Hooker Homestead

On a day when we honor all of the brave men and women who have fought for freedom, I am reminded of my time in Europe, walking along the shores of the Normandy Beaches. I had heard stories in history class of the events that took place; I had heard my parents talk about their experience; but as is the case with most things in life, we learn by our own hands-on, in-person involvement with the things of this world. 

The rooster's crow isn't an alarm, it's the start of the symphony; a symphony of mud squishing under your boots, the rhythmic clanging of feed buckets, and the low sighs of exertion. Here, strength isn't necessarily measured in weights lifted, but in crises averted: a runaway wheelbarrow, a frantic whinny, or keeping that Houdini-goat from sneaking through the gate - your body reacts before your mind can even catch up.

Oh, isn't it sweet, isn't it bliss 

Well, here's to another year older (hopefully wiser!). My birthday this past week marked one whole year of us being in Indiana, and I've been doing all kinds of reflecting on a few things I've learned and re-learned the last 12 months:

Just another day of Mommy, Hazel, and baby William going out to do the chores. It was a little early for evening chores, but I wanted to be outside anyway, and the chores gave me a task to do while we were out. Usually Hazel goes straight for the cats (and we have 10 or so new ones that makes it fun!) and I start by feeding the horses, so it works out well. 

The other night, I stood in front of the mirror and took two seconds longer than usual and really *looked* at myself. I speak for every women, but especially those who have birthed a child, that it can be so easy to focus on what's different with our bodies ... what's been lost. But this specific day, a wave of gratitude washed over me. I was looking at a vessel that has changed beyond measure, and in doing so, has become something extraordinary.

I taught a lesson in church to the women, our Relief Society as it's called, on the second Sunday of May. The lesson was on prayer, a topic that I felt comfortable and confident leading a discussion about, but knew that in my short 28 years of life I didn't have long enough metaphorical fingernails to truly scratch the surface. 

There's no words for this post other than the basics, as we're smitten (and too tired haha) for much else!

What a wild month May was! We sort of thought we would have a baby during the month, just because Hazel was born at 38.5 weeks and I was feeling similar... but May came and went with lots of Braxton Hicks, slight contractions, and no baby. 

Oh my heart,

When Josh and I were first married, we lived in a basement apartment in Orem, Utah ... and I was in a crisis. Trying to find things that could keep me "busy" because I couldn't just go outside and do farm chores or ride a horse or whatever.

Can you even believe these two??