FAMILY PHOTO WALL

I've had the idea for a while... since we moved into our house 2 years ago, really... to put up a photo wall, of family and loved ones. But it would be great to include not only those presently alive, but from years past. I adore looking at old pictures and wondering what life was like for those photographed. Wedding photos are my favorite. They look so stoic, and I think of what a momentous event having your photo taken was for earlier generations.

The top photo is Ida and Adam Eskelinen, my maternal grandmother's parents. The lower photo is Herman Piirto and Hedwig Sofie Piirto, my maternal grandfather's parents.

By the way, still working on that photo wall! One picture at a time.

SPRINGTIME!

Yes, I've got the gardening bug. I need to be careful, however. In past years I've planted my seedlings indoors too early and they were in sad shape by the time I transplanted them to my garden. It was a slight miracle that they survived the trip, I'd say! But I love how every spring is like a brand new slate to start afresh. I keep a simple gardening journal where I jot down successes and failures from past months and years. I love trying new vegetables or flowers, too, just to see if they are up for acclimating to the crazy Minnesota climate! I've had more than a few that couldn't withstand it. Ahhh, well.

Here is Ian helping me plant the sugar snap peas. Those were the only seeds he could really help with because the leek, cippollini onion and tomato seeds were microscopic, and I'd only trust them in the hands of a budding horticulturist...me!

LITTLE BOY IAN NO LONGER

Today we celebrated my mom's birthday, since she and my dad were in town. Tom's parents came over for some birthday cake, and I was amused to notice how the genders naturally separated following the meal. Have you ever noticed that? The ladies talk about culture, fashion, friends... something substantial of course. And the guys watch a show, or as evidenced here, enjoy a friendly game of dominoes. When I broke myself away from my female companions (the lovelies - mom, Erin and Carol), I just enjoyed watching my son, husband, father and father-in-law enjoying a little healthy competition. I love seeing Ian spend time with his dad and grandpas. I have noticed this past year a slow, almost indiscernible separation begin to occur between myself and my firstborn. He was a full-fledged Mamma's Boy the first 4 years of his life, and I knew this was coming... but it is still a little sad to me. No longer do I have a fleshy, newborn-perfumed baby in my arms. Not even a wobbly kissable toddler! Now it's a mini-man I see greet me in the morning. He is taller and more slender in his shape and logical in his dialogue. There are still glimpses of a little boy, but they are fewer and farther between. And yet I choose to embrace this season wholeheartedly, releasing some of my grasp mostly to his father, but also to his grandfathers, uncles, and other men who have influence that I no longer have. Yes, I am still his nurturing mom - always good for a spontaneous snuggle. And for that I am so grateful!

DATE WITH THE LITTLE LADY

Tonight Tom and Ian went to the MN Auto show, so I decided that Nina and I would just have to have a special night as well. So we went to Home Depot, picked up some supplies for starting my vegetable seeds (yes, I was sneaking in an errand), and bought a mini rose plant. Isn't it lovely?Then we went to Chipotle for dinner. This is a great place to take kids, because quesadillas always please.

We went window shopping at a children's store. She adored looking at shoes, toys, and dresses. Then we went and got a mango smoothie, a Poch kid favorite.

FAMILY WEEKEND

Okay, so I am a fair-weathered blogger. It is truly difficult for me to find the time. I will probably never be a daily blogger, but if you check back every so often, I'll have a little tidbit for you. Likely involving my sweet children!

I never wrote about the time Tom, the kids and I had some time at a cabin up in Alexandria, MN over New Year's. It is a cabin available only to credentialed ministers of our denomination. We have known about it, but had yet to take advantage of it. Ministers are able to use the cabin free of charge once a year (2 or 3 nights). Since we were joining a little late in the game - summer's the busy season - we were there in the dead of winter. And got snowed in for a day. But it was a fun adventure! We played games, snuggled, watched movies, cooked delicious food, read, and had lovely family time together. I am already looking forward to next year!