Remember this article about Dee Trcka, the winning charm for the basketball team? We woke up this morning to find that he was written up in the paper again. This time, it brought tears to my eyes (it's okay--you can laugh at me). This Letter to the Editor was in the Killeen Daily Herald today. It is regarding Dee's freshman/JV White baseball team. He was in Lampasas at a tournament for the past 2 days.
The letter is about their exceptional behavior while eating pizza on Thursday. I have to be honest, his team doesn't win a lot of games due to lack of experience playing as children. But this is an important reminder (even to a super-competitive person like me) that participating in sports is about learning more than the fundamentals of a game.
Here is the text because I don't know how long KDH leaves these articles up, and I want to remember this.
Letters to the Editor
KHS baseball team had good manners
To the Editor:
My wife and I just finished lunch at Mr. Gatti’s in Lampasas.
While there, we were sharing the buffet line with the Killeen High baseball team (may have been freshman team).
Generally, being seated between a group of students and food can sometimes prove hazardous.
This was far from the case. We were met with excuse me, pardon me, yes ma’am, yes sir, and the all important words “Please and Thank you.”
After commenting to the coach about the team’s manners and returning to my table, my wife asked if I had also noticed that every member had their baseball caps off while inside eating.
We all know a coach has a lot of influence on their players, but I believe that this is a little deeper. The manners and politeness these young men displayed had to also come from caring teachers and parents.
We believe that when you see someone doing something right, you give credit for it.
Posted on Saturday, March 13, 2010 by Eddie and Janice Garner Lampasas
Sorry to embarrass you, babe. I love you!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Thoughts Continued
Since I am stuck at school with no students, I guess I have the perfect opportunity to finish posting about Lent. I figured if I am going to give something up, I wanted it to be something challenging for me; I wanted it to be a true sacrifice. However, I didn't want to sacrifice for the sake of sacrificing. I wanted to choose to do something that would help me to be a more godly wife and mother. In other words, I could give up chocolate or Starbucks, but I didn't see how that would help me improve my heart.
In case you don't know, I am not a morning person. I hate waking up. I can't wake up. I am always rushing in the mornings because I have hit my snooze button over and over for an hour or longer. Since August of 2005 when Emily started daycare, I have always stayed in bed while Dee gets up 20-30 minutes before me. I rush to get dressed while he clothes, feeds, and gathers belongings for our children. The only thing I contribute is brushing Emily's hair. And then, he takes them to daycare. I have pretty much spent the past 5 years pouting every morning about the fact that I can't be a stay at home mom; therefore, I have felt justified in making Dee do everything. I know I really need to get over it already.
Just so I feel a tiny bit better about myself, I do think I was justified when the kids were babies, and I was up nursing a baby during the night and using any spare moments at work to pump. But those days have been over for almost 2 years now (Ty will be 3 in April).
So I decided that for Lent, I would refrain from hitting snooze. I will set my alarm clock to a time that will allow me to get myself and the kids ready with time to spare, and I will make myself wake up when it goes off. And on weekends, I have to get up when the kids get up. And when Ty says he's hungry at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, I have to get up and cook for him instead of telling him to go get a box of raisins from the snack drawer. It is HARD, people. It is so hard for me that I don't know if I can do it, so I am publicly stating my goal to keep myself accountable.
I can say that as painful as it is for me to rise earlier than normal, I have loved spending the extra minutes with my kids as I help them get ready for the day. I have also been able to get myself ready at a slower pace, taking time to think and pray about the day ahead. And for some *strange* reason, the entire day seems to run more smoothly. I am still not a morning person, and I don't think I will ever be. But at least I don't have to be a rushed, cranky, chaotic, pouty mommy every morning!
In case you don't know, I am not a morning person. I hate waking up. I can't wake up. I am always rushing in the mornings because I have hit my snooze button over and over for an hour or longer. Since August of 2005 when Emily started daycare, I have always stayed in bed while Dee gets up 20-30 minutes before me. I rush to get dressed while he clothes, feeds, and gathers belongings for our children. The only thing I contribute is brushing Emily's hair. And then, he takes them to daycare. I have pretty much spent the past 5 years pouting every morning about the fact that I can't be a stay at home mom; therefore, I have felt justified in making Dee do everything. I know I really need to get over it already.
