Archive for the 'Trips & Travels' Category

A Week with the Wilkes Team!

Posted by Amanda

Jul

24

Oftentimes we reach low points in life’s journey – the crossroads of major decisions or the valleys of trial which effect so much of our lives. It has been said that “you are either in the middle of a trial, you’ve just come out of a trial, or there’s a trial just around the corner.” But in between the seasons of tribulation and testing, our kind and gracious heavenly Father is faithful to provide the mountaintops – the uplifting and encouraging peaks which comfort the spirit and refresh the soul.  Such was the week that we recently enjoyed with the Wilkes Team: a mountaintop which allowed us a fresh glimpse of the path beyond, and filled us with renewed vision and fervor to press onward again. From watching and learning about their chickens, to eating fabulous meals, to participating in the Independence Day parade, to having family devotions, to helping weed the garden and paint the barn, every moment was filled with laughter, good conversation, and fellowship. What a joy it is to spend time with likeminded believers! Thank you, Wilkes Team, for your hospitality once again, and for your constant encouragement in our family! We consider ourselves some of the wealthiest people alive to call you our friends! May the Lord return a thousand fold the blessings we have received at your hands!

The poultry yard was quite entertaining!

Our little ones enjoyed playing with the chickens :)The ducks could be quite funny!Maybe that rooster will leave Kenan alone for a little while!Titus - ever the animal lover!IMG_2677

Music, of course, played a part in the week.

Victoria really enjoyed the grand pianoBrother/sister relationships are so precious

There was lots of fun around the various projects…

Getting ready for the paradeThey were SUPPOSED to be cooking.......... ;-)

…and fireworks on Fourth of July were a “blast!” Open-mouthed smile

Mr. Wilkes' favorite firecrackers cause movement to look robotic.... so we had a lot of fun with that. :-DMr. and Mrs. Wilkes plan their 10-second showIt didn't take long for everyone to figure out that Jessi was the queen. :-DGetting ready to pop....Lining up with sparklers for a turn at the lighter

We can’t forget the mealtimes – delightful for more than one reason!

Lots of fresh produce from the Wilkes' garden!IMG_2973ParentsKids :)IMG_3187

And some of our favorite times were helping them with their ongoing projects around the barn!

IMG_2984IMG_3178IMG_2986Some of us painted trim........while others of us painted people! :-D (No, really, they were GREAT helpers!!)IMG_3166IMG_3174

We got some miscellaneous fun shots, too. Smile

Looks like it was a good conversation! ("Babysitting" the neighbor's goats)Yes, that really IS sweat running down his face and spotting his shirt, but he didn't seem to mind.From behind, it was really hard to tell these two apart!We even got them mixed up from the front sometimes! What sweet sisters in Christ!



A few weeks ago we were able to spend several days in Northern VA with our dear, dear friends, the Wilkes Team. One thing we have always appreciated about them is their heart for ministry, whether that be to each other, their neighbors, their community, their church family, or us! We were with them for the 4th of July, and once again they concocted an idea to reach out and minister to those around: through a Family Encouragement Float at the Culpeper Parade!

Keep in mind that none of us had ever done this before. Smile Thus, as it got down “to the wire” and we had only an hour and a half left before it was time to be lining up at the parade, we saw a very obvious manifestation of the Lord’s blessing and what team work can do when the team is of one heart and mind! Lunch had yet to be finished, signs to be made, people to be dressed, candy to be attached to flyers of encouragement, a plan for how the float would actually look to be arranged (kinda important Winking smile), and much more, but all got done in record time as each individual pitched in with their unique giftings and abilities and worked with the joy of the Lord flowing from them! Our goal was to have the float communicate a message of hope and encouragement to families, since they are the indispensible building block of society! As goes the family, so goes the nation…

Our "thinking" committee... :)The washing crew - getting the truck in ship shape!

Aunt Summer did a great job with the small postersBeautiful

Writing 15-foot banners for the sides of the floatIMG_2715

The counsel of godly grandparents is vital to the continued survival of the Christian familyMom and Daniel - getting it "just right"

Gathering for a time of prayer and heart preparation before setting out

We had a traveling orchestra :)Strong marriages are essential

Jenny and Lauren - vibrant testimonies!Another example of a marriage submitted to God, thus making it a radiant one!

Some rode on the float... others walked beside it to pass out the goodies :)Matthew - our chauffeur

Reach out to those around youSpreading encouragement through music

God save the USA!There is JOY in serving Jesus Christ!

IMG_2787Two little light-bearersBuddied up :)

Tomorrow's forefathers...The mothers of the next generation

Huzzah!!

