Picket Fences!

Return To Picket Fences!  Part 92.2









Over at Sarah Adams' place . . .





Rhys and Claudia arrived for Reid's birthday celebration





Claudia chatted with Sarah.





Rhys picked up his grandson and held him.  



Then he played with the toddler









When it was time, Ryan brought the toddler to his birthday cake.



He helped him blow out the candles.





When he placed Reid on the floor, he did the "toddler dance" . . .





And grew up into a cute child.





Reid enjoyed a big slice of his birthday cake.





Claudia enjoyed a slice of birthday cake while sitting on the sofa with Rhys.





Reid snuggled on the sofa with his dad.





Rhys said goodbye to his grandson . . .





Then he and Claudia left to go home.




Ryan read a story to Reid . . .



And he gave him goodnight hug.





Reid got into bed . . .





And was soon sound asleep.





"Can you spend the night?", asked Sarah.

"I'd love to spend the night, but I have to go home", he said.





"You promised you were going to tell your wife about us", she said.

"I'm going to tell her tomorrow after the twins' birthday party", he said, " I promise."





He grabbed her and gave her a squeeze.  I'm here now", he said.





Let's go relax on your bed.





Sarah went upstairs and tucked in Reid . . .





Then joined Ryan in her bedroom . . .





Ryan gave her a romantic kiss.





They made out.





"Can we do woo hoo now?", he asked.





And Sarah said YES!





"I can hardly wait until you can move in."


Yeah, me too", he said.

"Will you stay until I fall asleep?", she asked.

"Sure", he said.




Then after Sarah was sleeping soundly, he got up . . .




And left to go home.






Ryan arrived home a few minutes later.




When he walked into the bedroom he saw Carrie dressed in her prettiest nightgown relaxing on the bed.  He knew what she wanted and he wanted to avoid that at any cost tonight.



He got into bed beside her.




"I talked to Claudia today.  She said just about everybody in your family was coming to the party tomorrow.  Then when I talked to my mom she said Julie and Nathan and their kids were coming", said Carrie,  "And, of course, Mom and Dad are coming."

"Yeah, of course", he said.




"Ryan, can't you try to be friends with my parents?  I know you weren't ready to get married, but I think it worked out pretty good.  We've been together a long time.  The twins will be adults tomorrow and Brianna will soon be a teenager", she said.

"Carrie, let's just drop it.  I'm tired", he said.




"I was hoping we could . . . well you know", she said.




"No!  I told you I was tired!', he said.

"You never used to be too tired", she said.

"Let's just go to sleep.  I don't want to discuss it", he said.




To be continued . . .

Picket Fences!  Part 93



Over at Ryan and Carrie's house the next day . . .





It's time for Joseph and Jeffery's birthday.





When it was time for the twins to grow up, Joseph came to his birthday cake.









The guests blew the birthday horns and clapped the clappers.





Joseph blew out the candles and starting growing up . . .





And grew up into a goodlooking adult.





Next, Jeffery came to his birthday cake and blew out the candles.









The guests blew the horns and cheered.





Then he started growing up . . .









He grew up into a goodlooking adult.










The twins played together.





"Is everything alright between you and Ryan?", Peter asked his daughter.

"As far as I know.  He seems to have settled down", she said.

"Well, I hope so.  Your mother and I worry about you, you know", he said.





Carrie's older sister Julie and her husband Nathan cuddled in the swing.





Rhys and Claudia sit together.

























The teenagers and young adults danced together.













After the party ended and the guests left to go home . . .





Ryan reclined in the swing on the front porch.





Carrie came out onto the porch . . .

"Ryan, what's wrong?", she asked.

"Carrie, I got something to tell you", he said.





"What is it?", she asked.

"I've met someone else.  I love her and I'm  going to move in with her", he said.





"How dare you cheat on me!  I'm your wife!", she screamed.





Then she slapped his face as hard as she could.





"Slapping me ain't gonna change nothing!  I never wanted to marry you and you know it!", he screamed.





"You let me think you loved me when we were dating."

"I did that so you would do woo hoo with me", he said.





"Get out!  I don't want to be married to you anymore!  Go!"









So Ryan left to go to Sarah's place.



To be continued . . .

Picket Fences!  Part 93.2



At Sarah Adams' place . . .



Ryan had arrived.


He went upstairs and tucked in Reid.



Then he went into Sarah's bedroom and watched her as she slept.



He changed into his underwear and climbed into bed.




"Sarah", he quietly called. She woke up long enough to ask "Did you tell her?"

"Yeah", he said, "She threw me out."



"I thought she would", she smiled, before falling back asleep. .




Meanwhile, over at Ryan and Carrie's house . . .



Carrie was left to be the one to tell their three childern . . .

