To Loretta - From Aunt Jean

Dear Loretta,

I had planned to get a "Thank you" card for you, but never got it since I am not driving right now.
I want to thank you for thinking of sending me Aunt Mary's obituary. That was so special that you thought to send me one.

I often think of the years when you and Rodney spent summers with me. I love you guys and again,
thank you.

Aunt Jean

Just Thinking About Mt Sinai!

I often think about growing up in Mt Sinai and how many people were around at that time. Recently, I was talking to Pete Kemp and we were talking about how many people have either moved away or passed on in that community. When we were growing up, there were a lot of young people around. I don't know how life would be now to live where there are very few young people . Many young people  married someone from the community. Some married from other communities but several married someone from our community. For example: Annie Ruth married Eddie Lee, Elizabeth married George Jr [Bill Boy], Callie married Rual, Earlene married Fred, Vata married Nonnie, Billie married Tommie, Earnestine married James L., Christene married Ferdinand, Letha married W.C., Alee married Thurman, Oddie Mae married Dock, Florine married Seabon, Nan married Marvin, Exzetta [Feet] married Dollie Roe, Sue married Uncle Tom, Joan married Duma, Mary married Sam Jr., and Pearlie Mae married Carl.  
Just Thinking. ---Jean

A Christmas Greeting From Jean!

I would like to wish our Family back in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Sharon, Give us a report on Summer. Have not heard from her in a while. Congrats to Belinda on her Grandson. Not many Boys in the Family.  Wallace and  James Whalen are the only Bells to possible keep Daddy's name going.    Hope all is well. Love You Guys. Aunt Jean 

Health & Fitness: Get Fit Don't Sit Day!

Join the Movement Today for Our Third Annual National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day™! Today marks the American Diabetes Association® third annual National Get Fit Don’t Sit Day, our opportunity to encourage Americans to get up and move! In addition to getting regular exercise, the Association recommends breaking up sitting time with three or more minutes of physical activity—such as walking, leg extensions or overhead arm stretches—every 30 minutes for good health. Regular physical activity reduces risk for type 2 diabetes, and also helps people with type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes manage blood glucose. Here are five easy ways to incorporate more movement into your day:

Set an alarm for every 30 minutes to get up and stand, walk or stretch. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Complete chair exercises while sitting at your desk, like raising your legs and arms. Use part or all of your lunch break to take a walk. Walk or ride your bike to nearby locations instead of driving.

Be sure to let us know how you’re joining the movement by taking pictures and sharing them on social media using #GetFitDontSit. Want even more ideas for how to get moving and motivate your colleagues and peers to do the same? Download our free e-toolkit with activation ideas, email templates, social media messages, animated GIFs, tip sheets, an infographic and more.

Kamasi Places 1st & 2nd in Swim Competition!

Kamasi competed in a Swim meet between his school [Narbonne High School] and Carson High School. He took First place in--the 200 Free Style, 200 Medley Relay and 400 Free Relay. He took 2nd place in the 400 Free style.

Reflections From Jean!

I have finally got unpacked and settling in to getting back to the pool. I enjoyed everything on the trip. I was really surprised by the dedication, singing and gift certificate presented to me by my family. I don't  know how I can say it any better, but we have the best family this side of heaven. When I stop to reminisce on being with you all and enjoying everything, something else comes to mind. I will go to Whole Foods and choose something real healthy and think of you guys. Thanks again and God bless you all. 
Jean

To: Ishmael & Alijah!

Ishy and Alijah,

Congratulations Guys. I am so happy for you both. You have made another  milestone. Continue on your way and the world is your oyster. Continue to make your mom and your whole family proud. I am so proud of you all. 

Aunt Jean

Congratulations! Celebrating Kamasi!

Kamasi Kendrick was honored at his High School Swim Team's Banquet on 6/3/16. He received  3 silver medal awards for being a first year outstanding swimmer, CIF Award for being chosen for CIF team. His team is #13 in California. He was chosen  by the team to be the Team's captain of Narbonne High School's swim team for the year 2016-2017. .He was also given the Coach's Award for his cooperation, skills, academic accomplishments and his assistance to give the team a higher level of CIF standards. We are so proud of him and we thank God for such a wonderful son and grandson. PS. I know you were watching, Chris. 

