What Matters Most

Purpose and PULSE

2012-02-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

Cooking class in January at Lepp Farm Market took on a whole different level of nervous energy.

Before the class began...

a film team sent by Northview Church came to interview Anneliese and I.

The church has created a number of these little videos with a purpose.

They are meant to "encourage you with the stories of people “on mission” and equip you with information and ideas so that you too can be “on mission” for God’s glory and the good of our city."

I have told the story often since the blog began of how it all began...

and consider it a privilege to share what God can do with willing hearts and simple ideas.

I've learned so much during the last three and a half years since beginning Mennonite Girls Can Cook.

Though I had a fleeting thought of starting a cooking blog on my own...

I knew it would be a daunting task and indeed I am thankful that God gave me the gift of the nine women who agreed to join me in recordin our heritage recipes.

None of us could have known that the simple idea of documenting our recipes would expand to become a book.

Our level of organization at the beginning was rudimentary at best.

With a team who is willing to learn and try new things...

and has a spirit of cooperation as this team does...

we were able to function at a level...

that most board rooms ...

would envy.

Something else that I could have never anticipated was the monetary compensation that we would be able to receive from our labor of love.

To think we decided at the time to give 100% of future royalties to charity is nearly humorous considering we had no written business plan.

We believe that God was in the project providing the framework...

from the beginning.

We expected when we had our children early in our marriage that we would have lots of life left in us when they would be come adults. Though we never had plans for that future we can see now that God had a purpose in those early years of our marriage.

Our children have married and ...

we became happy residers of an empty nest.

I began to blog here out of a desire to pen my thoughts and find a creative outlet for photography.

Mennonite Girls Can Cook was born.

We became Grandparents....woo hoo!!.

This last year the MGCC has authored a book.

This is my life?

I surely can say "it's a wonderful life."

So...you can see now that when we were asked to do a PULSE video I felt more nervous than I normally would.

The producer asked me why that might be.

I thought for a moment and then replied that it is because what I say on that little clip matters.

It matters most that I share truthfully and with the conviction I feel that when God gives us health and strength it should not be frittered away.

I have felt that I want to have purpose and make my life count to honor the one who gave me life.

Am I grateful?

Oh yes...

I am.

May God bless each of the girls who answered the call to do something that would make a difference...

in our communities and further to the ends of the earth.

It is a privilege to share this remarkable journey with them all.

PULSE: Episode 9, The Gift of Hospitality from Northview Church on Vimeo.

all for now....

her haven of rest

2012-02-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Auntie Mary on the left and Mom on the right.
Auntie Mary was four years younger and they celebrated their birthdays together every year since they were only a few days apart.

Every time I see Auntie Mary...
she mentions my Mom.
"I miss her" she says....without fail.
I believe her and know those words have been thought much more often than only on the days she sees me.

Those sisters have not seen each other for seventeen years.
Auntie Mary celebrated another birthday this last week.

My Mom...would have turned 90 today.

Imagine this....
her life has only begun.
Eternity is not something we can fathom.
Everything we know begins and ends.
Mom was wise to place her trust is something greater than her own knowledge.

She was a big fan of the Haven of Rest radio broadcast.
She rarely missed it.
Even as a young child when the theme song would begin...
I knew my Mom would head to her chair...
knitting in hand...
Bible open and pen and notebook near by.

I opened up her Haven of Rest song book today and looked at the theme song I often heard.

Chorus...."I've anchored my soul in the haven of rest.
I'll sail the wide seas no more.
The tempest may sweep o'er the wild, stormy deep.
In Jesus I'm safe ever more."

I love the last verse too...

4. "Oh come to the Saviour,
He patiently waits
To save by His power divine.
Come, anchor your soul in the haven of rest,
And say, "My beloved is mine" .

Haven of Rest is now called Haven Today can be found here.

all for now...

when it pays to stay home

2012-02-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Far be it from me to cast a shadow on another's travel plans.
I would not want to discourage a soak in the sun ...
or a splash in the ocean.
If you are reading this from the comfort of your lounge and can casually flick a bit of sand at will...
carry on.

It does seem though that staying home and observing the seasons as they come...
might just be reason enough to stick out the rain..
so that when the clouds part for a week...
we feel truly grateful..
for 14 degrees C.

Fresh chopped chives..
in February...
in Canada.

Sweet simple pleasures.

all for now..

being carried

2012-02-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

On Sunday evening...

after the bathing was finished and

spare jammies were located...

the favorite game of

boo began.

Later...

they were tucked into their carseats and taken home.

Their Mommy and Daddy will have carried them from the warm car to their warm bed.

I can remember after a long drive home in the evening...

my Daddy carrying me into the house and how I pretended to be fast asleep.

It is lovely to be carried.

I suspect that is why God created community.

all for now...

Nor doth He Sleep

2012-02-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

It is interesting how sometimes my mind recalls a snippet of a song and it takes me sometimes a few minutes to position it within the context it was written.

As I thought about what to post today...
I stared at the screen without a word of cheer.

Sometimes it is not our own grief . . .
but rather it is in watching the grief and hurt of those we care about that makes us think that indeed..
the world should stand still.

With so much going on around me...
it would feel disrespectful to post as if life....
goes on.

Yesterday....
I thought of that phrase over and over...

God is not dead...
nor doth He sleep.

(lyrics by Henry Longfellow....I heard the Bells on Christmas Day)

God promises his love and compassion will never leave us...
and though the mountains seem to crumble around us...
his steadfast love will remain ...
and he will give us peace.

(from Isaiah 54:10)

No matter how big or small troubles are...
I am grateful we do not need to walk this life alone.
God is very much alive and nothing goes past him without his notice.

all for now...

church parking lot

2012-02-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

When I was growing up our family attended a little country church two large country blocks down the road.

I wonder why they took this photo?

It could be because this is likely how the cars were parked every single Sunday.

Our car was either 1st or 2nd on the parking lot.

My mother was punctual.
I expect I inherited this from her.

It is the turquoise '56 Chevy.

The other family...the Poetkers were either 1st or 2nd on the parking lot.

Their car is the white Ford Falcon.

I can't remember who owned the maroon...navy or green car.

They did not have a girl my age..

so it probably didn't matter.

I loved that little church.

I was baptized there as a teenager.

I was a candle lighter for two weddings in that church.

My girl friends and I raced around the church when we waited for our parents.

We picked little bits of boxwood off of the perfect square bushes.

We ate downstairs now and then and loved the aroma of pickles and coffee and fresh buns.

On occasion I would go home with Nancy or Shirley or they would come home with me...

and return for the evening service to go home with our parents.

I sang in the choir and learned to sing in harmony.

I watched the clock for both hands to point straight up...

so we could go.

I think of my Sunday School teachers through the years.

I remember...

Mrs. Wiebe, Mrs. Haak, Mrs Teichrob, Mrs. Peters, Mrs. Froese...

ladies that loved Jesus and taught from the word of God.

They might wonder if any of it made an impact.

It did.

all for now..

throat drops

2012-02-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever bought something for old times sake?
I don't even have a cough but when I spotted this package recently at the drug store...
I couldn't resist the soothing wild cherry throat drop from my childhood.

My parents rarely could afford to buy sweets of any kind but when a throat hurt they regularly called on the Smith Brothers to ease the discomfort.

I remember one late afternoon when I had been sent to bed with a fever.
My mom called my Dad at his work place....
asking for Throat Drops and the prescription from the Drug Store be picked up on his way home.
While I lay deep under the covers...
I learned the art of making those sweet throat drops last for hours.

Somethings are medicinal purely from a comfort stand point.
Don't you think?

family supper

2012-02-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

Just as I think I'm fresh out of memory posts...

I find another photo to that takes me back to my childhood.

I think I must have been about five.

My oldest brother Ken at the top left corner looking at the camera married when I was seven...

so that is my scale to find a date.

I don't remember how my second oldest brother was given the opposite end of the table as my father....

but perhaps it was because he most certainly had the biggest muscles and never complained about food.

Look at the large photo above the china cabinet.

It is of my oldest two brothers...

Sweet boys that my mother was surely proud of.

Notice the photo beside that..

the smaller one.

That one is of the next two sons that came before me.

Look at me... (sounds rather narcissistic doesn't it?)

am I wearing an apron?

Go figure.

I'm sitting in a high chair with the table part swung back so that I could sit at the table.

Everyone of us sat in that high chair and when I had our own children...

they had their turns sitting there as well.

Beside me is the middle child...

my brother Bob.

He appears to be concerned with the amount of scalloped potato casserole being removed from the roasting pan.

He didn't have to worry.

Look across the table at my brother Gerry.

Look at his plate.

It seemed he didn't appreciate the meal...

and I think...

that was the reason for the composition.

(learning the importance of that in my photography reading).

What amazes me is how much more I see in the photo.

I see a mother...

exhausted.

I see home made bread...

to round out the meal.

I see stained melmac cups that had not seen a soak of bleach in some time.

I see a jar of Postum...(roasted barley beverage)

remembering my mother never did drink coffee.

I see a jar of instant coffee...

which my dad drank with his supper meal..

every day.

I see it is winter..

because it is dark...

and there is plastic on the outside of the windows to keep the cold out.

I'm seeing that it was my job to set the table...

and I didn't do a very neat job.

I see a family that ate supper together...

every night.

It is February..

I'm off to find the pussy willows.

all for now..

Judy and Marg's party

2012-01-31T04:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday...

we took a day to celebrate Judy and Marg's Big Birthday.

Ellen came from across the line as far as my house...

and together Ellen, Anneliese and I travelled to Harrison Hot Springs.

(Ellen and Kathy in photo)

When we arrived at the Copper Room..

there was a table set and the birthday girls clearly had arrived before us.

Look at those little aprons.

We knew where our spot was...

if we knew the color combination of our apron.

These girls...

know how to have fun...

and they know how to make us have fun too.

I tell you...

there were cameras pointing in every direction.

If one person takes a picture...

all of us do...

and it is hard to know where to look.

You would think we would have that part organized by now.

We missed the prairie girls...

and mentioned that more than once.

(Marg, Ellen, Kathy)

There were presents.

(Judy, Bev, Julie, Anneliese)

Who doesn't want to sit beside the birthday girl.

Judy...and Bev.

There is nothing sweeter than the perfect gift...

for the birthday girl.

