There's No Place Like Home

For our dear Rachey

2010-03-23T15:47:00.001-07:00

Rach,

We can't wait until you come back!!!!! Then we can go shopping and drive around screaming the song that is playing! :) We love and miss you so so much!

love

2010-01-31T16:55:00.001-08:00

girls just wanna have fun :)

2009-12-27T18:15:00.001-08:00

Baby Brooklynn

2009-12-16T05:45:00.001-08:00

Mom is holding the new addition to the Smith Family.....Brooklynn Jeanne Smith. Mom and Dad are now Grandpa and Grandma!!!!

Just wanted to fill everyone in if anyone even looks at this boring blog anymore :)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Maggie <3

For Nate

2009-10-31T11:14:00.001-07:00

This blog needed a post

2009-08-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

Well, Melissa is supposed to take over the posting...hopefully she will take it up soon. I just hate seeing this blog go so long without a post!

I have a new home now but I may sneak in a post or two every once in a while ....who says I can't have 2 homes :)

Thank you to all who helped with the wedding and were a part of our special day. It was everything I had ever dreamed my wedding could be! Thanks to all the friends and family who traveled so far too! Love you so very much.

Married life is wonderful and every day I enjoy seeing how Matt is perfect for me and I am perfect for him!

Photo Credit: Amy Bare Photography

Come Home Soon!

2009-07-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

Missing you guys. Glad you're having a great time,

but it's time to come home. : )Love you both!

a lot

2009-07-17T11:00:00.001-07:00

We have been truckin' it on the sugar cookies for the wedding

On the 3rd we had a party for Gage's 13th Birthday!

For the 4th of July we had a beach day...

...then went to the Benson's for a cookout

I had my second Bridal Shower! Here are all of my bridesmaids minus Rachel and Mea

More cookies :)

Company is coming....Billie and the kids are here!

And Caleb!
Check out more pics from these events by clicking HERE

sweet boys

2009-07-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

Last night Mel and Jap watched the Johns boys. We haven't seen them in a long time. They are getting big and are so fun to be with! They had a blast playing hide-and-seek, watching inspector gadget and learning the "Down by the bay" song :)

The following pics are of flower arrangements that Gardener Melissa has been providing for us every other day :)

I am so enjoying spending time at home. I will post as many times as I can, but guess what...only 23 days!!! Wahoo!

And I miss you so

2009-06-29T08:41:00.000-07:00

I am missing these girls! Mel...I did not like sleeping alone in our room last night :( Hope you two are having fun in ATL. Love you and can't wait for you to get back!

Our third sister came for a visit!

2009-06-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

My dear little cousin Rachey and me back in the day!

Although we aren't playing "olden days" in our dress up clothes in the play house any more... of course with our husbands off to war... we still have just as much fun!

Rachel came to visit this week to have some girl time with Melissa and me! Yesterday, we went to the Tides Game.

It was 25 cent night so we had plenty of hot diggity dogs :)
The dudes and Mel
My future nephews and niece were there too... Austin
Killian
and Gwyneth. I love to be with them :)
Our neighbors are back :) so the trampoline is getting use! Rach, Alexis and Sarah.
Today, Rach and I went on a run....then we all made salads for lunch.
Then we laid out in the back yard...with many, many laughs in sun!

Pop-ice...gotta love 'em
Rach, I am so happy to have you here with us for a few days...although it does make me miss you all the more. There is not a young girl that I respect or look up to more than you. Seeing your heart for God is so provoking. Mel and I love you dearly and are so glad that we can be the sisters you never had :)

partay....garden...wedding...things

2009-06-16T12:55:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Mel had a hangout at our house.

Mel's Garden

Matt and me on my birthday...22!

Our morning friend...Melissa babysits Sophia (Les's baby)
Liz and Luke's Wedding!

Click HERE for more wedding pics

Shopping for wedding decorations with melissa, joey and mom...too many laughs! Thanks for the bucks mom :)

A day in the life of the smith household

2009-06-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday it was time for invitations! Chelsea came over and helped Mel and me put them together. We had a blast! Thanks Chels.

Later in the afternoon, Matt surprised us girls with some Tropical Smoothies :) What a sweetie.

The dudes, Matt, Josh, Josiah and Sean, headed out that evening to a city park to play b-ball. When the guys at the hoops asked where the boys went to school, they didn't believe that they were all homeschooled. Ha!

Melissa made us dinner that night...DELICIOUS! You are getting good girl :)
Then chels came back over for some P90-x with Mel.
It was a fun filled day! I am so grateful for these special times with my fam. I love you all so dearly.

And update on the youngest Smith...Josiah has graduated from high school! Mom is all done :)

Click HERE for photos from graduation this past Saturday.

Tips from Mag & Mel's Jewelry Box

2009-06-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

-In order to easily display all of your earrings, bracelets and necklaces, place all jewelry in a jewelry box drawer with at least one necklace.

-Once the drawer has been opened and closed several times pull out one necklace and the rest of the items should come with it. Thus, you can see all of your items together and will be able to choose what will best match your outfit for the day.

