December 25 - “Franticism”

Our Christmas Eve was a bit of a flurry of activity. Well, actually, make that several flurries.  First we spent some time figuring out exactly who we still needed to get a gift for. Make a list! Yay!

Next we continued with the wrapping phase. Actually that means Chris did the wrapping. I held the tape dispenser and applied the names tags - a vital job, to be sure. We got a hefty pile of gift wrapping accomplished. Still have some gifts to be found and subsequently wrapped as well. Gotta admit, I really wanted to go to Walmart and just walk around and watch people. There is usually quite a bit of franticism (that’s my made-up word of the day) with shoppers racing to find that one last elusive item on their list. 

At four we went to the first of two worship services at Seaside. The second was at six. We went to both.  I read one of my kids’ stories each time. It’s about a young carpenter’s apprentice in long-ago Bethlehem who finally gets a chance to make his first solo creation. But it turns out to be “only a manger.” You can possibly imagine where it went from there. 

The services were both very well attended, and both had numerous visitors. Pastor Kel preached from John chapter one about Jesus being the Light of the World.  Great times. 

This morning we are headed into Texas to hang out with the LaMarque Vaughan’s for their Christmas morning. And the boys said they wanted me to be there to make sure the breakfast bread comes out good and juicy. Early morning. 

Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬ says, Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.

Father,  thanks for coming. Amen. 

December 24 - “List of necessary repairs”

Well, let’s add the car to our list of necessary repairs. Not anything really bad. Just had potential to be bad. The right front tire has had an extremely slow leak for a while now. The night before last, when we got to Kel’s house, the tire was almost flat. We made it back home OK, but it was definitely tire-fixing’ time. 

Before I left for Firestone, Chris  found a tiny nail that we figured could be the culprit. It was. And as I had surmised, it was too far into the side to just repair it. Fortunately, they took the car back almost immediately. That’s unheard of. And fortunately, the warranty covered a good portion of the cost. Aaaand … while they were in there, I had them go ahead and change the oil. Phew! That’s enough. 

Speaking of enough … we went shopping again. Back to Walmart and Academy. The hordes are increasing. The fun is finally beginning. Lots of people-watching in the cards for me. 

Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ says, Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:”

Father, be with those hordes of shoppers out there. Bless ‘em. Amen. 

December 23 - “Another nine-year-old”

We started the day off with some work. It was well past time to rake at least some of the big ol’ Sycamore leaves out of our front yard. And boy was there ever a pile of ‘em. Several piles, actually. And after our yard we attacked the next door neighbor’s. After all, it’s our tree pummeling their yard. And while we were at it, we jumped across the street to another neighbor’s and raked some more. I’m sure our backs will “thank” us today. 

After getting cleaned up and eating some lunch, we moved on to phase two. Shopping. My all-time favorite activity this time of year. No. Really. Walmart the week before Christmas? Gotta love it. 

Last night we headed into Texas. Ezra was having his family birthday dinner. He chose potato soup and homemade ice cream for the big meal. Good choices there, Ezra. His whole family was there. Kaylee was even there, to round out the attendees. We have ourselves another nine-year-old. 

Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬ says, Then she gave birth to her firstborn Son, and she wrapped Him snugly in cloth and laid Him in a feeding trough — because there was no room for them at the lodging place.

‭‭

Father, thank you for Ezra. He’s a pretty special little guy. Amen. 

December 22 - “100%”

A great group of around fifty Islanders gathered at Seaside for worship yesterday. And a pretty good group out of them stuck around to enjoy dinner on the grounds. We even had some time to vote on next year’s budget (100%) and to discuss operations in the retreat center for next year. It’s always great to be a part of Unity in action in God’s Church. 

After church we drove around the airport property near Moody Gardens. Chris wanted to scope out a potential site for family pictures. The best we could come up with was a not-really-convinced maybe. We’ll see how it all plays out.

We watched some Texans football  interspersed with a Hallmark movie and a bowl of Chris’ specialty bean soup. We also went through our Christmas presents stash. Gotta figure out who we still need a gift for. I see a shopping trip in our future. Hmm. Maybe I can convince Chris to wait and go on Christmas Eve. My favorite time to go people watching. 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭46‬-‭47‬ says, And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior”

Father, thank you for the great display of unity at Seaside. I know that please you. Amen. 