Just so I feel a tiny bit better about myself, I do think I was justified when the kids were babies, and I was up nursing a baby during the night and using any spare moments at work to pump. But those days have been over for almost 2 years now (Ty will be 3 in April).
So I decided that for Lent, I would refrain from hitting snooze. I will set my alarm clock to a time that will allow me to get myself and the kids ready with time to spare, and I will make myself wake up when it goes off. And on weekends, I have to get up when the kids get up. And when Ty says he's hungry at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, I have to get up and cook for him instead of telling him to go get a box of raisins from the snack drawer. It is HARD, people. It is so hard for me that I don't know if I can do it, so I am publicly stating my goal to keep myself accountable.
I can say that as painful as it is for me to rise earlier than normal, I have loved spending the extra minutes with my kids as I help them get ready for the day. I have also been able to get myself ready at a slower pace, taking time to think and pray about the day ahead. And for some *strange* reason, the entire day seems to run more smoothly. I am still not a morning person, and I don't think I will ever be. But at least I don't have to be a rushed, cranky, chaotic, pouty mommy every morning!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Thoughts on Lent
For years, I have felt so proud to not be Catholic at this time of year. Watching friends “give up” something and eat fish on Fridays, I would dismiss it, thinking, “Jesus sacrificed his life for my sins, and he wants my whole life, not just a measly 40 days. So I don’t need to do that silly Lent thing!”
Last year, I read a very short blog post by Beverly Ross (y’all know this is Jenny Biz’s mom), and it got me thinking a little. Here is a link to her thoughts on Lent. Why not use the 40 days of Lent to do something special to better my relationship with God? I know we should sacrifice 365 days a year, but what’s wrong with putting an extra bit of focus right before Easter?
Dee’s family is Catholic, and when we spend Easter with them, we attend services together. Last Easter, I was completely moved by the “Renewal of Baptism” that the priest led us through. He spoke about the importance of moving past the 40 days of Lent with a new strength and commitment in our faith. Then, he asked the following series of questions, and the congregation replied "I do" to each question.
"Do you reject Satan?
And all his works?
And all his empty promises?
Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy (Catholic) church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever."
Wow! I felt like those were such powerful promises to make that day. I, personally, leave out the word Catholic when I apply this to myself (since I’m not Catholic—duh ☺), but other than that, I think these renewal vows are something any Christian could say “I do” to. Obviously, I found it meaningful because I kept the copy of the words to refer to throughout the year.
So between Beverly’s quick thought that she posted last year and seeing for myself the expectation that Lent leads you to renew your comittment to God, I made the decision to try out the sacrifice for 2010. I am running out of time (and writing too much), so I will have to post more about what I decided to give up later.
By the way, I am writing about Lent to help keep me accountable! I soooooo wanted to give up this morning, but I didn’t ☺
Last year, I read a very short blog post by Beverly Ross (y’all know this is Jenny Biz’s mom), and it got me thinking a little. Here is a link to her thoughts on Lent. Why not use the 40 days of Lent to do something special to better my relationship with God? I know we should sacrifice 365 days a year, but what’s wrong with putting an extra bit of focus right before Easter?
Dee’s family is Catholic, and when we spend Easter with them, we attend services together. Last Easter, I was completely moved by the “Renewal of Baptism” that the priest led us through. He spoke about the importance of moving past the 40 days of Lent with a new strength and commitment in our faith. Then, he asked the following series of questions, and the congregation replied "I do" to each question.
"Do you reject Satan?
And all his works?
And all his empty promises?
Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth?
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was born of the Virgin Mary was crucified, died, and was buried, rose from the dead, and is now seated at the right hand of the Father?
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy (Catholic) church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting?
God, the all-powerful Father of our Lord Jesus Christ has given us a new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and forgiven all our sins. May he also keep us faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever."
