In God's Hands

If I've heard it once, I've heard it a million times; "It's all in God's hands."

Have you?  I know.  I get it.  I pray for God's will, for my life to be in God's hands.  Don't you?  At times, I even consider what it would be like to actually "be" in the hands of God.  I mean, to have Him hold your every being, feeling his strong and powerful presence in good times... and bad.  Grace is a cool thing, isn't it?

Today, while roaming around Facebook on a frigid January afternoon, I stumbled across a picture that brought a unique image of this familiar phrase "In God's Hands".  Sure, I was enjoying the posts about the Arctic Vortex, cancelled schools, recipes for a cool winter day from chilli to chocolate chip cookies.  What began as regular "what's happening" on Facebook kinda thing ended up as a "Wow....." like never before.

You guys probably enjoy keeping up to date with family from far and wide as I do.  Social networking is a pretty cool tool to share our major life events, right?  Well, please allow me to share with you a recent story from the extended Hott family.

Just last week, on Tuesday (New Year's Eve), Dan's nephew from Chambersburg, PA, Tim Hott, posted that his wife, Kate, took a little unexpected trip in a helicopter.  This air travel was an emergency flight to York to deliver their daughter.  Weighing in at a whopping 2 lbs 14 ozs, Charlotte Ruth Hott was born.  (Can I hear a Praise God!)

This past week has been a plethora of pictures of the proud parents, hospital visits, four (yes, 4!) excited siblings -- even roaming robots in hospital hallways!  Today... well, today as I was enjoying the one week birthday hospital photos of our gorgeous little great niece, I came across this of their little miracle, Charlotte, holding hands with her Daddy:

Before you continue, go back and just look at this picture again. Forget the freezing cold weather, piling bills, struggles, and whatever else is happening in your life, and look at this picture.

Tim, a new dad, comforts Charlotte by holding her tiny, frail, little hand in his.

I want my heavenly Father to hold my hand too.  Don't you?

             "Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands."  Isaiah 49:16

Father, Please keep little Charlotte Ruth safely in your hands, may she feel your love as you cradle her and bless her new life which gets stronger every day.  I praise you, God, for blessing us with tiny Charlotte and the privilege to see your miracles and share her story. Thank you for the reminder that we are all truly "in God's hands"...!

Counting Blessings (and Inches) for 2014

As the holidays wind down here on Hott Mountain and the lemon cookies have disappeared, I wanted to share with you a startling discovery.  With 2013 coming to a close, I was searching for a picture in my files and found it within this post.  Since it's original publication, let me just say this now 48-year-old-grey-haired-hott-mama-of-four is celebrating 24 new inches of Hott fun for 2014!
Here is where I found the picture and am reposting it in part because it still makes me giggle.  You'll find the picture at the end:

Burning the Christmas Cookies... Again!

"My woeful attempt to portray Julia Child at Christmas time is normally met with some traumatic experience either on the part of me or my family.  Although I do enjoy experimenting a little in the kitchen and am grateful to my loyal subjects for their willingness to sometimes act as my guinea pigs, one would think the simple tasks of Christmas Cookies would be met without incident.  Here's what happened one day when my phone rang:

Me:  "Ahlooo-oh!"  (That's my best Julia impression!  I'm really good at it!  Just ask Dan!...  I do it all the time!)
Caller:  "Uh, hello?  Mrs. Hott?"
Me:  "Whooo?  Oh, you mean me?  Yes, speeeeaking!"  (It's my Julia Child again!  I'm still not used to being called Mrs. Hott.  That name is reserved for Dan's 89 (now 92) year old mother.  I really do forget it's me after 14 (actually 17) years.)
Caller:  "This is Morgan County 911 Emergency calling.  Is everything alright?  We got a call from one of your neighbors."
Now, I can hear a fire whistle zooming up our hill.
Me:  "My neighbors?  Are they okay?"  (I am confused.  All the Hotts are fine, present, and accounted for.)
Caller:  "Yes mam.  They are fine.  But they have called to report a fire."
Me:  "Fire. Really?!!!  Where"
Caller:  "Well, at your residence!  We have received a report of billowing smoke emitting from your home."
Me:  "Smoke... where?  Are you serious?  Can you see me at my house?  How do you know there is smoke?"  -- Like 911 has some magic eye;  I really thought they were looking at me talking on the phone via satellite or something.
Caller:  "Yes.  Emergency services should be there any second."
Me:  Finally realizing what in the world was going on, "Oh, oh, oh!   Smoke!?  Oh no.... that's just me.  I was burning the Christmas cookies,... again."

