June 30 – “Night Vision”

This morning I played interim headmaster.  I put together a mailing list so we could send out a letter to returning students.  Had to go through every student's file to get an address and phone number.  I have it in my computer now, though.  And my secretary is great, so she will take care of the actual mailing.   It was Luby's day today – and everybody came.  I think it was the first time that all the Galveston Kelley Vaughan family was together at Luby's.  The Christian cashier and I praised God for families.  She is determined to change the next generation in her family.  Her generation was very much separated from family.  So she is seeing to it that her kids do things together with family as much as possible.  You can only do what you can do within the realm that God has placed you.    This afternoon we did get some house stuff done.  I put in the last three door stops to keep them from smashing into the wall.  That was exciting because it meant we could throw away the old Mr. Coffee box that has been sitting behind the front door since we moved in.  I changed the shower head in the hall bathroom to one of those hooked to a five-foot long snake.  Makes it easier for Mom.    I changed out a burned out fuse in the truck.  Now I can see the instrument panel at night.  At least I think I can.  I haven't tested it at night.  All that darkness makes it interesting trying to see how fast I'm going.  Last night I held my cell phone up to see how fast I was going, then set the cruise control.  It certainly gave new meaning to the term "Night Vision."   The back door lock guy didn't show up again.  But the Pot O Gold people did.  We're back to just a two bathroom house again.  I'm going to miss that big hunk of yellowness in the front yard.   Chris decided to paint an old shelf we have had in the backyard.  I think it came from Mom's garage.  While she did that I set up the tool box I got from Sears.  I really did feel like a kid at Christmas.  It meant that I could start putting away some of the tools I've been cleaning.  Of course that means I'll also have to start cleaning up the back yard more.  I found out that I have at least four more buckets with tools in them.  I don't know what shape they are in.  I ended up helping Chris finish the second coat on her painting project.  She was feeling sick.  I think it was just the paint fumes.   Hebrews 2:11-12 says, "Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers." Father, thank you for not being ashamed of me.  It amazes me to think I'm in your family.  Amen.

June 29 – “Crown Leftovers”

We got a call first thing this morning from our contractor.  He asked if he could put us off until next week for our chimney box.  He has some customers who really want to use their house on the Fourth of July.  I told him no problem.  He will call the tile guy about a bid on a backing for the walls behind the fireplace.  Chris decided she did not want black board back there.  He will also call the electrician and tell him to replace every light switch in the house.  He was horrified to learn that I changed one of them myself when Mom's light wouldn't come on.    I spent several hours working on the sermon.  I also wrote a letter to be sent to the parents of returning Seaside Christian Academy students.   Tyrone came by.  He said he got back from vacation and went by the Omega Bay house and it was empty.  He was impressed at how clean it was.  I patted Chris on the back.  He had found some extra clothes and wanted to see if they were ours.  They weren't.  He's going to bring a bunch of books and even some bookcases early next week.  We had just been talking about buying some bookcases.  We decided right then to wait.  This might be another answer to a need before we knew we needed it.   We put up some crown molding over the cabinets in the family room.  I had to cut it four times to get it to fit.  We used some that was left over from the Amish cabinets in the kitchen.  It really helps draw the two rooms together even better.   I pulled some weeds in the back yard.  It's hot out there.  The guy who was supposed to fix our back door lock never showed up.  He told me it would be either Monday or Tuesday.  I told him I picked Monday.  I should have expected Tuesday.  Maybe tomorrow.   I straightened out the garage some.  At least enough to move the big chest in there.  It's been sitting on the front porch.  It now holds my chainsaw & skill saw cases.  Chris said I was like a little kid.  I was so excited to have a place to put stuff.   Tonight I went to the Seaside Christian Academy board meeting.  It was long.  They started going through the student manual.  I found out that I had been tasked to write a letter to the parents of returning students.  Imagine that.  I don't remember that.  Good thing I did it anyway.  They have had no responses concerning the headmaster position.  I'm praying they find someone soon.  I have become more and more convinced – it's not me.  I was pleased to find out that God has answered another prayer.  My secretary's husband finally got a job after several months of being without anything.   Jeremiah 32:17-18 says, "Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you."   Father, thank you for being there when stuff gets overwhelming to me.  Amen.

