tend to super-categorize and label beliefs, practices, and lifestyles that run counter to theirs, thinking they know what’s best for all, instead of letting individuals and their families make these very personal choices.

Check out the boys’ $40 TIE fighter Lego set, which they got as a reward for Zeke finally having bladder control at night. Zeke got it for the obvious reason (way to go, dude!), but Houston and Gabriel also earned it for selflessly sharing their beds lo those many nights they had to share a bed due to bro’s wet sheets.

I suppose all humans do that to some degree, but I don’t like the feeling that I’m being boxed in to some kind of one-size-fits-all group that doesn’t let me be free to be who I am, to parent how I choose, to believe what I believe. That’s the point of freedom, right?! Oh how I yearn for live and let live.

In Christianity, we call this dichotomy essentials vs. non-essentials. The essentials are knowing that Jesus is the Son of God, who died for our sins and was resurrected; and through Him, we receive grace, forgiveness, and life eternal with the Father. All else is a non-essential — theological topics of debate, deeper introspection, and often derision.

The battle over non-essentials is what drives so many people away from Christianity, or at least the Christian church. In the Old Testament, it’s what is referred to as The Law.

The 3 Amigos have a fierce battle with their buddy, Bret, the morning after a sleepover. Houston has the best sword, whereas Zeke’s is duct-taped and held straight with popsicle sticks, Gabriel’s is the pitchfork from an old hand-me-down Halloween costume, and poor Bret’s is the stick from a broken shovel. Boys are so resourceful.

These dictates, which are handed down from a governing religious body, end up keeping people so focused on jumping through the hoops of following the rules, and looking “religious,” that they end up losing focus on experiencing and growing their personal and redemptive relationship with God.

You know, works-based stuff, not the life-transforming stuff of changing one’s hard heart. As my pastor puts it, all the world’s religions are about doing outside things in order to achieve an inner conversion. But Christianity is about letting God change you on the inside, which in turn creates the revolutionary outside change.

“Now that I am living in God’s gift to earth, the isothermal range of the Blue Ridge Mountains that runs down the border line of Western North and South Carolina, my mind is geared for production.” – Donald McKay

Similarly, understanding liberty allows people to promote freedom for all, even when they disagree on the many non-essentials of this world. So, what are the essentials of libertarianism, you ask?

Voluntary association, respect for private property, and non-aggression. That’s it. Everything else is up for debate. Period.

Although he missed this particular pitch, Zeke is the best hitter of the boys. This is evidenced by the recent day when Stephen took them to the batting cages, and Zeke hit dozens of balls!

Still wary of moving to the Northeast, Stephen stumbled upon a growing liberty movement in Asheville. Pros: We could live in the mountains while remaining in our beloved Carolina, as well as be much closer to Granny and still not too far from Richmond family.

Cons: Asheville is just brimming with big-government hippies. But hey, right now we live in one of the bluest counties in our state, so why not?!

One other con is that the “official” liberty community’s main tenets is peaceful parenting. Well, the gist there is that even though it sounds nice, PP is not something which I would want to adhere to or condone as my family model on the whole.

“Seen from this point, a bare ridge at the extremity of the open land … we looked up at this blue barrier as if it were some fragment of a wall which anciently bounded the earth in that direction.” – Henry David Thoreau

First of all, it is only through the Holy Spirit that I ever don’t do all the bad things that come so natural to me, like yelling, and being short-tempered, high-strung, and selfish. It’s not my politics that enables me to (sometimes) be patient, calm, selfless, empathetic, and unemotional when raising my three beautifully and uniquely made boys.

Gabriel’s biggest asset to baseball are his throwing skills, and he caught a grounder at the big game. He’s got some work to do on batting, but that’s what little league is all about: having fun and learning!

It’s solely my faith that sustains me, equips me, and gives me strength to handle this thing called parenthood. So, we’re not a child-led family, we are Jesus led. We believe in punishments, consequences, and saying “no.”

We believe that it’s up to each family to lovingly determine the discipline methods or strategies that work best for them or each child individually. We believe that families are the apex of the personal and that their guiding principles should be decided by only those who dwell within it.

