Loving our neighborhood

We have such a great neighborhood! We've made such great friends here and are often overwhelmed by their generosity, care and friendship. Sat. was a great example.

Our neighbor's sister-in-law told me early in the week that she wanted to give me a baby shower, which I was surprised at since I didn't think you have one for the second child. The only weekend they had free before my due date was this past Sat., so they quickly organized a party. A lot of friends couldn't make it on such short notice, but it was great to invite half the neighborhood. 5 neighbors did make it, plus some other friends and the hispanic host extended family who we have gotten to know some through all their many parties. They lavished me with gifts, fed us and played games through the 3 hour party. It was a blast. I got lots of girl clothes, some diapers, I won three prizes playing Spanish Bingo and all sorts of other loot, diaper bag, swing...

Next we went to visit Big Buddy who I hadn't seen in a few days. He said he was going to call us to come to dinner, but didn't know if we were coming or going since our car had been gone at one point. We hadn't eaten yet and he insisted we stay.

After our impromptu meal there, we went back home. I was trying to get my cabinet stained and Brian was watering the garden when another neighbor hollers over the fence to come for bbq. Apparently they had told Brian for us to come by earlier in the day and he'd not heard or forgotten. There was no way I could eat again, but we got to hang out with them some.

It was all just so awesome.

Last week, Ivan ran away from me accross a neighbor's front yard, through their open gate into the back. This neighbor often has us over for birthday bashes and Ivan obviously remembers. At that moment I realized how fortunate we are to have friends living all around us. That as Ivan grows up, there are homes all up and down the street where he could get help if in need, where he will be greeted and is already cheered, where he will be watched over and known. Sometimes I wonder what we are doing in Abilene, but I know we were placed on this street, on these blocks, at this time for a reason.