Making a Memorial Display for Leah Grace

This Sunday marks one year since Leah Grace went to be with Jesus. I've wanted to make a special display area in my home that I could display some pictures and other items from her birthday, March 20 through the 99 days until the day of her passing, June 27. Finally today I finished making the collage picture and got it up in our dining room with some other pictures. The memory photo box contains a couple favorite pictures, a mold of her little feet and one of the little knit hats she wore in the hospital. All very precious things and something to hang on to as a special way to remember a very special little granddaughter.

Remembering Leah

This day has been so beautiful. The first day of spring, almost 70 degrees outside-- lots of time spent outside today. This is also Leah's birthday. I'm glad she was born on the first day of spring. There will always be so much more meaning to this day now. Her life was so special and even though some of the memories will fade, she will never be forgotten. Looking forward to the day when we will see each other again brings such a sense of happiness. I was at coffee today with my oldest two daughters and we were rehearsing the day Leah was born. Waiting for hours and hours at the hospital and finally getting a peek at that precious little one. I remember being struck with what an absolutely beautiful baby she was. It seemed like right from the start that God's hand was on this little life and He would use her to bless many people. I didn't feel sadness today, really, it was mostly just a review of the specialness of her life. Much to give thanks for, much to remember -- precious Leah.

Surprise of Spring

Today as I started out on my usual morning walk, I was feeling weary of the cold, drizzly, dark days. Just as I was thinking it was never going to end, and spring was still a long way off, I was literally smacked in the face by a low branch on a tree. Guess what was there on that branch? Several small pink flowers just opening up. It was an announcement: Spring is just around the corner! I was so amazed. It's only January 16 and already I'm seeing signs of spring. I love the change of seasons. Each one has a certain delight and variety. But here in the Portland area, winter means mostly dark rainy days. I could wish for the snow of my childhood days in Minnesota but then again, if I lived in that northern state I would not be enjoying those early signs of spring like I did today. So after that run in with spring, the rest of my walk was a search for other signs. They were there: heather in bloom, daffodil spikes already several inches tall, buds on many plants starting to swell. Spring will burst out into song soon and I will be watching.

Trying to perfect my bread

I started making bread the first year we were married. So that means I have over 30 years of bread making experience. Now I don't make all our bread but I do bake a few loaves pretty much every week. My family's favorite is potato bread. I love any bread that has a crusty outside and a soft chewy inside. When I started baking bread back in the 70's my goal was to get really good at it. I don't think I've reached that level yet but most of my bread does turn out. Lately I've been trying to duplicate the kind of bread you get at Panera Bread. For those of you who have never been to Panera or don't have one in your area, I think it's my favorite place to get a wonderful lunch. Their soup is fabulous and so is the bread. It's crusty, chewy and soft -- just like I want my bread to be. So yesterday I spent some time reading about making bread that way. Then I practiced. The bread did have a good crisp crust and the inside was soft, but it still didn't quite make the grade. My family says they hope I just have to keep trying because they are loving sampling it all!