Oh!  I.am.going.to.make.those.neighbors eat these cookies!  They called the Fire Department on me!  Yikes!  When they showed up, I had to give them the only good batch I had.  Talk about feeling like a fool!  There was NO fire!  The only smoke coming from the Hott house was a tray of Christmas cookies I stuck out on the back porch.  Well, they nearly did go up in flames before I got them out of the oven.  But the house wasn't on fire, for goodness sakes.  You probably don't believe me; so, I'll show you a picture:

Doesn't that look yummy?  You see, Julia Child (although I love her) I am not!  And for some unknown reason, I manage to ruin 90% of everything I bake and/or cook.  Although I am kidding about 911 and the fire truck, I seriously DID have to set out quite a few trays of smoking cookies on the back porch after my kitchen was engulfed in smoke and our house alarm went off.  Even the cats won't touch them.

Now, I look at that tray of burned cookies and I am reminded of all the dishes I've burned; crazy things I've done and silly mistakes I've made both in the kitchen and over the years.  And you know what?  It's just cookies.  Each crispy chunk of carbon reminds me of a disappointment I've had over the year 2010 (original post); another mess in the kitchen; mountains of laundry; numerous trips to the grocery store; boo boos needing band aids; noses to wipe; miles of trips to town for school events; more gas for the car; midnight runs to the ER when Levi fell out of bed; mountains of bills waiting to be paid; medical needs that never quit; to mouths to feed again and again."

But like I said, they're just burned cookies.  Let's count blessings! Here are mine!
     Christmas 2010                                                                          Christmas 2013

Just like the Hott family, our blessings grow every year.... just.look.at.them...at least 24 inches combined.   2013 brought us new adventures, wedding dates, career move for Caity, an economics masters degree from AU for Brian, race ribbons for Violet our athlete, Rubik's twisty puzzle records for Isaac, and well.... Levi continues his constant stream of comedy and now music!

Happy New Year from the Hott Family!

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble.

But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

I send all my troubles (a.k.a burned cookies) to God.  He doesn't mind!

When Family Fitness Is Fun

Fun?! Are you kidding me?  

I'm really sorry, but this 48-year-old-grey-haired-PD bloggin-hott-mama-of-four finds nothing at all fun about fitness!  Not one to do anything fast, working out is, well... w.o.r.k! Seriously!  Sometimes I wonder how did I manage to end up with this 5K running-400 meter dashing-basketball playing-daughter of mine!  Until this weekend at the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K, I discovered that fitness IS fun... and inspirational!

Organizers report that over 250 runners, walkers, and spectators of all ages arrived in beautiful Berkeley Springs on a spectacular fall Saturday for the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K and Fun Run!  The benefit for the Berkeley Springs High School Cross Country Team was an action packed family fitness day held on Saturday, November 16^th, beginning with a 10:00 5K, 11:00 family fun run, followed by a 2:00 gentle walking tour through historical Berkeley Springs, WV. 

Runners arrived early to a crisp and clear morning from far and wide.  In addition to the tremendous community support, registered runners came from the four state regions, including Hagerstown, Frostburg, Hedgesville, Martinsburg, Inwood, Gerradstown, Big Cover Tannery, Bunker Hill, Williamsport, Falling Waters, and even Washington, DC. 

Sponsors of the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K included Gat Creek Furniture, Reed’s Pharmacy, Michael Family Practice, Treeworks, Valley Health, Luke Christie State Farm Insurance, Close C.P.A., and Food Lion.  Their support for community fitness was hosted by Guest of Honor, Rene Garcia-Kesecker and Reed Pharmacy founder and candidate for US Congress, Ken Reed, who promotes participation in fitness as a way to even “fight Obamacare by staying FIT!” 

