Sunday, July 29, 2007
REUNION
Almost PersuadedToday was the large gathering of Steve’s family on his mother’s side. It was hard to believe the hundreds of people there, were direct decedents of Steve’s grandparents. Steve’s mother had 12 siblings and each of them have very large families as well. It was a beautiful sight…. It almost,… I SAID…ALMOST, made me reconsider whether I will give in to Steve’s wishes for having more children. Who knows, perhaps the cradle will “rock” again!
Jitters
I remember the first-time jitters of attending my first family gathering. I was very careful to wear something plain enough, not knowing what to expect. Everyone was very friendly, and made sure I didn’t feel left out of conversation, even repeating things in English for my understanding.
“So, Kristi, do you like gardening?”
“No, not really.” I replied
“Do you enjoy sewing?”
“Uh-no.” I managed.
“How about cooking?”
“I’m learning, a little,” I answered.
“Do you enjoy canning?
“What’s that?” I stammered.
“Kristi, what do you do then?”
I went into some explanation of how I was going to school to be a nurse, but inside I was beginning to wonder if I would ever fit in this family.
Over the years they have taught me how to cook, can, and landscape. I am inspired at how much they can fit into a day. My mother-in-law has a lot of spunk, (you would love playing games with her) and she could out work me any day. Her sisters are near duplicates of her and it was fun seeing them together today.
Appreciation
I never fully appreciated the joys of being in this family until I had children. It is incredible my girls have this many cousins, and there is always another sister in law to call if I need a baby sitter.
My children enjoy being out on the farm gathering eggs, holding baby chicks, petting the horses and giving them handfuls of grass. It is awesome their cousins live even more conservatively than we do, and their minds have not been polluted. This has been such a good influence on my girls, and has taught me to enjoy the simplicities of life.
Kristin
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!
Labels: cradle, Family, Hoover, mennonite
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Tribute to the Meeks Family
Tribute to the Meeks Family
Our experience with ABC’s Wife Swap was a good one. We thank God for the Meeks family and their continued friendship with the Hoover family.
While our parenting styles differ, we see much in the Meeks family that is honorable and noteworthy. Basically, the Meeks children Benji and Hannah, are well mannered, taught to treat others with respect, and do share quality moments with their parents.
From their fundraising efforts in “Susan G. Komen for the Cure” to their ability to pursue a dream, the Meeks family is indeed extraordinary. Tish’s generosity and genuine love for children, and Tony’s willingness to reconnect to God are tokens of the greatness in their hearts. They “Rock”!
Both Tony and Tish possess leadership qualities to impact their world in a positive way, and we expect many lives will be affected in their realm of influence.The Hoover House will never quite be the same … with electric guitars and “Kristin’s Night Off”, “Everybody Loves Spring”!
Steve and Kristin Hoover
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!
Labels: ABC wife swap, Family, Hoover, meeks, Rock and Roll, thehooverhouse.net
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Birthdays & Beer
Growing up!My little girl is turning eight! We had an exciting day blowing up balloons, decorating the back yard, making the games for candy walks, and planning treasure hunts with a birthday parade. I do love celebrating birthdays!
Four Generations
Emily was born on her Great Grandma Chamber’s birthday but we decided to celebrate early. Next week we will be gone for Junior Bible Quizzing Nationals in Branson, then on to our Mennonite family reunion in New York, vacation with friends in Canada, and sharing Wife Swap testimony in Illinois.
The children were exhausted from their day of preparation and celebration but were still a little hyper from excess cake and ice cream. After they settled in bed, I snuck downstairs to nab the last piece of red velvet cake, and remembered a birthday party of my own a few months earlier.
January Eighth 2007I woke up early in a strange room. The night before I had been introduced to the new Rock and Roll family I would be staying with for the next week. They seemed nice despite our differences in culture, and God had already reminded me He paid attention to detail in this arrangement. As I was taking hot sticks from my hair, I heard a tap on the door and the strumming of a lead guitar. Then, a rock and roll version of “Happy Birthday” serenaded by a punk rocker in a business suit and tie. I knew then that my 35th was going to be a strange year!
I went about the life of someone I didn’t know, taking kids to school, trying to book gigs, answering fan mail, handing out flyers to inviting them to a gig, I the punk rocker, was to sing at. I’m sure some people in town got a good chuckle out of this “new punk rocker” that was in town wearing a skirt!
After a Meeks style supper of some sort of salsa mush, Tony and I did dishes together – a change I was liked! Hannah and Benji had been “hushed” at the table a couple of times, so I knew something was up. Tony asked if I would like to practice with the band so I followed him to their studio. When I opened the door, “Surprise!” all the neighborhood was there to sing Happy Birthday and give presents. There was cake and beer – LOTS OF BEER. I enjoyed visiting with their friends, but when Tony started making a show of drinking “shots to Kristin,” I stepped outside to eat my cake. I was definitely out of my comfort zone, and terribly missing my children and Steve.
The editors, when splicing the show together, took out any reference to it being my birthday party. When I am making comments like “Tony knows that I am uncomfortable with the drinking scene”, the statement seems a little strange, until you know I am talking about a keg party on my personal birthday. I’m not sure exactly why the editor’s chose this route, but perhaps because Michel Jackson owns the rights to “Happy Birthday” and they would have to pay big time for the royalties.
I can say I've never had a birthday like it, and probably never will again.
When I returned home to my children’s hugs, kisses and happy squeals, they showed me a piece of red velvet cake they had saved from their celebration without me. Being home with my family, after a long week in Texas, was the best gift I could have asked for.
Kristin
Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!
Labels: ABC wife swap, Birthday Party, Family, Hoover, meeks, Punk Rock, Texas