-The one tough part is getting that primary necklace free. Melissa did a marvelous job

Coldplay...next '09

2009-05-28T06:56:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday Coldplay was in town. We went to see them at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater

For more pics click here.

The Trip to NEXT!

For more pics click here.

Some days...

2009-05-10T14:32:00.001-07:00

...I just can't believe it!!!!!

our little cousins-once-removed

2009-05-06T05:50:00.001-07:00

...mea, charlie, ben, and jimmy.

We had so much fun with you guys and your mom and dad! Can't wait to see you in July! And remember Mea...we are gonna go on a date looking for the perfect pair of junior bridesmaid's shoes :) Love you!

Look who's coming to visit!!!!

2009-04-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

-Cinderella

-The Red Power Ranger

-Buzz Light Year

-A Pirate!

We can't wait to see you guys!!!!

slumber...eggs...cramming

2009-04-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

Just like old times, Mel, Jap, Nel and I had a slumber party!!! We made cookies, watched a movie, and probably laughed over half the time.

On the Saturday before easter we colored eggs with Jord, Nel, Jap and Matt.

Can you tell which egg Jordan colored?
Matt colored his first egg ever :)

On Wednesday, Joey and I had a late night ahead of us...so we made a trip for doughnuts and caffeine. Thanks for being my study-buddy Joey!

4 months :)

2009-04-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

Our little Bro's last year of B-ball

2009-03-28T17:10:00.001-07:00

it's been too long

2009-03-22T20:44:00.001-07:00

The sissies having their fix of Fox News,

popcorn and caffeine free diet coke

We are all doing well here at the Smith household.

.....oh and Joey got a hair cut! Here he is with Nelly and the baby-to-be!

2009-02-27T18:50:00.000-08:00

We are at the ODAC tournament this weekend. We won our game last night and then play Randolph Macon tomorrow in the semi finals!

GO MARLINS!!!!!

Love and miss you all,
Mag

sunrise surprise

2009-02-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

I am engaged to the love of my life...Matthew Douglas Davis!

(I do know that the ring goes on the left hand, however, due to a jammed ring finger, it's too swollen right now :) Ha!)

2009-02-02T07:35:00.000-08:00

Psalm 119:101-105

I hold back my feet from every evil way,

in order to keep your word.

I do not turn aside from your rules,

for you have taught me.

How sweet are your words to my taste,

sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Through your precepts I get understanding;

therefore I hate every false way.

Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light to my path.

Goodbye for a little while

2009-01-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

On January 12 my dear grandma, Magdalene Smith, went home to be with the Lord. I am honored to be named after such a wonderful woman. She served her husband and 6 children faithfully, and always with a smile. We love you and miss you Grandma! We know that you may be doing a polka with Grandpa right now, but what is even more precious, you are with the saviour face to face!

Grandma and me last summer

Grandma was on the dance floor almost the whole night at Jord and Nel's wedding. When I was little I use to love to sit and watch Grandma and Grandpa dance. I especially liked to watch her high heels kick up during a polka :)

My dad is a great dancer and he always attributes it to his mom!

We headed to snowy Gaylord, Michigan for Grandma's funeral. We were all so grateful to be able to make the trip.

The Grandkids and Great Grandkids

The six siblings: Dad, Aunt Mary Beth, Uncle Jim, Uncle Bill, Aunt Fran and Uncle Tom

Aunt Mary Beth and Aunt Jane

Playing cards

There was so much snow when we got to Gaylord! We stayed at Aunt Jane and Uncle Dave's cozy home. The boys put on Uncle Dave's snow gear when we arrived at midnight, to head out into the below zero weather!

So goodbye for a little while Grandma...we'll meet again...in a better land...

i <3 my team

2009-01-12T11:05:00.000-08:00

out with the old...in with the new...year

2009-01-02T07:13:00.000-08:00

On New Year's Eve I got to be Matt's date to a friend's wedding. Of course mom always has to get the picture right before leaving :)

Bek and Christen at the Wedding

After the Wedding we headed to the Hewitt's for a rockin' New Year's Party

Mel and Dave
Jord and Nel
Mary, Laura and Jap
The Boys
Run Mad
Treese and Me
Mom and Aunt Lin
Nate, Keek, Matt and Josiah
Kate and Wes
Matt and his sisters
Classic :)
After the ball dropped we went over to the little Smith family's to watch a movie
Nate and his model pose...what a hottie...and his bro Caleb...what a hunk :)

Happy 2009!!!

Christmas and the Eve

2008-12-30T06:55:00.001-08:00

On Christmas Eve we hung at our house after church. Here is a video of us performing the 12 days of Christmas led by the famous Uncle Lyle!

ChRiStMaS dAy

Joey got a new electric guitar! We opened gifts with Jord and Nel in the morning.

Then we had the Kordays, Dowlings, Kamraths and Vans over for our Christmas meal.

Playing Monopoly...we always get board games for Christmas!
The Dudes
Jord and Dan
YAHTZEE!

Later on my boy and I drove around and looked at Christmas lights.

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!!! We sure did. The Bauers Kids are here to visit now so more pics are coming soon!

