Happy Birthday Mom Aug 28, 1930- Oct 21, 1993

 I know it is a day early, but this morning, pictures of my mom started flashing through my mind and I got teary eyed.

Wondering why she flooded my memory today was beyond me, then I realized the date, Aug 27.  I had always confused my mom's birthday, and wished her one the day before!

I thanked her for the love she shared with me, encouraging me to develop my relationship with Christ, and through that, I would learn to love others as He loves me.

The Sacrament of My First Holy Communion,

love of Christ in the Eucharist.

Many times as a youngen I would give into laziness rather than wanting to put forth effort (still something I struggle with today, only not as bad).  Anyway, my mom's number one response,

"God helps those who help themselves."

It was a lesson I hear often repeated in my head.

Thank you mom, for reminding me what Christ calls me to do.

The Sacrament of My Confirmation,

Love of Christ through the guidance of the 

Holy Spirit.

As I grew older and became aware of what happens during this journey called life, I would often question the injustices I would see.  My mom's response, "Jesus has always told us, it wouldn't be easy, but it would be worth it."

Thanks mom, I hear those words often in my head as well.

It keeps me pushing forward, especially through the difficulties.

The love of family.

You love and accept each and every one

despite our idiosyncrasies. 

When you can do that within your own family,

you learn how to do it with society.

Thanks mom for showing me how important family is 

and how to love each unconditionally.

She was my best friend and confidant.

Thank you for the many life lessons you taught me

as well as the laughter!

The Sacrament of Matrimony.

Love through better or for worse, 

for richer or for poorer,

in sickness and in health.

It is through its endurance that you come

to fully realize what love is!

And most of all,

she and my dad modeled it for us.

Thanks for being such a great role model mom.

I love you!

Happy Birthday!

First day back to school

Chloe had her first day back to school

on Monday, Aug 14.

Valerie said she didn't miss a beat and was as if she had been going all summer long.  She certainly looks happy and confident!

I am happy Chloe didn't lose any of the gains she made last year.

After school they went to visit Bass Pro Shops.

An "awe" moment of Daddy with Judy. 

Kids say the darndest things!

The Tallahassee crew came in for a quick weekend.

Actually, they were here for Valerie's niece's 5th birthday party.

Anyway, Michael shares with us that they had gotten a new DVD player for the car.  However, it wasn't working as it should and the movie Chloe wished to watch wasn't coming on in a timely fashion.

That being said, she began to pitch a fit and then thrust her head into the front seat.  They told her to settle down there is no need to be angry.  Chloe says, "I'm not angry, I'm being dramatic!"

LOL  😁

Next, I am in the kitchen cooking dinner, a rather stressful time as I was trying a new recipe.  What was I thinking?  I bit off more than I could chew (no pun intended).  Anyway in comes Chloe and says,

"Grandmama, look, my armpits can make music!"

Needless to say, my stress melted away. 😊

Lastly, had to get a quick picture of Grandpapa with Judith

before they headed back home.

She will be 6 months old tomorrow.

Graduation Day

Amber graduated today with a Bachelor of Science in Justice Administration College of Liberal Arts and Sciences degree.  She has worked hard and we are proud of her.

Procession

All the pleasantries.

Honoring all those who have or still serve in the military.

Amber is an Army veteran.

Levi amusing himself.

And she walks...

Received!

Done deal.

Now for the post graduation photos.

Enjoy!

Amber with her niece Alynn.

Notice anyone missing in the picture?

"I want in the picture!"

Future graduate.

Afterwards we went to Bahama Breeze to celebrate.

It was a wonderful day!