Spring Cleaning with Little "Angels"

Truthfully, they're not so little anymore.

But my six youngest and my friend's three youngest children (the littles in their respective large families) tackled the back yard today.  

The garden was a mess. If you look carefully at the following picture, you'll see the garden fence, with lots of stuff that needs to be raked:

There was paraphernalia left over from finishing off the siding last fall.  There was an old door, tossed aside when the back door was replaced.  There were weeds and dry old vines and rocks and bits of glass and screws and nails.  Lots of junk to clean.  UGH.

Here you can see that the fence has been removed, and the garden area has been raked and cleaned.  

Elena is rejoicing...we're almost done:

Josh, Dan & Pat took turns driving the tractor around.  Here's Joshua taking a turn.  

They gathered garbage, taking it to the burn pile.  They pulled out the fence, which we plan to re-install after we till and make our garden about 50% larger than last year's.  They pulled out two posts that used to belong to our old wooden swing set, which collapsed a couple of years ago under the weight of a fallen maple tree.  

Linda, Elena, Tiana, Jessie and Joy used rakes and shovels to get rid of weeds and debris.  They worked tirelessly for hours, making a dreary task fun by working together.  

Christopher did lots of running for the older kids.  He picked up some nails and screws.  He ran and got buckets when we needed them.  

"Job well done, kids!  Now it's time for a tea, but just let me get a final picture of the back yard.  C'mon, everybody line up so I can get your picture."

"Aww, do we HAVE to?"  (Half the kids had already made it inside...)

"Naww... it's okay...I know you're tired.  Snap."  

Jaredity-Jay

Tiana has been baking cookies.  Some of those cookies have been eaten by her recuperating older brother.

It's nearly been a week since the surgery.  Jared has been happily sitting, watching videos, reading, and resting.  At first the leg was well-bandaged, but the seeping blood turned the bandage rock-hard, so that it was cutting into his leg.  I gingerly removed it.

Thirty-four staples, people!  Ugh.

The leg seems to be getting better, but I don't like the swelling, nor do I like the blood pooling at the bottom of the ankle.  I have applied arnica gel to help with the bruising, and have given Jared plenty of Vitamin C, cod liver oil, and curcumin.  And I have prayed, much, for God, the Great Physician, to heal my son.

Emma and Becky - dancers!

The girls had their dance recital today - and they did a wonderful job! Here are some pictures (notice how cute they are?):

Beautiful dance, girls! 

Love,

Granny

Gordon the Great! In Memoriam

Every family reunion has one. Someone who is the life of the party, who thinks up the great games and tells hilarious jokes.

Every time we would pile all of the kids into the van and head to Springbank Park in London for our family reunion, a voice would pipe up from the back seat, "Oh, I hope Uncle Gordie is there!"

He was the one who wore the "bucket hat" and teased all of the kids, big and small. He was the one who coined the phrase, "The Thundering Herd", in reference to our gang of kids. We'll always say it now...it's part of the family vernacular: "Here comes the Thundering Herd!"

A few years ago little Tiana asked Uncle Gordie, "Can I use your camera?" I gasped, thinking this little one was going to mess up Great Uncle's camera. He chuckled, and said, "Sure!" He showed her how to use it, and she traipsed merrily around the group, snapping pictures of everyone.

A few weeks later, in the mail came a great big envelope for Tiana. Uncle Gordie had sent the pictures. There was commentary along with them - "the girls are so pretty," Gordie said, "but Daniel is the prettiest!" Daniel will never live THAT one down.

One of the pictures was of Uncle Gordie, but the top of his head was missing. Tiana hadn't aimed the camera correctly. "I'll get you for that," he warned.

Tiana wrote back to thank him, and from that time forward she enjoyed a penpal relationship with "Mean Uncle Gordie". He classified himself that way, but we all knew better. He loved the kids and only pretended to be mean.

Great Uncle Gordie was a GREAT UNCLE...lots of fun, caring, personable, and full of laughter.

We'll miss him.

