"Sprinter" The Meshing of Seasons

The change in-between two drastic seasons have come to be my favorite times of year.  Both Spring and Fall hold that mystery, that tantalizing shifting, not only of temperature, but of the whole atmosphere, and I am so glad that God ordained these delightful gentle changes in our year.  But, I must admit that sometimes the transformation isn't quite as smooth as I (in my "all knowing" finite wisdom..) would like.  This past week would be a prime example.  The air was almost sultry on Sunday, reaching the mid 70s and we enjoyed it immensely, spending the afternoon after church services outside as much as possible enjoying God's marvelous creation. Monday, while a little cooler and less brilliant, brought the joy of seeing my darling daffodils bloom!  Each new spring flower brings their own distinct joy after the bareness of winter, and these golden, laughing, sprightly beings are one of my favorites!

But upon hearing the weather forecast for that night and the next few days I worried for the survival of  my cheerful sunny blooms.  So I snipped off the ones already opened, who ran the greatest risk of danger to their exposed delicate petals, and in so doing brought some of the joy indoor for our enjoyment!

Sure enough the next morning we woke up to a white blanket.  Faith exclaimed that it was funny how fast you forgot what snow looked like! :)

With the right attitude you could almost say the snow was pretty.  I mean we thought it was downright lovely back in November, why should we be so fickle as to have such harsh thoughts of it a few months down the road?

 Inside my rescued Daffodils smiled at us next to our glass chicken, singing a "cheer-up!" at anyone who gave them a glance.  Outdoors, their friends were not quite as fortunate, but something of the cheery, brave disposition still remained.

"This won't last" the little buds seemed to proclaim, "Why there is an April snow nearly every year; it's refreshing!"  And one nodding golden-green bud sang out "The sun will come out tomorrow!"

Well, sure enough they were right!  Because today, is tomorrow (please don't think about that one too long) and the sun is indeed out, and the flowers are welcoming it with happy smiles.  

You know, I read once that as children of the King we should always wear smiles, because we know how things are going to end, and know that the trials (big and little) in our lives, are not the ending, but rather a step towards it.  I think that we should translate the big picture down to our little bit of "Sprinter" and be happy and grateful, knowing that, as God is in control and plans the seasons, a bit of snow and cold isn't the end of the world, and we should smile through it, always knowing the sun is still shining just above that bank of foreboding clouds.

~Chs

The Big Finale

 So the syrup season is officially over.  We were blessed to be able to make a little over 10 gallons of syrup, so we celebrated by having some of our good friends over for a pancake dinner, featuring our syrup!

Delightful fresh fruit-salad to accompany.  

Blueberry Pancakes, 

Waffles... :) 

Love this family!

 :)

Yummy!! 

 Everything was delicious, and we had a blast catching up and chatting with everyone.

Afterwards the "grown-ups" talked while us "younger ones" played.  It was a beautiful evening, just beginning to get a bit chilly. 

We daily have so many things to be grateful to our Heavenly Father.  A couple of things right now, are maple syrup, and wonderful Christian friends!

~Chs

Benjamin Bunny Poses

He was rather overly attracted by the crocuses, but I managed to get a few shots before he had to be whisked away to avoid damage to the flowers. :)

~Chs

The Banquet

Every year we are blessed to be able to attend the Lapeer Pregnancy Center's annual fundraiser banquet.  As always, it is a time of wonderful fellowship, good food, lovely music, and informative speakers.  Here are some pictures from our time there this Tuesday.

{Adorable Table Settings}

{Friends} 

{Delicious food} 

{Donna Leuck, the executive director}

 {James Muffet, Founder & President of Student Statesmanship Institute, was the speaker}

As usual, we were reminded of the sanctity of life, even in the womb, and our duty to share the story of those who were preserved from abortion and how different life would have been without them.  It was a great night with many donations given through the silent auction.

~Chs

Tangible Joy

The crocuses have blossomed, and they are drops of laughter,

Little cups of sunshine,

Tangible Joy.

And I love them very much.

A Sweet Ending Story

Maple Syrup production is in full swing, but a lot went into getting to the point where we can enjoy the sweetness whenever we so desire (which is rather often to be honest).  First was the building of the sugar shack, on some of the coldest and nastiest days of course.  Josiah built it with pallets, filling in the gaps with extra wood to create nice solid walls.  He topped it off with a metal roof, complete with a sophisticated vent to let the steam escape.  Next they had to set up their brand new, truly real, evaporator.  Very shiny, fancy, and efficient.

We were able to procure a large supply of buckets and spiles from an elderly friend of ours who has been making syrup for decades. As soon as the weather had reached the appropriate height, out went the buckets to capture the dripping sap.

Once 40 gallons had been collected, we started the boiling-down process.  Josiah is our master maple syrup maker.  He babies the fire, watches the boiling, decides when to draw off, and when to put in; in short, he makes sure everything runs smoothly.

The magnificent structure.

So if anyone is interest in Pure Maple Syrup, we have it here! :)  And for those of you who are interested in knowing the behind the scenes, Josiah is going to be boiling for the next 2 days at least, and would be happy to tell you anything you want to know!

~Chs

2 Days in My Life

This year my birthday was a little different in an entirely good way.  Every Thursday, Mom, Faith and I volunteer at the Pregnancy Resource Center's Clothes Closet.  We have many friends there, and one of them, dear Kathy Brandt, has a birthday just 1 week before mine (and exactly 60 years earlier!)  We had planned a little party for her and I.

We made a carrot cake.  Mumsie and I and had much fun shaping and decorating the cake.

This darling little Duckie was the end result! :) 

 We had a delightful party, although sadly Kathy Brandt was not feeling well and couldn't make it.

I am very blessed with wonderful friends and family!! 

Friday morning started out rainy but warm and wonderful, with decadent crepes filled with Strawberry/Blueberry sauce making up our breakfast. 

Later that day I took my Ducklings out for a dabble in the mud.  It was their very first outing out back, and my first walk in our back yard since I tore my MCL.

{When fashion is beaten by practicality and comfort. :P}

It was a lovely time outside and I am so grateful for the warmer weather.

That evening we had a party! Josh, Theresa, and Grace joined us. 

Turkey Cordon Bleu, Oven Roasted Squash, Canned Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, and Raspberry Pears!  Delicious and filling.

Our dessert that evening strayed from the normal Birthday dessert for 2 reasons. We had cake the day previous (and Cake and Ice Cream after dinner is always too much for me) and I LOVE Ice Cream Sandwiches.  So, I made them! :)  They were awesome! 

 {Flowers: they know me well}

I am so grateful for having been placed into this wonderful, real life, unique, wise, down to earth, farming family.  I also thank God for the 22 years of life He has given me, and pray that I might use the next year to His glory!

~Chs