"Your father has moved out."



"Is he going to come back?", asked Briana.

"No, he's not going to live here any longer, but he'll come pick you up for visits", said Carrie.


"I'll be here for you Mom", said Joseph, giving her a friendly hug.




Over at the Edwards' house while Jeffery and Joseph were at Hannah's birthday party . . .





Carrie took Brianna to her parents' house for Trick or Treating.




"Grandma, can I spend the night?", she asked.

"Of course you can.  I'll ask your mama", said Mary Lou.





"Brianna wants to spend the night.  Is that alright?", asked Mary Lou.

"Yes, of course", answered Carrie.

"Where's Ryan tonight.  Why isn't he out with you and Brianna?", asked Mary Lou.

"Mom, Ryan and I are seperated.  He moved out", said Carrie.

"What happened?  I thought everything was fine between y'all", she said.

"Mom, we had a terrible argument.  I told him to get out and he left", said Carrie, "But I didn't think he'd do it."





"Maybe if I have a talk with him, he'll come back", said Mary Lou.

"No, don't do that.  It won't help.  I don't think he ever really loved me", she answered.  





"He said he wouldn't have married me, if you hadn't forced him!", screamed Carrie.

"He got you pregnant!  He was suppose to marry you!", said Mary Lou.





"I'm not going to argue with you about it.  Tell Dad to bring Brianna home tomorrow", said Carrie.





She hugged Brianna goodbye . . .

Then she left to go home.





Meanwhile over at Jonathan's place . . .





Jeffery had walked Lauren home from Hannah's birthday party . . .

"Would you like to stay for awhile?", she asked.

"Sure, I ain't got no particular time to be home", he said.









"Is there somewhere we can go . . you know?", he asked.

"Yes, there's a haystack in the barn", she said.









Jeffery relaxed on the haystack and asked Lauren to join . . .



They cuddled . . .





They madeout . . .





"Are you sure you want to do this?", he asked.

"Yes", she said.





Woo Hoo!





"You were wonderful."

"Yeah, so were you."





Lauren fell asleep . . .









And Jeffery left to go home.

To be continued . . .

Anderson

Lawrence Anderson

died Monday at his

home on Oaktree Lane.

He is survived by his

wife Joy, a daughter

Arlene Martin, a son

Kevin Anderson and

three grandchildern.

Rev. Lucas Brown

will conduct the

funeral in Buford Falls

Church tomorrow.





The following day at Buford Falls Church, Rev. Lucas Brown, the pastor of the church, conducted the funeral service . . .





"You the family and friends of Larry have come today to pay your respects and say goodbye to a wonderful friend, a beloved father, a loving grandfather who was a respected patriarch of Buford Falls.  Life is but a stopping place, a pause in what's to be.  We all have different journeys and paths along the way, and when the journey finally ends, we'll clain a great reward.  You all here today will miss Larry, but should be grateful for having known him."





Larry's widow Joy was seated with  her grandson Jason Anderson (Kevin's son).





Grandchildern David and Joyce Martin (Arlene's childern) were seated together.





Friends Nurse Jane and Dr. Brian had come.





Friends and neighbors Shannan and Jonathan King were together.





Their daughter Arlene was seated with her husband Jimmy Martin.





Their son Kevin was seated with his wife Heather.





Friends and neighbors Nathan and Julie Martin were seated together.





Long time best friends and neighbors Peter and Mary Lou Edwards were together.





Long time friend and neighbor Rhys Sawyer was seated with his wife Claudia.





"Anyone who wishes to do so, may come forward and mourn their loved one."





Joy came forward to mourn her late husband.





Arlene came forward to mourn her father.





Kevin stepped in front of Larry's urn and mourned his father.





His dad Rhys gave him a comforting hug.





"We will now go to the cemetary for the graveside service", said Rev. Brown.






"I would like to quote a poem which I hope will bring you comfort.

Then he began . . .

"Remember me when I am gone away,

Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more, day by day,
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that I once had,
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad."



"Joy, I'm so sorry about Larry.  Let me know if there's anything I can do", said Mary Lou.





"Thank you Mary Lou", she said.





"You need to have a talk with Jeffery!  He walked out on Carrie and his childern", said Mary Lou.





"You knew he didn't want to marry her, but you didn't give him any choice.  I'm surprised it's lasted this long.  I ain't gonna tell him nothing!", said Rhys.





"They're both adults.  Let them deal with their problems", he said.



The families and friends of the deceased started to leave . . .















To be continued . . .

Picket Fences!  Part 95




Over at the Johnson's house . . .




Freya and her mother were relaxing on the bed.

"Mom, may I call Jeffery and invite him over?", asked Freya.

"Is'nt he an adult now?", asked Linda.

