What have we here???

We have a recap of the Gaither cruise that Uncle Dale and Aunt RoseAnn took a few weeks back!  The only thing better than going on the actual cruise is to hear about it first hand.  So, thanks to Aunt RoseAnn taking the time to give us the scoop, that is just what we are going to do!  And as an added bonus, she also included pictures.  :)

We had a wonderful time on the cruise. The ship is absolutely beautiful! It is filled with a multimillion-dollar art and antiques collection. Fresh flowers are everywhere. Even the casual Lido restaurant had orchids on every table. The food was delicious and was presented beautifully. In the La Fontaine Dining Room Rosenthal china lies on crisp white table linens and uniformed waiters place your napkins on your lap. On the two formal nights everyone dresses up and it is very elegant. No matter where you go or who you speak with, you are greeted with smiles and people go out of their way to serve you.

One time that stands out to me is when we were sailing up the Endicott Arm Fjord. A lot of us had traversed the bowels of the ship to stand on the forward deck at the bow to get a first glimpse of the glacier. It was chilly and everyone was wrapped up trying to stay warm. I couldn't believe it when uniformed staff brought out silver trays full of bowls of hot Dutch pea soup and served all of us bundled-up, glacier-gazing travelers out there on the extremity of the ship!

On one of the last nights they had a Chocolate Extravaganza Buffet. They said it took the chefs three days to prepare everything! It was served on the Lido deck and was gigantic! Chocolate heaven!!

But, of course, the highlight of the trip was the TWO concerts a day and rubbing shoulders with many of the people you had listened to and watched on DVDs and from a distance at performances! It was much more personal than one of their regular concerts since the venue is smaller and everyone got priority seating two times, which allowed you to sit right up in front.

Kevin Williams would often get things going, sometimes just playing his guitar and getting everyone to sing along unless Bill Gaither happened to be on time (things are very relaxed!) As some were singing Bill would turn around to some of the others and suggest a song for them to sing next. He said he tried to get a feel for the crowd and then choose accordingly. At one concert he ask for suggestions from the audience.

A lot of them brought their families with them and at one point Gloria was sitting onstage with her grandson asleep on her shoulder. The last night for the final song everyone sang "Because He Lives" and all the children came onstage to stand with their parent(s) and I counted 14 children from a baby to around 15 years old.

We met Gene MacDonald, his wife and son in Ketchikan and then later he and Dale visited while they watched all the activity going on in the harbor.

We were able to visit with Jonathan Martin, his wife and Judy in Skagway. They are so friendly and down to earth! When I apologized for interrupting them to get a picture Judy pointed to her sister-in law and said, "She and I - we love people!" Jonathan was just as friendly and had his wife take several pictures of all of us together and then they visited with us until I insisted we let them get on with their shopping.

Matthew Holt is the new pianist and he was a real crowd pleaser! He teaches at a university and seems quiet and maybe a little shy when you talk to him.

Angela Primm was delightful! Wherever she goes the air just seems to sparkle around her. I met her in the Gaither Bookstore and she gave me a hug and was telling us about her mother who is in her 90's (she looks so young I couldn't believe she is in her early 50s). I loved it when she sang "Precious Lord Take My Hand" with Ben Isaacs. Bill said she has added so much joy since she started singing with them. Dale and I rode down the elevator with she and her husband at disembarkation and she was telling me how exhausted she was. And it's no wonder, she puts everything she's got into her singing.

So many things come to mind...

One of the highlights was David Phelps singing with his daughter, Maggie Beth. She has a wonderful voice and they blended together beautifully. Some favorites by the Gaither Vocal Band were "I Bowed On My Knees And Cried Holy" and "Worthy the Lamb That Was Slain" and "There Is A River". On a special Country Music night Wes, Reggie, Ben and Gene singing "When the Desert Sun Goes Down" with one old style microphone like the Sons of the Pioneers did. We really liked Mark Lowery, Becky Isaacs and Charlotte Ritchie's rendition of "I Call Him Lord". The Isaacs sang "Hallelujah" in Hebrew and English - so beautiful! "Over and Over, Again and Again God Is Faithful" by the Easters was wonderful, too. One time Bill had everyone, including the audience, sing "Fill My Cup, Lord" and he stood there with his hand in the air and tears running down his face. There were many both in the audience and on stage who were wiping tears away.

We'd love to go again someday. We left home not really knowing what to expect or if this "cruise thing" was for us. We returned with wonderful memories of a beautiful unspoiled land and the melodies we heard ringing in our hearts. 

Here are some of the pictures that were taken while on the cruise.  

Remember: to view the pictures in a larger format, simply 'click' on the pictures. (Wait! I stand corrected.  After posting the blog, I tried to click on the photos, but to no avail.  Hmm.  I'll have to see if something can be done about that...)

The Isaacs

The Martins 

Jeff & Sheri Easter w/ their daughter, Morgan.

The Nelons

Kevin Williams

Alaska!

