Oh Take Me Out...

...to the ball game!

I feel very smug right now because I just got back from a Omaha Royal's baseball game. Why is this fact something to boast in? Before I tell you let me make sure my brothers are listening. Ready? I viewed the game from just a few rows back from home plate. Even my non sport lover self appreciated this great honor greatly. Yes all of the pictures were taken right from my seat.



I've decided I like baseball games. For no more reason than smelling hotdogs and funnel cakes and listening to crazy fans yell their heads off. Sometimes though a game can be embarrassing when you ahem clap at the wrong time.
By the way I don't know who won...because we left before the game was over, so we could go home and have ice cream; which was not fried in grease of any kind.

Summer just isn't too bad at times.

In Which I go to College and Mature...

A child leaves home for college and suddenly they are no longer a child but have blossomed into a adult. Well maybe not always...
Yes college does mature a teenager, but it also gives them freedom to do things that weren't allowed under their parent's supervision.

Take for instance one Sunday night. A few of us were gathered around the table nourishing ourselves on leftovers. A bowl of finger jello accompanied the meal. Before my very horrified eyes I watched as one of the boys proceeded to slurp the whole piece of jello into his month. He wasn't finished though, he slide the Jiggular right back out! Everyone was highly amused by the shocked look on my face. Surely I thought I was dreaming when of my female friends did the very same thing! Sheepishly announcing "we never got finger jello at home"!

Slurping however soon became dull, and the Olympics of food began. Yes, these college students were spitting their jello across the table with a very violent force. Head were ducking up in down to avoid being painted with gelled artificial coloring and flavor.

So the secret is out, college may mature a person but it may immature them anymore. You are probably wondering did I try? Don't ask silly questions, I would never be so unlady like under normal circumstances:)

Sneaky Seniors...or Maybe Not

Thursday found Chapel rather empty and far too quiet. The seniors had gone off on their annual senior sneak.
Their objective was to disappear and not be noticed until they had fled campus. However the whole thing was photographed by even sneakier Juniors:)

Apparently the seniors decided since they hadn't gone out with a bang they would come back with one. Oh and did they ever.

4:30 am I'm sleeping quite peacefully and resting up from the weekend. Abruptly my slumber is disturbed by the phone ringing. Dearest roommate leaped from her warm bed to take the call. Just a friendly notice from a senior announcing they were back. How thoughtful of them.

They needn't have called for very quickly and efficiently two senior guys managed to wake the whole campus; by driving around in circles and blaring their horns very repetitiously. Needless to say the entire school didn't get more than 5 hours of sleep, if not less.

I do dare say those seniors indirectly blessed us with a lesson of practicing a cheerful attitude when one feels just the opposite.

Oh my I will miss those crazy seniors next year.

Life in Someone Else's Kitchen

Life has been quite busy lately. Packing up nearly all your earthly belongings does take time. Shopping is quite fun but even I grew weary after 4 trips in a week.

Staying at my aunt's has been a welcome relaxing experience. Two of my cousins are staying here as well this month and I get to help take care of them (they have disabilities). Much to my delight I've been doing lots of cooking. Graciously I'm allowed to make whatever I fancy. Naturally I couldn't be happier. Everything I'm assured is good and we take lots of walks to keep our figures trim:) Being me though there have been some blunders...

I picked up the delectable looking chocolate pie my aunt had made for the church potluck. Thinking all the while perhaps some else more graceful should carry this. Safely the pie arrived to the van and carefully onto the floor. Quite soon the pie wasn't quite so lovely for it received a rude implant from my sandal. Gladly there was a very sturdy plastic lid or I'm not sure the pie would have graced the table.

The very next day I passed the cookies and half of them slid onto the table. Good thing nobody asked for the milk:)

Baking cookies was I when I broke the measuring cup. Not 5 minutes later I broke the spatula. Later I scratched the baking sheets!

Honestly I don't try to be so hard on things. Gadgets never break at home. Well I suppose my mixer doesn't work as because it's been dropped so much. But you know sometimes accidents just happen.

I think I'd just be happier of they happened less. Perhaps I won't say that so far no one has fallen ill from my cooking. Because you never know that could be tomorrows blog post:)

Unexpected Joy

The unexpected. Life often throws something completely different at us than our plans. Often its challenging to adjust but by God's grace we make it. We walk through the rough dreary days to be able to step out into the sunshine and laugh. The unexpected quite uncomfortable at times. and other times so much better than the expected.

