Recent Highlights

Here are some highlights of what we've been doing for about the last 18 months.

As usual we've made our Christmas presentations the usual family affair. As the kids grow up and move on, we keep revamping our show. Lately, we've had Tara on vocals and guitar. She's really done well, and people sincerely like her voice. Joey has also come to the fore and added a special touch to our music with his Irish whistle and mandolin playing. At a local Christmas concert, he won the prize of being able to conduct the full orchestra. Check out some of the photos below and a video clip of an impromptu living room presentation.

As 2009 began, my dear mom was diagnosed with lymphoma. She experienced a turn around about the time Carol and I visited her in May. We had a great time together and as an unexpected surprise to all of us, my very old friend, Matty, showed up in town. We hadn't seen each other for 35 years. So it was a special time with my mom, my family, and Matty. Not long after, my mom took a turn for the worse and passed away in July. She was 85 and was very well known and active in the church and community.

Over the years Carol has received some training in midwifery, which she really enjoys. This year she was awarded a partial scholarship to continue her studies and become a Certified Midwife. Because of this, we've moved from the very beautiful country setting in which we were living to the Austin area to be closer for Carol's studies.

We also recorded a lullaby that Carol had written for some of the children she babysits for. We are in the process of promoting the song so we recorded it in a professional studio. I did the arrangements, Carol sang it, and Tina and Tara did the backup vocals.

Joe playing the mandolin

Tara on the guitar

Matty, Mom, and Me

Carol loves to sing!

Performing at a nursing home

Joe on the Irish whistle (at right)

Joey directing a local orchestra (below)