2015 Week 2: Frigid!

Serious winter weather moved in this week--subzero temps and some snow. Many school closings or two-hour delays.
Otherwise, life goes on as usual although we tend to not go out unnecessarily. I did make it to a few usual appointments, driving carefully.
Nothing has stopped the robotics team from moving forward. They meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings and all day Saturday. They brainstormed, came back with possible designs, discussed, decided on one, and got to work. Five weeks to go!

Last week, before the snow, we had this visitor to our woods.

Red Tail Hawk (?)

Throughout the week we have enjoyed watching various birds.

Huddled doves on the coldest day

Enjoying the sun

Staying indoors (and not teaching this semester!) has given me more time to work on long standing projects. Last year's blook arrived this week to add to the collection. These now replace the photo albums I used to put together annually years ago. Next project is to take those pre-blog somewhat-ruined-by-the-house-fire photo albums and remake them.

Most Fridays, unless something comes up, I get together with a neighbor lady. We went to a fun coffee house in the neighboring town. Someone was selling infinity scarves for a fund raiser and we both bought one--a stylish reminder of our fun times together.

We started something new this week--a game night! We had such fun at our Christmas gatherings that we decided to make it a more regular event. Part of the inspiration comes from the success of Stephan and Karen's Monday meals to build community.

This time Grandpa Mike taught us a new game he's been researching--Resistance.

Malachi's girlfriend joined us for this fun evening.
I love Malachi's expressions. Hmmm. . .he should think about going into theater.

I love seeing the cousins together.

Los primos

And of course, we ALL love seeing Rebecca, though no one is more possessive than Nanna Leah.

Rebecca weighs 14 lbs. now, and according to the doctor is the most observant baby she has seen in a long time.

A Friday game night makes it very convenient for the young grandsons to spend the night at Grandma and Grandpa's. Mom and Dad can put the little ones down to sleep and Grandma can enjoy them Saturday morning. Those little guys are a lot of fun, so curious and observant, growing, learning. We are so privileged to have them close by.
Daddy Sam came around lunch time to take them home. Look at those little faces. Notice the UGG boots and head gear. Do you think they 're ready for the extreme temps?

It is Sunday afternoon. I am in my loft writing-area looking out at the bleak winter landscape. I sit here worried and wondering why Mike hasn't made it back yet from helping the woman who got stuck in the driveway. From where I am I cannot see past a certain point, even with the many windows.
Suddenly a Facebook notification comes up and this image appears. A young family friend who is with the wrecking service has posted a photo of what I cannot see. I message back and forth and learn that Mike is okay, from all appearances. I still worry because of his constant cough and the sinus headache he has today.

Later: Mike is back and is okay. Two vehicles got stuck. Always visitors who do not know how to negotiate our driveway.

2015 Week 1: Endings and Beginnings

Before the year was over, Michael finished his bronze--10 lbs., 26". He has already entered a call for local art by Marion General Hospital for one of their new buildings.

Serenity

We planned a five-generation-photo-session visit to Mother's on Tuesday, the 30th, to coincide with the annual holiday harp performance and reception.

Great grandpa to Rebecca: "Wanna learn to play the harp?"

Rebecca: "Gotta think about it sleep on it."

Do you have a favorite?

After the concert we went to see one of the resident's train and village set-up.  Zion and Jude would love this. Maybe next year.
Interestingly, Quentin remembers Dad's visit to his church and the prayer of dedication he offered for their son, decades ago. Unfortunately, on this day he was unwell so his wife ran the train.

The last day of 2014 was the second annual shopping trip with these good-looking grandsons. Is it becoming a tradition? We did follow the same routine as last year ending up at MacD's.

The New Year's Eve Ball drop in Muncie was discontinued after six years, so we had a quiet evening at home and a lazy New Year's day as well.

Saturday, however, was the FRC Kickoff, the beginning of robotics build season. This year's game: Recycle Rush.

23-member team, parents, and mentors watching the simulcast

I stayed home, worked at packing up Christmas decor, and went out to lunch with a dear friend.

Oh, I checked and found out that my Spanish class was cancelled due to low registration numbers. I think I feel relieved and glad to have more time for other things. Still pondering what exactly.

What is your new year looking like?

2014 Week 52: Christmas Traditions

How to summarize a very full week of extended Christmas celebrations?
Perhaps by listing the traditions we hold dear.

We decorate our homes. Ornaments bring back meaningful memories that lead to special reflections. I found one sent to us years ago from Pakistan just as we were hearing about the horrendous murder of school children.
Monday at Stephan's meal, our young friend from China came bearing gifts, among them new ornaments to add to our collection.

We send and receive greetings. 
I wrote the year-end letter earlier than usual, by Thanksgiving, and then enjoyed receiving and reciprocating the many letters and cards throughout the entire season. Facebook has greatly increased the flow of holiday greetings from all over the world.

