Grandma and Grandpa's house: October 2008

treat for the kids

Micah, Michaela, Elizabeth, Nathanael, Jamie and Justin - your Grandma and Grandpa wish you lots of fun today! What costumes will you be wearing tonight? Here is a trick of a picture for you. Grandma and Grandpa left our umbrellas on our front porch the other day, and here is what we found on one of them! Do you know what it is?

Uncle Cal's Very Big Day!

A magical moment from Calvin's childhood. He was sitting there carrying on a conversation with someone we couldn't see. Calvin, your vision so often continues to go beyond ours. Thank you for your passion and faithfulness in refusing to leave the rest of us behind.

Thank you for bringing the joy who is Sharon into our lives...

... and for giving us so many reasons to celebrate together...

... and for choosing to be our neighbours - yay!!!

Happy 27th Birthday, Calvin Jacob! Maybe the nieces and nephews should get together to write a book for you to mark the occasion - "Uncle Cal's Very Big Day" - that would be fun! Meanwhile, may your coming year be filled with blessings for you and your family, and may this world continue to be a better place because you are in it!

sunshine in our hearts

It's been so long since our Montreal family was able to come to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a visit. Cara now has her learner's permit, so she was able to drive the whole way here and back, for the very first time! While it may have been raining for most of our brief 24 hours together this past weekend, we had such a wonderful time. Including this magical walk in the woods in the rain...

... and many hours of warmth and cuddles by the fireplace.

The water level at the swamp was low enough that Michaela was able to wade around in it to her heart's delight.

Michaela is now old enough and wise enough to go looking under rocks and logs for herself - finding worms, bugs (that she knows the names of!), and even this salamander that she captured (and replaced) ever so gently and patiently.

And Nathanael - ever the sweet, funny, charming little Prince! He can demolish the orderliness of a room within seconds, since dumping toys is one of his very favourite activities, but he can also stand patient and mesmerized, watching Grandpa and Michaela lighting the fire in the fireplace. I love Nathanael's big brown eyes and his delightful contagious laughter. I love how he holds my hand the whole way as we walk in the woods together. And I love how he says "GRANDMA!" the moment he sees me, no matter how long it's been since we last saw each other! May it not be quite so long till we see each other next time!

Ferron: being the gift

"But ... maybe it's true about the teacher when you're ready

Maybe it's true about the hollow and the slope

Love, turn my steps around

Let me fall on solid ground with Faith and rope.

And though its just a thought, I say it's all I've got...

For every person there's a rhyme and a reason

To decide to be the chosen one to stand among

the broken ones...

For every person

May love come through

For every person

May love come through."

words from "The Chosen Ones" by Ferron,

pictures from our weekend walk at Frontenac.

following the smoke

Calvin and I travelled together to Indiana last week. Friday was glorious. While Calvin spent the entire day in the board room (Brethren Mennonite Council for lgbt interests), I was free to roam the trails of Pokagon State Park. On Saturday we explored our creative spirit (turning pain/joy into art) with the help of the incredible poet/singer Ferron. Woodsmoke led our way. It was phenomenal.

Other recent moments carved out of our chronic everyday, have been weekends enjoyed with dear old friends. Thank you, Rob and Heather and Janice and Louis, for the depth of your understanding and lovingkindness.