A Good Day

We had a jam-packed day yesterday. Up early, breakfast, chores...the usual scurrying around, looking for shoes, getting coffee in travel mugs. On our way.

The drive, although too long in my opinion, is always pleasant on days like yesterday. The sun shone on the frost and the fog, highlighting the beauty of horses grazing in the mist. Fall colours are still brilliant, with oranges, yellows, and scarlets accentuated against blue sky or (surprisingly!) still green fields.

We listen to oldies on the way, children singing along, Rick nodding off. I drive too fast, keeping my eyes open for speed traps (saw two!) and wishing we'd left earlier.

We got to church on time - relief! and were welcomed by 5 smiling faces. I rushed to congratulate Joel on his recent engagement.

Pastor Bob preached powerfully, reminding us of Jesus' status as the Cosmic Creator, Conqueror and King. After fellowship and coffee, we headed to Stratford to help move a piano for Rachel.

It's good that my kids are all tall and strong. We got to the house to pick up the piano and discovered that it had to be hauled up two short flights of stairs, turned on its end, and maneuvered through tight corners. There was a bit of excitement, but the piano got safely to Rachel's house.

We then headed home. Matt and Joanna and their kids arrived before we did. After a bite to eat and a bit of visiting,we went for a walk down the country road and up a gravelly path, filled with leaves that had fallen to make a thick, inviting carpet. The twelve of us (plus two of the dogs) had a blast shuffling through the leaves, discovering treasures in the woods (sticks for swords; a "staff" like Gandalf's) and Kaleb was broken-hearted when we had to turn back.

Daniel fired up the barbecue and cooked hamburgers for all, which we enjoyed out on the patio, snuggled up close to the fire pit.

There truly is joy in the simple things of life: a nature walk, a nice meal shared around a roaring fire, the laughter of children and earnest debate of adults.

It was a good day.

An ordinary day; extra-ordinary grace.

Rick always asks me how my day is going when I call him to find out how he is doing on the road. I always reply, "Okay." Then I proceed to tell him what is happening around the old homestead while he's away, bringing home the bacon.

But how do I describe today?

How do I explain how much my heart is torn by the sin I see in my child, because it is so much a copy of my own? And how do I tell him how much my heart is warmed by the worship I witnessed as my older ones (of the ones still at home) shared their love of God and their understanding of His word and His majesty with their younger siblings?

Oh, I can say that two of the children had a disagreement, and that words were exchanged, fast and furious. I can tell him that just before lunch, when this disagreement took place, we had just finished watching a demonstration of how vast and how amazing our universe is, and that we all were in awe of our God, Who created it all for us.

But, it's hard to explain how God works in the lives of one ordinary family in an out-of-the-way township in the middle of nowhere.

When the child-who-was-angry was being confronted, lovingly, by her siblings, she was reminded that God is BIG, and that we are very, very small. She was led to see that the "fights and quarrels" among us were caused by our own evil desires, by wanting something and not getting it. She was reminded that this very BIG and astounding Creator God is perfectly able to supply all of our needs, and that He has done just that, by giving her the very siblings that He uses to refine her as gold.

Nothing happens by chance. The fact that we had just sat at the computer, watching an amazing demonstration of the vastness of the universe and the complexity of astrological bodies and the enormity of time it would take (hundreds of billions of years!) to reach the outermost edge of what astronomers have discovered, and then were faced with a family crisis that called for a reminder of the greatness of our God...this was not by chance.

The fact that we had to run to town to do some errands and that only Mom and the child-who-was-angry were to go was not at all by chance, either. It gave us time to visit and chat, to gain understanding, and to simply enjoy each other's company.

When I see the sin that runs rampant in my family, it humbles me and drives me to my knees. It's a holy experience, like this. And when I see the maturity and knowledge and understanding shared by the older ones, it humbles me and drives me to my knees, too...but in gratefulness for God's grace.

A Neat Path to Eternal Flight...What?

I was trying to come up with some kind of combination of the registered names of the two Standardbred horses that are in our pasture.

But I can't.

