Finally Back

It's good to be back. I missed you!

Please forgive my prolonged absence. Last spring, the Lord called me to a step of faith--to commit a considerable amount of time and energy to in-depth study of God's Word and facilitation of weekly core group discussions for our local Community Bible Study. Following some intense training, I began serving last month. This is a humbling experience, bringing a degree of painful growth as it lies quite a distance from my comfort zone. I'm thankful for God's mercy, love, and patience as I inch uphill toward, I pray, maturity in Him.

Mums Revisited
My experimentation with mums was a success. Here's a photo of the sweet yellow blooms that brightened our deck with the approach of autumn weather.


Cute Cupcake Wrappers
To dress up some carrot cupcakes for a clergy appreciation dinner, I found some darling brown tulip baking cups here. Just place the wrappers in your muffin tin, turn batter into the wrappers, and bake! I used a simple piping tool to add the cream cheese frosting without getting it on the wrappers. If interested, you might want to shop around; after ordering these, I found them at better prices elsewhere online.


A couple of other projects--a small, painted chest and a writing desk with an antique sewing machine base, both for our bedroom--were completed during my time away from blogging. I hope to share them with you here, very soon.

Blessings!

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

Isn't a baby one of God's most amazing miracles? Near the end of camp grandma, a talented friend met us at the park for a photo shoot of our grandbabies. She happens to love the swirly pattern of hair on a baby's crown, so she captured the top of Elliana's head.


A few years ago, Ethan's daddy photographed his chubby little feet.


Since I happen to think baby parts are just about the sweetest things around, I decided to display the photos of Ellie's crown and Ethan's feet with Psalm 139:14 for a meaningful (to me) collage.


Perhaps you would like to join me in praise to our heavenly Father for the miraculous, most precious gift of life.

A Most Wonderful Day!

Mackenzie Layne, our beloved first granddaughter, is heading off to college this week. Before leaving home, she decided to take a major step to signify her faith. She was baptized yesterday. It was a beautiful day in every way!

Pastor prayed for all the teens going away to school. That's Mackenzie, second from the left.

Here's our girl with her pastor's wife.

In the lake with her pastor and youth pastor.

God bless your every step as you continue to follow His plan for your life. We love you, Kenz! SO much.

Two Good Reference Books

I'm already dreaming of our own square foot garden come Spring 2011. This book is a very helpful resource.

I'm also loving the great homekeeping tips from this book. It's never too late to learn a few things, right?

Camp Grandma Photo Recap

The little campers are back home with Mommy and Daddy--and a brand new puppy! I'd hoped for a number of photos to share here, but let me tell you, it took everything we had just to keep up with our two adorable blurs of activity. Every now and then, they slowed down for a story or to offer a helping hand with chores.

Story time with Beepa

Preparing for visitors

Modeling the dustcloth

Showing an early interest in housekeeping

That's it; short but sweet. Aren't they cute? We miss them already!

Sunday Serenity

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

~ Psalm 139:23-24

Getting it Together the Old-Fashioned Way

As this year's wonderfully chaotic Camp Grandma wound down, I developed a keen desire to get it together, at least on paper, by setting some goals for this fall and beyond. Call me old fashioned, but I like to make a list with a real pen on real paper, preferably encased in a pretty little zipper binder.

I'm of two minds about smartphones. Mine is highly valued for its ability to connect with a friend or search the internet. On the other hand, where list making or calendar filling is concerned, I wonder whether a blackberry is best showcased in a cobbler or preserves.

A few of my goals as summer gives way to fall:

- Write a coherent post to summarize our camp experience.
- Regain consistency in studying the Word.
- Plan an autumn getaway with the hubs.
- Finish decorating our bedroom and bath. This has dragged on way too long!
- Design a square foot garden for 2011.

I might not accomplish everything on the list, but having written goals is a great help to this dinosaur.

Our Two Campers

Sorry I haven't posted lately--been very busy. This photo pretty much explains it.

