This is the last column for the year. The next one will have to wait until 2013. There is a very early deadline, so I’m getting started the day after I finished the last one. That means news is a little short.

Top news is of course that Glen is home. We drove to San Antonio Tuesday and returned the same day. TSgt Null warned me that Glen might not really know us at first, but he would after a little bit. He was surprised that Glen ran up and kissed my face. I think this is one of the reasons he didn’t make the program cut. That little kissy face was nothing compared to the one I received on the front porch. He kept climbing up on my lap and nibbling on my ear and kissing my chin. He took the toy I bought and wanted to play tug with me. He just was glad to be home. Russ was right as usual. We have so many burrs and stickers in our yard that he can hardly get off the front porch. I’ll try to gather a few more tomorrow when I get home. He has to be able to walk around or he’ll get into trouble on the front porch. He hasn’t offered to eat my musical trees yet, but I’m sure boredom will drive him in that direction.

I managed to get most of my Christmas shopping done while I was in San Antonio. Russ patiently waited in the car while I traipsed around the stores. Yes, I did say stores with an s. I’m not done, but I’ll get the rest in Brownwood. I really do love Christmas and the act of giving. I know many people are lacking “things”, but we live in a great country with wonderful giving people. Can you believe that over 2000 Christmas boxes were sent to Abilene from this county? Our boxes this year are being sent to the Philippines and Mexico I believe. I just think it is amazing for so many boxes to be sent from here. My class is gathering candy to stuff into toilet paper rolls for the younger kids. They will deliver them on Friday. Right now we’re busy learning Silent Night in three languages and making sure we still know our last song.

Wouldn’t you know a big freeze would hit and me without a doghouse or warm place to keep Glen. I tried to get some hay today, but I didn’t have time to go to San Saba. I can tell you that today was one wild day at school. We had a pajama read in until noon and then we had Christmas parties. We don’t have holiday parties because these kids are too young for New Years and no one celebrates any other holiday but Christmas at this time. The kids had a blast with the Chinese gift giving. I think we did it wrong, but we had fun anyway. Mrs. Ashworth’s class played Headband. She says it is a great game and intends to spend time playing it tomorrow. She said it really encouraged kids to think out of the box. I may watch and see how it is done.

Friday is the last day and an early release day for the kids. The awards program will begin around 10:00 I believe. I expect all the kids will be tired from the big celebration event at school on Thursday. Hopefully things will go smoothly. Fourth and Fifth is singing Silent Night in three languages and There’s a New Kid in Town. I don‘t know how French or Spanish we sound, but we are enthusiastic.

Friday is the Mayan calendar date. Many will expect the world to end, but they are doomed only for disappointment. The Bible states clearly that only God knows the time. Not even Jesus was given that information. If the only begotten son of God doesn’t know, surely some ancient civilization can’t know either. I expect to finish the day out at home adapting to Glen and finding him a warm place to sleep.

I hope everyone has a great week and a wonderful Christmas. Even as I write that I know that isn’t possible. There are many facing a first Christmas without a loved one. Thousands of military families are separated during the holidays. Some families are facing a bleak Christmas due to money problems. Yet for all that, Christmas strikes a beautiful harmonic chord in the hearts of all Christians. Please pray for our lonely, our sick, and our community. I pray God will continue to bless our great country.

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone. May peace and love abide in your home.