There is nothing like working together as families to encourage other families! Praise the Lord for holding off the rain for the parade and allowing us the opportunity to reach out to the people of Culpeper! God is good! 

Thank you, Wilkes Team, Uncle Nathan and Aunt Summer, and Grandpa and Grandma Wilkes for including us in your family and letting us be a part of this wonderful occasion!



Well,  once again blogging has been put to the side by more important priorities. But lest you think that we have forgotten all of you faithful readers, let me assure you that you are not forgotten. Blogging just doesn’t get as high of a priority as studying, visiting family members, practicing music, traveling around the country, hosting guests, gardening, working, or any of those other wonderful opportunities that the Lord brings across our path.

One of those such opportunities was just a couple weeks ago, when we found ourselves once again on a road trip traveling to see grandparents. It was such a great trip! The hand of the Lord was evident, even when the day before we were supposed to leave, the reverse went on our van. 

We thoroughly enjoyed working together on various projects while we were there. Dad and Mom worked outside in the heat on a project: fixing the barn doors, which were dragging the ground when you swung them open and  falling off their hinges. Most of the rest of us were busy inside doing domestic-type work. Winking smile We also enjoyed looking at the beautiful day lilies that Uncle Fudge (our step-grandfather) has on the border of the property. There are soooo many different types and colors and variegations…. and did you know that every part of a day lily is edible?Smile

We were also blessed to be able to minister in two churches that Sunday, one in Chattahoochee, FL, and the other in Bainbridge, GA. It was good to be able to spend time with extended family, grandparents, great-aunts and uncles, and friends.

Praise the Lord for each opportunity He gives us to serve others, whether it is by dusting a bookshelf or singing a song!  May God grant us the wisdom to know which opportunities to take, and then the joy and the grace to follow through with the Lord’s guidance!!

Daddy accidentally found the nest of a Southeastern Five-Lined Skink. The eggs looked and felt like large, soft jelly beansThis mother skink had more than ten eggs, and we watched her move and protect them from danger. Dad - diligently working... They're getting closer to getting the job done!! :-)Herman enjoyed working the trimmers. IMG_1879The new hinge -- looks great, doesn't it? :-)The blooming aloe plant. Aloe plants will live for many years, but once they bloom, they die, and leave their "offspring" to carry on. This particular plant has been alive for over 30 years!IMG_1890IMG_1896IMG_1899I think we can learn something from this cactus -- nothing seems to be growing too well around it.... maybe that is because of its appearance. How often do we turn others away by our countenance instead of reflecting the joy of the Lord?IMG_1902IMG_1905This day lily was called the "Icing on the Cake" because of the frills on the edges of the petals. IMG_1910Simply Beautiful!IMG_1914IMG_1915IMG_1920Everyone enjoyed the boiled peanuts -- a true southern tradition :-)Sunny Joy -- enjoying a climb up the windmillIMG_1924VictoriaHe that drinks of the water of Life shall never thirst!IMG_1926



String Pedagogy Workshop

Posted by Jessica

May

8

Teaching stringed instruments has been a field of interest for many years, particularly teaching violin. For two of us, this dream became reality about a year and a half ago. Those two (Kathryn and I) have really enjoyed this area of ministry, have had bunches of fun, learned a ton, and asked lots of questions. Our wonderful violin teacher, Mr. Pinner, has told us over and over and over again that if we ever have any questions about teaching or any related topics, he is more than willing to help.

A few weeks ago I went to Mr. Pinner with quite a few teaching-related questions. What should I do in this situation? How would you handle this? How do you teach this? What should I do different? How can I help my student understand this concept better?

If you’ve ever taught an instrument, I’m sure you can relate. I’m so thankful that we have a teacher whose goal is to teach his students to teach, and who is ready, willing, and beyond capable of answering questions.

So with current teaching opportunities and the possibility of more, Mr. Pinner graciously offered to put together a String Pedagogy Workshop. He covered many topics including how to set up a string studio, how to mark and edit music, how to teach vibrato, dynamics, and bow control, string repair and maintenance, studio taxes, and much more!!!

Four of us Neelys participated, and we all came away motivated and excited about what the Lord has in store for us in this field of music. It was a fabulous time— worth every minute of it!!!

Thank you, Mr. Pinner, for letting the Lord use you in this way. You are an inspiration to many, and we look forward to learning more under your tutelage as the Lord allows!

Also, special thanks to the Wiginton family for hosting us for the weekend! What a blessing it was to us!

