Band Tour 2009

It has come and gone - those five wonderful days. I know I've said this before, but unless you ever go on a choir and band tour you will never understand how they are. I guess some people can't stand them and are worn out, but I thrive on tour. I mean, you are with your big wonderful family!! :) I think I laughed the most on this tour than any other. Awesome memories - a jam-packed five days. Mostly for my sake, I'm going to do highlights of each day. It's incredible long and perhaps boring - so I'm sorry. :) There are pictures though.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Went to band at 7:55 and consequently had Symphony 40, Finale, and American Folk Rhapsody stuck in my head all day. Finished reading EEL in my car. Ate lunch and loaded on the big bus at 12:00. Shane was very dear to switch seats with Kathleen and I putting us in the front seat in front of Luke and Chenie. I can't really remember what I did on the way to Terra Haute - probably just talked with people. We had our first service at Terra Haute, IN, and God helped us so much. I just remember that I had such a good night with my flute playing. I got to stay at a motel that night with Breanna, Sherina, and Liz. I slept really good! :)

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Up early and on the way to Independence, KS. We weren't sure what the day would hold because a big snow storm was forcasted to hit the area where we were going. We did finally hit the big snow storm and just kept trucking along in several inches of snow. At least we were big and heavy (the bus that is). It was so weird seeing the blooming redbud trees with snow on them. "The Purple!" The snow delayed us some so we got to the church kinda late. It was the first of 3 rushed nights for me. Running snakes and 200 footers, arranging and taping cords, and rushing to get ready, and do something with my hair, get tuned, and get on the platform. whew. :) We had another good service at Independence and a good crowd despite the snow. That night I stayed with Sis. Sharon Devolt which is Deanne Devolt's mother. She was so spontaneous and fun - we made snow ice-cream!!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

On our way to Fort Scott, Kansas. It was fun sitting near Mr. Wolf and listening as he reminisced about his home place and watch him as he pointed out all the landmarks that he knew. He really wanted to go to Chicken Annie's and hand out tracks. lol. The service was amazing at Ft. Scott. I just felt God's special presence as Jessica sang about the Lamb of God and His sacrifice for all mankind. And then as Jacinda sang All the Way - how God came all the way for me, leaving me just one step take to believe and trust Him. I absolutely melt when Jacinda goes into The Love of God - it is so high and soaring just like God's love for us. Anyway, a big burly man that I guess had been attending or had just recently been saved, prayed after the service and told Mr. D. that it was "the purtiest music he's heard." And then I guess a little boy leaned over to his mommy during the service and said, "Jesus saved me." Wow. God's presence was so real and so felt - it was awesome. I saw my Grandma and Grandpa and got to eat lunch with them which was cool. :)

Then we drove 3 hours to Tulsa, and I cross-stitched most of the way, because I couldn't sleep (I think this tour was the "sleepiest" tour for everyone else lol). We were at Bro. Grimeon's beautiful church and once again God helped us as we ministered. That night I finally got to stay with my overnight buddy Rachelle, and also got to hang out with Jess, Jacinda, Katrin, Esther, Dana, and Susie. Fun times.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Today was probably the "funnest" day of the whole trip. In the morning, Chen, Lucas, Katie, Rachelle and I were playing a rousing and crazy game of Fast Uno. A bit of movement from the bus and unsteadiness on her part suddenly found Rachelle in Mr. Crater's lap. :P It was sooooo funny. Then we stopped at Lambert's Cafe - Home of the Throwed Rolls. (L - if you are reading this - you are so not even funny. :) It was the coolest cafe with big portions and big sides and yes thrown rolls. Fun times there too. And yummy cucumbers and onions. Then we went to Branson Landing which was an outdoor mall that also had a walkway down by a river and cool syncopated fountains. We had several hours to kill and had a great time walking, laughing, and taking silly pictures. After we left, our poor little bus nearly konked out on us. The Ozarks are pretty hilly and the bus was going like 25 mph up the hills - something to do with the fuel filter. Needless to say we made it to Mt. Zion and Mr. Mills took the bus to be repaired. Mt. Zion was my most rushed night. The service was held in a gym so me and Bia had some long snakes to run and tape. Our poor knees. Then I rushed over to the little house where me and Rachelle, her mom and dad, and Jess and Jacinda were staying and changed my clothes and pinned and sprayed my hair and ran back over to the gym for service. And then I was privileged to sit immediately in front of dear Gumby, Rachel, and Katie and their snare drum and crash cymbals. Tuning was not so good for me that night, but the service and testimonies were still good and God helped and blessed. After the service I met a bunch of people that knew my parents which was cool. Didn't sleep too well that night though - woke up at 330 am coughing my head off. I was so afraid I was going to wake up everybody!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

The long trip home that didn't seem so long. We had wonderful bus devotions and prayer. I slept. I studied and then completed a take home test. I played Fast Uno. I filled in my survey and listened to the results. I played Catch Phrase. And I got a head ache from all the laughing, smiling, and yelling. :) It was a great day and a wonderful tour.

