A coffee invitation

Lydia would like to have a farm so that we can have bronze pigs and cows like Fred Meijer has. The Michigan Farmhouse is a very nice Victorian house and barn. If you have not seen it yet, (it has only been there for a bit over a year) it is well worth the visit to the Gardens. It was very muddy there because they are putting in some new animal sculptures and the grounds were torn up some. It was nice though.

Here is Anna and my mother walking the paths at the Gardens. One nice thing about the winter is that you can see the nice homes that sit on the marsh at the Garden's edge.
When Lydia was little she had a perfectly groomed Magnolia on her lawn. Her father was known for being the best trimmer of Magnolias in the area! As a result of this tree, there are many pictures of Lydia as a little girl sniffing that tree. We thought that we would continue a nice tradition.
As well as pass it on to another generation of Malysa girls.
Here are the weekend drink orders if anyone is interested:

They are all worth trying and very delicious.

My dad: Tall Caramel macchiato.

Anna: New Horizon Organic chocolate milk.

Me: short cappuccino

My mother: house blend, black.
Owen: you know.

Lydia: Grande white chocolate mocha, half-caffe, 2% milk.

Anyone up for some Starbucks? Bring it over and we can chat.

A Grand Parent Weekend

When people ask what we did this weekend...We will say that we stood in line to eat. We waited for our food to be served at Wolfgang's for over an hour. That was annoying. We waited anther hour for dinner; this time at Logan's Roadhouse. We wanted a good steak. We had a nice time with the family despite the long lines to ingest very American portion sizes.

We spent some time at the Meijer Gardens. Anna enjoyed the Orchid wall and we really enjoyed walking to the "Michigan Farm". It was a little bit rainy on and off, but was very nice to be able to walk through the Gardens in the last weekend of January without a heavy coat. (Global Warming is not all that bad!)

We were downtown Grand Rapids and watched a bunch of late teen-early twenties ice skate. Dad told them all a made-up story about how he went professional in Canada, but came back to the States to pursue other ventures. Anna loved Rosa Parks Circle and running on the ice.

We ate lunch across the street at the famed Blake's Turkey that has been there for 14 years. Lydia claims that it was never there before. I claimed that she is just not aware of her surroundings!

Here we are on the ice. Owen did not seem to care whether we were home or downtown. It was a nice day.

We had a lot of coffee as we do when they are here as well. My mother agrees that the new percolator needs a glass top to "just be right".

This is my dad when he has spent more than one minute sitting. He is a restless guy. I will have a few more posts that show some of the great highlights of the weekend.

Traditions of Men

As you all know I am from Western Pennsylvania. In that region of the world there is a superstition that dates back ages. In the times when Pennsylvania was mostly Pagan (This is a reference to the Quakers) there arose a mystical beaver that held the power to change the weather and to predict the future. This giant rodent was captured by some towns people and placed in a prestigious home in the center of a little town. The name of the town is Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The people who captured him have all died and moved on to their eternal states, yet the oversized rat remains.....

Punxsutawney Phil, complete with poor oral hygiene, is worshipped as deity in that backwards Victorian town.

Does anyone have a great Punxsutawney Phil story?

I do.

But Groundrat's day is still a week away.

Lunch

Mmm. Lunch time. A time for carrots and noodles.

Gnothi Se Auton

The famous philosopher Socrates spoke of Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi. The oracle was said to be inscribed with the phrase "gnothi se auton" or in English, "Know thyself".

Now I do not commend heading down to the nearest pagan oracle to find out who you are, but I do think that it is wise to know your weaknesses and your struggles. You will not be able to fight off your sin without a battle plan.

I think that Anna has begun to know herself. She knows, from an early age, how her main struggle with sin will manifest. I hope that this self knowledge drives her to Christ as a young girl.

John Calvin said that there is no knowledge of God without knowledge of self; and there is no knowledge of self without knowledge of God.

Owen the creepy-crawly

Little Owen Justice is growing up so quickly. He has been crawling for a couple of weeks now and now he is pulling himself up onto things in attempt to walk.

