blessed beyond measure

Only a few days left in July, and so far it's been in the nineties every day. Stupid hot. About a week into the month, we started leaving all the shades down and as many lights off as possible. Our poor air conditioner can't keep up. Oh how I dread the electric bill. Rain has been in short supply as well, so we've made several creek trips to water the garden. The garden has been a story in itself. Everything but the corn and tomatoes had to be replanted at least once, and even in the replanting, probably half the seeds did not come up. What ended up growing has done well, and we've eaten heartily off of it. Bumper crops of zucchini and tomatoes, a few squash and cukes each week, about thirty ears of corn frozen, and black-eyed peas almost ready. Not only have we eaten heartily, but the rabbits and squirrels also. Green bean rows decimated. Cornstalks dragged from the garden to a shade tree, ears stripped and cobs left to taunt us. Brandon is seething and has vowed to...

He's a teenager now, our Trey. And such a joy all around. Fantastic sense of humor, equal parts sarcasm and goofy. Tall and handsome, he is maturing and growing so quickly, we can hardly keep up. Dependable, creative, sometimes-considerate, snuggly, energetic, and strong. He's used the quarantine to start regularly working out and improve his cooking skills. We couldn't have asked God for a better young man to make us parents. Oh Trey, the next several years will be exciting and unpredictable and, more than likely, difficult. Don't ever forget that we and your grandparents are on your side, always here for you, always wanting the best for you. The Lord has great plans for your life, and what a privilege it will be to watch them unfold. We love you so, so much and are proud of you. Happy birthday, Trey!