We believe in parental authority: that moms and dads are responsible for their children’s upbringings, educations, and well being. We believe that all people are born innately sinful, hence, our belief in many of the aforementioned items. Many of these beliefs run counter to the PP philosophy, which also touts man’s innate goodness.

But more importantly, we believe that there is not one correct way with all others being incorrect. As long as you have the essentials right, whether it be in your Christianity, libertarianism, or parenthood, all the rest are non-essentials of these mind-and-heart journeys.

Houston is a pretty strong player, but like most kids his age, he can use some polishing of skills across the board. Daddy and I are just excited that he and his bros are putting themselves out there to be part of the Cardinals!

But who says we have to be a part of this particular liberty community, right? As long as people are open-minded and kind and willing to discuss issues that could bring about more freedom in our time (basically, their view of the non-essentials and mine), that really is the best I can hope for in this fallen world.

Plus, did I mention that the leaders of our church community group (the Bible study we have been attending for more than a year now) are thinking about moving to Asheville, too? Lindsey and Andrew are smart, sweet folks who, although quite younger than us, are extremely mature in their faith, so having insti-friends would be a perk for sure!

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain

Plus, should we happen to get involved with a liberty community that is hostile to Christianity, it would be a great benefit to have our friends there to help keep us on the narrow path. Gotta have accountability and all that.

Simultaneously, though, we could be the salt and light within a secular group, smashing the preconceived notions of what it means to know Jesus, spread his love, and want to grow freedom through Him here on earth and in the hereafter. Hmmm, could be a plan!

Sure, Asheville might not have everything we want. But some other perks of the beautiful mountain city are multiple CC communities, great restaurants, awesome music, interesting people, affordable housing, and a new ADVENTURE!

A moment in sports history: the bases loaded with ALL Dillinghams! Zeke’s on first, Houston’s on second, and Gabriel’s on third … and then the Cardinals go on to win the game 8 to 7. Coincidence? I think not!

Other happenings:

  • The dudes are completely Stanley-obsessed these days. I think our 12-year-old, fat feline definitely appreciates the abundant love and attention, as opposed to the years of toddler abuse and high-pitched tantrums. Thanks for not peeing on the boys’ puzzle anymore, Stan!
  • The 3 Amigos had their first baseball game on Saturday. They’re all on the same team: St. Louis Cardinals for ages 6-8. It’s a coach-pitch, which means each player is pitched to, but a tee will be used if the he can’t get a hit.
  • Stephen finally watched Red Dawn (one of his all-time favorite movies) with the boys. It’s a bit mature for them, but we figured that with near-constant pausing for questions and explanations, it was okay. Plus, it tied in well with our Cold War history lessons!
  • Stephen taught the kids five-card draw, another leap of a maturity, but they have really caught on. You should see them bluffing and trying to keep a poker face … just too cute!
  • The 3 Amigos have had tons of outings both during the “school year” and since CC wrapped up, including multiple playdates, a couple sleepovers, a birthday party, a piano party, seeing play about the Lost Colony, and going to an astronomy event with Daddy!

The boys relax after a tour at the Civil Rights Museum. Inconspicuously located here in our very own city, this is where on February 1, 1960, four freshman from North Carolina A&T sparked a peaceful revolution that would forever change America.

  • Along with some CC pals, we visited the Civil Rights Museum, which is in the Woolworth’s where the Greensboro Four sparked the sit-in movement. It was actually quite a great tour: historically accurate without being too PC.
  • We also attended a baroque quartet performance. We took my community-group pal, Tristan, who is very pregnant and I think appreciated the diversion.
  • Tristan organized a karaoke night for the gals in our Bible study. I rocked out some Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline, which probably came off as a bit strange to the 20-somethings in our crew, but I embrace being the old, classic-country-loving lady in the group!
  • I’ve also had a dinner out with my buddy, Holly, and gotten some major hang time with another pal, Adair. Both of these ladies have become dear friends to me. And although we don’t get to see each other that much due to mama duties (they each have four kids, and Holly is praying for more!), I cherish being even a small part of their lives. Thanks for the fun, girls!