June 28 – “Canine Self-activated Ingress Apparatus”

I think I would have to categorize today as calm.  It's been awhile, but calm.  We didn't have very many folks in church, but the ones there were upbeat and encouraging one another.  We had a discernment meeting (a.k.a. business) after church, but it was primarily just a check-up time for progress on the school building and the repairs to the old building.   We went to a new spot for lunch.  Nathan and April took us to the Gumbo Bar on 21st Street.  We all had – well, gumbo of one kind or another.  And it was very good.  Check it out if you haven't already.  We're usually the last to find out about places like that, so I'm sure this is no exception.   Nathan and April and Cailyn came over after lunch.  They wanted to see our new front door.  Nathan ended up helping me install a canine self-activated ingress apparatus.  It fits into the lower half of the storm door that we will have at our side entry.  The two storm doors have not been hung yet, but they are on the list.  This task involved two different power tools, so we each had a chance to direct the power.  Nathan got to drill and I did the sawing.  We both stood on our heads to screw the two halves together, since we had the door on a table and the "front" side was of course pointed down.  We got it done, though, so when those doors go up, and when we get the back yard a little more cleaned up, and when we clear out the sewing room, and when we get a gate to put between the sewing room and the family room, and when we make sure the outside gate securely shuts … then we might be almost ready to welcome our dogs home from foster care with Kel and Christina.   We actually watched a movie together on TV tonight.  It was the new Get Smart starring the guy who played Noah (or whatever his name was) on Evan Almighty (OK, so I guess his name was Evan).  It's been a long time since we have done that.  It was nice.    Matthew 8:26 says, "He replied, 'You of little faith, why are you so afraid?' Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm."   Father, why is it such a surprise when you give us days of your calm?  Grant us more.  Amen.

June 27 – “Double Wedding”

Today was the day of the double weddings.  The first was at absolutely the hottest time of the day that it could possibly have been, eleven-thirty in the morning.  There was a little breeze – very little.  And there was no shade at all.  The temperature was a Galveston ninety-seven or so, with the humidity hovering around unbearable.  It was hard to believe how incredibly upbeat the bride was.  And she was the only one super-dressed up in her wedding gown.  The rest of us were wearing Hawaiian shirts and sandals.  And we were still miserable.  The sound system was loud and full of feedback – just not well done.  But in spite of it all, the bride bawled through the ceremony and the groom barely made it through his vows.  And the ceremony only lasted fifteen minutes.   The one tonight was a little different story.  This is the one where the bride's mom has kept up with us since Ike.  She was a lot of fun.  In fact several of the family members where great fun.  One in particular was an uncle or something on the bride's side.  He has been the music minister at a little Methodist church for forty years.  But he told me he's not a Methodist.  Sounds like a winning combination.  He never said what he was.  I'm certain he is a Christian, though.  He was very encouraging about the service, as many were.  This was one of those weddings where there was someone who was sure they were in charge.  In fact there were two of those.  One was a videographer, and one was a wedding coordinator.  Not the coordinator who works with the hotel and did all the work.  I first met her about the time to seat people arrived.  She let me know that she was in charge, though, and that this was her first wedding in Galveston.  The videographer actually put a piece of tape on the floor and told me I was to put my toes on it for the whole service so the camera could see the bride's face.  No, it didn't happen.  It wasn't quite as hot tonight, but then tonight we all had to dress up, so the sweat factor was the same.  But this couple was very happy as well.  I sure do like doing weddings.  Even ones where we don't get home until almost eleven and I still have a blog to do.  Enough said.   Psalms 100 says, "Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  3 Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.   4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."   Father, thanks for food, for family, for parties and today, for air conditioning.  Amen.

