Softball and... Egypt?

What do softball and Egypt have in common?

This past month, Hannah had her first softball game at Burton. Her team, Burton Angels, lost their first game, February 28, but WON their second (away) game, 8-7! So they are doing great! It was very exciting to watch my girlie go up to bat. Was I, uh, nervous for her? I'll say! I got some great pix of her. Oh, and she stole second and third bases, so that was pretty cool! And apparently she stole several more bases on her away game that I didn't attend.

I was shocked beyond measure when Hannah came home and said she wanted to play softball. It seemed to come from nowhere, but I'm SO glad she did! For years, she was this little girlie that turned her nose (politely) at sports. But this year has been a year of changes all the way around: she's been willing to try new things on, and I'd say she "wears adventure well!" Singing in public, joining an athletic team, and more.

Where does Egypt come into play? Last week, Burton had Spirit Week, where each day of the week has a certain theme (cowboy, international, etc.). She dressed up as an Egyptian with full headdress, thanks to her Aunt Pam who actually bought the costume at the base of the pyramids in Egypt! She has always loved the gift, but there aren't that many opportunities in life to wear that sort of thing, so Hannah was thrilled.

She was also happy to have won THIRD PLACE in the junior high costume contest. Many of her 6th grade classmates believe she should have won first place, since the voting members of junior high SA are mostly made up of 7th graders (a 7th grader won first place). But nepotism aside, she was happy. Besides, I know in life, it's better to win third place on occasion--if you win first too often, you're rarely satisfied with second or third.

John and I made a trip to Granbury, TX, Tuesday of this week. The drive over was simply lovely, and we saw the first bluebonnets of the season! We rarely have the time, energy, money, all at the same time, to go anywhere together either as a family or as a couple, so that was special. It was also special because Granbury was a town we used to visit as a couple years ago, pre-Hannah.

The best of all was that John took me up on my "request" that he go play golf on Monday. Poor guy, NEVAH gets to have any fun. If he has the money, he doesn't have energy. If he has money and energy, it rains... well, you get the idea! So when Monday morning shone bright and beautiful, I pleaded with him to go, and after hemming and hawing around for two hours, he went! yay! (Sorry, no pix of golfing.) John said he didn't know who was happier about him being on the fairway--me or him! ha!

All for now,
Tricia

Hannah sings first solo for church service

We interupt this normal blog reader's schedule to announce that Hannah Rose Williams sang her first solo at the Grand Prairie Seventh-day Adventist Church February 18, 2012. Williams sang Someone Worth Dying For (artist/band: Mikeschair) as special music for the 11 o'clock service. The Burton Adventist Academy junior high drama club was presenting a skit for the congregation and Williams was "volunteered" by her drama coach, 7th grade teacher, Carlos Rodriguez.

"He just pointed to me during drama practice," the 6th grader said, "and said he'd volunteered me for special music. I blushed and said okay."

Asked if she was nervous during her performance, the 12-year-old stated, "My knees were shaking so badly, I was afraid everyone could tell!" But many church members, who shook the junior high schoolers' hands as they filed out of the sanctuary, remarked on Williams' great composure as she sang, and complimented her on her voice, and using it to serve Him.

Perhaps the proudest people in the room were, of course, Williams' parents. "I cried like a baby," Mrs. Williams admitted. And Daddy Williams? He just beamed and beamed as he videotaped from the back of the church.

"We're looking forward to the next time she sings," said Mama Williams, smiling through her tears. "We love hearing our daughter lift up her voice for Him."

byline: Tricia (Mama) Williams

Birthday girl is 12

Well, I thought I'd share some birthday photos--our girlie turned 12 years old February 8. Hard to believe! I had thought maybe she would feel having a birthday cake (Photo #1) with candles was too "little kiddish." My mistake. She looked a bit crestfallen when I said I wasn't sure if we would "do cake." Boy, oh, boy, did I remedy that! ha! I guess everyone, at every age, pretty much likes cake. Lesson learned! :)

We had her good friend, Adam, over for the celebration (the day before her actual birthday). He's always been such a good chum for her. Instead of trying to figure out which girlfriend to invite to our smallish apartment, I decided to just invite Adam over instead, to change things up a little. You can see in Photo #2 we had a great time!

