Tennessee Tigers

Fairwell To a Faithful Friend

2009-03-29T16:18:00.005-04:00

10 years ago I purchased the Pathfinder from Carmax in Greenville probably for the wrong reasons. Now after several runs down Horse Pasture Rd, camping in the woods, running through streams, carloads to Jump-Off, trips to Ft. Collins, Co; trips to Wyoming, Iowa, Maryland, Daytona, Orlando, Panama City; Several trips between Knoxville, and Atlanta, Rock Hill, and Aynor. The site of our First kiss while parked at the Y Beach in Clemson. I don't think I ever imagined that I would be getting rid of it because it wouldn't fit another car seat. But on March 16th that's exactly what happened. Sold to a Law Enforcement Officer as a gift for his son on his birthday. He was the first person to call when it went on Craigslist, the first person to come and look at it, and I was actually able to get more out of it than what I thought I would get. It was a faithful part of the family, rarely caused us any problems, and cost hardly any money other than fuel and oil changes. It's the end of an era for us, now we start the long put-off minivan era. We won't miss the Pathfinder, but we do appreciate the part that it plaid in serving our family over the past several years. We pray that the next vehicle will serve us this well.

1995 Pathfinder SE

180,000 miles

4x4, CD Player, 10 disc changer, sunroof, pwr door locks & windows, 31" tires, premium Nissan wheels. Well maintained and in Excellent Condition!

SOLD!

Thanksgiving Day...We are soooo thankful for so many things!

2008-12-03T09:40:00.012-05:00

We arrived at Nana and Papa's Wednesday night but the kids didn't get much time to play together because Papa was sharing at a special thanksgiving service at their church. So on thanksgiving morning we awoke to many excited kiddos. Madeline loved waking up with Anna and coming to my mom's tea room (as she calls it) to snuggle and watch us get breakfast ready. Thanksgiving day at my mom and dad's is always a family fun event for all. From the moment we wake up until the end of the day we are working together to make it a special occasion for us all.

This year was the same as always...just with a little more kids and one sick mama to be (Amy). We loved being there. It was our families first time in four years that we had not been together on thanksgiving. Oh, how good it was to be together and get that time. We were all thankful.

Madeline's snuggle time with Anna and Joseph jumping in for the picture.

Everyone ready for Uncle Matt to read our family thanksgiving book, "Thanksgiving A Time to Remember" by Barbara Rainey. It is so good and what a way to celebrate and teach our children of God's provision. I loved hearing Matt lead us all.

Popie and MaMa came over for a visit to play with the kids.

Amy collapsed on the couch with MaMa and Anna.

Matt spent most of the morning playing with the boys. He had a blast wrestling and playing with trucks.

Family that is still growing! =)

Nana and Papa with their 6 grand kids!

Amy(12 weeks) and Me (21 weeks) pregnant!

Nana and Papa got the girls new pink dresses to wear at dinner...They LOVED them! They played all day in them. Anna even ripped the back of hers!

It was precious to watch the girls run in the fields around Mama and Daddy's and MaMa and Popie's houses. Matt and I stopped many times just taking in the moment watching them play. They even played baseball in them with the family. It was great!

My Daddy...thanks for serving us all while we were there! I am thankful for you!

Nana right before we served ourselves for dinner. Thanks Nana for all your hard work and the love that was behind it all! We love you!

Pumpkin Patch and Carving

2008-11-03T14:03:00.009-05:00

A couple of weeks ago the kids and I planned a trip to a pumpkin patch with another family. The kids had a blast and enjoyed trying to pick up almost every pumpkin they saw. Later that afternoon this family came back over to our house for chili and cornbread and some carving time. It was fun for all of us. Dave, Julie, Madeline and David Paul, we really had fun with you guys!

Thankfully, the dad's carved the pumkins!

Madeline feeling the slimmy pumpkin! She and Samuel loved it!

Pretending to eat it!

Madeline loved their happy tennessee pumpkin!

