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

Only One Left

Each of our three boys has graduated from high school.
Emma is the only one left for me to teach.
I'm working myself out of a job.  Or, so it would seem.  :)  

Austin was called home to heaven six days prior to his graduation day.
Two years ago, Calvin walked the stage and received his diploma.
And now, Fraser has completed his high school requirements.  

He looks happy about it, don't you think? 

The principal of our school gave a wonderful address to the grads.

He had the honour of switching the tassel from right to left.

Apparently, that one act signifies the passage from childhood to adulthood.

Just as quickly and easily as that.  :)

We all gathered together for a family photo.

Then, the kids posed for me.

And, we posed for Calvin.

And, that was that.

Fraser, we pray that the Lord will guide you as He has in the past.
We have every confidence that He will be faithful to lead you each step of the way.
And, we know that whatever He calls you to, He will see you through!

How precious it is to belong to Him!

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good;
and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly,
and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"  Micah 6:8

With All our Love,
Dad and Mum  XOXO

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!  :)

Sixteen!

It seems to have happened overnight.

While I was looking the other way....

...Fraser went from a three-foot-nothing cutie pie....

...to a six-foot-one-inch young man!!

How quickly the time flies by!

(Don't we all say the same thing when it comes to our children?)

We are so very thankful for the years the Lord has graciously given us

with our third son.  We feel incredibly blessed!!

Fraser's all set for another camping excursion.
He looks happy about it, doesn't he?
Don't even ask what my thoughts are about it all.
However, I am not planning to run away like I did last time.  :)

Fraser, we are so thankful that the Lord gave us YOU!!

What a precious addition to our family you were and are.
It would just not be the same without you.

Our prayer is that you will always follow the Lord 
with all of your heart for all your days.

He alone is worthy of all your praise and dedication.

He is faithful and will never leave nor forsake you. 

Our greatest desire is that He will be the One you live for.  Always.

All our love to you, precious son.

Your Dad and Mum XOXO

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!  :)

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.)

Fifteen (after the fact)

Calvin and Fraser began their journey into the

far reaches of the British Columbian wilderness 

on August 4th ~ it was Fraser's birthday.

Emma and I were in California.  Howie was flying.

So, we postponed the celebration until a week after the fact.

What's a week when you've lived as long as he has?

Nothing.  That's what.  ;-)

Birthdays are special around here.
The birthday boy or girl gets to choose the breakfast menu

as well as what's for dinner.

Lunch somehow factored into things somewhere along

the line before I put the kibosh on the deal.

Two dictated meals is my limit.

Lucky Charms were requested this year.  Dear me!

(Please don't judge...it's a tradition that cannot be broken.)

I made coconut cream pie for dessert ~ it's his request year after year.

I'm not sure what happened to Calvin's smile...I think he was talking.

Oh...there it is!  :)

Precious Fraser ~ We love you and thank the Lord for you!

How wonderful it was (and is!) that the Lord added you to our family.

Happy fifteenth (after the fact) birthday!

All our Love, Dad(dy?) and Mum(my?) XO

(The titles I attribute to us as parents is a difficult habit to break ~

it's my feeble attempt at keeping them young forever.

Just so you know, it's not working.)

Rejoicing Yet Again!

Austin was baptized two and a half years ago,
and we rejoiced in the goodness of our Great God.

Then, six months later, Calvin was baptized,
and we rejoiced again.

This past Sunday, Fraser was baptized, 
and we are rejoicing yet again.

God is so infinitely good and gracious and merciful.
He saves.  He receives all the glory.  It is His work.
We are so grateful that He is leading our children unto Himself.

Baptism doesn't impart righteousness to the believer.
Rather, it is an outward display of the inward work that has already transpired.
It is a public testimony and profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  
How precious it is to witness the Lord's people following Him in this tangible way.

As parents, there is no greater joy in all this world
than to observe in our children the desire to follow and serve the Lord.
Nothing thrills our hearts more than to know that they will spend all of
eternity with Him.  It is absolutely the greatest thing of all.

