Missing "Grandpa Mac"

Dad moved to heaven this past March. I haven't written about it...not publicly...

and for some reason, I feel compelled to write now. 

This Father's Day 2019 is my first without my Dad. 

Dad was always hard to buy gifts for...he said he didn't need anything; so one year for Father's Day I gave him a "Letter of the Month" from me to him. He hated talking on the phone and this was a connection that allowed me to share what was going on. I think he really enjoyed that...

he saved every letter.

I expect my four siblings are missing him as much as I am right now.

The shear emotion has taken me by surprise today.

I can only imagine all the emotions Mom is having as she misses her husband of nearly 61 years and the father of her five children on Father's Day.  

Dad served in the Air Force and was stationed in Nebraska soon after he and Mom married in 1958.

I loved to hear him tell stories about his service time...about his last flight shortly before his separation from the Air Force and how he feared it might be his last anything.

I love to see old home movies with him and mom and my two older brothers from that time period.

They made lifetime friends there. They made a home away from home there.

They navigated the ups and downs of life together and
set a beautiful example of two imperfect people making a wonderful life together.

Dad loved Mom and family. He especially loved babies and Pop and I were privileged to give him his first grand baby and to watch a whole new side of Dad. The silly side that could draw giggles from the bellies of our babies. Because Pop and I started young, we also were blessed to see our first baby deliver Dad’s and Mom’s first great-grand baby. Watching my parents with our babies and their babies has been an amazing blessing...to see their excitement with each pregnancy announcement and each birth has filled me with joy unspeakable.

Dad lived a good 83 years and his family is blessed. Blessed to have many years of memories. Blessed with the knowledge that Dad loved us all. Blessed to have been raised by him. Blessed to have camped, flown kites, and fished with him. Blessed by his smile, laugh and sense of humor.

I know that he is flashing his smile now. I don't know if he has that gap in his front teeth or not; but I know heaven will be perfect and we will be given perfect bodies. 

I always thought his smile was perfect so I picture him with the smile I knew most of my life.

We celebrated Dad's and Mom's 60th wedding anniversary in 2018 with a big family reunion and are so glad we did. It was a privilege to celebrate them and an honor to gather together.

My family is only a part of the story of my Dad...collectively, my siblings and siblings-in-love, along with Mom have been grateful to share in his life. We have watched him dance with our new brides, snuggle our new born babies, and teach us now to do life by living it.

Dad, I'm missing you terribly. I suspect I always will.

Happy Heavenly Father's Day.

I love you forever.

Turns Out You CAN Go Home Again

Some would say that you can't go home again...and I understand their meaning...nothing stays the same and though familiar, "home" is different.

Early in 2015, Farm Chick phoned Pop and asked him if she and seven of her "closest friends" could move back to Four Sisters Farm for a while.  With Pop and I it was a no-brainer.  We had lived with The Growing Table family before out at Four Sisters Farm and we knew we could do it again.

The plan was for Farm Chick and EJ to list their "city" home and build their barnhouse on EJ's family land while living at Four Sisters Farm.  They estimated it would be from the end of April to mid July but we weren't holding them to it...construction projects never go quite as intended, right?

What was different this time was that when we lived together before, EJ and Farm Chick only had two...then three children.  Farm Chick and I enjoyed our time together before with a ready coffee drinking female close by and a Grammy and Pop always happy to see some grandkids so we proceeded.

Pop and I moved back to the basement apartment where we lived before.  We tried to make room for a family of 8 on the main floor which is three bedrooms and two bathrooms.  It was good timing with the spring, then summer weather so the kids could get out and run...and run they did!  The backyard at the city house was spacious but not as spacious as Four Sisters Farm!

Pop and I had some travel scheduled during that time and it was a great fit having someone at the farm to feed cats and watch over things.  We didn't get to help much on the build which made us sad but when it was all said and done, EJ earned the respect of all.  He slept at the farm but between working his full-time job and putting in MANY hours at the barnhouse, we rarely saw him!

Farm Chick stayed REALLY busy with running her household with much less help from EJ and making decisions about the house.

God truly blessed our time together and blessed EJ and Farm Chick as they built their barnhouse.  There is really no explanation for the build going as well as it did except for being in God's favor...and Dennis the handyman which would be a whole other story which would like likely be called, "Two Story Stories"!

Head on over to The Growing Table if you want to know more about their fabulous new living space.

Now...to the other Four Sisters...who wants to see if they can go home again?  Pop and I love you all!

Christmas Cards 2014

To our dear friends, 2014 has been an incredibly busy year!  Like me, I know some of you have felt time speeding by faster and faster, and are making choices to do the best things and let other things go.

I look back at years gone by...busy with raising a family, working full time, heavily involved in church ministry and activities and have no "earthly" idea how we got it all done.