Third time’s the charm

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We officially kicked off our third year of homeschooling this past week, and amazingly, we are all handling it with a healthy dose of maturity and aplomb. In fact, that’s what all the veteran homeschoolers told me when I was a newbie: that it takes about three years to get into the groove. And that seems to be true with us!

The 3 Amigos @ Looking Glass Falls, Pisgah National Forest, during our CC camping adventure in western North Carolina.

I seem to have a handle on all the worries that have stressed me out during school kick-off the last two years, like Are we ready? Are we doing enough? Are we doing too much? Have I chosen the right curriculum? How will we get it all done and be everywhere we have to be, and still retain our sanity and joy? Etc.

I know my kids are smart, willing, and able, which is half the battle. But I finally have the confidence and experience to know that I work best tackling things one day at a time. Too detailed a lesson plan or regimented a schedule can throw this mama into a major tailspin for sure.

I’ve also learned to temper my thoughts about the future (always a fruitless endeavor), as well as to avoid those super-mom homeschool blogs that just tend to make me feel both overwhelmed and inadequate. Seriously, when do you people sleep … or poop?

Daddy & Gabriel are the first of Clan Dillingham to take on the thrill & chill of Sliding Rock!

It helped tremendously that we kept “lightly” schooling all late spring after CC concluded (mostly playing catch-up and tying up any miscellaneous loose ends), and then pushed on through the summer (practicing math, reviewing old material, and even starting a spelling curriculum).

We also spent much of our summer reading, reading, reading. This constant emphasis on  gobbling up books (plus, continued phonics lessons) helped the twins transition from emergent to beginner readers, so now they can start off their new school year as a confident book worm, just like big bro!

We sent in our letter of intent to the NC Department of Non-Public Instruction and are now an approved homeschool, according to the state. Legally, this has to occur some time during the school year when your oldest child is age 7, but I figured why not go ahead and do it, since I had the time, and we had already chosen a name.

The boys carefully make their way across the slippery rocks for some Arctic-like swimming @ Hooker Falls.

We named our homeschool Called to Freedom Academy. This comes from Galatians 5, when Paul is explaining to the people of Galatia that true freedom can only be attained through Christ. We no longer have to be burdened by the yoke of slavery, if Jesus is in our hearts.

Paul continues that man’s law has no real value, but that being led by the Holy Spirit and expressing your faith through love is the only thing that counts. Self-control, joy, kindness, and peace lead to liberty, not worshipping the “conceited, provoking, and envying” edicts of man and their destructive consequences.

I suppose the name could also be my little jibe against having to register with a state in the first place. Am I complying with a man-made law, which I consider extremely unnecessary, ineffective, and onerous on its face? Yep. But I’m being prudential in my relationship to government, just as Paul called Christians to be in Romans 13.

Gabriel & Zeke get silly during an evening stroll alongside Cascade Lake.

However, do I consider this mandated information being housed in some bureaucracy’s database in Raleigh a significant factor in my calling to homeschool my children? Nope.

Besides being a statue (with penalties for those who don’t abide), there are some perks of of registration. Perhaps tuition tax credits for those who opt out of public schooling their kids? Nah, but boy, do I wish. What we do get is a 20% discount at Barnes & Noble and free admission into the NC Zoo. I’ll take what saving I can get.

Houston is doing all second-grade curriculum this year, but the twins “grade” is not so well defined. Many of their studies — like math, reading, spelling, history, and science — are definitely first-grade level. But I’m holding off on language arts till their 6th birthday in October.

The boys take a rest on the state seal — in which Virtus (the goddess of virtue) has slain the oppressive king — before heading into the Virginia Capitol.

Having used this grammar-and-writing curriculum with Houston last year, I know it takes a more mature mind to handle the material. Plus, I want to wrap up their phonics book before I tackle this next big step.

One of the beauties of homeschooling is that we don’t have to go by a traditional calendar. Or catch the school bus at 7 in the morning … gasp!

Therefore, I’m referring to the Gabe and Zeke as “K1.” This satisfies people’s needs to label them according to what NC public schools say they should be (kindergarten), but also meets my kids’ needs of not being pigeonholed below their abilities and skills.

Despite Houston’s grumpy face (and the fact that we all had low blood sugar by the end of the tour), we enjoyed our time visiting the Virginia Capitol: home to the oldest legislature continuously operating in the Western Hemisphere.