"Yes, barely.  But I've known him since he was a teenager", she said.

"Well, I guess it'll be alright", she said.




Freya ran into the livingroom and called Jeffery.

"Can you come over?", she asked.




"Yeah sure, I ain't got nothing better to do", he said.




"Who did Freya invite over?", asked Fred.

"I told her she could invite Jeffery over", answered Linda.




Freya greeted Jeffery when he arrived.




They played Punch You-Punch Me . . .




"You want to go outside?", she asked.

"Yeah sure", he said.




Freya got in the hottub . . .




And asked Jeffery to join.




He splashed her with the warm water . . .




And she playfully splashed him back.




"Come 'mon, let's get out", he said.




"Are you bored because I can't cuddle or do anything else with you?", asked Freya.

"Yeah, a little.  It's not your fault", he said.





"How much longer is it before you have your birthday?", he asked.

"Not that long.  Just a couple of weeks", she said.




"You'll still be my boyfriend, won't you?", she asked.

"Yeah sure.  I guess that ain't too long", he said.





He told her he had to go and gave her a friendly hug.





"Bye Jeffery", she said.

"Bye Freya", he said.

Then Jeffery left to go home.





Across town at Jonathan's place, Jonathan's daughter Lauren got her first baby bump.




She lounged on the sofa and thought about what she must do.  She couldn't embarras her parents by having a baby out of wedlock and she knew Jeffery would never marry her.  Then she had an idea.





She called Jeffery's identical twin Joseph.  She knew Joseph had had a crush on her since they were teenagers.





"Hey Joseph, would you like to come over?"





"Yeah, thanks.  I'll be there in a few minutes."





When Joseph arrived, Lauren went out to greet him.





"I'm glad you came.  Come on inside", she said.





"You know Lauren, I've been in love with you since we were teenagers", he said.





"I've felt the same about you", she lied.





Then he gave her a romantic kiss.





"You want to relax on my bed?", she asked.

"Yeah sure", he answered.





They cuddled.





They madeout.





"You want to do woo hoo?", she asked.





And Joseph said "Yes!"





"I love you Joseph", she said.

"I love you, too", he said.





"Can you stay for lunch?", she asked.

"I'm sorry, I got to go to work", he said.





He kissed her goodbye, then left to go ho.





On the other side of town at Regan's Studio , , ,

David had arrived to visit Megan Grace.  She greeted him with a romantic kiss.





They cuddled on the sofa.





He gave her a romantic kiss.





"Let's go to the park", he said.

"Alright, that should be fun", she said.





David called transpotation and ordered a taxi.





When the taxi arrived . . ..





Megan Grace and David got in.  David told the driver to take them to Central Park.









They soon arrived at the park.









Megan Grace sit on the park bench and asked David to join.





He gave her a romantic kiss . . .





Then he dropped to one knee in front of her . . .





He held up a diamond ring . . .





And asked "Megan Grace, will you be engaged to me?"





He patiently waited for her to answer . . .





While she admired the ring.





Then she jumped up, hugged him and answered "Yes!"





"David, I love you", she said.





"I love you more", he answered.





David saw his friend Tony Carras and started chatting with him.





David stopped to chat with his friend Bram Washington





Bram is another one of my characters from Papa Says! who has moved to Buford Falls.

He can be downloaded here: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]





Megan Grace saw her father Rhys Sawyer . . .

"Dad, David and I are engaged", she told him.





"I'm very happy for you sweetheart.  I'll give you the wedding of your dreams", he said.





"Thank you Dad", she said.





"Are you ready to go home?", asked David.

"Yes, I can hardly wait to tell my mom we're engaged", she said.





David called transpotation and the taxi soon came to pick them up.









They arrived home a few minutes later.





Regan was giving the maid a $100 tip.





"Thank you Regan.  You're the best!", said Jasmyn.





"Mom, David and I got engaged today.  I saw Dad in the park and when I told him we were engaged, he said he would give me the wedding of my dreams!", she said.





"I'm so happy for you sweetheart", said Regan.





She gave Megan Grace a hug.





"Congratulations!", Reagon told David.





"Thank you", said David.





He gave her a friendly hug.



To be continued . . .

Return To Picket Fences!  Part 96



Over at Regan's studio . . .



Megan Grace called Hannah . . .

"My mom and I are going shopping for wedding gowns.  Do you want to go with us to pick out your maid-of-honor dress?"





"Thanks, I'd love to come."





When the taxi arrived, Megan Grace and Regan got in.









The taxi soon arrived at The Bridal Shoppe . . .





They went inside.





Megan Grace and Hannah looked at formal gowns.





Megan Grace found several gowns she liked and went to try them on . .

































She decided on the one she wanted and paid the cashier.







Hannah found two gowns she liked . . .





