Family Reunion

The gangs all here ( well minus a few from California, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia ).

John, Mary and Richard

Uncle Richard's Crew

Uncle John's Crew

Mary's Crew

The family reunion was a great success. It was so much fun seeing family members I have not seen in years. It was especially exciting to hear about our history and hear the stories about my grandfather and the other members of our family that have now passed on. The most interesting part about the weekend for me was hearing about the similarities that our children have in common. I am hoping that this weekend has really made us think about the importance in staying together as a family and spending time together not only for our benefit but especially for the benefit of our children and in the future their children's children.



It has been decided by the family that our second bi-annual family reunion will be held in Georgia in 2009 and will be hosted by Rod. Further information will be forthcoming in the near future.



See you all in 2009 ( if not before).

Still Alive

I'm still here...just busy at our church as VBS ( Vacation Bible School ) Director. This weekend is my family's reunion and of course for some crazy reason I am coordinating that also. So there has not been much time left to breathe let alone blog. I hope to check back in next week before I leave for Chicago to see the Color Purple. Holla at you all later.....DisneyCyndi.

Family Reunion

The family reunion starts tommorrow at 7 pm at Smithfield Baptist Church, Gloucester Virginia. See you all this weekend. If anyone has pictures or memorabalia they would like to display please bring them with you on Friday. Info about the weekends event will be handed out Friday night. Please remember to bring your registration fee if you have not already paid for the weekends events. Remember to check with your family coordinator about supplies for Saturdays picnic.

Family Reunion Update

The cost for the weekends event will be $15.00 per person ( this cost includes your meal for Friday evening, use of the lodge at Beaver Dam on Saturday, your reunion t-shirt and the family newsletter ). This cost does not include food for Saturdays barbecue ( see below for more info ). Please fill out registration form and include your payments ( make checks payable to Cynthia Jennings-Reunion Coordinator ) no later then June 22nd to reserve your spot. I need your t-shirt size and the number of people in your family that will be attending as soon as possible (by this coming Friday please) so that we can place our orders.

You should receive information concerning Saturdays barbecue and the food responsibilities list from your coordinator this week. Please refer to them if you have any questions or concerns.

Cyndi ( Mary's family )
Chrystal ( Richard's family )
Michelle ( John's family )

Please send info ( names, address, email, news tidbits, photos, announcements ) for our family newsletter to witfour@hotmail.com no later then June 24th.

Please contact Crystal chrystal_ss@yahoo.com if you plan to participate in our talent show Friday night. Please contact Michelle at ferebman@cps.k12.va.us if you have equipment that can be used for recreation at Saturday's barbecue.

We look forward to seeing you June 29th, 30th and July 1st.

Memorial Day

We spent Memorial Day evening with Glen and his family. Glen leaves this week for Iraq for a year. It's hard to believe its been over a years since we went to Hawaii to visit them and now they are back in the states. I knew Marc would want to spend as much time as he could with Glen before his tour began. The two of them went off for a couple of hours on Glen's bikes. You can see the picture's of them on my scrapblog taking off ( see link below). We teased Marc about needing some Excedrin when he returned. He didn't complain any.....so it must have been a good ride. I know he will miss his friend...we are praying for his safe return. We know he is in God's hands.

I spent the evening enjoying the view from the pool while Marc and Glen took a spin on the motorcycles. It wasn't until this morning that I realized there are no pictures of me.

Marc didn't get to barbecue at his own "kitchen" grill, but he somehow made it over to the grill at Glen's home. We warned them in advance that he is known for leaving the food and coming back when its on fire. Sure enough he had to be reminded that the hamburgers were ready (LOL).

Quisha doing what she loves best.

Nicki spent most of the weekend at the water park, then proceeded to spend five minutes in the pool on Monday. I guess she had enough water for the weekend.

Its been a busy weekend...starting with Friday's birthday dinner for a friend. Saturday we chilled a little bit in part because Marc was preparing to preach on Sunday at my grandfather's church. In many way's it was surreal going back to my family's roots. Our friend's Rob and Diane...along with my Aunt and Uncle went with us. My mom met us at church so it was a very special day for me spending so much time with family and friends. We had a nice dinner together and then headed right back to attend a second service with our church. I'm surprised we didn't crash once we got back home. I am beginning to appreciate a slower pace life. As I set by the pool last night it motivated me even more to get some things at home in order. I am looking forward to the work we have planned for the backyard. I could have set out by the pool all night just enjoying it all. The lanterns burning reminded me of our trip to Hawaii...but they also reminded me of the Poly at Disney World. I have been getting a little homesick for my favorite place in all the world. Guess it's time to start planning again.