We have special food traditions.
Some bake cookies. I do not. So I had to borrow these great photos to show off the grandsons helping mom, and wearing the aprons Kayla and I made for them some years back.

I did, however, for the first time, give my neighbors a little something I baked myself.

Christmas Eve Stephan and Karen invite everyone for a festive brunch--biscuits and gravy, crepes, quiche, and usually Monte Cristo sandwiches and scotch eggs. The food is great and the fellowship even better.
That same evening we have an artichoke and shrimp meal at our place for those who can make it.

We introduced the game of Hand and Foot and played one round. Jimmy liked it so we hope to have many more fun competitive moments.

Look who babysat while we played.

Christmas Day brunch here has traditionally been Sausage Souffle (from a recipe Sam copied and brought home in second grade), and Baked Oatmeal.
Not everybody can be here anymore. Stephan usually has more than one ice sculpture to deliver, and Sam's family have their own celebration with their four growing boys. Matt had to work, but Kayla and Rebecca made our day!

And Nanna Leah's as well!

Looks like the pretty Christmas dress was too warm.

Sunday we had our ALL family gathering. The house really warmed up. Look at Rebecca now.

Of course, she must still accessorize!

We read the story of Jesus birth.
This year we asked the older boys to read while the little ones acted out the story with little Nativity figures.

We give gifts to one another.
Some plan and prepare all year, others shop at the last minute, but we always end up with an abundance of thoughtful, practical gifts, and many of them homemade.
One of the biggest conversation pieces was the Doulos cartoon we had printed and framed for each of our kids whose early years were spent living on that ship.

Finally, because we have a new baby in the family this year we decided to get a grandchildren-Nativity photo.

Two years ago, we had a real couple (Matt and Kayla) and not their baby.
This year, Kayla's own baby, but Matt had to work, so Skye played the role of Joseph.
The experiment always has its hilarious moments.

I am writing this as 2014 comes to a close. Here's wishing you all a rich and full life in 2015.

2014 Week 51: Christmas Countdown

As Christmas approaches there is a crescendo of activities and programs.
Slowly, a little bit each day, our home decor grows: the cross that lights up the house and can be seen from the road; the Christmas tree; several nativities; and some gifts have appeared under the tree.

Christmas programs and performances abound. In fact, Kristie needed help Tuesday as two of the boys' school programs were scheduled at the very same time. She took Elijah (4th grade) to his and I went with Zion to his preschool.

Elijah had a speaking part, as the Clock, and also sang and played the recorder.
(Great job, Kristie, with the costume!)

Zion did very well: waiting patiently for his class performance, and singing a couple songs, and quoting John 3:16.

The ladies Bible study group I attend had a Christmas brunch on Wednesday. Four women offered to host: decorate a table and provide a little gift. We picked our favor before entering the room and then found the corresponding table. I chose a pair of pearl earrings. Now do you know where I sat?
I am grateful for these friends.

Leah was on a roll decorating her house and wanted me to stop by, so in the afternoon, following tap class I had the double delight of seeing daughter's beautiful decor and holding Rebecca, who entertains Nanna while Kayla is teaching dance.

Leah's decor brings back many memories. She has lovingly preserved, even refurbished old ornaments from childhood and from our world travels and then adds her own special touch. Notice the Peruvian llamas all decked out for Christmas!

Bouncy girl                                      Ready to go home

Thursday and Friday for me were mostly taken up with finishing up the semester: grading the last chapter test; a speaking final; and calculating and submitting grades as required by Ivy Tech.

It would have been fun to go to Stephan's annual demo at the Indiana Museum of Art Friday evening.
I think I'll put it on my calendar for next year! [Thanks, Stephan, for the photo on Facebook!]
How many penguins do you see sliding down the ice?

Michael has been steadily working on his bronze, a very elegant dancer, but hasn't come up with a title. Any suggestions?

He has a short break from robotics before the intense build-season begins in January.
There was some excitement during their last team meeting--one of the boys, that he takes from Upland, fainted and hit his head hard and they had to take him to the ER. Never did find out why, but it sure made for quite an interruption.

Sam was contracted to remodel Burger King restaurants, and has a crew working for him. The last two or three weeks he's had two jobs back to back with only one day home. Last night the three younger boys came over so that Sam and Kristie could have some time alone. I must have been busy enjoying them so much that I did not even take time out for one photo. Sweet memories remain, however, like cozy moments sitting together reading Christmas books. While they ate breakfast this morning, I read another book. When I started the next one, Zion said, "That's a couchy book." He preferred to cozy up for that one. 

So, one and all: ¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo!

2014 Week 50: Varied forms of art

A whole week without seeing this cutie! Had to borrow a pic from Facebook again--"Tummy time."

"I'm 4 months old today!"

 I'll try to fill you in on Michael. He gets in some form of exercise almost daily, preferably cycling: indoors, on rollers; or outdoors, a bit more challenging. Little by little (poco a poco) he sees improvement--can go a little further before feeling pain and even then it is not intense like before.

