Are you smarter than a Fifth Grader? Probably Not!

Well, my 5th Grade teaching experience was very enlightening! Wow! They are so smart! Fifth Graders today are learning much more than I did way back in 1971 as a 5th Grader! I remember being in fifth grade at Cypress Springs Elementary School in Ruston, Louisiana with Mrs. Neal, Mrs. Snowden, and Mrs. Ashford as my teachers. We did switch classes back then, but other than that we were still mostly treated like elementary kids. Fast forward to 2012 and being in fifth grade today is more like Junior High was for me. Now I understand why Jeff Foxworthy chose to have adults of today to compete with 5th graders because they really do learn so much more than we did at that age. The best part about teaching fifth grade is definitely the age of the students. They are still young enough to love and enjoy school, and yet they are old enough to be interesting people. It was so much fun to get to know the kids and to see them interacting with one another on a social level at school.

I taught four classes of 5th Graders. In all that was about 110 or so students with over 25 per class. One of the hardest things for me to learn was the schedule. School began at 7:40 each morning. We had a very short homeroom time, then the homeroom class would move to their first class and a different class would come in. We had our first period class from 7:45 to 8:45, then they would go to P.E. until 9:25. Then after P.E. that group would move to their next class and a new group would come in for Science. This class would go from 9:30 until 10:30 at which time we would all go to lunch, and lunch was followed by recess. Thankfully it only rained once while I was there. I had cafeteria duty on Monday and Tuesday from 11:05 to 11:35. The students would come inside from recess at 11:25 and go to Encore Time (Specials) from 11:25 til 12:25. Then they would return from Encore get their things and move to the next class and a new group would come into Science from 12:30 to 1:30, then we would switch one last time and the homeroom class would return for their Science time and the end of the day from 1:35 to 2:35. School would dismiss at 2:40. Just before 2:40 they would be getting ready to go and the minute the bell rang everyone would jump up, shout, and hurry (run) out of the room! I tried to work on this, but this was how they were used to leaving each day. I think I made some progress on getting them to stay seated and wait for the bell and to calmly put their chair up on the table and WALK out of the room quietly. But, mostly they jumped, shouted, and ran! Ha! It wasn't as bad as it sounds, but this was not the way most schools are dismissed. Everyone leaves at once, and you just hope they know where they are going!!

The first topic we studied was the Sun and the Solar System. We had to compare the Sun to other stars in the Universe according to the type of star it is and the phase it is in, and the temperature and distance from Earth. If you have not thought about this in a long time, then I suggest you do a little research. It is so interesting that the Sun is our star, and it is "just right" for our planet Earth. Then, as we explored and studied the Earth in relation to the other planets in our Solar System, it is so amazing how the Earth is "just right" for us! We compared our planet Earth to other planets by distance from the Sun, temperature, length of a day (rotation), length of a year (revolution), what each planet is made up of, the atmosphere of each planet, number of satellites, number of rings, etc. All of this is incredibly fascinating if you stop to ponder on each of these things. It is so true that the creation itself preaches a sermon about God and His perfect love for us!

Our next topic to study in Fifth Grade Science was Rocks. Now on the surface, you may not think rocks are all that interesting, but when you consider where rocks come from and the fact that rocks are constantly being created and changing, it is fascinating! We learned about the three basic types of rocks: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic. There are two types of Igneous rocks: Intrusive and Extrusive. Intrusive Igneous Rocks are formed by volcanic activity when molten magma cools inside of the Earth's surface. The  most common type of Intrusive Igneous Rock is Granite. Extrusive Igneous Rocks are formed by volcanic activity when flowing lava cools on the surface of the Earth. The most common type of Extrusive Igneous Rocks are Basalt which mainly are formed in the ocean floor. It just keeps getting more interesting when you begin to understand the Rock Cycle and how rocks can change from one type into a completely different type due to heat and pressure within the Earth. Kids really love all of this and are so interested in real things like rocks.

