Thanks for posting this, Desiree! I like how the top two rows are smiling like good girls, and we're just goofing off. Seems about right!

Thanks so much to everyone who made Jennie's memorial gathering on Saturday, December 13 so special.  We had a terrific turnout of Jen's friends and family, and I know Jen would have really loved the food, the stories, and the camaraderie.  Special shout-out to cousin Julie for all her hard work with the party planning, to Aunts Kathi and Sally for their adorable owl ornaments, and Steve Watkins for the audio visual equipment. I met a lot of new friends and while I knew that Jen meant a lot to me and my family, it was heart-warming to see how much she meant to so many others.  We'll all miss Jennie deeply, and it hurts that she's gone, but I have to think she would have been pleased at the send-off we gave her.  Thank you all. 

One of the best days of my life. 

This is one of the last pictures we have of Jen, taken about a month before her death.  She had moved up to Oregon and gotten her own apartment. Jennie was not about to be cat-less, so I took her to visit Emily at Cat Adoption Team, where Emily volunteers.  Emily warned Jennie that Lily (then named Betty) was stand-offish and not a good lap cat.  Well, lo and behold -- Betty had no problem snuggling in Jennie's lap.  Apparently she was just waiting for Jen. Emily, incredulous, snapped the photo just as Jennie was deciding that they were perfect together.  We're so glad Jennie found a kitty to make her happy.   

This is a classic photo.  We were at the wedding of my Uncle Stan and Aunt Bridget, and Jennie decided to take a look at what was under Bridget's wedding dress.  Mom appears to be interested in how Bridget will react.  I, on the other hand, appear to be more interested in what Jennie may find under there.  Sadly, no treasure.