Sunday Serenity?

It's really Monday and truth be told, Sunday wasn't exactly serene. We returned Saturday night from a whirlwind 20-hour trip--ten each way--to pick up our precious grandbabies for a week's stay with us. We all managed to make it to church yesterday morning, then we spent the rest of the day adjusting to our new routine. Today's going more smoothly, and soon I hope to report that we've hit our stride. Photos coming soon.

Getting Closer

In less than a week, we'll be sharing our space with two little campers. Although Ethan, four, is a veteran, this will be 16-month-old Ellie's first time to attend Camp Grandma. We're setting up toys and play tents at home, cleaning the camper--with tentative plans for an overnighter at a local State park--firming up an outdoor photo shoot, and gathering vital provisions--whole milk, healthy snacks, diapers, and camp pj's, to name a few.


We'll see how it goes.

Sunday Serenity

He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals his thoughts to man, he who turns dawn into darkness, and treads the high places of the earth--the Lord God Almighty is his name.

~ Amos 4:13

A Love Affair with Heirloom White

Buying new accessories for our home does not appeal to me as much as restoring the old. Maybe my attitude is fueled by the green movement, by empathy--after all, I don't want to be tossed out because of my ever-increasing imperfections--or by frugality. Most likely it's all of the above.

Enter Heirloom White, my new best friend. Back in the 80's the hubs gave me a cute country pine clock. A few coats of rich, creamy white extended its life and gave our wannabe cottage-style bedroom a touch of charm.


Next up, a couple of old mixed metal-blotched frames, now Heirloom White, display two IKEA note cards I've had for a few years, creating another bedroom wall brightener.


A dated oval print framed in dark pine became a chalkboard adorning the small space just off the kitchen. (I had my doubts, but a few coats of chalkboard spray paint did indeed transform the print into a message board!)



And now for a work in progress--an old pine chest to paint and place under the bedroom clock, next to a comfy chair and basket of books. I'm mulling over the idea of stenciling a monogram onto the front panel. By the way, I'm not a great painter. Thank goodness my HW spray paint is so forgiving.


Ain't love grand!

Temporary Trials

This was written in November of 2006, after Ethan's corrective surgery.

Since his cleft lip surgery, my little grandson, Ethan, has to wear splints on his arms to keep him from touching his mouth. They come off only when he has a bath or his clothes are changed. He's also being fed through a syringe. Unlike the bottle, the small syringe requires two to three pauses to refill. As you can imagine, he gets pretty frustrated--downright mad--about these inconveniences that are beyond his understanding. You might be amused to know that I tried showing him the syringe plunger pulling in the formula, hoping he'd get the picture and say to himself, "Oh well, my food is coming and everything's okay." After all, he's very smart.

Watching Ethan get so upset about the temporary trials that we know are ultimately for his good, I couldn't help but think about my own conduct when things are "going wrong" in my life. Do I trust that it's all working together for good, or do I scream at God for immediate relief?

I want to be a spiritual grownup, to cultivate a keener awareness that in all things, my Father knows what's best for me.

Mexican Rice

When a south-of-the-border entree is offered here in Rheteeta's* kitchen, the meal is considered incomplete without a side of Mexican rice. Until now, my easy way out has been to buy and prepare a mix from the supermarket. This evening, I finally got around to trying this recipe. Inexpensive and delicious, it received an A+ from the hubs, so I thought you might enjoy it, too.


*Rheteeta is a nickname my mom sometimes used for me. I think it has a Mexican sound appropriate to this post. My maiden name was Martin, which of course made my full nickname--seriously--RhetEEta MartEEnee. Mom had a quirky sense of humor.

Camp Prep Postscript

So that grandma's two favorite campers might enjoy some yummy frozen treats, I felt compelled to order a popsicle mold--makes ten at a time--based on Alice's review over at A Number of Things. I love the look of sheer enjoyment on the face of her little taste tester!

