Post Card Series - Volume 3

Look who took the Bubble Gum Cruise this morning! We set sail at 9:30 for what turned out to be a "3 hour tour". It was the final voyage of Greg Russell's kids' boat trip - a chance to see lots of dolphins (check), a haunted light house (check), to have a private concert on the top deck (check) and the impending storm's appearance (check)! We had a windy, wet and wild time.

Good Bye Light House and clearish morning

Windy, windy, did I mention it was Windy!

Greg Russell and the kids!

He is the Jimmy Buffet of Hilton Head.

A pirate ship spotting! Well, a shrimp boat technically.

Concert time

Myles is still trying to sing his song!

The famed haunt - fodder for bad dreams!

Oh my, lets turn this boat around!

Quick!

An afternoon on the porch - watching the rain. And it rained!

All 's well when the day ends on the beach!

Thanks to the rain, I have some time for reading The Shack by W. Young. It presents the trinity to a man who has experienced a great tragedy. Although fiction, I am finding it quite thought provoking and insightful. At one point, the person representing the Holy Spirit is commenting on the beauty of a poisonous flower. She offers it to Mack, the main character, who immediately tries to avoid it. She reminds him that all is safe - she is present. Mack touches it and asks if it would have been dangerous to touch it without her consent. The spirit says absolutely.

This is the part that struck a chord - "If I direct you to touch, that is different. For any created being, autonomy is lunacy. Freedom involves trust and obedience inside a relationship of love. So if you are not hearing my voice, it would be wise to take time to understand the nature of the plant." What comfort, my path - as long as it is ordained for me, is safe. God will not allow me to be harmed, no deadly thing shall poison me, when I am listening closely for his voice and following where He leads. Eamon, my little wildflower, is perfectly suited for me and I for him.

Post Card Series - Volume 2

Rain, a lot, this afternoon. Amazing, on vacation not even the rain can get you down! We spent time chatting, shopping, reading, playing, and eating.


Rocking on the porch with Papa.

A little friend from South Beach

Just before dinner at Crazy Crab

Eamon reaching out during dinner -"Hush puppies! Where's Mine!"

The picture quality is debatable -but it's Greg Russell!!!!!

Oh, for those of you who are unfamiliar, he is a legend - at least in HH!

Same jokes, same songs, same place (under the Liberty Oak Tree in Harbor Town), same fun - comfort food for the soul!

Myles and Brigit sat right in front with big plans to sing.

Much to Myles dismay, he didn't get picked -

"Twinkle, Twinkle" will have to wait until tomorrow night!

Watching the kids sing, use hand motions, and laugh was a perfect end to our day!

We have been vacationing in Hilton Head for 20 plus years. It is our Home, far away from Home. We just love this place - memories relived now through our children. That is surely Gift List worthy! Number 112 - "in my mind I'm going to Carolina...".

Post Card Series - Volume 1

Greetings from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina! We left late Saturday night: Me, Maeve, Myles, Eamon, Mimi and Papa. David will join us the end of next week to finish out our vacation together! My brother Jerry and his family are here as well - we are having fun!

I thought David would enjoy some updates on the children, so I will be posting pictures, lots of them. Just think of it as bloggy post cards!

Maeve in search of the elusive, perfect shell.

This will go on for the next 3 weeks.

Myles trying to escape the wild waves.

Not really, in HH the waves simply roll in.

First time on a body board.

Catchin' a wave

Eamon listening to Maeve's ipod before bed. Guess what's playing!

The beautiful Harbor Town Lighthouse.
And yes, we climbed to the top!

View from the top.

The gang: Brigit, Maeve, Mady, Claire and Myles.

Eamon is down below with MiMi - his girl.

Lessons I'm Learning Along the Road - Part 2

Choices

I received a phone call last night from a mom I met at M&M's gym class. She wanted to apologize for her perceived insensitivity of me. Let me explain. Her son has many sensory and tone issues. He usually needs an adult with him during class for assistance, but recently is feeling confident to explore alone. Yesterday, he did a somersault - first ever. He jumped up, eyes searching for his mom - and together they cheered. He in the gym, she at my side through the observation glass. Tears followed. This mom was so moved by her son's accomplishment that her emotion overtook her, and she reacted in the most genuine mom way. She was concerned that her excitement was insensitive to how I must be feeling because of Eamon's situation. I assured her that her reaction was most appropriate, and that I recently had a similar experience with Eamon - the belly laughing.

This reminded me that for many people our "situation" seems quite difficult. And sometimes, it is. But, the greater part of our time is spent rejoicing over the beauty we see in and through Eamon's life. I have found that God gives us what we need for each day, plenty of common grace. But, what is required of me is the choice. I have to decide to trust, decide to believe, decide to be joy-full. And when I do, when I decide to count on God - He meets me, every time. And it's immediate. I might toil over the choice, time wasted there, but God's response is always immediate. He has yet to fail me.