The younger ones enjoyed playing in a nearby room while class was in sessionFun timesSpecial moments100_7369The whole classLearning about maintenance and repairs100_7375Meal time = get-to-know-you-better time :-)Mr. and Mrs. Pinner --- Thank you for all you did to make this wonderful weekend possible!IMG_1183Hands-on learing :-) So much fun!!We went for a family walk to release some energy :-)IMG_1208



Update… Part 2

Posted by Jessica

Jan

24

By the time you’ve finished reading this post, you should be well-informed as to what we’ve been doing…. At least for a few days…. until we go off and do something else. Rolling on the floor laughing Sometimes you just never know what we’ll do next…. in fact, sometimes we don’t even know what we’ll do next. Who knows, we may decide to take a trip to the moon!! (Well, that is a little “far out” – literally, and there aren’t any plans right now to do something that drastic…. but then again, you just never knowWinking smile)

The Monday following Christmas, the Staddon family came for an all-too-short visit. It is hard to accurately put into words everything that happened. There’s an old saying that goes something like, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” so we’ll just show you the pictures. Smile

The "to do" list --- I think we got everything done!! :-)Fellowship begins...IMG_8861Shoveling the neighbor's driveway....Mr. Staddon hard at workIMG_8878Esther and Amanda carrying a sled full of snow to dump on the ever-growing pile!Esther supervising Bethany :-)IMG_8893James breaking up the iceAmandaPartners --- Mr. Staddon and HermanAfter the sled was emptied, someone had the idea of riding down the snow pile... Hannah's giving it a try.The whole "Snow Team" (they were pretending to eat the ice-covered gravel, otherwise know as "Peanut-Butter Brittle"Two on a couch enjoying a nice talkCatan... lots of fun!IMG_8949One of the Catan teamsIMG_8965Playing "Green Alligators" -- Bethany won every time!!I think something funny had happened... :-)IMG_8933James helped us with a project for DadPreparing the gingerbread house to be.... ummm.... destroyed.... (we hope. :-))The house is now readyGetting it all set up...Were they trying to be sheltered from the cold... or from the noise?? :-)IMG_9074IMG_9075IMG_9078IMG_9080Family timeIMG_9089Checkers -- Michael and BethanyI think Dutch Blitz was the most played game-- so much fun!Encouraging talksIntense on the game!The Blitz playersIMG_9110IMG_9111Two wonderful mothersWorking hard to get a perfect group picture :-)A van.... full of such great friends.....so sad to see it leave our driveway.... but we're looking forward to seeing in pulling into our driveway next time! Thank you, Staddon family, for your ministry of encouragement!

Next on the schedule was a trip to Bainbridge, GA to visit Grandmama (Dad’s mom)  and “Uncle Fudge.” Long-time friends of the family, “Uncle” Bill and “Aunt” Peggy Chapman, who we hadn’t seen in three years, were also there.

We had been asked to sing in two churches down there, one pastored by one of Dad’s science teachers, and our aunt, uncle and cousin go to the other. Both services went really well, and we praise the Lord for the opportunities to minister!

We also did some hunting while we were down there, but unfortunately did not have the opportunity to pull the trigger, except on a couple of armadillos. Oh well…. maybe next year…. Smile

We are disappointed to not have any pictures of that eight-point buck, or even a nice doe, which we were really hoping to see…. but we do have some pictures of the times that we weren’t in the woods. Winking smile It was truly a wonderful time to visit with friends and family for a few days!!!

The four-wheeler was a big hitWatching Grandmama look through her new scrapbook :-)"Uncle" Bill and Herman making a creation with pillsMeet VitaMan :-)Grandmama and "Uncle Fudge"More four-wheeler funHannah, Victoria, and TitusThe most doted-on little boy on the planet!Dad and Mom headed off to the woodsTalks with Aunt Myrtle and Uncle Willis, learning more about family history"Uncle Bill" entertaining the little ones"Uncle Fudge", Cousin Allison, Bethany, and HannahFriends"Uncle" Bill and "Aunt" Peggy - such dear friends!IMG_9248Allison opening her birthday presentAllison being "dressed up" with tissue paperUncle Blaine and BethanyUncle Blaine and SusannaAmanda and a new friendStory time with "Aunt" PeggyDad and "Uncle" BillThe whole group :-)

We were home for a couple days, and then friends from Atlanta, the Barnes family, came for two days. And it was a great visit! We even got to go sledding… with snow and real sleds.Smile

