A gift I wish to remember this year is
the uniqueness of being able to celebrate Easter with our family . . .
even while strewn about in three different countries.
Before we left on vacation, we had an Easter bag hunt in our back yard
with the "near-by" kids.
Lately, even though I see them often, I'm still surprised to see how they are growing!
At the same time we had dinner and Paska cupcakes with candles
celebrating Natalie's ninth Birthday!
Next, we skyped with our Indonesia family on Saturday night,
which was their Sunday afternoon.
It meant a lot to me that the parcel I had carefully packed to its ideal weight
and sent in February, finally arrived on the Thursday before Good Friday!
Imagining a parcel arriving there is always a way of feeling like we are visiting.
It's hard to put that connection into words.
Another way of visiting these days was in sharing their excitement
at the arrival of their crate.
For several days, we were getting pictures of the
rooms acquiring their own unique character and beauty
with framed pictures, shelves and rugs.
Now it looks like their home!
And last, but not least, we got to see our Prairie kids
while in California!
Of course, the basket hunt was on, even here!
The setting is minimal, in comparison to the joy of seeing their faces light up
as they examine the contents right then and there.
And a very special basket to treasure was our youngest sweetie . . .
sleeping in a suitcase in the closet, for such a time as this.
It's in these separate experiences that I've delighted in
knowing that what really matters is something
that distance and time can't take away.
My heart is filled with thanks!
12 comments:
I enjoy the joy you have for your grandchildren. You do a lovely job of expressing just how precious each child is. I feel that joy in my grandchildren, too. It's almost indescribable!
You have a precious family and you are always so thankful for them - what a wonderful blessing you are to your children and grandchildren. A beautiful post.
Helen
I love everything about this post Anneliese! Your pictures of those precious grandchildren and your beautiful heartfelt words are a joy! Many more blessings to you as you watch and admire them. Thanks for sharing (I'm taking lessons over here).
What joy...all around! You captured the moments beautifully! The home in Indonesia looks amazing.
Fabulous! Loved all the great photo memories you preserved! What a great idea to make a baby bed inside a large suitcase!!
So gratifying that you can keep in touch and be part of all the growth and changes. And they are many!
I have lost track now of who is where and which baby belongs to which sibling. I note dark eyes and dimples keep turning up though, so all is good.
They are all looking so healthy and happy. That's what matters.
Always grateful for your sharing Anneliese.
Sharon
Such a beautiful collection of grandchildren's faces. A simply lovely post.
it's easy to see these are your grandkids - lots of resemblances to you and your H. What a grand idea to use a suitcase as a baby bed. so sweet.
Love all the pictures and I totally relate with seeing three sets of grands in three very different locations.....but we are so blessed to be able to have relationship even though they are far away!
Love the picture of Jade in the suitcase...great idea!
Such sweet faces! With so much joy. I have a feeling they may be reflecting a little of the joy from the face behind the camera :)
As I read this post, and spent time looking at each fun picture, I can feel your heart through it all. It is a great blessing to have pictures and communication with our families, despite the distance. I think each picture shows happy little smiles, and interesting Easter basket treasures.
I liked seeing the décor of the home in Indonesia.
Beautiful to see you celebrate with each family with joy! I loved seeing the pictures of the home in Indonesia. All those beautiful children are growing so fast!
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