Even with part-time schooling, we had plenty of time for summertime outings, and last month was no exception. We went camping in Western Carolina from 8/1-8/3 for our first CC camping trip, which is organized by a few other cool families who love the outdoors.

We camped at Cascade Lake, and enjoyed its beautiful scenery, fishing lake, and swimming pond. The campground is nestled near the mountains of the Pisgah National Forest, so we went off-site for some additional adventures, most notably Sliding Rock.

This 60-foot natural water slide is simply breathtaking, but not due to the descent, but rather, because of the extremely cold water in to which you plunge. Stephen said he felt like he was having a heart-attack his first time down.

One of Virginia’s most notable sons, Thomas Jefferson, designed the Capitol, which was the first public building in the New World constructed in the Monumental Classical style.

Gabe was the first amigo to accept the challenge. Not too shocking considering that he’s our dare devil. But the the water was so shockingly bitter that it prevented Houston from ever riding down, even though he painstakingly waded through the bone-chilling shallow waters and climbed the stairs.

Surprisingly, once Zeke (our typically cautious child) saw the thrill and excitement on his family and friends’ faces, he decided to take on that slippery rock, and did so with style and grace. Way to go, twins! Better luck next time, HL.

Transylvania County is known as the Land of Waterfalls, so we also stopped off for a photo opp at nearby Looking Glass Falls. After that, we head back toward the campground, and hiked to Hooker Falls, where the water was indeed frigid, but a lot more swimmer-friendly.

Houston leans on another Houston … Sam Houston, who is best known for his time in Texas, yet is another famous Virginia native.

On 8/11, we went to see Big Bang Boom with a couple CC/Mercy Hill families, whose moms (Holly and Erin) I consider to be new and fast friends. Making good friends is always a nice thing, but it is especially appreciated at present, since my best local pal is moving in a few months.

Yep, Miss Christie and the J-Crew are hitting the road in November. I was devastated when I first heard the news, since Christie is just an incredibly authentic and kind person, with whom I’m constantly learning and laughing. I simply haven’t had as genuinely true and loyal friend as her in years.

So, I’m in the market for a new best bud! But in the meantime, I’m already planning to visit often my old pal, who will soon be calling one of the South’s coolest cities home. God bless you in this new chapter of your lives, J-Crew!

Here I am w/ Robert E. Lee, who on April 23, 1862, stood on this very spot in Old Hall when he accepted command of the military forces of his beloved Virginia during the War Between the States.

Our church, Mercy Hill, also started a homeschool group, which meets monthly for play dates, field trips, etc. The aforementioned moms, Holly and Erin, are part of this crew, as are some other really cool ladies. So, I look forward getting to know them all better, and hopefully forging some strong, lasting friendships.

The boys began taking a Spanish class on 8/13. It’s taught by a former homeschool mom, who also reaches at the local Spanish-immersion magnet school, and meets at her home. Señora Flores’ goal is to have the kids master a small amount of vocabulary through repetition.

Stephen, who taught the kids Spanish intermittently last school year, is hoping this will lay a good foundation for them, so that he take it to the next level. I’m optimistic that this will eventually unfold, since Señora Flores is as capable in her teaching as Stephen is motivated in the boys learning Español.

Stephen & I enjoy my birthday afternoon being kid-free, but certainly not gun-free!

It was after dropping off the kids for their first Spanish lesson that the infamous “diesel incident” occurred. For those of you who haven’t already heard, I filled my van with … yes, diesel. Needless to say, I was mortified when I realized my mistake, but I was together enough to realize the huge error before starting my van.

Interestingly, it had been a good day, and I was all alone, so their was no one distracting me with screams or fights or shenanigans or zany questions or squeals or games (like the gargling contest we recently played while driving up to Virginia). So, there was no one I could blame but myself.

I’m always encouraging the boys to focus on the task at hand and not to get off track so easily, so it seems I need to take my own advice. After the wasted diesel, the tow, the labor for my mechanic to drain the tank, and then a fresh fill-up of unleaded, this is one expensive lesson I will not forget.

