simple life moments

Digital Scrapbooking of Baby's First Year

2011-09-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

If you're at all interested, I'm in the process of posting my digital scrapbook of Isaiah's first year, come have a look over at my scrapbooking blog.

Thanks for visiting!

Katrina

Dahlia's on the Hutch

2011-09-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

Looking like Spring but unmistakably Autumn because they look so good with the sunflowers gracing the table next to it.

And how could you mistake sunflowers for being anything other than Golden Autumn, right?

These flowers in my vegetable garden came a little late this year... but better late than never! And with these beautiful Indian Summer days, they're still very much being enjoyed.

Blossoms Discovered

2011-08-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

Kinda neat to discover blossoms on this easy to grow, non-fussy houseplant this morning.

I'm surprised it awarded me with such prettiness after all my neglectful care.

I don't even have a name for it. Does anyone happen to know what it should be called?

+++++

*Updated* Looks like I'll answer my own question. :) After doing a bit of poking around in Google images I've discovered that this is a Strawberries and Cream Wax Plant or Hoya!

...Strawberries and Cream. Mmmm.... I like it. :)

The Perfect Summer Fruit...

2011-08-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

...especially when it brings back such great memories of my childhood days. Back when all watermelons, it seemed, still had black seeds.

I was so delighted when I cut this one open after bringing it home from a roadside stand.

"This is the real thing, kids!" I said.

"Cool! Can we collect the seeds and put them in the garden?!" was their immediate response.

I love how they love the outdoors and how excited they are to watch things grow.

*****

What's your favorite summer fruit? And do you have memories of childhood summers eating them outside, as well?

A Photo Shoot for Grad.

2011-07-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

This past Canada Day I had the privilege of spending some special time with my sister and her 6 wonderful daughters, the oldest of which has just graduated high school. We went all around their farm and I had so much fun taking pictures of them (mostly her two oldest) in their pretty dresses.

Thanks, girls, for being willing to try different things, there's many more to show you... like, 95 shots all together... I know, I went a little overboard but you'll like them, I promise! :)

(Click on the photo's to view them large.)

Shiloh and Isaiah

2011-06-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Yesterday.
The rain had finally let up followed by a gorgeous sunny day today.
Made the most of it by capturing a few moments of Shiloh at 6.5 months and Isaiah at 8.5 months.

On a Friday Afternoon

2011-06-07T16:05:00.000-07:00

Warm sunshine but then it rains... and rains ... and rains. The boys are wild indoors but then out they go again... muddy boots, then flip-flops, winter clothes and summer clothes... it's just that sort of Spring.

*****

Photo's: Allan and Isaiah looking out at the rain, Isaiah in his first shorts of the year, Isaiah playing peek-a-boo with the curtain, the boys just hanging out in the living-room... a common sight around here.

The Gift that Inspired Me...

2011-05-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

...to clean and reorganize Isaiah's room. Some of my favorite blooms for their sheer color and cheer and in such a sweet vase! How could I not be thrilled?

We've been spending the last few days periodically staring out at the rain and organizing our home, watching things green up outside and shine up inside.

And because I just can't resist...
Some more pictures of my little boy. These do have a purpose though, not just to show him off (grin) but to show you the adorable little coat that I made way back almost 10 years ago when I was expecting my first baby, Jayden.

Isaiah's the first one to actually wear it and that's because I finally asked my Mom to finish sewing on the velcro squares for keeping the coat closed. Thanks Mom!

And a huge thank you to all my wonderful friends for your gifts of love and beauty in celebration of my birthday last week. You all made me feel so special!

Lovely bits around my home...

2011-05-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

Pictures cropped close so as to avoid the never ending messes that seem to accumulate quicker than ever...

...ever since this little precious boy came into our lives almost 8 months ago. Has it really been that long already?! He's the delight of our lives. And we think he's "SO CUTE"!
Jayden says that we should enter him in a cute baby contest because " for sure he would win!"

So, though I don't know what to do first half the time, I continually remind myself that baby comes first and when I happen to forget, his soft little hands on my legs, reaching up to find comfort in my arms, make me pause and savor these fleeting moments of babyhood.

Because, after all... "Cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow", right?! RIGHT.

In the last couple months...

2011-04-06T18:40:00.000-07:00

Isaiah has been growing and developing by leaps and bounds. Here are just a few of his firsts.

Grabs his sweet little toes at 5 months.
Sits in his new high chair at 5 months.
Gets up on all fours at 5 1/2 months.
First two teeth at 5 1/2 months.
Sits and crawls at 6 1/2 months.
And for some reason he loves to slap the tops of his hands when he's excited.

All these new things are so precious and such a delight to witness. And even though I'm sad to see him grow up so fast, I am also so grateful that he is so healthy and happy. Each new stage has it's fun things and I really wouldn't want to have to have it any other way.

Blue-eyed Boy

2011-02-11T08:51:00.000-08:00

So, I decided I should get some practice photographing babies that are a little older. Newborns are easy because they will sleep through most anything.

My precious baby, Isaiah, is almost 5 months old and so active already! It's hard to get a shot of him being still! He also REFUSED to look at the camera! Not sure why... maybe he's tired of that "black thing" always in his face???

I'm so thrilled with this shot, though. My very favorite of him, so far.

Sweet Elizabeth

2011-02-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

Another photo session with another dear friend. I was so thrilled to be able to practice on this gorgeous 1 week old baby girl and her pretty mama. Can you believe this is her 6th baby? Doesn't she look so happy and peaceful? I just love her.

Thank you for letting me come by, Christine! I hope you're pleased. :o) I've got MANY more to show you!

Perfect Entertainment.

2011-01-04T11:10:00.000-08:00

I absolutely adore the way that Allan interacts with Isaiah. He just loves him to bits and talks and plays with him all the time.

As I sit here typing, he has taken his toys to where Isaiah is hanging in the Jolly Jumper and is playing with them and singing and talking right in front of him.

Perfect entertainment. What a wonderful big brother.

*****

I tried to upload a small video clip of him playing "thumb wars" with Isaiah but it doesn't seem to work... it was taking forever to load so I gave up. :o( It was so cute, though.

(Anyone else have the same problem with loading video?)

Lovin' on him.

2011-01-02T14:09:00.000-08:00

One of the big things I was really excited about with having a new baby was to be able to watch my older children love on him. Yes, sometimes a little too much, but I take such pleasure in seeing their enjoyment of Isaiah that I rarely will tell them to stop. They are so gentle and loving with him. What a blessing we have been given.

I am so excited to see what the Lord has for us in 2011 and pray for peace, contentment and many joy-filled days.

Happy New Year!

Skating on the Pond

2010-12-14T08:42:00.001-08:00

For Jayden's 9th birthday party he went with his brother, Marcus and three of his friends out to the pond by our house for some ice hockey fun. I walked out their with Allan and Isaiah to capture a few moments on camera. I wasn't planning to but am now so glad I did.

It's not often that they get to experience the outdoors quite like this.

Brings back many great memories of my own childhood... skating on the pond with my siblings. Such delightful times.

Just a few...

2010-12-05T17:30:00.000-08:00

...of the many faces of Isaiah at 2 1/2 months.

Beautiful Baby Girl

2010-11-26T05:28:00.000-08:00

Remember this gorgeous mama? Shiloh Liberty is now just 1 week old. So tiny and perfect and pretty. And such fun to photograph!

Big Smiles...

2010-11-04T06:08:00.000-07:00

...at 6 weeks.

And he slept through the night for the first time! From 8:30pm to 6:00am.

I'm so pleased.

My baby and I

2010-10-10T13:34:00.001-07:00

So blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-10-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

Isaiah is such a content baby. Here he is just lounging during one of the many photo shoots I subject him to (really, I can't help myself... he's just so precious!) He was actually falling asleep towards the end so I picked him up and put him in his cradle and he went right to sleep without a fuss.

Last night I put him to bed at 8:30 and he didn't wake up again until 12:30 and then not again until 4:00! I had such a good sleep as a result and am feeling so good.

Thank you for all your well wishes and congratulations. I am enjoying this new life to the full.

2010-10-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

"A mother's joy begins when new life is stirring inside...
when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time,
and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone."
Author Unknown

I love experimenting with photography and was thrilled when my dear friend asked me to take pregnancy photos of her.
She's due next month and just as beautiful as ever.

I hope you like them, Erin! For more photo's click here

Adoring him.

2010-09-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

Our Baby Boy.

2010-09-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

.Isaiah Michael.

8lbs.15oz.

*the Lord helps me*
*who is like the Lord?*

"You will guide him and keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You,
because he commits himself to you, leans on You, and hopes confidently in you.

So trust in the Lord (commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock, the Rock of Ages."

Isaiah 26: 3&4

...waiting...waiting...waiting...

2010-09-15T15:08:00.000-07:00

All is ready and waiting.

Anytime now, baby, would be just great!

Can't wait to let everyone know the name that will be stitched in this space.
So eager to meet this little one and to hang the birth announcement with the others in the baby room.

Soon.

2010-09-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

Not too long now and I'll be able to hold this new little one in my arms.