Owen is able to pull himself up onto things, but he is not strong enough to keep himself there! (Sometimes the loving sister aides in the fall.)
He seems to be quite happy about this new found freedom. Some of his favorite spots to which to crawl:

1. Dog food 2. Dog water 3. Towards plants 4. Anything that will cause pain or injury

I witnessed this event for about 3 days before Lydia actually saw him crawl. She did not believe that he was actually doing it, but instead thought that I was exagerating for the sake of a good story.
Nope. He crawls and climbs.

Narnia tour in a Swedish station wagon.

Friday we were expecting the first snow storm of the new year. We were prepared. We had not seen snow in Grand Rapids for about 2 or 3 weeks. It was time for a new blanket of this lovely creation to cover our yard and our garden.
The snow came, as expected, on Friday. But, Thursday came first- and what did the providences of Thursday bring? Thursday the fan belt of the heating unit in the Volvo broke. What does this mean? Cold for one.


It also meant that riding home from work Friday night at midnight was very cold and I was looking out of my windshield through a defrosted area about the size of a billiard ball.
These pictures are from Saturday morning when I took Samson and Sedgwick out for their morning rituals. The back yard was so beautiful. I felt as though I was walking through the wardrobe into another land. (Sedgwick was Sir Tumnus and Samson was sniffing for Turkish Delight.)

Anna's House

I mentioned this week that we purchased a deep freeze from Sam's Club . My cousin Craig raises some really nice free range beef and we get a fourth of one of those girls to chew on all year long. (It is MUCH better than the stuff you buy from the grocer, even D&W. )

I was very happy to get rid of the trash that came wrapped around that thing --but we thought that Anna would like to play with the box for awhile.

This homeless-home is great. We have two windows, a door complete with latch, a nice bungalow style roof with a chimney (or 'chimley' to go along with 'deep freeze'), a light fixture, and even wall-to-wall carpeting! It is something!
Anna and Paige have spent some time playing in it, as well as Owen and Anna, Anna and her TV, Anna and her percolator and coffee cups... and on-and-on...

(Notice in the upper photo the light fixture hanging from the ceiling.)
Sedgwick has attempted to take it over as his residence.
Paige thinks that she would like to live in it as well; but not with Sedgwick!

At the feet of Giants!

Owen is always scooting around, crawling, pulling himself onto things, falling and starting again. Yesterday he was cruising around and decided to stop for a short respite. When I looked to see where he was he was at the bookshelf that houses the Works of John Owen- Owen is his namesake. I was glad to see that my Owen is already interested in the theologian of theologians, the blessed Dr. John Owen.
Ahh...Mastering Owen will take a lifetime. Owen- you've got that on your side!

Sedgwick and friends

Sometimes Sedgwick has friends over without asking us. Yesterday I came downstairs to find these two crashed on the couch! Sedgwick could at least ask to have Brian over! I would let him....I love that guy!

The unveiling of Owen's room.....

Today was a perfect day as far as work around the house, run errands, and being busy is concerned. Days like this are much more satisfying upon completion of assignments and not having another major paper due until the end of next month. Today is good.

This afternoon I went to Sam's Club to pick up a deep freeze. After researching the best deals (some) we found Sam's to have the cheapest per cubic feet (and it is General Electric as well).

When I got home we put that thing in its proper place and then I went upstairs to finish Owen's room. This was my main goal for the day. I put the last coat of Terratoza Tan color on the wall and then I scrubbed the floor to a shine that it has not seen in years.

I hoped that my artwork came so that I could hang that as well. It came. Perfect timing.
Here are the last pictures that you may see. I still have some odds and ends things, but the major stuff is done.
The artwork is all from a little company called Wonderful Items . You can find a lot of vintage posters there and some other fine art reprints. I would much rather have vintage posters because they represent history, art, as well as some personal taste.

All of the posters are of children's art classes that were offered in the 1940s. I think that they are really cool, Lydia thinks that they may be a bit metro for a boy of 7 months. Oh well, its not like he will sleep in it for a few years.
Here are a few details of the posters. As I said, there are some things that I still would like to get. I need a wooden rocker, two older pine shelves, a beige rug (or something else that will match), and some more vintage toys .

Everyone is invited over to see it. Call ahead!
Vintage toys would make a great room warming gift...but they are not required. (Just appreciated.)

Fat Kids in Gym Class....I guess I am tagged.

I've been tagged by Manda. (This is Nate; Lydia will do her own.)