June 25 – “House Guests”

Workers came over this afternoon to finish painting the garage.  They said they would have our exterior doors ready perhaps as soon as tomorrow.   Christina and the boys came over to help Chris unpack some boxes and repack some others that we will store in the attic.  We had lunch as soon as they arrived.  Sandwiches and leftover salad with chicken in it.  I had the salad.  Good stuff.  So was the chocolate chip cookie that followed.  And the one after that as well.  They didn't stay too long after we ate.  It was nap time for the boys, and Christina had to get some things done before she brought Jachin and Micah back later on to spend the night.   Scooter and his brother the fish came over to spend the night, too.  April's brother was in a serious car wreck last night in Corpus Christi, so she went there.  Nathan has to work a 48 hour shift, so we get to babysit all the Galveston-area  male grandkids tonight.   Our neighbor came over to welcome us back home.  She even brought two plants – great symbols of life.  They took the grand tour.  I think Chris gets a little prouder with every one she leads.   The Astros won this afternoon.  Michael Jackson died.   I watched the movie Inkheart.  I wanted to use a clip from it for Sunday, so thought I'd better see it first.  Interesting fantasy.  Reader who brings characters from books to life by reading out loud.  Toto.  A unicorn.  A minotaur.  A crocodile that ticks.  Flying monkeys.  Anything sound familiar?  No?  Read a book sometime.   Ruth 1:15-18 says, "Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her." 16 But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. 17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." 18 When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. Father, it's hard to see how great a sacrifice was being made.  Thank you.  Amen.

June 26 – “Doors”

I had a chance to do some more cleaning of tools today. My body felt like I got a lot done, but there sure are a lot still left to do. Our doors showed up today. The front door, the side door, and the door between the garage and house. They are all made of fiberglass and took the owner of the paint company doing the staining himself to get them done right. And they are done right. They look amazing. It is so good to finally have a full seal around the doors. That can only help our electric bill. Tonight I had two different rehearsals for the two weddings I have tomorrow. They both have one of the best wedding coordinators the San Luis Hotel has to offer. The first rehearsal was very laid back. They plan to wear Hawaiian shirts and sandals for the wedding. The whole rehearsal lasted about fifteen minutes. After that one I went to the rehearsal dinner of the second one. It was held before the actual rehearsal, and it was on the beach. They served sandwiches or you could roast your own hot dog or make smores over a grill they had set up. The bride's mother was great fun. I have talked to her on the phone several times over the last year. This wedding was supposed to take place right about the time Ike was coming ashore, so it was postponed. The mom kept in touch with us, and even had her school kids (she's a teacher) collect pennies for us. It was good to finally meet her. The bride's Dad is a baseball umpire, so we had something in common there. Anyway, when we finally walked back across the seawall to the rehearsal, I found out that there was a videographer involved. Not usually a good sign. Sure enough, he was changing the coordinator's placements and telling the bride and groom where to stand. He even told me he would put a piece of tape down to show me where to put the front of my feet. Right. This is going to be an interesting wedding. Revelation 22:17 says, "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!' And let him who hears say, 'Come!' Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life." Father, be with these couples getting married tomorrow. Amen.

June 24 – “White”

