Grandmama

We spent the afternoon with my "95 and a half" year old grandmama today. (The kids think the "and a half" part is very important!) My three brothers and their families were there as well as our mom. Grandmama didn't say a whole lot while we were there but she sure was enjoying it. When it was close to time for us to leave, she spoke up and said, "I want a picture with all of y'all!" So we sat her on the couch and gathered around her for a family photo. Sadly, Daddy wasn't there to be with his mama for such a special photo. But we were happy to have Grandmama with us for this Christmas time photo.

We couldn't get all the great-grandkids to look at the camera at the same time. (Imagine that!:) But we still got them in the photo with Grandmama.

I'm not sure if my aunt and uncle have recovered yet from being invaded by all 19 of us but they sure were gracious hosts. The toys were ready for the little ones and the chairs were ready for the adults to sit around visiting while the kids played. This was in the midst of their hurricane repairs being done. We are thankful that Uncle Charles' test results came back with good news. His cancer is in remission!

On a side note, our drive to see Grandmama took us through Bridge City which was almost completely flooded during Hurricane Ike. The photos do not really show the damage and loss the people of that town have experienced. We are being reminded of that loss time and again while we are here.

Yesterday at church, all the children were given a stocking made and donated by a homeschool 4-H club in Beaumont. It was full of goodies for the kids. Each stocking also had a gift card in it from a local store. A boy in Abilene had all his friends bring a gift card instead of a gift to his birthday party. Those gift cards were sent to my mom's church for the children there. When you consider that about 80% of her church family lost everything in the hurricane, it makes you appreciate what you already have instead of wanting more, more, more. We spent some time talking with our children about why the stockings were given to all the children at church. Since we actually went through Hurricane Ike, they understand more than if it was just a story for them. When you think of the hurricane, pray for the families of LaBelle Baptist Church. They have a long road ahead of them in rebuilding their homes and their lives.