Tennessee Day 2 100125

 We had a good night's sleep. We start the day with coffee and sitting on the Denharder's front porch.

This is our view from their front porch. This picture was actually taken in the evening. We also sat on the porch in the evenings too! We spent a week in Tennessee and never watched the TV once!

Wednesday October 1st was our first full day in Tennessee. Jan (pronounced yawn) and Nancy took us to a store owned by Mennonites that they shop at frequently called Four Corners in the town of McMinnville. There was lots of local fresh produce and home baked goods! 

They also took us to a local State Park close to them called Fall Creek Falls. We had a picnic lunch there

One of these days I'm going to learn where to look when I take a selfie!

Nancy and Doyle testing the temperature of the water. Nancy says this is a great place to swim.

Nancy enjoying having her feet in the water.

We came back to the house and relaxed the rest of the day. I walked around their property taking some pictures. This is the front view of their house looking from the road. Their property line stops at the end of the fence on the right. 

To the right of the road is a pasture with cattle in it. Although cooler in Tennessee than at home it was still pretty warm (upper 80's) and the cattle were enjoying cooling off in the water.

I took notice of birds gathering at the waters edge. I was fascinated with the amount of birds gathering at the same time drinking and bathing. 

The cow didn't seemed bothered at all by all the bird activity.

Just thought this was a neat picture.

The part of Tennessee that the Denharders live in reminded me a lot of Missouri. Winding roads, rolling hills, and green. Also farm land. 

Their fall decorations.

The sign is not theirs. This road leads to their driveway. There are a couple of houses to the right that do not show in the photo. There were 3 homes built that all belonged to the same family. The house that the Denharders own belonged to one of the family whose husband passed. 

 This is the back of their house.

I saw more bluebirds than any other bird!

They are so pretty.

More to come. Have a good one.

Vacation to Tennessee 093025

 Jan (pronounced yawn) and Nancy Denharder are a couple we met through our Pastors Kirk and Karen

Horton. Jan and Nancy are not just ministers but are dear friends of our Pastors. 

Jan and Nancy helped our church navigate this first year after Pastor Kirk's  sudden home going May 2024. Our relationship with them grew in this past year through the several visits and phone calls they have made to us. Their counsel, words of encouragement and prayers have be instrumental in our church not only surviving but growing and thriving!

In this past year people have really stepped up. Our leadership has grown stronger in relationship and communication.

The last time they were here they extended an invitation to Doyle and I to come seem them in Tennessee where they reside.

We all checked our calendars and came up with a date. The first week in October.

We flew out on Tuesday September 30th. It is only a hour and 30 minute flight but it took us all day to get there! We left the house around 9am and arrived at their home about 6pm. It didn't help that we missed an exit and drove an hour before we realized our mistake!

This is the view of their house from the road. The land leading to their house is about quarter of a mile.

We still arrive before dark (thankfully)! They took us to eat at a great local restaurant called Collins River BBQ in McMinnville.

More to come. 

Have a good one!

More Cheering 091925

 These are photos taken by a professional photographer.

Kennedy is on the far right.

Kennedy is the tallest girl on the team. She is the base for the middle stunt at the back.

 

These are some of the pictures I took. The tunnel the football players run through at the beginning of the game. 

Have a good one!

 

 

My Baby Turns 40! 092525

Oh my goodness! When did this happen?! My little girl is 40?!

She planned her own party! Since her birthday was Thursday she planned the party for Saturday 9-27-25. A friend made the balloon arch and background sign. 

It was a great weather day too! 

Vanessa's cake and specialty cookies.

The cake is beautiful!

The card I made her.

Some of the guests. Vanessa had Mexican cuisine catered.

Vanessa hired live entertainment. 

Kennedy is dancing with neighbor and friend Halli Ford.

Click here for another video of Vanessa and Kennedy dancing.

One of the kids put the letters up on the message board. 

It was a great time!

Have a good one!

Family Birthday Dinner 092525

September is a busy month for our family. We had family birthday dinner on Thursday September 25th to celebrate Vanessa's and Korin's birthdays. Vanessa turned 40 on the 25th and Korin turned 11 on the 26th.

Four generations. 

Grammer 85

Valerie 65

Vanessa 40

Kennedy 15

Kashton 12

Korin 11

This is almost everyone.

Far left of photo is Joe Don. Behind him is his wife Tracy. Sitting at the table are Grammer, Karen (Keannon's mother) and Kashton. At the bar is Kennedy, Jacob (Vanessa's youngest brother), his wife Alyssa (in red), Jan (Nana) holding their baby Colt and Vanessa.

It was a fun evening.

Have a good one!