52 Pix - Week 28

This picture wasn't so much a part of my photo project as much as it was the photo that memorialized the big event of the week. JNS wrapped up his career at Thomson Reuters right before our family vacation. This timing gave him a few weeks "off" before he gets into the groove of school and adapting to the life of a graduate student. His co-workers and bosses have been incredible kind and supportive on his desire to go back to business school and his decision to leave TR. I don't think all employers would react that way and he/we have been truly appreciative of their willingness in letting him work until this point AND their support during the process.

Some of his work friends planned a little farewell gathering the day before he packed up and headed out. They generously included me in the event and it was a great time catching up with many folks he has spent 8 to 5 with for the last several years. It truly was a bittersweet night to hear JNS talk excitedly with his boss about this next phase of life, but also say goodbye to those that have contributed to his growth and success during this closing phase.

I know one thing, spending time with his co-workers reinforced what I've found in my own job.... its all about the people. And these are really good people - thanks for giving JNS such a fun send off!

A Surprise for Mama

Mama (pronounced MawMaw) turned 80 this month....

Mom & Aunt Sheila planned a surprise lunch and managed to get all 6 of Mama's sisters there! Mama thought Papa was bringing her to my mom's house for a small little lunch to celebrate her birthday....little did she know there would be sisters, daughters, sons, son-in-laws, brother-in-laws, granddaughters, and great granddaughters there to share in the fun.

My mom took the challenge of lighting 80 candles seriously....and yes, this generated a lot of smoke. :)

Their brown theme was too ideal not to capture. :)

It was such a special time getting to celebrate Mama and how much she means to each of us....but leave it to her to bring fresh corn and biscuits to her own birthday lunch. :)

52 Pix - Week 27

I am always amazed at how quickly babies and children change... I remember thinking with Hadley how sweet it was that everytime I would see her she was doing something different, saying something new and just growing up! We still have more exciting stages to experience with her, but we get to go through these same transitions with Reese, soon to be with my sister Heather's baby (Krissel Jr. due in November!), and as of lately, Daye!

I had lunch with Sal a week or so ago and we snapped a few phots of Daye while we were together. She is already three months and smiling, cooing, grabbing your finger and making her way into all our hearts.

52 Pix - Week 26

In June, my dear friend, Alex, married Mark in a gorgeous setting in North Georgia. What should have been an incredibly hot day and potentially stormy (the forecast called for rain and it had rained every night leading up to their big day) turned out to be a wonderful summer day.

Neverland Farms is an incredible venue - from the picturesque scenery, to the sweet and hospitable owner & staff, to the yummy food....it was perfect. But not as perfect as these two are together....congrats to the Raymond's! :)

52 Pix - Week 25

FYI - Goldendoodles have fur that rivals Velcro. The claims are true - no shedding! However, there is a lot of sticking....see Mulligan after a run through my sister's yard. :) And this was after JNS picked off the pine straw....what a mess.

52 Pix - Week 24

Meet Chloe.

This sweet little pup lives in the same neighborhood as my friend, (and co-worker) Emily. She was a champ as we took these photos on a hot, 98-degree Saturday afternoon. Isn't she cute? :)

52 Pix - Week 23

As JNS's granddaddy would say.... "Things have been a-happenin'!"

It's been a busy month - work conventions, wedding activities, family gatherings, vacation - all mostly fun things, but it's kept me from posting....so after a couple months off, I'm back!

This photo was taken on a work trip to Amelia Island for an insurance convention. (I bet the thought of an insurance convention make many folks think that has to be some crazy combination of boring and cheesy....I'm not going to say that would be entirely wrong, but I will say it was a nice change of pace from a day in the office.) :) My mom was actually able to make the trip with me (which ended up being a huge help - 6 hrs of driving each way is tough if you're riding solo). One of the nights there wasn't a scheduled dinner so we went into Fernandina (precious little town that you will hear more about in a few weeks!). That is where this picture took place. Although the newspaper bins aren't the prettiest sight - the sun shining through the trees captured the easy-strolling night in Amelia perfectly.