The Greatness of the Lean

In looking at our cruise photos I remembered that I never did post a photo of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is true and ironic that the famous lean in this tower tends to overshadows its magnificent architecture.

Made of white and multicolored marble, the tower was built as a freestanding bell tower for the cathedral. Construction began in 1173 and the lean was realized after a couple of floors were done. It so happened that construction had to stop several times because of war, the first time for almost a hundred years, giving the sandy ground time to settle and compact. If work had not stopped in between, it would have been more likely the shifting ground would have caused it to topple. The tower was completed in 1372.

What amazes me that something that looked like a mistake in architectural design has become such a wonder and tourist attraction! It reminds me that mistakes can be redeemed and can define us for better. Sometimes it would seem that everything is at a standstill, yet what we do not see is that the shifting ground is settling and providing a stronger foundation for the future. 

Today, realizing that it's the "lean" that marks this tower as being phenomenal reminds me of people who have overcome physical hurdles in their life to make a major mark in society. Could be, this leaning tower is an icon pointing us to "impossible" possibilities.

The Secret of Being Content

In my reading from Jesus Calling I was encouraged, once again, to appreciate the moments I have today, as opposed to wishing for things that will take time or may never happen. Giving thanks today may be about something as simple as catching the setting sun rays on a walk and being content in knowing the One who has created this beauty. When my heart turns to gratefulness for the small things, it becomes easier to commit the big things to Him as well.

But when I ignore what has been given to me today to imagine that I'll be happier once a certain dream comes true will only make me miserable today. Fantasy is not reality, but putting our cares into the hands of the One who holds the future, and leaving it there, will bring about a pleasant present reality. The one that really counts.

This is not always easy, but it's worth trying, asking God to help us be content in each and every circumstance. trusting His ways to bring about the best for us.

"... in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”

Isaiah 30:15

When the Prairie Cousins Came

There was a call first, to see if this weekend would be a good time to come.

The brother wanted to surprise the sister.

They all wanted to see the wee baby.

When they got here, we had to find a way to get baby and her family over.

We did! In no time the doorbell rang with
three little faces pressed to the front entrance window,

trying to get a peek of who exactly was here . . .

and the entrance became a hub of joy filled unwrapping and meeting! 

Everyone had to have their turn to hold her.

 Teddy was in awe of this living doll!

Uncle Ben held his tiny niece for the first time.

In fact, all weekend long, Everly was passed around

while she slept.

We celebrated Koen's fourth birthday.

enjoyed dinners together,

a walk to the playground,

 a date to the mall, 

morning visits to our bed, 

favorite breakfasts,

and Sunday church . . . before they were off again!

Times like these are cherished for many things unspoken

and for the joy of being able to be Papa and Mimi in person.

Our Little Rosebud

Allow me another look at our newest little bud. There is something about her being way down the line of little grands that makes me realize how quickly this stage passes . . . and it makes me wish time to stand still. There is not the usual, "I can hardly wait till . . ." and although I know we will appreciate each stage again, I don't want to rush these precious moments.

 When I look at this photo I think of the German Brahms's Lullaby

I've been familiar with.

I looked it up and found this beautiful English translation. 

Lullaby and good night,

With roses bedight,

With lilies o'er spread

Is baby's wee bed.

Lay thee down now and rest,

May thy slumber be blessed.

Lullaby and good night,

Thy mother's delight,

Bright angels beside

My darling abide.

They will guard thee at rest,

Thou shalt wake on my breast.

To Iron or Not

I threw the new cotton napkins in the wash and pulled them out of the dryer

 while they were still a bit on the damp side, 

Looking at them, I was reminded of a trick I learned from Kristal. 

Crunch them up real good and make them look like they are intended to be like that.

I couldn't decide what to do. 

I like the billowy, crunched look for a more casual table setting

 but in a funny way, find it hard to break old habits.

What do you prefer?
Maybe you have still new napkins sitting in your closet
just because you dread the thought of ironing.
Your problem is solved. Use them.
Either way . . . take them out of the dryer while damp -

grab the center and pull through a napkin holder and crunch to shape 

OR

easily iron while still damp and fold.

The MCC Auction and Relief Sale

This past weekend Abbotsford hosted it's annual MCC Sale for World Relief at the Tradex. It is always an enjoyable event to take part in, to run into friends and acquaintances, enjoy the ethnic food, music, crafts and auction. The great thing is that while everyone is having a good time, money is being raised to help MCC in their work. Be it antiques or quilts auctioned off, baked goods, new or second hand items, or the meals prepared to eat at the fair, everything is donated and every worker is a volunteer. So, it turns out, everyone can come away from the sale, having given in some way.