I never would have thought that I could possibly be busier now than I was then, especially without a full-time job! I know that we have four grown daughters, four sons-in-love, and 16 grandchildren who all live within an hour from us and with whom we are actively involved...I know that since I don't work outside our home, I can say "Yes" to requests to help out with things within our family circle.  It just seems that the days tick by faster for me than they ever have and I am called more and more to focus on the important instead of the urgent.

Having said all that, Christmas came and went without Christmas cards/letters being mailed out.  Our love for family and friends is as deep and intense as ever and I just felt it needed to be said...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all the Four Sisters Farm family.

We actually had two celebrations at the farm as one of our Unconventionals became ill and they missed the big gathering so we made it up later!  Enjoy the pictures from our celebrations!  We love you!

Birthday Blessings

EJ planned a birthday blessing for me (Farm Chick).  Instead of a typical birthday party he asked everyone to bring something to share that would encourage me.  It was a precious time and I was indeed blessed!

I wanted to write down all the scriptures that were read so that I could remember them. 

Grammy shared Psalm 112

¹ Praise the Lord.^[b] Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands.

² Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
³ Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
⁴ Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
⁵ Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.

⁶ Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.
⁷ They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
⁸ Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
⁹ They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever;
    their horn^[c] will be lifted high in honor. 
¹⁰ The wicked will see and be vexed, they will gnash their teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

Pop shared Colossians 3:12-14

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

My mother-in-law shared Ephesians 1:1-14

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

To God’s holy people in Ephesus,^[a] the faithful in Christ Jesus:

² Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love ⁵ he^[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship^[c] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. ⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace ⁸ that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, ⁹ he^[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, ¹⁰ to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
¹¹ In him we were also chosen,^[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, ¹² in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. ¹³ And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

My Father in Law shared Proverbs 31:10-31

^10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

EJ shared Psalm 62:5-8

⁵ Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
⁶ Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
⁷ My salvation and my honor depend on God^[c]; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
⁸ Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

 

My sweet family spent time in prayer over me.  What an honor!

(photos by Romeo...thanks so much for capturing this)

In case you think we are all too serious around here take a look at this poem brought to you by my sisters.  I laughed, I cried.  Thank you sisters!  This poem is precious to me.

My Birthday Poem
by DW, Rock Star and Pretty Princess

To our dear, sweet sister whom is much older than us,

We know you don’t need a big party or fuss!

But today we celebrate you and your life

A sister, a daughter, a mama, a wife!

There are too many amazing things about you to list,

But let’s name a few that can not be missed.

Your cooking is tasty, you feed us all so well,

Even a real Italian mama would think you are swell.

You always bring me coffees when we meet for a date,

Which is good cuz you owe me for often being late.

I think it’s your flip flops that cause this delay,

It may be time for new running shoes I’d say.

I shop for your wardrobe and keep you so hip,

You be lookin’ so fly you make your homeboy trip!

Your house is decked out in teal blue and some red,

You even sleep in a custom made DIVA bed.

You have an old sweater, all gnarled and such.

Dad bought it for you in college and you love it so much.

The fate of this garment is sad, but so true.

One day I will break in and steal it from you.

You’re a wee bit crunchy granola, you know it’s true.

With your raw milk formula, and healing broth soup.

You’ve sprayed off much poo from your stinky cloth nappy

And you’ve nursed your sweet babies till they’re full and happy.

Speaking of all things organic and clean,

You once bought me pure deodorant, you know which one I mean.

It happened to be men’s but how could you know?!

The brand name was Jason, but what does that show?

You tell your life story to the Target cashier,

A restraining order may be coming for you I fear.

But what do they expect when they ask, “Ma'am, How’s your day?”

Right now that’s a loaded question filled with so much to say!

I love our couch dates filled with rest for the weary,

Good conversations and laughter keep me from being teary!

Our kids are best buddies and that is so cool.

We kind of have a gang, but we call it homeschool.

You love the Olive Garden for reasons easy to see.

You simply want live there and drink peach iced tea!

The breadsticks are delicious but smothered in gluten,

So for now that tasty goodness be getting’the bootin’.

I polish your pigs and your fingernails too.

We talk about babies, pinterest, funnies and poo.

I finish the color, top coat and the rest.

I start the massage, but not the feet, it’s for the best.

All silliness aside, my sister, we adore who you are.

Your heart is like no other, your love reaches far.

Your life and your family speaks of God’s very heart.

To be His hands and feet is a lovely work of art.

These coming babies will bring much joy and some stress,

But rest assured your sisters will come fix any mess!

We will come to your rescue, we’ll clean and we’ll cook.

We’ll discuss every baby topic in the book!

We can’t leave out a word or two from your big sis,

She’s too far away, but this she would not miss!

She wants to bring up your abnormal fear of hair,

We’d discuss it more, but that’d  just be unfair.

She thinks it’s awesome that you make your kids all matchy,

And your ability to mess up song lyrics is so catchy.

She remembers you moving heaven and earth

To see your little niece, Lou Lou after her birth.