And Now -- BAND TOUR SURVEY

1.) Prettiest Sanctuary - Tulsa

2.) Best Service - Ft. Scott

3.) Favorite Song - Great is thy Faithfulness (1st Half) and Wonderful Grace of Jesus (2nd

Half)
4.) Best Food - Ft. Scott
5.) Best Crew - P.A.! #1!

6.) Favorite Pastime - Sleeping
7.) Favorite Quote - "The Purple"
Honorable Mentions -
-"We're going to try to make it through the book of Psalms." - Mr. Wolf
-"Hello, John." - Mrs. Wolf
- "Did you guys know that you were crying?" - Mrs. Wolf
- "Saint Mattress." - Mr. Wolf
- "Sing it Luke." - Gumby
- "Don't goober up the carpet." - Mr. Wolf
8.) Funniest Person - Mrs. Wolf
9.) Loudest Person - Gumby
10.) In the Aisle the Most - Mr. Crater
11.) In the Bathroom the Most - Mr. Wolf
12.) Headphones on the Most - Gumby and Michael
13.) Slept the Most - Jane
14.) On the Phone the Most - Matt
15.) Cutest Couple - Jess and Michael
16.) Newest Couple - Lucas and Alanna
17.) Rookie of the Year - Kenny and Ely
18.) Cutest Single - Chen and Shane and Ely
19.) Biggest Flirt - Gumby and Lynette
20.) Best Dressed - Gumby and Alanna and Rachel
21.) Best Hair - Brandon H. and Katrin and Ms. V
22.) Biggest Eater - Kenny and Sarah
23.) Ms. Band Tour - Tonya
24.) Mr. Band Tour - Chen
25.) Funniest Moments - Chelle falling on Mr. Crater and Lucas coming into the girls bathroom (with me standing there -lol)

Well there you go - I can't believe how long this took. Oh well, it will be fun to look back to someday. :)

Bright Side

Negatives:

• I have staph infection in my finger. (I asked my doctor if this was the "scary" staph that people get after surgery and he said sometimes it can be dangerous but usually it's not.)
• I had the privilege to have my doctor use a needle to open up the infection opposite my cut. (Yeah, it hurt.)
• I got a Tdap shot (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis). (No, it didn't hurt as bad as the previous negative.)
• I have an upper respiratory infection aka cold.
• If we don't see improvement with my finger by tomorrow, I have to go back to get more or different antibiotics.
• I have a headache.
• I can't play my flute tomorrow.
• And have you heard my voice? I sound like a sick duck.

Positives:

• I finally went to the doctor. (Hindsight says I should have gone to Urgent Care on Saturday after my cut. To bad hindsight is ... well ... hindsight.)
• My ears and lungs are okay.
• Which means I don't have an ear infection, strep throat, or pneumonia.
• My oral antibiotic was free. (Go Meijer!)
• I don't have to work tonight because of the infection.
• It's beautiful outside.
• I think the trees budded overnight - it makes me smile.
• I'm getting ready to take Tussin CF which should help my cold.
• If my finger improves, hopefully I can play my flute on Sunday.
• We have fruit popsicles in the freezer. :)
• God is faithful. If you don't realize this just read Joshua and Judges. :)

Things to remember for life:

• Sourdough rolls can go in the slicer.
• Always wear your "cutting glove" when cutting.
• If you get hurt, go get it checked out just to be safe.
• Hydrogen peroxide is good.
• Go for regular yearly checkups.
• God is always good and always faithful.

Your slightly drugged yet hopeful Vicks sniffin' blogger - Laney

The Spicy Pickle

I always enjoy going out to eat with friends. Today's restaurant of choice was The Spicy Pickle in Clifton, which was especially cool because I had a coupon for The Spicy Pickle. My and Katie's meals together came to $10.70! I love saving money!! I had half of a Sausalito Bandido sandwich, a spinach salad, a bag of Lays, a spicy pickle, and an sparkling blackberry IZZE for $5.35! And it was delicious. Oh and I had a sample of their chocolate chip cookie. :) And we were able to get a parking spot right across the road, which was a blessing. Anyway - it was fun.

