It’s funny, we are working from home a lot more, and have less kids around so you would think that it would be easier to keep up with things. But not so!
We have been trying to keep up with family home evening, and we do our “church” every Sunday, but life is busy – different routines, different challenges. Josh and Zandra are both working, and then at night all the kids are often busy with their own plans. Rob and I have been super busy work wise, but we have been trying to take time to just sit in the backyard, have picnics in the park and go on tons of walks. It’s a different time of life for sure, but there are some things that are great about it too!
We have had a couple of good quotes for our quote of the week(s):
“Accept what is, let go of what was, and haveFatih in what will be“.
Could there be a more perfect quote for these times? So much unknown in the future, but all we can do is keep moving forward with faith that the path IS ahead.
And moving requires action – which ties nicely into another quote we had: “God can not steer a parked car”. We have to be doing, moving, acting. Having faith is one thing, but faith without works falls flat. So just keep going.
Nineteen years ago this guy was born and there hasn’t been a birthday since that I have not spent with him.
And last year, I fully anticipated that he would be in Tahiti, coming up on his year mark for his mission. I knew I’d be saying, “Happy Birthday, Elder Fiore!”
But this year has not turned out like we expected (or anyone expected in 2020, but I’m also talking about some individual trials Zach experienced). Who would have expected that Tahiti would have brought with it some unique trials; ones that would stretch, push and pull Zach in every direction. Then the challenge and stress of getting home amidst COVID, and the unique reset months of quarantine at home, only to head back out again to serve in the Calgary, Canada mission.
Yes, since Zach’s last birthday , I think he has grown more than the expected year. But it makes it that much easier to share with you the 10 things I love most about this Birthday guy:
His resilience. His ability to fight; to claw his way through challenges and to hang on through some pretty hard times. I admire the strength he has , the attitude he created and his ability to pick himself up time and time again.
His willingness to do hard work. He is driven and he is not afraid to pick hard and go for it.
His faith. His faith has grown so much. But at times, even when it was a tiny flicker of light, he held on to it.
His vulnerability. He has been so open about his challenges – not only with us, but with his friends, and all the people he meets. He is not afraid to show this vulnerability and reach out to those who are also more vulnerable. He has allowed himself to be humbled, and to develop more compassion and empathy.
His sense of humour. He makes us all laugh – whether it be with his funny stories, or his crazy ideas. He can be sarcastic, lighthearted, super cheap (which we all find so funny) or downright silly. He is a lot of fun to be around.
His gift of the gab. He is realizing how much he loves to talk – and how much he needs to talk! (I could have told him that years ago, lol). He has a lot to say! He loves to give advice, and to share his opinion. But, he is a great listener too – he asks questions, he is curious, and he gives advice because many come to him to seek his advice.
His sportiness. He enjoys playing and watching all sports. He is passionate about some more than others – but he loves to get in there and give it his all no matter what!
His sensitivity and thoughtfulness. He is in tune – with himself and with others. He picks up on how people feel and he reaches out to them. He will do the little things for people – and realizes that little things make a difference.
His willingness to serve. His mission has been tough, but his love of service keeps him going. He is committed and loves to help others. It’s his favourite thing to do. He loves making a difference for someone, or seeing joy that someone can get from a small thing he does. He loves to share the Gospel as that has brought him joy, but he is just as happy serving in a soup kitchen, helping someone clean their yard (except ours, haha), or visiting with someone who is lonely.
His smarts and wisdom. He is curious , and wants to learn. He studies hard, asks lots of questions, listened intently, and tries to make sense of things. If he doesn’t know, he is keen to find out. He is not afraid to say when he doesn’t know, and he is always willing to learn by asking and talking.
I could go on and on. These represent a few of the many things I love about Zach. He is an all around great guy and I couldn’t be happier and prouder to be his Mom.
I will miss him on his birthday – but I’m sure this is first of many – so I better get used to it, lol! Watching your kids grow is so so bittersweet! I wish him a year filled with adventure, love, good health, sunshine, laughter and all good things. I know reality will bring some challenges too but I know he can do hard things, or as he said in his recent group email home “we” can do hard things (him and his Saviour – and I will throw our support into that we too as we will always be there for him).
It’s time to celebrate Sam turning 15!!! Holy !!! 15!!! Crazy.
Not sure how he went from being that toddler in diapers when I met him to THIS awesome guy!
