Thursday, September 27, 2007

The "Fab Five"...and me!


Although our latest trip to California was a difficult one, it was also the first time in a very long time that we were able to have our complete family there...and that was the best! So here I am with my "fab five" boys! First stop..."Hof's Hut." It just wouldn't be a real vacation without stopping at "Hofs!" Thanks to Steele, Bryan even got "mickey mouse" pancakes, just like he did when he was little!





Here we are at Hofs, but unfortunately we're missing Chelsea, she had school and work obligations. Luckily she was able to fly in later that day, making all of us happier, especially Nick.

Another place that is always a MUST, is Bob and Barb's for a BBQ and swim! You can see why it is always a high priority! We always have so much fun there, and as you can tell there is never a shortage of things to do.

The kids played an exciting game of "round robin" ping pong, then spent a little time relaxing in the hot tub.














Of course you can't have a BBQ without ice cream Sundaes! Here's the birthday girl with her daughters...sorry Barb (I think picture on your camera was better!)











Kori, Dana and Lori smile for a picture. (Aren't they gorgeous?)












If there's a party, Nick will always be the entertainment! Luckily, Joshua finally warmed up to Nick and decided that "he's not scary!"

How grateful I am for my family! From my wonderful parents down to all their beautiful grandchildren! Whether related by blood or by marriage, they are ALL such a blessing in my life and it is truly a piece of heaven on earth to be able to spend time them all!





Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Returned With Honor

Mom and Dad, Christmas 2006
















VCC flag at half-mast in honor of dad


On the morning of September 6, 2007, my father Jonathan Lamont Davis "returned with honor" to his Heavenly Home. As sad as we all were to
loose him, I know there were countless others on the other side who were jubilant to see him. No one fought harder than dad to stay with his beloved wife, family and friends. Because of his courageous fight and the blessings of The Lord, we had my dad for six extra years...each day was a gift. If you were lucky enough to know dad...you loved him. His humble demeanor and contagious sense of humor would set everyone at ease and make them feel "at home" in a matter of seconds. He lived his life with complete honor and earned the respect of his family, his friends, his church and his business associates. He was a great example of how all men should conduct their lives, yet few men do.
Losing my dad leaves a huge hole in my heart, but I have come to realize that I don't have look far to see a part of him in each of his children and grandchildren.

  • I see his gentle nature and his tender ways in my sister Sue.
  • I see his keen business sense, his leadership skills and his humor in my brother Bob.
  • I see his love for family and his unwavering devotion in my mother Alene
  • I see his honor and integrity in Jeff.
  • I see his kindness and insight in Kristin.
  • I see his creativity and his love for life in Nicole.
  • I see his "love of the game" and perseverance in Brett.
  • I see his uncompromising work ethic and desire to succeed in John.
  • I see his beautiful smiling face and his love of dancing in Lori.
  • I see his generous nature and his charismatic personality in Brad.
  • I see his infectious laughter and his endless charm in Dana.
  • I see his calm nature and his endurance to the end in Bryan.
  • I see his quiet courage and his humility in Blake.
  • I see his strong hands and his ability to see the humor in all things in Nick.
  • I see his desire to put others first and to "do things right" in Sean.

Presentation of the flag to my mother


Dad lived the last six years with only one third of his heart functioning. This really doesn't surprise me...he was the only one with a heart BIG ENOUGH to do it. I love you Big Daddy!