If you know Marg...

you know she has cute shoes.

We talked our waiter into taking a picture.

Or eight.

I found a fascinator a few weeks ago and bought it for Ellen.

She is a mother of the bride.

I told her she doesn't have to wear it to the wedding...:)

After our lunch....

we went and put on our swim suits.

I am not sure if it was symbolic on purpose or not...

but we did not let go of each others towels...

and kept the lineup unbroken.

Once at the pools...

our fitness instructor pointed us in the direction of the pool...

and we ~~did our fair share of lap~~s....

bobbed in the hot pools.

Marg and Judy...

did not dissapoint us and provided us with a few more giggles.

Julie...

offered to sacrifice pool time for the job of photographer.

After a few hours of relaxing in the mineral pools...

we had cake....

....and coffee.

Those girls ...

sure know how to throw a wonderful party...

and I was so happy they invited me.

all for now..

Manual Monday ~ Aperture

2012-01-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

I am still concentrating on the Aperture setting on my camera.
In this shot I wanted the background blurry.
The aperture is wide (small number).

If you are using Auto settings..
try this.
Turn your setting to AV and then turn the main dial to f/20 and slowly turn it one stop at a time until you reach f/4.
Look at your photos and see the difference it makes.

I am not entirely happy with this photo.
It would have been better if it had not be backlit when my focus is on the pot....
but at least I know that...
right?
Any hints how to improve the lighting?

That...is what I learned this week.

I'm off to enjoy a day at the pools.
Tomorrow..
you will see with who.

all for now...

BC Agriculture Gala

2012-01-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

The Fraser Valley is rich in Agriculture and when you add the rest of British Columbia into that equation...
it is evident we live in an area that feeds a lot of people near and far.

Being farmers ourself..
we thought we would seek out this gala that has been celebrating farmers for years.

The flowers all grown locally in green houses...
became beautiful centerpieces.
That arrangement now sits on my table at home.
Lucky!!

These were our table mates.
You will recognize Judy from her Front Porch.
Her and Elmer agreed to attend with us and we decided it was an event worth repeating...
with the same table mates.

We are second cousins...
well technically my beloved and her beloved are second cousins.
Judy...is one of the Mennonite Girls Can Cook...but you probably knew that.

The guest speaker who had thought through a talk on inspiring farmers to do our best...
found himself with a concussion the day before and so Colin Angus stepped in with his slide show and gave us a most inspiring story of his own.

His book is worth a read...
according to our table mates.

Who rows across the Atlantic ocean.
He does!

Dinner?

It was quite delicious.

A menu showcasing agriculture across the province.

The dessert was made by a class of students who are sponsored by agriculture.

These aprons were being sold to sponsor their education.
They make quite fantastic dessert.
Money...
well spent.

Farming in British Columbia.
It's a good thing.

all for now..

on her own

2012-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

Kanneloni Macaroni is a girl who knows what she is capable of and doesn't appreciate being underestimated of her learned skills.

I am not sure who needs to learn more...

me .... value of patience...

or her ..the value of time.

I expect it is a bit of both.

I found this little stool some time ago and it is kept where a bit of an extra step is necessary for DIY (do it yourself) jobs.

On one particular day...

when rushing seemed important..

I helped.

She said..."key-key do".....and hopped off...and with a smile...hopped on .... to prove her point.

Indeed she can.

all for now...

such value...so wasted in my inbox

2012-01-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

I signed up for this super saver option that sends me suggestions each day for the "gr_ _ _ _ _" of the day.

Before we get going here...
this is not a post to talk about the artwork in the photo above.
I'm not brave enough to open a forum on that artwork here on my blog.

I have bought quite a few "group _ _ _" for me and my beloved and have also purchased some for friends and family and have smiled as I think of them opening their surprise via email.

I've heard talk that this will soon be a super saver option that will go up in fumes.
Really?
It seems they are going to run out of businesses eventually that will take the bait in procuring new business.

I did buy one set of "group _ _ _" for a lovely little soap store...
but when I went there and talked to the store owner...
I almost told her I would pay full price as she told me the very long version of how it had become very expensive for her....
almost making her business unable to remain open.

I never did use that full "group _ _ ".
I didn't have the heart.

Anyways...
when this one came in the mail the other day...
it just made me smile.

Who...tell me who...
would assume to purchase this super saver value for someone else?

Buy 5 additional as gifts it says.
Really?

I suspect those that bear the art that I know....
would be rather disappointed to find one of these "group _ _ _" inserted in their greeting card.

I mean...
I totally understand why someone would buy this particular super saver "_ _ _ _ _ on" for themselves...
but 5 for gifts?

I said...."ha ha".

I love the top paragraph in the photo above.

Really "among sailors?"

and can "frighten young children"?

and maybe...(though they didn't mention this...but middle aged women too).

So there you have it...
just an amusement from my inbox.
Such value ...
so unable to be used.
I let that one pass.

I think I'll go visit my "g _ _ _ pon" storage bank and see what super saver value is there waiting for me.

Don't leave me unloving comments okay?
Try to have a sense of humor!

phases one to three

2012-01-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

The Blizzard

We had a full week of winter here in the Fraser Valley.
I expect that the remainder of our winter will be rain and our attention will turn to Primulas soon.

It certainly was not the worst storm I've seen.
From my vantage point with 5/6 of my person within the bungalow I kept waiting for the white out.
I was wanting to show you the gusts...
but kept missing them.

While I was fixing our eggs for lunch I took a few quick snaps...
but again..
nothing jaw dropping.

The Calm

Once the wind settled down and before phase three commenced...
I pulled on my rain boots with the fleece liners..
put on my hat and winter coat and went to see the surrounding mountains in the distance.
The scene above is of the mountains to the north and the population of west end of the city.

Towards the end of phase two...
the raspberry canes that had shaken free from their frosting...
waved gently in the breeze.

The Freeze

On Friday morning we were promised phase three of freezing rain.
So sure they were of the onset of the ice coating everything...
that schools were cancelled in anticipation of the perilous conditions and the children had a free day.

I kept looking out the window...
hoping it would "start....already".
What good is a freezing rain event if it happens in the dark?
It began an hour before sunset and I coaxed the camera on the tripod to focus and shoot something worth posting.

The Thaw

We woke Saturday morning to dissolved icicles in the form of puddles all about...
and I declared it over.
As I write this on Sunday afternoon..
it is raining and windy.

It was so tempting to turn it all to AUTO...
but my new resolve kept me turning knobs and pushing buttons and then looking at those always mystifying histograms.

I said yesterday...
"I need a new lens".

He said..."well you just keep practising."
Ha ha!!

I intend to showcase what I am learning on Monday's.
Next week...I'll begin to note which settings I used so that those of you who are "less" amateur...
can give me helpful hints.

on the weather

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the Weather Network for the image.
I just had to share this weather map with you of Canada and the US.
It is not often that all of Canada is freezing.
It looks like Nova Scotia and Newfoundland alone are above freezing.
Kathie...is it freezing in PEI too?

By tomorrow....
the Fraser Valley should be above freezing temperatures ...
and by next week....
we'll be wondering about flooding from the rain which they are forecasting.

I've been thinking about my parents and the modes of transportation they used during the winter months when they first got married in the early 40's.

For the first years of their marriage...

they lived in Glenbush Saskatchewan.

My Mom told stories of having to ride in this heated sleigh.

She would get terribly "car" sick and was so happy for the summer months when they could ride in open buggies.

I also found this photo in the album.

I have no idea if they just took a picture of it or if they actually travelled in it.

I did smile to think that the Pathfinder Snowmobile has been around for decades.

In the late 40's my parents moved to the Fraser Valley in British Columbia with their oldest two sons.

Our memories remember the worst winters and probably overlook the winters that were unremarkable.

It seems to me that every winter had snow and skating ponds and yet I am sure there were plenty of winters that were dreary and rainy.

Here I am with my brother Gerry beside the broiler chicken barn.

From the long icicles (which indicates the barn was warm inside) ...

I am thinking this must have been the winter that my Dad needed to have the driveway opened by the Department of Highways so that we could ship the birds.
(I keep thinking that I wouldn't be allowing the grands to be playing under those icy spikes.)

I can still recall his gratitude that they did this for him.

We didn't own a tractor and those trucks needed to get into the yard.

I'm wondering if I would remember it as clearly had my Dad not prayed for a solution and then been so thankful that God provided for the need.

all for now...

a shout out to my peeps on their birthday

2012-01-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

Judy is on the right.
Marg is on the left.
I took this photo before Christmas at a book signing.
They were already talking then about turning the big six oh.
Marg is younger than Judy.....but just barely.

We'll concentrate on Judy for today.

I just love Judy.

Most of you know Judy from her blog where she pounds out weekly news from her front porch.
I know it is not nice to name drop....
but we are related her and I.
My mil's mother and her mil were sisters.
What does that make us?

It makes us appreciate an extraordinary relationship in friendship and blogging.

Since I know Judy personally...
let me just give you an inside scoop.

She worked with me (and Anneliese) behind the scenes working on the MGCC book.
She has a keen sense of editing as you can tell from her well written blog and is a person who doesn't mind a bit of repetition if it means we'll be happy with the end result.

Besides that....
she is a bit quiet....not looking for attention.
She has this quality in the most honest sense.
She bears a ready smile and is genuinely friendly.
I believe the quality I admire most about Judy is her kindness.
She loves her family...as you know.
She cares about others...for real.
She is steady and balanced.

She shares her faith and it is real.

I count myself blessed to have Judy as a friend.
I believe she will be my friend for life.
Somethings ....
you can count on.

Heidi.

Heidi is my youngest sister by love.
She married my slightly older than me (by four years) brother Gerry.

It's her birthday today too.

I just love Heidi.

She has a zest for life and a determination that far exceeds normal.
She does not give up...
even when she has had cause to want to.
She is smart...really smart.
She is fit as a fiddle....running in half marathons.
She loves her family with a fierce loyalty.
She has a sense of humor and enjoys us rolling our eyes.
She readily helps others and has empathy for those who have less.
I can't imagine our family without her.
We save them seats at church every weekend.
They are enjoying time away...
and she said that we should think of it as a holiday for us too....
since we don't have to save them seats this weekend.
That's Heidi.

I count myself very blessed to have Heidi as a "sister".
We are sisters for life.
In this lifetime...
she'll be forever married to my brother.
This...
I can count on.

