The Castro HAPPYnings

Twinkling Lights

2020-12-02T09:57:00.003-06:00

It's December now. The year that I probably should have been blogging for you guys has almost ended. I'm sure my grand and great grandchildren will wonder what it was like when the COVID came in 2020. And one of these days I'll regale the tales of our year, but for now, I choose to focus on happier things! Like the Christmas season! Have you driven by your neighbors houses and seen the glow of lights? There are so so so many cancellations of our usual holiday events. Parades, tree lightings, Carollers singing while we sip hot cocoa. Our university usually does a big event for it's lighting of the season, and it was virtual this year, but I dragged my family and a friend out anyway to see it live, just as we had done for the past however many years. It was quiet. It was dark, and a bit somber. I played carols on my phone and we waited there in the dark and quiet for the lights to blink on, and they did. A much, much smaller show this year, but orange and bright nonetheless. We and one other small group clapped and took pictures and it was then that it hit me. I was still smiling. Hubby was happy to play with the new nightvision camera on his phone, and we all giggled as we took photos in front of the dimly lit library, where usually light shows and music flooded the area in previous years. We have adjusted. We don't dwell on what isn't there. We look for what IS. And we make the best of it. This year has been so hard in so many ways, especially for those of us that thrive on structure and tradition. But we made it. We are going with the flow, as it's said. And this morning, as I thought back on last night, I had a long chat with God. Thanking him for so so much that I have been pushing aside, taking for granted, and pushing out of the way while I focused on negative things and people. It's easy to get caught in that trap. We are isolated. We are struggling. We are scared, mad, uncomfotable, and worn. But we need to pray anyway. Look for the light. Even if it's not as bright as it has been. Even if it's not what you expected. Even if virtually EVERYBODY ELSE is looking at the dark areas where brightness is missing, GO. Find Him. He's still there. In the dark. In the quiet. You need only look. Happy December, everyone! XOXO, Heidi

An Update for 2019...

2019-01-11T11:42:00.000-06:00

Its raining today. It's supposed to rain all day, actually. And I'm okay with that. Sometimes I need a little rainstorm to calm me and slow me down. There's not much that can catch my eye and hold me there, still, quiet, calm. Maybe a sleeping baby or that little squeaking of a newborn litter of furbabies. But we don't have those around here. It'll take a good rainstorm to do that.

I've been trying to keep up with my self-promised deal of ensuring I'm not losing myself in my nametags. I've started back to my daily yoga routine and I've been more aware of how things are perceived in my mind. I'll never be one to give up carbs or sugar (GIVE ME BREAD OR GIVE ME DEATH!!) I've gone all year without soda! Now I'm not saying that's going to last - I know myself and my weakness for Sonic's Happy Hour in the summer, but still. ELEVEN days! Just gimmie that blue ribbon already! Sheesh!

Have you been involved in the Marie Kondo craze? I'm always up for a good ol' purge the crap outta yo house game, and I have to say, this one is good. I'm not sure if it's because she basically the cutest little woman in life or because I just have a lot of crap leaving, but either way, I'm killin' it. And I hope you are, too. Because I'm drivin by those thrift shops real slow and stalker-like looking for the things that no longer bring you joy, but will light my soul up! (You know you don't want that rainbow mug, Carol. Give it up.) Now I have to say, if I were *actually* giving up ALL the things that didn't bring me joy, I'm pretty sure I'd be left with no undergarments, and maybe some jammies. But I could last a year and never have to wash a pair of fuzzy socks because I'm basically the gangsta of those. We roll deep in that sock drawer, folks. It's legit. SO, I kept what things I love, and it made sense to me to get rid of all but what you love to wear, because then you get to spend more time with them, right? Like dating multiple people and narrowing it down to the best tall, dark, and handsome man alive? Amiright? ;) BUT, now if you live in my small town, you'll see me and I'll probably start reminding you of a cartoon character, because I'll have one outfit I wear for every episode. You'll be able to spot me from afar!

"Hey, is that Heidi?"

"Yep, that's her ripped worn-in jeans and rainbow hoodie"

"ohhh yeahhhhh! She always wears that!"

"Yeah, she went all Kondo in the new year..."

(or something like that)

SO, one of you asked how hubby was doing - and the answer is : GREAT! He's healthy and thankfully just a "normal" medical specimen now. We still do checks, and we still pray for health, but he is perfect!

Emma is a teenager now - driving next month!! In case you wanted to buy her that car she always wanted, she'll take a Hummer in black, unless it's that car her uncle B texted last night - the GUCCI limited version. She has excellent grades, is sweet and respectful, and although she has some of those teeeeenagers (eye roll) moments, they are actually few and far between. We lucked out with her. In fact, sometimes when other parents are talking about the stuff their kids do, I feel so bad for them I just nod and say "Ohhh I KNOWWWWW! I hate that!", but in reality, I'm like, damn. My kid isn't perfect and she makes some bad decisions sometimes, but WOAH. I'm blessed!

Evan is my little hermit. He and I are fortnite players, although he sprinkles in a little Roblox in the mix. In fact, he started streaming on youtube recently. He has all A's and is just like his sister - smart and hilarious to be around. Baseball season finally ended for us (if you follow me on Instagram, you'll know that was our life for a looooong while), and now we are in a rest period, and I love having weekends off. (angels singing)

Other than that, not much going on here. But you can still ask me those questions, I love getting your emails. They're so sweet :)

Happy Friday!

xoxo, H

Happy Holidays!

2018-12-30T11:50:00.001-06:00

Well, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it? Man, life has been kicking my butt! But, it’s been good, so I can’t complain. My little family is growing up and changing SO. FAST. Emma is taller than I am now, and Evan isn’t far behind. Since I’ve last blogged, we’ve lost our sweet Calypso the cat. She had a long life filled with SO much love, and we were all so blessed to have been adopted by her.

We now have two more dogs to keep Dobby company. We went in to check out just Krum, but they brought his sister in as well because they never go anywhere apart, and well, you can guess what happened. WE HAVE TWINS! Bellatrix and Krum made it just in time to spend Christmas with us and have filled our home with more happiness and laughter and fur.

Since I’ve gone back to work, my time has been a lot more scheduled. Not more busy, just more rigid. I love being back with little growing minds and little smiles when I see them, and Holidays are always fun at school with the cocoa bars and ugly sweater dress-up days and such.

