Green Family and two little cousins

Gast Family December 2007

Under the red comforter

Heather brought the three littlest ones for a visit to Nana's house one morning last week.Eden and Lily know where everything is and where to head first. Now Eden goes for my Christmas village and moves and rearranges everything. It reminds me of one of Linda's blogs last Christmas when 2 year-old Juden spent hours with his Playmobil Nativity set. I loved her photo of him playing at his little table. There, looming over the shepherds was a brown dinosaur. And in between Mary and Joseph inside the stable, with his checkered shirt and yellow construction hat, stood Bob the Builder. Eden keeps the village a bit more conventional, although Santa is balancing on the top of the little church. Lily knows where the toys are kept and goes to get "Alice", one of two identical dolls given years ago in England to Heather and Amy, or Amy and Linda, by Aunt Vigee who had knit them red and green dresses and scarves and socks. Alice is a bit indecent as we've lost one article of clothing over the years. Lily takes good care of Alice and includes her in her play. Eden moves on to my children's books and carries half of them to the carousel horse where she sits under him and looks through each one. Then she disappears and I find her under my bright red comforter in my bed. Lily and I get under too. 3 year old Eden announces that she is the "pincess", 2 year old Lily is the "pince" and Nana is "Mistah Gwinch". For a while there is tickling and tumbling under there and when Mommy comes searching, we emerge very rumbled, crazy static-charged hair, looking nothing like royalty. Baby Eric has been rolling all around on another quilt on the living room floor. All too soon it's time to head home for naps. And I bustle around putting things back in place, smiling, because it's been a sweet time again with my darlings.

Christmas Letter

Perhaps it was the scenes on Christmas cards delivered so long ago to 154 Warren Avenue and 13 Elinor Avenue. I know it was the Christmas songs played in all our homes, in all the shopping places, everywhere. And the Christmas tales told much more than twice. It rarely snows on Christmas and I've never ridden in a horse-drawn sleigh or tasted a roasted chestnut. But Christmas then and now calls up so many wonderful things. Always snow. Soft and gentle snowflakes that filter all the twinkling, many-colored strings of lights and frost the pungent pine trees. City sidewalks, dressed in holiday style, crowded with package-laden and warmly bundled shoppers. Welcoming porches on farmhouses framed with snow. Through a big window, a beautiful real Christmas tree holding in its arms strings of popcorn and cranberries and long chains the children have made with red and green construction paper, a large brick fireplace ablaze but not harming the stockings hanging from the mantle. Houses outlined with lights and carolers gathering on front lawns. Christmas is ageless and far away places are just outside the door... Dickens leads me down a London High Street where identifying signs swing above busy shop fronts and little girls hurry along hiding their hands deep inside furry muffs. Lampposts decorated with wreaths light the eternal shoppers. And I look for a poor, crippled boy leaning on a little stick. I know he will be fine come Christmas morning and I will listen again for his young, sincere voice proclaiming, "God bless us, everyone!"... I watch a snowman with a tangerine nose and green hat and scarf take the hand of another small boy as they run through the starlit, winter night, faster and faster and faster. Until they are "flying in the air"... I look through a window and there on a stage is a boy with a rather round head, holding a blanket and reciting the real Christmas story, "For unto you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord." Beside him a straggly, little tree that somehow, with love and attention, stands quite festive and sturdy... Again this Christmas, I'm watching boys in Wales snowballing the cats and knocking down snowmen and each other. I hear Mrs. Prothero beating the dinner gong and announcing ruin. The uncles with full bellies, rumbling in front of parlor fires. The busy aunts, the fragile aunts, and of course Auntie Hannah who is fond of port, standing in the back garden singing like a full-bosomed thrush. The useful presents--and the useless presents like the little celluloid duck that makes a most un-duck-like sound... Philadelphia--and in Wanamaker's grand court beautiful, majestic carols pulse through the pipes of the huge organ, while water splashes, rising and falling, in the fountains before the tree of a million lights... But always when I hear "Silent Night", my heart stirs and all the beautiful, nostalgic, charming trappings of Christmas linger but become shadowy because now I come to the stable. A night that is silent and so very holy. A star shines down on this humble place where a tired young mother watches her newborn Son asleep on a bed of hay in a manger. Kind, attentive Joseph is here. Above the hills just outside this little town of Bethlehem, while shepherds watch their flocks, herald angels explode in the sky with light and sound. The Joy of the whole world has come. Here is Christmas in all its beauty and wonder and truth. The Gift, profoundly inexpressible, far beyond every other gift ever given. The Love, come down to us that first Christmas morning, that fills our hearts and helps us turn to the Babe, our King of Kings, and to each other.
My Christmas is full also with my family. And there are very real memories. Reverent and beautiful Christmas Eve services at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philly. Later, five shining faces, excited and sleepy at the same time. Pajama-clad and huddled together listening as Mommy reads "T'was the Night Before Christmas" and then Daddy reads Luke 2. Trooping up to bed carrying stockings hand knit by Nanny. Laying those stockings at the foot of each bed and pretending to be asleep later when Mommy sneaks in to retrieve them. Awaking Christmas morning to delight over the stockings brimming over with little presents. Individual memories (maybe for next year's Christmas letter). Christmas now creates new pictures, new memories. Some of our family are gone: my dad, Aunt Patsy and Uncle Henry, Aunt Jeanne, and of course Eric who is so much a part of our Christmases with his voice reciting "A Child's Christmas in Wales" and wrapping Boxing Day gifts last minute with discarded wrapping paper, so enjoying the food and festivities. Still we are all one in heart and rejoice together around our trees, our tables, and always in our shared faith in Jesus Who left the glories of Heaven to come to earth for our salvation and our life everlasting.
My love to each of you and wishes for a joyous Christmas.
Family updates: Heather and Steve in Elmer, New Jersey. 5 children: Caleb,6. Addie, 5. Eden, 3. Lily, 2. And new baby Eric Ian Riley Sulik born June 27th of this year. All the others still in the Chattanooga area. Amy and Scott. 3 children: Oak, 8. Meadow, 6. Dove, 2. Linda and Josh. 3 children: Juden, 3. Ella, 2. And new baby Naya Faith Green born February 15 of this year. Scott and Aimee. And new baby Sophia Elisabeth Riley born May 11 of this year. And Keith who is the best uncle in the world!
My e-mail: Bethmriley@juno.com