Happy Birthday dear ones!
You are all celebrating....
and I wish you a wonderful day.

aperture and f stop

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

Since Christmas...

I have been reading the camera manual for the Canon XT Rebel that I have had since Christmas 2007.

Better late than never!!

I confess...

I like the auto button on my digital SLR.

It takes fine pictures on the auto button but I've been curious about the different terms and have been frustrated by poor light when taking my food photos during the winter months.

Every day for the last few weeks...
I take about 10 minutes to read the manual..
locate the appropriate buttons and push and turn the knobs and see if I can make something look different.

This week I have been trying to get straight in my mind about the aperture and what it means.

I'm learning why a low number means a large opening in the aperture letting in more light...
and why they call this an f stop number instead of aperture opening.
I finally found that if I think of the "f" as a 1....it will make more sense.
Instead of reading f/4.....I now say in my mind 1/4.
Thinking of it as a fraction....will make more sense when I am trying to remember that 1/4...
is bigger than 1/8.
The f means focal length and the "/ " means divided by.
Am I close?

I know now that the low aperture is what allows me to focus on a small subject and make the non important background blurry. This is referred to a shallow depth of field.
Low aperture lets in more light and is used for evening and indoor shots without a flash.

Higher aperture....like f/16 is used when you have lots of light and will have a large part of the photo in focus.

If you are an accomplished photographer...
it is not necessary for me to tell you how confused I am by my narrative.
I have decided to try putting what I am learning into my own words each week and see if that will help me remember.
I have been taking three or four photos at a time and then loading them onto the computer to see what the adjustment in settings has accomplished.

You might be wondering why I don't go take a photography class.
I will...oh I will.
Before I go though..
I want to know where the basic buttons are.
I want to know what an aperture does and what a shutter speed should be when you are taking a snow photo.
I want to know why snow looks grey or blue when it should look white.

I want to know what composition makes a beautiful photo.

I've learned something...
I think I love a challenge...
and I'm not afraid to push a few buttons to learn....
and I'm not afraid to look like a student in a classroom.

So tell me...
do you use the auto button or do you understand what your digital camera does?
I would love some feedback on what I think I am understanding.

all for now...

snow day 2012

2012-01-17T04:00:00.000-08:00

The snow day began early.

The tractor was called into service to clean the yard since Monday's is the day big trucks arrive on the farm.

The little girls...

watched as Grandpa did a bit of road clearing in front of the bungalow.

It was a dry snow...
too dry for a snowman..
but not too dry for me to sing the song of Frosty...
over and over again.

Late morning..
One Daddy came back to play..
and the tractor piled the snow and packed it tight...
and then the digging began.

Every winter...
there is a wondering if it pays to buy the snow suits...
and if it snows even one day...
it pays.

I went out now and then to check on the progress.

When I realized that I would have a table full of grands for lunch..
the turkey broth was set to boil and the eggs came out to make noodles.

They kept digging...
and Kanneloni Macaroni and I cranked out noodles and got the soup ready for lunch.

When it was all ready...
we went out to do an igloo inspection...
and do the call to come for lunch.

They were ready for a nice hot bowl of soup those two.
I was glad no one fussed about the sweet sound of slurping.

all for now...

we had snow

2012-01-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Friday evening as we relaxed...
I knew it was snowing even before I looked outside.
The road noise changes outside the bungalow.

The car and truck tires sounded muffled.
So...I looked out the back window..
and said..."it's snowing"...
and then we were both looking out the window towards the yard light.

We get enough snow not to be shocked by it...
and yet not so much that we don't still stand and watch the flakes big or small...
sloppy or delicate...
and feel like children feel at the idea of it.

I never cease to marvel at the beauty of nature.
The word of God comes back to me over and over again...
in worship at the creation.
I felt grateful for warm clothing and housing and energy to enjoy it all.

Today is a Grammie Day.
The girls will be here bright and early.
We'll just hang out...
do a little reading and play a few rounds of the matching game once the littler one naps.
I think we'll put together a pot of soup...
and make some Valentine shaped biscuits...
and perhaps...
walk around in the snow until someone thinks of Hot Chocolate.

all for now...

the seating arrangement

2012-01-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

Well it might not have been the Portzelky that he wanted so badly...
and I don't think he's buying it that we are all eating what he is eating...
but it comes on a spoon and that seems to satisfy ...
for now.

On Wednesday night dinner...
there was a shuffle in chairs.
Kanneloni Macaroni gave up her high chair to Little Oh...
and Little Miss Muffet now holds the position of eldest in the second high chair.

Kanneloni Macaroni sat in a high bar stool...
kitty corner from me at the table....
close to her mommy and Little OH.
This was not suitable for her.
She wants another change.

The oldest two grands...
would appreciate a rotation in the seating arrangement as well.
They, seated on either side of us...(the grand-parents between them)....
on the east side...
would appreciate being seated side by side with us (the grand-parents) seated apart on each...
the other side of the two of them.

Now...it seems that the grand-parents will indeed have to be separated.
Kanneloni Macaroni wants a seat on the east side of the table as well.
Little Miss Muffet and Little OH...
have no idea...
yet.

I am thinking that in 3 1/2 years...
the oldest two can sit together on the west side...
and we'll still be where we are...
with the littlest ones on either side...
and Kanneloni Macaroni between us.

The parents of the grands?
Dads sit on the south end...the north end..
the mothers on the west side flanked on either side by the babies..
and Oma...in the middle..
(between the mothers...not on the table)
to catch all the action.

Does he look confused or what?

7:43 AM

2012-01-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

There are days...
that I want to get up before the sun rises.

The color was breathtaking...
the morning was still...
and while the coffee perked...
I gave thanks to God in the heavens for the beauty of a new day.

all for now...

for the beauty ....they remain

2012-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

I have to say...
I love getting mail that matches.
This year....I stacked the Christmas cards in the center of our coffee table.
They remain...
while the rest of the things that came out of my boxes have been tucked away again.

The nativity scene is still there on the mantel...
reminding me that Christmas has not left our home.
The reason for the season remains.

one for the blog

2012-01-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

I really do try not to photograph my children often for the blog.
Admittedly...
I really started out wrong.
Perhaps a bit overly ambitious...
I became known early on in my blogging career to have camera in hand ...
and ever alert to a photo opportunity.

They began to think it was only for blogging material.
Shocking I know.
Try as I might...
I was not able to dissuade them from their analysis of my family photo routines.

I just have to say...
sometimes it seems...
that they do it to themselves.

Who wears such photo worthy outfits if you are not looking for some blog coverage?
I know it was not planned...
but my eye is trained on such things.

Okay..now I'll have to be good again...
for a very long time.

Just sayin' though..
if I keel over..
they will rest in peace...
until someone else in the family...
decides to blog.

all for now...

things a mother can't fix

2012-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Remember my big aim about getting all our family sized up in these shoes that provide a needy child with shoes for every shoe you buy?
I tried...
OH I tried.
Before Christmas I put in another order and this box of shoes arrived with this label.
Look carefully.
What do you see behind the label?

There they are...the ones in the behind label that no one in this household wanted.
The good news... was we are able to see that the size 13 fit our grown-up son just fine.
So...I called them up and they said they would send out ...
the right shoes in the right box.
They emailed me a prepaid postage label to send the wrong shoes in the right box with the over pasted label back to their warehouse.

I was so impressed.

The right shoes came in the right box a day before Christmas.
I wrapped them up and tucked them under the tree.
And then..
he tried them on.
Look at the two boxes.
Notice how the wrong shoes in the box on the left take up the entire space of the box?
Look at the right shoes in the right box on the right side have space to spare in the box?
He tried to try them on..
OH he tried.

I had flash backs to the little leather shoes my Dad made for him when he was an infant.
It was much the same.. his wee feet were not so wee and never did fit infant sized shoes...
and now the same foot having grown much larger ..
trying to fit in shoes that have no hope.

The right shoes with the mislabeled size and the wrong shoes with the right size have all gone back to the warehouse.
Some feet are meant to try on shoes in the store.

Having said all that...
I still believe they do a good thing and will keep buying the wee ones shoes and from the company that gives another pair to a needy child.

all for now...

mom

2012-01-06T04:00:00.001-08:00

Missing you today mom...
as I do on so many days.

Seventeen years....

all for now..

crafting with a four year old

2012-01-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

One ...only one.

~~Babysitting~~ Visiting with one is a whole lot different than visiting with a quorum of grands.

I pulled out a craft suitable for a little girl.

We lined up the candies...

coordinating the colors.

She kept wanting to test them...
but thank goodness for Mommy and Daddy who will "really want to see it looking nice".
She ate the leftovers and let the necklace alone until we dropped her off at home.
I threaded the elastic on a large rather dull needle and tied a large bead at the other end to prevent the "beads" from falling off the other end.
It worked and her coordination got a bit of practice.

It was a good Grammie Day.
I combed her hair and braided it...
twice.

snap

2012-01-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

Question: How long does a guitar last when a four year old plays it when it was constructed to be handled by a careful adult?

Answer...not long.

The guitar never did make it home on the eve of the gifting.
It stayed back to be touched by the hand of the fixer.

And fixed it was.
Screwed and glued and painted and delivered.

All is well with the wee musician.
We were treated to a concert on our next visit.
He "strums" at the right time while looking rather serious and singing Jingle Bells.

It's a start.

all for now...

The New Years Day Portzelky Party Review

2012-01-03T04:00:00.000-08:00

Do you all try to pawn off your leftover Christmas treats after Christmas?
I took out our candy and a tray of cookies and only still hoarded the Nanaimo Bars that I am ashamed to say our own children ~~don't~~ didn't even know I made.

I fried and fried and fried some more.

Yes...
I wouldn't want to fry that many Portzelky in the house.
My beloved claimed the next day it still smelled (I think in a good way) in his shop.
I wouldn't have wanted the little ones to be sitting in the high chairs while I needed them before they arrived.

The dough holding chair could have been most entertaining.

See the paper towel bearing a few odd Portzelky on the left side of the camp stove?

That is where I kept my special shaped Portzelky.
This one was my best.
A chicken...
in case you can't tell.

Do you all have picky relatives?
I do..and needed to make some raisinless Portzelky for them.
I fought it for years and just decided it was easier to appease them and I admit they were fluffy little fritters.

