Savoring the present day while remembering the past....

 The past couple of days, I got to spend some one on one time with Anna.  It was the Spring Retreat at church so Gwen, Tim and Lia, Ellie and Zeke were gone.  This gave Anna and I some special time together.  It was actually the last Spring Retreat we will have since next year Anna will be going also!  One of the "must do" items on the list of our time together is always breakfast out at a cafe.  This year we picked The Brunch Cafe.  Anna was especially glad to be able to get Chicken and Fries for breakfast since she prefers this over typical breakfast food.  It was the weekend for dance pictures, so I got to see her in most of her costumes for the upcoming dance recital.  

She practiced her dances for me and I am always amazed at how these kids can memorize so many dances with complicated routines for years and years!  I can't even begin to count how many Lia has memorized with 15 years of dance recitals!  I can't wait for the actual recital day, when Anna will be in 4 dances, Ellie will be in 6 dances and Lia will be in 7 dances.  For the first time ever, all three girls will be in one of those dances together!  Such a fun way to end Lia's dance time at Dance Connection before she leaves for college in the fall.  

April is always a somewhat melancholy month for me, since it has been a month of loss for me.  My mom, dad, grandmother, and sister all died during April.  In fact, yesterday marked 107 years since my grandmother died.  For the last several years, I have been writing a book in which my grandmother, Nora is a central character.  

This is my Grandmother, Nora Larson Toensing in 1912.  The interesting thing about my book is that has to be labeled as "Fiction based on Fact" since most of the details of Nora's life are not know to me.  She was my mother's mother and she died in 1917 when my mom was not yet two years old.  Things were very different in the early 1900's.  When someone died, life went on and you didn't really talk much about them.  This was especially true for my mom's very stoic German father.  So my mom spent her life wondering about her own mother and wishing to have known her and more about her life.  In my mom's later years she would often say, "I can't wait to get to heaven to finally meet my mother."  I can't explain the deep connection I feel to Nora, but it is very real.  The very limited facts we have about her early life come from a letter my mom received when I was in high school.  I had begged my mom to write to her one surviving aunt and ask her about her mother.  So my mom listened to me and we received a handwritten letter from one of that aunt's daughters.  Aunt Effie was bedridden so she told her daughter everything she could remember about Nora.  That letter is the "Facts" that I have about Nora. Since beginning to write, I have discovered that deep spiritual ties can exist that cross the generations.  I am convinced that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I have learned who my grandmother was.  

This is Arnold and Nora Toensing on their wedding day in 1908.  My grandfather died when I was two years old and I don't really have memories of him!   Yet, after putting words on a pages of a document, I feel as if I know these two people.  Genetics and DNA are very unusual things.  After my recent DNA discovery I know this in a very real way.  Watching my own grandchildren, I can "see" just how connected they are to this long ago couple. I'm not sure if it is just my eyes playing tricks on me, but I can sure see the resemblance of Anna to Nora.  It makes sense, Anna looks like Gwen.  Gwen looks like me and I look like my mom. My mom was told often that she looked like her mother, Nora.  So it follows that this might be true.   Lia is actually named after Nora.  Her middle name is Nora.  And Lia has so many characteristics of my mom.  So that connection is obvious.   I am praying that the words I have written in my book will further the connection all of my grandchildren have to Arnold and Nora and their story.  It is an amazing love story and a story of sowing a spiritual heritage into future generations.  Writing about their story here, gives me a push to finish writing this book!  It is a push that I needed to continue writing, even when it has become difficult.  Thank you Jesus for prompting me to even write this today.  It seems that this blog is for ME more than those of you who may read it!  Isn't it amazing how Jesus works?  

Thank you Jesus for those times that you use dates and memories and even our journals or blogs to show us exactly how you are working in our life.  Holy Spirit, thank you for guiding us every day and reminding us that you have plans and purposes for each of us.  Thank you for helping us to stay present each day, while giving us wisdom about our pasts and boldness to walk into the future with you.  Thank you for fun times together with family.  Amen

Family Eclipse Adventure....

