Lincoln Edward Hoy born June 30th, 2011!!!!!!!

Hi friends and family,
Have been experiencing laptop issues and been unable to access and update. But I was able to upload pictures and will update what has been going on. We are celebrating the birth of Lincoln Edward Hoy!!! He was born on June 30th (now almost a month old) and is doing great. Hannah has been doing just wonderful. Lincoln has been a very good first baby. He has light colored hair and blue eyes. I see a lot of Jake in his facial features. Good looking boy.

Jake, Hannah and Lincoln.

Aunties Laura, Mary and Kayla getting to hold little Lincoln.

Leah came home too and was in the delivery room with Hannah!

Another grandson to hold. I am soo blessed to now be holding another grandson.

The family also took part in the Coeur d'Alene Marathon events this year. Nathan, Jason and I did the CDA Marathon, Sarah did the Half Marathon and Michelle did the 5K. We all finished and did awesome. Nathan really burned up the field and finished at 3 hrs 27 minutes. Wow!

Michelle made a cake for the after race party at Hannah and Jakes house.

Out front of Jake and Hannah's house!

We also went on a hike up to St Regis Lakes at the Lookout Pass area. There was still plenty of snow even in June when we went for the 5 mile hike. We were crossing big streams of melt off and still traversing large snow fields. It was an awesome day, in the 80's that day but it felt so good being up in the mountains and crossing icy cold water and walking the snow. Kaiser absolutely loved the snow. He was like a kid running around in the snow and eating it and throwing it up in the air. He was a good hiker that day. Sarah, Laura, Kayla and I had a great time.

IS IT SPRING YET?

"My God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Hi all my family and friends. Is spring here yet? We wouldn't really know here in the northwest. It has been raining and cool most of May. Things are progressing though but at a very slow slow pace. My heart goes out to all those being effected by the tornadoes and flooding waters. Because of those uncertainties in life, we count our blessings everyday and are truly thankful for a God who does meet all our needs. Not our wants, but needs. He knows whats going on and reveals His grace and glory when we need it most. Even in disasters. And there seems to be plenty of disasters, trials, etc going on. I trust all is well with you readers. Its been some time since I last updated the blog. We are all doing well. Update on Hannah is all is going very well. Due date is still on for June 21st. There have been no other issues with her kidney so thanks for your prayers. Leah came home on the 13th of May and helped with Hannah's baby shower that was at out home. What a grand display of creative fun, generosity, love and support for Hannah and the baby. There were 26 ladies there and they had a wonderful time. Some pictures down below on that special day for Hannah. During that time, I got out of the house and went running.
Last time I posted my Salt Lake City Marathon trip. I finished with no major problems. Weather was very nice. Stayed downtown SLC within a couple of blocks of all the activites. SLC is a very nice city with great views of mountains all around. Here are some pictures:

