Perfect Love and Life

An estimated 92 percent of all women who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome choose to have an abortion, according to research reviewed by Dr. Brian Skotko, a pediatric geneticist at Children's Hospital Boston. Our newest nephew was born with Down syndrome back in August. He is a ray of sunshine and has already endured a critical heart surgery and a week-long stay in the hospital due to an upper respiratory infection. He has endured all of it with determination and joy. He is the sweetest little buddy. I think when I read the statistic above it is just hard to believe, hard to really wrap my head around that. When I hold my nephew Dylan, he is smiling, cooing, laughing and eating like any other baby. He is 100% alive and 100% as lovable and yet for more than most parents who receive this diagnosis, those facts aren’t enough I guess. It speaks to the greater problem-our hearts.
 
While I can’t relate to aborting a baby that wasn’t in my plan or rejecting one because they weren’t what I had hoped they would be. Which by the way, is life ever what you thought it would be anyways? I see something sickening in my own heart. Something wicked and dark. When someone is annoying. Someone doesn’t have normal social boundaries. When someone’s insecurities are being vomited all over me. I tend to avoid these kinds of people and circumstances. I tend to not want to be put out. I tend to be too busy for such people. I tend to ignore these people’s phone calls. The common denominator is not wanting to feel burdened, inconvenienced or uncomfortable. There it is; it always resurfaces… that pesky idol of comfort that I all too often sit at and worship. These are the very people that Jesus befriended, loved and made a home for. It reminded of of this text from Matthew 5... (21) “You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’(22) But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. (27) You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery. (28) But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."  The root of the heart is wicked and in desperate need of cleansing.  A divine work is the only crow bar that will pry my hands off my golden calf of comfort.

I guess what Dylan has been teaching me personally, is that blessings often come in the way of things we would have never asked for. There is deep and beautiful life, perfect love to be found in some of the most surprising of places. Places I would never had the courage or knowledge to seek out on my own. It leaves me worship filled and grateful that God gives his children what they need even if it is in stark contrast to what they are asking for. God’s resolve in shepherding is absolute and with infinite knowledge. Oh to have a fraction of that strength to raise the little flock he has entrusted us with. And let me just say that this beauty and blessing must be fought for at times. There are so many choices in how we receive and are willing to look at what the Lord has given us. This kind of perspective is both a gift and a discipline.

A second truth. Life is God given and perfect in his own timing. In the article by Dr. Skotko I was reading he made the point that a lot of parents or women are uninformed which might lead them to opting to terminate a pregnancy. Dr. Skotko states, "I am concerned about mothers making that informed decision," he said. "Are they making it on facts and up-to-date information? Research suggests not, and that mothers get inaccurate, incomplete and sometimes offensive information." There was a video circulating about a boy name Zion born with Trisomy 18 or Edwards Syndrome and I knew I was going to cry but wanted to watch it anyways, because I was so taken with the couple’s desire to let God’s love and perfection be displayed in this baby. Life is always a gift, no matter how short or how long. No matter how it comes to us or leaves us. We are all on display for the King’s splendor.

Ecclesiastes 3 A Time for Everything
(3) For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: (2) a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; (3) a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; (4) a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; (5) a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; (6) a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; (7) a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; (8) a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. The God-Given Task (9) What gain has the worker from his toil? (10) I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. (11) He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. (12) I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; (13) also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man. (14) I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.

Preston James Pearson

Oh I fear I am so tardy announcing this little buddy.  He is so sweet, so snugly and I cannot get enough of him.  He is so simple and happy.  This delivery went smoothly.  I went to the hospital to be induced around 6 p.m. on October 2nd and went into labor naturally.  This made everything easier.  I only had to push through two contractions and that little buddy was in our arms at 8:52 a.m. the next day.  As always, grateful to be having babies in 2012 and not on the Oregon trail...the common graces of medicine and highly trained professionals. Babies are miracles and gifts from our God. We love you Preston.

Texas Tech Memorial Golf Scholarship

Hello!  We do a golf tournament in honor of my dad, Tommy Hooper, every year. I can't believe it has already been 7 years since he walked this Earth with us.  Grateful for salvation and that he is home.

