This past weekend, my husband and I were blessed to have the house to ourselves... well, almost. Three of our boys went to a Royal Ranger Pow Wow and our daughter spent the night with a friend. That left us with just our two smallest boys. For us, it was like not having any children at all. The house was so quiet - eerie almost once you're used the bustle of six children!
Pete and I took our little boys to dinner at Longhorn Steakhouse. We had a wonderful meal, part of which was paid for with a gift certificate someone had given Pete. This is a side note, but worth explaining - Since he is a Sergeant, he often gives his patrol officers steak house certificates to say "well done". Hey, that's kinda "punny". Well done- steaks are well done. That's a laugh!
In a strange turn of events, one of his officers blessed him in return with a steak house certificate to show his appreciation. We thought it was more than a kind gesture and were very surprised that his crew would be so thoughtful. I guess there's a lesson there that you actually do reap what you sow!
After dinner we took Zeke to the newly opened Bass Pro Shop near the steak house. He loved it. It was different than what we were used to in Springfield, but nonetheless it was very cool. To have a Bass Pro here in town is even better.
Zeke's favorite parts were the fishing poles (yeah- Grandpa Gadfield will love that), the aquarium, and the indoor waterfall that had a good sized pond and live ducks milling about. It was a fun evening. Zeke wanted to check out the boats, but it was near closing time and they were already covered up for the night. We'll have to take him back sometime so he can get on the boats. He'll love that.
After a quiet, relaxing evening... I was shot full of adrenalin when I flipped on the news and heard that we were expecting more severe weather. I thought about my boys down at the camp grounds and said a quick prayer for them. Luckily, there is a cabin owned by one of our commanders that they are able to seek shelter at if things get bad. They have weather radios, cell phones, and all kinds of things to keep them informed about weather, etc. Off to bed I went.
Early the next morning, the house seemed too still. I went out to the kitchen to make my morning pot of coffee when I heard "talking". At first my mind told me that the boys had left their TV's on again all night (the boys that sleep in the basement bedrooms), but I remembered that they weren't home! What is that noise? I went over to the coffee pot and I heard it again, only louder this time.
I was convinced I heard a little kid talking. What in the world? Now I pinpointed the sound. It appeared to be coming from the back yard- maybe even the screened in porch. Was I imagining it? Then I heard it again... this time the voice and then a burst of laughter. I had to find out. I opened up the blinds on our sliding glass door that goes to the screened in porch. Whew, no one was there! Then I heard the voice again. I slid the glass doors open and popped out my head. I was startled by:
Hee Hee Hee Hee"
It was Zeke's talking grill that was out on the porch!
So, I would like to publicly thank everyone, especially Grandma Weiss, who loves to give our kids talking toys. Now I have another reason to "appreciate" them!
Today we're blessed to have company; my friend Michelle's two delightful children. We are having fun over here- so today there aren't any worries that my house is too quiet today! By the way, we got the board finished in case Michelle is reading this!
Finally today, I would like to express our deepest sympathy and heart felt prayers for former pastors (retired) and friends of ours who lost their grown daughter yesterday in a tragic accident. She leaves behind a husband (also a pastor), children, and ministries of her own. She will be missed. We are also praying for her mother because she is too ill (not expected to live) and won't be able to get to South Carolina to attend the funeral services. Please pray for this family.
