Thursday, April 25, 2013

Love is a bag of buns

Dear Ben,

I keep thinking about our argument last night. You know, the one about bread?

Obviously it was about more than just bread (we're deep like that), but still, it was bread that set the whole thing off.

Today, I feel pretty silly about my role in that quarrel. But, at the same time, I love that you will bicker with me about bread, because through such superficial arguments we tackle some of the deeper issues.

I'm trying to grow from last night's spat.

I'll try to listen better. React with love rather than frustration/annoyance/snarky comments.

And to address the surface level of our fight, here is a peace offering: a bag of buns, a stack of sliced turkey, a rosy red tomato. May you create the tastiest of sandwich in whatever your preferred medium -- bread or bun!

With love,
Erin


Tuesday, April 16, 2013

The thorn

Here is a beautiful poem for those times in our lives when the fragility of our bodies, the short measure of our years, and the mystery of suffering brings us to our knees. Whatever your thorn may be, may it indeed grant you a glimpse of His face.
I stood a mendicant of God before His royal throne
And begged him for one priceless gift, which I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart
I cried, "But Lord this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift, which Thou hast given me."
He said, "My child, I give good gifts and gave My best to thee."
I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore,
As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace,
He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face. 
-- Martha Snell Nicholson

Monday, April 15, 2013

The walking challenge

I've been walking up a storm this month as part of Anti-Automobile April, a challenge presented by blogger Mr. Money Mustache.

Mr. Money Mustache argues that in order to save money and avoid some of the pitfalls of car culture (i.e. costly repairs, crowded parking lots, etc.), people should either walk or bike when out for errands under 3-5 miles (approximately 5-8 kilometres).

Halton Hills is a small town, and most of the errands I make or destinations I frequent are within the 5-8 kilometre range. And so, I've been walking.

Walking or biking is obviously not only good for the wallet – we all know that exercise is important for our health. But it can be hard to squeeze physical activity into our day when we treat it like just another item on the to-do list.

Rather than viewing exercise as a separate errand to complete, consider walking (or biking) to the grocery store, the library, or your job site. Yes, it requires more planning, more effort. But it really is worth it. While driving offers speed and convenience, walking allows you to think, to chat with family or friends who join you, to really see your neighbourhood, to say hello to strangers passing by. And it's really, really good for your health.

Mr. Money Mustache posted the video below, highlighting the benefits of exercise – even low density activities like walking. It's worth the watch.

At the end of the month, I'll be sharing how many kilometres I ventured via car and foot. Although April is half over, it's not too late to join in the challenge! Your wallet and your heart will thank you.


Friday, April 12, 2013

It's a cookie kind of a day


A tradition with the extended family on my mom's side is to throw a recipe shower for couples getting married. At the shower, the couple-to-wed receives favourite recipes from the family along with some of the required ingredients and/or baking tools/pans.

One recipe we received that has been often whipped up in our home is this one for Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies (that's no typo; double the chocolate, double the fun).

Today, with all its rain and dreariness, called for a cookie (or three) and some tea.

Here's the recipe for when you have your own cookie kind of a day.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)*

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. In large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; stir into the butter mixture until well blended. Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or just until set. Cool slightly on the cookie sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

* I never add the walnuts. According to Ben, nuts and raisins are destroyers of cookies. 

Thursday, April 11, 2013

I dream of Agnes


Okay, so there is freezing rain today. Spring is still here, technically, and we can pretend that it is balmy outside. And once that balmy springtime sun starts shining, I start dreaming of camping – of roasted hotdogs and marshmallows, of wilderness walks and lazy beach naps.

This year, we have a baby in the mix, so there will likely be fewer spiderdogs and more baby-consoling-sessions, fewer lazy naps and more games of keep-the-baby-on-the-beach-blanket. Camping will likely be a bit more complicated this year.

Adding to the complication is determining what we need to bring camping and how to get it there. How will we fit all of our stuff, and D's stuff, in the car? Where will he sleep, since we can't stuff his Pack n' Play in our small tent? What if it's raining the whole time? What if he can't sleep?

I spent some time looking for tips online, and it was then that I stumbled upon the Big Agnes Flying Diamond on MEC's website. And my, she is lovely. We could fit several Pack n' Plays in there! We could spread out a few blankets for D to play on if it rains. And, God willing, should we have more children, we could easily fit them in there, too.

Ben says we should hold off and see how it goes this year, making use of what we do have. There is wisdom in that. But still, I dream of Agnes.

I'd love to hear from you. What are essentials for camping with a baby? Any tips, suggestions? We really do need Agnes, right!?  

Saturday, April 6, 2013

A mother's comfort

As a mother comforts her child,
    so will I comfort you. – Isaiah 66:13a

Wonder week. Four-month sleep regression. Whatever you want to call it, we're in it.

D's on the cusp of learning new skills and the world as he knows it is undergoing dramatic changes.  He's moody, he's unpredictable. He won't go to sleep unless I'm the one to put him down. Daddy? No, thank you – you are there to make me laugh, but certainly not to put me to bed.

It's exciting to see him develop and grow. But it's tiring, draining, when he cries his eyes out, when – exhausted – he fights sleep.

When I came across Isaiah 66:13 in the past, I thought about being on the receiving end of my mother's comfort. Of climbing into her bed on Sunday mornings and snuggling against her warm body. Of the way she can still reduce me to tears when she looks at me – really looks at me – and asks me what's wrong when I'm feeling sick or sad. Of back stratches and head rubs.

It's a humbling experience to now be on the giving end of a mother's comfort. And more, to imagine that God – the Creator of the universe and everything in it – comforts humans, comforts me, as a mother comforting her child.

That He loves me enough to pace with me – wailing – in His arms, gently shushing in my ear. That He draws me close to Himself, nourishing me with His own body. That when I cry out, He rushes to attend to me, to reassure me. That He loves me, loves Ben, loves D, with the same tenderness that this mother loves her son – but more, with a perfect tenderness, one that doesn't tire, that doesn't drain.

That the Creator would not only care for us, but longs also to comfort us.