I spent most of this morning coughing and working on the sermon.  I also talked to the groom of one of the two weddings I have Saturday.  He was pretty funny.  Any question I asked, he had no idea.  Finally he said he had just left everything to his fiancé and her mother.  I asked if he was following the "Yes, dear" plan of attack.  He readily agreed.   The painters came and put the prime coat on the garage.  They asked what color we wanted to paint it.  I actually knew the answer to a design question.  White.  They will be back tomorrow to finish that up.  He also told us that the doors were looking pretty good, and they should be done in the next day or two as well.  That meant we had to get the doorknobs keyed like we wanted.  We had a few other odds and ends to pick up along the hardware line.  So we ventured over to Village Hardware.  They had the chrome piece we needed to replace over the old drain stopper in the bathtub.  I asked about the doorknobs, and they said that they are made now so you can do it yourself.  He said there are directions in the package.  That's what I needed to hear.  Another project.  I'll wait until I'm feeling better to tackle that one.  Home Depot had the closet doorknob we needed to replace.  The one we had was defective.  One of the bolts wouldn't go all the way in.  We also found a rubber stopper for the bathtub.  A quick stop at a tile place was ineffective.  We're looking for a particular brand of grout sealer.  As usual, WalMart was our last stop.  We got some groceries and some household odds and ends that Chris had determined we needed.   We went a bit early to church tonight so I could do some more Seaside Christian Academy interim headmaster stuff.  We need God to send us someone to take on this position as a ministry.  There is a lot of work, and someone needs to own it as his or her own.  Teachers need to be lined up.  Previous students need to be contacted.  Enrollment information needs to be made available to the public.  The board needs to be trained and encouraged.  Pray.   The youth group met with the group from San Antonio that is staying at our building.  They had three kids who led worship after our youth pastor's teaching.  One was a very good guitar player.  They are working in High Island rebuilding a lady's house.  One of their smallest girls was helping run electrical wire in the attic today.  She heard a noise and looked down, where she saw a rat standing right by her ankle.  According to her story, she calmly lifted her leg and let him pass right on by.  She's earned some respect from more than just the rat population of the peninsula.   Joshua 1:7-9 says, "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."   Father, I want that kind of promise to apply to me.  Help me when I get terrified.  Amen.

June 23 – “Elbow”

Once again the day started with high hopes.  All the workers who were supposed to come today … didn't make it.  The only one who did was the Amish cabinet guy, and he didn't get here until after six.  He brought us our built-in silverware drawer that they forgot last time.  And he broke the handle installing it.  Glad it was him and not me.  But speaking of breaking things, I got on a roll of handy man stuff today.  Actually, I was beginning to cramp up from sitting at my desk working on sermons and administrating and phone calling.  And on top of all that, it looks like our main computer might have crashed.  It tries to start, but after a few minutes it decides to turn itself off.  Kel thinks it may be a power source problem.  That's fine, whatever that means.  We just want to know how to get the data on it.  We have a lot of pictures in particular.  Anybody got any ideas?   Chris and I hung the mirror in our bathroom and installed the toilet paper dispenser and towel rack.  It was a lot easier than what Nathan and I had to do yesterday.  We decided it was because we are so incredibly in sync.  I measured all the windows for hurricane wood.  Our insurance now requires that we cover them up or we're not covered.  I also made Chris a shelf with a pole on it for the laundry room.  She wanted something to hang up clothes when she takes them out of the dryer.  While doing that one I smashed my elbow against an extra piece of Amish wood.  It still hurts all the way down to my fingers.  That'll be sore for a few days.   Kel came over with the boys this evening.  He checked out the computer and made his conclusion about the power source.  The boys wanted to race.  And play baseball.  And race.  And race.  I was tired just watching.  Then they challenged me.  I couldn't do anything right, though.  When I won, I was supposed to let them win.  When I lost I was going too slow.  I even competed from my chair once.  That was no good, either.  I need a nap.   I still feel like I have the swine flu.  Ache all over (now add the elbow to that).  Scratchy throat.  Tired.  And I remembered that I have two weddings on Saturday.  That means two rehearsals on Friday.  Plus Seaside Christian Academy board meeting Thursday.  I don't have time to be sick, but I don't feel like being well. (??)   1 Corinthians 10:23-24 says, "'Everything is permissible'-but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'-but not everything is constructive. 24 Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others."   Father, show me what is good for my family and for your church.  Amen.

