Samson

Samson, or as we often called him, "Fluffy" died yesterday evening, December 13, 2014.  He was 13 years old.  We were gone most of that day.  When we came home later that evening we found him dead.  Our vet said it was likely a massive heart attack.
We brought Samson into our household about a year before the girls were born.  Samson was the only cat we ever purchased.  He was a flame-point Himalayan / Persian.  When we got him, he was a tiny puff of white fur.  He ended up being a large, heavy cat with a large personality.  He liked to lounge about most of the day.  He talked a lot as well - letting you know when he was ready for attention, when the water bowl was empty, and that it was time to bring out the food.  If he had a flaw, it was his grooming habits.  His long, luxurious fur was more of a liability to him.  It frequently matted - getting so bad that we would have to have him shaved to start all over again.  Afterward, he looked like a lamb that just had its wool shorn.
He lived in four homes: Jackson, TN, St. Louis, MO, Cape Giradeau, MO (vicarage year) and Friendswood, TX.  Like Truman, the Samson has always been a fixture in our girls' lives.  His sudden death was a shock to all of us.  He was a fun, lovable friend that will be greatly missed,

First Band Concert

Tonight, the girls performed for the first time in concert.  The Friendswood Junior High 6th Grade Band performed a Christmas concert - their first all together as a band.  The full band played, "Up on the Housetop" and "Jingle Bells."  Each section also performed a piece.  Abby, along with the rest of the flutes played, "The Dreidel Song."  Emma and the low brass (trombones, euphoniums, and tubas) played "Jolly Old St. Nicholas."
As best we could tell, the girls did a great job.  And the bonus was that the Grandparents, Rick and Cathy Ribble, were also present.  The girls also shared with us, "I'm glad it's over."

Truman

I have done a poor job of posting to our family blog. Over the past two years or so I have just stuck to writing about major life events rather than the every day things that happen.  Today, unfortunately, is another one of those major events.  Our eldest cat, Truman died early this morning.  He died at home, by natural causes; namely, very old age.  He was 17 years old - ancient for a cat.

Sheri and I got Truman during our first year of marriage.  He was rescued from a stable near Jackson, Tennessee.  He was born a barn cat.  But he was being abused by one of the owner kids.  We just took him.  They didn't care.  We named him "Truman" after the mascot of the University of Missouri (my alma mater) Tigers.  He held onto his barn cat ways for a while - stealing food from us.  (There was a infamous incident with a Popeye's chicken leg that is now recalled with fondness.)  He settled into the role of alpha cat in our house as more friends were added over time - holding that distinction nearly until the end.  He was a friendly, social cat who knew everything going on in the house and loved to sit on your lap to make your day better.  He has been around for our daughters' entire lives. He has seen all animals we have been blessed to care for come, and some go.  He lived in four different houses in three different states.  Throughout, he has been a steady fixture within our household.

His health began to visibly decline over the past 18 months or so, and then a steep decline over the last three.  His death was expected soon.  And today, our Lord graciously made that difficult call for us.  He was a wise, old cat, full of years and experiences.  No cat could ask for more.      

First Day of School - 5th Grade Edition

School began once again this past Monday.  Per our tradition, here is the the first day of school photo for 5th grade.

And just to compare,
Here is their first day of school pic for kindergarten:

Evening Friend

This remarkable fellow, has been showing up at our house nearly every evening for the past week.  He is some sort of Heron or Egret, probably the former.  He just shows up in our backyard and is quite calm - almost interested in what we are doing.  He stays a little while, hops up on the fence, then takes off.

Here are a few more pics:

Any ideas about what species he is?

Well Done Faithful Servants

On May 17th, my parents were honored with the Christus Vivit ("Alive in Christ") Award during commencement exercises at my alma mater Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.  The award is kind of like a "Lifetime Achievement" award in service to our Lord's Church.  I was honored to be a part of the nomination process for them and honored to be present when they received the award.  Here are some pics:

And here is the link to the story on the Sem's website.

Obviously a proud moment in my parent's lives and for me as well.  No small shoes to one day attempt to fill.

Christmas, Texas Style

Merry Christmas from the Petering Household!

And from our newest members:

Figaro...

And Piccolo...