 Over a year ago, my family started planning to all go to the total eclipse.  Doug and Susie and Gwen and Tim both have campers and planned to camp.  Initially, I said I would book a hotel room close by and still be able to be with all them for the eclipse.  A campground was chosen in Southern Indiana that was in the center of the band of totality.  Both families made sure to book their camp site exactly when the date opened.  They had picked two campsites next to each other at the end of a cul-de-sac on the camp road.  It looked like there was an open center area which might work for viewing the eclipse.  I booked my hotel a year in advance.  Less than a month from the date, the hotel notified me that the "rate" had changed on my reservation.  I tried to get them to honor the rate, but it simply wasn't worth the fight (or the $900 they were charging).  So I opted to camp, sleeping with Doug and Susie's family in their camper, since they have more room with only two kids.  I was riding to the campsite with Gwen and Tim since Doug and Susie had extended their camping a couple of days before the eclipse.  I was attending a conference that I really didn't want to miss and Gwen and Tim were not leaving until the Sunday before the eclipse.  

The best laid plans often do not go off without a couple of hiccups and this was true of this trip.  First of all, it was raining on Sunday as we were preparing to leave.  Not just a little rain, but sheets of rain and it had been raining the week before.  Gwen and Tim park their camper on their property, which sadly had become a wet, slippery, muddy mess as they tried to pull it out with their "big" twelve passenger van.  Through a lot of effort on both Gwen and Tim's part, some large pieces of wood, big metal poles, and a tow strap, we were finally on our way about 3 hours late.  That delay, along with traffic and more rain got us to the campground at 1:00am.  But we got there!  Doug and Susie had set up earlier on Sunday and were waiting for us.  The good news was that the forecast was for clear skies and 70 degrees for the eclipse.  

We watched the entire eclipse from the very beginning at around 1:49.  Totality was at 3:05 for about 4 minutes and then the eclipse ended at 4:22.  We had a perfect spot with no clouds.  It was amazing.  We saw all of the various effects on the ground.  The temperature dropped considerably and it was very dark during totality.  I loved the 360 degree sunset that we saw....

I am so very thankful that the kids encouraged me to go to see this.  It was something I will never see again!  

I have to include some camping pictures.  It was so much fun.  I know that if I had camped with a camper, I might have enjoyed it much more then tent camping.  

It was Sunny's first time camping and she was really good.  Chandler has been camping a lot and he does really well.  They had lots of stuff to sniff and investigate and mostly just laid in the leaves.  

After the eclipse we drove through the park to a playground and a scenic overlook.  It is a huge park and we were very glad that we had chosen the campsites that we did.  They were perfect and some of the sites had very big drop offs into a ravine or steep, uneven ground.  It was really beautiful.

I was certainly ready for bed early that night.  Coming off of a 4 day conference when I didn't sleep very much made for a tired grandma!  But it was an unforgettable experience.  We packed up really early on Tuesday  morning to head home. 

 There was so much on the internet about the eclipse and all the "theories" of possible events that might happen during or after the eclipse.  All that happened was the eclipse.  These signs in the sky are all a part of God's plan.  He created the universe and established the paths of the moon and the stars.  I love that we can anticipate and plan for these events as our knowledge has grown.  We were all talking about how scary it must have been when people did not understand what was happening.  When it got very dark, Jimmy thought it was time for bed!  It must have felt very unsettling to see the sun darken.  I am sure that there are still places around the world that might be startled by these natural events.  What an amazing time we live in that we can know the timing and path of these wonders in the sky.  

Jesus, thank you for advancing human knowledge and understanding.  Holy Spirit, help us all to know that you - Father, Son and Spirit are the creator of the universe and that you still hold the world in your hands.  Jesus, thank you for your plan for families that includes time for relaxation and fun. Amen 

Family Easter - there is nothing better!

Even though Easter was early this year, we had pretty good weather.  It wasn't exactly "spring" but at least there wasn't any snow!  I had a great start to my Easter season with a powerful Palm Sunday Pilgrimage at my church.  Anyone who is able, walks to church from their home or a designated meeting spot.  I walked to church with all the Rock kids and their families with some Boulder youth.  It was about a 2.5 mile walk which helps us remember that Jesus and his disciples walked toward Jerusalem before his Palm Sunday entrance on the donkey.  Maundy Thursday service was a special service with families gathered around tables, sharing communion together.  For the last three years, one of my grandchildren has been taking "First Communion" on this night.  Even though we didn't have a "first" this year, it was wonderful to all commune together.   Our Easter church service was extra special this year.  In order to have just one service, my church rented out a large concert venue in our town and 700 people came to that service!  It was a wonderful service for sure!  He is Risen!  He is risen indeed!

We all gathered at Gwen and Tim's and always take our pictures BEFORE the egg hunt!  This way the kids cooperate!  