I am officially due on Friday.

Exciting!

* * * * *

Photo's from this morning at Henderson Lake. 39 1/2 weeks pregnant.

For My Sister...

2010-07-28T17:27:00.000-07:00

The moment a child is born,
the mother is also born.
She never existed before.
The woman existed, but the mother, never.
A mother is something absolutely new.
~Rajneesh

A mother's arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them. ~Victor Hugo

Mother's love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved. ~Erich Fromm

Parents have the glorious opportunity of being the most powerful influence, above and beyond any other, on the new lives that bless their homes. ~ L. Tom Perry

We can see that the baby is as much an instrument of nourishment for us as we are for him. ~ Polly Berrien Berends

Photo: A rest in the blueberry patch. My sister, Racheal, and her newborn son.

*****
I hope you like the picture, Racheal! Feel free to use it if you want. I think it's beautiful.

My Newest Nephew

2010-07-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

I was so thrilled to be able to take a few pictures of my newest nephew, Jem, while I was visiting family this past week.

He is almost 1 month and already 13 lbs... such adorable chubbiness!

He looks so amazingly like my own babies that I had many flashbacks while cuddling him and watching him and smelling his precious newborn skin. Just a couple months to go for my own little one! :)

I hope your happy with the way they turned out, Racheal!

Hiking in Waterton National Park

2010-07-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

In this family, we really enjoy the great outdoors and hiking up in the mountains is one of our favorite things to do. This past Canada Day it was a free pass to get into the Waterton National Park and so we packed a lunch and took the hour and a half drive out of the prairies to the Rocky Mountains.

Despite a day of very mixed weather; cloudy... windy... rainy... sunny... we still had a wonderful time hiking up to Bertha Falls. It took us about 3 hours because of all the times I wanted to stop and take photos!

The scenery was breathtaking... so much more so since it is so rare that we get to enjoy the mountains, lakes, trees and wild flowers.

Not to mention the fresh and woodsy scent of lush forest!

We are so glad we took the time to go... even if I am 30 weeks pregnant and a little slower in my walking than usual!

Such a beautiful way to spend our Canada's birthday... I love this country.

* * * * *

For more photo's of captured beauty, visit here!

Slow and steady.

2010-06-30T06:53:00.000-07:00

Just a few things I've been up to lately.

-Making rhubarb sauce. (One of my favorite homey sounds is hearing the "pop" as the lid seals on the jars.)

-Slowly clearing out my kitchen of highly processed and refined foods.

-Finding ways to make snacks and other food items from scratch.

-Trying our best to stay off the "whites" ...sugar, flour, rice, pasta...

-Finding ways to get as much calcium and magnesium into our diets without having to drink pasteurized, homogenized (store bought) milk.

-Finding simple, eye pleasing ways to store the bulk items that I buy. (Eventually I would like to go with all glass containers and jars.) Slowly weeding out the bad plastics from our home.

I really love to organize my kitchen and am so thankful for the convenience of it's size and the simple look of it's decor.

What's your favorite room to keep organized?

What's Better than a Stack of Freshly Laundered Newborn Clothing?

2010-06-28T18:32:00.000-07:00

...Having a baby to make use of them, right?

I am almost 30 weeks along and so, so excited.

I adore dressing my babies in pastels and whites, don't you?

... so precious!

Thank you to my dear friend who so generously gifted me with some of these
and many more...

I am thrilled!

Simple Pleasures

2010-06-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's the simplest of things that bring me the most joy and contentment.

I am finding so many little pleasures throughout these last few days and thought I would just make up a small list of them here to remind me of the peace that can be found in quiet and basic homemaking activities.

-listening to jazz and many other favorites as I putter about my home.

-folding laundry warm from the dryer.

-Exciting conversations with dear friends about all the new things we are learning.

-Lighting a candle while reading to my children.

- Vegetables grown local, purchased at the Farmer's Market.

- Savory, pure steaks from grass fed, organic beef barbecued to perfection... a treat for him on Father's Day.

-Being able to provide whole, real, often organic foods to my family. And having them say, "Mmm... this is GOOD, Mom!"

-Opening the fridge and pantry and seeing them full with nature's gifts, His Provision.

-Seeing the bread dough rise to perfection.

-Kneading that dough by hand.

-The aroma of baking bread that fills the house.

-Eating this again for lunch.

-Preparing a wholesome vegetable soup which now simmers in the crock pot.

-ridding our homes and our bodies of toxins and packaged, processed and refined "foods".

- having the energy to do my work as a mother and housewife and to find excitement in it.

There are so many more things that I could list, I am just so thankful and can think of so many things right now that bring a smile to my face, but I will stop here. What are some of your favorite pleasures today?

Homemade

2010-06-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

I had my first ever attempt at making-bread-by-hand today! (In other words, without a bread machine).

And I am so pleased with how the loaves turned out that I just had to post pictures of them and of the delectable sandwich I made for myself for lunch. Avocado, tomato and lettuce seasoned with a dash of sea salt.

It was incredibly good and I think I'm hooked. I hope to make a couple loaves every 2 or 3 days,
thus eliminating the need for store-bought.

Do you make your own bread? I was surprised at how simple it turned out to be!

Blossoming

2010-06-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

I'm 27 weeks along...
6 months pregnant.

Almost to the day of beginning my third trimester it seems my body has changed.

I'm experiencing more discomfort.

My belly feels tight as the skin continues to stretch.

I need to stay focused on the joy this pregnancy has brought.

I need to continue to stay healthy and exercise to keep my mind clear.

I need to remember to be in a state of gratitude for these moments. These last three months will be difficult I know but I don't want to dwell on it. Instead I want to revel in the beauty of life within... the feeling of movement as baby stretches and rolls about.

I am so pleased to be spending these last 3 months during these lighter days of summer. Though the sunshine will be hot, I am so thankful for the light. Winter can be so dreary here and I am glad to be able to get outdoors now in the early morning freshness for my walks and to enjoy outdoor activities during the day... even if it is just in the shade.

* * * * * *

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.

~Anne Frank

Painted Daisy unfurls itself within my garden.

Gazing on Beautiful Things...

2010-05-29T14:32:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more lovely than the scent of lilacs?

They are such pretty and feminine looking flowers, don't you think?

There is something so old world about them... unlike a petunia or a rhododendron, for example.

Do you know what I mean? ... or have I become intoxicated with the beauty and you find me rambling nonsensically?

Anyway, with all the rain we've been having, I am missing them due to my lack of time outdoors and have decided that I will bring them in to enjoy instead.

Aren't they stunning in the vase on my counter top?
Simply delightful, I think.

What about you? What's your favorite flower at this time of year?

Are you tired of all this floral photography yet?

If not... here are some more... and even some more over at my Capturing the Beauty!

And if you are, well... I'm sorry, but...I just can't help myself!

As Michelangelo once said, and I repeat,

"Gazing on beautiful things acts on my soul, which thirsts for heavenly light."

I just get such joy from it.

2010-05-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

"Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you."
~Nathaniel Hawthorne

Just a couple photos of the Butterfly Gardens from our little trip to Calgary this past weekend in honor of my birthday last week and in celebration of another homeschooling year completed!

For more photos and/or video check out my Scrapbooking Blog and/or my Homeschooling Blog.

Hands Full of Sunshine

2010-05-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

Gifts from a Small Boy

His small hands overflowing
with sunshine-tinted bloom,
He quietly, half-shyly,
tiptoed into the room;
"These posies are for you, " he said,
then hurrying through the door,
Left me with more than flowering wreath,
so much - O, so much - more!

Katherine Edelman

I've loved this simple poem, found in a little book of poetry that belongs to my mother, for as long as I can remember.

Long before I ever had small boys of my own I was enchanted by this verse.

Maybe it's because I was meant to be the mother of these treasures who think of me when flowers
bloom and bring me these offerings of heavenly scent and color.

Yes, always plucked too short for a normal size vase but perfect for the one I've kept just for this purpose
and which now resides on my dresser in my bedroom.

Photos: Grape Hyacinths plucked by son, Marcus, from amongst my tulips in the backyard garden.

A Bouquet just for Me.

2010-05-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

From my garden.

Elusive Spring

2010-05-05T07:39:00.000-07:00

I'm beginning to wonder... if just maybe:

"To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind
than to be hopelessly in love with spring."
~George Santayana

Sending out a bit of early last weeks sunshine to those of us who looked out the window this morning at yet another layer of snow.

Just when the buds where beginning to unfurl, winter has come upon us again.

Twice already this morning, one or another of the boys have gazed out the window at the white and wistfully asked, "Will Spring ever come?"

I know how they feel.

What's it like where you are?

Sneak Peak at 20 Weeks

2010-04-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

We went together, on Monday, our 3 boys, as well, to see this new little one. Yes, just on a screen but still so amazing.

We gazed in awe as two perfect little feet emerged from the black on the screen, a little hand five fingers outstretched, an arm...
then a leg. We smiled at the profile with perfect little nose... who will this baby resemble most?