I expected to have Bible study and supper with 4 of my friends the other night. I never would have guessed the unexpected was coming.

My hand touched the door knob and opened the door to the family room. Unexpectedly my ears were greeted with "surprise"! The exuberant group of girls broke into celebratory song of "Happy Birthday". Slowly it began to sink in. Nearly all of friends from our church fellowship were there for a surprise birthday party for me. Cameras were flashing and I couldn't find a thing to say. Never in my entire life had I received something so unexpected.

Let me pause here before the party commences to tell you I was absolutely thrilled to be surprised. I always thought it was the most romantic thing to be given a surprise party, just like the books. Yet I never thought it would happen because of my keen sense of awareness. As I assured my friends many times I was completely caught off guard! On another note without knowing my friends had thwarted my own plans for a party. I planned to host a birthday party for me but determined to let the birthday part remain secret. If I thought I was going to be sly my niece Abi was even more so:) Now for some details for those who would like to hear.

As my brain started functioning again I began to remember what a mess I looked! Oh was I glad that I discovered at home that my shirt was on backwards:) But I didn't care because the first event of the evening was being announced.

The stage was given to me for my very own cooking show. I would be baking my own birthday cake! Without a recipe no less.
Normally very talkative I think I was too in shock to be thinking about baking a cake. Nerveless I added what I was sure was of the staple ingredients and lots of baking powder was added to ensure that it would rise. I dumped in a rather extravagant amount of vanilla for flavor. Making sure as well to put in a good dose of chocolate:) While the cake baked we were divided into teams and sent on a digital scavenger hunt. Our main goal was to take pictures of the detailed ideas given to us. Among the more challenging one's was catching the 5 very petrified kittens so they might be photographed in one place.

Capturing three girls bathing in a tub was easier once we found a real claw foot tub instead of the stock tank. Our group picture proved to test our flexibility yet didn't score many points with the judge.

After the other team was declared the winner everyone got to sample my cake. My niece said it was best eaten with ice cream on the side. I'm thinking someone put a little too much vanilla in:) Gratefully there were brownies to suffice our chocolate desires.

A plethora of fun had been enjoyed but before the party dispensed my nephew insisted my gifts should be opened. So many pairs of earrings were added to my jewelry box that I think I may need to get my nose pierced to show case them all. Just kidding mom!
Chocolate is always a sure favorite of mine but I found the cards to be the very best gifts. I'm savoring the very lovingly written notes, reading only one or two at a time.

Words can't express the love I felt. I came home and just wanted to cry from the overwhelming feeling of gratefulness. I'm not any more perfect or special than any of my other friends. On the contraire I'm just the opposite at times. Yet my friends took time and effort to bless me in a very special way. It reminded me so much of God's grace so undeserving are we of it. Yet God expects to take it on our knees as we worship Him

My precious friends I love you. Your love was shown to me in the most unexpected way. Whenever I think of my 19^th birthday in coming years I'll remember the friends who showed me the love of God.

Yes I'm a Big Girl Now; I can Cook!

Cooking escapades seem to be a frequent topic around here probably because cooking takes up a large part of my life. Sunday we will be having our annual Easter breakfast at church. It will be potluck with every kind of egg casserole and a delightful array of pastries. Of course I will be contributing as I have since the age of12.

I do remember the year very vividly that I purposed to make a egg casserole for the church potluck. My memory is so clear that I blush every time I remember. No there wasn't a Salmonella outbreak over raw eggs. No it was much, much, more embarrassing.

Just beginning to learn the art of advance cooking I purposed to mix up the egg casserole and bake it a church so it would be nice and hot for the breakfast. Unfortunately I neglected to calculate the time this would take when taking into consideration our arrival time. Upon coming to the church I stuck the scrambled eggs into the fridge to chill before baking. Moments later someone came and asked if it was orange juice. No it was eggs I proudly announced. They wondered if perhaps I wouldn't like to bake them so they would be done in time? I agreed upon this wisdom and stuck the eggs in the oven. With little time to bake before branch.

Other casseroles began to arrive and were stuck into the oven to warm already in their dressed state. My eggs sat half naked in the oven however just beginning to come a hot temperature.

The very hungry parishioners were enjoying a devotion in the fellowship hall when their appetites were quickly dissipated. You see the aroma of burned eggs isn't very appetizing.