This is the finish line. Started over at the University of Utah about 3 miles away from the finish line but the run took me way south and back up north. Met some very nice people from New York who are doing the 50 state Marathon goal. They were on state #47, with three to go for them. I am on state #7. Will be doing a marathon in Missoula MT in July. Also doing the Coeur d'Alene marathon this Memorial Day weekend with Nathan and Jason. Sarah will be doing the Half Marathon.
After the race, and oh look over my shoulder, there is a Starbucks. Went to have coffee right afterwards. Caffeine tasted so good after exercising. I do like running though. Keeps me going. Makes me thankful for abilities. Thankful for health and for a chance to do these activities with my wonderful kids.
At the end of April was the ever fun 'Bring your kids to work day' at my work on the Navy base in Bayview. The kids look forward to this every year, young and older, they just like spending time at my work. Here is a picture on the floating barge where I work. That is Cutthroat in the background (head-on view) high and dry, out of the water so we can reconfigure it and work on it. It is a quarter scale submarine model that we operate for the Navy and special projects. Mary, Laura, and Kayla usually come up but this year, Mary wanted to go to school (weird huh) and Jason decided to go. When Aaron found out later on, he wondered why he wasn't invited. Next year Aaron. On Mother's Day weekend, our near by Amusement Park Silverwood opened up. So Saturday, Laura, Kayla and I went and road the rollercoasters in between rainstorms. It eventually got pretty nice, when the girls convinced me of going camping at nearby Farrugut State Park near my work. SOO, that afternoon we shifted gears and went camping.
We took Kaiser our german shepherd along with us. It rained right after setting up the tent and awning. But we built a fire, kept warm and then snuggled in for the night in the rain storm. It was actually very adventurous and fun for an early May camping trip. We were the only one in the campground. So we had the pick of a favorite campsite. Kaiser did pretty good but we brought the kennel in the van for him to lay in at night and during the rain storms. Wet dog in the tent just didn't sound good to us. It was fun. On Mother's Day, rain stopped and we packed up and went back home. Visited Susan's gravesite to reflect on what a great Mother Susan was and the impact she has on the children's lives. We miss her dearly.
Here is a picture of Kaiser. He is now about 9 months hold. On this trip, one ear is up and one is undecided. As I write this, both ears are now up and he is maturing into a pretty good dog. He still is naughty and has a lot of puppy still in him.
Later on Mother's Day, we decided to go back to Silverwood. Sarah and Mary joined us too. We have Gold passes there and so six of us get in on the passes. Here is a picture in rollercoaster alley. To the right side of the picture is TREMORS wooden rollercoaster. In the back is AFTERSHOCK, which is a steel smooth rollercoaster, but full of twists and turns upside down. Not in the picture is TIMBER TERROR, another wooden rollercoaster. We all love riding them. Kayla has a school trip to Silverwood, and I volunteered to be a helper. Just another excuse to ride the rollercoasters. Waterpark should be opening up soon too, but dependent on NICE weather. Someday.
Riding the antique cars, Mary driving Laura. A glimpse of what is to come. Mary is going to be taking drivers training this summer and will get her license next spring. Mary turned 15 in March and Laura is 13. They are maturing into some very beautiful young ladies.
Here is a picture of LUKE. He is now 17 months old. And guess what!!! HE IS GOING TO BE A BIG BROTHER!!!! Found out from Nathan and Michelle on Easter that they are expecting on November 20th. We found out in a game that Nathan and Michelle made up. It was a word scramble game that we were divided into three groups. And the words that were formed told us of the news. I was a little slow in getting it until everyone else started cheering. I think some of them already knew. So our family is getting bigger. And that is exciting.
And here are a couple of pictures from Hannah's baby shower. There were a lot of hands that went into the preparations for this event. Gina Hardy was very instrumental in preparing the food table with all the decorations. First picture. They all had a ball.

Here is the "MOM TO BE". Pregnant women just have a certain angelic glow about them don't they!! Jake and Hannah and baby are all doing great.

This was cool. This baby train was all made by hand. It is made of diapers, blocks, rattles, baby wipes things, wash clothes, etc. All things that can be used for the baby but displayed in a very creative work.

Prayer requests:
-Sarah is thinking about moving out of the house. She found a place over in Post Falls with a Christian lady who has rooms in the basement. It is a very nice place and would be good for Sarah to experience renting and being on her own. She is excited about this as we all were when we first did this. Her help around the house will be missed. But the rest of the kids will just have to step up the plate and fill in the gaps.
-Jason has been looking at Christian colleges in California. He visited Asuza Pacific and really liked it. So he is gearing up for his studies at Asuza next January. Be praying for plans, finances, and just what God has for him at college. He continues to work as a server at a local restaurant.
-Aaron is also looking at Christian colleges in California. Not as defined as Jason but looking. He is in Communications at N. Idaho College right now. He is working with kids at the KROC CENTER in Coeur d'Alene. He will be full time this summer and working some other smaller jobs just to make money.
-Mary will be taking drivers training. Not sure if the prayers are for her or for me. But I am not new to this. But still, sending my kids out to drive is always a concern.

Email me or respond to the blogs. Would love to hear from you all. Blessings to you all.

Celebrating!