And went to try them on . . .





















Hannah decided between the dresses and paid the cashier.





Then Regan called a taxi to take them home.



The next afternoon at Jonathan's Place . . .









Lauren told her mother "Mom, I'm pregnant."

"Who's the father?", asked Shannon.

"Joseph Carlton", she answered.





"Well, you better tell your father!", she said.





"Daddy, I have to tell you something", she said.

"What is it?", asked Jonathan.





"I'm pregnant", she answered.

"Who's the father?", he asked.

"Joseph Carlton", said Lauren.

"Does he know?", asked Jonathan.

"Not yet, but he loves me", she said.

"Well, call him and invite him over.  We'll see if he loves you enough to marry you", he said.





"Joseph, can you come over?"

"Sure, I'll be right there", he said.





Joseph soon arrived.





When Lauren told him she was pregnant . . .





He dropped to one knee and held up a diamond ring.





"Will you be engaged to me?", he asked.

"Yes!", she answered.







To be continued . . .

The wedding of Lauren and Joseph was held outside at Jonathan's Place.





The bride and groom stood together under the wedding arch . . .





As the mother of the groom (Carrie), mother of the bride (Shannon) and father of the bride (Jonathan) . . .





Grandfather of the groom (Rhys), his wife Claudia and father of the groom (Ryan) looked on.





"I Joseph, take you Lauren to be my wedded wife", he said.





"I Lauren, take you Joseph to be my wedded husband", she repeated.





"With this ring I thee wed", he said.





"With this ring I thee wed", she repeated.





Joseph kissed his bride.  Then they went inside to join their guests.





Lauren rubbed her belly before she cut their wedding cake.









When she finally did cut it, she fed the first slice to Joseph with a fork.





Father of the bride proposed a toast to the newlyweds.





The bride and groom joined in along with Claudia and Shannon.









Father of the groom (Ryan Carlton) proposed a toast to the newlyweds.  The groom's grandfather (Rhys Sawyer), mother of the bride and mother of the groom joined in.



Some candid shots from the wedding follows:

























The newlyweds will be living temporarily with the bride's parents.

You are invited to the wedding of Megan Grace Tyler, daugter of Rhys Sawyer and Regan Tyler and David Martin, son of  Jimmy and  Arlene Martin.

The ceremony is about to begin over at Buford Falls Church.



"Family and friends, we welcome you today to witness the marriage of  Megan Grace and David. You have shared and contributed to their lives in the past, and by witnessing their marriage ceremony today, Megan Grace and David ask you to share in their future."





The bride's mother Regan Tyler was escorted by Birch Stetler.



The bride's father Rhys Sawyer and his wife Claudia were together.





The bride's oldest brother Ryan Carlton was seated with his girlfriend Sarah Adams.



The bride's brother Kevin Anderson was seated with his wife Heather.





The bride's brother Max Reeves was seated with his wife Jessica.



The bride's brother Noah Alan was with his wife Miyuki.



On the other side of the church the groom's parents Jimmy and Arlene Martin were seated together.



The groom's grandmother Emily Martin was seated with Joy Anderson.



The groom's uncle Nathan Martin and his wife Julie.



The groom's aunt Nancy was escorted by her friend Bram Washington.





David stood at the alter with his best man Jeffery Carlton awaiting the bride.



Maid of honor Hannah Alan, sister of the bride entered the church.  She was dressed in a floor length dress of purple satin trimmed in rinestones.  She wore a headpiece of purple flowers.



She was followed by the bride, who was escorted by their father Rhys Sawyer.  The bride was dressed in a floor length white gown trimmed in rinestones.  She wore a fingertip length veil with a flower headpiece.



Hannah joined David and Jeffery at the alter . . .



The bride continued down the aisle with her father . . .





Before joining the rest of the bridal party at the alter.



"David and Megan Grace, you have come here today to enter into a bond of marriage.  I ask that you remember, as with any aspect of life, marriage is a journey, it has its ups and downs, its trials and its triumphs.  You will not only be joined by the love you share, but also by your hopes, your dreams and by your promise to remain together through time as husband and wife."





"I, David, take you, Megan Grace, to be my  lawfully wedded wife, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward.  In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow.  I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."



"I Megan Grace, take you David, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love.  I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before.  I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together.  I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live. "





David held up a gold wedding band and as he placed it on Megan Grace's finger he said . . ."I give you this ring to wear with love and joy. As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you. I choose you to be my wife this day and forevermore."

"I will forever wear this ring as a sign of my commitment and the desire of my heart", she said.



Megan Grace held up a matching gold wedding band.  As she placed it on David' finger she said  . . .

"I give this ring as my gift to you.  Wear it and think of me and know that I love you."