And then there's Philly

It may be across the bridge, in another state, but Philly belongs to South Jersey too. Years and years ago my mom used to say, "We're going downtown." For a while it was, "Let's go to the city." And then it became, and still is, "...to Philly." Where Market Street and Broad Street meet, City Hall spreads and looms. On top, Billy Penn keeps watch over the city. Never William, always Billy. I remember when it was Billy Penn you saw against the sky from all directions. No building could rise higher than him. That changed and the skyline is impressive, but it's nice to spot Billy tucked in among the towering buildings around him. A few days ago I drove around in Philly. Past the Warwick Hotel where Eric worked for the Carpenters' Union. Around Rittenhouse Square close by, noticing the Dorchester Hotel and remembering Eric talking about moving Mrs. Frankel there. Across 17th and Spruce where Tenth Pres. brings back memories. Down Pine Street whose stores and apartments take us back to another era. Along Market Street which has changed so much. Market Street held so many wonderful memories of the Christmas season when I was a child. Just walking into Strawbridges then and seeing the beautiful decorations all over the first floor-- trees, lights,holly and berries, greens. Was the Colonial Village set up in Strawbridges or was it in Lits? What fun to follow the little white fence around the houses and shops and see the animated people and animals. The little cat looking out an upstairs window. The blacksmith with rosy cheeks and apron. Children ice skating. The hat store, the toy store. It was all rather magical. Around the ceiling of the toy department in Wanamakers was a mono-rail train we could ride and look down on all those dolls and games. Christmas wasn't Christmas without visiting the Tree of Lights in Wanamaker's Court. I liked it best way back then before any of the animated lights on the huge curtain. When it was just the tree with a million lights and water fountains in front. Colored lights and water moved with the organ music. Beautiful, meaningful Christmas carols. The finale was always "Joy to the World". And even the littlest ones among all who were gathered throughout that court, watching and listening, knew something of the wonder and joy of Christmas. Walking in the December cold along both sides of Market Street is something I still remember. Each store -- Gimbels, Schnellenberg (something like that), Wanamakers, Strawbridges, Lits -- had marvelous window displays. Lights, snow, music, animated characters of all sorts. That was truly magical. I wish that had all still been there when my kids were little. And how the grandchildren now would love it. All a bygone era when Christmas was allowed to be Christmas and so much love and care went into making it wonderful for children. I remember, too, at all times of the year, going by bus with my mom and sister to meet my Nana at the eagle in Wanamakers. Eating lunch at Horn and Hardarts. And how, even though I don't like vegetables much, I always ordered mashed potatoes and creamed carrots. Going to the fourth floor of Strawbridges to buy new Carters underwear from the same lady (who looked old the first time) every single year. Mom buying a lollipop for each of us in Strawbridges Food Court. Thick, square lollipops of unusual flavors. I remember choosing root beer once, and licorice. In Gimbels there was a chime or a bell that rang, I think every 15 minutes. We would wait in the basement with Nana who would catch a subway from there and then one or two buses to her house in Tacony. While we waited we got a chocolate malt. In a paper cone set in a metal base to be eaten right there at the counter. I've never tasted anything quite like that since. Sometimes now, in traffic, I smell the exhaust from a bus and am taken back to waiting for the right bus to come along Market Street and take us home.

