Few things bring me more joy and contentment than having all of my people in the same place at the same time, and for a few hours last week that happened. Seeing our three children, their spouses, the grandchildren, and now our first great-grandchild happy, healthy, and thriving made Thanksgiving 2023 perfect. You've heard me talk about these people many times, so indulge me once again while I share their latest photos.
Laura, Matt, and Julie together will always make me smile. These three were so close in age and in life situations when they were growing up. Now they live in three different states. Steve is certain that the reason God put him on the earth was to be the father of these amazing people. I could easily write a book about each of them. Maybe someday I will.
These four were called "the seniors" in the last years of Cousins Camp. Luke is in college now at U.T. Chattanooga, Seth and Nathan are juniors in their respective high schools, and Margaret is in the 11th grade in her homeschool curriculum. All are A students. It just hit me that we might have THREE graduating in May of 2025. Gulp!
Here are "the juniors." Megan is a freshman in high school, Birti is a sophomore, and Penelope and Rosemary are homeschooled. All of these are also A students. :)
These three are brothers, the sons of Julie and Brian Rodgers. Sam is 12, Silas is 9, and Enoch is 6. We've all lost count of how many Legos they have. :)
The two "littles" enjoy sitting at a table that is just their size. Beatrix (Bea) is 4, and Sarah Ruth just turned 3. (Somehow I didn't get a separate photo of Bethany, but you'll see her in some of the group photos).
Julie and her older daughters prepared a feast for all of us.
It is both surreal and very, very sweet to watch our youngest daughter Julie in her new role as a grandmother.
Thanksgiving Day also happened to be Steve's birthday.
Katie is Matt's wife, and Brian is Julie's husband. Katie is a realtor in Franklin, TN and an awesome pastor's wife. Brian owns his own electrical testing company called AMP Quality Energy Services.
This is David, Laura's husband. He fascinated granddaughter Bea with his prosthetic leg. She was extremely curious.
This is our granddaughter Allie Grace with her husband Zechariah Freeborn.
Steve (my Silver Fox) holding Baby Teddy, our great grandchild.
Steve and Matt have two favorite subjects when they talk: Auburn sports and theology.
These children were the inspiration for the Cousins Camp we had for 15 years, and we hope they will always be great friends as a result. Near the top in the middle, you'll see our oldest grand Allie holding her 3-month-old baby Teddy, our first great grand.
Laura's family with her husband's parents, Jerry and Judy Baggett.
Matt's family.
Julie's family with Brian's parents, Kendall and Naomi McConatha.
I finally had my turn holding Baby Teddy. What a healthy blessing he is!
Maybe, just maybe, the Pearson 25 will gather again the day after Christmas. A few years ago, I had to have a lengthy scan at the hospital that required me to stay perfectly still. I started with Steve and prayed for everyone through Sarah Ruth, then the test was over. One of the many pluses of having a large family. :) Thank you, God, for your abundant blessings.
Psalm 92:1-2 "It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night."
Psalm 9:1-2 "I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High."