Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  We finally took a few pictures after Mass today and with any luck, we will get cards out BEFORE Christmas.  Now, they might not land in mailboxes until after Christmas, but they are out.  We attempted these photos six weeks ago.  Thought it would be nice to take some pictures in Scott, AR looking all natural wearing jeans and a sweater and standing in front of some old pecan trees.  A migraine and ER visit later, we scrapped that idea.  Next idea was to take some pictures in Shreveport two days after Thanksgiving.  We scouted the perfect spot and decided on taking photos in front of the Shreveport Arts Center.  They have beautiful old trees--very Southern.  Well, after 48 hours of to die for weather and sunsets, it poured for 10 hours straight.  Fail!  Third try was after the lighting of the State Capitol in early December.  I just knew it would be a lovely time to run inside and take some pictures around the beautiful decorations.  What was I thinking?  Who knew the fat man in red would also be making an appearance at the Capitol?  There were a gazillion kids and parents.  We quit that idea immediately.  So, on December 18, I finally snagged our photographer (also known as my sister) and made our way to the State Capitol.  SCORE--finally.  Hopefully, they will arrive on 12/23 as promised, and we can get them addressed, stamped, and out the door.

This was the winner!  

This one had potential, but the wind was picking up and we had a shadow. 

Another shot of us in front of the Capitol.

Thanksgiving 2011

This is just a quick post to highlight our Thanksgiving.

We had a great time down in Shreveport with Dad, Suzanne, Kerry & Clay.  This was our first time to see Dad and Suzanne's completed house.  They are settling in, and we loved having a place to stay down there.  I must admit, sleeping in a comfy bed and getting to wake up and walk downstairs for coffee definitely beats staying in a hotel (which is what we used to have to do because there wasn't enough room for Kerry and I with our husbands at Suzanne's house).

Below are a few photos of the house and us pre and post Thanksgiving feast!  Where was my camera at midnight when we were at Best Buy with every other crazy person in the Shreveport/Bossier area?  Better luck next Black Friday!

Front of Dad & Suzanne's House

Dad's Office

Sconce and Cross going up front entry stairs

Looking down into the formal living room from the upstairs walkway

Three cooks in the kitchen

Chief Cook!

Team Jucas pre-feast

Post Lunch!

Out back--sitting on the pool fountain.

Well Done My Good & Faithful Servent

Julianne Dunning Eddy

 September was a bittersweet month.  We mourned the passing of John's beloved grandmother, Guggy.  Julianne "Judy" Dunning Eddy, fondly referred to as Guggy by all who knew her, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 in Scottsdale, AZ.  She was surrounded by most of her loved ones, and John will point out that he sadly didn't make it.  We jumped in the car the minute we heard she had taken a turn for the worst, but the 20 hour car drive was too long for Guggy to wait. John was at peace knowing he tried everything he could to be there, and he knows Guggy isn't holding it against him.

Our visit in Arizona was for a sad reason, but we actually had a great time.  Guggy would have wanted it that way.  Since we got to AZ with time to spare before the funeral, we enjoyed a few days in Payson first.  We saw Pat and Ted's wonderful new house, went for a few walks, and managed to take the canoes out for a little spin up by the Rim.  AZ  never disappoints with the amazing views, picturesque lakes, and breathtaking scenery. 

After a few days in the mountains, we were ready to go to Scottsdale to see the rest of the family.  It has been a long time since we have seen that much of John's family in one place.  Come to think of it, we haven't seen that many Eddys since our wedding in 2007!  They had lots of catching up to do.  There was laughter, tears, and lots (and I mean lots) of storytelling.  Never a dull moment with John's family!

Julie hosted a fantastic visitation service.  It was funny, smart, and sweet.  Guggy looked so peaceful laying in her casket.  We were waiting on her to sit up and join the party.  On Sunday evening, we had gathered at the Hancock home to break bread and visit.  This turned into a movie set that was later revealed at the visitation.  I truly believe Julie might have missed her calling as a film maker.  The video tribute was cute, creative, and a labor of love.  I say labor because she stayed up most of the night editing all of her Iphone footage.  If I were more tech savvy, I would have the video on this blog..  Check out mine or John's facebook to watch the tribute.