Fitness was made fun with DJ Ken and Rene as they spun songs and Zumba danced for families.  Participating teams ranged in ages from 5 – 82!  According to coordinator, Tally Reed, “the First Annual Berkeley Springs Fall for Fitness was a tremendous success.  Folks showed up in force to show their support of community fitness and our Cross Country Team.”  Race records indicate that the top male runner was 17 year old Zach Simmons, finishing at 17:28:4.  The top female was 16 year old Kinsey Reed with a time of 20:04:3.

Mrs. Reed added, “We got to watch in awe as our own Rene Garcia-Kesecker walked a mile and was able to lead Zumba just a few short months after suffering a broken pelvis and multiple other injuries following a terrifying car accident.”  Honestly, I wondered if Rene would be cleared by her doctors to participate!  Well... she not only supported the athletes but Rene also finished the mile Fun Run!  Here she is, ...still smiling!  

Her participation was inspiring to witness and her recovery is a testament that families uniting in fitness can motivate a community.  Teammates from Hagerstown’s Mason Dixon Roller Vixens arrived to “walk with Rene.”  Check them out!

The First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K generated much needed funds to help our student athletes.  At a time when funding is of utmost concern, this event demonstrates a community that cares not only about its’ education but also the health of its’ residents.  

And for this unfit mom who managed to complete a mile with grandma in under twenty minutes, it was a celebration not only of fitness and community but also a reminder that the healthier we are, well, we just may get to enjoy friends and family that much longer!  

Guess someone better warn Dan that I signed him up for Zumba!  My first class at the First Annual Fall for Fitness 5K was a blast.  Heck, I might even try out for the Mason Dixon Roller Vixens.  After all, skating is just about the only thing I do fast.

Burning Christmas Cookies in Mitera

In this crazy time of year, do you ever just feel like, no matter what you do or how hard you try, you just keep "burning all the Christmas cookies"?  Boy, sometimes I sure do.  Sharing a repost (from 2 years ago) of "Burning the Christmas Cookies" published in Mitera Magazine yesterday.  It looks pretty cool here, so please check it out.

Click below to link to the magazine and scroll to my article on page 15.

Burning the Christmas Cookies... Again! (pg 15)

O-mazing!

This week on Moms of Faith:

http://momsoffaith.com/2012/09/an-o-mazing-weekend/

Here we are:

Surviving Tropical Storm ISAAC

http://momsoffaith.com/2012/08/six-rs-to-storm-survival-for-tropical-storm-isaac/
We're in survival mode here at the Hott House.  Yes.  Even for a storm unlikely to affect us here in the hills.  Images like this on tv can send Levi into hysterics.  (Btw, this is Tropical Storm Isaac's actual path... no where near us!)

The Hott brothers get so anxious about the least little change in the weather!  Do your children react this way?  Or, are mine the only ones having tummy aches every time the sun disappears behind a cloud or a tree begins to bend in the breeze??????

Sharing "Six R's to Surviving Storms" with you all today in my column.  Please pass along and let me know if you have any children secrets to storm survival.  And, remember to pray for those in Isaac's path.
http://momsoffaith.com/2012/08/six-rs-to-storm-survival-for-tropical-storm-isaac/
love, a

Back-to-School Blues

No one seemed to be singing the blues at our house today!  It was, thankfully, a pretty smooth send-off.  How did it go for you?  The boys are sporting their new Nike sneakers.  Violet got up early to "wand" her hair.  Me?  Well, I'm watching anything but Adventure Time while doing laundry... "loads of fun"!  What about you?

Guess this mom is the only one with the Back-to-School Blues! See today's column "Hott Flashes" for more:
http://momsoffaith.com/2012/08/do-you-have-the-back-to-school-blues/

Love Thy Neighbor

Still having a hard time comprehending some recent happenings over here in the W. Va. hills!  Have you ever encountered anything like it?  Please see today's "Hott Flashes" on Moms of Faith here:
http://momsoffaith.com/2012/08/love-thy-neighbor/
And... please share my prayer concern.  Thank you, dear God, for your love and protection.  Please help me to be an example of your kindness by showing love, not matter what.  Amen.

“... ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  
– Matthew 22:37-39

153 Say What?

http://momsoffaith.com/2012/07/153/

Find out what "153" means on this week's column Hott Flashes!  It could have been the number of lightening flashes from Friday's crazy storm; but it's not.  153 actually has nothing at all to do with the storm. LOL!
Praying you all are safe and find your blessing from "153,"  -- that "no matter where you are, trust God."