But I also miss the quiet mornings alone reflecting with God. In fact, I’ve let a lot of things slide recently. I organize my time well, but I think my priorities were not quite right, because my body has been reminding me of such. My anxiety symptoms have been sneaking back up on me, and this morning over coffee, I realized I have cut out everything I did to keep that in check. I stopped running, doing yoga, and grounding (which, I mean it’s barely above freezing, so I’m somewhat forgiven for that, but..) and I also stopped doing my devotions, stopped blogging, and stopped taking quiet time for myself. I’ve filled my days with important things, but I cut out all of the Heidi things. Things I need to be, well, Heidi.

So I guess that’s my 2019 goals,

MAKE HEIDI GREAT AGAIN!

(Or at least functional lol)

But you’re not here to hear about that. You’re here to see this cuteness, right?!?

Krum Bol Castro is a chorkie. He’s a year and a half old, and he’s a sweetie. He LOVES to nap. In fact, he reminds me of my dad. He can all asleep anywhere if he stays still for a few minutes. He loves to lay with me and Evan in bed, and is such a clever little guy, always the first to figure out how to get out of the fence, squeeze of the dog gates, and lead the others to trouble.

Bellatrix Castro is a cuddler SUPREME. She is the snuggliest little thing, all 6 pounds of her. She even nuzzles her little snout into your body to get exactly the right comfiness. She is the first to learn a new trick, or anything that involves treats. She’s stubborn as any other woman, which means she’s not allowed in the carpeted bedrooms, but she rules the pack with her little duck-like barks. She’s Emma’s baby, and will usually only listen to her, but they have a lot in common, so it makes sense 😂

Sooooo...a couple of my favorite things... My sister got me this mug for Christmas last year? Or the year before? But it matched my little camper Christmas shirt and allllll season long, if I wore that shirt, I was drinkin the coffee from it.

But THIS year, my favorite Christmas shirt was made by a friend and I ADORE it. She put my car (Dorota) on it in buffalo plaid, and even made sure her gills were on it (my favorite Dorota birthmark). I mean, c’mon! How adorable is THIS?!!

Sooooo, a few more highlights...

Evan and mom downtown after seeing Santa on a random evening after dinner at a local diner. He was across the street when we were leaving, so we couldn’t resist!

Emma had her high school Semi-formal dance and went with one of her best friends. It’s so humbling to see our little baby girl standing there looking like a woman. Wasn’t she just taking her first steps? Having her first sleepover? Her first school dance?! Gosh, I love this girl, and all she’s become.

My favorite church service is always the Christmas Eve service. The candlelight song is always magical, and always makes me cry with joy. Seeing my family softly singing Silent Night, faces glowing with a gentle candle flicker. If we had been there that night, in the manger, offering our glad tidings, I’d see the same light, shining love and grace upon us all.

Christmas Eve was also the night to bid a sad farewell to Dash. There were no tears this year, like there was last year, but there was a very noticable sadness in his face as he wished him farewell that night. I wish this magic could last forever. I’m not foolish enough to believe it will, but in some ways it will stay. The magic of Christmas can always be found. Maybe not in elves and Santa forever, but in many other things.

There’s something magic in the moment Santa arrives. Do you feel it, too? The still quiet of the house. The presents there, beckoning the excitement and happiness to come. Presents and cards from all over the world, coming together in one little house in a little town in the middle of nowhere. The tree shining bright in the dark, like God’s love for us in our darkest times, and Eli’s ornaments up on the top of tree, symbolic of his life above us, with the birthday boy Himself. Christmas magic is there. One only has to look.

The kids made their own tradition years ago. They sleep together on Christmas Eve and come together in some silly way to wake us in the morning. Even when I forget, they remember. And this year was no different. I tucked them in, with extra kisses and hugs (and a dog for each!) and watched as their daddy did the same. Pure happiness. Is it too much to ask her to fly home every year for a sleepover once she moves out?!?! Lol!

Evan & Krum ❤️

Emmie & Bella, my baby girls. ❤️

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, wherever and however you celebrated. (Are you still out there?!) I hope you feel thankful and blessed and loved.

XOXO

Back to School 2017

2017-08-18T19:13:00.002-05:00

I recognized the look on their faces, these new-to-the-school moms, rushing their tiny ones through the masses of excited children in the halls. Trying to keep up, holding a tiny hand for one last time this summer, as they dart in and out of a sea of backpacks and Kleenex boxes and classroom snacks for their new classrooms. Their new home-away-from-home. And I remember that feeling.

Ironically, I'm still there.

My baby is in third grade and I mirror those new nervous smiles, trying to show how excited I am for the big day, but still worried. Will he be okay? Will his teacher be nice? Will he have any friends in the class?

Hold that hand as long as he'll let you.

Don't be embarrassing.

DON'T CRY THIS YEAR! BE TOUGH!

I probably overstayed my walk-in as a third grade parent. Actually, I know I did. John & Emma told me. And I was dismissed at the front doors today for day 2. That's Evan's way of gently letting mom know he was going to be okay. Because, you know, he's the mature one in this situation.

I made it through his drop off without tears, and even dropped off Emma with makeup intact!

But don't send me flowers just yet. Because as I drove out of the drop-off loop at the junior high, momma's tears fell like Niagara falls. Hubby got his annual phone call, talking softly, cooing his tear-laden wife back to normal. Poor guy. I wonder if he waits in his office now, expecting the call, and heads out into the pit after he drops his wife off at the first day of school.

Sigh.

Can you imagine being a momma bird? Knowing their chicks need to fledge the nest. Knowing they'll spread those wings and fly, and knowing they'll LOVE seeing the world from above. And when a chick won't go on their own? Momma gently pushes them out, because even when they think they're not ready, momma knows they are. It was what God made them to do, and it's what God made us to do.

My little ones need to fly. And they will. and they'll love it, and they'll soar.

And neither of them ever need to be pushed.

They're amazing.

(Momma bird, however....)

After school, a happy boy came running out of the building. I asked him how his first day was and he said, "AWESOME!"

When we picked Emma up, she said her first day was "Really Great!"

And once again, my heart was full and my little ones were on their way to the best year yet!

(And the house projects have resumed...)