The funeral Mass on Tuesday was hard.  Funerals are always hard.  It is hard to watch your loved ones cry and it is also like putting salt in a wound for me.  Did I mention we are both criers?  I used to not cry much, but the older I get the more I cry.  John is the same way.  We cry at the drop of the hat, and we have an unspoken rule...kind of like on Steel Magnolias.  "Nobody cries alone in my presence!"  If one of us is crying, I promise, we are both crying!  I find myself crying in Church sometimes.  Don't ask why, but hymns can just tug at my heart sometimes.  "Do not be afraid" was sung at my mom's funeral, so my water hose tears just turned on immediately when that was sung at Guggy's.  The responsorial psalm, "Shepherd me O God beyond my wants, beyond my fears from death into light" was also sung at my grandmother's funeral Mass in March.  It is my Uncle's favorite and he specifically requested that particular one..  Needless to say, it was personal for me.  Not only because I loved Guggy, but because these songs truly say what I believe, and they remind me of the most special people in my life.  Guggy is in good company. 

Aunt Mike planned the funeral, and it was perfect.  The chapel was the perfect size, the music, as previously mentioned, was superb and the Mass readings were spot on.  Now, the homily, delivered by the angelic Father Tom was "lights out"!  It was the perfect mix of reflections of Guggy, the promises of Heaven, and the beauty of the Eucharist.  What wisdom he shared with us all!  You could hear a pin drop, and I caught myself nodding in agreement! I think everyone else really enjoyed it as well because you could sense the Holy Spirit doing miracles in that room.

Guggy gave John his faith, and that was one of the main things that attracted me to John when we first met.  I knew he wasn't always a devout Catholic as a young adult, but I knew the seed had been planted.  So, thank you Guggy for instilling the most precious gift in your grandson because I am now enjoying the fruits of your labor.  If it hadn't been for you, we probably wouldn't be married today!  I owe ya...

The Cousins & Father Tom

Father Tom's Video Tribute-enough said!

 

Oops, I did it again!

How do I let so much time pass by between blogs?  Yes, we have been busy, but I still find time to check email, facebook, popsugar, and pinterest!  Oh my, pinterest is my new obsession of choice!  It is like twitter, but for fashion, party planning, and decorating etc.  John loves it for the architectural ideas and photos.  It is really a great way to find ideas and "pin" to your board for later.  Ok, I just figured out how this happened.  I've spent the last two months on pinterest...ha,ha. 

The good news is that John has recently purchased a new work laptop.  It is so fancy that you can just take out the memory disc from your camera, pop it into the super special insert spot on the laptop, and ta daa--all the photos are uploaded.  No more searching for your camera/computer cord and uploading.  I'm so happy and look forward to updating the blog on all of our summer happenings....now that I have good photos to post.

Happy Labor Day!

Meridian Family Names New Partner

This is just a quick post to say how proud of John I am!  After years of working in politics, John has been named a partner in a national public affairs and consulting firm.  From the wife's perspective, they are lucky to have him (smile), and I know he is grateful to have the opportunity.  For more info on the company and what all they do, the website is http://www.meridianhq.com/ . The press release speaks for itself.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day Dad!  We celebrated Father's Day one weekend late.  It was just as special and we all had a great time. 