Preparing for Camp

It's almost time for Camp Grandma, an annual summer event around here, and I'm having a ridiculous amount of fun with the preparations:

Acquire garage sale tents for indoor play - check (Sheba can't wait!)
Store a nutritious baked treat in the freezer - check
Determine site for real campout in RV this year - check
Arrange for outdoor photo shoot - check

To do:
Make--or purchase--pj's for little campers
Shop for bubble machine
Head east for two beautiful grandchildren
Keep them entertained on long drive back
Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

There's been some talk of holding the babies for ransom. Maybe, despite their crazy summer ministry schedule, Mommy and Daddy will be able to carve out a few days to come our way at camp's end. If not, we will reluctantly transport our happy campers back home, smothering them with hugs and kisses to last until the next adventure.

Trust and Obey

I remember my departed dad's favorite hymn, Trust and Obey.

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, what a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Dad was far from musical. In fact, he couldn't carry a tune. But he loved his Lord. Looking back, I remember an uncomplicated man with a straightforward faith lived out by trust and obedience. So when I played the piano at the old church, and folks in the congregation were asked to select their favorite hymns to be sung, I knew what Dad's was going to be. Always. I could turn to it with confidence before he got the words out: Trust and Obey! What a cherished lesson lived out before this kid's eyes. I'm learning, Dad. Thanks!

Portrait Peasant Tops and Dresses

One of my favorite clothing patterns for a certain little granddaughter is the Portrait Peasant from the Scientific Seamstress.

First I made a test-for-size elongated top, shown above, with ruffled hem and short sleeves. I used some fabric from my stash--the same floral utilized here--and mailed the top off to Elliana's mom for an assessment.

After she assured me of a good fit, I used the same pattern to make Ellie's dedication dress, shown right and below. (A baby dedication is similar to a baby baptism.) This time I employed the cap sleeves, ruffled sleeve/neck edges, empire bodice and mid-calf skirt. Carla's patterns offer a number of style variations and lengths as well as a wide range of sizes.

We were privileged--as were the other grandparents--to be with Ellie and family on this very special day. My heart is filled with gratitude and praise to God for His many, many blessings!

Chermanda's Brownies

Chermanda--unusual name, you say? This delectable deep dish brownie recipe offers two variations--the first from my friend, Cher-yl and the second from my daughter, A-manda. These yummy treats--using Cheryl's variation--did a disappearing act at the church picnic; therefore, I can only present to you a "before baking" photo.

Cheryl's Version

3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1-1/2 cups sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla
3 eggs
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup baking cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or peanut butter chips (I like chocolate chunks.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 8" square pan. In bowl, blend melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add eggs; beat well with spoon. Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to egg mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in chips. Spread into prepared pan. Bake 40-45 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely before cutting (yeah, right).

Amanda's Version

3/4 cup cocoa
2 cups sugar
1 cup margarine or butter, melted
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1-1/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9" square pan. Melt butter. Meanwhile, in mixing bowl stir together the cocoa and sugar. Add melted butter and stir. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well. Add flour and salt; combine just until smooth. Stir in nuts. Turn into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake 50 minutes or until brownies test done. Cool (okay, sure) and cut into 12-16 squares.

Either version of these rich, sweet, dark and decadent squares is a rare treat from my kitchen, but when offered, we throw caution to the wind and embrace them fully.

Our Cheerleader (and so much more!)

Originally penned November 2007

I was just coming off a brief devotional time over coffee when it hit me.

While clipping dead herb growth with the lyrics to the hymn, "Great Is Thy Faithfulness," running through my mind, along came the part that says, "Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide." So all my life I thought of the word "cheer," there, as "cheer up." Sunshine, blue skies, la la la--but today, over dead oregano and marjoram stems, I believe the Lord put a new slant on it. He's cheering us on, saying, "You go! I'm on your side. I love you more than your mind can grasp this side of heaven. If you fall, I'm here to pick you up. I am your loving Daddy-Abba. You can make it...".

