Dear Grandpa...

We sure do miss you already. The past several years have been such a blessing having you in our home, and lives. Growing up, we werent that close to you. But having you with us the last years of your life brought us all oh so close. Give Grandma a kiss for us in Heaven, catch lots of fish and, eat as many cookies as you want!

You brought a smile to our face when:
* You would steal dads clothes out of his closet and wear them
* You would hide cookies in your bed and pockets so you could have them when we werent looking
* You caught the bushes out front on fire
* You would smoke in the house and push moms buttons
* You would Eat 5 or more bananas a day, leaving none for us to have
* You would Laugh at old western movies, when they werent that funny
* You tried to ride the bike...to get away from us
* You actually accomplished running away and it took us forever to find you, or the cops to find you
* You wore your funny hats
* You drank your Odules and actually thought you were getting a buzz from it
* You would dance to music
* You would light up to Mrs. Lois bringing you fast food
* You saw a pretty lady, and would flirt with her
* You smoked in the bathroom at a restaurant to hide from us
* You were aware enough to know that sprite was not wine, and Ginger Ale was not Whiskey on the rocks
* You would call us by name
* You would get the mail everyday
* You asked my dad for a paycheck bc of your job (getting the mail)
* We would give you money (paycheck) and you would in turn give it right back to help pay for things
* You would talk about your Childhood
* You would play with the dogs
* You would flirt with the nurses
* You would let moms bird go, because you thought it wanted to be free
* You would kiss and hug us goodbye
* You told us you loved us

* Plus, oh so much more

Such a handsome man

What a wonderful great-grandpa

Kisses for Grandpa

Happy 76th Birthday Grandpa!

Doing what you did best (fish)

Your girls

Your favorite nurses of all!

You were not only a hero to our country, but to your family. We all love you and are looking forward to seeing you in Heaven soon!

Vacation to Tennessee

As most of you already know, Kenny lost one his best friends, Pfc. Nathan Bradley Clemons in 2005. Nathan was a friend to many but a true hero to our country. We have had to wonderful opportunity to still be a part of the family that he left behind. So this past weekend we hopped in our car at 4pm on Wednesday and 8 hours later ended in Winchester Tennessee. Every time we visit Tennessee we are overcome by the beauty of the mountains, the cooler air, and the great people.

Kenny and I have had alot on our plates lately, and having several days to relax was JUST what we needed. A normal day with the Clemons family, consisted of waking up and sitting on the back porch with coffee in hand. This usually last for several hours :) Then we would head into town and walk around the cute shops and eating their great southern style food. The rest of the day usually consisted of entertaining Miss. Haley: swimming, playing, and entertaining her wild imagination. It is so hard to believe how just 4 years ago she was in our wedding, and oh so small...well not any more.

 

Swimming in the pool was an everyday event...good thing considering this was our only form of exercise for the weekend.

One day after picking Haley up from school we headed to a small, quaint town called Bell Buckle. Haley and I chilled in the back while winding up and down all the mountains.

 

This place hands down has the best "home-cookin" food you will ever have. Bell Buckle is the home to the Moon Pie Festival and much more.

 

While going from store to store, Mr. Clemons and I decided to take a small break on one of the front porches of a store.

They say Tennessee is a bit country...they weren't kidding. Check out the wind chimes we found. Mom, I got you one for your collection!

 

The rest of the trip was filled with fun moments together...below you will see just what Im talking about!

Kenny and Haley being goofy

Haley and I before church

Some of the other cool things that happened while we were with the Clemons family, was that they received a phone call informing the Clemons that the town wanted to name a local bridge in honor of Nathan. The very next day, they received another call wanting to do pay a small tribute to Nathan, on the Nancy Grace Show. I just think it is so great that his legacy still remains so alive in the hearts and family of him...also in our Nation!

Finally prior to leaving, we HAD to take a family photo. I just love this family. And we are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. I am really looking forward to going back hopefully in the fall.

Of course, no blog can finish without some adorable updated pictures of my beautiful neice. She is now almost 9 months, crawling and getting oh so big.

You know one of the things I truly feel God is teaching me, through all of our trials lately...is that there are many blessings around us that we will miss if we are so focused on the negative in our lives. Thank you God for an AMAZING husband, loving family, sweet dogs, best friends, and beautiful babies.