Thankful

For years being in Ephrata, Washington had many joys- yet one struggle gnawed at my heart every year around the holidays... jealousy.  Yes- jealousy!  I was jealous of all those around us who had family to be with every holiday.  I coped with my jealousy by transforming our holidays into valuable and cherished times to which our children would never notice they were missing out on what so many others enjoyed. Little did I know that no matter how hard I tried I would never remove our innate desire to be loved and adored by "extended family" from our children.  We built that family in Washington with a few families who we adopted as our own, but there was more we were still missing.  I knew it.  The kids knew it.  We never talked about it.

Since we have moved a bit closer to family, I was overjoyed to have somewhere to be and someone to be with on our first holiday! We drove 8 hours to join Gramma and Grampa on the farm for Thanksgiving.  Never underestimate the influence and affect that grandparents or extended family have on children.  There is a sense of belonging and comfort with being around those related to you.  Although I still dearly miss Ephrata and our adopted families- I was relieved to not be jealous of those around us.  I was relieved to watch the kids enjoy- for the first time in their memories- a holiday with family.

Joseph followed Grampa around the farm talking to and feeding animals, he never came indoors except to sleep.  MacKenzie walked every morning, with her Bible in hand, to find a quiet spot to read.  She also spent hours with the horses- riding, grooming, and loving them.  Annabelle just thought being with Gramma and in the house was wonderful.  She doesn't really have any memories of being there before this trip.  She had her own room into which she completely moved in.  She had things in every nook and cranny.  She baked with Gramma, talked with Gramma, and did chores and errands with Grampa.  Sammy- well Sammy did the best he could- being a place he doesn't remember ever being, with people he doesn't know too well, and around a lot of big scary animals.  Nevertheless, he occupied himself and tried many new things including riding a horse and going on an errand with Grampa.

All this is to say- I am thankful.  I was always thankful, but this trip did my heart good.  I truly heard pride and joy drip from the children's mouths as the told friends where they were going and where they had been for the Thanksgiving holiday.  It was as if they were finally in "the in crowd" and they knew it! They were saturated with an experience that hadn't ever had before and will have it written in their hearts.  Now, I am sure we will not be with family every holiday and I also know that, as it was in Ephrata, most people have their families close in Indiana- but I thank the Lord for this trip and this experience!  We are thankful for where we have been on this life journey, who He had made us through it, and where we are now.  What comfort and peace comes from knowing you are right where the Lord wants you!!!

This horse has never been so loved...hours of grooming! even a braided mane everyday

Our reserved little guy spent hours talking to animals

The joys of baking with Dad

If we could have fit the horse in the suburban...she would have taken her home

Back in the land of trees

beautiful

A long awaited visit

The Marathon

Transitions are long.  We are settling more and more everyday and we got a little extra shove this week.    I have felt myself a bit stuck since we got here- due to many factors: We are temporary in our house, it is hard to not feel like we are camping,  there is so much to do all the time that I never know where to begin,  we hit the ground running and we are still sprinting- so the idea of a marathon is a bit tough.  Alas..... This week the bumps are getting smaller and "home" is here.  I am sure  many of you have heard about the house explosion in Indianapolis.  Our new church is really in the middle of this tragedy this week.  With the involvement came many long days for Rob.  He has worked 15-16 hour days since last Sunday.  This became my "little push" to adjust to life here.  Without Rob around and being covered in prayer came amazing results. Adjustment!  We had an surprisingly blessed week- a peaceful and enjoyable school week, a clean house, meals all at home, and an overall sense of comfort. These are all things we have yet to experience in Indianapolis.

I am continually struck at how God confirms our move everyday.  Rob's gifts have been utilized and he is shining.  The kids are enjoying life- not completely- but more.  I am feeling settled, well at least more than I was. With God's little nudge to step it up this week- well- I take a deep breath and say "ok- it is time to be here!" So although we are on a marathon and this transition will continue to be long and we are far from settled.....we are being cheered on along the way and I know we are supposed to be in Indy.

MacKenzie and Annabelle on halloween

Sammy turned 8!!!!

Fun birthday with new friends

There are some things in Indy that deserve great attention...parked down the street- Look what we found!!!

good times 

New friends who bee keep- the treasures of our new life

She looks good in red!

