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.
Hallelujiah!!! :D
Posted by: kat-in-texas | January 23, 2012 at 07:07 PM
Hallelujiah x 4!!! :D
Posted by: kat-in-texas | January 23, 2012 at 07:10 PM
You've got to have THE most thoughtful husband ever! Thank you for sharing this.
Posted by: MSS | January 23, 2012 at 08:29 PM
your family tape are those sweet notes of chicken scratch! Its stuck you guys together through this long long haul. I'm so glad your almost at the end of that jar.
And your vintage fabrics are sweetness. I love them. Your walls look freshly painted, I think I need an PS action that does that...!
Posted by: Ada | January 23, 2012 at 09:06 PM
What a great thing to do...love it!! ( especially the fortune cookie one!! ) as well as your vintage hankie table runner. And good for you saving them all....you will scrapbook again some day.
Posted by: Tracy | January 24, 2012 at 01:31 PM
I love that he did this for you all and I am so glad you're getting close to the bottom of the jar!
Posted by: Lacey | January 24, 2012 at 03:42 PM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/glennon-melton/dont-carpe-diem_b_1206346.html
a friend of mine posted this the other day on fb- she didn't write it... I think its great- and kind of goes with your blog the other day about just being overwhelmed and that kind of thing.. I would love to hear what you thought of it- I thought it was so fitting to the life of an every day mom!
Posted by: Shauna M | January 24, 2012 at 07:10 PM
Love this post,and your table runner---and your sweet Annie. I love all your posts though, so I'm actually commenting because I have a question. Do you think watermarking photos online is unnecessary? I love photography and blogging, and don't want to add that extra step to posting. And my photos aren't even close to the level of yours, so I didn't worry. But I keep hearing about people lifting photos and know you recently dealt with a fake FB page. I'm curious to hear your thoughts.
Thanks!
Posted by: Deirdre | January 24, 2012 at 08:11 PM
He has flowers sent every Friday AND he left notes in a jar...seriously Girl, you've got it good. I do too, but my sweet hubby isn't that creative!
Posted by: Angela | January 25, 2012 at 09:05 AM
I love Josh Downs. I'm glad to see he has someone who appreciates how awesome he is! And I'm glad to see he appreciates *my* Karen Russell.
Posted by: Alissa H. | January 28, 2012 at 08:49 AM
I am so glad you & Josh Downs found each other. Seriously. You're meant to be together. And I can't wait for him to get home to all of you! (And 4 has been my favorite number since I was a very little girl!)
Posted by: Colleen | February 06, 2012 at 03:36 PM