2017 Illinois River Float

2017-06-15T11:54:00.000-05:00

Floating the river is always a fun trip for us, but it was made even better this year because our friends joined in on the fun!

We stayed at a different resort this year, because the river was too high in our usual place, so we were a little more "exposed" to the regular river rats and all their "exposing" activity, but you know, now that we've got teens, it's never too early to show them firsthand the results of drinking in excess, right? ;)

The reason we chose to stay here at War Eagle Resort, was because close to our campsite was a small river run that was shallow enough for the kids to wade in, and if the current got them, it would take them right to the raft launch area, which was pretty much next to our tent.

Behind our tent was a creek that was calm and still. We got to watch the catfish and gar catching their dinner, and the little boys caught minnows.

I made a bug lawn spray with a recipe I found on Pinterest, and it must have worked, because between all nine of us, I think there were only a few mosquito bites! I'm going to have to cook it up 100x fold and use it at our house!!

This is hamburger, by the way. A big ol' foot long red eared slider that we found up the road. The kids wanted to save it from the raft buses that flew up and down the road, so we moved her to our creek.

And then, we loaded up for the float trip.
A little advice: You have to check in with your ID, so while it seems ridiculous to float a river with your license on you, you'll have to. Otherwise you'll have to walk allllllll the way back to camp to get it and walk alllllll the way back to the float office and teach your kids and your friends' kids the f-word. I mean, I'm not saying that Kyle did that, it's just a recommendation. Ha! ;)
And also, if your kiddo has a double ear infection, bring extra ear plugs, because when you lose the only one you brought, your kid will hate you when you when you replace the tampon cotton with ear putty and push too hard and make it hurt so bad they almost call you the f word that they just learned from your friend... just sayin'...

But we FINALLY set off on our journey.

This photo was taken right before boat 857 got stuck in an upturned log's giant roots, spanking Anitra in the butt and making Ethan cry. Look at their faces! HA! I have the whole thing on video. I'll have to send it to them one of these days when they can look back and laugh...but for now, still too soon...

You're not allowed to tie the rafts together, so for snack time, we made the teens be our connecting devices.

The teens saw their first boobies-for-beads action on the river, and the littles eventually started chanting along with the group saying "AEROLA! AEROLA!", before we had to explain what that meant. We saw passed out drunks and drunks trying to paddle canoes that were eventually underwater at some point. It was pretty educational. Not what we normally get at the family friendly part of the river we are used to. Trying new things, right? Ha!

Back at camp, it was showers and relaxing.

I don't like s'mores. I don't like chocolate or graham crackers. But, Evan made me one and he was so proud, I had to eat it.
So here you go, mom & dad. Put it in the baby book! My first s'more!

Rolling Thunder

2017-04-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

This morning, it's raining outside. Like, not a monsoon rain, but it's pretty heavy. And were I a baby turtle...monsoon. Just sayin'.

The skies are grey and it casts a greenish haze over the world.

But as I herd Evan into the van
(for the third time, after he forgot his backpack, and his homework), I'm feeling SO FREAKIN blessed to have a garage. That I can park in. And stay dry. And my little guy can run in and out three times and the inside of my car won't be molding tomorrow. And even moreso, that I can wear slippers and never once set foot into the flooded ground.

The school had sent an email that tardies weren't going to be given today, because the drop off line is 452 miles long when it rains, and it will go long past the starting bell. Luckily, Evan is waterproof and he can make the 100ft. walk into the school without me staying in that line for the front door drop-off. I watched him run off with his backpack and umbrella and I kinda missed the little pre-k baby that I used to huddle under my umbrella like a duckling, keeping him dry on our waddle into the school as if he would melt in the rain, but then I looked down at my pajama pants and fuzzy crocs and actually said, OUT LOUD, "eh", and drove home to my dry garage to grab the princess and drive her down the street to the bus stop, not because she would melt, but because she's wearing my favorite pair of VANS and I can't allow them to get wet. Priorities, people. Seriously.

You know, when we lived in Cali, there was nothing I missed more than thunder. Okay, well maybe seasons, but besides that, THUNDER. Big rolling thunder that you could hear approaching. And short, cracking thunder that makes you flinch and smile at the same time. I missed sitting on the porch swing watching the stormclouds roll in with my dad or grandma, when she was visiting. I missed counting the seconds between the sound and the sight and guessing how far away it was. And I missed the way it all came together into my favorite kind of weather. And today, it's beautifully chaotic in the sky, and the thunder is crashing almost constantly like the ocean waves and the rain is pouring down like a big, cry of relief, and the lightning is shooting across the sky like quick glimpses into a world beyond, and I am at peace. This is my weather.

The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Have a wonderful Friday!

xoxo, H

Emma's Update (Again)

2017-04-08T17:12:00.002-05:00

SO, first of all, THANK YOU again for your never ceasing prayers! We are so so so thankful for each and every one!

And now, to the news you've been waiting for!

After the blood draw, and a (what felt like 4 hour) 45 minute wait, the results were good! Although the levels are still high, they are lower than before, and the possibility of it turning out to be lymphoma are pretty low!! Like, pretty much NO! Like, THANK YOU GOD low!

SO, that means that whatever this is, she's fighting it off!

We are still waiting on a couple tests to come back to possibly figure out what kind of virus this is, but there are only so many they can test for. Either way, she's kicking it's butt, and we'll be monitoring her levels until they return to normal.

God is good!

xoxo, H

Follow-Up Day!