December 21 - “Date Night/Day”

We started our day kinda early. We headed over to the vet to pick up Freddy’s new medicine. This one is supposed to help with the heart murmur. Something about making the heart more efficient. At least these are pills she can chew up. Now we wait to see how (or if) they help.  

Back home we got started on our date night/day. We did something we haven’t done in a while. Several weeks (since it got cold), in fact. We went for a walk. It was limited to a mile and a half. Gotta start back slow again. 

We watched the first half of the A&M vs. Miami playoff game. Looked like the wind in College Station was wreaking havoc on things. It wreaked enough that A&M lost. Sorry, guys. 

We left the house again a little before one. We had tickets to the matinee performance of the holiday spectacular at Moody Gardens. It was pretty good stuff. Lots of singing and dancing. But that wasn’t all. It was like being at the circus. Fire juggler. Aerial acts. Roller skaters. Hoop dancer. Giant ring-walker guy. The magician was the star of the show, though. But as far as the kids at our table were concerned, the best part of the whole thing happened when it snowed! Yep. Snowed in Galveston. Indoors. Who woulda thunk it?

Last night we finished out our date night by walking through the Moody Gardens Christmas lights path. The cost of the afternoon show included passes to get in, so we had to try it. The lights were pretty much the same as every other year. There were tons of people there, though. Most of them seemed to be in line to go into the Iceland exhibit. We passed on that one. 

All in all, I think it was a pretty good date. We’ll have to get together again sometime. How about it, Chris?

Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭45‬ says, She who has believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled! 

Father, be with that family we shared a table with. They still have some traveling ahead of them. Amen. 

December 20 - “Two more”

Well, with it officially being the holidays, that meant a trip to the Fire department. Every year Chris includes the admin staff in her friendship bread itinerary. She makes it and I get to deliver it. Of course they were all very appreciative, and I got more than my share of hugs to pass on. Great group of guys and gals up there. 

When I got home Chris was still baking bread. Hmm. We must have lots of friends and family, I guess. 

I paid a few bills. Boring. But then we started some further work on our cruise itinerary. We signed up for a pickleball intro class. May as well give it try out there in the literal middle of the ocean. 

After lunch we set up Chris’ indoor/outdoor weather station. It’s been waiting patiently in the shadows for the house painting to be completed. Well, by “set up” I mean we hung the outdoor sensor. We also set the clock to the right time and date. The rest (read here, temperatures inside and out and barometric pressure and forecast) was supposed to happen on its own. And it did. This thing is too smart for its own good. 

After she had two more seizures yesterday, we decided to go ahead and call the vet back about Freddy. He finally called around seven last night. The next step is to increase the dose of the medicine she is already on. Also, we are to go by the clinic this morning and get a different med to try to deal with the heart murmur. Apparently it is now causing sore issues that are exacerbating the seizure activity. Here’s we go. 

Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭35‬ says, The angel replied to her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God.”

Father, bless those folks down at the fire department. Keep them and their families safe and happy. Amen. 

December 19 - “FUGGLERS”

I jumped on the early shift yesterday. First off, I had to give Freddy her 6 am medicine dose. Let’s just say she wasn’t as happy about it as I was. I got the syringe (it’s a liquid, into-the-mouth dose) into her mouth and started the push. And she went ballistic. Shook her head violently. And of course I couldn’t stop the push once started. The medicine spewed onto her tiny head. I grabbed for the syringe, and she jumped down, shook herself as if she had just been sprayed with a water hose, then raced outside. Hmm. One would surmise that she is not too happy with her medicine. 

Round two began when she came back inside. This time I enticed her with a sniff of a treat. That’s what it took. I wouldn’t say she took the dose willingly, but this time she did take it. Whew!

Part two of my early morning tasks involved a trip to Walmart. Yep. Bananas. But I had a whole list of stuff to get. I was pretty successful. Still have a few more  DadDad gifts to pick up, but otherwise I’m just about done. 

Chris began her work day while I was gone, and continued it with a passion when I returned with the milk. Friendship bread-making day. Not a day I mind at all. In fact, I didn’t even mind having to make a second Walmart run for some more baking stuff. The whole house smelled like cinnamon. 