My beloved offered me up his welding visor with a full face shield hanging on the wall.
See it there? It has the yellow brim.
He was offering to help me with blog material.
I had no time to play silly games.

By today..

Little Oh has likely had his first people food.

He watched his Grandpa eat that Portzelky and reached for it and when the last bite was popped in Grandpa's mouth...he actually cried.

He had sprouted his first tooth the night before and felt ready.

I had to put a picture on of Kanneloni Macaroni.
She hurried over to me pointing out she was wearing "cows".
It took me a moment to find them...
and sure enough she was.

The kids all had a ball.

There was two gradeschoolers...

and nine preschoolers.

The kids somehow all sat on one side...
Grandparents all across and the middle generation sat on the two ends and basically hardly had time to sit.

(photo above)
My three brothers and sister in laws....
love those folks!

Best quote of the night. ..
Dolly on the right says...
"people shouldn't worry about what they eat between Christmas and New Years near as much as what they eat between New Years and Christmas"

Last year we had a bouncy castle for them to jump their excess energy away but that only added to their energy. We decided to put on a video for them.

They sat still for at least a full minute.

And then...they carried on with their original plan.

My only regret?
I wished I had lined them all up against the wall for a lineup photo.
Remind me next year...
okay?

Happy Birthday dear Kathy

2012-01-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

It is a gift to have traditions worth repeating.
One that I especially love is celebrating Kathy's birthday on New Years Eve.
Today is actually her birthday.
Happy Birthday dear friend!
I wish you a wonderful year filled with delights you never imagined and peace and contentment for those days we wish would be over.

While two couples can enjoy an evening together ....
three couples make it even more special.
I loved the relaxed way we visited.
With so much in common . .
and daily visits between the girls ..
it is nice to once in a blue moon have a reason to sit across from each other and chat to our fill.

We enjoyed some steaks off the grill ..
some fresh asparagus and some fresh rolled out noodles with a cream and mushroom sauce.
It was New Years eve after all.
The cake?
Well...it had to be special.
If I can get one decent photo of a slice...
it will be posted eventually.

After dinner we watched "the help".

I had read the book months ago and purchased the movie to watch on this evening and it was nearly killing me to wait since I found the book ..

Oh so good.

Have you read the book?

Seen the movie?

It struck me that I was a preschooler during the era that the movie takes place.

I remember things about that time in my life and in particular President Kennedy being shot.

I'm curious to know how people living in that area feel about the movie and book.

After the movie we visited a bit more and rang in the new year together.
They left after one.
OH. ..it was such a nice evening.
I loved it.
Is it okay to say that if you are the hostess?

all for now . .

Year in Review ~ 2011

2011-12-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

The south coast of British Columbia was treated to a snow fall early in the new year.

Freshly fallen snow is so beautiful and it seems symbolic of a clean start.

We always have my side of the extended family over for New Years Cookies in the shop and that was how we began the new year in 2011.

When the email came to invite some of the Mennonite Girls Can Cook to come into Global BCTV for an interview I could hardly believe it.

I said yes of course . . and invited Kathy to come with me.

We brought them some Paska and Platz and . . .

felt very grateful for the opportunity to share about our soon to be released book.

We went out with our husbands for lunch as soon as it was over to celebrate.

Though still winter . . February is secretly when I begin to think of spring.

Pussywillows continue to be my favorite late winter memory since my Dad never failed to bring home a bouquet to my Mom as soon as they appeared in ditches.

Another first for MGCC was an invitation to come to Lepp's Farm Market and teach a cooking class.

We had such a great time! It is wonderful how fun it is to work shoulder to shoulder with the women who I work alongside of in the land of blogging.

In looking through the photos . . .

I smiled at how much the grands have all grown.

I am most grateful for healthy grandchildren.

They have energy to spare and I just thank God that I run out of steam before they do.

That is how it should be!

I was also so surprised that is was February when we began to put up our fence.

The reason we put it up was that we knew that soon we would have not four grands running amuck on the farm but five and we wanted to coral them.

That is the story . .simple and true and it has worked.

They are most alarmed if we do not shut the gate while they are playing outside.

Children need boundaries to feel safe.

Don't you just love those first signs of Spring?

March came and the plum blossoms began to open and blue skies were welcomed.

Still in March . . . the cherry tree opened it's tender pink blooms and I ran willy-nilly around the farm documenting Springs arrival.

Another first for me was attending a Feed Company Ladies outing.

It was extra special sitting in the bus alongside my sister in law Mary and my dear friend Judy and her beautiful girl Broni.

I might not love living on the Wet Coast every day of the year but I concede that the rain and the seasons are the part of what living in British Columbia makes it beautiful.

I'll take having four seasons over the pull of the tropics any day.

I do however dream of the tropics...often during the rain.

My beloved graciously called 2011 the year of the book.

We stayed home from our Spring trip away not knowing exactly when the delivery of books would arrive.

Such support of a good husband matters more to me than I can say.

Having him there with me when the truck arrived ...

was truly priceless.

The book arrived late in April. Our hope was that it would arrive in time for Mother's Day in May knowing that it could potentially be gifted not only by us for our mothers but for our sisters and daughters and as it turns out. .

a few others gave it to their Mothers as well.

In time for Easter . . .

we again visited Lepp Farm Market and taught a class on making Paska.

Ellen came from Seattle to teach with us and she brought some of her beautiful Paska spread to share with the class. Soup also was on the menu.

With Easter around the corner I had another one of my sewing brainwaves and thought it would really fun to sew Easter dresses for my three little girls.

I enlisted the help of blogging friend Heather to knit some matching sweater vests and they arrived in time for that chilly Easter day.

I am remembering now that this was also the year of reseeding and fixing the lawn.

Are you not a blogger? I bet you are wondering by now what your year looked like.

I love how Kanneloni Macaroni thought being barefoot was a good idea to look for her Easter eggs.

I love this photo.

Anneliese gifted each one of the MGCC with this photo in this frame.

If you can read the matting ...

you can see how much we have come to care for one another.

We met together in May to celebrate the book being published.

May was the beginning of book signing.

We had no idea how often we would be invited to sit and sign books and we had no idea how many wonderful people we would be blessed to speak with.

While I was finishing up the book...

my beloved was finishing up the interior of the truck.

Both accomplishments were once in a lifetime events!

I love that truck and the one who sits behind the wheel.

If I hear the engine start . ..

I know a date is soon to begin.

June found me in the garden.

I loved picking those early summer vegetables and was always amazed how it remained weed free.

In June we had our annual family weekend away to Harrison Hot Springs.

The little ones love the warm water and it provides us with some uninterrupted time away from the farm with our grown up kids who appreciate a weekend away as well.

The first weekend in July we went to Princeton for a family reunion on my beloved's side.

It was a first for us to do this and it was considered a great success.

We left there late Sunday morning to go to Manning Park.

We were holding our annual Summer Cousin Camp and didn't want to miss one second of it.

Oh such fun we've had.

I came home just in time to visit Lepp's once more.

This class was all about summer pies.

The most special event of the year was the birth of our second grandson.

He was born on my beloved's birthday and he was greeted by . .

his brother the Lil' Farm Hand and . .

his sister Kanneloni Macaroni.

Though he is named after a great grandfather he never had a chance to know . .

his blog name is Little Oh!

In July we celebrated Little Miss Muffet's 1st birthday and Kanneloni Macaroni's 2nd birthday and so we have three grands born in July.

I love reasons to celebrate.

I was so thankful that Little Oh arrived on time since I had tickets book for early August for a book tour.

Anneliese and I and our husbands travelled to Waterloo Ontario and then crossed the border to head towards Harrisonburg Virginia where our publishers office is.

One of the highlights of that trip was to meet our blogging friend Kathy.

Again I was reminded what beautiful people live not only in my town but all around the globe.

It is just a joy to be able to share life with so many dear people.

I met a few other dear ladies from blog land on that trip and the memory of it still makes me smile.

Towards the end of August a few of us from the valley in British Columbia travelled to Winnipeg in Manitoba to visit Charlotte and Betty.

It was such a delightful time. We stayed at Betty and John's home and were treated so royally . ..

I was a touch sad when it was over all too soon.

In September . ..

I needed a bit of time away from the computer and so I followed my menfolk on their annual Quad trip to the Coquihalla forestry area.

Everyone came home safely.

I had not worried about them before on previous trips but now I likely will...every year.

I might have to go along again just to yell warnings at them as they spin out of camp.

In October we Thanked God for everything he gives us.

I began to wonder about how God blesses people.

It gave me pause to wonder how much I am responsible for when I have much more than I need.

In October I had a lull with less things pressing for my time and so . ..

I had another sewing brain wave.

I sewed little coats for the little girls.

Later in October we were invited by Winks to join them at the West Coast Women's Show.

How exactly we ended up on the Cooking stage for that large event still is amazing to me.

We are such normal cooks . ..with only home experience to share . . .

and yet they came and we shared what we know . .

and enjoyed ourselves immensely.

The colors of Autumn were slow arriving this year.

It was a beautiful fall with so many sunny days.

It's good to say that now since we forget sunshine here all too quickly.

The end of November and the beginning of December we celebrated more birthdays.

We now have five healthy grandchildren who are four years old and under.

Blessings!!

Global BCTV invited us to return and this time we took to the cooking stage and showed all of British Columbia how to make a Hazelnut Roll for their Christmas dessert.

Anneliese joined me on this one.

We went out to lunch afterwards with our husbands to celebrate.

A highlight in December that was completely unexpected was attending a local Christmas concert and finding that they were including MGCC for part of the script.

How they presented our book to the Baby Jesus ...

made me weep.

The joy of giving the royalties to feed hungry children has blessed me incredibly.

Just before Christmas we held our annual Christmas cousin camp.

Four were attending this year.

I had another one of my sewing brainwaves a week or two before and sewed up matching nighties and pajamas for the grands.

I love that they can have fun together and am so grateful that we live close enough together to allow this to happen.

The littlest ones change the fastest.

Little Oh also enjoyed Christmas celebrations.

He didn't eat any turkey but sure was looking at it and drooling and visited every available lap.

Four generations together to celebrate the birth of Jesus

Amazing.

And so this was my year.

My year might not have been as miraculous as Mary's was but like her I have pondered all the events over and over in my heart.

