A Canadian Tradition

It's a Canadian tradition.

However, it's a rare treat in this part of Canada.

It has to be cold enough (which it often isn't),

and the conditions have to be perfect (which they often aren't).

Fraser, Howie, and Calvin ~ on a local pond.

The boys took advantage of the great conditions and
played a total of about nine hours over three days last week.
Howie, on the other hand, had to work and was feeling his age.
He spent about an hour on the ice.

Today, it is raining and the ice is melting.
By all accounts, they had fun, and great memories were made.
Which is a good thing, because it may be a few years 
before it happens again.

Happy Monday!
With Love, Camille

Flashback Friday ~ The Boys' Bears

Our three boys each had a special bear when they were little.

Security blankets, if you will.  They went with them everywhere.

The bears were brought along to church in the hopes of getting the boys to sit quietly

during the preaching part of the service.  Those bears were snuggled with at bedtime.

  

Periodically, they required a washing and were subsequently hung out to dry.

On one such occasion, I snapped a photo.  I didn't fully realise at the time 

how precious it would become.  But, precious it most certainly is!

L to R: Fraser's "Bear", Austin's "Teddy", 
and Calvin's "Pooky" ~ Spring 2000.

Calvin, Fraser, and Austin ~ Summer 2000.

As the years passed, each of the boys gave up their bears.

One by one, they were tucked away for safe keeping.

Before we were really ready for it, our little men grew up.

These days, we are treasuring up the old memories
as we seek to treasure up the new.
And, God is good.  All the time.

Happy Friday!

With Love, Camille

Yoho ~ Men Out of Boys

The boys did it again.

Last month, they drove clear across our Province and 

settled themselves in the heart of bear country.

And, cougar country.  And, wildfire country.

It's a good thing I am unaware of the various dangers they come face to face

with until they are safe and sound in their own beds under our roof.

They are young and invincible.

Or, so it would seem.

I found out after the fact that helmets and rope were recommended

at some points along the trail.  Neither were used by our boys.

See what I mean?  Mamas are not welcome on trips like these.

By all reports, the trip was a success.

These are the experiences that help make men out of boys.

By God's grace, I won't stand in their way.

Thankfully, it will be nearly a year before I have to let them go again.

Little by little, the apron strings are being cut.  Little by little I let go.

But, as long as there is food involved, I think I can lure them back.

With Love,

Camille

**Photos in this post courtesy of Jonathan H. with the
exception of the panoramic image....it is Calvin's.
Thank you to you both!  :)

Snip. Snip. Snip.

It's all because of Howie.
And, I love him for it.  Just one of the reasons.

If it were left up to me, our children might never grow up.

I can tend to mother them beyond what's reasonable.
The temptation to tie them too tightly with my apron strings tugs at my heart.

Howie brings a wonderful balance to these tendencies of mine.

He encourages a methodical and age appropriate cutting of those strings.
I won't lie.  At times it's a little bit painful.  But, it's all for the best.

Our boys have gone camping.  Without us.  A few times.  

On one occasion, they travelled clear across the Province.  Into the heart of bear country.
If it had been up to me I am sure I would not have let them go.  Well, maybe at 30.
They not only survived, but, they thrived.  The timing was right.

They seemed to grow a little taller on that trip.
I am quite sure they must have.  Inwardly, at the very least.

 ~ From the above mentioned trip in 2014 ~

Just the other day, they took Miss M and Emma up to Grouse Mountain.
The very next day, they loaded up the van with bikes and Calvin drove to the ferry.
Once there, they unloaded those bikes and rode onto the ferry
along with the cars in order to spend the day on Mayne Island.

Howie and I stayed home.  Alone.
Snip. Snip. Snip.  Slowly, but, surely.

 ~ Just before they made the trek up Grouse Mountain ~

None of these things would have happened if I hadn't had assurance from
my better half that it was a good thing for them to do.  Without us.
It feels strange to make room for their wings to spread and give them the liberty to fly.
I cannot think about it too much, however.  I've even been known to leave when they do.

I'm always thankful when they arrive back home.
Safe and sound.  But then, off they go again.  I cannot tie them down.

~ After their day on Mayne Island ~

What a blessing it is to know that they are in the Lord's hands.
And, He loves them so much more than we ever could.
It truly is such a comforting thought.  So, I rest my heart there.
By His grace and in His strength.  Seeking Him for wisdom each step of the way.

What about you?  What are some of the ways in which you are
encouraging your children to soar?  What ages and stages are you currently in?
If your children are grown, what did you do to foster a healthy independence in them?
Please share your wisdom and experiences....I'm all ears.  :)

Many Blessings, Camille

**Grouse Mountain photo courtesy of Miss M ~
Thank you so much for sharing!  :)

Eighteen!

