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!!!!!!!!

Already Saying Goodbyes

It is official.....we are moving to Indianapolis! Our emotions are so conflicted- we want to scream and shout with excitement yet we taste the bitterness of closing a chapter on our journey.  We will be moving around August 15 to make the trek back across the country.  We did it 6 years ago with 3 kids, a baby, and a dog.....this time 4 kids, 2 cars, a dog, a bird, and 5 fish (yesterday it was 6 fish- but I killed one of Sammy's fish yesterday-so sad).

The journey here in Washington has been sweet and full of so many memories.  Our kids have grown here!!! Through tears and laughter, so much of who they have become is because of what the Lord has done here in this little sweet town.  The people here have been such a part of moulding our children (and us).  So as we start out good byes the sadness is deep within our hearts.  Although we do not leave for a month, we will take a vacation in the middle of it so we are feeling quite a crunch to get our goodbyes taken care of.  There are so many fun times and we sure are enjoying ourselves!!!

Joseph and Matthew---lifelong friends met when we first arrived and always on a team together supporting and encouraging

Goodbye to neighbors......just doing nothing!

Hikes with the Martell's. This is up at the cabin but Sunday afternoon spontaneous hikes up Beasely are cherished memories

Anna and MacKenzie--couldn't have asked for a better role model for my sweet young lady

Both girls have almost passed up Anna :)

Last soccer tourneys with a great team!

While in Leavenworth for a swim meet- we had to "experience" all the Leavenworth things- especially the hat shop

We have done swim team for 5 years-- all 4 kids and great summer friends!

Parties to celebrate!

The Tran's and the Hock's....10 kids!

And the Weirsma clan

Happy 10th Annabelle!

Our sweet Annabelle turned ten last weekend! The tradition in our home is that the 10th birthday is the last party...therefore they are allowed a big bash, inviting anyone they want, and whatever theme they want.  Annabelle followed in her brother's footsteps and wanted an Amazing Race birthday party.  There were 18 little girls, 7 other siblings, and 10 adults helping!!!  I can't believe we pulled it off with everything else going on, but it happened wonderfully.  They travelled all over town and completed various tasks for about 2 hours.  As usual- the video camera was out of battery and I couldn't be everywhere they went so we only ended up with a limited amount of pictures.  It seems that no matter how hard I try-- that video camera never has it's battery full!!

All I can say is- Happy Birthday Annabelle- you are an absolutely beautiful young lady!!! We are so privileged to have you in our lives.  Your tender heart towards God and others impacts all those you come in contact with!  We love your diligence, servant's heart, and desire to follow God.

Let the games begin

Happy Birthday Annabelle

Finding the balloon with "the mark"

Brain Freeze!

More brain freeze

Racing through Walmart

There she is!

The food challenge....Lanni had Flaming Hot Cheetos

A New Adventure Begins.....

Well- the Lord moves in remarkable unexpected ways!! We have gone from coast to coast....and now to the midwest, unchartered territory for me, not for Rob.  We have been recently called to a church in Indianapolis and the emotions range from elation...to meltdown.

We have begun the slow arduous task of purging and sorting and giving and piling, etc.  Daddy was gone to Indiana when we hit our first challenge......THE GARAGE!! Oh my!- we HAD to do it so that we had a place to put everything else that we purge. And so it began, only a move can motivate a job like this!  The children set out on a Saturday morning, I requested 1 1/2 hours in the morning and
1 1/2 hours in the afternoon, they were all prepared and were not allowed to make any plans that day.

We did well until we realized the abundance of .........MOUSE POOP (and the sighting of 3 mice)!!!!!  We swept and cleaned and swept and cleaned until it dawned on me, as I watched Sammy rub his irritated eyes, that there is a disease in mouse poop and you are not supposed to sweep it!!! PANIC struck! After a good dose of freaking out, I calmed down and finished our task.  It seems that I have one of these striking panics about something every time Rob is gone.  So--- we are all contaminated I am sure, we did have the garage door open the whole time :) (I hope all you relatives are laughing now) I have been sufficiently made fun of and well...the garage is clean, we have caught 2 mice (which await the arrival of dear old dad),  and we didn't even fight too much!

So now we continue with the rest of the house as we wait for continued confirmation that we will soon be relocating to Indiana.  Our time in this sweet town is going to be missed and the children are taking their time in adjusting to this reality.  We know they will be fine but their hearts are a bit broken.  I will fill you in on anymore fun moments we have in this endeavor!!

My work crew...good times had by all

Mother's day Fun..things to love about a small town

There have been many things that have popped up after living here for six years that never cease to amaze us about a small town.  On Mother's Day, the airport behind our house was offering free plane rides for kids from 8-17!! This airport is visible from our back yard, less than a mile away. We didn't even sign a waiver????  That fact dawned on me as I watched 3 of the 4 kids fly away!  It was an amazing experience and they enjoyed most of it, until a bit of motion sickness set in!  Sammy was too young and a bit disappointed about being left out but he got a great tour of a plane instead.  So- there are still things that happen in small town America that I don't think happen anywhere else!

Look carefully at each child......recognize those personalities?

Getting on board

Apparently the best part was the headset....and seeing cows from above???

His special experience

almost ready to go

A wonderful Mother's Day with my babies!