Blessings

I feel like God is trying to prepare me for something big. Not sure what, but He is proving again and again that He will provide for us all the while. We've been blessed by some wonderful gifts lately. A co-worker asked if I would like some of her son's hand me downs. I readily agreed and she brought THREE bags of clothes in the size Jake just transitioned into wearing. There were eight pairs of soft cotton long sleeve pajamas as well as 2T tops and bottoms. I feel so wonderfully blessed by this bounty. Another friend asked if he could bring over dinner since he felt prompted by the spirit. Normally my pride would say, "Thanks, but we're okay." But I readily accepted since Jess and I have been so overwhelmed with work and fatigue lately. He came over tonight with an enchilada dish that was better than anything I've eaten in a restaurant or in Mexico! The sides were yummy and dessert was decadent. Praise God for all the blessings. We feel so loved!

Slip-n-slide

Wow. Jake's first slip in slide. This is a big moment! Yes, he had help, but this activity is a sign of a growing boy! In a moment he turned from a baby to a toddler to a boy. Jake liked it so much he went back for more though we were too busy having fun to tape anything else.

Sweet plums

Jake has been enjoying the fruit of someone else's harvest.

Plums seem to be his new favorite fruit.

Bountiful harvest

We harvested 15 tomatoes from our small garden this weekend and have been thoroughly enjoying tomato sandwiches 1-2x a day. We'd love to share so if you live nearby, make a lunch date at the Johnson abode!

Finally found the offending devourer of tomatoes. Once again, while I wasn't very happy to see him or her, I couldn't quite bring myself to terminate the life of this beautiful garden parasite. So it has been relocated. Would make a tasty feast for a bird. He's engorged by some of our harvest.

Chinese Lanterns

This was my favorite new firework at Festivus this year. Even I had to get in on the action. (Thanks for honoring my inner child, Brent!)

Celebrating the hippopatomus

Jake loves Sandra Boyton books. She prominately features fat animals singing and dancing. One of her favorites is the hippo. I thought her inspiration was mere silliness until I spent some time in front of the hippopatomus exhibit at the St. Louis Zoo. Under water these creatures are so graceful and fluid. Guess that teaches me yet another lesson on making judgments based on first appearance.

Hand made

Are you salivating?

I am.

Yes, it was as good as it looks.

Karri picked the berries (and encountered poison ivy in the picking.)

Every trip to the farm leaves me in awe of how talented my aunt and cousins are.

The Hungry Caterpillar quilt will bless a new child's room. Precious, huh!

My Aunt Sarah has designed a quilt weaving all 11 Festivus t-shirts together.

She's promised to craft one for me if I send her all the t-shirts. Yeah!