As usual, our time together revolved solely around food.  We are foodies and not ones to miss a meal.  Lunch on Saturday was at Zsa Zsa's.  You can't beat their steak salad and wood fired pizzas.  I always want to have their homemade gelato for dessert but am always too full.  One day...one day I will get my dessert!  Pre-dinner cocktails and appetizers were at our house.  John and I had too much fun putting our spread together.  Blue cheese stuffed olives, grape leaves, marinated tomatoes/mozzarella balls, jarlsberg and fontina cheese with some hard salami rounded out the menu.  I am a sucker for a good cheese spread.  We went the Italian route because dinner was at Vesuvio's Italian Bistro-hands down the best Italian food in Little Rock (or at least of what I've experienced thus far).  We have been talking this place up so much, that I must admit I was nervous that it wouldn't live up to the hype.  I am happy to report that it did!  John and I both got the spaghetti guitara.  Words cannot express my love for this dish--homemade egg noodles with sauteed shitake mushrooms and the entire dish is dumped into an 80 lb wheel of Parmesan cheese and stirred/scraped around before being replated-table side.  I'm telling you, if you like table side guacomole, this will knock your socks off!  Oh, and John had a chocolate martini that was to die for.  Finally, we went to Mass at 10:30 on Sunday and headed to the Capitol Hotel for lunch.  Once again, the pimento cheese and soda crackers were the highlight...that is until the french fries w/ a truffle bernaise dipping sauce came to the table....O.M.G...put a fork in me, I'm done!

Thanks Dad and Suzanne for coming to Little Rock--we love you!  I will now go plan my weekly workout schedule in an effort to work off the 10 lbs I gained in the last 48 hours, thank you very much.

Appetizers before heading to Vesuvio's

Our Beloved

Since I'm blogging now, I couldn't let the day pass without writing a little something on Mom.  Four years ago today she left this earth just 22 days shy of her 60th birthday.  Talk about a day I now dread...JUNE 1--ugh.  It is pretty close to NOVEMBER 1, the day we found out how sick she was.  Seven months to the day.  Totally sucks.  I hate cancer.  I mean, I HATE cancer. 

On a lighter note, Mom was one of a kind.  I miss her, and I know lots of other people do as well.  Either they miss her as much as they say they do, or they are just being nice.  I prefer to think it is the former and not the latter.  She was kind in every way.  Soft spoken but not one to be pushed around.  I am speaking from experience here--she meant what she said and she didn't often have to say what she meant.  You just knew.  She led by example and Kerry and I learned to take our cues from her.  She was always right and not because she said so, she really was.  She was gracious and dignified.  When she was sick, she never missed writing thank you notes when a meal was delivered.  At one point, one of her best friends asked her to please stop!  She knew Mom was thankful and she appreciated the gesture, but she was going to keep bringing meals no matter what.  When Mom was sick, the sweet cards, meals, and random acts of kindness poured in.  Having cancer is a brutal way to find out how much you are loved, but as Mom said:  "I know who my friends are, and I have not been disappointed!"

Dad put Kerry and I in charge of her headstone and footstone.  I, in turn, put Kerry in charge of said monuments.  Kerry is an artist, and Kerry was not going to let Mom have anything less than awesome.  We were all thrilled with how it turned out, so I thought I would post a picture.  Dad helped us come up with the wording for her footstone, and I think it sums her up to a T...'Our Beloved'...Perfect!

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her, Amen.

Headstone that Kerry designed and painstakingly handled every detail from start to finish.

Footstone--we discussed something more traditional like:  Wife, Mother, Friend etc...but Dad chose "Our Beloved"

Happy Birthday to KERRY!

Not to be outdone by the Mabry House, I too can cook.  No, we didn't have lobster, Gouda soup or bananas foster, but we did have tacos, cheese dip, and banana splits!!  If only I had the staff at Mabry House, maybe I could cook like that.  Oh wait, I have a great husband who is a mad dish washer and a great birthday decorator (see Happy Birthday to ME post).

We went to Shreveport on May 20-22 and Kerry's birthday is May 23.  We couldn't let the day go by without a party, so John and I hosted a small fiesta to celebrate her day.  There was a sombrero, cheese, presents, and cherry vodka.  The banana splits might not be "fiesta appropriate" but I wanted to use my banana split dishes.  I can think of nothing else that screams party.  Below are some photos, but I warn you that Iphone cameras aren't all they are cracked up to be sometimes.  Excuse the extreme lighting on my nose and the lack of any light on Kerry's face. 