We laughed as the baby responded with little movements and wondered at the beauty of that little heart, pumping so steadily and surely.

We have never seen an ultrasound for any of our boys as clear as this one. Maybe because I had to wait 'till 20 weeks rather than the usual 18?

I went to the doctor this morning to hear the results.

Healthy? Yes!

Boy or girl? We know now and, of course, we rejoice!

Will we tell others? Hubby wants to keep it secret for at least a little while anyway.

I am feeling just a bit strange, knowing. It seems odd to know, and not have the baby to see and hold like I did with my other children. This is the first time we have found out and I am glad we did...

... I just have to let these knew thoughts sink in now.

Reaching for the Light.

2010-04-16T12:20:00.000-07:00

Just as it's natural for these, so it is natural for us. I am reaching for light, not just the bright that streams through the open shades but for His Light as well. His Light that brings joy, peace, contentment, love. For in His Light is Life. There my soul finds rest.

I experience such joy in watching things grow. These little calendula seedlings are not even a week old and they are already this big! Each morning I turn them so that they are facing away from the light of the window and just a few hours later they are all reaching for it again, just bursting with new life.

On my Sunday Walk.

2010-04-11T16:10:00.001-07:00

"Every tear is answered by a blossom, Every sigh with songs and laughter bent,
April-blooms upon the breezes toss them.
April knows her own, and is content."

Susan Coolidge (pseudonym of Sarah Chauncey Woolsey)

*****

Oh, that I would be content, as well, with these cold, blustery days. Warmth will come. In the mean time, I refuse to stay indoors for long and so venture out in winter gear in search of color, light, and life. This is what I found today in my garden and while walking along the pond.

2010-04-03T15:44:00.000-07:00

I feel it
for the first time
during the quiet pause at noon day
as we gather 'round for the reading of the Word.

It's a definite little fluttering of life
deep within the secret place of my womb
and I smile quietly to myself
reveling in the feeling.

It's been so long since
I've experienced this special joy
this delight
this unique form of communication.

My hand finds the place over swelling womb
and I silently thank my God
for His promise of new life
the opportunity to experience this joy

yet again.

17 weeks pregnant

Finding Joy Fridays is sponsored by my dear friend Camie @ My Life in a Blog. Head on over to her blog for more links to finding joy.

2010-03-31T13:17:00.000-07:00

I've been busy relaxing these past two weeks, digitally scrapbooking all of my pictures from last year. Wanna see them? I'll be posting a set every day or so on the blog I created just for them. Come see!

New Green

2010-03-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

"And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth's dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest."

~Percy Bysshe Shelley, "The Sensitive Plant"

*****

Woke up to snow this morning, but the sun soon appeared and turned the white to shimmering droplets on new green in my garden. It's the first day of Spring tomorrow and I'm so happy!

Photo's of Yarrow, Bachelor Button, Maltese Cross,
Tulips, Snow in Summer, and Clustered Bellflower

Soak up the Sun

2010-03-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

From Friday's photo's at the Park with Friends

So thankful for the amazing Spring weather we've been having here the last few days.
Soaking in the warm sunshine at the park on Friday, and again with just us, Dear Husband, the 3 boys and I, at a different park in the coulee's on Saturday, and a long 6km walk with another dear friend on Sunday.

And today?

Well, though I'm not outside, I did whisk up the blinds of our bedroom at 7:30 this morning and let the sun pore in as I organized ALL mine and my hubby's clothes. His were easy. Mine, well, lets just say it took me about 2 hours to go through it all and decide what to put away until after the baby, what to get rid of and what to keep for my pregnancy. I was amazed at the large box of clothes that I had to bring down stairs after I was all done! It feels SO good though! Then I went through the rest of the room dusting and tidying the drawers in the night stands and then washed the hardwood floor. So that room is done for spring cleaning! Except for the windows, I'll do in and out at the same time....when I'm ready.

Then! I was so ambitious that I cleaned and organized my linen closet (which had become much more than just a linen closet). And cleaned both bathrooms from top to bottom!
I'm almost done all my laundry which I've been working on amongst my other things all day. And I actually got to hang out some of my clothes outside today! Just over the patio railing, though... must remember to ask hubby to put up a new clothes line.

And what were the boys doing all this time? Playing outside for most of the morning, followed by a quick hour before lunch of some Phonics and Math and then out the door again. They just came in about 45 minutes ago and after tidying up the living room for me, they're now watching their movie for the day.

All in all a very grand day so far, all I gotta do yet is make a yummy dinner after I fold the last few loads of laundry and then I'll rest.

I love days like this. It's just been so long since I've actually been eager to clean.

Beauty at the Park

2010-03-06T06:30:00.000-08:00

An impromptu photo session with my gorgeous friend and her three beautiful children at the park yesterday. I gave her the hats that I had knit for her and the colors looked so great on them I just had to get a few shots.

Have I mentioned I'm loving my new camera?

Thanks for letting me take pictures, Erin!

"150"

2010-03-05T07:20:00.000-08:00

he says, "sounds good."

And I smile, nod, straining to hear around his murmured words.

"Normal's between 120-160."

And I breathe shallow, soaking in the swish, swish sound, the heartbeat of my baby.

Then all too soon, the button is switched to off, the jelly is wiped away and I think, "That's it? Just a few seconds? Do you not understand that I have been waiting weeks for this moment?"

I stare longingly at the Doppler, resting silent on his desk and I wish I could hear that beautiful sound again.

He doesn't understand, obviously, it's not his baby that has been longed for, prayed for, cried for. He's just the doctor, listening to the heartbeats of countless little ones every month.

I pull back the curtain that hid me from the faces of my loved ones. Search husbands eyes, asking, "Did you hear?"

"Clear as day" he says, and smiles.

I resented that curtain. I wanted to see the wonder on the faces of my children when they heard the heartbeat of their new brother or sister tucked within their mother's belly.

The doctor is asking questions, something about "will you choose to abort if tests show a baby with downs-syndrome, spina bifida, etc. etc." and he goes on and on while I shake my head through a haze of disgust and horror that anyone could even think to kill their own baby just because they thought it wouldn't be "perfect".

I am insulted and pained that he would ask and decline to even be tested. Doesn't he realize how I've ached to have another child?

Then I realize it's just protocol. He has to ask, though he knows our answer. I nod, okay, I understand... but I still hurt.

This child is being formed by our heavenly Father. (Psalm 139:13)

We then go on to other things. When do I want an ultrasound? I say I'll wait 'till 19 weeks.

It's booked and we leave the office, heading out into the sunshine of another beautiful March morning and husband says to the children, "Well boys, what do you think?"

We hadn't let them know about the baby until now.

"Mom's gonna have a baby" Jayden says. And that's it. No smiles or hugs or dancing from them. It must need to soak in a bit yet.

But the response of my loving husband was one I'll treasure. A simple hug and kiss by the car door and a whispered, "I'm so happy!"

April 14th is the scheduled day for the ultrasound.

I am excited.

Photo: 13 weeks pregnant

Treasured Moments

2010-03-01T18:53:00.000-08:00

I captured this perfect moment, not planned or posed at all, of Jayden reading to his brothers in the late afternoon light of our bedroom.

He actually asked me this afternoon while I was busy preparing dinner if he should read another chapter in the book he's reading right now and I said, "Sure, go ahead."

And then I came across this precious scene and was thankful my camera was just steps away.

Among the many special moments that happened throughout this beautiful, quiet day, I absolutely treasure moments like these.

*****

What was one of your favorite moments today?
Please share.

On Decorating for Spring...

2010-02-27T07:17:00.000-08:00

Thinking about my living room, loving it, cleaning it, letting the sun shine through it and dreaming about decorating for Spring/Summer. Here are a few pictures that I found through google images that I am drawing my inspiration from. I love the red, yellow, green and turquoise colors in the rooms below.

We hope to get a new couch and love seat set in the near future and I think these colors of pillows would look great on a chocolate brown set. (maybe not the orange and yellow... still thinking on those...) I love my wall color so I won't change that, I would just love to brighten up the room with some cheery accents.

Images found here, here and here

Anyway, below is a shot of the amazing bookcase/fireplace/entertainment center that my wonderful carpenter husband built for our living room this past winter. I am so, so pleased with it. When the books are taken out, the shelves and wood behind are white to go with the center panel. It looks really great. I enjoy having my books out in the open (they were all put away in a cupboard before) and I like this warm look for fall and winter but for spring and summer, I would like to lighten it up by taking out a bunch of the book so that some of the white from behind can show through, and adding some simple vases or bowls in the accent colors I love... kinda like in the pictures above. Oh! and another great feature that I love is that the bookcases are both lit with little puck lights which shine down behind all my books. It looks so great, especially at night!

And here are some more shots of my home (including a different angle of my living room which shows the couch and chair)... if you're interested. I would love to brighten up my kitchen as well but don't like a cluttered look so I will continue to think on that a bit more... any suggestions?