Family Reunion

Hello Family Members,

Welcome to the 1st Bi-Annual Smith Family reunion of the children and grandchildren of Richard Smith, John Smith, and Mary Smith Gordon. We are looking forward to seeing you on June 29th, 30th and July 1st.

Lodging is available at the Comfort Inn in Gloucester, VA. We suggest that you call right away if interested in staying near the activities.

Scheduled Activities

Friday: Family Reception at the Richard W Smith, SR Fellowship Hall in White Marsh, VA

Saturday: Picnic in the Park at Gloucester Beaver Dam Park

Sunday: Worship Service Sunday morning at Union Zion Baptist Church, Ware Neck VA

Cost associated with the event will be sent out within a few weeks.

If you have any questions or concerns please email me (Cynthia Jennings) at witfour@hotmail.com.

There is a Registration form available here. Please send the info to witfour@hotmail.com by June 18th.

A website page with additional info can be found here.

The Girls at Easter

I forgot I hadn't posted pics of the girls at Easter time.

Women's Day

I really enjoyed our Women's Day Services. I was a nervous wreck because it was my first time being Worship Leader there. It's not the same as being in front of my family and friends at my home church. All in all it turned out to be a very blessed day and a very blessed service. The Men of GMZBC have to really get to work now (lol).

Tea Party

These are pictures from the Women's Day Tea Party at our church. I had so much fun setting this up. Of course I could not have done it without Mrs. M and our girls. From everything I have heard the ladies really enjoyed it. Mrs. M found some wonderful organic tea called Yogi Tea. I have never had tea in a bag this good. As soon as you open the box you smell the aroma of the tea. There were several to choose from including tea for stress, calming tea, and my favorite India Spice.

Happy Birthday

I had a beautiful birthday. Spent most of the day setting up for our Women's Day Tea Party and then later that evening Marc and I went to Applebee's for dinner. The highlight of the day was hearing my mom, sister and nephew sing to me.

Women In Touch

Several Women In Touch Wives were in attendance at Greater Mount Zion Baptist Church for our annual Women's Day Celebration. Our speaker of the hour was my very special friend Pamela C Lee. And of course she rocked the house.

Grill

Well Poppa has a brand new toy.

Easter Photo Shoot

My daughter the photography did a wonderful job of shooting photos for us Easter Sunday. To bad it was to cold for me to wear my cute skirt and sandals during the shoot. These pictures were taken out in front of our home under a beautiful flowering pear tree. Its actually the future site of my new bathroom and walk-in-closet, so I thought it was time to take a picture of the blooms before we are forced to have to cut it down. Of course in this house this may be many years from now (lol).

Cleaning Spree

Yes, I did it...I finally cleaned out the fridge and to the surprise of family and friends...I labeled my shelves. But its working for now (lol). Last year I watched as Stacy J did this, but originally I got the idea from here . At the time I thought the women was crazy, but because this year I decided to clear out in order to do some remodeling next year...I am so on the simplify 101 bandwagon. I promise you by the end of next year family and friends will not recognize this place. By the way...you should see the upstairs hallway...TJ cleared the computer desk and chair out, along with a ton of other "stuff". All I can say is I need to choose a paint color for the walls ASAP, its looking pretty rough up there. Keep in mind the walls have not been painted in nearly 13 years !

Speaking of TJ, the lovely lily is from my sweet son. I would never tell him this...but he has a bit of his dad in him. Love both of these guys. And he is the same way with my mom, sister, and even his two little sisters. They got pedicures the other day on him. I don't think the boy knows how to tell those two no. Now as far as the Lily is concerned they have a bet going...as to how long it will last. I am very well known for killing plants ( even the easy ones ). Its not on purpose ...I just forget to water them. I even caught Quisha telling the plant that she wouldn't last long..poor thing ( her words not mine )...because her momma was a plant killer!! Now, I have to prove them wrong. I have been talking to my plant and checking it everyday. Yesterday she even bloomed for me. So we shall see (smile).

My Hubby

As we were traveling down the highway towards AL it hit me just how blessed I am to have this man in my life. Not many husbands would take time off from work and drive 900 miles just so their wives can meet up with a group of women she had never met before to spend three days in a scrapbook class ( even though it was more to it then that). Marc has always supported my dreams...no matter how crazy they were ( and still are ). When I made Disney an obsession he went along for the ride. When I said I wanted to start a scrapbook business he financed it. So I should not be surprised at all when I asked to go to Bama for the Scrap Etc event...not once did he ask why, actually he didn't ask anything. He just took the time off from work and loaded the car up. So many women commented on the fact that he walked around the scrap store without fear, as if he belonged...what they don't know is that he has spent just as much time there as I have. At times he has even brought me things home...always with this cute smile on his face and the same question....can I use this in my scrapbook. What husband does that? So as we made our way back home I promised myself that I would try my best to do the exact same thing. Good thing too. Marc's personal business has been growing by leaps and bounds, and I have the feeling his personal life will change a lot in the next year...so whatever God has in store for us in our personal life and our professional life....I'm committed to seeing that we continue down that road together. So honey if you read this....the answer is yes...whatever that dream may be.

