Celebrating a Life

As we were packing for Pennsylvania Pat expressed that he would love to wear his faithful linen suit but was afraid it would be to "cheery". I explained to him that we do not morn in dark colors, we celebrate the life that was lived. I also told him that he was our Grandpa and we could wear whatever we wanted!

The service was beautiful and what better place for it than the church he put so much time and work into. Listening to all of the wonderful things that so many people had to say about him reassured me that I didn't see his as a wonderful man just because he is my Grandpa but because he really was amazing. The church was packed with people, some I vaguely remembered from my childhood and many I didn't know. They were all there to show their respect for a man that has made an honorable name for himself in that town.

It is sad that our family gathering was under the circumstances that it was but it is nice to have family to lean on in times of sorrow. When my Grandma passed away 9 years ago, my Grandpa wanted to choose the headstone himself. There was one thing that was very important to him - he wanted everyone to know how much he loved her for all of the years they were married.

Not 62 years....62 1/2!!

I would be proud too!

They now lie next to each other, in Ulysses, PA where they met 74 years ago! And what a beautiful place to be.

This July 4th would have been my Grandma's 90th birthday. I can't help but think about how happy she and Grandpa will be to spend this one together!

A Life Well Lived

David Clayton Baumgarner, 89, was called to his Heavenly Fathers presence, June 14, 2012, in the Heritage Lowman Home, White Rock, SC.

David was born September 25, 1922, to David T. and Esther Pennington Baumgarner, the youngest of 11 children, in Coudersport, PA. He married the love of his life, Ava D. Lucas who preceded him in 2003 after 61 years of marriage.

David was an active member of the Free Methodist Church of Port Allegany, PA, where he served as teacher, board member, and maintenance man, in addition to contributing significant time and effort to the building of the current sanctuary. He quit school after the eighth grade to help support the family, working full time in the woods with his father at the age of thirteen. He was a tireless worker and in spite of his limited formal education, was known for his natural ability as a carpenter, electrician, plumber, mechanic, and all round fix everything guy. He also served in the US Army during World War II.

David was a sterling example of a Christian father to his children: Connie (Bob) Curtis, Cheryl (Tom) Kilburn, Duane (Becky) Baumgarner, and his daughter-in-law, Becky Baumgarner. There could be no better father, grandfather or friend and he will be sadly missed by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, many nephews, nieces, and friends. (Obituary)

My Grandpa was a wonderful man, and the relationship he and my Grandma had was even more amazing. They taught my family so many things and showed us how to live a happy and fulfilling life. I am thankful that they raised my Dad the way they did and that they loved my Mom as if she were their own. Anyone that ever met my grandparents knew the love they had for each other as well as the happiness they brought to everyone around them. As sad as I am for myself,  I am happy to know that they are together again, in the place that they both lived their lives to be able spend eternity - Heaven.

In Grandpa's 'big' chair.

Grandma, Grandpa, me and Rick.

Grandpa reading me stories from my children's bible.

Pulling me down the hill in a sled.

Followed by pulling me back up and then down, and up...

Love, Love, Love

The most important men in my life!!

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.  Philippians 1:21-23 

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson!

We had a wonderful weekend in Savannah, GA celebrating the union of Becky and Max!

The weather was perfect for all of the outdoor festivities.

Rehearsal dinner took place on a river boat which was a so much fun. Saturday morning we walked around a bit before heading to the pool to lounge. The wedding ceremony and reception took place at the Mulberry Inn, where we were all staying, so everyone was together for the majority of the weekend.

Savannah made a beautiful back drop for the event!

Friday Night - Rehearsal Dinner:

             

Touring the town:

Pat and Rob

The Mulberry Inn

The squirrels are obviously very used to people.

Forsyth Park 

 Poolside Party:

Pat teaching the girls how to get warm up "like lizards do".

Baby Georgia!

             Cute Little JuJu                                                                        Pat and Ella Joy

The Nuptuals:

Congratulation to the happy couple!!

*For those of you that might not know...my mom made Becky's dress! Isn't it/she beautiful?!!!

Ready and Waiting!

I can't believe that Shelly's shower has come and gone!

This means that in a few short months Baby Kenney will be making a debut! I can't wait to meet him/her (and according to the poll results from the shower it's a girl)! We all had a wonderful time celebrating the big occasion and I think everything turned out great!

Boy or Girl??!!!

 

 

The Mommy and all of her great gifts!

Long time buds!

Family!

My secret weapon...she is the brains behind it all!!

Mommy and Grandma-to-be!

I am so happy to become and Aunt again. It is a job that I take very seriously! I love Baby Kenney so much already, I can't imagine what it will be like to meet him/her for the first time. I look forward to a future of loving, spoiling and hopefully being a part of influencing a life in a positive way.

Now that Mommy and Daddy have all of the essentials we only need one more thing...a BABY! Rob, I hope you are ready for knocks on your door at anytime, someone in you spare bedroom ALL the time and a house guest that you may never be able to get rid of! I love you guys and I am soooo excited to see what the future holds for you and your growing family.