"SOUTH Jersey and You"

Yeah, we who live here do consider South Jersey its own state. Today, thinking of perhaps moving in a few years from what has been MY state for all but the first four years of my life, I'm sorry for how I've said things like, "Who would ever choose to live in New Jersey?!" Yes, it's flat; it's highly populated; it's congested; taxes and car insurance are higher than anywhere else... But twice in the last two weeks, on the spur of the moment because the day was so nice, I've driven to the shore by myself. It only takes an hour from home. The Jersey shore is something that would be missed. Sea Isle City was just right. Very sunny but a breeze and not real hot. The sun was shimmering all over the ocean. And I even watched several dolphins making their way south along the shore, leaping up playfully all the way. There's something very pleasant about listening to the waves break one after another, after another. An expected continuation, soothing. Plenty of benches to break up my slow progress along the "boardwalk", to ocean-watch or people-watch. And from there, a short drive to Ocean City for more activity, more people, much bigger, real, wooden Boardwalk. Ocean City -- two sets of memories there. One set from many years ago and Saturdays with Mom and Dad and my sister Lorraine. Not wanting to get out of the water. Always one more wave to jump. The unpleasant stickiness of sand and salt left after "hiding in the car to change". Did we really do that? Being really hungry. Enjoying a real meal at Scotch Hall on Sixth Street, I think. After that a couple of amusement rides. Always the merry-go-round. People dressed up for the evening on the Boards back then. Mom always wore a dress and high heels, which kept getting stuck in between the boards. They sold plastic "cups" to put over ladies' heels to make them wider. It was always sunny. The water was always just right. Evenings cool enough to need a sweater. Wonderful family days. The next set of memories involved carefully watching five Riley kids enjoy the same things. Well, mom not dressed up. Pizza instead of a restaurant meal. (But still the sneaky changing in the car to save money on the bath houses.) Loving the day with them, but being anxious to get them all home safely and in the tub. New Jersey and You. Pretty neat.

More hot times in Georgia

Amy and Scott assembling Oak's new bed. Dove and Ella having a serious discussion in front of Dove's house. Dove,Ella,Meadow, and Juden trying to cool off. The wonderful view of Lookout Mountain (the bluffs to the left of Rock City) from Scott and Aimee's new house.

Hot times in Chattanooga

100 degree temperatures couldn't stop some wonderful, warm family times. Photos: Daddy Scott with Sophia now 3 months old. Naya now 6 months old. Poor Oak who had a bad fall from his bike and broke his tibia. Whole leg cast for 6 weeks, then hopefully a smaller cast. In a cast for 4 months or so! Scott and Aimee's new home in Flintstone, Georgia. Just a few minutes out of St. Elmo. Beautiful location. Over an acre. Loads of work to do, but tremendous potential. Congrats to the new home-owners. Really tricky getting these photos up. Help, Linda! Can you turn the photo of Scott?

