December 30 – “Never ‘Just Fred’”

A little wit from the tiny set this morning.  Luke has determined all-new designations for our three dogs.  Heidi, our dachshund, has become, quite simply, Old Dog.  Certainly appropriate.  She moves slowly, has gray hair, and can’t hear very well (Wait a minute.  That could just as easily be a description of someone else … me).  On the other hand, Fritz, the Boston terrier/something else mix, has become Big Dog, because he is, well, the big dog of the three.  I know that is a relative term, but Luke is three years old and could be referred to as short in some circles.  To him, Fritz is … Big.  And finally there comes his obvious favorite.  The only dog with which he has a personal relationship.  The dog who lets him carry her around.  The dog who is just the right size for a young whippersnapper like Luke.  The dog who has been honored.  How?  For Christmas he  received a stuffed doggie.  It was brown and small, a reasonable facsimile.  And to honor his Galveston buddy, he gave it the same name.  And speaking of names, this would be the only one of the three that he actually calls by name.  And not by her actual given name on file with the vet.  No, that would be simply, Fred.  But to Luke she is never “just Fred.”  To this young man she is and no doubt always will be … Friederecke. 

And speaking of Freddy, she has found a new purpose in life.  We have had two newborns over here, being passed from person to person for snuggle time.  Ezra has come along just fine and although he is a month younger, he is obviously the “Big Guy” of the two.  AnnaGrace on the other hand is the essence of petite cuteness.  She has regaled us with smiles and her love for being held.  Yesterday we had sugar muffins for breakfast (I didn’t know they were called sugar muffins.  Luke informed me of that).  Perfect DadDad nickname for AnnaGrace … Sugar Muffin.  Not sure I can remember it long enough to make it stick, but I’ll try.  So two bundles of perfection.  Cute overload.  And for Freddy, every ounce of her tiny body has been overwhelmed by maternal instinct.  She wants to be right by the side of whoever is holding one of the young’uns.  And heaven forbid if one of them should whimper.  She can barely contain herself.  Guess she’s not a bad “extra big sister” to have around.

Oh, and one more fun anecdote.  I was out in the front yard with Luke.  He wanted to ride the bike and the big wheels toys we have.  He’s really good on the regular two-wheeler with training wheels that is his size, by the way.  But this time he was on one of the big wheels toys, the ones he calls motorcycles.  We got him maneuvered through the grass until he was situated on the sidewalk with nothing but a clear path in front of him.  He crouched low in the seat.  He leaned forward.  He gripped the handlebars a little tighter.  His feet were on the pedals, ready to explode into action.  I wondered what he was waiting for, but I didn’t dare intrude into his moment.  Finally I heard the noise emanating from his lips.  Beep … Beep … Beep … BEEEEEEP.  Ah, the intrusion, well, at least the influence, of video games.  Thank you Mario Cart. 

Philippians 1:27 says, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Father, thank you for unique fun moments with each of our grandchildren.  Amen.