I am mindful of the fact that it is a joy and privilege to offer the simple gifts I have to share with my precious family and further to the community around me and Globally in places I have never been.

It continues to be my prayer that my life and this blog will be honoring to God.

Thank you for sharing the journey with me.

Lord, I pray that you would go with us into the new year.

We pray that You would give us joy in each day,

peace to fill our lives regardless of circumstances,

and love to fill our lives that we might show your love to those we meet this coming year.

Happy New Year!

all for now . .

the family christmas 2011

2011-12-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

We had the family for the noon meal yesterday.
With a bungalow full of little ones...
it seems that having the meal ready when they are walking in the door is the way to go.
It is hard to platter the turkey holding the little ones at the same time.
Just sayin'.
So ...the more that can be done ahead of time the happier this grammie is.

We celebrated Jesus's birthday in style.

We use our best dishes.

We started the meal with salad.

While the salad was eaten . ..

turns were taken to read part of the story.

This was the first time we did it like this and it will definitely become part of our tradition.

The little ones had a part to read too. .

and they held their part of the story with interest while their mommy or daddy read.

I have learned that children. . .
don't throw china on the floor . .
so all of us eat on our best dishes...
for Jesus's birthday.

After we ate . .
we opened up some presents.

I didn't manage to get photos of all the little ones opening their gifts.
If you have seen little ones open gifts..
you get why this did not happen.

The gifts were put away to take home after a bit and the cousins put some serious play time to good use.
There was a bit of napping by the youngest ones . .
and a bit of yawning by the oldest ones.

At the end of the day....
I'd say the party was quite a success.
I think that if Jesus had come to the door . . .
he would have enjoyed the laughter . . .
the stories . .
and the children.

That is what I thought when I waved goodbye at the end of the day.

all for now . ..

The night before Christmas ~ 2011

2011-12-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Are you ready?

Getting ready for Christmas reminds me a little bit of how it is watching engaged couples prepare for their marriage.

My beloved and I are involved in pre-marriage mentoring at our church.

Occasionally, we see the bulk of their effort in planning focused on their wedding day.

Hours and hours are spent looking for the perfect apparel.

Invitations are selected with care and sent out in a timely fashion so that no one will be caught with previous plans.

Great expense goes into making sure guests will be well fed and treated to a day of celebration.

To be sure that it is all remembered for the rest of their lives . . .

they will have it all recorded by photos and video.

We love seeing them prepare in this way and we pray that it will be a once in a lifetime event.

We hope . . .

that they prepare for their marriage . .
with the same amount of passion and determination.

It is so easy to focus on one day when in reality it is
the days, months and years ahead require the real effort.

"Christmas" has been in the stores for several months already.

Baking has been stored away in the freezer and our refrigerator is stocked for the next few days.

I have appetizers . .

and all the ingredients for a full Turkey Dinner.

What about the day after though?

What was all this preparation for if it is over on the 26th?

It is where my heart is the next 364 days that matters most.

If I put all the focus on giving gifts and preparing food and give only a passing thought on the Jesus who came to earth how will I find the Joy and Peace that Christmas cards wish me?

Tonight I will be singing carols.

Tomorrow the little ones will gather around as I tell them the Story of Jesus.

On January 2nd....I'll likely put the Christmas decorations away...

but the Jesus who we celebrate will remain in our home . .

in our conversations ... decisions .... attitudes

and anything else that make living ...

life.

Joy to the world . ..

the Lord has come!

I wish you a very Merry Christmas!

I wish you Hope . ..Joy and Peace . . .

I wish you Jesus.

Out delivering gifts!

2011-12-23T09:18:00.001-08:00

Especially for Jill.

Get better soon!

I thought this might make my Millinery friend Smile!

Love to you all. . .

cousin camp Christmas 2011 ~ O Come Little Children

2011-12-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

After bathing . . .
they do a trial run with the Christmas Jammies.
I say trial run because they were not quite finished yet and this gave me a chance to check hemlines.

Then...
they enjoyed some night lunch.

It seems impossible not to try to tease Grandpa!
I wonder why?

Stories were read.
When you have told a story enough . ..
they can tell it themselves and I smiled as Grandgirlie seemed to take the role of storyteller.

This will be the fourth Christmas celebrating with Grands.

I learned from my mom that little children were completely capable of knowing about Jesus and his love to us.

And now I listened and saw that indeed a four year old can tell the most important details about Christmas.

Seeing them reminded me of my own childhood.

Every night during advent the candles were lit . .
and we would gather around . .
sing a few carols . .
and enjoy a few Christmas Candies and oranges before bedtime.

No one took pictures.
I do not really need one.
The family photo is clearly saved where it matters most.

Ihr Kinderlein, kommet, o kommet doch all!
Zur Krippe her kommet in Bethlehems Stall
und seht, was in dieser hochheiligen Nacht
der Vater im Himmel für Freude uns macht!

Oh, come, little children, oh, come, one and all,
To Bethlehem’s stable, in Bethlehem’s stall.
And see with rejoicing this glorious sight,
Our Father in heaven has sent us this night.

Translated from German to English
by Melanie Schulte (1885–1922)

Cousin Camp....decorating the home

2011-12-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

We baked up two cakes. . .
one for each family.
I divided up the candies and held the pastry bag full of icing and waited to squirt at their direction.

There was some wonder at how the candies might taste and it seemed sensible to try them to see if they were worth pasting to the home.

At one point . ..
it was noted that the one home was winning.
I enquired how it might be winning and was told it was all about finishing first.

That was the boy talking.

Grandgirlie took her time.
A girl needs to think where she might want shrubs and trees.

Not everyone is interested in home decorating.
Some people are just meant to entertain those that are busy decorating.

Indeed . .
Jesus does love the little Children.
He always has ..
and he always will.

all for now . ..

Cousin Camp Saturday afternoon

2011-12-20T04:00:00.000-08:00

After a hearty lunch of "Reindeer Bowties" Grandpa took the oldest two outside while I convinced Kanneloni Macaroni it would be to her advantage to stay inside with me while Little Miss Muffet napped.

I wondered if she would forget about going outside but the moment we heard chatting in the bedroom...

she was heading for her boots.

When we came around the corner of the barn...

there was Grandgirlie taking the lil' farm hand for a ride on the "alligator".

Seats were swapped and the Gator was stretched to the brink of exhaustion.

The wagon which I bought at a yard sale has been around the farm a few times.
It doubles as a "container" and my entertainer did a fantastic job of producing giggles.

The horses next door were not in their fence . ..
and I could see that. . .
but a trip across the field was in order to see if I was right.

The sun set at 4:15 and the vehicles were taken to the car wash before being parked in the shop.

They all know the drill.

If you do something over and over the very same way . .
they do not require explanation . ..
and I smiled at their acceptance of the washing.

There was of course...
offers to help.

Inside the shop . ..

everything on wheels was tested.

Even the flat deck trailer was tested for its load capacity . .
and Grandpa treated them to shaky earthquakes.

From there they moved to the quads.
Everyone took turns taking others on very noisy and scary rides.

Everyone . ..
was taken for a ride . ..
except for me.
They accept that Grammie can't do everything.

Had they been involved in a scientific study . .
the data would have shown. .
that it is better to be squished together on a tiny island . ..
holding on tightly to each other . ..
than sprawled about the earth each minding their own affairs.
I hope and pray they cling to one another throughout life during the good and the bad.

all for now . . .

Cousin Camp Christmas 2011..part one

2011-12-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

He said. .."what are you going to serve for the meals?

I said . .."not sure yet...I have hot dogs and I thought I would do some home made macaroni and cheese.

I have fresh veggies and some fruit"

He said.. ."well...keep it simple".

First thing in the morning before they arrived....
I mixed up some noodle dough and put a chicken in the pot for soup.
Later. . .we played with dough.
They love making noodles and it always amazes me how determined they are to crank that handle.

The took turns and they didn't mind telling me whose turn it was next.
I kept turning the knob to make the dough thinner. ..and thinner.

One thing is for sure...
they will not grow old saying they have never made noodles from scratch!!!

About 30 minutes later...
we had a big pile of noodles drying for our soup later.

I thought it seemed like such a big batch. ..

so I didn't boil them all to begin.

As they began to eat soup...

I ran back to the stove to put the rest of the noodles in.

They all have different noodle eating techniques.

It might not be the neatest meal to eat . ..
but they eat it without a smidge of coaxing.

We kept the table settings simple.
and if they wanted a cup of milk and water .. .
they got both.

I can't say how many times I am glad we invested in two high chairs.
Long after they don't really need them anymore...
they willingly sit in one ...
and at least two of them are then able to not fall off their chairs.

After supper it was stories. . .
Veggie Tales ..
baths and Jammie's...
and without too much coaxing at all. . ..
bedtime.

It was late last night when I got to looking at the photos so I posted one aspect of cousin camp.
I'll get to the rest of them tomorrow.
This is their diary for the next few days.

all for now....

cousin camp

2011-12-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Woah boy!
Cousin Camp starts tomorrow morning.
The deadline looms.
If these jammies are not finished . ..
I'll have some 'splaining to do.

Ruffles on the nightie hems . .
and elastic around the pajama waist . .
and hems.

We'll be ready.
I'll be waiting at the door . ..
and we'll wave good-bye to their drivers and the party will begin.

Report to come on Monday.

all for now . .

The big Green Bowls

2011-12-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

I heard there was a fantastic sale . . .
so I ordered some big green bowls.
The big green bowls have been sitting here awhile waiting to be filled.

Last week. .
we delivered boxes of cereal to my mom by love so she could make her annual batch of party mix.

She. .
delivered the large bags of party mix back to me . ..
and....
I put the bags in my big green bowls . .

And now ..
they big green bowls are waiting to be given.

What kind of green bowls?

all for now . . .

Let it snow

2011-12-14T07:21:00.000-08:00

There they are. ..
smiling at me the whole time I'm cutting. . .
and now sewing.

Cutting is the worst part.
I think I've said that before.
It is "worst" enough to mention it again.

It seemed like miles of fabric.

When the cutting was all done ..
I had some left.

I'm guessing their might be some pillowcases to lay their sleepy little heads on.

I'm happy to report that not one snowman will be standing on this head when the grands have their pajamas on.

The little coats

2011-12-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

Did I never show you the finished coats?

I was at the fabric store yesterday and I wondered if I had. . .

and as far as I can see. .