So far we have raised over $120,000 in scholarship money for Rockwall High School graduates going to Texas Tech University.  My family as well as the Texas Tech Alumni board personally interview and select the recipients.  No one loved education, Texas Tech and tortilla throwing more than my dad.  If you can sponsor a hole or play, please fill out the registration form below!   For more information, click here.

lately.

So as it turns out... Texas is Hot.

With Davis being a toddler and myself being with child, we are always looking for fun things to do that aren't going to melt us.  If you are a mommy you, too, might be looking for some FUN, FREE and AIR CONDITIONED activities. 

DALLAS ARBORETUM
Chris' parents graciously gave us a membership to the Dallas Arboretum for Christmas and if you haven't gone and seen the Chihuly display, it is a must.  The man who designed it also did all of the blown glass in the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.  It is beautiful and Davis loved all of the bold splashes of color and shapes. We only lasted walking around for 45 minutes in the morning and finished up our time splashing in the fountains!

BASS PRO SHOP
This is such a fun excursion.  We packed snacks and wandered around the waterfalls, aquariums, stuffed animals and turtle ponds.  Davis earned herself the Indian name, "Bear Snack".  They have refreshments and popcorn, too, if you just need to buy something.

SPLASH PARK
This one is by our house.  It is free.  See the Dallas Parks And Recreation page for locations.  These are awesome because I don't have to put my swimsuit on.  She burns so much energy running around. 

Central Market
We enjoy central market for a hundred reasons.  Davy's favorites are a free balloon, free samples of delicious foods, a flower that cost a quarter and the fish tank.

THE PET STORE
I took her to Pet Smart the other day and we just wondered around for 45 minutes.  She tweeted with the birds, barked with the dogs and admired the kittens.  The fish tanks were also a crowd pleaser.  FUN!

This age is so very sweet.  Every little thing is a new discovery and a reason to praise God as Creator. 

Good Ol' Santa

My mom made a tradition every Christmas season to take her only girl to the holiday brunch at the Zodiac Room in the downtown Neiman Marcus. When my brothers got married their wives joined us. This year, Davis got to come because after all she is a lady. Davis had her first encounter with Santa. "Mixed Emotions" would best title her debut visit with our jolly old friend from the North Pole.

The Santa dilemma... if you are asking the age old question, to Santa or not to Santa, you might find this little nugget of input helpful. Jen Wilkin is a covenant member of our church and gifted teacher. I loved her thoughts on the topic. I also have loved re-reading a book called, Treasuring God in Our Traditions, by Noel Piper. She and her husband are on the anti-Santa train but still, I am challenged and gleaned so much wisdom from the way their family makes the advent season one of worship, nothing taking away from Jesus. Our church's Advent guide is on-line, too. It is composed of short personal and family devotionals. There is much to marvel at this season dwelling on Jesus' humanity and divinity. Grateful.

Broken Bow May 2011

Oh goodness sake. I am WAY behind on the ol' blog. Instead of Christmas presents my side of the family rents a cabin in Broken Bow, Oklahoma for a long weekend. We grew up going to Broken Bow so it has always been a special place to the Hoopers.

Florida Swimming

Baby Davis loves the pool. This little girl makes my heart smile. Our friends have a home in Florida and they graciously extended an invitation to us. Many sweet moments were shared and I will post them soon. But for now... a tiny video of Davis floating. The only thing that would have made it better is if Chris had been with us.

Memaw and Davis

Psalm 145:4-5
"One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate."

The only thing better than being a grandparent must be becoming a great grandparent. MeMaw and Papaw are the SWEETEST. Here are a couple of pictures of Memaw, Chris and Davis. Generations of love. It has been a wonderful blessing knowing Chris' grandparents. They are wise and truly God fearing. We glean so much about our savior from being around them. I never got to meet my mother in law's parents and Chris never got to meet my dad. Having a child definitely makes those holes feel even greater. We have to tell lots of stories to do our best at keeping them present even though they are with Jesus and to pass the lessons they taught us on. Things I hope Davis inherits... Mimi Wilson's spirit of generosity and my daddy's work ethic. We only know in part what they know in full. I rejoice in this.