4 jobs I've had in my life:
1. Convenience Store clerk (Age 15-20)
2. Pizza Maker (My first year at Calvin)
3. Theological Book Seller (Baker Book House)
4. Mental Health Worker (Pine Rest)

4 movies I could watch over and over:
1. A Muppet's Movie
2. Luther
3. Star Wars (the 70s ones)
4. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

4 places I've lived:
1. Corry, Pennsylvania
2. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
3. Wyoming, Michigan
4.Grand Rapids, Michigan

4 TV shows I love to watch:
I would love to watch (we do not do TV)
1. History's Mysteries
2. Trading Spaces
3. Emeral Live
4. The Nate Eshelman daily show

4 websites I visit daily:
1. In God We Trust
2. Wendler Cottage
3. Wood TV
4. Mine

4 of my favorite foods:
1. Sluggo's pizza (despite Lydia's hatred)
2. Pietro's lasagna
3. Veggie and cheese Subs (all fat)
4. Lydia's Hungarian Goulash

4 places I'd rather be right now:
1. Home with my wife
2. Germany on a romantic vacation
3. In Pennsylvania visiting my family
4. euronos (That is Greek for heaven)

5 People that I will tag:
http://nathanshelpmeet.blogspot.com/ Lydia
http://gretchenjohnson.blogspot.com/ Gretchen
http://paigejaquith.blogspot.com/ Paige
http://pilgrimthought.blogspot.com/ Brian
http://tanyawells.blogspot.com/ Tanya

The Joys of Young Love!

Most of us know the fun loving Teve-say Irn-Bay (we will use this name to protect him...There are a lot of wackos on line). Mr. Irn-Bay has been in love with a fine young lady for some time now. They have spent time together, exchanged fancy and convivial words of charity, announced their love for one another to a pile of friends at a Sunday meal...and now.....and now.....what is the story Mr. Irn-Bay? You know the story Eshelman.... I am going to marry the woman that I love!
Eshelman: That is great! I am so glad for you and Anna-jay Urries-Jay. You make a great couple. Anna-jay is a great woman and you will serve her well as a man.

Mrs. Urries-Jay is quite excited. (Lydia expressed an emotion at this exchange....I also expressed one.) Mr. Urries-Jay exclaims to Anna-Jay, "Why do you want to leave me?" We all share a laugh and the excitement grows as many-many-many people fill Irn-Bay's living room

and foyer

and kitchen

and dining room.

The bling (urban term for fine piece of jewelry) is very lovely. She requested the Sapphire...Irn-Bay wanted to fill that spot with another diamond. "It is very beautiful" exclaim all the women in the room...as they slip their left hands into their pockets out of feelings of inferiority.

Congratulations Ayemus-Shay! You are finally going to get a mother! We wish the newly engaged couple the Lord's blessing and ask that people be in much prayer as their May 27th wedding date approaches.

We love you and are very happy for all three of you!

Anna Grace

We never thought that we could ever be blessed with such a precious little girl.

Happy Birthday Shannon

Today is my Shannon, my sister's 26th birthday. I love her very much and hope that this year brings much reflection and meditation on who she is and who she wants to be as a person. (She is contemplating some life changes that would bring her thousands of miles and into new places.)
Shannon's birthday Psalm: Psalm 26:

Vindicate me, O Lord,For I have walked in my integrity.I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; Try my mind and my heart. For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth. I have not sat with idolatrous mortals, Nor will I go in with hypocrites. I have hated the assembly of evildoers,
And will not sit with the wicked. I will wash my hands in innocence; So I will go about Your altar, O Lord, That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving, And tell of all Your wondrous works. Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house, And the place where Your glory dwells.
Do not gather my soul with sinners, Nor my life with bloodthirsty men, In whose hands is a sinister scheme, And whose right hand is full of bribes. But as for me, I will walk in my integrity;
Redeem me and be merciful to me. My foot stands in an even place;In the congregations I will bless the Lord.
Feel free to email her and tell her happy birthday and how much you miss her! sreshelman@yahoo.com

Or you could write her: call if you want her address.

Cafenomics 101

Coffee is meant to be served in small amounts. Example: 6 ounces for Coffee and 4 ounces for Espresso.
To serve 20 ounce Cappuccino is something that the Italians would show to be another American supersized adventure!