 

In Loving Memory Of Joe and Dorothy!

February 7, 1945 - August 31, 2006

  February 5, 1928 - June 1, 2004          

Message To Ursula!

Ursula, 
Thank you for the beautiful card you sent to Chris and me recently. I have a bad habit of forgetting to give thanks for things. I don't  remember if I said thanks for the beautiful cups you sent to us last year. I use them daily and I always smile when I think of you. I enjoyed the pictures of you on the BG yesterday and I needed to tell you how much you mean to me and that I thank you and I love you. 
Aunt Jean

To The Pitts Family!

Thanks to all of the children, grandkids and great grandkid for sharing Billie with me for the last 2 weeks.  She helped me through a difficult time.  She always makes me laugh even when things are tough.  Life is about family and the older I get, the more I realize that.  Be kind to each other and love each other.  Accept each other for who they are.  I love you all. Aunt Jean

From Jean: Chris' Surgery!

Chris came through his surgery and is doing fine. He is being transferred to his room as I write this. Post op recovery was uneventful. He will be in the hospital for a few more days until he is stable and then will go to rehab for strengthening. Thank all of you for your prayers. They were answered. Thanks to Wallace and Charisse for coming to the hospital and staying by my side when I needed them most. Thanks too for the lunch. I have a wonderful family and I appreciate you all. 
Love Jean

Condolences To Sissy!

To: Sissy and family

Your uncles and aunts share with you in the loss of your sister. May your time spent with her bring you joy. You followed your mother's advice and you know the 2 things that she asked of you. One was to look after Margaret. YOU DID THAT, Melinda. No one could have done it better. May your memories of her give you peace at this time. We, your Family loves you and are here for you.

Las, Jean, Mattie, Vata, Billie, Wallace, Glen and Rikki

Celebrating Kamasi!

Completed 10th Grade with straight As and 4.2 GPA.
Present:  Chris, Jean, Kamasi, Shirmiriah (Kamasi's Mom), Alijah and Ashley (Kamasi's sisters) Rick took Pictures.

Photos From Jean!

Aunt Mary

Mattie with Wayne's Aunt Christell Holyfield Hunter

Trudie Mae Bell Smith

Meesha & her Dad, Larry

Eddie (looking like Daddy)

Clarence & Florine

 

Remembering Joe!

A Moment In Black History!

In the 19th Century Henry Brown of Virginia arranged to have himself shipped to Philadelphia in a wooden box. He became  an abolitionist , but was not encouraged by Frederick Douglas because he told everyone how he escaped. Frederick Douglas felt that he should have kept his escape a secret so that others could have used the same method.  He became known as Henry " Box" Brown.

Looking Back!

As I watched all of the beautiful Christmas Trees in person, on TV and the Internet, my mind took me back to my child hood and how we decorated our trees for Christmas. We had plenty of trees on the farm so we would go out and cut a tree and bring it home. We made our own decorations. I remember gathering the bulbs from Sweet Gum trees, wrapping them with the foil from inside a Prince Albert can or inside cigarette packages and hanging them on the tree. We also made some chains with crepe paper from school. Then when school was out for Christmas, I can remember taking the tinsel  from the school tree that was discarded and taking it home to put on our tree. There were no lights but we made it as festive as possible with what we had.  Now when I see discarded trees on the sidewalk after Christmas, I think how happy I would have been to have some of thos edecorations for our tree. To the younger generation,  be grateful for all of the beautiful things that you have access too. God Bless and Happy New Year. Jean

Note From Jean!

Dear Family,
 I would like to thank each of you for your remarks celebrating our 55th Anniversary. It means so much to us to know that you all appreciate us. We are grateful for your love and respect. I watched the Family Reunion DVD today and it was the next best thing to being there. Wallace, Rikki and Lorraine, Thank you for doing such a wonderful job. I felt like I was there, thanks to Wayne Odd. Wayne, you did a superb job in identifying people and taping all of the highlights. I knew it would be good when I heard that you were doing it. Thanks to my family for the Plaque. It is so gratifying to know that I mean so much to my family. Oh and Let Wallace know that his grandfather was Tom Bell. Love to All. Jean

Haynesville Golden Tornado Win State Championship!

       
               Click This Link for Video:  1A State Championship: Haynesville vs. Mangum