Then on her birthday, our dear friend and neighbor, Darla, brought Hannah some wonderful gifts. She found Hannah an I Love Lucy Monopoly game! What fun! We were all excited about that one. She also created the coolest gigantic tissue paper flower (Photo #3), and on the inside were goodies--candy, chapsticks, etc. Kinda of like a fancy pinata that you don't hit with a stick! ha!

After I picked Hannah up from school, we went to Build-A-Bear where we bought some clothes for her bears. She picked some really cute outfits out, including a cute pink Rangers T-shirt for one! All in all, a fun time.

Still can't believe she's 12 (sniff, sniff). My baby. My precious. My love.

All for now,
Tricia

Hannah's essay

Just found a paper Hannah wrote for 6th grade Bible class. I decided to share. The content actually surprised me because she's never given any indication she would like to teach. And I don't think John or I have ever said anything, positive or negative, about teaching in the Adventist church. If she does choose this as her path 10 years from now, we will sit down and tell her all the good, the bad, and the ugly of what may lay ahead of her. But it will be her choice and we will stand behind her 100%! Ultimately, if she's following His guidance, she can't go wrong.

"What I want to be when I grow up is a Seventh-day Adventist teacher, teaching at an Adventist school.

The reason I want to be a teacher is because I'm pretty good with kids. I mean being with kids all day long can be tiring, but God would help me get through. With the Lord's help and guidance, I would be able to help, guide, and teach throughout the day.

Dear Lord,
Guide me as I go throughout my life in helping others. People keep telling me that I'm a good kid, but I know that, that's just You within me. Help me to honor and count my blessings. I want to teach for You, not just to teach to teach. I want to be a good, kind and loving person and teacher.

In Your Name I Pray, Amen."

Read this on the couch just now, feeling a little misty-eyed thanks to my nearly-12 year old daughter. Sooooo thankful for her.

January musings on motherhood

I thought I'd share some sweet stories of Hannah, things she's said lately I thought were endearing:

Cute: The other day Hannah was talking about how a sweet lady we know, who recently had a baby, was looking really good. Hannah said she was impressed that the lady had "gotten back in fit again" so soon. She meant in shape, of course, but I thought, as only a mother can, that it was cute. I know she won't get her words mixed up like this too much longer, and one of the greatest pleasures of motherhood for me was hearing her get things "almost," but not quite right! ha!

Funny/confused: When Hannah and I were at Walmart the other day, we had just checked out. In the cart were tennis shoes for her, as well as a couple of inexpensive Barbies we'd told her we'd get for Christmas, but wanted her to pick out. Anyway, as I was leaving the cashier, I told her, "Okay, let's make sure I keep this receipt somewhere safe in case there's anything wrong with the shoes." Her response? Oh, it should be okay, mom, because I hardly ever have the Barbies wear their shoes when I play." I know I got a funny look on my face, and said, "No, I meant YOUR shoes." We had a good laugh at that, it was fun to see her laugh at herself on that one.

Sweet: Last night John was praising Hannah because lately she's done a lot better about doing her homework without being asked, or when she's asked, she just buckles down and does it. After he finished encouraging/praising her, she looked at him and said, "Well, Daddy, that's not me, that's Jesus in me."

That's my girl! I'm glad she gives Him credit at this age, that's what we all need to do. It's a lesson I am still learning, to be sure.

The above photos were taken at Christmastime at Lake Grapevine. I think she looks beautiful.

I took an oil painting class last week for fun. My watercolor teacher teaches it on Thursdays. I won't be able to go this semester because of our schedule, but I was just curious to see what it was like. I had a lot of fun. I am so grateful God has given me something I enjoy. I hope I can get better and better and perhaps get good enough to sell some paintings in the future, but for now, I'm having a great time just learning.

All for now,
Tricia

Mary, Did You Know?

I forgot to mention in my last post that Hannah and I had a nice time taking some photos of her dressed up as Mary, holding Baby Jesus. Hannah knew what she wanted the shots to look like and it was fun seeing her be so creative. One of her favorite games ever is Bible Charades. We were playing on a Friday night and decided I should take some pix of her looking so authentic. I think they turned out very sweet.

I also wanted to boast a little bit that my (shy) daughter has been singing for performance chapel at school. The first song she sang was called The Hammer, by Ray Boltz. The most recent one she sang was Mary, Did you Know? by Mark Lowry. I think it's so great she's coming out of her shell enough to enjoy something like singing for people. I hadn't even had the pleasure of hearing her perform until she sang for mom, dad, John and me on Christmas day (with the stipulation that we don't look at her while she sang! ha!) Then after she said that, she said, "well, go ahead. I have 75 pairs of eyes on me during performance chapel... a few pairs of eyes right now shouldn't bother me!" ha! I don't think I'm just biased when I say that she has a lovely voice. Sweet. Pure.