The next topic in 5th Grade Science was the upcoming Arkansas Benchmark Test. We spent some time reviewing things they learned earlier in the year, which was hard for me because I had to learn real fast to just keep up! Anyway, they had already learned about Light and cells, and the Scientific Method. Whew! We went through it pretty fast, but I was so intrigued by Light, that I had to stop and think about it for a bit. The fact that the Sun, our nearest star, creates light for us, which travels in a straight line until it is interrupted by an object, then an object will either absorb or reflect certain light waves, depending on what it is made up of, and then our eyes are made to see only the colors reflected by an object. It truly amazes me, to realize that the beautiful colors we see each day are just reflections of God's light. Wow! Try to figure that out! It's only because of our eyes, and the way our eyes see things, that we can see the beautiful colors of God's creation. And, compound that with the perfection of our planet Earth and our nearest star the Sun and our atmosphere, and how could anyone believe that all of this just happened with a big BANG! Not me, it just reaffirmed by belief in God and His love for me. It was fun to see the students realize, maybe for the first time, how wonderful, marvelous, and mysterious our Universe is.

One problem I did encounter with fifth graders was that some are very lazy. Really! Some kids who are very bright and capable, would rather waste their time, sit there and do nothing than pick up a pencil and get their work done, or turn in their homework. I was surprised to see cute and capable kids that have so much materially and physically in their favor, not realize their full potential. I think this was the hardest part of teaching fifth grade - motivation. Even though they loved Science and talking about it, and learning about it, some people just are lazy and will not get the job done when it comes down to it. I can only hope that eventually they will wake up and realize that they are just hurting themselves in the long run. But when I look around at adults I see the same thing. Some people are just not motivated to do their best at whatever the task at hand may be. Some people will just sit and do nothing while others will strive to be the best and others are highly motivated and competitive.

Anyway, my final week with the fifth graders was the full week of testing. Yes, that's right, it lasted a full week. Monday through Friday. It was exhausting. Every day from 7:40 until around 11:30 each day we tested. Most I think did pretty well, and I was surprised that they were able to sit quietly for long periods of time, while some students really struggled with the test. It was most difficult for new students who had not been in Arkansas for the entire year, but moved here recently. That was sad to watch, but hopefully they will adjust and do better by next year. Most of the class I was with seemed to take the test very seriously and seemed to put forth their best effort. I wish I could see the scores, but that will be for their regular teacher to see.

Well, that concludes my time at Old High Middle School in Bentonville, Arkansas. I haven't mentioned this until now, but on about my second day of substituting, Fletcher told me that Community Coffee had offered him a new position which will require us to move to Baton Rouge, Louisiana sometime this summer. Well, I'm back at home now reorganizing things and packing up to get ready for yet another move, and getting ready to say "Good-bye" to Arkansas. It has been quite an experience!

150th Anniversary of the Battle of Pea Ridge

The Battle of Pea Ridge was fought in the area near Bentonville, Arkansas in March 1862, which helped to secure Missouri for the Union. It was one of the most significant battles in the entire Civil War, and it marked a dramatic turning point in the war in Arkansas. Missouri remained securely in Union hands, and the Confederacy in Arkansas suffered a defeat from which it would never fully recover.
*Whayne, J., Arkansas: a narrative history, p. 174.

The City of Bentonville commemmorated the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Pea Ridge with a reenactment in downtown Bentonville on Friday, March 9, 2012. Everyone was invited, and since the school where I am currently substituting is two blocks from downtown, then we were all going! Yes! The entire school was dismissed to walk downtown to view the reenactment. Fortunately the weather was perfect and also, security is not an issue here. We simply walked out of the building with our class, and 5th grade classes followed 6th grade classes. No streets were closed and traffic was not stopped. No added security was necessary. Just teachers, parents that wanted to attend, and students, walked from D Street up 2nd Street to Main Street and then we stood near the podium in the town square to observe the battle. It was fun, and I'm so glad that I got to experience this with the 5th graders in Bentonville!! The boys especially loved it, the girls squealled and covered their ears when the guns and cannons roared!

Here are a few photos from the 150th Commemmorative Reenactment of the Battle of Pea Ridge in Bentonville, Arkansas.