Our Calvin is eighteen!

He has been so quickly morphing from the little boy

he once was into the young man he now is.

Time marches on.  And, we are thankful.

Thankful for the years we have been given

with our second son.  Thankful for his sweet and tender heart.

Thankful that his desire is to do what is right and follow

the Lord wherever He may lead.  Thankful that he belongs to Him.

At the end of the day, that is all that really matters.

We love you, Calvin.  With all our hearts.

You are precious and a gift from the Lord.

He blessed us beyond measure when He gave us you.

Happiest of birthdays!

All our Love,

Dad and Mum XOXO

**Photo credit  for Calvin's grown-up shot goes to Josiah ~
Thank you for sharing!  :)

Art Incorporated

A few new pieces of art have recently been added to our home.

Calvin had some calendars printed which included a number of his photos.

The one he made for me had carefully selected Bible verses added to the pictures....love!

Last summer, my Dad created some more of his beautiful drawings.
He shared one of them with us.  A Grizzly mama bear with her cub is
featured in it with one of the Rocky Mountains in the background.

It currently lives in the office area of our home.

Do you remember this?  Well, that led to this, which resulted in this.

We've had this frame for a number of years, but, it was never put to use.
Once the bathroom had a fresh coat of paint, I was inspired to hang art.
Guess where the picture came from?  An old calendar.  Free!
It's hanging on the wall to the left in the photo above.



The hand towel rack that had been pulled out of the wall needed
to be installed in a different spot than it had previously been in.
And, these two little plaques go perfectly in the space created.

I especially love the Bible verses featured on them.
What precious promises the Lord gives His people!!

So, there you have it.  Art incorporated.
How do you incorporate art into your home?
What is your favourite tip for doing it frugally?

Happy Weekend Y'all!
With Love, Camille

Spreading Their Wings

It's inevitable.  It cannot be stopped.

Our children grow and change and become independent.
Or, they ought to.  And, we ought to facilitate it.
When and how is an individual family's decision.  Wisdom is required.

We are in the midst of these changes.  Right now.

Boys to men.  It's happening right before our eyes.
Our young men are spreading their wings.

~ Fraser and Calvin on the right ~

If it weren't for the fact that my boys have a Dad

who remembers what it was like to be a young man,

they would not be allowed to go on adventures like they do.

No sirree.  It would not be allowed.  Not at all.

But, that would not be good.  I know it wouldn't.
These really are good and necessary things.

At the beginning of August, Calvin and Fraser piled into a car

with two other young men and travelled clear across the Province.

Right into the mountains.  Out of cell phone reach.  Seven hours away.
Deep into the heart of Grizzly Country.  For real.
(They didn't see any bears, but, they were informed of their presence.)

They slept and ate and hiked.  Day after day.  For nearly a week.

This was the reason behind the trip Emma and I took.
A little distraction was a good thing for this Mama.
Poor Howie ~ he was holding the fort at home, and had
plenty of time to think about what it was that we had done.
(Maybe he began to second guess our decision to let them go?)

~ Fraser and Calvin on the left ~

When the boys returned, I had them unload everything into the laundry room.

They were under strict orders not to bring anything beyond its borders.
The report of "I didn't change anything but my socks for five days!" was
not music to my ears.  But, they survived.  And, are the better for it.

On a side note ~ white and camping do not mix.  Just sayin'.
Thankfully, I have a good supply of Oxi-Clean on hand.  It works wonders.

The socks that had been zipped closed in the Ziploc freezer bag,
however, were not salvageable.  Nope.  They were promptly ditched.
Wet socks sealed up for days on end produce nasty results.  Very nasty.
Thankfully, they were the only casualties of the entire experience.

Our young men survived and did it well.



The boys came home filled to the brim with stories and over 1000 images.
By all accounts, it was a wonderful experience for each one of them.
And, as a bonus, the friendships being forged are stronger because of it.
We are thankful for these opportunities for our young men.

But, I must admit ~ we are glad to have them home.
(It is a little messier and louder ~ but, it is good.)

Many Blessings,
Camille

**Photos in this post courtesy of Calvin ~ Thank you my love!  XO
(The first group shot was taken by a French hiker, the second shot was
taken by J.H., and the final group photo was taken using the self-timer.)

It's Official

Our Calvin has graduated from high school.
Last Friday, he walked the stage and had his tassel
transferred from the right to the left.
It's official.  He's done.

 It all kinda snuck up on us.
Wasn't it just yesterday that he was playing trucks
and digging up in the back yard with his big brother?
This is how I remember him.

And now...here we are!
How did it happen?  It seems like a blur.
Time just flies by...doesn't it?