Baby Eric

It's already been a week and a half since Baby Eric joined our family. He arrived a bit after midnight, so that his birth date would forever be June 27. June 27th -- the date his Pop-pop and Nana were married 37 years before. The third anniversary since his Pop-pop went Home to Heaven. To remember and honor him, Mommy and Daddy named this new little baby boy after his grandfather. And so, Eric Ian Riley Sulik is here. His big brother Caleb (all 6-years-old-big) has much of his grandfather in him -- especially in his keen interest in and enjoyment of trees and flowers and God's gifts of nature. Will Baby Eric one day show how much of Pop-pop is in him too? Will he look at sky, water, trees, English cottages, American barns and take paint and put them on canvas too? Will he be tender and love simple pleasures? Will his heart be sensitive to God and will his eyes fill up when beautiful hymns are sung? Whatever his interests, his gifts, his developing personality, already we love him. Our very special Baby Eric.

Gasts visit New Jersey, June 2007

Here are some of the monkeys. Oak and Caleb. Meadow and Adelane. Lily. None of Dove, Eden, Baby Eric yet!

Some June photos

Here are some pix from Keith's camera. Chattanooga this June. 1. Scott, Linda, Keith, Amy. 2. Aimee and Scott with 1 month old Sophia. 3. Little Sophia Riley. 4. Amy,Linda,Scott.

This one's for Jade

Who would have thought? Several years ago when I attended a music event at Covenant, I couldn't help noticing a colorful wool-capped character moving in weird and wonderful ways all along the floor in front of the band. Indradig's sound inspired incredibly unique dance leaps and flailings. And when I would go to hear Infradig in other venues in Chattanooga, there he was! Who would have thought that this special guy and his wife would become part of my Chattanooga family. A visit there isn't complete without seeing this couple too. Jade, I hope songs are always in your heart and you will always express them in your special, individual way. I look forward to seeing where and how God leads you and Yanna to use the interests, talents, gifts so uniquely yours for His glory.

more pics

Still trying to get out some May pictures. Here are Caleb and Eden. Then Mother's Day at Tony's, overlooking the Sculpture Garden and the Tennessee River. Scott giving Sophia some sunshine.

even more

Ella reading Mothers Day, Amy,Mom, Linda with Naya

May pictures --Chattanooga

Juden with Naya (and little pal Lulu)

Dove, Meadow, Oak in their front yard (Lookout Mountain in the background)

Proud Daddy Scott

with new born Sophia

still testing

Lily, Adelane, Eden at my home.



Dove and Meadow

test

Nephew Michael is trying to teach me how to post pictures. So here we go. Pictures from May, 2007. Here is my Ella Rose Green.