This picture is of her playing "Queen Esther," from the Bible. I think it's so cool that she's growing up to love the Lord, to love His Word. And I love seeing her passionate about music--and hey, it's in her blood. Her two grandmothers are wonderful musicians, who both love to sing and play the piano. I am thankful for the song in her heart. Ever since she was little, she has sung most all day long.

All for now (or until I think of something else to add!) ha!,
Tricia

For the grandparents especially...

Here are some sweet "Hannah-isms" recently heard in the Williams' household:

I was telling Hannah about a conversation I had with another mother, in which the mother confided that she knew her daughter (a rather bossy little thing) needed to learn that the world did not revolve around her. Hannah looked at me and asked, "Well, then, why didn't she raise her that way? Why is she just now telling her that??"

Out of the mouths of babes! ha!

~~~

Today on the way home from school, Hannah really had to go to the bathroom and kept telling me to hurry. Apparently, she doesn't like going to the girls' bathroom (in junior high building) after school because all the girl athletes are changing into their sports clothes. So anyway, on the way home Hannah suddenly said, "We better bring lots of toilet paper when we have to run to the hills! [in the end time, we believe we will have to flee due to religious persecution.]

"Well, that's a good idea," I told her. "But in the Bible Jesus tells us not to run back even for a coat." I mischievously added, "We'll probably have to use leaves or something, if we're in the woods."

Not to be outdone, she shot back, "Well God can do anything and I believe He CAN provide toilet paper in the end times! None of this leaf business!"

From her mouth to God's ears...:)

~~~

Lately Hannah has wanted to be by herself at bedtime. After 11 years of our nighttime routine, she doesn't seem to need as much of mommy/daddy time anymore. (Sniff-sniff) But I am so glad she is continuing to have her devotions at night by herself. One day last week she confided to me, "Last night I talked to God a long time. I told Him I was sorry for my sins. And you know what, mommy? I realized I had tears in my eyes as I listed them. I really was sorry. And I'm glad about that."

My precious, precious girl! She is growing up and is such a lovely young woman!

~~~

Last story: Hannah is growing more confident in herself and less shy around others. She came home from school Friday with a grin from ear to ear. "It's a good thing you're sitting down, Mama!" she exclaimed.

She then proceeded to tell me that she was the first 6th grader (grades 6-8) to make the DRAMA team! She was so excited! Apparently, her drama teacher asked her to sing Amazing Grace at the front of the classroom, and she just walked up there and BELTED it out! I think most of the kids had their mouths open, asking themselves, "who is this girl?"

So because she didn't hesitate, the drama coach knew she would be a good match for the group and told her she was in, just like that! We were ALL jumping up and down, I tell you! It was a good day!

The drama teacher (also 7th grade teacher at the small academy) said they will most likely perform about 5-10 times for various churches and venues this year. So that's pretty neat. I like thinking of Hannah involved in some sort of ministry that utilizes her talents. I mean, really, this kid has loved to play "Charades" and "pretend" since she was a wee thing!

All for now,
Tricia

Anniversary (and Hannah) fun!

Yesterday, John and I decided to celebrate our (today's) wedding anniversary by taking our 11-year-old along for the date--at the waterpark! We went to an inexpensive waterpark across town and had an absolute blast! Of course, when I woke up this morning, my legs were complaining at the numerous trips up the waterslide, not to mention my lower back a little achey due to the not-so-sensational front flip I made off the diving board. What in the world?? You'd think I wasn't 14 years old anymore! ha!

Anyway, John and I took turns watching Hannah or playing with her while the other one went solo for a bit. During one of the times when Hannah and I were in a very crowded shallow pool, we good-naturedly grumbled about how much we were getting jostled around by other swimmers. "Hey Mommie," H said. "It's like the Bible story where the woman touched Jesus so she could be healed." I nodded. She continued, "All those people were jostling Jesus and touching Him every second, and yet He knew when that woman in particular touched Him. Can you imagine that?" We both marveled at the memory of the story, and of a God who knows us all by one simple touch. Or one simple prayer, for that matter.

