Labor Day 2009

Allow me to share our Labor Day celebration with you. It was the kind of day that you tuck away in your memory and pull it out from time to time to reflect on. Charles and I opened our home to the Sullivan gang and, to our delight, everyone was able to attend. By everyone, I mean our parents, my siblings, their spouses and our children. There was much concern that my sister would not be able to attend because she had been in the hospital in ICU, but she improved and they released her the Sunday before Labor Day. She came over on Monday in her PJs, but we propped her on the couch with a tray of food while we were eating and then took her outside on the porch with us and put her in a comfy chair while we fished from the lake. Her little guy caught the biggest fish of the day - a catfish. Otherwise, everyone was catching bluegill and bass. It was just one of those wonderful, lazy, summer days that you soak up and just enjoy good food, fun and conversation. Charles was the grillmaster and provided us with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Between the rest of us women, we provided the rest of the feast. Yum!

Memory snapshots:

* Gentry yelling, "I got a big one!" No one believed him because he'd been "talking smack" for awhile without results. But he really did have the big one!

* Celebrating Charles, Jared, Dale and Christine's birthdays belatedly! Singing "Happy Birthday" in Sullivan harmony with all the parts thrown in! We'd been too busy to get together over the summer! Don't feel slighted guys! We love ya!

* Working in the kitchen with Christine and Nicole. I'm so blessed to have 2 sweet sisters-in-law who are also my friends!

* Sitting in the Texas Room (family room) with my sis. We were sitting on the reclining sofa with blankets tucked in around us catching up on life while watching the fishing going on outside the window. Sisters can solve a lot of life issues given a little time! :) Or at least we're sure gonna try!

* Walking from room to room with Mom & Dad while they toured the space that we call home. They've been in it before, but we had made some updates since the last time. They've always been big fans of my homes and that's a special feeling. What makes it special is sharing it with people who matter most to you. Making a haven for those you love.

* Hugs, hugs and more hugs

* Hearing Jared laugh

* Seeing Courtney smile; especially whenever Gentry said or did something funny

* Charles sitting back, smiling and soaking it all in

* Enjoying seeing Nicole pace the porch while on a mandatory conference call with her boss (on Labor Day!! What??) Also seeing her standing atop the grassy roof of my house. She claims there is a wonderful view up there! And there is! (And thanks for the yummy birthday cake too!)

* Having Ryan ask, "Is it okay if we stay awhile?" when some others had to leave. Of course!! Stay as long as you like. I love your company!

* Hearing Dale say, 5 more tries (while fishing and it was getting later); then after 5 tries were up... one more... and then one more. I know the feeling! I've done that before!

* And our family get-togethers wouldn't be same without the trademark "Dale" stories and jokes! Gentry is working hard on perfecting his storytelling craft too. Learning from his daddy!

Oh and the one that tops off the day!!!

** Gentry in his Batman costume taking on the world!

Thanks for revisiting this day with me!

My sister is now back in the hospital as of last night and needs our prayers again. She apparently has fluid under her lungs (I think in the pleural space) and the pneumonia is back with a vengeance. I know that God is able to bring her through. I am trusting in Him!