2017-04-05T08:26:00.000-05:00

     You know how in high school, they'd tell us to dress up for tests, because if you feel good, you'll do good? Well, that's the thought going through my head this morning as I stare at my closet full of nothing to wear, and choose a nice button up shirt to complement my rain boots. And then I immediately hang it back up. I'm grasping for straws again! I tell myself. Because that's what the whole two weeks has been about. Grasping for a reason that she got these strange readings. Mono? Zika? Flu R? The soon-to-be-named-Castro-Virus? ANYTHING but the prognosis I dread the most. I've asked agnostics and atheists and Buddhists to pray to whatever it is they believe or don't believe in. I've made a zillion collect calls up to the heavens, imagining his royal highness rolling his eyes and laughing at the squirrely human who won't shut up. SO I grab my comfy flannel and pull my jeans on and haphazardly braid my hair into a keep-it-outta-my-face braid, and keep that brave face on until the kids are off and it's just me and the zoo. I scramble around in the cupboard until I find the coffee mug of choice. Not one from my usual rainbow collection, and not the peeps ones Kurt got me, that have made their Easter presence, but the giant, fat, stein sized mug from the depths of the shelf. The one saved for days like this. The days when holding Heidi together is gonna need a bit more coffee than the average joe. You know, first day of school, last day of the world, Eli's Birthday, John's CT scan days, and now this one. Emma's day.
     I'm nervous, but her local Dr. doesn't seem too worried anymore, and our M.D. friends try to say encouraging things, swollen lymph nodes...they're pretty common, and I'm sure it's going to just be a virus, and she'll be fine!, and I believe them, but I also don't commit. Because when I commit, the bottom usually drops out PLEASE don't drop out on me this time!
     I have a whole page in my planner filled with a collection of sweet notes we've gotten over the past couple weeks. A friend going through her own scary medical issues takes the time to make me a little scripture card, another card left on my windshield while I was out running at the lake. (What a heartwarming way to end that run!), a rainbow postcard all the way from Wisconsin giving us "SQUAD POWER!!". This girl and I are so very blessed with our circle of warriors. The texts and emails and voicemails and prayers and flowers are humbling, and I am more than brought to tears at each and every one. SO if I haven't thanked you, please know how truly thankful we are to know that you are there, that you aren't just Horton's Who's! We hear you! And we are humbled and loved.
   We'll start off on our journey in a couple hours! Updates as we get them!
        xoxo, H

I'm Back...with a request

2017-03-27T13:30:00.000-05:00

Well, my computer has officially DIED, and hubby was obviously missing my blogging so much that he bought me a new laptop! Okay, well, maybe more the fact that my whining and sadness over the loss of my faithful laptop friend was getting annoying COULD have played a part in it as well, but whatever.
The truth is, blogging is for my kids, but it's also my therapy. It keeps me sane in times of stress or worry, it keeps me thankful and reminded of blessings, and it keeps our family in touch with those far away.
And today, I'm very, very thankful for blogging, because I need to send out massive amounts of prayer invites to YOU!

Emma had an appointment with her doctor on Wednesday for pains in her legs and a swollen gland on her neck. The minute she said it was a lymph node, I immediately pictured hours upon hours of lymph node tests and surgeries and scans and all the worrying and crying and praying and it caused me to forget to breathe? Or breathe too loud? Or turn pale and frozen? I don't know EXACTLY what caused it, but Dr. C immediately reassured me it was nothing - and just because John had cancer, didn't mean every swollen lymph node was cancer, but that she was going to run a full menu of blood tests just to ease this momma's heart. She would call me in the afternoon to let me know all was well.

Hours later, as I sat in the sun, watching my little man try his hardest to dunk a basketball in the towering rims above him, I got a call. And you know how it is when you've got kiddos around and you're busy wondering how the Jesus sandal tan is gonna look on your feet, etc. I didn't really hear her name or what where she worked, but she needed more information about Emma for her appointment tomorrow.
(Appointment tomorrow? Oh crap. What appointment?)
Sure! I say, and she takes my information and insurance policy and addresses and phone numbers and says that she can give me directions to the hospital tomorrow. Her appointment is at 1:00.
(Hospital? HUH?)
So I ask her, embarrassingly, where she was calling from again, and she tells me she is from the Children's Hospital/St. Jude's in Tulsa.
(DROPS THE MIC)
SO, if you know me, you know I could barely hear anything over the beating of my chest. To say I was panicked would be an understatement. This poor woman was being questioned and hurled freak-out-mom comments that she could not answer, being just the lady at the desk who got the short straw that day and didn't know it until she called Heidi Castro on the playground in her Jesus sandals and rainbow sunglasses.
I hung up, and in a blur was home, trying to find answers or solace in someone - ANYONE. My friends were nowhere to be found, my husband was in a meeting, and I was so confused. Do I call Dr. C? Do I bother her and force her to tell me WTF is going on??
By the time I had gotten off the phone with my stepmom, who was coming over to be with Evan (though, probably moreso with me), Dr. C called. She could tell something was wrong.
Was it the high pitched hello? The snot sniffling? The shaky voice? Or maybe just the gasping after every syllable language you usually forget around age ten, but some of us emotional messes continue to speak fluently all their lives?
But I got out that I had gotten the call from ST. Jude's, and she was horrified that she had not gotten to talk to me first. We went over the test results, which had left her a little confused? concerned? and because she wasn't 100% sure, she had consulted her friend in Tulsa, who wanted to see Emma for herself. There were signs that were consistent with lymphoma, and Dr. C wanted Em to be seen by someone who would be able to tell us what was going on.

The thoughts that went through my head hurt. It was like playing John's cancer all over again. Reliving it, painful moment by moment. I didn't want to do it again. I didn't want to helplessly watch as someone I love more than life has to fight alone.
And I definitely didn't want to lose another child.

That night we did the first step of any. We prayed. We let close friends & family members know, and they prayed. Emma's small group at church were praying.

By the next morning, an entire army was putting on the armor of God, standing around our child in a protective circle, embracing her with prayer. We had texts coming in from people we hadn't seen in years, letting us know they were with us.

God works in amazing ways, doesn't He?

The wait at St. Jude's was long and scary. I found myself staring at the colorful butterflies and flowers decorating the lobby, thinking how nice it is that they made his place so inviting for the children, and yet I felt like I was staring at the little light on a lantern fish, mesmerized by the beauty of it all, just to be swallowed up in it's jaws a moment later.

But, I'm *pretty* good at putting on a brave face...

We got into the exam room and Dr. H was called into surgery, so she was a little bit late. During that time, our nurse, Diana kept us company. She was sweet, and funny, and made us feel SO at ease. I truly believe she's doing what she was put on this earth to do.
We were visited by a parade of people. A counselor to help us all through her diagnosis, a med student that kept popping in at the wrong time, and the financial lady from St. Jude, who told us that anything our insurance didn't pay for at this hospital would be paid for by them.

And the tears fell.

Because EVERY YEAR, we've donated money to St. Jude because it was the least we could do. We had two healthy children out of three. We didn't have to worry about hospital stays and medicines and waking up the next day alone.
And now here we are.

