| Melanie: For Whom the (joyful) Bell Tolls (in a completely out of context and non-death related way) |
On Sunday the kids were so sleepy after church we decided to get lunch to go and give the kids a "car nap". This is a treat for me since it involves zero effort to help them fall asleep. The downside is I don't get a nap. Anyways Lance and I drove around enjoying our absolutely delicious extreme pitas. After awhile I dropped him off at home and kept driving. The day was a perfect crisp and sunny prairie fall day. The fields all straw gold stubble. Cool blue sky. I drove and drove and drove. As I was heading towards home I saw a sign for St Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Parish and a Ukrainian Catholic Church. I turned off the highway in search of these old country churches I'd never seen or heard of.
Immediately I was reminded of "homesteading" with Melanie. When she was out visiting a number of years ago we ventured out in February weather exploring abandoned homesteads and digging up my family history in nearby Tofield.
I pulled into the "parking lot" of St Peter and Paul. A neat old church complete with outhouses. Not sure if the church was still in use. Anyways carried on.
Was surprised (but shouldn't have been) to find Exaltation of the Holy Cross Ukranian Catholic Church to be a blue and white building complete with silver domes. The church had been built in the early 1900s, restored in 1985 and declared a historic site in 87. It looked a little worse for wear. But what intrigued me - besides the again present outhouses and a 4 foot high door about 7 feet off the ground on the backside of the church - was the freestanding bell "tower" (pretty small tower) adjacent to the church. Complete with rope dangling down.
If Melanie were here....
If Melanie were here she would ring the bell.
I'll have to tell her I thought of her and fondly remembered homesteading.
But wouldn't the story be a LOT better if you actually rang the bell?
In honor of your daring friend?
No.
Yes.
I looked left and right. Jumped out of the van in stocking feet. Crunched through dry leaves. Took hold of the rope. Pulled gingerly. I saw the large bell just barely budge. I gave it a firm, but not to firm, yank.
RING
the bell pealed across the silent prairie
Ring
Okay twice is enough
ring
no no no please no more
I am back in the van and pulling out onto the gravel road before the last ring has completely fallen quiet.
BUT if it had been Melanie... There would've been wild laughter. WAY harder yanking. Actually savoring the rings of the bell. And then speeding away imagining what the neighbors were thinking.
So Melanie, on Sunday the bell was tolling for you.
But it would have been better if you were there! |
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| Autumn Upsidedown Cake |
One of my favorite cakes. It is very adaptable - virtually any fruit will do but this is my fall variation.
Topping:
Any combination of 3 apples and/or pears sliced (not too thick not to thin)
1 Tablespoon veg oil
1 tsp cinnamon (nutmeg if you want)
Toss together and arrange in the bottom of an oiled casserole dish (I use a 9 inch round one)
Cake:
1 egg
1/4 cup veg oil
2 Tablespoons milk
1/2 cup unsweetened apple juice concentrate (you can find it by frozen orange juice)
1 cup white flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour (use more or all whole wheat flour if you want a healthier cake, it will also be more dense)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 to 1 apple or pear chopped into small chunks (raisins could be used too)
Beat liquids then add dry ingredients - mix well. Then add fruit. Smooth as evenly as you can (the batter is quite thick) over the fruit in the casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 min. Cool until warm and turn out onto serving dish. Serve with whipped cream. Optional - garnish with toasted pecans!!! For those who will not enjoy this dessert because it doesn't have typical sugar quantities (wait a minute, there's not ANY sugar!) drizzle with caramel sauce.
ENJOY!!
Recipe adapted from Crazy Fruit Upsidedown Cake in "Sweet and Sugar-free" by Karen E. Barkie |
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| Letter to Grandma |
Grandma,
I’ve known you since you were 53. Well, I don’t actually remember you from then. My memories start a couple years later. Lance has known you since you were 71. We have cherished getting to have you as a Grandma. On your 80th birthday we wanted to share with you some of our memories of you from the last 27 years.
I loved when you would send homemade Christmas chocolates in the mail to us. I remember being in the kitchen in our Mission house and finding some little candy cups with the holly pattern just like you used, I was SO disappointed that Grandma’s chocolates weren’t in them. I still think of you every time I see them.
I remember being in awe of the tiger lilies blooming outside the windows of one of your houses. This summer I had tiger lilies in my garden and I thought of yours. They were stunning. This picture is from my garden.
I loved hearing over and over the story of you, the axe, and the snapping turtle. Wow!
I remember Christmas presents. The flannel heart patterned pajamas were the best I’d ever seen.
I remember sleepovers, pizza, movies and popcorn ladled out of a huge metal bowl.
I remember playing with the intercom of your new house in Abbotsford. Tons of fun.
