February 25 – “Tickle bombs”

Well, some days there just isn’t much that I can think of to write about.  Chris is back helping Mom get out of bed.  They both have been awake since about 3:30 this morning.  We had another night of unspecific moanings.  Cailyn just left for school with her Daddy.  We narrowly averted a meltdown this morning with her.  She decided she didn’t want to wear the pants her mom had packed.  The compromise this time was she could pick out any shirt in my closet and I had to wear it.  Of course she picked one that is way too small for me.  I got it on, though.  It made the point perfectly: sometimes we have to wear things we don’t particularly want to wear.  Nathan’s arrival solidified her “decision” to get dressed without further incident, and he took her on to school.  He returned to help us get the car in to the mechanic for an oil change before our excursion to Waco tomorrow.  I left for water therapy, so we took care of that when I got back.  He said he was up all night making calls at the fire station, so he is pretty tired.  All in all, I would say we are ready for a few days somewhere else. 

I did think back on a day when Kel and his whole family came over just to hang out.  I’m pretty sure we ordered pizza.  Usually do in that situation.  And after we ate the boys went outside while Christina nursed Noa and talked to Chris and Mom.  I mean all the boys went outside.  Kel and I watched as they rode bikes and climbed in and out of the bed of the truck.  We watched from our perch: Kel sat in one of the porch rocking chairs.  I pulled out my old desk chair that we haven’t hauled away yet, and the two of us rocked and talked like a couple of hillbillies.  All that was missing was a couple of corncob pipes and some whittling wood. 

When we were forced inside by the darkness and inexplicable cold (This is Galveston.  What is thirty degree weather doing here anyway?), Micah remembered to ask his infamous question … “Are the cows hungry?”  That’s his call that the tickle contests are about to begin.  Oh, there is a question about the question?  Have you ever had someone playfully grab your leg just above the knee?  It’s a unique experience.  Doesn’t work if you do it to yourself, but if the situation is right, it can be the cause of a flood of laughter when the mouth of the cow (that’s the shape of the fingers as they grab your leg) chomps down on the corn cob (that would be your leg.  It is roughly the same shape).  Not sure why, but Micah must love the sensation.  Either that or he enjoys the incredible amount of attention he gets when the cow’s appetite becomes voracious and he has to taste some ribs as well.  Our favorite thing, though, has become watching Noa during the tickle-fests.  She laughs uproariously when someone else gets tickle-bombed, just as if their sole purpose for existing is to entertain her.  You’re not far from correct, Noa.  You’re the princess.  If you have any questions, compare notes with your cousin Cailyn.  She won’t steer you wrong.

Galatians 6:9-10 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Father, thank you, thank you, thank you for the incredible families you have surrounded me with.  My own … the Church … the fire department.  I am in awe.  Amen.