Green Wellies

Pride and Joy!

Ever since they left the nest all those years ago and made their own way in the world, it's become more and more difficult arranging time for all of the kids to be here at the same time, but this past weekend was an exception and a great one at that.  Everyone was here, including their dad from visiting from Ontario with his wife...they stayed at a B&B near the beach.  Robb and Vi pitched a tent in the backyard and braved the night out there, knowing the bear was roaming the woods!  Gwen stayed down the lane way at Em's...nothing like a little nephew jumping on the bed first thing in the morning wanting to snuggle with his Auntie Geckie (Em's version of Gwen when she couldn't pronounce her name).  We walked the beach with the dogs, we made some great meals and we laughed at Aethan's two-year old antics.  I take as much pleasure watching them all interact today, as I did when they were young...wanting to hang out with each other, hugging, joking around and taking such pleasure in each other's company.  I feel so blessed having these people in my life...people that even if they weren't my own children, would still be the kind of people that I'd want to be around.  They are my pride and joy! 

Gwen scanned this old family slide, taken when dressing up in the garden was the order of the day.  A few old tablecloths and phlox for bouquets, transforms two little sisters into fairy princesses.  And the picture wouldn't be complete without a tatty pair of running shoes and wee red wellies!

From The Heart

I know I'm not alone in having experienced the ups and downs of life.  That's part of what it means to be human and walking this planet.  But there have been some hurdles that I didn't think I'd ever manage to cross.  The one constant has been the never ending support from my family.  At times, they've circled me like covered wagons and given me the love and encouragement that I needed to carry on.  I've come out the other side stronger than I ever thought possible.  My daughters are the wise women who speak the words of healing and my son is the calm in the midst of life's storms.  From the moment they entered my life, my children have given me nothing but unconditional love, incredible laughter and moments when I thought I'd burst with pride.  They are as unique as adults as when they drew their first breath.  They have integrity and values, they are humble, they have such love for each other, they accept all people regardless of race, creed or colour, they are surrounded by wonderful friendships they've nurtured over the years, they embrace life and they show strength in the face of adversity.  Having children is something I want for them, too, and while we've been basking in the glory of little Aethan, the first wee one to join our family, Gwen and her husband have been waiting for their own baby to enter their lives.  We came so close, but they lost the baby last week and the family shares in their heartbreak and pain.  The lioness in me roars at the thought of sadness for any of my children and I would bear that for them if I could.  With a tremendous amount of courage, Gwen wrote about their loss on her blog and my mother's heart couldn't be prouder of her and Sean.  She speaks of her warrior spirit and how she needs the time right now to make it strong again...and it will be, because that's the stuff we're made of. 

In the meantime, warrior baby, we are waiting with open, loving arms to welcome you into our midst.  I'm lighting a candle on the porch each night to give you light to guide you home to us.   

In The Pink!

Last May, Gwen asked me what colour Holey Soles I wanted and I told her to surprise me.  She did...to the tune of bubblegum pink!  I love them.  I put them on and didn't take them off until about October.  I wore them everywhere.  There's NO weight to the foam at all, they float and they massage your feet as you walk.  They're great for the beach...wiggle and the sand falls out the side holes.  Now that our rainy season is somewhat behind us, I'm back into them and my feet are happy again!

Kids Will Be Kids!

Thank heavens some things never change.  It does my mother's heart good to know that my kids haven't forgotten how to play.  The adult Robb takes his climbing and hiking the backwoods seriously, but somewhere tucked inside, the little boy in him just has to rise to the challenge.  The ninja flies again!

Socky Claus

It seems as though poor old Socky has really caused a bit of a stir and the jokes about him continue.  Em sent this picture of him this morning with, "...look what Socky has been up to" and now his new name (at least for the holidays) will have to be Socky Claus.  Who knew that when he was hauled out of a box of junk over 20 years ago, that he'd become a cyberspace star in his own right!