And a Graduation Too!

I was invited to attend a graduation ceremony this afternoon. There were seven graduates, dressed in red caps and gowns, with big smiles decorating their beautiful little faces. This graduate said one of the things he liked about nursery school was the puppets (he borrowed them often) and one thing he didn't like was when the girls wouldn't play with the boys. He gave both James and I big hugs and looked very proud to be sitting there with his friends ready to head off to kindergarten in the fall. The teachers both warned us that they might cry and I felt a little bit of that myself. They were saying goodbye to the children they had come to know and love, sending them on to bigger things, and I was too. I'm not really sad, just a little emotional. I've had a wonderful three years with Troy and I will miss him. It's hard to believe he's grown up so fast.

Sodus Point

In spite of the fact that the weather feels anything but summer-like, we took a ride down to Sodus Point last night and walked out on the pier. (It's actually colder today than it was last night.)Several people were out fishing, a few were playing on the beach, and others were just out walking like us. We didn't do anything special but it was nice time spent together and that is special in and of itself.

I don't typically see anything unusual at the pier but some little boys were looking over the edge so I stopped to see what they were looking at. I expected to see fish, and I did, but there was something else in the water too, a turtle! He was just a little guy, a baby, and he was out for a big swim.

Another Prayer Request

Please pray for my father in law who lives in Fairfield, California. He suffered a massive heart attack earlier this week and is in the hospital in an induced coma. His wife (not pictured here...) is at home ill with pneumonia. They also have a small daughter who needs attention. Imani is nine and is actually their great granddaughter and has been adopted by them. She and her grandpa are very close. Also keep my husband, his sisters, and my mother in law (she's in the photo) in your prayers. To complicate matters, the family is spread across the United States and Canada making it difficult to know how to respond.

Planter's Warts

The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man... to tend and keep it.

Genesis 2:8a & 15b

We're trying something new with our veggies this year. My dad found a book on "square-foot gardening" and I decided it sounded like a great idea. My dear husband, although he would have rather not, built me some very nice four foot square boxes. We mixed up the soil and have planted all but about 8 of the squares.

Since they are close to both house and hose, the boxes should be fairly easy for me to keep up with even on those days when I have little boys in my care. I will need to be aware when Josh is wandering the grounds, as he knows not a weed from a vegetable, but I think it is doable. Lucas can play on the back porch, well within sight and hearing distance, as I pull weeds or pick myself a salad.

I'm still thinking about planting corn and pumpkins down behind the barn. Maybe I'll throw in some beans and make it a Three Sisters Garden.

The Advocate

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

1 John 2:1-2

Not the Usual

This is not my usual kind of post. I'm not looking for a lot of feedback, rather sorting thoughts. This is where I do some of my deeper thinking and so it is posted here.

I have a very dear friend who is of a different religious persuasion than myself. We have opposing views on who Jesus is and therefore what He means to each one of us. Often, after one of our conversations, I can be found searching the scriptures. This is where I found myself this afternoon and so these verses are posted here on my blog, my "thinking spot". They are printed from her translation of the Bible as during these moments I often go back and forth between hers and mine. Of course, these particular verses back my belief and I am sure she has an answer to support her own. In any case, I love her very much and pray for her often. I hope she prays for me too because I believe a true friend always prays for those she loves. (And yes, she does visit my blog.)


“YOU are my witnesses,” is the utterance of Jehovah, “even my servant whom I have chosen, in order that YOU may know and have faith in me, and that YOU may understand that I am the same One. Before me there was no God formed, and after me there continued to be none. I—I am Jehovah, and besides me there is no savior.” Isaiah 43:10-11

For the undeserved kindness of God which brings salvation to all sorts of men has been manifested, 12 instructing us to repudiate ungodliness and worldly desires and to live with soundness of mind and righteousness and godly devotion amid this present system of things, 13 while we wait for the happy hope and glorious manifestation of the great God and of [the] Savior of us, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave himself for us that he might deliver us from every sort of lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people peculiarly his own, zealous for fine works. Titus 2:11-14

Memorial Day

Although I considered it last year, I did not visit any graves, plant any flags, or attend any parades this Memorial Day. I was up in town early this morning and the streets were quiet. No parade in Williamson today. Our parade is on the traditional Memorial Day, May 30. When we lived in town we could always run outside as soon as the parade started because we lived right near the American Legion.

I am grateful to all our soldiers and sailors. They have sacrificed much to protect and retain the freedoms we have enjoyed all our lives. In a day and age when those freedoms are slowly being stripped away, I am even more thankful. I am grateful for the legacy our forefathers endeavored to leave behind; scriptures etched in stone, carved into the walls of state and federal edifices. Our men and women fought not only for our right to live free, but to love, honor, and obey the God who "created all men equal".

Sunday Afternoon

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable [are] His judgments and His ways past finding out!

Romans 11:33

Let the Picnics Begin!

It's time for picnincs and outdoor gatherings. This morning we worked out in the yard and then headed over to Casey Park for a picnic with some of our friends from church. It was the perfect day to play outside, the perfect day for a walk in the woods along the water, and the perfect day to get a sunburn. (That's what Hannah did.)

