My favorites

My grandparents are two of my favorite people in the world. When I was little I wouldn't beg to go to Disney World or to the beach. I begged to go to Jennings, Louisiana. It's there that I'd find acres of land to play on, cousins to laugh with, and most importantly, two people who loved me unconditionally and taught me life-long lessons. Ryan, me, and Mackenzie had the pleasure of living with my Mimi and Papa for a year before we moved to Kentucky. When we decided to move they were so supportive. They encouraged us to step out and go, even when we were nervous. (And even when this meant pulling little Mackenzie away from them!) Ryan and I learned so much from them that year. I admire the friendship that Mimi and Papa have. They know how to love each other. This picture was taken the day we left Jennings to move to Kentucky.

Here's my little two year old Mackenzie. She really is best friends with Mimi. My girl loves her great-grandma. To this day, she asks about her Mimi and Papa and wants to go visit.

Here is Papa in "his" chair. Growing up I remember sitting in his chair while Papa would be outside or doing something. The minute he walked in the room we'd jump out of his chair so he could sit. We wouldn't dare take it from him...even though he would have let us sit there. :) Mackenzie loved (and still loves) to sit with Papa. Here he is looking at a picture with Mackenzie...this one also taken when we lived there in 2005.

My two kiddos with Papa - summer 2007. My Papa once told me that when he can't sleep at night he starts to recite all of his children's names. He says that always makes him tired. :) He has 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and (so far) 18 great-grands.

These two fellas are up to no good - I'm sure of it!!

Yesterday my Papa had emergency surgery to correct an Aortic Aneurysm. I sat by my phone all day waiting for phone calls. Each time the phone rang I cringed inside. Cousins called, sisters called, my mom called. We are a family that prays. We were all praying. I asked God to let us keep this gift a bit longer. So far, he has answered that prayer. I hope to let him meet his 18th Great-Grandchild someday soon - Addelyn Marie.

He is doing very well actually. He's 85 years old and very healthy. He's so strong! He'll be in ICU at least for a week and recovery time after that will take a while.

I love my Mimi and Papa and am so blessed to have them!! For now though, I am begging to go to Jennings, Louisiana.