Cousins (Homecoming 07)

Just a few highlights from the weekend.

Happy Birthday Uncle Moses

My Uncle Moses celebrated his 95th birthday this weekend. What a blessing. It was a day filled with love and laughter and a chance to hang with family and friends that you don't always get to see except maybe once a year. Marc remarked on our way home the next evening that my family is something else. That we always have something going on. I knew that what he really meant was that he loved being part of such a large family.

Cece Winan

Cece Winan was at our local Walmart for a book signing. I didn't get to personally meet her (long story), but we got close enough to take lots of pictures (thanks Nicki).

I AM NOT A WELL WOMAN

Especially not a 4:30 in the morning!

Only Nicki could fit between the bleachers!

The girls learning to salsa (and gospelcise) !

Quisha nearly down for the count.

One last time.


Me...chilling while the girls danced away. There were so many things to do last night. The speaker Bishop Rosie O'Neal was awesome, funny and real. We had a great dinner, snacks ( that I had no business eating), and some of the other activities included.......a pajama fashion show, facials, massages, games, music, talent competition, movies, and trivia games. There was even a dance off. So funny. I had a great view from my spot on the bleachers. At one point I was in another area of the church having a facial when I heard singing. I realized it was my girls and I was missing out. Their was even a "Church" lady who provided some great comic relief. Who says you can't have fun in God's house?

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!