Aunt Amy and Uncle Ryan's House

2008-10-30T15:44:00.012-04:00

A couple of weekends ago we went to Atlanta for a quick trip to see my sister and celebrate Sukkot or"Feast of Tabernacles" and Ryan's Birthday! It was a lot of fun to be at their home playing with the kids and enjoying time talking. Our kids had a blast! And they loved time with all their cousins. It was once again a joy to watch them together!

Samuel wanted Joseph to play with him as much as possible!

Aunt Amy and Uncle Ryan's house is known to Samuel as Joe-Joe's house!

We got to meet Little Mae...their new puppy!

She is so adorable and a perfect dog for their family.

Samuel playing one of the many apple games Aunt Amy had planned for us!
He kinda broke the rules on this one...no hands, Samuel!

Anna trying to bit the apple on the string.

Sweet shot of Esther trying to get the apple.

The big kids building Sukka's out of graham crackers, peanut butter and parsley. They loved it! And they ate the whole thing!

Our precious kiddos after celebrating Uncle Ryan's Birthday Party.

Matt, Ryan and the kids!

Thanks Amy and Ryan for such a fun weekend!

We wish we could see you more often. We love you all!

Learning about Sukkot!

2008-10-30T15:41:00.006-04:00

Since we were going to celebrate Sukkot with my sister's family I thought it would be a neat time to begin teaching our kids specifically about this Feast and it's significance to us. We had so much fun talking about what scripture said about Sukkot and creating our own miny Sukka. I really enjoyed thinking on and rejoicing in that "God dwells with us"!

For more of a description of Sukkot/Feast of Tabernacles or Booths ...
Sukkot is a week long festival which calls for the Jewish people to build booths to remember the time that they lived in booths (Heb- sukkot) during the forty years in the wilderness (Lev 23:42-43). This holiday occurs at the end of the harvest. Therefore, Sukkot is also to be a time to give God thanks for the produce of the year (Deut 16:15). Some consider this to be the "Jewish Thanksgiving." This feast is a reminder of the reality of God's provision and presence during the forty years in the wilderness as well as in the present day. Due to these themes, Sukkot is commanded to be a time of great rejoicing (Deut 16:14). John 1:14 says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…" The Greek word for "dwell" literally means "to fix one's booth." In Messiah, God literally came to fix His sukkah (or booth) among us. The entire 7th chapter of the book of John occurs during Sukkot. The prophet Zechariah also reveals that Sukkot will be a special time of worship during Yeshua's Messianic reign on earth for both Jews and Gentiles (Zech 14:16).

Great Song To Teach Your Kids!?!

2008-10-22T09:31:00.003-04:00

Celebrating Matt's Birthday!

2008-10-22T09:17:00.004-04:00

The weekend of Matt's birthday, the whole Reeves family came down for a visit. We had a good time being together. It was Ansley's first trip to Knoxville. She did great and the we all LOVED having her here. Matt and Troy got to go mountain biking (Matt's fun hobby)together on Saturday morning which was filled with fun memories for both of them. Later on that day we had a birthday celebration at the house.
Matt you are very dear to me. I always enjoy celebrating you and the plan God has for your life. I love you, babe!

The whole family after church

Matt and Madeline opening gifts.

Matt's requested Chocolate Ice Cream Cake! Yum Yum!

Happy Birthday Matt!

Last Times with Azi and Jet!

2008-10-09T15:52:00.012-04:00

A couple of weeks ago our dear friends up the street where preparing to move to New Zealand for 15 months. The Tegelaar's have been wonderful friends to us since before Madeline was born. We have been able to walk through most of our young married/parenthood life together. What a blessing and joy to have friends like them.
Teg, Mikkel, Azi and Jet, we miss you! Can't wait to talk on Skype again!
Here are some snapshots of our last times with Teg, Mikkel, Azi and Jet! Unfortunately, I didn't get pictures of the adults.

Playing the day they left!

Samuel loves Jet! He thinks he is so BIG and Jet is so LITTLE! HA!

Sweet friends!

Playing one night when the family came over for one last dinner!

Azi and Mikkel came to Awana's with us one week before she left.

Madeline doing a relay.

Waiting to take off down the gym!

