Celebrations of Life

Over the past couple months we have been celebrating life - 

the loving remembrance of what was, the grateful joy of what is, and the hopeful dreams of what is to come . . .

Our first celebration was about letting Andrew's sweet 'Grandma' go be with Jesus.  We jetted off to Texas to be with her and the rest of the family, and were blessed with a few more precious moments to share our love together.  Although it's never easy to let go, knowing that Grandma lived a full and happy life ( blessed with a caring husband, 2 children, 5 grand children, and 11 great-grand children plus 4 on the way ) and the fact that Jesus says in John 11:25-26, 

"I am the resurrection and the life.  Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.  Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die." helped to make it less painful.  

We carpooled with 'Aunt Amanda' who made sure Hunter was well taken care of by boxes of Nerds, Reeces Pieces, and Cars fruit snacks . . . And IPhone game apps

There were many hours where the 4 'In-Laws' got the special privilege of caring for 11 young children . . . luckily, they are all really great kids and a couple of them are getting old enough to be BIG TIME helpers ( it's just that when you squeeze 11 children into a very small space, like a "quiet" ICU waiting area or a toasty farmhouse living room, it can seem a little chaotic to say the least ) :) But I will say, I had a good time with my brother in-laws and Hunter had a fantastic time with his cousins!!

We also had some down-time hanging out in the hotel (a superb last minute find on price line that included delicious Belgium waffles, HA! )

This little guy sure loves his Daddy :)

And his Aunt Amanda . . .  ( this deserves major pay-back - HA )

Geraldine "Grandma Gerri" Loftis

May 21, 1927 - July 17, 2011

In those quiet moments in the still of the night

Remember to rejoice and celebrate life

Do not think of me gone and weep

I am not there, I do not sleep

I am a thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glints on snow

I am the sunlight on the grain

I am the gentle autumn's rain

When you awaken in the morning hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in flight

I am the soft stars that shine

You will hear my gentle voice

and remember to rejoice

Never give up your fight

and remember always

to Celebrate Life....

-Author Unknown

"Do not be saddened this day, for rejoicing in the Lord must be your strength!" 

Nehemiah 8:10

Needless to say, Andrew's 30th birthday wasn't exactly the "celebration" we had planned.  And after a canceled weekend get-away to Tulsa ( yes, that's just how little we need to make us excited - a relaxing dinner out,  a comfy hotel, and a quiet morning to sleep in . . . ) Hunter and I decided to make him a special cake - peanut butter rice crispy treats covered in chocolate - and take it to work !!  Besides, it was his 30th - a milestone that should be made known !!  The best part though happened while I was recording Hunter's enthusiasm and anticipation, as we waited in the Tyson parking lot.  I had let him hold the birthday treat in his lap all the way there, and his excitement couldn't be contained, so when he finally spotted his Daddy - he yelled DADDY!! at the same time his arms & legs went up and of course the cake went down . . . mommy made a quick save but not without any evidence.  Though to witness that little man's joy - sooo completely worth it !!

For momma's birthday this year the family met in Branson for the weekend!  We all had such a great time.  The three of us stayed at Aunt Amanda's & Uncle Mikes Friday night, because they were sweet enough to keep Hunter for us on Saturday while we went to Silver Dollar City.  This was a BIG deal since this was the first time he'd ever stayed all day with anyone besides grandparents.  We were a little nervous because we know how our little man can be but he did SO GREAT - at least that was our report ;) .  Between Aunt Amanda's 'special treats' and wrestling with Uncle Mike, Hunter had a blast!  He now loves to talk about "Mike's cows" and his "big truck."  After a fantastic day running around SDC and riding as many rides as we could squeeze in, we picked up Hunter and headed for dinner.  We finally decided on the hotel's restaurant, Wildwood Bistro (Radisson Inn) because it was fairly empty and we thought it'd be quick and better suited for a tired & cranky 2 year old.  It turned out to be one of the best meals any of us have had in a long time - we'll definitely be returning here on our next visit.  Our last adventure of the day was a family favorite tradition - Putt Putt, aka miniature golf.  

It was Hunter's first time and he did so great, especially considering the fact that we didn't finish until 11pm.  He was adorable using his tiny little putter, trying to mimic his Daddy's swing.  We were so proud :)  

The weekend was fantastic and I believe Momma had a terrific birthday!

 The celebrations continued with, our cousins, Levi (Hunter) & Jessica's wedding in Booneville.  Aunt Lesia hosted this perfect rehearsal dinner/Catfish fry at her wonderful cabin home, incorporating all the Southern trimmings - from tables decorated with antlers and hunting gear, to mason jars for sweet tea, not to mention an armadillo (red velvet) cake !!!  

So cute, and always a great time spent with family !!

!! Going to the Chapel and We're . . . Going to Get Married !!

Waiting for wedding to begin = Family photo opp

I love this child of mine . . . 

And finally our latest - A double birthday party for Aunt Betsy and Papaw !!  ( or is it just a really good excuse for the Hicks family to gather and enjoy laughter, love, and of course fantastic food !! )

The Birthday Girl & Boy

Never too old to enjoy some good 'You Tube'

But his (Jesus's) answer was:
         'My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.' 

I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me.  I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. 

For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10