As you can see, it was a beautiful day. The night before the low temperature was 27 degrees Farenheit. But by 10:15 am when we set out to walk downtown, the weather had warmed to around 50 degrees, and continued to warm throughout the day.

Here we are just starting out.

Here we have reached downtown.

This Confederate Memorial is in the center of the downtown square.

Here we are facing the Courthouse.

This man was the storyteller. He would tell the story of the Battle as it was being acted out.

The other people are the town dignitaries/politicians.

The lady on the right is a news reporter. She is videoing the event.

The children on the steps are 6th graders. They had the best view.

The doves (or homing pigeons) were released as a tribute to those who died here in the battle long ago.

A Union Soldier.

The Federalists arrive in Arkansas.

Ready for battle!

They had to re-load!

The skirmish continues.

The class!

Crowds around the square.

The battle was fought all around the square so that everyone had a chance to see at least part of it.

Arkansas still considers itself a Confederate State in the Civil War, even though it was so far north and west,

most citizens of Arkansas sided with states rights and the south.

Time to return to school! The kids were all great, stayed together, no behavior problems at all.

They all lined back up, and we walked back to school.

This is just a pretty building we passed along the way back. This is also where we had to cross the street.



Since I have been substituting in the Rogers / Bentonville Arkansas area I have also been to the Walton Arts center to see a cultural arts program called "Stomp!" (I think that's the name of it.) And, I've participated in celebrating Ground Hog's Day! with a school in Rogers where the local celebrity Meteorologist Dan Skoff came to Emcee the event which also included the mayor and the crowning of the annual King and Queen of Ground Hog Day. I think the kids who attend school in this area are very fortunate that they have such a relaxed environment and because there are not any major problems they get to have a lot of fun at school.

After the reenactment, we returned to school, took a quick bathroom break, grabbed our sack lunches and went out to the playground for lunch together. We stayed an extra long time which included their usual Encore time (specials) and then we went back inside and resumed class for the afternoon. It was a great Friday!

Side note: Just off the downtown area in Bentonville is the new Crystal Bridges American Art Museum. We could have walked there from the downtown square. There are many nice walking trails and biking trails near downtown. The kids in school in Bentonville and the surrounding area are getting the opportunity to visit Crystal Bridges with their classes this year too, thanks to Wal-Mart.



Good News!

I have some Good News to share today! Tomorrow I will begin a long-term substitute teacher assignment in the Bentonville Public School system! I will be teaching a 5th grade Science class at Old High Middle School in historic downtown Bentonville, Arkansas for the next six/seven weeks while the regular teacher is taking off to have knee surgery. (Her surgery is early tomorrow morning, so please remember to pray for her to have successful surgery and a full recovery.)

Today I spent the entire day with the teacher and her students to "shadow" her for a full day which was incredibly helpful as I am "stepping into her shoes" at this point in the school year. She plans to return after six weeks, and during this time I will also have Spring Break, so it will really cover the next seven weeks. Her class will be learning about the Solar System, so I will be "re-learning" many interesting facts about the Sun and the planets that God has created so perfectly for us. (This of course reminded me of the sermon by Louie Giglio titled "Indescribable." If you have never heard this sermon or seen the video that goes with it, I highly encourage you to try to find it either online or in a church library.)

Throughout the next six/seven weeks, my prayer is that I will be patient with the students, that I will develop new friendships at school, and that I will have a positive impact on the lives of the students that I will have contact with each day. They seemed like great students today, so I hope this will continue. I'm sure it will be hard for the students to adjust to a new teacher because I could see how much they love their teacher today. The hardest part for me will be getting up early every day. I will need to be there by 7:20am each morning since the school day starts at 7:40am. But the good part of going early is that the school day will end at 2:40pm.

I am so thankful today for this new opportunity, and I'm looking forward to the next six/seven weeks as a fifth grade teacher.

I'll keep you updated on how it's going!
--Pam

Spiritual Warfare

This post is a compilation of notes taken from a sermon that was preached by our Senior Pastor, Phillip Smith, at First Baptist Church Bentonville last Sunday, February 19, 2012.. This was the first Sunday following the recent death and televised funeral of a famous and popular singer of our generation, Whitney Houston. Her death was most likely the result of a drug overdose. He titled the sermon "The Powers of Darkness."

