A Family Tradition!

       If you know my dad, you know he is in a tie day in and day out as he scrurries around the halls of the middle schools he has served for years. However, if you know my dad, you know that when he is home on Saturdays cleaning out the latest junk drawer, rearranging a closet, cutting grass, getting the boat ready... he is in a t-shirt...usually the same t-shirt...an ARCHIE shirt! You see, especially when Dad has a week off, he doesn't pack a plethora of clothes...he has his grey shorts, khaki shorts, a plain red golf shirt, and his archie t-shirt! In fact, Dad wore/wears it so much my uncles started making fun of him! Well dad got the last laugh one Christmas when he gave everyone an ARCHIE's shirt! Then several years later on the night Robert proposed, Uncle Bob gave us a toast...and Robert his ARCHIE shirt!
               Family Traditions are blessings! Even the smallest traditions carry much joy and celebration! Robert and I have the same advent wreath mom put on the table in dahlonega (and the same leaves catch on fire every year!)! Thanksgiving outside at uncle ron's house in Florida every year and the traditions of going to Bamma's house to gather to break bread with Robert's family! Traditions carry a story! The Bible is full of traditions and lessons that we carry out today...breaking bread together, oral stories passed down from generation to generation, love kindess, and servant leadership!
           Two days ago, I celebrated year 26! goodness, 30 is WAY to close! Nevertheless, my birthday present from Robert is a continuation of a new tradition! You see, my great grandmother, Kathleen Neeley, with whom I am named after, had a farm...a beautiful farm, that my mom grew up on! My mom, Debra Kathleen, would play at her grandmothers home, watch her cook, watch her care for her home and grandchildren, and her 5 boys...my great grandmother had a home, not a house. Momma  always says there is a difference adn "Momma knows!!" (love you mom!). Well, my great grandmothers farm is being surrounded by roads and growth. My uncle alfred has lived his life's journey in this home, caring for it. Side note: one of the best complements my Papa has ever given me is that I am like his mother, my great grandmother, Kathleen Neeley! Anyway, back on track. Momma asked Dad to go to "the farm" and use some of the wood to make momma a mailbox! So like my wonderful dad, Dad made momma a mailbox out of wood from "the burnside farm"! That mailbox welcomed our family home in Dahlonega for a couple of years and now welcomes them home in St. Simons. Well, robert and I have a home now and I wanted a sentimental mailbox!!! AND DID I GET ONE!! For my 26th birthday Robert gave me our first mailbox! A mailbox that represents us; a mailbox that day in and day out will welcome us home! You see, traditions tell a story! Robert, I hope you know how much having "our mailbox" means to me! We have the best mailbox in Charlotte Mecklenburg County that is for sure!! Momma and Dad, thank you for the traditions you gave me! The Lanes, thank you for the traditions you have welcomed me in to! Great Grandmother, Kathleen Neeley, thank you for leaving your mark on my momma to spark such a tradition! Precious Jesus, thank you for your journey so we may share your story and pass on the Christian tradition!

Pictures include: the FIRST Archie Shirt pass down at Memama's home! and Robert's Archie initiation on the 4th of July!

Pictures include: the mailbox Robert made me!

Lift High the Cross: Easter and the Pelican Perch

Wow! The sun was shining, smiles a glowing! Robert and I were worshipping in Hartsville with my three little sisters! We were home! We worshipped with the family that nourished us in our early days of dating and celebrated with us upon our engagement! Jeri in the pulpit, Anna directing the choir, children giggling, youth passing notes...we were home! During "Lift High the Cross" I looked around the sanctuary in Hartsville...all the faces that nurtured Robert and me for 3 years! I looked down the pew at my sisters singing "Jesus Christ is Risen today" and my heart melted! What a beautiful celebration indeed! After worship and a delightful meal wtih the Perkins, Robert and I loaded up and headed to the beach..to the Pelican Perch! Once we got there, it hit me... this is another place i call home! The Pelican Perch, for 15 years, as been the hub of family memories! Birthdays, 4 of July parade and fireworks, spring breaks growing up, girls reunions, family time, our engagement, making family videos, and so much more! Robert and I immediately went to walk on the beach...the same beach he proposed on, the same beach my sisters and cousins first played on, the beach of the annual bacce ball tournament, the beach that at 5 oclock during the summer we covered with boiled peanuts and laughter, the beach that for 15 years has brought much happiness to our lives! The breeze and rays of sun were refreshing! That next morning, when i woke, after a yummy breakfast at eggs up and sending robert off to play golf with some good buddies, I sat on the back porch with the sun in my face reflecting on life spent at the Pelican Perch! The beautiful memories it holds...the voices that echo through the bedrooms and living room, the meals that have been blessed around the table, mr. guy dancing last year when we had "Club Chub" (Chub is memama's nickname) during the 4th of July celebration! What a great way that morning to reflect on Easter! Robert and I were Home in so many ways this past weekend! Last night we went to purchase plantation blinds for our home in charlotte as we start leaving our handprints on the walls of our first home! We are making another home, another place that holds a cherished spot in our lives together! Spring is here! Jesus Christ has Risen Indeed! May today we celebrated the "places" God has blessed us with to make precious memories and New Life to come!

Spring at the Lane's!

Bubba and I baking Easter desserts!

Showing off our Easter Cake and Cupcakes!!! So festive!

Easter Morning with Maggie and Robbie!

EASTER SUNDAY 2010

THE PELICAN PERCH!!