From Chattanooga's mountains and valleys to South Jersey's farms and pine trees

Visits down South come and go so quickly. Eventful but never long enough... The highlight this time came with the dawn on Friday, May 11 as Sophia Elisabeth Riley joined our family. We were all so proud of Aimee who endured labor and birth completely naturally. Scott supported her all the way and was able to "catch" the baby, cut the cord, etc. We thank God for our healthy, beautiful new little baby girl. Aimee's first Mother's Day as a mother was so special as she was home with her precious two-day-old daughter. Scott is such a proud and happy daddy who can't seem to take his eyes off his baby or let her out of his arms. Saturday night I was so tempted to "stay one more day" (this is beginning to sound familiar!) just to drop in and study her dear little face once more and hold her close to my heart one more time...And Linda's brood gets harder and harder to leave. Naya is the sweetest baby in the world and so delightful to watch as she smiles and responds and loves to be talked to. What a cutie. And my cute-as-a-button Ella is so affectionate and happy. Still craving that special book as she finds it and backs me up to the green chair whenever I come downstairs or step in the door. Her little voice crying, "Go, go, go, Mayee!" when the horse race scene comes on in Mary Poppins (and at other odd times of the day--wonder who taught her that.) Juden and little friend Lulu (and Ella tagging along) marching through the house singing, "Tep in time, tep in time!". (Also Mary Poppins. Humm, how soon can I get him adicted to Sound of Music which will delight Josh to no end.) I loved watching extremely active Juden intensely working on his puzzles everyday. He does at least half a dozen rather hard puzzles (some 35 pieces) without help, patiently checking the pieces ("Yeah! That's right!") and leaving them completed all over the floor...And my pleasant hours on a certain peaceful hill in Wildwood, Georgia looking at Lookout Mountain not very far away, listening to birds, enjoying the breeze, but most importantly being with Oak, Meadow, and Dove. Dove is great fun, a bundle of energy, into everything, enjoying life in general. She is a picture with her light blonde hair and bright blue eyes. (I feel so bad when I leave as she and Ella don't understand where I've gone and why I don't come back to be with them.) Meadow got an adorable haircut which she loves. I was able to catch two ballet performances. One was her little class's recital. They really are learning more each time I see them. Meadow is a natural. She was chosen (out of 5 pre-ballet classes) to be in a production at UTC's Fine Arts Center. Her hair was very long, with a ribbon. Her costume was a Victorian dress. She looked adorable and carried her part very, very well. Was a very good production and wonderful to see Meadow in it (the littlest one of all). She is still interested in art and has a whole series of bird drawings. I got to see one of Oak's baseball games. He got two home runs and made a double play! Also went to Coolidge Park with Amy and Meadow and Dove to see Oak's school have its Field Day. Sitting in an open area by the Tennessee River, watching sack races, parachute play. having a hot dog lunch with them all. To the carousel and fountains. A really neat time. Oak can be very serious at times and then just have a great fun-time at others. Amy and I took the kids on the Chattanooga Ducks. We rode along the streets, down a steep ramp, right into and along the Tennessee River. Captain Oak actually got to steer our "boat" quite a long way. A perfect afternoon and we all really enjoyed the adventure...So now I'm home and missing all my little loves down there, but back with my little loves here-- Caleb, Addie, Eden, Lily. God is so very good to me.

Frogs and dirt, bumps and scrapes, fun and laughter...and so much more.

( Thanks for posting the photo, Linda!) 24 years ago today, Keith Alexander arrived. All 10 pounds, 4 ounces of him. He was such a delight as a baby and a little boy. A new baby for his sisters to "mother". A great playmate for brother Scott. (We still call them "the boys".) They were such good buddies. If Keith was offered a treat (cookie, whatever) from me or anyone else, he'd wait until we'd ask him what was the matter and then he would ask if his brother could have one too. He played hard in all the little boy ways he could think of. Scott was the cautious one, climbing slowly and carefully, etc. Keith just jumped in and took the knocks and bumps and bruises in stride. What happy, full years they were watching him grow. And today, as a young man, he continues to make me happy and so proud. Happy, happy birthday, my precious son.

A Dove and some swans

Little Dove Erica turned two yesterday. Her little family "party" will be tonight. Wish I could be there! I've missed being there for so many of these months of her first two years. I'm very thankful for a special time when she was about five months old, and she and Amy and I had a wonderful visit in England. Back to the house in Christchurch where newborn Amy was brought home from the very old Victoria Hospital in Boscombe. Sitting at the table in the front window watching people pass below, on their way to the train station, or to the shops in town. Down the steps, out the door, onto Twynham Avenue, along Bargates, under the roundabout, down the High Street. Now Amy was the one behind the "push chair" and Dove the one riding. To walk the same streets again, enter the huge door of the Priory, watch Amy climb the mound of the castle ruins, ride the Noddy Train at Hengistbury Head in an English drizzle, walk along the Quay. And those swans. We sat on a bench as some huge swans wandered very near. One grabbed the pacifier Dove dropped! She wasn't afraid at all as one came quite close for a good look. We wondered what in the world was going through her little mind. A visit with "The Aunts" in Dorchester and an unexpected overnight stay, sleeping in Aunt Vigee's lovely nighties, going along to Watergate Cottage close by, that Eric loved to visit so much. (How he would have enjoyed doing it all with the little granddaughter he will meet one day in Heaven. ) The kindness of dear Mr. Harris, who looked after us so well. The adventure of a British Rail train ride ("Mind the Gap!"). One of those unstoppable bouts of laughter watching a lone commuter chuckling out loud at his newspaper. Another bout on the bus as the little old couple in front of us tried to retrieve their water bottle rolling around under the seat ("There it is, Jack!"). And will we ever forget the Indian lady who without speaking a word of English, couldn't get enough of holding and loving little Dove in Heathrow Airport. "Help the Aged." And our neighbors' send-off our last morning, in their bathrobes and slippers. Hugs and "tatas". Dove won't remember but Amy and I always will.

