Jam for the Next Generation

I don't think I could have ever imagined the day I'd be cooking jam with yet another generation of kids at my feet . . . or on my hip. When I tell my girls things like that, they look at me like, "what did I think?" I don't know what I thought. As young girls we dream of getting married and maybe about being moms one day, but I wonder how many of us dream further than that. Maybe that is the reason this stage has come upon me almost unawares - void of preconceived ideas - and it's nice to know the unexpected joys it brings!

She's Growing up too Fast!

I don't know if it was just the memory of the first time we made cupcakes together or the fact that she now moved about with purpose, knowing her mom's kitchen well; but as I observed Natalie in her "happy place" I could not help and take note of how she has grown!
We went to watch the kids for the evening and there is nothing they like more than when we have a plan . . . the plan on this night was that Papa would go to the playground with the boys and the girls would make cupcakes.

Now you have to know that making cupcakes with someone who knows that her mom makes the best and most beautiful cupcakes can be a slightly intimidating to someone who has kept to one recipe her whole life! Buttermilk chocolate cupcakes with plain chocolate icing and sprinkles. I told Nat that her mom's cupcakes are for parties, and these are for school lunches and that was okay.

After her shower, when the cupcakes were cooled, she helped with the icing. I had to add this photo only because it made me smile how she hugged that icing bowl like a little Oma.

When Landon saw what was happening in the kitchen, he was slightly put off and wanted to help too. I guess it will be his turn next time. Siblings are not too quick to give up their position when they know it's a desired one.

Setting each cupcake on its own little tray and sprinkling with a spoon was her idea. 

She was proud of her accomplishment and I'm proud of her!

And the recipe for these chocolate cupcakes (also posted on MGCC):

3/4 - 1 scant cup sugar
2 eggs
2/3 c oil
1 c buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp baking powder
3 heaping Tbsp cocoa
½ tsp salt

Mix sugar and eggs well, gradually beating in the oil, then the buttermilk and vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients all at once. Fill paper-lined muffin tins 3/4 full. Makes 12 large or 18 medium sized cupcakes. Bake at 350 F for 25 minutes for large or 20 minutes for medium. Do toothpick test.

Choc Icing:
Mix 2 cups icing sugar (approx),1 heaping Tbsp cocoa, with 2 Tbsp soft margarine and enough milk to make a spread-able consistency. Stir/beat until smooth. Sprinkle with chocolate or colored sprinkles. Allow for icing to dry before freezing. Once frozen, these can be wrapped with plastic wrap without the icing sticking to it.

Happy Anniversary Chris and Julene!

It is surreal to think that it's been fifteen years 

since the day your dad walked you down the aisle, Julene, 

toward your handsome groom and the future that now is yours.

I think back to the weeks before the wedding 

as we planted flowers at the lakehouse, built an outdoor stage, ordered white chairs

set up an arch - for the wild roses to be added on the wedding day . . .

only to wake up to pouring rain on this day, June 10, 2000.

Yet, as I sat in the church pew listening to the song the two of you had prepared,

 I knew in my heart that all was well - 

this most special day began as a picture of 

 handling disappointment with grace and celebrating what matters.

When I think about your wedding the words still ring true 

as they reflect your commitment and love

no matter the obstacles.

I wish I could hear you sing it today . . . as I imagine you will.

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the sun does not appear
I... I will be here
If in the dark we lose sight of love
Hold my hand and have no fear
'Cause I... I will be here

I will be here
When you feel like being quiet
When you need to speak your mind
I will listen
And I will be here
When the laughter turns to crying
Through the winning, losing and trying
We'll be together
'Cause I will be here

Tomorrow morning if you wake up
And the future is unclear
I... I will be here
As sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I... I will be here

I will be here
And you can cry on my shoulder
When the mirror tells us we're older
I will hold you
And I will be here
To watch you grow in beauty
And tell you all the things you are to me
I will be here,

I will be true to the promise I have made
To you and to the One who gave you to me

And just as sure as seasons are made for change
Our lifetimes are made for years
So I... I will be here
We'll be together
I will be here

lyrics by Steven Curtis Chapman

May today make you smile at the romantic side of  young love,
making promises that have come to be tested and tried,

yet shining as gold refined by the grace and power

of the One who has led you all this way.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.

May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Sending love across the ocean,

Mom and Dad

The sun is shining here today!

Enlightening Mimi on Batman and Such

He sat at the kitchen counter for an hour, meticulously drawing squares and rocks . . . all the while talking and telling me about a video game which he has possibly never even played. I thought the squares would totally make sense to his mom when she came, but they did not, making me feel a little better.

The interesting thing is they made very much sense to him as he told me all about batman going in a spaceship and going after the bad guys. I asked him who the bad guys are and they are guys like killer croc, a zombie named Gandhi and a cheetah. "Did you know that there are these teleporters that take you through space to a different planet? he asked. He went on and on about names I had no idea about  . . . I started jotting down some things and he noticed. "You should write this down, Mimi" he continued, "about the guy who has electric stuff coming out of his ears. He breaks stuff with his laser and . . . "  I did not get it all and he said, "Oh, never mind about all that."

It was like explaining the internet to someone who has never used the computer. Maybe it was not what I felt comfortable with, but I enjoyed his enthusiasm and ability to express what was on his mind. In this foreign realm of superheros and crazy flights through space, little (and big) boys escape into a fight of good and evil in ways that I don't understand. And yet, in a crazy way, they make me realize there is something in a boy, calling to be a conqueror (he wants to be a fire fighter) and how I can tell him about David, Joshua, Elijah and Daniel . . . super heroes of faith in a God who is able to grant power to triumph over evil. May this be the legacy that we leave with him.

Good Morning Photos in my Inbox

A few days ago there was a successful trip to the Post Office on the other side of the world.

The photos in my inbox in the morning told the story

of the party that went on during our night.

Pancake mix, cereal, coffee, tea, jam . . .

Three months by ship and who knows what modes of transport . . .

but breakfast from Canada finally arrived! 

This is how we drop in.

Same Toys, New Face

The toy box in front of the TV cabinet/shelf in our family room has remained in the same spot ever since it came home with us as brand new grandparents. It has served it's purpose in a decorative, practical and necessary manner. I have always loved how, at a certain age, they remember and it will be the first place they head to when they come over.

The scene has been repeated numerous times now and I love how each new face lights up at the sounds coming from these toys . . . those first thrills . . . all over again! One can just never tire of that look that says, "Grammy, you have the coolest toys!" I think I will appreciate that sentiment while I can. Smile.