A true Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Today began early. I mean too early! Sarah went to bed last night super excited that Sunday morning she could finally give me her present that she made at school. I must admit that these are the gifts that I love to open up and see the creativity of my daughters. I read how what they cherish and see.  However, I must also admit that at 5 am I was not too excited. Yes, I will repeat that it was FIVE in the morning when Sarah came bounding in the bedroom to wish me a "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!"

As we got ready for church it was another mom moment to savour. Our eldest daughter, Nicole, decided that today was the day to make sure that each moment and action taken by her sisters was corrected. It was a moment that brought me back several years... to a time which may have happened too often.... when I being the oldest child made it my mission to point out things to my siblings. Boy, I must have drove my mother crazy!

Next, while at church, Meagan was not feeling well. With her stomach aching and her colour gone I took her home early to rest and hopefully the illness to pass quickly for her sake.  A sick child now to mend back to health is one more reminder of what a mother has to deal with! Thankfully, this did not last long and quickly passed through her system.

While this is a day dedicating to celebrating the women who have played a significant role in our lives, for me it was a day filled with mom moments. Sleep depravation, sibling testing and teasing, and a sick child - all a part of what a mother has to contend with.  While these may not be a glorious part of mother, without these three darling girls, motherhood for me would not be possible.  For even the opportunity to care for these young women in these moments, I am gratefully to be called their Mom!

Spring Cleanup and Nesting

Spring is in the air and that means a cleanup of the old branches and vines that did not get hacked down before the winter set in last season.  While Stephen chopped down the vines , the girls were to bring the debris out to the back corner of the yard.


Sarah asked if she could make a nest with the vines and Stephen agreed without thinking about what he was responding to. All I heard him say was that she could not do it on the grass in the backyard. My curiosity was peaked so I watched the activity unfold. I had heard her add a description to the nest that she hoped to make but was not sure I had heard correctly.  It was not until Stephen was finished pruning and he turned around to see the pile of twigs being wrapped into the shape of a nest, did he realize what he had agreed to.  Sarah boosted that she was going to create a nest... a "human" nest!!!!  I had heard her correctly.

Once Sarah began, Meagan happened to be coming out of the house and was quick to join in the building.  Meagan mentioned that the twigs needed a little greenery. She quickly gleaned some leaves. They were then added to create a more realistic looking nest. The twigs were shaped into a bowl and the leaves were added to create a little comfort from the prickly, toughness of the wood.

Once the "human" nest was complete, it was time to test it out. Each one took their turn to sit in their creation.  What fun it is to watch creativity in motion! What joy to watch the projects that can result from spring cleanup! Sometimes it is just neat to see what can develop if you allow the girls to just do what comes to mind instead of getting the job done right at that moment.

a

new year new.....

From Two to One!

I had another surgeon's appointment today with Dr Fortin. She is the wonderful gifted surgeon who performed my reconstruction surgery. I have been returning to London every second week for follow-up due to a couple of areas which are taking time to heal. In my opinion, a very long time to heal.
While things were progressing at a faster rate since the sea-sorb packing was being used, I was delighting to hear Dr. Fortin state that she was very pleased and that I would not have to return for month. Yes, it would be ONE MONTH instead of two weeks before the next visit. I almost leapt off the examination table. But it was the final words she said that made my heart leap. By the time I should see her next, I should be healed over! Now those were the words I was longing to hear!

A New Word From My Sponsor

Since just before my diagnosis, two years ago, there was a common thread to the Scripture passages that I was reading - STRENGTH. If you are unaware of this, feel free to peruse through the blog entries and you may find my references to how God touched my weak heart during the past years. This morning things have changed.

I was brought to tears as I was reading the passage suggested from my 365-day reading plan. The words were from Ezekiel 37:1-14 and here is why my heart was moved. This passage is about a vision that God gives to Ezekiel while at a valley full of dry bones. God says to Ezekiel to speak to the bones and tell them to listen to the word of the Lord. God is going to bring the bones together, cover them with muscle and flesh and then breathe life in them. Wow, what a sight that must have been to see the numerous bones rearranging, standing up, and coming back to life! While this vision is truly remarkable, it was the final verses of the passage that struck me. There was one word, a theme, that has been recurred over the past few weeks in other passages, but today I have just finally got the word from my Sponsor.

Today the common thread has changed. The one word that I have been reading about is no longer one of strength it has been changed to HOPE. Just like the bones had become old and dry - all hope is gone (verse 11), I have felt that in deep ways. His strength has carried me through it all. Today, I know and feel in my heart that "God has put His Spirit in me... Then you will know that I am the Lord. You will see that I have done everything just as I promised." (verse13) I just love it, but Him most of all. In Him, lies the hope!

Housework is not overrated!

I have a whole new appreciation for the willing hands.

Over the past weeks, and a few more weeks to come, I have been limited to what I am able to do around the house. The "no lifting" rule is becoming more and more difficult to adhere to as my recovery progresses. While it is nice to be told that I should leave the heavier household chores, each day as the pain subsides slightly, I think that I should be that much closer to returning to picking up around the home. All I need to do is fold a couple of towels or match a few pair of socks to realize why I need to listen to the doctor's orders.

Much thanks to the willing hands who have entered our home to clean up the Tamming mess and wash a few loads of laundry. For each one, I am truly grateful.