Once again, John is the master birthday decorator.  Oh yeah, and Kerry turned THIRTY-SIX.

No she did not want to take this picture.  Yes we made her.  She might kill me.  Oh well!!

John's banana split-out of control.

This is not approved on the Duchess of Cambridge's diet, but I couldn't help myself.

Mabry House

When we were kids, Mom and Dad had it tough.  Two daughters born in May meant two birthday parties, two rounds of presents, two excited girls...and that doesn't include Mom on Mother's Day.  Ok, POOR DAD :).  As we've gotten older, they wised up and started combining our birthdays.  So, Dad manages to knock out our birthdays in one fail swoop.  I kid, I kid...we remain spoiled, rotten, and completely in love with our Birthday Month of May.  This year was no exception.  Dad and Suzanne hosted us in Shreveport and took us to dinner at the Mabry House.  We sat at the special Chef's Table and enjoyed an eight course meal!  Simply divine.  We arrived at 7:00 PM and left at 10:30 PM.  We ate and drank the ENTIRE time.   The Chef matched each course with a suitable wine/cocktail pairing.  Every dish was exceptional.  If you are ever in Shreveport, I highly recommend this restaurant.  It is more than a good meal, it is an experience. Call ahead though as they are booked months in advance (318) 227-1121. Below are some of the highlights.  Sadly, the appetizer was not captured.  I blame excitement and the fact that it was off the hook amazing.  It was lobster on top of a puff pastry with a cream sauce.  Sorry.  Similar situation with the smoked Gouda and roasted tomato soup.  I have a picture of it, but it is after I pretty much scarfed it down.  Coincidentally, these were two of my favorite dishes. 

Tomato wrapped in mozzarella cheese with marinated yellow cherry tomatoes.

Smoked Gouda and roasted tomato soup--could have had seconds on this one!!

Rabbit with a cucumber salad

Bananas Foster served over a beneiget and with a side of homemade vanilla bean ice cream.

Saki

This was my favorite wine-sweet and wonderful.

Another wine--again, there were numerous bottles of all varieties.  All good and all empty by the end of the night.

Happy Birthday to ME!!

May 10 has come and gone, but I wanted to post a picture of what I woke up to from John.  God love him--he stayed up late to decorate, so I would wake up to a birthday surprise.  Not only is this super sweet and thoughtful, but it is typical of us--he is the late night owl, and I am the early bird.  Poor guy, I woke him up at 5:15 AM to say THANK YOU!!!

Complete with a "vintage" school photo of me!!

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Here's to hoping this adage is true.

The storms that hit the south have been awful. You don't need me to tell you that they have literally devastated neighborhoods, towns and cities.  Our first big night was on Monday in Little Rock.  John took the below pictures and then proceeded to run in as it approached us.  I've been through bad weather all my life, but nothing like this.  The whole freight train sound and walls shaking--yep, totally know what they are talking about now.  Thank goodness we didn't sustain any damage aside from some water around the windows (still not sure how water got INSIDE the house) and some beat up landscaping.  Our neighbors lost a tree and another neighbor lost a window.  This is the same tornado that landed in Vilonia, AR and was on the ground for a while.  There were approx 20 deaths and numerous injuries there.  Other parts of the state had loss of life and property, but Vilonia was by far the worst.  We had storms the following two days with two days of sunshine and then storms again.  What we are now experiencing is major flooding.  The rivers are overflowing and the dams are at capacity.  The U.S. Corp is trying to release water incrementally in order to stay ahead of the flooding, but the rain just wont stop. 

Tornado from the news-This photo is of  630 looking west....right about exactly where we live!  Somebody from Baptist Hospital took this photo and sent it to the news. 

This is the water gushing from behind our fence right after the heaviest part of the rain.

This is how our backyard looked after the storm passed.

Hail!

