happy birthday papa!

Today my papa {my dad's dad} and the only grandparent we have living, turns 76 years old! He served in the Korean War, was married to my grandmother Sara for over 50 years {she passed away in 2004}, then last year he lost his only son - my dad Charles. My papa is one of the toughest men I know and has survived so many trials in life. He loves the Lord, his grandchildren, and is thankful to be alive each day. Please pray for him as he is having health problems and we have been in and out of the ER. He is doing much better this week though - just in time for his birthday!

We Love you Papa and pray the Lord will bless you in the upcoming year

and keep you by our side.

{above from left: my half-brother Will, sister Courtney, papa, me, husband Chad @ our wedding August 16 2008}

July 3rd was also my dad's birthday. My papa was born July 3rd, 1933 and daddy was born July 3rd, 1955 - what a great birthday gift for my papa right? Plus, my papa's brother was also born July 3rd. It has always been a tradition for the three of them to get together and celebrate their birthdays, but since both daddy and Uncle Woot passed away last July - this year just isn't going to be the same. I know Daddy is celebrating in heaven instead, but we sure do miss him. This is going to be a very difficult week for us since Daddy passed away last July 6th - please keep us in your prayers.

{Here's one of my favorite photos of my papa & daddy. I was about 4 yrs old and this particular Halloween my parents thought they would dress me up as a hobo. {yes , as in a homeless person}. I say they were just trying to be cheap or ran out of ideas at the last minute, but I was just thrilled because I got to wear a hat like daddy & papa :)}