Especially in the middle of a major storm.
http://momsoffaith.com/2012/07/153/

I Am Optimus Mom!

Leader of the AutoHotts!  LOL.... That continues to crack me up!

For today's column on Hott Flashes, chick here:
http://momsoffaith.com/2012/06/i-am-optimus-mom-leader-of-the-autohotts/

"What If When We Get to Heaven Everything Is Made of Lego's?...Help Me Answer the Hard Questions!

http://momsoffaith.com/2012/06/what-if-when-we-get-to-heaven-everything-is-made-of-legos/
"Mom, Will There Be Lego's in Heaven?"
After searching the Bible from Genesis to Revelations, I could not find one single reference to the favorite pastime of my 7 and 8 year old boys:  Lego's.  Not a notion anywhere.  Listen in to our conversation in this week's "Hott Flashes" post, "What if when we get to heaven, everything is made of Lego's!"

http://momsoffaith.com/2012/06/what-if-when-we-get-to-heaven-everything-is-made-of-legos/
Any suggestions to answer some of these questions?  Let me know.  This mom sure could use some help.

love, a

Three, Two, One, Let It Rip! An Epic Beyblade Summer

http://momsoffaith.com/2012/06/when-the-nos-knows/
Randomly from the back of our hottmobile (aka Chevy Suburban Tank), our 7 and 8 year old boys will errupt in a song that I am certain can be heard across town, the Beyblade Metal Fusion Theme!  Often, they correct this not-so-cool "hott" mom whenever I attempt to chime in with the wrong words.  And, add another boy in the back (mostly Ben or Chago), and we have an "epic" chorus of Beyblade fans!  

Are you wondering "What's a Beyblade?"  Well, come on over!  We have them EVerywhere!  Some all the way from Japan!  Today's column on "Hott Flashes" shares just how obsessed our boys are with what is, essentially, a modern day spinning top.  Go figure.  http://momsoffaith.com/2012/06/when-the-nos-knows/

Ready for an epic battle?  Here is the Metal Masters theme song.  Now you can join in too.  (And in case you were wondering, Isaac wants me to add "Beyblade has it's own tv show!  New episodes are Saturday mornings!)

Beyblade Beyblade Let it rip.

Lets fight an epic battle.

face off and spin the metal.

no time for doubt now no place for backing down.

Beyblade Beyblade let it rip.

Beyblade Beyblade let it rip.

Spin out your bey now bring on the power.

Right to the top yeah.

Were never giving up.

Here comes Here comes.

Metal Masters.

Lets go beyblade let it rip.

Metal Masters let it rip.

Beyblade Beyblade let it rip.

This is it get a grip.

Let it rip.

I must admit, my favorite part is when the boys explode in a fit of giggles

over the "Let it rip!" line.... you can only imagine what they are thinking!

From Sizzling Hott to a TYPD

http://momsoffaith.com/2012/06/from-sizzling-hott-summertime-to-a-typd/

A TYPD?  Yeah, I know.... keep reading, and please share this link with others just in case they, too, might be surprised to find they are also "connected"!

Here is the link to my "Hott Flashes" column.
http://momsoffaith.com/2012/06/from-sizzling-hott-summertime-to-a-typd/

God bless,
a

Empty Nest

http://momsoffaith.com/columns/hott-flashes/empty-nest/

Sharing a new story called "Empty Nest" which was published this morning on Moms of Faith.  Just click on the link above and it will open to the page for you.  I am logging it to my blog so that I may include a picture of "moving day" to show you all!  Can you believe it?  A John Deere at the gas station!  (I thought a tractor used some special tractor gas???)

I am really curious to hear if there are any other moms or dads with an "Empty Nest" today...  or in the past.  Although our "nest" is far from "empty", sometimes the heart feels otherwise.  Whether it's that first day of preschool (right Ashley?); gymnastics classes; soccer games; or piano recitals, it just seems like a mom is always sending her children off on a one way journey away from home.  What was it like for you?  Any unusual "moving day" experiences?  I would love to here all about it!  And, I hope that you all find courage in "Empty Nests"!

Here are the Hotts final summer days!  What a crew!  Here is the link again to "Empty Nest" on Moms of Faith:  http://momsoffaith.com/columns/hott-flashes/empty-nest/