We went on Friday night, not looking for anything in particular, but when I spotted the mums in the garden center, I knew they were coming home with us. Why not buy them there, rather than at Costco, if we're going to get them anyways?

Fruit and vegetables were in abundance. Again, why not get them here?

Browsing the tables of home grown herbs, I saw this one. Do you recognize it? Summer savory (unless you grow it yourself) can only be found late summer and if you blink, you miss it. This happened to me and so I was happy to find some, already dried, in bunches. It's in a jar now, ready for those winter split pea and bean soups.

I walked by tables of odds and ends of dishes and linens . . . you never know when you'll find just the right piece or color of something and I found a set of still new napkins that I was happy to take home to go with my dishes.
Another year has gone by, marked by this early fall event that has become a tradition. And when we listen to the hardships people are facing around the world, we can't help but acknowledge that we are blessed to be able to be on the giving end. I always remember that there was a time our grandparents were in need and it was MCC that helped them out to get settled in a new country.

On her First Day of Life

A few hours after birth, nurse Lana came in with what was needed for the bath. The timing was perfect as I was there with the kids and we got to be part of this special moment, bringing back my own memories, so dear.

Kristal chose to swaddle Everly's body to keep her warm while she washed her face and hair.

This surely was worth taking a closer look at to see if she liked it. And she did.

Her hair got soaped up and combed out.

while brother continued to look out for her.

Being unswaddled and naked in the tub brought about a bit of complaint,

but it was done quickly.

Daddy's large hands fumbled nervously trying to get the tiny diaper on.

And sister comforted her when it was all said and done.

We could not stay away.

Coming back after dinner, Everly was introduced to her Papa

who had worked out of town during the day.

Everly Elise,

we are so happy you are here!

‘May the Lord bless you

    and protect you.

May the Lord smile on you
    and be gracious to you.
 May the Lord show you his favor
    and give you his peace.'

Numbers 6:24-26 NLT

With love and prayers always,

your Papa and Mimi

It's a Girl!

With much joy and thankfulness for her safe arrival,

we welcome

Everly Elise Sawyer

born September 9, 2014

at 10:35 am

weighing in at 6 lbs, 15 oz

19 inches long

Proud, excited siblings are Natalie, Landon and Koen

I took them in to meet their little sister in the early afternoon

and she looked at them like she already knew their voices.

Natalie could not stop giggling for joy. She told me later that 

about ten times she had already told herself that this was the happiest day of her life.

The boys just grinned at her. 

They all wanted to hold her and got their turn.

She did not mind the adoration at all.

We stayed to watch her first bath and then

it was time to leave so mommy and daddy could get some rest.

It had been a long night.

I'll post more, but for now will leave you with the first family portrait.

Family Secrets Exposed

Our grandkids know that usually my desktop shows off a favorite group photo of them. 

When we came home from our trip this summer
I found out that some of them had been over while we were away
and left this drawing taped to my monitor. 

It made me smile . . . and I have to admit, 

it's more up to date than any photos I have of them all together.

Easy Farmer Sausage Rolls

It's been a while since I posted anything to do with food prep

so I thought I'd post this easy recipe I worked on while 

working on a  'school lunches' post for the big blog.

For this recipe I used three cups of the Large Biscuit Mix

stirring in 1 egg and 1 cup buttermilk to make a soft dough.

You can also use your own favorite biscuit mix.

Roll the pastry out to about 12 x 16 inches and divide it into four long strips.

Peel and cut half a farmer sausage lengthwise into strips. (A fairly thick sausage could be cut into six, a thinner one into quarters), and lay each strip along one of the quarters of the pastry. Roll up, with seam underneath.

Cut long, rolled up rolls into six pieces, to make about 2 dozen. Place on greased or parchment lined cookie sheet.

Bake at 400 F for about 15 minutes or until golden. These freeze nicely for an easy lunch.

For more ideas, check out the kitchen on the blog.

September Musings

As I listen to the rain patter on the awning of my open window, 

feel the change in the air

 and darkness descending at an earlier hour,

summer days become but a teasing distant memory.

Sunrise, sunset . . . swiftly flow the years.

One season following another

laden with happiness and tears.

All is well.

My Offering

Today it's one month since we said our goodbyes . . .

releasing them from our arms into His.

God of mercy, sweet love of mine

I have surrendered to your design

May this offering stretch across the skies

These hallelujahs be multiplied.

Deep in my heart these lyrics, sung in church on a Sunday morning,

took on a very personal meaning.

If you see tears* in my eyes . . . you'll know why.

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9

* When tears of sadness become tears of joy,
it's the long term perspective.