December 21, 2008. Harper, Texas. A Cold Day.

This morning we awoke to freezing temperature, which for San Antonio is unusual. The little girls, when heading out for church were admonished by their Mother to wear a coat, but of course, their garments are not even close to keeping them warm. And of course, no one wears socks or tights, so the bulk of the time they feel cold. I did too. Fortunately, the church was full, so the building did warm up. Now we are at the ranch, having come here late this afternoon. The temperature here will be in the twenties tonight, so tomorrow we must bundle up. A hot tub would be very nice tonight. All looks well at the ranch, although there has been very little rain so no winter grass at all. Hay is being brought in for the cattle. Most importantly though, the heat is working in both houses, and the small heaters Ken set up in the pump houses are working., which is a great blessing. Last year the pump house for the Top House froze and it was several days pumping water out on the ground before anyone was aware of the burst pipe. Not this year.

The Sunday before Christmas, the Sunday School puts on The Christmas Pageant during the morning service. Every child is included. Sarah was Mary, Abigail one of the Three Wise Women and Men, Samantha a cow and Allison a mouse. The Christmas Story was read by an adult, with appropriate lines spoken by the main characters, then all the eleven verses of all the creatures who honor Jesus was sung by the congregation, as the various animals come up to the alter from the back of the church. It is a lovely programme, and as it is in lieu of the sermon, enjoyed by children and adults. On the way home, Sarah told us that the same pageant is given every year, with different children playing different parts, up to the fifth grade. When you reach sixth grade you are no longer able to be in the play. The whole thing was very sweet, with all the children in costume. One little blond girl spent the whole time playing with her halo. Of course, she was an important angel, standing right beside Mary the whole time. She was clearly not thinking about the Christmas story. The first thing that happened was the halo slipped down over her face, and she noted the fluff attached to the ring of the halo. She discovered if she blew on the fluff, a small amount would fly through the air, where she would quickly grab. Now she was in the third grade, and all the other third graders did their part well, but she was just too interested in that darn fluff. At one point Sarah, who is in the fifth grade, spoke to her, and for a while she attended to her angel role. But it was just so darn boring, standing there playing angel, so soon she started to amuses herself again to see if more fluff could be blown away. It was a large production and was enjoyed by all, especially the proud parents and grandparents. I wonder what that little angel will hear from her Mother? Will she hear words complementing her or will the Mother tell her to stay quietly next time. We will never know. Certainly all four children did themselves proud!!