I didn't.

If I did. ..let's just play along. ..okay?

Remember the little inspiration coat I thought was so cute?

I posted about it here.

I don't have a picture of the three girls wearing their little coats. .

but I did take a quick picture with my phone just before these two lined up to be in their Sunday School Christmas program.

The coats turned out to be designed for layering underneath. . .

not necessarily the plan but they'll fit them for quite sometime. :)

So. ..yesterday I was cutting out pajamas again.

Remember last year?

I'll take pictures today of my progress of the cutting.

You would think I would have purchased a print that can go either way.

all for now ..

In the way back

2011-12-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

Photo's seen on this blog are usually mine.
But today they are captured by someone with a soft spot for this little boy.

They hung out in the way back . ..
which is not that far back but far enough to feel like an adventure for a four year old.

The best thing about Grandpa's is. ..
they still remember what little boys love to do.

cultured goodness

2011-12-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

I remember years ago having powdered Buttermilk in my kitchen pantry.
It came in so handy but eventually I didn't notice it on store shelves anymore and began to buy fresh Buttermilk in the dairy case.

Buttermilk can often be substituted in recipes by adding a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to fresh milk.
Buttermilk creates a light batter which makes a light fluffy pancake or cake . .
cookie or muffin.

Some time ago I rediscovered the Powdered version of Cultured Buttermilk when I was across the line (as in the US border). I couldn't resist picking up a container and have been adding it into recipes with fantastic results ever since. Has anyone found a place to buy it in Canada? I'd love to know where.
There are many options to purchase it online too. ..in case you can't find it and a drive across the line is not an option for an afternoon.

Fresh Buttermilk which has a relatively long shelf life in the refrigerator is still the best route and I love to support our farmers but if want to make your own buttermilk baking mixes. ..you will need the powder.

Wondering what I could possibly need it for?

Check out the MGCC website today and you will see.

The annual tree cutting

2011-12-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Is it too early to go cut down a tree?
We tend to pick our day for that annual event according to the sky outside rather than the calendar.

It's been done.

When the sky was ice blue and the air was chilly crisp .. .

we set out and found our spot and walked the rows with nothing rushing us.

The last few years we have paid $30 for our tree.
It isn't large. .
nor is it purely symmetrical.

It has space to hang ornaments ..
and branches that will hold a few heavier ones.

Once we have picked our tree. .
we find the farmer and he comes with his saw.

He would rather cut down our tree for us than pay the insurance costs that would save his nest egg should we slice off an arm ourselves.

We are okay with that.

It is not even to our already low ceilings . .
and we are okay with that too.
It is adorned with ornaments both new and old.
It has a bit of nostalgic memories from Christmases past.
It is waiting. .
for something to protect under its boughs. .
I love to find the perfect gift. .
and I wish I loved to wrap.

I should wrap. . .
shouldn't I?

all for now. .

Tim and Ellen

2011-12-06T04:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we were out for a good part of the afternoon.
Our TV was left in charge of our evening entertainment.
Our friend Tim visited the Ellen show yesterday.
She had him on for his glam ~~girl~~ shot.
Glam ~~gir~~l shot?
Oh yes. .

You can leave for an intermission and check it out here.

In those days. . .
Safeway employees had to keep their hair off their collars.
My beloved and Tim worked together during their prime.
They were best friends ..
and as couples . ..Tim and Flo and us became fairly inseparable.

Since the newspaper is not likely going to call my beloved for an interview . ..
I thought I would ask him a few questions here.

Me . ..How long was Tim's hair back when you first met him?
Him . ..It was off his collar but stretched half way down his back.

Me . ..Is there anything you would like to tell us about those days?
Him. . .I used to stick spaghetti into his hair while we were stocking shelves and it would stay there.

I don't actually remember Tim's hair as displayed in his Glam Shot. . .

but I sure have seen that photo . .

though not quite life sized.

Tim ...

we always have thought you were a fun guy.

We claim you as our friend ..

and we have the pictures to prove it.

It's time for us to have our updated photo. .and we'll get you to sign it.

all for now . .

the dinosaur party

2011-12-05T04:00:00.000-08:00

The most important thing that happened this weekend was a party to celebrate the lil' farm hands 4th birthday.
The flu picked this date as well. .
and when we arrived the party boy was laying on the couch and was not able to smile. .
one bit.

OH . ..so sad. I felt sick myself just thinking about it.
It did give me a pause of thought though and felt so thankful that he does not need to lay on the couch most every other day of the year.

I silently celebrated his overall good health and thanked God for healthy children that have energy to spare.

He was not lonely on the couch. . .
he had his Grandpa close by. .
and that made me smile too.

His mommy being very creative . ..
had his theme party inclusive of a craft.
After some debate whether the craft should go ahead. .
Grandgirlie encouraged that it should and she glued and painted and produced a fine specimen to take home.

Kanneloni Macaroni kept a steady hand on her spikes for her dinosaaur.
Such concentration with vibrant results!

So. ..there were the two girl cousins. .
crafting.

I hope they enjoy crafting together in years to come.

What did Grammie contribute you wonder?
I brought a dinosaur potato salad.

I suggested that they do a contest to see which dinosaur species it was.
What they saw....is what it was.

After his guests had eaten their fill....

he gathered the umph to open his gifts.

With hardly a smile to judge if we had chosen well. .

it was a relief to know that the next day he was carting his tools around in a sheet.

Grandpa. .is going to buy him a toolbox today. :)

Later . ..he huffed and puffed and blew his volcano out. .
and we ate his cake.

His real birthday is not yet for a few days ..
and I am glad that his flu at least is a thing of the past.

all for now . .

Baking for the Party

2011-12-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

On Monday of this week I went to our church and baked cookies and goodies for the day with my friends Anneliese and Kathy from MGCC. . .
and Dorothy my good friend from the B&B and we were joined by new friends Annette and Sterling.

If you haven't spent a day baking up a storm lately with other women .. .
I feel sorry for you.
It is so fun.

We chatted. ..and enjoyed some lunch together thanks to the Mr. from the B&B.
Tonight. .
They will be eating those goodies at the Church's Women's Ministry Christmas Party.
I think they will have a wonderful time!

I won't be there. .
I was invited to a party that was just a bit more important...
and I don't even feel bad saying so.

Happy End of Movember!

2011-12-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

Is that a collective sigh of relief I am hearing across Canada this morning?

My oldest boy . .

bless his heart ..

joined thousands of men across Canada (and around the world)..

to raise money to find a cure for Prostate Cancer.

They did well. The Canadian men raised over 36 million.

Check the fund raising totals here for Canada and the rest of the world.

Go Canada!!

They take a pledge against the advice of their wives. .(and mothers). .

and refuse to shave their upper lip for the entire month of November.

They have a lot of fun with it....

(as you can see from his Movember Mug shots for his pledge page)

but more important ..

they are raising awareness and hopefully by the time they are of a certain age. .

the cancer that afflicts so many men will be completely curable.

He popped in after work yesterday.

He looked a little dirty and a little rough around the edges.

( I thought if the Pioneer Woman can post her man look filthy dirty. ..so can I)

I like to keep things real here on my blog so I am posting his NMovember look and his attempt to clean up before going home to his beloved.

He asked for the clippers. .

and the garbage can ...

and I

~~left~~ watched him

~~in peace~~ to remove the worst of it.

He saw me with the camera . ..

I think.

I just love that ~~boy~~ man!

all for now ..

Grandgirlie turns four

2011-11-30T04:00:00.000-08:00

The most important thing that happened over the weekend was Grandgirlie's fourth birthday.

Four year olds are the best.
Either my sense of humor is improving or kids are funnier than they used to be.
She ....makes me laugh and that is a gift to be sure.

We celebrated a bit earlier in the week and she was okay with that.
She helped me decorate the table earlier in the day and was fascinated by the fact that we did not use the whole table cloth but rather folded the center in to display her favorite part.
I wonder if she will think this is the way to use them now.

Her cousins were most interested in the gift opening process.
I observed that they have learned in their young life that there is etiquette in watching others open gifts.
That made me smile too.

Those of you who started reading my blog when I first announced that I would be a Grammie must also think that time has flown.
That beautiful baby girl that I fell in love with from the first moment I held her. .
is already a lovely little girl full of energy . .hugs and enthusiasm.

Since she has a good sense of humor herself...
I spent a good amount of time searching for just the right card.

When I found it . . ..
I kept laughing in the store. ..
knowing that the kitties meowing happy birthday to her. ..
would crack her up.

It did ..
and the card was passed around and around and I heard them laughing down the hallway.

So encouraged by my good card buying...
I'm excited for Friday ..
when the lil' farm hand opens up his card.

I am so proud to have five baby grands four years old and under. . .
and I tell anyone who cares to listen!

all for now. .

How to make a Hazelnut Roll

2011-11-28T04:00:00.001-08:00

Thank you to Global TV BC for the clip.

Saturday Anneliese and I did a cooking segment on the Noon News.

It was a lot of fun!

Hazelnut Roll on Global BC TV

2011-11-28T04:00:00.000-08:00

Do we look very nervous?

I don't think we really were but after the segment was over ..

a lot of sighing was heard over lunch. .

so I guess an appropriate amount of tension is maybe good before going on TV.

Our host Lynn Colliar was so gracious and friendly and we just explained to her how it was done and before we knew it. .

we were done.

It is the best thing to be able to do this with our husbands support.

To have our "stuff" carried for us and not have to worry about driving and parking and doors....

can not be over rated at all.

We arrived at the studio at 12:00 noon for our 12:35 segment and we went right to work organizing our work space.

The producer came and put our microphones on.

The kitchen that looks so complete on air is little more than a counter top with cold running water and a cook top.

We learned from our Waterloo cooking segment that we can not bring too much of our own kitchen along.

Did I mention that it is very helpful to have support along?

They stood on the sidelines and took photos .. .

and chatted with the stage crew.

Anneliese waited for the very last minute before the camera was on us before hiding away from the microphones to beat her egg whites.

Her H got a perfect picture of her doing that. .

so if I guess right. .

it will be posted on her blog today.

Lynn the anchor for the noon news came over during the commercial and was so relaxed . . .

it made us relaxed and then without us asking . .

she came over and posed for those camera men ..

that we brought along.

She asked me about my family . .