Gramma and Grampa came to visit

 The word went out that Sammy had a birthday and didn't have many friends yet.......a call to action!  5 families came together to throw a surprise pirate bash for the little guy!!!! Everyone, even adults and teenagers dressed up, cake was made, decorations up, and the Surprise party began!  His response---well- he had a great time.  He was a bit confused because, "Mama- it's not my birthday????" (we had it a week before his big day) After he figured things out and the shock of the surprise wore off, he told me the next day-"I wish I could rewind and do it all again!" Success.

Everyone had fun

Everyone!!

treasure

Fall Happenings 2012

We have not disappeared or fallen off the face of the earth...I just keep waiting for my head to stop spinning- but alas- I do not believe it will!  Life here in Indiana continues to be a sweet blessing even with all of the hardships.  We are on our second round of illnesses, still dealing with various emotions with 6 different individuals, have yet to find a rhythm in our schedule, and feel overwhelmed with life in general......YET- the Lord confirms our move, our calling, and His assurance to be with us.

We have discovered many soul inspiring places, people, and things to urge us on here in Indiana!  The people....what can I say??? I feel blessed everyday with new friends and their enveloping love and encouragement.  They have invited us places, brought meals, taken our kids everywhere, offered vacation homes, and simply loved us.  I really look forward to continuing to meet and get to know folks here.  The kids are well loved- rest assured.  They still deeply miss all of you and life in Ephrata, there is not a day that goes by without a memory from someone or tears from another- BUT- they cannot ignore the Lord's care and provision as His Body here continues to love them.  

Although I long for familiarity and to be done with transitions, I am finding moments and blessing that lift my spirits and get me through the days.  Many of you have already seen "my tree" in our front yard--it is amazing and for about 2 1/2 weeks God breathed life into me with it's beauty! It was magnificent, the vibrant colors and the sun shining through it each day brought me comfort.  The tire swing which now hangs from it also was an essential addition to our home as it drew my kids outdoors.  There is a fire place in our home...so although I do not have a bath (so sad) I have traded it for a fireplace!

So- we are well and thank you for all our your prayers and contact!  I will give you a brief synopsis of each child.  MacKenzie is blossoming! Please pray for friendships for her, she has met many people but now longs for "friends." She communicated for the first time the other day how much she misses home.  Joseph continues to do just fine.  He is very needy for some reason and we will face some educational decisions with him this year but he is happy and sad moments are much less.  Annabelle- well she too enjoys life here but wants to be back with Chloe, Nikola, and Sophie.  She has quit gymnastics yet still cries about it but will not let me take her to a gym- please pray that she finds the activity that she loves.  Sammy is improving- his disabilities have magnified with out the comforts of home.  He continues to really not do well with transition and doesn't understand why God would bring him here.  Pray for him to learn how to read and that we could find some avenues of academic success for him.  

No- not our house but a wonderful getaway "cabin" which has been offered to us and we enjoyed a few days here

The kids caught MANY fish each at the cabin- Sammy wouldn't touch his

among other amazing nature discoveries...a friendly box turtle

The catch of the day-- well catch of his life really

She is loving outdoor adventures as much as I am

No fall is complete without a trip to  the pumpkin patch 

The tire swing on our wonderful tree has brought my kids back outside to play...what a relief

A friend introduced us to Brown County, an hour south and a treasure of a place where we will find ourselves often

These two don't remember leaves like these! Hours of fun

They all look ok- don't they???  We will get through this transition

what fun!

I think I have about 100 pictures of this tree- I just couldn't stop looking at the brilliance 

Sweet girl is doing very well

Pumpkin carving indoors this year---and they all do their own now!!! Amazing

Love the blank walls???UGH- I need color!

Did You Know?

I have come across some interesting facts since we moved which I thought you might enjoy.....

Did you know that the Hock family drinks 20 plus gallons of water a week?

Did you know the Hock family uses 20 pounds of ice per week?

Did you know Indianapolis fruit flies are actually not "fruit" flies, they are "food" flies?

Did you know Indianapolis "food" flies can with stand 30 seconds of microwave cooking and still be alive?

Did you know that just because you have trees and filled bird feeders does not mean that there are birds??