Davy's First Drum Lesson

Yawnee (also known as Shaun Menary in the photography world) are good buddies. Yawnee and Chris gave Davis her first drum lesson the other day and she liked it.

We might have another musician on our hands... uh oh.

Cole Richard Hooper

I like to call him Cole Richard Hooper the First because his name sounds so regal. He is a cutie for sure. He was welcomed to Earth on July 8th around 4:30pm weighing in at 8lb 4oz. Tamara and Scott are thrilled. Luke was thrilled until we were leaving the hospital that evening and he realized that mommy, daddy and baby were staying there and he was coming with us. He recovered quickly though and a trip to Bass Pro with fish and boats the next day made everything better. I love my little nephews. Thank you Lord for these beautiful little boys! Here is baby Cole!

peek-a-boo

FUN FOR DAYS...

First

Wow, I truly cannot believe 5 months have passed since our little bundle of joy arrived. One feels so cliche saying, "They grow up fast." BUT THEY DO! I have been thinking about the scripture Psalm 39:5.
"You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure."
I am so grateful for baby Davis and all the things she is teaching me. I have never been more present in the moment. She changes so quickly; I feel charged to soak up every little moment. I sit at my desk and work while she goes from bouncy chair, to play mat, to bumbo, to lamb swing, etc... we have a circuit like system going on here. I will glance over and she starts giggling, smiling and cooing like someone just promised her an endless supply of milk. I resume working and look over 5 seconds later and she does the same thing. It makes me feel like a million bucks every time. Sweet. Here are some pictures from some favorite first...

First Swim


First Airplane Ride (to Nashville)


First Time to the Arboretum


First Feeding with Rice Cereal

Baby Davy

I have been in the throws of new mommy hood. As my own mom has told me a million times, "A baby changes everything." Davy has indeed changed EVERYthing... in the most amazing way. Most of you know but in the last 8 weeks I have had two UTI's, mono, and Pyelonephritis which landed me back in the hospital for three days. Ugh. The grandparents were obviously delighted to take care of our little blessing while I recovered. Chris has been so dear during this strained season, helping at every turn. Davis is super baby. She just had her two month appointment and is weighing in at 12 lbs. 4 oz. She sleeps at least six hours every night and has the sweetest social smile that I can't get enough of; I will be making silly faces and singing to her only to look up and notice that 45 minutes have passed. Here are some pictures from her newborn shoot. Andie Hamilton, a dear friend of the Pearsons, graciously offered her talent and time to capture Davis on film. Thank you notes and baby announcements will be coming to your mailbox soon. As it turns out this teeny tiny human consumes a lot of time, laundry and dishes. We are in a new groove though and I am finally getting around to these happy notes! As always, we covet your prayers, and feel certain they have carried us through this JOYFUL season.

Bienvenue Davis

We are overwhelmed with the gift of this sweet precious babe. I will write more soon, but wanted to go ahead and post a few facts and pictures of our Amazing baby GIRL... that's right people. We had a girl. Davis Mae Pearson was born on January 6th around 8:30pm. She grew big and healthy two weeks past her due date, weighing in at 9lb 9oz upon arrival! We are already learning so much from her and even though there is a new girl in town, Chris is still taking thoughtful care of me. Sweet. More to come soon but for now I must run because our girl is hungry!

Dorey's Birthday

Dorey is the grandmother name my mom insist upon being called. Yes, it was inspired my the blue fish from Finding Nemo that suffers from short-term memory loss. We celebrated my sweet marmee's birthday earlier this month! Make sure you catch Luke's special birthday wishes and the end of the song. PRECIOUS!

ThanksLIVING

I love this picture of Luke. Why is he SO FUNNY? Thanksgiving was a blast. I love this holiday because of what it is centered around... family and food. It was a bit incomplete because Chris' sister wasn't able to come in town. She really ups the fun factor in life.