Likewise, I am speechless at the goodness of God, Who gives us the desires of our hearts.

Ever since our three beautiful horses died last December, there has been a void in our hearts. Driving up our road hasn't held the same anticipation - empty fields grant no thrill.

A few weeks ago, Heather told me that she just isn't the same without a horse. She has been discouraged, depressed even, for months. Horses have been a part of her life since she was born (even as a wee baby in the car seat she would point at every horse she spied as we drove by the Mennonite farms). When we got Shantel in 1993, her heart was filled to bursting, and she passed this horsey disease onto the rest of the girls in the family!

Anyway, Heather started praying and searching for a horse. She found Doc, whose name will soon be modified, and whose registered name was Neat Path. She drove hours to see him, and fell immediately in love. He's beautiful, responsive, good around people. He comes when he's called, and stands close by as the humans talk. She made a deal, and phoned me, her voice dripping with heartfelt emotion. "I've bought a horse, Mom!"

On the way home she stopped to see a second Standardbred, Eternal Flight, known as Edith. (That will change!) A horse for Linda, and the rest of the family. The girls scraped together their hay money, and borrowed the rest from their hard-working brother.

Heather found a trailer, and yesterday we brought home two beautiful horses.

My heart is singing. And pictures are worth a thousand words. (Scroll down to the bottom of this page to see another one.

What a day!

What a wonderful day we had today.

We were blessed to go to church today. Even though we left late, we (by the miracle of a heavy foot) arrived on time. The message was encouraging - faint hearts vs hearts that are tuned to God. God works in the trials that He sends to us...there is a purpose for every single trial, and the God who sends the trials works in them for our good and His glory!

The people of our little church were an encouragement, too, asking about my husband and his personal struggles. It was so good to know that they love us and pray for us, and miss us when we aren't there.

We went shopping for groceries on the way home, then popped in to see Matt and Joanna. They are in the middle of major renovations! In no time at all, their kitchen will be beautiful. It's slow going at the moment, but they are working hard, and by Christmas they should be enjoying the fruit of their labour.

We arrived home to a lovely supper cooked by Heather, who was waiting at our home to tell us all about her new horse.

Not long after, Rick arrived home with tales of his day on the road.

What made it a beautiful day? Family, friends, and the deep-seated knowledge that we walk with God, moment by moment, day by day.

A beautiful day, indeed.

We're baaaaaaack!!

Camping at Creekside was a blast! For the most part, we had good weather, good food, good fun. We enjoyed paddling in the creek, cooking outdoors, and watching three beautiful babies just being beautiful.

Kaleb went from saying "Hi, Yanny!" to "Hi, Ganny!" Pretty soon it will be Granny, I'm sure.

The best part was the fireside chats the adults enjoyed, far into the night. We gazed at the stars, marvelling at the beauty of the Milky Way and the constellations. We talked about God, about family, about plans and goals and dreams. It was all good.

And I am too tired to write more. I'll post pictures soon.

Elena's Big Surprise!

We did it! We pulled off a "While You Were Out" surprise, and renovated the room my daughter Elena shares with her sister, Tiana.

Linda and Elena went to help their cousin, David, and his wife, Kate. Kate just had a beautiful baby boy, and was feeling a bit overwhelmed at the prospect of six kids and hot, hazy and humid summer weather. Linda and Elena were the answer: instant entertainment!

So, while they were out, the ones at home plus a few married ones pitched in and cleared out the bedroom. This is Adeena, painting the drawers and the baseboards and the bed and the dresser.
Linda painting the closet; Daniel working on the door. He put in a new door handle!


We scraped the old border off the wall, then mudded, sanded, painted (3 coats!), painted, and painted: beds, dresser, walls, ceiling, closet, shelves, door, and a brand new little desk that Jeff built! Here is Tiana holding baby Matthew while Rachel poses like a painter!


Waiting for Elena to come in. You can see the little desk that Jeff built:


The look of shock on her face is obvious. She didn't say much, because (as she told us later) she was overwhelmed and was afraid she'd cry. However, she loves her new room!

