Family History – HollyDee Quilts

Winter Solstice – Dad’s Birthday

Published on December 21, 2015 by hollydeequilts1 Comment

My dad died when I was only 7 so my memories are short, but sweet. Through the years I have pieced together some family history and I am honoring my father with a post today. He would’ve been 109 years old today! He was 57 when I was born and I was his first born.

A little piece of history on my father – his first wife was the niece of Butch Cassidy and they were married in Butch Cassidy’s fathers home. They never had children.

Born in Midway, UT to David Edwin Bunnell and Estelle Peters Bunnell, he was the first born of 10 children. My father was named Ferry E Bunnell, my mom did not know what the E stood for, but I have learned it was for Edwin, after his father. Where the Ferry came from, I do not know. I can tell you he went by Larry.

Stories from my mom tell me that on his 16th birthday he went to work in the mines in Park City, UT. Someday I hope to verify some of this. He worked odd jobs through out his job and supported our family as a dishwasher at the Denny’s in Elko, NV at one point. He died on August 4, 1970, just 4 days before my younger sister’s 4th birthday. She knew even less of our father due to lengthy stays at Shriners Hospital when she was young.

Growing up I knew my Uncle Bill Bunnell and his wife, June. I also was acquainted with my Aunt June Bunnell Walker when I was young. Imagine my surprise when I started working on my family history and found there had been many more aunts and uncles out there! In 2010 I was able to meet my Aunt Hazel and my Aunt Darlene, both have passed now. My meeting them is a life treasure! I have also met a few cousins through my research, this is quite fun! I love that Facebook in particular helps me to keep up with a few Bunnell Family happenings. I have also found Curtis and Fornia cousins out there as well, but that is story for another day!

Here are a few photos with the simple stories I know.

Bunnell-2 — Bunnell Family Crest. Someday I may learn what each symbol signifies….

2015-12-21 10.43.21 — This is a photo of my dad! Precious! Given to me by Bill and June Bunnell!

2015-12-21 10.35.23 — My dad! This photo survived the many moves of my childhood.

2015-12-21 10.21.59 — My dad and his new sister, Iva. Canada 1911.

2015-12-21 10.43.03 — My Aunt Hazel, holding my Aunt June. *Aunt June Bunnell Walker

2015-12-21 10.36.32 — My first Christmas; Elko, NV at my mom’s best friends home; Dorothy Chase. I am named after her son Dennis!

2015-12-21 10.43.35 — At my grandfather, David Edwin Bunnell’s funeral. See the little tyke in the upper right corner! That is ME, my dad is holding me and my mom is next to him. Are you in this photo? Or your parents?

2015-12-21 10.44.02 — The Bunnell Siblings at the funeral of their father; David Edwin Bunnell. My dad is on the far left – please help identify the other family members and I will update!

2015-12-21 10.43.52 — The Bunnell Boys at their fathers funeral! My dad on the far left.

Aunt Hazel 97 years young! She was amazing. She lived in AZ and had been a widow for many many years. She had chosen the particular apartment at her facility because it was close to the swimming pool When we visited in November of 2010 she stated that she was only swimming once a day because it was a little chilly this time of year! Here we are looking at my computer probably photos of my grandkids!

My cousin Yvonne – she is a photographer and takes amazing photos! However she did not take this one! I wish we lived closer because I am sure we could get into mischief together! Her father was my dad’s brother Bert!

Aunt Darlene, who I also met on my whirlwind trip in November 2010. Another treasured photo as she is no longer with us either!

Yvonne rescued our family history when my dad’s aunt Iva passed. Her husband Hank scanned each documented and then produced cd’s for each family that wanted one.

Bunnell-88 — A Bunnell family home in New Jersey.

Bunnell-3 — The Bunnell Church in Bonneuil, France.

May you blessed this Christmas season and surrounded by those that bring you joy!

Dee

Is she really 13?

Published on February 6, 2015 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

A few days a very special little lady turned 13. Today she celebrates with a typical party with girl friends. She will have a spa day and a pizza party with a movie – because that is what you do when you turn 13.

