The top news story in town today was the
arrival of my new cousin, since most of our friends and neighbors didn’t find
out about it until this morning. Aunt
Grace and Uncle Mark took Caleb home this afternoon – not long after Grandpa
Duncan and Grandma Mercy arrived. They’re
staying through until Sunday; but may spend part of that time with Uncle Adam
and Aunt Leanne if Aunt Grace and Uncle Mark don’t need the overnight help with
Caleb. They’re just going to wing that.
Meals, on the other hand, are being planned
out – as are the visits for family and friends.
I was not on the visitors list today, since I did get to see Caleb last
night; but I did help out with some kid control while Mom was busy delivering
her contribution for dinner at the Everett’s house. Olde Bakery treats were dropped off too – as were
flowers, fruit baskets, and other gifts.
I don’t write about stuff like that in my journal very much, and didn’t
even mention it last week for Aunt Deborah and Uncle Nick; but our neighbors
and friends take care of each other at times like this – or during tougher
moments in life. Aunt Grace won’t need
quite as much help as Mom did with twins; but she will have all the help she
needs with Caleb for as long as she needs it.
That just gave me an idea for one of the
things we’re working on for the local future plans. I’ll run that past Mom – and Aunt Grace – in the
New Year and see what they think about it.
There are going to be a lot of young people working at the lab and med
center; and we can help them, our business, and the owners of KidZone all in
one neat little deal. I’ll keep you
posted if that works out.
Anyway, getting on with my own update, Tai
Chi was indoors this morning; Michael stayed for breakfast; and then we split
up to get ready for school. With Uncle
Mark off for a few days, Uncle Adam wasn’t working at the lab; but Mom needed
to be there while Aunt Grace and Uncle Adam were both busy – though she was
only there until early afternoon. That
did give Ethan and Ehlana a chance to play there too, though; so they were
happy campers.
Michael and I are definitely getting into
the Christmas spirit at school this week; and we had two music practices
today. We’re doing the group music for
each of the K-to-6 grades; and the younger kids are especially entertaining as
they struggle to learn ‘their’ song, medley, or musical skit. We also had our duet choice enthusiastically
approved today too; so all that’s left for that is the practice time with Rowen
and Tim. We actually had some classes
and school work today too; but there wasn’t anything particularly newsworthy
going on there – and we didn’t even get a lot of homework tonight.
Rebecca and the rest of the girls’ basketball
team had an away game today, so they got to leave early for that after-school
game; but Michael, Rowen, Tim, and I are all back to our normal mid-week work
night routine now. I would have needed
to be home anyway, since I was watching Ethan and Ehlana after school too; but
that wasn’t exactly a problem. They
stayed in the office and worked on college assignments – including getting
ready for their final exams. They’ll be
writing them before the Christmas break.
Compared to that, my Grade Nine homework was trivial, but then that
also, literally, took seconds to get done because we used more than a little
Magi power to help with getting more work done – including some time-phasing.
Mom and Dad got in on that too after
dinner; and we all had our work done by nine o’clock. Not everyone was ready for bed by then, but I
was tired out, so I had a quick shower; got ready for bed; and I’m now warm and
comfortable while snuggling with Mandy and wrapping up my day with my usual
bedtime computer checks and this update.
I guess the only news I have from those checks is that Rebecca and her
team won their game. Carolyn has high
hopes for every sport she plays, but in this case; a healthy dose of reality is
required when it comes to our school and basketball. To be blunt, we’re collectively too short
compared to the girls – or guys – at other schools in even the small-school
divisions. We do have some tall guys,
but they’re also almost all built for football or farm work – not court
sports. Yes, we’ll get some wins now and
then; but I don’t think we’re at any imminent risk of winning basketball
championships here.
If, in the future when you read this, you’re
thinking that those comments are pessimistic; they’re not. I am being realistic, though. Carolyn is an amazing athlete, but she isn’t
a miracle worker; and can’t make her team mates taller.
Anyway, moving this along; I’m ready for
the extra down time tonight – especially since we’re going to have a very busy
weekend with the parade on Friday night; the Christmas shopping trip on
Saturday; and the Christmas tree farm adventure on Sunday afternoon. Add in game night tomorrow night before I can
get started on my studies and work; and I don’t expect to get much more than a
nap in each night between now and next Wednesday.
My Christmas song video choice for tonight
is on my holiday play list every year since I started making one; and you
probably don’t need to take a second guess about why I especially love the song
now – or why it’s one of our favorites to sing together. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Until next time...
...May the Magi Force be with you!
