Community Booklover

I saw this cute little fellow at the library this morning, and got permission from his mom to put his picture on my blog. It made me happy to see moms and their tots braving the March wind and rain to come and hang out at the library, then go home with stacks of books.

Sign of Spring

Debris and thawing from the recent ice storm as well as extra water from a spring rainstorm called for the posting of applicable signs and closure of gates. This "buggy bridge" is quite familiar to Ken and me; it is practically next door to our first home after we were married.

Ants on a Log

I know this food invention was designed primarily for children but I, adult that I am, will admit that sometimes it is still my go-to snack.

New Word

This photo illustrates the new word I learned today from an article on decluttering: tchotchke. It is pronounced choch-kuh, and it means a small object that is decorative rather than strictly functional; a bauble or trinket. I think it could also mean "a little item that meant something to you at one time, but now it doesn't as much, but you continue to dust around it anyway." So there you have it. Some of my tchotchkes, as well as the dust around them.

Easter 2016

A day of celebration...rejoicing in our Risen Lord, and spending time with my two lovely daughters. (as well as other people dear to me) The young lady on the right had a birthday today; Kerra is now 17. She gives our family great reason to celebrate!

                                                                                Guest photographer: Renee Shantz

Good Saturday

Playing big checkers with someone as fun as Ainslie, eating lots of good food, having relatives around to laugh at his comical antics/expressions and hanging out with lots of cousins (some from far away)...no wonder my four-year-old nephew Carter hates to leave Grandpa and Grandma Martin's house after a family gathering.

Glass Orchard

Because of the effects of the March 2016 Ice Storm, our Good Friday morning service at church was cancelled. With some family and friends coming to join us for lunch and games, we had a good Friday in spite of the change of plans. By late afternoon the ice finally started to melt, and the sun turned the apple trees into a glittering expanse of beauty.  

Iced In

The ice storm kept the teachers and student in our house from going to school today. It did not keep this feathered friend outside our house from going to the feed store.

Security

In a world of chaos and despair, in which I never know when I might learn of yet another terrorist attack or similar tragedy, this is my go-to Word of Hope. Christ IS risen, indeed - Alleluia!

Slow-cooked Bread

Ever since I saw a recipe (yes, of course, on facebook) for baking bread in a crockpot, I wanted to try it just for fun. It isn't the most efficient way to make bread, but it is unique - and tasty, to boot.

Happy Spring!

This is a shot I took while I was on a walk past our neighbor's place yesterday - the first day of Spring. It's my intention to get a photo of this spot on the day of each new season this year; I think it will be fascinating to observe the changes of the seasons in this way.

Place of Grace

I'm with Barnabas on this one: "...when he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts." (Acts 11:23 NIV) So blessed to be a part of the church family that meets in this building; so grateful to the God of all grace...

Cupcake Hydrangea

What fun to teach some basic cupcake decorating techniques to a group of young girls yesterday. They were so creative!

Perpetual Bouquet

I can't remember if we got these tulips in Holland, Michigan or the real Holland, since we bought some in each location. Although they have a rather wooden personality, much could be said for their cheer and longevity. I welcome them every spring!

Memorizing Rolin

This is one of the scenes I am adding to the Memories region of my mother-heart...my oldest son during Family Devo, on the corner couch downstairs in the rec room, cozied up in a blanket, adding bass to the singing time (going through Songs of Faith & Praise), craisins snack at his side...and when we get to "What did you like about the day?", this young man will likely say something about school and/or the Joy of his life! (He's going to marry her in about 100 days from now)

Teasing

I read somewhere that the name of this weed is teasel. It is one of those types of plants that came to Canada on purpose or accidently from another place. Maybe they came from England, where they were given their name: teasel, because they were used to tease, or comb, wool. In the textile industry, teaseled fabrics have had the nap raised on them. You really needed that tidbit of info today, didn't you? :)

Seeing Double

Two geese or four? I'm pretty sure this pair was out scouting early for prime nest location at yonder pond today.

Pi Day

Last year on March 14 (3.14), Kayleen made a pie and this year she decided to keep up the tradition by making an apple pie and a blueberry/peach pie. I thought, in keeping with the day's theme, I would make a meat pie. How fun - and fitting - to make pie on Pi Day!

The K Team

For a number of reasons, I like having these two around. One is that they are good in the kitchen. Thanks to Kayleen & Kenton, it's going to be ham-n-cheese buns for our Sunday supper!

Spring Line

What a pleasure to hang laundry outside again! I've been waiting for this kind of sunshine and breeze to stamp its scent on the bedding. 

Incongruous

Ok, winter decor, time to move out and make way for things far springier than you!

Experiment

I don't know what the final outcome will be, but I'd say it looks promising at this point! This is an attempt to grow my own avocado plant. I bought two avocados at the grocery store. I put the seed of one into water; it sprouted and grew about an inch after I planted it in soil, and then it gave up the ghost. The other seed I planted directly into the soil, and I'm getting much more exciting results. Even if I never get avocados from it, it will not have been a useless experiment.

Sibling Music

Kerra is delighted when Ricky (her older bro who got married last Nov) plays piano duets with her. I love to watch and hear them blending their talents like this. 

Napkin Art

I wanted to create something a little beyond ordinary for the table decor tonight. A celebration called for it. We were celebrating the birthday of my beyond ordinary daughter-in-law Jasmine!

Pork and Slaw

I am so happy that recently Kayleen said she's hungry for pulled pork sandwiches topped with apple-n-cranberry coleslaw, because that was all the motivation I needed to make these yummers for supper tonight. 

Frosty Wonder

"Out of whose womb came the ice? and the hoary frost of heaven, who hath gendered it? By the breath of God frost is given..." (Job 38:29; 37:10) Going on a walk outside this morning had me in constant awe. How could I help but worship, surrounded as I was by the breath of God?

Gudda Morning

This was my breakfast this morning, served by the Faith Church youth group as a fundraiser. Delicious food, bright flowers, a table full of Martin relatives, lively conversation...yes, I think I will have myself a "gudda morning"!

Mom Reminder

No matter the season, I keep this refrigerator magnet at the top of our entry door, because it keeps a touch of Mom-Eva about the place. She always seemed to have a project on the go, and this bright poinsettia gift to me was one result of the plastic canvas project era. 

Boggling

Here is my Best Friend and Boggle Partner, smackdab in the middle of a game. For those of you who are "into" Boggle as well, can you spot our theme word in the grid? Ken found it - and I didn't - so he got 3 points for it. (He usually wins our games, by the way.)

Morning Tea

I wonder where I got the notion that tea tastes better in a pretty glass mug. Maybe from my dad. :) 

Orchids

Orchids are such exquisite flowers, in my opinion. I thank God for His creativity in this species, and that He made them easy to grow for someone like me. I love having this "spot of Thailand" in our living room.