After more than two weeks, we just finished our first 500-piece puzzle … it’s amazing to what lengths boys will go to earn back their Minecraft privileges! By the way, Gabe did the majority of the work … thanks, Puzzle Man!

The boys and I visited Richmond 8/21-8/23. Our big adventure was going to the Virginia Capitol. What an incredibly beautiful, interesting, and historic structure. Being that it’s in my hometown, and I’ve driven past it a gazillion times en route downtown during my youthful partying days, I’m so glad I finally stopped to check it out.

Before heading inside the Thomas Jefferson-designed capitol, the kids, Gramsey, Lisa, and I were also treated to a tour of the Capitol Police Headquarters. My Aunt Nancy has worked there for many years, and was nice enough to give us a tour around the building, introduce us to some bigwigs, and show us some high-tech stuff.

I celebrated my 43rd birthday, and it was one of simple pleasures. It began by dropping off the boys early afternoon for a sleepover at Miss Christie’s, who owed me some freebie childcare, since Stephen and I watched her brood earlier in the month.

On 9/1, Zeke finally decided that he wanted to try biking sans training wheels (which he did in the yard that evening). And here is an ultra-focused Zeke the next day during his first on-road ride. Way to go, dude!

Next, Stephen took me to the new Sheetz in our neck of the woods (woo hoo!) for a Mexican-made Coke. You know, the kind in the green-glass bottle and made with real sugar, not corn syrup; it’s a rare treat and way better than b-day cake!

Next, we enjoyed an afternoon at the gun club, where I was a surprisingly good shot. After that, we feasted at a Mexican joint, and then rounded out our fun-filled day with the awesome Mark Wahlberg flick, The Shooter.

Granny came to visit the next day, extending my birthday fun well in to Labor Day. She even took the boys swimming with the J-Crew, so that I could get the house in order for our upcoming school kick-off. Thanks for making my long b-day weekend so nice, everyone!

Beach bums

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We went to South Myrtle Beach for six days the last week of May. Just like last year, we decided against renting a house and went the “resort” route instead.

Zeke, Gabriel & Houston adapt quite easily to the resort lifestyle during our family vacation in South Myrtle Beach.

Stephen found a Groupon deal for a place called Springmaid, which is an older resort that has been renovated. The rooms are spacious enough, modern, and clean, and come equipped with all the basic amenities, including a full-size fridge.

But it was the add-ons and friendly staff that made this place so nice. The resort has its own private pier, a miniature golf course, a lazy river, three pools, and lots of optional planned activities for guests. Plus, the hotel’s design offers a beach view for every room.

Admittedly a tad bummed that our vacation is already over, going to the beach in May really is the way to go. The beautiful, vast beach was virtually empty. Other than a couple teenage church retreats, a smattering of young families with kids, and a few senior citizens, I felt like we had the whole Grand Strand to ourselves.

With a couple new beach-shop purchases in tow, the 3 Amigos chill on Springmaid Pier.

This was our first time to Myrtle since the city implemented its no-canopies rule, so we had to buy a beach umbrella and deal with sharing the limited shade it provided. I suppose we could’ve purchased two, but those things are pretty expensive, considering how cheaply they’re made.

It was a bit of a pain, but nothing that a mama insisting on multiple sunscreen reapplications couldn’t handle. Nobody got too burned, and even Daddy the redhead survived. Plus, our lifeguard, who “enforced” the new law, was a pretty easygoing dude.

Houston and Gabriel really came into their own as far as ocean swimming goes. Little salt water was consumed, few tears were shed during wipeouts, and bravery abounded. They absolutely took like fish to water in tackling the “big kahunas.”

Never one to let a little pain hold him back, Gabriel is the bellyflop-master of the resort!

In fact, they were both thrilled to go out as far into the water as Stephen would allow. Luckily for him, this wasn’t too stressful a task, since the waves were just the right size and force for emerging swimmers, and there were many sandbars to help in keeping the kids from getting in over their heads.

Zeke, on the other hand, was quite content playing in the shallow water. It’s this cautious nature that kept him from ever wanting to learn to swing solo until recently. And he told me just yesterday that he doesn’t really like bike riding, so it’ll probably a good year or so till we even attempt to take off his training wheels.