"I will wear it gladly. Whenever I look at it, I will remember this day and the vows we've made", he said.





'You have made your vows and promises to each other.  From this moment forth, always look to your fortune and remember what you can create together.  By the power of your love and the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife", said the pastor.





"David, you may kiss your bride!", he said





Family and friends, I introduce to you for the first time Mr. and Mrs. David Martin!"





"Everyone please join us for the reception in the social hall."





David cut the wedding cake and fed it to Megan Grace with a fork.









Rhys proposed a toast to the newlyweds.



Some candid snapshots from the reception follows:





















































 

Over at Joseph and Lauren Carlton's apartment . . .





Lauren started into labor.





Joseph sympathized . . .





And as she screamed in pain, he jumped with surprise.





Then when the pain started to subside . . .





She delivered a beautiful baby boy.





The baby has tan skin, brown hair and green eyes.  They named him Caleb.





Lauren handed the baby to Joseph . . .





Then continued with her labor.





Then she delivered a beautiful baby girl.





The baby has tan skin, brown hair and grey eyes.





They carried the babies into the nursery and put them in their cribs.





This twin is Chloe . . .





And this one is Caleb.

One day over at Mary and Tony's house . . .




Mary started into labor with their second child . . .



While Tony watched excitedly.









Mary delivered a beautiful baby boy.



The baby has tan skin and black hair like Tony and Mary's blue eyes.



She gave their son a tender kiss . . .









Then handed him to Tony.





Adam was introduced to his big sister Amy Lynn . . .





Then the Carras family posed for a family picture.

REGINA CARRAS

Mrs. Carras passed

away Friday night.

She is survived by

her husband Paul,

sons Nicholas and

Anthony, daughter-

in-laws Jennifer and

Mary, one grandson,

two grandaughters

and one step-grandson.

The funeral services

will be held at

Buford Falls Church.





"You, the family and friends of Regina have come here today to pay your respects and say goodbye to a loving wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother and caring friend", said Rev. Brown.





Regina's husband Paul Carras . . .





The Carras' oldest son Nick and his wife Jennifer . . .





Youngest son Tony and his wife Mary . . .





Step-grandson Matthew Custer and grandaughter Elizabeth Carras . . .





Neighbors and friends Emily Martin and Joy Anderson . . .





Friends and neighbors Claudia and Rhys Sawyer . . .





And friends and neighbors Shannon and Jonathan King attended the service.





"I would like to share a poem with you to comfort you in your lost . . .

"You can shed tears that she is gone Or you can smile because she has lived You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left Your heart can be empty because you can't see her Or you can be full of the love that you shared You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday You can remember her and only that she is gone Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on."





Paul and his sons came forward to mourn.





"God looked around his garden And found an empty place, He then looked down upon the earth And saw your tired face. He put his arms around you And lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering He knew you were in pain. He knew that you would never Get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough And the hills were hard to climb. So he closed your weary eyelids And whispered, "Peace bethine". It broke our hearts to lose you But you didn't go alone, For part of us went with you The day God called you home", said Rev. Brown.



Candid shots of the funeral follows:

A Buford Falls Birth!





Over at the Martin home . . .





Megan Grace was expecting her first child.  All of a sudden she started having labor paina.





Her husband David waited anxiously.





Megan Grace continued with her labor.





As the pains subsided . . .





She delivered a beautiful baby boy.





The baby has brown hair and grey eyes like his mother.  They named their son Samuel Rhys after both his grandfathers.









Megan Grace handed the baby to David.





Megan Grace and David posed with their son for a family portrait.

Chase's First Birthday!





Over at Max and Jessica's house they're having a party to celebrate their son's first birthday.









When it was time for Chase to grow up Jessica brought him to his cake.





She helped him blow out the candles as . . .





Party guests Sasha Brian, Cullen Farrell . . .





Reid Adams . . .





Chase's older sister Olivia . . .





Jessica, Max and their childern pose for a family picture.

Samuel Martin's First Birthday!





Over at the Martin house . . .





David brought Samuel to his cake . . .





And helped him blow out the candles.





He did the "baby toss" . . .





And the infant returned to his arms a toddler.









Sam after his makeover.



Candid shots of the party follows:









Toddlers are Sam, Olivia (Max & Jessica's daughter), Amy Lynn0 (Mary & Tony's daughter) and Chase (Max's son)





Brianna (Ryan & Carrie's daughter) and Reid (Ryan & Sarah's son) playing with the toddlers









Claudia, Emily and Rhys chatting













Sasha (Dr. Brian's daughter) chatting with Reid





Rhys holding his grandson Reid





Birch chatting with Joy





Birch flirting with Joy





A jealous Rhys came over . . .





And slapped Joy?  

The Twins' First Birthday!