Drip, drip, dripping

2010-02-26T09:24:00.000-08:00

Old Autumn drop your leaves, for new green is soon to appear in their place.
Old seeds, still clinging, we've no more need, for ones dropped in months past are soon to burst
forth with fresh beauty and splendor.
Old Winter, be gone, make way for Spring. Snow melt, ice break, for you can't hang on forever.
There is a time for every season and soon your time will pass.

*****
Yes, Spring is not for at least another 3 weeks yet. But the weather here has been amazing the last few days and I am smiling.
Out here on the prairies we take any hope of Spring we can get!

2010-02-24T13:38:00.000-08:00

"Ah! There's nothing like staying home for real comfort. " ~ Jane Austen

****

I've now knit 5 hats so far and have another one on the needles... a variegated blue one this time for another one of my boys. Thanks to a dear friend of mine who gave me a bunch of her small balls of yarn to experiment with and who taught me to knit in the first place!

A new hobby.

2010-02-20T07:45:00.000-08:00

I curl up on couch, throw the blanket over my legs, stretch my toes toward warmth of glowing fire, and I knit.

This has provided so many relaxing moments for me this week and I hope for many more as I experiment with this new hobby of mine.

It took me just 2 days to finish this little hat that I made for my 4 year old Allan. I love it on him.

How do I manage to find the time? I knit mostly when the boys are doing their book work during their homeschooling in the mornings. They need someone to sit with them to keep them from losing focus and fooling around too much but they don't necessarily need me to watch them constantly so, as I'm giving out spelling words to Jayden, or listening to either of them read aloud, I knit. And I knit in the evening after the boys are in bed and it's just Husband and I in the quiet. Him usually reading or us just talking. I just love the calm, home feelings it gives.

I am so excited to make more. Next on the list is a hat for a dear friend of mine who, when she saw this one, asked for one too.

********************

Oh! And I just wanted to mention what I found on the 'net the other day as I was perusing photography blogs. Check this out... I absolutely adore this sweet cream colored newborn hat with the flowers! (just scroll down a bit on her blog and you'll see it.) So precious!!! I wonder. Is it crocheted or knitted? I think it must be crocheted. Which is fine... I really wanna make this so I'll learn that next.

Soccer in the snow.

2010-02-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

The boys were able to finally play outside for hours yesterday. The weather was beautiful. Snow in the morning with clear, sunny skies in the afternoon.
They made snow castles with an old bucket and blew bubbles through an old pipe in the big mud puddle which they called their pond, they threw snow balls and made forts, they pulled each other on their sled and made wonderful wandering tracks and trails all about the yard.
I finally ventured out in mid afternoon to capture some pictures and was amazed at the warmth. I love this... gives me hope for spring, it does.

Thoughts at 10 weeks

2010-02-17T13:02:00.001-08:00

It's one a.m. and I awake. Don't know what wakes me but mind begins and sleep evades for an hour or more. This is how it's been this week, my 10th week of pregnancy. Tonight it's the same and rather than fight, I get up and softly making my way from the bedroom, I grab pen and paper from the desk and, curled up in woolen blanket, under soft light of single lamp and fireplace glow, I write. I need to get my thoughts out and down into words I can read.

I was 10 weeks along when the agonizing experience of loss ripped through body and soul with my first miscarriage, over 2 1/2 years ago. I thought that I would be fine coming into my 10th week with this pregnancy but the truth is striking, unexpected, real.

I am unsure, unsettled, every twinge, sensation within, is noted. Questions of whether I still feel pregnant or not tumble back and forth through my mind. I feel so well, physically, and maybe the lack of nausea means that something's not right?

And not a day this week has gone by that I haven't thought about the baby I lost.

I haven't spoken of the inner turmoil but I sense that Husband feels it too and that we will both breathe a sigh of relief to see this week pass behind us. I know these thoughts are not realistic or logical but who thinks of that in matters of the heart.

Yet, I am still surprised at my thoughts. I had felt so confident that the Lord was protecting me from fear. And He has and is. It's not so much fear that I feel as just unsettling thoughts about the awfulness of my first miscarriage playing through my mind. And just an eagerness to get to 13 weeks when I will be able to hear the steady and sure rhythm of baby's heartbeat.

On Friday evening, we went out, him and I, just the two of us, for a little shopping. Unplanned and unexpected we found ourselves in the maternity store of the mall. Then to the back, belly pillow in place, with bated breath I tried on an outfit.

I stood there, alone, behind the curtain, gazing at the transformation of my shape. The beauty of a woman with child makes my heart ache. Yes, the "belly" was not real but I knew that beneath, tucked away within my womb was a baby, with fingers and toes already developed, with tiny features beginning to show, a precious body being formed in the image of God and my heart swelled with the wonder of it.

I am anticipating with such excitement the changing of my body as the baby grows. And, yes, with his urging me to do so, we bought some items, though I am hardly showing and won't wear them for a few weeks yet, and then headed out for dessert.

And as we sat, facing each other, he reached across the table for my hand and gently asked, "Have you thought about any names yet?"

I lowered my eyes and shook my head, "I haven't really dared to go there."

He understands.

But the next day I am feeling the need to combat the unsettling thoughts in my head and so we talk, mention different names, ones we've always liked but haven't had the chance to use yet, we look up the meanings and discuss some more. We talk about my thoughts on setting up the baby room, especially the cradle that he built which has rocked all three of our boys. How I long to take it out of storage, clean it, make new bedding for it and just let my hand caress along its rails... and dream.

This is new for us, we are tentative. We haven't hardly talked about the baby together at all yet during these first 10 weeks. Does that seem terrible? Maybe. But, though I have my inner hopes and quiet dreams, I just can't seem to voice them. Voicing them just makes it seem that I am taking it for granted that we can keep this baby. Is my trust in the Lord a little shaky? No. I know that the Lord is sovereign that He knows all things, that He loves me and knows me and I can fully and utterly put my life and that of my baby in His hands.

And so the outward calm portrayed throughout the days this week have in some way managed to mask the inner tumultuous thoughts but as I sit here in the quiet of the night, I know I must continue to pray and search my heart for words of scripture. Never stop. His tender promises soothe my soul.

" For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2Tim. 1:7
"Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Psalm 31:24
"And the peace of God which passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:7

And so I rest in the Lord and the hope and peace He provides. He is my strength and my song.

And I am in Love.

2010-02-12T12:04:00.000-08:00

My heart is full, overflowing,
basking in moments,
tender pockets of time,
strung together throughout
the quiet, simple days of my life.

When three small boys
snuggle in close
cheeks resting on shoulders
of one next to them.
Anticipating, imagination kindled with
words I read from classic books.
Entreating voices,
"Just one more chapter!"

When I snuggle in close
and my cheek rests
on muscled shoulder
after long day apart
And when his fingers
gentle, but strong,
travel up and down my back
during slow hug hello

I close my eyes, smile,
breath deep heart swells
And I am in love
with this life, these children,
this husband, His Grace

****

Just thinking about Valentine's Day and all the thoughts of love it brings with it and how I am so blessed to be able to celebrate life and love with those special lives in my home. Those ones I hold close to me each day of the year. May I never forget or take for granted the beauty and treasure of what I have.
May your February 14th be filled to overflowing with love that continues all year. Enjoy your Valentines!
Instructions for the Valentine Heart Garland

Grateful beyond words.

2010-02-09T11:18:00.000-08:00

Did you read Ann today?

Beautiful...

I had to gulp back sobs as I read...

I can relate to what she wrote in so many ways and to think that I have been so blessed as to, soon... yet again, get to experience the wonder of swelling womb and newborn softness.

Is there anything more humbling than this?

That my Lord would choose me to nurture, within my body, another human being, another eternal soul.

I am grateful beyond words...

Almost 10 weeks pregnant.

Photo: tree in Spring 2009 bursting with new life.

2010-01-20T13:22:00.000-08:00

Just a bit of an update on my pregnancy so far.

On Tuesday i went in for a blood test to check my HCG levels and got a call back from my doctor on Wednesday who said they looked great. So that was very encouraging and so then on Monday (being yesterday) i went in again for the same test to see if the levels were increasing and they are! They're not doubling every few days like some of the sites i've read say they should but i know that that doesn't necessarily mean anything and that the Lord is in control, He has this child in His hands and I trust in Him...

...and so as long as i continue to feel well, i won't be going in for any more tests or ultrasounds or anything until my 13th week when hopefully the doctor will be able to hear the heartbeat!

I sincerely want to thank you all for your prayers of health and safety for the baby and peace for me. i am feeling very good and am getting excited about having a really healthy pregnancy.

Lots of fresh, cool, colorful smoothies and salads throughout the summer months! And lots of walking and relaxing out of doors. I want to enjoy this pregnancy to the full and if being healthy keeps me energized and joyful then i'm gonna do my utmost to eat as best i can and to be as active as possible.

I am so deeply thankful for the chance to experience another pregnancy, all of the good and even the sometimes not-so-good aspects of it all....

Photo credit here

Poetry... to me...

2010-01-13T04:55:00.000-08:00

What is poetry?

