Belated Noel

It seems like Christmas Eve to me because it's all snowy out and the whole family is coming for the weekend. The sons and their wives plan to include overnighting here in their stay. I'm almost giddy with excitement - I now know more than ever why my mom used to say, "Oh, it's so nice to have the whole family home!"

Evening With Friends

Our Syrian friends braved the 30-turned-into-60-minute journey on snowy roads from their house to ours last night to share a time of games and conversation with us. The Mr. played chess with Ken while the Mrs. helped me finish a 500-piece puzzle and mothered her teething toddler. Our daughters loved coaching their girls in coloring, putting puzzles together and playing Candyland. The Mr. is quite an accomplished baker and he treated us to one of his delicious pizzas. I liked that the Mrs. signed the guest book in both English and Arabic. Their appreciation for the lovely time here was profuse, but I thought we should be the ones thanking them for giving us the greater pleasure.

Beautiful Brand-new Blanket

This morning I awoke to discover that God had laid down a winter coverlet during the night. Glimpses of it from indoors called for a walk out in it. Standing in the soft silence of the freshfall evoked in me both nostalgia and present delight.

Funeral Mustard

I didn't know about funeral mustard until I moved to this Waterloo County Mennonite community. The mustard is a homemade, vinegary, somewhat sweet and very yellow condiment that is among the fixings for do-it-yourself sandwiches laid out on long tables as part of the meal served to family and friends after a funeral. Yesterday at such a meal, I sat across from Erla, the funeral mustard guru herself. At the suggestion of her sister sitting next to her, I got a blog pic of Erla testing the "slump" of her product. What would really make this scene complete is having gotten mischievous sister Pauline "horning" in on the photo, too.

Fun Feast

Yesterday Kayleen suggested that we center supper around a Christmas gift of hers from the past - a fondue set. We ended up using my set as well, so we had two kinds of fondue. First we dipped carrots and broccoli, little sausages and bread cubes in a cheese sauce, and pronounced it good. Second course was a chocolate fondue into which we dipped strawberries, grapes, bananas, clementines, apples and waffle pretzels, and pronounced it very good. And the first course and the second course were an excellent fondue meal.

Creative On Christmas

Yes, I know the animals dangling on the rim of the cup is unique enough to warrant posting this picture but personally, I'm going for that grab-your-heart grin. It was a pleasure to spend time with this nephew and the rest of his family and some other relatives yesterday. With family on Christmas Day is a wonderful way to be.

Merry Christmas!

And God gave Himself...the Best Gift ever! Let us receive humbly, give thanks and share the Gift.

Chalk It Up To Tradition

At Countryside Christian School's program last evening, we heard the old, familiar Christmas story sung and told in new ways. Following the program, as usual, the parents and friends of the students wended their way over to the classrooms to view the art on the chalkboards. If the school children are anything like I was when I was their age, they love this tradition of drawing Christmas scenes on the board the week of the Christmas program. As an adult, I think it's a great custom to continue.  

Improvisation

When there are no vehicles around in which to haul the bins out to the end of the lane on Recycling Day, what to do? Dig out the very-well-used toboggan from the garden shed, perch the bins on it and pull the load to Apple Grove Road, that's what!

Nostalgic Gift

This week our family got a package in the mail - it must be Christmas time or something! All I can say is that my twin sis knows how to give great gifts. One of the best ones in the parcel was this lunch box; it took me back in time via memories to our school days at Northwoods. At lunch time, I loved unpacking the goodies from my red plaid lunch box and eating home-canned bologna and Wisconsin cheese sandwiches, strawberries that had been frozen in their sugary freshness and chocolate cake with fudgy frosting nice and thick. The pumpernickel bread and very ripe bananas we sometimes had? Not so much.

Happy Winter!

In my opinion, winter has been here for awhile, but today the calendar finally declares that it is the first day of the last of four seasons for the year. I am happy that there is snow on the ground for this winter picture. We may well have a white Christmas this year, which is as it should be in southern Ontario, yes? To look back on the spring pic of this scene, go here and for the summer shot, click here. Last season's frame can be viewed in this post.

