Hey thanks Kellie, so glad it was easier for you too leaving Erik the second time. It’s beautiful to see their plans unfold before our eyes and how they’re taking the next steps. God is directing their paths. Yeah, I had a few happy tears too for sure. I know Reid will do great wherever he goes and if it’s Samford, well they’ll be lucky won’t they? What a great kid, and Samford is truly a wonderful school – both a community and family. There’s a great spirit and atmosphere and we are so grateful Jonathan is there.

I don’t know if you watch Parks and Rec – if you haven’t – there’s this guy called Jerry in it who is this total clutz and says the most inappropriate things at work, but when he’s home he’s this cool, calm, witty chap WITH co-ordination. Well, on his retirement, his boss finds a list of his “dreams” when he first started at his job 41 years ago and starts feeling bad that he didn’t achieve any of them. Then, when she stops by his home to commiserate, he shows her his family albums of all those times he got to spend home with his kids – over dinner, vacations, games etc and he tells her not to feel bad as his biggest dreams have come true in them – our kids indeed are our messages to the future – looks like you have done so good, sweet friend!
Hope y’all have a wonderful weekend – and stay warm! XO

Thank you Carina, I was so happy we were able to go down for family weekend. How was your Thanksgiving? I forgot once again that your Thanksgiving happens on our Columbus Day weekend. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving feast and visiting time with your family!

Thank you so much Susie!!! The beach was cold but a really fun time. We bundled up and got out there anyway. Hope you had a good Columbus Day there!

I hope the wedding was wonderful, so look forward to seeing the pictures. When we were at Samford last weekend there was a choral vespers service on Friday night. It was all acapella music, some in latin, by their award winning choir. It just rang and rang in that gorgeous chapel. You would have loved it and Uncle Bob would have too. Jon was the liturgist for the service and I know he enjoyed being a part of it. Looking forward to hearing all about the wedding! XO

Thank you so much Barbara, it was wonderful to be able to visit and give Jonathan a hug in person! The sound in the chapel was amazing. There was a vespers service that was packed in the chapel on Friday night with acapela choral music. You would have loved it. Their choir is spot on. Jon was asked to the be the liturgist for the service (ahead of time) and he did a great job leading the service. XO

Thank you so much Kathy, it was a wonderful weekend! xo

Thank you friend, it’s such a pretty campus and we were so grateful to be able to go visit. The beach is awesome in the fall – I really do love it – even more than summer. It’s abandoned in fall – and I love the wide open stretches as far as the eye can see minus people. Sounds so solitary. (it is!) It was cold and windy and the waves were big on account of Matthew’s aftermath, and such a treat to spend the time with family! Just before we left we enjoyed hot apple crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the beach at sunset. My brother made the apple crisp — actually peeled the apples himself, so it was a real celebration on many counts. Hope you and your family had a good weekend too and many opportunities to make wonderful memories. XO