Worried, and scared, and nervous.

Well, not ALL of us. :)

Dr. H came and they did a more in depth blood test, and she wasn't sure what was going on, either. She did find a handful of swollen lymph nodes and a couple levels had changed a teeny tiny bit since the day before, but we were no closer to answers.

From here, her blood cultures will go people who specialize in children's cancers to see what they think. We will go in weekly for the next two weeks to observe the levels again, and see how they change.

So, what can you do?

Pray for this to be just a strange virus that her body is reacting to strangely, but will go away on its own. Pray that her body will be strong, and fight hard. Pray that every doctor involved find peace, because it is never easy to deal with a sick child, (or with a sick child's mother!), and pray that whatever the outcome, we will remember that we are not alone.

Just look at this girl!

Strong and brave.

She's AMAZING!

Always Potterheads Festival 2017

2017-02-08T09:39:00.001-06:00

It's no secret that I'm a huge Potterhead (a fan of all things Harry Potter), so when I had the choice of attending a fun, great cause fundraiser party or hit the city up to regale the glory of Potterheads like me, I went for the obviously selfish choice, which ended up being much more fun for me! ME ME ME!

The weather was pretty much freezing with a subzero wind chill, but the line to get in was wrapped all around the huge building like a scarf, weaved out of wizarding robes and house colored scarves. Hagrid headed up the front of the line along his his family members, two of which we shared a table with at the Quidditch Team Fundraiser Ball last December! Small world!

There were food trucks set up outside with their fun menus carefully laid out, luring us in with the warm scents of dragon flesh on a stick and hot butterbeers.

When we finally got inside, the place was AMAZING. The house cup contest hadn't officially started yet, but by the time we left, those cups were filled to the brim with cash. I'm not sure which house won, but at any rate, it was going to be a close call.

The first thing we did was to get in the line for wands. Evan had his heart set on getting a wand, if nothing else. (But there was a list, if course, of things he "NEEDED" to find while there in Diagon Alley)

Emma & I shopped at a couple booths while the boys held our spot in line. I ended up with a crochet Mandrake-in-a-pot to keep Cactus Jack company in the rainbow room, and we caught up with the guys just as they purchased their wands.

Evan decided on Ron's wand while John went for the Elder Wand. They promptly took them out of their silky boxes and began having a duel right there in the middle of Diagon Alley, which was probably a good choice, seeing as how within minutes, it was too crowded to even walk around!

Another stop we made was at the broomsticks shop, where Evan carefully and sloooowwwwly chose the best broomstick in the lot. It had to be green. It had to be a certain size. It had to not be too straight or too crooked. It had to have the right bristles. (The muggle seen here is actually removing a couple not-right bristles from the final pick.)

Emma & I had planned on buying a sorting bathbomb. They're white, but once you put them in your bath, they reveal a color to "sort" you into your right house. BUT, when we saw these, we went a different direction. Each of these house bathbombs have a patronus charm inside! We grabbed one for each house, of course.

After shopping the booths at Diagon Alley, we headed upstairs to the food & activities.

The decorations were AMAZING.

We signed up for a potions-making class, and then casually strolled up to get tattooed.

We live on the edge like that.

While Ev was getting inked, Em and I checked out the goodies at the sweet shop and the trolley.

I ended up buying a sorting hat cookie. When we bite into it, it'll show the color of the house we're sorted into.

Any guesses??

Isn't this the sweetest Slytherin you've ever seen?!

The house band was playing versions of Hedwig's Theme and covering other songs from Christian to Hip Hop. Pretty impressive!

The glowing cotton candy line was uber long, mostly because every 15th customer got a free wand and the cotton candy was only $3!

From this line we watched the band play, muggles and wizards heading in and out of the card reader's tent, Azkaban photos being taken, and a "sexy Harry Potter" selling photos and prints.

That's a family four pack of Butterbeer, folks! My man knows how to party!

The Potion-Making class was fun! He got a little bottle and labelled it, filled it with potions and ingredients, and had it sealed and hung around his neck.

Then it was back down to the car, backpack bulging with wizarding gear to last us until next time!

The little wizard flew around the parking lot while we decided on what to grab from the coffee truck.

Emma went for the "Ghostly Mocha", while I couldn't pass up "Dobby's Drink", because, well, DOBBY.

Dobby's Drink turned out to be a shot glass of Cortado, which was awful-tasting, but for the experience, I drank as much as I could.

It was an AMAZING festival, and I absolutely can't wait until next year!

Blooming Where You Are Planted....or not.

2017-01-26T08:31:00.001-06:00

I like winter and all, but it's kinda like my grandpa always said about fish & family - after a few days, they start to stink. (That's my grandpa for you!) I love the winter when the snow falls softly and the kids are bundled up and re-enacting Randy from A Christmas Story, taking turns saying "I can't put my arms down!" and "Just put them down when you get to school." after a few attempts at pushing them down. I love slouchy hats with big puffy balls on the top and furry boots and catching snowflakes on your tongue. But where we live, the snow doesn't come very often anymore, and we are left with the browns of the grass and naked trees and wind that rushes by so fast and so cold that it actually, seriously, HURTS your face and takes the breath right out of your mouth. And that's when I'm all "Bye, Felicia!" to winter, but she doesn't listen. She just stays here for a couple more months, whipping winds and redding noses.

So, to fight back, I buy flowers at the flower shop and hang a few more strings of colorful happy and light a candle that smells of springtime. And I buy bulbs to force. Usually tulips or daffodils, but this year, a purple hyacinth. And today, after a couple weeks of inpatient waiting, she is awake and blooming and beautiful and fragrant!! And I'm doing a dance of "YESSSSSSS!!!" and pointing at winter outside like "Take THAT, winter!!"

And then I calm down, and stare at the hyacinth and apologize for "forcing" her to bloom earlier than nature had intended, but my GOSH she did so great, and then I think,

this is me.