Seeing your child dancing in drifts
of winter white and joining him
Laying side by side, together,
on the floor, doing puzzles

Laughing, heads thrown back
in absolute surrender with joy
Sobbing, heads together,
arms around close, with sorrow

Moments strung together
along this thread called life
Relationships in happy chaos,
aching beauty, ...pain

This is poetry...
Being one with each other.
Us, united,
in this glorious wonder.

In all things...

2010-01-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

"Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I five to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]" John 14:27 Amplified Bible

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1Thes.16-18 NIV

And so i give thanks:

For joy over new life within,
For peace that He has given,
For His Word that chases away fear,
For quiet hope in the Lord
And for faith that His promises are true.

For health and strength,
For beauty in the every day,
Streaks of crimson against morning sky,
Little boy voices talking together, playing contentedly,
The opportunity to raise these young ones for the kingdom,
For worship music in the home that calms the soul,
And for the ability to learn new things.

So many endless gifts bestowed upon us, i am humbled by His grace.

I've got something to tell you...

2010-01-08T07:27:00.000-08:00

I'm pregnant!

"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again i say, REJOICE!" Philippians 4:4

This has been such an amazing answer to prayer. After my miscarriage in October, i prayed and i know others prayed that i would conceive again soon and that i would have hope and peace about the future. And God gave me those things... a quiet hope that i would have another child again someday and a peace that He loved me and cared deeply for me. And now i have conceived again just two months later!

"I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me." Psalm 13:6

After having two miscarriages, i admit that i am a little nervous but...

"it is good for me to draw near to God; i have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that i may tell of all (His) works." Psalm 73:28

So i continue to pray for peace and for the strength to put my trust and hope in the Him. When i can't seem to find the words, i turn to His Word and have been dwelling on this promise:

"You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.

So trust in the Lord(commit yourself to Him, lean on Him, hope confidently in Him) forever; for the Lord God is an everlasting Rock [the Rock of Ages]." Isaiah 26:3&4

Normally i would never tell my friends that i was expecting until i was at least 12 weeks (i'm almost 5 weeks now) but i have really felt strongly that i need to let others hold me up in prayer as well and so i am letting you know so that we can rejoice together in His faithfulness and pray that He will guard and protect this new life within me.

And i feel such a confidence that no matter what... He is good and i will praise Him.

Embarcing a Change...

2009-03-31T14:18:00.000-07:00

"And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight in the bud
was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~ Arais Nin

:::::

It's time for a change, dear friends.

As Spring is here and the weather warms up I am finding that it is time again for me to reassess my priorities. Slowly moving from indoors to the wonderful world outside, I am realizing that this computer is again taking over too much of my life and I need to simplify.

My desire for this season and for the coming ones as well is to live life to the full. To intentionally plan my days in order to have order and routine, and as many outdoor hours as possible.

I am finding that if I don't plan my days ahead of time, the hours just get frittered away and I continually have the feeling that I am wasting my time. I don't want to look back on this time in my life with regret, realizing the wasted hours.

And so I am moving to a simpler way of blogging... through pictures. I absolutely love photography and though I really don't have a clue as to all the proper lingo and camera's of "real" photographers, I am still no less enthralled with the exquisite beauty that can be captured by the click of a button.

So please, if you'd like, come by and see...the link is here and in my side bar. I may post words once in a while but it will mainly be pictures with a brief description in the comment box.

I hope you enjoy the beauty of his creation in the way I have chosen to capture it.

I'm still learning...

2009-03-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift...
Live simple... Love generously... Care deeply... Speak kindly...
...and leave the rest to God.

~ author unknown

:::::

Raining this evening... for the first time in months...after a beautiful sunny and warm day of 18C.
I love the fresh scent of it and how it seems to be washing away the "yuck" of old winter... so fitting for the second day of Spring, don't you think?

Photo: Jacob's ladder after the rain. (Summer 2008)

Live in the Present Moment

2009-03-20T17:46:00.000-07:00

"Live in peace without worrying about the future. Unnecessary worrying and imagining the worst possible scenario will strangle your faith.

God alone knows what will happen to you. You really don't even own the present moment, for even this belongs to God. So live according to His will.

Each day there is just enough that God gives you to take care of - nothing more or less is expected of you.

Who are you to ask the Lord, "Why are you doing this to me?" He is the Lord- let Him do what seems good to Him. You certainly don't need to add your wisdom and your plans to His wise and good plan. [...]

The future is not yet yours - perhaps it never will be. And when tomorrow comes it will probably be different from what you had imagined.

It isn't enough to separate yourself from the world's ways. You also must allow humility to be formed in you, then you will turn away from your own self nature.

Every trace of pride must be conquered. Your pride in thinking you know much about spiritual things is more dangerous than being very rich. Pride helps you believe you are something important in a much more subtle way.

Put aside your self interest and simply let God's will unfold around you. Everything He does for you is for your good. Worship Him without having to know and see everything. [...]

Above all, live in the present moment and God will give you all the grace you need."

Excerpt from "The Seeking Heart" by Fenelon

...........................................................................................................................................

"The Seeking Heart" is a collection of letters written by Fenelon and rewritten in modern English by Rose Marie Slosek.

I am really enjoying this book and some of the letters ring so true for me in certain times of my life that I have decided to record a few of them here as I come across them... to help me remember and for future reading.

Where my Soul is Found...

2009-03-17T08:49:00.000-07:00

I found my soul

amongst a carpet of purple
violets down in the little glen

off the side
of that lonely gravel road
where moss and ferns mingled
with dancing rays
drifting through green above.
I plucked a single bloom then
and inhaling scent of wild outdoors
brought it home and placed it
between crisp pages of
life giving words.

It was there is the shadows
amongst the quiet stillness
that I remember feeling
the first faint stirrings
from deep within.
Thoughts of who I was
and who I was created to be
permeated my childlike mind.

There in the solitude
I lay back
and slowly began to appreciate
my surroundings... myself
and all that my loving Creator
had fashioned just for me.

It was from that experience
that I first began to write
childish words strung together
trying to capture
in my own small way
that single moment in time.
I still have those words
tucked away between pages
beside faded bloom.

Reaching back to that day
pulling it out from
recesses of memory
I realize that
this is who I am.
This is where I find my soul.
In the beauty of creation
the joy of creating,
in the beauty of my children
and the love of my beloved,
for me, his bride.

I am created by Beauty,
with beauty and for beauty.
This is who I am.
Here is where my
soul is found.

.....................................................................................................................................................

Related posts:
Seedlings in Stone... L.L's ...Unfolding Imagination
1Adventure... Ben's Find Yourself
This poem was written by me. Please do not copy.

On Raising Boys...

2009-03-16T07:24:00.000-07:00

"I'm all new at this business... I'm not so sure how to do it right, see?

(But) Ain't so hard as all that. Mostly it just takes lookin' at a kid right in the eyes when he tells you somethin' he thinks is wonderful but maybe to you it don't amount to a hill of beans. You gotta remember that everything is new to a kid...

I'm gonna put hammers in the hands of my boys. I'm gonna let them help me build up this place again, and they'll feel good about what they done, too.

I think a kid... any kid at all... mostly just wants to do good. Sure, they ain't gonna do everything just right the first time, but that ain't a sin. That's just what learnin' is all about. Make a mistake. Try again. Do it a little better next time- and better yet, the next time.

Everything's new and wonderful to a kid... They think they can sprout wings and fly. They believe everything they imagine is possible... I reckon that's what the Lord meant when He said we ought to be like little children. They have faith still. They still believe they can move mountains.

Maybe their souls remember what it was like to be in heaven where maybe they really could fly. Then we grow up and learn about gravity, and we become grave in our hearts. And then we stop believing.

Well, life will turn out hard for them soon enough. It has a way of doin' that, I reckon. But I do not want to be the one to tell my boys they can't move mountains. No, sir. I look at my sons, and I think... yes, sir, Lord, maybe all things really are possible.

Maybe man was meant to fly. Meant to build great cities. Meant to say to this mountain be moved into the sea... and then find a way to make it happen.

That's what I want to give my boys. If I can do that...

(And) Where do (we) begin?

Right here (with our hearts). Listen to him. Look at him. Teach him what's right, but give him room to make mistakes, just like (we) have made mistakes. Someday he may hurt you. Kids do sometimes. It's part of it, I expect. There will be times when you gotta forgive him, like maybe he has to forgive you.

It ain't easy... but it's worth it.

Live every day like that, and love will just happen."

~Bodie Thoene

(excerpt from "Say to this Mountain", 3rd book in "The Shiloh Legacy" taken from pages 153-155)

:::::

I realize that this conversation is between two fathers speaking about their sons... but it rang so true for me as well that I wanted to record it here to help me remember.

:::::

Photos of my boys... just being boys between 2004 and 2009

Perfect for Spring.

2009-03-14T15:16:00.000-07:00

Remember this post where I gave you a sneak peak at this quilt I was working on?
...Well, I'm done! And here it is...

It looks so pretty hanging over the banister in our living-room.

The perfect display for spring!

To make a long story short...

2009-03-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

...'cause I just don't have the time to go into detail... here is the house we lived in for almost 5 years. It was situated on 2/3 of an acre (which was very large for a town lot) set back from the road. So in the spring of 2007 we decided to subdivide it into 2 lots and put two houses on and sell them both and then move somewhere else.

