Gift Opening

 Gift opening was planned for right after the wedding! 

Obviously planned by a young bride who figured  

that we open our birthday gifts on our birthday, why not the wedding gifts? 

In the end it was not a good idea, but here's the scoop.

After the reception . . . it was getting quite late,

family and other relatives packed into my mom and dad's basement 

and we opened gifts in helter skelter fashion.

I had no semblance of mind to put names and gifts together 

or to appreciate each individual gift as I would have liked.

Before we were done, we made an excuse to go upstairs and snuck away . . .

but that is another story!

I'm here to remember some of those lovely gifts . . .

especially the ones who have made it this far . . .

like the nesting bowls and casserole dishes.

a beautiful crock pot

a silver casserole stand  . . . 

Faux wood salad bowls 

and my precious rolling pin.

Crystal and glass bowls in abundance.

If I remember correctly, we exchanged one for a toaster and a clock.

Of course, the wedding was the time when most of the dishes for my china set were added.

Until I started thinking about it,

I had no idea I still had so much of what was gifted to us.

Pretty special.

The Invitation 40 Years Ago

I've loved the month of October for a long time . . .

 beginning with memories of walking in the leaves as boyfriend and girlfriend,

when there was that first kiss

and later, talks about an October wedding.

And just as we anticipated that day,

we now look forward to the celebration of it all month long!

But first off, let me unpack a little memory box . . .

Our invitations were most likely sent out in September.

They were printed on soft pale green stationary

with a torn edge - which I loved!

We also prepared about 425 wedding favors.

You may recognize the tiny package wrapped and tied up with a ring.

In those days we did not have to invent anything new or different for favors.

A piece of wedding cake (fruit cake) was placed at every place setting.

The wedding took place in my home church, 

followed by a meal in the basement.

For the sanctuary, the florist made up large bouquets of white and yellow chrysanthemums.

while the reception area was decorated with streamers
and autumn leaves surrounding a banner behind our table.

Our napkins were light green with our names and wedding date printed on them.

So simple . . . and yet every detail was as exciting as

any detail planned for a lavish wedding of today!

On opening the invitation 

I still love this verse spoken in the old English.

It's a promise of fidelity, the meaning of which has grown real with time -

 even to the next verse that says,

"where thou diest, I will die,"
in a romantic and metaphorical way 

defining the essence of  this, our life pledged to one another -
every day gifted us by His grace.

Putting Four to Bed

After crocodile tears from one not having enough playtime outside,

and protests about getting into the tub from another,

and still another spilling a bowl of cereal on his lap -

down the side of the stool and all over the floor -

running with milky feet down the hall to change . . .

After prayers and asking for time to color in bed
from a girl who needs time to settle

and getting the lighting for the night just right . . .

It's a heavenly wonder,

this time of quiet contentment 

with three down and one to go.
I think I'll just hang on.
Take your time, baby.
Take your time.

Cousin Cooking Class

It began as a thought or an idea  and once I talked about it, 

there were regular reminders, wondering when this would begin? 

So we had our first official fall class this week.

And the smiles tell the story.

We stirred 

counted cups . . . tasted 

patted, cut and decorated.

We figured out that the rice crispies had to partially harden in order to cut shapes,
but then a mallet was needed to press the cookie cutters.

With wet hands, we rolled the leftover strips

and dipped . . .

Tim bits of  a crispie kind.

Fancy or plain,

in case you have forgotten, 

they are quite yummy.

Treasure found at the MCC Sale

On Friday night we moved slowly with the traffic going toward the Mennonite Central Relief Sale at the Tradex Center. It was a good thing there was overflow parking in the adjacent field. We found a spot and finally made it inside to join the throngs of people there for dinner.  

One could tell that organizers have worked hard to make things flow with people picking up pre-paid vouchers so that not every booth has to handle cash. Also, large signs describing exactly what food you were lining up for helped, and still there were line-ups weaving from one building to another - I hardly know how to describe. Long tables were set up in the center and people just moved in and out all night long. It certainly  made me feel like the memory of our ethnic food is not going to die off any time soon.

We spent the evening meandering through the crowd away from the food, meeting old friends . . . that's what it usually boils down to . . . taking ten steps and catching up with the next set. 

As we did so, I peeked at the tables selling new and used wares when I happened to see a beautiful small punch bowl set. I kid you not, it was the plastic ladle that had my attention because mine just broke.  I checked it out, thinking, it's a small bowl but so pretty for a fruit salad or trifle and . . .  I would get my ladle in perfect condition.

I'm at a stage where I do not need more crystal serving dishes. 

and I do have my 70's style punch bowl . . .

but this little one will find it's spot and it's purpose in our home

to possibly serve a few more than it has so far.
It's always fun to come home with some kind of treasure.

Lit by His Glory

"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD." Exodus 34:29

As I read this verse, I am struck by the beauty of one who has been in the presence of God. I have never seen someone described in the way that Moses was, but I have seen that light in the eyes in people who have a deep relationship with the Lord. A light reflecting God's peace, no matter the circumstances. People who have spent time with God emanate an assurance of knowing where their treasure is and that it's being kept in heaven for them. They exude a confidence in His best for them as He sets the boundaries of all the earth. They radiate a love that comes from knowing they are loved despite their own unworthiness. This is an identity that is worth pursuing, becoming more like Him, as we learn who He is.

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." 
2. Corinthians 3:18