We have a lot to be thankful for as 2014 begins. Foremost in our own minds is that Elizabeth (our oldest daughter) is out of the hospital in Germany, and healing after a root canal gone bad.
Monday happened to be a day all of us (me, Tom, Peter, Kate, Mary and Meghan) could be together in Houston. So we visited a friend's home, helped with a few small home improvement projects, then on the way home stopped at Babbins for delicious food, great wine and fun conversations.
Afterward we went to the theater and watched "The Hobbit: the Desolation of Smaug"
We all enjoyed the exciting action, and incredible sets. Though perhaps the purists object to the artistic license taken, I thought it added a lot to the background that otherwise would have been missing.
Last night consisted of small snacks, some football, a movie (Monsters University) and toasting with champagne at midnight while our neighbors were outside setting off a lot of fireworks! Today we celebrated the New Year with Mass at CTR in honor of "Mary Mother of God." It likely is the last Mass we get to enjoy for 6 months! We will definitely miss our Houston faith family!!!
Both the University of Arizona and the Aggies won their respective Bowl games. Tom has enjoyed being able to watch college football with Peter, as well as a few pro teams playing since he's been home. Sunday before Christmas Tom, his dad Ray and Peter went to watch the Texans get trounced by Denver!
Two days and we might be on a plane back to Zambia. Not certain whether we actually will get to leave that day, but we'll keep you all posted! Our schedules never seem to completely align with reality. Mainly we just don't want to get stuck overnighting along the route, getting our baggage lost, or having to sit on a plane on the tarmac waiting for repairs!!! But, we'll see. Whatever happens it most certainly will add to our store of stories.
