Random November

Once again I am dreadfully behind here on the blog.  As a result, this is going to be a HUGE random catch-up post.

I always enjoy attending Sojourners luncheons, but the November program is a particular favorite because we get to hear the Chamber choir sing.  Rebecca M. is a phenomenal choir instructor and her students are a joy to hear.  I was sitting too close to get a full photo of the entire choir, but it sure made for a great spot to listen!!  :)

Several of these same kids performed at the end of the month in the high school production of Hello Dolly.  It was quite enjoyable!  I always enjoy attending the high school productions - they never disappoint!  And I am so impressed by the outstanding talent of the kids involved.   Of course, I have a happy memory of just two years ago when we were attending The Sound of Music and watching Brianna as Maria.   :D

We attended a talk that Daddy gave at Truman about the history of the school.  It was actually a second round of the talk and we were so happy that we were able to attend this time.  In case you can't read the quote in the photo below, it says "Enter to grow in wisdom.  Depart better to serve thy country and thy kind."  Daddy first saw that quote at Harvard and loved it so much he had it placed on this entry 'gate' on campus.

Donna B., Daddy, Mama, Laura, Marvin

And on the other side of town... Daddy recently had a photo shoot with Bucky, the mascot of ATSU.   Love the result!  (Kelly Rogers always takes great photos!!)

Note the picture of Max Gutensohn in the background -
Dr. Max made house calls to care for my grandfather
(Daddy's Dad) for years.  A special man.  

Daddy and Bucky 'visiting with'  A.T. Still.   :) 

Jackson with his EMT classmates

So proud of Jackson - he has found his calling!

We got him his own stethoscope.

He was pretty happy with it.  :)

Wind Symphony 2 performed at OP Performance Hall.  It was probably my favorite performance that I have seen yet, and that is saying something!  The entire program was in honor of the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War.  (We are still in 2015, so it counts!)  The music was well performed and the selections were truly powerful. An incredible evening.

Brianna playing bass clarinet

Shonda and Brianna 

We had a big storm blow through mid-November.  Although many in town were unaffected, we definitely had a dust-up out this way.  A piece of siding blew off our house, as well as off of Julie's house.  Our neighbor's fence fell down (although it wasn't in the best shape.)  We heard later that neighbors not too far from us had damage to a shed and vinyl fence.  So, it seems that something definitely blew through out here.

This was the beautiful 'calm before the storm' the day before.

After the storm

Jonathan had the opportunity to go hunting with Jeremy.  He headed out super early one morning to get to the deer stand by 5:45 a.m.  Although they sat out there for several hours, they never saw a single deer.  He and Jeremy tried again a couple days later and just as they were about to give up for the day, they saw one deer.  Jonathan took his shot and got it!  Not bad for a first time hunter.  He was pretty proud.  Unfortunately, as they were field dressing the deer he slipped and fell, hurting his knee pretty badly.  Poor guy.  He did say that he was thankful that at least he got the deer before he injured his knee!!!  Asked later what happened he drolly explained that "he slipped while bathing in the blood of his enemies".  Yeah, you probably had to be there to find that funny... but we did!  He sure reminds us of his cousin, James!!  They share the same dry, 'slightly off' sense of humor.  :)

heading out early that first morning

Jonathan with his deer

field dressing the deer, just before the
'unfortunate mishap'.  :)

So very thankful for dear Jeremy for providing
this great opportunity for Jonathan!  

So blessed to spend an evening with these dear friends.
Craig, Susie, Laura, Marvin, Carlos, Chris

Marvin and Jackson were finally able to build the deck at the kitchen door of Jackson and Brianna's house.  It is just large enough to put a couple of chairs and a BBQ out there.  Plus, it is a nice entrance point to the house from the fenced in yard.  I think they did a great job!

Several of us gathered at church to enjoy some pizza and visiting time with dear Sue who has taken a new job in a new town.  We sure will miss getting to see her on a regular basis!!  It was the perfect time to try out my new selfie stick that I had just purchased on sale for $3.00!   :D   I think it worked pretty well.

