Happy Canada Day Weekend!

My earliest recollection of Queen Elizabeth II is one of seeing her portrait in my classroom when I was ten, the year I came to Canada. It was very much like this one I found, surprised by how young she looks, looking back now. More than forty years have gone by and I'm somewhat in awe of the fact that this year we commemorate 60 years of her majesty the Queen's reign.

British singer-songwriter, Gary Barlow and composer Andrew Looyd Webber recorded a song written in honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. Featured are The Military Wives Choir with Gareth Malone and artists from around the Commonwealth. The way they worked together is amazing!
Watching it made me proud and emotionally thankful to be part of not only our nation, but a nation having a commonality with such diverse cultures and so beautiful as a whole!

I invite you to open it in full screen, sit back and enjoy a taste of heaven . . .
http://www.contactmusic.com/video/gary-barlow-sing-featuring-the-commonwealth-band-military-wives-video

Wishing one and all a Happy Canada Day Weekend and a Happy 4th of July coming up for our neighbors across the line!

Strawberry Season

To me it always seems like the strawberry season is the shortest one around. Definetely not long enough! And although we end up paying as much or more for the local berries as for the imported ones we get year round - I wait for these berries when it comes time to do jam and fresh pies.

 

They may be smaller, but there is good reason for that.

I love how the color goes right through the berry . . .

and how there are those that are not quite perfect, but oh, so sweet! They are meant for the eating of the strawberry picker and cook, I'm sure.

One flat makes up a large bowl for four batches of jam and some extra for a pie.

I tried a new glaze recipe that we will be showing at the Lepp Farm Market Pie Class tomorrrow evening. If you live in the area and would like to learn about making pies, I think there are still some openings. The proceeds of the class cost go toward a kitchen for Matthew's House, a respite home soon to be under construction, for children with life-limiting disabilities. It will be a wonderful evening all around!

End of School Party

I used to joke about he fact that the children belonging to my two girls were growing up in such diverse settings. One family living out in the jungles of Borneo, with banana trees just outside their windows, and the other living under palm trees, near vacation resorts, at first - practically in Disneyland`s back yard. Really, how would the families ever relate or connect? Little did I know, or even dare imagine, that one day these cousins would be attending the same school!

Last year, when the jungle pilot and the American decided to make the big move, you can well imagine it was a huge decision for both of them as they each took their wife and children "home," to live in Canada. The next unbelievable thing was that, not only did both families move close to home, but both registered their kids at the same school. It was not really planned. When the first one registered their child, they had no idea the other would be joining them so soon.

So, for the past six months - once a week, I have had the privilege to pick up the three oldest grands from school. On my last rainy Thurs pick up, I quickly snapped a photo with my phone as I drove through the line up at the pick up curb.

 What a precious sight! My eyes blur up.

Although usually they all come home with me to be picked up by a dad or mom later, on this particular Thursday we stopped in at the Clayburn Village Store, a vintage style tea house and candy store.

  

We sipped tea . . .

or chocolate milk

and enjoyed it in whatever fashion was most comfortable. Then, when we had not had quite enough sugar, we each got a small paper sack and checked out the candy jars.

I've had a window of time to make these memories.

The first school year with one - six months with all three.

Next year they will not all be at the same school,

but I'm quite sure that we will make a way to keep up a tradition

 that has quickly become a favorite day of the week -

so I've been told.

The Day the Son Came Out

On the first day of summer the boy, who now washes his truck in the mud in Saskatchewan, came home for a very quick visit. After more days of rain than I care to count, the sun was out, adding to the promise of a perfect day.

I passed the time preparing things to eat, waiting for that West Jet flight to come down low over our back yard. Obviously it took a different route, because I was still watching the sky, when suddenly the menfolk were getting out of the truck in the garage, and all I took note of was the giant grin on Ben's face.

Did I already say that the sun was out? We sat out on the patio with pizza, fresh salsa, corn chips, papaya and cookies, like we were on a vacation. He told stories about life in their small town and bragged on Kari's cooking. Oh, and does my boy know I like details . . . . like what Lacey did when he left and what she said and . . . could he tell me again?

Having him at the table and observing his mannerisms made me realize how much I miss him, but it comes with the wonderful fact that he is a husband and a daddy, and I would not change a thing about that.

Early evening the three of us loaded the car with balloons and cake and headed to Milestones for the surprise party to be held in honor or our longest standing employee, Glen, retiring after 44 years of service. His first boss, who started the business, was one of the guests, along with present office staff, installers and spouses. Glen's wife managed to get him to the venue totally oblivious to who was all going to be there waiting for him, and this made it even more fun. It was wonderful to be able to surprise him and see him enjoy the attention of an evening given to him. The fact that Ben, who has known him all of his life and worked with him for ten years, came out - meant a lot to him too.