Did you know that when there is something blocking the plumbing pipes that NOTHING in the house drains and actually water from one drain arrives in other drains?

Did you know soccer in Indianapolis is more fanatic that Ephrata and we attend up to 7 games a weekend?

Did you know we have experienced more rain in these 6 weeks than we experienced in Ephrata in 6 years?

Did you know when 4 children are home schooled and have very few friends to distract them they actually enjoy fighting as their favorite past time?

Did you know that having no shades on your windows in the city could make for some interesting church growth?

Did you know when you drop an iPhone on concrete...it shatters and keeps working?

Did you know there are other fast food establishments besides MacDonald's?

Did you know the dollar movie is actually $2.50?

Did you know the tornado siren goes off every Friday at 11:00....just for practice??!!!

These are just a glimpse for you!  We see rhythm and peace on the horizon!!!!  After the family being sick for over 2 weeks and continuing to experience many bumps along the road...we had a sweet week this week.  We all agree this will be a wonderful place to live...someday!

To explain some of the above questions....  We no longer have a water dispenser on our refrigerator and the water from the tap needs water softeners and filters, which were not installed.  So- needless to say we had to purchase bottled water for several weeks. We are still purchasing ice because the water from the tap is not cold.  The fruit flies are everywhere and in everything, even my coffee! We have had major plumbing issues in the house...we think they are resolved thanks to wonderfully persistent  workers from our church.  The rest seem to be self explanatory.

We continue to struggle through transitions.  Our little Sammy seems to be struggling the most, although he had a good week.  A sweet friend started his week with "Incredible Pizza" which is a Chucky Cheese on steroids...he decided he did not "hate" Indiana on that day. He has really had a difficult time and asks everyday to go home.  During Rob's installation service he cried and said "I don't want Daddy to pastor this church, I want OUR church"  These moments are breaking my heart.  Annabelle and Joseph are struggling also.  Annabelle tends to communicate with Washington friends in the evening because of the time change...which results in lots of bedtime tears.  As long as Joseph keeps busy- well he misses friends less.

All my pics are a bit blurry this time :( haven't been taking many pictures- I will do better!

We have a new boy scout! Let us know if you want popcorn

Joseph has gotten to do so many things and caught a fish!

we found the downtown library- everybody's  new favorite place- that is our city in the background

Off to school

FINALLY!!!

As I look on my last post I am struck by how much life has changed in 3-4 weeks.  We have experienced so many new, exciting, difficult, and traumatic events in such a short time frame.  We have arrived in Indianapolis, and feel like we are already in the full swing of life!! How does that happen?

Our 5 day car trip was quite a success and significantly easier than the trip 6 years prior when we went to Ephrata.  We hit a few tourist spots but mostly tried to cover lots of ground driving each day.  The kids had enough things to keep them busy thanks to Adventures in Odyssey and many fun travel gifts (particularly snacks).  The dog did not eat the bird and we only had to "pet smuggle" in to one hotel!! Annabelle really struggled with our dishonesty! We arrived around midnight to a welcome party, a sign, and air mattresses.  Home sweet home!

We are blessed beyond belief by our new family here....yet still feel the sting of empty hearts from old family!  It is very confusing to deal with all these emotions (for me), no wonder each of the children are displaying such a wide array of behavior...such interesting behavior!  There is such an outpouring of love and excitement with our arrival- hard to accept and take in but greatly appreciated!  Rob has been nervous, excited, overwhelmed, and confident all at the same time.  The kids have been warmly welcomed..yet still sad and want to go home. I see each kid changing before my eyes- and in these moments of doubt and sadness- feeling confident that God has called them here also.

Our life has changed- not for the better or the worse- just changed, drastically.  Please- I urge you to continue to pray through our tough transitions.  It is hard to follow the Lord's call- even when it is a very exciting and wonderful call!

Things have been very chaotic, everyday is new and I have no Schedule so please look forward to see more updated posts..and I apologize for not getting this up sooner---if you knew me before and all my giftings of organization-NOT--just imagine it is soooo much worse right now!

The highlight of the road trip!

The corn Palace

First day of school...EVER!

The stuff arrives! PHEW!

The new house...a HUGE blessing on the part of our new church family!