Las Vegas

2008-12-24T05:15:00.000-08:00

This past weekend my team went to Las Vegas for a b-ball tournament. Sadly, we lost both of our games but still had a fun trip, touring hotels, going to restaurants, sleeping (catching up after a busy semester :), and just laughing a lot! I am so grateful to be a part of this team. The girls are so sweet to me.

We got to ride this roller coaster in the New York New York part of the Strip. It goes all around the buildings.

The Excalibur

Our Hotel: The Monte Carlo

Jill, Dre and Me

Jordan and Me

This was my favorite hotel: Caesar's Palace. The painted ceiling made it feel like you were outside.

Bailey and me

We got to take a tour of Hoover Dam

The Whole Team

Shawnee and Me

And now I am finally home...home sweet home!!! My courter boy picked me up at the airport holding these flowers for me...so kind and thoughtful....*sigh*

a new flavor of vitamin water

2008-12-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

On Saturday night David brought Melissa a new flavor of vitamin water to try. Here she is reading the bottle...

(Click on the Label above to read it for yourself)

So Mel and Dave are courting!!!! Wahoo for courtship #2 in the Smith household!!!

Double Date:)

David hadn't eaten all day so we finally convinced him to eat some lucky charms!

just one more...

2008-12-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

4 down...physics to go

Tag...continued

2008-11-24T05:17:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Teresa tagged me from her blog to do this...

The Rules:
go to Your Pictures file
go to the 5th folder
open up the 5th picture and post it
then tag 5 people when you are done

So when I did the steps, this is what I came up with...
Teresa, Heather, Gabe and me at New Attitude this past May. Treese isn't it great...you were in my pic!!!

I tag... Jenny (Mark), Jessica G., Sara, Billie, and J'Nelle.

m&m's debut

2008-11-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

A few weeks back there was a benefit concert for a family in need from our church. It is amazing how much talent our church has. Lots of people performed, including this cute couple. When they were done singing the MC sang "Can you feel the love tonight?" We could. Can you?

Jenny

"Is this picture for the blog?"

2008-10-24T08:58:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I got to be Matt's date for Michelle and Jeff's wedding. I had I blast hanging with Matt and his fam.
Okay... this part's for Eric: Every time we took a picture and Eric was in it he would ask, "Will that be on the blog?" Ha! It was hilarious. So this is for you Eric...you made it on the blog!!!!This group of guys were talking and they all had blue on. There you are again Eric!

We miss seeing you and Marie and the kids through the window!

ketchup

2008-10-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

access: Two weekends ago we had our access meeting... we set up all day for the meeting to be held outside. It turned out great!practice

We had gourmet burgers and then, after the message, sat around bonfires and made s'mores

date night: Last weekend Matt took me on a date down by the Beach. We played putt-putt and probably laughed over half the time! Then we walked on the beach.

He drew me a picture in the sand and then chased around this little crab.

And Happy Birthday to my Courter Boy today! The big 21!!! I am continually blessed by your friendship Matt. Thank you for asking me to court :)

moms' day out: Every year, Mom, Debra, Arlynn, Aunt Linda, and Annie go to Williamsburg to celebrate all of their birthdays. Last Saturday was the day. We got a picture before they headed out.

my team: Yesterday my team competed in the homecoming parade at school. We were trying to raise money for our tournament in Las Vegas over winter break....we lost but still had fun!!!

Back to school work now....

A NEW BLOG

2008-09-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

Check out these CrAzY BoYs. They will never cease to crack me up!

....happybirthdaytoyou...happybirth...

2008-09-16T13:23:00.000-07:00

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

Proverbs 31:26-29

Happy 46th Birthday Mom! We love you and are grateful to God for giving us you as our mom! Thank you for serving us continually and for making our home a place we LOVE to be.

too sweet

2008-09-15T12:57:00.000-07:00

Look what my generous, kind and thoughtful courterboy got me...a new camera ....and its pink! Mel's camera has been broken for a while so we didn't get to take pics on all of our dates....well now we can! My favorite part of getting the gift was seeing the look on his face when he told me he had a surprise for me ...too cute. He couldn't keep it a secret any longer. Thanks for my new camera Matt! I don't deserve it.
I got to use my new camera at Nadine and Parker's wedding. I never charged the battery though so we only got a few...typical me :)

Class is Canceled and our 100th Post!!!

2008-09-10T07:10:00.001-07:00

This morning my first class was canceled (HURRAY!) so I thought I would do a quick post. Our camera is broken right now so the only recent pictures I have are of Matt and me fooling around with my Mac camera.

What we've been up to: Mel is working diligently at church, Joey has been swamped with homework, Dad continues to be the hardest worker I know, Mom keeps our house running and still works two days a week at the church, and I am doing homework, gearing up for b-ball, and courting the best boy in the world!

back to school

2008-08-25T12:29:00.000-07:00

Here we go!

Today Josiah and I began our first week back at school. He is dual-enrolled at TCC for his senior year and I'm a Junior at VWC. Here's what our campuses look like.

The "Fish Tank" :)
I can't wait for b-ball to start!!!!

