Friday, February 03, 2012

A gathering of days....

form a record of a journey. In this case, mine. Maybe it's because I'm a Libra, and things must be measured and balance. I look at the faces in this Christmas 1999 photo and shake my head, where do the days and weeks and years go? But I know that I have gathered them, and they are an endless stream of connected memories.Some with photos to share.
 This is grandson #3, Christopher. He's the little tyke on my knee wearing the red shirt and bib overalls in 1999. Here he is with his mom, now 12 yrs old. He's nearly as tall as I am. The next picture is a rare one. Partly because I haven't shared many pictures of myself.
 This was my birthday celebration in October, 2010 when I turned 70. Being a fat and sassy old Granny Finn, I'm reluctant to share pictures of me. I suppose we all are, about one thing or another. I'm holding my youngest grandson, A.J. who will be 2 in May. And DD#2 Jenny, sitting next to me, holding grandson Levi, who is turning 4 this month. Behind me left to right, DS#3, Justin, Grandson #2 Brady(16), DS#1 Matthew, (Brady's dad).In the middle back is my DD#1 Stephanie, her hubby Brian, and Son-In-Law John, married to Jenny. Obviously we are missing about 8 or 9 more grandsons and all 3 granddaughters and middle son John and his family. It was a surpise party on a beautiful October afternoon and it was wonderful to be with my kids.
 And one more picture memory floated to the surface tonight, as we slip into another weekend. This one on New Years Day 2011, when we gathered for our family Christmas celebration. This is Matthew's family. My oldest grandson Nick(18),Granny Finn, son Matt, his wife Sheri, and on the floor grandson Brady (16)and the youngest in their family, Tanner, age 12. It was a lovely cold sunny day and we had a wonderful time.
Family pictures that are complete, with all my kids, and their kids, have become nearly impossible. Partly because of distance, but also "circumstances". You know, the kind that has "the Courts" involved in them? Of my 5, 3 have "intact" families, and it's very hard on the two sons who don't. We do the best we can, enjoy who's there and hope for more next time.
For Christmas this year I received one special present in particular. Due to "circumstances" there was only ONE occasion that brought my 2 sisters, their children, my Dad and my family together. We planned a special Father's Day picnic in the town where he was living and managed to have everyone there. Lots of pictures were taken, but as it turns out, there was to be just ONE picture of my Dad with his 9 grandchildren. I don't think any of us realized it at the time. My oldest DD took the snapshot, had a 8 X 10 picture made, and framed for me. It sits up on top of the computer desk where I see it everytime I look up at the clock. I can't tell you how precious it is to see my Dad with the happy young faces of his grandchildren. I'm so glad that day didn't drift off into memory without a trace.
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11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Family photos are precious, aren't they? We never know what the future holds for us. Thank you for sharing these happy pictures with us. And thanks for the ongoing inspiration that your scrappy quilts provide.
Joyce, also in WI

AnnieO said...

Lovely getting to put a face to your words and work, Finn! I love your smiles being among your beloved kids and grandkids in these photos. And the photo of your Dad with his grandkids of course is a treasure. I'll have to remember to do that for my dad sometime. We are a big huge crowd with 5 kids, four spouses, and 16 grandchildren so good long lenses will be needed :)

Angie said...

You are such a beautiful spirit, Finnie, and you have a beautiful family. I LOVE finally 'meeting you 'face to face' LOL I feel like I've always had your loving support in my life---but to have never gazed upon your sweet, loving face----well, suffice it to say I love you!
Hugs and love and light

Julie in the Barn said...

Lovely memories captured there, Finn.

Ms. Jan said...

You are beautiful and so is your family. Thank you for putting a face to the name!

Stephanie D said...

Such a nice-looking family! I love family photos. We've been absent far too many times, but I love looking over the few with our kids all together. Most of those are due to my sister-in-love, who has always been the family photographer.

quiltmom anna said...

Its always good to take a photograph when you have family together. I love that they are a reminder of a special day or time together. My mom is the resident family photographer and always has it clicking where ever she goes. One time I was trying to make a book of photographs for her and asked others for pictures- they said wouldn't that be like taking coal to Newcastle? They suggested that I might want to just raid hers which is what I did in the end.
Wishing you many more opportunities of family gatherings for photos.
Warmest regards,
Anna

Purple Pam said...

Wonderful pictures of wonderful times. It is nice to put a face to a name. You are blessed with such a large family. Thank you for sharing them with us.

Magpie Sue said...

It's so nice to see your face! I completely understand your reluctance to share photos of yourself. In this day of identity theft etc. it's hard to know what's safe and what isn't. I admire those who are brave enough to show us what they look like. I'm not quite there yet.

Glad you're back to your blog too. I've missed you!

Libby said...

*sweet*

Clare said...

You're very brave! I hate showing photos of me.