Azi and Madeline at snack time!

Chicken Bones!!

2008-10-09T13:31:00.006-04:00

Madeline loves chicken! And she especially loves getting the chicken bone clean just like her Popie and Great Grandma Reeves. I mean the skin, grissle and all! (ugh! is my thought and Matt is always amazed to watch her excitement.)

Last STOP... Myrtle Beach with Nana!

2008-10-07T16:33:00.011-04:00

The day before we left we took a day trip to the beach to play and have a picnic. The kids loved it. I felt better that day (baby sickness was coming and going all week). It was a great day...not crowded, a little overcast, and fun play time to be with Mama and the kids. Thanks Mama for taking us! We loved being with you.

Sweet picture of Nana and the kids! I love you, Mama!

Madeline loving the water and showing her personality!=)

Our kiddos being silly!

The kids got many sweet moments with Nana!

Of course, Nana was right in the water playing with them like she was a kid.

Samuel LOVED the water and the sand.

Me and my kiddos!

Sixth Stop...Back to Uncle Kenneth's with Madeline!

2008-10-07T16:15:00.003-04:00

Madeline's first ride was with Papa!

I had to get back on with her!!

Sweet Moments along our stops!

2008-10-07T16:05:00.005-04:00

Snuggle time with Papa...Madeline is definitely our snuggle bug!

Popie played with Samuel almost every day in the floor. Samuel adores Popie. He knows exactly who he is when he walks in the door and does his whistle.

MaMa, Popie and Nana took us to shop at some stores one day. The kids enjoyed being with them and especially riding the cars at the mall.

Fifth stop... Time Eating Watermelon with Nana, Papa, MaMa and Popie!

2008-10-07T09:54:00.009-04:00

We enjoyed MANY times getting watermelon from the garden and taking it to the barn to get cooled in the frig and then later getting to eat it! The kids loved the size of the pieces Papa always gave them. It was fun to watch!

Fourth Stop... Uncle Kenneth's and Aunt Shelby's to Ride Kid 4 Wheeler's

2008-10-07T09:39:00.005-04:00

One morning my sister and I took Samuel and Jesse to meet Ryan, Papa and Joseph at Uncle Kenneth's house to ride 4 wheelers. It was a blast! Joseph and Jesse had a huge grin on their faces while Samuel wasn't sure at first but by the end he was saying weeeeee as we were going through the field. My sister and I had a blast! I think we immediately turned into kids again. I look forward to watching Samuel be a boy and enjoy things like this as he gets bigger.

Me and Samuel right before take off! Samuel's a little unsure.

Joseph just before Uncle Kenneth said, "Son, ride it like you stole it!"

Uncle Kenneth and Jesse

Third Stop... Myrtle Beach Pelican Game!

2008-09-11T11:36:00.010-04:00

We went to the Minor League baseball game at Myrtle Beach to continue celebrating Joseph's 7th Birthday! It was lots of fun! The kids got to enjoy eating at a special pizza place before the game, eating Papa's boiled peanuts and Nana's raisins and pistachios, watching the game and interacting with the crowd, singing "Take Me Out The Ball Game", meeting the Pelican mascot, running the bases after the game, and watching the fireworks show at the end! What an adventure for everyone!

Everyone before the game!

Our beautiful girls!

Look at their expressions...just a little similar!?!

Madeline and I running the bases! Can't really see us=(

Joseph and Anna (just rounding third)

Ryan and Esther running!

Many emotions during the fireworks...Just watch!

Madeline being compassionate. Make sure you check Samuel out in the background!

And all is well...except Samuel is still a little unsure!

Second Stop...Joseph's 7th Birthday Party!

2008-09-08T10:01:00.012-04:00

After leaving the Reeves we went to celebrate my nephew's 7th birthday at my mom and dad's barn. Joseph requested to have a frog party in Papa's barn and that is what he got. It was a good time. Many family came which was so much fun. I wish I had gotten more pictures of the adults and Joseph getting his new bike and fun presents! We love you, Joseph!!!!

Joseph eating his hotdog!

