30th Anniversary Service/Fabulous Visit with Friends and Relatives!

This weekend was wonderful! Our church celebrated my father's 30th anniversary as pastor and now bishop. In addition, I was able to visit with a very special friend and some relatives that I haven't seen in quite awhile.

On Saturday, we went out to eat for lunch at the Crescent City Brewery. After eating lunch we walked to the french market so that Mimi could purchase some wonderful smelling soy candles from the French Quarter Candle vendor. On the way there we stopped to view some interesting spectacles--like the drummer video posted at the bottom of this blog, and the pirates strolling down Decatur and Dumaine Street--one had a huge parrot perched on his shoulder. I have to admit, you see some mighty strange things in New Orleans, most of the sights will either amaze you, disgust you, or make you feel immense pity.

We also had fun shopping at the french market. While a few of the men stopped off at Cafe Du Monde for some coffee and beignets, most of us walked on to the market. The girls particularly liked the masks, my youngest son purchased an alligator claw back scratch er--YUCK, and of course we had lots of fun trying on hats and sunglasses, and smelling candles and looking at all of the vendors' wares.

Below are a few pictures of that day.

Kass, Ray, and Kenna posing for a picture.

My husband and mom.

Ave feeling pretty powerful standing on the street sign post.

One of the pirates.
Trying on some snazzy looking hats!

These masks were weird ..............!!!!!!

Nekee, mom, and Mimie in Jackson Square.
I take these pictures when I can. He only lets me take pictures of him when he thinks he's doing something impressive--like sitting on top of a post.
My sis Nekee and her husband.

Cousins! I haven't taken a picture of these two together in quite awhile.

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On Sunday, our church celebrated my father's 30th anniversary as pastor and now bishop. I could write an entire blog about my dad and the thirty years that he has ministered to our church and parish, and it still would not be enough to show the love, appreciation, and honor that I feel towards him. Although he is my father, I can truly say he is definitely a man worthy of honor! He has truly been a great example to all of us! I pray that God allows us to have him and my mom around for many more years.

The anniversary service was wonderful. The band played, the choir sang, the family sang a special song, a slide show was presented, and Bro. Crawford Coon (the special surprise guest speaker) gave a wonderful message to the church. Afterwards, everyone who attended went into the fellowship hall to feast and fellowship.

Below are a few pictures.

The photo above is a picture of a flower arrangement made by Plainold Kristi and my grandpa's Bible laying open next to it. This arrangement was in front of the pulpit.

My father and mother receiving a plaque commemorating their 30 years of service to our church.

After eating, some of us reminisced and went through boxes of old pictures. We laughed at all the old hairstyles, glasses, fashions, and marveled at how much the children had grown.
A few tables played a very long game of phase 10! I believe Sis. Gayle won at this table. Either way, it was fun!
Some of the youth, gathered in a circle, talked, and played numbers (this is a fun game we have played for years!).
The kids had so much fun sliding and jumping. Although, most returned home with a few bumps and bruises--it didn't seem to bother them or stop them from playing.

Some tough looking dudes! Wait a minute is that a gal peeking out from behind them.

Mimi and her son (my brother in-law).

The only problem with this weekend was that it just went toooooo fast!

Mimi's Coming and I'm so Excited!

Us eating a snack after hiking Sugar Loaf Mountain!

Mimi's got the Hat on

I have a very special friend coming this weekend. This special friend opened up her home to my family and me for 9 months after Katrina destroyed our home. Her and her husband allowed us to live with them and basically use their home just as if it was ours during this entire time. They spoiled us and provided for us many of our needs.

I have so many fond memories of this friend. During the first few days after Katrina, Mimi went with me to the school to enroll my children. Immediately after the storm, I had a hard time remembering my name much less addresses and other important information. This friend helped me through the whole process. I cried on her shoulder so many times during those first few months. She always let me.

My husband had to return to New Orleans to work, so she helped me tackle difficult situations that I faced. She helped me organize Kass's home school work. She helped me deal with other various situations with my other children as well. She's quite an amazing person.