When someone had checked their casserole mine had spilled to the oven floor when the rack was put in place. Thankfully the smoke alarms were kept silent or I believe I honestly would have died.

The smoke cleared, and my eggs finally made it to the table long after the food line had moved past the much yummier looking breakfast delicacies.

I remember how proud I felt to prepare my family's potluck contribution. I felt so grown up to hang around in the kitchen and help the food. Exchanged looks of grief did not escape me of my cooking flop. Realizing very painfully that I had very little cooking knowledge and was just in the way.

Yes perhaps its the most humiliating of experiences that teaches you the most. At any rate I've never made an egg casserole since for the Easter breakfast. Deviled eggs are on my list to make tomorrow. No baking required.

Giggle + Giggle = Girl Time

March 27, afternoon

Warning: If there be any male readers don't bother wasting your time for it will only make you become very frustrated at the opposite sex. If you do dare read I offer no explanation for the following behavior described only that it is completely natural.

I can hear the plink of the ice has its hits the windows. I'm glad to be in our cozy house next to the woodstove. The vegetable soup from dinner is still keeping me warm. When I get cold again I think it will be time for a tea party. Sadly the ice will spoil my plans for a little girl time tonight. But that’s okay because the company of females has been enjoyed plentifully this week by me.

First you see there was the party where I just knew it was going to lovely as soon as I drove up the Bradford tree lined lane of my friend's house. Blossoming trees in full spring bloom no less. We giggled and talked over Mexican food and chocolate fudge. Conversing while sitting at a round table, very elegant I thought. Between shared glances of radiant smiles I gazed out the tall French doors past the deck and looked at the lush green of the wheat crop covering the surrounding fields like an emerald valley.
Lovely, just lovely.

Until we were interrupted out of our secret sharing reverie taking place in the darkness of night on the trampoline, by a rather horrid looking ghost mask worn by a very naughty boy. Since we were girls we screamed loud enough to be heard in the next county. Scared us right out of our flip flops.

But that’s okay because there were 5 girls (strength in numbers) who walked each other to our perspective cars after a rather sad adieu.

That was only the beginning however.

I don't know how all the silliness started after church. I think it had something to do with trying to keep warm while standing in a tight circle. Swaying seemed to help, yes a circle of 11 swaying girls going in the same direction. The boys thought it was slightly odd.

Presently the form of movement grew boring so we decided to pop up and down one at a time in quick fashion.

Now the boys were really staring at us.

Such frivolous activity soon found its end for a new much more purposeful game was brought to light. Let me explain, it was like Musical chairs, only with no chairs, lots of slapping of hands, and singing. Makes perfect since doesn't it? The game of course couldn't be played without a good deal of jollity. By now the boys were so shocked and perhaps even embarrassed at our behavior they pretended not to notice. Except for occasional applause at our “singing”. Then we were embarrassed.

So we laughed until others compelled us to return home. I danced beneath the moon with my friend giggling away feel altogether entirely too silly. I drank it all in, longing to fill the dry dessert of my soul. Parched from so many times of loneliness and tears. Now distant memories erased by the shared laugh and touch of a friend.

The smile remained on my lips days later, the memory new just as if it were yesterday. Sadness only felt when I remembered my friends weren't by my side. But they will be again perhaps here on earth but most assuredly in heaven. Beautiful laughter will be shared every moment then.

Irish Cooking

I'm wearing my one and only green shirt today because of the Irish holiday. In honor of the dear old saint I got up at 6:00 this morning to fix us some Irish scones. Now really all I need is some red locks and I can have people "kiss me because I'm Irish". Thankfully I'm not Irish and even if I were you can be sure they wouldn't be kissin me now would they? Imagine an Irish borough coming through.


Irish Soda scones were just the start of my Irish cooking today. Irish stew is simmering away for supper. Minus the lamb because I heard "Little Bo Peep" too often growing up. Missing also that good Irish whiskey because I believe in temperance. I also believe in substituting where needed so I put in a can of good old American root beer. I hope mother doesn't find out till after supper. I do hope it turns out, I think its a little too soon for another cooking disaster.

