Sweet memories

This week I've had some special memories of Dave's grandma, Halcyon.  I guess because about this time 2 years ago she started really failing and eventually passed away the beginning of April.

She loved birds and flowers, everything nature.  I remember her in many things I notice in nature that she would have loved.  There were several bluebirds flying around our house this week that made me think of her.  And all the flowers coming up remind me of her carefully tended garden.
When the moon was less than a quarter, she would comment on how well it was "holding the water." When it was nearly vertical, the water was "pouring out." But when it was more horizontal, it would be "holding the water." 

She loved her coffee. She was so predictable and, therefore, easy to care for. Her need to get to fellowship meetings was helpful for everyone. She understood struggles of others... She understood ME and all I was going through. 

Best of all, she loved being silly!  She was always cracking jokes and joined in our silliness easily. One time driving through town, the light turned yellow and she said "Squeeze it!" You can bet I think of that saying every time I go through a yellow light! 

I can't believe it's been nearly 2 years since she's been gone... Seems longer but not as long at the same time. We miss her, but we're so glad we have many memories!!

Fri-yay!

Fridays seem to be the only day of the week I can ever get anything done.  (Apparently blogging falls into this category!)  I think it comes from lack of motivation early in the week and by Friday I realize what I haven't gotten done!  I typically make a small list of the week's tasks I'd like to accomplish, much of which falls to the wayside with other priorities. But then reflecting over the week to see the things I have gotten done that were NOT on the list is helpful... regardless of how many check marks I've made to the actual list!  For some reason, this week seems like I still have more things I need to add to my to-do list... I feel like I'm drowning in tasks I need to get done!  Oh well- there's always next week!  And no one around here notices most of the things I want to get done anyway...! 😝

This week's accomplishments consisted of:
-Getting things ready for a local kids consignment sale (Because there was a deadline!)
-Reserving campsites for a group trip in the fall (Yet another deadline!)
-Not eating out for supper- and only 1 night of leftovers!
-Washing windows!
-Kept the kids and husband alive!!

I won't bother listing what I wanted to get done...!

Thought I'd share a few of the reasons why I can't seem to get anything done...!!!!

Harry Potter and Lego obsession

Magical powers- the broom is NOT leaning on the shelf!

Wearing her "cape" and "helping" me fix supper

Mustache Day at school

Friends trying out the masks/costumes

Stylin' girl

My Little Ponies lasted over 25 years without a haircut.
However, Eleanor thought this is something that needed to be done!

Sam learning to sew.  Life lessons!!
Don't think I'd trust him to anything of much importance, but he's learning!

New specs for both boys and mom...
(Read: Several trips to the eye department in Costco!!!)

Park time!  LOVE this swing!!

Adrian gets a turn!
I wasn't as exciting to swing with as big brothers!

Eleanor loves Brenda's markers and scissors...

Family reading night- Where the Sidewalk Ends
So much more fun than it would seem to be!!

Blue hair for 5th grade production of
The Wizard of Oz

Yellow shirt facing the camera.
Definitely a fun show!!

Little Miss with her tea, orange, and egg.
She rules the roost.. but I'm trying to stop this habit!

"Being a Mother is not about what you gave up to have a child, but what you've gained from having one."

The Struggle is Real

My main goal in blogging is to provide reading material to those who want to keep up with the Hoots, as well as share positive vibes.  However, this week I am struggling to find something to share that's in those categories!  Things are just STRESSFUL!  And, honestly, who has a perfectly upbeat life ALL the time?  I see on social media people sharing their best moments, vacations, etc.  And that's great!  I'd be disappointed to see kids throwing tantrums, potty accidents beside the toilet, car wrecks, and other depressing things.  So while those are the "better" things to share, it's not reality 100% of the time.

I'm struggling with many, many different aspects of life right now and often I wonder when my head is going to pop from everything pressing on it.  I try hard to keep it suppressed, or at least deal with it as best as I can.  Many friends say I'm easy-going and relaxed, but they might be fooled with the reality of my mind and actions!

But while my struggles might be unique, we all have them!!  There is not a single person I know whose life has been a complete bed of roses.  And God made us that way!  Life is not supposed to be a walk in the park.  Often when I think things are settling down, BOOM, something else crazy happens and takes care of that!  But that's life- everything is temporary, both good and bad.  It is how we react and respond to those situations that shape us.

We had Special meeting this past Sunday and I enjoyed so much what we heard about struggles... Making time for fellowship with God each day, how we respond to his voice, etc.  One thought I especially appreciated was that we won't like the process of the fire, but it will bring us closer and into the will of God and more toward the Rock.  During this time of struggle right now, I am trying to see how this is shaping me.  I do know that I need to turn to God ALL the time and not just in times of desperation.  I am also learning that even though I don't know or want to accept what is to be in the future, God has the best planned for me.  And, for that, I am more than thankful!  The best is yet ahead!


Romans 8:18 (NIV)

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

What makes me happy!

Since I've neglected this blog for nearly 2 years, I thought I'd give it a go again. Not that I have any more time to do it, but I do really enjoy writing and sharing our crazy life with you!

This year I've started some weekly goals with my dear friend Jennifer. So far we have been able to do really well and adding more goals must mean we're doing something right?!? So that is one of the things that really makes me happy!

Can't tell you how much we laughed about the van behind her! :-)

Another thing that fills my heart with joy is doing family things and everyone enjoying it! Over winter break, we took a trip to St. Louis and Springfield.  It was neat to see the kids excited about "finding Lincoln."  In St. Louis, we hit the City Museum and Science Center.  It was an exhausting 2 days, but we really had a lot of fun together!

