Death in the family

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalms 116:15
While in church on Wednesday night, I received a message from my sister, Holly. She stated that our uncle (my Stepmother's brother) had been in a car accident and passed away. As I heard her tell me this tragic news, I was frozen, not knowing what to do or say. After talking with Holly, I called my stepmother Betty. She seemed to be still in a state of shock as well. We always called him "Uncle Randy" (professionally, he was known as Claude Duncan). He was a great man, well-read, smart, funny, and very interesting. We had visited Randy and his wife, Betty at their home in Santa Rosa, FL, near Panama City, the past two summers. This past summer was an especially great time. All of my stepmother's siblings and their families were able to come together this visit on the fourth of July. I know we didn't realize that this would be the last time most of us would see Randy, but it was time well spent relaxing, laughing and just being together. Below is a link of the article that was written about him from some of his collegues the day after his death. Like Pastor Mike Stephens said at his bible study Wednesday night, "What would people miss if you weren't around?" This really made me think...how do I want to be remembered? Funeral service will be held in Santa Rosa on Saturday, Nov 8th and a Memorial service will be held in Birmingham, AL on Tuesday, Nov 11th. http://www.newsherald.com/news/traffic_69210___article.html/herald_accident.html

Austin's 10th Birthday

We had Austin's birthday this past Friday 10/10. He asked that we all go out to eat and then go do something fun. So, Pawk, Nana, Holly, Aaron, Heath and I along with Austin's friend, Lake (in above photo with Austin) went out for the evening. Austin chose Outback for dinner. I think everyone indulged in steak, you can't go wrong with that!!! Afterwards we headed to Sparkles for roller skating and to play some games. Lake spent the night with us and went to Austin's soccer game. His team, the "Fire" won their game - Yeah (we've lost the two weeks prior, so this was a welcomed win). Finally, Austin was able to enjoy the gift Heath and I gave him today, the small motor bike, electric, yes, it's electric - you nervous Nellies out there. It only goes 12mph, so it is relatively safe.

All About us

We are originally from South Mississippi and Birmingham, AL. Heath grew up in Gautier, Mississippi and moved to Atlanta for his senior year of high school (Morrow). He attended Mississippi State University for a short time and decided to move to Birmingham when his dad was transferred there a year later. I, Karen am from Birmingham, graduated from Vestavia Hills HS and attended Jefferson State College. Heath and I met my senior year of high school. We both went to Jeff State. We married a year and half later on November 12, 1992 (on Heath's 21st birthday, what a gift, LOL!)

We had a few years to grow up and enjoy each other. Along the way, we moved to Nashville and discovered the game of pool. We played competitively (on the amateur level) on leagues. We made it to the National Championship in August of 1998 in Las Vegas. Being 7 1/2 months pregnant, I managed to help our team pick up 33rd place of over 500 teams. Not too shabby for someone who looked like they were smuggling a basketball, huh?

Starting a Family

After almost 6 years of marriage, God blessed us with a child. Austin came along on October 10, 1998, weighing in at 7lbs 4 oz at 12:54 in the afternoon. Being the considerate child, he entered this world during half-time of the Mississippi State vs Auburn football game.

Due to Heath's job, we moved a good bit while Austin was little. From Nashville to Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina and finally here in the Atlanta area. By the time Austin was in kindergarten, he had lived in six states. We are very happy here and don't plan to relocate anytime soon.

Heath and I both have lost our mothers. Nancy Cooper past away on November 6, 2001 and my mom, Barbara McLaughlin on June 20, 2008. Austin had a really great bond with both of his natural grandmothers. My stepmother, Betty (Nana) loves him just the same and has a wonderful relationship with him.

Family Out of Town

We love our family and try to see them as often as possible.

Heath's dad and nephew, Ian now live in Raleigh, NC.

His brother, David and wife, Melessia live in Gautier, MS,

Niece, Constance with husband, Mike and children Kaden (4) and Maezie (3 months) live in Houma, LA.

My older sister, Tina, her husband Tim and kids Teddy (20) and Erin (18) live in Hoover, AL.

My Dad and Stepmother, Betty live in Pinson, AL.

My little sister, Holly and her husband, Aaron live in Midtown part of Atlanta.

My cousin, Leigh Ann, her husband, Jason and their son, Taylor, live in Flowery Branch, GA.

Last, but certainly not least, my Aunt Joan and Uncle Larry live in Forestdale, AL.

Careers

Heath is a Construction Superintendent and I am in the midst of finding my place in the school system. I am currently substitute teaching and loving every minute of it.

Who knows what's next for us.... we will just have to wait and see what God has in store!