When good gifts go bad...

Back in 2004, Jonathan had a brilliant idea. His only brother was getting married and he wanted to buy the new couple the perfect gift. At the time, Jonathan lived in Senegal, West Africa. Perfect for a truly one-of-a-kind gift to be treasured year after year of their marriage.

He heard of a wood sculptor a couple hours away who had a formidable reputation. So Jonathan hatched a plan, gathered the photo he needed, and took off to place an order.

What he had in mind was a wooden carving that Jesse and Julie would be able to hang in their home as a reminder of a verse found in Song of Solomon: "This is my beloved and this is my friend." The idea also included carvings representing Jesse and Julie, with God extending His hands to bless them.

Like I said, a truly one-of-a-kind gift.

Is that not the most... truly one-of-a-kind thing you've ever seen? When I saw it six years ago, I died laughing. And I've laughed at it (with it?) every time I've thought of it since then.

So when I heard that Jesse and Julie still had it (surprisingly not hanging up over the mantle), I asked Julie to pull it out for me to see. And laugh at.

Jesse and Julie in real life

I can't decide which I like best:
the cinnamon roll on her head or the detail work on her overalls.

And here it's a toss up between
the oversized cheek and dropped ear.

Sometimes the best intentions for a truly one-of-a-kind gift go horribly, hysterically wrong. But hey, it's the thought that counts, right?