Baby Of The Family

Girlie-May is what her Daddy adoringly calls her. After those rambunctious twin boys, he's melting more than ever. My sister, Holly, gathers wet clothes, cuts cucumber slices and rocks a whimpering Clara after a tumble. She has this routine down to a science with her little ones and it's inspiring to watch. But this tiny person God gifted to our family... this soft and smiley baby is the one my kiddos are all chattering about as we drive to their home almost an hour away. They stake their claim on who gets to hold her first. They take photos with their iPods and post videos of just them and Clara. She's a small package tied with a pink ribbon after five years without more cousins on my side of the family. She's welcomed with enthusiastic love.

Epic Summer--A Journey Through Pictures And Gratitude

Sooooo grateful...

1371. that sometimes pirates masquerade as little boys at soccer games. 

1372. How Spiderman somehow became a hero this year. He's never watched the show but he wants to act like him everyday. (Our church festival)

 

1373. for all the bouncy castles and super-fantastic activities that drew the surrounding neighbourhoods to our church festival.

1374. How Lilly and Meg--friends since birth--helped at the craft table. 

1375. How Joan and her two sisters and so much like my two sisters and me.

1376. for spunky Benjamite :) 

1377. for outdoor movies and lawn chairs, blankets and treats--love it! 

1378. how they all love on Baby Clara 

1379. her quirkiness and how she loves to be different

1380. how tree climbing was the number one sport this summer. 

1381. how these two (Meg and Hannah) remained friends after the closing of their dance studio and helped the kids at the festival. 

1382. that my cool sister and her awesome husband made the hour-long trip. 

1383. for little sisters of bigger sisters who like each other too (Holly and Molly). 

1384. how Spiderman made a guest appearance and Terry got to have his photo taken with him (doesn't my husband look so happy? He's star-struck). 

1385. my dear friend, Bethany and how she gives of herself to others.

1386. that I found this cute little bunny while I wandered around

1387.and how she multiplied quickly :)

1388. for years-long friendships and our journey together through thick and thin.

 

1389. for these two amazing families in our church

 

1390. for our yearly point-and-shoot-each-other moment (hi Kelly!)

1391. for quiet, summer nights of flying his new plane. 

1392. for great times in Mama and Papa's hot tub--heat turned down so it could double as a swimming pool.

1393. how the determination of Papa and the stupidity of me, helped get those 300 lb. walls up around it (after which, one fell on us and I had a lovely bruised shoulder for weeks--gratitude because I truly felt helpful :). 

1394. how they don't care that there's barely any space to move, they just have fun all squashed in there.  

1395. how Papa just sat there and blasted them with cold water while they screamed! 

1396. how they screamed for more! 

1397. the love of sisters (generally after some major arguing). 

 1398. for babies and how they keep finding me :)

 1399. for my crazy sister and her need for thrills.

1400. how she said her biggest concern was that the photographer who took these pics was plummeting to her death as she didn't open her chute for a long time. 

1401. how she got to experience floating over Niagara Falls. 

1402. that she said it was fun but not scary (THIS type of quality does NOT run in the family). 

1403. how my sweet nephew hung his head out of his bedroom window to say goodbye to us the other day.

1404. sunsets and sillohettes 

1405. for scooters that everyone can share 

1406. for pogo-stick jumpers counting in the hundreds

1407. for driveway soccer 

 

 

Woodsy-Woodsy Forest

My children  call it the woodsy-woodsy forest but sometimes it's the foresty-foresty woods. I'm never quite sure which wooded area constitutes which name but somehow, they all know.

I called my sister the other day and asked if we could swing by for a visit. She said they'd love to have us but please, bring clothes that can be ripped and dirtied. Sliding down the embankment in her backyard was the adventure of the day and if we desired to join in the fun, we needed to be prepared.

So, after several "dirt-runs", throwing sticks in the river, climbing the tree house, from which Oliver shoved his cousin down an eight foot ladder, it was time to go home. Having a sister and brother-in-law who are unphased by small crises makes apologizing for your son's behaviour so much easier, and... keeps the memories prior to the push, a whole lot sweeter. Self-control seems to be the fruit of the Spirit we'll be addressing this week. Thank you, Holly, for a great time in your woodsy-woodsy forest, and for your mercy :)