Happy Birthday ~ to my mother

Roselavone

{isn't that a pretty name?}

She would be 90 today.

Doesn't she have a beautiful smile? I love that.

She and my Daddy, Ray They did everything together ~ newlyweds ~ aren't they a stunning couple? My special day ~

Our whole family ~ 1980

Gathered together for a family reunion....

to celebrate my parent's 35th anniversary

Mother with her very best friend, Bea.

What fun they had over the years ~

raising their kids together while their husbands

served in the Air Force ~

travelling together to see more of the world.

My mom was also very fashionable ~

I loved the way she dressed.

My parents with their grandkids

A visit to Florida ~

where my parents retired

to be near their best friends,

Bea and Bob and to enjoy the sunny weather....so they could golf. :)

Mother with another life-long friend, Ruth.

My sisters and I had the pleasure of throwing her a party ~

to connect with some old friends. We so loved doing that for her and what a GREAT time she had.

Kim and I visited Florida ~

lovely lunch with Mother and 2 of her good friends.

A few other facts about my mother:

she had a beautiful voice, loved to sing.

(She even recorded a record when she was in her 20's) I have the love of music from her ~

I would see her waving her arms (like an orchestra director)

listening to and appreciating the music.

Now.....I do the very same thing. :)

She was also the baby of her family ~

the only girl! She had 3 older brothers.

Reading to Steve during one of her visits ~

Enjoying baby Hannah ~

while we moved into our house in Alabama.

I have missed my mom more in the last few years ~

I usually move away from the "mother" section in the card aisle ...

but this year I was drawn there....

and even sorted through them wanting to find just the right one for her.

How I would so love to just sit and visit with her (and my Dad)

these days ~

to see what they would think of world issues, to hear more stories

of their lives.....to celebrate our kids and grandkids.

We lost both of my parents way too early ~

Mother ~ I love you.....

and miss you so much.

Thank you for all you did for me......

I am so full of gratitude for you staying at home

to care for your girls.

I always loved watching you and Daddy be a couple ~

a great testimony to the world of a faithful marriage....

full of friendship and love.

You were so beautiful.....in your young years and your older years.

Your courageous battle with breast cancer (11 year) was amazing.

Happy 90th Birthday ~

with so much love.

Happy Birthday Steve

A wonderful day ~

to celebrate Steve.

What a smile he has ~

and oh how he can play music.

Steve sitting on Courtney's lap ~

1 1/2 years old. :) growing up ~

teenager Steve

Steve with siblings ~

what fun they have!

brothers ~

having SO much fun.

Steve and Hannah ~

great friends.

Uncle Steve ~

how the nieces and nephews love him!

having f.u.n.

brother and sisters

Steve ~ you are a blessing to your family and friends ~

We wish you a great birthday ~

and a good year ahead.

We love you!

Hope ~ Meaningful, Fun Day

What a great day we had ~

We spent the morning over at Reston Bible Church.

{click on the picture to get a better view}

Courtney and Pat's church Courtney, Pat and some others have started up a new ministry

{again....click on the pic to read the words better!} Adoption/Orphan Care Ministry ~ Hope We enjoyed going to the service ~

and seeing this group

kick off this new outreach

Father/Daughter moment

What a pleasure to be there ~

meeting their friends, worshiping our God,

and seeing God's message of caring for the widows/orphans

begun.

We loved meeting up with "old friends" ~

Brooke and her husband Matt worship here.

What fun catching up with them!

Alden and I got to "kidnap" the grandkids

for the last service

To ;et Courtney and Pat finish up their morning ~

Boy, did we have fun!

Headed to Wendy's to get some lunch.

Sawyer and Papa

Being silly on the way back to meet up with Mom and Dad

Then........we headed over to Brittany's indoor soccer game ~

which amazingly was about a mile away!

Way to go Brittany ~ goalie!

We cheered ~

and yes we took the older 3 Cassada kids to

watch their cousin play!

Joshua taking it all in.

Ayden trying h.a.r.d. to get INTO the "field"

Loved being with Phill and Christy

These guys had a BALL!

Do you see how the spectators watch the game?

We stand in a hallway.....and look through the netting.

There is a plastic area down low for the little guys to see. :)

Neat indoor Sports Plex.

Enjoying each other so much ~

By the way.....Courtney and Pat took Sawyer with them

to get his nap

happy

girls ~

boys

We are filled up with contentment ~

seeing God at work ......our hearts being tugged at......

enjoying our kids.....

and grandkids.

And yes......just a wee bit tired.

Home....readying now for the week ahead.