I remember receiving a tea kettle and a Bible as a grade twelve graduation gift. The electric kettle (bright yellow!!) was perfect for my dorm room and the Bible was perfect for my pocket.
I remember receiving your handwritten letters while I was at CLBI. I still have them.
I remember you and Grandpa taking me out for my birthday when I was living at the Odegard’s. We enjoyed breakfast and then I opened the gifts that you brought from home.
We remember walking to your house one Christmas break where Lance was to meet my Norwegian grandparents. Of course there was Gjetost.
Lance remembers you helping with a very important detail pertaining to our engagement. Providing the ring! What a secret he and you both shared. I didn’t even know it was coming. Thank-you. I’ve NEVER seen a more beautiful ring.
I remember the look on your face when you announced that there had been a change of plans and we weren’t watching a movie that December night. Instead I received an envelope, some flowers, and we took a picture before I was on my way.
We laugh every time we remember you hollering, “Firm and thorough” at our wedding reception.
We loved movie nights at your place – “You’ve Got Mail”, “A New Leaf”, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner”, “Phantom of the Opera” (that one didn’t make your good books)
Lance remembers lunches of toasted salami and havarti sandwiches, milk and “Puff” cookies on the days he painted the trim of your house.
Queen Lemon Bar. Not much needs to be said about those famous bars. We remember you making them especially for Lance -- a real labor of love in these last couple of years when you have faced so many major health obstacles.
Lance remembers the famous good-bye hug you shared at the top of the Klassen stairs. After that “special squeeze” you told him to hug from the left side from now on!
We’re glad you never had to send us a letter complete with diagrams. We figured everything out. Good results eh?
I treasure the card you wrote for my baby shower (at Gwen’s). Your words were so affirming, a blessing passed on from you to our growing family. I loved when you met the wigglers!
We remember you meeting Elijah and Eva for the first time. We had just arrived in Abbotsford after a rough flight and crazy screaming ride from Vancouver and I think you still got a couple smiles out of them.
We remember Elijah playing with the brake on your wheel chair at Holy Family. And Eva patting your knees and being enamored with your fancy flowered slippers. It was very special seeing you interact lovingly with them even when you were in such a difficult time in your own life.
We remember the kisses Elijah and Eva gave you during one of our Holy Family visits. Too bad they were too quick to capture with the camera. These two pictures ended up being before or after.
We hope to make many more memories with you and look forward to our kids getting to know you more so that they will also have memories of you. We pray that God would give you hope and strength as you journey through so many health trials. We love you very much. It has been a joy to know you for the past 27 and 9 years.
Love,
Lance, Aimee, Eva and Elijah |
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| And Turtle Makes Three |
Yesterday mid-morning I was getting into my usual spot to nurse Elijah and Eva. I was helping Elijah get situated when I felt something a little strange. Looking down to where Eva was supposed to be nursing I was surprised to see Franklin the turtle. Apparently Franklin was thirsty and Eva heard his silent cry for milk. Franklin was very polite and communicated through Eva asking for "more" and saying "thank-you" for the milk. I laughed right out loud. I've never nursed a turtle before! (though during pregnancy I did dream I nursed a small border collie, oh dear)
Another nursing story from just moments ago. The kids are sick and have been wanting to nurse a lot. I had been trying to distract them with water, books, dancing. Eva was very persistant in asking. Taking my hand and leading me to the couch (we usually nurse sitting on the floor leaning against the couch). I finally sat down. Eva, filled with delight, yelled across the room, "LIJAH!!!!". I interpret that to mean, "Hey Elijah she finally gave in, get over here if you want milk!" And get over here he did. :)
While we were nursing they kept popping off to say hi to me or do little dances. They crack me up. When I respond to something one has done the other is quick to mimic so they get a response too. It was during this goofiness that I had my first real, this-is-going-to-be-gone-so-soon-better-soak-it-up moment. Wanting to look into their bright eyes more and deeply enjoy them.
Pretty amazing when this kind of feeling can come when they only napped for 30 minutes today. That must be God.
Better go. I've got more distracting to do!
Aimee |
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| Slightly Embarassing Confession |
(besides that fact that I probably can't spell embarassing)
Lance and I were a little behind hopping on "The Office" bandwagon and I hated it at the start. Well last night we finished season two. Here is the confession:
Last night when Jim professed his love to Pam, he wasn't the only one with tears in his eyes. |
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| Quality of Service Rate Adjustment |
With Telus the future is friendly albeit unintelligent.
During 2005 Telus did not meet performance requirements (set by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) for quality service indicator 2.1B. Quality service indicator 2.1B is described as: Out-of-Service Trouble Reports Cleared withing 24 Hours - Rural. Because of this poor service the affected Telus clients can expect to see a rebate on their next bill. Rebates are given out per phone line.