Sam may be the youngest, but he’s got a lot of wisdom.
He has wisely learned from his older siblings what to do and not do (well, sometimes at least).
Here are 15 things we love about Sam:
He has a great smile and is often smiling! He can be a grumpy teen but for the most part is a pretty jovial guy!
He has a lot of interests and passions – including cars, music, F1, models, planes, skateboarding. He develops new ones every day! He loves to explore new passions.
I’ve heard he’s become quite the little skateboarder. We laughed the other night when he came home with his shirt unbuttoned – opened up to his bare chest underneath – a true skater
He loves his own unique music – which is a lot of old stuff. And he is really into records! He walks around listening to music all the time!
He is entertaining – he can tell a good story! He can be pretty funny and fun too!
He enjoys food and is the least picky eater that we have!
He is a great little brother. He gets along with everyone, he loves learning from his older siblings, and is supportive of them in everything
He is very appreciative – he is filled with gratitude and it’s so refreshing!
He is a helper. He will help when asked – and even when not asked. He is considerate that way.
He is curious – he likes learning new things and looking stuff up (just like his dad)!
He is very social. He also has the gift to talk to people and make people feel comfortable. It can get him in trouble at school, but in life, it is a huge asset!
He is a good sportsman – soccer, rugby, biking , even weight lifting. He is athletic naturally.
He is kind and caring. He has a big heart and that shines through.
He is energetic and enthusiastic. Although being a teen means a lot of sitting around on the couch rewatching “How I Met Your Mother” – he still can manage some enthusiasm for many things.
His smartness – it’s in there… lol. It’s hiding a bit now in high school when his social life is flourishing, but he is intelligent and capable and hard working – “just needs to apply himself” (Ha – famous last words! ) But, he really truly is a smarty
He is an all around special guy and a joy to have around! We love him so much ! Happy Birthday Sam!!
Another year has flown by and we now have a child fully in their 20’s!
It’s incredible watching your kids grow and seeing who they become! We couldn’t be prouder of Gabe and everything he is, and is doing, becoming and working on!
The only downfall is we MISS him!!!! We saw him at the end of last summer, but with his green card wait times, and now COVID slowing everything down it will be a a while before we see him again – and that is hard:(
Luckily we have FaceTime, Zoom and texting in general to keep us all together. And connectivity is really in your heart and your mind – so even though is has been a while for hug – we still feel like we “see” him all the time!
Good thing we “see” him all the time, as we love spending time with him! Here are 10 things we love about Gabe:
His sense of humour. He always makes us all laugh! He can tell a good joke and weave a good story. When you are around him you are laughing all the time!
He is a great brother. This year he has really supported his little brothers – making sure to be available for calls, emails, and messages. He’s not afraid to show his love and care.
His hard work . I’ll be honest (and he won’t mind)… he was a bit of a disaster with his early academics. Then something clicked and he just GOT it. He is a work machine now. He is focused and driven and so hard working. He has learned that he always had it in him and he can do anything he sets his mind to!
His knowledge. He is a mini Rob and that is a HUGE compliment:) He can talk about anything (and the two of them do!) He is a random fact machine, and enjoys diving deep into subjects.
His passion for cars, airplanes, and F1. It keeps him busy and entertained. He doesn’t do things half heartedly. If he’s passionate about it, he’s all in.
His gratitude – he is always appreciative of all things and people.
His loyalty and commitment: He has your back. He will stand by your side. He won’t leave you in time that are difficult. He’s like his Dad like that:)
His love and care: We see it as our son, and we watch him as a husband. He loves deeply and knows his priorities. He is considerate of others and is willing to step up and take responsibility for his actions. He is generous and kind. Just an overall really really good guy.
His spiritual insights : we have seen over the years Gabe grow so much spiritually. We have watched him learn and grow and make choices that serve him and his family. He is open to debate, but humble to listen as well. His spirituality shines through in his countenance.
His socialness: This was the first thing I ever noticed about Gabe – he could talk to anyone, put anyone at ease and was genuine when he converses. He seeks to learn from everyone he meets and has a talent at making people feel loved and important. You feel good after spending time with him. That is a very special gift.
Happy Birthday amazing boy! Maybe we will see live you at some point in 2020 ! Love that no matter where you are though – you are always with us. Love you!!
I’ve documented some of the bigger things the past few months (most hav their own post so I only show a couple pics here or end up skipping it since it has its own post!), but thought I’d document some of the little in between moments (from start of COVID mid March to July 1).
