4.29.2008

Let the band play on....

Once again, we were entertained with an evening of music. The SHS bands performed for a very lively crowd. The sixth graders from Southwood and LaFontaine Elementary Schools joined together for a performance. I must say that it is very impressive to see how the kids have progressed over a year of learning.

^5 to the sixth graders.

The Jr. High band played a variety of songs. Some of the songs were designed for high school bands. The band director, Mr. Hickman, decided to let them give it a try. I think they did a very nice job, considering it is towards the end of school and they havent tried those songs before.
As you can see I have pointed out where Spencer D. is seated. Grandma calls it first chair, but Spencer says I am all wrong. We will get this all figured out some day. We are so proud of Spencer and his musical talent. I think he gets it all from his Grandma. Either, take your pick......LOL


Before we left, the combined Jr. and Sr. high bands performed the song by Lee Greenwood "God bless the U. S. A. It brought everyone to their feet. It was very moving to see the patriotism displayed as the kids played.



This evenings sunset was a nice surprise to end a wonderful day.
The horizon lights up with shades of red and orange fading to blue and purple.

God has blessed our family so much.

Remember to be kind to some one. It will be returned to you.

4.27.2008

Mothers and Daughters

Mother and Daughter Banquet
at
Erie Street Freewill Baptist Church

Rainey, Stephanie and Alex before the banquet.
Saturday, I had the privilege of attending a Mother and Daughter Banquet with Stephanie, Alex and Rainey at the Erie Street Freewill Baptist Church. I didn't know many people. We had a fun time and a good meal. The theme for the Banquet was the 1950's. Most of the young girls and some of the older ones all wore poodle skirts, bobby socks, hair in ponytails, and tennis shoes. It was all so cute.
Rainey and some of her friends.
Rainey, Cara, Angela, Brittany, Tyann
Here are some of the young and older girls with their poodle skirts on. It was a lot of fun, to be enjoyed by everyone.

Alex and Rainey are on the far right of the picture and Stephanie is second from right on the floor.

There was a great turn out for the event. It was nice to see so many mothers and daughters enjoying the fun and festivities. Staying with the 1950's theme, the menu for the banquet, was hamburgers and hot dogs. After the meal we were treated to a banana split or a sundae. Great food and lots of good fellowship.
Stephanie made a new friend Saturday. A little 4 year old girl named Brianna. She was very friendly and very talkative. She was cute as a button and we enjoyed her so very much.

A poem for Mothers and Daughters.
Mothers and Daughters

Were daughters and mothers

Not so long ago

We give and take

And take and give

Along time's endless row.

Love is passed

And love received

To be passed on again

A precious heirloom

Twice, Twice blessed

A spiritual cardigan.

I'll put it on

And treasure it

The me I have received

And when the roles

reverse again

I'll have what I most need.

So may our love

Go on and on

A hundred thousand years

Mothers and daughters

And Daughters and mothers

Through joys and other tears.


Spring Spectacular @ Southwood High School

Spring Spectacular for Southwood High School was Friday evening. The theme this year was the 1950-60's. It was so cute to see the kids all dressed up in their phycodelic shirts and John Lennon sunglasses with headbands. They had acts like Diana Ross and the Supremes. Sonny and Cher. Several groups singing popular songs of the era. There were sparkling globes and flashing lites. It is always so much fun to watch the kids perform and show off their skills they have developed.


Below are some photos taken at the Choir Spectacular of the kids. Spencer is the one in the red shirt on the right side of the photo. The small kid next to Spencer is his friend Tanner. He has a medical problem. That is why he is so short.
Notice the girls on the right, at the end of the first row. They are laughing and defintely enjoying the program.
Lets just say that Spencer needs a little hip action when he doing the dance number. I will have to take him aside and work with him. He will have the swingingest hips in Wabash County ! Behind Spencer is Tanner and the boy with the yellow headband is Jonathan Friedersdorf. He is a very nice boy.

If you meet these desperados on the street, dont fear them. They are harmless. Spencer is in the red shirt, Jonathan is wearing the shades and yellow headband, and Tanner is at the bottom of the photo.


Remember to be kind to someone today. You may never know how your act might change their life.

4.26.2008

Rainey is right on 'Track'!

Busy busy busy. Rainey had a track meet Thursday, Spencer had the Choirs Spring Spectacular Friday, and Stephanie, Alex, Rainey and I went to the Mother Daughter Banquet at the Erie Church Saturday afternoon.
Let's start with Rainey's track meet. She is so shy, I was anxious to see how aggressive she was going to be. Rainey is in the Shot Put and the Discus Throw. It was fun to watch her.







Rainey seems to be doing some serious thinking here. I can see in her mind she might be saying, Let's see if we can liven things up a bit around here. There are several girls that aren't paying any attention that I am here! Oh boy.









The gal with the blonde hair seems to be
talking to Rainey. What could their conversation be about? Could there be some aspect of the Shot Put that no one is aware of? We need to chew this over.








OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.....
I think Rainey has decided on the Bowling Shot Put technique. The blonde girl is showing her concern about the prospect of it being an adequate idea for Rainey. Did Rainey use the Bowling Shot Put attempt or the regular Shot Put attempt?









Well this photo may explain everything. It looks like Rainey used the Bowling technique on the gals from the other team. Could she be saying, I told you what was coming! It seems she got two out of ten pins-- I mean girls. The blonde girl looks like she is going to help them up. So much for being shy !



