25 Years at LPC for Papa Steve

Sunday, June 2, 1996.

25 years ago. 

I was 6 years old and was going to start the 1st grade that August.

25 years ago, my Dad preached his first sermon at Lakeland Presbyterian Church. 

Little did we know what sweetness and joy was ahead for us as it relates to Lakeland Presbyterian Church and just how much this church family would mean to our (now expanded) family. 

My siblings and I grew up going to Sunday School under the teaching of Mr. John High. Walking around after church to find Mr. Lonnie to snag a peppermint--red or green? Many summers spent at VBS, first attending and then volunteering. So many trips to RYM both as youth and as a chaperone. Countless Wednesday night fellowship meals. Dinners on the church grounds. Weddings, baby showers, funerals, and much more. We've seen this church and this body of believers grow like wildfire and it has been a true joy. We've seen the building itself grow with a family life center and the most recent educational building addition. 

This church holds so much our family's lives and is at the core of so many wonderful memories.

The church where I was married, Mary Claire was married, and Aaron was married--all weddings that my Dad officiated. My niece and nephews were baptized by their Grando in a gown that their Mimi handmade with the help of another church member. Lakeland has been a constant thread that has woven throughout our lives for 25 years now and it is something that is incredibly special and has been a trust treasure here on earth.

The Lord has been so faithful and so good and we are incredibly thankful. 

What a multitude of blessings our family has received through The Lord's provision of this church and church family. What a joy and a privilege it has been growing up listening to my Dad preach The truths of the gospel. Thankful today, and everyday for God's goodness and faithfulness. The Lord has ABUNDANTLY blessed our family through this church and all that He has done through this "little white church" on the corner of Lakeland Drive.  

Our church family was so thoughtful and pulled off the best surprise for Papa Steve. They had Dr. Ralph Davis come and preach (one of Dad's favorite pastors), a surprise BBQ luncheon afterwards, cards from friends and family, and invited out of town best friends and family to come. It was incredibly sweet and our family is so, so thankful to each person that played a part in making it such a special day. We love you all so much and love being a part of Lakeland Presbyterian Church!

"For the Lord is good;

    his steadfast love endures forever,

    and his faithfulness to all generations."

Psalm 100:5

Aaron & Blair's Diaper Drop 6/5

This cutie little family has another little Jussely boy coming in September!

Blair's friends threw her a drive-by diaper drop and it was precious. 

Big Brother, James looking cute as can be! I am sure he doesn't know what's coming but, he is going to be the best, best big brother and I know he will love having a little buddy to play with and grow up with. 

Aunt Ellen and Uncle Jason cannot wait to meet you sweet, little, baby! 

Beach Week 5/25-31

I could not have asked for a better week at the beach and some fun days in the sand and sun with family is just what I needed to kick off this summer! 

Bennett was cool and collected and made for the cutest little beach bum while Ann Hatten was all about the sand, the “heart” pool, shells, and made her way to being about the ocean water.

Y'all think she was ready to go to the beach?

All week we had the best weather. Sunny days, cool mornings, the moon shining so bright over the ocean and as you'll see below, one of the most outrageous sunsets I've seen at the beach. 

These two celebrated being married for 38 years while we were on the trip. What a sweet joy it has been watching you two love one another, love each of us, and navigate this life with grace, wisdom, and fun! We all love you both so much and we’re thankful for King & Queen Gris!

I love this picture of Mom and Ann Hatten. It's so fun watching Ann Hatten's imagination run wild and this Mimi right here gets RIGHT IN on the action. You can see how serious they are taking it and it makes me laugh when I look at the picture--ha!

Mama Carol and I wrapped up beach week together and had the best time! We spent the days on the beach reading & soaking up the sun and then during the evenings we made fun drinks, ate yummy food, did a puzzle (and thought we lost the final piece), and watched The Great British Baking Show. It was the PERFECT way to kick off summer break and I am so, so thankful for such a fun, memorable week.

We had one of the best meals at Cobalt. It was my first time there and it was divine!

Homemade watermelon-mint mojitos. They were so refreshing & tasty. 

It's not a beach trip if we don't have these bad boys!

This sunset was stunning. I am not even going to apologize for the overload of pictures because it was glorious and we enjoyed it so much!

Y'all, that is the starry night sky taken from my iPhone. I thought it was quite impressive for a phone picture!

Again, such a fun week with the best weather and the sweet memories made!