We just recently celebrated Hannah's birthday. I won't tell you how old she is but there maybe a clue in one of the pictures. Women just don't want that information to get broadcast too much. We had to wait and celebrate her birthday until we got back from Phoenix. Hannah is still doing great. Nothing came about her kidney pain issue, so we still feel that it was a kidney stone that was causing the pain. Still on track for a June 21st delivery.

The Family with our new dog Kaiser. He is a German Shepherd, about 6 months.

Happy Birthday Hannah!

On April 3rd, we also reflected on and celebrated Susan's life and the impact she has had on us all. We were down in Phoenix and spent it with Susan's parents and with her brother's family. So we had some shared special memories with Susan. It has been three years now and it still does not get easy. But I can look at all the children and still get a vivid picture of the her energy, her love for life, her love for Jesus, her love for others. I miss her dearly. But she is in a GRAND place that we can only imagine. I love this picture of Raylene Brands, Susan and Laura (taken probably 6 years ago). Raylene and Susan are both in heaven now due to cancer. They both helped each other through the chemo process and blessed others along the way.

Sorry, I realized that this is a scanned picture and didn't have good resolution.

Sarah finished up her CNA schooling back in December. And yesterday, she took her skills test and passed. YAY! So we are also celebrating that with Sarah. She will now take her written exam next week. So be praying about that.
Jake is going through the process of applying for the Coeur d'Alene Police Department. He took the exam and passed it with flying colors and has gone through the physical fitness exam and passed it too! So be praying for that process too. He will make an outstanding law enforcement officer.
Jason just got back from California. He visited two universities down in the LA area. BIOLA and Azusa Pacific University. He will be taking his grad classes for Psychology. He really likes Azusa Pacific in Pasadena. Beautiful campus he said and really friendly students. So we will see what kind of scholarships and financial aid will be needed. He plans on playing soccer for them too. Be praying for Jason's plans in these college areas.
And me, I have been training for the Salt Lake City Marathon which is on Saturday. Pray for my trip down and for the run. I have been working hard on the training runs, so I am ready. In May, Nathan, Jason and I are doing the CDA Marathon. Sarah will do the half marathon again this year.

Back From Phoenix

We spent a great week down in Phoenix, in the record breaking heat which felt soo good. April 2nd was 100 degrees and that set a new record for the Phoenix area. Usually in the lower 80's this time of year. We flew out of Pasco, WA (2.5 hr drive) on Allegiant Airlines which flies directly to the Mesa Gateway Airport that only has Allegiant Air as a carrier. But they have cheaper air fares and it is worth the drive to Pasco. This picture was the day we drove over to Pasco. It was a 2 hr 4 min flight down. The airline doesn't even give free water out any more. Things change.

Mary, Kayla, Sarah and Laura at the Pasco Airport

Here is a collection of pictures while we were down in Phoenix. We stayed with Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Rick and Aunt Cheryl.

Here we are at the Shopping Mall. Pretty hugh? And so was the day. Girls and shopping just go hand in hand. And me, along for the ride.

On my hike one day, I captured this Cactus Wren on top of a Saguaro Cactus. Last year, I got a really nice picture of a Collared Lizard which Mary Carol submitted into the Gold Canyon Magazine. So my name was in the magazine as the photographer. She is going to submit this one also. My name is getting out.

This is a flowering cactus in front of Rick and Cheryl's house. This time of year is plenty of flowering activities. Nice time of year down there. Unlike the July/August 115 deg temps.

Another cactus. This one in front of Jack and Mary Carol's house.

A group hike up in the canyons of the Superstition Mountains. This day just happened to be on the 100 degree day, but early in the morning when it was only 85 deg. We found the shade!! Leah and Jed flew down the day before. They came down not only for part of Spring Break, but also to go to Nick Dreckman's wedding. Here in the front row, Jed, Leah, Jeanne (Susan's sister), Kayla, and Laura. Back row is Rick (Susan's brother) and Tess (Lindsay's dog).

A bobcat sneaks away near G&G's house. We saw two bobcats this trip near their house.

