New Tradition

I was not sure how this Christmas was going to be.  This is the first Christmas since Tom passed away.  We all knew there would be good moments and sad moments and even though we know Tom is with Jesus, we miss him.  I have spent some time with Delores of the last few weeks.  We have laughed,.  We have cried.  We have remembered.  I continue to ask you to call her to see how she is and to continue to lift her and the girls in prayer.

On Christmas eve Kelda, Delores, Gabriel, Victoria, Alina and I went to the cemetery to celebrate Tom.  The Georgia National Cemetery place a wreath on each marker for the holidays.  As you can see from the picture it is an amazing site.  I am sure we will do this in the future.

One of the gifts the Gabriel and Victoria got was from Tom (sort of).  Tom had been collecting coins for the girls for several years.  These were all of the state quarters and  president quarters.  Delores and Kelda decided that this year we would give these to the girls.  We will keep them in a a safe place but these coins belong to them.  In the years to come they will continue to appreciate Tom's love for his grandchildren and be able to hold these coins.

Gabby 16th Birthday Update

Park your cars and get off the sidewalks.  Gabriel got her drivers license.  She went this past Wednesday to take her test and passed on the first try.  She was very nervous and had to wait for her turn for about 40 min but it was well worth it.

This summer we got a car for Gabriel to drive.  (The picture above is from this summer when we were practicing but the smile was still the same).  I am already loving the fact that I do not have to be the taxi every time because Gabriel likes to drive and has done well when driving.  Yes it is a little scary sending your "baby" out on her own but I know that God is with her and will protect her.

As a new driver, she can only drive family for six months.  We are still trying to see if that includes Alina.  We have received mixed  answers so far on this question.  Gabriel has already driven Victoria alone and driven to Jamie's (boyfriend) house.  Now she has to find a way to make a little extra money now that she is mobile.  Anybody need a babysitter?

Gabriel's 16th Birthday

What a special day.  Monday was Gabriel's 16th birthday but since she had dance on Monday night, we decide to celebrate on Sunday night.  We took seven of Gabriel's friends to Dante's Down the Hatch for dinner.  She wanted to have a masquerade party so all the friends dressed up to celebrate.

Lacy, Victoria, Casey, Gabby, Jamie, Laura, Bekah and Alina

Gabriel and Jamie

Gabriel's boyfriend Jamie got her a special gift.  Look at the expression on her face when she opened it up.

Look at all the beautiful girls.

Singing Happy Birthday.  What did you wish for?

Bekah and Laura

Victoria

Gabby - Your mom and I are so proud of you and the women of God you have become.  He answered our prayers and blessed us with you.  I watch with great anticipation for what He will do in your life.  We love you more than you know.  Happy birthday!