In the wee hours of the morning, he was gone again . . . with his bag extended to full capacity. And in the end, I just enjoyed the thought of how happy his three girls would be to see him again and maybe help him unpack that bag.

Let me be a Little Kinder

The woman I briefly talked to has dealt with deep sorrow in her life, but unless you know her personally, you would not know that she has lost her only child to cancer.
When I saw her recently, I said something like  "That's a pretty sweater you are wearing. It looks really nice on you." To which I got a near teary eyed, unexpected response, something like, "You are so kind to me . . . you always notice me."

It shocked me. Instead of me blessing her, she blessed me! I think of all the times I do not take special note. Many times I say the wrong thing . . . but this once I met a need, allowing me to realize how important it is to have eyes that see. It may just be a few words. But genuine words can make someone's day, especially when we don't know what kind of a day they have had.

I came away being reminded of a song that was popular in the 1970's . . . it was still with me the next day . . . a prayer and a challenge for every day.  If you know it, you'll be singing it . . .

Let me be a little kinder
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me
Let me praise a little more
Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me

Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother who is weaker
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me

Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am strivin' for
Let me be a little meeker
With the brother who is weaker
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me

Glen Campbell

Shed Treasure

 

Good thing he took such good care of his truck, (1986)

never knowing how much would be riding on those tires! (2011)

The Same - Then and Now

 

The kids are all smiles when they get to play outside - especially when Papa opens the musty smelling shed and finds treasures in there for them. I'm sure that one day when they are all grown up, they will come across that scent somewhere and they will think of the shed and the wonderful old toys and tools it held. Recently, one day, they came out with the wheel barrow and, noticing from the window, I just knew what was about to take place. How did I know?

A memory of the past came flooding back. I went looking for a photo of all three kids  . . . I thought there must be one . . .but this is what I found. By the looks of it, wheelbarrow rides were introduced early in life. The baby in there is the mom to the three in the first photo. 

And while you're here . . . just take a look at the playground! It was the best! He brought the swings and slide in for the winter . . .  and riding toys - the same ones that are  in the shed now - got whipped in circles around the furnace in the center of the basement. This one area had a green carpet, but most of the floor was cement and perfect for riding.

I've always appreciated how he plays with them. When he came home from a hard day at the office, life at home really began. No one played with the kids like their daddy did. And now . . . now I see it all over again . . . action packed play, real life stories about snakes and Indians, teasing and tickling. 

These are some of the things  I love about him . . .

Happy Father's Day to my H ...the best Dad and Papa!

A Time to Grieve

Monday we spent an hour or so sitting with many friends and relatives of a family who'd just laid to rest their grandfather, dad and husband. For many years they were part of our cul-de-sac family . . . one of the families we have shared memories with of school functions, street hockey and car pooling.

While waiting, I read his life story, ending with being diagnosed with ALS on December 2, 2011 and passing away on June 2, 2012. I got tears in my eyes. Six months to the day!

What would I do if I knew I had six months? It is something to contemplate. Something we do not take time for on a day to day basis. Why is it a memorial service that forces us to stop and look  possible realities in the face?

Of course, it's hard to know what I would do. Would denial take over? Would I take in all the life I could or would I waste away pining?  Some of my feelings would depend on physical limitations. All I can say is what I think I would want to do . . . besides organizing my underwear drawer . . . at least some reflections.

I think I would continue to work on leaving behind a bank of good memories for loved ones to treasure. I think I would continue to work on photos and recipes for a possible future cookbook.  I would go on lots of dates with my H.
I think I'd want him to retire . . . and oh, how I'd want to pour love into my kids and grandkids!  I would definitely read up more about the place I'm going and I'd want to let those around me know of the hope I have . . . the assurance that life is not just about the here and now. Jesus said, "I am going to prepare a place for you . . . that you may be where I am." (John 14: 2-3) Why . . . I might even stop total strangers and tell them, "I am dying, but I know where I'm going. Do you?" What would I have to lose?

Those were just some of my thoughts . . .
and yet, I realize I'm taking a chance here at sounding trite. I really do not know. It's good not to know . . . but good to think about it sometimes and ask if we are on the right track. Every day is a precious gift. I do not want to forget that.

A Time to Celebrate

Yesterday afternoon Tehya, Paeton and Makenna came over in the afternoon. We walked down to their mom's old elementary school and spent some time at the playground. They showed us their monkey bar tricks. we pushed some swings and went down the slide.