So if I get disgruntled and/or discouraged today--quite likely--I hope to remember I have a Cheerleader--the Creator of the Universe, no less--to set my mind and feet on higher ground. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (From Romans, Chapter 8)

Melissa's Deelish, Nutrish Banana Bread

Before the midday heat arrived, I baked this wonderful banana bread using three "dead bananas" that I'd stored in the freezer for just such an occasion. I love the plentiful size and appearance of Melissa's tube-pan version, but since there are only two mouths to feed around here--not counting Sheba's--I decided to split my batter between two loaf pans. I sprinkled some pecans--spritzed with baking spray to avoid burning--on one loaf for me and the hubs to enjoy right away. The other loaf--sans nuts in or on the batter--was wrapped, still warm, and whisked to the chest freezer in anticipation of Camp Grandma* later this month. What little palate could refuse a slice of homemade "naner bread," as I used to call it with my own girl?

While you're checking out Melissa's awesome recipe, I suggest you explore her sweet Alabama homestead. It's full of delightful surprises.

*Camp Grandma is an annual event on Raspberry Hill. Stay tuned.

Experimenting with Mums

My sweet mom was a gardener. She knew what she was doing with her soil and seeds and succulents. (Succulents? I needed something garden-related starting with the letter "s" there. Truth is, I don't recall any cacti growing in our Michigan backyard. Sunflowers, maybe?) We often found her happily weeding and feeding until almost dark. When company came--and Mom loved to extend hospitality--a garden tour was customary. Anyone else remember that practice, back in the day? An evening with friends wasn't complete until all the ladies went outside to look at one's flower bed(s). Mom's peace rose was her pride and joy.

Unfortunately, I didn't inherit the gardening gene; hence this experiment with mum clippings, true to my trial-and-error planting style. Remember the bumper sticker that proclaimed, "Don't Follow Me, I'm Lost?" It applies here. I think I read somewhere that it's possible to root new mums by pinching back an established plant, then transplanting the pinched-off portions into pots with potting soil and root stimulator, placing them out of direct sunlight, and misting as needed. So here we are--some random mum clippings, a little treated soil, and optimistic me. I'll keep you "posted." Meanwhile, I would welcome your gardening advice with open gloves.

A Sweet Little Garage Sale Find

A neighbor no longer had just the right spot for this tiny treasure of a lamp. At first sight, I knew it was coming home with me. It sits atop a hundred-year-old highboy in our master bedroom. I turn it on at dusk. It casts an inviting glow, and I smile.

America, the Beautiful

"The Bible teaches that the Christian should be law-abiding. The Bible also teaches loyalty to country. A loyalty and love of country does not mean that we cannot criticize certain unjust laws that may discriminate against special groups. The Bible says that God is no respecter of persons. All should have equal opportunities. The government of God is to be our model."

~ excerpted from The Social Obligations of a Christian by Billy Graham

Thanks to Chuck and Sharon Barnes for allowing me to photograph their American flag.

Making Lists

"I'm an obsessive list-maker. It's a simple way of feeling like I'm in control, and it gives me a sense of what errands and tasks are manageable. The best part is when enough things get crossed off and the list gets messy and I can make a new list and assess my priorities all over again. For a while I tried making lists on an electronic organizer, but I finally gave up because I missed the satisfaction of running my pencil through an item. It's just not the same with a Delete key."

~ from the delightful book, Simple Pleasures

Easy-Fit Pants

The Scientific Seamstress is among my favorite pattern designers. Recently I made a pair of lounge pants using this floral from my stash and Carla's Easy-Fit Pants pattern. They are so comfy, I'm wearing them out washing them. I put them right back on, still warm from the dryer. Like many of you who sew, I have so much fun stitching for others that I tend to go without, but desperate times call for...making another pair!

A True Friend

A true friend doesn't count the miles she drives to sit at your table.



She helps your doggie take care of some serious business.