1Corinthians 3:1-3 (NIV)
Brother, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly - mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?

Many of us accepted Christ as our Savior as children. We believed with our heart that Jesus, the only Son of God, was sent to be the Saviour of the world, to live a perfect life without sin, then to die a sacrificial death of suffering on the cross for our sins and for the sins of the world, then He was resurrected on the third day, conquering sin and death, that we might also be resurrected and have a new everlasting life if we believe in Him. And not only to believe, but to follow Him, turning from our sinful life, and taking up our cross daily, dying to our self and our own earthly desires, as we walk in our "new life" with Him. In doing this we have fellowship with Christ and with the Father until death, then after our death we will go to heaven and live with him for all eternity. This is the promise of our faith and salvation through Christ.

Sometimes, what happens is, we make this decision early in life, we are baptized at Church, we are happy to be saved from eternal hell and damnation, and we think that's the end of it. Life goes on, we grow up physically, our lives change, circumstances change, friends change, and we forget our promise to Christ. We forget what He did for us. We stop going to church. We stop having Christian friends which keep us accountable to our faith in Christ. We become selfish, and our worldly desires become more important - education, popularity, financial security, career goals, family, appearances, cars, money, security, clothes, fun, sports, iphone, facebook, twitter and just about anything you can think of that the world offers, we begin to put these things before our relationship with Christ. And, we are lulled into a new kind of contentment of "busyness" and daily worldly affairs so we forget to honor God and our relationship with Christ. We remain as "babies" in our faith, never reaching spiritual maturity in our faith.

Does this mean that we are no longer saved from eternal hell and damnation? Well, I can't really answer that for anyone because it would depend on your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If you are still seeking him, attending a local church, reading and meditating on His Word the Bible daily, praying continuously, then those are all good signs. But if we have fallen away, we need to readdress our personal relationship with Jesus, and we need to make changes and to seek Him and His will for our lives on a daily basis.

Now, I'm going to get back to the sermon notes:

Revelation 22:10 (NIV)
Then he told me, "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book because the time is near."

We need to recognize that Christ is going to return as He said He would, and our time here on earth is very short. We are all facing a certain death. We don't have time to play around with our Christian faith because we will be held accountable in the end. And there will be an end. Either Christ will come before we die, or we will die and see Christ after our own death. And then the judgement time will come.What are we doing today for Christ? We should be living a life that brings glory to the Father. We should seek each day to be in a right relationship with Christ. Covered by His righteousness.

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

We need to remember who our true enemy is, the devil. He is real, he does exist and he wants to destroy your life, especially if you are a believer and follower of Christ. What does God tell us to do? Resist Him! Stand firm in the faith! We can only do this when we are in a right relationship with Jesus Christ. He is our only hope and our salvation.

John 8:44(NIV)  Jesus is speaking of the children of the devil
"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

These verses clearly give us a picture of the devil as Jesus describes him and his followers to the Jews. The devil is a murderer and a liar. He is the "father of lies." This should be easy to identify, and yet we are so easily swept up into lying and deceiving. If you really stop and take a long hard look at what's going on around you in the world today, the devil is very busy and he wants to rob you of your joyful life in Christ, by filling up your life with envy and lies. So we have to be alert and stay close to Jesus in order to resist his lies and deceit.

Ephesians 6:10 - 18 (NIV) The Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

This is the only way we will be able to resist the devil, it will take the full armor of God. If we forget to do this, the devil will slip into our daily lives and before long we will have drifted away from the joyful life of serving Christ into a dark and sinful life of serving the father of lies, the devil. This is real, God has warned us, and He has sent us a way to resist the devil. It can only be through His son, Jesus, our Savior. He is the only way. Without Him, we are doomed to a life of sin and darkness, and then to an eternal life of endless suffering in hell. The choice is clear. Who do you serve today?

