June Joys

Knock Out Roses called "Bubblegum"

Karl Rosenfield peony

The light pink peonies are very special and smell wonderful ... much like heaven smells, I imagine.  These frilly beauties are grown from a plant that first belonged to Chris's Grandma Wright.  Chris remembers, as a little boy during the 1960's, his grandma's beautiful, huge flower gardens which she was known for in her small town in central Indiana.  I, too, had the privilege of knowing Grandma Wright and visiting her beautiful gardens when Chris and I began dating in 1979.   A Godly woman and the mother of nine (four of whom became pastors), she affectionately hugged me during our first introduction, like only grandma's do.  She was the only person who has ever called me Sherrie.  From her loving example, I love to give away "Grandma Hugs" during every new introduction in our family.

Back to the peonies... Chris's mom brought a grandma peony start to her garden here in northern Indiana many, many years ago.  Then, probably 20 years ago or so, his mom gave us a start from her huge plant by then.  The peonies are living-on now as two huge plants in our gardens. We enjoy vases of their beauty and scent placed throughout the house.  A reminder to look for joys and remembrances each day.

Another June joy?  Celebrating our youngest grandchild's third birthday!  Little mister, Ryker, was celebrated with an early June, outdoor birthday party.  It was a beautiful, sunny, barely 80 degree Sunday with over twenty family members and neighbors in attendance.  

Even though Ryker's mom, Kirsti, and dad, Ryan, practiced singing the "Happy Birthday" song with him for weeks in excited anticipation, when the time came for the large, birthday crowd of singing ... this was his reaction ... only mommy and daddy were suppose to sing!

I had to giggle when after our little prince's party, another three year-old prince had the same reaction just days later at his great grandmother's Queen jubilee party! 

Another June joy involved "hanging of the bird houses".  Chris enjoyed building decorative bird houses this past winter, especially after I showed him a Pinterest inspiration for decorating our rustic fence.  In our spirit of downsizing, he went right to work using scrap wood laying around his workshop to create his custom designs.  All upcycled and free!

They are so colorful and cheery!  I just LOVE them!  They make me smile every time I look at them. 

A family finale for June was celebrating Father's Day.  Chris enjoyed his favorite meal of the day, breakfast, at a restaurant in Auburn.  This year, like Mother's Day, we were invited to celebrate with the Taylor's along with girl Taylor's dad and grandpa.   Later, we rushed home to enjoy visits and gifts from our other kids too.

First-time father, Chris, with new daughter, Holly, in 1983

His curly hair and 80's mustache with sideburns has changed a bit, but that proud, doting dad smile and loving heart never has.  Always the "fun" parent with his playful orneriness and humorous shenanigans, our Ram Fam is immensely blessed with his love, laughter and adventure.  We love you and appreciate you so much... Hubby, The Mister, Dad, Daddio, Papaw, Pappy, Paps!     

"Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge."  ~  Proverbs 14:26

For Him,