Three Years Later!

In spring of 2012 - Teddy was just a wee one yet

and Lacy had just turned two, 

when their family belongings were packed into  a U haul

and we followed them across many miles of prairie land.

A bitter sweet trip to be able to be there for them and 

yet to know the way back would be hard.

Looking at the time now, it's hard to believe

a big steel box got packed up again and will be here soon,

while father and son are on their way back, driving two vehicles.

This time I did not go along . . . but the little family that is here

waited with excitement at the airport today.

And they came home!

Kari's mom accompanied her and the girls.

I'm sorry that I did not get Jade (in Elma's arms) on the photo.

I keep saying it . . . and it's true . . .

the best thing is to see cousins together again!

It's been a lonely time at family dinners for the ones here,

having watched all of their cousins move away.

I'm thankful for their time in Saskatchewan as 

I've come to appreciate the bond we could have in spite of distance,

the family values they have practiced there

and the wonderful friends they have made!

The move is according to their plan when they left -

to be back for the kids schooling -

and yet, maybe the parting from there was harder than they thought it would be. 

I  know they are richer for the time they have had there

and we will be richer for having them home again.

Part of a Great Weekend

I love the moments before guests arrive at the lake . . .

he has set up the chairs

while I'm hoping that everything is in order in the kitchen . . .

and the view through the window makes everything okay.

This summer we have had the blessing of doing this several times

but this time I just have to share because I know these guests won't mind at all.

In fact, you'll most likely see similar photos on their blogs.

The girls from the West Coast (with our hubbies) 

began our Sunday afternoon with a short drive and a quick walk to the falls nearby.

The 30 meter Cascade Falls tumble into a pool 

that flows over to more pools along a small canyon

under the new suspension bridge some of us saw for the first time on this day. 

In the past, our family has hiked up to the top with our kids and enjoyed the boulder jumping

in the river. 

But on this day we just enjoyed the coolness of the platform looking toward the falls,

before heading back to the lakehouse for dinner.

Lovella brought this beautiful bouquet from her garden and prepared the main dishes.
Everyone else was happy to just add something to the menu:

ham cheese ball with GF crackers for appetizer

smoked pulled pork 

sesame seed buns

coleslaw

baked beans

potato salad

fresh corn on the cob

watermelon, cucumber and feta cheese salad

cheesecake and peach pie for dessert

We filled our plates and sat in random circles - actually Mennonite style - men and women apart, and time flew as we chatted about everything from funny sweet nothings to things close to our hearts. It is an amazing thing . . . this friendship that had such unexpected beginnings and now really does not have a lot to do with the recipes any more. We all know that if we never do another cookbook, the best thing that we share is this friendship, where we are better for it . . . encouraging and inspiring each other in our marriages, family values and way of life. I am so very blessed. 

PS We missed Marg on the hike, but she was there for dinner. We also missed our dear Manitoba girls. 

I Believe in Miracles

Creation shows the power of God,
There's glory all around,
And those who see must stand in awe,
For miracles abound.

I believe in miracles, I've seen a soul set free,
Miraculous the change in one Redeemed through Calvary;
I've seen the lily push its way up through the stubborn sod;
I believe in miracles, for I believe in God!

The love of God, O power divine!
'Tis wonderful to see
The miracle of grace performed
Within the heart of me.

John W. Peterson

A friend mentioned this song recently, and they were beautiful words to be reminded of, especially when my heart grasped the truth of them in a personal way this week. Miracles do really happen every day, all around us, but today I'm rejoicing with the angels in heaven for a soul set free! A trade off, of sorrow and shame, for joy and life.

Where are they Today?

I don't know how many summers we rented a trailer

to head down to Lake Chelan in Washington, but it became an almost yearly tradition.

The first time we went, Ben was just over a year and the last time

we camped there I think Julene and Chris were newly weds and

Kristal and Shaun were engaged to be married. 

But for now I'll go back to one of our first trips.

This photo was taken the night before we were to leave.

