Happy Birthday Dad

There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself. ~John Gregory Brown, Decorations in a Ruined Cemetery, 1994

Smiles

Just a few random pictures for you. Hope you had a wonderful weekend, we did!

Eighty Five years of blessing

You feel the fortune of your years,
I hope. For all your children's love
This day must bring you happy tears
And thoughts that joyful music prove.

I hope, for all your children's love,
There is an island, be it small,
And thoughts that joyful music prove
Beyond what years you may recall.

There is an island, be it small,
Amid the passions of the sea,
Beyond what years you may recall,
Where you in silent grace can be.

Amid the passions of the sea,
This day must bring you happy tears.
Where you in silent grace can be,
You feel the fortune of your years.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Purpose

When he walks he casts a shadow of purpose. ~Emme Woodhull-Bäche

The Ancients

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

A Phoenician war ship. It sails ahead of the merchant ships and protects them from pirates.

These are Noah's recent illustrations of his history lessons. I love all of the oars on his ship. He's wonderfully creative.

The Silent Gondoliers

One of my favorite movies is The Princess Bride, and as is so often the case, the book by William Goldman, "as told by S. Morgenstern" was oh so much better. It is absolutely (and I don't use that word lightly) a delightful read. So I was excited to stumble accross this book in Jayme's Chicago apartment when I was helping her pack for Boston and I was allowed to borrow it.

The Silent Gondoliers is another delightful, charming, magical fable.

Flurries

A flurry of birthdays that is.

It's time for me to start planning Annabelle's first birthday party and while I'm at it Bronwen's is coming up just as quickly.

Here's a look at our family's winter/early spring calander:

Grandma Martha - February 8th (85th)

Dad - February 11th (58th)

Chloe - March 8th (6th)

John - March 15th (32nd)

Annabelle - March 24th (1st)

Christine - March 25th (30th)

Two of a kind

I dressed Annabelle in this sweet outfit today. It has been lovingly passed on to us after my neices were done with it. At least 3 other girls in the family have worn it, including Bronwen. I just love the dainty pink and red flowers, the crisp white peter pan color (how can it still be crisp after three other owners?) and the red and green stiching across the front.
It's in such nice condition because it's sized 3-6 months and babies that small don't make much of a mess. My girls are petite so they've been able to get a little longer wear from it.

One morning recently, Noah helped Bronwen get dressed and this is how she came to breakfast. Surprised, I was sure that she was only wearing it as a top, tucking in the rest. Upon further investigation, I found that they had gotten all the snaps fastened and she appeared to be quite comfortable and proud of herself.

How do you measure success?

To Laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate Beauty;

To find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a redeemed social condition or a job well done;

To know even one other life has breathed because you lived - 

This is to have succeeded.  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cold cold cold

and there was only one thing for it.

Ten

Here Mama, let me straighten the camera for you . . . there, that's better. Now I'm ready!

I'm ten months old today, and I must say I'm feeling very good about that.

I love to chew on everything, even my bottom lip which is why I have a chapped ring you may or may not notice in these photos.

I'm very happy

But I've also taken on a very serious, pensive side too.

I'm quite vocal, saying "Mama", "Hi" and many other things no one really understands. Even though I didn't do it for this photo session, I can pull my self up to some things (my crib) and stand with a pretty good balance. And I'm trying to crawl, but can't quite get my arms and legs to co-operate, so I end up pulling myself accross the floor on my belly. Well, it's been very nice chatting with you. Next time, tell me about yourself!

Bye Bye!

Simple Indulgence

Delicious homemade strawberry freezer jam (thank you Jayme), creamy philadelphia cream cheese, whole grain bread on an antique milk glass plate.