Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Oh, how I'll miss her

This post is sad, but I post about many things that have happened in my life, whether good or bad. Last Monday morning my grandmother passed away. We were out of town late last week for her memorial and it was beautiful. She was an amazing grandmother who we will all miss so much, but I know she is looking down on us and she is now at peace.

Here is an edited version of her obituary...


Joanne

February 18, 1936 - July 18, 2011

Locally renowned artist Joanne passed away early Monday morning after a long term illness.

Joanne was married for 56 years to the love of her life, Matthew. Together, they had seven children: Leslie, Mark, Keith, Nancy, Kelley and Shannon. Joanne leaves behind her sister, Nancy and her brother Kenneth. She had eleven grandchildren whom she cherished and to whom she will always remain their "GG". She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joanne was pre-deceased by her parents, Camilo "Jack" and Thelma as well as her infant daughter Colleen and loving son-in-law Rick.

Joanne was an acclaimed watercolorist whose works are featured in many private collections, housed in the United States Senate, the Mississippi State Capital and other State and government buildings. Joanne's coveted Mississippi Coast painting graced the cover of the Coast phone directory and her themed pieces were sought after by many gulf coast civic and cultural organizations.

Joanne began her art career as a child and quickly established herself by winning judged art shows. She was passionate about her art and always made it a priority in her life. Joanne was a graduate of Newcomb College in New Orleans and studied under several nationally prominent artists. She was especially fond of teaching art classes to local children.

Joanne was the epitome of the true "Southern Lady". Always the gracious hostess, a gourmet chef, the Queen of Birthdays, a water lover and avid gardener. She enjoyed her life, her family and her many friends. Those who were fortunate to know Joanne were graced by her warmth, humor, love and especially, her smile.

oxox,
lauren

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Fun for the 4th

I hope y'all had a Happy 4th of July! We sure did! We went down to Pensacola for four days and it was wonderful! :) We went snorkeling off of Ft. Pickens and we saw lots of hermit crabs and really pretty fish! Matt saw a blown up puffer fish and Katie and Matt both saw red snapper, but I was on the beach at the time and did not see any...maybe next time! Katie and I were laughing at Matt as he tried to body board in the small waves one day because he just kept getting tossed around in the surf but he would get right back up and do it again and again like a little boy! We had so much fun! We ate lots of great seafood, laughed a lot, thoroughly enjoyed the beach, stayed up too late, and had a ball. I can't wait to go back! I did not take many pictures while we were there, but below i posted a few of the little I did take.

This quote sums up how I felt while we were on our vacation...

:D


Matt and me at Jaco's in Pensacola for dinner

Meghan and me

Matt and me

Meghan, Katie and me

Yay for sisters being together :)

Katie's boyfriend, Bryan, and me

Matt & me on the 4th of July

Matt snapped this picture of Katie and me without us knowing and I think it's hilarious

This one we're prepared for! :D

I cannot believe the 4th has already come and gone! Summertime...slow down please!

oxox,
lauren

*image courtesy of Tumblr.