BEAUTY FROM ASHES

On Tuesday night around 10:30 "Pawpaw" or Todd's dad passed away.  He had a massive heart attack.  We were shocked and sad.  He will be missed by our family and many others.  We had a nice service for him on Friday.  We are so thankful to our friends who have shown great support and love to us.  As Todd says (Well, sings)  "I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God"

As I was sitting in my back yard with family this weekend I was thinking how such a sad and shocking event had brought about such blessings with it.  It was so nice getting to see so many family we hadnt seen in such a long time.  It is a shame that it took this to get us all together.  I think about the saying "Beauty from Ashes"  Thats kinda like this.

Todds brothers' daughter Stephanie (Our niece) got to come down with her two boys.  Thanks to her mom for helping her do that.  It was wonderful to get to see her, and hug her and just be with her and her precious little boys.  I was so thankful that she was able to make it down here for the service.  We so enjoyed getting to know the boys and loving on them a bit.

This is Grayson.  Here he was playing football.  He was very proud of all his "touchdowns"!

 This one has Hayden in it who lives down the street from us and visits regularly.

 It was so funny.  Grayson kept saying "How 'bout them Cowboys!"  Even though they are from Texas, they are not Cowboys fans, and when he would say it, he would glance toward his mom and say "Shhhh"  So she wouldnt hear him rooting for those Cowboys.  I just fell in love with him.  That is some of that beauty from the ashes.

This is Brayden having breakfast on Sunday morning.  He didnt realize he could have held out for the Cornerstone breakfast with Sausage, Bacon, Biscuits, Grits, Fruit, and Cinnamon Rolls.  But hey....  Isnt he the sweetest.  Oh he is so cuddly and squishy and I love his smile that will melt you. He is a good work out too. :) Can you say HEAVY.   So thankful...

Is this precious or what?  I mean really...

 BEAUTY


He is gorgeous and so sweet and helpful to his mommy.  I love him.  Oh wait, I mentioned that, didnt I?

He loved throwing the ball on the roof.  I admit that I did not have much faith that he would make it.  However he proved me wrong.  He threw it on the roof and tried to catch it as it rolled off.

Love your family members. 
Give lots of hugs.
Tell them what they mean to you.
One day they may not be there to tell.

I sure told these boys and their mom that I loved them this weekend and there were hugs too.

Beauty from Ashes