The Box

I am a think-inside-the-box-kind of girl. Life in general, and in particular with Eamon, requires some outside the box experiences. David and I have contemplated sending the video clip of Eamon laughing to one of the high-risk Dr's we had when I was pregnant. She clearly questioned our "commitment to the pregnancy" and was certain that death was the "fetus's" only future. And so, here you have our little man, laughing in the face of all that was pronounced over him. Life existing outside the box that she placed him in. Life, different from all she knew it could be. Life abundant and full - outside the box. As a matter of fact, blowing the top right off!

And then there is our knowledge of God. How can we explain Him and His ways? They too do not fit into my neatly lined-up boxes. His ways and thoughts are so much higher than mine. I read recently, who would want to worship a God who can be fully comprehended? One limited by my capacity to create. He is I am - what does that mean? To me, it means He is in all of it: the pain, struggle, and tears; and, the miracles and wonders, peace that passes understanding, and the joy unspeakable. He is with us and for us. Always working all things together for our good and to make his glory known.

Gift List continued

111. Encounters with God - in or out of the box!

Beginnings

David and I celebrated our anniversary on Sunday - 12 years married + 5 years dating = half my lifetime! We spent a night away at an Inn on Greenwood Lake. Eamon joined us. It was a complete pleasure to have him along - he is good company, especially now that he is laughing. We treasure every moment with our little man! David and I were able to simply laugh, and delight in time spent together.

I found the excitement Maeve and Myles were exhibiting to be contagious! They were counting the days until their respective sleepovers (Maeve to Mimi's, Myles to Grandma's), but more importantly to the big day. They were consumed with knowing the details of our beginnings. We looked through our photo album and watched the video. Myles gave up by the end of the ceremony, but perked up for the Macarena - Uncle Jeff looked pretty impressive on the dance floor! We all laughed and cried as we looked back to where it all began. And I realized how significant this celebration was for our children. August 10, 1996 is where the "Barclay 5" story began, their story. And so we thought it fitting to take our M&Ms out for a special dinner the eve of our anniversary.

Maeve and Myles love steak - so we dined at Ruth's Chris Steak House over looking the Hudson River with such a view of the city. Maeve and I primped for some time, carefully choosing our dresses and accessories. The boys, meanwhile, played ball in the yard and dressed within 5 minutes. We enjoyed sharing a toast (or two, or three, or four - everyone had something to say). Maeve was taking notes on what exactly is involved in a romantic dinner : atmosphere, lighting, music, delighted senses, and of course, great company.

I think we may have started a tradition - August 9th, the eve of our anniversary, and a celebration of beginnings. Here's to the Barclay 5!


Gift List:

110. Our 12th anniversary. I'd still say YES!

"Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be"

Laughter is Good Medicine

*Updated! Yeah, thanks to my neighbor I was able to add the video. Be patient, it takes Eamon a bit to warm up!

Unmistakable laughter. What a gift for us to hear and see the joy Eamon is experiencing. Knowing that our little man is connecting to the people and things around him is completely satisfying to this mom and dad!

This is new for Eamon. It is like the first time your newborn clearly responds - only a little later than usual for us. For a long time Eamon did not smile, let alone laugh; and I was OK with it for me, but I so wanted it for him - that expression of pleasure. Now however, I am spoiled and a bit addicted to his funny ways. I need the interaction, and am eternally grateful to be front-row-center to such an explosion of development for Eamon!

"The joy of the Lord is your strength." (Ne 8:10) - Eamon's and ours!

Number 109 on my Gift List - Laughter.

This is a quick video of the little mister working the crowd. Well, his dad.

A teaser, I can not seem to get the clip to upload. I'll try again.

Whatever!

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Each night as I tuck Maeve in she asks that I pray for her dreams. I always pray that her thoughts, as she sleeps, would focus on all the attributes listed above. So tonight, as I write, I remind myself to do the same. I could tell of the myriad of hassles that occurred, or my frustrations with this and that, or concerns that lay on my heart; but instead I will think on what is good.

Yesterday evening, Maeve and Myles were playing a variety of sports in the yard. Play had moved to the front, and they needed me to hose down their b-ball court - I don't know what for, but I obliged. As I was spraying, I allowed my wayward hose to catch Myles by surprise. He complained, "Now my clothes are all wet!" To which I responded, "So," and sprayed him again. Well, Maeve got involved, Myles decided this was a great idea, and within 3 minutes I had two drenched kids rearing to go. A quick change into bathing suits, a sprinkler set up, and what followed was pure joy - for us both!

Summertime-sprinkler-fun is number 108 on my Gift List!