You had a rough start when you were born but have conquered every obstacle placed in your way. You are a typical teenager that attends middle school with a few physical limitations. From being told to say our goodbyes and take photos when you were just days old to the life flight rescues for your pneumonia’s before you became bionic you have always fought back. You do this with grace and sweetness and always set an example for the rest of us!

I am honored to be your Aunt Dee and cherish all of our fabulous memories and look forward to making lots more memories through the coming years!

We have had a fabulous time so far and here are a few of my favorites, mostly from when you turned 5!

You had only be out of the operating room for a couple of weeks and you and were shopping and a little Dora bike caught our eye, so we brought it home and few days later your Uncles Trevor and Derek along with Mimi came to visit us in Houston and they got you going on that bike and you were still riding it when you were 10! When you and I flew to Seattle to join your family there was another Dora bike waiting for you there too!

Here are a few more fun time memories – I have so many it was really hard to choose!

You were so tiny and frail - I had not made you a quilt yet and I felt to guilty - Mimi helped pick out the fabrics and I raced home after visiting you in the hospital and made your quilt. It has accompanied you to many hospital visits. It is well worn and very much loved! — You were so tiny and frail – I had not made you a quilt yet and I felt to guilty – Mimi helped pick out the fabrics and I raced home after visiting you in the hospital and made your quilt. It has accompanied you to many hospital visits. It is well-worn and very much-loved!

And she is peddling! I would chant "just keep peddling, just keep peddling" (like Dory in Nemo) — And she is peddling! I would chant “just keep peddling, just keep peddling” (like Dory in Nemo)

You showing off when we arrived in Seattle! A few months later you fell off your bike and broke your wrist - the ER doctor didn't quite understand that! You did not walk, but you broke your wrist riding a bike! — You showing off when we arrived in Seattle! A few months later you fell off your bike and broke your wrist – the ER doctor didn’t quite understand that! You did not walk, but you broke your wrist riding a bike!

Chillin in the wagon when we would go for walks. You were recovering from major surgery but you always wanted to be doing something!

You and I swinging on the bench swing - we spent hours on that sing! — You and I swinging on the bench swing – we spent hours on that sing!

Not always happy - but always cute! — Not always happy – but always cute!

You and uncle Corey pretending to sleep - you and he would hang out every night when he got home from work! — You and uncle Corey pretending to sleep – you and he would hang out every night when he got home from work!

the playground at the carwash — the playground at the car wash

The playground at the park - we spent a lot of time there — The playground at the park – we spent a lot of time there

Different day, maybe a different swing - but you are swinging! — Different day, maybe a different swing – but you are swinging!

Even a grey drizzly day didn't keep us from the park! — Even a grey drizzly day didn’t keep us from the park!

Sometimes you would play on the other stuff - you got pretty good at climbing all of the different equipment! — Sometimes you would play on the other stuff – you got pretty good at climbing all of the different equipment!

Made it to the top - now time for a break! — Made it to the top – now time for a break!

You and uncle Corey feeding and watching the birds!

Uncle Corey trying to measure you for mimi

We went to the park with Dahlia and you liked this swing too!

The look on your face when you saw Aunt Brittney's wedding dress! — The look on your face when you saw Aunt Brittney’s wedding dress!

Photos with the azaleas! I don't have azaleas at my new house :( — Photos with the azaleas! I don’t have azaleas at my new house 🙁

You had so much fun with Dahlia at the park we met them at Kemah for some more fun - your first Merry Go Round Ride - you were a little scared and then you loved it (like 12 times loved it!) — You had so much fun with Dahlia at the park we met them at Kemah for some more fun – your first Merry Go Round Ride – you were a little scared and then you loved it (like 12 times loved it!)

Look towards the back of the slide - you are heading off to climb the stairs to slide down the slide - you got scared half-way down and Sue had to slide down to rescue you! — Look towards the back of the slide – you are heading off to climb the stairs to slide down the slide – you got scared half-way down and Sue had to slide down to rescue you!

