16-11-28

We had Deck the Halls yesterday. Beth and Rodney left for Houston before we started, but they stopped by on their way out and visited with us for a little bit and Beverly and JA came over and got to see them for a few minutes. Beth called later in the evening to see how it went. She and Rodney got stuck in miles-long traffic jams, so got home about three hours later than they usually would have. I can't remember exactly where she was in Louisiana when she called but it wasn't nearly as far as she wanted to be. 

Beverly and Annette sat on the patio and visited. Beverly talking about Standing Rock. Morgan sitting on the swing, holding Jaden, which she did for most of the afternoon. 

Barry stayed in his rocking chair and watched a football game. Brandon sat in mine and they talked easily about the game, and bees. A little while later Zak joined them, sitting on the sofa. 

Andrew spent the afternoon in the front bedroom, rolling up the Saran wrap ball of presents The game is something he saw online and thought would be fun. He is especially looking forward to watching others play it. He's helped me find dice and the saran wrap --- it has been a fun thing for us to do together. 

JA had to work, but got home in time for supper and for birthday singing. 

John and Kim were in Huntsville, but lots of people asked where they were. 

Chris and his new girlfriend got here about 5:00. Afterwards, Tyler asked me what my first impression was. I asked him what he thought, how he felt around her. He said that she has a special freezer at Drew's that she doesn't let just anybody get into, but she lets him. 

Brittany was studying, Faith wasn't feeling well. Barry got the volleyball net up for me, and most of the younger kids played volleyball and ran around kind of like a Goodtimes. Willo and Vivian were sick, too. 

Angela asked where I wanted to put the Family Promise bags, and I told her the bed. She did that, but then came and asked if I'd like her to put them on a spot on the bedroom floor so that I wouldn't have to move them later on that night. 

Things have just shifted. There aren't as many little kids running noisily through the house, and all of the kids and older grandbabies not only can do more, but offer to do more. There's just a lot less stress and trying to get it all done for me. I showed them where the Family Promise things were, and they set up the process and got it all done. Beverly said, "Mom, it is really pretty great for you to do this." 

Tori and Josh had to leave for a little bit to go get Zoey from the vet. Annette told them she was proud of them for being prepared for the expense. 

Chelsea came with Jaden, and left him with us for a few minutes while she ran to the laundromat. She said she told Evan it felt weird to do that. I think it was the first time she left him anywhere.