We rejoiced to hear the testimony of our Fraser
as he shared with us how his hope and trust is in Christ alone.

Being submerged under the water and raised up out of it symbolizes
 the individual's identification with the Lord Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection.
When Fraser became a Christian, that is exactly what happened in the spiritual sense.
The Lord removed his spiritually stony heart and gave him a heart of flesh.
When we come to the Lord in repentance and faith, 
we die to self and the world, and are raised up to live in newness of life for Him.

Our lives are not our own.  We have been bought with a price.
We ought to live solely and alone for His glory and honour ~ 
by His great grace and mercy.  Until He calls us Home.

Truly, there is nothing more wonderful than that.
Nothing at all.

Many Blessings,
Camille

**Photos courtesy of our Calvin ~ 
Thank you my love!  XO

Fourteen

Fourteen.  Our Fraser is fourteen!

It only seems to my Mama heart to be such a short time ago

that the Lord loving placed him in our home and family.

How precious it was to welcome our third son.
Fraser, on that day, became little brother to
both Austin and Calvin ~ they were thrilled.
And, so were we!  

On birthdays in recent years, we have made an effort
to go on a family outing to celebrate.
For his birthday, Fraser chose to go on a bike ride ~ similar to last year.
The year prior, we went out whale watching for the day.
Summer seems to be the time for activities such as these.

We are so thankful that we have been able to make 
these precious memories together.
They truly are gifts from the Hand of our Great God.

This year was much simpler than the last two.  
We got close enough to see the water,
but, no boat or ferry were required.
We just needed two wheels each and the trailer to get us there.
A family bike ride...joy!

Howie, however, promptly got a flat tire and opted
to wait quietly while I cycled with the children.
On the return portion of our trip, Calvin got a flat.
Lesson learned ~ don't go cycling without a repair kit along.
Oh well, we still had fun.  :)

The birthday food Fraser requested turned out to be a real treat.
For breakfast, he asked for a cup of coffee (not something he's normally allowed),
hash browned potatoes, bacon, mangoes, and Sugar Crisp cereal.

It was decided that we would order in pizza for dinner
and have a home made coconut cream pie for dessert.
We are all about traditions around here ~ food is a big part of that.

Fraser, you have always been cheerful and easy-going.

We thank the Lord for you!

How wonderful it has been to watch you learn and grow.

You are growing up right before our eyes ~

both physically and spiritually.
Your tender heart and kind ways are a 
great blessing to each one of us ~ please don't stop!  :)

It's been so encouraging to see the Lord's hand upon you.

He is your Saviour, and, that is the most important thing of all.
As you look to Him and follow Him,

we want you to know that we are lifting you up to Him in prayer.
We look forward with you to see what it is He will call you to do.

Your love of languages and cultures is a gift from Him.
We take pleasure in watching the joy it brings you to learn 
about the various places, people and languages of the world.
We all enjoy listening to you create music on the piano ~
what a wonderful thing it is to have these abilities to bless others with.

What does the Lord have in store?

Whatever it may be, use it all for His glory.
He alone is worthy.
We love you so very, very much!
You will always be our precious Freighter Mater.

All our Love,
Daddy and Mummy
XOXO

Nothing to Fear

On the Eve of a New Year,
we pause to reflect.
We remember the Goodness of
our Great God.
We look back on *good* days
and *bad*.

And through it all...
we know the Hand of the
LORD is upon us.
Guiding our moments.
Guiding our days.
Leading us ever to Himself.

Where will HE take us
in 2012?

Nothing to fear.
Only hope.

We fix our eyes on HIM!

Whether this coming year
holds joys or sorrows,
we trust.
The LORD truly
does ALL things well!

May the LORD bless each
one of you in the coming year
with HIS peace and presence.
May you know HIS hand upon you.
And HIS joy within.

"The LORD bless thee,
and keep thee:
The LORD make his face
shine upon thee,
and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his
countenance upon thee,
and give thee peace."
~ Numbers 6:24-26 ~

In HIS Love,
Camille

**Photo courtesy of Emma ~
Thank you my little love! xo

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