Leila's Baptism

In my last entry Jon was on his way to Colorado, hauling equipment for the next job. We thought he'd be home by the end of the week, but instead they asked him to stay and work. So it'll be at least another three weeks before he's home again-- probably just in time for Eric Sime's (Jon's nephew and godson) wedding at the end of May!

We were glad that Jon had a couple of long weekends home with us, prior to that. One of the things he managed to do while home was fix Emma up with the surprise of her life: our old horse, Macy.

Macy is the younger of the two horses that we had when we lived in Eau Claire. We had gotten her as a companion horse for Shadow, "Susan's" horse. Jon had tried keeping the two horses in a field by the hunting shack, and had built them a lean-to for shelter, but his work obligations really made it hard for him to be around and give them the care that they needed. So several years ago we gave Shadow and Macy to Jon's sister Sally, where they've been living a peaceful life with her other two horses, in Holcombe.

Well, we're in the country now, and while our land is wooded and unfenced, the neighbor friend up the road was willing to lend us a nice section of pasture and a small lean-to for Macy (in exchange for work from Jon). Jon felt that Shadow was too old to be moved again, so she remains with Sally.

Macy's the only horse at Johnne's farm, but there are cows in the nearby pasture, and we try to visit daily. She was skittish at first, but now comes up to the fence for apples and attention. We plan to have someone work with her so she can be ridden someday. And we plan to get riding lessons for Emma-- just like Susan had when she was younger.

Emma was ecstatic about having a horse again. She has turned into an enthusiastic outdoors and animal person, just like Jon. He really enjoys sharing these interests with her.

Well, I promised pictures from Leila's baptism. Leila was baptized on Easter Sunday, during a service at Jon's family church in Cornell. Laurie and Mark were godparents.

We weren't sure how Leila was going to react to the experience, but she seemed pleased as punch to be "standing" there before the congregation. She did a lot of smiling and kicking. When the pastor put water on her head she got quiet, but then seemed to decide that it was no big deal and went right back to smiling and kicking.

After the ceremony we traveled a block down the road to my in-laws' house, where we had a wonderful brunch and belated birthday celebration for Leila.

Mom and Dad had to miss it because Dad was sick with bronchitis. However, Mom and Dad did make it over for a visit the following week.

We've seen Jonathan a couple of times over the past few weeks-- I'll post a picture of him here for Susan, who doesn't get to see him much these days. Like his dad, he spends time playing with the kids by plopping down on the living room carpet and letting them crawl on him.

Our long weekend without Jon was alleviated somewhat by a visit from another "John"... my brother John, from Madison. He came on his own and stayed two nights.

Saturday he accompanied me and the kids on an outing to Eau Claire to see the annual rock and mineral show. I had fun looking around and purchased some new rocks for my collection. Someone was even selling the tiniest starfish I have ever seen for only five cents each, so I bought a couple for my miniature collection (I LOVE IT when obscure interests overlap-!).

I gave the kids each $5 so they could find treasure of their own. There are always several booths that cater to kids and beginners with inexpensive rocks (5 for $1, or an egg carton full of rocks for $3). They also have kid's activity booths where they can make jewelry, stick their hands in water and mud and dig for rocks, and so on. There are also lots of neat informational booths where you can see how rocks are tumbled and polished or carved by an artisan. On the high end there are rare or large crystals of various types for $80 or more. There are also cut gems and jewelry.

There's really something for everyone at these shows... if you ever get a chance, go to a rock and mineral show!

Anyway. John did a good job putting up with my browsing that day. We also ate out a few times and had fun outdoors with the kids... we had some really nice weather Friday and Saturday.

By Sunday it was cooler and rainy. John took off for Madison and the kids and I headed over to Pat and Ann's for Grandma Jane's birthday party.

I forgot my camera, so don't have any pictures to post from that. But it was fun visiting with everyone and eating all the delicious food. Jonathan and I noticed that the food selection at these things seems to be getting healthier as the years go by. I remember when I was first introduced to the Hurlburt potlucks, I could not believe all of the bars and rich, wonderful casseroles. Now there are things like fresh fruit and couscous salad. But that's a good thing-! You can fill your plate and not feel too guilty about it.