2018 Week 45

Michael's pottery--baby shower raffle prize

Sunday as we walked in to take a seat, our mouths fell open in surprise to see former pastors from many years ago! After the service, the guys told stories of past adventures.

(Lower) Jim Mathis & Newell Cerak

 Like the time on the Florida youth group trip when the bus broke down and they were so grateful for someone who could go under the bus, actually figure out what was wrong and then go and get help, make the Swiss shop owner happy to hear German-spoken and thus get the needed parts.
And the J-term Taylor students they took camping in the snow!

I continued what we'd started when Terry and Sandy were here--sorting through the family photos, letters, and mementos on the Koch side. Among the various discoveries, I was especially drawn to this treasured document--my mother-in-law's certificate of baptism and what she wrote on the envelope.

Michael spent several days taking down dead trees and cutting wood for the fire. Five of the logs he contributed to Stephan's timber frame house-in-progress.

The pleasant-for-outdoor-work weather held out most of the week. Thursday, Stephan made two trips with truck, trailor and tractor to pick up and transport the logs.

Meanwhile, the art club members were enjoying their weekly hour or two exploring, experimenting with various designs, paints, techniques.

Leah usually draws her own designs. This time she chose one of the patterns available and skillfully used her acrylic paints to add color.

Another member focused on the tonsured baseball centerpiece! Our neighbor's little boys found it in our woods.

 Michael enlarged and photographed the moss. Wow! It's a jungle in there!

After art club, the plastic-covered table was useful for Moriah's design and decorative project. She painted parallel opposite-direction arrows on two t-shirts--partner costumes for the Saturday Broom Ball pick-a-date event.

 A couple weeks ago she wanted to dress up for her volunteer role at the church's Fun Fest on Halloween. I offered my dirndl, which Mike gave me shortly after Stephan was born, i.e. some 47 years ago! However, she could barely breathe in it, so decided it would be difficult to play games with the kids while trying to appear like a German peasant woman!

Another reminder of the passing of time--Samuel, our youngest, turned 40 this week! They celebrated as a family with a meal and a play at Grace College enjoying Malachi's acting role as ........... & ............ Hmmm, I guess we'll find out next Saturday!

Malachi, the lowliest or humblest of them all!

Local craft fairs abound this time of year. Our friend Georgia, also an art club member, displayed her delicately painted shell pendants, beautiful photo-cards and a few pieces of Mike's pottery at the Matthew Marketplace Bazaar.

Nana-Leah, Rebecca and I went to show our support. So many vendor friends and I want to buy from each one! Little cutie gets whatever she admires given to her!

The Three Marketeers