Jim's Birthday and Father's Day Weekend....

Since they got me on my 50th birthday with a BIG surprise party, (Moma D turns 50) Jim has been nervous since January 30th (my birthday) that we would do the same to him on his 60th (June 18th).

Although it wasn't a big surprise party, we did get him good with our surprise!

Instead of going out to eat, Jim wanted to grill out. So we had smoked wings, rib eye steaks and all the trimmings. Below is the cake Krisha had made for him (knowing his favorite thing in the world is being the announcer for the running horses and occasionally the harness horse races at the Neshoba County Fair.)

Pop-Pop's girls were more than happy to help him blow out his candles.

And, if you are wondering what his big surprise was:

JED (James Edward Dance, III)

Jed came in from Louisiana to surprise his dad!!!

Below is Jim, on Father's Day, with the two little girls that have captured his heart!!!

We had a great time on Sunday at Wayne and Anita's with a shrimp boil and homemade ice cream!

Twins and some Dollar Tree grass.....and a LOT of static cling!!!

I knew Aubrey and Lainey were coming to spend the day with me today, so I wanted to have all of my Easter decorations out for them to start enjoying. Within minutes the living area looked like this:

Then, their room turned into this:

I don't think Aubrey realized that the grass was going to cling to her clothing when she was rubbing it all over herself: 

Or, when she decided to share it with Lainey:

Even Eli wanted in on the fun:

BUT...........cling to her it did!

I wonder how many times I will ask myself, "Why did I put this stuff out so early?"

Pop Pop, if you are reading this, please hurry home! The golf cart is charged up and the girls really, really need to go play outside!

Saturday with the girls..........

("Hey Pop Pop, we think your grill needs a fresh coat of paint!")

These were taken at the end of our afternoon, after a LONG day of playing. A day that started around 4:00 a.m. watching Barney and Sesame Street while laying in bed. Hey, who wants to sleep when Pop Pop, Moma D, Eli, Aubrey and Lainey can all curl up together in a king size bed and watch TV!!??!!

Moma D turns 50

Yes, Krisha (with Dan and Jim's help) got me! We had a great time and I really appreciate all my family and friends coming to help me celebrate the BIG 50.

I was thrilled to see everyone, but I was totally surprised and overjoyed to see my very best friend from high school, Vonnie Elmore Kelly. There are no words to express the bond the two of us share. It had been over 14 years since we had seen each other!

Vonnie and I

Vonnie and her beautiful daughter, Jennifer.

Also, one of my best friends for over 25 years, Ginger Keating. However, Jim claims that she is HIS best friend, not mine. (Ginger helped him mark off one of his "bucket list" items in October - she carried him to the Nascar Race in Talledega.)

Below is Krisha with Jennifer, my 1st daughter (hey Jennifer, do you think I am old enough to be your step mom now? HA)

And of course, below are two of my other children, Danyell and Lisa

And for those we didn't get pictures of, sorry, blame the camera man! Ha. Thanks again to everyone that came!!!!

Thanks to Krisha for all the hard work that she put into it, it was a great party!!!

* * * * * * * * *

SO, you would think that would be it right? A huge surprise party with so many of my friends and family attending, getting so many great gifts............but, NO. Krisha (again with Dan and Jim's help) was not finished................

On Sunday nights Jim and I attend our church's Life Group at David and Karen Cottingham's home. It is a group of 20 -25 people. We always have great food, wonderful discussions about living our lives for Christ, and fun fellowship together. Jim and I love this group of folks, they are our rock.
When we arrived Sunday night, there was Dan, Krisha and the girls...........with ANOTHER cake, ice cream, balloons and the Happy Birthday banner!!!
It was the "men's" night to cook, and we had a great supper of salad, lasagna, garlic bread and then all the birthday cake and trimmings...and more cards and gifts.
It was so fitting that our discussion for the night was a continuation of Brother Dan's morning sermon, "Love God and Love Others"..............thanks to all the group for showing me God's love and for loving me and my family so much!!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Krisha, I love you for all the hard work you did and for making this such a special time for me.

Dan, thanks for helping Krisha with the girls so that she could get all the work done for the party.

David and Karen, thanks for hosting my 2nd surprise party.

Jim, thanks for helping with the funding (although I am sure you owe Dan and Krisha more!?!) and the help you provided to Krisha, I love you.

Now, what will I do for Jim's 60th birthday in June and Krisha's 30th birthday in October?????? Anyone have any suggestions?

In training with Popa Jim

What we have been up to........

Getting ready for Halloween!

Aubrey and Lainey were participants of the Berry High School Homecoming festivities thanks to Walle!

Krisha celebrates turning 29!!

Moma D spending time with her girls!

(Lainey)

(Aubrey)

We LOVE our BAMA Football

(ignore Aubie in the photo!)

Sometimes it is exhausting being little girls!

(In Target!)