The Art of Hand Writing

As you can tell from the poem above, my grandfather, the only grandfather I ever knew, had beautiful handwriting! I always loved how his capital letters had extra twirls and just looked
like they were drawn, rather than just written.

I used to take more pride in how I write . . . what I mean by that is that I was able to focus better . . . but I find that I don't really enjoy writing any more. In fact, I get frustrated that it takes too long and takes concentration to make it look nice, or even legible. I much prefer the quickness of the keyboard where I can delete when necessary and actually think with my fingers. At least that is what it almost feels like.

Makes me wonder . . . what will become of handwriting? . . . or will we continue to appreciate those little handwritten notes and cards? When I really think about it, handwritten words may require a little more effort, but somehow they still convey a special message.

I appreciate how everyone has their own unique style of handwriting, which in itself is a part of the message. A person's handwriting is a part of them, as much as the color of their eyes or the way they walk . . . and such a beautiful reminder of the one who wrote the note . . . no matter the style or how it looks.

With Thanksgiving

Okay . . . the cat’s been let out of the bag . . . if you have come from the MGCC blog, you know of the excitement shared amongst us cooks. Usually, it is the people invited to a meal that are blessed . . . today it is the cooks who are celebrating. Celebrating the joy of sharing not only food or recipes but, in many ways, our lives.
We have worked hard during the summer months choosing and perfecting recipes, then learning how to submit our finished work and now we wait for the publisher to do their work. This joy of seeing the beginning of a new dream come true is something near the top of my list to give thanks for today. I can hardly believe this is something I get to be a part of! In case you have not seen the link, you can click here.

It is interesting how we set aside a day to give thanks. I’m glad we do. However, I wonder, how our world would change if we decided to practice a thankful attitude in daily life?
There is a story in the Bible where 10 lepers begged Jesus for mercy. Jesus sent them to show themselves to the priests, but as they went they were healed. One came back to give thanks to Him and Jesus asked, “weren’t ten men healed? Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17: 13-18)
When I look at God’s Word, we are repeatedly encouraged to give thanks . . . even in our prayers . . . to pray with thanksgiving.

Tomorrow, October 12, would be my dad’s birthday if he were still with us and I’m reminded of something that I learned from him. It is to have a thankful attitude. Although he grew up under difficult circumstances, and . . . maybe because of it . . . he never allowed us to begin eating without first giving thanks to God and we could not leave the table before thanking the person who prepared the meal.

This applies to so much in life. In good times, a thankful attitude keeps us from feeling like we are self-made. In hard times, it can keep us from going deeper and deeper into a place of total self pity. A thankful spirit allows for friends to come alongside of us and be encouraged as well.
Today I give thanks for my family, for my friends, and for you . . . to my Father in heaven who has provided me with all I need and so much more!

Can't Tell!

The cat's got my tongue . . .

and . . .

my mouse too, for that matter.

I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I asked Amy Shrock permission to use this photo from her blog. It was exactly what I was looking for. Thank you, Amy!

A Tradition

One of the Mennonite traditions we still enjoy is Zwieback with jam and cheese.

and I have decided that making these buns and calling them by their name is something I'd like to pass on . . . especially since the grands love them.

So, without further adieu, as you can tell, it's never too early to start.

Makenna enjoys rolling and patting

and giving them that extra pinch or push.

Jam sandwich is one of the first things she asks for when she gets up in the morning, when she wants a snack, lunchtime. after nap time, dinner time and pretty well 'anytime' time.

Last Date - Second Time

The Greater Vancouver Zoo derives its name from the fact that it is situated in the Greater Vancouver area, namely Aldergrove. Like many zoos today, its focus is to preserve and protect endangered species, providing a spacious, natural environment for animals. The setting provides educational opportunities that inspire appreciation and concern about wildlife and wild places. Visiting this park, especially with kids, is a refreshing experience.

Initially we visited this zoo in 2004, just before Chris and Jules headed to Indonesia for the first time. At that time it was our last little date with only Tehya . . . and I had a hard time keeping myself together as I held onto our two year of granddaughter. With this memory in mind, roaming through the park-like setting this time was like a view into the past and seeing the future with three happy and well adjusted kids in tow. The weather was beautiful and the changing colors of the season added to it. Tehya, Paeton and Makenna ran from one animal's turf to another . . .

delighting in seeing the mamas and babies and families roaming about.

The Zoo provides a narrative Safari bus ride through one area where black bears and wolves live together and then into another habitat where the elk, white tailed deer and bison roam about. We enjoyed the tales told by the bus driver.

Our feathered friends also displayed their beautiful colors. Some of them roamed freely on the paths where we walked. Paeton picked up a multi colored feather dropped by a peacock, which he later gave to me.

One more day came to an end and another memory was made. It was a date that brought a strange kind of contentment and joy as I observed my visible blessings.

It is a nice surprise to find that last times can repeat themselves and bring about an inexplainable sense of healing. We stopped at MacDonald's for supper and brought home some tired but happy kids.

Redeeming the Time

As the plane is heading across the Pacific and the distance between us is growing by the hour, I’m sitting here remembering . . . feeling loss, yet feeling so full! A paradox I can’t quite comprehend.

Back in the middle of June, when we headed to Disneyland, we were all looking forward to a wonderfully long summer of family outings, dinners, Birthday parties, picnics, visits to the park, movie nights and ending it all with the birth of a new baby.

Now all of these things have happened! Summer has ended. How quickly the days have flown by!

I’m wondering . . . does the average family realize how the days are passing? Do they realize that before they know it, three months are gone and then six and then a year?

Maybe even in a marriage . . . do I recognize that what is today won’t be forever? Do I live with the goal that every day deserves a chance . . . and that every moment is a gift?

It is these packages in time, that have made me see how intentional we have become about what we do with our kids and grandkids. There is something about knowing that our days are numbered, that causes us to plan and possibly make more memories than we would if we thought that we always have next week.

I’m learning that in a situation that I’ve fought, I have possibly received a blessing in disguise.