Recent Randoms

Just some recent random observations. Hope you enjoy.

• There is no better feeling than that of giving.
• In both fear and faith, you are forced to believe in an unknown variable. In fearing, you're choosing to believe the what ifs in life that diminish smiles from our faces. In faith, you're choosing to believe in a positive outcome- one that allows a life free of stress, worry, and negativity. Why not choose faith?
• I've got more in this life to be thankful for than I acknowledge. So here's to the awareness of the little things around us that we should all learn to appreciate.
• Sleep is better when you're going to bed satisfied. From now on, I'm not going to go to bed just because I need to log those hours for ultimate health, but I'm going to enjoy my day- squeeze every bit of goodness out of it, THEN hit the sack.
• Being awake is better when waking isn't rushed. Waking slowly and not hitting the ground running makes for a happier, more stress free day. And even though it seems that you have more time to be productive by running from the minute you wake, you really do accomplish more when you're happy- not stressed.
• Baths are better with reading material. Mine of choice for this week has been The Oprah Magazine, which I love. Bath time is time to relax.
• Even if I don't want to log time on the treadmill, afterwards I'm always thankful that I did.
• I love the crazy rush of Black Friday. I participated for my first time this year and scored a 7ft pre-lit Christmas tree for me and Madison, and I also purchased my very own first set of luggage. It's a 5 piece set and it's royal purple. Spent less than $100, saved $215! And I've always loved a good sale, but now I know what a GREAT sale is... you can imagine how giddy I was!
• About Black Friday- confession: I love it more when I'm waiting in crazy lines for doors to open.. you know, at 5 am. By 8 am, I'm done. I really do love the RUSH. Did I mention that Home Depot only had about 10 of those Christmas trees and they were all gone within about 10 minutes?
• I never seem to have enough books. I have a list of several I'm wanting to buy. Hopefully a Barnes & Noble gift card will make it into my stocking this year.
• Disney never gets old. We're going again Dec 15th!
• Friends doesn't get old either.. no matter how many times I've seen the episode. And there's an episode for EVERY situation.

If you have anything to add, I'd love for you to share!

Update on Wedding Planning

Over the past couple of days, we have had so much progress in the wedding planning process! I'm so motivated and more excited than ever about all the decisions that we've been making. To catch you up:

• We have our location- Sacred Heart in Augusta, Ga.
• Of course, we have our date- 388 days away!
• We have a rough draft of our guest list.
• We bought our save-the-dates and are working to have those mailed by the end of the first week in December! Right now, we're collecting addresses for those which require save-the-dates.
• We have picked out our cake and already have someone to make it.
• We have a rough draft of our reception menu.
• We have our ceremony musician... and I couldn't be more excited about who it is! It's a surprise!
• We've started registering but so far have only registered for a few things at Williams-Sonoma.
• We've already received our first gift from Williams-Sonoma... just a thinking of you from Madison's mom.
• My dress has already been ordered and has already come in! In fact, I wore it for 2 hours yesterday! I am more in love with it than ever before... MAN O MAN.
• We've already picked out our invitations.
• We know what we're doing for wedding favors- but that's going to be a surprise too!
• Did I mention that my guest list is alphabetized? OH YEAH, IT IS.
• We already have an idea of the brides maids dresses we want... and a color scheme.
• I know what my bouquet is going to look like... and those for the brides maids as well.
• On December 8th, we're going to see Sacred Heart decorated for Christmas which is how it will be for our wedding- and we're so excited!
• We have a wedding coordinator.

I think that's all I can tell you at this point. Other decisions are still underway. I'll be sure to blog another update soon!

Three Time Hall of Famers, The Lewis Family, Will Appear For One Final Concert

Join us for this day in history...

Three time Hall of Famers The Lewis Family will appear for one final concert

Grammy nominees Jeff & Sheri Easter will join them

One of Georgia’s most notable musical artists, The Lewis Family, officially retired in September, but the group was coaxed to appear in concert once again in their home state of Georgia.

“We are so excited to be coming together one last time for our friends here at home and for the folks at WJBF who have been so supportive of us all through the years,” said Little Roy Lewis.

Members of the First Family of Bluegrass Gospel will gather to appear in concert Saturday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. in Lincolnton, Ga. at the Lewis Family Pavilion. Jeff & Sheri Easter will also appear. Tickets are $10 and children 12 and under are free. Tickets are available only at the gate.

Attendees should bring lawn chairs in the event available seating is exceeded. Attendees should also dress appropriately for an outdoor concert.

Little Roy said he looks forward to jamming with visiting musicians with some parking lot pickin’ from noon until 4 p.m. prior to the concert.

The Lewis Family television show went on the air in 1954 and ran until 1992 when the family began producing its annual Christmas special. This event will be taped for use as the group’s 55^th annual Christmas Show to air on WJBF in Augusta.

The Lewis Family are members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and hold numerous awards including Doves, SPBGMA awards, and others.

The family began with the marriage of the late Roy “Pop” and Pauline “Mom” Lewis and their children began performing in 1951. As their fifty-eighth year of performing about 200 times a year covering 100,000 miles comes to a close, the group includes siblings Little Roy Lewis, Janis Lewis Phillips, Miggie Lewis, and the ailing Polly Lewis Copsey with third generation member Lewis Phillips. Other members of the family may make special appearances in recognition of this special event.

Two of those former members include Polly’s son-in-law and daughter, Jeff & Sheri Easter. They have distinguished themselves in a highly awarded career of their own including five Dove awards, a Grammy nomination and through their association with the Gaither Homecoming video series selling over 15 million videos.

“I am excited that we are giving people in Georgia a chance to come together and honor the family’s legacy,” Sheri said. “It will be a great opportunity for people to come and say thank you for all the things the Lewis Family has done for gospel music and our hometown and in turn a chance for all of us in the family to extend thanks for the many years of friendship from all those who included the Lewis Family as part of their lives.”

For more information, call (706) 359-1997 or (706) 359-3767 or visit www.lewisfamilymusic.com and www.jeffandsherieaster.com.

Calendar Announcement:

The Lewis Family Final Concert featuring the Lewis Family and Jeff and Sheri Easter – Bluegrass, Gospel and Georgia Music Hall of Famers, the Lewis Family of Lincolnton, Ga. will appear Saturday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. for a final performance at the Lewis Family Pavilion in Lincolnton, Ga. The event will be taped by Augusta’s WJBF channel 6 and broadcast as the Lewis Family’s 55^th Annual Christmas Show. Admission is $10. Attendees should bring a lawn chair and dress appropriately for an outdoor concert. Children 12 and under will be admitted free. Parking lot jammers will be welcomed from 12 – 4 p.m. and Little Roy Lewis will join in the fun. For more information, call (706) 359-1997 or (706) 359-3767 or visit www.lewisfamilymusic.com and www.jeffandsherieaster.com.