TCC

The Lazy Hazy CrAzY Days of Summer (a post for Caleb)

2008-08-22T04:56:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I stopped by the Dowling's house and stumbled upon this little group... Joey, Josh, Danny, Beau and David...sitting in lawn chairs, shooting bb-guns at a homemade target (a ladder and paper plates). These boys know how to have fun!

Caleb, I know if you were here, you'd be sitting in one of the chairs, firing away but no one would ever be able to hit the target because you would be making them all laugh too hard!

And a picture of me as you requested :) I love you and miss you tons Cake!

Cedar Point

2008-08-13T03:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos and video the boys captured on their trip with their phones. Enjoy!

(and thanks SET! *said like a Dowling boy*) The first video was Dad's favorite ride. Second video I just love to hear the boys screaming their heads off!

my friends

2008-08-11T05:55:00.000-07:00

Last week, Mon - Thur, I did a little basketball camp at church for our JV and Middle School teams. The first day I was already blessed with their bright smiles, good attitudes and overwhelming gratitude. I was provoked by their love for each other and encouragement of one another and impressed by the mature way they relate to adults. These girls know how to engage people better than me!

The love of Jesus truly shines through you all. I really admire you girls! Though you're younger, I consider you dear friends. Thank you for making the camp so fun!!!!

The last day they bought me Starbucks and a Target gift card. Thanks Lady Cougars :)

(Not pictured: Jess, Brianna, Rachel, Hannah)

And one more friend to note...

HAPPY 22nd BIRTHDAY COUSIN KADE!!!

Love you so much Katie and hope you have a wonderful day!

...18...18 years young...

2008-08-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

Happy 18th Birthday Josiah James!!!!

Joey,
I don't even know where to start...thank you for being the best little brother anyone could ask for! Seeing you grow this past year (and I don't just mean physically :) has been so encouraging. I have noticed the way you look out for Mel and me, serve at home without being asked, and your obedience to Mom and Dad. Thank you for being our comic relief...I can't stop laughing when I'm around you! I love it when you come into our room right before bed and just won't stop talking! Though Mel and I get upset at first, we soon forget about being tired and ask you to sleep on our floor so we can keep talking and laughing. Your leadership among your friends is so apparent. They look up to you a lot. One thing I admire most about you is your desire to battle sin. Your tender heart and sensitivity toward your sin is something to be grateful for Joey! I can see that it has made the cross all the more dear to you.
I love you so much and I hope you have a wonderful Birthday, my little Martin Luther! You have finally passed me in height but you will always be my dear kid brother!!!
Mag

I had to post this one...yes, I was basically bald!

Birthday Morning!!!
Josiah had to get up early this morning because he and Dad are driving up to Ohio with a bunch of other boys and dads so that tomorrow they can spend the day at Cedar Point! Luckies! So we made Joey a birthday breakfast before they headed out. Josh and Beau came over to eat too. (Relient K and Everyday Sunday music just for Joey)

PS:

You have to check out my cousins' post here....probably one of the best blog posts I have ever seen! Go Bones :)

WG08 and Coldplay

2008-08-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday, Matt, Christen, Melissa and I went up to Gaithersburg for WORSHIPGOD 08 (a worship conference put on by Sovereign Grace Ministries). It was really good...not just learning technique but lots of spiritual application! We also had a blast hanging out together. Thanks for bringing us Christen and Matt!

Roommates

Bob Kauflin

The Party arrives....On Saturday afternoon, Jord and Nel, Jacquelyn, Lizzy, Patrick and Luke met us in Annapolis after the conference. Luke and Pat showed us around the town and then we stayed at their parent's homes that night. We headed back to Covenant Life for church the next morning.

We had time to kill before the Coldplay concert so we walked around D.C.

The concert was a blast!!! Way better than I had expected...however, it might of been because of who I was sitting next too:)

Ahhhhhhhhh!

2008-07-30T08:25:00.001-07:00

Last night we had an "anniversary" dinner for my mom and dad. I asked my mom the day before if I could invite Matt to come over after his summer class...little did I know he had already planned on it! He played it smooth, however, and said he'd come over for a "bite."
After dinner Jordan and Nel played Matt and me in ping pong. Right before we started playing he went to the bathroom (which for some reason I thought was strange). Matt was having a really off night for ping pong, which I thought was strange too!
Then my parents kept looking in the garage...hmmm. By the end of the first game (we won) my mind was racing! I remembered back to when my mom and I ordered the Wesleyan shirts that say things like "Mother of 44" or "Fan of 44"...we secretly order a "Courter Boy of 44" shirt, for one day!
Well Matt had worn his shirt that said "Bro Dog 44". When we switched sides for the next game I just had to peek...I took a glance and saw a COU... Then...I am such a dork...I hit him on the arm with my ping pong paddle and said "You changed in the bathroom!" Then he said, "Well, will you?" and of course I said YES!!! Matt Davis is courting me!!!! I look forward to growing deeper in our friendship and I am excited to see what God has planned for us!
The song playing is one I had picked out for him for a while :)

Oh and Mom and Dad, HAPPY 25th wedding anniversary! Hope you guys have a wonderful day!

Happy 22nd Birthday Nelly!

