WE in WA.

Spent the last three days in small town America. Annual Labour Day Bible Conference. Met some new friends. Reminisced with old ones.

And ate. Seemed a large part of the weekend was spent doing just that.

Besties. Growing up fast.

Friday was a good day for the great outdoors. So we hiked the trail to the Ice Caves.

Very cool. Literally.

Mountain waterfalls and warm winds hollow out holes in the avalanched snow to form the caves. We took care to heed the warning signs and refrained from venturing inside. It was freezing cold right at the mouth, so the idea of going beyond wasn't terribly enticing anyway.



 

The scenery was astounding... made me think of this song we often sing...

 

"Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made."

 

Back at our at our bed and breakfast facilities, there was plenty of noise due to the extended group of young people joining our ranks. Here are the youngest... and by far the cutest, hands down.

The group of seventeen... ranging in age from 3 to 15.

Oh the stories there will be to tell in a few years!

 A few of the dressed-up and attractive-looking conference crowd we bonded with during the breaks.

Now school is calling. School year 2012-13. Which means Grades 6 and 5 for us. Unbelievable. Still tryin' to get back into the routine of those early morning risings.

And honestly, not likin' it too much.

End of Summer.

They've recently been telling me they're bored. Sure sign that school needs to get back in session, so we can ban these flourishing doldrums.

My first response to their grumbling was to quickly engage them in a household chore. Aha. Goes without sayin' that they didn't much like that idea. So now they're decidedly avoiding any menial tasks by being a little more creative.

Still complainin' tho.

The dilapidated swing set has been converted to a gymnastics bar, of sorts. For the sole purpose of emulating the twists and turns of some recent Olympians. And practice those chin-ups.

When the bars are put to rest, Miss Bella is kidnapped and costumed in the Build-a-Bear outfits from a time long-ago. Not so sure that she's thrilled with the whole idea.

At least she should be thankful they're not making her wear those dorky wide-fitting shoes.

Then there's the neighbours. They are regulars. During the summer, it's either all been going on at their place, or ours.

Productions and routines are often accompanied by loud, blaring music. Not for the faint-hearted, but free of charge to anyone wishing to be entertained.

And even if you don't wish to be entertained, you are still mandated to attend all performances.

Thanks, neighbour, for your commitment to digitally capturing most of these childhood moments. I love that my girls can grow up with your lovely girls, being best friends together. Best friends, despite the odd conflict. Amusing for us, isn't it? And it builds character, it does. Builds character.

The novelty of Auntihood continues to amuse.

 

Baby Engelina is three weeks old already. Doesn't she look peaceful and calm? Apparently she has moments like these from time to time. Those proud Aunties must have the touch!

Volcano @VBS.

God's Amazing Power is our theme for VBS 2012.

This morning, Day Two, we introduced the Paricutin Volcano in Mexico, and in this natural wonder we spoke of God's power over nature.

Which was followed by the Bible lesson about Daniel in the lions' den. God demonstrating His power when He shut the mouths of the lions so that no harm came to Daniel.

How do you explain the stress within the earth's crust which induces the formation of magma and results in a volcanic eruption? Or have you ever known of anyone to spend a night with such fearsome beasts, yet escaped untouched?

So how can this be? The Bible leaves us in no doubt as to God's amazing power.

Jeremiah 51:15 - He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by His understanding.

Lesson taught, we moved on to the activities. Where we served this little treat at the Snack Station.

Kids loved them. A cinch to make too. The old faithful Rice Krispie Squares recipe formed in a funnel, topped with a strawberry Twizzler.

And a little edible reminder of God's Amazing Power!

Cone Head.

Yesterday was Fixing Day for Miss Bella. No takin' chances around here. Can't have puppies having puppies in my house.

Like my indirect avoidance of the B word there?  ;)

So we dropped her off at the clinic, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, early yesterday. She actually had to have a couple of cuspids pulled too - baby teeth that were apparently not falling out as they should. Vet decided to surgically remove them while in anesthesia.

The call came late afternoon to come pick her up. Oh my. Did she ever look sorry-faced. Droopy tail. Wistful eyes that said, "You humans. What have you done to me?"

She actually managed to send me on a bit of a guilt-trip.