We'd put the kids to bed and went to pack the trailer.

Imagine my surprise to find out they had snuck out of their rooms

to hide in the trailer. 

The two other families who we usually traveled with 

are my H's sisters and their families.

These cousins with the matching swim suits were always very special!

Their names were said like they were one hyphenated name . . .

Carolyn-Bonnie

Adrienne and Kristal became two peas in a pod as well.

They ended up together in university in California.

Our campsite was right on the lake, which was the place we headed

to after every breakfast.

 We packed lunch in coolers and ate under the trees.

Zooming in . . .

Among seven girls, Benji was very much doted on

but also had to find his own entertainment.

Here he proudly came to show us the sand ball he had made.

 After beach time, he'd find his own spot to play

while the girls played barbies on a picnic blanket.

The water hose was another form of play . . .

 maybe while the girls were getting their nails done?

And I'll end with this photo, which is the one that caught my attention

and started my reminiscing of this generation that is now all grown up.

Where are they now?

Between them all together, they have 18 children . . .

the oldest about the age of the oldest on the photo and going down in age from there.

Where has the time gone?

Orange Peach Jam on Scones

When the peaches started falling and smashing on the round, it was time to pick

our small harvest and do something with them . . .

and my favorite way to enjoy them . . . besides eating the perfect peach 

right off the tree . . . is to cook up a batch of orange peach jam.

Yesterday I quickly mixed a half recipe of Judy's Cheddar Cheese scones

(page 55 in Mennonite Girls Can Cook) 

and baked them in my 7 inch cast iron alongside the pot roasting a chicken.

I omit the dill and chives, for the following reason . . .

The best thing is to remove a big warm wedge 

and drizzle it with orange peach jam.

I with I could share more than just the idea.

It's better than cake.

Can you imagine? 

Happy Campers

This past weekend we took our kids up on an invitation 

to join them at Rockridge Canyon Camp where Shaun is working with Young Life.

I did not know what to expect and how it would feel to just be there

with a large group of high school campers.

The best way I can explain it is with photos . . . so be warned about the overload.

I have to say that getting up and just sitting down at a table was quite nice. 

Memories of my own days at camp . . . so long ago . . . came to mind.

The dining lodge is beautiful 

and the sound of  hundreds kids eating family style with their cabin leaders is wonderful

even if it's loud.

 I enjoyed getting such a nice smile from my table partner!

After breakfast, while the leaders were getting their kids ready for a volleyball tournament,

we hiked up to the Zip Line hut. 

On the photo it's the small fort, above the last lodge.

It is one of the longest continuous double zip lines in North America

and it was the first time I had a chance to do this!

The line comes down the hill, over the buildings and the lake towards the orange cone.

I loved it!

Natalie went tandem with Papa.

Love their smiles on their landing!

Heading back to the other side we saw the side view of the zip line crossing.

and still more beauty all around.

The tournament was a fun way for the kids to bond as teams.

Each leader had brought costumess for their cabin/team

and all of it was a surprise for the campers.

You might notice that my H volunteered for a role in the games.

It was fun to observe! 

My favorite team were the paper bag princesses,

playing like true princesses, trying not to lose their crowns. 

Lunch was brought outside and we had that before the finals were played.

In the afternoon campers had free activity time. 

We chose to take the three grands out in the canoe.

Meanwhile Kristal came around with Everly, who had just woken from a nap.

She got to watch the bunch of us from the shore.

There was a small ice cream parlor and a games room the boys enjoyed with Papa

while us girls went to the pool. 

We passed by Shaun hanging out with a group in an impromptu music jamming session.

In the evenings, all the campers participated in a "not so quiet" singing time and skits,

ending with a Young Life Speaker, for the ultimate purpose of encouraging the kids,

especially toward a relationship with God.

Being at this camp, we grew in appreciation for adult leaders 

who give of part of their summer and time during the year, to invest in the lives of students.

It was good to get a peek into the world our kids live in.