Mother's Day Weekend

Mother's Day weekend was spent with Mark's parents, who came for their first visit from Virginia. We had a great time...the weather on Saturday was perfect. We visited a nearby town for an International Arts Festival, where they had not only arts tents, but also music provided by musicians from different countries, as well as dances and reenactments. Of course, any time there's a fair or festival, there's wonderful aromas floating on the breeze. We strolled, shopped and munched on kettle corn, listening to the festive music in the background. Sunday was spent at church and relaxing, as the weather was quite the opposite of the day before....cold, windy and rainy. But I received calls from both my sweet boys, which just made the day perfect; and I cuddled and baked cookies with Alysa. Couldn't ask for more.

Bugz!!!

Alysa's first play was last Thursday. It was called "Bugz"...she was a butterfly. But there was just about every kind of bug you could think of. They either had a speaking part or did a dance. Of course, the butterflies had to dance! She had the best time, showing off her butterfly beauty, and singing and dancing (2 things she LOVES to do)! Here she is with her new-found friend from Mark's office.

Feelin' His Age

Well, it's been a week since Mark started playing softball on a church league....first time since Alysa was a baby. He made sure to warm up before the game. But I'm afraid all those years of little to no exercise still caught up with him. He did great out on the field. But for the following week (almost) he's been feeling the effects. I was proud of him for giving it a go and he's having a good time.....that should be an indication of who didn't win!! Ha-Ha!!

Little Additions

In addition to the "things I LOVE" entry, I would just like to add I LOVE the Book of Mormon. And I absolutely LOVE (above anything else) the sweet feeling of the Holy Spirit. Wish I could have that feeling continually, all day, everyday. I also LOVE hearing my sons voices on the phone. I LOVE that they think of me and call me to tell me what's going on in their lives. They still call me "mommy" (both in their 20's). I LOVE that!! And I LOVE to rub my cheek on Alysa's cheek. It is sooooooo soft and sweet.

This 'n That

Just to let you know a little about what we've been up to.......last week we had dinner at a place on the river that was established in the late 1700's, in Daniel Boone's day. He's a real celebrity here. LOL There were stone walls on either side of the river and the restaurant hung off the side of one. Alysa had fun dropping food over the railing (we ate outdoors) and watching the garganchuan fish surface to eat the goodies. This past weekend we visited the planetarium on the EKU campus, fished, mini golfed, played wiffle ball, did the church thing and hosted a dinner with the missionaries. Also, Alysa started learning how to crochet, something she's been wanting to do for a while now. A group of ladies at the church have a group that meets weekly. When we realized they weren't having Achievement Days, Alysa squeezed right in and they set her up with needle, yarn and instructions. She can't wait for the next "meeting". Sorry, no pictures this week.

Keith & Carrie

OK, OK....I know you've all been wringing your hands, waiting for info about the Keith and Carrie concert!! Well, at least Susan and Vicki.....of course, it goes without saying the concert was fantastic. But here are some exciting tidbits that were a little out of the norm......it was the last concert date of this tour which meant it went extra long PLUS it was taped for an upcoming DVD...Alysa was filmed wearing her "Take Me Back Stage" t-shirt so she COULD be on the DVD...we were privileged to see the Keith and Carrie duet of "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" that Susan has circulated (it was way better live!)...and we got a spot appearance from Nicole Kidman as she was waiting in the wing. Also, Mark's office assistant once dated John Michael Montgomery and we all bumped into him with his family while in the arena. He was never one of my favorites. But I thought it was kind of cool. Alysa was bummed she wasn't invited back stage. But we had great fun anyway. Plus, if she gets on the DVD, that can be her claim to fame. Even Mark had a great time. He likes Keith way more than he did before. He was impressed with Keith's incredible talent. I think he may be converted!!

Things I LOVE

If you've been reading my blog at all since I started, you have probably noticed that as I am typing a post, I will commonly interject "which I LOVE". This, most likely, will continue. It is a quick and simple way I have of sort of acknowledging Heavenly Father as the provider of these simple gifts and my gratitude to Him for them. Here are some of the things I LOVE....first and foremost, my FAMILY, each one of them bring me joy in different ways....fresh, clean sheets that smell and feel like fabric softener...feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin...just a sunny day in general...the smell and crackle of a cozy fire on a chilly night...electronics and the conveniences they can be in everyday life...the smell of a baby all rubbed down with lotion...fat, squishy baby thighs...food (enough said)...the innocent laughter of children playing...stretching...an occasional nap...the smell of clover...soft, padded socks...the kind of tired you feel after working outside in the yard all day. These are just a few of the things that quickly pop into mind...there are many more still.