A quote from my Telus bill:
Quality of Service Adjustment Oct 02....................................... -.46
Thank-you Telus. For not only did you offer me your sincerest apologies and thank me for my patience, you wasted man-power, trees, and energy to give me 46 cents off my bill.
The glossy third of a page insert with my bill explains the rebates and says that Telus believes, "some challenging times [they] faced as a business are behind [them]" I'm not so sure about that with the way they are spending money to give us pennies back.
Thank-you Telus for 46 cents and a laugh - not to mention fodder for the blog. |
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| Music to Rock to |
My brother is in a band called Sterr and they just came out with their first full length album, "Better Now". It is incredible. Professional. Catchy. Driving guitars. Go to http://www.myspace.com/sterr to listen and itunes.ca (search for sterr) to buy!!
If you are near Abbotsford then keep Oct 18 free. It's their CD release concert. If you buy an advance copy of their CD at House of James you get a free concert ticket!!!! Pretty good deal. The show will be great. These guys know how to put on a great show. And you'll get to see my brother as a rockstar. Wish I could be there. |
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| Recipe Madness |
I've been meaning to share some recipes with you. Here are some soups I've made recently:
The Original African Peanut Soup (from the Colophon Cafe at Village Books in Bellingham)
Blend in Food Processor:
1 ounce fresh ginger root - scrubbed and chunked
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp crushed chili peppers
Add to processor and chopp, leaving chunky then add to soup pot:
3 1/4 cups canned or fresh diced tomatoes (about 1 large can)
1 3/4 cups dry roasted unsalted peanuts (I used 1 3/4 cups natural peanut butter and it turned out BETTER than when I used the peanuts)
1 med onion chopped
Add to soup pot:
1 1/2 cups chicken (or veg) stock
4 cups canned or freshed diced tomatoes
3 cups water
1/2 lb cooked and cubed turkey or chicken (optional)
Make a paste of:
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup flour
add as needed to thicken
Simmer.
Delicious with tortilla chips. Lyndon said Doretha (who grew up in Africa) serves this as a sauce over rice - and fruit too, like mango and coconut - that would be great.
Curried Corn and Cheddar Chowder
whip together in soup pot:
1 quart/litre water
6 oz softened cream cheese
Add and heat to a slow boil (I made this soup with Eva falling asleep on my back, when I got to this part she was asleep and I
1 16oz can of creamed corn
4 tsp curry powder
1tsp black pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
Add and heat to a slow boil
1 1/2 pounds frozen corn kernals
2 stalks chopped celery
Add and reduce to a simmer
Roux (3 Tbsp Flour and 3 Tbsp melted butter)
Stir gently into soup:
1 cup cubed and floured (toss with 2 Tbsp flour) cheddar cheese
As I was cooking these soups I thought of Lovella - link "What matters most" from my mom's blog. She often posts step by step photos of recipes she makes. There is always a lovely inviting mouthwatering photo of the finished product. Well, it's the thought that counts here. Take my word for it, these soups are great and look good too. :)
Nights:
Eva - the last two nights were very good. Please pray about tonight - Lance will be home really late so I'm pretty sure that I will have to help Eva fall back asleep WITHOUT NURSING - this is new to me but I've got to do it so I don't undo Lance's hard work.
Elijah - having a few rough nights.
Okay better go. There are some people who want my attention. Oh, and I can smell one of them. yuck.
hope you are well.
aimee |
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| eva |
An Eva update. Lance has been in charge of her at night for the past 5 nights. The first two were really good - she only woke up a couple times. The next three have included many wakings (think atleast 6). Often Lance is able to help her fall asleep quite quickly but last night was just wild. On a wonderful note - Elijah slept through the night last night and Eva got up at just after 7. This means that I was in bed from 11 - 7 with no babies needing my attention (read breasts). I think I slept for 7.5 hours almost solid (of course I woke a couple times and was surprised at how long I'd been sleeping. The amazing thing is I only heard Eva once (around 11) and was able to fall asleep while she was crying and not hear her again. I am praising God for that.
So please keep praying for us. For Lance - for energy especially now that he is back to work, couldn't sleep in this morning, and he teaches a night class this evening. For Eva - that she would have peace in the night and not fight sleep. For Elijah - that he would get back into his habit of sleeping through the night. For me - that I would continue to get sleep at night and soon be able to relieve Lance during the night. Please pray too that naps go well during the day. I get so frustrated when they don't nap at the same time or take a long time to fall asleep - this cuts into my nap time!
thanks.
