July 23, 2008

I'm up here in the middle of the night so I thought I'd sneak in for a little update. I am getting very far along in my pregnancy now. Sleep is becoming difficult to get! We are all looking forward to seeing this little one, and he/she will be worth every sleepless night!

We sang lastnight at a tent revival. Lots of "firsts" for us here in the south! We had, of course, heard of them, just never been to one.

Little Jed has had 2 good days now! (So Mom has had 2 better days!) He is eating just about what he used to again! Loves his peanut butter pancakes again! Ted and I bought him a backpack the other day and we used it at lastnight's performance. He LOVED it! It's so nice to hear him laugh again! He thinks his daddy is the best, and his daddy thinks the world of him, too. Everyone of the children has been such a help to us at this time, and we have much to be thankful for.

Courtney is sure lovin' that new banjo! It sounds so nice! Everyone here agrees! We are all so happy for her. We just got Daniel a guitar last summer in much the same way..we put $100 down in April and the Lord had provided the rest of it by August!

I so appreciate your patience, those of you who are awaiting return calls from me. Life has been extra busy these past couple of weeks, especially. (I have 15 phonecalls to return, and more that I need to make!) Also, with being full-time with the band, as the band manager I have a much heavier load. I am enjoying it so much, but it all takes time!

Well, maybe I can still catch a little sleep before the family wakes up! Have a great day!

~

Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied. Jude 2

~

Jed on July 10, the day before surgery

July 21, 2008

Good morning! Having trouble sleeping, so I thought I'd drop in and say hello! We've had a very busy weekend, to be sure! Ted and most of the children went down to Pickin' in the Park on Friday night, where we were asked to play the next day for Cruso Ol' Crab Day. The folks were kind to us, and we made some new friends. That was Jed's  first day out after surgery. He did well physically, but he really has trouble with anyone he doesn't know after all the poking around done by so many nurses and doctors. I think it'll be awhile before he gets through it, as he still has several appointments over the next few weeks for check-up and stitch removal, CT scans, an MRI, etc. I was so encouraged to see him eating really well again yesterday!

Speaking of yesterday, we did our first "Homecoming" yesterday here! It was a long day, but lots of fun! Many of the churches around here set aside one day a year for Homecoming, and they have special sevices, lots of food, and lots of music! (If anyone starves here in the south, I'll never understand it!) How fitting that our first Homecoming should be at our home church!

We then had an evening concert at Holly Springs Baptist Church, which we shared with another group! I can't think of their name just now, but they were fantastic and we enjoyed them so much. We swapped cd's and plan to keep in touch. They were such a blessing to us..2 of the men who gave short testimonies about their lives were 2 of the best "sermons" I've heard in a long time!  I'll try and get their band name in here for you later in!

I had a phonecall Friday night from a man in Ranier, Oregon who just couldn't believe we had left Washington. He said they really miss our family. It was really sweet of him to call. Coming here is like a calling for us. It's something we has planned to do since our first trip in 2006. Ted and I truly have peace we are supposed to be here for now.  Our children are very much in agreement, and when you have 4 teenagers in the house, that has to be the Lord! But I want you to know that we miss you, too!

Well, I should try and catch a bit more sleep while all the family is snoozing!

P.S. Courtney is loving that new banjo! It sounds wonderful!!

~

And I will restore unto you the years that the locusts have eaten..Joel 2:25a

~

COURTNEY AND DANIEL JAMMIN' WITH HER NEW BANJO!

July 18, 2008

Well, Athena, the new banjo, did arrive yesterday! It stayed in the box all afternoon while Courtney cleaned with some of her cousins. She is thrilled!! It sounds so very nice. We are all so happy for her! Everyone wanted a chance to hold the banjo. Jeddy, who thinks Courtney is the cat's meow, was a little jealous when she was holding the banjo instead of him! (Wonder what he'll think of the new baby in September!)

It has been a week since Jed had his surgery now. While we do see lots of improvement, he is kind of a fussy guy these days. I know I sure would be fussy if I had surgery like that! Poor little guy. Looks like Naomi is succeeding in feeding him bananas, his favorite baby food.

Speaking of baby food, the Lord provided a good sized bag for Jed recently! Our pastor's grandson had outgrown the need for it. What a blessing it has been! God is good!

So much has happened in the two months since we arrived in North Carolina. I have begun a newsletter, trying to condense it all. Please send me an e-mail with your address (snail) if you wish to be on our mailing list. (We lost our address book in the move, so please do send your address, even if I've had it in the past!)

Well, I'm going to play with my lil one for now! Have a great evening!

Love,

Kim for us all

~

~

July 16, 2008

Good morning! Jeddy continues to do very well. He holds his head straight up now, where he used to get tired and tilt it a little to the side. We are so excited to see that! He still is a bit groggy and sleepy after surgery, but his appetite is almost normal again. I tried to get some pictures loaded on for you to see, but no luck! Computer troubles are no fun!

