I showed Mike the item and told him my idea, and he said he’d be able to do it in no time. He’s a good guy and wouldn’t take money for it, so, I do owe him lunch. (thanks again Mike!!)

What I really loved about this, besides the minimal aspect of the item, was that Ian and I could write personal notes to Dawn for each day. Here is the little man crafting his priceless notes to momma. I love what he wrote for her.

We each crafted notes; things we could do for her, personal notes, and shared memories. I know I enjoyed writing the notes, and I could tell the little man did as well. He can be so creative.

The advent calendar, full of notes.

Then, we made her sit at the table so he could place it in front of her while she had her eyes closed. He, of course, had the notes in a very specific order; planning exact days he wanted her to open specific ones he’d written.

I think she enjoyed her surprise, and will be able to enjoy it all month.

I’ve finally been able to make time to post our pictures from the Vesak celebration. We had a wonderful time and I was very happy Dawn was able to come with us this year. Another highlight of the day was seeing the wonderful, and always smiling Rev. Danny Fisher who immediately asked how our friend Bill in Chicago was doing. Made me smile ear to ear to be able to report the good news about Bill.

In the pictures, you’ll notice a set of beautifully carved statues ‘The 18 Lohans’. (BuddhaNet has a great explanation of each: http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/lohans.htm)

It was a perfect day.

Here is another shot the good Reverend took of Ian and I bathing the Buddha, while Dawn got video. (thanks again for the shot Danny)