So we began... and in the Fall of 2007 we bought this home and moved it onto our lot of to the side and in front of the home we were living in. The real estate market was doing awesome and so we thought that we would be able to sell it no problem when we were done renovating it.

It took my husband from Fall of 2007 to Feb. 2009 to do a complete renovation to the point where it looks like a brand new house. Here it is last Fall before winter set in and turned the grass all brown. Can you believe it is the same home? I think it is so nice and yet it did not sell. We had it on the market for 6 months without a single offer!

And so last month we decided to move in ourselves so that we could settle in and relax until the market picks up again and then we may try to sell it once more. So for the time being I am having fun turning this house into a home for us.

Welcome...

... to the kitchen and office area...

... the dining room with the large closet that I use for all my homeschooling and scrapbooking things...
... the hallway leading to our bedroom on the left and the bathroom at the end and Allan's room on the right...
... our bedroom... I just love all the light colors...
... our livingroom...
... and the archway leading from the dining room to the front door and livingroom on the left.

That's just the upstairs... down stairs has 2 more bedrooms, a bathroom, a laundry room and a games room.

Like I said, I really, really like it. Didn't hubby do a wonderful job?

Now we just have to tear down our house that we used to live in (which seems a shame but it is really old and the foundation is crumbling) and then hopefully we can sell the lot beside us (it just didn't make sense to build and then sell with the way the market is going) so that we can free ourselves up a little financially.

Over all it was a pretty simple move 'cause we just had to bring everything across the yard but mentally it has been exhausting... so many big decisions to be made, so much disappointment to overcome and mixed feelings about being excited but still scared and unsure about whether we will be able to make it or not.

So anyway, that was our year 2008 in a nutshell. Not fun, but here we are and I'm not sure what the future holds for us, so I'm just trying my best to "trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding, in all my ways acknowledge Him and He will direct my path." Prov 3:5

2009-03-05T10:10:00.000-08:00

I'm Back!!!! Finally, finally... FINALLY! After being without internet (or phone!) in the house here since we moved in on the 21st of February... it is now hooked up and I am thrilled to be able to blog again! Yeah!

I'm liking my new home and though I am still a little overwhelmed with unpacking, things are really coming along smoothly and I will post pictures soon!

From under the moving boxes...

2009-02-20T16:43:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to say I am moving tomorrow, hence the silence from my little corner.

Thank you for all your comments in the last couple of posts... I am just too swamped with packing and all to get back to you! I really miss blogging and visiting you, dear friends, and will be back as soon as possible.

I am excited to be moving and will (hopefully) let you know the long story of how this all came about when I resurface. *smile*

Wonder-FULL

2009-02-18T04:36:00.000-08:00

I absolutely adore this picture of my middle child Marcus that I took in January of 2005 when he was just 11 months old. I try to tell the boys that Marcus is "talking" to that baby in the hole in the floor but I can't seem to fool them...seems pretty believable to me. What do you think? ; )

For more faces of wonder click on the button below.

:::

Re posted from the archives.

those moments in time

2009-02-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

I look for him... and find him... in his crib,
yes, still in his crib of babyhood days, those days that are so fleeting.
I tip toe into room to ask what's wrong, and he raises his head, thumb still in mouth,
to say that nobody wanted to play with him.

I am surprised that he would feel a deep enough hurt
to want to go lay in his bed with the sheets and blankets of familiarity around him.
I gather him close and lift him out.
Here is my chance, for some time alone with this little one of my heart
while the others are off playing by themselves.

I lay down with him in toddler bed of older brother...pull covers up close.
We lay there facing each other and I gaze into his face of soft smooth skin,
searching within those deep blue eyes ringed in long lashes,
He looks deep into mine and rests his hand on my cheek... I wonder what he's thinking.
I watch the place under his chin that moves up and down while he sucks his thumb,
listening to the quiet sounds of him breathing.

Pressing my face into the warm curve of his neck, I breath deep.
The baby smell is gone from him... that sweet scent of soap and newborn...
it's hard to describe but what I have now is... little boy.

Growing up so fast each and everyday.
If only I could slow the time, if only I could go back to when he was new and cherish the moments again. But I know it's not possible, just wishful thinking and really
what I need is to live in the moment... to not look back or forward but to live right now.

We lay there like this for mere minutes in time and then he's ready to go again,
off to run and jump and play and to probably scream and fight and cry
but that's okay, it's all part of having these wonder- full boys who are so consumed with life.

I am just so glad I took the time to stop and to savor a precious moment in this beauty- full journey of motherhood.

:::

Related: Holy Experience ~ The only way to slow time down.

Love Amazing

2009-02-09T17:09:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time she dreamed...
of babies and blankets, of home and happiness,
playing for hours in attic room were vaulted ceiling hugged in close,
and rows of shoe boxes along the wall held baby dolls
tucked tight for naps.

Then she grew, put dolls away
for bigger and better...her prince had come.
Four years later, happiness...finally... a precious tiny baby.
And as years went by, another and another...
and then, lo and behold... another!

But something happened, then,
to shatter hopes and scatter dreams.
That little treasure tucked within...
passed away... and life would never be the same.

Through darkness of sorrow, though, and wounded soul,
she felt comfort and love like never before.
That love, of her Heavenly Father,
so strong and pure, so true and gentle.

And she knows he will never leave her, so she lives again,
gathering pieces, thanking him for her earthly prince
and their heritage of three,
resting in her Father's arms, looking to the day...

That day when she will see her child
for the first time
in that beautiful place
of happily ever after.

:::::

On July 15 of 2007 I miscarried at 10 weeks gestation. I have wanted to write my feelings about this ever since, in a way that would show just how much I felt the powerful presence of God and his amazing love during this heartache in my life... and so this is it. I am thankful to finally have it written out... my heart thoughts put into words... so that I will never forget how deep is the Father's love for me.

:::::

Related post by L.L. Barkat at Seedlings in Stone.
Photo: I'm on my way to the ball... June 2008

On Being Silly.

2009-02-09T04:14:00.000-08:00

It's tough to get a good picture of my boys when they are in a mood like this...

2009-02-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

"The greatest thing a human being ever does in this world is to see something...

To see clearly is poetry, prophesy and religion, all in one."

~John Ruskin

:::::

I have been busy going through my photo archives, touching up and sorting...

...thinking about detail and focus, color and expression.

Seeing... delighting...

:::::

Photo: a Columbine in my garden last summer.

Seeking...

2009-02-05T11:05:00.000-08:00

Writing out the Word on index cards to be taken with me throughout the day...

...pulled out of envelope to be studied during times of waiting... or on evening walks...

to be glanced at and then repeated in quiet thoughts while stitching up quilt by hand,

or to be propped on window sill to be read while preparing food for empty stomachs...

I fill my heart, hiding His Word deep down, food for my soul when I need it most...

which is so often, each and every day.

One of my favorite passages about memorizing in the Bible is this:

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
[...]
I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

Psalm 119: 9-11 & 15-16.

Isn't this what it's all about anyway...

...that we might not sin against Him?

*************************************************************************

And then I made these...

Tiny envelopes made to tuck a single tea bag within...
... and possibly a scripture verse to encourage the recipient?

A great way to use up little scraps of fancy paper,
don't you think?

I'm Seeing... Noticing...

2009-02-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

The sun shone brightly that whole Sunday afternoon, so

bundled up against cold wind, camera in hand, I headed out unto the prairie to see what I could see...

...to find beauty in nature and to praise God in the beauty.

As I walked... and looked... and listened, I kept sensing His Word from within,

"The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands" Ps. 19:1

From the icy patches of frozen crystals hovering upon golden strands...

...to the skies of blue where the winds stretch clouds across the expanse like lengths of white cotton candy.

I see.

When I close my eyes and face the wind,
ice cold against rosy cheeks,
and I lift my head to catch rays of light...

I feel...

He is here... the whole earth is filled with his glory.

Wandering over drifts of snow, hardened into icy mounds six ... even 8 feet, at times... above the ground, I am amazed and in awe of the way the wind has sculpted these flakes into different waves of beauty white.

I stop often and gaze far out into the open...

across the fields to the horizon, marveling

at the freedom these wide spaces allow me to feel...

... then down at my feet where goose down feather is captured amongst the tangle of matted grass.

I peer close, upon my knees, to see in detail the soft white... the movement

as it struggles to escape.

I freeze the moment within my lens, then pick it up and let it fly on wings of wind

for seconds in time before it drifts again to ground below.

That little burst of flight causes my breath to catch...

so much like I feel right now.

Outside, alone...

in the silence, wind and sunlight.

I love this...

...this seeing which adds so much depth to my days.

I'm seeing things along this walk that I have passed many times...

but for the first time I am noticing.

Two perfect rows of trees.

The round of barbed wire, forgotten under grasses grown tall.

A weathered barn, framed by branches stark against the winter sky.

The rusted red chipped paint of bygone days.

And I thank my God for this opportunity to open my eyes and take in the wonder that surrounds in simple every day things.

