Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Celebrations!

I've been absent for some time due to the many events and celebrations that have been going on in my life since my last post. In June, all of my kids and grandkids came into town to celebrate my mother-in-law's 90th birthday. What began as a birthday celebration quickly turned into a family reunion for my husband's side of the family. It lasted for three days down at the beach over Father's Day weekend. Not only was it my mother-in-law's birthday, but it was my daughter-in-law Stef's birthday along with my daughter Rebekah's as well. Such a great week-end! (Lots of hugging, chattin' it up, and lovin' took place among all who came.... just what my mother-in-law wanted and needed to see.) Happy Birthday mom.

My mother-in-law at 90.... who left for a cruise after spending the weekend celebrating with us... always the traveling woman... amazing!



The two other birthday girls.... my daughter-in-law Stefani and my daughter Rebekah.



Some of my kids having fun at the reunion.. my son Michael and his lovely wife Casey.



My daughter Paula... back from Australia.



My daughters' Nicole and Elizabeth..



My son James with his wonderful wife Stef..



My daughters-in-law Lindsey (missing her husband, John) and Casey..



Paula and Elizabeth, along with four of my grandchildren, ended up staying for a little over three weeks during that time. Every day seemed to be filled with one event after another with the beach being the favorite place to go. While we were here celebrating, my son John was off fighting fires in Texas. I never realized how much devastation the fires were causing until my son went to help. Unimaginable! Pray for the people in Texas. Pray for rain. Pray for the firefighters. The drought and the fires continue... since January... with no end in sight.




On July 4th, after being gone for one month, our son John finally was able to come home and we celebrated July 4th together.... so thankful!! And celebrate we did. We had games... the best food ever.... and held our own little fireworks show in the backyard. We ended the night by sitting on our roof and watching the fireworks that were going off nearby. Fun!

Some of the grandkids having fun celebrating the day...




Michael the best cook ever... good job son!



And John... being John. Nice mask son...



Sitting up on the roof with the kids and grandkids.... so safe... ;-)



Right after my daughters and grandkids left for home, my daughter Rebekah went into labor with her first little precious gift.... awwwww.... isn't he simply adorable? Like I stated... it was one busy month!

The kids saying good-bye at the airport..




Proud auntie holding her newest little nephew.



Today, July 13, is my husband's birthday.... Happy Birthday sweetheart! Here he is with our daughter Rebekah as team mates on July 4th...



With his brother Byron..



And with our daughter Elizabeth.....




My prayer is that each of you are having a safe and wonderful summer season with those you love... just like I have been. I'll be back to sewing soon! Blessings!

Philippians 1: 3-4, 9-11.

6 comments:

TheFitnessFreak said...

Love the pictures Mom!

Deborah Hays said...

Thanks Nicole. Like I wouldn't have great pictures with all of you! Love you, mom

Lindsey said...

Wow, my husband looks quite special in his mask. It has been a pretty good (and busy) summer so far! :)

Deborah Hays said...

Your husband makes me laugh!!! I'm so glad that you guys are having a fun summer... and I love the fact that the kids love their swimming lessons!! See you on Sunday. Love you, mom

Lizzie M. said...

Love it! Thanks for faithfully updating.....unlike some other Blogger I know.... :-)

Deborah Hays said...

I'm glad that you guys took a look. I thought that your dad got some pretty good pictures. Hope you're having fun!! Love, mom