Jake's Going-Away Party

Last weekend, Curtis and I hosted a big send-off party for Jake and his crew. It was so much fun! Curtis and Jake had some of the same friends in college and we hadn't seen them since our wedding. It was great to grill out and just catch up.

















Me, Jake and Curtis
















Jake, Kirk and Curtis...boy, the stories these three can tell! Fun times!

Emily, Jake and Brit. Emily and Brit came after getting engaged the night before. Congratulations to them!! We're SO happy! Brit, hang on tight to this girl!!...she might be the best thing that's ever happened to you! ;)

Sunday, we had a family get-together at mom's. It was fun to be with the family, including Jake's kiddos. As the day wore on, I started getting super sad. Before we left, we all gathered around and prayed for Jake...and that's about the time I lost it. I cried during the prayer, after and the whole way home....and about an hour after we got home. I'm so, so happy for him, but so sad that he'll never live here again. He'll always live away and we just won't be able to see each other much anymore. Sad.

Jake and I have always been super close. Growing up, we were the best of friends. When weren't as close when I lived in Orlando and Charlotte, sadly because of my travel schedule. However, I could always count on him. Lord, only knows how many times he moved me! Jake is a lot of fun to be around, but has a super sensitive side too. I really admire him. Not because he's made the best decisions in life, but simply because he's my brother. Might not make since, but I couldn't have be given a better brother. I would love it if our kids were as close and had as great of memories as we have!

We've since heard from Jake and he's loving boot camp (crazy, huh?) and doing great! I would love continued prayer for him though...

Enjoy the trip down memory lane!

In '06 at Curtis' surprise party.

London trip in '96. We roomed together and seriously had the funniest time!

Buddies during the horrible homeschooling years (only two, but two too long... Don't ever home school!) What is going on with my bangs? Lord have mercy!

Christmas '87...Jake loved karate! How funny are the karate pj's? Good thing he doesn't live close...he would kill me for putting these up.

Ha...Easter '84. We look like T-R-O-U-B-L-E!

Easter egg hunt '84. I had to include this picture to illustrate that Jake wore camo with anything and everything. I think we've both got the fake smile down pat here!

Powder Springs Soccer team in '83. Dad coached us and I turned cartwheels throughout the entire game and even managed to score once...in the wrong goal. I'm actually wearing Cabbage Patch Velcro shoes. Classic.

Last but not least, our favorite thing ever...playing in the little Smurf pool. Fun times!