Lora, Sue, Janet, Allison, Susie, Chris, Laura

Marvin's birthday celebration

We celebrated Marvin's birthday with a family dinner together.  It was a fun evening honoring my dear husband.

Trip to Indiana

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of traveling with a wonderful group of women to a ladies conference in Indiana.  We attended Fresh Grounded Faith in Evansville, Indiana.  Although we primarily went in order to hear Ann Voskamp speak, we all agreed that both Jennifer Rothschild and Meredith Andrews were worth the trip, as well!  It was a powerful conference.  The only downside was that it ended far too quickly.  I hope to attend another Fresh Grounded Faith conference in the future.

We ladies had a fast but very fun trip.  We left early Friday morning and picked up Peggie in St. Louis, enjoying an early lunch at Sweet Tomatoes.  We arrived in Evansville in time to check into our hotel, grab a coffee and some dinner, then head to the Friday evening conference session.  Saturday morning we were back at the church, excited to finally hear Ann speak.  Ann is a favorite author of many of us and her talk did not disappoint.  She spreads a message about gratitude that has changed many lives, my own included.

After she spoke we heard that she would only be able to meet a few people, so we hurried to get in line at her table.  She made her way through the line meeting and greeting everyone and signing books for us.  Shonda was able to share with her about our dear friend, Taira, who passed away suddenly in July 2014.  Shortly before, Taira had been a part of our One Thousand Gifts Bible study by Ann and it had impacted her life.  Ann was truly touched by the story and we were all touched by our memories of dear Taira.

We then headed to eat at Pizza King, an apparent favorite of Jeremy's.  We are all now on board with him!!  That pizza was excellent!!

Then it was back in the cars to convoy home.  The last 30 miles or so found us all a bit slap-happy.  But the time sped by as we serenaded each other with beloved TV theme songs, calling from car to car to sing over the phone.  ha!  Great memories!  (and I'll never forget Susie as Edith Bunker!!!)

Truly a powerful and unforgettable trip.

The great group of women I traveled with.

Car #1 - Laura, Susie, Karla, and Shonda
(before we picked up Peggie)

We took a wrong turn in St. Louis... ha!

Selfie stick picture of Car #2!  (taken from our sunroof!)  :D

Karla was our intrepid selfie stick photographer!!  

Car #1 with the addition of Peggie.  :D

Car #2 - Lora, Toni, Kathy, Kris

I sure do wish we had a photo of the occupants of Car #3!!  That would include Sue, Susan, Kristi, and Stephanie.

We made it to Indiana!

Susie learned to hashtag!
And turns out, she is hilarious at it!!  :)

Me trying to create a group text on two phones...
took me 30 minutes and was still not successful!

Car #2! -  Love Lora's 'jazz hands'.   :D  

We found out Kristi had never been to Starbucks.
She became a true convert!!!  :D

Fresh Grounded Faith conference - Friday night

'Stalking' Ann's seat for the next day.  ;)

Fun photo op at the conference Friday night.

This was funny... Peggie had noted that they had tea available at the conference that was called 'Mere Christianitea'.  Shonda didn't believe her when Peggie called it by name.  Sure enough, it came up on the screen!

This is a "Never doubt your mother!!" photo!!  :D
Shonda and Peggie

Ann Voskamp speaking on gratitude

Meredith Andrews, Ann Voskamp, and Jennifer Rothschild

In line to meet Ann and have her sign our books.

We were all a little excited!  :)

Shonda telling Ann about dear Taira.  

Ann started crying when she heard the story,
but said how much she appreciated knowing.  

Ann signing Peggie's book

Ann graciously signed all my books.

Lora with Ann

Kris with Ann

"Lord, here is my cup.  Please fill it up."

leaving the church after a wonderful conference

It may not look like much...
but this was a yummy pizza place!!

Susie in Starbucks on the way home.

Shonda had given her 'name' as Trixive...
but the barista wouldn't call it out.  :(

St. Louis skyline