New Salem

New Salem

Lincoln Museum

Mrs. Lincoln's Attic at the Lincoln Museum

Mrs. Lincoln's Attic at the Lincoln Museum

Mrs. Lincoln's Attic at the Lincoln Museum

Mrs. Lincoln's Attic at the Lincoln Museum

You wouldn't believe ALL the stories that came from this dinosaur that "rawred!" 

Building the Arch!  (2nd attempt!)

City Museum!

City Museum!

City Museum!  Yep, that's Eleanor right in there!

City Museum!

At home, we were able to get our fire pit area set up recently and use it! It was a little chilly, but we got as close to the fire as we could and we all thoroughly enjoyed it!

During my trip to Ecuador last year with one of our friends, Brenda, I was asked to help out in her 1st grade classroom when I could.  I really enjoy being in the classroom and watching them learn.  That is what I wanted to do with my life as a child, but later I felt I wouldn't be able to handle the responsibility for the early education foundation in those little lives!  So while I opted out on that career path, I am definitely enjoying being there and helping out as I can.  I bring Eleanor and both she and the children love being with each other!  It is quite hilarious to see and hear what they have to tell each other!  It is also eye opening to what actually goes on in a classroom, which gives Brenda and me a LOT to laugh about!! 😄

Eleanor gets into all kinds of things in Brenda's classroom!
Luckily she doesn't mind all the post-it notes cut up into teeny pieces all over the floor!
But she's getting lots of scissor using practice!

Always find time for the things that make you feel happy to be alive

Carter

The first time I met Carter was 2006.  He was just a few weeks old at Yellow Springs convention, all swaddled up in blankets.  Samuel was 6 months old at that time.  It was amazing to see how much difference just 6 months made!  But yet they were so close in age.

Fast forward to 2012.  When I first learned about Carter's diagnosis, I had a heavy heart.  Just to know of all the things that he and Sam could have shared if had we lived closer.  And to know that as Sam got older and experienced things, Carter would never be able to experience that.  The pain that I had for his parents, his mother.  Knowing his parents while I grew up made it hit much closer, even though we mostly saw them at convention time growing up.  But through the progress of Carter's struggle, the updates were more encouraging than I could have ever imagined, despite the rapid decline of his health.

Carter and his family grew spiritually and gained much in this experience.  They were strong.  They turned to their faith and trust in God to get comfort.  They relied on the strength God held out to them to help them through this.  I can't say that it's been easy for any of the family.  I'm sure there have been and will be times they might feel unable to cope with the struggle and loss of this precious boy.  But I hope they are comforted with knowing that his soul is being cared for by the One they love.

Tonight as I was getting my children ready for bed, the finality of the death of a child hit harder than ever.  There's no more excuses to hear for not getting their pj's on.  There's no more bedtime stories to read.  There's no more tucking in.  There's no more sleep walking and other crazy things kids do while they sleep.  And there's no more coming down the stairs in the morning with bed head and saying "Good morning, Mom!"

But there's also no more struggle.  No more pain.  The victory is won.

As I watched the funeral of Carter tonight, I was made happy by the mention of gifts we are given.  Though I didn't know Carter personally, his life has touched many lives.  His life was a gift to us to show us how to live for the present and take on the struggle.  To live for today while trusting in God for his guidance for tomorrow.  I'm so glad to have known this little life and hope for strength and comfort to his family.

"Being a mother is not about what you gave up to have a child, but what you've gained from having one."

November

This year from the end of October throughout November, we have been reminiscing quite a bit about our times from the previous year.  It was crazy, nerve wracking, joyous, and as far from a "normal" time that we could get.

Last year for Halloween, we were moving from our rental house to our temporary rental house.  All the while, it was cold and raining. And the boys HAD to go trick or treating... which we let them do until they were too cold and wet and wanted to come home.  But where is home?  Oh my goodness, all those feelings, emotions, and stresses STILL come rushing back.

Believe it or not, we have no record of anything going on other than our house being built at the end of October last year.

This year, we were able to have a nice, relaxing trick or treating outing.  It was cold, but perfect because there was no stress.  No moving.  No rushing around getting things done on the house until midnight or later because it had to be done before the next day.  Ahhh.

The first part of November last year was when Dave spent every waking minute at the house.  One of our wonderful helpers (we had MANY!) still says he can't believe how Dave pulled it off.  Some pictures for your viewing pleasure of some of the wonderful people who were kind enough to take time out of their schedule and from their families to rescue us from not getting things done...

The most nervous day of my life...
The stairs going into place

Half naked boys reaching hard to get to places!

The next biggest thing that happened last year in November was Eleanor's birth!  Here's a few then and now pictures.

Last picture of Hoots, family of 4

1 year picture

Enjoying new toys!

The other huge thing that happened last year that was traumatizing was the tornado that ripped through our area.  It was devastating enough to know and see the results of it.  We moved into our house the day before it happened.  This picture shows the path and where our house is (yellow dot). We still sometimes have nightmares about tornadoes.

There were some other things thrown in there last year... the flu, hiccups with house things, Eleanor not gaining weight, etc... More things that make us thankful to be in this year more than last!  And as we get more things done with the house, it's more exciting to think of where we'll be NEXT year this time!  Staring down another long winter's road, but there will be more exciting things have happened! We are looking forward to it!