Happy Valentine's Day!

What is Love?

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:16

That's love, God's love!

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!

Adriann was in a family wedding this past weekend. She and her cousin Marlee looked beautiful and had a wonderful time!

It was a day filled with excitement and fun times were found around every corner! Beginning at the salon where Adriann transformed from this...

to this...

Adriann and Marlee before the wedding!

Jerry's Dad, Richard and Betty at the reception.

Girls just wanta have fun!!!

More Snow Pictures

Adriann just loving it!

Austin building a fort before beginning the snowball war!


The morning after, with the sun shining brightly. Austin and Adriann were off to school and with a high expected in the mid 50's, the snow will soon be gone, but oh what fun it was while it lasted!

Winter Wonderland

South Mississippi was blanketed with snow storm that was absolutely beautiful. We were sooo excited to get to experience this years winter wonderland. We had over 6 inches at our house and had a great time building snowmen, making snow ice cream and of course a few snowball fights! Here's a few pictures...

Sumrall Memories

As our time in America comes to a close, we begin to reflect on all the wonderful experiences we've had over the past 5 months. The Sumrall community and school have been very welcoming to our family. As parents our prayer was that God would send good friends for Austin and Adriann, during this time. New friends have been made as well as many memories that will be cherished for years to come. Email addresses are already being exchanged and we look forward to staying in contact. Tonight we had the privilege of attending the high school band Christmas concert. They did an outstanding job preforming. To Austin's surprise they gave him a going away party following the event. What seems to be a minor thing, made lasting impressions on Austin as well as our entire family. Thank you, SHS Band family!

Mr Garner, band director and Austin following the concert.

Austin and Lauren

Friends just having fun!

The Cake! Yum, Yum

Sumrall Christmas Parade

Austin marching in the Christmas parade. In this shot, he's on the front line on the end. Adriann and Sierra at the parade.Some of the band after the parade.
Austin and Lauren

Thanksgiving Happenings

As we reflect on Thanksgiving, we are blessed to have been able to spend time with our families. Of course, we ate too much but this is a new week! Adriann made us a thankful bowl that we each listed things throughout the month of November for which we were thankful. Some included were family, friends made over the past few months, a home to live in, fun school days, eating out, freedom to worship the One True God, salvation and Jesus Christ. We truly are blessed!

As for the actual festivities, Jerry's family has a family reunion every Thanksgiving in Alabama. This year, there were over a hundred and most of his grandfather's family were in attendance. They are always great to take photos of each section of the extended family. It was great to reconnect with everyone!

On Friday, we skipped all the after Thanksgiving sales and spent the weekend with my (Kelly's) family. When the first grandchild was born, Mom began buying an ornament each year for each grandchild. Now 19 years later, she's keeping up the tradition but also gets the grands to put the tree up and decorate with the ornaments. Smart lady, huh! From left to right, Shelly, Forrest, Austin, Adriann and Breanne...

Making Turkeys

Shelly and Adriann made Turkeys before Thanksgiving at Aunt Debbie's house. I'm not certain what Adriann liked most making the turkeys or licking her frosting covered fingers!

There are people in our lives that make lifetime impressions. Ms. Hilda (pictured in the orange shirt) entered my life in college while I was working as her assistant at Forrest General Hospital. We quickly became friends and I often referred to her as my college Mom. She was gracious and kind to listen to all the college drama a 20 year old could have or think she had! I also learned lots about her sons and family. What an awesome lady she was and still is! We have stayed in touch through the years and she was on my list to see while in the states. While speaking in Mobile, Jerry and I had the privilege to spend the day with Ms. Hilda and her sister. She hasn't changed at all, still has beautiful flower gardens, a lovely home and that warm inviting personality. Thanks for the day and all the fond memories!

While in Tennessee, we were able to spend time with Robert and Sharon. It's always great to see friends on this side of the ocean! Thanks for the wonderful Southern Hospitality!! We love you guys.

Few More Pictures from the Mountains!

Have I mentioned that I LOVE fall!

The beauty displayed through color was absolutely breathtaking in the Smoky Mountains! Jerry and I enjoyed hiking as well as a lot of relaxing, something we haven't gotten much of since being in America.