When you see Yourself

When you see yourself in a grandchild . . .

it might be a look

a dimple

or the way he or she walks . . .

It could be a personality trait,

a natural inclination,

a fear or a strength . . .

Sometimes you see childhood opportunities you missed

and how life has shaped you with your own experiences.

Sometimes you see yourself possibly making different choices 

had you been born some fifty years later.

It's another chance, in a different context

yet being grateful for the things that stay the same . . .

the beauty of character 

and the familiarity of family 

unaffected by time.

The Frozen Pond

On Sunday we went for a walk mid day . . .

the sun was shining and skaters were enjoying the ice.

It felt like we were part of an old fashioned Christmas card scene.

Walking in the morning, however, 

my focus has been on the ducks, 

tough mallards who stick around for the winter.

I've read that they have a thick layer of fat on them

and that their feathers are water-repellent -

giving them natural insulation.

But it still surprises me to see them walking on the ice

or chilling in small pools on the edge. 

Not the most romantic type of courtship season, if you ask me.

.

The funniest is when they fly and land with a huge slide on the ice

skidding like a bad plane landing.

At this time of year you will also see a raft of them exiting onto the walking path

if they see someone willing to share some food.

They appear to be a lot friendlier, not so quick to scoot away,

when they are cold and hungry.

I'm looking forward to warmer waters for them

and showing off their little broods come Spring.

Baby Jack

Although his sisters have been in and out of the house,  

Jack Benjamin only had his first visit to Papa and Mimi's

at two weeks old. 

We had family dinner . . . fourteen here now, 

but for some reason he was the only one who had his picture taken.

It was the first time I got to hold him for longer than a few minutes . . .

like maybe almost the whole evening?

And he slept through most of it.

Jack . . . meaning God is gracious

befits the special gift he is

Benjamin . . . youngest and dearly loved

just like his dad.

Dear Jack . . . as we have prayed for you long before you came to be,

we will continue to ask God to bless you 

and to make you a blessing. 

May you always know His love for you.

Love, Papa and Mimi

Snowy Day Sentiments

January has hit us with a sense of beauty and wonder all its own.

The front door still gets opened many times, but not for long,

especially when you get hit with a gust of wind. 

From the back windows, I can't get enough of the lit up bushes,

the evergreen branches bowing to the ground

or the mighty maple tree showing off every little twig

that is totally hidden in summer.

And as I marvel at the beauty of snow covered landscapes

I'm reminded of how fitting it is to begin a new year

with the look of a new page,

a reminder of the One who makes all things new.

Christmas has been a time to remember the gift of hope we have been given.

And now we go on to practice . . .

life as it comes with its challenges of caring for aging parents,

while welcoming the sound of a new baby's cry and

a line up of small, wet boots by the door.

Hope is here . . . even as joy and sadness walk hand in hand.

The comfort of warmth and lights in the face of a cold blast of wind - 

maybe that is why I'm hanging on to these scenes.

Let me finish with just one of this week's smiles.

(I hope you can figure out the last sentence - where one important word

came out unclear) 

It's a Boy!

The call we had been waiting for came on Wednesday morning

and soon  I had three very excited girls to keep me company 

as mom and dad drove off. 

For the ones waiting, it seemed like a long day,

but the time came when we too were finally on our way to the hospital

to meet him! 

Like a live baby doll to hold . . .

each one had to take their turn.

I'm sure Lacey has memories of other times already.

And I wonder if Teddy remembers almost two years back . . .

but for Jade this was a first big sister moment. 

And for us a first three generation photo of this kind!

Jack Benjamin was born to Ben and Kari Friesen

December 28th

4:31 PM

weighing 8 lbs, 11 oz

What joy and excitement one little guy can bring to a family!

So This Was Christmas - A Gift

There are no words when a heart is full
of the wonder of undeserved love and grace
given over and over.