This is going to be one quick column. Granny has a house full of grandkids. I’m not sure who’s happier, me or the kids. What a joy it is to know your grandkids like to come and visit you. All three are going to go to school with me tomorrow. Kaitlynn says the kids here are ever so much nicer than most of the kids in her school. I take that as an A for our wonderful students.

Monday and Tuesday are going to be crazy days anyway. We have UIL practice and only a half a day on Tuesday. My daughter-in-law Heather says it is really sad when your kids want to go to Granny’s so that they can go to school on their day off! Kaitlynn loves Bralei because she looked after her last year. I think she is going to enjoy Jordan and Alexis every bit as much.

Play practice is going extremely well. Patsy Hall is looking for some seamstresses to sew up some angel costumes. It seems we have an abundance of angels who want to take part in the play. If you would like to sew a few please give Patsy a call at the school. We only have a few weeks of practice before the actual performance.

Monday is kid’s night at the church. The church van will pick up any and all students who would like to attend this fun time. Tutoring sessions are also being held for the high school in the evenings. Several community members have offered their services to help the kids get some extra practice.

I was looking at the ceiling this morning and it seems some of the kids have things, other than writing, to do with their pencils. I guess we’ll be replacing some acoustical tile. I hope they get over that particular habit in a hurry.

Tuesday we have the read in at school. The elementary will come in their favorite pajamas, bring their blankets, and read all morning. It’s a fun, but productive way to spend a half day.

The Bible study and quilting did not meet on Wednesday, but will resume next week. The ladies will also be having a get-together at Sherry’s house, I believe, the second Wednesday in December. It’s a snack and gift night that we love to hold each year. Thank you Sherry for offering to be our hostess this year. As usual, I am behind in my quilting!

I hope everyone drives safely this holiday weekend. We’ll be back before the rush I hope. All my kids will be in to make sure they spend some time with Scott, Heather and the kids. My sweet family will leave for Germany right after the New Year. Sad times for Granny! I guess I should be able to get another all grandkid picture! Jacob and Darby are bringing great-grandbaby Lucas. My sister and brother-in-law Dave will be down at Christmas to see Scott off. I think they are bringing buckets with them and mud boots just in case the water gets too deep.

The Burkharts as well as the football team won’t have much of a Thanksgiving. Last I heard, no one was complaining. No dinner means more play-off. This time we are headed to Early to play Strawn. This is touted to be a much more difficult game. I hope everyone gets out to support our blue and white. Go Coyotes!

We’ve had a rough few weeks in the community. I noticed several more community members in the obituary column. Our sick list is long but our God is a big God. We had a very sad funeral on Tuesday. It’s always difficult when a child goes home to be with the Lord. Our hearts and prayers go out to all family members involved.

The majority of our citizens enjoy freedoms that so few other countries can even dream about. We have a beautiful country, plenty of food for almost everybody and luxuries that even some of the richer folks in some countries can afford. God has truly blessed America.

Please hold our precious troops and their families in your prayers. This is a trying time for them. Have a blessed week. We live in a great country and have so much for which to thank God.