Minnesota 2010

There were many things to be fixed this week at the cabin. One day one, we all realized how leaky the roof was. (We couldn't find any cake pans because they were all around the cabin catching drips!) Dave, Ben, and Mike worked on the roof for a full day, and then some. At one point there was a good-sized hole in the roof and Jacob came in to retrieve tools that had fallen through to the loft.

The old truck also got power washed and fixed. Dave and Ben summoned their inner lumber jacks and felled a dead tree. That included a chainsaw cutting competition (of course). The best part was watching them try to throw a rope and an anchor up to the "Y" in the tree.

Dave fixed the pontoon boat a couple of times. The shower head was replaced. The hole in the out house roof did not get fixed.

Yogi was a vicious dog. He terrorized the neighbors for a few days. Thomas and Luke terrorized each other. That went on for the whole week.

There were some interesting questions asked this week. Beth and Mike will remember, "When is hamburger night?" What Beth went through to find hamburger night! Turns out it was worth it, because hamburger night at Britt's Lounge is to die for. All of us ate for $54, and Ben paid the entire bill.

Thomas asked his Mom, "What are those orange, round balls?" "Oranges," said his Mom.

Jacob discovered Taco night----No, Taconite (a mineral). He also discovered that he DOES NOT like hornets, and vice versa.

Katie bought 20 steamy novels for $1 at the local thrift store. We saw even less of her after that.

Luke caught a leech in the lake. He also embarrassed his Mom at the bear sanctuary by loudly saying that he was going to "shoot the bears."

Sydney proved to be a master berry finder. On a morning walk she collected the most raspberries, and she was the first to spot blueberries.

Grandpa got into trouble...Once when he power washed the deck and boat instead of helping with supper. Again, when he made second breakfast (cinnamon roll pancakes) after Grandma Beth had made homemade biscuits and gravy. (There were other times not mentioned here.) In retrospect, it seems to be all about timing.

Lindsey was really surprised when we gave her cake and ice cream in honor of her birthday. Ben bought her a dress from down town that she had liked the day before.

By far, the biggest surprise of all was when Thomas went outside to go potty. Lindsey and Jacob discovered...Well, let's just say he went in the woods (or the yard).

All said, it was a wonderful, fun week at the cabin--TROJAHN STYLE.

Had a wonderful Easter at Nana and Papa Trojahn's house. We found eggs filled with sugar, we got to play in the camper, and we got put to work... picking up gumballs in Papa's yard!

Guideposts

This is a picture of my Grandma with Luke. She has been a big part of my life. I remember one time she said (and I quote), "I always thought your hair looked nice, but it's been looking kind of wild lately." Maybe it is something only a grandma could get away with, but it was these kind of gentle nudges that kept our family in line.

I've also been thinking a lot lately about how her beauty had nothing to do with fashion and little to do with clothing at all. Her life is a reminder that beauty has everything to do with the heart and the soul of a person.

I am thankful for my Grandma's life and legacy. She knew many losses in her life, but she was always willing to adapt to change with God's help. She was the best listener; and her advice will be greatly missed. I am grateful for all of the guideposts in my life.

Talented Tot

You've heard Mozart and Beethoven, but now you can listen to Luke.
He may only be two and still take naps, but give him a piano and he will blow you away.

End of an Era

It is official. Jack has found a new home, and a better one, I might add. Back to that in a minute. My old Jack has been out on a leash for a couple of years now. My heart ached to look out the window and see him out in the weather. Sometimes I avoided looking out the window altogether--you understand.

He now lives with the Meidel family in Chatham. He is an indoor dog once again, enjoying high end Iams food, which the GROOMER recommended. Let's face it, at our house he was lucky to enjoy his monthly heart worm medication!

He was a good old dog. He fit my life perfectly for ten years. I'm so glad that there is a family willing and able to give him the care he needs at this point in his life. I doubt this Trojahn family is done with dogs. I think when the little boys are bigger there will be pets. Until then, happy retirement, Old Dog.

My New Hat

My Aunt Debbie made me this really neat hat.
It totally brings out my eyes... literally!

Holiday Attacks

Peter had the Halloween attack. It was bad. Lots of tears, a bath, a fresh costume, and he was on his way.

Luke had a Thanksgiving attack. It was worse. No tears, but there was a trail--and a bath.

It seems fair and likely that the next attack will happen at Mike and Beth's house at Christmas dinner by a member of the Ben Trojahn family. Here's hoping that its a kid! (By the way, seems like we're having Christmas at your house, Mike and Beth.)