Gene MacDonald

Angela Primm & Judy Martin

Kelly and Amber Nelon w/ Judy Martin

Charlotte Ritchie, Mark Lowry and Wes Hampton

The Gaither Vocal Band

Wes Hampton

David Phelps & Michael English

Mark Lowry & Wes Hampton

David Phelps w/ his daughter, Maggie Beth. By the way, here is a short clip of this duet that's been posted on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sAvRr2xaj8 

Some of the gang...

So, there you have it.  I am so pleased that Aunt RoseAnn set aside some time to write this!  It's such a treat. :)

Until next time...

Mizz Babs

No More Night

Yesterday evening, Stephen Hill departed from this world leaving a definite void in our hearts and music.  He will be sorely missed.  The song Lead Me To The Rock will always belong to him...  And as he sang so beautifully:

                                                                 Soon I'll see Him face to face
                                                                 And I'll feel His warm embrace
                                                                 There is a bridge I'm crossing over ... 
                                                                 Someday.



gaither.com has posted an announcement/writing about him if you would like to learn more.

Hi there! 

Before we get started, I want to point out a feature on this blog site that will help with the sharing of future blogs.  It is a feature that will allow you to be instantly notified any time a new blog is posted.  If you look towards the right hand side of the page you will see Follow by E-mail.  Underneath that is a box in which you are to enter your e-mail and 'submit' if you wish to receive future blogs.  A big thank you to Erin for helping me figure this out! :)

Now, the good stuff!  I've got a list of upcoming concerts that may be of interest to some of you.  I've been keeping an eye out for those of us in CA, IL, and Canada, and so far this is what I've come across:

CA:

• September 27th: The Isaacs, Pismo Beach
• September 29th: The Isaacs, Caruthers
• November 16th: Legacy Five, Stockton
• November 17th: Legacy Five, Riverside
• November 17th: Jim Brickman, Modesto
• April 5th, 2013: Dallas Holm, Turlock
• April 27th, 2013: Jeff and Sheri Easter, Yuba City
• April 27th, 2013: Gordon Mote, Ripon

IL: 

• September 9th: Jeff and Sheri Easter, Champaign
• October 25th: Jason Crabb, Marion

Canada:

• *sniff*sniff*... I've not come across anything as of yet. :(  I should say, however, that there were a few listings of up coming music festivals, although I'm not sure who will be performing.  I'll look into that a little more.  But, if ya'll would just pack up and move to the Tennessee and Texas areas, I could list all KINDS of concerts for you!! ;)

AND, I just got word from Aunt RoseAnn that the new Gaither pianist is no disappointment!  He is a teacher and on the young side.  Bill Gaither was saying that they'd thrown all these songs at him with which he wasn't overly familiar but he pulled them off beautifully!  Really looking forward to hearing him!!

One last thing.  We have added a member to our pooch family: an English Bulldog named Princess.  Even though her mannerisms do not match her name, she is an absolute sweetie and fits right in with the rest of the gang!  Here is a picture of Princess with Kayla:

I would like to end this blog with one of my favorite sayings:
Music washes away from the soul the dust of every day life. ~Berthold Auerbach

Until next time...

Mizz Babs

Happily Hitched

I come bearing pictures of the Baker/Schmid wedding, which took place this past Saturday.  Ali, the bride, is Jonathan's cousin.  Ben, the groom, is Bro. & Sis. Baker's eldest son.   

The wedding was held at a beautiful, charming venue.  The weather was fantastic, which was a good thing considering it was held completely outdoors!  

We arrived early to help with the primping and prepping, which was done in an adorable little barn-like structure.  On one side of the room was a row of fun mirrors propped onto tables.  There were flowers hanging from the ceiling and veils hung in random places here and there.  An old piano was pushed up against one of the walls, and two couches were tucked into a corner... very comfy! :)  I don't have pictures of the inside, but I do have one of the door which I thought was very well 'made up'.  Great color combo.

Well, time flew and before we knew it... the hour had arrived!  Everyone who was not in the bridal party headed down to the lower part of the site where the ceremony was to be held... and the music began!  
First came the two mothers being escorted by their youngest sons.  From left to right: Micaiah, Sis. Baker, Linda, and Nathan. 

Next came the men (no picture).
Then came the bridesmaids (the one pictured here is my sister-in-law, Stephanie).

Next were the two ring bearers and the flower girl. Then... it was Ali and her father, Mark.

The ceremony was conducted by Ben's father, Bro. Baker.  Julie (Ali's aunt, one of Bro. Fluitt's daughters) sang a song while Marcus (one of Ali's cousins) accompanied with a guitar.  

Here is the newest Baker couple!

While the pictures were being taken, everyone stood around and munched on little goodies or played some of the games provided (croquet, etc.).  We were then all treated to a catered meal that was really quite good.  By the way, here is a picture of the tables. I thought they were very well done!  

In this picture: Stephanie (my sis-in-law), Adrianna (Ben's sister), Ali and Ben, Micaiah (Ben's brother), and Lucas (Ali's brother).

The deck area in the background is where the food was served.