We headed to the hill country to get some fresh air and blue-bonnet photos. We also took your bike and you rode up and down Marilynn's driveway! — We headed to the hill country to get some fresh air and blue-bonnet photos. We also took your bike and you rode up and down Marilynn’s driveway!

Hope there weren't any snakes in there! — Hope there weren’t any snakes in there!

Mr. Noak's barn was a great backdrop for this photo! — Mr. Noak’s barn was a great backdrop for this photo!

Amazing this quilt is still together - it has probably when laundered 200 times! — Amazing this quilt is still together – it has probably when laundered 200 times!

You are and always will be my little “sprite”.

Sending you Texas size loves, hugs and kisses!

Aunt Dee and the gang!

Thankful for Family

Published on December 31, 2014 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

A little late in posting but wanted to share some fun from our Thanksgiving break. My nephew and his family had relocated from San Diego to Dallas and we invited them for Thanksgiving. My brother and his wife were also able to join us as well as several other family members. Our moving truck arrived on 11/14 and we hosted 18 for Thanksgiving dinner and 12 of those family members spent 1 or more nights with us! We had FABULOUS weather and a wonderful opportunity to visit and just enjoy each others company. We all provided goodies for the feast – I learned my nephew, Justin, is a foodie at heart and made the most fabulous onion dip! Jeanine and John provided the “purple salad” and several other side dishes. My daughter-in-law made the pies and they were oh so YUMMY!

The kids were all very well-behaved – when you have fabulous weather and a sand pile as big as the house they have no reason to get on each others nerves!

Here are the photos (lots of them) from our time together!

House prep for guests. I just love my orchard ladder, found in an antique store in Jefferson, TX several years ago.

Some of the copper has been placed on top of the cabinets - this is a work in process... — Some of the copper has been placed on top of the cabinets – this is a work in process…

Found this rug at Sam's, it goes really well with our stone work around the fireplace and my white couch! Who buys a white couch? This furniture is 25 years old and still almost like new because we never use it because - well - it's white! — Found this rug at Sam’s, it goes really well with our stone work around the fireplace and my white couch! Who buys a white couch? This furniture is 25 years old and still almost like new because we never use it because – well – it’s white!

All the beds have quilts and ready for our overnight guests

No closets in our guest rooms so I could accommodate overnight guests, found this great armoire at Ikea! Bunk beds fit great in the area that would've been closet. — No closets in our guest rooms so I could accommodate overnight guests, found this great armoire at Ikea! Bunk beds fit great in the area that would’ve been closet.

The 2nd guest bedroom - still need some bed skirts, but they can be slept in! — The 2nd guest bedroom – still need some bed skirts, but they can be slept in!

Former closet of the guest bedroom. That beautiful flannel quilt was made by my friend Trudy as a house-warming (really going to miss you) gift!

Had not planned on a new washer/dryer but when the dryer dies 4 weeks before the move you make do until new ones can be delivered to the new house. Never underestimate the value of a dryer! At the old house I had laundry drying all over!

Master bedroom - the quilt on the bed was part of an exchange (I did the exchange 3 times, because I gave my first quilt to Alex Anderson) — Master bedroom – the quilt on the bed was part of an exchange (I did the exchange 3 times, because I gave my first quilt to Alex Anderson)

Quilt room closet - this room is a work in process, we are building shelving and pegboard for storage! — Quilt room closet – this room is a work in process, we are building shelving and pegboard for storage!

The "quilt" room doubles as the "orphanage" for our younger guests! — The “quilt” room doubles as the “orphanage” for our younger guests!

Another view of the playroom - the longarm is on wheels so I was able to push it up against the wall for maximum kiddo space! — Another view of the playroom – the longarm is on wheels so I was able to push it up against the wall for maximum kiddo space!

Machines were also moved to the edge of the room and faced in to be less attractive to the children!

The kids would wake and sit quietly on the couch looking out the window waiting for these to show up.

The big girls on baby watch early in the morning after watching the deer!

