William and I are experiencing the mountains together...

Music written by William.

The Work of The Lord

…I was walking in a love story, and of all people, the main Character was pursuing me. Lavished with gifts from my Pursuer, I walked on feeling embraced by the Creator.

He had given me another day to walk with Him. He had sustained His loving handiwork for my joy and the praise of His glory. He is Someone who knows what I love and shows me in extravagance. At the climax of my heart’s joyful song, I looked down to see a shape of familiarity and perfection. A salamander (A sand dollar)—tucked ever so slightly in the leaves (sand)—grabbed my attention and shouted my name. There was no one else around. This lizard (shell) was meant just for me.

The perfection of the Lord’s timing is often hard to comprehend. He knew the precise day I would walk up this mountain (this beach) and, since the beginning of time; He planned the exact moment when my feet would match the timing of the mighty mountain (mighty ocean), and I would come in contact with such a magnificent creation. That salamander (sand dollar) reminds me that our Lover is personal. He knows what we adore and loves us through those things. He ordains every moment to reflect His perfection. It was not a coincidence that I found an unusual creation (a sand dollar) today (that day). It was simply another example of a deeply committed God and an everlasting love story.
The Work of the Lord
By: Ann Marie Melson

He also gave me flowers, a giant rainbow trout, a killer mountain view of the blue ridge and a husband who isn't jealous, just wants me to be happy.

P.S. It was also no coincidence that I picked up this book today and read this very page.

We're treating the Hemlocks on Monday!

This film was my motivation...

Wish me luck on this working. I am told that the Hemlocks in the National Forest will die but ours won't until they become re-infested and have to be treated again. Maybe by then we will have a viable predator that will keep the Woolly Adelgid in check.

I'm going to help with the process so I can keep the cost down and by learning how it's done I can teach others. If anybody has Monday off and wants to spend it in the woods...well, I know where you can get some good exercise! ;)

Andrew is published in Wesleyan's literary magazine!

Andrew's mother writes, "Andrew made the literary magazine!". I could almost feel her pride through her words. It reminded me of all those times I have been, and still am, so very, very proud of my children, and now their children, too.

I've been so worried lately about all the bad stuff that is going on; floods, oil spills, volcanoes, health issues, aging, disorganization, the hemlock trees and more. Then from the pen of a grandchild, I am reminded of the things that I can do about it, because God is always there and can work through me...

Just as He works through Andrew.

Grandsons on the Pitching Mound....

Click photo to enlarge and read.

Honoring our Mothers

My Mother

DAUGHTERS THAT ARE MOTHERS

Ford and Morgan's mother* Andrew, Emily & William's mother* Joe and Isabelle's mother* Keegan and Aidan's mother

Motherhood,
love so deep that it can be shared only between Mother and Child

and as long as you live,

so will she.

Happy Mother's Day to the Mother that I love

and to the daughters that are passing on that love .
I am one lucky Mother!

Morgan receives Coach's Award!

On April 30, 2010, I got a very special email from Molly that read:

"Morgan Anderson Croft, was awarded the one and only "Coaches Award" tonight for her rock climbing. Coach Emily has 5 different teams. Everyone got an award (most spirited, most focused, most improved, etc.) but only one got the Coach's Award "the award that is the combination of all the awards rolled up into one".

In addition to getting a certificate, Morgan received the most special tribute from Emily (in front of 50 or so people) where Emily talked about Morgan's leadership, how she helps and mentors the new kids, how hard she works, her strong passion and focus, how she is always working to get better, etc, etc.

Emily went on to say "Morgan is just on fire. She is the kind of kid that inspires me to be a better coach. I hope my daughter (who will be one in the fall) will grow up to be just like Morgan". I can't think of a better compliment than that."
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I received a call from Molly and Morgan, telling the news, while having dinner with Kate in New York. Their joy was contagious as Kate and I talked afterwards of Morgan's accomplishments...Molly was right when she said, "You all would have been beaming as you probably are now."

I gotta tell ya, I love this family! Thanks for sharing such wonderful news, you two.

Weekend with Kate

I'm not sure if Kate had birthday weekend with us or if I had a Mother's Day weekend with her! I guess it was a little bit of both.

Terr came but for one night (the night of her birthday) to take Kate out to a fancy dinner of her choice. Well that didn't happen! Kate greeted us, at our Hotel, with a bouquet of flowers and an invitation to dinner at her apartment. She prepared each of our favorite foods and WOWed us with her favorite entree and dessert! It was far better than any restaurant we could have gone to and we enjoyed every morsel!

Dad left early the next morning for a business weekend in Arizona and I was able to stay for two more wonderful days of play...

Breakfast in our crazy dinning/library/music room at the hotel, theater, shopping, walks, cab rides, Central Park, pedicures, lovely evening dining and late night Chinese take-out. The best part was just spending time with Kate. I just love the rare times when I have special one on one time with my grown children...they amaze me.