Sister's Birthday

Today is my sister's birthday!!! Just wanted to let her know how much I love her. She's a terrific friend and a great sister. Hope your day is wonderful, Lin!!!

Linda (on the left) and Kathy
Two cute sisters

Linda (on the floor with me) ready to celebrate a birthday in the late 60s

Oakley

My sister's family sadly lost their dog and cat within a day of one another back in February. It was so sad. And, it has taken some time for them to decide to get another animal. This was a family who had a dog or cat in the house for over 22 years. 


So, when my sister and niece came to visit us, they decided to choose a sweet little kitten from a litter of kitties of some friends of ours. 

His first bath!

Snuggling with the girls

He is just so cute. They named him Oakley (after the sunglasses) and he is as sweet as can be. We are so happy for all of them.

My sister and Oakley

Krissy and her baby

And...he is the perfect fit!!!

Happy Birthday Sista!!



Linda is the well-accessorized one in red. Isn't she cute????


Today is my sister's birthday!!! She is the best. I really wish I was closer (proximity-wise) so that I could throw her a big ol' party and make her a rainbow cake. Miss ya sis. Thanks for always being there for me.



Here she is in pink with her son.

 

Summer Sisters

Lily and Shelly spend lots of time together during the summer. They hang out, they laugh, they argue, they scheme, they pick on each other, they create, and they share hugs. In the summer they seem to reconnect. I like that about summer time. I hope they will always be kind to one another. I know they won't always get along perfectly, but I do wish for them sisterly love to last a lifetime.

Another Graduate

Last Friday we celebrated another graduation in our family. My nephew, Kyle, graduated from high school and I was there along with my dad and my sisters to see him receive his diploma. Exciting!!!

 I traveled to Northern Virginia on Friday morning and came home on Saturday afternoon. I needed to get home quickly because my niece, my sister, and my dad were on their way to NC for a visit. Because...we were gearing up for a third graduation. This one was of the Kindergarten kind! And the pictures of that big event will be coming soon. Right now, I'm getting ready to attend the fourth and final graduation of the season. That will make 4 graduations in 15 days!!! Awesome new horizons for all of the graduates.

Colorful Girls

On our way to Virginia Beach last week, the girls entertained themselves with their Silly Bandz. If they haven't hit your town yet (the bands, not the girls!), hold on...they're coming!!! They each have somewhere around 150 bands.

Once we got to my father's house. They were ready to hit the pool for some polka dot fun! These two make me smile all of the time!

Graduation Ceremony

On Friday afternoon my nephew Eric graduated from high school. He attends a private school where his mom (my sister) is the director of the upper school. It was a day filled with emotions. Eric was honored with an award for the senior athlete whose spirit of determination, commitment to high standards, sense of humor, and positive self-image exemplify excellence within the school community. We were incredibly proud of him.

It was overwhelming to watch my sister hug Eric as he came through the line to receive his diploma.

After the graduation my sister threw a party for Eric and it was such a fun time. Lots of smiles and laughs.

Silly Sister

My mom could always make me laugh. She had a great sense of humor...sometimes highly sarcastic. I loved that about her. When I looked closely at this picture I noticed the bunny ears she was put behind my Aunt Sue's head. Looked like something Lily might just try one day with her sister. I feel certain it was something that my older sisters did to me in pictures. That apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Daughters' Love

On March 7th of 2009 we held the memorial service for my mother. My father and my sisters and I all spoke about my mom. I was apprehensive about speaking due to my heavy emotions and really didn't think that I wanted to do it. But, as we spoke with the minister, my father said that one of his regrets had been not speaking at his own parent's funerals. So, at that moment I decided I would summons the courage to deal with my emotions while talking to the congregation at mom's service.

Today I wanted to share with you a few excerpts from our eulogies. We didn't share our writings with one another beforehand and it was interesting to hear what each of us thought was special about our mom.

My sister Kathy's thoughts:

Our mother was simply a class act.

She was creative beyond belief. Martha Stewart couldn’t hold a candle to her.


She had a wonderful sense of humor and the greatest laugh.

She was a listener and advisor – always offering up the positive in all things.

I have learned many life lessons from her – but two of the most important lessons are these:


In situations with difficult people always kill them with kindness. It works.

The second lesson and probably the most important is that “Everything happens for a reason”.

Today I see that the reason we are here is that my mother touched our lives in some way that makes us all better people.

My sister Linda's thoughts:

Ever since I can remember my mom would always be there to lend a hand when someone needed a little help or just a word of encouragement, she never put herself before others no matter what the cost to herself. She would so unselfishly give any amount of love, understanding and even time, (which to her was the most valuable thing she had besides her family), I don’t think there was a single time I called upon her for help or assistance in my life that she wasn’t there for me, and that’s just what a good mother does.

I believe the greatest tribute to my mother is that all three of us chose to become mothers.

Mom, thank you so very much for every little thing you have done for us and for everyone you have touched, we will never forget you and we promise to stick by one another through hard times and disagreements as well as good times. We will make you proud mom I promise..)



My thoughts on my mom:

She taught us to always do things with love and special attention. She didn't just give you a gift at your birthday. She elegantly wrapped it and added beautiful bows and embellishments and created the perfect card to go with it. And that's also how she lived her life.


When I needed guidance in my own life, she was the person I would call.


I have been truly blessed with a mother who surpasses all others.

The Day They Met

This photo was taken on Saturday, January 17th, 2004. It was just moments after Lily and Shelly met for the first time in the hospital. I ran across this picture and just love how sweet they both are in this photo. So glad I have two little girls who love one another. Hope it will always be that way.

Family Fun

My sister, niece, and nephew came for a visit and we were so happy to see them! We had some fun times, good food, great talks, pool time, and lots of laughs together. They were in NC for a college tour and they were able to see six NC colleges on their trip. Today they headed back to Virginia to visit Va Tech and Hampden Sydney...two of the top choices for my nephew. Wish I could have slipped inside their suitcase and gone with them. So happy to have them here---so sad to see them go.

Eric and Krissy

The cousins

Eric, Lin, and Krissy

Lily, Aunt Linny and Shelly