A Fantastic Weekend!

We had the privilege of going to Georgia this past weekend to see my cousin, Alesia and her husband, Kenny. A dinner was held on their behalf as they will be leaving the comfort and safety of home to travel abroad on very important business-The Father's Business. They will be working in an unfriendly environment and in a country that is not nearly as blessed as the USA. Their beautiful children that will be going as well. Please join our family in prayer for their safety and protection as they follow their Father's leading.


I was doubly excited to see these folks as well!!! With my Mother and Father in heaven I often get that homesick feeling for my kinfolks. There is just something about being with relatives that makes me feel connected. Just to hear that familiar Georgia accent and to see my aunts and uncles that remind me so very much of my parents, whom I miss dearly! In the picture below are my Dad's sisters and brother. Left to right, Aunt Frances, Uncle Harvey, and Aunt Nellie. Just to see Uncle Harvey Saturday morning brought me to tears. I know that may sound silly but he walks and talks like my Dad and looks like my Granny. What a truly awesome day!

Brandon and Bryceton immediately rekindled the friendship with their cousin, Ethan. These three played all afternoon together and they hated to say goodbye.

I had not seen these guys in several years. Left to right is Jonathan, Lanna, Wilma and Donny, my cousins. It surely was great to visit with them and catch up on everyone's lives.

This is Aunt Frances with my cousin, Angela. Lunch was great as we talked and talked and ate and ate. There are many wonderful benefits in being from the South but among the best would be the food!! The food table must have been at least 20 feet long and absolutely full of delicious southern cooking. Southern Hospitality at its best. Aunt Frances and Aunt Nellie both made my favorite cake, Pecan Cake. Can I just say it was heavenly!! Of course I had to have a piece of each one. I mean I just wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings, you know. By the way, they were both delicious!

On the way home we were finally able to find the memory marker for my mother-in-law. It is on I-75 near the Gainesville exit but we have never been able to locate it. It is usually dark when we go through that area southbound. This was not a "fun" stop but one we needed to make. It brought closure to our hearts. We miss her tremendously.

We made one more stop in Georgia and I just can not believe I forgot to get pictures! My dear friend, Kay, now lives in GA. We had the most wonderful visit with her! We had plenty of time to chat. We went on a golf cart ride down some old Georgia clay roads in the woods...yeah! We were gone for 2 hours but it seemed like maybe 30 or 45 minutes! We found 2 old, deserted homesteads with the barns. We stopped in front of one of the places and daydreamed about what it must have been like to live in that time period. Hey! I think I will count that as a field trip for my boys....Living History! Kay, my boys are still talking about driving your golf cart! Thanks for the great time. Next time I will definitely remember my camera!!

Let's see... what will we do this coming weekend? Whatever it may be it will be hard to top this past weekend!
Thank you Lord for the "extra" blessings you sent to me!

Family Reunion Time

This past Saturday was our 5th annual Mathews family reunion. We celebrate this special day in honor of my mother-in-law who was so suddenly taken from us in July 2004 in a tragic car accident. Losing her has truly left a huge hole in our family! If you were ever blessed to have met this strong, young at heart, little Japanese woman you would understand the emptiness our family still feels.




So, once a year family and friends all gather at our place for a get together. My mother-in-law was the "glue" that held the family together, as my brother-in-law so rightly stated shortly after her death. This annual gathering is the perfect way to keep us all in touch. With our busy lives we seem to lose track of extended family. Left to right we have Uncle Charles, Pop, Aunt Vera Mae and Charlene. Having this generation of our family with us is what makes these reunions an extra ordinary occasion!!

The next generation! You all know I just had to slip a picture of my little "Reesie Cup" in !!

Left to right, Dale, Abner and Monroe.
Old friends make the day memorable as well. Especially being able to actually hug this dear friend, Abner.
We are so glad he is back!!! This retired colonel has been a friend of the family for many, many years.

Uncle Charles asking the Lord's blessings on the food and our family.

The food line. We had so much delicious food, as always. Plenty of ribs, chicken, smoked pork, fried fish and all the fixins to go along with it. It was soooo hot this year. I made 20 gallons of sweet tea, and 4 gallons of lemonade not to mention all the bottled water that was consumed. Making tea sure kept me busy!

My sister-in-law, Darlene, (or Sugar as we all call her and she lives up to her name!) and her hubby, Paul. It is always a treat to see them as they live a few hours away.

Okay, time for the disclaimer....the next few pictures you must view at your own risk...Nurse Rhonda (my niece) you should not look any further ;-) Our family reunion is never complete without the wild and crazy activites in the afternoon. The Lord is faithful to us and sends our guardian angels for protection. I don't know, there is just something in the Mathews' blood about being daring, going fast, pushing the limits. I have a couple of those guys that I am currently raising! Keeps me on my knees!

I am not sure who came up with this idea, but it is an annual sport that the grown-up (adult/kids) love. Crank up the airboats......

Parker ran to Nonna (me) for safety with the noise of the loud engines. He wasn't impressed at all!

Yes, that is a parachute and yes it IS being lifted by the airboats and yes that is MY SON, Brandon. This activity actually started out using a huge tarp. The guys enjoyed it but it was hard to hang on to. Last year a worn out parachute was used and it was better. However, this year my niece found this parachute at a thrift store for only $2.00!! It was in perfect condition and worked great, so I am told.

Little Tony going for a ride.

Little Mike, Jenny and family. Geeeez I feel old watching my nephews and nieces with their growing families.

The next activity of the day was toned down quite a bit for the younger daredevils. A ride behind the four-wheeler on a sled-type board. After this picture was taken someone came up with a creative idea. The plastic feed barrel we use for Missy, our cow, was swiped from the pasture and holes drilled in the front of it so that it could be pulled behind the four-wheeler. Apparently the passengers were rolling off the edge of the sled/board. I missed getting a picture of the new sled.

After a quick afternoon shower the little ones soon discovered a rather large mudpuddle. I thought this was a very cute picture! On such a special day I think the moms and dads just let the kids have their fun too in spite of the dirty clothes and shoes they had to deal with.

Another reunion passed with many, many great memories and stories to tell and re-tell! We love our family and count it a privilege to host this event. Until next year....