A Quick Stitch

Earlier this month, I began crocheting a baby blanket in anticipation of Uncle Dan and Aunt Laurel's little baby. Peter was curious and I showed him how to crochet a single chain. He took off with a ball of charcoal wool and whipped up leashes for stuffed critters and rope for his playmobil knights.

Since then, Lucette has been requesting a tutoring session. I've been well intentioned, but rather poor in follow-through. The lessons kept being postponed. So when she asked permission to pilfer the yarn stash and then declared "I'm off to learn to crochet!" ... I didn't pay it much mind.

A half an hour later, she bounced down the stairs with a five-foot chain tagging after her. "Lucette! How did you learn how to do that?" "Oh, Peter showed me real quick." Now that's a quick learner!

Baby Love : Joie

The Lord has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy.
(Psalm 126:3)

Praying for God's sovereignty over the life of little Joie. Resting in the promises of His love, His hope, His peace, His plan.

Lenten Pretzels

Evangelical Christians are not typically observant of the Lenten season, the 40 days prior to Easter. Such a shame! It can really be a lovely time of reflection and anticipation.

Today (Ash Wednesday) is the first day of Lent, and we celebrated by making soft pretzels. Tradition has it that the pretzel represents arms crossed in prayer. A reminder that these waiting days leading up to Easter are a particular opportunity for us to seek the Lord in prayer. The kids have a great time making the pretzels (or dough "whips," as they were for awhile today) and anticipating the finished goodness.

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him. (Isaiah 6:4)

•Lenten Soft Pretzels•

Dissolve yeast in water:
1.5 c. warm water
1 (heaping) T. yeast

Mix:
4 c. unbleached flour (I use half w.wheat)
1 T. agave syrup (sugar or honey is fine)
1 t. salt

Add yeast mixture and knead together by hand or with bread hook. (Starting with 3 c. flour then adding the final cup as needed is a good idea.) Divide into pieces, roll with hands, shape into pretzel, and place on greased or parchment lined cookie sheet. Let rest for about 15 minutes.

Beat:
1 egg
splash of water

Brush pretzels with egg and sprinkle generously with salt. Bake at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Shrove Tuesday

Yesterday was Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins. Traditionally, Christians would give up certain ingredients for Lent that included butter, eggs, and milk, so why not use them up and make pancakes? We invite friends over, share a bit of our faith together, and have a big 'ol pancake feed. It's always lots of fun and gets our family excited for Easter.

This year, we had our own version of a British pancake race, and while not very spiritual, was an awful lot of fun. The picture is horribly out of focus (darn that forgotten ISO function!), but it still gives me the giggles. David and Pops make fine pancake-flipping housewives. They ran a dangerous obstacle course through the house, resulting in a win for Pops. There are threats of a rematch, however, as Pops had home-court advantage as well as shoes. Poor David, clad only in socked feet, performed admirably on the treacherous hardwoods.

(Note: We found that leftover pancakes make an excellent frisbee and can clear the back fence when released from the patio.)

Behind Those Eyes ...

Pitching Pinecones

Repeating to self: "Must not think about second story windows that are impossible to clean. Focus on surprisingly good aim of beloved son."

Turning Eight

Yesterday we celebrated Peter's birthday. Eight years old! The years are revealing a fine young man; an individual that manages to reveal as much to us as we seek to impart to him.

The day was full of excitement: eating, churching, laughing, playing ... and some more eating. Birthdays are a lovely excuse to gather those dear and just enjoy each other. I used to fight a dread of preparation and clean-up, but I'm learning to find pleasure even in those elements. The cake plate empty but for crumbs, gift wrap shredded with glee, a grouping of chairs echoing conversations.

After examining cookbooks, Peter selected an apple bundt as his birthday cake. It was made with a great quantity of butter, so it was bound to be excellent. (We were not disappointed.)

Fruity jellies.

Rock climbing hand grips to mount to the fence. He'll be scaling and traversing in no time.


Jointed (& robotic!) construction set, and his own digital camera ready to photograph Honduras.

Birthday smiles.

Just Passin' Time

I am so strong ... looka' my muskles.

Sheesh. Take the picture already.

(On a side note, I think these sound-muffs might be equipped with an invisible function. It's quite possible my kids have been wearing them for years, unbeknownst to me. Perhaps I should start frisking their heads before I launch into my monologues ... just in case.)

Piano Doodles

Little Jane, you are so quiet when you are naughty. Whenever did you do this?

Now I must decide whether I am most displeased ... or secretly amused.

Bin of Crayons

I'm wishing to be a teensy person from some fantastical novel and climb around in the bin. Like a kaleidoscopic log pile!

I'm not really sure which photo I like best, in focus or out. Both are rather mesmerizing. Interesting how clarity can be a matter of perspective. Much like life, I suppose ...