I told her about my boys being all grown up and married . .

and about my five grands who are four years old and under.

She was properly happy for me.

Then the segment began and the time clock began to count down and we made the fastest ever Hazelnut roll ever.

Anneliese managed to somehow keep herself neat and tidy while she beat and folded and spread out the batter.

Then I unrolled and spread and rolled up . ..

and decorated and sprinkled on the crushed hazelnuts.

I laughed later when Anneliese told me she handed me a damp cloth so that I could wipe my hands off. .

and just like a good homemaker .

I started to wipe the counter.

At the end of the segment ..

we sliced and set out plates and cutlery and napkins. .

took our dirty dishes and packed them up to wash up at home . .

...and we fed the most important camera men we know ..

and went and celebrated over some lunch.

We sure do appreciate that Global BC TV invited us to come do a cooking segment.

To have that kind of exposure is so wonderful.

At the end of the day ..

we had over 3000 extra visitors on our Saturday post.

Imagine that!

Now. .if all goes according to plan . .

the video clip of the segment will be able to be viewed here tomorrow.

all for now . .

On set... News is about to start.

2011-11-26T12:00:00.001-08:00

On our way to the global tv station for the noon news. I'll keep you posted. =)

2011-11-26T10:52:00.000-08:00

cabbage arrangement

2011-11-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

So...
maybe saying it is a cabbage arrangement is a little inaccurate.
Remember when ornamental Kale was an outdoor fall to winter garden decoration?
I saw them the other day when I was looking for fresh flowers for a dinner party.
I thought they were simple enough to arrange. .
and they matched my china. .
so they came home and are still looking just like the day I brought them home.

I'm home today.
There will be no random odd posts from odd places.
It was quite fun to shop in Canada and have their version of Black Friday sales on a rainy Thursday afternoon.

all for now. ..

Is it so hard to have pretty colored cardigans?

2011-11-24T15:50:00.001-08:00

Aprons at anthropologie :)

2011-11-24T13:00:00.001-08:00

Lunching in Vancouver with my honey!

2011-11-24T12:31:00.000-08:00

Turkey

2011-11-24T04:00:00.000-08:00

Okay ..
If you live south of the border. .
I am really hoping this tin of turkey is not part of your menu.

The other day the Mennonite Girls and I were chatting about this long forgotten item that was always on our pantry shelf while I was growing up.

I can't remember what the photo looked like back in the day. .

but the large all capital letters look very familiar.

Indeed it is a Classic.

On occasion my mom would fry it up in a pan.
Sometimes it would be mixed with ground ham for party sandwiches.
Just thinking about it makes me want one.

I do recall it being a regular part of a school lunch.

But it sure never came ready sliced.
I told them I keep a tin of it in the trailer for end of camping days when the refrigerator is bare.

Once a year. . .
just for old times sake. . .
and still much more preferable than the spam that shows up in my emails.

Happy Thanksgiving to our neighbors down south!

all for now..

the oaks and maples of Beautiful British Columbia

2011-11-23T04:00:00.000-08:00

I took these pictures a few weeks ago and found them yesterday on my pocket camera. .
and so let's just pretend they are current.

I wanted to tell you that this is naturally how the trees grow here.

I knew you would appreciate that.
The complex is where my mom-by-love lives.

I don't know who her complex gardener is. .
but I appreciate his works of art.

The beautiful days of autumn are over here.
We have rain in the forecast for the foreseeable future and I am seriously wondering how they sell any suede or leather boots here at all.
I'm looking for rubber boots with those lovely cozy linings.
I'll let you know what I come up with.

fall winter fall

2011-11-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

As you can see from my new header photo which I took travelling the country roads this last weekend. .
we had a taste of winter as an intermission from fall.

We had a rare early blast come down from the north which brought with it a dusting of snow.
This was followed by glorious blue skies on Saturday and I was glad for the drive alone so I could stop at will and photograph beautiful landscapes.

All this happened while the tulip tree in the backyard was clinging to it's leaves.

Yesterday morning we woke to another frost and though the air was still ..

the leaves were dropping gently to the ground.

Within a few hours. .

the breeze picked up and the remaining suction between the end of the leaf stem and branch released. .

and I was treated to quick fall.

With a rain storm scheduled for Monday night. .

it seemed apparent that the leaves would require a quick clean up so avoid. .

the drenching which makes leaf clean up ...

work.

First came out the blower ..

which I did not document as I was working on a tricky part of a cake at the time.

The flowerbeds were blown clear of the ~~worst~~ best of the fall. ..

and then the lawnmower was called into duty to mulch and vacuum up the remains.

He seemed not shocked by my appearance to document the event from the porch.

And. .

so he drove slower than I have ever seen him drive before.

Normally he buzzes over the lawn.

But yesterday it was slow. .

and eventually I left him to mow alone.

After all ..

He needs to have some privacy as he goes about tasks on the farm ..

without me hanging over the railing yelling encouragement to smile.

all for now . .

Windy day

2011-11-21T09:23:00.000-08:00

2011-11-20T07:02:00.000-08:00

The

steadfast love

of the LORD

never ceases;

his mercies

never

come to an end;

Lamentations 3:22 ESV

Winks Christmas Store

2011-11-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

OH if you live in the Fraser Valley. .
and have never made your way to the beautiful Winks Store. .
be sure to make the trek there during the Christmas season and be prepared to be. .
delighted.

We stopped in there one quiet afternoon just before closing time and had the store to ourselves.

I'm guessing that Mr. Winks will be directing traffic in their parking lot soon. .

as it becomes a favorite stop for the locals.

Whether you need just a few special gifts or an assortment of hostess gifts. .

she has it all.

What I love is the personal touch of assistance and the gift beautiful bags that are ready to hand over to the one you shopped so carefully for.

Perhaps. .
it is your own home that needs a few touches of Christmas . .
or you enjoy giving your Christmas gifts early.. .
so that it might be enjoyed all month long.

I'll be popping in there on Saturday myself ...

right after our book signing at the Sardis Community Church between 10-12 for the Ten Thousand Village Store.

all for now ..

monkey business

2011-11-16T04:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the grands arrive so early in the morning ..

we are all still in our jammies.

I have a fairly good supply of farm clothes available and also some jammies.

Some days. .

it just makes sense to change them into farm jammies.

At this point ..

they are most cooperative of what I tug over their heads.

On this particular day I asked her ..

"do you want to wear Monkey Business jammies to play with the monkeys?"

She did.

Do you ever wish that someone would lay your clothes out for you. . .

something comfy. .fitting for your chore of the day?

I wouldn't mind if someone did my hair while they were at it.

I cleaned out closets for the second day in a row.

I'm tuckered out and not yet done.

I'm posting about wishing someone would pick out my clothes. .

and do my hair. . .

I think I'll take a mid week break ..

and do something good for the soul.

all for now. .

closet cleaning

2011-11-15T04:00:00.000-08:00

It really struck me yesterday that I really am not totally honest about my surroundings.

When I took the pictures yesterday I avoided all the less the beautiful things that surrounded many of those scenes.

Yesterday should have been an outdoor day.

It was dry but the wind was brisk and that was enough to have me enjoying it from the inside.

I opened the windows so I could hear the wind in the trees.

I looked outside and did take a quick break from my task to take a few photos...

and then it was back inside.

I'm a "shover" at heart.

I always wonder if I had plenty of storage space if I might be a "putter awayer" instead of a shover but I won't know anytime soon.

I take something out. ..

and then put it back where space allows and more often than not..

it becomes quite a problem.

You are seeing my office closet.

It holds office supplies. .

small appliances . .

baking pans ..

roasters. .

photo equipment ...

heavy pots . .

cables for things which I have no idea. .

start up CD's for every electronic item I've ever had...

empty boxes for small electronics in case they die before their warranty expires ..

and a variety of other things.

By the time I took everything out. .

I wanted to walk away.

The task seemed so overwhelming.

I had no option other than to have a box for the thrift shop. .

and a box for the garbage. .

and a box for the attic.

(which we try very hard to avoid)

The hallway became the sorting center.

When it was all finished. .
I was able to put a few things in the closet that had been sitting outside the closet hoping for a spot.

It's still not great ..
but for awhile. .
I'll know where everything is and that is good enough for me.

Today I will get my roots done. .
and maybe tackle the closet at the back of the house. .

all for now. .

valley loop

2011-11-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in the afternoon we did a loop around the eastern end of the Fraser Valley.

I expect this will be the last few days of color on the trees and it was now or never to get some photos of the fall foliage in our part of the world.

The rain threatened all afternoon and sprinkled now and then.

We kept saying that sunshine would make it ever so much brighter but really ..

it was still beautiful.

We crossed over the Fraser River at Mission City.

Travelling on the north side of the river ..we headed North and then east towards Harrison Hot Springs.

We made a stop at the Hazelnut Farm and then headed through Agassiz.

We then headed west through Rosedale.

We drove along side the Fraser River again on the southern side. ..

and made it home. .

just before dark.

Fall drive to see the foliage. .

done.

all for now. .

lest we forget

2011-11-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

I spent some time the other day . .

looking for my poppy photo from the summer. .

and then a bit more time. .

while I played with the script and adding in the poem. .

line by line. ..

thinking.

It was good to think about those that died that we might have the freedom we cherish so much.

I thought about my grandfather who was inscripted into an army. .

and then the decision he made to leave that land so that he could live in peace. . .

and worship in freedom ..
the faith he believed was worth giving up all that he had accumulated.

We have much to be thankful for in this land.

I wonder if those that are busy "occupying" today ..

will give thought to their privilege in having a right to protest.

all for now. .

out with the old. . .a new challenge and the color report

2011-11-10T04:00:00.000-08:00

We've had some issues with our friend the red notebook . .

that has been a good friend to me.

A while back. . .

before the summer book tour. . .

we debated back and forth about getting a new notebook.

Mine was becoming increasingly more unreliable.

We shopped around. .

asked around. ..

conferred with the boys . .

and decided to take old red along for one last holiday.

She was fine.

I learned not to panic when she would unexpectedly take a rest. ..

give me her best blue screen and then upon waking up. .

do a disc check as though she was doing calisthenics for good health.

I learned that she felt much safer with her plug attached. .

and like an infant would look for her plug if she was left to think about it for a few minutes.

She was a tad heavy to tote around. .

though the weight lifting is good for us.