When we came back, I put some mini pizzas in the oven, added some fruit, veggies and dessert . . . and we ate on the patio. It was fun to watch how much they could eat.

After that they donned some old bathing suits that stay here and enjoyed the hot tub. I watched them from the kitchen window as I cleaned up the dishes and had to almost pinch myself again.

photo credit Tripp Flythe - Indonesia

The fact that we could watch the kids while their mom and dad went out to celebrate their anniversary was pretty special. It's hard to believe all of the changes that have transpired in twelve years . . . from a newly wed couple preparing to go overseas . . . to letting them go . . . to living part of our life there vicariously ourselves, through them .  . . and now to celebrate all the firsts of living in the same city.

Happy Anniversary, Chris and Julene!

We are so glad you are home!

Taste of Summer

The pollen was flying .  . . but the sun was out and . . . after the kids had smeared up my glass sliding door enough . . . we went outside.



The feel of freedom is contagious



awakening your senses to the beauty around.



Landon giggled in spite of the spill.
He must have watched how fast Papa goes with the lawnmower.



I brought out some Popsicles and suddenly realized that this might be Koen's first.  I guess if I blog about it - what happens at Grammy's won't stay at Grammy's . . .

but he was cute!!
I had to smile about the fact that, although he normally likes to run around with his treat,
this time he made himself comfy on the chase

and enjoyed every lick to the last drop . . . possibly wondering how something this yummy had not been brought to his attention sooner.

Makenna smiled

while Landon tried to act his cool, controlled self.





Watching them, I was sorry I had not brought one out for myself.

Precious, unexpected moments these were.

  

Shaped by God

 

One of my favorite Christian authors is Max Lucado. I like his story-telling style in which he takes everyday experiences to a level that causes the reader to see more than meets the eye. His writing has a profound way to touch the deeper parts of our emotions, sensing more of the grace of God in our life and how we might show that grace to others. By his own admission, Max is an average man, writing for the average person.

While browsing our local bookstore a while back, I noticed a pretty little square shaped book with a beautiful dust cover depicting photos of hands working on pottery. The title, Shaped by God, as well as the author's name caught my attention and I bought it, possibly to use as a gift. But it stayed with me and as I read the Foreword I learned that this was his first ever published book, originally published in 1985, by the name On the Anvil.

I learned something else. When Max Lucado put his first manuscript together, he did not know the name of a single publisher. He went to the library, copied the names of fifteen publishers and sent off fifteen copies. Six came back unopened. Six had opened it, but said no. Three expressed interest and one sent him a contract.

His humble beginning is hard to believe when you read that today Max Lucado has more than 100  million products in print, including gift books, children's books, Study Bibles, devotionals, videos, greeting cards and more. I see a message of encouragement in this story alone. A message to take a chance and see what God will do.

 

Shaped by God is a collection of short stories written and compiled with the blacksmith's shop in mind; a shop housing broken tools, those on the anvil, and those ready for noble purposes. These inspiring stories remind us that we are all somewhere in this shop, either sitting idle, being worked on, or being used for the right purpose.

 

As readers we are challenged to ask where we fit into the workshop. In doing so, we are warned about the deadly trap of complacency that we can so easily fall into. On the day I read this I was reminded of this on The News, in the setting of airport security. How dangerous when we fall into the hands of someone who has become complacent at their job. And to quote Lucado,

 

"The most deadly trick of Satan is not to rob us of answers. It's to steal our questions."

May we not be afraid to ask questions, even those that might be painful and call for some shaping, in order to make us God's chosen instruments.

 

I see White

When our kids lived in Indonesia, we'd chat on the phone and often ask to say hello to the grands . . . just so we could hear their voice (skype was not working well) and one of the questions Papa loved asking them was, "Is it snowing there?" It was usually a good ice breaker.  (Silly Papa)

The other day Makenna looked out the window and asked me if it was snowing.  Seriously . . . how should she know?

A lot of white stuff came down this weekend. I thought that, with having lost a number of the great but offending trees recently . . .  it would be less - but not so.

The cottonwoods are super productive this year.

Verses from Psalm 90

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Teach us to number out days aright
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
for as many years as we have seen trouble. 

Driving in the car, yesterday, I was listening to Laura Story's song called Blessings . . . a second voice, that of a nine-year-old, was singing along and filling the car with raspy, sweet innocence. Did she know what the words meant? She sang like she did...

". . . what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights

Are what it takes to know You’re near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?"

Sleepless nights. I don't think she knows of them yet, but maybe . . .  just maybe . . . one day she will. And she will know that in those times God is the Only One listening and waiting. Some of our greatest blessings do come from trials we would not have chosen, because they have caused us to call out to Him and feel Him near.