Teresa

For the last three years I have attended a lock-in at my friends church. She is one of the many ladies who puts on the annual event. To know Teresa is to love Teresa ( well, sometimes ). She has a way of getting me into things I never thought I would do. But if I was ever in trouble she would be one of the first people I would call. We have been known to talk to each other on the phone for hours. I don't get to spend as much time with her as I use to, and most of the time at the event she is walking around so much that she doesn't even get a chance to enjoy herself. This year was a bit different and at one point I looked up and saw her beaming. Now granted it was around 3:30 am....but it was still good to see my friend....relax, relate and release.

Relax, Relate, Release

The girls waiting for the fun to began.

Nicki and "her" Pam ( Teresa's sister).

The Queen was geared up.

The princess informed me it was way past her bedtime (lol).

Queen mother just trying to hang in there.

The girls and I are recovering from our overnight lock-in. As you can see from the pics, we had mixed emotions (LOL). Honestly, I was not as prepared this year. And didn't take a nap in advance. By 4:30 am I was ready for home and my bed. I even forgot my portable bed, and frankly these old bones aren't made to sleep on a hard gym floor anymore. The best part if the whole night for me was the awesome speaker. She really touched home on a few things that have been plaguing me. I went away from the sermon with a changed mind.

Family

A rare photo of me with all three of my children. Maybe someone could have told me my clip was sticking out?

Marc's twin sister, her daughter and of course my two girls. Notice how much Quisha looks like her aunt?

The Smith Girls

The Coordinators

I say you can't find a more beautiful group of women anywhere like the Smith granddaughters!

Happy Birthday Girlfriend

In the midst of VBS, and the Family reunion my friend Cilla celebrated her birthday. Only she didn't realize it....her hubby surprised her with a beautiful party, yummy food, dancing and lots of fun games. Its been the first time the dress sale buddies have been able to get together in a while. Hoping to get the families together before the summer is over. The only person missing was Cass. We missed you girl.

Happy 4th of July

In all the rush of getting ready for Chicago I forgot to post about Independence Day! We spent 4th of July down at the oceanfront with my cousins Michelle, Chrystal, Rod and Nita. Ate some great food , and watched the fireworks on the beach. It was a great way to end our time together after the family reunion. Nicki got there late because of work but just in time for the fireworks and to take a picture of me on the water.

Dinner Bell

We celebrated my Cousins ( she is the one on the right hand side on the 3rd step in the dark pink suit ) birthday while in Chicago. After dinner we went back to the hotel to pack for the return trip. Before going up to the room we had a hotel attendant take a picture of our group. There were actually a lot more women on the bus, but we are all members ( actually this is my home church ) of the same church.

Sightseeing

We spent most of Saturday sightseeing in downtown Chicago, then did a little shopping before going to dinner that evening to celebrate my cousins birthday.

The Color Purple

We went to Chicago to see The Color Purple. The play was held at the Cadillac Theatre. It was a great play. My favorite part was the music. As soon as I find my mp3 player I plan to download a few of the songs. I stayed in a room with my cousins Pat, Trice and Babs. My mom stayed in a room with members from her church. We didn't get to see the version with Fantasia but the lady who played Celia could blow. My favorite character was Sophia which was played by Oprah Winfrey in the movie version. Michelle Williams part really surprised me ( well not just me ). Lest just say I missed a few things from the movie!

Chicago Skyline

Chicago






We had a great time in Chicago. Union Zion Women were on the run and having fun. Looking forward to the next all girls weekend. I did miss not having my girls with me, didn't get to see all we wanted to see so we are planning another trip to Chicago ( hopefully within the next two or three years ). I have also broke down and have decided to plan a New York trip after years of hearing the girls complain about not having been there before. I will post some skyline pictures in my next post.

Its not over yet people

Monday Cousin Rod spent a few hours with Nicki and I working on her portfolio. Later we went back to Chrystal's home and just set around talking. It reminded me a lot if the old days. 4th of July we are all headed down to the beach to spend some time together before I head out for my mom's home. It really has been a good week ( not sure where it went ). I feel very blessed to have the family I have. I'm taking my camera with me ...hoping I can get some good shots. Rod gave me a few tips here and there, I'm excited by the potential to take better photos and expand my hobby just a bit. Of course he has my dream camera, but I have been surprised by the pics my little baby ( camera ) can take. I will post more details of the last week ( including VBS ) when I get back from Chicago. These pics should be pretty cool. I have only seen Chicago through my mom's eyes. I never imagined a day when I would be able to take this trip with her. I remember as a child seeing her pics and hearing stories about her first trip to Chicago ( I was very young at the time ). I have always dreamed of touring Chicago with her....never thought the dream would actually come true though. Isn't God awesome. He knows the desires of our heart and provides for us and gives us grace even though we don't deserve it!

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.