This Reminds Me

Archive for June, 2006

We’ve been working with Julia to get her to respond “Julia Woodworth” when asked, “What is your name?”   Though she’s not doing so yet, we know she understands now she has two names – one unique (Julia), and one like the rest of us (Woodworth, or, as she says, “Woodworrrr.”)

She’s really “owned” a last name.  In fact – she wasn’t terribly familiar with her own first name (“Guanna”), which has no easy Russian translation.  The orphanage workers called her by a confusing array of names, including her pet name, “Juna” (hence our selection of “Julia.”)

This morning, our pastor referenced Ephesians 3:14-15 in his Father’s Day message.  For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.

Though I had problems taking it when we married, I’m glad I have Keith’s name now.  I’m glad our family has that thread of commonality.  When Julia starts at Stone Oak Elementary in the fall, I’m glad many will know her as “a Woodworth,” as “Hannah’s sister.”  I’m glad her Sunday School teacher knows her as “Rachel’s sister.”  I’m glad the siblings of Lois’ friends call her “Lois’ sister.”   I’m glad to add a fourth set of clear return address labels to the stack, ready to slap on any paperwork requiring  LAST NAME     FIRST NAME       M.I.

Because her last name gives her a place to start.  Without a place to start from, how do you ever go to anywhere?

Keith didn’t hear todah’s sermon because he was home tending to Lois-The-Urper.  He missed last Sunday because he was home with Rachel-The-Infected.  As soon as we returned home both Sundays, Julia and Hannah made a beeline to him for kisses and tickles.  Today Julia proudly gave him the colored paper tie she made in Sunday School.  Right now, Hannah is in her room finishing a Kleenex-cum-treasure box filled with a variety of drawings and good wishes. Each of the girls made him a card, and we managed to sneak our first four-girl portrait for him as a gift, which he’ll get after lunch.

I think I know the name for someone who warrants that kind of affection.

It’s not “Father.”  It’s not even “Dad.”

Sometimes it’s “Papa.”  But mostly – it’s just “Daddy.”

Happy Father’s Day, Keith!  And – while we’re celebrating – Happy Birthday to da blog, which is a year old now. It began as a Father’s Day gift to him.  Because he’s a gift to all five of us.

“Vow,” have things changed in one year!

This is your lightbulb.

This is your lightbulb filled with murky water.

This is your lightbulb when you figure out that the murky water pouring into the first floor kitchen light fixture is coming from the attic hot water heater.

We were in hot water last night – literally.

One of the two hot water tanks in the attic suddenly ruptured, allowing a cascade of swarmy H2O to run from the attic, into the light fixtures and vents in the girls’ second story bathroom, through that floor and finally exiting the kitchen ceiling light fixture.  Imagine Lois’ surprise as the fixture’s 2′ x 3′ plastic cover shattered, dumping water all over her, and her freshly popped corn.

Fortunately, I am married to the world’s most talented man, and he’s figuring out what we’re going to fix ourselves, and what we’re going to hire repaired.  Also fortunately – we have wonderful neighbors that are busy washing towels, bathmats and assortment of piled-up laundry.  Keith has the electricity working now (dah), and we ought to be able to shower and flush toilets shortly.  This place was starting to remind me of my six weeks in India in ’87.

Dear Liza:  Next time you hear a faint drip-drip-drip….don’t think of the old campfire fable about the maniac under the bed licking your hand.  Instead – look up.  And hope there’s nothing even scarier.

In about 30 minutes, the girls and I will leave for our second evening of Vacation Bible School (VBS). I know everyone thinks it’s geared for “little kids,” but I swear we’ve had more fun with it as the girls have gotten older.

Of course, it’s Julia’s first VBS.  Originally, we hadn’t planned to take her.  Thought it might be too much for her.  But after how well she’s done in Sunday School – and seeing how much she wants to be around kids her age – we decided to give it a try.

Lois and her (equally goofy) friend Sam taught Julia how to “boogie woogie” in the sanctuary as beach balls flew around the room.

Hannah and friends Bailey (pictured) and Kaylynn switched nametags with each other.  Now I’m sure the teacher was confused based on appearance alone.

Lois spontaneously volunteered herself to assist on stage in group worship.  I’m thinking if the whole lawyer thing doesn’t work out for her, she’s got a career in televangelism.  Anyone up for biting the heads off a few live chickens?

A little lower now!  Julia and fellow limbo-ers during their music time.

Rachel – flanked by friends Mallory and Michelle – joined other youth in supervising recreation in the gym.  “Youth” and “supervising”….ummmm…time to scoot.

When we were driving home last night, we asked Julia if VBS was fun.  She understands the word “fun.”  Answer:  “Da!”  Rachel, Lois, Hannah and I give VBS a “da,” too.  So, cast off, mates - we’re off for another evening at “Son Treasure Island!”