Whenever anyone in our gang is travelling, Gabe tracks their flight. Trying to get Josh home from Botswana (he was there with his Dad) when lockdown started due to COVID was non small feat. Gabe kept sending updates as to where his flight was:
Mix pictures: Lots of Reggie photos; fruit loops are my stress eating food (waiting for Josh to come home); Zach still in Tahiti – wondering when he’d be home; home church; what happens when Sam is left alone for the night – the pizza boxes overflow the recycling.
Lots of sleeping during quartantine waiting for everyone to come home:
Josh finally gets home and he spend the next 14 days like this (playing video games and hanging with Reggie:
Have to admit, I love family church (my mom and sister usually join too):
And Zach’s home:
Quarantine adventures (he can do the rubics cube in minutes!):
Quarantine visits from friends – bringing Tim Horton’s donuts:
First meal all together – schwarma poutine (Start of another 14 day quarantine too lol):
General Conference:
Lots of games:
And lots of naps:)
Many family meals:
Studying and school:
He’s never had so much attention; it is exhausting:
Press on tattoos :
Brunch:
Family walk in the Brickworks when finally our of isolation:
Bigger family zoom call to hear about Zach’s mission:
Rachael arrives and they have lots of catching up:
Our dishwasher was running constantly; the kids like to bug me by colour coordinating the cups (I like them mixed for some reason):
They decided to shave heads!
Zach gave a talk for our church’s zoom devotional:
Reggie love and more family church:
One of our many walks:
My birthday:
Someone does this a lot:
Another Sunday walk – we tried to go to different places to walk every Sunday:
Waiting for mission reassigment:
Pretty girl dyed her hair and celebrated her bday:
Mother’s Day:
Rachael spent a good chunk of time with us and celebrated her birthday here. They did a lot for things while she as here:
Another Sunday walk:
We ordered pizza one night at midnight:
Beach walk:
Picnic at the beach one night ( it was chilly!)
Josh’s appendix adventure:
Welcome home treats from friends and welcome hugs:
Keeping busy before their reassignments for their missions:
Another Sunday walk to Edwards gardens:
Tennis time:
Sushi on the beach:
Family church again!
Sunday walk to Distillery:
Dentist appointment:
Final picnic (celebrating Rob’s bday):
Final Dairy Queen:
Goodbyes are never easy:
Zach arrives in Calgary and is assigned to Lethbridge
Many beach and park picnics:
The best rainbow and Sunday walk to the Riverdale park with the best city view:
After arriving home on March 30 from Tahiti due to Covid, Zach quickly adapted to being “Zach” again!
I have to say, it was kind of nice having everyone quarantined together for so long. Lots of good family time, and we got used to having everyone around again.
Zach was pretty apprehensive about heading back out on a mission, but he accepted his call to be temporarily reassigned to the Canada Calgary mission.
He was supposed to leave May 26th, but as mentioned in a previous post, Josh decided to have an ruptured appendix and so we delayed Zach’s departure.
He was reassigned to leave June 17th.
We got to have one more family church (this has been such a special part of quarantine times):
It was nice we were able to celebrate Rob’s birthday first too before Zach left.
But the day snuck up and he was ready to head off again. We had some tears the night before (we are criers)
It was a very very tough goodbye.
When you first set out on a mission, there is a lot of unknown. And you can idealize how it will be.
When you head back out you know how hard it is – to be away from family, and to work, learn, serve, live with companions and follow mission rules. It’s not a vacation – as Zach found out. There was a part of Zach that really wanted to get back out, and a part that really wanted to just stay home.
And so early on the 17th , we took him to the airport. His dad and girlfriend met us there:
Everyone said their goodbyes:
It was super sunny. And the picture of Rob and I with him turned out terribly bcs of the sun (so bad I couldn’t even include it, lol). The sun was hard on the eyes as you can see, lol:
We couldn’t go in the airport with him due to the rules, but they let us walk him to the door:
We facetimed while he waited for his flight:
Then of course I tracked the flight:
He did some documenting too:
We heard from him when he arrived and got to “meet” his mission president over FaceTime too. So, so, so nice and kind and loving. This is the announcement they made on their missionary facebook page:
The first night, not gonna lie, was rough. It was P day for Zach so we were able to communicate with him. He was homesick and worried that the anxiety monster would rear his ugly head. But he said it was beautiful, everyone was kind and he liked his companion. All great things.