2008-07-29T06:55:00.000-07:00

J'Nelle,
Thank you for being such a faithful friend to me all these years. By your example, you have spurred me on in my walk with God and love for my family. Thank you for calling me, drawing me out, talking me into watching a movie when its too late:), playing dress up with our husbands off to war, making movies, singing with me... the list could go on and on! I love listening to you play piano and hearing all the new songs you've written. Thank you for teaching me how to talk to new people. I love your joyful spirit and tender heart. The Lord has so blessed me in making my best friend my sister-in-law! I couldn't ask for a better wife to my brother and it has been a blast not only calling you friend but sister. I love you so much Nel and look forward to all the other memories we will make in the years to come!
RUN MAD,
Mag

A post for Rachey

2008-07-18T09:06:00.001-07:00

Rach, we miss you so much and had a blast with you in MI on the Farm. Thanks for not only being our cousin but also a true friend! We are provoked by your servant's heart and your desire to please God. Please visit soon Girl!
(These are our model pictures from when we were at Uncle Jon's...we did make overs and then went out into the beautiful fields for the photo shoot)

home sweet home

2008-07-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

Well we are home now but here are some pictures to wrap up our trip and the time in Gaylord.
We went past the Dowlings' old house...this is where the good ol' Bones and Kit grew up :) We have some great memories there...Kate, remember the water balloons?

I took some pictures of old photos around gramma's house...one of her as a young girl. Dad is the youngest one in the school pictures...he looks like Josiah.

The painting is a gift I made for Grandma 9 years ago! She still has it hanging in the same spot in her kitchen.

On Saturday we went to Cousin Jason's wedding (on my Dad's side).

We got home Sunday morning everyone in agreement...there's no place like home!!!!

Trip Videos

2008-07-12T09:01:00.000-07:00

Joey and Beau having fun on the Pink Big wheelers...Our little cousins...and at Aunt Jane and Uncle Dave's there was a two-seater bike and one more to add on!

MoRe fUn FrOm MiChIgAn!

2008-07-08T21:01:00.000-07:00

Family...Uncle Tom, Aunt Mary Kay and Missy and three of her kids came to visit us at Uncle Jon's. Us kids had a blast playing kick the can outside!

6 of the 9 siblings

Blasey boy we miss you!!!

Downtown Manistee

Joey, Beau, Mel, Rach, Zay and I went and played Putt Putt Golf. It was definitely one of the most fun parts of the trip!

Beau was the winner!!

On the way to Gaylord we got coloring books and the wax stuff you can blow balloons with :) We stopped in Traverse City to visit Uncle Tom, Aunt Mary Kay, Missy and Mike, Tommy, Becky and Gene. We had a blast with you all!!!!
Now we are in Gaylord staying with Aunt Jane and Uncle Dave....just a few days left of Vacay!

Update from Michigan

2008-07-05T07:50:00.001-07:00

The Rest of the trip went smoothly. Dad drove til 5 am then Mel and I each drove 2 hrs. Here's some pictures of our bubble gum blowing contest. Zay also taught us how to make these things for key chains.

The Country

Halle has become my shadow while we are here! I was painting her nails within the first few hours we arrived. Rach and Aunt Cath are here from Atl too!

House of Flavors...we all got BLUE MOON

"Fireworks on Lake Michigan"

At the fair on a ride! We also went on gravitron :)

Last night we got DQ and watched the sunset!

Aunt Jane is here too! She got some new glasses..."You go Girl!"

Slow Goin' (posting from the car!)

2008-07-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

Well we are on our way to Michigan! We hit a little traffic jam before the tunnel but now we are moving fast. Good Byes: To Dowling Boys, Caleb and Alicia

Mel got her new glasses today...lookin' good!
And we're off: Dad had free coupons for chick-fil-a so we got dinner off on the write note :)
We are so excited to have Isaiah with us! We have already done 3 Mad libs and they were hilarious

Dad's computer- he uses it for his good old GPS :) With wireless internet so I can post blog entries for Mom, Aunt Meme and Jess, who are anxiously awaiting our arrival!

On the Bridge we were actually only going about 15 mph :)

Hmmm...what's up with that mirror?

We are so grateful for the weather right now. There is no humidity, which is crucial because we have no AC! It is so gorgious out.

2 hours down....14 to go

stud muffins

2008-07-01T05:48:00.001-07:00

Another stud in my life showed up yesterday...Caleb surprised us and came for a visit!!!! Love you Keeky!!!!!

b-ball camp

2008-06-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

This week Josiah, Sean and I worked at a kids day camp that my coach had asked me to run. We went each day for two hours and did basketball drills and games with about 25 kids. At first I saw working at this camp as an inconvenience in my week but by the last day I was glad to have been able to spend time with these kids. They were adorable and so fun to play with. Thanks Joe and Sean for working with me! I had a blast with you two :)

A Wedding

2008-06-17T07:15:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago we went to our dear friend Kahlib's Wedding. We are so excited for him and his new wife!
We drove to Lynchburg with Debra and Beau. Boy, was it a fun trip!!! On the way it was as if my Dad had three wives: Mom, Debra and Me! We wanted him to use the Map quest directions we had printed off but he wanted to use his GPS. The directions were very different and his GPS took us a way we had never been before...us ladies thought we were lost! It was a heated trip at times, however, Dad got us there safely and on time, as he always does. We had planned on changing at a YMCA when we arrived in Lynchburg but my Dad's GPS couldn't seem to find where it was! We ended up changing in the Cagle's suburban in an empty parking lot! We had some great laughs and it lightened us all up from the somewhat uptight ride :) We made it to the church after a speedy change, fixing of hair, application of make up and of course...apologies!

