Out Like a Lamb

We prepare for Easter, enduring the winter. I thought of the old seasonal saying, "March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb."

Here in the Hock house we have felt the fierceness of the winter lion stalking and sinking it's teeth into tired prey.  We long for the sunshine and vitamin D!!!  Isn't it funny that the Lamb of God, the sacrificial Lamb, the  Cross of Christ is remembered usually as March "goes out like a lamb?"  The sun will come, the buds will erupt, and a sense of newness and freshness will overcome us!!!

Celebrate and prepare!

We have recently started a book for the Lenten season from a familiar author.  We have read all 3 of the Advent stories by Arnold Ytreeide and highly recommend them.  We are already captivated by our new story which embeds familiar characters and suspenseful and and contemplative messages.

today...hopefully our last snowstorm!

My hard little worker: school, school, school! All the time!

Recent trip to the aquarium in Cincinnati

February said hello to a 12 year old!!!  Happy Birthday Joseph!

The newest addition to our household, Geicho the Bearded Dragon.  This was Joseph's birthday present and he is fascinating!

When Will It All Get Normal

God has the plan.

The beginning of 2013....Not all that I had hoped!  This is my favorite coffee mug.   It has been my favorite coffee mug for 7 years, and now it symbolizes so much for me!  This mug was given to me in Maryland by a dear friend.  At the time, we met for workout and coffee at least three times a week at 5:30 am!!!  Crazy - I know but it was significant for both of us.  We both had 4 young children, life had spun out of control and our only time for ourselves became this workout and coffee time.  She gave me this mug when I moved away to Washington.  The mug has stood strong for 7 years.  I drank from this mug almost daily and this friend and I continued to "meet" although less and less frequently as the time zones never seemed to work.  We had moments though, always answered the phone for each other even if it was just to say, "I can't talk." Now....We have entered our new lives in Indiana.  My friend and I are thrilled that we talk as much as if we lived down the street again!  With the time zone problem eliminated our friendship is thrilled to be close again.

Early in January the mug broke.....it just slipped out of my hand! My heart got heavy, how could this happen?  This was not supposed to happen, this mug has stood the test of time, it has been with me in the absence of my friend, it remained when life was falling apart at times in those 7 years!

I have thought about this break over the last month as I have watched all that has happened in our lives in this new year 2013.  You see- this last couple of months have not gone how I planned.  We are here- in a new place, a great place. It has been so much fun to move and start new again.  Kids are really coming into their own here, it is a wonderful place to live, and there is excitement for our lives to take deep root here.  Things ARE SUPPOSED TO BE GREAT! We all, mostly, like it here...yet I have been so sick, we have been sick, Rob is so busy, we can't get a handle on things (especially schedules)....and we just cannot seem to start our "run."  Instead we are limping.  I am not sure why this is but my mug reminds me that it doesn't always go the way we think it should go.  I am ready to be "living" and enjoying life in Indianapolis but whether it be influenza, broken bones, fevers, teenagers schedule difficulties, teenagers, or any number of things...it feels like we are just limping!  My broken mug began a run of simple, non life threatening trials which have worn away at my spirit.  I caught my self asking that same "how could this happen?" question as I look around and am reminded:

It doesn't always go the way we had hoped.  Our God doesn't work that way!  We are not happy because we have a favorite mug or because we are well, or because things go the way we planned!  We are happy because we have HIM and we belong to Him.  I take comfort in this when all around doesn't look the way I want it to.  He has the plan, the right plan. So I look around and we continue to limp but knowing without a doubt that God brought us here- we press on.  He did bring us here and although things seem to be falling apart at times- we are constantly reminded of the paths He took to bring us to Indianapolis.  So many of you have wondered where I have been, why I haven't blogged or called...well- life hasn't gone the way I thought it would lately and we have been limping.  Hang with me- we will be in touch soon and I will take pictures again and let you all in on all the Hock happenings....just let my get my feet going again!

We were all taking so many things for sicknesses, we started labeling spoons!

This is what our counter looks like for a couple of weeks...with labeled spoons!

A True Break

What a wonderful Christmas break.  I must say- we truly took a break.  Although we were sad to say good bye to some old traditions, slowing down and simply living with no schedule for a week and enjoying life here together did our hearts good.  We didn't get to go to Snoqualmie Pass, WA skiing as usual between Christmas and new Years, we had a very rushed fondue Christmas Eve due to 3 services Rob had to do, and we really missed alot of friends....BUT- new beginnings are refreshing and new traditions-well- were necessary.  We began our break with 9 girls in the house for a sleepover and cookie making...phew that was exciting! We fit in making "pigs ears", eating fondue, making gramma's bread, and finishing the homemade sibling presents.  During the break we slept in, stayed up late, and enjoyed PLENTY of "screen time."  I got a cold- which forced a few sedentary days but that ended up being a great thing.  Sometimes my "go go go" mentality is really not what the other 5 people in the family need.  God was good to us- we slowed down.  We realized that since we arrived in Indiana- we have hit the ground running and we were so tired.  Isn't it amazing how we continue to find out that God knows us better than we know ourselves??!!  I am not sure why this surprises me, but I guess I like surprises. 

As we watched the days go by we find ourselves back in the swing of things. School has begun, sports are underway, and schedules are conflicting on the calendar.  As we head into this new year let me tell you a few amazing blessings....

1. I think we have found a piano teacher.  We could never replace our teacher in Ephrata and this "piano search" has been such a burden, but  I believe we have come to the end of the search.

2. The kids were so excited to return to The Master's Study (their part -time school).  Even though the transition to this type of schooling has been SO difficult (mostly for me) and full of many doubts...they seem to really love where they are!

3.  I have started to exercise again!! YAY!!! It has been way to long

4.  Sammy is making progress.  Many of you know that Sammy's transition here has been the hardest and we have had discoveries of learning difficulties.  His heart seems a bit better, he is not as angry, and we see glimpses f slow progress with his reading. Please continue to pray for him.

Happy New Year to all!!!

Best friends now share a room and participate in nightly readings together

Lots of treats

Finally- a fireplace!!!!!

Showing their wares.....favorite yearly homemade gift from cousins

ok more treats

Lots of snow, and sickness in house allowed for a 4 day Harry Potter marathon!!!! What fun

Trying to fit our beloved fondue tradition into new home and Christmas eve schedule

Yay!!! Christmas morning!

Another part of our break recipe...lots of games!

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!