Connections

Tonight was the first gathering of "Connections" a new initiative in our church for young adults age 21-40. No, we don't fit into that category, but Jim and I have been asked to help as hosts for the group. We hope to reach some folks who may not be connected to a Sunday School class, and want the opportunity to share faith and fellowship with others in a relaxed setting.

Tonight we met at the home of David and Susie Ricke, and as is tradition during this season, we were greeted by Santa himself waving from the front window.

The beautifully decorated tree added to the warm holiday atmosphere, and we enjoyed the welcome we received from the Rickes.

Even Sophie did her part to make each guest feel welcome. She also did her part to keep the floor free from crumbs.

Since we were part of the host group for the evening, we thought Jon and Adam would be happy to join us. Oh, were they ever happy!

Dawn, Bev, and Susie made up part of the "older" group who will be hosting each month.

I noticed the Pioneer Woman's cookbook in the kitchen area, and asked if Susie had been trying her recipes. I have been reading the Pioneer Woman's blog for a couple of years now, and the famous Mountain Dew Apple Dumplings recipe is one of hers. I learned that David Ricke is a friend of hers, and has been visiting their ranch for years. I had no idea! So cool!

Of course, Susie isn't the one that tries the recipes, but Chef David does. In fact, he told me that his recipes might have been included in the cookbook, but Ree (Pioneer Woman) wanted to include only recipes that could be prepared in an ordinary kitchen. Since David most frequently cooks on a ginormous cooker on wheels, his world famous culinary creations did not qualify. He did manage to appear in one of the photographs in the book, and I am very honored to know him, and thrilled to know someone who knows the famous Pioneer Woman. I repeat, so cool!

And, true to form, David was busy at the stove keeping a close eye on the spaghetti sauce.

We had the opportunity to spend some time visiting before dinner. We learned that congratulations are in order to the newly engaged Nicole and Jeremy. They will be married in June.

Host David spent some time visiting with Keith and Melody.

David was in character, inviting the guests to "come and get it."

Susie is caught mid-sentence. How unusual!

Josh and Erica enjoy one of David's stories. He is quite entertaining.

Jimmy welcomed the group and allowed us the opportunity to introduce ourselves. We were happy to meet Mary Beth who came from Bloomington to join Jimmy for the party. Jimmy blessed the meal, and we filled our plates with delicious spaghetti, salad, and bread.

A lovely assortment of cookies for dessert. I think Susie had been baking all day! Not!

Jonathan and David sharing stories at the table.

We finished the evening with some time for discussion about direction and desires for this group. The "younger folks" had the opportunity to share what they would like from the group, and what would make them want to come back. The next gathering will be in January at the home of Bev and Larry. We hope that "Connections" will allow for the opportunity to connect, build relationships, and grow spiritually.

P.S. Jonathan managed to snag my camera before the end of the evening, and got a rare photo of yours truly. Silly boy.

Ah Sugar Sugar

Sugar Cream Pie has been a tradition for us for about 27 years now. It was Thanksgiving 1982, and I was very pregnant with our first baby. I was not feeling that great during the Thanksgiving meal, but, not recognizing I was actually in labor, I ate two pieces of my favorite pie, made by Rheadawn. David was born early the next morning, and Sugar Cream has been a special treat for me ever since.

Rheadawn was gracious enough to share her recipe with me, and I have enjoyed making it through the years. Not as good as hers, but acceptable nonetheless. It is one of the three things I know how to make. Cooking is not my strength, you know.

Rheadawn says real butter is the key. Melt one stick over medium heat.

Add one cup of sugar.

And 1/4 cup cornstarch.

Stir, stir, stir, until smooooth.

Add 2 1/2 cups half and half. I actually use 2 cups half and half and top it off with 1/2 cup milk. That way, I can make 2 pies from a 1 quart carton of half and half.

Add 1 teaspoon of good Haitian vanilla and a pinch of salt.

Cook until thick. Keep stirring!

Baked pie shells ready and waiting. Love Pillsbury roll 'em out crust. I don't think Rheadawn uses these.....

Pour sugar mixture into baked pie shell. Bake for 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Remove from oven and sprinkle with nutmeg.

Share with friends and family.

A Very Stewart Christmas

We celebrated Christmas today with Grandma and Grandpa Stewart. We were able to enjoy family, fun, and food, and worked in a little football too. (Saints and Colts are still undefeated!)

As usual, plenty of food for all.

Jim said a prayer, and Grandma and Grandpa got the party started by filling their plates first.

Janet's awesome salad.

Carter celebrates a Colts' TOUCHDOWN!!

