A Family Feast — Includes First Bites
Sunday was a day I won’t forget. Not just because my #3 grandson, Payton, turned 25, but because all 14 of us — yes, our full Motley Crew — gathered around the same table for the first time in a long time. That’s a miracle of itself.
Payton’s birthday is easy to remember — May 25, 2000. And, what happened on this birthday – was a story for the family record books.
You see, Payton had never tasted beef. Not a single bite. It wasn’t just a picky toddler thing — he’d been raised hearing that red meat wasn’t great for his family’s blood type, so he just went along with it.
But this year, after 25 years, he gave himself a treat he never realized could be so delectable! We were at Perry’s Steakhouse in Austin for his birthday. Then the moment arrived — steak on his plate, family surrounding him, phones out, eyes wide.
Payton took a bite. He chewed slowly. Thoughtfully. He smiled.
And then he exclaimed: “Phenomenal!”
The whole table erupted with laughter and cheers. A family-wide first-bite fiesta! There’s a metaphor in there somewhere about tasting and seeing that the Lord is good — and apparently, so is beef.
But beyond the steak, there was something even more satisfying: the joy of being together.
And that was just part of the joy. We celebrated Bryson’s high school graduation (hello, Class of 2025!). We shared stories and excitement about Alexia’s engagement and her upcoming wedding in October. Brennan and Kylie’s big day is next year, and Braden and Jaclyn are juggling their own beautiful whirlwind of life. Barrett is fully engaged in his work and dog-life with his pal, Walter.
And for Carl and me, we were caught up in family love. We witnessed my firstborn, Ryan, and Shawntel, sitting across from my second born, Staci, and her husband Larry — laughing, reminiscing, and soaking up the moments. That kind of harmony is a gift only God can orchestrate.
There were no agendas. Just presence. Peace. And a whole lot of praise.
We are family. Imperfect. Hilarious. Loud. Lovable. Handmade by God. And oh, how I thank God for this band of beautiful humans that make up my family. I believe that promise is alive in us. In our laughter. In our unity. In our steak-cheering kind of love.
And guess what! You are part of our family, too! We are believers who are united as family, children of God, brothers and sisters in Christ. How sweet it is! Welcome to the family!