WHEW!  It was a busy weekend!  After coming home from a week at the beach on Friday,  Saturday was Levi’s third birthday party and Sunday was a wedding shower for Tina, my new daughter-in-love.  Funny how so many good things can happen right at the same time, isn’t it?  Here, then, is the documentation of this blessed time spent together with family and friends!

First, Levi’s birthday party.  Suzanne chose a theme of  ‘Things That Go’ and did a wonderful job of decorating the house for a festive party!

Oh, it’s so hard to figure out how tohold up three fingers instead of two!

Oh what fun!  John Thomas, Jackson, Levi with Aunt Lori exploring all the new goodies!  There was also a precious little girl, Libby, in attendance.  Cake and ice cream, children playing, visiting with family…memories are made of this!  Happy Birthday, Levi!

And, a good night’s sleep and up to get ready for Tina’s wedding shower!  I did not get a picture of all those who helped hostess, so I will list them here…Tina Davis, Juliann Black, Rhonda Grandstaff, Patty Johnson, Pam Ellis, Monty Clark, Donna Walker, and Shirley Davis.  So kind of these sweet forever friends who helped shower the new couple with such lovely gifts and beautiful memories.  The shower was held at Tina Davis’ house…so warm and inviting!  It seemed as if there was a constant stream of friends arriving to meet Tina and share this sweet time with us.  I can honestly say that each person who attended is extra special to me and my family.  Not just for coming to share with us today…but because of the years and years of times we have shared laughter and fun and sadness and good times and bad!  I hold all of these ladies…the hostessess and those who attended… in my heart of hearts!

Tina and I along with 3 of the hostesses…Juliann Black, Tina Davis, Patty Johnson…

Ian arrived, with Jackson in tow, to help us load up the presents into their car.  We managed to snap a pic of the three of them…even though Jackson was not exactly thrilled about the idea! 🙂  Little boys…aren’t they just the best?!  And when they grow up to be fine men…they’re even better!

Because my parents followed the example of their parents, I was raised in a church family that has provided me with love and support for as long as I can remember.  And, because God led me to spend 20 years teaching in a Christian workplace, I have dear lifelong friends there, as well.  I do not take this for granted..it is a gift.  These friends have loved my children for as long as they have been on this earth…helping us guide and teach them about the things that really matter.  I am blessed beyond measure…for friends that are as close as family.  And, for family that are also close friends!  Thank you, God.

  “Every good and perfect gift is from above…”  James 1:17

And, I love how the International Standard Version interprets this verse…

“Every generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above…” James 1:17