A Legacy of Friendship and Some Fun Times

This really is two blogs in one.

The other day we had a great, old friend stop by for a visit. He came to visit Wesley John. His name is John Whitaker. We used to go to church with John and his lovely wife Betty, who passed away in 2002. John wears cowboys hats and never forgets to smile- about something. He's a great friend, Christian, father and grandfather. He's a man who has a kind heart and wisdom and patience I hope to have one day. I remember when Betty died, someone gave him a huge teddy bear. He seat belted it in the passenger seat and drove it around in his convertible. I guess having that seat empty after all those years who be kinda weird feeling. He'd walk in to church with a smile and a handshake and tell you the latest of what was going on at White Castle's. All old men sit for breakfast at White Castle's, it's White Castle University. John with another old, dear friend of mine, Gene, call themselves a bunch of Professors- solving the problems of the world! Ha! I'd love to sit with them for a morning and take in all they have to say and listen to their stories. These fellas are pretty wise and FUNNY! They got more one liners than the best comedian out there, all without using one derogatory word.

Here are a few pictures of John holding Wesley.

John had a grandson named Wesley who passed away at age 33 or 34 from cancer. It was unfortunate and I know the family took it very hard, especially his wife and son. I got the chance to meet him and get to know him a little before he died. So naming him Wesley was something John could connect with and I hope he realizes just how much we love him and his family. Wesley is also a family name on Jeff's side, a name that goes way back. And to tell the honest truth, I really didn't like the name the entire time I was pregnant and shortly after Wesley's birth. I went with the name purely because that was what Jeff really wanted. He wouldn't even compromise with Caleb for a middle name because it was 2 syllables. So, John being one of my favorite names for a boy was the one I chose. I would have preferred Jonathan, but like I said, I only was allowed 1 syllable! (Just waiting my turn to name a child that I'm the one laboring to bring into the world!) And the name has grown on me since I have a face to put it to. I think it suits him, although I still can't help seeing that he looks like a Johnny. Anyway, it could have been a worse name, like the girl name Jeff just thinks is so adorable, Delores. Nope. Not happening. Not ever.


So that's the story behind Wesley's great name. An even greater friend. I couldn't think of a better person to name him after. I do have, however, the pressure of feeling like the next boy needs to have a name ending in "y" to fit in with the other 2. If we have a girl next (I know, thinking way far ahead) I like Audrey, so that fits...


Anyway, last night after dinner we decided to visit our other friend Paul Young's, funeral home where he has a live nativity display ever year at Christmastime. Here are a few photo's from that!

one of my favorite photos

 Ok, we don't look great, but Charlie does!

The reason for the season!!!


Wesley stayed locked in the van. It was too cold for him to get out. Speaking of cold, how about this snow?! I love it! Hope it snows till Christmas! Well, that probably wouldn't be the best thing for those who have to work outside the home...but a white Christmas sure would be awesome! 


Well, I am going to hang out now with the boys...and Pandora just began to play The Christmas Song by Nat king Cole...ahhh...
Wish I had that open fire Nat!
:o)