Popie playing with Jesse

Grandma Martin spent the afternoon with us. It was really fun to be with her!

Kids table is always so much fun!

MaMa and I...doesn't she look so young!

Joseph's POP came from Maryland. We loved being with him! Madeline says it's her POP too!

Trying to get a picture of all the cousins...we are still missing two!

Cole and Joseph

My sweet boy saying cheese before he digs into his cupcake!

First stop... Grandma and Grandpa's House

2008-09-02T15:15:00.012-04:00

Not to long ago the kids and I (Jill) packed up for a road trip to visit family in South Carolina. It was a lot of fun to be with family and watch the kids enjoy time with them. But we did miss their daddy and my sweet husband!!!!!!

Riding the lawn mower and trailer with Grandpa

Manicure and Pedicures

Samuel's first hair cut after seeing the scissors

Samuel's hair cut before he saw the scissors

Grandpa and Grandma took us to the park for a picnic and lots of fun

Cheese!

Sliding together

Special time with Aunt Meghann and Ansley

What a proud BIG cousin!

Do you think Ansley is overwhelmed?

Madeline and Samuel were so sweet trying to play with their cousin.

Thanks for everything Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Meghann, Uncle Troy and Ansley!

We had a lot of fun being with you!

Carrots!

2008-09-01T11:25:00.011-04:00

We have been eagerly awaiting our baby carrots, and they finally came in!

Before God made trees, they used carrots for baseball bats.

He loves baseball.

We have a neighbor that has tons of grape vines that they don't pick, so we reaped the benefit. Jill and Madeline made lots of homemade grape juice! Madeline loved every minute.

Beautiful grapes!

A good start, we ended up with several more jars.

Indian Boundary Camping Trip

2008-09-01T10:46:00.012-04:00

Our campsite after several downpours. Matt spent most of one day making sure we had trenches dug and tarps that held water. Overall we stayed very dry and still had a great time. Lots of great camping memories, and we learned that 4 nights is probably a max for our stage in life.

Again, sweet memories.

Madeline rode her new bike all over...we were so proud of her, and Samuel scooted along behind. Here they are with some friends from church that came camping too!

Matt made a place for us to bathe the kids. Samuel loves these baths.

Jill took the plunge with the rest of the crowd as Matt and the kids watched from below. This will be even more fun as the kids get older.

Madeline and Samuel with Deanna, Sarah, and Andrea.
(We had a blast eating with the Rochat family one night...great job on the Beer Chili, Caleb!)

More of the Rochat Crew.

After a 6 mile trip around the lake, the kids were worn out. Daddy was too.

On our way back to the campsite after swimming all afternoon at the lake, he just couldn't wait.

Meeting Ansley!

2008-08-10T19:11:00.010-04:00

Ansley Lael Reeves was born July 9th

Madeline was a proud cousin getting to hold Ansley for the first time!

June Camping Trip

2008-07-07T00:07:00.005-04:00

Uncle Ryan shares a story from the bible before the kids go to bed.

Nana and her young'ones.

Trying to pass time in the truck when it was raining!

Ready to go Biking, MAMA!

2008-07-06T23:59:00.003-04:00

One morning I found Madeline and Samuel dressed with Matt and I's shoes and bike helmets. They said they were ready to go biking! I had to take a picture.

Friendships that will last forever!

2008-07-06T23:22:00.012-04:00

Every year we get together with our dear friends from Clemson. It is a long weekend that Matt and I look forward to every year. It is there that we always find hard laughs that give you sore abs the next morning, heart talks that draw us closer and to one another and the Lord, and fun times PLAYING and acting like we did in college. Oh, it's just fun and refreshing!!
WE LOVE YOU GUYS! And we missed the ones who could not be there this year!

The gang all together outside "The Lodge."

Matt tickling Eliza. So precious to watch our friends love on each others kiddos! It's like family.

Matt holding Walker REEVES Andrews for the first time! What an honor for Matt!

Me, Ashley, Cayce and Stacey being silly before taking the plunge tubing. Lots of laughs, collisions (Cayce and Wes), abrupt stops on rocks, LOTS of refreshments along the way (if that's what you wanna call it), wild rapids, and pregnant woman (Ash) falling off her tub in rapid! I loved being with you girls...just wish all the girls got to go!

