Pops Birthday

I love this old man so much! He hasn't had the best year and frankly a cruddy birthday month. There has been a fair share of family issues and such. I'm glad Heidi and I were able to take mom and him to see Joseph and the Technicolor Dream coat. It was at the outdoor amphitheater in midway. The weather was gorgeous and we had front row seats!
 I made dinner and we had a nice meal before heading over. The show started at dusk so we didn't have to worry about heat or such. It was just nice to spend time with my parentals. I think we may have started a new tradition! We are going to do a birthday party for Abby and Papa Pete on Saturday night.

Grandma laid to Rest

the grandsons got to be the pallbearers
Sebastian Ivan, Phillip Scott, Christopher Marcelino,
David William, Austin David, Anthony Jay, Kevin Carter

Carter Men
Colin Carter, Peter Beverley, Stephen Beverley

Siblings
All though they are about 40 years apart and have different mothers
These two are indeed brother and sister. Evelyn Edna Carter "Edna" and Colin Carter

Joyce's Granddaughters
Cami Maria, Shannon Maria, Laura Anne, Kandis Marie

some of the grandsons

Grandma Joyce never wanted a big funeral. We had a beautiful graveside with a dedication on the grave and a small talk. Grandma left behind four children, thirteen grandchildren, and two great grandchildren with two on the way.

Grandma Joyce

I got a rough phone call the evening of the fourth of July. My dear grandma had been put on hospice just two weeks earlier and had fallen that morning. By evening she'd slipped into a coma. I called my cousin frantically not knowing whether I should come say my goodbyes or wait until morning. My cousin told me she'd keep me posted and I reluctantly went to bed with my phone by my side.
 I made it down to her place by 9am. She was in bad shape. I held her hand and talked to her. Told her it was okay to go and that we loved her. Anyone who knows my grandmother knows that she was a short, sweet, stubborn British woman. There were many times when the Vail seemed thin. I knew that her family was there. I know they pleaded with her to go. But she wanted only one person in particular to take her home. Her mother.
We felt the presence of them a few times that beautiful wet morning as she'd take what seemed like her last breath. Only to gasp as if telling them no and continue on for a few more hours. We watched many beautiful miracles leading up to Grandma's passing. Finally after what seemed like a life time of watching her struggle to breath and refuse to leave a silence came over the room.
 This time the presence was different. I leaned over and squeezed Grandma's hand. She's here isn't she? We all replied as Grandma's face went calm. We told her we loved her and it was time to go home. She squeezed my hand and was gone.  Grandma we love you and your legacy will live on.

Silver Family Picnic

 

My mother's family is huge. She is the youngest of eight children(12 if they'd all survived) Each of her siblings has four or more children. Last time I figured it out I think the great grandchildren were up to 45! Uncle Dennis passed away earlier in the month thus making it easier for many to attend this large FHE/family potluck.

It was a bit overwhelming. I hadn't seen that many Silver Family members since grandpa died over twenty years ago! It was nice to catch up and visit, even if it was a boiling 105 degrees! I say next time it should be in the Fall when its cooler. All in all its nice to see the growth and change in the family.

Father's Day

I feel like Dad really gets under appreciated on Father's day. Don't get me wrong we love our papason. My dad is the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back. He's taught me the importance of family and being kind, strong and ever loving.

He's shown me through example the importance of maintaining a loving relationship with our siblings and family. He has taught my brothers to respect not only their mother but all woman in general. He has instilled in us a love for nature and viewing it in a big truck while rumbling down a dirt road. Daddy I love you and want you to know that you are amazing!

Mother's Day



From left to right and top to bottom: David, Becca, Phillip, Hermione,
Katie, Charlotte, Abbygail, Heidi, me, Aiden, and Kevin

As Mother's day approached this year I knew exactly what to get my mom. Now anyone who knows my siblings and I we HATE getting our pictures taken. Last kids pictures were taken before David and Becca were even dating! So I called up my siblings and demanded April 18th be free. Dad helped keep momzilla busy and used the excuse of needing help for Charlie Girl's birthday BBQ.

David and Becca

 it was so hard not to leak these pictures on Facebook before mother's day. Especially since I took them. It took major self control and excitement for mom to have a picture of the whole family. This including spouses and Katie.

Girls picture
Me, Charlie, Katie, Becca, Heidi, Abby, Hermione

 it was a gorgeous day and the weather worked in our favor. The kids had a blast and we all cracked jokes as we walled around the international peace gardens. Mom loved the pictures too.

Boys picture
Aiden, Kevin, Phillip, David


 

Busy April!

April is the month of Birthdays. Eight ate least. I had one just about every week three in the first eight days. Trying to keep up with birthdays and everything else I've found it's time to clump.

Happy 18th birthday to Jennifer Jean. Wow I can't believe you're going to graduate from high school! I miss your creativity and spontaneous ideas for games when you were little. I love you sunflower!

Ah Sissy, I hope you have an awesome thirtieth birthday. I'm bummed I missed the annual trip to Desert Star and hope you and mom had fun. You are an amazing momma and your kids love and adore you. You're strong and never give up when the going gets tough. Happy day of birth sissy, and here's to many more!

I don't know who told this little lady she could turn three. This little miss has always been auntie Shan's little bee. Who knows why. (couldn't be the name... Charlotte Shannon) I love ever minute spent with this little lady and her adorable siblings. Happy Birthday Baby Bee!