Back to school again

The girls started mid August so they have been back to school for a couple weeks. It felt weird to have them back at school while it was still summer, but the first couple weeks went great.

My eldest is now at the high school near us. Its crazy to realize that! I am so pleased for him. It is going to be a great year.

When Bronwyn met Anne

Standing on the east shores of Canada, watching my girl dance on the red sand. Gracefully moving along the sand her arms outstretched. This is the kind of scene I never dared dream before she was born. 

When Bronwyn was nominated for a 'wish' by the Make-A-Wish organization she had only two wishes, to go to PEI or to Ireland. To visit the home of LM Montgomery or the homeland of her favourite kind of dance. 

PEI won out. The reasons were complicated but the wish was firm, she wanted to see Prince Edward Island. 

The rest of us were along for the ride, lucky participants. 

Like the creator of Anne, LM Montgomery, Bronwyn has a vivid and full imagination. Most of her childhood was spent playing in a series of worlds within her own mind. Even now you will catch her muttering to herself in an animated way, fully engaged in a world that no one else can access. 

We kept a pace that I worried might harm a child with an "atypical" heart. But she never showed signs of tiring. Every new sight or experience was exciting and fun. Even trying a whole lobster for the first time, once she got over the 'gross' factor.

My heart is full of treasured moments, of all my kids. Bronwyn dressed in a fancy little ballet outfit at three dancing around the backyard. Or seeing her break into dance at any point of the day around the house. And now I add to those treasures a picture of my beautiful girl dancing her way across the sands kissed by the Atlantic. 

Contemplations

I'm sitting in my well lit living room. The sun is shining outside. The green things are starting to shove their heads up in the garden. Chopin is playing in the background. Life seems good.

For this moment I can push away the troubles, the concerns, the fears. I can relish in the sun and the sound of well played piano pieces.

God gives us these moments. Peaceful moments.

It is well with my soul.

Family dinner

I messed up the other night. I made a mistake making supper and it was noticeable. I didn't ruin supper, but it was definitely not a praise worthy meal.

I warned the kids before they sat down. I said, "I know I messed up, and I know its not very good, so just do me the favour of not complaining."

This was met with comments such as, "You didn't mess up Mom, it just needs more salt." Or "I just don't like this supper its not my favourite."

I said, "Andrea (Reid) said I'm a great cook and you kids should show me more appreciation." That is not exactly what she said, but it worked for my purposes at the time.

My oldest child replied, "Yeah, when they come for dinner you cook for hours."

Oh really!! Is that how this is. Huh. Just remember not to tick off the one who prepares your food. Its like these kids haven't read any medieval history!!