First Mother's Day

I've always felt like Mother's Day was more or less a Hallmark holiday - until this year. This year, I am actually a mother and fully appreciated the fact that there is a day to honor mothers. My spiritual teacher, Sant Ajaib Singh Ji said that there is no way we can ever repay the mother...and I'm starting to believe it!

Nanny came to help us celebrate in Timber Cove. We had a typical, leisurely weekend doing not too much at all (just the way we like it!). We did finally make it to Kruse Rhododendron Reserve when the trees were blooming though and had a lovely hike.

Something I overheard Nanny tell little Hayley on the phone was a perfect thought for this first Mother's Day. Nanny said she wanted to talk to Michael (as well as Diane) because he was the one who first made her a mother, after all. That's right Sulwen, you get the credit for making me a mother.

Thank you Grammy for being the mother I can never, ever repay. Thank you Nanny for coming to share this special day. Thank you Stephen for serving your Mom and wife lovingly all weekend. And thank you Sulwen for making me a mother.

Sulwen with a present from Nanny

dresses are good for teething

Nanny and Sulwen play with a bag

Nanny, Stephen and Sulwen in the living room

Sulwen in her sun hat from Nanny

Sulwen shows off her hat with Dad too

Nanny at the head of the trail

Stephen with rhododendron

pretty rhododendron and burned redwood

Nanny and Stephen in front of a redwood and rhododendron

the family together

Nanny, Sulwen, and Stephen at Kruse

Tanna and the Pogs on the road back to the car

It's Grammy's Special Day

Happy Birthday Grammy!

We hope you have a truly splendid and special birthday. We'll be sending you birthday hugs and kisses from Timber Cove.

Sulwen put together this slideshow for Grammy for her birthday - but we thought there might be others out there who would enjoy it too.

We love you!

Music: "Feet of a Dancer" by Maura O'Connell

Hailey Mama - the Visit That Keeps On Giving

It was hard to decide a title for this post - Hailey Mama Rules or The Visit That Keeps On Giving. So, we just blended the two.

Hailey Mama came for a visit this weekend and it's hard to believe she found time to visit with us as she scrubbed our sinks, mopped our floor on hands and knees, washed, folded *and* put away laundry, took out the compost, cooked meals, washed the dishes, put away the dishes, gave the Pogs love, played with Sulwen, and I'm sure a host of additional things we're forgetting already. We actually felt kind of "caught up" with things for a moment.

Hailey Mama rocks! Hailey Mama rules!

And we also had our first glimpse of moments that will no doubt come again (especially in 12-13 years) as Sulwen, who was very upset because her Mom reacted harshly and suddenly to being bitten, could only be calmed by sitting on Hailey Mama's lap. Sulwen was gently comforted with total love and sympathy while she sniffled, toyed with her saviour's zippers and looked abashed with tear streaked face at Mom and Dad who were unable (but willing) to offer solace.

Please come again soon, Hailey Mama. But don't forget Uncle Bill next time.

We found time for the water girls to play together.

Hailey Mama watches Sulwen and does the dishes - no easy feat!

Hey, I'm trying to read this - do you mind?

Hailey Mama still folding clothes 10 minutes before she leaves

Bananas are so much fun...

Especially if you wear your monkey cap!

Would it be a visit in Timber Cove without a walk - or three?

A happy, happy family after a visit from Hailey Mama