Basic and More

We can count on it - a meal at the Martin Gathering is going to be some spread. Even if the instructions are to "keep it simple", there's always the challenge, in the end, to fit all the attractive arrangements into the allotted space on the buffet line. My SIL Sharon designed this gorgeous and healthy assortment for last weekend.

Analytical Pair

I wonder if my husband gets his strategy skills (and love of competition?) from his father. These two can spend hours over the chess board during a family gathering. Besides enjoying themselves, they're boosting their brain power.

Musical Sisters

When big sister did a mini Christmas piano recital for us at the Martin gathering last night, the little sister could hardly refrain from joining in with her countermelody.

Snow Pussy Willows

It's no pussy willows you're seeing, even though it could seem like it. 

We've been treated to lots of lovely outdoor scenes around here lately and

it snow wonder - winter came blowing in for certain this week.

Season of Devotion

This December I have been immensely enjoying Ann Voskamp's "The Greatest Gift", a devotional book for Advent, even though this is my second time through it. The moments for reflection make me feel like I'm the girl in the picture ("Under His Wing" by Jay Bryant Ward) - close and comforted, my eyes on His, grateful, waiting...

Chocolate-Mint Dreams

The recipe really is called Chocolate-Mint Dream Sandwich Cookies - probably the dream added because they are a melt-in-your-mouth sort of dreamy, creamy deal. Christmas baking has officially (finally) begun here. Bring on the chocolate! Bring on the candy canes! Bring on the sweet dreams!

Darling Little Fruit

What's not to like about a clementine? Compact, easy to peel, seedless (except for the times you get an unlucky one and the tiny thing has 30-odd seeds packed inside!) and full of juicy spurts of goodness. Besides, you can make all manner of fun designs with the 10 or so slices before you pop them into your mouth one by one. On the way home from grocery shopping, when I need a snack with just the right size and convenience and healthy perk-me-up ability, a clementine does the trick quite nicely!

Christmas Invitation

I put up the tree tonight.

Simply Aglow

The choir at Faith Builder's, of which Kayleen is a part, presented their Christmas Program yesterday. We (most of Kayleen's family) traveled to Guys Mills, PA for this occasion and got to hear the lovely combination of songs and readings in the Lessons and Carols they shared. I was also impressed by the work of the program coordinator. Much of the lighting variation was achieved by use of candles; mason jar lamps like this lined the gymnasium walls. The choir members held votive candles as they sang their final song about the real work of Christmas beginning after the angels and brightness fade away. It was simply beautiful and effective.

Hallelujah Trio

We're actually not a trio; we're merely three singers among a couple hundred others who sang the Hallelujah Chorus (and many other pieces) from Handel's Messiah last night. It was a moving experience - a foretaste of heaven, in a way. I'm grateful that Ken & I could "sing in Messiah" with Kerra, because it was a special thing to do with each other now that our family at home has dwindled to three. 

Warming Up

These gentlemen are the double bass players in the orchestra that will accompany four soloists and the Mennonite Mass Choir in Handel's Messiah tonight. Ken & I and Kerra are privileged to join the 225-voice choir in singing the choruses of the classical oratorio. What a thrill to share the gospel story in this way!

Blue Light Special

Ever notice the blue hues of dawn's light on snow? I think the effect is special.

Caching In

This little guy came to the bird feeder in a flurry to cash in on the sunflower seeds. He flew them to a nearby wash line post, and poked them in the crevice between two pieces of lumber. He's been there before, as indicated by the row of holes all along the boards. How does he remember where he's put all his cache?

Love That Sunset!

The winter sunset, though early, was just gorgeous tonight. Welcome light it was at the end of a rather grey day. I got a shot of it through the heart part of the neighbor's wooden swing décor.