That child definitely marches to the beat of his own drum. No amount of parental or peer pressure will suffice; Zeke will decide to do something when he’s good and darn ready, and not a moment sooner.

Donning his new shades from Mountain Top Youth Camp, Houston is ready to hit the beach & ride some waves!

This is polar opposite of Gabriel, who wants to tackle anything and everything as fast and as brutally as possible, especially if it’s something that Houston already knows how to do. It’s amazing how different these identical twins really are: two unique humans who just happen to share the same DNA.

But what Zeke lacked in ocean adventurism, he had in spades playing miniature golf. Seriously, I think that boy is a natural, everything from his putting style, to his swing and follow-through, to his competitive edge, to his landing the ball in the hole.

In fact, the 18th hole was a challenging shot, but Zeke actually made a hole in one. The teenage boys behind us were astonished by the feat, as were we. Turns out golf might be just the right speed for our zany Zeke.

Zeke, who lost his first tooth earlier during this day @ the beach, aces his first time playing miniature golf.

The 3 Amigos’ pool-swimming abilities have also improved dramatically. Houston is officially swimming, but just needs to practice to build confidence and enhance his skills. Gabriel isn’t too far behind; he can doggy paddle well and will be treading water any day now. Zeke is slowly, but methodically becoming more comfortable in the pool.

But all the boys love doing cannonballs, and Gabriel is even quite proficient at bellyflopping. I do believe this is the summer when they’re going to finally master the art of swimming … well, at least lessen their chances of drowning. Once we tackle that, then I’ll start teaching them strokes and other cool stuff. Aquatics rock!

Houston finally had the greatly anticipated sleepover at his friend Sam’s on 6/5. His mom, Miss Maria, reported that Houston was very well behaved and that the two boys spent a lot of time just reading to one another in Sam’s room. What homeschool geeks!

Houston snaps this shot of his crazy parents smoking cigars during a walk on the pier.

It was Sam’s birthday the following day, so we picked up Houston after the backyard party and trekked immediately to Wilkesboro to meet Granny. Granny had a jam-packed weekend of adventure planned for the 3 Amigos.

On Saturday, they were treated to a single-engine plane ride at JAARS Mountain Week. The mission organization has an aviation wing (pardon the pun), which focuses on traveling the globe to bring translations of the Bible in languages respective to that people group.

Granny said Zeke was a bit hesitant at first (not shocking) and squeezed her hand tight during the ride. But all the boys were thrilled to take a whirl in a plane, especially in such small aircraft.

Daddy & the dudes had fun building this cool fortress of “drip castles.”

Granny also took the kids panning for gold. Although they didn’t find any of the yellow precious metal, the boys did score lots of other pretty stones, like quartz, amethyst, and garnet. Thanks for making some awesome memories for the 3 Amigos, Granny!

Houston’s spring piano recital was on 6/8, and the performance really showcased his love for playing. I don’t ever have to ask Houston to practice anymore. In fact, I usually have to say, “Okay, step away from the piano. It’s time to do (fill in the blank).” What a joy!

We have back off to doing only bimonthly lessons for the summer really to give me a break from the drudgery of running here and running there seemingly constantly. If it were up to Houston, though, he’d probably go to see Miss Julie even more than once a week.

The 3 Amigos goof off after a morning of hard work & training @ the free baseball clinic on 6/23 @ the Grasshoppers’ stadium.

Speaking of breaks, Miss Christie and I are taking a hiatus at co-teaching spelling. Both of our families have been so busy that I fear rushing through the lessons. I want to make sure the boys really nail the fundamentals of spelling and have plenty of time to do dictation, as well.

We just wrapped up Mercy Hill Kids’ Week, which kicked off with a family cookout on 6/16, and then ran from early morning till after lunch for the next three days. The boys, who are always enthralled when learning about Jesus, had a blast, and I certainly enjoyed some free time.

Gabriel and Zeke are taking Creative Movement & Tumbling, which meets weekly for only six weeks. (This was sort of our gift to the twins, since they were too young to attend youth camp with Houston.) Even though Gabe and Zeke are the only boys in the class, they don’t care a whit, and happily roll and boogie at every lesson.