Matt loading us all up and taking us to the river!

Nate, Bella, Chad and Greer! Such fun Dad's!

Ash and Sage (with Walker)!

Campfire times....were the best!!! SOOOOOOOOOOOOO many LAUGHS!

Stacey and Adam with Chad and Reagan

We all went on a hike. I love my hubby!

Before the hike!

Riding to go hiking!

The night we laughed so hard at the campfire!

Cayce, Fins and Stacey

Happy Birthday NANA!

2008-07-06T23:16:00.002-04:00

We got the treat of showering my mom with a special evening and some gifts to treat her for her birthday! Mama, YOU ARE THE BEST MOM AND FRIEND IN THE WORLD!!!!

WE ALL LOVE YOU DEARLY!

California Friends

2008-07-06T22:59:00.005-04:00

Mrs. Rita came from Southern California to visit the Reeves. Her and her family were neighbors of the Reeves for several years. Matt was very close to her boys. It was so good to meet her and hear more stories about the old days.

Grandpa getting some special time.

Grandma and I laughed a lot as we watched Madeline and Samuel play and be silly. Notice how Samuel is saying cheese and Madeline is taking the picture. I guess that's why my smile looks a little fake.

Matt always loved Mrs. Rita! He has always spoke highly of her and her husband. It was great to be with you, Mrs. Rita! We loved having you in our home. And hopefully we will be able to come visit you in CA soon!

Cindy's Visit

2008-07-06T22:51:00.002-04:00

One Friday night in May my college friend, Cindy Galloway (Mullinix) came to visit! She was in my bible study for a couple of years when I was at CU and was one of my bridesmaids. It was so great to see her and her husband Aaron. It is always good to catch up with her and hear what God is doing their lives.
I love you, Cindy! Thanks for coming to TN to see our world!

Our 7th Anniversary...celebrating God's goodness to us!

2008-05-11T19:31:00.005-04:00

On Cinco De Mayo, Matt and I celebrated our 7th Anniversary. It was a sweet day filled with explaining to our kids what anniversary meant, preparing for an evening together, looking at our wedding album, and just talking about what God has been faithful to do in our marriage.

These are some flowers Madeline helped me pick and place on our homemade table for our celebration after the kids were asleep.

I love this guy!!!! God has been so good to me!

Since the weather has gotten warmer, one of our favorite things to do is sit on our back patio at night and talk.

Matt, thank you for 7 wonderful years! I love you sweetie!

Worn out from Church!

2008-05-11T19:27:00.002-04:00

Madeline and Samuel were worn out after church. Notice how they are holding hands. They do this often while in the car. I love it!

Once we pulled in the driveway it took them a couple of minutes to wake up.

Visiting Family in Rock Thrill!

2008-05-11T19:18:00.004-04:00

At the end of April we got to help shower Meghann and Troy with some baby gifts and spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa! We loved seeing Ansley's nursery and the new home improvements. It's fun to think that in July we will meet our new niece! We are so excited!

Celebrating Passover

2008-05-06T13:48:00.004-04:00

This year we got to celebrate Passover twice. Once at the beginning of April with my sister's family and our small group from church and then as a family during the week of Passover. It was really fun to share together in how Christ is our Passover Lamb. What a blessing it is to learn more about these truths of Christ!

Whistling Lessons

2008-05-06T13:28:00.001-04:00

My Sweet Friend Jamie!

2008-05-06T10:00:00.003-04:00

At the end of April I got the privilege of seeing my sweet friend again, Jamie Newport. God truly sent her and her husband, Brad, to us. She is more than a friend, she is my 2nd big sister.

Jamie and her husband Brad and their 6 kiddos just moved to France last August. Jamie had to pass back through the hills of Tennessee to get some dental surgery and in the midst of craziness she came over to our house for an afternoon. What a blessing it was to us that we go to spend some time with her!

