July 5 – “Takin’ it easy”

So what to do on the Fourth of July?  We had Cailyn with us, so she had to be prominent in our thinking.  And interestingly enough, she doesn’t always particularly want to do the elaborate choice.  Gotta love that.

We started out the morning (before Cailyn’s arrival) by mowing the grass.  Never an easy task in the 88 degree, heat index of 113 degrees, weather.  But Chris and I are a well-oiled machine when it comes to yard work.  I mow while she operates the weedeater.  Then when the weedeater runs out of line (which it inevitably does) she either takes over with the mower or sweeps grass clippings while I reload.  By the way, do you have one of those weedeaters with a double line coming out?  Nathan does (and we share lawn instruments).  Those things are not easy to reload when you use up all the line.  Oh, the concept is simple enough, but the actual operation is a pain in the neck.

Cailyn arrived just as we were sweeping up the last of the debris in the back yard.  And she arrived hungry for some lunch.  We briefly considered grilling, but settled for a quick trip to sonic for some chicken strips all around.  Why chicken?  Because Chris makes a mean cream gravy that needs something to be dipped into it.  Chicken is a good choice.  So are tater tots.  Good stuff. 

We watched the Astros game after lunch.  Well, I was accused of sleeping through much of the game.  I don’t see how that could be.  I saw every run being scored.  Of course the score was only 2-1, and I can’t really account for the position of my eyelids during the rest of the game. 

Last night we culminated our relaxing day by actually grilling a few burgers, then watching the fireworks from our deck.  Yep.  We could see the city’s fireworks show without leaving the comfort of our own home.  No traffic to fight.  Of course Cailyn was disappointed that we couldn’t really hear the explosions.  But some neighbors obliged her by setting off a few really loud ones somewhere nearby.  And the explosions did continue far into the night.  They didn’t keep her awake, though.  Once the grand finale finally went off, she was ready for bed.  I will take a Fourth of July like that one any time. 

Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Father, thank you for this country.  There is no doubt that it is broken, but you have always been one make amazing use of broken things.  Amen.