Some people will never get out of their comfort zones. They're happy and content and by gosh, we're not gonna change it. Which is all good, except there are things we are sent here to learn and do, and sometimes we have to be forced. And I am one of those people. One day God sticks me in a special vase, all balled up and introverted and happy just being safe and stagnant, and waits. And even though I don't wanna, my roots begin to grow, and I feel like this is too soon! I don't like change!, but every morning, He peeks into my vase and talks to me, and tells me i'm doing well, and I grow a little more every day, even though I may not be ready. And my leaves begin to blossom, and I'm becoming a little bolder every day, and one day, I'll bloom into a magnificent creature that I wasn't sure I ever wanted to become, and he'll take pictures of me and show his buddies and say "Isn't she MAGNIFICENT?! She was content on blooming in the springtime, but I knew she could handle the winters of life, and I loved her enough to be by her side every day until she blossomed, and just LOOK at her!"

And I'd just smile and show off my bravery and change that I never knew I had, until I was forced.

Happy Thursday, from Heidi the Hyacinth

;)

p.s. Thank you for all the vegetarian recipes!!! They were AWESOME additions to our menu!!

A Pair of Jacks

2017-01-17T18:08:00.000-06:00

January is half way over!

And it's all good because this month we're taking off our Lady Gaga meat dresses and have been eating VEGETARIAN! So, we're half way through this project, and are pretty anxious for February 1st, because, well, WHOPPERS WITH CHEESE.

The first home project of 2017 was the family room, otherwise known as the rainbow room. I cannot imagine why.

But.

She got a new dress in what has become my favorite paint color (It has slowly taken over, room by room...) - a very light grey. The color cubbies also got a remake. I raised them up a few inches so that I could 1.) Finish them off with matching trim and 2.) Put in a vent for the floor vent that previously sat there like a chihuahua with a big butt on it's face, unable to unleash the powers of cooling and heating deep within...

Also, there is a sad tale of a cactus by the name of Jack. It involves a baby Saguaro from the Tucson airport, an Elvis Impersonator, a Twitter saga, and a sad cactus mother. But that is a tale for another day, because on this day - this happy Tuesday - the cactus mother found her an un-dying replica of poor Cactus Jack, bought him a new shiny pot, and added him to the collection of happy thoughts over there in the corner of the rainbow room.

He's precious, no?

I seriously need to learn to crochet...

And then there's my other Jack, all ready for Valentine's Day.

Have any good vegetarian recipes?!?

xoxo

Well, Hello, 2017!

2017-01-05T11:47:00.001-06:00

Oh, man! What a year 2016 has been! I have to say, that although it probably wasn't my very best year, I don't quite understand why the general consensus on the interwebs is that 2016 ranks up there with Felicity cutting her hair or Dumbledore's death.

There are countless horrible things going on in the world that hurt our souls deeply, but for our little family, 2016 wasn't half bad. I guess that could be seeing the glass half full.

Have you made your resolution? Or do you have a theme or word for the new year? They're not a huge ordeal in the house of Castro, but we make them, nonetheless. This year, my word is FLY.

Don't worry, I'm not going to jump off the roof with my blankie again. 2017 is going to be an amazingly big year for growth and change.

I'm going to fly.

I'm going to get out of my comfy nest and explore new things! This homebody is going to get wild this year! Maybe order something other than chicken fingers at a restaurant! Maybe I'll go to lunch with the girls! Maybe I'll wear lipstick and heels! Okay, I probably am getting a little too excited now. Gotta save something for 2018...

I'm going to face changes with grace and splendor, and let God fill my wings with His wind! Change has never been my best friend. We fight a lot. Change comes on over after I write out my itinerary and scribbles on it. He makes the grocery store run out of ginger when I need it for tonight's dinner. And he even makes my friends late for stuff! CURSE YOU, CHANGE!!! But, this year, we're going to try and get along, Change and I. He's gonna pull his crap, and I'm gonna be all "Whatever, man. Just lock up when you're done." Or at least let John have a few dozen less times of saying "You can plan a perfect picnic, but you can't control the weather, babe!", and then getting yelled at because WHY CANT I CONTROL THE WEATHER?!?!?

I'm going to soar above all the negative people and things in my life, and try my hardest to be the wind in others' sails. This has been a work in progress for YEARS now, and it gets better every year! New Years goals don't have to have an ending date, right? Kinda like a house mortgage. I'm probably on that 30 year plan. Negative people have a place in my life, and a purpose, but MY goal is to love them anyway, and NOT let their rain clouds cover up my sunshine. Because we all know I control the weather. And I like sun.

And I'm going to help my little ones learn to fly, too. Emma's pretty independent. She's been stretching out her wings since the day she was brought into this world. She's always been strong and brave and ready to take on the world. Just like her daddy. Evan and I are a little less so. We like to snuggle up in our warm nest and watch the world from our safe little home. We have everything we ever need or want, so why risk going out with the hawks and owls and falling blue ice?! We have our family and a couple close friends, so why make more? (I still don't really have an answer for that, but I'm sure there's a few). Wanna be friends? (And go ahead and picture the guy from the sonic commercial, because that's how awkward I would sound)

In FACT, we were in Guthrie this past month and we *almost* went to find a dear blogging friend I've never met in person, but has been there for us since I started this whole blog. The sicknesses and sadness. the happy times and growing children. But then I thought "Wait a second. If we look up this woman's address, drive to her house, knock on the door, and say 'hey! what's up?!', I'm pretty sure she'd call me a stalker and dial 911. So, there's that.

(Although if you live somewhere completely awesome and have floor space for 4 sleeping bags, I may risk the 911 call...) I kid, I kid! ... maybe.

(Anyone live in Pompeii?!?)

Some of my favorites going into 2017:

New season of Stranger Things

New Season of Unbreakable Kimmie Schmit

American Housewife (SO funny!)

The new LEGO sets are pretty Fab this year!

Wood burning fireplace!

Square prints

So, what's your goal for 2017?! I wanna know!!

{Lego Advent} December 20

2016-12-20T10:38:00.001-06:00

Guess who the little lego children have found?!

Mrs. Claus!!

Sweet Mrs. Claus gives them both a big hug and welcomes them to Santa's workshop.

She tells them all about how bust everyone is getting everything ready for Santa's big flight this weekend! They follow her over to a funny machine with blinking lights and gurgly popping sounds.

"This is the toy conveyer!", explains Mrs. Claus. "The toys that the elves are making are sent underground on a traveling track that pops up out here! Then, the elves load them into the sleigh!"

The children are so in awe that they cannot speak!

Toys!? Sleigh?! Elves?!

They watch as one little elf picks up a spaceship and packs it into the big sleigh.