I will post pictures of the whole effect once I get the bedspreads made and the curtain hung. Meanwhile, thank you so much, married kids of mine, and all the ones at home who pitched in and helped with this project! It's a great blessing to your sisters.

Billson Family - aren't they adorable?

After church today, we stopped to visit with Matt and Joanna and their beautiful children. As you can see, the five of them are quite adorable.


Matt is busy with the two older ones, while Joanna takes care of the newborn! Kaleb is getting a kick out of his little brother, and calls him "Lebi". Kaitlyn says, "Baby".

Kaleb, with a bit of help, got acquainted with his little brother.




Meanwhile, Matt had a visit with HIS little brother (Critter).


On the way home, this is the view we enjoyed. We are truly blessed, with family, with friends, with beauty all around. For all of that, we give thanks.

We did it!

We moved the shed that I have been wanting to move for quite some time. I failed to take pictures, and I am too tired to really explain it all, but for posterity's sake I wanted to record the achievement.

We've all been working at the last corner of our property that needs to be tidied up and organized. Everything else is fine. However, just behind the barn was a little patch (maybe 30 square feet) full of burdocks and thistles and twigs and branches and stones and old tools and duck bones (THAT'S where the predators take the poor ducks to dispatch them! - we never knew!) and old fencing.

We all raked and dug and picked up and put away and carried all sorts of things. It's been really hot working out there, so I was determined that today would be the day. I didn't want to have to spend another day at this miserable job.

Just about everything was ready when we came in for supper. After supper, Rick decided that he and Daniel had to go and dump the truck. We begged him to wait until the building was moved, but he would have none of it. He needed to dump in the daylight, which was fast fading.

So, we called Jared - it's a handy thing having a son who is 6'7" - and then Linda and Heather and Elena and Tiana and I hooked a couple of ropes to the building, and we P-U-L-L-E-D! It moved!! We pulled some more, and lifted a bit, and with much huffing and puffing, we got it where we want it.

Now we have to put the tarp on it, but that's a job for Rick. My part's done. YEAH!!

Irresistible Grace

I've been camping with kids and grandkids, up at Creekside Camping. Adeena and Jeff have done a marvelous job of creating a little haven. Their little valley includes a creek, a huge willow tree, a tiny bridge (over said creek!), and a brand-new outhouse. Because they are far away from a major city, the stars at Creekside are absolutely stunning. We were awakened each morning with the sound of birds chirping in the nearby bushes, and we were lulled to sleep by the rippling brook and the sounds of bullfrogs calling for their mates.

The only damper was the mosquitoes. I didn't mind the few episodes of rain, because rain is to be expected, and we hid away inside the shed or the trailers if need be. However, I despise mosquitoes, simply because they find me irresistible. I taste better than anyone around me, including my sweet and tasty littlest grandbabies.

God is Irresistible, too. He calls, and we come. It's as simple as that. Who can resist the God of Heaven, who woos us and hems us in, making us turn to Him, because there really is no other path to take? Nobody can. And blessed are those who have been chosen, and called, and made children of this Glorious God.

Here's a song, Irresistible Grace, that expresses it well.

And now I am heading off to my bed. After a few days of sleeping in an old Rambler Trailer, my bed is also irresistible. At least for me, at this moment.

Lady Linda

Our beautiful daughter is now 20 years old! We went to the Medieval Times show in Toronto, thanks to a good friend who bought her the tickets.

Steve and Heather, the Green Knight, Linda and me.

Linda with the King and the Princess.

Linda looking at the Knight in Shining Armour.
I wonder what she's thinking...

Linda is interested in all things Celtic, and that includes much about Medieval History. She was thrilled with the horses, the "fighting", the jousting, and the competition to win the fair lady's heart. However, her greatest thrill of the night was watching the Falconer do a demonstration. Afterwards, she was able to approach him and ask him to sign her crown.

Here, I know what she's thinking... "I wish I could hold it!"

Maybe, some day, Linda will get to train a falcon. For now, she must be content to be a daughter, a sister, a friend, and most of all, a follower of God. That she does very well.