So. .just as I documented her arrival. .

I am documenting her departure. .

and as I sit here typing on a very quiet keyboard. .

with lovely backlit lighting. .

she is resting comfortably. .

likely having turned herself off as is her custom.

I've heard from a few of you that the learning curve is not so bad.

I'm already seeing that.

I would have never said so a few years ago. .

but I enjoy a new challenge.

Okay. .

since our focus will be different tomorrow ..

I'm leaving you with the color report for our yard.

I quickly zipped outside to take a few photos. . .

just so I could load them and try my new photo ap.

As you can see . .

the tulip tree is really catching the idea of the yellow hue.

I am all thumbs here ..

missing my mouse. .

but I think. .

I've written a post.

all for now. .

why it matters

2011-11-09T06:55:00.000-08:00

For some...

this post will be a bit of a replay of what you saw me post on facebook so you can be excused.

For me. .

it is part of documenting the journey of our blog to the book and all the delightful and unexpected surprises along the way.

When Wanda (a self proclaimed fan of MGCC) posted a link to this page on facebook I did a double take and then clicked on the link. Sure enough. .it was true..
and it was still there.

I am thinking that the folks at the Canadian online book-and-so-much-more company must be doing a double take themselves. .
scratching their heads. ..

wondering who we are and that we must have thousands of friends that set up this little not so usual ranking.

Yes. .they are right.
We do.

When we get emails from people who give us a list of who they all sent the book too. .
we blush and then smile and then hope the recipient will be pleased.
For first time authors who hoped to sell out our first printing in one year it is all quite overwhelming and though nothing really shocks us anymore we are still always surprised and delighted.

The fourth printing of the book is either ordered or will be shortly.
Orders for our book printings did not begin with the NY best seller list in mind. . .
nor will we ever make that ranking . .
and we are just fine with that.

What matters most to us is that the folks that cared to have our book in their home have found it a worthwhile purchase. It matters to us that the recipes that our families brought with them from another land are all together in a hard cover book with shiny pages and photos.

It matters to us that God is in the details of this book.
We wanted to honor him and the testimony that what our grandparents believed was worth the trek to a foreign land that promised a safe haven to worship in peace.
It matters to me that somewhere in that land that they left about eighty years ago..
there are children in an orphanage who don't have the kind of parents I had ..
willing to give up everything so that their children would have a better life.

We can all do something right?
God gives us all unique and different ideas of how to care for another human being.
There is nothing so extraordinary in what we have done. .
when you consider that many have given their lives so that people might live in peace.
I think of those men and women today and thank God that because of them. .
I can write this blog. .
talk about the God I love and tell anyone I want that Jesus loves us. .
this I know.

all for now . .

getting ready to go to the beach

2011-11-08T04:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we spent the better part of the morning getting ready to go to the beach.
It wasn't my idea to go there...
but when the suggestion was put on the table. .
I could smell the ocean and feel the sand between my toes. .
and told her as much.

I said. ."really? you want to do hairdo's for going to the beach?"
She said .. ."Grammie. . ..her needs (smile). .to dry her hair."
I said. ."won't it get wet at the beach?"
She said with a sigh .."yes".

I noted that socks and sandals were going to be worn to the beach.
I thought that was not cool. .
but she assured me it was fine. .
today.

While I was dressing my girl. .

she pulled the pajama bottoms out of the drawer and passed them over to me.

I questioned this fashion trend that seems so popular but so odd to me.

She just looked at me. . .

so I put the pajama bottoms on. .

to keep peace...

knowing that a day at the beach with Grandgirlie and our girls...

even if it is just pretend. .

is pretty special.

all for now ..

weekend color report

2011-11-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

We've had some foggy crisp mornings here on the west coast.

Our Autumn Glory that nearly died many years ago and was buried in the very back of the property to drink from the ditch ..

and then came back wild and beautiful. .

is losing it's foliage quickly now.

It won't be long and the sun will be rising in the most northeastern sky than any other time of year.

There is no prettier time of year . .

and on mornings like this ..

it feels silent and peaceful.

I am thankful for these moments of crisp edged red hued leaves. . .

magnolia buds that are ready to open . ..

but are keeping their petals close in the chill.

A short distance from the farm. .

my favorite row of trees blaze in the setting sun. . .

. ..and yet ..

the tulip tree in the backyard. .

is determined.

I like that.

I'm kind of cheering her on.

Today is a grammie day. .

what will grammie think up today?

color report

2011-11-04T04:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon the sun came out and I thought I should put a little effort into reporting how the tree in the back yard is coming along.

There you have it!

Upon closer inspection ..

I conceded that it is definitely turning.

Right behind the tulip tree is the magnolia tree. . .

green and blooming.

Enough said.

Behind that ..

is the oak tree which is really quite pretty.

If we get some nice dry weather and the wind blows. .

and you don't hear from me. .

I'm under that tree. .

loving it!!

Front yard variegated tulip tree ..
is far more serious about the season. .and it getting rather thin.

Across the street looking at the hill behind the raspberries ..
my favorite view especially against a stormy sky!

Happy weekend everyone.

the help

2011-11-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

I found these little coveralls at our local work wear store ..
and just couldn't resist getting them to match the farmer.

He gives them very important work to do.

Once he has them understanding how much nicer the eggs look in matching stacks ..

. ..they set to work organizing.

Sure. .the work is tedious ..

but the farmer doesn't mind.

My job is to keep an eye on the help . . .

their job is to help ..

and the farmers job is to think of new tasks.

Someday they'll know they were played with.

When they get big enough to gather eggs themselves. .

they'll be shocked that the colors really don't matter much.

In the meantime. .

everyone is happy helping the farmer.

I'm happy the farmer doesn't mind the help.. .

and every time I see these pictures. .

I think . .

that the help should come again soon.

all for now...

when they leave

2011-11-02T04:00:00.001-07:00

After the grands go home . .
I wash plastic cups and dishes.
They dry beside the sink.
There is no rush ..
they have all night to drip dry on my drying mat (which I love).

It's November.
and I'm thinking that . .
surely the tree will turn color soon.
I'll keep you posted.

all for now . .

making room

2011-11-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

On Friday night ..
we had Terrence's birthday party in the shop.

We used to have his party in our house. .
but then they all got married
and they. .
and their siblings all had children . .
and the house shrank something terrible.

No one seemed to mind. ..

and the children played with the few toys we brought to the shop.

I picked our apples in the morning and gave them a good coating of caramel and crushed skor bars.

Little OH. . .smiled at us. .

and we smiled right back.

Now that we know where everyone sits. .

I think ..

we might make it an annual event.

all for now ..

noodle making

2011-10-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

When the weather turns chilly there is nothing like a pot of soup on the stove to welcome your family when they come home.

Not everyone has help in the kitchen so you might not be able to manage whipping up a batch of noodles for your soup.

A noodle maker is a kitchen essential in our home.

With storms brewing . .

you need not worry about electricity being out...

when the muscles of a "nearly four year old". .

is more than enough to crank out noodles of any kind.

This little noodle maker rolled out the noodles faster than I could get them to lay in single file.

A "little" flour ..helps to keep the noodles from sticking together.

Sure. ..

noodle makers don't always make the job quicker. .

but..

it's not always about being quick.

all for now ..

autumn indoors

2011-10-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

The hill across on the other side of the neighbors berry field is turning lovely colors. .
so I quickly look back out side to see if anything has changed in the last 24 hours.

The light green limelight hydrangea is taking on a blush . ..

so I bring it inside.

Years ago I used to bring in big baskets of blue hydrangea's and then the idea seemed to go out of style.

I'm enjoying the dried hydrangea's again. .

and I do think that everything has a season.

Speaking of seasons. .
If you don't usually have a chance to visit Jill ..
I would encourage you go to see the coloring on her Utah mountains today.
It is truly amazing.

all for now . .

the end of October in British Columbia

2011-10-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

We've had some fantastic sunny days this autumn so far.

We've had some dreary dark sky days too ..

but we'll look at those another day.
We are still waiting for some of the trees in our yard to realize it is autumn.
One of these days. .
they'll figure it out ..
and be in a rush.

On Tuesday. .

I put the coffee on when I heard the lawn mower in the far distance which means he's nearly finished.

I called him to join me for a break in the back yard . ..

. .and an apple fresh off the tree.

If you can't go where the sun always shines. .

you should at least you make the most of the sunshine God gives you.

We are celebrating our eldest sons's birthday today by having company for supper. .

and it's not even him.

We wish him a happy birthday and we'll party with him and his. .
tomorrow!!

all for now ..

on stacking

2011-10-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Muffet was over on Monday too!

One of the things she seems to have is more "sette fleisch" . .
than I did . .
according to what my mother always used to say to me.

("sette" . . not sure of the spelling but I'm pretty sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong . .
..and "fleisch",
together translated means . .."sit meat".

At fifteen months old she has a 15 minute attention span at stacking her rings on her stick. . .

over and over and over again.

Monday ..she did the typical mommy thing. .

holding baby while stacking rings but eventually had to concede that it would be easier to let baby to rest on the ground while she concentrated on the task at hand.

So immersed in her play ..

she didn't notice me hovering above her while she eyeballed the target and dropped.

What amazes me is how quickly she learned the sequence.

I have played this game with her for a few months. .

and she knows it now by heart.

When that game became boring. .

she sat and read magazines and when she found the advertisement cards stuck in the spine. . .

she yanked them out....

and walked to the trash can ..

and tossed it in.

When she finished reading her magazine . .

she stood up . .

walked to the trash can. .

and . .

put the magazine in ..

and gave it a good shove.

A fifteen month old ..

does what a fifteen month old. .

sees. . .

and that makes me smile.

all for now ..

creating a likeness

2011-10-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

I know ..

it isn't quite as giving as allowing Grandgirlie a big easel and finger paints. . .

but after the weekend. .

I was happy to keep the mess and fuss to a minimum.

So. ..she does her work on an I*P*ad.
The ap is called Phone*4K*ids.

What grandparent wouldn't want to pose for a artistic impression by a soon to be four year old?

I smiled that she started me with pink. .

and I suppose that is why after second thought. .

my mouth had added curve-up at the ends.

She took it all quite seriously.

Grandpa ...did not.

She noted that he had been silly.

I love her Grandpa!

He's a keeper ..

her and I agree on that!

all for now . .