Casey Park is somewhat unique. The water there is not a creek or river and not really a pond either. It is and empty ore bed, years ago mined for iron. This particular ore bed is about 2 miles long. People swim here on the eastern end and often rent canoes to paddle the distance to the other end and back. It is also stocked with fish. Not far from home and yet we seldom go there.

Feeling Jaded

I did it! I finally potted all those little jade cuttings. I fully expect them to grow and prosper in their new homes so long as I do not kill them with kindness by watering them too much before they are ready. What will I do with all the precious babies? Well, I'm not quite sure but I am hoping to find them permanent homes before winter sets in again. For now they are camped out on my back steps hoping that no big gusts of wind come along to toss them into the flower garden, that no little boys decide they look interesting to play with, and that no cats or puppy dogs send them tumbling down the steps.

If you are praying for Paige, she can use lots of prayer this week as she started her second round of chemo this past Monday. My allergies are hardly worth calling a bother compared to what this beautiful young lady is facing. One of her biggest wishes right now is to be able to attend graduation in June. She has worked hard and put a lot of effort into doing well in school and one day hopes to persue a medical career like her mother. It will be a shame if she is stuck in the hospital while her class graduates. Please keep praying for Michelle and the rest of the family too as they are in this journey together.

It feels like summer has arrived in a whirlwind. There was the threat of frost Monday morning and now the temperatures are in the eighties. I still hope to get a vegetable garden planted but was thinking this afternoon that I am probably more of a "container gardener". I just need some big pots of dirt right up here close to my patio. I've still got a little bit of time, we'll see what happens.

The Grandmother

Once upon a time this little old woman lived at my mother's house. There was once a little old man who made his living as a wood cutter, but he passed on many years ago leaving the little Grandmother a widow. I have never met their children nor do I know if there are any. If they exist, they moved on long before I was aware. Now the little Grandmother lives at my house tucked up on a shelf with several other knickknacks like a tiny clay angel, a miniature antique car, and a small stuffed bear. I have no idea where the little woman originated, only that she spent my entire childhood with us. I hope she likes it at our house.

As the Cottonwood Flies

I love warm weather, I love sunshine, and I love being outdoors, however being outside when the cottonwood flies leaves me feeling sneezy, spacey, and sleepy. Such will be my lot for the next few weeks. The aches and sneezing will gradually subside and I will actually enjoy working in my gardens. Maybe by then the task won't appear so tremendously daunting.

My dear son, Dave, has delivered some new plants for my gardens; a pair of peonies and two white bleeding hearts. A few weeks ago I mentioned how every year when my peonies came up at our old house, one of my children would come along with a stick and slash them down. The poor plants eventually gave up and died. I never knew exactly who it was until a smiling young man brought his mom some new ones yesterday morning. And the bleeding hearts? Well, who doesn't love this beautiful spring flower? The white ones are especially pretty! Now if only I could find myself a full time gardener who won't run off and get married on me...

Diggin' In the Dirt

I will fall into bed exhausted tonight. It has been a full day. The back porch has been swept and set up for summer. It's time to break out the iced tea!

I went to Ladies' Prayer at church this morning. It is one thing I very much look forward to each week; a time to give God honor for Who He is, to thank Him for His blessings, and to bring our prayers and supplications before Him. There is so much to pray about... I know I can pray at home too, but there is something about doing it as a group that really blesses me and there is power in agreeing together. Yes, Tuesday is quickly becoming one of my favorite days.

I did not stay for Bible study this morning. I had a visitor waiting for me when I arrived home. Jim was here setting up his computer so he can work while he is home, and I knew Dave would be coming around lunchtime. I called Bethany to let her know, and Josiah came too. I had a full house even without James, Nate and Hannah! We enjoyed salad and sandwiches together.

When we finished eating, the dishes were abandoned in the sink and on the counter while Bethany and I pulled weeds and trimmed bushes. I had planned to pot jade plants but at Bethany's suggestion we decided to dig all the plants out of a small garden section, stir up the dirt, and return the desired plants once the garden was freshened up. After a long winter inside the house, gardening can be tough work! Josh was more than eager to help, of course.

Coming Home

Today is a good day. This afternoon I went over to my parent's house to see my mom and to clean the upstairs bedroom. My oldest son arrived home from Minnesota this evening. He stays in the attic bedroom at Grandma's house when he is in town. Before he moved to Minneapolis it was his home. I can't wait to see his smiling face and give him a great big hug! (That's what moms do and grown up boys never mind. They like hugs from Mom.)

My own mother is growing old. Although it is difficult to watch and hard to admit, it is still true. I watched her struggle to catch her breath in church last night as we sat and talked after the evening service. She has been on oxygen for the past eight years and her condition is progressive, but she is okay. She knows that Jesus loves her and heaven is waiting. I hope she stays with us for years to come, but I know there is a reality to life that we often don't want to face. I pray that I will be able to cherish the time we have left.

Rain On Our Parade

Yesterday was the Williamson Apple Blossom Festival Parade. Yesterday's forcast called for rain, and rain it did. The road started out dry but that didn't last long. I've never seen so many umbrellas! Thankfully, the rain was not cold as the day started out nice and warm, although each subsquent downpour was slightly colder than the previous one.

