HAPPY BIRTHDAY LaKendra Palmer January 2 Mary Smith January 2 Dianna Spencer January 3 Sydnee Hogan January 4 Christopher Kersey January 5 Tara Kersey January 5 Erica Cash January 9 John Cash January 10 Donald Davis January 10 Ryan Jones January 14 Rosalyn Lett January 16 Kevin Atkins January 21 Amelia Robinson January 28 | HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Dyke and Marion Atkins celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary on January 1, 2011. George and Donna Scott celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary on January 2, 2011. Congratulations to both couples. Here's to many more years of love.
I think everyone will really enjoy this newsletter because it's filled with pictures. And I hear that’s what ever one likes. What ever you like about it I hope you enjoy it. I would like to wish each and every one of you a Happy New Year!! I hope this year all of your dreams come true. And that everyone stays happy and healthy.
I would also like to say rest in peace Victor Lett. He passed away on December 27, 2010. Please keep their family in your prayers.
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2010 Thanksgiving Trip -- Rick Spencer
The bi-annual Thanksgiving Trip went to the Grand Bahia Principe Resort-Punta Cana in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Bahia Principe is and all-inclusive resort which means all food, drinks and activities are included in the price. Yes, I said ALL food and drinks were included. The resort had 7 specialty restaurants, number smaller eating areas, one large dining area and bars all over the place. I chose an all-inclusive resort vice a cruise at the urging of family members. The only drawback was not waking up in a different port when cruising. However in my opinion, this drawback was completely overshadowed by the size, hospitality and other qualities of the Bahia Principe. The trip was attended by Rick, Frances and Sharlene Spencer, Betty, Keisha, Rob Kersey, Brenda Pritchett, Kendra Coker, Arnice Gills and NEW Found cousin, Sheri Blakely. Everyone arrived on 20 Dec, except for Aunt Arnice and Kendra. Due to some medical concerns, Kendra and Aunt Arnice was diverted to the north side of the country for medical observation. They both arrived at the resort on 22 Dec. Keisha was the primary language translator but I was the one that everyone thought was Domincan even though my Spanish was quite limited (I guess I had The Look!) We all had a good time eploring the resort and venturing out on excursions. Rob and Brenda went on a 4-wheel drive excursion and found out what it means to get down and DIRTY. On another excursion, Rick, Frances, Sharlene, Betty, Keisha, Rob, Brenda and Sheri went on a catamaran trip to Sanoa Island. The trip started with a small boat ride that transferred us to the big catamaran. Some people had some issues with the small boat rocking (Aunt Betty!). Once aboard the catamaran, the rum started to flow and the island music started playing. We all danced (some more than others!) until it was time to go ashore for the best beachside lunch I ever had. The food was accompanied by rum and soft drinks — guess what I had!. Finally we went to a sandbar with hundreds of star fish. Keisha even got her “snorkel” on! We contracted with a cameraman who video taped the entire trip. He also took countless still pictures of our group even having us pose on the beach. Another great time occurred while shopping at the number shops on the beach and the weekly artisan’s bazaar at the resort. Cousin Sheri learned the fine art of bartering from Frances and Brenda. Frances was unrelentless in their pursuit of the RIGHT PRICE. Frances was especially tough on the vendors and didn’t have any problem with the language barrier —NO me means NO! I felt bad for some of the vendors because they just couldn’t compete, but I was proud of my baby and her desire to KEEP money in my wallet! The trip concluded on 27 Nov with everyone catching flights in the morning and afternoon. Unfortunately Aunt Arnice and Kendra’s flight were cancelled and had to spend the night in Miami.
We all had a great time and look forward to the 2012 trip. The location has not been selected yet, but it will occur 17-24 Nov 2012. Start putting a little money away each month now and you should quite a bit put away in time for deposits and other payments. I will do my best to find a location and price that make the trip as affordable as possible
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GED in the House -- Rick Spencer Our nephew Martez Warren came from Dayton to stay with us at the urging of his cousins Sharlene and Raychel. Martez was not successful in getting his high school diploma and came to us for help. His Uncle Rick and Aunt Frances tutored, provided transportation to/from the GED class and other support that had been previously missing. Martez received his GED on 2 Dec 10. Congrats! Next step drivers license and the Army!
