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Loading ...Archive for February, 2008
Episode 5 of a Man and His Pond
When we left “A Man and His Pond” near the end of Season 3, the deck was torn out. The pond was still dry. And there was unholy mess inside and outside of Casa Woodworth.
Today, the deck is rebuilt with much higher quality lumber. Note the lovely copper post toppers. It’s about 90% complete. If we were independently wealthy, Keith would stay home and design/build “things.” He can not only fix anything, but he can also design/build anything. My job in all this remains the same: I bring ice water.
As of Sunday – the pond has water. Note the small wooden bridge over the waterway from the bog. The grass is brown because it’s February in Texas. If anyone knows a rain dance – feel free to shake a leg, we could use some help. Keith tells me the fence must be replaced soon, and of course, the sidewalk between the house and the garage is still torn out. We have some very cool stepping stones piled in our bedroom, awaiting a new home outside. So the backyard has a’ways to go.
Engineering Team of Woodworth and Woodworth, a.k.a., Keith and his brother Byron, pondering the perplexing pump. Most of the pond innards are located under the deck. I have signed for innumerable boxes which – upon their opening – Keith has mumbled, “For the pond.” I do not know what the pieces of plastic and metal actually are, nor do I know what they do. It’s easier that way.
We have less mess inside, though it’s not what you’d call “tidy.” At least there is no table saw in the entry way, nor hammers piled on the kitchen counter, I think you could classify the inside of the house, “no worse than usual.”
Keith tells me the next step is “rock work.”
So stay tuned for the next episode of “A Man and His Pond.” It probably won’t be the series finale. But at least you don’t have to worry about a writer’s strike.
Posted in 
Champs!
Congratulations to the (undefeated) 7th/8th grade girls basketball team of Shearer Hills Baptist Church! Now it’s on to the play-offs!
Undefeated, whomping Marantha Bible Church today! (Back row l-r) Coach Don, Brooke, Lois, Jessica, Coach Brett. (Front row, l-r) Karen, Katie, Heather and Alex. Do lnot get between these girls and the ball. They will take you out. You have been warned.
Lois snagged her fair share of baskets this season, but she’s strongest as a guard and rebounder. She knows her position and she plays it. Sure, she shoots, but she also passes to her team mates. She doesn’t hog. She doesn’t cheat. She doesn’t quit. She doesn’t whine. She cheers her friends. She watches for opportunity. She has fun.
I hope she applies those traits to everything she does her entire life, regardless of the score.
You go, Lo!
Follow the Leader
John 14:1 – Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God.
We also memorized and recited Romans 3:23 - For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Normally, kids in first grade have to memorize eight verses in one month to qualify for recognition. I knew that was not going to happen with Julia. I knew how difficult it was going to be to explain each verse so she could understand it. So our children’s minister said four verses in one month was enough for us – basically, one a week – and we’ll aim to more fully participate next semester.
Julia asked a multitude of questions as we worked on the verses, including:
Julia: Fall short? How you fall short? I always fall down.
Julia; Trouble? Jesus is in trouble? How does Jesus’ heart get trouble? Does it hurt?
Julia: What is “sinned?” Mom: Sin is something bad. Sin is something bad we do that makes God very sad. Julia: Hannah sins.
Julia: What is a “glory?” Mom: Glory is something beautiful. Lots of light and singing and happy people. Julia: Glory is a birthday?
I will confess I wasn’t sure I was up to the challenge of starting memory work just now. We’ve started reading in her bible almost every night, but memory work is more intense. The expectation was always there that Rachel, Lois and Hannah were simply going to do it. And they helped each other as much as I helped them. I knew that with Julia, I was largely on my own. Lazy slacker that I am, I decided to offer Julia the choice. Did she want to memorize and be a Pastor’s Pal? Yes, she did. Which caused me a bit of shame. If this eight-year-old with scant command of English was willing, what on earth was the matter with me?
So her new first-grade bible is getting a better workout. And so am I. That’s a good thing. It’s what I needed. After all…..
Isaiah 11:6 – A little child shall lead them
OneTwoThreeFourFiveSixSevenEIGHT
We celebrated Julia’s eighth birthday today at the neighborhood Chuck E. Cheese with classmates and fellow basketball stars.
Julia and good friend Elina loved the “shocking” gorilla machine.
When they weren’t investing in fine art….
Rachel and Lois created personalized treat totes and hats….
…and gave me a hard time because I bought fruit snacks and cereal mix to stuff them. I tried to buy candy – I really did – but just couldn’t. They get so much sugar everywhere. I just couldn’t buy more.
Hannah wandered the game floor, dispensing more tokens to guests. Note: If you’re going to have a Chuck E. Cheese party, be sure to enroll in their permission marketing about two weeks ahead. You’ll get great e-coupons designed to stim a visit, but you can use them for your party.
A few hours of this and you’ll know it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. I don’t think Rachel had actually been in a Chuck E. Cheese since she was a pre-schooler in Houston. The first birthday party she attended there – she cried because it was so loud. Sarah took her to the next one and left early for the same reason. Of course now, she listens to rock at mega decibels (shudder.) Many historians believe vaccinations are the great invention in human history, but I think the parents of teens would argue “ear buds.”
“I wish I could take a long nap.” Oops, no, wait! That was my wish.
Julia’s wonderful teacher – the sainted Ms. Jones – arrived in time for cake. I don’t know what she makes. But it’s not enough.
A giant rat….hmmm….I think I dated his brother.
Last night, Keith took Julia on her birthday date (each girl gets one.) They went for pizza after discovering the chosen Chinese food restaurant didn’t have her favorite egg drop soup. For her gift (each girl gets to pick out her own, within reason), she selected a Build-A-Bear huskie (“Jake”) and softie Daddy also bought him clothes and a tent. She snuggled next to Jake last night to go to sleep, and was talking to him when she awoke. She ran to the neighbors to show him off.
We’re coming up on our two-year anniversary of meeting Guanna-to-be-Julia. She’d never had a toy of her own. She’d never tasted pizza. She’d never opened a gift. She didn’t know when her birthday was. And she sure didn’t have a family to help her celebrate it.
Celebrating a birthday is basically saying, “I’m glad you were born.” And for some children, you also get to say, “I’m glad you came home.” Because home is where the heart is.
Happy Birthday, baby girl!