And then does some tricks with Gramps.

Jim and Harper do a little pre-meal relaxing.

A plate of your basic "team dinner spaghetti."

Steve digs in.

Grandma and Grandpa received a lovely two piece cabinet to hold the auxiliary pieces for their tv. The boys carried it in for all to admire, and we hope to get everything transferred and hooked up shortly. Grandpa received a book about Indiana weather that I am sure he will find very interesting.

We then moved downstairs to continue our celebration. Jonathan enjoyed a little nostalgia by sitting on the Little Tykes, which, by the way, he is not.

Grandma and Grandpa enjoy listening

while Jim reads the Christmas Story. Jennifer, Arden, and Dustin listen too.

Daniel and John enjoy the story.

Janet captures the action on her new video camera.

Steve has his own way of appreciating the stories. Adam, Jessica, and Harper try to keep his snoring to a minimum.

Paul reads a story too. Paul has been working hard transferring old slides and photographs to jpeg images and gave each of us a thumb drive so we can enjoy the old and historical family photos on our computers.

Jim, Arden, and Jennifer listen.

Grandpa, Grandma, and Susan.

When the stories were over, it was time for the grab bag gift exchange. Each participant brought a wrapped gift valued at $10. When your turn comes to choose a gift, you may choose a wrapped gift from the pile, or you may "grab" someone's already opened gift. It's lots of fun, and makes for some interesting exchanges.

Andrew looks pleased with his box of kitty litter.

And David loved his garden statue. Unfortunately, both gifts were "grabbed" away from them before it was all over.

Dustin managed to grab the PU Snuggie for Jennifer, and she even modeled it for the crowd.

John and Grandpa enjoy looking at some of the old pictures together.

One last picture, taken by Jennifer, includes the AGR men in the family. Andrew had received an email requesting photos of multi-generational AGR families, so we thought it would be a great opportunity to take on of Grandpa and his legacies. The picture includes Josh, Tom, Steve, Paul, Grandpa John, Andrew, Jim, Jonathan, and Adam. Pretty cool.

Today we are thankful for our family, near and far, and for the precious gift of the Christ Child.

And Friends are Friends Forever

On Saturday evening, we were blessed to share a meal with Dave and Jamalyn and their sweet children, Margaret and Nathan. They will be moving soon from Milroy to Indianapolis to a new home and a new church. Joining us for dinner were Jim and Jere, David and Shylah, Jennifer and Dustin, and Adam.

Nathan was sporting his neat new haircut, and was thoroughly enjoying the dining experience. He declined the high chair, and was glad to sit (and stand) on a big chair with the group.

I'm thinking he'll be popular with the ladies... just look at that smile.

Margaret was not so interested in eating dinner, but was having a great time playing with the nativity set. I heard her say, "Mary, time to wake up."

While Margaret is not much of a meat eater, it appears that Nathan fits right in with the Stewart group. He found the t-bone to be quite tasty, and attacked it the best way.... cave man style. :)

Mmmmm..... so good!

I think I'll start calling him T-Bone.

He shared with Daddy Dave. What a good boy.

He even saved room to share some peppermint ice cream dessert with Mom Jamalyn.

It tastes so much better with a little on your hands and face.

Dave and Jamalyn brought me a beautiful plate with a saying to remind us of the special times we share with friends and family.

God sure knew what he was doing when He brought Jamalyn to GUMC. We immediately fell in love with her sense of humor, her energy, her practical faith, and her compassion. Dave and Jamalyn are pastors with the gift of making everyone feel like family. Our connection has included so many special shared experiences.... book club, climbing out of Haiti in a hurricane, marrying David and Shylah, Margaret's visits to the farm, Purdue games, and texting my bff. I am so excited for their new opportunity, and I know St. Luke's will be blessed, just as we have been.

A Kindergarten Christmas

It was dark and wet outside, but warm and bright inside Arlington Elementary School as we were entertained by Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students celebrating the Christmas season with music.

We were welcomed to the program by Principal Julie Innis, and the auditorium was filled to capacity on both levels with parents, siblings, and grandparents.

After hearing the tone chimes and the band presentations, we were ready for the Kindergarten class. They started with 10 Little Angels, and then sang 5 Little Snowmen. I guess counting is the thing when you're in Kindergarten.

Matthew liked keeping his hands in his pockets, but did take them out to do the motions for the songs. They were a cute group.

This is a short video clip of the group singing 10 Little Angels. Be sure to pause the blog music so you can enjoy the singing.

After the show, Matthew greeted his fans with a big smile. He enjoyed being surprised to have his daddy and Darci come for the program.