How MUCH we miss our Austin.  It hurts my Mama heart.
How thankful we are that we soon will be together again.
Very soon.  In our forever home.  For all eternity.

The Lord is so very good.  His ways are always perfect.  
Even when things don't turn out the way we want them to.

He is with us each step of this journey.
And He is faithful to carry us through.
May His loving hand be upon you in your lives as well.
Truly, He is the only reason we have any hope at all.

With Love, Camille

Right Before Our Eyes

It's a big deal.  Orthodontia, that is.
Our first two were subjected to the full treatment.

We are hoping that Fraser and Emma will be able to avoid it. 
Emma did have a little preventative intervention a few years ago.
Hopefully, she will progress just fine.  So far, so good.

Here's our *little* Calvin at the beginning of his adventure.
This photo was taken in January 2012.  He was 14.

Calvin wore the upper brackets for a total of two years,
four months, and ten days (but, who's counting?).  
The lowers were on for just under 23 months.

They came off last week, and now he has a (mostly) new smile.

Here's the proof.  
Yippee...yahoo...he's done!

Yes, for those of you who might be wondering,
there is a missing tooth in the front of our Calvin's smile.
That tooth was not knocked out ~ it just never was.
A Maryland bridge is in the works.  It will fill that space very nicely.

Our boy is so quickly becoming a man.  Right before our eyes.
My mama heart is nearly bursting.  It's not a bad thing, really.
However, time does seem to go by too fast.  I cannot keep up.

These are precious, precious days.

Many Blessings,
Camille  

Logging Hours and Going Grey

So.  Here's the deal.  True Story.

In our part of Canada, there are stringent rules and regulations

placed upon the learning driver.  It's strict.  I like it that way ~ I really do.

However, this translates into a certain amount of sacrifice ~ 

of either the monetary or the time variety.  It can be a bit painful. 

We have opted for the sacrifice of time.  Mostly mine.

As a result, I am logging hours and going grey all at once.

But, it's all good.  Say it with me ~ this too shall pass.  :)

In order to fit in all the required *learner* hours,

I often have Calvin drive me on errands.

I like to think of him as my personal chauffeur who, incidentally,

(hopefully not accidentally) is getting more proficient all the time.

We live near the Canada/USA border, and we frequently cross

it for fuel, postal services, Trader Joe's and Costco.

One day last week, my chauffeur expertly navigated through

a construction zone, and, after resuming his cruising speed of 70 mph

 eventually (nearly an hour later) got us safely to our destination.  

While we waited (in that construction zone at a standstill
on the freeway) I snapped a few photos.  
One of them was of me ~ in the passenger seat.  :)

Oh, I forgot to include an important piece of information.

One of those regulations I mentioned earlier, is that only one extra passenger

other than the instructor, is allowed in the vehicle while the learner is learning.

A little tricky to do when there are more than three in a family.  Quite tricky, actually.

Emma has joined us on many of our outings ~ does she look traumatized?

One of the bonuses of having my Calvin along is that he can 

load and unload the van for me.  It's a win-win all around.

I am sure that when these days are behind me,

I will look back with fondness at the memories we've made.

But, with two more to go through Mama's Driver Training,

that won't be for awhile yet.  I am not rushing things.  Not at all.

What about you?  Do you do the driver training in your family, 
or, is it a combined effort?  Are you there yet, or, 
does driver training seem to be far off in the distant future?
Are you one of those who has already traversed this road?
Please encourage us if you have.  We'd like to hear that it all went well.
Regardless of what stage you are at ~ let's cheer one another on.  

Happy Tuesday Y'all!  :)

Many Blessings, Camille

Sixteen

Sixteen.  Our Calvin is sixteen!

He wants to learn to drive.

I'm not sure if I'm ready for what that entails ~ LOL.

How can my little *Bulldozer* be ready to take the keys?

It was with great joy that we welcomed our second
little boy into our lives sixteen years ago.
Calvin was born only six days after Austin's second birthday.
It was so exciting for Austin to have a little brother to grow up with.
Right from the start, Calvin made us smile.
He was always full of life and energy, and still is!

 Calvin, I remember when you were about three
years old, just before going to bed at night, you would cheerfully say ~
"When I wake up in the morning...I can have some food!"
You always said this little phrase while doing your characteristic
hopping step and wearing a big grin on your face.
Oh, how you made us laugh!

 The LORD has graciously saved you Calvin,
and has called you His own.
He is shaping you and moulding you into
a caring and compassionate young man.
We are so pleased to see how the LORD 
is working in your heart and life.
He is evident in you ~ at the end of the day,
that is all that really matters.

