Responsible Father

Hi, I actually wrote a full post about this historic day in our relationship, but Debbie said “Here, let me write it.”

I’m glad she did.

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This year, December 3rd is on Friday, as it was in 1993. December 3rd is a day I always commemorate because December 3, 1993 was a life-changing day for me.

Scott and I had been friends for a long time; we had even dated for a year or so during the five years we had known each other.  But now I was quasi-dating a different guy from Bethel Seminary who was planning on coming to my Minnesota Chorale concert the next weekend.  So Scott and I were “just friends,” but planning on attending the Bethel College Festival of Christmas together.

I had been dreading that Friday morning, however, because I was to finally give the long-feared sermon for the preaching class that I had put off for as long as possible during my years at Bethel Seminary.  As I walked down the stairs that morning to leave my home, I remember being really nervous and thinking, “I want to talk to Scott,” then gasped as I wondered why I wanted to talk to Scott, rather than my “boyfriend.”  That was weird; oh well.

I was giddy with relief when my sermon was finally over, and that afternoon was like the day before Christmas break as I looked forward to meeting Scott for supper before the Festival of Christmas.  I would tell him all about my “preaching” because he found everything I talked about interesting.

Scott and I had a very enjoyable supper, then headed on over to Bethel College where we ran into Scott’s aunt and uncle who eyed us curiously while talking with us politely.  “Oh, no,” I thought, “now they’re going to think we’re dating again!”  On to our seats, where we listened to heavenly music from Handel’s Messiah.

Suddenly, during the “Hallelujah Chorus,” I looked at Scott out of the corner of my eye, saw him enjoying the music as much as me, and thought, “Why didn’t I want to marry Scott?  Hmm.  Right now I can’t think of anyone I’d rather spend the rest of my life with.”  (And I had dated more than a few guys.)  And then, “Oh my goodness!  Did I just think what I think I thought?  Now what should I do?  Should I TELL him?  I’ve broken up with him TWICE already; if I’m wrong, I can’t break up with him a THIRD  time–after telling him I’ll marry him!!!

To be continued . . .

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For the record, I still think what she talks about is interesting – Scott

When buying presents, try to keep away from toys that will be mostly worthless if one piece is missing.

This includes (but is not limited to):

K’nex Rollercoasters

But does not include Legos

or Bionicles (which I recommend).

Update:  Welcome Challies People!  Care to subscribe? You know how.

As I’ve noted before, I like to keep track of things. Several years ago I started logging all of our family’s gas purchases. I’m pretty sure I’m the first person to ever think of doing that. In the history of the world.

In any case, I thought you might be interested in seeing the cost per gallon for a typical family living. We live in the Northern Suburbs of the Twin Cities of Minnesota. This for the past five years (starting Nov 2005).

And if you want to see the Excel File Behind The Data . . .

So . . . do you remember those beautiful days in the fall of 2008?

Again, since I just put up my Piper quotes it seems like a good time to post some from his grandson.

Orison is almost 6. Used By Permission.

Everything I Ever Needed To Know I Learned From A Boy Named Orison

• Dad, you’ll carry the Christmas tree. Mommy, you’ll carry the Advent calendar. And I’ll carry the boxes. Ready… set… go!
• The Cymbal means that fellowship is about to start.
• I miss you [Mom]. I hope you’re having a good time. Dad! Why did you laugh about it? I’m serious.
• Why is the night sad? Cause’ we gotta go to bed.
• We wish you a merry Christmas and all that you have.
• Do you want to come color in my dinosaur coloring book and think about when they died?
• Daddy, when I’m asleep and you check on me before you go to bed, will you please say, “I’m here.”
• [My ponytail] keeps the hair outa my face. You gonna put it on twitter?
• I’m so high I can’t tell.
• “Private Predges” (Pride and Prejudice) was way before cars. Why did they ride horses all the time? And why didn’t they say giddyup? They just said “Drive on.”
• I really want some crackers. I really want some crackers. Now my story is all told.
• I meant like pillaging a town. He fell on his pillaging a town.*
• He was standing in the tub. I didn’t [hit him]. I helped him sit down.
• Did you know that cold milk and cold milk makes cold milk colder?
• Speed skating is easy, as long as it doesn’t get me in pain.
• Hi Jayhawks, I’m hoping to come to one of your shows.
• I do like Billy Bragg more than Jayhawks. . .Oh. . . I mean I like it as much as Jayhawks.
• God makes people. Satan makes trouble.
• When I’m 65 and I still live with you. . .
• Love between a woman and a man is a nature good thing

And one final oddly poignant Orison quote:

Here. I have 2 hands. One is for Mama and one is for Felicity, cuz mama’s not here and Felicity’s dead.

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* Bonus points if you know what his original word was.

Here are two more, in case you’re interested:

Orison Quotes 1

Orison Quotes 2