Over at Joseph and Lauren Carlton's house, Joseph brought Chloe to her cake . . .





And Lauren brought Caleb to his cake.





Joseph helped Chloe blow out her candles  . ..





And Lauren helped Caleb blow out his candles.





Brianna, Jessica, Sarah . . .





Rhys, Claudia . . .





Ryan, Jeffery and Max blew the birthday horns and clapped the clappers.





Lauren did the "baby toss" and . . .









Caleb returned to her arms grown up into a toddler.









Then Chloe grew up in Joseph's arms.

Jason Anderson's Birthday!



At Heather and Kevin's house . . .










Jason came to his birthday cake . . .




He blew out the candles.




As he started growing up.



And he grew up into . . .




A handsome adult.

Over at Nathan and Julie Martin's house . . .





Their daughter Amanda started having pains with her first baby . . .





While the baby's father Jeffery Carlton happened to be visiting.





She continued her labor . . .





And soon delivered a beautiful baby boy.  The baby has brown hair and grey eyes.





She named her son Rhys after his paternal grandfather Rhys Sawyer.









Amanda handed his son to Jeffery.





Jeffery cuddled the baby.





He handed the baby back to Amanda.





"Now that my daughter has your son, are you going to ask her to marry you?", asked Julie.





"I ain't ever going to get married", he said.





"You should do the right thing and marry her!", said Nathan.





"I'll do the right thing and support my son."    





'But I ain't going to marry his mama!"





Amanda ran into the livingroom . . . "I don't expect you to marry me", she said, "You being the father of my son is enough."









Then she kissed him goodbye . . .









And Jeffery left to go home.

Today at Hannah and Sean King's house . . .








Hannah started having labor pains as soon as she woke up.









She delivered a beautiful baby girl.  They named their daughter Riley.





She handed Riley to Sean.





He cuddled his daughter.





Hannah fed Riley a bottle of milk . . .





While Sean called his parents and invited them over.









Sean greeted his mom . . .





And his dad when they arrived.





Sean took Riley out of her crib and fed her a bottle of milk.





Then he carried her into the livingroom ao Jonathan could "talk to the baby".





After Sean's parents left, Hannah called her mother and invited her over.





When Claudia arrived, Hannah brought Riley into the livingroom . . .





And handed her to Claudia.

"She's beautiful Hannah.  She has your daddy's eyes; just like you", said Claudia.





She gave Riley a bottle of milk and put her in her crib.





Then she cleaned the stove . . .





And the kitchen stink . . .





Then told Hannah and Sean goodbye.

King

Jonathan King died yesterday
at his home.  He is survived
by his wife Shannon, three
sons (Nathan, Scott and Sean),
a daughter (Lauren Carlton),  
a grandson (Caleb Carlton), two
grandaughters (Chloe Carlton
and Riley King), a son-in-law
(Joseph Carlton) and a
daughter-in-law (Hannah King).
The funeral will be held today
at Buford Falls Church.





Over at the church . . .





Rev. Lawrence Hill, the pastor of the church conducted the funeral services.

"You the family and friends of Jonathan have come today to pay your respects and say goodbye to a beloved husband, a loving father and grandfather, a good neighbor, a wonderful friend and a beloved patriach of Buford Falls."





Jonathan's widow Shannon was seated with her cousin Claudia Sawyer.





Jonathan's oldest son Nathan Jordan  was seated with his half-brother Scott King.





Jonathan's son Sean King was accompanied by his wife Hannah.



Jonathan's daughter was accompanied by her husband Joseph Carlton.



Jonathan's best friends Kevin Anderson and Ryan Carlton were together.





Family friend Dr. Thomas Brian came to pay his respect.





Longtime neighbors and friends Joy Anderson and Mary Lou Edwards came together.





Longtime family friend Regan Tyler was escorted by her boyfriend Birch Stetler.



"Life is but a stopping place, a pause in what's to be.  We all have different journeys and paths along the way, and when the journey finally ends, we'll clain a great reward.  You all here today will miss Jonathan dearly, but should be grateful for having known him", said the pastor, "Anyone who wishes to mourn the deceased, may come forward at this time.".






Shannon came forward to mourn her husband . . .






Nathan mourned his father . . .



Scott came forward to mourn his father . . .





Sean mourned his father . . .





Lauren mourned her father.





"We will, at this time, go out to the cemetary for burial", said Rev. Hill.





"The following poem was chosen by Jonathan's wife to remember his by . . .

"If my parting has left a void

Then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss

Oh yes, those things I too will miss

I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work, to play

Tasks left undone will stay that way

I found that peace at the close of day."



