The Hopkins Leave Their Footprints At Chichen Itza

Mothering

There's a big difference between a "NEED" and a "WANT".

As a parent, it is very important to meet ones' children's needs... and quite often, meeting those needs means depriving them of their wants. But even more critical is discerning which are which. I am learning just how difficult that is.

As mother and daddy are on a trip in Mexico, and Peter is no longer a resident in this house, I have been placed in charge of the six younger ones. It's been easy and hard, pleasant and not SO pleasant, they've laughed and cried, but I. Have. Enjoyed. Every. Minute. Of. It.

I think the Lord is using this experience to reveal to me what His will for my life is... I have never felt so strongly before that my calling is to be a wife and mother.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Home is where my passion lies.

Little instances help to cement this conviction in me. For example:

I took Duncan, Luther, and Olivia to the thrift store. Our family is well known by the people who work there, and they like us :D. When it was asked where my mother was (she's usually the one who brings the kids in), and revealed that I was caring for them, a lady standing by remarked:

"If I had three younger siblings, I wouldn't watch them..."

"Well, actually, I have six..."

**shocked expression**

This kind of mindset is so repulsive to me... I can't ever imagine NOT wanting to (well, I feel the need to as well :P)!! I couldn't believe it!! Well, maybe a little... but... how could she say something like that??

It's the work I am being 'cut out and sewn' for.

With Love from a house full of Joy,

Been There, Done That...

...and I'm free from the hold of the Ohio Department of Education!!! (Shhh... don't tell anyone... but there are typos in their test books... hehe :D)

Ruby Jean Grows A Wish

Ruby got the surprise of a lifetime a few days ago.

For quite a few months, a deep secret was up 20 person's sleeves... no one was to breathe a word. It was necessary, however, to discuss it in small groups... at such times it almost slipped as she (aforesaid recipient of aforesaid surprise) interrupted unknowingly. She never suspected.

This most precious secret was most dangerously close to being revealed when she got a confirmation email concerning the registration of said surprise. We endeavored (and succeeded) in convincing her that it must me a virtual communication of the basest kind: spam.

The heretofore mentioned 20 persons are the most gracious, loving, and generous group I know. They helped to keep the secret, and helped to make it happen... the dream became a reality.

In short, it was our most sincere desire that Ruby be presented with a 13" white MacBook... a thing she wanted ever so much, but had no hopes of raising the funds for. We did what we could to make it happen.

And I beg you to understand that I understand that it was only by God's grace, and through His will that this came about.

I promised said 20 persons that we would videotape and publish her reaction... so without further ado, "Ruby Jean Grows a Wish".

(You should also know that this is what she wished for when she blew the candle out :D)

History Pays Us A Visit...

My family spent Independence Day at our good friends the Clarke's who have some property in southern Ohio. It's a great place to go and romp.

The Clarkes planned a party, or 'social gathering', for which they invited several large families.

All of the older daughters were sitting in a circle when a friend of mine, Jordon Connor, looked over at the trampoline, noticed two well-named little brothers (mine and hers) jumping together and (without having any idea what she was saying at first) exclaimed:

"Look!! It's Calvin and Luther jumping on the tramp!!"

Random Fact:

I am afraid of clowns.