Starbucks will serve you the short Cappuccino...but they do not tell you that they do. Although, officially, I drink Latte which is a completely different story, this is worth reading for an Economics 101 lesson:
Coffee Economics

Owen's future bedroom

After the recovery from the basement project we have finally begun the former study's conversion into the future habitation of the dear, Owen Justice. For some reason I always choose this type of time to begin a project: 3 book reviews due, a 15 page ministry proposal, and a 30 page paper on the Puritan, Timothy Rogers (1658-1728), and his views on the causes and cures of melancholy (old school term for depression). Oh well, pressure does make diamonds, right?

Well, our dear friend Paige was kind enough to do the first coat of paint for us as well as complete the wall paper removal. (Remember it was MY study and the wall paper was roses and hydrangeas?)

We chose the bedding for the two beds that are going to be in the room. We chose taupe Woolrich down and suede comforter-throws with beige sheets and pillow sham. I think that it will look great.

We have begun the search for vintage posters for his room and I have found a company that had some really neat ones from the 1930s that were from children's art exhibits and art classes. (When they come in the mail I will post a picture.) Lydia does not think that they will work as well as I do...We will see. If we do not like them I can humble myself to say that they are not what we are looking for.

We also have been looking for some vintage toys to display in the room. My mother has promised me a pull toy from the late 40s/ early 50s. That will do! We also have located a tin airplane that is really nice. We will find some other things as well. (Mrs. Pickering, I do believe that your relative owns an antique toy store or company of some sort.....We will have to talk.) These are just the beginning. We still have a lot of work to do, but it will be done in the next couple of weeks or so. (On a side note: these beds are bunk beds that are twin size. I got them both for $60 from the Pine Rest Source.... They are Pine as well....hm?)

Let us know what you think!

Ovaltine....yum!

More Ovaltine please...I thought that the Orphan Annie Decoder Ring was in the bottom of the glass!?

Click here for the original Orphan Annie Show theme song and Ovaltine commercial!

Night-Night Thomas

Thomas the Train is a good friend of Anna's. She thinks that he is a really great train. She loves his characteristics: hard-working, friendly, willing to be confrontational when needed, and especially his reflective personality. Thomas is always reflecting on whether he has been a good friend or not.

What a great little train! Night-night Thomas. Toot! Toot!

Qualities of genuine friendship

Tonight we had our friends, the Vedra family over. We had a really nice time discussing babies, Thomas the Train versus Brio, Puritan theology, and other areas of interest. Adam coveted some of our Thomas the train set while Emily put a nice track together.

While we talked, the children played with a variety of toys. Owen and Seth crawled around and grunted their needs towards their respective mothers, while Noah and Anna played rough...as they usually do. Noah bounced his face off of a pillar in the family room and they were each knocked down on more than one occasion. For some reason they think that playing like this is more enjoyable than nice play.

It is rare to see them sharing and working towards a common play goal unless it is "see who can want every toy first". Despite this style of play you can really see that they enjoy one another a lot as friends. Tonight we had about 45 minutes of really nice play out of them as a team. For some time they played with this German wooden toy that is really fun; they also read to each other for awhile. That was really cute.

Neither one of them know how to read yet but they both pointed and pretended as though they knew what was going on in the book. A make believe story line appeared as they both threw out words from their lexicons.
The book is Our Loving God written by a Scottish Presbyterian named Cairen MacKenzie. She writes really good children's books that are faithful to the text as well as theologically Reformed. (I think that the children are discussing the various aspects of the atonement here....maybe.)
They really do like each other a lot. Anna often will pretend play that Noah is here. She will walk around calling his name and say other funny things as though he were really present. Once last week she awoke and said "Noah?" She spent the next 20 minutes looking for him. She must have had a dream.
If you look closely at this picture you can see the various marks and bangs on their faces. Anna has a little mark on the nose and on the forehead. Noah has a scratch on the left cheek. (I encourage them to read more to one another and spend less time throwing dolls down the stairs....)

At the end of the evening they gave each other a hug before they left and Anna even kissed the scratch he got on his thumb. It is nice to have friends that you can read with as well as wrestle with. I think that more adult friendships should have these qualities.