Next came the toasts, and then the desserts.  Delicious!  Here is a picture to prove. :)

Here are some more pics:

This is Ali and her two brothers: Lucas (left) and Nathan (right).

Ali with: (left to right) Bro. Fluitt (her grandfather), Lucas (bro), Mark (her dad), and Ben.

Baker family: (left to right)

Micaiah (Ben's bro), Bro. Baker, Sis. Baker, the couple, Ari (Adrianna's son), Adrianna (Ben's sister), Virgil (Adrianna's husband), Ezra (Adrianna's son), Jake (Adrianna's step-son).

Then came leaving time.  One of Linda's (Ali's mom) cousins owns all kinds of antique cars, so Ben and Ali took advantage and rode away in style!  I love the color of the car...

So, there's the report!  It went very well, and I wish them the best.


Until next time...
Mizz Babs

Movin' On...

Good evening all!
This is a very short post, but I just read something that I thought you'd be most interested to know!  Are you ready???  Gordon Mote is leaving the Gaither group and moving on to do a solo career.  He will be missed!  I, for one, really enjoyed not only his phenomenal playing, but also his singing.  If you have never heard him sing "If They Could See You Through My Eyes", I highly suggest you listen to it.  He dedicated it to his wife, Kimberly.  Absolutely beautiful.
Anyways, best wishes to him and his family!
Until next time...
Mizz Babs

Hi there!

I'm sure you are wondering what exactly this is all about, so let me take a minute to explain.  At my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary celebration dinner, Aunt DaVonne approached me with the thought to start a little blog where I would write about Southern Gospel Music up-dates and any interesting information about the artists.  When she proposed the idea, something about it just seemed neat and downright fun. So, here I am a few months later attempting to give it a whirl! :)


Katie and Priscilla came up for a visit this past week-end and did we ever have a great time!  We started off their visit by having a campfire BBQ with hot dogs and all.  We were thoroughly enjoying our dinner when Bruiser, our Doberman, decided that he was going to impress our guests by extracting a gopher about 2 yards from where we were sitting and torment it while we ate...  Bless his heart.


Saturday we began the morning by doing hair and then continued into the next part of the day with a bang.  Literally.  Jonathan took Katie and Priscilla into the backyard where they proceeded to learn how to shoot guns.  Lots of guns.  Let me just say that being on their good side is a good thing because their aim is none too shabby... ;)  That evening we met Braden and Jessica for dinner, then ended the night with 2 games of bowling.  Braden did what he dubbed a 'Flintstone move'. He wound that ball up good and tight and let it fly... right into the next lane.  I think Jessica disappeared under her seat somewhere.  A video could only do that one justice! 


I'm sure you're wondering what all of this has to do with music.  Well, here it is! Sunday afternoon rolled around and Katie, Cilla and I (and Piglet!) headed to Modesto to see The Collingsworth Family in concert!  If EVER you have a chance to see them live, I highly recommend it.  For those who aren't familiar with this group, I will do a quick introduction. The parents are Phil and Kim, and they've got 4 children whose ages range from 23 down to 14: Brooklyn, Courtney, Phillip Jr., and Olivia.  Aside from them all being singers, Phil plays the trumpet, Kim is an incredible pianist, and Brooklyn and Courtney are violinists. They are obviously one multi-talented family.  During the concert, they sang several songs off of their most recent album, Part of the Family, with piano solos from Kim and violin duets from the two older girls sprinkled throughout the concert. They did a really nice job of switching up lead singers, along with providing just an all around great variety of vocal combinations.  
What I am about to say next I say with the utmost respect. I personally have not been much of a fan of Kim Collingsworth's piano style. (Clarification: she is phenomenally gifted on the piano, but it just isn't a style which I myself tend to enjoy.) However, to see her live is a different story. When she went to that piano and started playing To God be the Glory, the anointing that was there is completely beyond words.  I just sat there and cried.  She was most definitely in another dimension!!!  After each of her solos she'd just have to sit and take a few moments to 'come back down'.  It was really quite an experience. Unforgettable.  
After the concert ended, we got a chance to talk to Kim (see photo below). She is so down to earth and just... real.  During the concert she spoke about homeschooling in the back of their van when they were just starting out, and was it ever funny! Anyways, she's just a really neat person.

We then headed to the back of the church to meet the three girls.  We talked mainly to Courtney (2nd eldest). Her husband had just graduated the day before (pre-med student), so they'd been flying all over the place! Anyways, she's a bubbly little thing.  Definitely the more outgoing one of the 3 girls.  Left to right: Courtney, myself, Cilla, Katie, Olivia and Brooklyn.

Then Courtney rounded up the rest of the family for one more shot...   pardon the darkness of the photo.
                             


So, that is the Collingsworth concert report.  We had a fantastic time, and they said they would be returning to California next year.  I know of at least one of their seats that will be taken! 


And in other gospel news, the Gaither Vocal Band will be releasing a new CD on the 11th of September.  Woohoo!  :)


Until next time...
Mizz Babs