Just seeing her at our home, at church and at a party we attended for her our hearts were reminded of our deep love for them. Oh, our whole family aches for all of them! God has used them so much in our lives in the past almost 4 years. He has used them to help us see what it means to face the reality of our hearts, be vulnerable and experience true community in the Body of Christ, and trust God's work, grace, truth and love in our life. I am learning that so many times we can miss seeing his work and glory because of avoidance, pride, selfish demands, hiding, and having confidence in our flesh. Instead of escaping from my heart, Jamie has always spurred me on through honest reality, truth and grace to pursue the Lord in the midst of the heat and joys of life. God has been so good! Oh, what a friend to have...I can say I love experiencing God's work in Jamie. She is a precious and real friend!

Thank you Jamie for lavishing us with gifts and spending time with us while you were here.
We love you!

Good Times!

2008-04-16T21:57:00.002-04:00

Pizza Night...YUMMY!

2008-04-11T15:05:00.004-04:00

Friday night is a great time for pizza! There is nothing better than wrapping up a week with a homemade pizza and a movie. We did this a couple of weeks ago and the kids had a blast. We watched the "The Story of Jesus for Children." It is the Jesus film for kids. Can you tell by their expressions that they loved it? We had to keep reminding them to eat their pizza. It was a precious time watching them.

**I tried a new pizza recipe this Friday night and it was great! Check out Grilled California Pizzas on the food network. I didn't grill mine and it worked in the oven. Also, I just used toppings I had instead of all that she calls for on the recipe. It was great.

Sage, tell Wes these would be great on the grill or wood burning oven! We thought of you guys when we were trying these.=)

Celebrating Purim

2008-03-31T23:46:00.007-04:00

My brother-in-law, Ryan states it best, "This holiday commemorates God's deliverance of the Jewish people from the evil plans of Haman as recorded in the book of Esther. The book of Esther instructs the Jewish people to make this holiday "days of feasting and rejoicing and sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor" (Esther 9:22). The book of Esther also encourages non-Jews "who allied themselves with them [the Jews]" to celebrate this feast (Esther 9:27). Therefore, this is a feast for both Jews and Gentiles who have a love for the Jewish people. Purim is a special time to recall the mercy and salvation of God as recorded in this story. Traditionally, the entire story of Esther is read on this day."

Matt and I have wanted to celebrate some of the Jewish Feasts in our home. Last year we had so much fun celebrating Passover and this year we had our first Purim celebration. We began the evening with dressing up as different characters out of the book of Esther. After we ate dinner, Matt read the whole book. Every time he mentioned Mordecai's name we would all cheer. It was so neat to see Madeline and Samuel's face light up as we celebrated. And finally, we celebrated God's victory over evil by eating the traditional Purim cookie, Hamentaschens. The night was so refreshing to be reminded of God's character and provision along with lots of laughter and fellowship. Just look at the pictures...you will laugh!

Praise the Lord that God had provision for the Jews and he also has provision for all His children! We loved celebrating this feast!

Madeline cheering for Mordecai

Notice Queen Vashti was dethroned and Esther has recieved the crown!=)

King Xerxes enjoys a hamentaschen cookie!

Matt is such a wonderful leader! I love you, babe!

Queen Esther and Hadassah

Little Mordecai (who never wore his costume) and Queen Vashti
Just look at their expression, hilarious and very similar!

Mama, I know you will love me for this one!

Enjoying their turkey burgers!

Hey, I know that's not typical in Jewish culture but at least they were kosher!

** If you are interested in learning more about Jewish Holidays, go to JBIJ.com. This is the ministry my brother-in-law, Ryan Lambert serves under.

AHHHH! Spring Cleaning!!!!

2008-03-31T23:08:00.005-04:00

On Wednesday, March 19 my Mom and Dad brought Madeline, Samuel and I back to K-town! And it felt like as soon as my feet landed we began working. Mama and Daddy are always so ready to help us work on anything that we need done. Of course with the weather getting warmer my hands were ready to get spring cleaning done so we could do more playing outside on those beautiful spring days.

