Happy Easter!

and now for our weekly pre-church reality captured on camera this blessed day…

I hope it gives you a good laugh.

a little project with Annie

… Annie Sloan that is.  I read the rave reviews on DIY blogs and thought that I would finally get around to making an upcycled door headboard for our bedroom.

Here’s the before:

Here’s the after:

Annie Sloan, she is pricey that girl.  I had no idea until I was actually at the register and nearly passed out.  Just 2 days later, I came across this tutorial about how to make your own chalk paint by using plaster of paris and regular paint.  Wouldn’t you know.  Will definitely be trying that next time. 

First trips

Here is another family milestone-  Joseph’s first trip to the zoo!

Things went south before we even got through the gate. It was crowded, hot, and there was a thick cloud of pollen suspended over the whole place.  Our kids were tired and struggling.  To make a painful story short, we left the zoo after less than an hour.  It just happens that way sometimes!  We’ll be back for another try soon.  Whew!

Funnel Cloud

When this picture was taken from a hill overlooking my neighborhood, I was huddled in my closet with my five children, listening to a sound like I had never heard before in my life.  Loud pops and cracking sounds all around us.  The interior doors were rattling.  I could feel the hail pelting the house from inside.  I wondered if a tornado was tearing my house apart.  Meanwhile, the big boys are bouncing around in the closet and trying to open the door, completely oblivious to the potential danger we were in.

After a few very long minutes, the pelting stopped.  We emerged from the closet and went outside to find this:

Caused by this:

We’re getting a new roof and new vinyl siding.  Thank you State Farm.  Later we found out a tornado had touched down just west of us but it had lifted as the storm passed over our house.  Most of all, thank you Jesus for protecting us from what could have been!

Homegoing

I will always remember my sweet Grandma as a person who loved Jesus more than anyone I know.  My earliest memories of her include her singing hymns as she worked in the kitchen.  She lived a life of prayer without ceasing.  It was so hard not being there with her during her final days.  I am thankful I was able to talk to her on the phone, and tell her goodbye, that I loved her, and that I would see her in heaven.  She replied, “Home!”  That was the night before she died.

  Grandma’s wedding photo, 1933.  She was 17 years old.  My grandfather was a young Norwegian traveling evangelist staying with my grandma’s family, and he asked her to “teach Sunday school.”  I think that was his idea of a marriage proposal. 

  Grandma and me, 1977

Grandma took care of me while my mom was hospitalized for 2 months when I was in 4th grade.  I remember her meeting other families in the ICU and telling them about Jesus.  She taught me how to French braid my hair and how to make bread. She introduced me to traditional Norwegian foods like leutefisk, krumkake, gjetost and my all time favorite, LEFSE!  Some of my favorite memories are of family potluck meals out under her carport, with a big outdoor rug and lawn chairs set out.  I enjoyed many thrift store shopping trips with Grandma.  She called it “going junking.” 

Grandma and her 5 children- some fine Norwegian folk!  When I told Grandma we were expecting our 5th child, she was flabbergasted.  “What are you going to do with all those children, Ann?”

My dad took on taking care of my Grandma, which gradually became a full time job over the past few years.  What a picture of sacrificial love. 

Grandma’s obituary:

Lillian G Henriksen died peacefully in the early morning hours of February 13, 2012.

Lillian was born almost 97 years ago on the Tandberg Farm in Renville County, Minnesota. When she was three years old the family moved to Thief River Falls, Minnesota where she grew up and lived to become a young adult. She met Ingvald Henriksen, a young Norwegian immigrant who was just starting out in the ministry. Their relationship blossomed and they were married in December 1933. She often recalled it could get cold in Northern Minnesota, describing the temperature on her wedding day as 40 degrees below zero. Over the following years they pastored churches and held special meetings in Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon and Washington as well as ministered in churches in Norway on several occasions. Together they had six children; Ruth, Elizabeth, Eunice, Paul, James and Mary. Elizabeth died in infancy and Ingvald died unexpectedly in 1979.

We remember her life as one well spent: Unfailingly faithful and reliant upon God in both good and bad times, mother of six children, faithful wife and Dad’s partner in the ministry, homemaker, church organizer, program director, special events planner, hostess to world travelers, chief chef on a daily basis as well as special occasions, bible teacher, pianist, choir director, soloist, and friend to many. She held many of these positions long after retirement!

As a grand finale to her life, God in his great mercy allowed us 5 wonderful final days to be with her at Evergreen Hospice, where she was without pain and suffering and fully aware that her days were dwindling. This was an extra special time for family to come together and love on her, reminisce, say our goodbyes for now and let her peacefully pass into the arms of our Creator. Mom was such a dear person and we miss her so. However, she was truly ready and longing to “go home” and be with Jesus.

“ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

And here we are again.

This picture gives me déjà vu.

Holding our breath

We did a very small wheat trial- no noticeable reaction.  And then one more…  And then I let him eat a whole piece of delicious, fluffy white bread {GASP!}. 

He said, “Ooooh this is really good Mom!” 

He might just be able to tolerate wheat.  I think I might cry.  Thank you Jesus.