::Annorah::

t has been so long since I stopped to take a picture of my baby girl. It is so true, what they say, about the last children having a much smaller pile of baby photos. But the ones I do take really count. Like this one. . . big sitting-up-girl!

::This Summer::

his summer it looks like we will have plenty of coast time. We are hoping to head to a wedding in Michigan, then continue on to see family in Georgia. On the way home we decided to take the long way back. I want to introduce my kids to a starfish and lighthouses, and the roar of the ocean.

We plan on camping all along the way. Any campground recommendations? Places we must see?

::Spring::

{::Chris Chun::}

Spring is here!

::Left me:

oday, for just a few moments, I thought Norah had left me.

I pulled the back-carrier, in which she was tucked, from my back. I saw a tiny pale face with eyes closed. Is she blue? I called her name. I called it more loudly. I patted her cheeks. I began to pull her to me. Nothing. Eyes stayed closed. Panic. She's gone! God, no!

Perhaps it was seconds. Maybe years. But her eyes opened.
And. I. Wept.
So many tears over a loss that was felt deeply, but never truly came.

When I saw my tiny pale baby I was seeing another boy on another floor, unmoving. Eyes closed. Head in my hands. Rocking over him with only prayers to offer.

His eyes opened too. Much more slowly.

How long will I be seeing loss before it comes?

In this house there have been falls. Gashed chins and torn lips. Cries and blood. But in those things I see life. In silence and stillness I see death. Every mother has hovered over the crib of their new one. Listening. Listening.

My heart has been broken and re-broken over these weeks for the mothers whose children eyes never opened. Who never woke up. If I should die before I wake. . . That gentle drifting that steals away our babies and leaves no room for goodbyes.
My tears were for those mothers too.

"...how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing." {Matt 23:37}
Jesus speaks his words to an Israel who is rejecting him. But to me, my eyes and ears still full of stillness, it sounds as though he is speaking to death. Hating it for clutching the children he loves in its grip. The last enemy. Vanquished. Yet present.
The dark veil we must pass through to get to Jesus.

But.
There.
He.
Stands.
Waiting.
Arms.
Open.

Victorious.

Tiny Annorah, if you should die before you wake, your soul my Saviour longs to take.
Amen.

::The Log Farm::

nother trip to the sugar bush. This time we gave The Log Cabin a try. Aidan tells me this is an NCC property--a heritage site. It is very rustic and charming. I found the lack of polish and structure very appealing. Everything is self-guided. We wandered over to the Pancake House first and filled our bellies. The hash-browns were some of the best I have ever had. Then we hiked to the farm where there were animals wandering here and there, and museum-like displays of pioneering life. There was no staff about at all. It was a free-for-all.

The trail to the Sugar bush was rough. No stroller could possibly have made it the whole way. We set off with back-carriers and arm power. I am so glad Aidan was with me. He had two toddlers in his arms at one point. When we finally arrived we felt it was worth the muddy trek. There were stations that told the tale of how syrup is made. The kids were given buckets and sent to collect sap themselves. This was new to me. Even I found myself eagerly running to peek under each tin lid to see how much clear sap was pooling inside. All buckets were dumped directly into the tub to begin the boiling-off process. The sugar taffy at the end was a big hit, of course.

The walk back from the sugar bush was eventful. A few kids landed in the creek. But we made it. We enjoyed ourselves a lot but are not sure it is an affordable outing for a family of seven. This year we had two children under 3. Someday we would easily be asked to pay $90 for the family to eat and tour. So I would recommend a trip to The Log Farm to smaller families but would suggest bigger groups head out of the city.

::Go Green::

::Go Green::

We have placed an order for:
2 Eastern RedBuds
Ivory Silk Lilac

This is a great program run by the Mississippi Mills Chamber of Commerce as a fund-raiser.
The prices are great. If you live in the area and are landscaping this spring, check it out. Deadlines are next Tuesday, so hurry!

The best time to
plant a tree was
20 years ago.
The second best time is
NOW!

::Balloon Dances & Gold Medals::

hrew a party for two little boys. . .

{::Chocolate Banana Cakes with Coconut Creamcheese icing::}

{::New Bowling Set::}

{::Treasure hunt for. . . ::}{::Floating Balloons and other Treats::}{::The balloons were well-loved::}

{::Chocolate Brownie Cakes topped with Strawberries::}

{::A present for me!::}

{::Tired & baffled little girl::}

{::And one FANTASTIC hockey game::}

::Magic Touch::

They fall asleep at my touch!
What does that say about me?
Magic touch? Or incredibly dull?