..."when you nuggle me"...

Heather and I were brave yesterday and took all four kids to Friendly's for lunch. We thought they would be better "contained" in a booth so all squashed into one. Addie and Heather were on one side with all the "stuff" -- diaper bag, purses, jackets, etc. Caleb was against the wall, Eden on a booster between him and me. Lily in a high chair on the end. Lily isn't over her hospital experience yet and panicked every time the waitress came near. Guess she thought she was a nurse ready to poke and prod. The waitress tried to sneak up and almost throw the food on the table. Yet, all went surprisingly well. Then came the monster sundaes. I had my arm around Eden and had her right side pressed up against me. It was crowded. Wondered why she wasn't eating her sundae faster, until this raspy little voice said, "Nana, I can't eat when you're nuggling (snuggling) me." Eden just turned three on Monday. She is a real little picture. Dark hair falling around her face, curling across her shoulders. Chubby little cheeks. Beautiful shade of blue eyes that sparkle and twinkle. And a deep voice for such a little one. Has she only been with us three years? Can't imagine a time without her presence in our lives. Addie sat behind me on the way home. She warmed up with "Trust and Obey" and then gave us "Puff the Magic Dragon". Music to close our little afternoon out.

Dinner with a young gentleman

He hurried ahead and held the door open to the Kountry Kitchen. We were seated at a small table by the window. Our dinner conversation was not about politics or current events. It was about the yellowness of forsythias. About God not giving us new bones when we grow but making our old bones stretch. This is experiencial knowledge for, "One day I think I could feel my bones trying to stretch." About thinking of a good guess-my-show-and-tell to puzzle Holly who always guesses "because she knows everything." About Easter and that Jesus is alive. .....Caleb is six years old today. He is totally, totally all boy. His pants get holes in the knees almost as soon as the price tags are cut off. He loves dirt and water and planting things. And fixing things and trying to make things. He is the protector (and once in a while, tormentor) of his three little sisters. One day he will be the hero of the baby brother soon to arrive. And he has a remarkable gentleness about him too. A very special little guy. A few weeks ago when I asked him what he wanted for his birthday he answered, "a tree". His Pop-Pop would have liked that reply. May he plant trees and watch trees grow and blossom while we watch in wonder as he grows and blossoms into just who God intended for him to be.

A dance with Meadow

Perhaps it was the way the sun was shining today, or the way a warm breeze touched my face. A memory came to mind. It was last spring or last summer when I had taken Meadow (almost 5, or just 5) and Oak (6) for a ride on the Southern Belle along the Tennesse River. Not many were on the little boat for the short river tour that day. We sat at the very back of the deck. The guide gave information about what we were passing and then some lively music came on. No one was looking our way and Meadow got up and started to twirl and dance, with the deck as her stage and the river and mountains in the background. A spontaneous expression of a child's light-hearted joy. I wish I didn't have such a hard time moving around, but had been able to get up and twirl (in my totally ungraceful way) and participate in those moments with her. She would have been too young to be embarassed. And it wouldn't have bothered me if anyone had noticed a rather eccentric Nana. But then, as I remember, I think I did dance with her in those happy moments, at least part of me did. The part of my heart that belongs to Meadow.

Ride on in majesty!

Palm Sunday and we remember that the King of Kings rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9) ... "All glory, laud, and honor to thee, Redeemer, King, To whom the lips of children made sweet hosannas ring!" (Theodulph of Orleans, c.820) How different the shouts that greeted Him just a few days later. Still, He set His face toward Jerusalem and the completion of our salvation. "Ride on! Ride on in majesty!"

