California Has Broccoli

We all have the choice to be swayed by outside opinion. Just the other day Rory was trying to convince me why she should go to California. Ryder was trying to convince her otherwise as he knows she isn’t getting a trip to California until she is at least five.

“Rory, there is broccoli in California. You probably should consider that before wanting to go there.”*
“Oh? Well, hmmm. Maybe then… well actually, I think I can handle some broccoli.”
“Ok, yes, I guess you could. Especially if it is raw, it is much easier to eat when it’s raw.”
“Yep, so when should we leave?”

Obstacles might slow our hopes and dreams, but surely with the right outlook they will not deter. Have you ever seen a kid play in the snow? In the right mood, these kids can play in that frozen water for hours. Wet mittens are usually what get in their way. Fingers that are freezing hurt and a remedy is needed quickly! So do they give up the day? No, simply coming in for hot chocolate, expertly made by mini baristas, and replacing wet mittens with dry ones solves the problem. Obstacles might slow our hopes and dreams, but surely with the right outlook they will not deter!

The last few weeks seem to have taken on this theme. More friends and family than I can name or count have endured sickness, job loss, frustrations, and obstacles that would deter any average person. But the ones that have triumphed with miraculous victory have gained a deeper appreciation for life and for the strength of God our Father. For in the struggle it was hard, it was trying, it was life changing, but it was still important to Him. I am grateful for this example, as it has brought great conversation with the Mini Macks.

You might have noticed an absence on this little blog the last month. It has been because I have been writing a lot for work, a project I finished this week. I am excited about what might come of it. I have also been living life with three busy Mini Macks. Science Fridays have continued to fill our Fridays. Ryder tells me a topic typically on Thursdays and I spend the evening researching. We have learned about “How do bikes work?” “How is flour made?” “What machines are used in the house, either by electricity or by man power?” “Snow” “How are buildings built?” “What makes a church building look different?” “Fans” and this list goes on.

It can be a challenge to satisfy Ryder’s inquiry, but there in lies an obstacle I am more than happy to triumph! Rory is loving letters and trying to figure out where they hide in words “R-r-r-r-rabbit. ‘Rabbit’ starts with ‘r’”. Cody is…well what isn’t Cody doing? He is two. Need I say more?

As the snow thaws I am excited for what is to come. Savannah is getting a new baby sister in April. We will celebrate from afar as they moved to Chicago last month (I only cried a little…ok, maybe more than a little. Now talks of trips to Chicago are flowing. Tell me, is there broccoli there too?)

Chris’ brother Jon and his wife Angela are due in July with a sweet baby girl as well. We are cleaning up, wiping off the obstacles of winter and are ready for new adventures to come! Completing kindergarten with Ryder, a spring trip to California with gal pals, a visit to Chicago to see a new niece, Disney with family, and upstate New York for a wedding, get ready world, the Mini Macks are waking from hibernation and are hitting the road! Looking forward to what is to come! Obstacles might slow us to our hopes and dreams, but surely with the right outlook they will not deter!

Pictured: Back – Rodney “Papa”, Michal (my sister) and Charlie, Chris and Me, Alex (my brother), Ben (my brother) and Sonya. Front – Elliot ((2 3/4), Ben and Sonya’s), Sharon “Oma”, Savannah ((7)Michal and Charlie’s), Ryder (5), Rory (3), Cody (2), and baby Mila (10 mo) in Sonya’s arms.

*Ryder is not against Rory going to California. He just would prefer she consider all angles and take him with her. He will eat broccoli if that will tip the scales. They are often coming up with reasons to go to anywhere in the world. Australia, Madagascar, The Promise Land, and California are up there on the list.

**Shaving is a big deal since Christmas. Chris was given a shaving kit by his adoring wife. Little did we know that Rory is completely fascinated by YouTube shaving technique videos. She will be teaching a course next month… just kidding. But she does like to shave with Chris. Ryder disapproves of this gender-mix-up situation. I told him to go eat some broccoli.

Good Night!