All of this being said, we have nothing in comparison to Alabama.  What they experienced is totally heart breaking.  At approx 300 dead and 1,700 injured,  I can't imagine the rebuild.  The Red Cross and FEMA are on the ground and working to help with the rebuild.  Please donate if you can!  Donate your time, talent, resources and especially prayers.  Pick a city, state, or town--all are accepting on-line donations and there are various groups collecting supplies and sending trucks to the affected areas.  At the end of the day, one death or 300, it is equally sad.

Aside from the Our Father and Hail Mary that we were praying in the closet on Monday night, I was especially asking my Guardian Angel to protect us.  I love this prayer...


Prayer to Guardian Angel
Angel of God my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here.  Ever this day be at my side to light, to guard, to rule and guide, Amen.

Thank you Jesus and the host of angels who kept us safe!

April, I hardly knew ya!

Where we have been this last month, I'm not sure!  We've been as busy as ever, but I can't really put my thumb on exactly what we've been doing.  Nothing fun, I promise.  More like...painting the lake house, cleaning out the lake house, yard work, house work...you name it.  Spring cleaning is no fun, but it must be done.  For anyone who has been to the lake house, we are painting the inside white.  Wow--what a difference a coat of paint makes.  Ok, numerous coats of primer and at least two coats of paint--who am I kidding?  Can't wait to post pictures soon.

I do have several things to share--storms, lake house facelift, Royal Wedding commentary, Blessed John Paul II, and my debut at Toad Suck.  Hopefully I'll get caught up on my blogging soon.

Granny Bobbye, The Original Queen Bee

John and I found the family cemetery on Tuesday and got the call on Wednesday that Granny was fading.  Call it what you want, but John thinks we were being called by the family of Saints in heaven who were preparing us to lose Granny here on earth.  Uncle Jerry Joe called at 8:01 AM on Wednesday morning, and I knew immediately.  In fact, I didn't answer the phone because I knew.  I needed a minute to hear what I knew he was about to say..."Granny is likely in her final day."  So, we headed to Conway and got there as she was passing.  I, for one, was a little surprised that she didn't wait for me!!!  On our way to Conway, we checked in and got the report that she was sleeping and they were just staring at her.  The story I was told was that when Father John arrived and gave her the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, she opened one eye as if to say..."Finally" or "Thank You" or maybe just "Good-bye" and left this world.  Father John said he has anointed many

Publish Post

people and very few times has he witnessed the person literally pass away during the Rite.  That is a pretty perfect and grace filled death.  So much so that the staff stopped my aunt the following day to tell her how moved and changed they were because of witnessing the final Catholic Sacrament.  One lady in particular said she has been a part of many deaths at the nursing home, and there is often times singing and praying but nothing so special as what she saw with Father John and Granny Bobbye.  That was our Granny, a true witness to her Catholic Faith until her very last breath.

Below is her obituary and a link to a photo memorial (Photo memorial is at the bottom of the page after you click the link.).
http://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/services.asp?page=odetail&id=23385&locid=14

Bobbye Kreulen

Roberta Frances Harrison Kreulen
December 25, 1917 - March 16, 2011 

 
Bobbye Kreulen (Roberta Frances Hudgens Harrison Kreulen) passed away peacefully of natural causes the morning of March 16, 2011 as a priest completed the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in Conway, Arkansas. Bobbye was the oldest of four children born to Calvert John & Corynne (Jenkins) Hudgens in Little Rock on Christmas Day, 1917. Bobbye was preceded in death by her husband, Francis Leon Harrison in 1951 and her second husband Lt. Col. Herman Piet Kreulen in 1995, as well as her daughter Roberta Harrison Jucas, step-son Mike Kreulen, her parents, brother Gerald Vaugine Hudgens and sister Juanita Hudgens Halsey.

Bobbye is survived by her children Francis Leon Harrison, II and wife Chartene of Hockley, TX; Gerald J. Harrison and wife Lib of Conway; son-in-law John Jucas and wife Suzanne of El Dorado; Lynn Kreulen of Yakima, WA; Piet Kreulen, Jr. and wife Deborah, formerly of Little Rock; and Patrick Kreulen and wife Teresa of Poplar Bluff, MO as well as her brother, Calvert John Hudgens, Jr. and wife Aggie of Olive Branch, MS.

