Wow did time fly!

 

Papaw, Poppie, Yaya and the Grands!!

Looking through my bookmarks, I found this little jewel again.  Is blogging even relevant  in 2026? Our life has changed so much in the last 17 years from my last entry.  Gary is retired from the military but busy every day.  We are all in one little town and get to spend Sunday lunch together just like my mom started so many years ago.  When it is all of the Raymonds we are 13 in total.  Add Gary's dad and we are 14.  Six grandchildren and two son in laws have been added.  We get to go to softball games, color guard competitions, dance recitals, band concerts, beauty contests, field trips, so many things we get to do and I am so glad we get to.  

Since 2009, my last entry, we have lost those dear to us - mainly my mom, Melanie Williams aka Meme.  It has been a tough year learning how to move forward without her.  The last 10 years were hard trying to keep her healthy and engaged. But we really do miss her - she is the one who taught us how to celebrate everything with a meal, flowers or simply recognition due.  Someone once told us we celebrate too much - I disagree - I believe we are making memories and every one of them are precious.  A little part of me hears my mom tell me - make lots of memories and take lots of pictures.