Category Archives: Colville

The Wheels on the Bus

Our ‘Grands’ had a fun mini fieldtrip last Wednesday arranged by their awesome mom. She thought it would be fun for them and the other children in their Homeschool Coop to have a school bus experience. She arranged for our church bus and a CDL driver from our church to pick up a group of children at our church and then travel to our ‘Grands’ driveway to pick them up for a little bus ride.

Besides Addy and JJ being picked up at their driveway, neighbors who are part of the coop gathered for the pick-up, too.

Moms were able to ride along, also.

I’m pretty sure the song ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ was sung somewhere along the journey. Jamie also had the bus driver make a couple stops and had the kids all switch seats so they could sit with different friends along the way.

Everyone had a great time on their mini field trip on the big bus!

Who’s Fool Are You?

We were at Trader Joe’s in Spokane on Sunday and they had 20 stem bunches of daffodils on sale for just $2.99. We bought 2 bunches! They are such a happy Spring flower. The trumpets announcing that Easter is coming.

Thank you to Joyce From This Side of the Pond for our Hodgepodge questions this week.

1. No foolin’! April is here. What’s one fun thing on your April calendar? 

Our grandson’s birthday is in April and we will enjoy his Batman party with family. JJ’s  party is scheduled on our Son-in-law’s birthday so we will have another double party weekend soon.

2. It’s often said, ‘A fool and his money are soon parted’…what’s the last thing you wasted money on? 

Sometimes my impulses get the best of me. I buy before I totally investigate. A dish rack is going into the garage sale pile. Instead of having a tilt and easy flow of water into the sink, it pools the water in the pan under the rack.

3.  April 2nd is National DIY day. Are you a do-it yourself kind of person or maybe you’re married to one?

I am married to a DIY master. When it comes to major projects, I like to leave and come home when they are all done.

We have a fun mini DIY project happening this week. Our old bird bath bit the dust and we found this lovely solid one on Sunday from a store called ‘At Home’. We are choosing the right spot for it and will set it into place soon.

If so, what’s the last thing you DIY-ed. (I’m going with the ‘Royal We’)

Replacing our water heater was probably the last DIY job around here.

If you’re not a DIY-er what’s the most recent job you had to hire someone to complete? 

I hire out the window washing of our home. They come and complete that job in about an hour!

This year we will probably have our Septic serviced…which is a major job. Definitely a hiring out job with a company that have all the necessary equipment.

Our water hydrants both need replacing and that will be a labor intensive job. Digging is the intensive part. This job will be done by Greg and our son.

4. Do you eat lamb? If so do you have a favorite dish that calls for lamb? 

Yes! I was raised eating lamb and Greg enjoys lamb. Greg did not eat lamb growing up but when we married he was introduced to lamb and is happy to eat it. Lamb was the main course for my family’s Easter meal growing up.

Shashlik is a favorite. You can see what that is by clicking here.

Lambsickles (Rack of Lamb) is another favorite and I enjoyed these recently in Dallas.

Butterflied Leg of Lamb is another way we serve lamb on Easter and other occasions.

A properly cooked lamb shank is very good. I ordered this lamb shank at a Mexican restaurant.

5. Do you fit a stereotype in some way? Explain. 

I used to be a stereotypical soccer mom but now I’m more of the benevolent grandmother. This Baba loves her grandchildren and will do all she can for them.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Here is a sampling of Bible verses about the fool and the foolish and the wise.

Psalm 14:1 ~ The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”

Proverbs: 10:1 ~ A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.

Proverbs 12:15-16 ~ The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

Ephesians 5:15-17 ~ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Titus 3:3 ~ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others, and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Goodbye to March

A month to climb and hide in trees.

A month where birds return and greet the morning with song.

A month to wrap up homeschool projects.

A month to try new things…

Sweet Tamarind was a thumbs up. Don’t swallow the seeds.

Red cactus pear was a thumbs down.

Trees are blossoming at Josh and Laura’s.

We are still waiting here on the northeastern edge of Washington State to see blossoms and blooms. The daffodils are just shooting up out of the ground. No yellow blooms quite yet.

What’s blooming in your neck of the woods?

Moving Into Spring Hodgepodge

Joyce is rolling out some fresh Hodgepodge Questions for us. 

1. Spring has officially sprung (in the northern hemisphere anyway)…did she roll in more like a lion or more like a lamb in your neck of the woods? What needs more of your attention in terms of a good spring clean this year-your house or your garden/yard? 

It rolled in more like a lamb.

I’m going with garden/yard. There will be a scheduling of window washing inside and out, soon.

The great thing about Spring is the fact that both Addy and JJ were born in Spring and we get to have family celebrations for them and then the ultimate celebration in Spring is Easter when we celebrate the new life available to us because of what Jesus accomplished on the Cross and his Resurrection.

2. What’s put a spring in your step lately? 

Family love always puts a spring in my step. Along with that, Spring blooms lighten my heart.

3. When you were a kid, what was the best snack to find in your lunchbox? If you didn’t do the lunchbox thing, tell us what was your favorite after school snack. 

