The Ponder Cousins!

Austin, Breanne, Shelly, Forrest and Adriann

All very different, yet they share so many of the same traits! It was really fun to be able to spend a few months together and even bribe a few pictures out of them. Handsome and beautiful family they are - wouldn't you say?

Austin's Birthday

For Austin's birthday this year, he selected a local restaurant, The Duke's then a movie. We had a great time as a family celebrating with him.

Austin and Adriann at the restaurant.

Cake and presents, what more could you ask for in a birthday!!

Happy 14th!

Happy 14th Birthday Austin!

We love you very much.

Before leaving Mississippi, JD, Austin and Kelly shared their January birthdays together for a celebration of 120 combined years!


Fun with the black icing!!

Old Friends!

Have you ever had someone that every time you get together it feels like time stands still? You know, nothing really has changed, except maybe some physical things! Rhonda and I became friends in first grade at Mt. Olive Elementary back in 1972. Through the years, we've stayed in contact and remained friends. Like the old Michael W. Smith song says "Friends are friends forever..." Love you Rhonda and had a great time catching up in person while in Mississippi.

Another few Christmas Pictures!

Our family Christmas picture. This was our family's first live tree and turned out to be and smell beautiful throughout the season!

Adriann, Shelly and Austin with the Christmas mice. What fun they had being silly together.

Adriann hanging out with Meme and JD.Memaw, Granny Kelly, Adriann, Austin and Kelly at our house on Christmas morning. What a blessing to have Granny Kelly, who is 93 still able to travel to the great grandkids houses on Christmas morning!

Kelly's family!

Anxiously awaiting the Dirty Santa Game at Jerry's Voncille and JD's house.

Life often catches us by surprise. This week I learned that a long time family friend, Stennett (Zack) Sanford had suddenly passed away leaving behind a wife of 25+ years, Shelia and three children. My heart breaks for this family, especially the children as it brings back memories of how tragedy struck my own family many years ago. Many things will change for the Sanford family but one thing will remain constant - God's unfailing love for each of them. This may have been a surprise to his family and friends but this did not catch God by surprise. He is sovereign and will use it to bring glory to Himself. Please join me in praying for this family not only today but in the days and weeks to come.

Lastly, it reminds me of the urgency of sharing God's love and grace with those who do not know him. If your life was suddenly taken today, would you be ready to see God face to face? It also clearly reminds me to keep my "I love yous" up to date. Have you said "I love you" today?

A blast from the past.

My sister, Debbie and I found our senior portraits while looking through some old pictures! Guess you could say we have changed a bit- huh?

The annual sibling photo, Debbie, Keith and Kelly. No comment on ages but one of us will be hitting the half century mark this year!!

Black and Gold!

The New Orleans Bowl was an awesome game! The USM Golden Eagles won in overtime!

While in New Orleans we HAD to enjoy Cafe' Du Monde for beignet. Yum Yum!

Family is very important to us and being in the states for Christmas was extra special. It was a joyous time and a year we won't soon forget. Celebrating Christmas in Thailand verses America was quite different in good and bad ways. The commercialization of the season in America is a bit disappointing. However, being with family and friends was incredible!

We kicked off the Christmas season by celebrating with Papaw and Nana.

Next, we were at J.D. and Meme's.

Memaw and Granny Kelly with the Grandkids!