She also wants you to know that she thinks that you rock,

You were willing to take a whoopin’ over that infamous sock.

She wants you to know she misses you a ton,

And there’s no one that compares to you, not a single one.

So, enjoy this day meant to lift you up and assure you-

We will pray for courage, for wisdom all the way through!

We will hold sweet babies, we will do anything you need.

What a sight to see this precious family growing like a weed!

Happy birthday to you, our sister our friend!

We got your back all the way to the end!

Time with Three Cowboys and Ruthie

The Cowboys' and Ruthie's Shoes - lined up and ready for the next morning.

Pop and I are privileged to spend a lot of time with our grandchildren.  In a day and age when so many families are scattered across the country, the Four Sisters have stayed fairly close for most of their adult lives so far.  Right now, DW and her family are several states away temporarily and the whole Four Sisters Farm family pines for their return.  In the meantime...

Shortly after the Unconventionals latest visit, the Farm Hands (Three Cowboys and a Cowgirl Princess) returned to the farm for a visit while EJ and Farm Chick at Heart went out of town for a few days on a business trip.

We opened up the swimming pool. The fellas were prepared with their goggles.  The water was a little cool but the picnic table was nice and warm to lay on.

The Cowboys are good help - especially with the swimming pool setup!
Goggles and squirt guns add to the fun!
When you get too cold in the water, warming up on the sun-heated picnic table is so nice. 

We hunted turtles for our Family Fourth of July Turtle Race and were very successful!  We created a turtle habitat to keep them in (Pop actually had to create a better one as two escaped from our habitat.).

We helped Pop, ate "alotsa" snacks, had waffles and pancakes for breakfast, played with our superhero cousins, and generally had a great time just running and playing at the farm.

Bubba made a "C" out of his waffle - homeschooling is fun!
Lil Ruthie eating a less messy version of a s'more.

The cowboys' Lego creations and proud Ruthie
Wubba driving Miss Ruthie
Ruthie checking out another "ride"

B: This grasshopper pooped on me!
Grammy: No, it's just chewed tobacco.
B: What's tobacco, Grammy? 

That opened up quite a discussion...I explained that when I was a kid we called it that because it looks like tobacco spit...that will teach me!  It is actually just a chemical produced as a defense mechanism for grasshoppers that was called chewed tobacco because grasshoppers were pests in tobacco plantations. (Put that in your pipe and smoke it! Hee hee!  We seem to use so many crazy non-concrete sayings!)

B and W:  Cool mushrooms (toadstools)!!  Can we touch 'em?
Grammy: Sure!  But you can NOT eat these things!

Whatcha doin', Pop?  Cool! A spider web in the pole barn!
Cactus flowers that Pop brought us to see and a poison ivy lesson.We don't want to touch it or the cactus!!

We heard from their momma that the following Monday back at The Growing Table, the kiddos were a bit bored.  That is good news for a tired but happy Pop and Grammy!

Family Funeral

Pop's Brother-in-Law

Pop and I recently traveled back to our home town to celebrate the life of his brother in law who passed away.  His sister, now widowed, has walked a painful road for some years. Her husband had Huntington's Disease which extracted a heavy toll on him, her, their three daughters and their families.  Huntington's Disease is a disorder in which nerve cells in certain parts of the brain degenerate which wreaks havoc in many ways.

Pop and his siblings - 2012

As we gathered with family, we were blessed to hear from Pop's sister and daughters stories  of God's grace and mercy. They shared with us stories of times they will cherish for the rest of their lives.  Stories of caregivers who love as they care, stories of food cravings fulfilled and long sessions of old shows like Lawrence Welk.  They spoke of scriptures, hymns, and a prayer life that transcended the illness that gradually stole their husband/father from them...but the beauty of it all is the true story of redemption...that this man, whose life on earth was difficult at best, now is resting peacefully with our heavenly Father; his struggles finished.  Because of the hope we have which is in Christ, we look forward to seeing him again - fully restored. Oh what joy!

One of Pop's brothers is a pastor and he was called upon to speak and to facilitate the funeral service. As the family gathered prior to the service, he called all the men to surround our widowed sister and he prayed over her.  The stark reality is that she will most likely need some help and he charged the men in her life as scripture dictates.  James 1:27 says "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:  to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Lord willing, Pop's sister will have many years ahead of her to enjoy her children and her grandchildren.  God has been and will always be out in front of her.  Two of her daughters live near her with most of her grandchildren. One of her sons-in-law is a physician's assistant and provided so much wisdom and love.  One of  her daughters who lives states away ca me home to spend time with her father...two weeks every two months...and what a blessing that was for all!

Pop blesses me consistently as I hear his prayers for his sister and her family...prayers for good memories, shortened grieving, and the peace that passes all understanding.  I cannot imagine surviving the trials of this life without knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior.  I cannot fathom the futile thought that this life is all there is.

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope." (1 Thessalonians 4:13)