Confession

The house next to ours is for sale. It is actually a foreclosure. I was sad to see our neighbors lose their house. Talk about seeing the effects of the economy first hand. He lost his job and they just couldn't make it.

Here's my confession. When I see prospective buyers come by I do a quick first impression synopsis. If I don't like what I see I send our 100 lb. dog outside. He has a bark much bigger than his bite. With that said, there has been this young couple coming by frequently to look at the house. I make sure and keep Jackson inside. I then make an unnecessary trip out to the mailbox to smile and wave.

I know this is all uncalled for. I can't help it. I want to feel safe sending Jake out to play.

1st Birthday

Jake turned 1 on July 10! We celebrated big time on that Saturday. He napped perfectly in the morning and guests arrived at 11 a.m. The dismal morning weather broke just in time for our cookout. I had big plans of making Jake a one year video but I am having computer woes. I need to get more memory on this baby so it can perform to it's capacity. I simply need an overhaul on the laptop. Add a new laptop to my list of wants. Oh yeah, I'm supposed to be posting about Jake's birthday. He ate his birthday cake with zero hesitation (no surprise). Later he got sick (no surprise). We're so thankful to everyone who made the trek over from near and far!

Colorado

In just a few short days YFC will be taking a charter bus out to Colorado, Noah's Ark outdoor adventure camp. We'll be taking about 25 middle school kids and 5 adults. Scott is coming too. He has 3 West Ottawa boys going. I think there should be a special spot in Heaven for us middle school workers.

As much as we're looking forward to the trip, I'm not excited about leaving little Jakester. I could cry just thinking of it. I know that it will be harder for me than Jake! He'll be in good hands with Grandmas and Grandpas.

I can't believe the prep going into this trip just on the home front. Making sure there is food in the fridge for out of town Grandparents, food for jake, all clothes washed, sheets cleaned, bag packed for other Grandma and Grandpa to pick up mid-week, Jackson to the kennel - picked up from the kennel, oh yeah...and pack our own stuff.

If you think of it, pray for us. I can't wait to be on the bus heading out of town. We're going to have such a good time. Most importantly, I hope that the kids can soak in God's creation and appreciate His beauty!

ice cream bowls

Zak's ice cream bowl keeps the ice cream cold, while the outer melamine shell prevents the cold from transferring to the hand that's holding it.

How cool is that? I love surprises. We got 2 of these in the mail today. This awesome pink and another in orange. Our Aunt Helen from Indianapolis sent these to us thanking us for our hospitality at Hamlin Lake. Maybe it's also because I've been coveting these bowls ever since we visited them last year.

This is a great gift for ice cream lovers!

Knitwit

This is who we call Knit for short. He was given to Jake on his 1st birthday from Grandma V. Jake randomly loves on Knit. He freely gives him kisses and snuggles him while patting him on the back. If you're inspired you can find out how to make one here. They really are a piece of work.

One Year Old

This little guy celebrated his 1st birthday last week! He's such a little dude. These pictures were taken a few weeks ago by Lynette Bell. She did a great job!

4 Generations

Here they are! Robert Griffin Sr. (Paw Paw), Robert Griffin Jr. (Papa), Robert Scott, and Jakob Robert. 4 generations of Follett men.

Today we spent the afternoon down at Nana & PawPaw's House. We had them all to ourselves and totally cherised our precious time together. Jake went swimming for the 1st time. I'll upload a video of that next.

I am so happy that we got this picture today. I downloaded the 6 pictures I took. I found something wrong with everyone. Someone wasn't looking, eyes closed, Jake's tummy was showing. I was bummed. Then I found ONE when I went through them again. A precious little gift from God.

Treat

Today I met a couple of my students downtown. Let's just say it was awesome. It started with the Mom providing transportation both ways. Then the girls insisted on buying me coffee. We laughed, talked about camp, the school year, and then we moseyed through the stores. For all the times I complain about lack of parenting, I should call these Moms and tell them what great kids they have. I've been trying to do that lately when I see parents. I hope someday that someone tells me that my son is respectful, polite, and a joy to be around.