November 9 – “He walks”

We spent most of this year’s Motorcycle Rally Weekend out of town.  Several weeks ago Josh called and asked Chris if we could somehow come up and stay with the boys while he and Christi went to a wedding in New Braunfels.  After an extended period of deliberation (about a second and a half) she agreed.  We figured Waco would be a much quieter place than Galveston during those two days.  As it turned out, Josh had confused two weddings, and the one he had to do was actually in Waco, but they had eager babysitters, so why not take advantage of the opportunity?  They went to the wedding rehearsal and didn’t come home until the next afternoon.  I assume they found a place to stay somewhere in Waco. 

Before they left we all went to the Waco Public Library used book sale.  It was the same kind of thing the Rosenberg Library here does every year.  One or two differences, though.  The Waco one was much larger.  Much.  The sale was held in their rodeo arena convention hall.  Two massive rooms were filled with tables which were in turn filled with books.  Books from all categories.  Children’s books and reference books. Coffee table books and paperback novels.  They even had a comic book section.  Way more books than I ever saw here.  It was pretty impressive.  The other major difference came in their “Antique and Rare Books” section.  I made my way over there as soon as I could.  That is always a treat at the sale here, even though I can never afford anything.  I had to chuckle as I waded through, though.  Their definition of “antique” seemed to mean “Anything from the early 1970’s.”  They did have a few books from the early 1900’s and even one or two from the late 1800’s, but the vast majority were, well, younger than me.  The boys saw it as a real treasure trove, though.  Ensuring a love of books in the next generation is a definite plus.  And Chris found a book on quilting using a normal, average, every-day sewing machine that she was ecstatic to have.  When Nani is happy, everybody is happy.  So I guess the trip was a successful one. 

It goes without saying that our whole purpose in making the drive was just a bit more than avoiding motorcycle noise.  We were able to stand in awe at Zakary’s incredible architectural design sense.  He made a fortress out of some of those old-school blocks that was a marvel to behold.  The design was flawless.  The completed structure was a masterpiece.  Very impressive.  Caleb was non-stop, well, everything.  The kid doesn’t have an easily workable stop button.  At one point he wanted something that would require us to go to the store.  He worked out a scenario where Nani and Zak could go get it for him, and he and Luke and I would stay at the house and play until they got back.  That’s when I had the bright idea to suggest, “Why don’t you use your imagination and make something up that does the same thing.”  Wrong answer.  He looked at me for what was a long time in Caleb milli-seconds before putting his hands on his hips, shaking his head from side to side, and replying, “Uh, DadDad.  Imagination only works if you’ve already seen it once before and you are just remembering it.”  And I replied, “Huh?”  He had already moved on to his next project, though.  I’m still digesting that bit of philosophical reflection.  Now there is one other child in that household now.  The one who turned one not too long ago.  And I have an anecdote about him as well.  It is not as long as the other two.  It doesn’t involve a scenario that requires paragraphs of description and background.  Being one year old is a simpler time, requiring but a simple message.  And here it is … he walks.  Luke walks.  Enough said.

Psalms 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Father, thank you for gifting us with those three such uniquely different creatures.  I never cease to be amazed at your handiwork.  Amen.