We used not to be Irish, as long as it was green it counted as a dish to be served for the celebratory meal. Unfortunately this included spinach however most gratefully there was pistachio pudding for dessert. Not to be consumed until the spinach was eaten. One fateful St. Pa tricks day I couldn't seem to keep the slimy spinach down after swallowing it whole. The lime jello, green of course, suddenly found it self covered in already eaten spinach. Perhaps I should have warned you in case you were just finishing your corned beef in cabbage.

The memory remains vivid to this St Patrick's day. Now we are a bit more gourmet and I'd like to think more traditional with the meal. Corned beef and cabbage is accompanied by the above mentioned soda bread. Fresh squeezed limeade is served along with peas. No spinach allowed!

We may be pure bred Mennonite but don't say didn't try our best to be red headed Irish men.

So I wish you a top of the afternoon and if nothing else do at least have mint ice cream for supper.

The Tragady of the Pumpkin Soup

Cooking just hasn’t been my thing lately. Of course I’m sure everyone will agree with me that we all make mistakes. But well I topped them all the other Sunday, it wasn’t appealing, trust me.
Pumpkin I learned recently is one of those vegetables that are just very good for you. In honor of our health I decided to serve pumpkin soup for dinner. Pumpkin soup is rather gourmet, so I was delighted to bring such culture to our farm kitchen. I think it could have been grand and glorious. It wasn’t.

First of all I decided I wouldn’t use a recipe, while a recipe could have enhanced the flavor. My downfall was not in that sector. Rather with the onions.
We love onions of our house and have what seems like gallons of them in the freezer. Knowing that pumpkin soup is not probably the most well like dish. I thought an addition of mom’s caramelized onions would perhaps help it to slide down easier. It would have been a good idea. However it wasn’t, later in this discourse I will tell you why. But first back to the soup preparation.

Broth from the freezer was put in the soup pot along with the canned pumpkin. An extra large can no less. I added minced garlic, salt and pepper. And last of all the fateful onions. Peacefully the soup simmered all morning while we were at church. Before serving I attempted to add half and half however it was sour. Milk worked just as well not mention low fat thus being easier on the waist line. I served up the marvelous creation feeling rather pleased and imagining how healthy we were going to be. Really I could just see our muscle aches fairly disappearing like magic.

I took my first taste, not bad at all, but I didn’t sense any fireworks going off. Two bites later I found myself choking the soup down. Suddenly the days of Lima Bean soup were coming back to haunt me. Quickly I realized something was erroneous, but what? Why didn’t the onions taste succulent as usual? What were those black strings in the soup? Horror gradually filled every fiber of being as I realized what those so called onions were, bananas.

Our freezer holds many things, broth, ice-cream, applesauce, frozen veggies from the garden, grass fed beef, many things I don’t know about, onions, and frozen bananas. These bananas and in particular were quite black when they had been froze. Caramelized onions are quite dark in nature, hence the mix up.

I thought about finishing the meal without confessing my mistake. However no one seemed to be going back for seconds. Most embarrassedly I admitted what was really in the soup. Mother laughed and laughed in-between fits dad was let in on the joke. It had been a long time since we laughed so hard at a meal.

Our meal was concluded with cheese and apple muffins. Healthy not to mention tasty.
Later that evening all I could think about was that awful soup. Not the fried chicken and pecan pie I had consumed but that pumpkin soup with bananas floating in it.
I don’t think I’ll be serving pumpkin soup any time soon even if it is healthy and gourmet.

Boys will be Boys

Today was interesting to say the least.

I was treated to a ring side seat at a burping and "tooting" contest during my Bible class. No I didn't laugh nor did I glare because little boys only do such---noises for those reasons.

Reminded me of meal times with my brothers. I never could win a burping contest against them. Mother was always grateful of that. Of course we are much more civilized now. Obligingly though the nephews take up the trend now. Speaking of which we will entertaining nine nieces and nephews tomorrow, all day.

I'll probably have stories to share with you for weeks to come by the time the sun sets.

I promise to be the perfect aunt and give them unlimited suckers while they watch Pooh Bear all day. Oh did my sisters just read that?

Opps ! Time for bed!

08

Yes I know we are in 2009 now, for the past month however my journal has been dated in 08:)

Absent minded I am. One bright sunny Saturday morning I even forgot how to toast bread. For the life of me I just couldn't remember the proper steps. So I buttered the bread before toasting. By the time I was eating my rather soggy toast the correct process came back to me:)

Crazy, no. Someone who floats in the clouds living day dreams. Yes:)