~~~

Other Hannah conversations:

While quizzing Hannah on her personality, I had to explain what aimless meant for one of the questions. This in the resulting convo: T: Aimless means you don't have goals. But you have goals, right? H: Of course I have goals, Mommy! T: Great! What are they? H, with a puzzled look on her face: Um, I'm not sure... So there ya have it. Life and times with a energetic, if slightly-unfocused 11-year-old girl! ha!

[Note: Hannah, upon hearing the above story, said in a mild, huffy voice, "Well, I sure don't like how you ended THAT story!"] ha ha!

~~~

Hannah, upon discovering the the water in her water bottle had turned quite tepid after only a little time in the hot sun: "Ugh, I will spew this lukewarm water out of my mouth--that's what Jesus did, you know!" She then proceeded to give her girlfriend riding along with us an infomercial on what "lukewarm" meant, and why Jesus would rather us be hot or cold. Nice little sermon on the way home. Thanks, H!
 
I LOVE how often Hannah applies spiritual meaning to something that's happened during her day. God is good.
 
All for now,
Tricia

Danger Zone!

(Photo credit: Found at www.indiana.edu/~nehrigr/bird-intro/slides/killdeer_9661.html)

"It's okay, little Mama bird, I won't harm your babies!" The killdeer swooped higher and higher, showing great acrobatic feats as she squawked loudly, protesting as I drew closer to her nest. I felt so sorry for her. I knew she was desperately trying to take care of her "children," and was worried for their safety.

However, I couldn't stop thinking that she was a little to blame. Killdeer, sweet little birds like the one shown in the above photo, lay their eggs right out in plain sight for all to see. She had, whether she realized it or not, placed her own family in danger. Mama bird then showed her dramatic side:  Act I included her "broken wing" act that these plovers are so famous for, where they pretend they are wounded when anyone comes close to the nest. Pitiful cries complete the act and if she captured your attention, she considers herself worthy of an AAA (Aviary Academy Award)!

This protective little mother made me think of my own maternal skills. Do I unknowingly place my "baby bird," in harms way? What would this look like?

Here are a few things I will do to keep my sweet daughter out of harm's way:

1) Be careful what I let her watch on television or movies. When I was little, we used to sing, "Oh, be careful little eyes what you see, oh be careful little ears what you hear..."

2) Remind her to choose her friends wisely. Especially as a preteen, I need to make sure that Hannah, my little social butterfly, is careful with whom she becomes close to. I mean, I definitely want her to get to know all types, all ethnicities, all ages, all races, and so on. But I especially want her to think about who her closest friends are, for her to choose those who lead her closer to God and not farther from Him.

3) I need to be careful what I watch. I need to make sure I'm not a hypocrite, and watch or listen to media that is not adhering to principles I stand for. She's watching me. She's watching her daddy. And she will make choices based on what we DO so much more than what we TELL her to do.

4) Watch my language. I'm not just talking about curse words (although that counts too). I'm talking about curbing my negativity. I will sometimes realize too late what's coming out of my mouth is just "blah negative blah negative blah." And I cringe. I have to go to her (actually did this today) and tell her, "Hey, I didn't meant to focus on just the negative. I'm sorry. That was wrong." I don't even want to say how often I have to do this.

I must watch my language in how I talk about people as well. Do I air someone's dirty laundry in the privacy of my own home, where little listening ears can hear? If I do, I need to realize that she is listening to me talk about someone else. She is listening to me, basically, judge someone else with my tone or attitude, and that's not what Jesus does. When the woman who committed adultery was thrown at His feet, His loving, caring ways won her heart. He "chased" off her accusers by writing their sins in the sand. Then He said that He did not condemn her, but to go and sin no more.

This makes me recall the last part of the song I quoted earlier, "Oh be careful little eyes..." The rest goes like this: "For the Father up above, is looking down with love, Oh be careful little eyes what you see." Isn't that great? It's so true. He's looking down with love. Not condemnation. Just longing for us to keep His ways and follow Him.

I want to do my best to keep Hannah from all the above mentioned "danger zones," and many more out there. I long to place her up high, in the "shadow of the Almighty," as much as possible. I will "mount up with wings as eagles," the same eagles who build their nests in tall trees or cliffs. A high place. A safe place. That's where I plan to be.

Won't you join me there?

Disobedience and Blessings

So awhile back, Hannah came to me and said this: "I don't know if I'm going to heaven for sure, Mommy."
A bit taken aback, I asked her why. "Because I have been disobedient to you and Daddy sometimes. I don't obey like I should and I forget to mind you." [I must make a note right here to say that this child never tries to sass or talk back to us. She simply seems to "forget" our instructions to her and has gotten into some trouble because of it.]

I assured her that that is just part of growing up and asked her why she thought it meant she wouldn't go to heaven. I mean, she knows the basics: Believe in Jesus as our Savior, that He has forgiven our sins if we confess, and we are made clean. Sounds simple because it is. But she still worried. Then she connected the dots for me: She reminded me that I had read II Timothy 3:1-6 to her, a verse that talks about what society, or the world, will be like right before Jesus comes again.

"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them" (NIV).

She said that since she has "disobeyed" us, or not listened as well as she could have to our instruction, that she is worried she won't go to heaven. Well, my goodness, I re-assured her that it is GOOD that the Holy Spirit is working on her heart, her conscience, to do better. But I reminded her that this particular verse is describing people who do not not seem to care about spiritual things or going to heaven. They have no regrets about their lifestyle and do not think they need a Savior.

I think I helped her to understand. At first I thought she was pulling my leg, or being dramatic, but her eyes were a bit red-rimmed and I noticed a little glisten in them as well. I realized she really was concerned. After we talked for a good while, I think she felt lots better. I'm so glad she cares about things to do with God, and that it's important to her.

But you know, it goes both ways. I mean, that we as parents should treat our children with kindness, with decency, with respect to their feelings and needs. I observed a scenario the other evening at Borders that made me cringe.

A mother was looking at books and her daughter told her she had to go to the bathroom. "Just a second," was the mom's reply. For like, seriously, several minutes. The daughter, probably about 8 years old, did not harangue her mom, or whine, she just stated very clearly that she really needed to go. She finally reached a point of desperation where she said, "Mommy, it's about to come out. I really gotta go." With total disdain in her voice, the mom said, "Well, go ahead and let it come out right here. I'd like to see that." The little girl pleaded once more, for the mom to just let her go on her own. The mom finally agreed and the girl ran off quickly.

Now, I understand as a parent myself, maybe this little girl has a habit of being dramatic, or of bugging her mom. But I wonder how hard it would have been to just go with her. Or to just let her go by herself in the beginning. It made me about to go crazy to listen to this exchange; I wanted to wop that mom over the head. Her tone, her stance, her words--none of them were kind or caring. Just a lack of decency and respect. It made me sick. It also made me remember that the above verse. We owe so much to our children, simply because they are gifts from above. The Bible says they are a blessing. How do we treat this blessing day in, day out? How do I treat it?

All for now,
Tricia

Bits and Pieces

I keep thinking I'll get some time to share what's been going on in our house, but just can't find the time. So, I guess it's time for the Highlights of the week:

~~~

Took Hannah to the eye doctor. Surprisingly, the doctor said her eyes have corrected themselves except for her astigmatism. So she still needs glasses, but not to wear them as often. Any eleven-year-old girl is happy to hear that!

~~~

Tuesday was a lonnnnng day. Hannah is supposed to tell us every bit of homework she has. Lately, she has, um, become more forgetful in that area. I think it truly is "selective memory!" Tuesday she told me quite breezily that she only had two things for homework, and "just a little" in a third. Fast-forward to 8:30 p.m. or so. Hannah starts looking tearful while on the couch. "Um, Mommy?" She begins. "I forgot I have a science, uh, test tomorrow!" Upon my stern, exasperated look, she added, "the teacher just told us only today, Mommy!"

Whoo-boy. I tried to squelch my annoyance. This is getting to be a bad habit. The past few weeks, she has forgotten to bring one thing or another home, a book, a list of something, a lab report, and on and on.

I got her book, and then we began the long process of studying for a test, on three chapters she had not even read yet. I know, I suppose other parents go through this all the time. Thus far, I have tried to be understanding. She seems truly remorseful... each time! ha!

When we were done, I told her that she would have a "consequence," for this. She was embarrassed and mortified, being cut of the same cloth as me, where even a "look" seems to discipline her after a fashion. It was simple: no Flipper, or I Love Lucy, Wednesday night. Nothing. I think it's just hard because, really, it's been years since we've had to do something like that. She's a little perfectionist and I know we got it easy that she cares about her grades and keeping things running smoothly in general.

But it was so hard. I don't know. The thing is... she gets so emotional that I felt like I was on tenterhooks. Once she gets all weepy and emotional, the homework situation can go on for HOURS. (sigh) So you have to tread carefully.

Thank goodness for Spring Break now--time to recover.