The Cousins! (All my grandchildren)

Casual group shot!

 Gwen's family

Doug's family

Then the kids got ready for the egg hunt.  It is certainly a lot of fun at Gwen and Tim's since there are so many spots to hide eggs!  They have a really big yard with really difficult hiding spots! 

After all the eggs were found, and some candy eaten, we went inside for a wonderful dinner.  It is pretty amazing to see us all cram around the table.  We are certainly getting to the point that we will have to add another table soon!  Tim prepared a ham and a family favorite - "Cheesy Potatoes".  He also made homemade rolls, which were delicious.  

These family times are so important to me.   Seeing the family together like this brings me back to when my kids were little.   Even though we live pretty close to each other, with everyone's busy schedules it is really difficult to make these gatherings work.  I am so thankful that my kids understand how important this is to me and continue to make it work.   I was thinking about a couple of Easter pictures I have from when Gwen and Doug were little....

This was Easter of 1982 -  Doug was just home from the hospital and Gwen was not yet three years old.  He was actually five weeks old, but had spent some time in the NICU.  Gwen had made that little Easter Basket in preschool for Doug and we put a couple of toys in it for him.  She was so excited to give it to him.  That sleeper he has on was actually a preemie size.  He was pretty little!  

This picture is from Easter of 1985 when Doug was three and Gwen was soon to be six.  I am struck by how much Jimmy looks like his Dad!  There is seriously nothing better than looking through old holiday photos and seeing how much your grandkids look like their parents!  

I am thinking about my own Easter experiences and sadly, I have no photo's from them!  For some reason my family did not take any Easter photos during my growing up years.  I do have a couple of Ken when he was little that are worth sharing.....

This was Easter of 1954 when Ken was not quite two with his sister Susan.  I am very glad that I have a few pictures of these early years! 

Well, there you have it!  Easter from 1954 to 2024!  Seventy years of Easters.  It looks quite a bit similar!  Pictures taken outside.  You can almost see the wind in that picture of Ken.  It's springtime but doesn't always look very warm.  There are baskets and candy.   I am extremely thankful for that empty tomb that is the reason we celebrate Easter.  Everything that takes place, leading up to the actual day, just brings the message home.  Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper meal with his friends, his trial, conviction and death on a cross, his three days in the tomb and his resurrection - are events that have shaped history for 2000 years.  Easter is a time to shout, "He is risen, He is risen Indeed!" 

Jesus thank you for your sacrifice on the cross and the forgiveness of our sins.  Holy Spirit, remind us all that these are not just stories we read, but actual events in history.  Give us courage and boldness to tell others about this good news that is for ALL people.  Jesus, strength families and draw them together in your love.  Give us wisdom and grace as we share with others your love!  Amen  

Believe it or not.... another birthday (Actually TWO)!

Here we are, only in March and it seems that we have had one birthday after another!  It was Ellie's birthday next.  Fun fact.... Ellie and Doug share a birthday!  Ellie turned 15 this year and Doug turned 42!  How is that even possible?  I was with Ellie a couple days before the "actual" day and I got to see Doug on his actual birthday! 

Ellie has been collecting these specific stuffed animals for a long time.  Here is the Grandma explanation of what they are- there is some YouTube creator that has a show that Ellie watches and somehow these are part of that show???? Anyway, I think this one is named Fred the Plant.  She was happy with it.   Ellie is not very happy being 15.  It means that she will be taking Drivers Ed this summer, and she is a bit anxious about it.  I'm sure when the reality of being able to come and go on her own hits her, she will warm up to the idea of driving.  Her other presents represented Ellie's unique personality and interests including crocheting and painting, and theater.  There was a specific paint brush cleaner that she has had on her "wish lists" for several years that was always out of stock.  Somehow, I managed to snag it and she was especially glad to have it.  I also gifted her some special "character shoes" that are used for play production. It is much harder to figure out what to get kids, once they are teens!

I have especially enjoyed driving Ellie to dance this year since it gives me time alone with her every week.  She has taken a real interest in stage theater, especially musicals.  Currently she has a role in the play "Honk" which will be performed at the end of April.  I heard all about the possible summer production of  "Mean Girls" that Ellie and her friends are all planning to audition for.  Ellie has worked hard this year on her home school material and plans to be done with school in April.  Quite a good accomplishment for her freshman year of high school.  One thing is for certain, she is going to miss Lia when she leaves for college next fall. I am so thankful that I get to spend time with her.  She is an amazing young kid that I'm sure will surprise us all in the years ahead!