To Top It Off

It has become a tradition for Ken to take me shopping for an afternoon and evening during the Christmas season. At some point during the shopping trip we have supper together at a restaurant. Tonight we ate at one of our favorites, Swiss Chalet, where they serve amazing rotisserie chicken. We both ordered a festive special, the holiday meal that SC has offered for years at Christmas time. Don't tell anyone, but I find the 5 Lindor chocolates that come at the end of the festive special quite thrilling.

First December Snow

The snowfall last night has the hydrangeas hanging their heads. Looks as though the coming of snow weighs them down, whereas its beauty buoys me up!

"C" Food

On nights like ones we've had recently, when it's a little on the chilly side, I go for these Comfort foods: Chili, Cornbread, Cheese. And make that latter one Wisconsin cheese, please.

Banquet of Grace

Last night was a lovely time of feasting, visiting and reflecting as the Grace church family gathered for one of its annual Christmas events. Table décor had a classy look achieved with rather simple items. One of my favorite parts of the evening was a pastor's prayer at the end of the program. I loved the way he asked God to help us at Grace be both grateful and grace-full. Yes, for Grace to be full of grace. Amen!

Join the Crowding

 Our mini nativity set has gotten much use over the years as indicated by the wear on the little pieces, not the least of which shows up in a one-eared donkey. This did not seem to matter to some young girls whose family was at our house as guests last night. After they left this morning, I found the nativity set with its characters crowding in as close as possible around the Baby. That's how I wish to be this Christmas season: coming in beside those who encircle Jesus in worship, having eyes (and hearts) only for the world's Best Gift.

Marvelous Moist Muffin

Pumpkin Blueberry Muffins are a favorite in this household. Where the recipe calls for blueberries, I put in diced pears this time. I don't think that hazarded the muffins' high status at all. If you come to my house for breakfast tomorrow morning, you can try one and see what you think.

To the Colorful Point-settia

In the current outdoor season of browns and greys, heavy between the brilliance of autumn leaves and the dazzling sparkle of winter snowscapes, the rich crimson of these traditional flowers on the store shelves is a welcome sight, indeed.

First Anniversary

Happiness: Seeing your children beginning strong marriages and homes of their own. Yesterday we had the privilege of these two lovebirds - Ricky and Jas - joining us for supper at our house on the day that marked one whole year of their Mr&Mrs status!

The Coming of Advent

The preparations for the Real Meaning of Christmas have begun, too. Last evening we at Grace Church met in a sanctuary, hushed and hopeful. Encircled by lamplight, we listened to the beautiful text and music of Those Waiting. Our own hearts joined the yearning..."Even so, come Lord Jesus!"

Less Than a Month Away

The preparations have begun. Christmas is coming! 

Dusted Dove

This mourning dove settled on our deck railing one damp day this week. The temperature outside was far enough above freezing to begin melting the snow/sleet that had come during the night, but still cold enough to make the bird wish to fluff its feathers for warmth. With the fine snow on its back and tail it looked as though it had been lightly dusted with icing sugar. 

Turkey Cake

Kerra is "big sister" to a spontaneous, creative young lady who loooves all things turkey-decorated. Last night during their bi-weekly activity time together, Kerra and Little Sister made a chocolate cake. They iced and decorated it while it was quite fresh out of the oven, so LS would be able to take the finished product home and share it with her family. Five colors of sugar and several types of Christmas sprinkles were enthusiastically applied and, of course, the chocolate turkey was given center stage.

Second Gratitude Opportunity

The landed immigrants in Canada get to celebrate two Thanksgivings, if they choose. I choose. Happy Thanksgiving to my family and friends in the States! "I have learned in whatsoever state (or province) I am, therewith to be content (and thankful)." Phil. 4:11 (with dani additions)

Wednesday Evening Breakfast

It's just us 3 ladies around here for the next few days, since Ken is off to Italy to attend an exhibition called Interpoma (featuring apples) over the weekend. Tonight, Kayleen offered to get supper on the table. In keeping with our Wed. evening tradition of having breakfast food, she made a delish skillet of fried potatoes, bacon, eggs, onions and peppers. Kerra and I highly approved!