~~~

Hannah and I took daddy to his job at Tarrant County College and then drove to the Botanic Gardens. We had a fun, giggly time that (almost) made up for the stress of Tuesday evening. We skipped, frisbeed (is that a word?), smelled early blossoms, contemplated carving our names into the names of a big ol' tree. (For the record, she tossed out carving hers and a little guy friend's name on the tree, but I nixed that idea in a hurry! ha!)

Next, a little supper and then a date at Barnes & Noble where she used some of her birthday money to buy two cute little stuffed animals. She's definitely in that "not just a girl, not yet a woman" phase, vacillating between carving boys' initials on trees and buying puppy and horse animals!

I'm just trying to enjoy every day of it.

~~~

And Friday? It's called... Crash! I'm telling you, the last few weeks have been so busy, I can barely see straight. We're also dealing with a bully problem at school, and that takes every last ounce of energy and drop of wisdom a parent has (not to mention time on our knees...)

~~~

I guess that's it for now. Hope you enjoyed the update!

House of Representatives

Warning: No political parties were mentioned in the writing of this story. :)

When I was younger, my dad used to call me his "little ambassador." My dad's position in the Oklahoma Conference of Seventh-day Adventists caused him to travel all over the state. I often went with him. One of my favorite times of the year was campmeeting, which is like a Bible camp, where you hear all sorts of good speakers and, for the kids, have terrific meetings that teach you about God.

The ministers, in addition to their other 1,000 duties in life (!), had to arrive early to help pitch the tents. Yep, you read that right. The pastors had to set up tent after tent in the 100+ degree weather in July (hottest month of the year). So as daddy readied himself for some heavy-duty manual labor, I'd head out to find the other kids who'd come with their dads. All the other PKs (preacher kids) banded together during Camp Pitch. Then, in Week Two, the actual week of campmeeting, we'd scatter like the Diaspora to find other friends besides us PKs.

Within a few hours we'd all be hanging out, best of friends, and treating ourselves to snow cones or a dip in the pool. (Did I mention my dad was still hard at work pitching tents? or, if he was really lucky, he'd get to be the Parking Lot Supervisor. This coveted position, while still outside in the extreme, no-shade heat, allowed one to rest while simply waving arms like a semaphore to direct all those crazy Okla drivers as to where to park!)

I got to know everybody, their brother, their cousin, and their dog. Normally an introverted child, I seemed to blossom in this setting and, for just this fortnight, became an outgoing, gregarious person. And again, that's why I was his "little ambassador." He told me I did all the important work of getting to know people and that, because of me, they were naturally predisposed to liking him as well. Not sure if that's true, but it sounded good!

Now, fast-forward to the present day.

The other day we received an interesting note in the mail. A thank-you note, from our apartment complex office. The office manager was thanking my dear husband for going above and beyond, in picking up all the garbage around the Dumpster, because so much was left outside on the ground due to heavy snowfall (the garbage collectors had to make a second trip that day, but John didn't know they were coming back.) John threw so much trash in the Dumpster, it was almost halfway full after he finished. Apparently one of the office workers "caught" him at it! And sent a thank you note. Wonder of wonders!

Now that John occasionally substitutes at Hannah's academy, the staff and teachers have gotten to know him well. He has made quite an impression on them. For one thing, he files a report (yes, people, it's true!) for any teacher he substitutes for, so they know whether the kids behaved themselves--or not. I can't tell you how many times I've gone into the school office and the efficient, matter-of-fact school secretary gushes (and this lady NEVER gushes), "Oh we just LOVE your husband!"

I think of my own child, playing with the children in our neighborhood. Her manners, her compassion, her sheer delight at life--I like to think all of these represent John and me. Even if our neighbors never met either of us parents, would they have an idea of what we are like based on our daughter's behavior? I believe so.

I consider myself well-represented! So now I'm thinking, "Am I representing God in the truest light, so others can see what He's really like? Do they see His love pouring out of me?"

Jesus Christ said numerous times, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father." He knew we had questions about what this mysterious Being, this divinity was like. Was God angry and full of wrath? they wanted to know. Well, look at the life of Christ. He healed, loved, cared, gave, taught, shared, spoke, listened, and... died. This Son of God represented His Father by sharing His light and life, and by giving life more abundant.

