Gina's "Angel"versary

I am so thankful for memories...and pictures to help us remember.  I am so glad that I knew and could call Gina Talbot Smedley my friend.  Gina was a fighter....you have to be if you get cancer!  She was positive and trusted in God.  She Praised God Always!  I loved that about Gina!  She smiled even when she didn't feel like it.  She lived for everyone else!  She lived her life until the very end.

I treasure the day that Jodi and I went to visit her.  She was coherent and able to express her feelings to us.  She knew her time had come that she would be meeting our Savior...she accepted that.  We were able to express our love for each other.  I knew that would probably be the last time I would see my friend alive in this life....that day is precious to me.  I'm so glad that Jodi followed the prompting that she got and invited anyone to join her.  It worked out perfect for me and I believe that was a tender mercy.  God knew I wanted to see Gina before she passed.

I'm so thankful for God and the love He is constantly showing to us.  I am finally at a point in my life that I am able to recognize it and allow Him to guide my life.  I believe He always has but I see it now and it's easier to follow His wishes.  I know that we are guided to others so that God can bless us through them.  Gina blessed so many around the world because she shared her faith and journey.  I know that we all bless  more than we know and I am so thankful for everyone that crosses my path in some way or another.

It's so hard losing our loved ones.  Our hearts and souls ache for them....that's part of this earthly experience.   I think it's the hardest part of life....even believing (or knowing) we will see them again.  It hurts because we love.

Today a few of us gathered at Gina's grave to celebrate her life a little through our thoughts and expressions.  We as friends continue to make memories and live our lives.  We celebrate each other...we support each other....we love each other.  We are the Angels in Life!

Kamryn's Birthday

I am so glad this little one is  in our family.  Little Kamryn is such a joy and smartie pants.  She is so funny and witty and loves to have fun.  For her birthday she told her mom she only wanted to spend the night with gramma in the trailer.  We didn't get the trailer out of storage in time so I promised Kam when we did get it out she could have another sleep over with just me.  We slept in the family room instead and watched George of the Jungle and ate treats.

Jaydan took her to dinner while Larry and I went out.  Then I took her to the store and even though she didn't want a present....she picked one out anyway.  It's so fun to have a little one on one with each of the grands.  I'm glad that Kam wanted to have sleepovers with me because now it is a tradition with each of the grands on their birthdays.

I love this girl.  She is truly a blessing and a huge bonus to our family!  I can't believe she's 6!

Justin's Birthday

I sure do love this son of mine!  Every birthday takes me back to the day they were born.  There are certain memories that stand out.  I remember holding Justin with a different sense of pride and joy than with Trichelle....it wasn't better or worse but it was different.  This boy has always been a good, kind, hard working kid.  He is honest, funny, talented, and sensitive.  Justin always knew when I needed a hug and gave them to me all the time while he was growing up.

Justin is a sweet husband.  He is so good to his beautiful wife.  Justin is a fun and caring daddy.  I always knew Justin would be a great dad because he always loved little kids and was good at taking care of them.  It started when he was 4 and we had Kevin.  Justin could get Kevin out of his crib (Larry let him...I would have got Kevin out and handed him to Justin) and he would gently hold and take care of Kevin.  They would fall asleep with Kevin laying on Justin's tummy.  Justin's kids adore him which means he treats them wonderfully.

Justin is an example to our family.  I think everyone looks up to him and knows they could go to him with any concerns or problems.  I am so thankful for this son....he makes my heart smile....BIG!

We enjoy taking the kids out to celebrate their birthdays.  Justin is conservative to where he chooses to go.  This year we went to Dickey's.  I think Justin wanted to show us the aluminum he bent and helped them with.  It looks nice and YES I am proud of my son and his talents.