He got to check out his first area, 2 hours south of Calgary – Lethbridge and took a bunch of pictures of this amazing bridge!
We spoke with him again on Father’s Day and were relieved that things were going really well. He was adjusting well and was feeling good about being back out and was enjoying all the service he was able to render so far.
Excited to hear the stories of this part of his adventure!
It has been a strange year for sure and I feel very blessed to be going though all this with Rob. There is no one I’d rather quarantine with… and spend eternity with (I kinda think this is a bit of a test, lol).
There is also no one I would rather be partners with, best friends with, raise kids with, travel with, share my ideas with, laugh with, cry with and do pretty much everything with.
Here are 10 things I love about this man:
He is so smart: There is noting he does not know. He has such a wealth of knowledge, from technical info to random tidbits that I question why he knows. He really is the smartest person I know. He can talk about anything and everything (and do anything including changing a tire on Hana road and keeping us all calm:)!!!!)
He is so humble. He also knows what he doesn’t know and is not afraid of saying he doesn’t know and finding out. He is never arrogant, and always willing to open his heart to learn more.
He is a man of great faith. I think this amplifies number 1 and 2. He has incredible knowledge and humility, but he knows that it is God who has made him this way.
He is an amazing father. I hear him listen, laugh, counsel, educate and collaborate with the kids. He is not afraid to be their guide and not afraid to be their follower. He respects their need for independence but follows his heart and the Spirit when he thinks guidance is needed. He can be fun and silly and annoying (in the most loving way, haha), but forthright, concerned and wise.
Everything I said in number 4, I can also say in number 5: He is an amazing husband. He is kind, caring, compassionate; he is funny, silly and entertaining; he is a rock and a pillow. He loves unconditionally and gets stony cold eyes when he is mad at me but he even lets me tease him about them. (And he is dashingly attractive even when mad at me lol)
He is such a a hard worker. He makes it look easy, but he puts in the long hours at work, and then also helps me with so many things in my work (he is my IT department, my editor, my sales mentor, my psychologist…). He knows how to grind and makes it look easy.
He is a man of integrity. You can trust him, rely on him, count on him. He will do anything for anyone. But he will always be upfront and honest.
He is incredibly creative. From painting to poetry, to crazy ideas, to new ways of looking and approaching things. He can find so many perspectives and approaches problems creatively.
He has so many passions: from cars, to building model cars, to painting the northern lights, to sitting at the dining room table listening to music. Let’s not forget how passionate he is about his audio equipment! We joke: is it car, audio equipment, family or audio equipment, car, family? (Just kidding ((kinda). He is a family man and knows where his priorities are!)
He is also sporty : whether it be his running, tennis playing, skiing, or getting out there playing soccer with the kids (when they were younger – it is a bit too dangerous now I think as our boys have no mercy). Sam is busy trying to see if he can beat his Dad in an arm wrestle… Regardless of how strong all the kids think they are – he was there to teach them certain sports, or to support them in playing a sport. And I have no doubt that one day he will be teaching our grandkids how to ski and play tennis!
If you know Rob even a little, you easily can see that this list is the tip of the iceberg. He is truly a man of honour, charm, heart, soul, brains and brawn. I am so blessed to be with him, to share my past, my present and my future.
Happy birthday Robbie McHottie:) I love you more and forever.
“With deliberate and repeated effort, progress is inevitable”
I made the mistake of saying “success is inevitable” when I paraphrased this quote and Josh quickly corrected me.
Progress is inevitable.
But in my mind, any kind of progress is success.
But I also focused on the key words of “deliberate and repeated”. So it’s not just any kind of effort. It’s not just random or haphazard effort. It’s deliberate and repeated. You have to choose to put the effort in. And you have to do it over and over again.
But the good news is, progress will come. It may not come right away. You may have to wait for a while. But often when it comes, it comes with a compound effect too… so that is a good thing. Progress, no matter how slow, is always a good thing.
In the midst of all the Covid-19 chaos, isolation measures and preparing for Zach’s mission reassignment, Josh decided it was a good idea to plan a getaway for the American long weekend.
He went to her Dad’s on Thursday night and had a whole big bag of gummy bears and went to bed with a bit of a stomach ache.