Well, look who else is getting ready to go?!?

Can you name all of Santa's reindeer??

Don't forget this little guy!

Look at that nose!

{Lego Advent} December 19

2016-12-19T09:33:00.002-06:00

Did you have any guesses to where Brock's train was taking Emma & Evan lego?

They are so excited, they can't stop jumping up and down in excitement!

After what seemed like hours, the little train came to a stop and Brock helped them off the train.

The air smelled of cookies and candy and there was a stir of activity all around!

"Where are we?!", little Evan asks.

And just then, a toy solider replied in a booming voice "Why, you're at the North Pole of course!", and sure enough, his toy rifle pointed to a little sign that read...

The little legos couldn't believe it!

They were at the North Pole!

And who do you think they would see there?!?

{Lego Advent} December 16

2016-12-19T09:28:00.000-06:00

Have you been curious about what Brock told the little legos?!

Well, good thing I'm here to let you know!

Brock has been in charge of driving a train this year. But not just any train, a very special train that would take them to a special place!

The little legos were so excited! Brock told them to wait at the small candyland station and wait.

And wait they did.

VERY impatiently.

Mummy & Daddy lego watched with glee as the little lego children discussed where the train would take them. The zoo? The mountain pass? Or even to Lego City?!

Just then, a chug-a-chug-a sound came around the bend!

It was Brock!!

And he was engineering a tiny little train, all decorated in gold and green and red!

As the little figs climbed aboard, they waved goodbye to Mummy & Daddy and headed off...

Where do you think they are going?!?

{Lego Advent} December 15

2016-12-19T09:21:00.002-06:00

The smell of Alex's turkey and sausage stand draws Mummy & Daddy lego over from their bench by the bandstand. "Hello, Alex!", they exclaim.

"Hello, there! You came just in time! I have just finished cooking these turkey legs and hot cider!"

The three chat for quite awhile. Meanwhile, the yummy smells have made their way to the carousel and the little figs rush over, tummies grumbling!

Unlike Mummy & Daddy lego, the minifigs head straight to Akiko's sweets stand, where they find Brock, gobbling down some cookies.

Emma wanders over to Grammie's bakery stand to grab a fresh pretzel while the boys take even more cookies to one of the pub tables close to Mummy & Daddy lego.

Little Evan seems very interested in what Brock has to say, and he calls Emma over to hear.

I wonder what it could be??

{Lego Advent} December 14

2016-12-19T09:14:00.001-06:00

Once the Christmas Faire kicks off, the children know exactly where they want to go. Do you have any guesses?

It's to see Mr. Hudson over at the carousel, of course!

Little Emma lego buys tickets for her brother and cousins with money she has saved up hauling firewood for Daddy lego.

The younger minifig cousins are helped into the sleds while Emma & Evan climb atop the rocking horses and the ride begins!

They've waited a whole year to ride the Carousel again, and around and around they go!

{Lego Advent} December 13

2016-12-19T09:08:00.001-06:00

It's the week before Christmas! That has everyone in Bricksmeade excited because it's the start of the big Christmas Faire!

Do you hear that? The little bandstand is cooing a soft melody! Let's head over and see what's going on!

Well, the Faire has indeed started! It's the annual "Carol of the Bricks" that signals the start of the Christmas events!

It looks as though Mayor Kurt has made it in from his highrise in Lego City to join in the fun!

Oh no! He's forgotten his gloves! Poor Mayor Kurt! He is not used to the cold weather! And now he is lost in the song!! Poor Michelle is struggling to hear Anitra & Kyle's lead over the Mayor's stumbling singing!

What a funny show! The children are giggling with delight!

Luckily, the band members begin to play a little bit louder so that the carolers can get back on track. Great job, guys!

It has begun! The Christmas Faire is here!! Hooray!!

{Lego Advent} December 12

2016-12-13T13:54:00.003-06:00

Today we find the little minifigs out at the skating pond with some of their friends!

What a cheery scene!

It looks as though little Ava has made it there just in time to see Hana & Will start a game of hockey!

I hope she is careful standing on that bench with Ethan in ice skates! My goodness!

Oh look at tiny Baby Johnny and his sisters, Hannah & Elizabeth! They've built a snowman! Their mommy is so proud of them!

Say cheese, children!

Oh my goodness! What is that laughing and squealing?!?!

It looks as though Will skated too fast and would head down in a snow mound!

Silly Will!

See you all tomorrow! Stay warm!

{Lego Advent} December 9

2016-12-13T13:48:00.002-06:00

On Friday, Mummy & Daddy Lego headed out early to go Christmas shopping. The little ones were still asleep after staying out late helping Grammie at the bakery stand (and eating all those sweets!)

What did they buy, you ask?

Well, I can neither tell you nor show you, dear friends, or we might spoil Christmas!

But, I can tell you that after they shopped and shopped, Daddy lego was ready for a warm cider and Momma, who is always ready for a hot cocoa, suggested that they stop at the Bricksmeade Brewery to grab some warm drinks to fill them up!

Levi Lego and his wife Greta owned the brewery and it was rumored that they even brewed the hot cocoa that Mrs. Claus gave Santa! Nobody knew for sure, not even their daughter, Ava, but they all believed it. It tasted like magic!

"Where are Emma & Evan?", Ava asked Daddy Lego.

"Why, I believe that after they got up today, they were headed out to the skating pond! I bet they're there right now! You had best get going, little Ava!"

And off she went, grabbing her skates and gloves!

{Lego Advent} December 8

2016-12-13T13:41:00.002-06:00

I'm sorry I haven't been around to peek into Bricksmeade with you for a few days! I had left on an adventure of my own, but now I have returned, and I can tell you all about it!

On Thursday morning, the children were just finishing up their bricks & blocks cereal when a knock came at the cottage door.

"Who could it be?", asked Mommy Lego.

Just then the door opened wide, and there stood Grammie Lego! Oh, the little ones were jumping with joy!

"Hello, my dear ones!", Grammie said. "I have set up the bakery stand for Christmas Faire and I need help picking up the baked goods from the bakery today! I could sure use two strong little figs!", she said, with a wink.

It wasn't long before the three of them had made it to the glowing window of the Bricksmeade Bakery. The smells that filled the air were of sugary cupcakes and truffles and pretzels in every color and flavor. They saw Ms. Mable inside, waving warmly.

