It Was a Happy Father's Day

Father's Day, after church, Shaun and Kristal hosted all of us

for lunch at their house, just down the street.

It's not an everyday occurrence to see these men in our family around one table, 

but every day I can thank the Lord for the way that they love their kids.

Good dads! 

These dear girls prepared the meal, 

which was a treat for me as well.

 Truth be told, I had my eye on that cozy spot just off the kitchen.

Kristal has a beautiful way to make a space feel welcoming.

Everyone helped themselves and headed out to the patio

or the lawn.

 

 I caught sight of how these two eyed the desserts with delight.

The little island was just the right height for them. 

This is a glimpse into our father's day -

a beautiful day,

an open home, 

a meal, 

catching up, 

staying in touch,

simply making memories -

and not to be taken for granted.

The Happiest Place on Earth

For anyone who has picked up family at the International terminal,

you know what I mean.It truly is the happiest place,

just as Makenna, after she emerged from behind those doors, said, 

"that is the best corner!"

Julene arrived here with the kids on Saturday night

and Chris will follow in a week. 

I guess they couldn't wait! 

The whole family was there to meet them

and take them home,

where snacks and a comfy bed for each of them was ready.

The next afternoon we spent the afternoon at the Lakehouse,

hanging out in hammocks, 

kayaking around reeds on the lake

racing hot wheels down the slide,

sitting by the fire

and eating.

The fact is, less than a week before this, 

none of them knew about this visit.

There were wishful thoughts, but no expectations.

I think it really took the whole day for the surprise to set in.

The Lord has done great things for us. We are glad ...

Those who sew in tears shall reap with joyful shouting.

Psalm 126: 3, 5

Celebrating Friendship

This week we celebrated some special birthdays and eleven years of friendship as Mennonite Girls Can Cook. Lovella hosted us in her backyard tent and put out the most incredible spread of salads and fresh-baked scones. Also, in the middle of the day, we indulged in our own dessert bar.

We talked about the incredible journey we have shared, realizing one of the biggest blessings has been the bonding as a group of women, sharing our day to day lives, our joys and sorrows.  We acknowledge how we are the same and different in many ways. We pray for each other in hard things, rejoice with each other in the good and laugh enough to know it can't hurt us. 

As a group of ten, we have a long standing tradition of sharing five things we are thankful for at the end of every week.  This week I'm thankful for this place of refuge, encouragement, forgiveness, learning and building up in the faith. And as we each seek to be that for someone, we will find the gift we give comes back to us in the most amazing ways. 

For more photos and sentiments shared by Ellen, see https://happywonderer.com/

Treasures

I don't know how it is that some of the riding toys from the 80's still have a place in our shed.

 But when I see the smiles on their faces, I'm glad it is so.

As Jack's eyes lit up - I had a sudden flashback -

What happened? 

One day at a time ...

and one day you realize the moments are gone.

I love it when they return in such a sweet way! 

When Days are Long, and Years are Short

This past weekend the boys' and girls' bedrooms were filled -

grands tucked in with books, music and favorite blankets.

One thing we noticed during nighttime routines

is that they are growing up,

acquiring ways of settling in on their own. 

The reality felt just a little strange ...

as much as it was wonderful. 

 

Is it any wonder I contemplated this fleeting stage ...

so much so that it became more special,

the innocent, carefree, simplicity

still evident in the youngest one.

A time when there are never enough twirls, 

games of snakes and ladders 

or cups of apple juice and cookies.

I feel the changes come gradually -

watching her and then the older ones -

welcoming a new season,

one of mixed independence and teaching,

while climbing trees, texting cousins, 

racing each other on scooters,

playing pool or baking cookies
and going for seconds at mealtimes.

But one of my favorite moments, 

settled on couches around a big bowl of popcorn,

were the giggles coming from them all

while listening to Eeyore's complaints and

Winnie the Pooh's words of wisdom. 

A reminder that some things will never change.

♡♡♡

Flowers and Music for Mom

It was after lunch when my brother

 let me know he was coming out to see mom.

We ended up getting to the home at the same time

and it was precious to see her face when she

recognized him - more so his voice, I think.

He serenaded her with a favorite German song that tweaked a memory for her

and it was so beautiful to see her face light up.

I had a hard time fighting off tears.

 These moments are getting more rare, and as I ponder them,

I'm always wishing I could see inside her mind ...

see what she knows, when words fail her.

 My sister came later, due to an accident on the highway,

but again I see mom's joy comes from deep within. 

Even as her mind goes dim

and she cannot do a thing for herself,

on this day we thanked God for her 

with flowers and a song,

because we could. 

♡♡♡