Abby's 3rd Birthday

Can you believe Abby is 3 yrs old already? These little girls are growing up so fast. Just when one birthday is over we are going to another one. Its about time for another niece dont ya think? just kidding ladies. Take your time. I am having fun with them as they are. I can barely keep up. 4 little girls 3 and under. In about 16 years all of them will be gradutaing and going to
prom and then weddings all at once. I will enjoy them while I can.

Well Abby had 2 birthday parties. One for family and one for friends. Jasons family lives back in Az again and so we were all together at this fabulous event. Abby wanted a swim party this time and pizza and a princess theme. I have lots of photos of all the cousins. Jessica and John's 4 dorable blonde babies and Tim and sarah's 2 beautiful babies. It was a grand time and Abby enojyed every minute of it. She got lots of great gifts and dress ups too from grams. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family and be able to be so close to each person that I love so much. It is not that common to have all your siblings and thier spouses and your nieces all in 3 miles. Mom and dad live only 5 miles too. It's the best thing in the world. We never miss out on any event or holiday or birth of new babies. Everyone is a phone call or a short drive away. Happy Birthday Abigail Faith. "See ya when yer 4!" (Tim, that one was 4 u.)

The happy birthday song was very loud as you can imagine. Lots of little girls all wanted to be heard and wanting to help. Gracie Christine
Aunt Sarah and Gracie. They have perfected the KISS.
Katie, your a ham!

Jordan-Abby's cousin. Aint she a cutie..


Reagan Mercy-The most adorable little baby. She is growing so fast. Just perfect

This is Jamie. Abby's cousin too. Jordan older sister. Now you know what I meant by the blonde babies. Just beautiful.

Katie is a fish in the water. She loves the water. Not scared at all. She loves "eyes wet"
picture perfect-abby
another perfect picture-Katie
Jayden-another cousin-another blonde girl. cuite..

This is so Maddie, she is smiling even as she jumps in the pool.
Who me???
Abby- not quite sure what this was. I dont know if they teach this move in swim school..
My angel. one of them at least.

Family time

These are some fun pictures from Tiffany and Jason's house. After Abby opened her birthday gifts we caught some good shots. Mom, you look marvelous!

Girls night out

My friend Amanda and I found some time to hang out the other night and we had a blast. We grabbed a bite at the San Tan Mall, which by the way is my favorite mall even when its hot out! Then we went shopping and picked up a few really cute things. Caught up each other up in conversation and talked about weddings. Amanda is getting married in October! We are so excited for her and Chase to tie the knot. It's a perfect time of year here in sunny AZ. Chase is a great guy and Amanda you have grown into a woman who loves the Lord. Its been a blessing to see God work in both your lives and what he has begun he promises to complete. When we arrived back to our house we came upon a practical joke for Amanda, courtesy of Haley Maddie and Dave. When Amanda used to work at Dave's store he would play jokes on her all the time and as soon as we came around he corner she knew he was behind it. Blank post it notes, pink and blue all over her car. and I mean all over. It only took a few minutes to take them off and she was on her way with a promise to get him back real good. Thanks for a fun night and making time for me. Love ya girl!

An email from Jordan July

Momma,
Wow Mom this trip as been nothing but amazing!! The flights were awesome, after we left the states... Because when we left D.C. we flew in a Boeing 767 on United airlines and it was soo tight.. they feed us really good and we had are own T.V so we could watch movies and listen to the radio.. It was just hard to sleep. I only slept like a hour or so.. But we got to Zurich and it was a trip, Now I know how foreigners fell when they come to the States. I fell bad actually, Because I didn't know how hard it really was to go to a different country and try to get around not speaking the language.. Some of the people knew English but they would rather speak German, It was so hard to go into Down Town Zurich from the airport, we never been to with under ground subways. The Zurich airport was huge too.. But thank God we bumped into this American that has been there before to help us get a train ticket for the day and hop on the right train to down town... Then we bought these lockers for like 5 bucks and stored away are carry ones and laptop.. Everything in Switzerland is so expensive it was crazy... at burger king a meal cost 15 bucks it was nuts... So we just walked all around town and took lots of pictures... Then at like 2 o'clock we wanted to go back to the airport so we can sleep and we did lol... We passed out on the floor by the chairs till like 7 at night, we were very tired because of the Jet lag and not sleeping on the plain because it was so uncomfortable... Then are plane left and like 11 at night and we arrived in South Africa like around 9 or something.. The Swiss airline was sooooo tight it was ten times better than United.. The T.V's were way bigger and the food was soo good... You could play games on it like who wants to be a millionaire and stuff like that, T.V Shows, Movies, Music, and o yeah it had the option if you want to see under the plan.. It had a Camera mounted on the bottom of the plane and on the nose of the plane, so you could see what you were flying over it was tight...