States Pretzels

It's hard to find pretzels rod style in stores around here, so it was a treat to have this bag handed to me tonight. Much more delightful is that daughter Kayleen brought them in person! She gets to be home for a whole week, thanks to Faith Builders granting a nice long holiday for the US Thanksgiving celebration.

Impressions at a Funeral

Today at the funeral for Edith, the mother of our dear friends, I thought...how precious it is to see a baby at a funeral when I sat near enough one to hear its cooing and to smell its clean baby scent...how comforting it is to share old griefs and new - even with strangers - when I held the hand of a young mom who lost a came-too-soon wee one recently and wept with her...how reassuring it is to know that in heaven, Edith is truly "delivered from evil" (her lung disease and all the other sorrows in this life) and is "safe in the arms of Jesus"...how needful it was for me to hear the reminder that the way to inherit eternal life is to Go, Sell, and Give; in other words, to be emptied of self and to be filled with Jesus. Yes, it was good for me to be at the Service of Worship and Remembrance today.

Beaming Birthday Bear

The (early) 70th Birthday Party we had for Bear this afternoon was a success: he was as pleased as Pooh with a honey pot! We served cupcakes as part of the refreshments at the Open House, but the feature dessert was this himbeer kuchen, a German raspberry cake, made by Bear and yours truly.

Curious

This little multi-colored flock was hanging out near the barn at my in-law's place where their owner rents pastureland. The sheep seemed as interested in me as I was in them when I stopped by the fence to catch a photo.

Eighteen on the Eighteenth

It seems like we couldn't have ordered a nicer late fall day than we had today. The highest temp I saw on the thermometer was 18 degrees Celsius, which is about 65 in Fahrenheit, I believe. The weekend is to bring colder weather and snow flurries, but wow, we will certainly accept and rejoice in this beauteous warm season while it's here.

New Friend King

Tonight we had a unique and fun mix of people (Mom & Dad Schrock, Mom & Dad Martin, Mac & Marilyn Clemmer, Bear and we3) 'round our table, sharing food, stories, singing, laughter and tears. Bear definitely made another friend; he now has one more reason to keep coming back to Ontario. Mac, whose full name is Manasseh, hit it off with Bear from the get-go. Bear calls him King because the only other Manasseh he knows is the biblical king in the Old Testament. Mac and Bear could relate to each other's challenges, frustrations and blessings in life since they are both vision-impaired. Bear describes Mac as "quite a character" and Mac and his wife "both a delight". He said if he were a bear-cub, he'd call them "cool"!

Pandadorable

The students in Kerra's class at school did demonstration speeches as part of their Oral Communication course this week . If anyone's speech topic involved food, he or she was to provide samples for all the classmates. Kerra demonstrated how to make mini cupcake pandas in her speech, so this cute menagerie went to school with her this morning.

Easy Company

How grateful I am for this couple in my life! My mom and dad, along with all of our family (but the one at college) and a certain Minnesotan bear who seems like family, shared supper tonight at our house. Lots of laughter and good conversation ensued around the living room circle afterward.

                                                                                    (photo credit: Kerra Martin)

Grounds For Reflection

One of the things we did with Kayleen on Saturday was to visit a cemetery. It was a large and beautiful place in which to stroll, be awed by the scenery and contemplate what has been as well as what will be. In all of that, I was grateful to be spending the present with living loved ones.

Almost Abandoned Abode

While Ken and I were on a stroll around the Faith Builders School grounds yesterday, I spotted a nest I wanted to photograph. I took a shot of the summer "house", thinking its tenants had moved out long before. But there was the brown leaf body and red berry head of a bird perched on the edge of the nest when I viewed the picture later on. And I could almost hear cheery notes coming from its wide-open stem beak!

At Home Here

We are having a lovely time visiting our eldest daughter at Faith Builders in Guys Mills, PA, this weekend. Here Kayleen is sharing her winning smile with us from her desk in the students' study room.