Thirty Three Years and Counting!

This year for our Anniversary we went to the Mall of America! And who wouldn't want to spend a quiet romantic time at the Mall. 

Aunt Carol and cousin Debbie were passing through Minnesota with stops to visit family.  We spent a wonderful day with them, laughing, teasing, laughing, and telling stories. 
Debbie wanted to stop at Lego Land to choose a gift for her son, who is in his 20's.  That's the thing about legos - you never outgrow them - right Travis?

Many sets to choose from

Carol and Debbie took us to Bubba Gump's to celebrate the day, what fun.  We passed the Forrest Gump Trivia Quiz with flying colors. It was our first experience with Bubba Gump - fun

Remember When

 These photos show the first two places our daughter, Alyssa, lived.  Having a grandchild changes everything and sends me quickly into reminiscence mode. I begin many sentences with, "remember when..."  I am sure most new grandparents are prone to pulling out memories left and right.
I remember when we brought our baby home to our one bedroom basement apartment on the campus of Concordia College in St. Paul - Moenkemoeller Hall. 



We are working around the Twin Cities for the next few weeks and had the opportunity to drive right by our old apartments, both on the same road less than a block apart. 

Our second apartment, also on the Concordia Campus, had two bedrooms! We lived on the first floor, John and Linda Bonk lived just above us. I met Linda in late April of 1981, as we were moving in - she is one of my dearest friends. Good memories. 
Anyone who has ever lived in Dobberfuhl Hall will recall the cracked support beam in the basement - the fact that this building still stands is proof of the Lord's care.

This new family gives me joy and causes such reflection. My son is a dad - "remember when..."  :)

The Flag

 ... the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our Flag was still there...    I am thankful  to all of those who won this freedom for me.

This flag bears some resemblance to me.  It is a bit worn, the colors are not a bright as when it was first raised, it holds scars of weathering storms, but you can visualize the whole; how like all of us in our own way. We can work, love, sing and play under the cover of freedom - no matter the storm.

 

 

the Flag that inspired the poem

 O say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Our Weekend in Carver

Vicar Jon organized a block party as part of his requirement for graduation from seminary.  We were asked to be part of the assignment - music for the block party. The children loved the games, food and prizes, while the adults enjoyed fellowship, food and meeting a few new friends. 

Dave and I enjoyed getting to spend some time with our old friends, Jon and Jennifer Niebuhr.

An outreach event does not always meet the intended goal. Maybe we dream too big or  expect too little.  God makes appointments for us and all we need do is be there.  The party in Carver was attended by many church members, and a few families who live within walking distance, the reason for the party.  The day proved worth the effort and gave Vicar Jon an opportunity to introduce himself and give witness of his living faith over hot dogs and chips.

I am praying that a party will pave the way for new relationships and saving faith.

Getting an arm band entitles you to free games and food.

The cooks taking a break

Dave warming up

Dave doing what he loves best - playing guitar

Logan

The new love of my life!

I know for a fact, but I am willing to continue the test - holding a baby lowers your blood pressure.  I am very thankful that my lovely daughter, Amber, does not mind a grandma who likes to lower her blood pressure.

Going home from the hospital :)

My friend Barb, with Logan

Logan Robert Horn

Amber, Logan and Travis Horn :)

Grandma Leistiko, Logan and Amber

Love at first sight

Logan Robert Horn was born at 7:16 PM, on May 15, 2012. He weighed 7lbs. 4oz, and was a leggy 20  1/2 inches long, and of course the cutest baby on the planet!

Soon and Very Soon!

Lunch with hopeful Grandma's :)

A walk sometimes helps induce labor

As her due date came and went.  Amber continues to wait patiently (really) for baby Horn.  As if there could be any doubt, yes, I will post pictures. Soon and very soon.