Cinnamon Bun Class with Teddy

We've been here before . . . but today it's Teddy's turn in the spotlight.

 First you roll  . . .

then you cut  . . .

and put them in a pan . . .

for baby and me.

Maybe not quite yet for baby but she does get checked on regularly.

Belated Birthdays

It just so turns out that all three girls will always be celebrating their birthdays within a couple of weeks of each other. While we were there, we took the opportunity to do something special with two of then for their recent birthdays.

On Saturday afternoon we took the twenty minute drive into Saskatoon with Teddy.

Don't let the sunshine fool you . . . it's cold out!

We did a bit of shopping with her and let her choose her gift.

This is a lot more fun than guessing what toys they may have . . .

especially when you don't see them all the time.

After shopping she chose to go for a timbit date.

I just realized she has hit pretty well my favorite age!

There is something special about the fun conversations 

you can suddenly have with a three year old!

On Sunday afternoon we took the drive back into the city with Lacey.

She knew exactly where we were going, making sure we parked at the right mall,

and then led the way up the escalator to the shop.

This is where our five-year-olds get to go for their birthday.

It was interesting to see how decisive she was in choosing her bunny

and the accessories to go with it. 

There was no hesitation or hemming or hawing about anything.

In the end there was just a big smile and 

a warm tuck in at bedtime with her new special friend.

Greetings from the Little House on the Prairie

 I may refer to it as the little house but there is has been lots of room and welcome for us.

 The girls have been so excited to show off their baby sister

And we have been happy to take turns holding her!

 She is a jewel!

And while I shiver and "brr" my lips from the cold air, this little one keeps snug as a bug -
. . . as the people living here have learned to do.

While we are here, we get to see what a family does to keep warm.

 Seeing these smiles at the rink is precious.

Thank you, Ben and Kari for allowing us a peek once more into your life on the prairie!

And Back Again

As I contemplate the numerous blessings of this whirlwind short and sweet trip 

I'm realizing that I could feel greatly thankful if even just one of them had come true . . .

but there were more.

Maybe I can attempt a small window view into my time
on this thawing prairie land.

A morning visit to my bedroom . . .  all four of us tucked under one big blanket.

Story times on the couch or before bed.

Baking times. 

As I prepared for the class I had two helpers wanting to share the counter with me.

It took some concentration, trying not to forget about what I was doing, 

while watching little hands

 . . . so eager!

The anticipated morning with the moms brought on a shower of blessings 

through Kari, the ladies who planned the morning and the eighty ladies who came.

It was a delight to meet young women behind the scenes 

of the reading of the blog and the cookbooks!

Another blessing was to observe the bonding that took place between the oldest and youngest of our eight.

Teddy could not stand to have 'ehya out of her sight.

A precious moment I think of is when Ben came home from work one day and

Lacey, in a round about way, told him of how he had missed trying one of her buns.

With a big smile of awareness on his face, he asked her where they were?

"I ate them!" she announced with glee.

Just being there gave me a real live view of activities that make up the week, 

such as Lacey's art class and both girls' gymnastics classes. 

Ben showed me some of the homes they've built 

and Kari took me to a favorite bagel place in town.

I've come to realize that as this season of life continues to open up new challenges 

there is joy in following through on them,

be it stepping up to the podium or traveling with a granddaughter -

both an opportunity to meet wonderful people, more than willing to 

encourage or to lend a helping hand.

Tehya, it was so much fun to do this trip with you!

It makes me wish for more!

Tuesday Morning

On Monday evening Kari and I met up with Luanne and Sue to set up and make sure everything,

 such as the worktable, mics and power point were set to go. 

and we left a room ready to welcome the ladies coming the next morning.

I did not run around with a camera in my hand . . . so this is it.

But the pictures in my mind are precious . . .

a fun intro by a daughter-by-love . . .

a yummy breakfast buffet . . .

lots of chatter . . .

and gazing out at a beautiful group of young moms

encouraged to celebrate the season of life they are in right now.

If any of you who were there are reading this,

Thank you for your hospitality!

Great Landing!

Seven years ago . . .

and now.

When our first grandchild was taken across the Pacific, almost ten years ago, to a foreign place and people -

I never expected the kind of experiences that would bring us together.

And now this trip!

From the air Saskatchewan looks like a huge white blanket.

Coming down a little lower, you'd think we were entering a Christmas village

Once in  my Picasa, I had to zoom in and crop . . .  Dickens. . .  in March.

But no matter the lingering winter .  . . the welcome was warm!

The youngest ones, pleased to have the sole attention of an older cousin

while we caught up with life that gets missed on texts. 

Real conversations over delicious homemade soup . . .

all together down time on couches after dinner . . .

goodnight wishes . . .

flowers by the bedside . . .

I believe in the expression . . . I'm rich as a queen!

A Hop and a Skip Over the Mountains

This weekend I'm packing a small suitcase and going on an adventure with Tehya!

Can you tell I'm loving all the firsts with a grandchild in the tween age?

 It began with talk last summer about her going to visit uncle Ben and auntie Kari to help 

 with the kids . . . but the logistics of travelling alone were never really checked out

 and it looked like time was going to run out for her. . . 

until I got an invitation to share at the Mom's Group Kari attends in Saskatoon. 

The possibility of accompanying Grammy brought a huge smile . . . near tears kind of smile!  

And so, plans were set in place. 

It's another one of those do it while you can, things . . . and we will make the most of it.  

While she plays the little nanny part, I'll get in some story time,
 put some treats into the freezer and enjoy a morning with young moms at the church.
We will be talking about true significance
and simple meals from the roaster and the freezer.

 Part of this sounds very surreal to me . . . but I go,

knowing that God has given the opportunity and will provide for each step of the way.

Saskatoon in September

This picture of Lacey's first day of preschool came to my phone.
I love how her face says it all!
She is the first one in our family to go to preschool and obviously excited!

When we talked on the phone she told me that they color and paint and go to the park.
We hang on to a rope to be safe . . . she said . . .
Okay . . . on the phone . . . with no facial expression to recognize . . .
that one was a blur to me, so I will explain here as well . . .
hanging on to that rope, she is part of that cute line of kids walking to the park.
So drivers . . . take care.

Lacey is also enjoying her second year of gymnastics,
A busy, more scheduled life has started up for our Saskatoon family too.

Text messages, photos, facetime and trips to the mailbox to look for
fat envelopes keep us connected in ways I'm thankful for but,
 right about now, some real hugs would be nice.
I'm sure it's okay for me to say that.

For today . . . I thought  I'd try something new
for my final post of grandkids starting school.
Lacey, if your mom scrolls down a bit . . .
there is a little video for you.
(I couldn't find a way to add it to the end of this post ...)