For three full days Mama and Daddy helped us clean windows, baseboards, cabinets, and bathrooms. We managed to clean out a large pile of random items and drop them off at charity. Then Mama took me and the kids spring shopping. Madeline's highlight was getting her summer flipflops Nana had promised her! We also went to an herb farm and Lowe's to get things for our garden and home. While Daddy served us by doing some yard work for us, helping matt with the shed, and taking care of Samuel. Whew!

WHAT A BLESSING!!! Thank you Mama and Daddy! It means the world to us. It's so much fun to do things like that together. I love making memories with you guys. We love you!

Matt and Daddy working on the shed doors.

Daddy cleaning our gross blinds. Thank you, Daddy!

Mama teaching Madeline and Samuel how to clean cabinets! Of course,
Madeline and Samuel wanted to be right in the middle of it! They were great!

Down on the Farm at Nana and Papa's House

2008-03-29T13:24:00.026-04:00

We were so excited to get away to my mom and dad's house for a long weekend. Matt needed a break from work and I needed some time with my parents. Matt had to leave on Sunday after catching the Clemson basketball game while the kids and I got to stay a couple more days to have some fun.

It was really a blessing to be with my family and my extended family for a brief time. My grandparents, aunts, and uncle held a welcome home party for my parents which we got to attend. (For those of you who don't know, my parents just built a home on the land my mom grew up on in Galivants Ferry, SC...also known as AYNOR!) They invited both sides of families, old high school friends, church and family friends. It was fun to see them love on my parents.

And during our time there got to do all the fun things on the farm- feed the cows, put the new fish in the pond, ride the gator, play outside for half the day at least, explore the garden, go to my Uncle's petting farm (it felt like one but actually he raises a lot of animals and sells them), make cookies with MaMa, and spend some time at my grandmother's house.

Thanks Mama and Daddy for all the fun! We really enjoyed are time at your house!

Picture of my mom's family at the party.

Some of my dad's family at the party.

Nana, Madeline, and Samuel trying out our Purim cookies!

Telling MaMa about the Resurrection Eggs.

Papa was reading the book before the kids would go to bed.

They loved it!

Playing with Nana!

Visiting Grandma Martin (my dad's mom)

Samuel loved playing in Papa's shower!

Madeline LOVES bubbles in Nana's tub!

Just like when were at the lake...the kids love the car!

We discovered they don't just have the same name but they walk the same!

Samuel "Asa" and Popie

Madeline picking flowers with MaMa for the party!

Cole and Madeline exploring on my Uncle's farm!

Nana and Samuel looking at the bunnies.

Samuel, Cole and Madeline trying to feed some chickens!

Look at Samuel being brave holding out his hands. He was so brave with all the animals.

They had beagal puppies! They were precious!

Petting one of the 100 bunnies that were there!

Madeline and Maggie enjoying some yummy suckers!

Enjoying a gator ride!

The FARM GIRL feeding the cows!

The CITY GIRL trying to be a farm girl!

Papa and Samuel having fun on my sister's old tricycle!

Jill's 2007 Thanksgiving Project

2008-03-12T22:23:00.020-04:00

Yes, I intended to get this banner done the month before Thanksgiving 2007 in order to hang in our dining room. But it didn't happen! So it was put off for a couple of months after Madeline and I began sewing in October. Madeline has loved every step of it! It's been worth every minute just to watch her face light up as we have "special time" during Samuel's nap to finish the banner. My prayer is that as this banner hangs through the Novembers to come it will facilitate discussion and remind us of God's goodness to us each year.

Matt thinks this picture is a great advertisement! Ha Ha!

The banner is supposed to read "Giving Thanks." A great idea I saw in Pottery Barn but too pricey to buy!

Old McDonald's Piggies

2008-03-12T22:15:00.004-04:00

Azi's Fish

2008-03-09T23:45:00.007-04:00

The day we got home from our trip we discovered a new guest at our house...Azi's fish! Madeline and Samuel were so excited to sit and watch the fish! I wish you could have heard our conversation about the fish, the balls in the bowl, the colors, and feeding the fish! Madeline had many questions and Samuel expressed many sounds as we talked and looked at the fish! It was precious to see their big eyes and expressions on the other side of the bowl! I love being able to experience life with them!

