T Party! Tea Party!

Well, I neglected to take any pictures of the 12 of us (plus babies) sitting around the table this morning drinking tea and munching on tarts, tangerines and Treasures cereal.  I am really disappointed I didn't think to take any till too late.  This and a full dishwasher are all that remain. 

It was quite a treat of a T party to mark T week.  Kate was the utmost party planner and helper, together we dug out a full tea service from the basement, trays, teapots, and tablecloth, too.  We even went out and picked some of our lilacs for centerpieces.  This morning she polished the chairs, vacuumed the floor, helped set the table (cups, saucers, napkins) while I made some 'tarts' (glorified pie dough- dairy and egg free!)  Our friends came dressed in their best (one young gentleman even sported a tie!) and the scene was temporarily idyllic as the manners came out and tea and treats were enjoyed.  Of course, in due time there were tears and tantrums, too.  (But we had to have them, as they begin with T!)  This we moms decided was a party to be repeated as it was such fun!  Perhaps with the kids a bit older next time the tantrums and tears would be less and we might endeavor to try a treasure hunt!

Ta-ta and Tootle-loo!

A Bit of Happiness

When you have to change all the sheets in the house in a day...putting the ones that remind you of coffee cup stains on the bed is a bit of happiness.

So is spotting this (from behind because they probably wouldn't look as happy if I came around with a camera) after cleaning up the dishes...with piles of laundry left to fold in the background.

I'll take a bit of happiness and run with it!

Preparing for Apples

 This weekend we had a friend come and help us trim our apple orchard (how many trees qualifies an orchard?  We have 18 or 19).  It was a learning experience for Kurt and me though with the girls in tow he hopefully came out with a more fruitful learning than I did.  (Haha fruitful learning!) 

 I did learn a 'famous' apple trimming saying of the orchard's previous owner- "You can kick a cat through a well trimmed apple tree."  I like it.  And I must say after all the trimming the guys did the trees are looking ready for cats. ;-)  Or at least much better and hopefully ready to bring on the blossoms.

 Here are the little stick haulers.  Kate ended up getting sick later in the night...she and Kurt both have high fevers today and are couch buddies but hopefully the fresh air did them good this weekend those colds will be kicked in no time.

This isn't even all the trimmings. You'd think we'd cut down a couple trees with pile we made.  We're waiting to do that after a year and we see what we get.  Then perhaps next spring we'll be adding a few new trees to the orchard to replace a few of the ones that aren't fairing as well.

On a side note:  Another request answered by God in our new home!  I have been asking Kurt for a lilac bush (my favorite flower) since we've been married.  It will be 5 years in June.  Well we discovered at least 5 in our backyard beyond the apple trees!  Thanks Kurt!  God certainly provides in abundance!

Bean Sacrificing?

One of the additions to our Lent this year at the prompting of Holy Heroes Lenten Adventure is the Bean Jar.  For every sacrifice made put a bean in the jar (or in our case the jar is our "Lenterpiece"). On Easter morning all those sacrifices turn sweet as the beans are replaced with jelly beans!

Heaps of Love (a reflection on today's gospel)

Matt. 5 43-48

While struggling with some 'mean girls' in high school my mom once gave me the sage advice to heap kindness on them.  In other words, regardless of the hurt what they say and do cause you just continue to be kind.  This strategy in my world is also known as "Kill 'em with kindness" and I likened it at the time to heaping coals on your 'enemies' head. 

This is certainly not an easy thing to do and in doing so the revenge outcome (of hot coals) is short lived because the work of being kind (loving another) is transforming.  Not only does it have the power to transform the relationship but perhaps more importantly it has the power to transform the lover.  Like in  today's gospel Christ tells us that our enemies may be fit to hate but WE are not.  Hating hurts us!

My mom's advice put into practice (and the gospel message lived out) have been proven in my life.  Even those who hurt us may come to love us.  And even if they don't...we are still meant to love and be transformed.

(I have been trying to read the daily gospels for Lent.  This was a reflection I wrote in my prayer journal and thought I'd post it here.  And good is the work of the Holy Spirit.  Any fault found here is mine. Lenten Blessings!)

Q is for Quinoa

Quite tasty!