Puzzled

For Pastor Bob and Diane.

After serving for nine years at the United Methodist Church in Oskaloosa, Pastor Bob and Diane were appointed to serve another church in the Council Bluffs area.  Which meant moving.  And in the process of organizing and packing, some puzzles were found that were sent our way.  We got the puzzles out today, being as dreary as it was, and they provided a load of "new" fun (which, you'll see below, allowed me some quality time for a project of my own!). 



Looking inside the bag for the first time to see what gift Pastor Bob and Diane sent us.  The kids were very aware of the mystery bag, but I wouldn't let them look in until I was ready to take full advantage of the time that I would be allowed when they found the goodies inside!



I think they approved!





And let the fun begin!




Caleb "teaching" Sarah Rose how to do a puzzle.  She knows how...she's just smart enough to make someone else do the hard work (when all the pieces are out) and then she jumps in to help when things are easy (when there are only two or three pieces left).




Big Bird seemed to be Sarah's favorite.  I don't know about you, but Big Bird looks a little drunk.  Now, what kind of lesson is that for a UM preacher to be teaching my sweet, innocent little Sarah Rose ;-)
(I think Sarah is doing her best impression of the puzzle.  Haha!)




And my project.  I ran across a great clearance deal with an online nursery I bought from earlier in the year.  Guaranteed at least $100 worth of plants for $20.  It was called a "grab bag" and essentially they sent me a surprise package filled with plants they wanted to get rid of.  I had no idea what I was going to be getting, but I was pleased when I got them.  The packages, so far, have contained four jade plants, two elephant ears, six day lilies, six tickseeds, two burning bushes, and 4 weigela bushes.  They were still in their shipping packages, so I was able to get them out, pot the ones needing potting and sort the others out for transplanting outdoors.  I am still expecting the remainder of the shipment and CAN'T WAIT to see what they send me.  With a little research, my math leads me to believe that I have about $200 worth of plants so far, not including the last shipment.  WooHoo!  I love a good clearance deal!

 Thank you, Pastor Bob and Diane, for the puzzles!  They have found a very happy home in which they will be used by very happy children...and often!  (P.S.  Mama Cat and kittens say thanks for the food, too!)