After the Shot Put we moved ourselves over to the Discus area. Rainey helped with retrieving the discus for those trying their hand at it before it was her turn. She had to do a lot of running and throwing. Good practice for when it was her turn.
When it was Rainey's turn there must have been a reason for so much contemplation. She sat and did a lot of thinking. Or maybe she was winded from all that bending and running.

Here she is with her discus attempt.


The crowd was a rowdy bunch. I have photos of the worst ones of all the people that were there. Some of them look very familiar!

The track meet was fun to watch and share with everyone. It was fun watching Shy Rainey be on the team. It was a very pretty day, and plenty of fun for all.

4.19.2008

Nawlins

When you think of New Orleans... You probably think of the French Quarters (also known as Vieus Carre')and Mardi Gras. The French Quarters is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans.

When I think of New Orleans... I think of Uncle Hod. He is my Dad's twin brother. He is actually 10 minutes older, but who is counting. They were born Monday, April 18th, 1921 to Homer and Myrtle Wagoner. They celebrated 87 years. Isn't it wonderful that they can spend time together to celebrate such a happy occasion!

Tom, Mother, Dad and I went to New Orleans last week (April 14-April 19). We left on Monday and drove as far as Tunica, MS. For some reason Mother thinks that is as far as we can get in one days driving. I don't think it has anything to do with the Horseshoe Casino being there. Above on the right is the outside of the Horseshoe Casino, to the left is a picture of Dad waiting on Mother to check us in.





Tom, Dad and I really didn't do any good on the slots (who really does). Well, that is any one beside Mother. She won $1000 on the Jackpot Party penny machine. She had 5 jackpot party 7's all across the bottom of the machine. Is any one surprised? Nahhhhh....and Mother is celebrating her winning!








When we got to the room, Dad and Tom were feeling a bit playful. What on earth is happening to my Father? Is he regressing? He is acting like a young boy! Tom is of course encouraging him. Stop that Tom. That is my Father!!!




After leaving Tunica, we drove to New Orleans. Actually, my Uncle lives in Harahan. A burb of New Orleans. They are about 20-25 minutes from the French Quarters. We stayed in a hotel located in Kenner, LA. Here is a picture of the highway crisscrossing at night from our balcony.


Tom and I headed to the French Quarters Wednesday morning. A trip to the Quarters is a must when visiting New Orleans. It has an atmosphere all it's own. It has historical value, as well as enticing tourist to come and see. We love to see it every time we visit. Here is a group that entertains at the Gazebo eatery in the Quarters.






Here are a few photos of some of the sights in the French Quarters
































One of the famous sites to see in the French Quarters, is the St. Louis Cathedral, in Jackson Square. It is located on the Mississippi River. It has been the focal point of New Orleans since the founding of the city. It pays tribute to General Andrew Jackson.






To the left of the Cathedral is the Cabildo Museum. In this building the Louisiana Purchase was signed. To the right of the Cathedral is the Presbytere. This building houses a museum dedicated to the Mardi Gras.

More photos of St. Louis Cathedral



The inside of the Cathedral is as beautiful as the outside.






















Upon arriving at Uncle Hods and Aunt Bunny's, every one wanders out to the front of the garage. That is where most of the visiting occurs, providing the weather permits. It was a little chilly while we were there, but the sun was shining and we didn't want to miss a chance to do what we traditionally do. In this photo is Uncle Hod, Tom, Aunt Bunny, Dad and Mother. I, of course, am playing the part of the photographer.





Aunt Bunny and Uncle Hod like to talk a lot. Sometimes they put some of us to sleep. I wonder what Aunt Bunny is talking about that is so exciting to Dad?






All of us are so glad when Dad gets to visit his brother. As long as we are all able to do it, we will see that they are able to get together on their birthday.




It has always been lots of fun sitting around and listening to Dad and Uncle Hod talk about when they were young. Some of the stories they have told need to be in a book. They were rotten to the core. Life has been an adventure for both of them. They both served in the service during World War II. It was hard to keep in touch, but they managed to once in a while. At least they both were able to return home to their family.





Tom was glad to see Dylan while we were visiting. Last time any of the family were in New Orleans to visit, Dylan didn't come over to see us, because Tom wasn't there. He said "Why waste my time?". He is just too cute. He is 8 years old. He is the youngest son of my cousin Amy. He has an older brother Vincent.








Tom and Dad have some fun sharing something really funny. I am not sure what all is being said, but you can tell by the look on their faces, that what ever it may be, it struck a funny bone with both of them.


Now it is time for the 'birthday boys' to share in some celebration and enjoy some cake. Our cake has 87 candles on it. It looks like a forest fire. We were able to get all the candles lit. Let me just say one thing. There is a lot of heat coming off of 87 candles. And you better get the candles lit and blown out as soon as possible. We know from experience.



Time for the blowing out part of the party. Dad isn't sure what he should do with the fire. Grab a fire extinguisher, or run. Uncle Hod is studying the situation. Mother doesn't want all that heat next to her. Looks like Vincent will have to save the day. Blow, Vincent, Blow !





This is what happens when you let the candles burn too long on your birthday cakes.









On our way home we stopped to eat lunch at a Shoney's restaurant.
Someone told the gang there that it was Dad's birthday that very day.

He was serenaded with the Happy Birthday Song.

A link to the song is here.



The main reason for our trip to New Orleans was to visit and share birthday time with Dad and Uncle Hod. I think we accomplished our goal. We all had a very happy and enjoyable time.





Happy 87th Birthday Dad and Uncle Hod. May you have many many more.