I didn't remember to snap a picture of Doug on his birthday, but I did get this photo of the gift bag I found.  It was one of those times that you just can't pass up a perfect gift bag!

It looked like a fishing vest, covered with fishing lures!  It was perfect to hold the book I ordered for him, which was some kind of instructional book about tying flies for fishing.  At any rate, he was delighted with it!  On the weekend following his birthday, I took Doug, Susie, Grace and Jimmy out for a celebration birthday breakfast. Again, I totally forgot to snap any pictures of the event!  (This scrapping grandma is really slipping up!) Afterwards, Susie and Doug trimmed the tree in my front yard.

This nonfruit bearing crabapple tree has really grown in the last few years.  Some of the branches were so low and hanging so far over the driveway that it was a hazard!  Not only did they trim so many branches, they also cut them up and bagged them.  To top it all off, they even took them home to dispose of them! (I have to pay for my yard waste and theirs is free).  It is a wonderful thing to have someone like Susie who knows how to do this!  The tree looks beautiful now, and assuming that we don't have any late winter snow, should soon be in full bloom!

I watched Grace and Jimmy inside while Susie and Doug handled the tree trimming.  We had a week of rain, so it was much too wet for us to be outside.  Afterwards, we had a quick visit.  Jimmy begs to come to my house.  He really hasn't had much time here, so there are lots of things to explore.  As usual, Grace went immediately to my scrap room and found paper, tape, fancy scissors, and markers to make an art project. 

So, here we are in the middle of March.  This year has really gone by quickly.  Easter is so early this year, so I am anticipating a much colder than normal celebration for our family.  I look forward to Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter every year.  But it is hard to feel very "spring like" when it is still March!  

Four years ago our world came to a halt with all the Covid restrictions.  During those days and days of isolation and quarantine, the uncertainties loomed over us.  How long would this last?  How could we keep from getting this terrible sickness?  How could we keep Ken safe from this when he was already so sick?  Would we run out of supplies?  Yes, it was a scary time.  I remember sitting in my scrapbook room, trying to imagine the future.  It seemed an impossible task when surrounded by all the unknowns.  What I have come to realize this year, is every day is actually exactly like those early days back in March of 2020.  In reality, we don't know what tomorrow will bring.  We can not say if any one of our family or friends will fall ill.  We don't know with certainty what the future holds.  But we can know exactly who holds our future.  It is such a comfort to know that Jesus is my provider and my refuge and my strength!  In my daily Bible reading yesterday that seemed to be the theme!  I always find it interesting when the verses I read fit perfectly with what is happening in my day.  As I considered those verses last night, I realized how appropriate they are for today.  Everyone who went through those weeks and months in 2020, feels that stomach clenching fear, thinking about those memories.  But the very good news then and now is that God's got this!  So, I will end with these verses from Psalm 46:1-3,7....

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Jesus, thank you for birthdays and time to celebrate together.  Holy Spirit, remind us during those times of worry and fretting that You are always with us.  Give us courage and boldness to remain calm when tings are shaking around us.  Thank you for providing helpers around us when we need them.  Amen

 

Grade School Music/Art Programs are the Best!

Grace had her school music program at the end of February and I was so thankful to be able to be there.  Shortly after Christmas, Grace told me that she had gotten a speaking part in the program and would need to learn her lines!  For a first grader, this is a very big deal!  She was also practicing the music, which thanks to her Chrome Book, she had at home.  She told me that she was the Narrator part and opened the show.  Until I actually saw the program, I had no idea what that actually was.  I was one surprised Grandma during that program!

There were eight classes of kids - four first grade classes and four second grade classes.  The gym was packed with parents, grandparents and various sisters and brothers. It was "Standing Room Only" as the late comers had to stand against the wall!  There was some "technical difficulties" and all of those kids (I estimate around 200 kids) were standing on those risers, looking out at the sea of faces, getting more and more anxious and nervous for the program to start.  After about ten minutes, they had the kids sit down on the risers.  After another ten minutes they were finally able to begin the show.   And then Grace walked to the microphone in the center of the stage and started the show.  Not only did she start the show saying all of her lines perfectly, but she stayed at the microphone for the entire opening number.  This brave little girl sang,  danced,  did all the hand motions.  And she did them well!  

