The biggest change came a few days ago. My grandpa said goodbye to his earthly body and is now experiencing glory. I can only imagine what heaven must be like, while I cry tears of sorrow and joy.
I'm anticipating sweet time with family this weekend as we gather, both far and near, to celebrate his life and mourn the hole he's leaving behind. He used to always say, "be sweet" as we'd say goodbye after a visit. And he gave the biggest of bear hugs that left you with the lingering smell of his spicy cologne. I could always count on his regular prayers for me, for Pete, and our children. And I loved the sound of his laugh.
In the midst of my sadness though I've been enjoying the beautiful colors of autumn in our area.
The other morning the kids and I took a walk (it was 70 degrees afterall) and collected some leaves. I love decorating with natural things, and got the idea last year to preserve some leaves by dipping them in parafin wax.
If you're interested in doing the same, here is what I did.
MATERIALS:
about 30 leaves (make sure they aren't dried out and crumbly, or wet)
24 tealights
a clean, empty coffee can
a small saucepan
wax paper
DIRECTIONS:
1. Remove tealights from their tins and pull out wicks.
2. Place coffee can in saucepan, load with tealights (as many will fit), then add 1 inch of water to the pan. ***If you add the empty can to the pan of water before adding the tealights, you'll create a pocket of air underneath the can. Not what you want.
3. Use medium heat to gradually melt wax. (About 10 mins. to melt all of the tealights.) Do not boil.
4. Then, holding leaves by their stem, dip just the leaf portion in the wax, let excess drip off, then lay on wax paper until dry (about 10 mins.).
***You can also use a black permanent marker to write things you are thankful for on the leaves prior to dipping and later clip to a string with tiny clothespins to display.
I'm anticipating sweet time with family this weekend as we gather, both far and near, to celebrate his life and mourn the hole he's leaving behind. He used to always say, "be sweet" as we'd say goodbye after a visit. And he gave the biggest of bear hugs that left you with the lingering smell of his spicy cologne. I could always count on his regular prayers for me, for Pete, and our children. And I loved the sound of his laugh.
In the midst of my sadness though I've been enjoying the beautiful colors of autumn in our area.
The other morning the kids and I took a walk (it was 70 degrees afterall) and collected some leaves. I love decorating with natural things, and got the idea last year to preserve some leaves by dipping them in parafin wax.
If you're interested in doing the same, here is what I did.
MATERIALS:about 30 leaves (make sure they aren't dried out and crumbly, or wet)
24 tealights
a clean, empty coffee can
a small saucepan
wax paper
DIRECTIONS:
1. Remove tealights from their tins and pull out wicks.
2. Place coffee can in saucepan, load with tealights (as many will fit), then add 1 inch of water to the pan. ***If you add the empty can to the pan of water before adding the tealights, you'll create a pocket of air underneath the can. Not what you want.
3. Use medium heat to gradually melt wax. (About 10 mins. to melt all of the tealights.) Do not boil.
4. Then, holding leaves by their stem, dip just the leaf portion in the wax, let excess drip off, then lay on wax paper until dry (about 10 mins.).
***You can also use a black permanent marker to write things you are thankful for on the leaves prior to dipping and later clip to a string with tiny clothespins to display.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Welcome to our home.
Today I am thankful for...
...my husband and children, our home, family and friends, the sunshine and bright blue skies, the free gift of salvation and grace for each day, my heritage, that I can be a stay-at-home mommy, my husband's stable job, good nutricious food to eat, the many years and memories I had with my grandpa, and the hope of heaven.
7 comments:
Sorry to hear of this bittersweet time while you miss your grandpa.
The leaves are beautiful. Can you use them for more than one season?
Thank you for this post this morning. Great memories of grandpa. I can't believe I won't see him again this side of eternity, but SO THANKFUL he is seeing Jesus face to face.
I'm sorry to hear about your grandpa, for your sake. But I know the preciousness of the promise of being reunited someday.
The decorations are beautiful and inspiring.
Sorry to hear your grandpa died. Pray for comfort for your family!
Aww, Kris, what a sweet post. It is so fitting to be thankful for your heritage in a post about your grandpa's death.
The leaves are a very fun idea. Your house is lovely.
Krista~
I don't know you but have enjoyed reading your blog and I tried the leaf decor idea today...a complete success!! Thanks for the idea! lynne
Oh Krista.... I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know your grandfather was so dear to you. I remember how giddy you were telling me of his wedding a few years back! I will pray for peace for you and the rest of your family during this sad time.
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