Trees, Chains, and Line dancing

My parents came to Chicago for part of Thanksgiving weekend and we went downtown (with about a million other people) to see all the Christmas decorations (you're welcome, Dad). I have to admit, the giant Christmas tree is actually pretty impressive. http://chicago.about.com/od/attractionsentertainment/a/111505_tree.htm tells me that: "Chicago's massive 85 foot tall holiday tree is comprised of more than 100 smaller Balsam Fir trees illuminated with more than 4,000 twinkling red, gold, white and green lights and 130 glowing ornaments."

I think the most amusing part was we saw a couple city workers chaining baby Jesus to the manager. I suppose someone tried to take him - and, honestly, I didn't know whether to laugh or be bewildered. Who does that?? But, I guess he did come to "set us free"....


I don't have a picture of it (BELIEVE me, I wish I did) - but I also had a fun time teaching Mom a couple line dances in her living room. It very well could have been my favorite part of the weekend - watching her try to figure out the "Sleazy Slide" and the "Watermelon Crawl". She's my hero. :)

the back door

I was talking to my grandma (who is precious, sweet, and lovable) on the phone the other day and she was telling me about some turtles that live near the railroad tracks behind her house. About once a year, the railroad comes through and grades along the railroad tracks, covering the turtle's holes. So, Grams-to-the-rescue, goes out and unburies the entrances so the turtles can get out. A modern day hero, I tell you. Well, I guess this year when Grams went out to dig, she couldn't find the holes. She was so worried that the turtles had been trapped and suffocated. She asked me, "Turtles dig back doors, right? So they can out in case something happens?"


All too often I spend a lot of time looking out for myself - making sure I have a "back door" in case something happens. It seems to me that this is one more way of saying "God, I can take care of myself, I've got my back." It's a good thing God knows better than I do and I'll consider experiencing both my "doors" being covered as building character.

And - Grams, yes, I'm sure turtles dig back doors.