We love you, Linda! I am so glad that your birthday was special.

Chickens and Anniversaries

We picked up 130 chicks today; 30 went to my eldest daughter. We've got them inside the front porch, in a bathtub (rounded corners) with a heat lamp, feed, and water. They are chirping happily, napping lots, eating and pooping. In a couple of months, we'll butcher them and put them into our freezer. In that regard, I want to keep the following website handy.

How to Butcher a Chicken: Go here for step-by-step instructions.

Today was Heather and Steve's 9th anniversary. God has blessed them with four beautiful children, and a lovely home in a tiny town close to us. We are grateful for their marriage, and it was a blessing to have them as our guests for supper this evening.

Nine years has flown by! Before we know it, they'll be married 18, then 27 years...it's going to be quick!

Ask me how I know.

Idleness

I think all video games are like the one, above. They may be a bit more exciting, but they accomplish just as much.

Against idleness and mischief

by Isaac Watts


How doth the little busy bee

Improve each shining hour,

And gather honey all the day

From every opening flower!


How skillfully she builds her cell!

How neat she spreads the wax!

And labours hard to store it well

With the sweet food she makes.

In works of labour or of skill

I would be busy too:

For Satan finds some mischief still

For idle hands to do.

In books, or work, or healthful play

Let my first years be past,

That I may give for every day

Some good account at last.

We've had an incredibly busy week, but when I sat down this evening at the computer, I couldn't recall what took up most of our time. We did some gardening work, some housework, some yard work. We went to a piano recital and a soccer game. We shopped for groceries and watched a bit of television in the evenings.

The week just flew by, and I really don't know how the days disappeared so quickly.

Part of the reason is that we've been helping a friend who is selling most of her worldly goods in order to relocate. That certainly cut into our routine. But when I try to remember what tasks occupied my mind this week, it's all a blur.

I prefer weeks that start with a checklist of things that need to be accomplished. I love to check off the tasks, one by one. However, this week didn't seem to run that way. It was made up of a million little interruptions.

Lord, I give it all to You. I thank You that most of this week was spent serving my family or friends. I thank you that even when my life is a blur and I feel harried, You are calm. You have it all under control.

Thank You for ordering my steps. May my day tomorrow with friends and family be a blessing, both to me and to them. And may you be glorified in all that we say and do. In Jesus' name, amen.

Musicians

Mrs. Lear's piano students at the 2008 Recital in Londesboro, Ontario:


The girls attended and performed in their recital this evening. Even though they were extremely nervous, they did very well, and made their Mommy proud!

We got to the church early, so they had a quick practice, then played when their turn came. They each did a solo, a duet, and a trio.



I love to hear the kids practice their songs each week. I love to watch them burst through the door with the latest news from Mr. and Mrs. Lear. It's a joy to see how they've learned so much in these past two years, and I look forward to many more years of hearing those ivories tinkle!

Twin Pics

Poppa and Heidi.


Matthew and Granny.

Heidi, just watching.

Matthew is exuberant! Heidi is more contemplative. You can see their personalities in this photo.

Sunday Stroll

The twins in the stroller. Big Matt in front, tiny Heidi in the rear. That`s because Matthew would bop Heidi just for fun, if she were ahead of him. Heidi was patient about being a bit squished in the back!




The beautiful day beckoned us outside yesterday. We have a creek that runs under a bridge only half a mile from our house, and it's a perfect place to explore. The kids often see deer tracks, or raccoon tracks. Minnows flit through the shallow water, which only a month ago was a raging torrent. Granny and Mommy stayed on the bridge, but the adventurers went below.



"Me, too, Linda!" Three year old Stewie insisted on going in the long grass down by the creek. Linda patiently went with him, even though she knew she`d end up having to carry him out!



There`s nothing like a Sunday stroll with family and friends on a beautiful spring day. When combined with a bit of adventure, it`s the stuff memories are made of.

My life is like a stroll upon the beach,
As near the ocean`s edge as I can go.
- Henry David Thoreau