Jamie

I'm just going to warn you that this isn't going to be an easy post for me.   But I strongly believe that I need/should remember my step-dad in such a way that I (and others) can look back on and share.  As most of you know, Jamie was diagnosed with rectal cancer 2 years ago in July and unfortunately the cancer spread to his liver and then in the last 6 months to his lymph nodes and lungs.  He battled bravely and was such a strong witness for the Lord throughout his treatments and his faith brought so many closer to Jesus.  The Lord used his illness to heal many relationships in our family alone and we know that it was all apart of the Master's plan.  But on July 31st 2010, Jamie was welcomed into the arms of Jesus and is now praising and singing his heart out in heaven!!! We are still struggling with the reality of Jamie not being here on earth with us, but the comfort that we have knowing where he is and what he is doing makes it easier to handle.  There are days it still feels like he is just gone on a business trip, and others that I find hard to accept that he won't be here to see Parker grow up but I know he is watching and looking out for our family from heaven.  We miss him terribly and we are very thankful for all of the thoughts/prayers from all of you and still covet them because it will continue to be a struggle for our family.  Thank you for everything Jamie, you have left an example for all of us to follow and you will never be forgotten.  We love you!! Looking forward to seeing you in Heaven!! 

 Waiting for Parker to be born July 9th 2009

 Getting some time with his grandson

 Our family cruise June 2010

 Father's Day 2010

July 4th 2010

My 30th Birthday!! (another catch up)

Yep, it finally happened--I turned 30 on August 1st. It really didn't bother me turning 30, although it made me very aware of my adulthood!! When I was in my twenty's, even when I had Parker, I still didn't feel like old enough to be an adult---but now, in my 30's and with a kid, I am a REAL adult!! :) Bruce threw me a party at the lake on the 31st of July and it was perfect. I had a lot of fun with all of my friends and I really appreciate all of the hard work that he and his parents (and Mrs. Dianne) did to make it special. Thanks!

Luke and Parker discussing world issues I'm sure! :)

Thanks Jeanie for ALL of the reminders that I'm 30!!!

the crew enjoying the water

Little Miss Campbell enjoying all of the attention

Our movie star in the making, Miss Avery :)

The Vickery's

The ladies: Madison and Natalie, Campbell and Hannah

Matthew and Ellison, Parker and Bruce and Michael :)

Bert and James

Jonathan and Luke

Jonathan and Luke, Lindsey, Hannah, Madison and Natalie, Katie and Hannah

My fabulous and very special birthday cake!! Thanks Bruce!!

Michael and Lucian with sweet Campbell

Hannah, Zeke, James and Parker gathering at the table

Parker's gift to me!! :)

What a sweet boy!

Hilton Head (catch up post)

Since leaving college Bruce and I haven't really gone anywhere for a long period of time with just our friends. But at the end of July, we went on a mini-vacation with our friends WITHOUT kids!!! YEAH!! Thankfully, Bruce's parents graciously (and very willingly) kept Parker for us. It was wonderful!!! 3 other couples went down with us to Hilton Head Island and stayed at Harbour Town and had a blast! We left on Thursday and had dinner that night down there, and then the guys got up early on Friday and played golf while us ladies just sat around and chatted!! (Imagine that, the women just talked and caught up on all things important!! hehe) ;) Then Friday afternoon we went to the beach and totally enjoyed our time there just relaxing. Friday night was dinner out in South Beach and then Saturday we spent the day at the pool/beach at another resort for the day. Saturday evening again was dinner out and then we all left Sunday morning. Our vacation was the perfect getaway and we had so much fun!!

Clayton's and Pascazio's
Mize's and Lee'sLynn and Daniel

The girl's before heading to the beach

and of course the boys being funny!

guys playing bocce ball

the Human tower: Daniel, Bruce and Jonathan :)

Shuffleboard crew: Jonathan and Daniel....

Lynn, me and Bruce (waiting our turn to play)

picture in front of the famous Lighthouse

sunset on the 18th green at Harbour Town

Daniel and Lynn

Chris and Katie

Jonathan and Natalie

Parker's First Birthday Party (a catch up post)

So again, I am playing catch up and will be for awhile. So enjoy the posts from the past!! :)

For Parker's first birthday we decided to have a water play/pool party!! My wonderful mother-in-law Jeanie went all out and made the party very special! (we had the party at their house and my father-in-law worked hard to get it all set up too!!) We had a water park of play things and the kiddos had a blast!! There were paper lanterns hanging from the tents, little patio chairs for the kids to sit in, bubble wands for the adults to play with :) and an ice cream sundae bar with the cake. It was so fun and I know that we had a blast and Parker will enjoy looking at the pictures when he gets older!! AND, he totally went after his cake!! It was priceless--just what you want for the first birthday cake experience!! Thanks for everyone for coming and making Parker's first birthday special!!

The water park ;)

Anna and Parker checking out one of the pools

Hannah, Zeke and Parker playing--notice Parker is trying to drink from the sprinkler!! :)

My sweet birthday boy

Payton being the center of attention!!

Anna playing on the water mat

Zeke getting his sister Hannah :)

Luke and Parker playing together

Isn't this precious--Luke giving the birthday boy a hug :)

Parker's present from Grandaddy and GiGi--and Zeke was helping push!!

Checking out his awesome car!!

Birthday Boy

Starting off slowly...

and then going all in!! "forget the hands, just go face first!!!" ;)

"Yummy Mommy and Daddy!"

"I love it!!"

"I love making a mess!"

Madison, Luke and Parker sitting in the cutest little chairs with their party favors--the beach balls with their name on it!!

Best picture with all of the kiddos: Luke, Parker, Anna, Madison, Zeke, Hannah and Payton

Thanks again everyone for such a memorable party!! We love all of you !!