But the trip was short-lived. This afternoon she's doing much better. Slept soundly through the night until 6 o'clock this morning. Now she's hopping on and off the couch like nobody's business. Seemingly defying the fact that just twenty-four hours ago the vet took a knife to her belly and made a 1-inch incision. Tough little canine. Stubborn too, since she's trying like the dickens to get that plastic cone off, and see if she can't all but rip those stitches out.

Say, is that a smile for the camera?

Are Ya Bessie?

Mo... here's one just for you!

Aah. The good old days, workin' at Photo Enlarging Plus. Besseying yerself with blowin' up other people's snaps.

Next time we're together we need to splurge at Cows. Get our very own Messie Bessies. For old time's sake.

Miss ya, my friend!

Resurrection of the Dormant Blog.

Somehow I blazed through July with a sole blog entry. And have seemingly made it half-way through August without even a hint of an update. Crazy. Bein' Summer and all, you'd think I'd have so much time on my hands that I'd be posting blogs every day. Ha.

Confessions. I've been sleeping in. Reading books. Basically lounging around and not feeling a single bit guilty about it.

Oh, and yeah, followed the Olympics too. Not that we rocked the world with our Medal Count or anything, but Canadians, you gotta love 'em, eh? That 4x100m disqualification was a total downer after seven minutes of fame. But I thought those Moose Men showed true team spirit despite their immense disappointment.

And bein' a born-and-reared Brit, I was also delighted your man Tom Daley won a medal. His story was touching. And he was cute too, you gotta admit.

On the homefront of buzzing activity, Miss Kay joined the double-digit clan on July 28th. Look at the difference ten years can make. Seems like just yesterday she looked like this.

She's still a little charmer with crazy hair, but has grown up into a sweet-natured and helpful little miss. Love her. And she makes me some proud. With her birthday falling on a Sunday this year, it meant that celebrations were limited. However we managed a small evening gathering with family and a few friends. And, of course... ice-cream cake.

We welcomed some Old Country visitors at the beginning of August. They spoiled us, filling our home with wonderful fellowship. And our fridge with Cadburys. We became tourists in our resident city for a few days as we "puttered about", taking in the sights and sounds. Good times.

August 6th was the first anniversary of Mom's passing. Hard to believe it's been a year already.

Still cherish those memories of the last few days I spent with her. Her submissive spirit to God's will. Her longing to meet her Saviour on the other side. But some days I wish I could pick up the phone and chat with her about all the things that I need to be asking her. She was my rock of counsel. Taught me so much from 5,000 miles away. Still miss her. So very much.

On August 7th we welcomed the newest Wilson grandbaby. Here's a couple of proud aunties.

Engelina Ann was born to Cam and Jess, stubbornly arriving after a rather long labour, and apparently shrieking her way into the world. Atta girl. You are destined to be one of us with your will and your vocals.

That's all for now, folks.

Riches. And Chuckles.

I've been too busy lately to blog. All my time has been focused on relaxing and enjoying our beautiful sunshiny days. Priorities, eh?

But this morning, during breakfast, we had a funny conversation that warranted documentation. The girls and I were discussing the fact that David Beckham is in town, and will be playing in the opposing team to our Vancouver Whitecaps tonight at BC Place.

Kayleigh, surprisingly enough, had no clue who he was.

Alana, however, was quite taken with the fact that "the handsome guy from the wedding with the pregnant, grumpy wife" was actually in our city. (She was meaning, of course, the Royal Wedding that took place last year.)

We got around to talking how much money the Beckster makes per annum... apparently over $41m. I disdainfully stated that making that sort of money for playing soccer was just plain wrong. Alana's confident retort was that, despite making that much money, Beckham isn't the richest guy in the world. "So who is?" I challenged, wondering just what she really knew about the world's rich people. "Some guy in Mexico," she replied, "then Bill Gates is next, I think."

I had to Google it. But she's actually right. I was impressed that she knew something I didn't. Huh. What is this world coming to?

Anyways, Kayleigh, clearly having no part in our "Beckham's riches" discussion, suddenly interjected with, "Uh-uh, Mom. Nope. It's neither of them. The Mexican and Bill Gates are not the richest people in the world. It's Stephen Harper. He's the head of the goverment. So he has to have all the money."

