Sarah's Farwell

The Dixons are always looking for an excuse to have a party and today, we did it up right.  Gregory and Danielle came up from Stedman, NC.  Granny and Papa made the trip from Pilot Mountain, NC.  Tiffany and Sarah joined Greg, Taylor and me at our house in Wake Forest, NC and we had a celebration.  What was the occassion?  Sarah's farewell, of course!  She'll be joining her husband, Ryan Larsen, in Leesville, LA in a few weeks.

We had lots of good food and a fun time was had by ALL.  Let's see, we had an embarassing display of steak and chicken on the grill and all the southern fixins to go along with it.  We played corn hole and danced to Wii Dance II. The whole day was most enjoyable. 

Taylor braided Sarah's hair while we were outside playing.  As I watched them, my mind went back many years, as if it were yesterday, thinking about when Sarah was little.  I would braid her thick, auburn hair.  It seems like she should still be that little.  It was at that point of my day that I began to reflect about my role as a mom.

Gosh, I thought about all those precious years of raising Sarah.  The happy times, the sad times, the times we argued, the times she thought I knew nothing, the times we laughed and the times we cried.  It is a wonderful blessing being a mother. 

Today, we celebrate Sarah's farewell.  It's hard to believe I just said "celebrate."  "Celebrate" is a term of happiness, right?   Well, today is bitter-sweet for me.  My heart breaks, my eyes tear as I think about my baby leaving.  However, I am so proud of her and the woman she has become.  There is comfort in knowing that I have been blessed to have her as my daughter and she will always be mine.  I am happy for her as she and Ryan begin their "happily ever after."

Best wishes from all our family as we send you off to Leesville, LA into the loving arms of your new hubby. 

We love you, Sarah!!!

Remember to.....Remember

As we reach the Memorial Day weekend, people begin thinking about the upcoming summer season and all its fun activites.  I think of swimming, boating, getting a good tan, enjoying friends and family for backyard cookouts, playing corn hole, catching fireflies, playing tag, baseball, kids laughing, fireworks...gosh, the list of fun things to do race through my mind.

However, I want to take this weekend to remember the real meaning of "Memorial Day."  This is a time to honor those who serve in our armed forces.  Those men and women who courageously defend our country.  These men and women along with their families are true heros.  I am proud to have such heros in my life. 

My father, Billy Johnson served in the Korean War (Marines-Daddy says they have the best looking uniforms).  My mother, Mildred, gave birth to my brother while Daddy was deployed.  I have two sons-in-law that serve in the US Army.  Clint McPherson, Tiffany's husband and Ryan Larsen, Sarah's husband.  Clint is now deployed in Afghanistan and Ryan recently completed a tour in Afghanistan.  These fine men and women in my family are heros!  I am so proud of their service. Daddy, Clint and Ryan serve(d) with honor and Mama, Tiffany and Sarah also serve(d) with honor! 

Let us all take time to recognize what a terrific country we live in and all those who dedicate their lives for the land we love.  We are truly blessed.

...daughter teaches her mother...

Being a parent is a rewarding calling in life.  Heavenly Father blesses you with a precious little angel straight from heaven.  Immediately, the bonding begins, love expands your heart to a measure beyond your wildest dreams.  A parent's role in raising a child is a HUGE responsibility.  Teaching/learning is a never ending process.

Let's see, I taught my children how to love books by reading to them from the very beginning of their life.  I taught my children how to fold their arms reverently while praying. Taught them how to share their toys with friends even when they didn't want to share.  Taught them how to tie their shoes, dress themselves, peel and cut apples.  Taught them how to ride a bike, swim, and ride the tube behind our family boat, Major's Dream.  Many, many, many lessons have been taught and mastered over the course of childhood.

Parents are not the only ones teaching in the dynamics of the family unit.  Children teach parents many skills that are valuable and meaningful.  Today, my daughter, Sarah, gave an introductory lesson in blogging.  She is an avid blogger and has inspired me to become a blogger.  She patiently helped me set up the template, add "buttons", design, edit and copy/paste and lots of other "stuff."  I have not mastered these skills but she has promised to continue the tutoring until I have advanced from novice blogger to independent blogger.

The purpose of this blog is to journal the happenings of my most valuable treasured blessing on earth...my family.