 Follow and serve Him all the days of your life ~
with all that you have and all that you are.
He will never fail you.  He will always be Faithful.
He will lead you and guide you as you seek Him for wisdom.
What a blessing it is to belong to Him!

What would we do if you were not in our family?
It just would not be the same. 
We are so very thankful that the LORD 
entrusted you to our care and placed you in our home.
We are blessed to be your parents.
We are so thankful that the Lord 
chose you to be our son.

With all our Love,
Dad and Mum XOXO

FYI ~ His birthday *cake* was not a cake at all ~
He requested Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream,
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (perhaps a future post?),
Homemade Chocolate Sauce and Smarties.  

Rejoicing Again!

Last November,
Austin was baptized.
We rejoiced.

And now,
we are rejoicing again!


Calvin expressed his desire
to be baptized during the winter months.
A few things delayed the process,
which meant that he had to patiently wait.


This past Sunday,
Calvin followed his Saviour,
the Lord Jesus Christ,
in the waters of baptism.
He obeyed the LORD's command
in the Scriptures to do so.

"And Jesus came and spake unto them,
saying, All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you:
and lo, I am with you alway,
even unto the end of the world. Amen."

~ Matthew 28:18-20 ~





We are eternally grateful
to the LORD for His Goodness.
For His Grace and Mercy.
We praise Him from
Whom all blessings flow!

The LORD has done this.


Auntie Mary was able to join with us ~
She was already in town for the wedding.
Many of our extended family were able to come and witness
this joyous event as well. We are so thankful!

May the LORD be glorified
through the lives of each
of our children.
We pray that He would graciously
lead each one to Himself.
We depend completely and utterly upon Him.
HE alone is Worthy!

If you are praying for unsaved
loved ones, be encouraged.
As long as there is breath,
there is hope.
Continue to pray.

"Continue in prayer, and watch
in the same with thanksgiving."
~ Colossians 4:2 ~

The LORD truly does
all things well!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Burnaby Village Museum

Burnaby Village Museum
is a local family favourite.
Especially at Christmas.
Decorated and lit up for the Season,
it is magical.

A re-created early 1900's
town with authentic buildings
and volunteers in period costume ~
It's a little like
stepping back in time.

In the evenings leading
up to Christmas, there are activities
and extra special things for families to enjoy.

We found ourselves there
one evening a few days before Christmas.

Our first stop?
The Carousel. :)
Calvin was my photographer ~
he chose not to ride.

A recent addition to the museum is
a beautiful, completely restored
Interurban Tram Car ~
From the era before most owned their
own transportation.
My Dad rode on one of these
as a young boy growing up in Vancouver.
(A little slice of personal history).

Did they look as nice as this back then Dad? :)

Here's a portion of the *main street*
with Howie and Fraser facing the camera.
I'm at the far left in this shot and
Emma is running toward me...
we're a little blurred ~
See us? :)

My Sweetie and me! :)


Thank you Calvin for taking
the photos!
It's tempting to stop
bringing my camera along with
me to things like this.
But then I remember that
it's necessary.
Often the photographer
gets left out of the pictures! :(

Next time it's my turn Calvin. XO

What are some of your family favourites?
Do you have special places you like
to visit during Christmas?

Please share!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Entering In

Howie came up with a
great idea awhile back.
The idea?

To allow the children
each a twenty-minute block
of time to share with the rest of us
whatever they wanted to.

A family version of
"Show and Tell".

It went over well.
An understatement. :)

Fraser is our resident
atlas/languages/professor sort.

His pick?

Google Earth.

We visited places I had never
heard of and discovered new things.
What an adventurer!

Calvin is our budding photographer.
Some of you may have noticed
that I feature some of his work
here on this blog.
He's serious about it.

We enjoyed looking through
a photo album that he put together
last year after a family vacation.

Happy Memories!

Austin has been learning
a little about programming.
He has created little games
and question and answer sorts
of programs to tickle the funny bone.

He's even opened up a
you-tube channel as an avenue to
showcase his virtual rollercoasters.

Under that serious-looking
exterior there lurks a sense of humour.
Wonder where he got that from?

Emma has a serious love for
all things *Nancy Drew* ~
She shared an excerpt from
the book she was reading at the time.

The *original* series of novels are
being devoured at a rapid rate.
We have most of the earlier set
of books...what fun! :)

She then showed us her collection
of shells that were acquired
on our recent trip to visit with
Auntie Beverley.

God's Glorious Handiwork!

And the boys entered in.

It was an enjoyable time
spent learning just
a little bit more about
the unique individuals God
has entrusted us with.

What an honour it is to
seek to raise them for HIM
and for HIS glory!

Many Blessings,
Camille