Mel and my secret for greasy hair...Baby Powder! It works wonders in a pinch :)

Stud Muffins!

The wedding was beautiful and we loved hearing Kahlib's song that he wrote to Megan. After the reception we headed back to our special parking lot for a quick change and headed home using a combination of the GPS and MapQuest! I love my family!

My 21st Birthday Party!

2008-06-17T06:53:00.000-07:00

On Friday we celebrated my 21st Birthday with ROOTBEER :) It was a blast. Thank you to my friends and family who came! I am grateful for you all!

Goodbye Max!

2008-06-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

Today I returned the car that Sam graciously allowed me to use while he was deployed for 7 months. The car (a z4 BMW named Max) was a blast to use, especially for the warmer months :) Joey and Beau went with me to give me a ride home. Before we left home they pretended to be out of gas! After the trip I treated them to drinks from the gas station. Check out the video to see what my crazy brother did! I love hanging out with these boys.

Summer FUN

2008-06-02T19:31:00.000-07:00

Friday night we went to the beach to hang out. I am so grateful to God for giving me friends that enjoy having good, clean FUN!

The RM girls finally have an updated picture together ...I love you girls sooooo much!

new attitude 2008

2008-05-31T22:07:00.000-07:00

Finally Na pics! We had a blast and are grateful to God for allowing us to go yet another year! God met Mel and me through the conference theme: the Word of God.

Jeremiah 15:16 “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.”

Es pan yol

2008-05-20T16:28:00.000-07:00

A few Friday's ago, Joey, Beau and Chelsea were working on a project for their Spanish class. They had to make a movie in Spanish. I put together some of the bloopers!

What We've Been Up To

2008-05-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday: Mom and Joey doing dishes

I've been up to my eye balls in school work! As of today, however, only one exam left
Friday night I did more homework and Joey had the Dowling boys and Kyle spend the night. Here they are playing Monopoly. I wish you could have heard them all chattering at once:)
Mom made popcorn for us...the best mom ever!
We had some good laughs that night too.
Sunday: Mother's Day
Us kids made the mom's brunch: Crunchy French Toast, Fruit salad, eggs, bacon and hash browns.
Happy Mothers' Day!!!!!

access community group

2008-05-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

on the first sunday night of the month access community groups meet. jordan and j'nelle lead a group at our house. last night was the night! we had a blast...jord and nel are great leaders! we had it on the porch because the weather was gorgeous.

jord and matt lead us in worship, then jose, james and david shared their testamonies

peter brought donuts...deeeelicious!

nel and teresa

mel, james, jac and russel pigging out....we had so much food:

doritos, donuts, rootbeer floats, cookies, and coffee

peter and jord

david and matt

jose

after food and fellowship we played jordan's new favorite game, signs

tRaDiSh!

2008-04-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

Every Monday night we have a tradition with the Dowling boys. They spend the night! The tradition includes: Coffee (pm and then am!), usually icecream...tonight we had Coke Floats, back rubs, homework... ....and of course, lots of LAUGHING! We love having the Bones over for tradish :)

The littlest Bone, Sean, wasn't able to come tonight but he is a part of the tradition too! We missed you Bull...can't wait til next week!

(In the first picture the boys are talking with Caleb...we wish you were here for tradish Keek! We miss you)

A Night at the Beach

2008-04-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

Last night Mel and I went with a bunch of friends to hang out at the beach. The weather was so perfect! We played football, drew in the sand, put our feet in the numbing water, had races, and then went to McDonald's.

On your mark....get set....GO!!!!!!!

"YES We Can!"

2008-04-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

This week the History 4 class at our Home School Enrichment Program held a mock election. Three students ran for Student Body President. On Tuesday and today, during lunch hour, the candidates gave speeches. They explained their agreements and disagreements with the HSEP policies regarding whether or not all students, even A students, should take midterm and final exams; and issues pertaining to leaving the premises. After each set of speeches all students voted.

The candidates were:

Beau with Campaign Manager Laura, and Stephanie

Josiah with Campaign Manager Chelsea, and Aaron

And Jimmy with Mikey and Clara

Bribes :)

Jord and Josh

The Lunch Room

Chelsea and Melissa...she came in on her lunch break

Everyone worked so hard campaigning through the week! The candidates also did very well on their speeches. Congratulations to Josiah for pulling out the win!

Pictures!

