Happy Birthday, Asa!

Musical beginnings...

Spring.

Lucia di Lammermoor!

Last weekend, Wendy, Steve and I got to go see Bray perform with Opera Birmingham in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor. It was incredible! All the principal roles were fantastic, and Susanna Phillips, the girl who played Lucia, has 1 of the best soprano voices I've ever heard! Altogether, an amazing show, and my wonderful in-laws all helped with the kids so I got to stay the whole weekend and have a day of shopping with Bray!! the cast!
With the 'villain,' sung by Corey McKern.
Bray's costumes.
the Mad-scene dress!!
at the after-party.

the lobby of the Wright Center.

Wendy and I before the performance!

where the opera was performed-Samford University, gorgeous campus!

My Madeline.

In a little over a month, my baby girl is turning 4.....4!! I cannot believe it. She has always seemed much older than she is, but saying it is a completely different matter. I know it is not yet her birthday, but these 2 pics were taken last week, the one I took of her napping and the other a friend's daughter took while she was babysitting for me. If you will allow me to be just a bit sentimental for a moment, let me just say that this little girl lights up a room, is extremely tender-hearted, and loves life. She is a helpful, thoughtful sister, and is a constant encouragement to me. She loves to learn and is eager to share her knowledge with others. Madeline Lucy, we are SO thankful God gave you to us nearly 4 years ago, and we are so excited for the many years to come!!

Blessings abound.

I must preface this post with a warning: I am going to, yet again, sing my husband's praises. You may get tired of hearing how talented he is, but I am constantly amazed and inspired by him. This weekend was no exception. As yall know, Bray is currently in rehearsals with Opera Birmingham for their upcoming production of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor. Before he was asked to do this, though, we had sent in an application to the Orpheus Vocal Competition, and Bray had made the semi-finals on March 5th. Although he was allowed to go, he had a rehearsal the morning of the competition for 4 hours, and then he still had to drive 3.5- not a good prognosis/preparation day for an opera singer! Typically, before a performance/competition, singers rest, warm-up a lot, steam, etc., as they want their voices in top form. But, Bray rolled with the punches, and was ready to sing at his given time of 8:30 pm. Lo and behold, he was moved on to the finals the next day, and was chosen as the 3rd place winner and also received a scholarship to the AIMS program in Graz, Austria this summer!! I do not know if he will be able to go, but it was a huge honor and we are SO proud of him!!! Blessings indeed abound.

glimmers of hope.

Bray has now been in Birmingham rehearsing for a week. With the constant and amazing help of my mother-in-law, Wendy Wilkins, we have more than survived the craze of no Daddy, 2 jobs and everyday life. Today I worked a full day teaching music at the Episcopal School, and was somewhat worn out when I got home. The kiddos were playing in their room, and when I went to go check on them, discovered Hobbes had 'just' begun building a road on their *cream* carpet out of hot pink Playdoh. Thankfully, we salvaged the carpet and reviewed the 'no Playdoh anywhere but the table' rule and went on with the day. I cleaned up the rest of the house while I listened to happy, but probably major-mess-goings-on sounds in their room. When I went to go check on them again, I walked into a spotless room. I mean, beds straightened, animals in their places, all toys put properly in their places, not just stuffed, room. I was literally speechless. We make them pick up all their messes, and they do a good job (with encouragement, most of the time!) but this is the first time it looks like Bray and I picked up the room when they did it all by themselves! As a parent, it's these little moments that assure us we're doing something right-and have amazing children!!!