Playing games... such  fun!IMG_9326Mr. Barnes and Kevin putting together a puzzleTwo sleds... two teams... a whole bunch of people getting ready for a race down the front hillGetting ready to push offThe winner is determined!!Kathryn and Wesley playing "snowball" (if you look close, you can see the ball made of snow flying through the air... and Wesley hit it probably nine out of ten times! Simply amazing! :-))

Whew! Now I think you have been pretty much updated… oh and two weeks ago all of us had dentist appointments, we got a foot of snow, and Mom and Dad went away for the weekend and left us kids home with a friend. This week we’ve had more doctor’s appointments, and day trip to Greenville, and more company… life moves on. We look forward to what the Lord will bring across our path in the days to come… and hopefully we won’t fall too far behind in our blogging! Winking smile



Update…. Part 1

Posted by Jessica

Jan

18

Well, it has been a while since we’ve posted anything. The Lord has opened several doors of opportunity for our family, and with any opportunity comes responsibility. It has been a busy winter season, but it is definitely well worth it!!

Enough introduction…. here’s a brief summary of recent happenings….

We were blessed to be asked to present a Christmas program at a local church in early December. It truly was a blessing to fellowship with other believers!

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The Hynes family came for a brief visit at the beginning of December. We had a delightful visit with them, which included snowball “fights” and photography talk, and many games of Checkers.

IMG_8500Story time with Becky.... a huge highlight!Playing with photography techniques...Checkers was played quite a bitAdmiring Tim's cameraFellowship after church on SundayMore Checkers...Becky taught Susanna how to knit... and more Checkers! Quite the popular game!IMG_8668More fellowshipPiano trio --- Becky, Kathryn, and VictoriaLegos were the other "most popular toy" :)

Next on the agenda was a much anticipated trip to Louisville, Kentucky to minister in music at Landmark Independent Baptist Church. It was a fabulous trip, leaving us uplifted and encouraged. Matter of fact, we had such a wonderful time, that we neglected the camera, and ended up with a select few pictures. Oh well… the memories are still sweet! Here are some of the pictures we did get… SmileThe younger ones enjoyed playing with each otherFun...... and more fun!!The adult table... a place for fellowship and encouragement! What a special time it was!IMG_8706The Anders -- the pastor of Landmark. Such a sweet family. We left encouraged by your faithfulness and humility in service to the Lord, and inspired by your desire to "follow after righteousness." May God bless your family!The Allen family graciously hosted us Sunday night for a pizza party and wonderful time of fellowship. Thank you, Allen Family, for your servant's hearts and love for the Lord!

We got home from Louisville on December 20, and quickly began doing last minute Christmas preparations. We also went to a Christmas program at a friend’s church, which was very well done, and a huge blessing! On Christmas Eve,  we sang at our local nursing home, then went caroling through our neighborhood. Christmas day was quiet, but very restful, allowing us to focus on the Reason of Christmas and to enjoy time together as a family.

The Christmas Program --- about 19 children included!IMG_8834Titus--- overjoyed about his new mittens!IMG_8786IMG_8787IMG_8793IMG_8794IMG_8796IMG_8799Herman and Lauren... buds...IMG_8801Christmas dinner --- simply delicious!IMG_8821IMG_8822Mom and Dad -- we love you both!IMG_8827

Part 2 coming soon! Smile



A Family Hunt

Posted by Lauren

Dec

3

On the day after Thanksgiving, we had the chance to go on a family hunting trip in Georgia on some of our relatives’ land. When we got there, we sat in our 12-person, brown hunting-blind in the middle of the hay field. Daddy had a gun, and the rest of us watched for deer.  During the afternoon, we killed two deer and a pig!! When Daddy shot the gun, he was out of the van,  and for the second deer and the pig he propped his gun on one of the hay bales in the field. With the deer, he didn’t take any extra ammo, though, so he ran out! He signaled to Mommy and she went softly scooting toward him with more. The rest of us were still sitting in the van watching the whole thing, and we thought that she looked like a pioneer woman from years ago, helping her husband kill food for the family.  The deer ran away when he shot it, and it was almost dark, so we had to track it with flashlights. We had so much fun! Daddy, Mommy, and the little ones gutted it, while Amanda, Jessica, Kathryn, Victoria,and I walked in the dark back to where the pig was. We took a strap and tied it to the feet. Amanda, Kathryn, and Victoria had fun dragging it while Jessi took pictures and I guided them with the light.  When we got it there, we wrapped it in a plastic raincoat and put it in the back of the van. Smile We had to put the two deer on top of the van!

I am glad Daddy had this wonderful idea! We enjoyed the trip getting there, and LOVED hunting together. (Gutting the deer and having a science experiment was fun too! Smile) I can’t wait to get to do it again!

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