A picture of Nick as the wedding started.

The family at the wedding. We had a nice time seeing friends and visiting.

The sunset at the wedding. That day it was cloudy and cooler, in the lower 90's. The outdoor wedding temps were very comfortable.

Laura and Mary at the wedding

The kids with Grandma Mary Carol and Grandpa Jack
The kids with Uncle Rick and Aunt Cheryl

Happy Spring!!

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Happy Spring to all of you although right now I look out the window and it is SNOWING! Won't last though. Just a reminder that we are in transition. But it won't matter because we are going to Phoenix this week for spring break and it is suppose to be in the 80's all week. Going down with Sarah, Mary, Laura and Kayla to see Grandma and Grandpa and see Uncle Rick, Aunt Cheryl and Aunt Jeanne. We are really looking forward to seeing everyone and being in the nice warm sunny weather. We are also attending Nick Dreckman's wedding on Saturday. Will be good to see our good friends the Dreckman's. So let it snow, blizzard whatever back home because we will enjoy the nice weather down south.
Hannah and the baby are just fine. We think that she might have passed a kidney stone when she was in so much pain. Because it has cleared up and she is doing just fine. So that is an answer to all your prayers. Thank you for love and concern. The baby's due date is June 21st. They have been setting up the baby's room in their house and getting all ready for the big day.
The verse from Romans is such a good reminder that God uses all our circumstances for good and according to His purpose. We don't always see what the purpose is at the time. I just heard a song by the Jesus Culture, a Christian worship group. Song is "Your Love Never Fails". Good song and it has Romans 8:28 in it. The chorus is awesome: "You stay the same through the ages, your love never changes, There maybe pain in the night but joy comes in the morning".
A lot has been going on of late. Sarah has been working almost full time at The Bridge; an assisted living facility in Post Falls Idaho. She is a CNA and wants to pursue her LPN studies at North Idaho College. Sarah is still at home and continues to be a big help out at home. Be praying for Sarah in her pursuit as a nurse. She has a very caring heart and will make a great nurse.

I caught Sarah working at The Bridge one day unannounced. She was surprised.

And the kids threw a Military Retirement Party for me this past month. I actually retired from 29 years in the military (not my civilian job with the Department of the Navy, but my 7 years of active duty sub time and 22 years of naval reserves). I have been so blessed over the years to have such a good military experience and I am so thankful for it. I wouldn't change it a bit. Had four of my children when I was active duty. Susan put up with a lot of lonely nights while I was out to sea. A big part of this retirement goes out to my dear Susan who kept me going in my military career. And all my trips around the world have been such a huge experience that I would have never been able to do if it weren't for the Navy and of course Susan holding down the fort back home. It has been good and it is good timing now to retire. We had a lot of friends over to help celebrate. THANKS to all that came and those that are away and have been a huge part in my Naval career. Here are some pictures from that night.

Grandpa holding my grandson Luke

My Retirement cake; 29 years

My girls and Luke

Update on Hannah

Hannah had further tests and the blood in her urine has cleared up. So that was probably just due to the inflammation. This whole time the baby has been unaffected. Everything is just fine with baby boy Hoy. She is now scheduled to see a urologist on Thursday. In the past, she had a stint put in to her ureter to keep the left kidney draining to the bladder. That stint was removed at a later point. So maybe a stint will have to be placed back in. Of course that is my take on it. But I am not a doctor. Until we find out more, keep Hannah and the baby in your prayers. She is doing fine and continues to work her normal hours.