2 Corinthians 2:10-11(NIV)
If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven -if there was anything to forgive - I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

Christ has forgiven us for a multitude of sins, so we should be quick to forgive others. Holding grudges against others is what Satan wants us to do. He wants to break our Christian fellowship so he can work his schemes. We have to watch out for this! Sometimes as Christians we get angry with each other over trivial things either within the church or within our own families. These are the schemes of the devil who wants to destroy the church and the family.

James 4:7(NIV)
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Staying close to God through our daily recommitment to follow Him, is the only way we will be able to resist the devil. We must make a daily commitment to follow Christ. EVERY DAY! Sometimes pride is what keeps us from admitting that the devil is tempting us. Be careful, and remember this is spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 4:27(NIV)
And do not give the devil a foothold.

1 John 4:4 (NIV)
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

We have to remember that God is greater than the devil, and the battle has already been won for us, we just have to accept it and trust Him. Satan's opportunities only exists when we allow him to come into our lives and interrupt our fellowship with Christ. We have to make a choice and we have to surrender our worldly desires to the Father in Heaven who loves us and sent His only Son to die for us.

Let Christ be the only Stronghold in your life. Choose to live for him today. Resist the devil. Every one of us is facing death, and judgement. Your eternity will be spent either in Heaven with Christ, or in Hell with Satan. Who do you choose to serve today?

Vitamin D

Well, this is something I have never thought much about before until now. I recently had an annual "well doctor visit." As part of this visit I had to have a fasting blood test. All of my blood work came back perfect, even the good and bad cholesterol and blood sugar levels, except for one thing: I am low on Vitamin D! What?! How could ths be? Vitamin D is the "Sunshine Vitamin!" I happen to love sunshine! Maybe I am really mssing Texas so much that living in Northwest Arkansas is now affecting my Vitamin D levels! Ha! I am missing all of that warm Texas sunshine!

Well, if you haven't had your Vitamin D levels checked and you are over 50, then you might consider having this done. Apparently Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and maintaining proper Calcium levels. My doctor has prescribed a pill that I will take once a month to correct this problem, so thankfully it's an easy fix! I'm feeling better already!

Scenes from Jennifer and Jarred's Wedding Weekend!

Well, we had such a good time at Jennifer and Jarred's wedding! It was great to be together with so many people that we love! If you were there, thank you for coming. And if you missed it, then we wish you had been there too!

I have to give Jennifer and Jarred all the credit for creating this beautiful weekend. It was Jennifer's vision of what she wanted the wedding and reception to "look like" and Jarred allowed her the space for creativity and supported her decisions and even had some input. Jennifer and Jarred even paid for some of the wedding because they wanted to help with the expenses. I think they make a great team! And, I wish them a lifetime of happiness together!

I have to say a special "thanks" to Ashley Brockman our wedding planner for making everything come together flawlessly. She put in many hours of work and she did a wonderful job. I remember the day that Jennifer and I realized that we would need some "professional help" with planning and coordinating a wedding in College Station, Texas with Jennifer living in Austin and going to school full-time, and me living in Bentonville, Arkansas, the wedding dress in Houston (Katy), Texas, we knew we were in over our heads! Thanks to Jennifer's research, we were able to secure the best wedding planner in College Station, Texas! I am forever grateful to her for all she did to help us!
*Ashley Brockman of  An Affair to Remember http://www.anaffairtorememberplanning.com/

Jennifer found her wedding dress at Weddings by Debbie Houston's Premier Bridal Salon located actually in Katy, Texas on I-10 west. They gave me this written description of her wedding gown: "Jennifer chose an ivory satin and lace gown designed by Alfred Sung. The elegant strapless gown had a delicate beaded lace top. The stylish bodice featured a rouched sash at the natural waist. The back was highlighted by timeless satin covered buttons. The classic A-line skirt cascaded to the floor had a chapel length train that made for an ethereal entrance." She made at least eight trips to Weddings by Debbie for fittings and try-ons. I made about half of these trips with her. They are truly expert at what they do at Weddings By Debbie!
http://www.weddingsbydebbie.com/