Freddy did have another issue or two. She seemed very lethargic all morning. Then, after she barked at a cat on the porch and ran towards the back door, she suddenly changed course and eased her way over to where I was sitting. She snuggled up close to my leg, then collapsed onto my foot and got very stiff. Another seizure. It didn’t seem to last as long as the last one, but it took her quite a while to recover. Chris immediately started the journal the vet told us to keep of exactly what was going on before, during and after. And she had another spell during the party. We got that one recorded as well. Hmm. We’ll see. 

Last night was our yearly home group Christmas white elephant party and Reindeer Games. This year the games emphasized candy canes and Christmas trees.  Probably the treat of the night, though, was watching Ed, Cathy, and Janell twerk all over the room trying to extricate themselves from a box full of ping pong balls and jingle bells. Ed was by far the master at that one, but Cathy and Janell figured out they could be most effective by standing on their heads. Well, almost anyway. It was a riot to behold. 

The food was amazing, as usual. A new presentation arrived this year by way of Helen. Bacon wrapped little smokies. Just … yum. Thanks to everyone for pitching in and having fun. Oh, and there’s just one more word for the evening … FUGGLERS (Funny Ugly Monsters)!

Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ says, Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.

Father, thank you for the folks who came last night. Thanks that they are so comfortable around each other. Oh, and would you be with Freddy? I know you love all your critters. Amen.  

December 18 - “Do You Hear What I Hear?”

We had a leisurely chat with Josh before leaving yesterday morning. He was beyond excited that his team had defeated a public school. I remember the feeling well from my own homeschool coaching days. We did get to say goodbye to the kids and Christi as well. 

And our first stop? The McDonald’s right down the street from their house. Had to grab our usual bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit with hash browns. 

The weather was kind of nasty all the way home. Just a steady stream of irritating mistiness. It was noticeably warmer when we stopped at Buc-ees, but stayed icky all the way home. 

Instead of going right to the house, we went to the audiologist to pick up my hearing aid. In a pleasant surprise, all was ready when we arrived, and we were in and out in a jiffy. I’m pretty sure Chris was happier than I was. I suppose a person can only take so many “Huh’s?” and “what did you say’s?” in the course of a day. Gives new meaning to that song …  Do You Hear What I Hear?

Freddy had a vet appointment at 4. We wanted to get her checked out after two seizures in a two week span. The new vet was an interesting personality. Sat on the floor the whole time. Freddy seemed to like it. I felt like I should join him. Almost did, but part of his quirkiness was that we never knew for sure when he was finished talking. He kept remembering “one more thing.” He was definitely thorough. So the bottom line … Freddy is now on anti-seizure medication every 8 hours. Yep. 6 am, 2 pm, and 10 pm every day for the rest of her life. But otherwise, she’s doing great. 

Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ says, Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us.

Father, thank you that there is a medication that can help Freddy. We kinda like that little critter. Amen. 

December 17 - “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”

After sleeping in until around 6:30 

(Not so unusual considering we were up until after midnight), and after some breakfast of fresh pumpkin bread that Christi made, we sat in on the opening foray of school for Luke and AnnaGrace. 

They have been receiving a new book every week, all wrapped in Christmas paper. They tore into the unwrapping like a pair of hungry tigers. And inside this time was the book, “Christmas on the Prairie.”  It was adapted from the Little House on the Prairie series. Christi read it to them (after she read some info about the author and the illustrator). 

Then the kids sat at the table for their first lesson of the day.  They had to write out one of the two scriptures referenced by the teacher. Then they had to choose something from the book and illustrate it in a sketch. I

was impressed by the simplicity and elegance of the curriculum. And it served as a morning devotional as well. Well done. 

After lunch we settled in to watch a Christmas movie. After many false starts, the kids (and Christi) finally chose “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” starting Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Jessica Biel. Cute movie from a-ways back. 

Last night we went to the other basketball game on our docket. This time it was the varsity game that Caleb played in. Their opponent was a public school team in one of the small towns nearby, Bremond. It was a wildly physical and incredibly intense matchup. Caleb’s team played a suffocating full court defense against the team that was actually bigger and more athletic. In the end, the Good Guys won a nail-biter, 47-45. Woohoo!

I think Josh’s favorite part of the evening came when the opposing coach chided his own team by saying something like, “come on guys! They’re JUST a bunch of homeschoolers!”  Yep, Coach. And they play some goooood basketball. 

