Blended families are often unhappy and controversial but God truly blessed ours. Our time at the beach was filled with much laughter, hair fixing, pictures taking, and just spending time together. To see all of us so "together" in such tight quarters and never hearing cross words or times of "unrest" really was a blessing.
Tom and I are so very proud of our children. The fact that Jean FINALLY got some rest of her every day stresses and even though they will go on and on she does find some peace at the beach. Kim too found some time to relax and we got to share with her her precious grandchildren. Libbi found out while she was there that her dream house is about to become a reality. She and Pete have worked so hard and waited so long for this to happen. Floyd and Laurel did so much to try and make this a special time for all the siblings. I loved the shopping trip they took Emily on and the food they made for so many. Kerry added energy and laughter to the mix and her "friend" is truly another blessing in her life. She's waited a long time. Maybe this is the one God had in mind all along and she just had to be patient.
Our grandchildren are all gems. LaNelle and Steven have become adults and were a joy to be around. It really make me feel my age when talking to them and seeing their maturity. Peter has found his true love and gave her a diamond while they were at the beach. She's beautiful and will be the perfect additon. Andrew left his Clemson hat and everytime I saw it it made me miss his a little more. Patti is always a joy and the twins and Jonathan make quite the "triplet" pair. Heather is such a vital part of our family and Caleb is just fun to be around. Beth and her family always add sugar and spice to the group. How she does it is beyond me. Congratulations on the new "girl". She'll fit right in. Poor Seth! Lauren and Michael looked so good and seemed to be happier than ever. I'm sure the fact that they did get to the beach had a lot to do with that. Wish I could have been on Emily's shopping spree. Her hair looked beautiful. Only got to see David of Kim's boys and loved the picture of him and Patrick showing the height they had grown. David's always ahead by a few inches. Kerry's time with us was delightful. She'll never know how empty my heart is when we're apart.
OK, we were crowed and really didn't like not being together in one place. Libbi is already working on that for next year so we're already counting the days. Thanks to each of our children for making our week the best. The pictures will be such treasures and we can't wait to get them so we can show everyone how fortunate we are to have been given the gift of each of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Love truly abounds in the Swilley family. Ninna - and Grandaddy, too - would have been so proud. I'm sure they were smiling from Heaven when we were all on the beach.
4 comments:
Family is the greatest gift from above. I am so thankful for ours! We are truly blessed.
We had such a fabulous time! Steven and I also think it would be even more fun for us all to be in one place next year, but we also really enjoyed being able to spend some time alone with you and Daddy Tom! We feel blessed that even though we live so far away, when we come home we can pick right back up where we left off and feel so close to all of you! We love you!
I do love family....and am grateful for such a strong and loving extended family! We are blessed!
We are truly blessed but it didn't just happen...I remember when it wasn't this way and am so thankful that we all pulled together to learn to love each other and never give up...that committment has paid off with such great joy!!! Thank you for always loving us!
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