now for a couple photos:
It's getting cold here. These are our favorite jackets. Eva's is from Auntie Cara, Uncle Andy and Cousin Sarah. Elijah's is one I found at a thrift store before we were even pregnant. The toques are from Anne (former student and current friend)
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| Chicken? |
| Question. I had forgotton about some raw chicken breasts I had in the fridge. I checked their date and it was yesterday. If I cook them today do you think they'd be okay? I plan on freezing the cooked meat and using it later. Is that asking too much? |
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| Long Weekend Long Nights |
Just a quick update. Please pray for us. For Lance and Eva especially. This is the weekend where Eva has her first taste (or should I say lack of taste) of not getting mama's milk to help her fall back asleep everytime she wakes up in the night. A habit that has existed your whole life (even if it is only 16 months) is pretty hard to break. Last night was the first night and it went better than we had imagined. I nursed Eva to sleep as usual and then when she woke up Lance went in to her. He stayed with her and laid her down whenever she would stand up. It wasn't pretty - she was protesting pretty loud - but it didn't last for hours. She woke up one other time and went back to sleep within a few minutes of waking. We'll see how tonight goes. Please pray for energy on Lance's part - during the night and also in the day as he will be somewhat sleep deprived and doesn't handle it as well as I do. Please pray for peace for Eva and that she will quickly learn how to fall back asleep on her own. You can pray for me too -- if Elijah (who seems to be having a rough time with cutting a molar) doesn't wake up then I have my first chance of uninterrupted sleep since the babes arrived!!! Problem is I can hear Eva (even though she is at the opposite corner of the house. Not only can I hear her, but I am so used to being the only one who has what can soothe her to sleep that I am constantly ready and alert to be called in to save the day. I think I'll do better tonight since Lance did great last night - he has a lot of perseverance, which I lack when it comes to screaming babies.
On an entirely different note, I'm working on a CD design! A friend of ours referred this lady to me and we met last week. The past couple days I have been working on graphics and hope to hear back from her this weekend to see if she likes them. I am enjoying it so much. I do feel a little rusty. Funny that I now have to ask Lance questions about the programs when he used to have to ask me.
Okay better go.
aimee |
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| A morning prayer |
And then you
by Walter Bruggemann
We arrange our lives as best we can,
to keep your holiness at bay,
with our pieties,
our doctrines,
our liturgies,
our moralities,
our secret ideologies,
Safe, virtuous, settled.
And then you --
you and your dreams,
you and your visions,
you and your purposes,
you and your commands,
you and our neighbors.
We find your holiness not at bay,
but probing, pervading,
insisting, demanding.
And we yield, sometimes gladly,
sometimes resentfully,
sometimes late...or soon.
We yield because you, beyond us, are our God.
We are your creatures met by your holiness,
by your holiness made our true selves.
And we yield. Amen |
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| I have been meaning to |
recommend some books.
Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. Follow the land family on their adventurous roadtrip in search of their fugitive brother. Arguably the best fiction I have ever read. The characters are rich and believable. The story grabs hold of you. Inspires faith. This recommendation nowhere nears does it justice. A reviewer said it reminds us of why we read fiction in the first place.
Freedom Writers: Have you seen the movie? Wow. What gets to me most about this book is realizing that real people live in the situations described.
Same Kind of Different as Me: True story - memoir. Written by two men back and forth. One man is a white art dealer and the other a homeless black man. The way the friendship develops, as well as the depth it reaches, is evidence that the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Operating Instructions by Anne Lamott - A candid journal of her son's first year. I found myself relating to a lot and laughing right out loud. I was constantly reading parts out loud to Lance. Lamott books are peppered with the f-word so be forewarned. I highly recommend both "Travelling Mercies" and "Plan B" both are memoirish books in which she shares her disarmingly honest, unconventional thoughts on life and faith
The No-cry sleep solution for toddlers and preschoolers by Elizabeth Pantley - the tone of this book is so relaxed it helped me relax a bit more about a topic that is not at all relaxing. I really appreciated how she doesn't subscribe to a one size fits all method rather offers a "menu of solutions" for each problem that may present itself. She is gracious, encouraging and realistic. I haven't read her first book - No-cry sleep solution - which is for babies but judging by her second book I would highly recommend her first.
The Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton - Hippos and bellybuttons need I say more?
The Big Lovely's Terrific Idea by Melanie Wallace - a fan favorite as of late. Too bad there is only one copy in the whole world and it is tailor made to my kids.
SexGod by Rob Bell - wow. We will probably use this book as the text for our relationships course. Anything by Rob Bell is fantastic. A wholistic fresh view of sexuality (particularly that it is way more than sex). Bell's books are full of compelling questions and personal stories. I love the way he opens up the scriptures to us.
Awed to Heaven Rooted to Earth by Walter Bruggemann - this is a book of prayers. They are beautiful and inspiring. Literally I feel like I breathe deeper when I pray these prayers. Such truth in them. The first section are prayers centered around who God is -- such a emphasis on his bigness. I need this. I will share one with you soon.
I am so tired I have to go.
bye.
aimee |
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posted by Aimee at 