Then we got to South Africa it was very dry but very cold also like in the 50's.. We had to go through customes and all that jazz.. But when we were checking in this afican american fella comes up to me that was working and said "you my friend you my friend".. and I was all yeah sure.. and he said you go and buy me a coffee and a chicken dinner and I was confused at first but I thought this would be a good way to witness so I did and got a picture with him.. and continued on... So we went through security and all that and when we finely got to are gate we checked in and went out the door to the bus to take us to the plane on the air strip.. but right before we left the lady who was taking are boarding pass comes running after the plane.. and when we stop she says is there a Jordan Knowles on this bus and I was all yeah that's me.. and She said okay Here is you knew stub for setting.. and I looked at it and it was a 1st class seat.. So Matt, Aaron, and I got to ride 1st Class to Lilongwe It was so tight.. Talk about better food than all thee others :) Then when we got to Lilongwe we were rushed because someone had stolen the lights off the tar mack at the Blantyre airport.... hahahahaha So we had to get there before dark.. man these people will do anything for money.. So we finally arrived in Blantyre and there was no Brother Anger Or Moses so it was very scary.. Like 15 guys were helping us with are bags and telling us that they are taxi es and they wanted money so when Brother anger and moses finally show up we were relieved.. They didn't know someone stole the lights and that we would be there early so they came on time but we were just early... So brother anger gets out and was excited to see us moses also.. And when the trunk of the truck opened all the Africans through are backs in and demanded money and brother anger was like chill out man and calm down.. Now Jordan Who helped so I was like only two of them actually helped and so he says Moses take care of that.. Moses does alot of are talking because we have been out to eat at this same restaurant like 5 times, because that is the only place to really eat,.. and they add 1000 Quawcha on every time so he looks over all the bills.. He is a good man, really nice.. Loves Americans..
Its a totally different world here, cars on the other side of the road, steering wheel on the other side. People walk ever where from the village to town man its nuts.. It was funny Yesterday brother anger was like watch this, So he throws like 500 Quawcha out of the car when this crowd of women passed by and they like start wrestling for the money.. it was awesome..They were so excited. The Orphanage was sweet, giving the kids candy and a few things.. they loved us for that and we haven't even given them the big stuff yet,,!! We are staying in this run down hotel for 22 dollars a night.. Right now I am in A Celtell store and they have like 5 computers with Internet.. It is like 5 quawcha a minute.. Haha everything here is very cheap.. We are like millionaires here...

So what is going on there????

Love you talk to you soon

hopefully...

you son

They have arrived...

Just wanted to update those of you who were wondering if the boys made it safely to Malawi. I received a call from Pastor Bosley and he said that the boys called Saturday morning (12th)and they are in Malawi with the missionary and all is well. Praise the Lord. Thank you for your continued prayers. May the gospel go forward.