We took sack lunches to school growing up. I’m trying to remember if there was ever an added snack and I don’t think so. I think milk was provided by the school for a small amount of money.

4. In what area of your life are you planting seeds ? 

In my Spiritual life through God’s Truth, the Bible, and hopefully the fruit it produces in my life is evident to everyone in my life, especially my grandkids!

Hosea 10:12 ~ Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.

Galatians 6:8 ~ For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

5. Why do you live where you do? Would you consider living somewhere else? Why or why not? 

We were on the verge of Greg’s retirement and our first grandchild was born so it was a no brainer to move to a more affordable area of our state within a few miles from where our grandchildren would grow up. At this stage moving again is not on our radar.

The only reason I’d want to move elsewhere is the crazy legislation our state is trying to pass to tax us more and more and make life harder for the common person.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We had so much fun celebrating Addy this past weekend. She requested a Hardy Boys Mystery Theme for her party and it was a hoot! My full birthday post is here.

Keep as much spring as possible in your steps dear people!

It’s No Mystery…

…we love her to pieces!

On Saturday we gathered to celebrate Addy turning eight. She requested a Hardy Boys Mystery Themed party. We were each given a character from the books to be on this day. Wigs, scarves, and other costume choices were made.

Mr. Hardy, Mrs. Hardy, Frank, Joe, Iola, Calli, Belinda, Biff, Ethel, Chief Collig, were all present and accounted for. A few more characters were due to arrive.

Eight is Great!

Mysteries were solved and clues were followed. Which shoe made what print?

I’m sorry I didn’t take a photo of the 3×5 treasure hunt clues we found all over the house that Addy’s dad wrote out for us to follow to find the treasure!

When all the characters arrived, we enjoyed baked potatoes with many toppings for lunch.

Orange Creme soda and root beer right out of a bottle will be a fun memory.

After lunch it was time for presents before we enjoyed the cake.

It’s getting easier each year for Addy to read the cards on her own.

The last present to open was her new scooter and she was thrilled! Uncle Andrew, the aeronautical engineer, was given the task to put it together!

Time for Cake!

 

The cake was another masterpiece by Addy’s mom. It was a delicious S’mores cake!

When you are eight, you get to light the candle on the cake!

 

Another great birthday celebration in the books.

And for the record this wasn’t the only celebration on this day. After Addy’s party was done, we gathered again at Gramps and Baba’s for a Chinese themed dinner of Hot and Sour Soup (homemade). Our kids put this meal together while Baba watched a movie with Addy and JJ. We gather the moments when our kids from the Westside are in town! After dinner we introduced SKYJO to everyone.

Our family highly recommends this game and it can entertain a wide range of ages! Tested at our home for 8 year olds and up!

On Sunday we all gathered at church for the early service and we were surprised with a special number by Addy on the piano. Our country church includes from time to time special numbers that anyone from the congregation can share with the church. Addy chose to play It is Well with My Soul as a special gift for me. Yes, there were tears.

Thank you, Addy. Baba loves you and is so happy that you love Jesus. Baba and Gramps pray that you will grow closer and closer to Our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ each new year of your life.

Because of Jesus, It is Well With My Soul.

A Grand Birthday

Both Addy and JJ created happy birthday greetings for me with a candy cane treat attached. JJ also included a finger knitting bracelet and necklace. Addy got creative with a musical greeting, ‘It is well with my soul’.

A very lovely birthday celebration with our Colville Kids and Grands. Addy nailed it, It is well with my soul. Thank you, LORD!

On Friday, my actual birthday, I received these greetings from near and far.

Thank you to all my friends and family for your sweet birthday greetings, yesterday.

Thankful for Seventy Four

Celebrating my 74th birthday today with some Friday Flashbacks to my 60th Celebrations.

Back in 2011 our kids and Greg surprised me with more than one celebration. The first one was that Dan made the trip across the mountains to be at my 60th brunch and dinner party, too. I was totally surprised when he walked into Josh and Laura’s kitchen. After brunch on Sunday March 13th, the day before my actual birth-day, Greg and I drove north to Chuckanut Manor Restaurant to meet some of the Mennonite Girls and their husbands for a birthday dinner.

Then on Monday the 14th of March the surprises continued when a limousine showed up to take us to dinner in downtown Seattle.

 

Our daughter Katie was in Jacksonville, North Carolina, getting married to Andrew by the Justice of the Peace before Andrew took off for his first tour of duty to Afghanistan. That is why she wasn’t at this birthday celebration. One year later on March 11, 2012 we had a formal wedding for them in Seattle. They just celebrated their 14th Wedding Anniversary! Here they are 14 years ago….

My 60th birthday celebration continued into April of 2011 with a Sisters Weekend in Victoria, B.C.!

This was the trip that I met Honora face to face and she was so kind to drive me and my sisters around to some lovely spots.

Back to the present and 74 years…

On Wednesday our Colville Kids and Grands had a birthday lunch for me at their home. It was a delicious meal and lovely dessert. Addy and JJ each gave me handmade cards. I’ll share those on my post tomorrow.

