Dreams Growing from the Ground Up

 When we began drawing up scratch plans and designs, I kept looking for ideas of slanted roofs.

I also wondered how they would frame it.

But they are professionals.

So, needless to say, when the day finally came that this roof became visible,

I was very excited. We happened to get there just as the framer was working on the arch. 

I said to my H, this center part of the house is like the tiny house I'd want to live in ...

but for now we will make room for more ... and share the space.

 The inside of the slanted roof ... the dining room.

Are you surprised?

View from the kitchen window.

 Back yard ... from the family room. Lots of work.

 View from the guest room.

I will have to curb my desire to post pictures of Mt. Baker.

These days there are so many decisions to be made

but we are enjoying it a lot!

Over 30 years ago we built for our little family,

filling this home with life and memories to cherish,

but it's time to move on.

A future retirement and

grandparent's home is a new season to embrace.

Feeding Mom

Recently I was talking to mom's doctor about the surprise changes that came about last month. At the beginning of October she had a seizure and resulting set back, having us all think that her time to go had possibly come. The doctor put her on palliative care for about a week, with the care aides monitoring her closely for any positive changes. The changes came and they slowly were able to feed her again and get her up. Caring is what they do.

In the meantime, I feel so sorry for mom having to sit there day after day with no knowledge of what is going on. Her doctor said to me that obviously there is a reason for God still keeping her here. She noted that the staff sees our visits, our care for her and what we can bring into the equation is something we possibly do not realize. I wish so. 

When I sit down to feed mom I will often quietly say a familiar German table grace with her. One that I know she knows but cannot say anymore. This will usually bring a smile of recognition from her. We do what we can to bring back a memory and to do what we know she would do. One resident, sitting across the table, said to me, "Can you do that to me too?" I asked her what she meant and she said something like, "tell me what you said to her." I told her that it was a prayer of thanks for the food.

Slowly I am realizing that mealtimes are a good time to interact with residents and care givers. Some of them still can carry a conversation while others just show a nostalgic kind of recognition at the mother / daughter bond. I laugh with the care aides about the antics going on, also noticing how patient they are. How can I make a difference? And then I realize how my mom is doing just that, a witness of the peace she has even in her silence. While other residents complain, don't eat, look miserable, play with their food and shout, she quietly eats every bite given to her. She goes through this hardship with such grace ... It's as though even unconsciously she lives and breathes the faith that has sustained her through life. It's amazing, humbling and something for me to grasp. God has a reason. 

Special After School Pick Up

Papa dates don't usually get documented here -

mostly because he does not think of taking pictures -

but this time there were others who made sure 

these smiles got captured.

Now the reason for this date was because

during the summer  all of the older cousins 

got a ride with Papa in his "cool car" ...

while Jade and Evy had to hold on to a promise ...

At the time this promise was made we did not know 

that they would end up at the same school!

And when the day came,
they were giddy with excitement!

They even came by the house so Mimi could see them ...

but not for long ... they were on a mission

... off to Starbucks with Papa in his rumbling "bird of fire"!

They didn't even invite me. 

The Journey Begins

This playground is getting a lot of attention these days,

to be honest,

we have been surprised how far reaching the curiosity has been.

The foundation is in, laying out the crawl space, rec room, storage and bathroom.

the  first floor is on 

and the walls are starting to come up,
revealing rooms recognized by their windows.
It truly is quite surreal to see paper come to life,

 to see new dreams taking shape
and to anticipate the changes to come.

Our very own HGTV in real life.

Count Your Many Blessings

 This weekend was a focus and reminder of our many blessings!

 The blessing of seeing cousins together ...

 an auntie who organized a scavenger hunt ...

a beautiful fall day ...

 

joy in setting tables and preparing a meal ...

 adult children who are fun to be with

 and their children who fill our hearts with gratefulness,

laughter, sentimentality, wonder and joy.

 Their table was set with a paper table runner 

and it kept them busy the whole meal long,

mapping out their thankfuls ...

I cannot even describe the feeling of reading through this scroll.

After dinner they all went down to the basement 

to dig through the dress up trunk and create a play

about the origin of Thanksgiving.

Once they finished their practice runs

the adults were invited

and ushered into their preferred seating.
We can call it amazing, realizing that this too is a season

And that brings me to one more thankful,

the moments that define us ...

the pain and joy of life shared

the tears along with the laughter,

the stories, the history, 

the quirks, the genes, the strange and good,

the missing of the ones far away,

the hopes and dreams for each person

and being able to entrust them 

to our loving Father who made us family.

♡♡♡

The Heart of Thanksgiving

Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and all that is within me, 

bless his holy name!

2  Bless the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits,

3  who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

4  who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

5  who satisfies you with good

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

from Psalm 103