The Loaves and the Chili Dogs

We had a fantastic day at a waterpark near Kim and Ken's house. God paved the way and was with us the whole time. At one point, Sebastian needed a life vest, and there happened to be one, just his size, as though accidentally place, right by the entrance to the slide. In another moment, I saw an old man seated in the shade. He seemed like an angel to me. Later I saw him again and he greeted me with a big smile and a wave, as though we were old friends. 

But then there was the miracle of the loaves and fishes--I mean chili dogs. I was buying lunch for our group. It was so costly that I wasn't buying much. We would all share. Having placed my order, I waited with the others for my name to be called so I could retrieve my food. Well, the guy called "Mike." Again, he repeated, "Mike." No Mike answered. A third time the guy said, "Last call for Mike." I smiled and spoke gently: "If Mike doesn't come, we'll take the food. Just don't throw it out." The guy chuckled. But a minute later he whispered, "Are you serious? Cause if you are, you can have the food." I happily took the two huge platters of chili dogs and french fries, and then our own order. We had food to spare! the Lord provides, even in the most unlikely of circumstances!  

Heaven

 It is heaven getting to be with my niece, Jenna June! While the pandemic has kept us apart, absence makes the heart grow fonder. How I love this girl! She has me wrapped around her finger!

Ronnie Rombs Sr.

 This man is incredible. Here we are on my roof caulking up a tiny hole that has been a real nuisance. 

When my friend Emily saw him, standing there in his Wranglers, blue denim shirt and cowboy hat, she said, "It was just like seeing Ron." They are cut from the same cloth. 

Ronnie Sr. has his own vocabulary. He "mashes" buttons and brakes. He "slaps on" paint. Anything dry is "bone dry" and anything vast goes "as far as the eye can see." 

I was charged with two home repair projects and Ronnie Sr. said, "Can I come to Dallas to help?" Of course you may. Thank you! 

He was able to tackle two projects that our contractor just couldn't ever commit to. Ronnie Sr. got one of them finished in 48 hours. He did it all himself, without his own tools (which is saying something, since he can only identify two tools he does not own). Thank you, Dad!

He probably would not want me to tell you that he tears up. He tears up when he speaks about his grandchildren. He tears up when he talks about his loving wife, Jane. He tears up when he talks about God in his mercy and forgiveness. He tears up when he talks about anything having to do with true love, his own weaknesses, and his most sincere hopes. 

This man drove away in his pick up today (a very very large pick up truck) with a prayer kneeler in the back. We had one but it was broken. He asked if he could take it to repair and and then copy it. He says he makes them and gives them to all the priests he knows. He liked this one especially and would copy its design for future gifts. 

This man is a true saint. I am abundantly blessed to call him my dad. 

Our House

I came to Dallas with the commission to sell our house. Get it ready and the put it on the market. After all, the sellers' market is hot, and we are in Italy for a bit longer, who knows how long--it makes sense. 

But how can you sell this house? It is our HOME!

I have power washed it. 

I have worked on repairs. I even found a leak from the roof that roofers and contractors could not find. 

How do you like my spackle job?? I'll paint it tomorrow. 

But I love this house. It is where my children love to be. It is where we come together. Today I say, No. We are keeping this house!