Another Carta Valley Funeral

Another Carta Valley Funeral

I went to another Carta Valley funeral this weekend.

I was out of town for 14 hours.

And for 11 or those hours, I was driving.

I left at 5 AM, got to Del Rio just before 11, ate lunch with my parents, went to my cousin’s house to meet up with everyone, drove to the gravesite in Carta Valley that started at 2, was in the car driving home by 3, and got home around 8:30

Talk about a kick in the face.

I felt like a truck had hit me the next day.

But it was worth the drive.

See, my uncle died last week. My mom’s only brother.

My uncle was a sad man for a lot of years – I think he was mostly eaten up with regret.

But failure is better than regret. Every single time.

I am so glad that as Christians, we have hope beyond the grave.

And I hope you swing for the moon.

I love you.

-Dad

Who Taught You To Haka? Dad Did.

Who Taught You To Haka Dance? Dad Did.

K, I taught you to Haka dance.

I mean, I don’t know – let’s not make a big deal about it.

Mostly because mom thinks we are ridiculous.

But when H went to dance class last Monday and I stayed home with you to feed you dinner and get you ready for bed – you learned to Haka dance.

You smile when I hit my chest with my hands and then you do it back, grunting with me.

Just please don’t ask me to do it at a wedding.

Admittedly, we don’t do the tongue part of it though.

It seems unnecessary for some reason, but what do I know.

Your walk is still slightly unsteady, but you know how to Haka.

You are marvelous.

I love you.

-Dad

This Year's Christmas Musical Was Too Much

This Year’s Christmas Musical Was Too Much

Ok, so last weekend we went to the Christmas musical at church.

It was a big day.

We had to teach Sunday school in the 4-year-old class before we went to our own class. After church, we ate lunch with some friends. H, you and mom went to a baby shower that started at 2 PM. Then we all had to get back at church for the musical that started at 4. We ate dinner. And after that, it was time for bed.

Whew.

K we dropped you off in the nursery because you are still too young to make it (That is: Sit, quietly.) through the service.

But H, we took you in the sanctuary and managed to climb the stairs to the very back row just before the lights went down.

You loved it. The music, the lights, the clapping.

You loved it until about three-quarters the way through – when you fell asleep, laid out, across both mom’s lap and mine.

It was so sweet.

And H, your school Christmas musical is tonight.

We got a babysitter for K, because we will be back so late. I don’t think it starts until about 7.

Don’t worry K.

You will be a little bit older soon and ready to rumble everywhere we go. I can’t wait.

I love you.

-Dad