Prayer for Hannah

After Jason's birthday party on this past Monday, Hannah and Jake went to the hospital since Hannah had been experiencing side aches all evening. The doctor diagnosed her with hydronephrosis, which is swelling of the kidney(s). Hannah has had several problems with one of her kidneys years ago with a snowboarding accident and then in 2006 when she had a blocked ureter (drain tube from the kidney to bladder). So we don't know if any of this is related. Or if there is a connection of where the baby is at and if there is pressure on Hannah's kidney/ureter. She has a doctor's appointment on Monday, Feb 14th and will find out more. Pray that we understand the cause and fully know the implications on the baby. At the hospital, the baby was monitored and is doing just great. Hannah was in some pain and given something for that. Since then, she been feeling better with some discomfort. But the biggest thing is that they did find blood in her urine. So there is real concern here. If anyone has had similar experiences or know of others that have, let us know. Thanks. I thought I would include the recent ultrasound 3D images of Jake and Hannah's baby boy. He is 20 weeks in these photos. He weighs 10.5 ounces here.

Baby boy Hoy

His Goodness and Lovingkindness

"Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6

Psalm 23 is one of those Psalms that I have read many times and for the most part, I have memorized it. But every time I read it, the Lord keeps emphasising something different in it. I can read each line and remember specific times when a verse really spoke to me at that time in my life. That is why I love to read God's word. Each day there is something new, something that gives me hope, something that takes me through a trial and I know that God loves me and wants to take care of me. His word applies to my life right now just as it did to the readers when it was written 2 to 3 thousand years ago. This last week, I have been thinking a lot about Psalm 23:6. It is His goodness and His lovingkindness that will follow me all the days of my life. With the new year before us, it is good to see how God has blessed our family and we look with anticipation how He is going to work in our lives this coming year. God is taking care of us. He gives me strength and wisdom each day to be an effective single parent. And I will choose to dwell in the house of the Lord. The house of the Lord is where ever God is and that is everywhere. In our daily rituals, busy lives, that is our focus. "...choose for yourselves today whom you will serve......but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15 That was Susan and my commitment when we got married, while raising our children and it is still my commitment today.

I want to get right into pictures and what has been going on in our lives.This was our Christmas Day photo. We had 16 people at the house on Christmas Day!! What a celebration. My brother Jim came over from Montana. And my brother John and son Francesco came up from Texas. We all had a great time and visit. Not pictured is our new dog, Kaiser. He is a German Shepherd and so far a good dog.

We have been visited by our Santa for the past 10 years or so. We don't really know who he is but he comes to our house faithfully on Christmas eve each year. It has been fun each year to have him come and make it special. He gives out candy canes, knows our names, makes us laugh and then he disappears into the night, down the street.

As you know, Jake and Hannah are expecting in June. As part of their present to me and the family, they gave a BIG box with BLUE balloons and a BLUE teddy bear letting us all know that they are expecting a BOY! Luke will have a cousin to play with as they grow up. How exciting.

AND LUKE IS ONE YEAR OLD!!! Wow how does the time fly. The year went by so fast. Luke's birthday was on December 27th. We had a grand birthday party at Nathan and Michelles house. Luke is a fine boy. He is happy, content and even learning baby sign language. He is walking now and learning to ask and let Michelle know things through sign language. It is so cool to see this.

What a great looking boy. Hannah and Jake are a great looking couple too! Getting use to holding a baby.
Present opening time. How exciting to watch a one year old open up presents. A new experience of gift wrap and wondering what is inside. He got toys and lots of books.

BUNKO night at Hannah and Jakes house. This was a silly picture after the BUNKO game night. Check out the BUNKO hat that Laura has on. What a classic hat (gift from Uncle Bob last year) for our BUNKO game nights. Nathan, Michelle and Luke had already gone home. We also had Denise Stanton over to play games. She played BUNKO for the very first time.

HAPPY NEW YEAR and the POLAR BEAR PLUNGE!!! Our tradition lives on. Along with hundreds of other people, we jump into Coeur d'Alene Lake on New Years morning. Lake temp was about 39 deg. Air temp was about 20 deg. Sun was shining on us and very warming. We have a fun, crazy time. Jessica came along with us (on the left).

This picture was taken by my brother Johnny on the way back from the Polar Bear plunge. It has been a pretty good winter so far. Most of the snow fell at Thanksgiving time. Of late it has been raining and in the 40's.

Living in North Idaho is beautiful. Here is a great sunset picture amidst the evergreens and lilac bushes in our back yard.