springtime

I have had people ask, "Why do you live in Minnesota? How do you handle the winters?" And the truth is, often in the middle of winter we will ask ourselves these very questions.

But the weather this week is the reason we live in Minnesota. Spring got a jump start and the celebration, joy and jubilee around here is something to behold. We had a subway picnic last night at a still ice-covered Lake Harriet wearing shorts and tshirts and the entire city was out there with us, running the lake, walking, celebrating the warm sun.

Rory was out working in his garden on Tuesday with Ivar and came in after having talked to two our our neighbors about their plans for their yards. One was grilling steaks as they talked. Rory commented that it felt like winter had never happened. They all picked up where they had left off in the fall, ready to plant trees, plant gardens and be outside.

With the early warm weather in Minnesota, we are also keenly aware that we could still get another snowfall before this season is past. We all know this, and it's why everyone is so intent to sieze the day.

joy boy



Ivar discovered the buttons on the air purifier and then found the fan on the side. He does this daily...whips his head around in the breeze, letting his whisps of hair blow in the wind. He brings us so much laughter and happiness and joy.

best buddies

Rory works downstairs each day and there are many lunch breaks when he comes up and tells me how hard it is to stay down there when he hears us having so much fun upstairs. His office is right under the livingroom, so when we play chase and laugh and repeat words and are loud together, Rory can hear it. It's hard to hear the party, but still have to be the provider.

Today we switched roles. I have a sinus and ear infection and spent the whole day in bed. Rory worked upstairs with Ivar playing at his feet and then Ivar went down for his nap. At lunch Rory said he had completed everything he had to accomplish for the day so he was going to take Ivar for a walk to the library to return his books. They got all bundled and left with big smiles. And then they came home an hour later with bigger smiles. Rory said, "hey, I just am grabbing my phone. We're going to Target together!" And Ivar clapped and smiled and they two adventurers walked back out the door.

Ivar was tapping his dad's shoulder as they walked out to the garage. And even though I had a dreamy, quiet house and a warm bed to nap in, I couldn't help but feel left behind. These two boys have so much fun together. It warms my heart

Nebraska Friends!

So this is super fun and I just want to get the word out! Sara Groves and her band are coming to Elkhorn! Which is crazy! Because that's just down the road from where we lived in Gretna!

So mark your calendars and get your tickets!
It's this Friday night, MARCH 16, 2012

Elkhorn, NE
Bethany Lutheran Church
7:00pm (Doors 6 PM)
402-289-4440

www.bethanyelkhorn.org/saragroves

jayber crow

My sister-in-law, Sara, has been telling me about a book by Wendell Berry that she really wants me to read. She's been telling me about it since I worked with them, in 2003. It has been socially awkward at times to explain yet again that I haven't read it. Years of, "Becca, you have to read Jayber Crow!" can get a little uncomfortable when you can't really have an excuse that covers that amount of time. You can't say it's just been a real busy 9 years.

So I got the book. And from page one I have been sucked in. I adore the storytelling. I love the character. I love the pace, the lack of suspense, the sweetness of the tale.

Rory read it before me and had a lot of trouble getting into it, waiting for the plot to develop. And I had a cousin come over who said she couldn't get through it because the story just never started for her.

And it made me so curious about our different likes and dislikes in a good book. Because I was sold three sentences in. I remember thinking that actually. I loved the writing. I loved the tone. I loved the voice of the story.

All I want in a book is a good life story. I don't need drama. I don't need unknowns or a mystery to solve. I just like an honest, likable protagonist and will follow them anywhere if I like them that much.

It was interesting to note this about my style of reading material. I don't think I would have known to make this distinction before but it's true. Of my favorite books, I tend to fall for a sweet story, a noble life and a tight, endearing community surrounding that main character.

And you? What kind of book draws you in?