John and Jeanine - what a happy fun couple! So glad we live close enough to do stuff together! — John and Jeanine – what a happy fun couple! So glad we live close enough to do stuff together!

My nephew Jason! He has a great smile that always wonder what he is really up to!

Pre-nap all he wanted to do was ride the big tractor - post-nap not really into it! — Pre-nap all he wanted to do was ride the big tractor – post-nap not really into it!

Every day if they weren't outside they were sewing sewing sewing. I can't remember the last time I threaded so many needles! PS - this was their idea - NOT mine! — Every day if they weren’t outside they were sewing sewing sewing. I can’t remember the last time I threaded so many needles! PS – this was their idea – NOT mine!

It really does warm my heart to see them enjoy crafts!

Some were with us in spirit! My mom and my oldest brother, David. I had pulled out some photos and genealogy and my brother John snapped a photo of this old photo!

Cousins playing on the big sand pile - what do you do with the box from the new fridge? Make a slide! — Cousins playing on the big sand pile – what do you do with the box from the new fridge? Make a slide!

City girl gets Countryfied! My nephews daughter! She was a HOOT! Can't wait to spend more time with Ms. M! — City girl gets Countryfied! My nephews daughter! She was a HOOT! Can’t wait to spend more time with Ms. M!

Uncle Corey is really wondering what he has gotten himself into!

These cousins will be life-long buds I am thinking! You should've seen the tears and sadness when they said goodbye! — These cousins will be life-long buds I am thinking! You should’ve seen the tears and sadness when they said goodbye!

Cousins! Little L was the best 2 year old! I was so worried about what a two-year-old might get into - he just played with toys and was not a bit of trouble! — Cousins! Little L was the best 2 year old! I was so worried about what a two-year-old might get into – he just played with toys and was not a bit of trouble!

Isn't this a cute pic? — Isn’t this a cute pic?

We had no TV and this was the only time a kiddo was on an electronic device - he watched a little show and then he was off to bed! — We had no TV and this was the only time a kiddo was on an electronic device – he watched a little show and then he was off to bed!

This is how I felt all weekend being surrounded by family!

I hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful as ours! We have so much to be Thankful for!

Dee

Airman LAWM

Published on November 11, 2014 by hollydeequilts1 Comment

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege and honor to attend my nephews son’s graduation from Airman Basic Training in San Antonio TX. My grand-nephew had graduated from high school in May but had signed up for the Air Guard several months prior. He received his papers and as summer slowly moved to fall he took a big step towards adulthood.

Future airmen arrive at their local airports and are placed in a room to await their flight. The room is plain and there are a few chairs and they wait. Having arrived between flights the wait for our future airman was about 3 hours. I wonder what goes through a young man’s mind when he is left alone with just his thoughts?

While our future airman worked hard and was challenged mentally and physically his parents and I planned the trip to watch the big graduation event.

We awoke at o-dark:30 and headed to the base for the graduation. Luckily we had a back-up plan for me entering the base as there of course was a name mixup, actually there were two mix-ups. Our future neighbor rescued me – he works on base and walked over to “sponsor” me on base for the graduation. I walked through the security gate about 60 seconds prior to my nephew and his wife coming through via their vehicle, they picked me up on the base-side of the gate and we were off to find parking and a place to view the graduation.

We had arrived a little early and so we had some wait time. I played with my camera, it was a very hazy day and I apologize in advance for the photography. At one point my poor nephew was feeling the humidity and Texas heat (which was actually quite mild). I commented that at least he wasn’t in “dress blues” and he settled right down – it is all about perspective!

I would like to share a portion of the graduation ceremony. They had handed the reins over to a visiting General who is retiring. He has served our nation for his entire adult life. His words to these young recruits as he passed the baton were right on target, I hope they were listening.

Remember we were up at 0-Dark:30 and drove to San Antonio in the dark, after we parked it was time to enjoy the sunrise.

Our view as we walked to the graduation field

My husband should've been here - he could've told me all the stats on these planes. — My husband should’ve been here – he could’ve told me all the stats on these planes.