He woke up early to a much worse stomach pain, and figured it was not the gummies. Dr. Zach luckily was in the room and determined that it was appendicitis, which Josh quickly researched, agreed on the diagnosis and then they both agreed they should get their Dad up.
Heading to the hospital in the state of emergency the city is in is not ideal. Poor timing Josh, lol. Only one parent allowed in at a time and so I sat and waited several hours outside the hospital for them to do all the tests they needed to indeed diagnose appendicitis.
A few hours later his Dad and I switched and I waited with Josh for them to admit him. It was a busy day and they had to do a Covid screening. They advised that they could not do surgery until he was cleared from Covid. I was informed it would take 6-12 hours to do.
When we were finally transferred upstairs, they indicated that it was more like 12-24 hours for the Covid screening. But they operated round the clock so surgery could be anytime. I was a bit concerned about them waiting, but they assured me he was already on antibiotics, his vomiting had stopped and he seemed to be more comfortable; all indicators that everything was fine.
Early the next morning they came to let us know they were going to be operating shortly; and very shortly after they came by to pick him up. We went to the surgical floor and off he went.
After a couple of hours the doctor emerged and let me know while things had gone well, the appendix did have a perforation which caused leakage to a mainly confined area, but also had leaked into his pelvis.
All this to say, his recovery and hospital stay would be longer.
Grrr.
So 3 nights in the hospital.
We joked and said it was our mini vacation at a resort. We are lucky to live in a city with an an incredible hospital: Sick Kids.
The nurses were awesome, he had room service (ha) and there are private rooms for all with a bed for the parent.
We spent the first night binge watching a new show, then lots of down time with mindless phone entertainment. We went on long walks through the same hallways and up and down some stairs.
His friends biked to the hospital to bring him gift and card (they couldn’t come in obviously so I went to the front of the hospital where they left the bag for me to get). So sweet. He’s got some great friends.
The only downfall (ha) is is wreaked a bit of havoc on Zach leaving for his mission reassignment to Calgary.
But it will all get figured out.
We checked out of our resort and headed home.
He had some fans waiting for him at home (they had made him a tie with material Zach brought home from Tahiti.)
And some other friends brought him by some treats to help him recover.
We are happy he is home. Happy he is doing well. Happy to have great support and love of family and friends.
Not the best getaway but I still love spending any time I can get with this guy!
I remember wondering what it would be like being a mother. If I would be a mother. Be a mother to who?
I have to say that motherhood is truly one of those things that you can not even imagine.
I find in recent years I have played so many more keys on the motherhood piano of life.
Initially you hover around middle C , gradually stretching into the main two octaves. Maybe three.
As your kids grow, I find I spend more and more time in the upper and the lower octaves. You know the ones that are so so high or so so low that you can barely hear them.
I feel that I am playing a full keyboard.
And yet, I know, that in many ways, this is just the beginning. There are more keyboards to add (like an organ), more pedals to play, and then layers and layers of music to be added as my kids continue to grow and as I welcome more children and eventually grandchildren into our expanding family.
I was having a conversation with Zach and Josh yesterday about life. (One of the many they were excited to participate in, lol).
I used the analogy of coming to earth with suitcases – filled with what our strengths are and what our weaknesses are. Our goal on earth is to use the strengths, and see what we can do with the weaknesses – can we accept them or turn them into strengths – or learn which ones to do which with? So when we return home, what is our suitcase filled with? Hopefully a lot more strengths…
But we also get to return home with a carry on bag. A nice big one (plus one personal item:))
We get to bring our souvenirs home in those bags.
Those are the experiences we get to have. The memories that we create.
What souvenirs are we bringing home?
I offered to the boys that they may want to consider what souvenirs will be most meaningful to them. What do they have already? Where will they invest their present time in? Their future time? What souvenirs will they be excited to have to show when they arrive home?
As a Mom, I look in my carryon bags to assess what I have collected over the years. So many experiences, so many traditions, so many travels. So many little routines, things that seemed insignificant that I picked up along the way but I love to pull out and look over. My bag is already overflowing, I’m a heavy packer.
So many of my souvenirs include my family. My husband. My kids. I feel blessed to have such a full bag of souvenirs already. I feel blessed to be watching my kids fill their own bags with exciting adventures, experiences and treasures.
I look forward to collecting so many more souvenirs and my bags will be overflowing, you can be sure.
I hope the same for my all my children.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be their mother/smom/mother-in-law.