Tonight we have a Marriage Conference at our church with a catered meal to kick-off the two day event.

Monday Greg and I are going for an overnight in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to celebrate St. Patrick and me.

Being in the Mid-Winter of my life on earth I don’t take for granted each new day. God has my days numbered and He leads me on until He calls me home. I can rest and be at peace in this reality. I’m a wonderer and I’m wondering what new things I’ll see and learn this new year of my life.

Once Upon a Hodgepodge

Speaking of Fairy Tales, I’m sharing some of my Russian Fairy Tale lacquer boxes above and below.

Winding down February with Jo’s Wednesday Hodgepodge questions.

1. February 26th is National Tell A Fairy Tale Day…have you read a fairy tale lately?

No, I have not read a fairy tale lately.

What’s your favorite fairy tale?

I’ll go with Cinderella.

Do you believe in ‘happily ever after’? 

It definitely is not a given. Life gives us more than happy. It gives us grief and suffering, too. I think a better ending line would be ‘joyfully ever after with contentment and peace through it all’.  Reminds me of that great song by Andrae Crouch, “Through it all, I’ve learned to trust in Jesus, I’ve learned to trust in God. I’ve learned to depend upon His Word”

2. Complete one of the following sentences with a thought relating to your life currently-

  • Once upon a time___________
  • A long time ago________________
  • In a place far far away__________

I’m getting ready to travel and be In a place far far away for a few days. Hopefully I’ll have lots to share when I get back, Lord willing.

3. Which of the following ‘fairy tale foods’ is your favorite?

Which have you made/eaten most recently? 

porridge/oatmeal (Goldilocks and The Three Bears), an apple (Snow White), a gingerbread cookie (The Gingerbread Man), pumpkin soup/pie/bread (Cinderella), peas (The Princess and the Pea), beans (Jack and The Beanstalk) or a cup of tea (Alice in Wonderland) 

I have not had any of these fairy tale foods recently except for a cup of tea. I do enjoy a bowl of Oatmeal with cream, walnuts, brown sugar and raisins.

4. What’s your idea of fun? 

Seeing my Grands interact with their aunts and uncles is a lot of fun. Listening to their descriptions of experiences is fun, too. I think it’s fun to plan a trip and then to take that trip.

5. Next week’s Hodgepodge lands in March. Is that right? I guess so.  Give us one noun, one verb, and one adjective that tell us something about your February. To make you think a little harder, you cannot use the words cold or snowy. 

A month where I needed my Brain to work calculations. (noun)

There was a lot of dusting in February. (verb)

The freezing temperatures increased my electric bill by 3x. (adjective)

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This little guy is moving along in Taekwondo.

We enjoyed a brief hello as we exchanged some Costco items in the church parking lot last week.

Speaking of fun, it is always a treat to bump into these two in parking lots, stores, church and to see them at our front door!

Snow Fun

We finally got enough snow for our Grands to enjoy sledding on their driveway.

JJ told me he learned how to turn the sled, too.

Meanwhile at our Country Bungalow we enjoy the views from inside.

We try to figure out what animals are leaving what tracks in the snow.

When our kids come to our place they pull around on our drive before they park by the front door. This next photo shows the fun result their truck tires made. This is what I see from our office window.

Double hearts!

Are you enjoying a winter wonderland?

Many Hands Make Light Work

…along with a lot of planning and organization.

I agreed to take on an event at our church for the sending off  and 10 years of service of our dear Youth Pastor’s family. They are heading to a new ministry in Georgia. The event was a three hour drop in event and I wanted it to be as simple as could be with finger food and no heating necessary but also have some elevation in taste and presentation.

This is the beautiful family we were celebrating.

Volunteers were enlisted for three shifts of service. My first 5 shift volunteers from 1pm until 4pm did all the peeling, chopping, mixing, slicing, stuffing, frosting, arranging and clean-up for West Coast Chicken Sliders, Veggie platters, and elevated brownie bites. Once the sliders were stuffed they were stacked in stainless pans between waxed paper and stored in the refrigerators for the event. Before the volunteers arrived I staged the serving tables with tiered servers and some sparkly accents and candles. My second shift of volunteers had the task of keeping the buffet tables stocked with the goodies we prepared. Husband, Greg, was in charge of the water and coffee. We had a third shift of two families who were in charge of the final clean-up, putting away tables and chairs and taking out the trash. The first two shifts of volunteers kept the kitchen clean-up to a minimum washing prep items as we went along. What a fabulous crew.

We will miss this dear family but send them off with prayers for their continued growth in their love for the LORD Jesus Christ and the Great Commission to go out into the world and make disciples.

I’m battling with Plantar Fasciitis for the first time ever . With lots of prayers on my behalf, I was able to make it through the event with little or no pain. As is the case with this condition after coming home and sitting for a while and then standing up again my feet ceased to function well. I’m trying some remedies to ease the problem along with good supportive shoes. I woke up on Wednesday with very little pain and am thankful. Hopefully icing, massaging, and doing a few exercises before I get out of bed will help the condition and make it cease.

Hope all is well in your corner of the world.