Papa Steve's 70th 4/29

My Daddy. 

What a blessing it is to have a father and even more so, an active, interested, loving, kind, and caring father. We have been immensely blessed to have Papa Steve as the head of our household throughout childhood now, as an ever-present and loving support in adulthood.

He had a big birthday in April and we had even bigger celebrations. Since this was his big 70th birthday, Mom and I schemed and got his friends, family, and anyone who wanted to participate to send a card to him. My goal was for him to get at least 70 cards and by the time it was all said and done, he had over 70! It was so much fun to sit with him and Mom as he opened and read each of them. Thank you to everyone who took the time to write about their favorite memory or to share encouraging words for the year ahead. You helped make this birthday especially sweet. 

The busyness of spring took over and we didn't get to have our family celebration until a week or so later but, it was well worth the wait!

Ann Hatten & James loved getting to help put the candles on Grando's cake--they were pros.

Grando, Mimi, and the boys

Dad, you have the brightest smile, the best laugh, and are the ultimate Dad. You are a treasure and such a blessing to us all! The Lord has given us such a sweet blessing in giving you the gift to share His love, His truths, His grace, and His mercy. We love you so much and pray for the most joy-filled year ahead!⁣

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“May they invest their moments well in the coming year and in all years to follow, loving life always with the end in view, in pursuit of that eternal prize that will allow them to look ever with gladness and never with regret upon the passing of their years, as each subsequent birthday will be but the marking of a step nearer to the final fulfillment of all they have so long hoped and labored for. Amen!” An excerpt from "Every Moment Holy"

Happy 70th to Papa Steve!

Easter Weekend

Easter weekend was incredibly sweet and full of family and fun times. 

We were off of work for Good Friday and we spent the morning dyeing eggs at my parent's house with Ann Hatten and Bennett. James and Luke were going to come but, were a bit under the weather that morning. But, we made the best of it and still had fun!

Annie girl was definitely in to the egg dyeing this year! She enjoyed dropping them in the cup and seeing them change colors. 

Not only does Bennett have the best "cheese" but, I can't with Chessy's photo bomb behind him.

Such a cute expression with him really taking it in and dyeing them for the first time. 

After a sweet Good Friday Communion service at the church, we called it a day. 

That Sunday morning we had our Easter Sunday church service and then had family lunch at Aaron & Blair's house. 

We had to get a picture to send to their Mama while she was working.

And at lunch, I finally got to see these little cutie pies! 

The greatest part about Easter weekend is the hope that comes with it. Praise God that Jesus came for us, died for us, and rose for us. "He is not here for He has risen!" 

Luke's Baptism 3/6

 A few weeks ago we had the sweetest Sunday morning for Luke's baptism. 

It is always the sweetest seeing Dad get to baptize his grandchildren. Luke makes for his fourth grandchild baptism and it never gets old seeing this special moment take place. 

I think he was excited to get in his baptismal gown that Mimi made. It's such a special gown made with some of Mom's tatting from her family line. 

The Jussely family, ready for the big morning!

So, Aaron & Blair were talking about if James would come on the stage with them or not so when it got close to time, Aaron had him come to the front row with them and the following is what happened.

He wanted some solo time and while he didn't make it to the stage with the family--he gave us the funniest, best laugh that I've had in a while. That little mischievous face!

Someone didn't want to be in the picture...at first!

Ann Hatten LOVES some "Baby Luke". I mean, every time she's around him she wants to hold him, kiss him, talk to him, so, so cute. 

Praise The Lord for His faithfulness from generation to generation. 

We are praying that there’s never a day sweet Luke doesn’t know the vast and deep love The Lord has for him and pray that Luke will seek Him all the days of his life!