Monday, April 30, 2012

Goodwin Gals Gone Panama

After a wonderful weekend to include our "Goodwin Reunion", excitement began to stir as us gals were awaiting our trips to Alabama and then on to PCB in Florida.

Mom and I left B'ville on Tuesday morning (4/24) where she would visit with me and my family for 2 days. My sister and niece were leaving the following Thursday morning (4/26) and driving to my home where mom and I would "catch a ride" to the beach.

We had packed snacks/drinks, beach chairs/umbrella, clothes/shoes, cards/books...you name it and one of us Tammy probably had it. Lunches were sandwiches of homemade pimento cheese, Dobbs turkey salad, or Black Forest Ham slices, and dinners were at The Back Porch and Carrabba's.

Our condo was just the right "fit" for us with awesome ocean views, beautiful, sunny days and amazing sunsets. Tammy and I sat Friday and Saturday nights on the balcony way-y-y-y-y into the early morning.....just catching up.

There were mornings on the beach, afternoons on the balcony or spent shopping, and evenings chillin' at the condo after dinner.

Tammy~Mel~Mom~Susan

evening sunset

shell seeking

She's now fully retired...a surprise announcement to us.

Flower adornment in our basket of surprises from Susan.

an awesome sunset over the Gulf

Mom

our names in the sand

waves rolling

Tammy


Our time spent at PCB was so much fun. We had a great time being together. Plans are already in the air for our next trip...can't wait.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Family Reunions.....

My dad loved his family. There were many family experiences of working outside. We cleaned the woods, hauled off leaves and limbs, trimmed the pond area, broke up beaver dams...you name it and it would probably be on his (our) list of things accomplished.
Dad instilled in us a working relationship that involved outside and inside chores. "If you're gonna do it, do it right." (I often wanted the short-cut version.) As I work outside in the yard, I hear a small voice whisper at times, "Mel, That's right." or "Dig a little deeper." I know dad is ALWAYS with me, and I just love to recall our times together as I work in the yard. (My sister often has shared with me the same sentiments.)
Family...dad was so proud to have his extended family visit for a Goodwin Reunion. He and mom have hosted the reunion the third weekend of April each year. He would begin getting ready at least 2 months before...he loved this time of gathering and wanted everyone to enjoy themselves.
I am traveling today to South Carolina to help mother with last-minute preparations for the 2012 Goodwin Reunion which will be held on Saturday. It will be a sad but joyous occasion for us. Sad because dad joined Christ on September 30, 2011, but joyous because he is celebrating with us in spirit and probably talking Jesus' ears off about HIS family here on earth. Dad loved his family.
Looking forward to a time of visiting with relatives.

9 siblings (Annie Mae, Margaret, Martha, Hazel, Jim,
Jennings, Mildred, Willie Edith & Alice)
Jennings - Mildred - Pa - Willie Edith - Jim

 
2012 Goodwin Reunion
Pa - Alice - Willie Edith - Jim - Jennings - Mildred

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Beautiful day for yardwork...

Today was such a gorgeous day! We worked in the yard and a lot was accomplished. Yard was mowed and edged, patio and furniture was pressure-washed, and flower bed were checked. Just wanted to share a few pictures. Oh how I love working in the yard.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Hallelujah...





His Royalty...




Darkness...Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. When He had said this, He breathed His last. Luke 23:44-46

But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8




For God so love the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. John 3:16-17




Jesus, our Risen Savior, was who He said He was, has the power He said He had, and keeps His promises to His children. Hallelujah...my Savior Lives!!!

Thank you Lord...
        ...for forgiveness
                 ...for power & strength
                                  of Christ that lives in me 
 ...eternal life