A tiny bit of T.O.in Chanhassen

We are trying to have a little garden in the back yard. Caroline and Helen are veterans of gardening. They just make it look so easy. I am learning a lot as I have not planted or done gardening in many years. This makes me think of all the gardening my Dad did when we were little and what a therapy and joy he had in this. It really wasn't about the yield for him as it was the joy of watching, tending and waiting.Mother would make pickles, tomato juice and we used the produce to enhance the meals. I remember every night the trip over to his land a couple of blocks from our home. I really couldn't understand it but he went every night as if it was his farm.I don't think I went more than a few times. Years later he did get the farm in Wisconsin. Memories. I wasn't interested in the farm either but do understand now the meaning and need for this in his life. Understanding though late does come.

11 plus years away from the North

The Bragg duo plus dog left Minnesota almost 12 years ago. They are now a duo plus 4 beautiful girls,6 new dog,cat and guinea pigs. How time flies and changes come. They have been blessed with so many wonderful friends that have weathered the test of time. None more precious than the Houser's. They were one of the first friends. i will never forget seeing them come down the hall in the hospital when Evie Jill was born, bringing a large balloon to celebrate. They hardly new anyone and the 4 of us were celebrating alone making calls to the North. It was a special blessing for them to come and share such a precious moment with their new friends the Braggs. Later they were blessed with Wes and Emma who are Mady and Sarah's age. Such a joy to enjoy Mother's Day with them at Stoney River.

Toddler Tuesday

We are almost past the toddler stage with the 10 grandchildren. lilia and Caleb are the only 2 left under 4 years old. Today was Lilia's special day with Grandma. It is Toddler Tues at MOA and they had cinco de mayo activities in the rotunda which overwelmed her so we kept decorating a minature sombrero short. We then went to American girl and got Bitty Baby a lunch back pack to have for camping and outdoor picnics with Sofia and her AG doll. We then went on 4 rides. Twice on the Merry go round, once on the semi trucks and once ont the school bus. We then had lunch at the AG Bistro and once she ate she got her second wind and was raring to go again. We then spent time at Barnes and Noble. She loved the books.She is such a joy to be with. Our special time will forever be in Grandma's heart and memory. I sure love you Lilia!!

My greatest accomplishment

If when I die all the Grandchildren think they are my favorite...which they are.. and they continue on with faith in Christ as saviour..as well as follow godly principles..work diligently...serve others..and enjoy what they are allowed. Wow, that would be such an outstanding blessing. They will experience those things but I do realize nothing comes easy. They will have enough sorrow and frustration to keep they grounded in faith. There is so much you want or your children and then you see what they have had to go through to get where they are. I am ever grateful for the sustaining grace, comfort and peace of Christ that sees us through life and not around over or under things.

Joy in the journey

A picture says it all. Isn't she the cutest little gal. She finds such joy in everything. She wanted to use her umbrella in the rain that they had discovered the day before in the back of a closet. How can one put into words the joy she brings? She is always saying "I love you Grandma" She is easy to please (except for the food thing) and loves life. I hear her Mom's words coming out and know that she is being mentored consistently. What joy to be with her and yet know when she goes home she is well taken care of and will be taught the principles of faith in Jesus Christ and life in general by her parents and brother.