No caption required.... — No caption required….

The flag carriers getting ready for the ceremony

Waiting is hard for all ages, this young girl was so good and just precious.

The special dignitaries are arriving, including the Mayor of San Antonio

Honors went to our nephew's squadron - they scored top in all areas. — Honors went to our nephew’s squadron – they scored top in all areas.

The female contingent of our nephews squadron

The ceremonial march..... — The ceremonial march…..

Our airman waits for us to find and release him

Thanks momma for the photo - I know all you wanted to do was hug your boy! — Thanks momma for the photo – I know all you wanted to do was hug your boy!

Momma is still in awe of the young man at her side!

Families take the opportunity for photos with vintage planes

Dad takes a photo of the airman's bed - he did not make it like that at home! — Dad takes a photo of the airman’s bed – he did not make it like that at home!

Our airman could not wait to hang up his jacket! For his weekend leave he will remain in dress blues sans the jacket

Thank you to all of our VETERAN’s for your service!

This class included 591 recruits that are now ready to carry the torch!

Be sure to thank a vet – not just today but every day. My nephew and his wife were very impressed with the citizens of San Antonio – these citizens took the time to stop and thank their young man for his service!

Dee

What About Mom?

Published on October 22, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

In January 1996 my mom moved on to greener pastures, later that month I was offered a position with a marine dealership in Texas; the hubby and I decided to make the move as it would be me many miles closer to my sister who lives in Georgia.

I began my job in mid-March 1996 and the family followed in November along with a huge truck loaded with our home. My sister arrived a few days after the truck and one of her first questions “Did you move mom?” I found this a humorous question and whenever I see “Mom” it always makes me smile as I think of my sister wondering if I abandoned “Mom” in Utah.

So, Jenni, this is for you – so that you once again know that “Mom” is safe and sound and at home in Luling.

Mom is packed and ready for the road trip

Home is where the heart is (and where mom is!)

And she is not in the pumpkin!

Bad photo - but there's mom - ready to greet visitors! — Bad photo – but there’s mom – ready to greet visitors!

And at the same time you get a glimpse of what we were doing last weekend! Remember the BIG move happens mid-November!

Enjoy your day and find something that brings a smile to your face and then share that smile with someone, they just might need it as much as you!

Dee

All Good Things Must End…..

Published on September 23, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

As our reunion came to an end we had some additional fun activities. Several attendees headed to the Uintahs for a little target practice. Some went hiking.

We headed to Midway, UT. My father was born in Midway in 1906. My grandparents are buried in the midway cemetery under a beautiful tree. Midway is a beautiful swiss inspired town and I just love the laid back feel.

A very damaged headstone - a very young Bunnell - photo taken July 2010 — A very damaged headstone – a very young Bunnell – photo taken July 2010

The Bunnell family ..... Photo taken July 2010 — The Bunnell family …..
Photo taken July 2010

And here are a few more candid photos from the cousins just being kids!

The other 2014 leaf to the Kendrick Green branch!

Mr. M is in total disbelief of what Mr. B is explaining to him!

Oh my - he is cuteness personified! — Oh my – he is cuteness personified!

Back and forth - back and forth..... — Back and forth – back and forth…..

He thinks I should move.... — He thinks I should move….

Yes I snapped the photo - then promptly told her to GET DOWN! — Yes I snapped the photo – then promptly told her to GET DOWN!

At one time I think they had kids from one end of this spiral slide to the other!

All in all it was a FANTASTIC family adventure. Our next Green’s family reunion is set for 2016; hopefully in Yellowstone! Get your reservations to Linda to make sure you are included!

Til we meet again!

Dee

Family Reunion – Day 2

Published on September 22, 2014 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

The 2nd day of our re-union was hosted by Aunt Iris’ family, the McCleary’s. It had been a few years since we had all had the chance to visit – their family has grown so much, adding new daughter-in-laws and adding new babies which is always fun! I am sure Aunt Iris is watching and smiling! Her family is beautiful and a delight to be around!

