spring pie

this rhubarb pie was a thing of beauty, don't you think?  i have made many both average and delicious pies that aren't real eye-catching.  that's okay.  this one made me happy when i pulled it out of the oven.  and i want to remember it forever....so there! hahaha

then at my dear mother-in-law's this weekend she one-upped my rhubarb pie.  hers was both pretty and extra delicious.  thankfully she always shares her recipes with me.  so next chance i get i'll try that one.  with a butter pie crust no less...who knew?  

so thankful for the home-baking and cooking role models around me and for the many ways they inspire me.  my ability to even make a flaky pie crust comes from watching my own mama make it over and over again and all the years she'd turn out endless pies or load a counter full of the best buttertarts. food was her tangible sign of love to her family and so many others who needed the encouragement her edible gifts offered to hearts and bellies. 

one of the good ones

 somehow i got to be raised by this great man.  my dad~ my mosquito squashing, fixer of broken things, garden growing, the man with the infectious laugh and always hard working dad.  

 thankful he's here to invest in this little guy too.  

thanks for staying the course, Dad.  

i'll forever appreciate that grounding presence through my life.  ❤

the best

let me tell you about the heart of this man i married so long ago, back when we were wild and free :). honestly, the capacity of his heart continues to amaze and humble me.  as Father's Day approaches later this month, i continue to feel overwhelmingly blessed that God saw fit to match me with this human as my teammate and soulmate, this father of our crew.  he is fiercely loyal to his family, steadfast and strong, unwavering, deeply compassionate even with astounding sacrifice on his part, and always able to help connect the "light" to my "heart" as we navigate parenthood and life together.    

on this particular morning it was minutes from Jeff leaving for work, and he was taking care of some unfinished paperwork, when sweet baby C. woke with his adorable bedhead.  Jeff scooped him from his crib and perched him on his lap while he wrapped things up.  i snuck a photo, because it's so characteristic of his style of parenting, for the last almost twenty-five years. yep, that's a really long time....  

he loves so well, and as best as he is able.  he juggles a lot and never complains.  he provides and gives and then gives some more.  he strives to honour God with his whole life and how he raises his children and how he models character and integrity.  somehow, on top of everything else, he takes care of me, and my heart.  

soooo thankful for you Jeffrey, you are the best!