it seemed like a good idea...

at the time...

Recently,   I printed out softcover books of my blog posts over the last nearly 5 years.   It has been an interesting and fun journey to read through the story of our lives since I started the ol' blog in February 2006.    I am happy to say that my thoughts and experiences both the inane and the life changing  are not only virtually recorded but also on a hard copy that my offspring can read and chuckle through someday,  just in case this internet thing doesn't last forever.     I can only imagine what they will think of their mothers musings when they themselves are in their 30s.    It will certainly be a different world. 

So this is one of those posts.   One about our life,  light observations.   After all,  we do live beyond the heaviness we have felt this last year,  and I am not made up entirely of  deep thoughts.  :)

I've been noticing a lot of stuff/habits around here that started out with high hopes, only to leave me annoyed as of late.


The Shelf.
One of my great ideas to fill the weird space in our living room.

What once looked like this:

Now looks like this:

We moved the monstrosity to the boys room and they could not be more delighted.
It now adorns junk, book, trash, action figures,  dust,  and the like.  It is a showcase of all things Chase and Drew.   Really,  how do you even begin to organize this treasure trove?


The Pillow.
This being my 6th pregnancy,  you would think I've seen and tried it all when it comes to pregnancy products.   Not true.   A particular pregnancy pillow caught my eye a few months back and I could hardly wait to be uncomfortable while sleeping!  The discomfort would allow me the justification I needed to buy this unusual contraption that boasted of back and belly bliss.  

I don't love it.    Not cushy enough.

The Pacifer.
I have only myself to blame.   When Juliet was 4 months old and just about the most content baby old I had ever met,   I came across a pacifier.   She was fussing in her swing and I thought it might be cute to see if she would enjoy it.  The was history.

What was extremely adorable at the time has turned into a rock solid addiction that perhaps I should have broke about a year ago.   Oops.

The Dog.
Perhaps this will be a bit of a sensitive subject for her former owners,  but I have to let it out.
Exactly who does she think she is?  Sitting on her perch like that?

The story of her acquisition reads here.   In the 7 months we have had her,  she has peed, pooped, destroyed, and annoyed!    Here's the thing though-- the kids,  specifically Drew and Juliet LOVE her.
And so she remains.


I'm sure there are many more but since there is no where deep or particularly meaningful that I am going with this post,  I'll sign off.
I just  wanted to pop in a few sillys  for the archives,  and know that I won't look back at this blog someday  and say... It seemed like a good idea... at the time.  It has been good.

What's new? not much.

Wow,  it's been awhile. 

I am happy to report that as of last week we have no signs of Christmas decor still standing in the house.  Not our personal record for either how short or how long it has taken us to take down Christmas,  but it was too long for me as I am eager to get prepping for the new babe!

So,  what's new around here at Mini-Van Mega-Fun?
Not much actually.  I've been in survival mode this January looking ahead to days where Dan will be working in town and life can normalize a bit.   Although,  I am not sure normal or typical, or even habitual even describes life in this house.    Everyday brings about oddity,  and I guess over all I am thankful for that. 

As far as my pregnancy goes.  31 weeks!   The final countdown has begun--but that is another post for a different day.  

Thanks for peeking in.  I hope to have more time soon to organize my thoughts into a few more blog posts.  There is much going on in my head and heart that needs to properly processed as to not have it all come out in a hormonal spiral over mouse turds and missing the bus!

summer dreaming...

everything rides on hope.

Didn't get around to posting this at Christmas time... but pondering hope is even more fitting for this  New Year...right?

 

Deeper than optimism,  more rooted than wishful thinking...

hope  | hōp |

noun
1 a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen

God's gift of Hope.

I learned much more about hope last year.  I felt it rise, crash, and slowly etch itself back into my heart.  At times it feels like there are 2 kinds of hope.   The kind that is defined above from the dictionary -- the hope that we feel for things of earth.   But also there is the indescribable kind of Hope-- the kind of hope that only comes from God.  The kind that lives in the Christian soul because God has initiated it.   We are the objects of His affection and mercy!

1 Peter 1:3-

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

Unlike wishful thinking or staying optimistic,  Christian hope is secure.  It cannot be lost because what God ultimately has planned for our life is stored in Heaven. 

⁴ and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  

So in believing this,  I find joy.

When life is filled with trial,  doesn't make sense,  or the things we hope for here on earth do not materialize,  Hope can endure.   

⁶ In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. ⁷ These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

I am not trying to say that having Christian hope will wipe away yours (or my) trials and pain.   Certainly challenges persist while hope endures.   My intention with my writings...er...ramblings  is to testify that God has restored hope in my life.  Not just the hope of a new baby,  but the hope of my life eternal. 

I was so inspired this Advent season by a series of messages given at our church.  The Gifts of Christmas.

To learn more...

Click here to hear the podcasts    

more specifically choose November 28...   The Gift of Hope.

holiday highlights

Tomorrow the new year officially begins as it is back to school for the kids,  back to work out of state for Dan , and really, finally letting my heart prepare for the arrival of baby gal in 12 weeks (or hopefully less) !

A few pix for the memory book...

 Juliet, looking thrilled and wearing the handmade coat by Jamie B.

all ready to go to the kids' school program

 Christmas crafts with Dan.   Fail.

 The ever growing Hopkins family

 The kids get a visit from Santa,  again Juliet not so thrilled...

 but she'll happily open the presents!

 Just a precious one here of Danno.

 Truly a special moment as Drew read aloud from scripture,  

and Joy recited from memory -- the birth of Christ

 My little bro Ross sipping Fresca from the moose mugs

 All gussied up for the school program.  Necklace and button down collars included.

Such a good sport,  hanging out with Santa so the 

little ones will still believe :-)

finally, Drew and his weather station.  This kid LOVES weather reporting. 

and how could I forget the forced family foto in front of Grandma's tree. 

and for the sake of consistency,  Juliet looks just thrilled.