I need not go far... to places unknown, for he has provided in every place, in every adult and child, in every sense...

beauty.

:::::

Related posts:

Laure's "The 9 o'clock evening hour"
L.L. Barkat "writer must see"

The Hayloft

2009-01-31T15:48:00.000-08:00

I close my eyes and I can still see the way the tiny particles of dust
danced within sunlight streams, spilling through gaps of old in the loft of that hip roof barn.
Where many hours of childhood bliss were passed
amongst the sweet scent of dried grass, warm and tickling against our skin.

In the quiet of this memory I can still hear the soft coo of pigeons
perched way up high in the rafters overhead
the quick, sudden flutter of wings as they flit from one beam to another.
I feel the comforting vibration of kitten warmth in lap of legs crossed Indian style.

I feel the wonderful sense of belonging amongst the voices of my brothers, sisters... family.
These companions that call back and forth to one another
through tunnels of bales, dark and dusky, we'd built for each other
...our play homes.

I remember, too, some days when the sun would not shine
and the rain would pour down, pitter-patter on roof of tin
and the only light shone dimly
from single bulb above.

Then we would fly on rope secured way up overhead.
Soar from top of stack to dusty boards below and back up again,
clinging desperately, but with delight,
to that length of braided string.

Within the sanctuary of this place, these moments ran deep.
I was free. Safe to be myself...Complete.
Is not this what we all long for?
Why memories such as these are so sweet?

:::::

This poem was written by me in response to another challenge going on over at Seedlings in Stone. L.L. gave us the phrase, "I close my eyes and I can still see"... and asked us to write.

I have done so, and I hope you have enjoyed. (smile)

:::::

Above photo taken of a painting I own by Jim Daly. I pray that memories such as these will be instilled within my own three precious boys.

This is exciting!

2009-01-30T17:31:00.000-08:00

So it turns out that all who participated in the great poem caper over at L.L.'s blog this week are now featured on "The High Calling Blogs" today! Check it out... Just my name appears so if you wanna check out the poem I wrote... click here.

****

And I just wanted to send out a warm, heartfelt thank you to all of you who have really encouraged me in this with your words of kindness in my comment box to this poem and my other recent one entitled "In the Stillness"....

You have been so generous.

With Love...

2009-01-30T16:40:00.000-08:00

Just a small gift I made today...

...a box made with scrapbook paper...

...and 5 tea bags wrapped individually for placing inside.

If Memories were Sparrows...

2009-01-28T03:47:00.000-08:00

If memories were sparrows
I'd capture them,
finally.
Those who,
wild and unexpected,
flit in and out of my mind.

They need to be sorted
gone over, studied.
They need to be separated,
those good from those bad.

It's time,
though hard,
to destroy.
To once and for all
remove forever,
those whose presence
deadens the heart.

The good, then,
may come and go
with a will of their own.
They may be looked upon
with a sweet expression,
may be touched and caressed.

Those sparrows may alight upon me
without fear
of my cringing in horror.
Alas, if memories were sparrows
life would be...good.
For we, then, would decide
what could not remain
and what could.

:::::

Thanks to L.L. Barkat for her inspiration. She posted a challenge here to finish a poem from which she had written the first line... hence "If memories were sparrows..."

I am new to writing poems.... haven't written them since high school English class, and now this is my second one in just a few days! You can read my other one entitled "In the Stillness" here.

L.L. has a wonderful post here on the process of writing a poem. She has been such an encouragement to me. If you have any desire whatsoever to write something like this go check out her blog for more information.

Google image of sparrow found here.

a great-grandmothers joy...

2009-01-27T12:02:00.000-08:00

... holding her great-grandson. My youngest son Allan sitting on my Oma's lap during my sister, Elizabeth's 30th birthday celebration in October of 2007. He is almost 2 in this picture.

And this is the same picture, but cropped in close... I am so thankful to have a picture of my Oma that shows exactly the way I think of her... she is always so happy and cheerful when I go to visit her and always so delighted to see my boys... even though she has over 80 grandchildren and, I don't know how many, great-grandchildren. She truly is a wonderful and beautiful woman. And I love her so much.

brotherly joy

2009-01-26T07:46:00.000-08:00

... my boys really do get a lot of joy out of being brothers to each other.
They are the best of friends and like all healthy, thriving friendships, their relationship is sprinkled with both good and bad, laughter and tears.

In the Stillness...

2009-01-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

The tears were close that winter evening
as we gathered round for dinner warm.

When Words were read and prayers were said
I slipped into the night,
an escape into cold dark, desperate for silence
from chattering boys and child songs,
a walk to the fields of open prairie.

Sparkling snow, icy crunch under feet,
mind in turmoil, questioning...

"Where are You? In the messy chaos of my fallen life?"

Then...
a still small voice within depths of soul
as I gaze into the starry expanse,
"Be still...
and know."

Silence...
mind clears, beauty surrounds, heart aches,
and I surrender.

I still... and know.
He is God.
He loves me, even me.

In this space of busy young ones,
whirling household ...life,
I must take time to still, to rest...
in Him.

:::::

This poem was written by me. Please do not copy without permission.

10 Things I Love...

2009-01-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

My friend Alicia @ Confessions of a Snowflake gave me the letter "L" for this fun game of "10 things I love". I'm gonna do what she did and add them to my list of things that I'm thankful for, for Thankful Thursday.

1. Light~ especially sunlight as it plays across the faces of my children, candle light, moon light, fire light, and lamp light.

2. Learning~ new ways to do things through books or through watching or listening to others.

3. The Light and Life of the Word of God.

4. Lilacs blooming in the spring... the scent of them is one of my favorites when it comes to flowers.

5. New Life and My Life~ life growing within me and growing without. (*Blush*...Updated to say, "No, I am NOT expecting...
I just love it WHEN I am")

6. Landscapes of every kind. The beauty and majesty of the Rockie mountains and the rolling expanse of the Prairies both take my breath away. Lake Louise, in Banff, Alberta and Leaves budding in the spring and changing to brilliance in the fall.

7. Laundry and my laundry room~ I love the fresh feel and scent of clean laundry as I'm folding it and I love the brightness and size of my laundry room...small and simple.

8. The Love that my beloved gives to me~ this was taken on our 10th wedding anniversary. Now it's already 11 1/2 years since we pledged our love on the 18th of July.

9. Lovely, Little Lads~ so precious to me.

10. Laughter~ especially the kind where your cheeks start to hurt from smiling so much! This happens a lot when all of us sisters are together. Here we are trying to get a good picture on Elizabeth's 30th Birthday (she's the one in the middle) amongst all our laughing and goofing around.

(I'll have you know that I have one more sister as well, who's 9, and was in school during this picture!)

And how could I not mention the absolutely delightful sound of the laughter of a baby?... Love, Love, Love it!

:::

If you would like to do this yourself, let me know as you leave a comment. I'll go check out your blog and give you a letter of my choice!

(1000's gift list # 96-106)

It was five years ago today...

2009-01-20T07:15:00.001-08:00

It was 5 years ago today, in the midnight hour of 12:12 am, that he slipped into the world in the comfort of our home.
A little over 25 months after older brother.
I'll never forget his birth and how secure and warm I felt laboring in the soft glow of the candlelight and the warmth of the water.
Just my beloved with me... and the two midwives.
He came quietly, the pain not nearly as intense as I had remembered.
Him not screaming, but with wide open eyes of wonder at the new world around him.

They placed him on my chest, all slippery and wet.
Wrapped a warm towel, straight out of the dryer, around us... and I gazed in awe at this little miracle within my arms.
"It's a boy", they said, and I smiled up at my love through glittering tears of happiness.
Not much later I was tucked in bed, snug, with my little one nursing contentedly.
Absolute bliss, being with him this way, my second born son, Marcus Nathan.

As he grew, he loved to cuddle, he was such a calm baby, sucking his thumb.
He had a blanket, too, that he would hold to his nose.

These things passed well before the age of 4.
Now he's growing up, doing big boy things, playing with big boy toys, swords, bikes, legos, climbing trees.

Doesn't have much time for cuddles anymore but every once in a while?... he does.
He comes to me on his own and I love it.
He'll always have a special place in my heart for all the precious memories he has, and is, giving me.

Happy birthday, sweet boy.

"May the Lord bless you and keep you,
may He make His face to shine upon you
and give you peace."

Just before his first Haircut...

2009-01-18T01:59:00.000-08:00

I was tagged on Saturday by Rebekah @ Rebekah's Beautiful Day and I'm excited to play 'cause this is a fun one! I had to go to the 4th folder where I store my pictures and post the 4th picture from that folder. Well... here it is!

I must admit I was glad it wasn't a picture that I didn't like!

I love this one... I captured this just before my middle child Marcus got his first haircut at 11 months old.

So now I tag:

The 160 Acre Woods
Fireflies in the Garden
White Oak Lane
Our Journey

Simple Saturday

2009-01-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

I had the most delightful day today! Spent a lot of time with my dear hubby in the house that we're renovating on our place. Just the two of us, chatting while we worked. It was so special being together like that...

while the boys played outside on a makeshift slide down one of the snow drifts in our front yard.

