Much Needed Rain

Yesterday afternoon was my sweet Aubrey's birthday party. Hannah and Idris came a little late. It had started to rain a little. He was all dressed and ready to join the other kids in the pool, but Hannah wasn't especially wanting to go in herself. He was wearing a life vest as well as swimmies on his arms. She thought he should try it on his own, but he was too afraid. He lay on the deck, eyes closed, a distraught look, and tears rolling down his cheeks. I sensed trouble, so I squatted beside him, stroked his cheek, and heard myself say, "Idris, do you want me to go in with you?" I expected resistance, but his eyes opened and he accepted my offer.

Although I had a swim suit in my car, I wasn't about to run for it and change my clothes. I rarely wear shorts, but the heat and humidity had inspired me to change just before leaving home that day and I was wearing denim shorts and an "acceptable when wet" shirt. I stepped down the ladder into the warm water, followed by a small, dark haired boy who tumbled in after me. His face lit up with a smile and I melted a little inside. He was still quite apprehensive, looking for my hand and turning often to make sure I was still the beside him. We enjoyed the water for about 20 minutes or so before thunder rumbled in the distance and we had to get out. It was about five minutes later that Leta asked someone where her phone was... and I realized mine had been in my pocket during the entire swim! What's done is typically done and there isn't much use in fretting. I pulled my wet phone from my pocket and saw the screen light up. (I had hope.) I asked if someone could put it in a bag of rice for me and determined to enjoy the rest of the party.

The rain really came down yesterday and it was pouring when I left the party. At home I opened the front garage door and sat out there with my computer, reading a Kindle book and watching the rain. I felt a deep sense of peace inside, one I haven't felt in a very long time. I was relaxed for once with nothing pressing, no obligations calling or internal voices shouting. I took some time to soak in the moment and let God still my heart. Today I am feeling a bit of stress, because today I did something new and difficult. Today I feel a little uneasy and uncertain, but today I am okay too because I know God holds me in His hand and He is good.

Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!

That sweet granddaughter of mine is eight years old today! It seems only yesterday we walked down the hospital hallway and were greeted by her daddy who told us, "We got a girl!" (They'd not found out ahead of time.) He acted stunned. Ha ha!

I found a pair of pink boxing gloves in a gently-used toy store a few weeks ago. I vacillated over whether or not they were a good gift, but this young lady has had to tangle with two just-slightly-older brothers her entire life, and it hasn't always been fun. If nothing else I thought the gloves were good for a laugh. She pulled the tissue paper off the top of the gift bag containing an assortment of presents, exclaimed, "Yes!" and pulled the gloves from the bottom of the bag. It was worth every penny to see her delighted reaction! Now I must pray she doesn't knock anyone out...

A Party!

Happy Birthday, Number Four!

So, there was this party I was invited to. It was my grand- daughter on the other end of the phone about a week ago. "Hi, Grammy?" she said, "Can you come to my birthday party? It's July 8 at 2 o'clock, and it's at Grampy's house." I assured her I would be there.

Wasn't it just a few days ago that we were conniving how to keep Gramanita just a little bit longer, long enough to welcome our new grandchild? I was scrambling to gather all my family in one place before Grandma could get away and before the baby arrived to thwart the gathering. The gathering  was successful and the very next day we were blessed with our first granddaughter. It was a whirlwind of activity! We kept Gramanita long enough to have an early birthday celebration for Hannah, and the following Sunday delivered my sweet mom in law to her childhood friend in Fort Erie, Ontario who would give her a ride to the Toronto airport when it was time to go home. I miss those crazy, wonderful, days! And I miss my mom in law too. I pray I will get to feel her arms around me again one day.

So anyway, Aubrey had a wild and crazy party. There was  a homemade water slide, water balloons, a sprinkler, a pinata, snow cones, fruit, a barbecue, cake and ice cream, presents, friends, cousins, and noise. Lots of noise. The best part was that it wasn't my job to keep track of any children, make sure they behaved, tell them to be quiet (or nice), or pick up after them. Yeah, being a grandma is a pretty good deal!.
:0)

Burdockled!

It was cold, it was wet, and it was soggy, but the kids thought going outside was a good idea. First the boys, and finally the granddaughter. She'd been out all of five minutes when she was back in the house What happened? She fell into a burdock bush. (Fun times!) Poor thing... Her Aunt Bethany spent a considerable amount of time picking bits of stale "Velcro Plant" from her hair just before dinner and by the time they were done, both of them had microscopic bits of itchiness embedded in their clothing. Aub could not stand still and even Aunt Bethany had to trade in her dress pants for a pair of my pj's. Ah, the memories!

Everyday Challenges

Every day brings a new challenge. It also brings new gifts and opportunities. Yesterday I had the chance to cuddle my little granddaughter. What a blessing to hold this new little life in my arms and watch her sleep. What a gift to place her in the arms of her great grandma and watch my mother kiss that soft baby head just like I have seen her do with countless babies before. It was bittersweet to watch this woman who cared so tenderly for me and so many others, and know that her days of taking care of babies and children are over.

I'm not sure exactly what has happened to my own days of caring for babies and small children. The start of school is just a few weeks off and so far I have but one lone flower in the garden, one who will get on the school bus and be gone for the entire day. What does God have for me this year? It is another exercise in trust and patience.

Aubrey Rose

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
Psalm 139:14

Baby... She finally has a name, Aubrey Rose. She is beautiful, she is tiny, she is loved.




Dave and Leta were at the hospital a little less than an hour when she made her arrival at 10:53 pm Friday night, July 8th. Three pushes and she was here, a whopping 5 pounds, 12 ounces, almost too easy...

We stand amazed once again.

Little Miss No-Name

This little boy was enthralled with the tiny baby we found at the hospital this morning. He watched with great interest as the nurse changed her diaper and wrapped her in a blanket. "I want to hold him," he said.

He was very gentle as he looked into her little face and touched her soft baby head. What a sweet moment we witnessed as Lucas met his little sister for the very first time. The moment will be all too quickly forgotten in the sands of time, but here it is, captured, if only for a little while.

Simon wasn't quite sure what to think of the baby, but he did like the Oreo Cookies his mommy had on the night stand, and he did take a quick look at the tiny bundle before wandering off to hide in the divider curtain.

Life will never be the same again. I'm thinking it's time for this Grammy to buy a zoo membership. This little family is facing some long and tiring days. I think maybe a few trips to the zoo with Grammy and Aunt Hannah are in order.

It's A Pink One!

We got a girl!!!

She's just a wee tiny one, 5 pounds 12 ounces. Not sure what her name will be, but she didn't waste any time getting here once she was ready.

Oh, are we gonna have fun!

Three Plus One Makes Four

Soon, very soon...

Please pray for Dave, Leta, and Baby. They are on their way to the hospital. Soon we will have four little grandchildren to love. :)

Patiently Expectant

Soon, very soon, we will have a new grandbaby to love. I am wondering where in this week we will squeeze in time to have a baby, but I suppose we will figure out a way. It's perfect timing really, because Grandmanita is here and so is Uncle Jim. That is quite a miracle in and of itself as Jim comes home only about twice a year and Grandma hasn't been here for ever so long!

We are desperately conjuring up baby names, somewhat hoping for a girl, and preparing ourselves for another little boy. We're hoping to squeeze in a family picnic tomorrow before the little one makes it's appearance and wondering what the rest of the week will bring. I'm kind of hoping Grandma can stay a little bit longer than just one week. There's so much to do and so little time!

Taking a Collection

See these two beautiful boys? They are going to have a new baby at their house sometime this summer. What a handsome collection of grandchildren I shall have!