Some candid shots of the funeral follows:









 



 

Rhys Sawyer
Of Buford Falls, died
yesterday at his home.
Mr. Sawyer is survived  
by his wife Claudia, four
sons (Ryan Carlton, Kevin
Anderson, Noah Alan and
Maxwell Reeves}, two
daughters(Megan Grace
Martin and Hannah King),
eight grandchildern and
one great-grandchild.
Rev.Lucas Brown will conduct
the funeral services at the
church. Burial will be in
the church cemetary


At Buford Falls Church this morning, Rev. Lucas Brown, the pastor of the church, conducted the funeral service . . .


"You the family and friends of Rhys, have come today to pay your respects and say goodbye to a wonderful friend, a beloved father, a loving grandfather who was a long-time resident of Buford Falls. Life is but a stopping place, a pause in what's to be. We all have different journeys and paths along the way, and when the journey finally ends, we'll claim a great reward. You all here today will miss Rhys dearly, but should be grateful for having known him."


Rhys' wife Claudia was seated with his oldest son Ryan Carlton.


Rhys' son Kevin Anderson was with his wife Heather.


Rhys'daughter Megan Grace was with her husband David Martin.


Rhys and Claudia's daughter Hannah was seated with her husband Sean King.


Ryan's son Joseph Carlton was with his wife Lauren.


Ryan's son Jeffery was there.


NPC's Jasmyn Carlton(Ryan's mother) and Lauren Reeves (Max's mother)came together.


Rhys' son Max was with his wife Jessica.


Rhys and Claudia's son Noah was with his wife Miyuki.


Rhys' best friends Mary Lou Edwards and Joy Anderson (Kevin's mother) came together.


Regan Tyler(Megan Grace's mother) was escorted by Birch Stetler.


"Anyone who wishes may come forward at this time to mourn Rhys."


Claudia came forward to mourn her husband.


Ryan came forward to mourn his father.


Kevin, Hannah and Megan Grace mourned their father.


Regan came forward to mourn her first love and the father of her only child.





"I'd like to share a poem with you that I hope will bring you comfort in the days ahead . . .

You're invited to the wedding of Regan Tyler and Birch Stetler . . .



The bride's daughter Megan Grace was seated with her husband David Martin.




The bride's grandchildren Emily and Samuel Martin were seated together.




Jimmy and Arlene Martin, David's parents were together.





The bride and groom stood under the wedding arch.  





Rev. Williams began the ceremony . . .
"Regan and Birch, you have come here today to enter into a bond of marriage.  I ask that you remember, as with any aspect of life, marriage is a journey, it has its ups and downs, its trials and its triumphs.  You will not only be joined by the love you share, but also by your hopes, your dreams and by your promise to remain together through time as husband and wife", said the pastor.





"I Regan, take you Birch, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love.  I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before.  I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together.  I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live. "

"I, Birch, take you, Regan, to be my  lawfully wedded wife, my constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward.  In the presence of God, our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow.  I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."





Birch held up a wedding band and as he placed it on Regan's  finger he said . . ."I give you this ring to wear with love and joy. As a ring has no end, neither shall my love for you. I choose you to be my wife this day and forevermore."

"I will forever wear this ring as a sign of my commitment and the desire of my heart", said Regan.

 She held up a plain gold wedding band.  As she placed it on Birch's finger she said  . . .

"I give this ring as my gift to you.  Wear it and think of me and know that I love you."

"I will wear it gladly. Whenever I look at it, I will remember this day and the vows we've made", said Birch.





 'You have made your vows and promises to each other.  From this moment forth, always look to your fortune and remember what you can create together.  By the power of your love and the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife", said the pastor.  





"You have made your vows and promises to each other.  From this moment forth, always look to your fortune and remember what you can create together.  By the power of your love and the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife, Birch, you may kiss your bride!", said Rev. Williams.




Family and friends, I introduce to you for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Birch Stetler!"



The bride cut the first slice of wedding cake . . .




And shoved it into her groom's mouth.





Birch laughed, good-naturedly.





David proposed a toast to the bride and groom.  Emily and Megan Grace  joined in.




And also Arlene and Jimmy,.

You are invited to the wedding of Jason Anderson and Elizabeth Carras





Over at the new Buford Falls Chapel the wedding ceremony is about to begin. Come on in . . .





"Welcome family, friends and loved ones. We are gathered here today to celebrate the wedding of Jason Anderson and Elizabeth Carras", said Rev. Mark Williams.





Nick and Jennifer Carass, parents of the bride were seated together.





Matthew Custer, brother of the bride attended.  His father is Ryan Carlton.





Tony Carras, uncle of the bride, was with  his wife Mary.





The bride's nephew and neice, Adam and Amy Lynn, were together.





Heather and Kevin Anderson, parents of the groom were seated together.





Joy Anderson, grandmother of the groom also attended.





