Tag Archives: family

Gobbling Up Holiday Leftovers–Repackaged

Janis Van Keuren

          Holiday leftovers are still making the rounds at our home. It’s one of the pleasures of this season that our family looks forward to. When the mounds of wrapping paper are wadded up and the lights on the tree are quiet, a slower pace descends upon our home. A time of reflection and a return to home-cooked meals enters as we try to restore energies spent in loving, giving, laughing, clinging to the treasure of family from California to … Continue reading →

Caught Between

Janis Van Keuren

       It’s a strange place to be. Wandering between joy and unexpected sorrow. Looking forward to rejoicing at someone’s wedding and suddenly hearing I will need to help plan a family funeral. To be suspended above the two, emotions hovering, not sure where to land. All happening within one of the most joyful, albeit, hectic seasons of the year.      My resolve to focus on Jesus and His birth this Christmas, to spend quality time in the presence of … Continue reading →

The Nativity Set That Knit Our Lives Together

Janis Van Keuren

        Chubby little fingers once wrapped around the knit Nativity pieces plopping them in place as we read about the birth of Jesus. Those toddler fingers that so desperately tried to show reverence while placing Mary and Joseph during the gospel reading would be spotted days later clutching a sheep or donkey while his pudgy legs raced pell mell ’round the living room. Occasionally, even Jesus took off in flight. It was a sight that still lifts the corners of … Continue reading →

Asian on The Menu–Indonesian Beef Cooked at Home

Janis Van Keuren

     I found out this week that my family does not like Vietnamese food.  I picked some up–at their request–from a local downtown restaurant near the University.  I had tried the famous restaurant’s Spring Rolls prior to inviting the family to join me in this new adventure.  They were eager to try a new Asian food entree, being lovers of most Oriental dishes.  However, after I brought the white Styrofoam boxes home and we sat down to eat, there were … Continue reading →