In the words of 2 Corinthians 5:19: "that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin [Jesus] to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

All for now,

Tricia

Birthday girl

Happy birthday, precious girl! I can't believe you are now 11 years old! Whew, where does the time go?

This week, for a variety of reasons, as been a bit stressful (could it have something to do with another snow day, anyone??!). But I am hoping it will all settle down and that we can get back into a semblance of a routine after the past two weeks. I mean come on: five snow days in two weeks--in TEXAS?? who'd a thunk it?

We invited one of Hannah's friends to sleep over Tuesday night. Having heard the weather report, I told her mom that maybe she should pack extra clothes. Good thing, I did! But they had a good time, I must say. They built tents, played Uno, played Barbies and Build-a-Bear, sang Christmas songs so loud I had to put earphones on, roasted marshmallows, and generally talked and giggled their lives away for two whole days! Come to think of it, not a bad way to spend a snow day, is it?

Hannah and her friend told everyone about the prank I pulled on them last night. Now, I am not a big prankster usually. I don't like them pulled on me often. In the past, my depression made me just take everything so to heart that it was hard to laugh at all, at myself, or the situation. I think I'm doing a little better.

Anyway, I couldn't resist: They decided to camp out on the floor so they would have more room. They were being silly and pulled their blankets over their heads. I leaned over and opened the door for a couple of seconds and then closed it, as if I'd left. Then I leaned in real close next to their heads and when they cautiously peeked out from under the blanket, I said, "Boo!" Shrieks and screams and laughter filled the room for the next two minutes. And here I was supposed to be settling them down! ha!

Hannah got phone calls from family--Aunt Pam called and Hannah was so excited to visit with her. And then we were surprised when later we realized we'd missed both sets of grandparents' phone calls! We were carrying on in Hannah's bedroom a little too much--we were a wild bunch, I tell ya! ha!

All for now,
Tricia

Love is in the air collage

I've been missing playing with photos (while my computer was in the shop), so I decided it was time to create a new photo collage. For fun, I included the original photograph for you to compare with the finished collage.

I took the original shot after Hannah had spent the day at her school's fall fair, where she had her hair dyed with temporary pink and blue highlights! And the little stuffed chick is a beanie baby she won at the fair. (Notice the big "kiss" on her cheek. She made her daddy's heart stop a moment when she gleefully announced that a "big boy" had kissed her!) That was one happy girlie!

Enjoy!

From this:

To this:

Still my little girl...

Don't let the "tough girl" picture fool you: this girlie is as sweet as they come! Case in point:

~ When her class was still doing ITBS testing this year, she giddily reported, "We're still getting yummy snacks! Goldfish and grape juice!" even though testing was done for the week. I'm glad she gets excited over little things like "kid" snacks.

~ When asked during a game what age she'd like to be and why, she said, "Sixteen. Because I would like to drive a car." That's my red-blooded American tween! ha!

~ During her prayers, she still prays for "everybody in the world." That's her standard. But they're getting deeper. She recently prayed for some friends who are having trouble in school: "Help them to be on the right path to You, Jesus, so they make sure to get to heaven." And last but not least, during mealtimes, she still prays for our pets, Sonny and Jacky. She's a faithful pet-owner!

~ When asked why in the world she didn't tell someone she was feeling so sick until she got home from school: "I had no strength," she said. "I didn't even have the strength to tell Mrs. Solomon, to go up to her desk. I felt so chilled and when I felt my skin I was so hot. I just laid my little head down because I couldn't do anything else."

~ When asked, during a game, what would be the title of a book she'd write: How I Survived the Last Days. She's very interested in end time events according to the Bible.

* * *

In other news, this past Thursday I gave a presentation to Hannah's class on Boundaries: When you should say "no." It went really well! I told them that many people--family, friends, teachers--will have expectations of us in life. And that it's really important that we ask ourselves every now and then, "Is this a reasonable or unreasonable expectation of me?" If it's not, they should have the right and the responsibility to tell people in their lives. That they don't *have* to say yes to everything, especially something that might get them into trouble.

I had an activity with balloons, another one with cups of water, and yet another that involved Indian Wrestling! ha! They seemed enjoy it. The only downside was that I realized too late that I did not have enough balloons to go around for them to take home. Note to self: bring enough for each kid next time! ha! I feel badly about it enough to go buy another bag and have Hannah hand them out sometime in the next few weeks.