Bobbye was a lifelong Catholic, growing up in the neighborhood surrounding Holy Souls Catholic Church in Hillcrest. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class from Mount St. Mary's where she was a member of the Belle's Basketball team. Bobbye graduated from Little Rock Junior College and then married her high school sweet heart, Francis "Tootie" Harrison. She was employed by the Catholic Diocese of Little Rock from 1951-1963, serving as the executive assistant to Monsignor John M. Bann and Bishop Albert L. Fletcher. After Tootie's death in 1951, she cared for her three young children with the help of her parents and siblings. Bobbye served one term on the Pulaski County quorum court in the 1950's. In 1963, Bobbye found her second chance at happiness when she met and married Lt. Col. Herman Piet Kreulen. They enjoyed thirty two years of marriage and loved traveling and spending weekends in Lake Hamilton at the "Bee Hive". She was a founding member of Christ the King Catholic Church where she was active with the Rosary Club, Prime Timers & Adoration. Bobbye and Piet volunteered at St. Vincent's Infirmary for many years together. After Piet's death, Bobbye continued to volunteer until 2004 when her eyesight made it difficult for her to travel.

Bobbye loved to dance, grow flowers, play bridge, say her rosary, and sip on a good highball. She adored her family and was fiercely proud of her Arkansas heritage, dating back to the 1700s when Captain Don Joseph Valliere first commanded the Arkansas post. Her grandchildren gave her immense pleasure and she treasured many moments with them all. She leaves behind her memories to 17 grandchildren and their respective spouses as well as 26 great grandchildren. Her grandchildren are Pam Felcman and husband David of Katy, TX; Frank Harrison and wife Paige of Madison, MS; Donald Harrison and wife Karen of The Woodlands, TX; Jennifer Harrison of Austin, TX; Heather Mainord and husband Bill of Conway, AR; Joe Harrison and wife Wendy of Conway, AR; Michael Harrison and wife Heather of Conway, AR; Kerry Baldwin and husband Clay of Cabot, AR; Tracy Eddy and husband John of Little Rock, AR; Piet Kreulen and wife Angie, of Tulsa, OK; Cody Kreulen and fiance Heather of Little Rock; Kelly Stadler and husband Randy of Yakima, WA; Ben Jackman and wife Tina of Yakima, WA; Kyle Kreulen and wife Heather of Benton, AR; Jennifer Barrier of Collierville, TN; Jake Kreulen of Little Rock; and Ben Kreulen and wife Bobbi of Suisun City, CA.

Visitation and Vigil Service with Rosary will be held Friday, March 18th at 6 o'clock in the evening at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, AR. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 19th at 10 o'clock in the morning at St. Joseph's Catholic Church located at 1115 College Avenue in Conway. Father John Marconi, Pastor of St. Joseph's will be the celebrant. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock. The Famly will be at Christ the King Family Life Center following the burial service. Donations may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 North Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72212, in memory of Bobbye Kreulen.

A special thank you to all of the caregivers at Heritage Living Center in Conway for their devotion and care to our beloved Mom, Gran, and Sister.

St. Mary's Catholic Church

Most of my adult life I have heard my mother talk about St. Mary's Catholic Church in Shirrell, AR.  It is the oldest Catholic Church west of the Mississippi River and was founded by Mom's side of the family.  I've heard bits and pieces like..."It is where Popoo (Granny Bobbye's grandfather) is buried."  Or, "It is in a tiny town north of Pine Bluff."  Or, "Some of our family  members left money in their will for it's upkeep, and I don't think the Diocese has been doing a very good job."  We even talked about my wedding being held there.  Think JFK, Jr. and Carolyn Bessett Kennedy.  Come on...you remember the beautiful tiny chapel in the middle of the country--simple, lit by candles, intimate, and perfect!  I probably would have considered having my wedding there even more except I would have had to have had an outdoor reception...which meant no winter wedding...which  meant no white mink from my mother.  Yes, we had a deal!  Winter wedding=white mink & Non-Winter wedding=grumpy mother of the bride.  I'm smarter than I look.