Wow! I felt like those were such powerful promises to make that day. I, personally, leave out the word Catholic when I apply this to myself (since I’m not Catholic—duh ☺), but other than that, I think these renewal vows are something any Christian could say “I do” to. Obviously, I found it meaningful because I kept the copy of the words to refer to throughout the year.
So between Beverly’s quick thought that she posted last year and seeing for myself the expectation that Lent leads you to renew your comittment to God, I made the decision to try out the sacrifice for 2010. I am running out of time (and writing too much), so I will have to post more about what I decided to give up later.
By the way, I am writing about Lent to help keep me accountable! I soooooo wanted to give up this morning, but I didn’t ☺
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Exciting Week
I need to log on really quickly to document a special thing that happened this week. You already know if you saw my Facebook, but Emily lost her first baby tooth Wednesday, February 3, 2010. She pulled it by herself when she was at school. We discovered the tooth January 2, so it was almost a month from wiggly to tooth fairy. I have taken some really cute "missing tooth" pictures of her, and here is one of my favorites.
Well, even though I do like this picture, I also hate it because she looks WAY TOO BIG for a 4 year old. Yes, I can say that she's 4 for a few more weeks.
Well, even though I do like this picture, I also hate it because she looks WAY TOO BIG for a 4 year old. Yes, I can say that she's 4 for a few more weeks.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Two of a Kind
There is a little girl at church, and she is the female version of Ty, only she's almost a year younger. Like Ty, she is one of those kids that can't help but make you laugh! Her mom can basically get a preview of what her daughter will be doing one year from now by watching Ty now. So this morning, Amanda posted some very cute pictures of her girls in princess dresses. As soon as I saw the first picture, y'all, I remembered something very similar from last summer. What do you think about the resemblance?
I just took a screenshot to snag both pictures from our blogs since I don't have the full-size files with me at work this morning, but click the links above to see bigger images.
Okay, I need to quit playing on the computer and get to work! Happy Friday!
I just took a screenshot to snag both pictures from our blogs since I don't have the full-size files with me at work this morning, but click the links above to see bigger images.
Okay, I need to quit playing on the computer and get to work! Happy Friday!
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Star Student Day 3 (just in time)
I have been feeling yucky all day today, and I have had nothing to eat other than bread and crackers. But I am determined to get this post done!
Today, Emily had to select a book to share with her class. Last night, we chose her book, and she surprised me by not choosing Sleeping Beauty. She actually wanted to bring If You Take a Mouse to School, and she wanted to bring along her little mouse stuffed toy to go along with it. That was actually a gift from my Aunt Terri to Ty, but I let Emily "borrow" it!
The funny thing was when she woke up, she snuck 2 more books in the bag; my little bookworm couldn't choose just one! I discovered 2 American Girl books in her bag when I picked her up.
Enjoy some more photos of my little book-loving girl!
I took this picture of Emily in her Cinderella dress the first day I got my 85 mm f/1.8 lens. And this was when I was just learning about Photoshop, so I was using this image to try some new "tricks." Why don't I have this printed yet? I love it!
Emily and Ty Thanksgiving 2008 after our cousin PJ photoshoot.
*2009 Halloween, Little Einsteins June and Leo
Easter 2009 (Ty's 2nd Birthday)
Emily's 4th Birthday 2009
This picture was taken when I was trying to get some images to make her party invitations. I think I'll always remember that her 4th Birthday theme was My Little Ponies thanks to this pic!
Spring 2009 riding a pony at Life Group. What a big girl!
Today, Emily had to select a book to share with her class. Last night, we chose her book, and she surprised me by not choosing Sleeping Beauty. She actually wanted to bring If You Take a Mouse to School, and she wanted to bring along her little mouse stuffed toy to go along with it. That was actually a gift from my Aunt Terri to Ty, but I let Emily "borrow" it!
The funny thing was when she woke up, she snuck 2 more books in the bag; my little bookworm couldn't choose just one! I discovered 2 American Girl books in her bag when I picked her up.
Enjoy some more photos of my little book-loving girl!