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SPENCER'S FIRST DEER HUNTING TRIP by Michelle Hogan
Spencer and his dad have experienced many of outdoor fishing and hunting trips. In November David took Spencer on his first deer hunting trip. The trip was sponsored by a co-worker of David's in Comanche, Texas. They spent 4 days in 20 degree weather (I know that may not seem cold to a lot of you, but to us southern birds, that is COLD!) in deer blinds. Spencer made his first kill a shot approximately 200 yards with a 243 caliber rifle. As you can tell from the pictures he had a good time.
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BROWNIES by Jennifer Denefield
Jaylin is now 7 years old and has recently joined Brownies. She really enjoys the crafts, the singing and the new friends she has made. She had her Brownie pinning ceremony on Dec 4th and I don't think I could have been a prouder mom. She had to memorize lines for a skit and did wonderfully. Jaylin's smile in the following picture tells it all. Anyone for Girl Scout Cookies??????
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Bachelor of Science for Sharlene -- Rick Spencer
Sharlene graduated from Old Dominion University with Bachelor of Science in Communication on 18 Dec 10. Sharlene has had an interesting journey to this point and has done it her way. We are proud that of her accomplishment and continued future success.
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CHRISTMAS AT THE DENEFIELD'S by Jennifer Denefield
Hi Family,
Christmas was very eventful for us this year and Santa was very nice and slightly naughty. We have a new edition to our household...Her name is Bailey, she is a Jack Russell Terrier mix. Jaylin wanted a dog for Christmas and she made sure to tell Santa that she did not want a toy dog. Santa was very nice but very naughty also, he brought Warren a drum set. He is actually very good for a 4 year old, but Santa should have also brought Mom and Dad some ear plugs.
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CHRISTMAS 2010
This year Santa brought Jordan the one thing she has been buggy her parents for. She received her blue DSI. She was a little surprised it was blue because she forgot to tell Santa she wanted a blue one when she saw him. Thank goodness that Mrs. Claus listens! She loves it because she can take pictures of herself or whoever she wants, record her voice and play games.
We went to mom and dads for Christmas dinner of prime rib, potatoes, green beans and salad. Boy my mom can cook. I heard that Jen’s green beans were good at least that’s what Jordan said. Jen also made a sock-it-to-me cake. It was very good even though it was missing part of it after Warren decided that he need to taste it before everyone else did. His mom wasn’t too happy about that part.
This year watching the kids open gifts was something else. There was paper flying everywhere. The kids and the adults really enjoyed their gifts. The best present is just all being together and having fun with each other. There is nothing like family. And I have to say that I have a wonderful family.
We did something else different this year. Jordan sprinkled reindeer food on the grass, Christmas Eve. It was pouring down raining but it had to be done, so that Santa knew where to come.
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A Christmas Visitor and White Christmas -- Rick Spencer
We have had a very interesting Christmas season. First, we had extremely cold windy weather that prevented me from getting the house decorated. I finally got the last of the light up on 21 Dec. Our nephew Dwayne came to stay with us. We also had Raychel’s dogs Benjamin and Muchacho with us the Christmas holiday. Dwayne is in the Air Force and currently lives in New Orleans. It was great seeing Dwayne and getting to know the man he has become. On Christmas Day, Dwayne made breakfast then we took turns opening gifts. Highlight included golf stuff for me and a new sofa for the sunroom, cell phone and robotic damp mopper for Frances. We had a huge Christmas Dinner to make up for not being home for Thanksgiving. The menu included, turkey, ham, curry chicken, gumbo, collard greens, macaroni & cheese, mashed potatoes, yams, gravy and fresh baked bread. Friends of Sharlene and Raychel joined us for dinner making for a full table. All in all, a great Christmas.
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JORDAN’S 5TH BIRTHDAY PARTY
Jordan’s party was held at home this year, with several of her classmates, family and friends. This was the first year that she had classmates to invite. Thank goodness for family. We took Jordan over to Aunt Jenny’s early in the day to get things ready at home. Jenny decided to do Jordan’s hair. I don’t know how long it took her to get all those curls in her hair, but she looked so pretty. Aunt TShell (Michelle), Uncle David, Spencer, Sydnee all came over early to help set up and decorate. Aunt Jenny brought all the games and was in charge of game time. Grandma and Papa picked up the cake and grandma help with whatever was needed. Papa did he thing keeping everyone entertained. It looked like everyone had a great time. Jordan was happy and that’s what matter most to me. Thank you all for everything you did to make the party a success. We couldn’t have done it without you.
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Happy Birthday to the best mom in the world, Dianna!!! We all love you so much.  |
Happy 15th Birthday to our Sweet Sydnee! Love Mom, Dad and Spencer  |
That's it for this month. Please send me something for next month.
Love you all,
Kim