2008-04-10T05:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a slide show of some of the things we've done since easter. We didn't get a very good variety of pictures at each event, so I just put them all together. The pictures include:

Easter Sunday
Bridal Brunch
Rehearsal Dinner
Dipzinski Wedding -Congrats Kit and Wes! It was a blast!
Sing-along at our house...Starring Uncle Buzz and Uncle Lyle

Enjoy!

Oh and the song, "Last Dance" on the play list...My mom told me yesterday that before she was married, whenever that song came on at the end of the night, she would wait for my dad to come and ask her to dance. He did!

GUESS WHO?

2008-03-20T09:16:00.000-07:00

Basketball and Bridal Shower

2008-03-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

The ODAC Tournament didn't end so well for us Marlins. We lost by one point in the championship game. We still had a blast that weekend and are proud of our 22-6 record. Here are some pictures from the tournament weekend.

This was at our awards banquet the day we arrived in Salem.

Me with my Coaches

In the Locker Room

Chelsey, our star point-guard, with a battle wound

This was my cheering squad...minus Mom, Dad and Debra. On the trip we bought nerf guns to have wars in the hotel. Thanks so much for coming guys!

Although we lost, I had one of my best games of the season. Here is one of my three pointers.

Coach Payne (Sally) and Me

Pretty disappointing... one little point : (

Crazy Girls on the Ride Home

Two weeks ago we had Katie's Bridal Shower at our house

Mel, Mom and I made more sugar cookies...this time in yellow

We got a new painting for the fire place...Mom and I usually use parties as our chance (or excuse) to update the decorations at home :)

The Bride-to-be with a cook book

Sorry I have been so behind! The last two weeks were so crazy with school but now I am on spring break! Wahoo!!!! We can't wait for all the fam to get here for the big wedding...12 days away!

Update!

2008-02-28T15:08:00.000-08:00

We won our first game today against Emory & Henry! It was 89 to 69. Sorry the link I gave you was for the live broadcast, not a web cast to watch. Those kind will begin on Saturday. Our next game is Saturday at 1:00pm versus Roanoke College. I will make sure that I post the link so you can watch it.

Miss you all and wish you were here!
Mag

GO MARLINS!

Virginia Wesleyan Women's Basketball

2008-02-27T18:50:00.000-08:00

Hey all...it's Mag. I am in Salem Virginia for the ODAC basketball tournament. We are doing well this year. With our record 17 and 3, we finished the regular season as the ODAC Conference Champs. Just wanted to let you know that there are live Web Casts of our games. The first one is Thursday at 1:00pm. You can find the Web Cast at this link:

http://www.vwc.edu/athletics/wbasketball/season/07_08/schedule.php

Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the date.

Love you all and please pray that we can bring home the first ever VWC ODAC tournament win!

Happy Valentine's Day...

2008-02-14T06:50:00.000-08:00

...from our hearts to yours!
Philemon 1:7
"Your love has given me great joy and encouragement..."
Here are some pictures of the sugar cookies we made for Valentine's Day. Wish you were here to share them with us! The music you are listening to is Mom and Dad's love song: "Have I told you lately that I love you" by Rod Stewart. Dad and Mom have been married 25 years this year!

Here are some fun ones we did...sayings from the sweet heart candies!

These are for the Dowling Boys :)

Mom and I made some Valentine's

Cool Day (Joey named it)

2008-02-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

After church today, Mel, Joey, Danny, Josh, Sean and I went to Wendy's for lunch. It was a grand old time with just the cousins and it was special because today is Sean's 15th Birthday. A belt broke on the van just as we arrived so that started off our time with a good laugh!

No one from home could pick us up so we just decided to walk home after we ate. Thankfully it was a beautiful sunny afternoon, just a little windy, so we made the trek home through the "Bauers'" neighborhood. We all agreed, however, we were missing Nate, Caleb, and Rach, the few unmarried or not engaged cousins we have left! We miss you guys...Wendy's trips just aren't the same without you!

Double Fudge Brownie

2008-02-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

Ice cream....mmmmm...one of my favorite deserts! Here is what I enjoyed tonight: Edy's Double Fudge Brownie. Definitely near the top of my favorite list! After a night of b-ball practice what better way to get back all the calories I burned :)

Dad's Favorite: Vanilla
Mom's favorite: Heath, Peppermint at Christmas
Josiah's favorite: Double Fudge Brownie
Mel's favorite: Mint Chocolate Chip (gotta be the green kind)
My favorite: I just can't decide...cookies and cream, Double Fudge..

What's your favorite?

It's a Wrap!

2008-01-18T06:30:00.000-08:00

Last night Daddy and I worked on a truck until midnight. It's called a vehicle wrap. Dad is the hardest worker I know. It was so fun to get to hang with him and talk.

Daddy always working joyfully!

Me and the little boy on the back of the truck

While dad worked on sticking the huge panels of vinyl I used these tools: Fine Air Release Tool and a squeegee.

My job was to get the vinyl to stick around the rivets that got covered up. Kind of like getting out all the bubbles. I used the F.A.R.Tool (no joke that is really what they call it!) to poke wholes in the vinyl around the rivets...

...and then used the squeegee to get all the air out.

Me and a girl on the side!

Dad and I also had hot coco and listened to some worship music...late-night jobs with Dad are the BEST!

