Showing posts with label celebrations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label celebrations. Show all posts

Monday, August 20, 2012

Life is Good


I've been in Florida for the past two weeks. 

Another family gathering, but under sad circumstances, this time. My husband's father suffered a stroke and passed away a few days later on the 9th. 
We were blessed to be at his side and to be able to stay as long as we did. After praying to find a full time job, I was giving thanks I hadn't found one yet so I didn't have to worry about the time away. 

It was a time of sadness, but also a time of laughter... a gathering of family from all corners of the country. 
Besides two weeks of celebrating Pop's life, Tom and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary, a nephew turned 12, and a brother turned 51. 

Life goes on, and it's good.  I know Pop would agree.

I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich. 
~ Dan Wilcox and Thad Mumford




The last photo I took of Pop, at our family gathering a month ago. 


A few scenes from the past two weeks...




Pop was included in the cribbage games




Sons and a grandson raise a toast to Pop in the Kenneth P. Shallue Honorary Man Cave 
(aka NWA... No Women Allowed)




I spent a morning at the beach, photographing another (younger!) Mr. and Mrs. Tom Shallue who are expecting Pop's fifth great-grandchild very soon!




The Knights of Columbus held vigil over Pop's casket at the visitation service and Rosary




A table for 45, please...




Tom with a few of Pop's brothers and sisters, raising a toast to Pop




Thirty years and still smiling (most of the time)




Nine good men and the woman who raised them, with Pop's help




More cribbage...




...and cousins playing a rowdy game of 3-13




Discovering the wonders of nature





Boy cousins. No other words necessary.




Uncles giving advice in the man-cave...




Happy 12th birthday, Tyler!




Happy 51st birthday, Russ!




Yes. 
Yes, it is.


You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. 
~ Desmond Tutu


(And I'm so grateful for the gift of two beautiful families.)

Friday, December 30, 2011

More of this, please...

Tomorrow is the last day of December.
There were days during the month when my heart was heavy, touched by news of loss and goodbyes. 

But December was also a month of celebrations, friendship, homemade treats, good food, music... all draped in glittering lights.
Here are a few of my favorite shots, reminding me of those brightest moments...



My oldest turned twenty-six... I was there to take photos!
(and just this week proposed to the love of his life! For more on that, go HERE.)



There were graduation celebrations (above, my son's friend's graduation from UT) and lots of parties (below).




...at the winery...



...with my dear friends from high school...



...the last annual hangar party, a bittersweet celebration...






Besides the tempting treats above at my Martha Stewart-ish friend Darla's home...


we found sweets in abundance when we visited Tom's parents in Florida.
The plates above miraculously stayed full no matter how many we ate!



Our trip was made sweeter by plenty of card-playing, like the cribbage game above between Tom and his mom...



...and a day at the beach. (More shots from this later.)




Santas and nutcrackers stood watch under my mother-in-law's angel tree



My sister-in-law Erin's home was twinkling all over with Christmas... as you can see from her table above...



...and this wonderful old star that topped their tree.





Even the winery was decorated for the season.

All month I found beautiful decorations glittering inside...


...and out.

Thank you for your friendship and for all of words of encouragement you've given me this year.
I hope when you think back on December... and all of 2011... you're able to find plenty of sweet moments sprinkling your memory as well.

Happy New Year to all of you!