The youngsters are visiting with Uncle Ron - I am sure he is only sharing words of wisdom! — The youngsters are visiting with Uncle Ron – I am sure he is only sharing words of wisdom!

I tried to get a photo of her not smiling - not going to happen - ALWAYS SMILING! — I tried to get a photo of her not smiling – not going to happen – ALWAYS SMILING!

Aunt Carol is watching the kids in the field!

Aunt Carol and Jared. What a wonderful young man he has turned out to be!

As our hosts the McCleary's had us singing for our dinner - the table that performed the best gets to line up first! — As our hosts the McCleary’s had us singing for our dinner – the table that performed the best gets to line up first!

Uncle Kenny and Chad are serving up the beverages

Little toot is not quite sure about this singing for our dinner part!

After dinner entertainment included each branch of the family introducing their clan. The McCleary's started us off, they sang a song about their families set to the Sound of Music! — After dinner entertainment included each branch of the family introducing their clan. The McCleary’s started us off, they sang a song about their families set to the Sound of Music!

Aunt Carol's family was up next for introductions. Aunt Carol and Uncle Ron had to leave early so it was left to Darin and Lynn to tell us all about the Jones. — Aunt Carol’s family was up next for introductions. Aunt Carol and Uncle Ron had to leave early so it was left to Darin and Lynn to tell us all about the Jones.

Trying to look official! (not too sure about that t-shirt!)

Sending it off to his point man..... — Sending it off to his point man…..

It took a flow chart to introduce the Jones!

My sweet brother-in-law started our branches introductions. He told stories of his dad while they were growing up - Linda and Corey followed up with more stories. I enjoyed it so much that I didn't even take photos! We miss you GRANDPA KEN! You are remembered! — My sweet brother-in-law started our branches introductions. He told stories of his dad while they were growing up – Linda and Corey followed up with more stories. I enjoyed it so much that I didn’t even take photos! We miss you GRANDPA KEN! You are remembered!

My beautiful niece and.... — My beautiful niece and….

Our branch also sprouted a couple of new leaves this year. 2 little (grand nieces to me) joined our family in 2014! This one is learning what it means to be Green!

So many memories that just cannot be put into words or photos!

Dee

Rejoicing in Being Green!

Published on September 19, 2014 by hollydeequilts2 Comments

This past July we travelled with grandchildren in tow to Utah for the bi-annual Green’s family reunion. Here is a recap of our first day of re-uniting.

The view as we start our day - this is from my brother-in-laws back yard. — The view as we start our day – this is from my brother-in-laws back yard.

I decided I needed a better photo so I ventured out to the street (probably still in my pajamas)

Prior to heading to Oakley to visit with Corey’s family we stopped by Grandma Pat’s house. We are so glad some of the Chatwin cousins could stop by to visit too!

A Great Lady with her Great-Grandchildren

While Corey’s dad is no longer with us his spirit lives on through his children and their children and grandchildren!

Aunt Iris is also no longer with us – but her family is strong and so enjoyable to be with.

Aunt Carol’s family travels from Idaho to join in the festivities and they are a FUN bunch!

Here are a few random photos of the generations as we celebrate being family!

My niece, Chandler was in charge of activities for the first evening – she had gathered all of the items necessary for some really fun family games. Both of my grandchildren agreed this was one of their favorite parts of the trip!

And the games begin - Kaylene was really getting into it! — And the games begin – Kaylene was really getting into it!

Kids of all ages enjoyed putting nylons on their heads and knocking over water bottles

This game was geared to the adults due to difficulty. Did not deter Mr. B!

Rejoicing in a WIN! (and sporting a beautiful bracelet made by Little Toot for all of her family!)

The cookie game - Aunt Linda, Little Toot and the young man that shares my birthday! — The cookie game – Aunt Linda, Little Toot and the young man that shares my birthday!

And the winner is..... — And the winner is…..

My husband - I haven't seen those moves in a long time! — My husband – I haven’t seen those moves in a long time!