To begin

Most likely only our children will want to read our story. And perhaps their children one day. I've wanted to tell it. Sometimes I think I should tell it as it could have been, should have been. But then I know it was the living of it that mattered then and matters now, not the telling. Our story began one Sunday night in the Fall of 1969. The Fall with its vibrant, beautiful colors. Sunshine warmed days or clear cool days. Evenings smelling of honeysuckle and burning leaves. The last months of the decade of the 60's just after a man flew to the moon and walked on it. Years that had brought so much change. Hippies and Vietnam, the Beattles, innocence floundering in ideas of idealized love and free love. Downtown Philadelphia. Billy Penn on top of City Hall looking down Market Street and Chestnut Street and Broad Street. Historic Tenth Presbyterian Church on the corner of Spruce and Seventeenth. A man and a young girl met...

Photos ala Linda

Thanks to Linda for posting the photos. I have no idea how to do that (or take decent pictures). First two are of little Naya. Next is Amy's 32nd birthday at Linda's. counter-clockwise from Amy: Juden, Meadow, Dove, back of Ella's head. Next, Sulik's backyard at Thanksgiving. Lily in foreground. Heather, Eden,Juden, Addie, Caleb. Next, Eden and Lily. Last, Ella, Dove, Meadow. Thanks a bunch, Linda.

grandkids

home again, home again, jiggedy-jog

Home from Chattanooga. Harder and harder to leave everyone there. But good to get back to Heather and brood. New baby Naya Faith is beautiful and precious. I will miss these next weeks as she changes, responds more and more, her little personality emerges. Ella and Dove are moving from babies to funny little girls. Their vocabulary growing. Ella has trouble with "frog". Loud and clear but completely different word (here censored). I took Juden for a real boy haircut. Cute. He certainly is an active fella. Oak and Meadow getting more and more grown up. Loved the time with my kids too. Always a lot going on down there! Amy and Linda in full mommy mode. And Aimee anticipating. I'm proud of my boys as I see them work so hard; and their Dad would be very proud of their work ethic, resourcefulness, and the quality of jobs done. They have much of him in them. Now we wait for Scott to become a daddy. (Hang in there, Aimee). And for Keith to sense God's leading and direction as to seminary or more carpentry work. Things roll along happily and bustling at the Suliks. And Spring is just around the corner.

Feb.15 welcomes little Naya Faith Green

As David sings in Psalm 139:13-14, "You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." Everytime a new baby's birth touches our lives, we are amazed again at the wonder of how God has made us. The perfections of this precious life from tiny toes to chubby, grasping hands, searching eyes, wisps of dark hair. The immediate familiarity of her mother's voice, scent, touch. Her dependent, completely trusting love. ...Yes, Linda and Josh's baby is here. While grandpop celebrated his 91st birthday, little Naya Faith Green had her birth day. Mom and baby are fine. We are very thankful. And Juden and Ella will welcome their new baby sister.

He keeps the seasons

Our God, who is with us through all seasons, not only created the seasons of our earth but promised to sustain and keep them. I've always loved the promise of Genesis 8:22: "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease." The reassuring promise of His keeping. And Eugene Peterson's very down-to-earth paraphrasing of Proverbs 3:24-26: "You'll take afternoon naps without a worry, you'll enjoy a good night's sleep. No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner, because God will be right there with you, He'll keep you safe and sound." ... People in upper New York State are dealing with 8 feet of snow and snowbanks that hide houses, and still global warming is a real "hot" topic. I'm not real sure what to think of it all. Of all people, through history's times and places, we are most abundantly blessed. And, I think, we do abuse those blessings often. Instead of godly stewards, we often are careless consumers. There is a self-absorbed tendency to grasp for all that is easiest, most comfortable, instantly obtained-- regardless of care for our world. We can try to be better stewards. Thankful, generous, industrious, careful. And always, we come back to sure promises of God being in control. Truly, "this is my Father's world." Issac Watts wrote a hymn in 1719: "I sing th'almighty pow'r of God, That made the mountains rise, That spread the flowing seas abroad, And built the lofty skies, And built the lofty skies. Lord! how thy wonders are displayed Where'er I turn mine eye! If I survey the ground I tread, Or gaze upon the sky, Or gaze upon the sky! There's not a plant or flower below But makes thy glories known; And clouds arise, and tempests blow, By order from thy throne, By order from thy throne. Creatures as numerous as they be Are subject to thy care; There's not a place where we can flee, But God is present there, But God is present there."

