Monday, December 30, 2019

Happy 1st Heavenly Birthday, Uncle Bobby!

On Christmas night, we got the news that my precious Uncle Bobby had gone to be with the Lord. After spending the day with family, he was called Home for Eternity. As much as we were saddened with this news, I was thrilled thinking of his entrance into Heaven. Uncle Bobby was one of the most precious, selfless, faithful men that I've ever known. He lived his life each and every day to the fullest by giving his life to the Lord. In everything he did, he did it with joy and gladness. So I imagine that when he entered the gates of Heaven, God said to him, "well done, my good and faithful servant"!

Mimi, Karen, Sydni, Maddi and I all made the trip to Baton Rouge to spend several days with all of the family. Mark met us there as well. It was so much fun to be with everyone, despite the sad circumstances. It's been a long time since we've all been together under one roof. I was sad that my kids and Chet didn't get the chance to come meet the rest of the cousins, but hopefully, we can make that happen soon. We spent 3 days there and basically reminisced about the fun times we used to have. We looked at old pictures of us all, laughed at the great memories, and cried tears of sadness realizing that we would not get to hug this sweet man on this side of eternity. As a family, we stood by Aunt Ginny and the girls to let them know that they aren't walking this journey alone. I'm hopeful that we will get our families together in the future more often, spending time making memories together. As Mimi reminded us that Uncle Bobby (during his 1 hour conversation with her just prior to his symptoms starting) made a suggestion that we all get together for a reunion, either this summer or next Christmas. So, in honor of him, I'm putting this on the top of my to-do list for the year!

He died on Jesus' Birthday (Dec 25) and was buried on his 78th Birthday (Dec 30)...I can't think of a more perfect celebration for him to spend his first Eternal birthday with his Maker!

Me, Erin, and Karen...Calvin with the photo bomb in the background!

Mimi and Uncle Charlie

Aunt Ginny, Olivia, Kimby and Carson

Sydni, Davis, and Cooper

Karen, Christy, Treva, Me, Erin, and Kimby

The rest of the gang


Uncle Charlie, Richard and Patti Parolli, Aunt Ginny and Mimi

We went to Chuck's house for a fish fry! Here are Mark, Marshall and Chuck


Cousins Charleigh, Bella, Maddi, and Sydni

Me, Karen, Uncle Charlie, Mark, and Treva

We added Case and Mimi to the picture


I'm glad Chuck could join us for the picture


Uncle Charlie and Mimi at the Funeral

Connie, Chuck and Marshall


Uncle Bobby!!!


The whole family (including some of Aunt Ginny's family)


I love this picture of Christy and Aunt Ginny with Uncle Bobby's picture!


We had a birthday celebration for Uncle Bobby after the service!





Uncle Charlie and Christy

Cousins...missing Chuck!

Uncle Charlie sure does love these 2 girls!!

Sweet Davis joining the picture!

Here are some of the cousins: Cooper, Katie, Davis, Anna, Sydni, Olivia, Maddi, Hudson, Grant, Carson, and Gabe



I love sweet Christy!




Mimi and Aunt Ginny!


Singing Happy Birthday to Uncle Bobby!


Friday, December 27, 2019

Happy Birthday, Jesus!!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday, Jesus!! It's the day of the year that the kids have waited on with great anticipation! They definitely understand the Reason for the Season, but they have most looked forward to seeing what Santa would deliver! I think everyone was super happy with the gifts.


Sam and his nintendo switch


 Kat got all of her favorite Paw Patrol gear



Kendall got a Kendra Scott necklace and earrings, a hover seat, and lots of fun items in her stocking!


 The kids loved the hover seat! Thankfully, the day was beautiful so we could get out and enjoy all of our toys! We went to the park and played tennis with Sam's new tennis racket, too!



Thursday, December 26, 2019

Christmas Eve

This year, we continued the tradition of the Christmas Eve candlelight service at the church, followed by our "FRAMILY" dinner and caroling with the Beavers, Kahlstorfs, and Brands. It's absolutely my favorite time of year and the most special event we do. We were thankful that Mimi was here to join us in all of our fun! We are blessed with an amazing friend group who are more like family to us! We have been doing life together for almost 14 years, and I can't imagine how we would've made it this far without their love an support! 














After we got home, we let the kids open 1 gift on Christmas Eve. Kat was the most excited since hers was a Paw Patrol car. Sam got a tennis racket and balls, and Kendall opened clothes (which she was not impressed with)! We ended the night with some photos around the tree and preparing our cookies and milk for Santa!