Courtney back in May with her new banjo..she's patiently awaiting it's arrival!

Well, it is time for me to tell you about Athena, our newest addition to the band! Courtney has been using a Deering Sierra now for a few years, and it's been a great banjo. As she has improved so drastically , we had been needing to upgrade for her, so for the past year and a half, she has been trying out every banjo she could get her hands on!

On our way here from Washington, we were called to Minnesota to perform. Courtney really wanted to stop in Minneapolis at Nechville to try out some banjos, in particular one that Tom Nechville designed that weighed much less than the typical banjo. The Athena weighs only 2 lbs., the one she currently uses weighs 14! As she played that Athena, the smile on her face revealed to us that she had found THE BANJO! This was back in May. Now money became the question. We put a small percentage down to hold it. I told Tom that I believed God would do it for her, and he agreed with me that this would happen for her! Two months later, and we are down to owing $850..the Lord is good! We are getting so close that Nechville shipped Athena out, and the last we checked she was in Kentucky, due to arrive here at home tomorrow! To say Courtney is excited is, well, and understatement at best! She can't wait for that banjo to get here!

To help finance the banjo, we are giving out family photos for a donation of any size at most of our performances. For those of you who are a little too far to attend, we wanted to give you an opportunity to be a part as well. If you'd like to help, send to:

Courtney Wright

P.O. Box 821

Hazelwood, NC 28738

Make sure and send a return address so we can send you a photo! Also, if you aren't able to help but would just like a picture, let us know and we'll get it out!

Well, I need to run for now! Sorry it took me awhile to get this in here. With Jed needing surgery, and all that has entailed, we have been super busy at this time!

Have a great day!

~

July 13, 2008

Hello this afternoon! Jeddy came home from the hospital yesterday, less than 24 hours after surgery! I am amazed at how quickly they send folks home these days! One of the nurses told me that it's quite often an outpatient surgery. Wow! Jed is doing very well. (You can read a more detailed account on his page.) Thank you so much for your prayers. He did wonderfully, and already we can see where the swelling has gone down, both from surgery, and just from where he was!

The family is relieved to have Jed home! We can tell he is somewhat sore and a bit groggy, but he refuses to take pain medication and is doing very well, in spite of it all!

Well, I am pretty tired out so I think I'd better go for now! Thank you all for your prayers!! It meant EVERYTHING to us at this time!

~

July 11,  2008

Just a minute to say hello this morning. I got up super early to feed Jed as he won't be able to eat or drink anything for 8 hours. That is the super hard part of them moving the surgery until the afternoon.

Please pray for wisdom for the the surgeons today, and steady hands. I am confident that Jeddy has a great neurosurgeon, and that we are in excellent hospital. My mother-in-law mentioned she had read somewhere that Asheville Mission Hospital is one of the top ten hospitals in the nation. We have heard such good reports from everyone we have talked to. It comforts us to know these things!

We have some good friends back in Washington with a little girl born with hydrocephalus. I was able to visit with Charity, the mother, lastnight on the phone. Their little Mindy is doing so well at 3. It was so encouraging to talk to her Momma! (Mindy is the 16th of 17 children!)

Thank you to everyone who is praying. It means more than anything! I can feel the prayers..though my heart is heavy I can truly say I have that peace that passes all understanding.

Lots of love,

Kim for all us Wrights'

~

Here is Jeddy as a tiny guy!

July 10, 2008

Just a few minutes here this morning. I have spent much time on here "helping" Jeddy on his new page. (You can access it by clicking on the left on Jed's Page.) Tomorrow is the day he goes in to have surgery for his hydrocephalus. Please do keep him in your prayers. We will do our best to update you here on the web. Please have patience with us as we do our best to keep you updated! His surgery is now scheduled for 1:30 PM EST, and is supposed to take about 2 hours. It has already been bumped by 6 hours this week, so we know that the best plans made by man are often changed!

Thank you to everyone of you who are praying.

Love from all us Wrights!

~

July 9, 2008

Happy Birthday to Princess Mandi! She is 8 years old today! If ya get a moment, maybe you could stop by the guestbook and join us in wishing her a happy birthday with us! We celebrated lastnight, as Jeddy will be leaving for an MRI at the hospital before she gets up this morning.

Daddy and I took Mandi out to Zaxby's all by herself, and then came home for cake and ice cream with the family. She got lots of gifts from us all. She loved everything!

Just wanted to share a scripture the Lord gave me this morning.

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

Thank you for every prayer, Friends and Family.

~

All of us Wrights at Allen's Creek Baptist Church, the church Ted's great-grandparents attended..what an honor to minister there in song!! Thank you, Pastor Deitz and Pastor Moody!

July 8, 2008

I am so thankful to the patient man at at webserver who was able to fix it up for me! Our site is now up and running and I can access it from home! One less thing to worry about for today!

