Little Sisters

There seemed to be a little sister section behind the field at the soccer game yesterday. And, what also seemed to be a very important lesson. There was very little talking, yet Eden was bossing just the same. First, the little girl picked her nose. Then Eden showed her how to properly dispose of a booger...i.e., wipe it on the front of your dress. ;) Turns out, she is even opinonated about nasal hygiene.

Snow Day Project

Well, it was project time today. We were stuck in the house again today, so we decided to get ready for Valentine's Day. The kids have parties in class on Monday and needed boxes to put all their Valentines in. And, of course Eden had to have one too. :) We used red duct tape for Gaven and Eden's and wrapping paper for Vivie's. We made bouncy hearts out of pipe cleaners, but the kids' favorite part was definitely the glitter glue. After about 30 minutes, I had to cut them off. Right now the boxes are drying, and glue is running down the sides. Oh, well...at least they will be unique.

Fourwheeler Adventures

The country seems to be talking so much about the recession. Today, the Hooper family enjoyed lots of family entertainment (and bonding) for only $5 in gas. It is not about the expensive snowmobiles or skis - it is about time...and today we had all the time in the world. It was snow day #5 for this school year. And, like usual, we tried to make the most of it. We borrowed a four wheeler from Lloyd and Tina, and Jer drilled some holes in a trash can lid....like I said, making the most of it = home made fun. :) Vivie did her little squeal the whole time, Eden was more interested in riding with dad, and Gaven turned into a dare-devil. He got dad to go so fast that he flipped multiple times - and laughed hysterically the whole time. :)

Over the past couple weeks we have been looking at properties all over town. And I must say, our property tops them all when it comes to a view. Just look at those mountains! Beautiful!

Washington, D.C.

I am so excited to be home from my D.C. trip. Any chance I have to go is a must for me. It is absolutely one of my favorite cities. The whole atmosphere makes you want to be involved. It gives me the desire to speak up and make a difference. So many times we hear about our responsibility to vote, and people are happy if we do that much. But the responsibility does not end there. We have opportunity to get to know our Senators and Representatives, and let them know what is important to us. On this trip my concern was an Educational Technology Bill. With most schools going completely digital, many blind students are unable to access their schoolwork. It is important for them to have equal opportunity to excel. Unfortunately, many times that standard for blind students, as well as other disable students, is much lower than "normal." That should not be the case. We should expect a blind student to do every bit as well as a sighted student, and to ensure that, I will speak out about this legislation that will give them the chance. I encourage you to find out who your Congressmen and women are, find out what committees they are on, and what they have agreed to sponsor. It is not that difficult to do, and it is very worth the effort.

Two and a Half

Lately the phrase I have used to describe Eden is "Very two." Her personality is hilarious. She is very opinionated and has no trouble expressing herself at all! Every day is a new process of discovery...usually accompanied by a lesson in obedience. I have come to the conclusion that two-year-olds are much smarter that we give them credit for.

I have to admit that my favorite past time right now is to watch her play "pretend" while she doesn't know anyone is watching. I get more delight in watching her tend to her babies (and boy, do those babies cause her trouble...she get on to them with gusto...wonder where she gets that from) and dance around in her tutu singing her made-up songs than I get having the most profound conversations with her. Maybe it is because we haven't experienced this "make believe" world with either of our other children. Vivie made up a lot of stories, but she never interacted with her dolls. Gaven was three when he came into our home and was all about trains. He would sit and play with his trains for hours, but he never really narrated the way Eden does right now. Each child is truly unique...a special gift. And, I am coming to understand more and more how each season with each child is a gift. Some people stereotype toddlers with the term "terrible twos." I will never use that phrase. This is a fantastic season of her life, and I will not stamp that title on her. I will enjoy it as much as I can, because it will be gone way too fast.

Uncle

Adoption is a precious word in our family. Not only was our son, Gaven, adopted a little over four years ago, but we have now also welcomed our "nephew", baby Noah, into our lives. Our very dear friends, Jeremiah and Susan, surprised us all with the news of the adoption of this adorable little guy in November. He is the very best baby. We all anxiously wait our turns to get him in our arms whenever he is around. His cheeks have the ultimate level of squishyness and kissability. :) When he was over today for a visit, Gaven couldn't wait to sit with him. When Susan put Noah in his arms, she commented on his little cousin. Gaven was quick to reply, "No, Suzy...I am his uncle!" :) Gaven has this amazing nurturing spirit. He cannot wait to teach Noah all he knows about football, hunting, and all manner of little boy things.

I am continually thankful to the Lord for bringing our son into our lives. We set out on a sort of mission to change his life, but he has undoubtedly changed ours in a million ways. There are so many crazy aspects to adoption that I cannot explain them all in one post. But I can tell you this today, the pride of my son claiming his spot as uncle is a small glimpse of a peaceful, strong heart that is secure.

Snow...Day Two

I am glad to report that we had a much happier experience in the snow today. Jerr got off work early, so we bundled up again and ventured out as a family in search of the perfect hill. And did we ever find it! It was everything you could ask for in a sledding hill...long, steep, slopping, tightly packed with snow, and, most importantly, FAST! Gaven was the first to try it out with no abandon. He jumped on the tube and flew down the 100 yard hill yelling "whooo hoooo" the whole way down. Once the four wheeler had he and the tube safely back up the hill, Vivie was ready to give it a go. Now, I don't know if any of you have flown down a snow-covered hill on a tube with your eyes closed, but you can just imagine what this was like for her. I was pleading for her to ride with Jeremy the first time to make sure she wouldn't be terrified, but that independence that I spoke of previously prevailed and she rode it alone. She laughed and cheered the whole way. :) Eden tried it once in bubba's lap, but that was all she wanted of it. I think she was pretty much there for the cocoa.

To our hosts, Jesse and Andrea, thank you oh so much for redeeming snow day for the Hooper Family.