June 22 – “A hole in the wall”

We were excited today.  The fireplace lady was coming to install our Franklin stove.  She got here while Chris was at Omega Bay cleaning up some more.  Our contractor called to tell us he was on his way right after the fireplace lady told me they were going to have to go through our eaves and roof.  He wasn't at all happy with that idea.  He was determined not to put any more holes in the roof that would attract leaks.  Their compromise was that he now has to build a box off the side of the house for the stovepipe to hook on to.  He spent a long time after she left trying to figure out how best to make it pretty.  I laughed when she called him a perfectionist.  She should see him and Chris when they get together.  The other fireplace issue was how close they could place it to the wall.  Now we have to install some kind of fireboard behind it.  Otherwise it has to sit three feet away from every wall, which puts it out in the middle of the room.  After all was said and done, all we have to show for this exciting visit by the fireplace lady is a hole in the wall that they drilled to mark the center of where the stovepipe will go.    Much more action was promised for tomorrow, though.  The contractor's guys will come start on that box and take care of a few other odds and ends he saw.  We also got a call from the Amish cabinet guys.  Actually we got three calls from them.  They changed the day each time of when they wanted to come finish the last of their trim.  Finally they settled on tomorrow afternoon sometime.    Nathan and April and Cailyn came over this afternoon.  He wanted to help me get some things checked off my list.  We put up the screens.  Found out that the two biggest ones had holes right in the middle.  Looks like they fell onto something.  I don't know if there is anything that can be done about that since they have been in our garage and backyard for weeks now.  But the others look really nice.  Then we started on the bathrooms.  Mom's was first, as usual.  We hung the mirror without too much difficulty.  Then we got the toilet paper holder up.  We were on a roll, so we continued to the first towel holder.  And we couldn't get it level.  Even using a level.  Nathan said in cases like this his usual course of action is to blame April.  But she was in the other room.  We decided to blame her anyway, so we yelled out her name.  She and Chris both were there in a heartbeat, so we chewed her out for messing us up.  She took it good-naturedly enough, but then, I didn't have to go home with her.  We finished up that room and got the medicine chest hung in the master bath before time was called.  We had to go to The Original Mexican Restaurant for Christina's birthday party, and I for one needed a shower.   The party was fun.  About twenty people showed up, and she was only expecting four – her family.  Afterwards we went to their house for cake.  By that time I was sinking quickly.  The tylenol I took earlier was definitely wearing off.  I was very pleased not to have to drive off the island to go home.   2 Corinthians 4:8-10 says, "We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."   Father, thank you for the blessed hope that gets me through, well, stuff.  Amen.

June 21 – “Father’s Day”

What better way to follow up an evening with my only granddaughter than for it to be Father's Day?  Actually, I should say it was more like an all-nighter with Cailyn.  She cried for awhile right after Nathan and April left, but she finally settled down.  Then she was great.  Then it was bedtime.  For everyone but Cailyn.  She did not want to go to sleep.  Then when she did, she woke up every couple of hours.  Chris got up with her to try to let me get some sleep since today was Sunday.  I think they both dozed off for the last time that I remember around three or so.  She slept until eight this morning.  And we fully expected April to be here first thing.  But she wasn't.  We finally buckled Cailyn in and started for church … and met them at the end of the street, frantically hurrying to catch us before we left.  They said they were coming to church later, but they sure didn't want to let us take Cailyn with us.   We had baked potatoes after church for dinner on the grounds.  It was a fund raiser for youth camp.  I met a couple from Detroit who have recently moved to Galveston.  They offered to let us use their enclosed trailer any time we wanted to – like for camp.  All we have to do is buy some kind of gizmo that tells the trailer's brakes when the van's brakes are engaging.    This afternoon Kel's family and Nathan's family came over for Father's Day.  Nathan grilled hamburgers and Kel hooked up our DSL.  He says now I have to buy a router so I can take the laptop in the other room and work during the Astros games.  His family gave me something old and something new (I felt like a bride).  The "old" was a set of encyclopedias printed in 1931.  That's going to be interesting to peruse.  The "new" was a gift certificate to Amazon.com.  Cailyn gave me a huge card with her footprints and handprint on it.  I'll have to pry that out of Chris' hands.  They also gave me a book on the history of the World Series with pictures and stats from every game since it was invented.  Josh called tonight, too.  He was trying to get the smoky smell out of the used car he bought so Christi would get into it.   Mr. Ken did help me cut out that piece of wood for my desk.  We used a leftover piece from the Amish cabinet guys.  And not only did he cut it perfectly, he also figured out a way to trim the edges so it looks beautiful.  Did I mention he used to be a cabinet maker / carpenter?  He's good.   Meanwhile, I have felt lousy all day.  I have had a sore throat and ache all over.  I didn't tell anybody, though.  At least until a few minutes ago when I asked Chris if we had any Benadryl.  Wonder if it's swine flu?  Haven't heard about that on the news lately.  Bet I could cause quite a stir.  Right now all I want to do is sleep.  Or stay up all night emptying boxes.  Or hanging mirrors.  Or … no, I think I'll stick with sleep.  We have another church group staying in the building this week, so I'll have to go talk to them sometime tomorrow.  And we have another school board meeting Thursday, so I have to wade through some more files to get ready for that.  I really pray that God sends us someone to take the principal position.  Sooner rather than later.   Psalms 40:5 says, "Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done.  The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."   Father, among those "many" are my kids and grandkids.  Thank you so much for them.  Keep them in your hand.  Amen.