Dark clouds didn't stop this parade. Colorguards twirled their flags in the rain, marching bands played their music. Pretty girls from this year and many previous festivals either braved the rain or covered up the best they could. (The theme was "Thanks for the Memories.") Some were under umbrellas, some waved from the shelter of an automobile, and others smiled in spite of the soaking rain. Candy flew in all diections and soggy children scrambled to grab it up.

My friend Shelly set up her photography booth in the shelter of an empty building and watched the parade without fear of a soaking. See me and my camera in the window's reflection? Too bad my camera batteries died before the parade was over.

After the parade Hannah and I went home for a few hours. My sinus were not happy and I needed to close my eyes for a bit. By the time evening arrived it was downright chilly. We returned to town to find Ben and his friend, Clay, who had ridden bikes up earlier in the day. I stayed in the van while the kids watched the fireworks display. It was both warm and dry.

The Passing of Time

For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, And like a watch in the night.

Psalm 90:4

My days of watching Troy are completed. I'm not sure where the past 2 1/2 years have gone, but the job is now done. Years ago I had other little people in my house. These four spent their days playing together over twenty years ago when we first moved to Williamson. In fact, Charlie and Bethany fed Lincoln Log roof slats into the cool air returns together. (We got them back when had the furnace ducts cleaned...) It seems there have always been small people in my house. It will seem strange to have no Troy just as it seemed strange when the others no longer arrived each morning. They all left behind fond memories and funny stories.

This morning Hannah and I took Troy and headed back up town to the laundromat. (I told you moving the appliances is no easy job.) I thought it wise to wash the clothes before the Apple Blossom Festival took over the town parking lot and we finished just in time. When we left the lot was closed to traffic. While the clothes washed we took a walk and found a tramploine in my friend Shelly's backyard. They said it was okay for Troy to bounce on. While the clothes tumbled in the dryer for a few minutes, we bought some drinks and an order of fries at the Candy Kitchen. Troy thought that was a good idea. This afternoon I am fighting off a sinus headache. I have a pretty good idea it is allergies and that gave me good reason to buy a big jar of locally made honey on my way home. I'm about to have a nice hot cup of tea.

"That's Not How Mommy Does It"

Being a Grandma is a whole lot different than being a mom. The little people God sends along "belong" to us, but not really. It is not Grandma's job to decide when Baby will start eating solids, when he will be potty trained or whether he will attend preschool. Sometimes we do things different than Mommy or Daddy. It's not because we are trying to spite them or prove our way is better, it's just because we are different people. Grandma hasn't neglected Baby because she changed his diaper less than Mommy or let him cry himself to sleep. She knows that diapers are expensive and when her own children were small, she changed diapers only when they really needed to be changed. And crying never hurt Baby, it taught him to settle himself when other tasks were calling, at least in Grandma's days as Mommy.
Grandma doesn't mind if Mommy wants to put Baby on the potty several times throughout the day, she just isn't ready to do that herself. She just found potty training less of a struggle when she waited and prefers to fight other battles right now. Grandma walks a fine line never knowing when her advice or opinion are needed, wanted, or appreciated. She's doing the best she can to do things like Mommy would, but sometimes its hard to know just what that is.

A Different Day

Yesterday brought perfect weather. Hannah had a morning appointment in Rochester right up near the Lilac Festival. It would have been a wonderful day to roam amidst the lilacs but, not wanting to fight the crowds and cars, we drove on past taking a few photos as we went.

I decided to drive up by the reservoir on Cobb's Hill and though we did get out to look at the water, we didn't walk more than a few feet from the van. Lucas was sleeping in his carseat and we needed to be back in town by noon to get Troy.

Maybe one day we'll find some friends, pack a picnic lunch and go back to the city with a list of places to visit and photograph. There are so many places we can go to look at scenery, hike, or picnic and they don't cost a thing except the time and gasoline to get there.

Finishing the Task

On Monday morning I was informed that this will be my final week with Troy. Classes at the community college are finished on Friday and Bryan will be off for the summer. This fall Troy will start kindergarten and so my job will be done in just a couple of days. I can hardly believe I have finished the task.

Troy was just two when he first came, still in diapers and barely talking. We cuddled him, comforted him, played with him and read him stories. In fact for three years he has scarcely gone down for a nap without first reading a book. He's done a lot of growing and is very much looking forward to riding the school bus with his big brother come September.

I knew this day was fast approching and I am not feeling sad over it, at least not yet. What I am wondering is "what comes next?" I still have Josh and Lucas periodically, and although I am slightly hesitant, I'm thinking about possibly adding some more little people to my schedule. If you think of it, keep me in your prayers.

Sleeping in the Sunshine

Today was not a day of big accomplishments. I did not sleep well last night and after inhaling a bit of dust while cleaning my bedroom, I felt rather sleepy. Actually I felt completely sleepy; crabby sleepy. I did not want anyone else to become the object of my sleeplessness and I did not want to cry either. Crying gives me a headache. I decided taking a nap was imperative.