Kelli

Ok, what do I say about Kelli without shedding tears. This women came into my life several years ago through and online Disney site. Never in my wildest imagination would I have known that years later we would be such close friends, or that we would have to stop in GA each time we pass through going to AL just so I could hang out with this awesome family. Mike and Kelli are the most wonderful, down to earth, humble people I have ever met. They amaze me each day with the way they are able to do what they do, how they see love and hope through any situation. You have to read their story...it will change your life. It will change the way you think about everyday miracles, living in the moment and the blessings of God. I knew from the moment I met Kelli that this was a special women of God and that God had brought us into each others life for a higher purpose. We have become prayer partners, best buds and lifetime friends. Thank you Lord for bringing this women into my life.

Anyway, Kelli and Mike have offered their home to us several times, but because I know that their plate is full I have always declined. Not because I didn't want to stay and hang out with her, but because I knew she would be trying to entertain us and keep us happy ( that's just who she is, she can't help herself ). This trip I knew had to be low budget ( no budget ) because of Marc's work situation ( I had just signed up for the event and within a few days Marc lost his second job within 90 days )...I emailed Kelli and asked could we spend one night with them just so that Marc could get a break from the 12 hour ride. Of course she said yes, but I still worried about being a burden to them ( Kelli if you are reading this...please don't call me and scream at me ). Anyway, long story short...it was our best visit...not because of the great hospitality , but just because we got to spend time together, talk, laugh and just relax. It went so well that neither Kelli or I took out our camera...not once ( soo not us...lol). We went to dinner that evening at a great local Italian joint ( I soo need to explore around here and find something similar ). We even had great ice cream at a shop down from the restaurant that reminded me of the Confectionery shop at Disney on Main Street. Kelli gave me and the girls a very special gift that night that I will have to post about later ...partly because I don't want to cry, but also because I have promised her some pics...and at this moment I look like death warmed over ( still trying to recuperate from the weekend and a nosebleed and sprained back...but that's a whole nother story).

The next morning Kelli made us breakfast and sent us on our way. When I called her a few days later we were kicking ourselves for not taking any pictures ( that's a scrapper for you). It didn't help that Kelli told me she had been crying the whole day after we left. Well my sweet hubby drove us back to her house on our way home Sunday morning ( we drove the whole 12 hours back ). We tried to surprise Kelli but she was already outside when we pulled up. Anyway, that's how I ended up having pics anyway...with no make-up and my hair everywhere. Now we did not plan the matching t-shirts....but that's just how connected Kelli and I have become ( well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it).

Cass and Crew

If it wasn't for Cass and Mike we would never be able to make as many trips to AL as we have. Usually I post pics of Cass and the girls, but Nicki took this really great picture of Michael meditating Sunday morning before we left to come back home. If you would like to see the fun pics Cass and I took with the girls just go here.

Great Weekend

Nicki and I met some awesome women this weekend, took some cool classes and brought home a boatload of product.If you would like to read more about it just check out my scrapblog.

Marc's Birthday and Valentines Day

Marc's birthday and Valentines Day are so close together that sometimes one gets overshadowed by the other. Not this year. We spent his birthday at a church breakfast that morning, then we went to the movies together for the first time in years. Of course since it was his birthday I set through a showing of Rocky ( it was actually ok..I think I like him as a old man even better..lol).

For Valentines Day Marc surprised me with this beautiful mirror for our familyroom ( next year is our 25th wedding anniversary...for years I wanted to renew my vows, then I decided we would invite friends to join us in Las Vegas for a weekend, later Marc and I talked about a cruise to Alaska. This week I told him I may skip traveling next year and use the money to upgrade some things in the house. I have been in a decorating mood ). Who knows what will happen by next year (lol).

Anyway, for Valentines Day Marc and I went to dinner at my favorite resturants...Olive Garden. After dinner Quisha did a impromptu photo shoot of us. All in all between the Sweetheart Banquet, the breakfast, a movie date and dinner at Olive Garden...it was a good weekend.

Sweetheart Banquet

On February 9th the Miniters Wives and Widows Organization held its Annual Sweetheart banquet. We took some crazy pictures after the event ( some I can't show..just because Sonia and Di would kill me )Lesson learned...never turn your camera over to the husbands...they kept snapping before we were ready so in one picture we look like we are fussing, in one Sonia is rolling her eyes and in the other one Di's face looks like its in pain. The one I did post is the best out of the bunch. Teresa and Tyran were there but they left before the photo session.