I was even invited out for lunch by my dear sister, Tracy, and we spent a peaceful 1 1/2 hours, catching up on our lives. I am so thankful for days like today, everything runs so smoothly and peace and contentment abound.

*****

I also received 2 more blog awards today from my new friend Deborah... Thank you so much!
If you've never stopped by A Different Drum, you should! I have given her two awards recently because I enjoy her blog so much.

So here's what she gave me:

I would like to pass this one on to another hot blog which I enjoy and that would be:
Alicia @ Confessions of a Snowflake.

And this... Marie Antoinette: A Real Person Award.

I would like to pass this award on to Aimee @ Living, Learning, and Loving Simply... I love reading her blog for the realness that she displays there.

Feel free to pass these awards on to whomever you choose, Aimee and Alicia! :o)

Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend.

Prairie Cactus...

2009-01-16T04:38:00.000-08:00

...while on a walk down into the coulee this past summer.
Just a bit of sunshine to brighten your day!

*****

For more fphoto Friday pictures visit Natalie @ Married to the Preacher.

2009-01-15T07:35:00.000-08:00

There's a birthday coming up...

he's gonna be five soon, you know.
It's pretty serious business...

picking out a gift.

The boys spent a good deal of time dreaming their way through this catalog yesterday. When I asked Marcus what he would like if he could have any toy he wanted in the whole world, he said,

"I wan' a little gun for shooting!... and a light saber that has lights, AND... a real motorcycle!"

Hmmm...we'll see.

(Does it get any more BOY than that???)

Gratituesday

2009-01-13T04:03:00.000-08:00

I am thankful:

1. for warmer weather yesterday so that the boys were able to go play outside together.

2. for sunshine on my shoulders as I tidied up the front porch.

3. for the sound of wind chimes through my bedroom window.

4. for the sparkle of snow when the sunlight gleams on it.

5. for seeing the beauty of the full moon casting it's glow upon drifts of white.

6. for unexpected meals brought over from friends.

7. for warm hugs from my beloved just when I need them most.

8. and for his compliment of "you look nice" as I'm putting dinner on the table yesterday evening.

9. for the happy sounds of Marcus whistling while he plays.

10 for my dear loving friend, a cup of tea, and warm conversation.

11. that Jayden is such a willing little worker... eager to keep his room neat and organized.

12. that Allan says "I love you, too, Momma" to me so many times a day, whether I say it to him first, or not!

13. for the cuteness of his little boy talk... especially that he says, "Huh, Mom?", after almost everything he says to me.

14. And for this wonderful award, given to me by my sweet friend Rebekah. If you have never stopped by her blog, please do so! It is called Rebekah's Beautiful Day... and it's just that, BEAUTIFUL!

So, this award is called the Lemonade Award and it is for blogs which have great attitude and/or gratitude.

Thank you so much for this and I'll try my best to live up to it as much as possible! : )

I would like to pass on this award to some of my favorite blogs that have these qualities...

1. White Oak Lane
2. Momma Bug's Blog
3. A different Drum
4. Such Things
5. Useful or Beautiful

Be sure to pass these on to whomever you wish (up to 10 people) and let them know you've done so! Enjoy your day!

*****

Heavenly Homemakers is hosting gratituesday and its the first time I've joined. If you want to read more, just check out their blog! : )

*****

1000 gifts list #'s 81-95

Winter on the Pond

2009-01-10T20:58:00.000-08:00

The weather was so much warmer today than it has been in a long time and so I took Jayden and Marcus down to the pond while DH stayed with napping Allan.

Here they are going out to check the ice.

After a few tentative steps Marcus joined Jayden in a game of "hockey" with a puck that they found. And when they were through with that, we all had a grand ol' time doing this!

Then they wanted to go see if they could find the Canada geese that are normally so crowded around here but nary a one was seen...

Marcus found this massive stick, though, and decided that that would be a great one to carry all the way home in order to "show Dad". Why is it, I wonder, that they need to find the biggest one?!

I'm not really asking... I know it's 'cause they're boys and that's what boys do! :o)

*****

This has been my inspiration for this winter adventure. Have any of you read this?

2009-01-10T04:50:00.000-08:00

I am so thrilled to have received my first award!

This award acknowledges the values that EVERY Blogger displays in their effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary and personal values with each message they write.

So generously given to me by Toia at Designer's Original.
Thank you sweet blogging friend!

Now here are the blogs to which I pass this award on to:

Simple Beauty
A Different Drum
Homegrown life
Domestic Serenity
A Simple Road
Prairie Prologue
Sonflower
Going deeper, getting better, growing stronger

*****

The rules associated with this reward are as follows:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person that has granted the award and his/her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgment. Remember to contact each of them to let them know they have been chosen as recipients.

*****

I know, I didn't follow all the rules...tsk,tsk. :o)

*****

And also, does it get any better than this?

This little piggy...

2009-01-09T01:37:00.000-08:00

The darling little toes of my newest nephew whom I cuddled for hours while home for Christmas.

See his interesting little quirk? His piggy that "had none" is trying to hide behind the piggy that "had roast beef".

So sweet... I love it.

*****

For more fPhoto Friday check out Natalie's blog, married to the preacher.

Mother - Golden Glow of the Home

2009-01-08T01:25:00.000-08:00

The man is the brace and ceiling of his house,
He is the straight walls rising from the earth,
The woman is the golden glow of lamps,
The firelight on a hearth. ~Emery Petho

I am not feeling this AT ALL right now... but I've posted it here to remind me that this is where I want to be.

I found this quote in my magazine from Above Rubies.... a magazine that sometimes I really dislike because I feel like I will never measure up... and sometimes I love because it can be very uplifting.

Have you ever read the magazine... what do you think?

Word Filled Wednesday

2009-01-07T01:46:00.000-08:00

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge him
and he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3: 5&6

I'm clinging to this... because I must... there's just no other way through this time in our lives... and it's really the only way... isn't it...

*****

For more WFW go to the 160 acre woods

Mistake or Miracle?

2009-01-05T07:20:00.001-08:00

A few of you dear friends have been asking about my hand and wishing me a quick recovery.
Thank you so much... and so, here are the results...

When I went to get my X-rays done yesterday, the doctors actually let me see them (they didn't offer to show me the first time and I didn't think to ask) and it appears that I only have a break in my pinky finger! No... not a shattered bone in my hand like the other Doctor told me so convincingly.

I had been walking around for 9 days with this awful contraption on my left limb...

...when it appears that I only needed this!

So it seems that either the doctors made a big mistake... OR... I've had a miracle.

I'd love to say it was a miracle but I guess I'll never know! : )

*****
Have you ever broken any bones? Which was the worst?

(And I've posted here as well.)

There and Back

2009-01-04T09:52:00.000-08:00

Our trip through the Rockie Mountains to the Fraser Valley of B. C.

Driving from Calgary towards the mountains was quite daunting to say the least! It felt a little crazy that we should be entering them in the depths of winter.

The scenery was breathtaking, though, even more so on our way back yesterday. The sun was shining bright and there was a fresh, thick layer of snow on everything... (except the road, thankfully!)

There were so many of these waterfalls in a beautiful frozen blue/green color, many of them huge and right along the side of the road.

These were the road conditions for most of the way there... not too bad...

until we got to Hope, B. C. and then it was slushy and slippery. We were thankful it was still light out and that it wasn't snowing!

We arrived at around 2:30 on Dec.24th and as soon as we got there it started snowing like crazy! Here is a picture of my parents yard... looking out their front door.

Christmas day at my parent's. Standing on the dike looking towards the Fraser River.

My sister, Racheal, tobogganing down the hill on which I broke my hand.

My parents' place... so beautiful. We had the whole basement to ourselves... it was wonderful.

My oldest brother, Steffen, rigged up this sled to pull behind the Kaboda... what fun we had sliding around on the driveway!

Just along the dike from my parents place is Steffen's place (you can see a bit amongst the trees in the picture below)... it's so nice that he is close by and we spent a lot of time visiting together.

When we arrived home yesterday this is only how far we made it into our driveway... we had to walk the rest of the way to the house!

This picture doesn't do the situation justice at all...'cause, boy, are we ever snowed in!

My DH definitely has his work cut out for him with the snow shovel!

Word Filled Wednesday

2008-12-31T15:28:00.000-08:00

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path."

Psalm 119:105 KJV

******

For more word filled wednesday go see the 160 acre woods.

*Photo from google images*

2008-12-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

Just a quick hello to let you all know I'm still around!

I am having a wonderful, relaxing holiday with family.

We have had a huge snowfall here and, unfortunately, amongst the fun of tobagganning and such, I took a spill and broke my hand.

Needless to say I won't be putting many words with my blog posts for a while... It's just too hard to type with one hand!

But I'll still come by and "visit" you all!

Happy New Year!

2008-12-25T01:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia.

Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance - a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved.

~Augusta E. Rundel

**********

Many blessings and peace to all of you on this beautiful day.

Katrina