I took this picture of Emily in her Cinderella dress the first day I got my 85 mm f/1.8 lens. And this was when I was just learning about Photoshop, so I was using this image to try some new "tricks." Why don't I have this printed yet? I love it!
Emily and Ty Thanksgiving 2008 after our cousin PJ photoshoot.
*2009 Halloween, Little Einsteins June and Leo
Easter 2009 (Ty's 2nd Birthday)
Emily's 4th Birthday 2009
This picture was taken when I was trying to get some images to make her party invitations. I think I'll always remember that her 4th Birthday theme was My Little Ponies thanks to this pic!
Spring 2009 riding a pony at Life Group. What a big girl!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Star Student Day 2
So today, Emily had to choose 4 items from home to take to class. I let her choose by herself except for one time when she asked, "Sooooo, what do you think, Mom?"
She chose:
Ballet Slippers
Apron (made by her Grammy)
TuTu (made by her Aunt Tara)
Bitty Baby
Here are some more Emily pictures. Remember, I put a * by the ones that she took to school for her display.
*This is Emily with her dance teacher Miss Callie (April 2008).
What a fun memory for our kids--we got to play on UT's football field in the 2008 playoffs, and our kids got to go on the field after the game. Interestingly, the quarterback that led Lake Travis to a 71-6 victory over us in the Regional Quarterfinals is the same guy (Garrett Gilbert) who had the unexpected duty of filling in for Colt McCoy a couple of weeks ago.
Here is Emily enjoying our cruise (summer 2008), and she is wearing the pink dress she selected in Cozumel.
*At a friend's party about a year ago, Emily rode a horse for the first time!
Did I tell you these pictures are not in any specific order? Here's another cruise picture. This was taken on the pirate dress-up day that was held in the kid's camp.
Last summer, we spent a few days at Great Wolf Lodge, and we can't wait to go again!
*Grammy, Aunt Amy, Aunt Joy, and Aunt Wedgey (my little sis aka Christy) accompanied us to the American Girl Boutique and Bistro the week of Thanksgiving 2008. Emily, Bitty Baby, and I posed outside before entering the store. I highly recommend this experience (get reservations at the Bistro) for anyone who wants their little girls to enjoy being little girls!!!
I'm proud of myself! I have actually posted 2 days about this. Wednesday will be an easy post; she just has to select a book to share with the class. So if I don't do pictures, it will take me about 5 seconds to post. But I'll try to do pictures!
She chose:
Ballet Slippers
Apron (made by her Grammy)
TuTu (made by her Aunt Tara)
Bitty Baby
Here are some more Emily pictures. Remember, I put a * by the ones that she took to school for her display.
*This is Emily with her dance teacher Miss Callie (April 2008).
What a fun memory for our kids--we got to play on UT's football field in the 2008 playoffs, and our kids got to go on the field after the game. Interestingly, the quarterback that led Lake Travis to a 71-6 victory over us in the Regional Quarterfinals is the same guy (Garrett Gilbert) who had the unexpected duty of filling in for Colt McCoy a couple of weeks ago.
Here is Emily enjoying our cruise (summer 2008), and she is wearing the pink dress she selected in Cozumel.
*At a friend's party about a year ago, Emily rode a horse for the first time!
Did I tell you these pictures are not in any specific order? Here's another cruise picture. This was taken on the pirate dress-up day that was held in the kid's camp.
Last summer, we spent a few days at Great Wolf Lodge, and we can't wait to go again!
*Grammy, Aunt Amy, Aunt Joy, and Aunt Wedgey (my little sis aka Christy) accompanied us to the American Girl Boutique and Bistro the week of Thanksgiving 2008. Emily, Bitty Baby, and I posed outside before entering the store. I highly recommend this experience (get reservations at the Bistro) for anyone who wants their little girls to enjoy being little girls!!!
I'm proud of myself! I have actually posted 2 days about this. Wednesday will be an easy post; she just has to select a book to share with the class. So if I don't do pictures, it will take me about 5 seconds to post. But I'll try to do pictures!
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