Resting

I can't imagine that I look as cute any more while I sleep,
so this old photo is my choice for today. . .

The story is that I fell asleep during a church meeting and
one of the ladies decided to put pot holders under my head before taking a picture.
This I find rather funny now,
considering how often I grab for pot holders.

Going back to last week . . .
As I backed out of the garage, to see a doctor,
I thought to thank God for this "inconvenience" in my day.
I don't always give thanks in all circumstances, but I want to learn to do that.
And do you know what?
I find that when I thank God for something that was not in my plan
the likelihood of seeing something good in it becomes possible.
The result of the "inconvenience" gives me permission to rest.
Sometimes we need something to tell us
to cease striving and know that He is God.

Part of an old hymn that has been modernized
by some artists of today has been ringing in my head . . .

 Jesus, I am resting, resting
In the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of thy loving heart.
Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,
As thy beauty fills my soul,
For by thy transforming power,
Thou hast made me whole.

Refrain:
Jesus, I am resting, resting
In the joy of what thou art;
I am finding out the greatness
Of thy loving heart.

O how great thy loving kindness,
Vaster, broader than the sea!
O how marvelous thy goodness
Lavished all on me!
Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved,
Know what wealth of grace is thine,
Know thy certainty of promise
And have made it mine.

Jean Sophia Pigott 1876

 

Egg Holders

I have these unique egg holders from my grandmother, although I think they were made by a friend of hers. Back in the day, one little lady would find a great idea on Pinterest (or the like), make it . . . and everyone would follow suit. Can you believe that?
However, since my Omi was not the best at crocheting, sometimes she paid a friend to make something. and other times she tried her own hand. So I'd get the latest doilies, baby blankets and things such as these chicks, not always keeping track of who made them.
Which reminds me of one particular friend she had . . . Mrs Loewen.
These two ladies shared a kind of friendship that was quite entertaining to hear about and, whether they chided or encouraged each other,
I know it helped fill their lonely days as widows.
When Omi was invited to family birthday parties, Mrs. Loewen often came along.
 Sometimes Omi became somewhat territorial and did not want her there . . .
but Mrs. Loewen's response's was,
 "I love your grandchildren just as much as you do!"
So there you have it. These chicks may have been made by her,
but they were a gift from my Omi, none-the-less.

The holder is made like a little cap with a head on it.
You tuck the boiled egg inside and it stands at attention.

I don't crochet, but I believe that if you do, you could probably figure out how to make them.
I've found out that old and young alike love a warm egg straight from the chicken . . .
when cooked to perfection.

The Paska Class

The third annual Easter Paska Class was a delight to be part of!
It was so special to meet new and old friends alike.
You know who you are if you are reading this.

Seven of us met early in the evening to get organized.
Lovella brought Paska from home but immediately got busy mixing
the dough that would take its time to rise and be ready to demonstrate with
once she showed the process of how to make the dough.
Are you still with me?
Exactly . . . that is what I try to wrap my head around when planning a class.

Bev brought her fruit for the fruit soup ...
also known as Obstsuppe or Plumi Moos.

While Kathy and Marg got busy peeling potatoes for the scalloped potato dish,
Julie and I chopped cabbage for the fresh coleslaw and Judy
grated cheese and helped keep us all on target.
Lepp Farm market's own chef had put a glazed ham in the oven earlier.

By the time the class was ready to begin,
the work was almost done and we were giddy to do the fun part.
Each took their turn to demonstrate a process.
 Julie talked a little about gluten free flours and
brought the tiniest little Paska bites to share with the class.

Soon plates were plated with juicy ham, cheesy potatoes and home made coleslaw
. . . followed by a bowl of fruit soup 

and fresh-out-of-the-oven Paska



with Ellen's Paska Spread, done my Marg.

It was like being in Oma's kitchen!
After our guests left we sat down to leftovers.
Which I was pretty hungry for by that time.
Thank you to all who came
to make the class a success!

Fun with Mugs

In the past year I've been gifted with several large mugs which I have found are practical for serving things such as custard, gravy, porridge or any comfort food eaten with a spoon.

I have also enjoyed using some of them as vases. Last summer my green soup mug held bunches of raspberries



and now I have a .... how do you spell that?
hyacinth ... budding in there.
Who knew how much fun a mug could be?
But then . . . it's not just any mug
when it's been given to you by someone special.

Oh... and a happy first day of Spring today!

The Favorite Perch

Seeing as the family room is between the office and the kitchen . . .
(my most frequented rooms during the day)
I can't help but notice the kids as I move about
during their movie time

and take note of some unique choice of seating.
Being five has it's advantages.
Landon, we have celebrated several times over the past week or so . . .
 a trip to Build-a-Bear, a family party and a kids party,
and we just want you to be sure you know that
we love you very much, our second oldest grandson!
Your quiet and gentle spirit  reveal character
and your big smiles bring joy to our hearts.
May God bless and keep you.
Love, Papa and Mimi

 

The Twin Cousin Birthday Date



 

 

I can't help but begin this story with a scene from just over five years ago when Chris and Julene were home on furlough and Kristal flew up from Phoenix for some sister time before the babies were due.

 

 

Makenna, whose Birthday I posted two weeks ago,

was born on February 29

 

and Landon on March 17
 

 

It has been such an unexpected joy to have them both live close to us this past year
and observe how they are not only close in relation and size,
but giggle at and enjoy so many of the same things.
We decided to celebrate their fifth birthdays by taking them to
(what we called ) a special place.
Makenna wondered if the special place was Disneyland!
Well, not quite . . . but it really came close!

At Build-A-Bear they each chose an untuffed animal.
 

They chose a sound to put into the paw and
took their animal to the stuffing machine to have it filled.

The lady kept telling them to go for more. At the end they tucked in a little heart and the
Kitty and the Monkey got stitched up.
 

The dressing table allowed them space to try on different outfits.
 

Landon had his eye on one from the very beginning and
there was no second guessing after that.

Daniel and the Kitty got registered and

welcomed into loving arms!

I think it's a Birthday none of us will forget too quickly!