As Quiet As A Dragonfly

We call her the "bag lady" because everywhere we go (even in the woods), she carries a purse or bag of some sort. Inside are her "quiet items" for which she doesn't explain or seem to care if anyone notices. She has a purpose for them but she may or may not use them on any given jaunt. I think it comforts her to have her "itty-bitties" with her, just in case.

 

I photographed my girl as she wrote something in her notebook up on top of that rock and I photographed a dragonfly silently alighting on a stalk. Molly turned twelve last month and her gentle, beautiful, quiet way reminds me of that tiny, winged creature.

 

 

Molly, we love you. You are ever capturing us with your intriguing, thoughtful manner. Yes, you can be boisterous and energetic like your siblings, but it's not the norm. You are growing up so lovely and we're proud of you. May this year be filled with amazing growth and may you always hear God's still, small voice in your own quietness.

Molly Turns Eight

Molly Magoo, you're our sweet ball of energy. Your sad mood can be turned around with a tickle or a joke. You are open and real and live out loud. Everyone loves your happy personality. People are drawn to you and I think it's because you radiate sunshine and SONshine. I can't believe you've been mine for eight whole years! It seems like yesterday when the doctor handed me this gorgeous little one, whom I already adored. Here you are now, loving beaded jewelry, ice cream, painting, picnics, and biking. I can't wait to see the young woman you'll become but at the same time, I want you to remain little for as long as possible. I can still scoop you up into a small package in my arms.

You are full of compassion and are quick to say, "sorry" and "I love you". Can I even express my love for you, my tiny dolly? I'm not sure. Words are not enough and yet, I will try to tell you everyday. My prayer for you is that you walk with Jesus all the days of your life and that you draw others to Him through your dynamic gift of friendliness. May the Lord richly bless you on your eighth birthday!

A Joyful Welcome

What a joyful welcome I received when I came home yesterday. I was photographing Creation on a little walk and I was so thankful I had my camera in hand when I saw her beautiful face. (211.)

Other bits of gratitude today...

212. Grace for a new start... twice today

213. art supplies

214. a little boy who "makes" our snack while we do schoolwork :)

215. my favourite teachers who are on March break and can get together!

216. forgiveness (have I mentioned that one before? maybe 3 or 4 times?)

217. a new friend in India (may God bless you)

218. wrestling... oh, the wrestling in this house!

219. dripping icicles, melting in the sun

220. puddles (for the kids, not in parking lots!)

221. waiting for Easter... the indescribable gift!

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

(2 Corinthians 9:15)

Garden Buffet

She diligently gathers, inviting siblings to the feast,

a bowl of snails, flower petals, shells and bark;

Practicing her culinary skills, she stirs with nature's spoon.

There's pride in her offering and they kindly comply by

pretending to gobble up every last crunchy bite.

A satisfied smile crosses her smudgy mouth and

she wipes grimy, dirt-caked hands on her dress.

Rare Collections

Molly. One of a kind. There's no one quite like this little girl of mine. She's as rare as the things she collects and appreciates. She makes you smile just thinking about her.

Molly spent time picking up walnuts from the ground and searching for the odd little spheres on the branches. She was thrilled just to spend her time this way. She counted and added more and shared them with me.
Her independent research and observation of them was inspiring and I was reminded to take pleasure in simple things.

Thank You, Lord for blessing me with such a rare and happy beauty.