The bride walked down the aisle, wearing a floor length white gown trimmed in lace and a finger tip white veil.





She joined her groom under the wedding arch. Then the pastor began the ceremony . . .





"Jason and Elizabeth, you have come here today to enter into a bond of marriage. I ask that you remember, as with any aspect of life, marriage is a journey, it has its ups and downs, its trials and its triumphs. You will not only be joined by the love you share, but also by your hopes, your dreams and by your promise to remain together through time as husband and wife", said the pastor.





"Jason, do you promise to love, honor, cherish and respect Elizabeth, to encourage her and stand by her for the rest of your life, and be her best friend forever and from this day forward, your heart will be her home? ", he asked.
"I do", said Jason.
"Elizabeth, do you promise to love honor, cherish and respect Jason, to encourage him and stand by him for the rest of your life, and be his best friend forever and from this day forward, your heart will be his home??", the pastor asked.
"I do", said Elizabeth.





Elizabeth placed a plain gold ring on Jason's finger and said ""With this ring I promise you my honesty, my trust and my love forever."





Jason placed a matching ring on Elizabeth's finger and said ""With this ring I promise you my honesty, my trust and my love forever."





'You have made your vows and promises to each other. From this moment forth, always look to your fortune and remember what you can create together. Remember, that at last, your lonely days are over. By the power of your love and the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."





"Jason, you may kiss your bride!"





"Family and friends, I introduce to you for the first time Mr. and Mrs. Jason Anderson."



The Reception





Elizabeth cut the first slice of wedding cake . . .





And crammed it into Jason's mouth.





They both laughed at the joke.





The bride's father proposed a toast to the bride and groom.





The guests joined in.









The newlyweds left to start their life together.



To be continued . . .

Edwards
Mary Lou died yesterday at her home.
She is survivedby two daughters
Julie Martin and Carrie Carlton,
four grand-children, Amanda Martin,
Jeffery Carlton, Joseph Carlton,
Brianna Carlton, three great-
grandchildren, Caleb Carlton,
Chloe Carlton and Rhys Martin,
son-in-law, Nathan Martin and
daughter-in-law, Lauren Carlton.
The funeral will be held at Buford
Falls Church, where she will be
buried beside her husband Peter.


Over at the church . . .

Rev. Mark Williams, the pastor of the church conducted the funeral services  
"You the family and friends of Mary Lou have come today to pay your respects and say goodbye to a beloved mother, a loving grandmother and great-grandmother, a wonderful friend and a beloved patriach of Buford Falls."


Mary Lou's oldest daughter Julie was seated with her husband Nathan Martin.

Mary Lou's younger daughter Carrie Carlton was seated with her daughter Brianna Carlton.

Mary Lou's best friend Joy Anderson came to pay her respects.


Mary Lou's grandson Jeffery Carlton was seated with . . .

His son Rhys Martin and Amanda Martin (Mary Lou's adopted granddaughter and Rhys' mother).

Mary Lou's grandson Joseph and his wife Lauren were seated together.

Mary Lou's great-grandchildren, twins Caleb and Chloe Carlton were seated together.

"Life is but a stopping place, a pause in what's to be. We all have different journeys and paths along the way, and when the journey finally ends, we'll clain a great reward. You all here today will miss Mary Lou dearly, but should be grateful for having known her", said the pastor,"We will, at this time, go out to the cemetary for burial."

"The following poem was chosen by Mary Lou's daughters to remember her by . . .
"If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, those things I too will miss
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play
Tasks left undone will stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day."

After the funeral, the mourners left to go home . . .




To be continued

Picket Fences!  Part 115



    Like any other small town, Buford Falls' population is forever changing.  Babies are born, elders die of old age, a few folks die from accidents and new families move into town . . .





The Stone Family moved to town from Veronaville shortly after Jacob's wife (Trisha) died.  Jacob has a teenage daughter (Danica) and a teenage son (Jake) who live with him.





His two adult daughters (Madison and Raylie) live in The Town Apartments.





The Stevens Family moved to town recently from Pleasantview.  The widowed father (Theodore) lives with his teenage son (Theo).





His two adult daughters (Carter and Brocklyn) live in The Town Apartments.





Brody Evans was raised by his single father (Cody) after his mother (Sara) died in childbirth.  Brody moved to Buford Falls soon after his father died in an accident.





The Morgan Family moved from Riverblossom Hills this past week.  The parents (Michael and Isabella) have two daughters (Hailey, an adult and

Angela, a child) and a teenage son (Mattox).  All their children live at home.





The Johnson Family recently moved from Veronaville.  The parents (Thomas and Susan) have two adult daughters (Abby and Laci) who still live with them.

The neighbors of Buford Falls are glad to welcome these new families to their town.

To be continued . . .