Fun at Ash's House

2008-03-09T22:20:00.010-04:00

This past week Susan (friend from Clemson)and her daughter, Bella came to Knoxville to see us and journey together to Louisville, KY for a few days! We went to see our sweet friend, Ashley Wireman (friend from Clemson)and her family!

It was so much fun to see Ashley's world! We got to get a sweet taste of community while playing with our kids, having the zoo to ourselves, trying to figure out how to get a bird out of the chimney, exchanging recipes, having tea and cookie breaks at night, laughing ALOT, and talking ALOT!

Thank you Ash and Su for being such precious friends! I enjoy being apart of your lives and watching the Lord work in and through you!

And thanks to our husbands for letting us go and being excited that we got to have this time together!

Su and Ash- Can't wait until our next adventure together!

Eliza, where's Madeline?

Any one got a napkin?

Our sweet hosts...what a pair!

Madeline adored Bella!

I promise there is a gorilla sitting behind the glass!

We got a picture of us three!!! And the elephants were even in it!

Cold day at the Louisville Zoo...but oohh so fun!

Just look the kids can't even move much less see! Ha!

Help on the Shed

2008-03-08T11:51:00.003-05:00

Thank You Caleb Duncan, Seth Hunt; John, Jonathan, and Jared Carlton! I enjoyed being with each of you this week, and truly appreciate your help! I look foward to more time this next week!

Barn Raising

2008-03-08T10:59:00.019-05:00

Matt and his dad finalize a plan for the foundation.

Setting the foundation

Madeline and Grandma enjoy an ice cream cone.

Madeline and Azi getting their game on.

Two sweet girls.

Grandma and the kids enjoy a picnic lunch while the guys work.

Madeline spent a LOT of time helping Grandpa and Daddy, precious memories.

Momma and the kids enjoying a moment

Setting the homemade trusses.

The end of the day Sunday.

Thank you Dad, Mom, Teg, Mikkel, Azi and Jet for all of your hard work this weekend!

We really enjoyed the time working together.

Basic Training

2008-02-17T19:49:00.003-05:00

A Warm Winter Day

2008-02-17T15:57:00.009-05:00

Samuel loves to go get his hands in the garden -

yesterday he walked back and forth between that and the sandbox.

It was good to get outside!

The site of the old shed, preparing to build a new one in a few weeks!

Our Valentine Dinner

2008-02-17T15:42:00.007-05:00

Samuel enjoys the cookies Momma and Madeline made.

We all enjoy the cookies Momma and Madeline made!

Early Valentine Celebration

2008-02-14T08:08:00.010-05:00

Yesterday Jill surprised me with a special surprise Valentine lunch at the office as a family that was disguised as a meeting that one of our office assistants had arranged for me. Thanks Jill!

(Samuel is ready for his nap)

Dishes? What Dishes?

2008-02-13T20:54:00.009-05:00

Tonight as I was washing the dishes/cleaning up the kitchen after Jill took Madeline to Awanas, I happen to notice Samuel quietly slip down to the basement. I didn't bother him, just periodically checked on him to make sure all was well as I tried to get things cleaned up. At one point when I peeked around the corner Samuel happened to catch me looking and proceeded to pat his hand on the ground and grunt as though he was saying, "Daddy, come play!". I said "Samuel, do you want Daddy to come and play cars with you?" He gave me that affirming "ugh" grunt that he always does when you say something that he agrees with. How could I refuse? Needless to say kitchen dutie quickly fell by the wayside as Samuel and I proceeded to play Cars together and do what boys do. Gotta love it.

Mama's Helpers

2008-02-12T21:48:00.007-05:00

Today was Samuel's first lesson in emptying the clothes out of the dryer. Madeline loved helping him and he loved being a part. It was fun to watch them work together.

Weekend with Dori

2008-02-10T23:14:00.000-05:00

Great for Daddy's knees!

Samuel enjoys a fudgesicle!

"Beauty Shop" time with Dori Leigh while Samuel sleeps.