Babies, books, and Eloise Wilkin

Having a glimpse into a baby's introduction to the world of books is a very special thing. For most, it seems to come so natural to love pictures of animals (baby animals, farm animals, pets...) and to turn the thick pages of beloved hardboard books to see the familiar shapes and faces over and over. I wish I had a nickle for everytime I read "And what does the doggie say?" I think little Dove began barking and mooing before "bye-byeing". Heather and I found a wonderful children's book of nine of Eloise Wilkin's books (she is my favorite children's illustrator). Eden and Ella just love this book. The drawings are of beautiful, rosy-cheeked, chubby-faced little ones who delight in the wonders of a star-lit sky, stepping in a puddle, studying a bug or a flower, taking care of "Baby Dear", a brand-new baby doll, just the way Mommy takes care of the new baby brother or sister just brought home. Mrs. Wilkins captures the sweet innocence of children whose faces truly do "hold wonder like a cup". We watch them help mommy do all her household chores and their house comes alive with daintly patterned wall paper, braided rugs, flowered tea sets, curtains blowing in the windows, slippers beside the bed, ... Ella, especially, absolutely loves this book. When I come for my visitis to Chattanooga, after she greets me, she heads right for the shelf where this book better be, expecting me to sit right down and read it to her. She will sit quietly for 200 pages! Then slide down for a little play, but very soon head back to read it again. She never tires of seeing busy Timmy climb in his sandbox, be joined by a robin, a squirrel, and a bunny, "eat all his supper with no help at all", climb into bed all by himself, and lots of other things for "Timmy is a big boy." She loves to see over and over the little boy looking at birds in a nest, the little girl on her swing on the big, blossoming tree in her yard... (Josh has taken to hiding this book some times to encourage some other books and activities!) I remember another little girl (who turned 29 today!) who especially loved The Visit, another book by Eloise Wilkin. I think Linda felt as if she too walked right in the door of Great-Aunt Lavinia's large, Victorian house and made wonderful discoveries in all the rooms, so carefully decorated and furnished. Right up to the attic with its collection of antique toys. So maybe that love for those pictures passed on to little one-year old Ella.

Hunca Munca

No matter how many birthdays pass, most of us could imagine two very naughty little mice getting into a wonderful, old-fashioned doll house and having a great time wreaking havoc. Of course, at first their intentions were only to enjoy the feast laid out on the little dining room table. And the name Hunca Munca is perfect, sing-songy and catchy. I love the picture of Hunca Munca sitting in her chair dressed in one of Lucinda's lovely blue dresses, holding one of her babies beside a cradle filled with the rest of the baby mice. ... Yes, I've recently seen "Miss Potter", the movie about Beatrix Potter. It was really a nice movie, well done. And now I want to get an autobiography or biography of her as she was such an interesting person. Her sketches and water colors are wonderful. Her concern to preserve for all some beautiful acres in the Lake District in England was a great thing for those who can visit and enjoy it all too. (The movie said that she is the most popular children's author of all time.)

Well, here we go. Not quite sure what I'm doing.... So here's the first "post"....hoo hoo hoo.
Thinking about Sunday mornings when I attend church where Heather and family attend. Months ago when Lily was quite young, well before turning one, I was late and sat three pews behind the family. At some point, Lily looked over Heather's shoulder and saw me and her whole little face lit up with the biggest smile. People in the two rows between us, looked back to see who she was so happy to see. That was sweeter recognition than writing a best seller, than doing some uncommon heroic thing, than just about anything else. I worry sometimes when I visit there that the little ones are less settled in the pew than when I'm not with them. They vie to be close, climbing all over me. I get hot, quite rumpled, my hair sticking out in odd places. And somehow I feel more beautiful than if I were 100 pounds lighter, dressed in some sophistcated, lovely outfit just off the rack. Great fun being Nana --- ever since Oak.