Christy is always fun to be around - those are tea bags on her hat! — Christy is always fun to be around – those are tea bags on her hat!

Trying to get the tea bags on top of the hat!

Walking with a ping-pong ball to the cup is not as easy as it sounds - but it is a really fun game to watch! — Walking with a ping-pong ball to the cup is not as easy as it sounds – but it is a really fun game to watch!

And this young man was so kind to my grandson who adopted him! Following him EVERYWHERE!

We plan our family reunion around the 24th of July, which is a BIG holiday in Utah. It is Pioneer Day and there are parades, carnivals and rodeos as well as TON’s of fireworks! I must say that there are actually too many fireworks, they go on well past midnight in many neighborhoods!

Little Toot made sure I took some good photos of the perfect ending to a perfect day!

More to come on our adventures at the Green’s Family Reunion – 2014

Dee

Milestones!

Published on June 19, 2014 by hollydeequiltsLeave a comment

As defined by wikipedia – Within the framework of project management, a milestone is an event that receives special attention.

Today is a “Milestone” for my handsome, intelligent, amazing son and his beautiful, intelligent and awesome wife!

They have been married 10 years! It has been so inspiring to watch their family work through the trials and tribulations of life and always come out smiling!

Just a few of their accomplishments (and yes I have touted some of these before – but I am just so proud of everything they do I want to shout it from the rafters!)

Parents of 2 amazing and awesome children, I could on and on with this topic, but today is not about them!

Continued education through the years,

First to get Andy through the school with the Pipe Fitters, now he is a very sought after HVAC guru! As his kids put it – his job is to keep things that are supposed by hot – hot! And to also keep things that are supposed to be cold – cold! As you have considered each new employment opportunity presented to you – a very important factor to you has been “will I keep learning” as you put it so well, you are to young to just show up for work – you need the continued learning experience to make it satisfying! That makes me proud!

My daughter-in-law received her Associates Degree just last year and this year embarked on her next chapter – prepping for Nursing School.

Home Owners – from before you were married your goal was to own a home and in 2008 you did just that – it is fun to watch you work on those projects that really make a home your own!

Family and Friends – you have many of these and you work to maintain those relationships – from a family reunion in Louisanna to camping with friends at Renaissance Faire in the fall to celebrating Holidays and Milestones with multiple family segments – you work to make it all happen!

The first 10 have been great – the next 10 will be awesome! (even though you will have 2 teenagers at the end of the next 10) Now who is feeling old?!

Just a few memories are captured here – most of them are in our minds and our hearts! Congratulations on 10 years!

The proud momma's (his and hers!) — The proud momma’s (his and hers!)

Just because I love this photo..... — Just because I love this photo…..

The first Christmas as a married couple!

Mom to be with her mom at the baby shower... — Mom to be with her mom at the baby shower…

And the first child makes her presence known!

You only thought you were tired here...... — You only thought you were tired here……

Yep - that's what it feels like to be a parent! — Yep – that’s what it feels like to be a parent!

No he can't just stay that size! — No he can’t just stay that size!

Momma and Lil Toot - getting ready for Aunt Jess' wedding — Momma and Lil Toot – getting ready for Aunt Jess’ wedding

Daddy and Mr. B at Aunt Jess' wedding — Daddy and Mr. B at Aunt Jess’ wedding

Momma's little Pirate at Rennaissance Faire — Momma’s little Pirate at Rennaissance Faire

Traveling with children...... — Traveling with children……

One of many very serious discussions..... — One of many very serious discussions…..

The first child! — The real first child!

Your home is where family and friends love to meet!

Love this photo - you are ready to take on the world! — Love this photo – you are ready to take on the world!

The sense of wonderment - never lose it.... — The sense of wonderment – never lose it….

A photo is worth a 1000 words.... — A photo is worth a 1000 words….

Every little girl dreams of her wedding...... — Every little girl dreams of her wedding……

What will the next 10 years bring…….. as long as you stick together you will make it through it all. My advice – don’t sweat the small stuff and remember most of it is small stuff!

Love to you all!

Dee (and Corey)