I for one, didn't have any idea that she was going to be doing this!  I think all of us were a bit surprised to see her solo presentation. The rest of the program was very cute and all of the kids did a wonderful job.  I know exactly how much work goes into a big show like this, thanks to Gwen's years as a music teacher!  

Susie's mom and dad Steve and Sherry were also there, so Grace had a big cheering section!  Keeping a wild two and half year old entertained for an extra 20 minutes during the technical difficulties was the hardest part!  Jimmy did enjoy the singing once it started!

After the performance, the Art Fair was in the hallway.  Grace was especially anxious to show us her art work that was on display.  She knew exactly where they were hanging, which was a very good thing since it was wall to wall people in those hallways!  

I can't help but reflect on how grown up and truly wonderful this precious little girl is!  Before each of my grandchildren were born, I prayed for them and received a glimpse of what Jesus might have in store for them.  Out of those prayers, I created a "name frame" for each of them.  Grace's was in my mind as I drove home.  

For the first time I saw just how these words might come to life in Grace's lifetime.  She does love music and sings all the songs she learned in Vacation Bible School, as well as all the other songs she knows.  This music presentation just flowed out of her.  The smile on her face was certainly an expression of joy as she preformed.  I can't wait to see how Jesus brings all these words into and through Grace in the years ahead.  

 Jesus, thank you for children that remind us to smile and laugh.  Holy Spirit, continue to grow Grace into a Jesus worshipper who will reach the world with her songs.  Thank you for joy that overtakes sadness.  Give all of us the willingness to do hard things.  Help us to have courage and boldness like these little children.  Thank you Jesus for family!  Amen

Another fun party day...

It was finally time for Anna's birthday party with her friends.  Let me tell you, the time is gone where kids just have a party in the backyard!  Seriously, this was an incredible party and I was pleased to know they do these events even for adults!  There is a wonderful bakery near us called Blessed Little Kitchen that just added a "party room".  Mary Holzkopf, the owner, welcomed Anna and her friends into a cookie decorating experience like none other.  Every girl got cookies to decorate and several piping bags of delicious icing.  Mary (a mom to many kids), talked to the kids about being "cookie artists".   It made for a great experience for the girls since nobody was afraid of making a mistake.  They could choose the colors used at each step and there were step by step instructions.  Anna had picked a "Stich" theme and was so pleased to see a Stich cookie to decorate.  

Lia and Ellie were there for part of the cookie fun, but then left with their boyfriends to go to a play.  Birthdays are always a fun cousin time and Grace had a great time
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There were kids at this party from Kindergarten age up.  Everyone was able to create their own special cookies to take home.

After Lia and Ellie left the party, Gwen got called in to finish Lia's cookies.  Ellie wanted to finish her own at home!

The party concluded with everybody singing to Anna and then cupcakes all around!  It was a sugar heavy party, but you could hear a pin drop as they concentrated on the decorating.  It is pretty fun to find a  new way to celebrate a kids party.

Blessed Little Kitchen provided such a welcoming environment for a kids party.  Mary reminded the kids that everyone has their own gifts and talents and everyone could create in their own way.  I love that this bakery supports their local food panty and this family blesses my church with baked goods at their coffee bar almost every Sunday.  Lately. you are hard pressed to find a Christian establishment that isn't afraid to show their faith.  Mary has Bibles and other Christian material available in the Bakery not for purchase but just to take!  All of the baked goods are really "home" made and taste amazing.  This is a business that is good to get behind.  

That is one of the hardest things for this grandma -  finding places that you can support (or on the reverse side, boycott).  I am incredibly thankful for businesses that are not afraid to be who they are.   This is a kind of witness that takes a true gift of faith.  Especially when your business is your families livelihood.  What a lesson for all of us.   I have been praying that in 2024 I would be able to more openly express the things that are the foundation of my life.  Recently at my church we are encouraged to take a "self evaluation" called a  Faith Check Guide.  It is a tool to help you continue to grow and find areas of your Christian walk that might need a little encouragement.  I have found this helpful and something that has helped me figure how to not feel so "stuck" or lost at times.  I encourage you to take the time to at least look at this guide.  It is eye opening for sure.  

Jesus, thank you for the joy and wonder kids and the celebrations that fill our hearts with love.  Pour out your continued blessing on Blessed Little Kitchen and Mary and her family.  Holy Spirit, give us all creative ideas and ways to express our faith to the world.  Fill us with the desire to know you better Jesus, and to be willing to examine our own faith walk.  Most of all, thank you for great tasting cookies! Amen