Heehee. Aren't we bringing up our kids well. Teaching them, at such an early age, that the government takes all our money.

Unfortunately it's true.

Even though Google disagrees with me.

Lately.

School's out.
I'm slowly transitioning.
Switching from high gear into holiday mode.
And just lovin' it.

We finally found the time to book a grooming appointment, and take the puppy for a haircut. All this puppy stuff is very unfamiliar to me, and I'm completely green when it comes to doggie terminology. So I went full hog, requesting that the groomer do a complete "summer trim".

So fluffy and scruffy Miss Bella went from looking like this...

...to looking like yours truly, Miss Skinnamarinkydinkydink.

 

Oops. We still love her, but we're just not sure we're all about the poodle face. Next time, I guess, I'll err on the side of caution with the trimming. Live and learn, live and learn.

She still provides plenty of entertainment. Has become a bit of a hobo though, when it comes to food. Apparently she thinks she likes Lays. Clearly we need to eliminate those begging moves.

First day out of school, we went strawberry picking.
We were out and the sun was out. For once.

Good crop this year. Gathered over 10lbs in about 20 minutes.

Thursday we celebrated Miss Lannie's birthday. Where does time go? Seems like just yesterday we brought that tiny little bundle of joy home from the hospital. Now she's 5'1". Whoa. Stop the ride!!

Today we were hoping to go to the local Canada Day Fair. But gazing out at the rain falling in our back yard makes the idea of traipsing through an outdoor fair a whole lot less enticing.

Instead, I sit. And look out at the drizzle, dreaming of how I'd much rather be enjoying this view.

Sitting on a certain deck. In the sunshine. Drinking coffee with my besties, sharing in some good conversation. And chowing down on fresh-baked banana chocolate chip muffins.

Dreaming.

Grand Mother Hood.

Stand back. I'm embarking on a whole new journey in life. Otherwise known as the Gran, the Grammie or the Nana. With this status, maybe now I'll be able to command some respect!

Beautiful, tiny baby Annalise joined our ranks on June 15th, 2012. Born to Kyle and Allison in the lovely country of Nicaragua. We're really expanding our family culture, aren't we?

And another female. We're up by 3 now. Uh-oh. The opposite sex is being challenged. I wonder just what August will bring!!??

Two Months with Miss Bella.

We brought her home at 8 weeks on March 29th, 2012. Been two months since then, and already she seems like so much a part of the family, we're trying to remember just what life was like without her.

                                              Initially, she'd stay within view, curl up at the base of the stairs and calmly drift off to sleep, as all good little puppies should.

But it wasn't long before she realized that, just a few steps away, there existed the vast expanse of a second floor.

Soon, at every opportunity, she was scampering off to explore.


Which meant an el pronto trip to Petsmart by the People-In-Charge. To acquire a pen, a cage, or whatever you want to call it. No free-roaming four-legged friends for me.

Restraint in the confines of a pen hasn't gone over too well with Miss Bella. She relentlessly examines every nook and cranny for an escape route. And has, on occasion, fled to freedom. Hence the treats are kept readily accessible in the event of a breakout. And you should see the break-neck speed at which she returns to the kitchen, as soon as she hears those yummies rattling in the bag.

She is loved. Gets in trouble with these two from time to time, but worms her way back into their hearts, and knows she is loved unconditionally.

She seeks out slippers. And shoes. And socks.

And delights in sniffing and licking those ten lower digits.

A pastime regarded with a great deal of disdain by two of my daughters-in-law.

But I say it's just another perspective of feet-washing.

Just kidding.

We're working on her manners in that department.

Little Miss Bella's current weight is just shy of 5 lbs. When the girls bathe her, she sure looks like a scrawny little thing! Her thick, fluffy coat is deceiving. You can see she's in dire need of a trip to the groomer for an all-over puppy-cut. Will have to schedule that soon.

She knows how to sit, stay and lie down.
Good puppy.
Good, scruffy puppy.

However, I think we've gone through a whole bag of treats to merely accomplish those few feats. The girls seem to think that since she only speaks Dog, her immediate compliance to any one of these commands in English means she is beyond brilliant. And that, in itself, warrants five doggie treats at a time. Not just one.

Time for some food restrictions around here.

Story of my life, story of my life.