The month of June is such a melancholy time for me as I'm reminded each Father's Day of the great loss of my dad to our family.
Yet, so many sweet memories flood my soul as I recall the wonderful man and father whom I called ‘Dad’. Husband,
father, son, brother, uncle and friend ... that was my Dad! He was handsome, wise, strong, fun, kind, sweet, committed, faithful,
firm but fair and loving - these are just a few words that come to mind when I think of Dad. He was a Christian who loved the Lord
first and foremost. He also loved and proudly served our country and was a brave and decorated WWII soldier.
Because of the wonderful example that Dad set for me, as a father figure and provider for our family, I trust, treasure and appreciate
the loving relationship that I have with my Heavenly Father. I remember my Dad as a hardworking and dedicated man who loved my
mom and us kids so much. Family was a priority for Dad. The lyrics from the song Daddy's Hands (by the singer-songwriter Holly Dunn)
pretty much sum up my Dad. On one of our Brinkley family reunions to Arkansas, my precious 7-year-old, Chrissy, sang along with
us sisters to this song. Everything he did ... he truly did it all for us!
A FATHER'S DAY TRIBUTE & SHOUT OUT TO MY SON COLE
Where do I start? Before I go any further ... you all know that Cole is saying ‘Mom ... just stop it right there!’ Ha! Anyone
who knows Cole knows he is a modest man ... a man of faith and a man of honor. He loves his God, his wife, his children, his family and
his friends! We all joke about his childhood claim that he is ‘the leader of the boss’ but he truly is a great leader in his
personal and professional life. I am blessed to call him my amazing son! OK ... before I get myself into too much more trouble I will just
leave it here ... I love you son!
SISTER'S WEEKEND
My beautiful sister Patti hosted our sister's get-away weekend at their beautiful hilltop haven in Center Point. Check out Patti’s page for a
few photos from our weekend. It was such a treat to hang out for a few days with my precious sisters Angie, Patti and Juli. Larry was such
a great host and he had the yard and pool looking pristine and so inviting. A big shout out to him as I know it was no easy task putting up
with us girls all weekend. We mainly chilled at the house and pool most of the weekend and each night we enjoyed a movie marathon with
a few tasty snacks. Patti chose some neat eateries for our main meal each day. I picked up some fresh juicy Fredericksburg peaches on
my way down and Patti cut them up and served them up with biscuits one morning. We had fun gathered around the kitchen table painting
rocks for Momz's collection. Except for Juli's run in with a scorpion in the hot tub, we had a great visit! I can't tell you much more than that,
because what happens at Patti's stays at Patti's!
BLESSING STONES!!!
It has been a real challenge for this novice painter to keep Momz stocked up on painted rocks, or “blessing stones.” She surely
loves giving them out to as many people as she can and it blesses them so much! She may need a bigger purse (or tote) to carry them in on
her outings. Shout out to Scot who so lovingly accompanies her on her mission! I continue to paint as often as possible and am enjoying the
challenge of finding just the right subject to paint based on the shape of the rock. It is relaxing and fun to play with the different color paints
and to create something that will be passed on and bring enjoyment to others. Patti requested that I paint a few tropical ones for her poolside
potted plants. I enjoyed painting a collection of stones for Cole and Amber to take to their Three Feather's Cabin in Broken Bow, OK. Chrissy
wants lots of lady bugs painted for her potted plants, too. I also painted a cute kitty cat for Momz (to keep - not share) and one for
Jackson for his cat Momo. I have a few more kitties to paint for a few other special people, too. Of course, I will be painting an anchor or two
for Carter...Go Navy! I have included some photos of some of my painted stones for your viewing pleasure!
THE HOLMES' FAMILY VACAY - DESTINATION GALVESTON
My ocean loving son and beautiful wife took their kiddos to Galveston (Sea Isle) for a wonderful and memorable family
vacation. From the photos they sent and the stories I've heard, it appears a good time was had by all.
Cole, Jack, Carter and Trey headed out on a deep-sea fishing trip and snagged a couple of baby sharks.
Amber, Kaylee and MJ chilled out on the beach and took in a bit of shopping. Their neat beachfront condo made access to the beach a breeze.
The bittersweet of it is that this is most likely the last family vacay they will have where all the kids will be able to be there since Carter will be
heading off to the Navy soon. Anchors Aweigh!