Ms. Mable owned and lived in the shop with Mr. Wes and little Eli. Together they baked the most delicious little treats day in and day out!

Grammie Lego was very excited to be selling them at her bakery stand this year! She happily paid Mr. Wes for all the delicious things she could fit in the tiny stand.

While Ms. Mable boxed up all the yummies, Emma & Evan watched little Eli as he pulled a fresh loaf of bread out of the big stone oven. Eli was the best bread maker in the land, and it tasted as though you were eating a slice of heaven's clouds when you ate it.

The little Legos' tummies rumbled from all the scents of the bakery!

As they said goodbye, Ms. mable gave them a tray of cupcakes for the road and Eli handed Evan the fresh loaf of Heaven Bread.

"Goodbye!", he said to his dear friends. "We'll be together again soon!"

"Goodbye, Eli!", they all said, and off they scurried to the bakery stand, one cupcake in hand, and a bite of bread in the other.

{Lego Advent} December 7

2016-12-07T11:59:00.003-06:00

The little Lego family has gotten an important call today! Grandad Lego has opened the tree farm that he and Granda run each year in Bricksmeade, and their favorite little grandlegos are going to have first pick of the trees this morning! How exciting!

The family walks across the snowy street to the tree farm, it's Christmas lights aglow!

Evan is so excited to see Grandad! He gives him a big hug as Grandad throws him up in the air. "Wheeeee!", he squeals.

While he is up in the air, he notices something on the top of the light post and tells Daddy lego.

"Quick, Mommy Lego, go and get your camera!", he says.

He points up at the brown owl that has taken perch on the flagpole as if he was wanting to watch the first tree cutting of the season.

Mommy Lego takes pictures as the rest of the family checks out every beautiful tree on the lot, looking for their favorite.

It looks as though Grandad and Emma have found it!

They all agree and Daddy Lego gets ready to cut the tree.

Chop! Chop! Chop!

"TIMBER!", Daddy and Grandad Lego yell, and the tree is ready to go home.

Just then Granda and the kids come around the corner with the tree wagon, and good ol' Gingerbread, their horse, pulling it through the snow.

The little family brings the tree inside and begins to decorate it with all the colorful ornaments they have gathered over the years.

For the final event, Daddy Lego picks little Evan up to hang the star atop the tree.

Mommy & Emma clap and cheer from above.

Their little lodge is ready for Christmas now!

{Lego Advent} December 6

2016-12-06T08:38:00.003-06:00

Happy Tuesday, friends! There is new snow on the ground in bricksmeade and we hear the little crunching footsteps of Evan & Emma coming down the street. Do you see what they are holding? Where do you think they are going?

Those are their letters to Santa Claus! And they are headed to the Bricksmeade Post to deliver them!

When they arrive, they greet their friend, Sophia, who is stuffing Christmas cards into the post boxes. "Hello, Emma! Hello, Evan!", she says. "So nice to have you back in town! If you are wanting to mail those letters, take them inside to my mom! These boxes are overflowing already with parcels and cards! My daddy is on his way to pick them up in the Post Truck!"

"Oh my! That is a lot of letters! Thank you!", the little legos reply, and head inside.

Inside, Postmaster Staci has a fire crackling in the fireplace and "Jingle Bricks" playing on the radio. It feels just like Christmas should!

"Hi, kids! Welcome back!", she happily exclaims. "I've been expecting you! You two are the only ones that haven't sent their Christmas letters yet!"

Postmaster Staci always keep track of the childrens' letters to Santa. Mister B makes a special trip to Santa's Workshop to deliver them on the opening day of the big Christmas Faire!

The children place their letters on top of the ever-growing stack of cards and letters on her desk.

"I sure hope Mr. B comes soon, or we'll have mail flying out the windows!", she says.

The children giggle and say goodbye.

Outside, they hear the recognizable putt-putt-putt of Mr. B's Post Truck. He has come to pick up all the mail that has been mailed today!

"Hello, children!", he says in is booming voice. (He has to talk very loud over the old truck!)

"Hello, Mister B!", say Evan & Emma. "Hi Daddy!", says Sophia.

They make plans with Sophia to meet up at the frozen pond soon to skate and head back in the crunchy snow to their cozy little home.

{Lego Advent} December 5

2016-12-05T08:44:00.001-06:00

Good morning from Bricksmeade! The little winter village where we find little Emma and Evan heading out for the day. Mommy lego waves them off, reminding them to keep their gloves and jackets on. Where do you think they're off to?

The little figs are excitedly talking about which gifts they would like to give to their family members and friends. They are having so much fun, they didn't even notice notice their friend Caleb until they hear his excited voice exclaim "Emma! Evan! You're back in town! Hooray!"

The children are hapy to see their friend, Caleb. He and his family live upstairs in the Bricksmeade Toy Shop. The little figs have always thought how wonderful it must be to live in a toy shop!

"come on in!", Caleb says. "The elves just dropped off a bunch of new toys for the shop today!", he exclaims.

Emma & Evan can hardly wait!

The shop is warm and hustling and bustling with children looking at all the toys. It always smells of sawdust and paint. Mommy Lego always said, "Bricksmeade has every scent of Christmas! There is never a need for a candle here!", and it's true.

Ms. Sunny greets the little ones, delighted to see them again. While Emma catches her up on all they've done since last winter, Evan finds his friend, Brite and they begin to explore the many toys inside the shop.

Everyone stops and looks as a loud squeal comes from the corner of the shop. "It's okay!", says Cole, "It's just my sister. She found the giant teddy bear she wants for Christmas."

The children giggle and go back to pushing buttons and pulling levers. Melia doesn't want to leave the bear's side. "Maybe Santa will make you one!", her brother reassures her.

Evan and Emma take their time looking at every toy as though they were judges in the Snowman contest. "Have you gotten your list?", Emma asks her little brother.

"Yes, I do!", he says.

They say goodbye to all their friends, and make plans to see them at the Christmas Faire in a few days before heading back out into the snowy village streets on their way home.

After a warm dinner, the little figs head up to bed and write their letters to Santa before bath time.

"We'll take them to the post tomorrow!", says Emma.

That night they both sleep well, with dreams of Santa's Toy Shop and the hammering of little elves...