Wednesday, January 27, 2010

I Saw a Leaf Fall to the Ground Today...

Last year on this day I quoted a poem by a beloved professor of mine. I think it's worth reposting today.


I saw a leaf fall to the ground today.


For an entire season it had clung proudly to its place, gleaming brightly in the summer sun. It had felt its usefulness and beauty. But when embraced to Autumn's cold breast, its beauty faded; it became shriveled and sere. Still, it clung tenaciously to its accustomed spot on the branch. After much urging by a gentle wind, it wavered between its desire to remain with the known, and the desire to experience teh unknown. Finally, it embarked on its new adventure, and sailed happily with the breeze and gently fluttered to join many of its cold companions, and to meet many of a brighter hue. When it came to rest, I think I heard it release a sigh of contentment.
I am now in the summer of my life - enjoying my place, feeling of some use and service. When the late Autumn of my life comes, I think I shall be like that leaf I saw fall today. Certainly, I shall hesitate to leave the accustomed. But I know that once the great adventure is begun, I shall sail into eternal contentment.

You who see the leaf of my life fade and fall; Do not mistake that final breath as a groan. It will be a joyful sigh of release into the hands of my Great God, Creator and Savior.



CW Smith - November 14, 1972

Today marks three years since my mom went home. I'm so excited for the day we're reuinited.



Monday, January 25, 2010

Cucumber Martini's

When we were cruising Alaska, we had the pleasure of trying one of their cocktails - the cucumber martini. It is delicious. So delicious that soon after coming home I made it my mission to recreate it. The winning recipe (makes two):
4 ounces of gin
2 ounces of apple pucker schnapps
1 ounce of sweet and sour mix
1/2 ounce of simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar, boil water and add sugar until dissolved.)
About 12 slices of english cucumber
Cut up your cucumber, set aside 6 slices for garnish. Chop the remaining slices into little cubes and tip it into a shaker.
Add simple syrup to the shaker and muddle with the cucumber.
Add gin, schnapps and sweet and sour.
Fill with ice.
Shake shake shake.
Pour into glasses, put a cucumber on the rim of the glass and two slices floating in it.

Enjoy!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Three Years Ago Today...

...was the last time I spoke with my mom. Today is my parents anniversary - I believe it would be their 33rd. At this point we knew that she was dying, although the doctors had given us hope that she would be with us for a few more months. Tim and I headed down to Kent after work that day to drop off an anniversary gift - tulips, See The Morning CD by Chris Tomlin, and Lady in the Water by M Night Shymalan. Tim (the other Tim) and Chie had cooked dinner for my parents and when we came in they were eating in the dining room. Mom seemed to be doing really well that day. She was walking, talking, even eating a small amount - something that had been getting more and more difficult. We stayed only briefly, wanting them to have time together, and headed out. Three days later she went Home. By the time I got to her she was unresponsive. The whole family was there, which could have only been by the hand of God, and we held her hands and tried to comfort her until she was with Him.


I really miss her. The silliest things set me off, like not being able to remember a recipe at the grocery store and knowing that she'd be able to tell me what to get if I could just call her. I know that she's finally well, and happier than I can imagine, and that we will one day be reunited, but it's hard. I still cry myself to sleep every so often, but the pain is becoming less sharp, and I know it will continue to lessen as the days go on.


I apologize that my first post is ages is so unhappy, but that's just what I'm feeling right now, and this seemed like as good a place as any to get my thoughts out. Signing out.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Christmas Catchup

So...I've been taking some time off of blogging lately, but I figured it was about time to get back into the habit, so here we are! I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and New Year, we certainly did. It was busy and crazy and exausting, just the way I like it.

We got to decorate cookies with friends, enjoy a Christmas Eve Eve date, have multiple family celebrations, and managed to get in some time for just the two of us on both Christmas Eve (breakfast and mimosas and one present each) as well as (early) Christmas morning (stockings and presents.) And let me tell you, we made out like bandits. Between buying presents for months in advance, and Tim's discount at M+O, there was a lot of loot under that little tree.

Below is most of the stuff we got, although I couldn't find everything online and I can't find my camera cord, so I can't just take pictures. But still....this is a lot of it.

For Tim:


For me:








all the clothes are from Martin + Osa (wow, that's a lot of clothes!)
So, I have a new wardrobe to wander around in, delightful! Now I just need to work off those Christmas cookies to make the clothes look just a smidge better on me. :)