Between the bales, Oklahoma series

Williams family update

Not much new going on here. Just getting ready for all the holiday hustle and bustle, plus trying to find decent parking at the malls already! ha!

Hannah's still enjoying third grade and as much as she learned in second grade, I think she's learning triple that amount in third! It's so much fun to see her learn and grow. I love to hear about her schooldays. I always ask her "what was your most favorite part of the day?" Of course, she doesn't really need any prompting! She's happy to share what's on her mind, for which I'm glad.

John's semester at SWAU (where he teaches two classes) is winding down. He's not on schedule to teach this coming spring, but is actually taking on even more responsibility with his job at Dogster. We will miss that SWAU extra paycheck, but I know God will provide our needs.

We've really had to claim His promises of meeting our needs, especially this fall. We've taken a financial seminar, Financial Peace University, with Dave Ramsey, and learned a lot about our finances and budgeting and being honest about what we can truly afford and not. We weren't crazy spenders before, but we used credit cards like other people.

Now we are totally off credit cards. Still will be paying off a couple of balances for credit cards for a bit, but feel better to be on a cash-only basis. Much more simple, and God-based as well. Took me 34 years to get there, but better late than never. And John and I have drawn closer to each other as a couple AND to God in learning to lean on Him each day for our "daily bread."

I guess that's all for now. TW

Meant to post in THIS blog! News about my dad and other stuff...

The first picture is one I took of Hannah at the mall. She bought some girly stuff with her money. The second photo is one John took of Hannah, with her bear all dressed up and no place to go! ha! And notice her hair--we got it cut last week. She was inspired by a friend of hers at school and wanted her hair a shorter length. I imagine her daddy's glad it's still "sort of" long. :)

Thought I'd give an update on my daddy's health... and the entire Williams clan.

Daddy's out of the hospital; he actually went home last weekend. I spent a couple of nights at mom's and dad's, both out of concern for them AND to obtain a little R and R. Sometimes I just need to get away.

I know Daddy didn't get much rest in the hospital, so I was really glad he could go home. I am so grateful he's okay. I'm hoping we can all help him stay on top of things and make sure his health gets back on track. The reason the doctor's let him come home is because they had done another scan or two and did NOT see any more blood clots in his legs, or groin area. I'm very thankful for that! Thank you to my family and friends for your care and concern. I can't imagine life without my loving parents and I was very stressed out about Daddy's health.

Things are about the same for John, Hannah and me. I started on making some Christmas cards. I don't know how many I'll actually make this year, but I'll keep going until I run out of steam. I hope to at least send out a Christmas letter and photo of Hannah anyway. :)

I've been struggling again somewhat with some anxiety and depression issues; I think I have just felt like so many things keep coming up and we haven't been able to keep our heads above water in some respects. From my mom's health issues this summer, to some other extended family problems, to our tire and rim being stolen, to financial strains (but with the help of the seminar we're going to, we feel hopeful) to my daddy's latest hospital stay, it just seems it's one thing or another.

But, on the other hand, I'm grateful that we have a verrrry happy marriage and good parent/child relationship. Not many people can say that and I pray I never take it for granted.

All for now.

Tricia

Golden girl Hannah

Not exactly one of my works of art. . . more like God's. Isn't she lovely.

Need prayers for my Dad

I got this email from my mom today, about my daddy, and would appreciate your prayers:

For several Jerry has been having pains in his chest about the middle of the day. Of course he works 3 days a week at Wal-Mart and stands for 8 hrs at a time with a few breaks and lunch break. He began to get worried, and he did mention it to me but somehow I didn't pick up on how bad the pain was from the way he said it. Anyway, last night he told me he might try to go to the ER at Harris Methodist hospital downtown because a friend had had a good experience there.

We got the name of the lady cardiologist this friend had used and called and she wasn't in today. Anyway......Jerry just called from the E.R. He has a clot in the left lung. They are getting ready to do a MRI of groin, both legs and heart. Also, shots in the stomach. He will be admitted of course. He's right now just on a gurney in the hallway of the trauma area.

Tricia

A Rainy Day in a Pink Universe (Photo collage)

I created this photo collage using one of my photos as a background, and the image of a little girl holding an umbrella. Everything is all girly, all pink, just like my daughter's room. I think lots of little girls secretly wish God had made the world pink and purple (I shudder to think! ha!).

One of my favorite bloggers creates absolutely amazing photo collages, with the same photo software I occasionally use, Paint Shop Pro. You can see her work at www.desertphotography.blogspot.com.

Hope you enjoy!

TW

Hand Stitched Snails on Leaves