He works very diligently on the bronze piece now in the polishing stage. His 'other woman' is very beautiful!

One afternoon a week, Wednesdays, he spends time making 'art' with the youth at the Red Barn. After our tap dance class, Kayla and I both had the same idea, we stopped by to see how it was going.

Stephan was away for a few days making ice art at a competition in Ithaca, New York.
His piece was very difficult to photograph. Can you see the face, two hands and the bass?

All About That Bass

Thursday was my last class so I took a quick snapshot, only one. Then I enhanced it using http://www.picmonkey.com/. I am delighted with the result and amazed at how it represents the different personalities and the fun we had together. Their final exam is on Thursday. We still do not know about next semester's enrollment.

Saturday was an errand and shopping day for me. I went to a craft fair to purchase a couple gifts from the Heavy Metal lady. She takes antique silverware and makes a great variety of jewelry from parts and pieces.

Diane and I had lunch there--wonderful homemade soups and sandwiches.

Again this week, I focused each morning on the Verse of the Day, preparing my heart for Christmas.

Day 8: John 14:6--JESUS: the only Way to the Father; the Truth; the Life.

Day 9: John 15:5,8--the Vine, we are the branches, if we stay connected, we naturally bear fruit.
But if we don't, we can't do anything. So, much fruit proves that we are His followers.

Day 10: Deuteronomy 18:15--the Prophet, the one we must listen to.

Day 11: Isaiah 7:14--Immanuel (God with us) the promised son to be born of a virgin.

Day 12: Galatians 4:4-5--the promised sign was fulfilled in due time, he was born under the Law in order to redeem us from the requirements of the Law, so that we could be adopted as children of God!

Day 13: Matthew 2:4-6--King Herod heard about the prophecies from the Magi and wanted to learn more. His motives were evil. He inquired where the child was to be born so he could eliminate the threat of being replaced as ruler.

I heard an astounding fact this week. A math expert had his students do a study of the probability of all the prophecies concerning the Christ being fulfilled. The result was one in a hundred billion, Only Jesus matched up perfectly!

2014 Week 49: Visitors and holiday music

Monday, December 1st, I intentionally began to prepare my heart for the Christmas season by reflecting on the Verse of the Day (a Bible Gateway app on my cell phone).
Day 1: John 1:1-2, 14--the Eternal One became human. He chose to live among us!

We choose to live in community with whoever shows up at our Monday night group to enjoy the friends and food. Stephan prepared a delicious curry, and always freshly baked bread.
David and Mike played a long game of chess and ran out of time. I took a picture so they can start up where they left off and finish it next time. Any advice for Mike (white)?

Day 2: Hebrews 1:1-2--the Creator Himself came to reveal God to us!
Reflecting on the Creator and the creativity within each of us made in the image of God, I came upon this photo of Stephan posted recently on facebook, taken when he taught at an ice-sculpting boot camp in Ohio a couple weeks ago.

Day 3: John 6:35--the Bread of Life promises we will not hunger if we come to Him!

I think of how often this little one has to be fed in order to be satisfied and grow. Even so we can go to Jesus continually and be filled.

I did get to see and hold this muñequita (baby doll) Wednesday but didn't have my camera or cell so no photos. I borrowed these from Fb, however, she was also wearing a dress and leggings that day, so cute!

Sleeping Beauty     Bright Eyes & Conversing with Nanna

The occasion was that Kayla restarted our tap dance class and was showing off three month-old Rebecca to the group before Nanna Leah came to take her away.

Day 4: John 8:12--He came into the world as the Light. If we follow Him we need not walk in darkness.

I am so grateful that our grandchildren have the opportunity to learn about Jesus, the Light of the World. 

More borrowed photos of the young uns and their delightful expressions

Day 5: John 10:7, 9-10--He came to give us life more abundant!

Our friends from Arkansas came Thursday and we spent three wonderful days together sharing so many stories of God's faithfulness.

Selfie: Rita & Sara

Friday morning we walked in and around the Taylor University campus and met friends at just the right times and places. Thus we got to see some beautiful hand-built ceramic pieces in one professor's office and later the biology teacher stopped to talk to us about 'her birds' as we admired the aviary.

It was like that the entire time. The Lord, our Good Shepherd led in every detail of our visit together.
Day 6: John 10:14-15--our good shepherd knows us and came to lay down His life for us!
In the evening we attended the annual Candles and Carols concert at Anderson University. The main purpose of our friends' trip was to see their son perform.

We enjoyed the beautiful music and dancing.

Jared and proud parents--Sara and Steve

Saturday was a very relaxed day: games, movies, food.

Multi-tasking our way: Hand & Foot and  Ivanhoe's food

The grand finale was the annual favorite musical program at Taylor University--Sing Noel: Christmas Around the World.

As if that was not enough, this morning's service at church was the Christmas cantata, yet another very moving presentation of the story of Jesus' birth.

Day 7: John 11:25. He came that we may have life eternal!

Truly the most beautiful story every told.