Jennifer did her research on florists as well, and she chose absolutely the best florist in the Bryan/College Station area. Nita's Flowers in Bryan, Texas with Margie as our florist. She did such a great job with understanding what Jennifer wanted and creating the beautiful flower arrangements.
*Margie Streater at Nita's Flowers http://www.nitasflowers.com/


Amy McCormick was our photographer. Another one of Jennifer's great choices. She was so easy to work with and really did her best to take every picture we asked her to take. She was so patient with all of us! I am looking forward to seeing the wedding photos she took soon!
Amy McCormick at Picture Perfect Images http://www.pictureperfectimages.net/

The Bride's Cake was by Cinderella Stories in Somerville, Texas. It was both beautiful and delicious! I know because I got to eat as much of the leftover cake as I wanted! It was a special white vanilla cake with a cherry filling between the layers. This was by special request from Jarred, and Jennifer wanted it to be the flavor that Jarred would like. The Groom's cake was made by Jarred's Aunt who owns a bakery in Beaumont, Texas. It was also very delicious!
Sandee at Cinderella Stories Cakes http://www.cinderellascakes.com/

Wade the DJ was so professional with his Livewire Productions business. He also did the up-lighting around the perimeter of the room which was definitely an asset to the look of the Hilton ballroom, and Ashley Brockman our wedding planner also provided the linens on the tables and the chair covers for the reception. They were all so beautiful! Thanks so much to everyone! It was so much fun!
http://www.livewirepro.com/

I must not forget to thank the Hilton College Station event planner Ashley Lackey, Catering Sales Manager and also Caitlin her assistant. They worked so well with us and Ashley Brockman. The staff at the Hilton were all so patient and accommodating to everyone in our family and in placing us in rooms around in the hotel. The manager Adam Couch was especially gracious with us as he delt with the problem of the electricity going out on Thursday evening. He gave us a special $100 Visa Gift Card to go out to dinner on Thursday night. I will never forget the kindness that so many people showed to our family on this weekend.


I also would like to thank the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, Texas. The minister, Marie Mickey worked with Jennifer and Jarred on the ceremony and the church wedding coordinator was so good! They both really worked hard to make us feel welcome at their church and to ensure that our wedding would go smoothly. And it did! Also, they allowed us to have Rev. Chris Osborn a Baptist minister to come in and assist with the wedding at our request. The church was beautiful and accommodating to all who came, and I really appreciated that.
http://www.fpcbryan.org/

The organist/pianst was Edward Kane. He was outstanding!

A special thanks goes to all of our guests who traveled at least an hour or more and to all of those who stayed one or two nights at the Hilton with us in order just to attend Jennifer and Jarred's wedding. That shows extraordinary love that anyone would go to such lengths to attend a wedding! I love each one of you! Thank you so much!

Here are a few scenes from the Rehearsal and the Wedding Day! Enjoy!

(I'm sorry I don't have more pictures of everyone. I guess I was too busy to take pictures this time. Thanks to Beau and Kim for taking some of these pictures for me!)

Fletcher and Jarred at the Rehearsal.

Kim and Dan at the hotel before going to the Rehearsal.

Lauren Nuttall Guynn,

a bridesmaid and Jennifer's friend from Tomball High School,

with Jennifer at the Rehearsal.

Jarred with his Mom, Jan, at the Rehearsal.

I love the way Jarred treats his mom with such love and respect.

That is a good quality in a husband!

Fletcher and Jennifer "practicing" at the Rehearsal.

The Grandparents Table at the Rehearsal Dinner.

The Rehearsal Dinner was held at the Longhorn Tavern in Bryan, Texas.

I loved the table decorations all done by Jarred's mom and her friend.

They went to such detail to make it very special and personal.

Grandmother and Rick at the Rehearsal.

Meg (left) Molly (right) were two of the Bridesmaids (and cousins),

 and Beau in the middle is Molly's boyfriend.

Will she be the next one to get married?? That's the big question!

In this photo they are seated together at the Rehearsal Dinner.

Jennifer and Jarred at the Rehearsal Dinner on the night before their Wedding Day!

Amy, the Maid of Honor, Jennifer, Jarred and that's Josh on the right. 

Josh is Amy's boyfriend from Atlanta.

