Jonathan: A Celebration

Let's talk about Jonathan.

Just look at this guy!

 Don't you love him! 

I met Jonathan soon after I was born. As it happens, he's my brother. Jonathan, #5 in the Pike clan; Anna, #8. We go way back. I mean, he even came to my high school graduation. 

Wow. Kind of a big deal right there.

As I'm sure you know, Jonathan's half-birthday is coming up. 

Here's a list of just 10 reasons you** may wish to write him a note or purchase a small little something to let him know you are glad he was born:

**A little disclaimer on that last sentence. These are reasons I'm glad he was born, although I'm sure you could write a list of your own with very little difficulty.

1. Jonathan does crazy things that I would probably never do, but that I wish I would. (*cough,cough* Eiffel tower ;) )

2. He knows how to have a good time and helps others to have fun as well.

3. He takes time for others. He'll drop everything to help someone and never act "put out" by it.

4. Analogy King. 

-Anna: "But Jonathan, sometimes the thing cooking on the back burner smells so good!"

- Jonathan: "Anna, he's not even on the back burner. He's still in the fridge."

5. Jonathan helps me get out of sticky situations :)

6. He takes time to skype with me, even at one in the morning.

7. He's an excellent conversationalist. He's good at having deep conversations about things that really matter.

8. He has impeccable taste in music and movies.

9. RISK.

Bumble. Need I say more?

10. Jonathan is an amazing example of perseverance and faith.

The list could go on, but I think you're getting the idea. 

I will always be grateful for this wonderful brother, friend, mentor, Dorito lover, and fellow SSS member. 

The Spirits of the Season (Don’t worry. . . . it’s grape juice.)

One of the best parts of fall at the Pike house is picking grapes from the backyard and canning the juice. 

As soon as you walk in the front door, you’re enveloped in warmth and in the sweet aroma of grapes simmering on the stove. Grapes are soaking in the kitchen sink; and clean, shiny mason jars are lined up on the counter, awaiting the dark ruby nectar. Another group of jars has already been filled and is ready to be put in the pot of boiling water to finish the canning process. Juice stains are spattered from the white stove, to the white counter, to the white sink, to the wooden floor. 

The grape fragrance surrounds the whole experience and promises delightful juice spiked with Sprite for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and anything special in between. But more than that, the scent is one of the familiar smells of home. And that’s why it’s wonderful.

Thanks, Mom and Dad.

Happy Things As Of Late

 

1. My brother, Mr. J., came into town for a business trip! I love Mr. J..
2. I got to talk to another brother, Mr. Bumble, before he flew off to England! (I love Mr. Bumble too :))
3. I found a great study spot in the library!
4. My wonderful mother gave my hair a much needed trim! And it only cost $0!
5. The same angel mentioned above bought my groceries.(Thank you! :))
6. We got candy corn at the store. Happy October!
7. I went to Barnes & Noble three times this week! Oh, what a happy place! <3
8. During one of my B&N visits I read some fantastic board books by Sandra Boynton! I especially enjoyed Your Personal Penguin and Happy Hippo, Angry Duck: a book of moods. Just look at the covers! What's not to love!

 

9. I washed my trusty water bottle.
10. And finally, last but definitely not least, it's General Conference weekend! (P.s. I have been doing such a good job staying awake! Not a perfect job, but a good job. It's okay to be impressed :).)

To quote the great Cornelius Hackle, "Isn't the world full of wonderful things!" (1:54) Make it a great day!