Stories & Pictures

Goodbye 2011...

as we wind down this year in just a few hours I really only have one thought about this year...

GRATITUDE.

I am so grateful for all the things we shared this year.

We were blessed to be together, mostly healthy and almost always happy.

We spent hours at home and traveling, creating some wonderful memories.

We were with those we loved and we cherished every moment.

We began some new adventures and said goodbye to others (homeschool).

We were lucky enought to have most of the year with my dad, our Popa, before he went to heaven.

So while we have had some heart aches, and certainly some tears, we are grateful.

We have been blessed to be on this journey together, surrounded by love and support.

My hope is that all of you reading this are feeling very much the same way.

And for those of you who have offered us love and support lately (and you know who you are)

THANK YOU

We are grateful.

So very grateful.

 

My favorite thing about this...

Looks who's doing all the work!

My sister and I chose wisely in the spouse department!

And Kelly, you are SO busted for texting at the table!!!!

Sent from my iPad

In spite of the weather...

Categories: kids, holidays

Which was very cold, windy, and misting rain...

these three had a blast at the skate park yesterday.

On the agenda today...

Go carts!

Woo Hoo!!!

Sent from my iPad

Zip Lining...

They say it was every bit as fun as it looks.

It was a very generous gift from Mimi and Popa.

We are thankful for a fun day of good memory making!

Christmas Wishes

From our family to yours...
We send lots of holiday love
Best wishes for joy and health
And a great big thank you
For all the love that has been given to us.
We are so blessed to be surrounded
By truly wonderful people.
May 2012 be filled with love
For you and the ones you hold dear.

Sent from my iPad

Thank you

The kind words, the beautiful flowers and the steady stream of homemade food has been so deeply appreciated.

A sincere thank you to each one of you who has reached out with love for us. We are so heartbroken, but feel so supported and surrounded by people who truly care.

The memorial service will be held at the First UMC in Hendersonville, NC at 10am on Thursday morning. A reception will be held following the service in the fellowship hall.

We plan to return home to share the holiday together in GA. Your continued support is truly appreciated.

Sent from Diane's iPhone

He was a good man.

EUGENE C. DEROUEN (my dad) March 25, 1933- December 17, 2011

Popa passed away in his sleep this morning.

It was peaceful, but completely unexpected.

And he will be missed terribly.

And the winner is....

ME!!!

I won the raffle quilt from the piecemakers guild today!

It is amazing, I'll share a better photo soon.

I still can't believe it!

Sent from Diane's iPhone

These girls...

Had fun at the barn party last night!

It's a lousy photo, but trust me, they are all fabulous!
We feel so lucky to have such an amazing barn family.
Good times.

Sent from my iPad

Finished!

This quilt is from Bonnie Hunter's book LEADERS AND ENDERS. Yes, it's the 4th quilt I have made from that book...and not the last! What can I say? At least I'm consistent.

I actually finished it a few days ago, but just hadn't had a chance to photograph it. The sun was finally shining and my quilt holder (Bill) was available. I really love it!

I started working on it during the retreat at Toccoa, and it became known as Happy Dance. I'll let you figure it out. :)

Sent from my iPad