Blast from the Past

Dad and I spent several hours yesterday scanning old photos. Hopefully we will continue to do this until all of our photos are on the computer. This has always been one of my favorite pictures. Vaari spent Christmas with us the first year we were married. He was called to speak for Christmas Services. (Can you believe we use to have a visiting minister every year at Christmas?!) Since he was my Grandpa we were lucky to have him stay with us. I remember when this picture was taken. Grandpa H. and Vaari were visiting in Finn. I don't remember who was telling the story and who was doing the listening but you can see the enjoyment in their faces. I was wishing I could understand Finn!
Our first Christmas. I was expecting Jennifer. Grandpa H. made us the magazine bucket in the background. We still use it. Danny was looking at this picture and said, "I hate to tell you this Dad, but you look......kind of different." Dad says, 'I do? Does Mom?" He says, "No, just you." We got a chuckle out of that but we think it's because Dad has a headful of hair!
Here you go, Jen. Your first Christmas. Check out your toys carefully. You might find them in the "antique" shops!

Danny's Time Line

Danny had to gather pictures for a time line. Thought I'd post them. I wish I could reach in and hug that little guy!3 1/2 months old. After a hospital stay when he came home with oxygen. He needed the oxygen until he was about 8 months.
Opps...can't flip this. Here he had recently became a walker. Almost two.
He became an uncle when Nikayda was born.
He was a ring bearer in Emily and Matt's wedding.
Here's a big fish he caught on Uncle John's boat in Grand Marais.

"The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree"

I got a chuckle from this picture. See any similarities of the two pictures? It must be the "oldest child syndrome"!

Mom!!!! We're Stuck!!!!

That is what I heard the other night. I went to investigate......I put down my book for this?....

I'm trying to get out to go grocery shopping. This computer keeps calling me. Here is a recipe I plan to make next week. It is in the family cookbook.


GRANDMA T'S BEEF STEW

1 boneless chuck roast (2 pounds) cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 large onion, chopped
4 cups water
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 to 3 teaspoons salt
5 to 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
5 medium carrots, chopped
1 medium rutabaga, peeled and chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 medium head cabbage, finely sliced
1/3 cup flour
1 cup cold water

In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown meat in oil. Add onion, water, seasoned salt, pepper and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 2 to3 hours. Add vegetables; cover and simmer for another hour or two, or until vegetables are tender. Combine flour and cold water. Stir into stew; bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 1 minute.

Ahhhhhh...........

It's 9:15 and the breakfast mess is cleaned up, the living room is picked up, vacuumed and dusted. The bathroom is clean. I LOVE IT! The kids are back to school. I always enjoy when they are home but it sure is nice and quiet and did I say cleaned?! Yesterday this time everyone (except Dad) was sound asleep including me! It feels good to get back to routine. I'm taking a little computer break then I plan to scrub the kitchen. We have two back to back soccer games Saturday morning so I thought I'd do the cleaning today. Then I plan on setting up a "sewing center" in the office. I have a few sewing projects to do. Starting with Kirsten's flowergirl dress for Heidi's wedding. Now that hunting season is officially over I can use the office. All hunting gear is gone from there! Here's a picture of the last sewing project I did. I gave it to Grandma for Christmas.

Trail-Cam

Here are a couple shots from Dad's Trail-Cam. It's pretty cool. I'm hoping he'll get a "shot" of a fox or coyote. He did get several deer and a couple squirrels. He even got himself!