Tomorrow I go back to work to begin my contract for the 08-09 school year. At least I have been able to take some time off this week. It has been breezy, and we have enjoyed lower humidity. Last week started off warm, but things have cooled off considerably.
SPECIAL BOYS. Our boys are typical boys. They are full of energy and mischief. We have to work hard to stay a step ahead of them, and even then we sometimes want to pull our hair out. They keep us from getting cocky in our parenting skills for sure. And then they can turn around and say or do something that will just make your heart melt. Vicki kissed Nate on the cheek the other night as she was putting him to bed. As she pulled away he put his hand to his cheek and with pure love beaming out of his eyes said, “I’m going to hold this so it will last until morning.” Vicki promised to give him a fresh kiss when he got up.
Last week, while Jenna and I were gone to Kentucky, Vicki took the boys to Mrs. Judy for haircuts. I normally keep my hair pretty short. The gray doesn’t show up as badly that way and it cuts down on maintenance time (my hair hasn’t been long enough to brush or comb in years). Mrs. Judy was starting to give Ben his normal hair cut when he told her he wanted it to be really short--he wanted to be like his dad. When I got home he couldn’t wait to show me his short hair.
Last Sunday as we were leaving for church Nate grabbed a piece of paper on the way out the door. He handed it to me in the van so I could read his memory verse for Sunday school. This particular verse was a simplified version of Exodus 14:13, “See how God will help you today.” Nate recited the verse a few times to make sure he had it in his mind and then paused a moment before asking, “What if I don’t need any help today?”
Then there was today when Vicki needed Nate to try on some clothes. He was really starting to fuss about it so Vicki said, “If you keep fussing I’m going to make you take a nap.” Confronted with this new reality he quickly said, “I’ll do whatever you want me to do, Mommy.”
NEW KITTEN. We grilled hamburgers over at Pauline’s the other night. The kids finished eating and were playing in the yard when they came running back to the deck. They had heard a cat crying near the road. I went with them to investigate, and we found an abandoned kitten next to a tree growing in the ditch. Its face was scratched up. It can’t be much past weaning age. The kitten was really scared at first, but warmed up to everyone by the next day. It has long hair and is dark gray (almost black) with white fur around is nose, on its underside, and on its feet. We haven’t agreed on a name yet, though the kids want to call it Blake, but Jenna likes Lily.
We grilled out again a few nights later. After the meal Aunt Mar picked up the cat and it settled in her lap. Both looked like they were really enjoying themselves.
I guess we could have had a second pet if we wanted. We found a small snapping turtle in the yard. I did not suggest keeping it because I knew those turtles can have a mean disposition. We carried it to nearby pond and turned it loose.
A NEW RIDE! Well, it’s new to me. We were planning to trade this fall. Hitting the deer just started the shopping process earlier. After 13.5 years and 183,000 miles, it's time. We bought it Tuesday. I am now driving a 2006 Dodge Ram 1500. The previous owner bought it new and put 27,000 miles on it, trading it when a bright blue truck caught her eye. It has a four door crew cab -- EVERYONE FITS COMFORTABLY!!! Even Mom and Aunt Mar took a ride with me and the kids. It’s charcoal gray and is the short bed version. I’m sure I’ll have more reason to complain about gas prices now, but most of my driving is to Springfield and back (8 miles one way). When I drive on the job I get mileage.
I have not yet sold the S-10 as I am still patching the gas tank with J-B Weld. If anyone wants to buy a used truck just let me know.
When we came home with the new truck Vicki said to Jenna, “You know, Daddy bought his green truck in 1994. If he keeps this trend up you’ll be 24 before he trades again.” Then Pauline chipped in and said, “Jenna, you’d better get married before then or he won’t want to pay for your wedding!”
TRASH AND TREASURES. This weekend we had our annual community yard sale in Cross Plains. We all went up there early Friday morning and came home after lunch. The kids found a lot of toys for themselves, Vicki found few treasures, and I found a new gas leaf blower for $50.
A BEAUTIFUL WEDDING. Carrie Jernigan got married last night. Her husband’s name is Jacob Meyer. He hails from Bethel, Pennsylvania. They will live here for a while, but I think they have plans to return to Pennsylvania.
Carrie had planned an outdoor wedding and with the cooler than normal temperatures it was a very pleasant occasion. The 5 o’ clock ceremony was held in front of the gazebo where Scott and Amanda, Carrie’s parents, were married. The gazebo had been placed in the yard between Kenny and Lori’s house and Mr. James Earl and Mrs. Sue’s house. We moved to a large tent in Kenny and Lori’s backyard for the reception dinner and dance. It was a fun evening. We were 10:00 getting home.
SYMPATHY TO A NEIGHBOR. While we were at Carrie’s wedding Mr. Jimmie and Mrs. Susanne’s horses got out. One of the horses (Spurs) got hit by a car driving down the highway, breaking its leg severely. They put the horse down this morning. This has been a hard year for Mrs. Susanne. She recently lost her mother and an aunt.
Joe