Here today Gone tomorow-Jordan update

Well its been a long time coming with an update. Jordan has been home for a month and is already gone back to Missouri. We had an awesome time with him. He has changed so much. He has grown taller and is reserved and quiet and more serious. He talks alot about the marines and what he wants to do with his life. He studies his bible and loves church and the activities with the youth. We had a fabulous time with him and were busy every chance we could get. Making memories before the big send off again. Only this send off was a blessed one. We went to Out of Africa and saw the wild animals, took a safari and the giraffes came right up to our open window bus and ate from our hands. It was so cool. He liked that alot. We also drove up to the Tonto Natural Bridge in Payson and did some hiking down into some outdoor caves to a waterfall. It was beautiful and we highly recommend you go there if you can. We saw the Prince Caspian/ Narnia movie. We also had a night of bowling and went to Pinetop for 4 days to get away. While there we went bowling again and drove the go carts and watched alot of movies. rode bikes in the mountain air of only 69 degrees. Jordan spent time with Grandma and Grandpa and met with our pastor for lunch. We went to a youth care group night with mom and daughter and dad and son. Long awaited. Showed him the new San Tan mall. Alot of things have changed since he has been gone. Josh and Jordan spent alot of time with Nathan and had Monday hoop night at the local park. All in all it was a memorable visit and a time to see his growth and what God has been doing in his life. Not the same kid that is for sure. Jordan picked up a part time job for the month to help earn money for his missions trip to South Africa and then on to Malawi which he will be leaving for July 19th. For 5 weeks. He left on June 12 to head back to the ranch to attend a missions camp where he has learned what it will need to know to be prepared for the missions field. This will be the experience of a lifetime. Family and friends, He will be with 2 other boys and a missionary in some harsh and desolate area of the world. Over 50 percent of the population is under 13 yrs old.Lots of orphanages and hunger and health issues. Please pray for safety for them all and that God would use these young men to spread the Gospel of truth that Jesus saves sinners like me and like you. These folks may not otherwise hear the truth if it weren't for people going and telling the message of the gospel. We are very grateful to have our son back. He has a heart for the things of God and desire to please both Him and us. What a rewarding time of fellowship and rebuilding family. The following photos are from the visits home from all events. Sadly to say, the last night he was home he got a migraine and couldn't even say bye to anyone who came to his going away shin dig. The best time for me was spending an hour or so with him at the airport and reminiscing on the past and the present and future.. God is at work. He is gracious and forgiving and merciful if we turn to him. We saw evidence of that. Thanks Jordan for a wonderful time of family and memories. We will be praying for safety and health and the gospel to be spread. See you on Sept 4th Son. xoxoxo mom and dad.

Pastor and Mama T, we are amazed and humbled with the sacrifice that you make every day and night to help troubled young men who may not otherwise get the love and time that you pour into them. You are true servants of the Lord and your work will be rewarded someday. You have been challenged by our son and grown to love him as we do. I knew when I talked to you the first time that this was the place for Jordan. He loves you both as a mom and dad and we are truly thankful that he was in your home with people who have the same values and standards as we do. Your guidance and encouragement and biblical direction and the hand of God of course has saved our son. Thank you for giving us our son back. We pray for your ministry and are blessed by your devotion and care for him.

This was at the Airport when Jordan left for Missori again. Only this time it was a sweet send off.

All packed up and ready to go. The gal at the counter at check in asked him if he was military and was going to let us go before everyone else. She saw his 2 camoflauge bagse and assumed he was military. He told her No, not yet. Jordan has ambitioins to join the marines in about 10 months.

After Brunch at the Pinetop Country club on our way back to Phx.

I love this photo

Pinetop/bowling

mom and haley
smiley

This is a familiar photo. Mom and daughters

Ostrich egg

Jordan feeding the giraffe

Getting on the serengetti safari

Isn't this a cool picture. The Lion was actually in a cage. King of the Hill

White Tigers, cool.

Family bowling night

Brother and sister.

Jordan, I love this picture. My son. You have come home. I love you and miss you already.

Me and the little one

Sisters with their brother. They were so glad to have him home.

Hiking in Payson

Jordan you should of been a cheerleader!

This was when Jordan got off the plane, I was so excited to see him face to face.

This was at dinner the night Jordan came home with Abby and Haley.

Jordan, Nate and Danielle at the airport.

Aww, together at last. Josh, Haley, Madison and Jordan

This is sweet. Maddie got tired so big brother stopped to rest with her.