And when she travels hither and yon with you, she doesn't keep track of how many times you get lost along the way.

Reprise

As the title of this post suggests, the following thoughts--although mine--are not new. I jotted them down awhile ago, during a challenging "niche transition."


Walkin' in the Light

Were you a fan of "The West Wing?" I was. I enjoyed watching the fictional President Josiah Bartlet and his staff deal with all the crises that came up while they were trying to run a Superpower. Yesterday I was reminded of a frequent line from that show: "We serve at the pleasure of the President."

Lately I've been happily involved in a couple of ministries: a regular Monday midday meeting with my prayer partner, and the facilitation of a weekly neighborhood Bible study. This past Monday, the first ministry had to be suspended indefinitely, and the second was jeopardized. I was inclined to seek out my comfortable old friend, the pit of "I'm not good enough." I likened it to my tension headaches; they hurt but I've had them so long, they've become an accepted part of my life. And so it was with that old pit.

Yesterday, though, while I stood at the edge of my pit, poised to jump, I realized how painfully inconvenient it really is in there. There's no light. No ladder either. Can't see much, and it's always so hard to climb back out. So I asked the Lord if there might be a different place to go this time. That's where "The West Wing" came in. God seemed to drop that line into my spirit, replacing the word "President" with "King." "We serve at the pleasure of the King." Meet for prayer or pray alone, lead a study or not, stay in a certain town or move on; it's all at the discretion of our Commander in Chief. Step by step, He leads us. Isn't that liberating? Seal the pit; I can't follow if I'm stuck in there. Besides, I'm lovin' my walk in the Light!

Good Golly Miss Molly

A few months ago, I discovered The Handmade Dress and fell in love with Samantha's straightforward pattern designs. To try them out, Ellie's mom and I chose the Miss Molly Sundress. I ran to the fabric store with its aisles of wonderment, and here's the result, in size 18 months. Easy and tres chic for our little fashionista's Fourth of July--no?

Ethan

Meet Ethan William, Ellie's big bro. I think he's pretty amazing.

Ellie

This is Elliana Grace. As far as this grandma is concerned, her only fault is that she lives too far away.

Sunday Serenity

If I live at the eastern horizon
or settle at the western limits,
even there Your hand will lead me.

~ Psalm 139:9-10

Berry Bread

My post about wild raspberries made me hungry for some of our favorite berry bread. It's pretty popular around here, and the recipe makes 24 muffins plus a small loaf in a pretty, giftable pan* for a friend who just might be having a birthday tomorrow.

I use this recipe with a couple of minor alterations. Two cups of mixed berries--red and black raspberries in addition to the blueberries--really pack in the flavor and add color. I've even been known to throw in a few extra berries when nobody's looking. I also like to sprinkle some crystalline sugar on top before baking, for even more flavor and a bit of crunch. I generally bake the muffins first, then the extra little loaf until golden brown and tests done. The recipe may be halved, although since it freezes well, I usually make a full batch. Enjoy!

*I found my pretty pans at Michael's for 99 cents each last Christmas.

Raspberry Hill

Welcome! I'm so glad you stopped by. I thought you might like to see how this blog got its name. Many wild raspberry bushes border our little patch of land. (In addition, a humongous wild raspberry tree popped up across the driveway last summer. A former city dweller, I hadn't a clue--raspberries grow on trees, too!) We live on a hill as well, great for riding mowers (not!) and grandkid sledding parties.

I share a cottage in the woods with my husband of 32 years and our lab mix rescue dog, Sheba--affectionately known as "Sheebs." They are both worth looking at but camera shy today.

Between the hubs and I, we have three grown, "married-with-children" kids--two boys and a girl--and nine grandchildren. The boys live closeby, but the girl is a ten-hour drive from here--or nine and a half, depending on how long it's been since we've seen her and her family. All of these dear ones just might appear in future posts.

Please stop by anytime for some wild raspberry bread and good conversation. I'm looking forward to your visit!