Now it’s back home for Christmas. Well, a week or so before Christmas, but who’s counting?  

John‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬ says, But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name

Father, thank you for watching over the guys on Caleb’s team last night. Please continue to keep them healthy and eager to learn. And a special thanks to the one who led in prayer after the game. Great leadership there. Amen. 

December 16 - “Some serious cold”

It was some serious cold when we woke up yesterday. Wind chill was in the 20’s. I even felt cold inside the house until almost ten o’clock. We heard it was plenty chilly in Galveston as well. Brrr!

Janell called us with some news. Seems Freddy had another seizure Sunday night. That’s two this go-around, and only about a week apart. Chris went ahead and called for an appointment to get her checked out. Come on, Freddy!

Speaking of appointments, I got a call-back on my hearing aid with a serious problem. It is indeed broken. $100+ worth of wire is broken. Ouch. It should be ready when we get back in town. 

Last night we watched Luke play a junior high basketball game (he’s in 6th grade laying up). The good guys lost by three. But Luke played an amazing point guard and also scored more than half of the team’s points. Proud of that kid. 

After the game we dropped Christi off with Josh and Caleb at a football team banquet. The younger two and Nani and DadDad snuck off on a shortcut. And we all know that always involves a stop at Whataburger. We even grabbed a burger for Zak before bringing the feast home and enjoying it while watching a movie about dogs and Santa. Maybe “Christmas Buddies” or “Puppy Paws”. Something like that. AnnaGrace highly recommended it.  

Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭17‬ says, So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ.

Father, thanks for taking care of the boys on the court. They all have it their best shot. Amen. 

December 15 - “Fast and Furious”

Well, I got up even earlier than intended. Around 4:15 I had a little brown dog whining at my bedside. To her surprise, I got up and lifted her onto the bed. But since I was up, I was awake as far as my body was concerned. So I stayed up. 

The alarm was set to go off at 6. It did. Good thing, too. I had dozed off at my desk (as I had hoped I would). I brought the melodious, yet grating, music into the bedroom so Chris could enjoy. She didn’t. But she did wake up. Mission accomplished. 

We got everything loaded up fairly quickly. In fact we were on the road by around 8:05. I know. Eerily specific. But Chris always keeps track of such things. And being a Sunday morning, we didn’t anticipate too much traffic. Surprise! It wasn’t cripplingly slow or anything, but there were a lot of people out early. 

And then … as we got closer to our usual stop at Buc-ees in Waller, we began to be passed by wave after wave of souped-up sports cars. Porsche. Corvette. Jaguar. Even had some simple Chevy’s and Honda’s trying to keep up as they speed by at speeds way over the 65 mph speed limit. 

Then, towards the back of the pack, a jeep SUV zoomed by. But this was no ordinary vehicle. Peering out the back was a full-on movie camera recording the action. Hey. Watch for our little be-boppin’ Chevy on the next Fast and Furious movie. Let’s see. That would be “Fast and Furious - 83,” right?  

OK, so we probably won’t be in a movie. But we did get to see a lot of really fast cars. And to top off the experience, they were all at Buc-ees when we arrived. 20 or so of them, at least. Guess they needed a bathroom break, too. 

We carried the “Fast and Furious” theme all the way into the afternoon. It was a veritable whirlwind of activity. 

First came the ballet. We had tickets to a very special performance, starring none other than AnnaGrace. Well, OK. She wasn’t technically the star of the show, but she was certainly the star of our show. She danced as one of the party girls. And fabulously, I might add. My favorite part was when her character fought with her brother. AnnaGrace has plenty of practice at that skill. There was one scary part, though. The guy dancing with one of the main ballerinas … dropped her. Never seen that happen before. Ouch. 

The bulk of AnnaGrace’s performance came near the beginning, so I left at intermission with Josh and Luke and Caleb to go over to the church for their Christmas pageant. Caleb went as a designated sub in case someone couldn’t be there. He ended up working as a stagehand. Luke had a significant role in that he was a servant to one of the wise men. Responsible for making the elaborate cape seem to flow in the breeze. Important work there, but he handled it admirably. Oh … did I mention … That’s my grandkids!!!

‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭8‬ says, You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, because the Lord’s coming is near.

Father, remember my prayer last night about grandkids and their gifts of talent from you? Ditto. Amen