Before he left, Josh wrote a bunch of little notes and put them in a jar for us.
One for each day he would be gone.
And every single one of them says something different.
We got a few days behind on the notes, so the kids got to draw a few extras on Saturday.
Once they're read, they go into a big bowl so I can save them. (You know...in case I ever scrapbook again.)
Let me translate that chicken-scratch for you...It says, "I've got a family sized hole in my heart."
And here's a few of my favorites...
"I'm proud of you."
"When I get home we're goin' fishing."
"I feel like a fortune cookie writer."
"Go Downs." (Because our last name is Downs of course...even mine...I just never told you guys that because I didn't want things to get all confusing.)
"Dance Pilgrim."
"Your job is tougher than mine." and "Go Beavs."
"Show God's love."
"The good Lord & a gun." (Lyrics from one of Josh and Cole's favorite songs.) and "Stand tall."
"Today is what you make it."
"God and I love you."
"To be or not to be." and "4444" (because I had slight OCD problems when I was a kid and would neurotically count everything in 4's...ironically, I started doing it in the 4th grade...and I am still a bit crazy about the number.)
The kids are particularly fond of the notes that direct me to take them somewhere/buy them something.
That one says, "Who wants to go to a movie?"
"I'm with you."
My newly-made table-runner (made out of vintage hankies) made for a nice backdrop, eh?
And that one said, "Who wants a pony?"
And that's the face I got when I told her we weren't getting a pony.
And if you're reading this Josh Downs...It feels so good to finally start seeing the bottom of that jar.
That is a precious idea!! I really love it, and I've never heard of anyone doing anything like that before with a deployment. The directions to go do something are really fun, too. It could be tricky if it says to go to a movie and it's a Tuesday night or something, though. :)
I had wondered about your last name (as silly as that sounds!)
Posted by: Elizabeth C, | January 22, 2012 at 06:03 PM
Oh Karen...you have the nicest..most romantic husband ever...but you know that! Oh and now I'm am gonna go dig out my Grandmas (she is 95 years young) hankies and make myself a table runner...you inspire me! As for the pony...maybe you should hire pony for her next b.day...pony rides and photo ops...just saying it would be pretty cute!
Oh and if you are reading this Josh Downs...be safe and know that you and the rest of your team are in our prayers. God Bless
Posted by: Brandi | January 22, 2012 at 06:25 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lz8EHmwn0sk&feature=related
I found this song about joining the circus. It's pretty cute. Thought about your previous post when I heard it!
Posted by: Cassandra | January 22, 2012 at 06:32 PM
What a sweet idea! I am excited about the fact you can see the bottom of the jar!
Posted by: Kelli | January 22, 2012 at 06:38 PM
No way! I count in THREES!!! I thought I was the only one who did that :D
Posted by: Marlene | January 22, 2012 at 06:44 PM
OMG I have counted in 4's since I was little...esp when stressed. I have never met another who does this!
Posted by: amy farrell | January 22, 2012 at 06:48 PM
There are not very many left in that jar!!!! Oh, Karen. I love that the end is in sight. Even more, I love that your last name is Downs:-) KD should be your new nickname! I can't wait to see operation "home coming" I think that is what you called it. GO DOWNS!!!
Posted by: Monica | January 22, 2012 at 07:15 PM
Love the notes and LOVE the tablerunner! Awesome Downs!
Posted by: Donna N. | January 22, 2012 at 07:18 PM
So happy that you can see the bottom of the jar!
Posted by: Jackie | January 22, 2012 at 07:26 PM
The notes are so sweet, but what really strikes me is the beautiful light in that room!
Posted by: Cyndi | January 22, 2012 at 07:47 PM
Wow. So, so sweet. What a beautiful thing to do for the children (and you!). I love that some of them are kinda deep, and some of them are kinda silly ("I feel like a fortune cookie writer") but they all are full of love and make an instant connection.
Posted by: Monica | January 22, 2012 at 08:48 PM
What a man you got there! I've been praying for him (and his safe return) and I too am glad (although I didn't know it until just now) that you are beginning to see the bottom of that jar!
Posted by: kimberly | January 22, 2012 at 09:36 PM
Mrs. R
Do you know this offer?
http://uso.rocketlifeproduction.com/
We made one for my older sister who is bobbing up and down in the ocean. And the word bobbing reminds me of this video. (I dare you to watch it and not laugh!)
Posted by: Ruthie | January 22, 2012 at 11:25 PM
http://youtu.be/9Nn0UkdDArM
Sorry video didn't show.
Posted by: Ruthie | January 22, 2012 at 11:26 PM
sweet baby, sweet baby, sweet baby squirrel
Posted by: Ruthie | January 22, 2012 at 11:28 PM
Such a delightful idea - what a clever man you have!
And its good to see you getting to the bottom of your cookie jar!
State fairs - pony rides? Just an idea. Love the table runner made of old hankies.
Posted by: carole R | January 23, 2012 at 01:05 AM
Love that Jar!!!
Can you share a pic of the whole hankie runner???
:)
Posted by: Kelly | January 23, 2012 at 06:00 AM
He's a GREAT daddy!
I love that he did this for you and for them....
my daughter counts EVERYTHING, she has OCD though, and I forget what
she has to come out either odd or even, she likes one better than the other and
I can't remember which....drives me crazy!
can't wait for your guy to be HOME where he belongs.
but please tell him THANK YOU for serving, it means so much to me to know
that these men + women are keeping us safe here in the states & I so appreciate that.
Thank you Josh Downs!
tara
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | January 23, 2012 at 06:33 AM
What an unbelieveable husband and father. I am so impressed. It makes me so happy for you that you are starting to see the bottom of the jar. God bless you all.
Susan
Posted by: Susan | January 23, 2012 at 07:05 AM
Karen Downs, I think you should buy the pony! LOL Love this. Love you.
Posted by: Nancy McPeak | January 23, 2012 at 07:19 AM
I absolutely loved this! I think you are the cutest couple and loveliest family.
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | January 23, 2012 at 09:10 AM
Nevermind on the hankie pic...
I found it at the strawberry chili dinner pics a few days ago....
Lovely!
Posted by: Kelly | January 23, 2012 at 11:27 AM
Love this post, love your hankie table runner! I would love to find some hankies like yours! You know what I would do with your little fortune cookie love notes.... I would get some felt to make pages and stitch 1 or both sides of notes then make a fabric book. If you search needle book tutorials you can find something that looks doable for you as far as the construction part goes and then adjust the size to fit your needs. Have a fun day!!
Posted by: Gina f. | January 23, 2012 at 01:26 PM
I also was going to say that jar is looking kind of empty. So glad he will be home soon!! Stay Safe, Josh!! And how nice to have those to help get you through the long deployment. Poor Annie... I saw a big stuffed pony at the store not too long ago... ;-) A heck of a lot cheaper and easier to care for! :)
Posted by: Michelle | January 23, 2012 at 01:27 PM
What a sweet & thoughtful man Josh Downs is!!
Posted by: ♥ Debbie | January 23, 2012 at 04:43 PM