To the best bro and sis

2008-01-17T07:29:00.000-08:00

Mel and Josiah... I am so grateful to God for you! Thank you for loving me, serving me, playing with me, singing with me, crying with me, laughing with me, Joey for cramming with me, Mel for taking me shopping and most of all thank you for your example of what it looks like to strive for God. You guys spur me on everyday to want to be like our Savior!
Jord, you're the best bro too but you weren't in this picture and you don't live at home anymore : ( I miss you! And Nelly, I couldn't be more happy than to have my best friend for a sister-in-law...RM forever!

Sorry only one picture...I can't find the hook-up for the camera to load pictures onto the computer. Hopefully we'll find it soon!

A Post for Grandma Jane

2007-12-27T21:03:00.000-08:00

Aunt Jane,
Today we watched your grandkids while all the parents went out for dinner. We had a blast...what a crazy bunch! They are getting so big and I'm sure you miss them tons, so I made a little video so you could hear their voices along with the pictures. The girls are really enjoying the "Baby Alive" that you got Mea for Christmas. I love to watch them be little mommies!
We miss and love you tons!

Feeding "Baby Alive"

"...and the stockings were hung by the chimney with care.."

2007-12-24T20:43:00.000-08:00

The Trip to Georgia

Mel and I decided to do makeovers in the car, just to pass the time of course!

We made it to the Bauers' House! Home away from home!
The Moms say Hello
The Dads

On Sunday night we went Bowling

Caleb...we split our guts laughing that night at his impersonations! If you know Keek you know ;)
At the Anderson's on Christmas eve. The Boys always find something creative to do with the kids' toys!

Keek with more entertainment... "I went to T Dee Dee"

We won't be "home for Christmas"...

2007-12-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

...because we are heading to Atlanta tomorrow morning, but we still decorated!

This past Monday we had our FASTSIGNS Christmas Party. Mom worked so hard on all the delicious food! The party was pretty much a family gathering :)

Cute Couple!

Jap and Mel

They love their Boss...he is the best boss in the world!

Andy and Dad

Joey and Clay

The Bones came over later to hang out!
What studs...Wahoo!

ATL folks don't be worried...we didn't eat all the goodies at the party. Mom and I made some more to bring so we're all stocked up. Billie the sugar cookies are on the way :) We can't wait to see all of our family in Atlanta! We are also excited to get to go down with the Dowling Family, Charity and Beau and Debra too. Merry Christmas to everyone in VA. We will be back soon!

Catch Up...Singles' Christmas Banquet and more

2007-12-17T13:20:00.000-08:00

MyNewCar...well...temporarily. A guy from church was so kind to allow me to use his car while he is out to sea. It has been such a blessing since I don't have a car right now... and it just happens to be a BMW Z4!

Here are some pictures from a birthday party Mel went to for Rachael.

And Josiah has been busy with b-ball

Happy Birthday Melissa!

2007-12-07T04:44:00.001-08:00

I couldn't ask for a better sister. I am so grateful to God for you! I will always be thankful for having my best friend with me all the time, for the way you make me laugh, for the joy that you beam with every day, and for the example you set of a young woman who trusts in the Lord. This past year I have really seen your faith become your own. You take your quiettimes very seriously and long to talk about what the Lord is doing in you life. Your contentment in him and trust in him for the future have been such a testimony to me. And thanks for being Mommy WarBucks to me, the poor college student!
You have been extremely generous to me in "lending" me money. Also, you have done such a good job of adjusting to a full time job. You are so good at being a secretary. Thank you for working so hard for our pastors! My favorite times with you are definitely before we go to sleep at night, when we end up talking to late, or get too giddy! Forgive me for all the times I didn't want you to copy me. Now, I count it as an honor!
Mel...thank you for bearing all of our teasing...it's only to show how much we love you :) I love you so much Mel and couldn't ask for a more precious, dear, beautiful, loving, joyful Sis! Happy 19th Birthday!
Here's a sign Josiah and I made late last night after we finished our home work...did I say finished? Anyway, we had a blast doing it with crayons and markers that didn't work very well!

THANKSGIVING

2007-11-23T21:50:00.001-08:00

This Thanksgiving we had 24 people for dinner. Here are some pictures from the day.

In the morning I made little name cards for the tables...they're made out of construction paper, glue gun, markers, and colorful leaves I found in the yard.

The Food....way more than we could eat!

Every Thanksgiving we have a tradition for clean up. All of the kids are in charge of doing the chores...dishes, tables, food, sweeping etc. We had 17 kids to help this year! We put all of the chores into a bowl and then each person draws their fate! The catch is that two people will draw a piece of paper that says "Take a Nap." They don't have to do any chores! The past two years Jordan drew this piece of paper... he wasn't here however this year. The lucky winners were.....watch the video!

Kords and Smitty Siblings Out for Dinner

2007-11-23T21:43:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago the Smiths and Kords kids went out to dinner. We had a blast at Red Robin. Of course we we laughed through the whole meal about anything and everything! Lizzy came later, although she isn't in the pics. I am so grateful to God that Jordan married into the family with my best friends!