We also laughed a great deal. Mimi and her husband spent most of their day at church (they are the pastor and pastor's wife) and did not usually return home until around 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. After getting home, Mimi and I would do our "late night" workout routine all the while laughing, jumping and bouncing about the foyer. I haven't did that much exercise since!

I also remembering going through a bag of hand me down clothing gave to us after the storm and coming across a very small jean skirt. Mimi did her best to get this skirt on. It was quite hilarious! We laughed until our sides hurt.

Other memories that I have are hiking Sugar Loaf Mountain with her and my family. It was such a beautiful day. Also, the day that she took my youngest son (who had an extreme love for Teddy Bears) to the Boyd's Bear Factory for him to pick out and make his own special bear, the delicious Easter dinner, and the day we celebrated Gene's graduation from Damascus High at her house. These are just a few of the wonderful memories that I have!

So as you can see that is why I am sooooo excited that she is coming to visit us. Mimi and her husband will ALWAYS be special to me!

Sunday School

Psalms 122:1

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD."

I love going to church! I can't imagine life without God and the church. It is such a privilege to be able to go, and I never want to take it lightly.

Growing up, I remember putting on my Sunday best, grabbing my Bible, climbing into the car with my mother, father, and all of my sisters and brother, and heading off to church. This was not just an Easter Sunday memory. This was an every week memory. To miss church was not even considered, unless of course we were very sick, which was extremely rare.

I remember learning my Bible verses. I remember singing all of the exciting Sunday School songs. I remember my Sunday School teachers teaching us wonderful lessons about God's mercy, love, and the plan of salvation. I remember God speaking to my heart even as a small child. I also remember playing with all of my church friends after church, while our parents enjoyed a moment speaking with their friends. What great memories I have about Sunday School and church!

If you do not attend church, I would like to encourage you to find a church that will make a DIFFERENCE in your life and begin attending! Bring your entire family if possible. Make it an important part of your life. Let me assure you, you will not regret it if you find the right one!

A Story About a Renewed Acquaintance

Many years ago when I was just fifteen and my sister had just turned seventeen, we met this wonderful young lady at a camp meeting. My sister had met her first, and introduced me to her. I remember sitting in a dorm on some old dorm bed, and listening to her testimony of how she came to God. Although I cannot remember her testimony, I remember how it inspired my sister and me. I also remember a book that she recommended for us to read, "Hinds' Feet on High Places." My sister and I both read the book and loved it. That was almost thirty years ago! A one time meeting at an old fashioned camp meeting.

Now, twenty-something years later, we meet again. My daughter actually met her son at a youth conference (she had no idea who he was), and later (last summer) my sister and this young lady (we will call her Kat) both worked in the cafeteria of a youth camp where both of their young children were attending. My sister recognized her! Since that first meeting years ago, Kat has gotten married and now has six beautiful children.

Who would have thought, a one time meeting, and many years later we would all meet again. I am so happy to have renewed this acquaintance, who I now consider a dear friend of mine.

Thanks Kat for making an impact on my life and my sister's life at such a young age. How could we ever have forgotten you?

Shaddie's Chatter & The Ray-Mar-kable Libby Kids

ANNOUNCING - A new blog by Kass

Please find the link to "Shaddie's Chatter" under my Family & Friends list. This is Kass's blog. I'm not sure what it will be about, but I'm sure it will be INTERESTING....HMMMMMM!!!

IN ADDITION - A new blog by NeKee

Just in case you haven't heard, Nekee now has a blog about her Ray-Mar-kable Kids. You can also find the link to this blog under my Family & Friends list titled "The Ray-Mar-kable Libby Kids."

Have fun reading!

Most Intelligent!

Since I do not have any recent pictures of my nephew, I am posting a picture from 2007 (I will try to get a new one to post.) This year he will be graduating from high school, and we are all so proud of him. All the hard work really paid off. This young man was voted "Most Intelligent" by his peers. This title is very fitting because he is very intelligent. The awards this young man has won is mind boggling. He doesn't just win one award during competitions - he wins them all!!
Keep up the good work - Lil' Mike - we are all soooo proud of you.