June 20 – “Mr. Ken”

Today started off in somewhat of a frenzy … again.  Chris left to take the girls to Bay City.  Their dad was to pick them up there.  Before they left I had to run to WalMart and get some prints made of the photos we took while they were here.  One of our traditions with them each year is to send them home with a book of pictures chronicling their adventures with Uncle Kelley and Aunt Chris.  It also gives them something to look at in the car.  Chris got them ready while I was gone, and they left right after I got back.  Then I had clean the church duty.  And what a duty is was this week.  The group that stayed this week didn't do so well at cleaning up after themselves.  Couple that with the usual Vacation Bible School mess, and we had a real situation.  I got there around eleven and finally left at almost three.  And I wasn't finished.  We'll just get there early in the morning.  In fact, if Mr. Ken hadn't arrived, I might still be trying to muscle down those stacks of pews by myself.    Mr. Ken is a good friend of ours who used to go to Seaside.  He moved to Alaska and then Austin.  We haven't seen him in awhile, so it was really good to catch up with him.  It was also fun to show him around our house.  He used to be a builder here in Galveston.  He's the one who put in the deck in our backyard.  He's also the one who called right after the storm and inquired – not as to our health or the condition of our home.  He asked, "How's my deck?"  That's Mr. Ken.    Right now we are babysitting Cailyn while Nathan and April go to a concert.  She cried when they first left, but then she settled down.  Every so often she must think about her Mommy, though.  She puckers up and lets fly.  Chris is great at entertaining her.  My favorite has been the sit in the sink and watch the water trick.  So far it's worked every time.  I got to feed her a bottle and hold her as she slept.  When she woke up she actually laughed out loud.  We took a picture of her smiling and sent it to her Mom.  Calm down, April.   Our new garage door was installed today.  He finished his job before I finished cleaning the church.  It look great.  I haven't played with the remotes yet.  But  will.  The fireplace lady is supposed to be here tomorrow.  That will change the whole look of the family room … again.   I think Mr. Ken has stopped snoring, so his nap must be over.  He and I are supposed to cut a piece of plywood for my desk.  I guess I'll go see if it's time.   Psalms 4:8 says, "I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."   Father, grant us the sleep of a child at peace in her grandfather's arms.  Amen.

June 19 – “Nothing left”

