Baby shower blessing

Ratchet up the “wonderful” factor of the next baby shower you plan by including a “blessing” ceremony. The most recent soon-to-be mom we blessed was my sister-in-law Elizabeth, who is due at the end of August. She wasn’t sure what to expect when I proposed that we include the baby blessing, but she said “yes” anyway. I think the toughest part about doing a baby blessing is explaining it to guests who have no idea what to expect either. I try to send out a link to videos of past ones that I’ve been a part of (including my own), but even then it’s a bit confusing.

The important thing to know is that this is a way to honor the mom-to-be. It’s a way to empower her. It’s a way to let her know how much everyone cares about her, and how glad they are to welcome this new baby — and not just that, but how they intend to support the new family. It’s not a place to share advice. Instead, some folks find a meaningful poem, quote or Bible verse. Others write something up themselves.

Each writes what they have to share down and brings it to the shower; this way, it can be added to a scrapbook. We also have folks bring a bead so that we can make a bracelet for the new mom to wear during labor.

Most moms cry. Alot of the friends and family members cry too when it’s their turn to talk.

A baby blessing makes a shower more than an event about gifts. It adds meaning. I’ll never host another baby shower without having such a special ceremony be part of it.

Splash Pad #2 - Princeton, Minn.

Summer is about splashing, and in early July we visited a local splash park. After going out of our way a bit by heading south to Isanti and then west to Princeton to avoid the Highway 95 detour, we made it. I have to tell ya, finding the splash park isn’t easy. Go past McDonald’s and the hospital, and follow the road as it makes a sharp turn and takes you back the way you just came. Then turn into Mark Park at 11th Avenue South and Fifth Street South. Now, you’ll think you’ve arrived at a ballfield complex. Keep driving through the parking lot and you’ll reach a few buildings. It’s to the left of that. Confusing, yes.

But after you’ve made it, you’ll be glad you discovered this jewel of a splash park. Spacious with a number of umbrella-covered picnic tables, it’s a great spot to spend an afternoon or entire day. The cost per day is $4; got a bigger family? It’s $15 for all of you. The splash park is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Memorial Day to Aug. 15 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Aug. 16 to Labor Day, weather permitting. Snacks (chocolate bars and chips) are sold by the same teenager who reminds kids to walk and stay out of the pump area.

We were at the splash park on a hot and humid day, the kind where you just want to sit and be still. The splash park was so refreshing. We’ll be back.

http://www.princetonmn.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={17341848-BF64-49BA-80C3-8DC7B0C35755}

Local music scene

I love listening to lesser-known, but quite talented musicians. For the past 6 or so years, I've been a part of a group in Cambridge that brings in musical groups to the high school. At theHardy Center we try to offer a range of artists. We've had Ladysmith Black Mumbazo, Jay Ungar and Molly Mason, Go Fish, Greg Brown, Leon Redbone, Michael Monroe, Jeffrey Steele,Clearwater Hot Club and more. I go to shows, knowing that even if I've never heard the musician before, I'll leave a fan. It never fails.

I am also blessed to be good friends with another talented musician. Christopher Becknell took violin lessons for years, and then taught himself guitar. After having the basics down, he took classical guitar lessons -- a genre I hadn't know existed before. Christopher has broadened my musical horizons. I've been fan of each musical group he's been a part of. With the baby, I don't get a chance to catch many of his (late-night) shows, but I was thrilled this summer when I saw he had two day time shows. The first was at the wonderful Art Fair along St. Anthony in June. The second was on the steps of the Northrup Auditorium on the U of M campus and was especially for all of us who worship the sun.

Romantic bike ride

For our anniversary this year, the hubby and I decided to do dinner and a bike

ride, part of our new plan to bike together as a family. And no, by "bike" I don't mean "motorcycle." I actually mean "bicycle" again.

I have to admit since I started to drive a car, I've only been on my

bicycle a handful of times. There was the time I decided to start biking to work (which lasted one day), and the time I decided to start biking on vacation again (which lasted one weekend trip to Itasca State Park). But now that I have a child I’ve decided it's time to get back into it. When I think back on my own childhood, most memories involve a bike. We biked to town almost every day when I was a kid. At the least, we biked to the neighbor's and

around our cul-de-sac. I remember the trips my parents took us and the miles of trails we covered across this state.

I figure that as an added benefit, this biking might help me shed the last pregnancy pounds I've got!

So, using Google's new tool for locating bike trails (I love my Google phone aps!), we found one near the restaurant we were heading to on our anniversary. We hoped onto the Ground Rounds trail system by the Columbia Heights Golf Course, parking on a neighborhood street. Then we headed towards the Mississippi River. Along the way, we passed over a huge train yard, crossing from one park area to another. Because of road and bridge construction, the area near the river was practically deserted. We saw one other couple riding bikes; otherwise, we had the place to ourselves.