Nuggets from Dad

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Happy Birthday Cathy (65!)

Sally: My appreciation for our mom has grown since watching her be Collins’ grandmother. Mom is patient and so sugary sweet… as a peach! She is thoughtful and diligent in caring for all of us. She has unlimited time for others, is the best cook ever, and is so fun to be around. Happy 65th, Mom. I hope it’s the best year EVER!

Taylor: There is never a dull moment with Cathy. She has taught me that factual stories are boring, pesto is the best substitute for mayonnaise on a turkey sandwich, and that all phones need a necklace. She is simultaneously a friend, a mom and an advisor to me. I can’t wait to have a huge garden soon that we can share. We love you, Peach.

Emily: Our mum is so authentic and helpful. I love how Mom is always a phone call away, never says no to a good time, and will fly across the world when she knows one of her girls needs her. I had a sneaking suspicion that if I mentioned I was going to paint the window trim in my apartment, there wouldn’t be anything to stop Mom from coming to help me! We are so lucky. I love it when mom pulls out the funniest thing you’ve ever heard from the back of her mind and then just rolls with whatever it is, as if we all should know the lingo. She is a hoot and so much fun to be around! I can’t wait to ring in her 65th birthday with my Mama!

Kyle: Cathy - Happy 65. I love that we get to spend the weekend with you and celebrate my favourite mother-in-law. It’s always so exciting to have you here at the holidays. First Christmas, now Easter, next up is Thanksgiving. I love how helpful you are even when you’re in the land of the king. I can’t wait for you to move back to the land of the free.

Lucy: Mom is the definition of a “do-er”! Between cleaning shoes for our weddings, couch cushions, and stains in our clothes …. sewing throw pillows seconds before a photo shoot …. Or flying in to help Emily paint her apartment… There is no task too big for Cathy Singletary! Simultaneously, she is unbelievably generous and always meets friends and family with freshly baked bread and a warm bed when needed. Mom, you are the best example of how we truly can do anything if we set our mind to it and how to be a thoughtful, hospitable and loving friend/mother/wife! We love you! Happy 65th!!

Trey: One thing I love about Cathy is that she is an all-time great supporter. Whether helping with a move, caring for babies, making a delicious meal for her family, or simply checking in on her favourite college football team (unless they're playing the Dawgs), she always shows up. I learn a ton just from overhearing phone conversations between her and Lucy about all she accomplishes in a day and how she serves others. I don't understand how she has so much energy to do all the impressive things she does. Happy Birthday, Cathy! PS- I heard about your new grandma's name, and I love it!

gPa: I always love these affirmations that come in for Cathy. She is truly remarkable as a mother and now grandmother. She's always there for her girls and now for their mates. And, of course, she has been so happy to have a grandchild nearby. When we were first dating, I gave her little yellow ducks dressed differently to represent the activities we enjoyed together. It was tennis, swimming, cycling, running, and even a little scuba at the time. I've always loved that Mum is such a gamer and willing to learn how to do anything anytime!

Happy birthday, and enjoy these photos!

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Lucy's 25th birthday: special words from her family

Good morning and happy birthday, Lucy May. Twenty-five years ago today, God blessed our family with the most amazing baby girl. She has grown into an incredible young woman.

Lucy, you completed our family and gifted us much love, compassion, kindness, and strength. Thanks for being my daughter and for all you do!

For your 25th affirmation post, I asked everyone to give me four words I could use to build a word cloud. Here's your unique 'cloud' to kick off your day! Below is a list of who provided which word, followed by some favourite pictures we wanted to share.

I've included some pictures of your Grandparents, all in heaven. Plus, some other very special individuals who love and adore you - Uncle Ricky, Aunt Dianne, and the amazing Lee family in cStat! All these people helped shape your life, and I know will be thinking of you on your 25th birthday.

Happy Birthday, and Go Heels, Go Aggies!

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Happy Birthday Taylor!

Sally: This has been the best year with T. Having Collins together has been the most fun, incredible, challenging, and beautiful experience, and that is in large part because I have the best partner in T. He is the most present, thoughtful, and dependable dad. He is always thinking ahead of the game. All the qualities I have always loved about Taylor have become even stronger this year. He has grown so much professionally and personally. Fatherhood suits him. I can’t wait to continue this adventure together.

Lucy: One thing I love about T is his intentionality. As long as I’ve known Taylor he has made a point to find time to ask thoughtful questions and catch up when we are together. A favourite memory of mine from this past year was the Wilkinsons hosting Christmas for the first time and getting to sit around Sally and Taylor’s table for an amazing toast by T and a handwritten letter to each guest. It really showcased Taylor’s ability to be intentional with each of his friends and family members in his home, even in the midst of having a newborn! Love you, T! I hope to be like you when I grow up ;)

Trey: One thing I love about Taylor is that he is willing to go the extra mile for those around him. Although he leads a busy life (a successful career, taking care of a family, cultivating friendships), he has not hesitated to help me with any career and life questions I may have. He's adamant about checking in and wants to help wherever possible. I'm grateful to have new big brothers like Taylor and Kyle, who I know I can count on for anything. Happy Birthday, T!

Emily: Happy birthday to Papa T! I have loved watching Taylor become a dad this year. I have always admired Taylor for his thoughtfulness and kindness, and watching those traits magnify as he adores Collins has been so sweet. Taylor is always a good time and I loved staying with Sally and T right after Collins was born, and we were so happy to have him visit us in Connecticut in May! I also love when Taylor cracks up at something (probably out of left field) that Kyle has said or just something funny that happens admidst the busy nights with family. He is always bringing positive vibes to the family!

Kyle: Taylor, happy birthday, however old you are. I may be repetitive year after year, but I love having you as a brother-in-law and will continue to say it every year. Nothing says it more than when my friends get the chance to spend time with you and speak so highly of you after. You’re always a great hang and outside of the MacBook saga in Athens 2017 we never butt heads. Can’t wait to get you back state side next year.

Cathy: What I love about Taylor is how much he adores Collins. He watches her every move and gives the most thorough commentary on how funny, sweet, or amazing she is. As a dad, he makes an effort to care for her properly. He takes no shortcuts. You are a wonderful dad, Taylor, and Collins knows it. She adores you and is watching your every move, too!

gPa: T, Happiest of birthdays to my first son-in-law. What a joy it has been to have you in our family, to watch you grow personally and professionally, and now to watch you grow as a father to Collins. I am so incredibly proud of you and all you stand for. The way you go about life is truly an inspiration. Keep being you!