Vacation Bible School ended last night, so today should have been a relatively easy one.  Right.  My first assignment in our "new" house was to put together the bookshelf we got for $15 at the Office Depot scratch and dent sale.  It had all kinds of angle supports and fat head screws.  It also had some really pretty (for particle board) trim.  The instructions were also very confusing.  But I got it done.  Well, actually, we got it done.  Before I could finish Josh and Christi and their boys drove up to spend the day with us.  They were on their way back to Mansfield.  Josh had been in Port Arthur on a mission trip, and Christi and the boys had spent the week in Crosby with her family.  So Josh helped me finish up the shelf.  Then we attacked the doorknobs for all the interior doors.  We got all of them done except one.  One of the bolts that holds the two knobs together didn't go all the way in.  That's one we'll have to take back.  We also put in the door stops.  The only one that didn't work there was the front door, but it's a temporary door anyway.  We'll have to see what happens when we get the real door next week.  One of our contractor's guys came to hook up the garbage disposal electricity.  He also checked out one other thing.  When Chris started the dishwasher this morning the sink backed up.  It finally drained, but very slowly.  After making a valiant attempt to no avail, he called out the cavalry.  And who should show up but our old plumber from before Ike.  He wasn't available after the storm because he was working on his own house.  He took care of the problem and stayed for awhile to catch up on the news.  It was great to see him again.  Our contractor also told us that the garage door guy would be here today, but he never showed up.  Maybe tomorrow.   It was fun to have Josh and his family here, even if it was for just the day.  Caleb is laughing and interacting with everybody.  Zakary enjoyed playing with his cousin Micah.  When Nathan and April came over later in the afternoon we had all three sons and their wives, and all five grandkids together.  That's a mother's dream.  And Chris loved it.   With all that help we got everything moved out of the Omega Bay house.  There is nothing left there that belongs to the Vaughan's.  All that remains is the cleaning.  The house here is in major disarray, with boxes of books and bags of linens and toys and girls' clothes and boxes of other stuff.  We'll eventually get it all together.  But for now … we're home.   Galatians 6:7-10 says, "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature  will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 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 for my family.  Let them be happy.  Amen.

June 18 – “Tonight’s the Night”

After stopping at the house this morning to drop off some stuff, our plan was to head for Vacation Bible School.  We were in two cars so we could bring down more of the Omega Bay accumulation.  Chris and the girls followed me and we were going to leave the truck and all go in the Explorer to the church.  As I pulled into the driveway, our contractor called.  So much for our plans.  His calls always mean at least fifteen extra minutes.  And this one entailed more than that.  His guys had cleaned out the garage, and he told me to take whatever wood I wanted out of the pile on the street.  Of course Chris saw some that would be perfect for some shelves we might build.  I saw a few that might complete the wrap-around part of my desk area.  So I started pulling wood and carrying it to the back yard.  He said the guy would come later today or tomorrow to finish the garbage disposal.  The garage door guy might be here Saturday.  The fireplace lady will be here Monday to start that installation.  I'm kind of excited about that one.  I just want to see what it's going to look like to have it vented out the side of the house instead of the roof.  The three fiberglass doors and the mis-stained closet door are all at the painter's shop being made beautiful.    I had to call the Houston Chronicle.  They were supposed to start delivery Tuesday in Galveston, but no paper has showed up yet.  They promised it would be here tomorrow.  I also called the phone company.  They were supposed to be here yesterday and didn't show.  It took some "encouragement" on my part, but they promised to be here today.  They actually did come before we left VBS.  So once again we have a land line.  And to make matters even better, the hearing impaired phone arrived today.  Actually the phone isn't hearing impaired.  It's supposed to help people who can't hear. Me.  Mom.  And we do have a dial tone.  We also have the same number we did before Ike.  The cable company also came today.  I didn't know they had to install something in the attic.  I think maybe it was some kind of device so the government can spy on us.  It is great to have service for the great TV we were given.  We're still waiting for the remote to the blue-ray player they gave us.  Hope it comes soon so they kids can watch some cool movies.   Tonight's the night.  We still have some stuff at Omega Bay (including, by the way, our coffee.  That means I have to get up in the morning and get some coffee and coffee filters for our never before used coffee pot that Nathan and April gave us.).  But tonight we sleep in Galveston.  After just over nine months, we are finally home … sort of.  It feels weird.  Kind of like we're staying in some kind of hotel with everything new.  And we still have boxes everywhere and more stuff in two different places.  But for now, we are home.  I committed to write this journal every day until we got home.  Chris doesn't want me to quit yet, though.  She says we still have the entire outside to deal with.  We'll see. Psalms 37:8 says, "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret — it leads only to evil."   Father, thanks for our house.  Help us use it for you.  Amen.