New soccer team

Our Animal!

Working hard

The Final Days.....(this is a long post)

The time has arrived and it is really happening- I still don't think it has become real in my heart!  We are leaving small town America--Ephrata, WA and heading to the city- Indianapolis, IN!  Although God has gone ahead of us and there is an exciting journey ahead, there are broken hearts here in the process and broken hearts we are leaving behind.  Our time in Ephrata has been really short compared to most lifetime residents, but this past 6 years has impacted our lives in wonderful ways.  Let me tell a little about what each family member has in their hearts to remember....

Homeschool friends

Brook and Kenz...two peas in a pod

Delaney and Kenz....it has been many years!

MacKenzie- She has become a young lady here, came at age 8 leaving at age 14.  She has become an amazing piano player and very competitive soccer player.  Before she came it was ballet, now her hopes and dreams involve piano and soccer.  The coaches and teachers of a small town will be greatly missed.  She has longtime friends and even new friends that she will deeply miss. She is known for her determination, faithful heart, and being a loyal friend. Hard times ahead for moving across the country as a highschooler.

Joseph and Katelyn- the fun never stops (neither does the talking)

Gage and Joseph- little buddies

Caleb and Joseph-every sport, every year

Joseph- Here is the child who will adapt the easiest but who is leaving a piece of his heart here in Ephrata and I think it will always remain a hole!  He is so sad right now and cries almost nightly.  My heart aches for him as he cherishes his fun times; Joseph has fun no matter where he goes and everyone knows it.  He has excelled in acting, swimming, and soccer....he loves and participates in baseball, basketball, and piano!!!  He is a jack of all trades and is known for his encouraging words and excitement on every team! His summer has been amazingly fun and his little heart cannot understand why God would lead him away from the place he loves.

Sophie and Annabelle- a cherished lifetime friendship

Lexi and Annabelle- sweet friends

And the crazy silly girls!!!! Emmie, Annabelle, and Chloe--friends since the bitty years

Annabelle- This little lady has blossomed in Ephrata!!  She left Maryland at age 3 and wouldn't talk to anyone...now at age 10 she is the most social child I have and has more friends than the rest of us put together!!!  She belongs here!  She loves each and ever special friend.  She has learned to play piano beautifully, known as "Animal" on the soccer field, and was one of the hardest working little gymnast on her team! She is loved here and is not talking about the move but her goodbyes are tear jerkers as she grips and cries.  Annabelle is very sad to leave....she doesn't realize how much everyone will love her in Indy too!

Sammy and Garet- wow Sammy looks tan!!!

Cody and Sammy-- this is the little guy who will now live in Sammy's room!

Saying good bye to his fish!  Now Garet will adopt them (I won't be blamed for killing anymore)

Sammy- He just wants to make sure there is a McDonald's and a fish store in Indianapolis!!!  He is not so sure!  He is a trooper and does not want life to change but he goes anywhere for the ride.  Each time he receives a gift for "the drive" he cannot wait to move, but there are other emotions coming out in all sorts of ways which tells me he is struggling too.  He does not have many friends but truly loves the ones he has!

Rob and Kimmy----I guess I really cannot speak for Rob so I will speak for me.  Our adventures here have been challenging through the years but I have been so blessed by our time, my roots have grown deep.  I have not felt much emotion except when the children have, but I know it is there....it is just so crazy busy with details I don't know when the real feelings are going to creep up!  Every once in awhile it really hits me--"this is really happening".  I had a very hard time with the end of swim team, a very cherished activity for our family.  I have had moments and rushes of tears with sweet letters, texts, and gifts.  I too have friendships here that are very difficult to leave.

Everyone asks if we are getting excited...I think we have to go through the sadness before we get the the excitement. Of course we are very excited and we have enjoyed experiencing the excitement of those waiting for us.  I think that once we get through the first couple hours of our drive....excitement will truly set in.  The Lord has many new adventures, relationships, joys, and trials and He has gone ahead!!!  Even though I believe my kids don't understand this calling...Rob and I know we are being called.  We know that the people of Indiana have spent years praying for their next pastor and we cannot wait to see what the Lord does in our lives there.

And now I say..........
INDIANAPOLIS HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!