They drove together from Atlanta to be at the wedding in College Station.

I think it was a bit further than they anticipated, but they are young and recovered quickly!

Lauren, Sofie, and Mrs. Nuttall

This is my mother, Gloria, the Grandmother of the Bride.

This is my sister, Rhonda, my mother, Gloria, and me at the Bridesmaid's Brunch given by Rhonda and her two daughters, Meg and Molly. It was great! There were sandwiches from Jason's Deli and Chick-fil-a nuggets, and a fruit tray and a vegetable tray. We had the brunch in the Bridesmaid's room at the Hilton where they all stayed together, and during the Brunch they were getting their hair and make-up done. It was chaotic and fun!

This is our daughter, Amy, the Maid of Honor,

all dressed and ready for the wedding to begin!

This is the Bride, Jennifer, getting ready with a little help from me and Amy!

Amy assisting Jennifer with the buttons!

This snapshot was taken while the photographer was taking our pictures outside

before the wedding in the church courtyard.

It was an especially beautiful day!

Our Family!

Rhonda (my sister) and me before the wedding.

This is my mother, Gloria, the Grandmother of the Bride,

standing out front in the church foyer near the sign in book.

Doesn't she look beautiful!

Daddy, waiting for the wedding to begin!

I loved the pretty pink bows out in front of the church to mark the entrance into the wedding.

These are three of my favorite people!

Amy, Jennifer, and Dan

our three beautiful children all dressed up for Jennifer's Wedding!

This is Vernaughn, Fletcher's Step-Mother,

getting her corsage pinned on by Ashley Brockman our wedding planner.

Vernaughn, Grandmother of the Bride, looked beautiful

and Ashley was so calm!

This is Judy, Fletcher's Mother, getting her corsage pinned on by Ashley,

and signing in at the guest book.

She is also Jennifer's Grandmother, and looked so beautiful!

The church altar and flowers.

A close-up of the large bouquet.

The Unity Candle.

Fletcher and his Dad.

The Bride's Cake table.

The Groom's Cake Table.

A Close-up of the Groom's Cake Table.

Kim (our daughter-in-law) on the left,

Amy (our daughter) Josh (Amy's boyfriend),

and Marie (a bridesmaid) at the reception.

One of the bridal pictures of Jennifer displayed at the reception.

The Chocolate Fountain!!!

The gift table at the reception.

The Martin Family, our dearest longtime family friends from Ruston, LA.

A photo table at the reception with photos of Jarred's deceased Grandparents

and a few photos of Jennifer's Bridal Portraits.

"Memaw and Poppy" Gullatt enjoying the Reception!

They were honored at the reception for celebrating their

60th Wedding Anniversary this year.

They were married on June 8, 1952.

My sister, Rhonda, and her husband John.

They were so much help throughout the entire time we were

planning the wedding because they let me stay at their home many

times as I was traveling back and forth to Texas, and they were very helpful

on the day before and the day of the Wedding.

Thanks Rhonda and John!

I love and appreciate them both so much!

Beau and Molly at the reception!

Will they be next?

Fletcher's brother Jason and his wife Andrea and their two boys William and Andrew.

We were so glad they were able to come all the way from California!

A snapshot of the Bride and Groom cutting the cake!

Well, that's most of the pictures I was able to take. Some pictures didn't turn out as well as I would have liked, so I didn't include them in this post. But really the pictures don't do justice to the fun and beauty of the wedding. You just really had to be there to get the whole experience.

Jennifer, now that you're married, I hope you will still know how much we love you and how proud we are of you. You are such a smart and determined person as you have always been, and you showed such creativity in planning your wedding! I loved being a part of it and sharing this experience with you. You were such a beautiful bride and I will never forget how beautiful you looked coming down the aisle with your Daddy. The smile on your face and the tears in your eyes are imprinted on my heart forever because I know they were tears of joy because you were so happy that day. I love you and miss you so much, but I know that now you have started a new life with Jarred and you and Jarred make such a great team. I will enjoy sharing fun times with both of you in the years to come!

"May God bless you and keep you and make his face to shine upon you and give you peace."