December 10, 2009,  Nashville, TN., 8:09 a.m., C.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Wayne here.  Hope this finds you well.  I am off work for the next few days; believe me, I can use it!  Had to assist in at least a dozen surgeries the last four days; am beyond exhausted!!

Healthwise, my spina bifida is behaving itself (for the most part), no unforseen problems, thank the Lord!  This is the best I've felt in years; hope it continues!

Sarah and the kids are doing well:  the little ones are excited because they know that St. Nick will be paying 'em a visit in a few weeks.  They are trying their best to behave. 

Now why can't they do that during the rest of the year??

I keep telling them that the focus of Christmas should be on Christ, not the presents.  Easier said than done.  The kids see the advertisements on television for all the "neat toys", and they're like, "I want this!"  "I want that!"  *groan*  LOL

We have our tree all decorated with magenta, pink, and white twinkling lights and light blue, green, and pink decorations; it's really stunning.  The presents are currently in our master bedroom, under lock and key; the kids are not to enter our room without our permission; anyone caught snooping will be grounded until the New Year.  LOL

Seems that Rheese, Promise, and Mwugu are the worst at that.  LOL

Sunday is our Cantata at our church.  We also have it again the following Sunday.  We know our songs/roles like the back of our hand.  I do believe we're ready; I just pray we reach people's hearts with the message we are trying to convey throughout the presentation.

Last Sunday was the children's Christmas production.  It was marvelous; many proud parents and grandparents (as well as uncles and aunts) were in attendance.  It touched me; I cried like a baby!  LOL  Poor Sarah was embarrassed because I sat beside her, just a bawlin' my fool eyes out!  LOL

The choirs (as well as the soloists) sound marvelous.  I just wish I had that talent.  I sing more like a croaking bullfrog:  I guess that's why Sarah and some of the kids are in the choir instead of me!  LOL

If the "Gong Show" was still on the air, I'd certainly be one of those who would get gonged!  LOLOLOLOL

That was probably one of my favorite shows when I was a little kid.  Some of the acts were so bad they were funny!  LOL

Guess there's a taste of it in "America's Got Talent" because the bad acts get buzzed instead of gonged.  Same premise.  LOL

I finally heard from my sister, Audrey.  She is doing well, as is her family, which is a relief, because I hadn't heard from them in several months.  I was starting to get rather worried.  She's put me and my family through hell; I know she has her problems, but dang, I sure miss her when I don't hear from her!  All I can do is pray for them.  I got a Christmas card from them last week.

Tonight is our last choir practice before the dress rehearsal (that's on Saturday, in the morning).  Tomorrow night is our staff Christmas party at the hospital; children are welcome, so the children will probably be hopped up on all that excess sugar!  LOL

I just got up at eight; still trying to wake up.  *Yawn*  It feels good to sleep in.  I usually am up before the crack of dawn; have to be at work at five most days.  Which means I get up at three/three thirty.  *Sigh*  Oh, well, I should be grateful I still have a job; many people don't in this shoddy economy. 

Only thing is, my job's the type that never closes.  People get sick on the holidays and on weekends, so like it or not, if I am scheduled to work on weekends or on holidays, I do.  (Although this year, I am off on Christmas; I worked Thanksgiving.)

Well, gotta run.  Wife is up, and so are the kids:  I hear breakfast sounds coming from the kitchen, plus I smell bacon and eggs.  Mmmmm!  Take care and may God bless you; most of all, Merry Christmas from my house to yours!  Never forget the real reason behind the season:  the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

~Wayne.  :)