Well, it's been nice knowing everyone, but I will probably disappear for the next few weeks. I must must MUST work on homework and portfolio work. Sigh -- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. :)

Trust me - I know what I'm doing...

You all would be so proud of my cooking abilities. lol. Mom calls and says, "I know you won't want to do this, but I need you to cook a whole chicken." What Mom doesn't know (and probably anyone else for that matter) is that I actually like the feel of raw meat. I know - weird. So after giving detailed instructions she hangs up.

I get the big guy out of the fridge and start cutting the plastic off of him. With the water running, I began searching for his innards. Well, they're not bagged up as Mom thought they might be. No matter, it's funner this way. Now to identify which organs stay and which ones go. Hmmm... I finally determined which one was the liver (at least I think it was - the liver is the largest organ, right?) More rinsing. Hmm...seems like the neck is still attached. I think Mom thought it would be detached inside the big guy. Do I break the neck? - it seems rather secure. I think I'll just leave the neck inplace. More rinsing - oops there's the liver again. "You must stay inside, Mr. Liver." Finally, I put the big guy in the roaster - I think it's belly side down. Not sure. Now for seasonings - some black pepper, paprika, and red pepper. Yup - that looks about right. Into the oven he goes - see ya later big guy.

(I love to amuse myself. Just be thankful that I didn't post pictures.)

I'm BAAAACK...

I'm glad to be home - but I kinda wish I was still riding on the big bus with my big wonderful other family. If you've never been on choir tour, I don't even know how to explain the camaraderie and love you feel after ministering together for ten days. I miss you guys already!!!

Allow me to reminisce...

"ahh ahh" (french accent)
Madagascar 2
"I hate my life!"
P.A. Crew!!
"Thanks for riding Piedmont."
the Tuning Crew
ROOK!
Annala!!
Crosstitch.
Hip, Hip, Hooray!
My Favorite Things.
The Cheesburger Song.
Alfie!!
Seated.
Grace will Always be Greater than Sin.
Early mornings

*Sigh* It was wonderful!

A few pictures - see Ryan's Website for more.

Rachel and Mary - the first picture I took and I think it's my favorite! :)


Lucas blessed us with My Favorite Things complete with motions. Great fun.

Some of the mall shoppers at the Florida Mall.

She said, "YES!"

Isaac lands a "high" five!

Me and Ely - the flutists!

Katie and her nephew Collin!

Some really cool girls we stayed with.

My awesome family that I got to see!

Chelle, Mandy, and ROOK! It was so much fun!

My seat partner, overnight partner, and best friend! Hugs!

Then there is Goober. Much Love - Alan-na. :)

You guys are so cute!

Katie, Cassie, and the Foggy Window

Christy and I - Rook buddies. :)

*Sniff, sniff* Don't leave me Chen!!! :)

Well, there is more, but not tonight!

Signing off -

Laney.

Good Medicine

My family - we are crazy. I just laughed so hard I had to leave the room to get control. It seems like I can only laugh the free-est when I'm with my family. Love you guys.

A Night on the Town

Friday night, I went to the Pops to see and hear the King's Singers highly recommended by Isaac and Seth. It was wonderful!! The theme for the night was "Pops Goes British" and the night was certainly that with God Save the Queen, Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1, Op. 39 in D by Edward Elgar, Selections from Camelot by Frederic Loewe, Auld Lang Syne played by the Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes and Drums Band, James Bond Theme, Theme from For Your Eyes Only and Goldfinger, Candle in the Wind (with a beautiful flute solo), Goodbye Yellow Brick Road sung by Julie Spangler, the Pops piano player and arranger, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and the world renowned King's Singers. They were amazing!! Their a cappella pieces especially were breathtaking. They sang popular songs from movies and by the Beatles: Kokomo, Live and Let Die, A Kiss from a Rose, A Groovy Kind of Love, The Circle of Light (really cool!), Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, Blackbird, Honey Pie, Because, and Hey Jude. And they sang Yellow Submarine for the encore! We stayed and got their autographs and some pictures with them. It was such a fun and relaxing evening. Thank you everyone for coming. And next time, I will make sure I check to see the correct time the concert starts! ;)

Isaac with fellow tenor Paul Phoenix of the King's Singers.

Seth and then Shane (below) with bass Stephen Connolly of the King's Singers.

I really think I could go to the Pops or Symphony every weekend!! I love watching the orchestra play. :) Just last night, I was going on and on about some piece we're doing for Concert on the Lawn and Mom asked me if I was in the right division. I assured her that yes, I still love to teach, but I love music too. I know that I will be a life-long learner and lover of music. :)