One girl had the expression of losing her bestest friend when I said all the balloons were given out! But Hannah came to the rescue! My little helper, clasping the balloon I'd given her, gently wiped the spittle off the balloon she'd been blowing on and offered hers to the girl. What a trooper! And you know what? The other girl, looking mortally offended at the still-wet-from-Hannah's-mouth balloon, shrugged her shoulders, took the balloon and marched triumphantly away. I decided to ignore any squeamish thoughts inside me that screamed of "Germs! You shouldn't share Germs!" and, gently squeezing my daughter's shoulder, declared it a DAY.

We love the Rangers!

In August, John and Hannah took in a game at the Ballpark at Arlington. (We are spoiled to live so close!) They were so excited to cheer for their team. The Rangers went on to win, 4-3 in the bottom of the tenth inning! Hannah likes to take some of the credit that her screaming helped the ball players! Hey, whatever works! ha!

Due to the distracting elements of bleachers, spectators, etc., at the game, I highlighted only J and H in the photos in order to capture their smiles and team spirit (plus that awesome red Rangers ballcap!) for the collage. I purposely did not put a lot of embellishments on the page so the #1 Fans would stand out on the page. :)

Hope you enjoy!

All for now,
Tricia

Helicopters, hiking and Hannah

Well, we've certainly had quite a week. It started out with a bang on Labor Day. John and I took Hannah to Cleburne State Park to go hiking, complete with picnic and walking sticks. We ate our suppers right down at the lake, which was gorgeous. There was a light breeze and the heat of the day had disappeared, leaving us with the usual warm, muggy September evening temperatures. We laughed at Hannah as she kept her eye out for coyotes, armadillo, deer, bunnies--ANY kind of wildlife would have made her happy. Alas, we were alone except for the two-wheeled type (cyclists! ha!). But we had a great time anyway and Hannah was optimistic that we'd see some animals the next time!

The next day, Hannah came home really sick, with 104.0 degrees temp. She had chills and vomiting and was just one sick puppy. Poor baby, the temperature climbed to 104.7. We watched it very carefully, gave her ibuprofen and were ready to take her to the ER if need be. But thankfully her fever went down and we all breathed a sigh of relief. John and I washed and washed and WASHED our hands and so far, we've not gotten sick (as we cross our fingers). Surprisingly, Hannah was only out of school one day and by the middle of that day, her temp was normal.

So where do the helicopters come in? I'm glad you asked! DFW had a tremendous amount of rain in a short period of time, which produced flash flooding. While I was napping, John and Hannah heard a helicopter and looked out the window to see THREE of them, hovering across the street. Turns out all of the residents were having to evacuate and be rescued from their homes--the water rose that fast! The news channels covered the story and poor mom had to watch all of that, wondering how we were. She only called my cell, which was turned off while I blissfully slept (sorry, mom!); guess she didn't think we'd be home to answer our phone.

Anyway, our residence is a lot higher in elevation than those across the street, for which we were so grateful! Besides, with Hannah being sick, it would have been a nightmare to try to run out and go somewhere (and lose all our belongings as well!).

So ... a bit of excitement in the Williams household this week.

All for now,

Tricia

Happy Independence Day

Happy Fourth of July, peoples! I am so thankful for the freedom we have in this country.

We had a great weekend, just spending time together as a family: swimming, games, movies, and the most delicious pizza I've had in years! Hannah and I played Pickup Sticks, Would You Rather? game, and I taught her how to play Boggle. She loved it! We played game after game. I kept asking her "do you want to play something different now?" And she'd say, "no, let's keep going!" She's such a wonderful little companion. Seeing a smile on her face makes my day!

In the picture, Hannah and I are spending time together under her tent made of blanket and chairs!

I never promised you a...

Hannah and I spent some fun time together painting with watercolors this afternoon. Then John got the idea for us to go out to eat (a rarity for the Williams' family). We were thinking of Olive Garden or On the Border, but I got the brilliant idea to go to Chuck E. Cheese. Hannah was beside herself! I have to admit, it's been years since we'd been there with my niece and nephew!

Anyway, first came the large mushroom pizza, and then fun and games! Air hockey, Daytona racing, basketball, etc. You name it, we played it! That was one happy girl!

All for now,
Tricia

Dream, daughter, dream

I pray for the sweetest dreams for you, my precious daughter. I love you dearly.