Fast forward to 2010 and Dad is selling the house.  Mom was an organized hoarder (I think they call that "collecting") and kept everything!  I mean, everything!!  So, in the middle of campaign season I find myself sorting through not only my entire life, but my mothers, grandmothers, great grandmothers etc.  You get the idea.  We have dishes, vases, photos, letters, glasses, art from generations past.  The list goes on, but I'm saving you the headache.  Time is limited and we sort, box, move, sell, and give away more stuff than I'd like to admit. What doesn't get sold or given away or unpacked goes to a closet or storage unit for the next 6 months.

Fast forward to March 2011 and John is insisting that Kerry and I start to go through some of the boxes in our garage.  I reluctantly give in and Kerry comes over.  We start one huge trash bag at a time...moving to boxes of prayer cards, rosaries and Bibles and then to letters and notes and Mom's report cards.  Yep, REPORT CARDS...from Holy Souls circa 1950s...good stuff.  Our quick trash bag toss turns into a very slow and memory lane type of afternoon.  John decides to accept that the garage will not be clean by dinner time and settles in to look at some old photo albums.  He loves old stuff--it is the history lover in him.  He is pouring over photos and thoroughly enjoying himself.  As a side note, I have often said that I was born in the wrong era.  Although I realize times were much tougher in the early 1900's, the women were so beautiful and the men were too.  I will write more on that later.  John sees a picture of Popoo and since he has had conversations about Popoo with my grandmother, he takes some extra time on this page of photos.  He calls me over and asks if I can read some of the writing under his photo and the other photos on the page.  I squint and read..."My grandmother's grave at St. Mary's in Shirrell, AR."  The following conversation went a little like this...

Me:  Oh yeah, that is our cemetery and church in Shirrell, AR. 
John:  You have a cemetery and church in AR?
Me:  Yes...Mom's family founded and built it...it is the oldest...blah, blah, blah...You and I were almost married there!
John:  WHAT???  Well, let's find it.
Me:  Um, ok...sure.

Fast forward to today, and I have a meeting in Texarkana, AR for work.  John offers to drive me there, so he can get out of the house and enjoy the pretty weather (and because he knows I get so turned around in Texarkana).  Later in the day, on our return, he randomly asked if I would like to find St. Mary's Church in Shirrell.  So, with nothing but the GPS in his IPhone, off we went.  I will admit, being in the car that long made me a bit grumpy, but when we pulled up to the very JFK, Jr esque church, it was VERY COOL.

Below are some photos of the graves that we saw--all family names, of course and all family members that I have heard much about all of my life (and I now own their dishes, art, vases, reading glasses...and so on).  I also have the photos that triggered the conversation and curiosity from John and a photo of a family tree that Mom created years ago.  I look forward to posting some more in the coming days about my family and our deep roots to Arkansas.  Enjoy!

St. Mary's Catholic Church-view from road

Plaque that details time-line

Me in front of St. Mary's

Francis Vaugine, died January 7, 1900

All I gathered was Vaugine, so I snapped a photo!

Annie Vaugine, died 1898--this is my great grandmother's mother.

Nathan POPOO Jenkins-It was completely buried, and John stepped on it, realized something was under his foot, and he pulled the grass up!  This is Annie's husband.  Annie died from child birth complications, and Popoo lived to a ripe old age.

A better shot of Popoo's grave.

How cool?

John was all over this one--a Revolutionary War grave--Francis Vaugine.

John wanted to recreate the photo he saw in the album (we are a smidge off)-see below.

This is from Popoo's funeral.  The people are standing right where I was and his grave is the one John "uncovered."

Popoo!

This is the photo that John first saw and had to "know more"...It is Annie's grave.

This is our family tree.  At the top is Don Joseph Valliere (more on him and the family later).  It is a very detailed family tree and a very interesting one as well!