Mandi will be 8 years old tomorrow! She brings so much joy to our home. Her name, Amanda Joy, means beloved joy, and she certainly has been that! She is still loving her dollies, and her collection is growing again!

Jed had his pre-op appointment yesterday in preparation for Friday's surgery. Tomorrow he goes in for an MRI first thing in the morning. Please keep our little buddy in your prayers. All sounds very positive. Any parent could understand our apprehension. We do have peace, and that means alot.

The kids are all busy with school right now. I'm proud of the way they are studying this summer, due to our early "summer break".

Daniel bought Naomi a really nice pretty pink camera for her birthday. She's turning into quite the little photographer! The picture above is taken by Peggy Payne with that camera.

Nikki has been super busy with her studies and also working for my friend, Mrs. Scott. (Sometimes they clean the "small house", only 9,000 square feet! She is keeping us all hopping with song changes!

Courtney and Daniel went out rollerblading 5 miles this morning! Wow, I could certainly use to get in shape like that!

Caleb has been doing lots of studying and enjoying reading, playing his fiddle, and messing around on the computer.

Ted was able to get away with cousin Rickey and do a little hunting and fishing. I think it did him a world of good! You'll have to ask him about his experience with a 28" copperhead! (Us Washingtonians are not used to dealing with poisonous snakes!) For some reason, the picture wouldn't load earlier, but we'll have to get it in here!

Well, hope you enjoyed a little update from this tired momma!

~

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Philippians 4:23

~

July 3, 2008

Hello there! I am sorry to tell you I may not be in here as often. My server is denying me access into my own site, so I had to go to the library to get in! I will be working on it, but as you know, getting computer server problems fixed is often complicated! Also, until it's resolved I will be unable to add photos.

Tomorrow we will be kicking off the Freedom Festival in Maggie Valley, playing a 45 minute set at 2 PM. Happy 4th to you all! It is a free event for those of you who are in the area, so come on down! Looking forward to it!

You may have noticed I have a button on which to click on our home page for Jed. Due to time constraints here at the library, I won't be able to add much. To make a long story short, for some time I have noticed that his head seemed to be growing quicker than his body. We made an appointment for him just after our arrival here in North Carolina. He was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, meaning water on the brain. He will have a shunt put into his head next Friday, with a tube that runs down and drains into his stomach. For those of us without hydrocephalus, this is something our body naturally does for us.

Jed is doing very well, and is not sick at all. His doctor says he is asymptomatic, and the main reason he is doing so well is that his softspot is still open. The only symptom he appears to have is that his head is heavy, so he can not hold it up as long as other babies can. He is one smart guy!

I will do my best to keep you updated through the website in the meantime. Your prayers are very much appreciated! We know he is in our Heavenly Father's hands, and we feel like we have some of the best medical care in the nation. The surgeon assures us that if all goes well, and he has no reason to believe it won't, he should be able to live a very normal life, even playing sports down the road if he so chooses.

Again, please keep Jed and the family in your prayers, and we hope to have positive updates soon! You can write us at:

The Wrights'

P.O. Box 821

Hazelwood, NC 28738

~

Have a great 4th of July, and I hope to get back real soon!

~

THE WRIGHT CHILDREN ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE (Washington State)

Taken 4/25/08..two months ago today.

June 25, 2008

It's hard to believe we left our beautiful homestate two months ago, today. It has been a full two months, to be sure. While we love and miss you in Washington very much, we have a peace that we are right where we need to be for this time. This place is so much like Washington..just beautiful. The sunrises and sunsets here on the mountain are just gorgeous. I'll have to show you a picture sometime!

We will be going to Black Mountain tonight to play music for one of Ted's cousin's churches. (Kerlee Baptist Church.) I believe one of his other cousins, a pastor in Weaverville, will be there with some of his people. I am looking so forward to it!

My folks called lastnight to say they made it home from their trip! I know they had to be exhausted! I am grateful they made it home safely.

Ted's cousin, Mark, and his girlfriend, Erika, should be landing in NC in a few hours! I hope they have a wonderful stay here in Waynesville. I know their folks, who have been here a week, sure are looking forward to their safe arrival! (And we are, too!)

Ted's Uncle Bill and Mandi are great pals. It was so cute at the grocery store last week..she was guiding him around by the hand, pulling him out of people's way! (Not that he really needed guiding!)

I will be telling about Courtney's new banjo very soon! She has sold her Deering Sierra to a friend in Oregon, and will soon hold in her hands Nechville's Athena!

~

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

~

Jeddy-8 months

June 21, 2008

Yesterday was Ted's birthday! In the last 7 days, we celebrated 3 birthdays and Father's Day. Aunts Jani and Marva bought Ted a german chocolate cake..it was just delicious! We got him a book about the Plott hound, which he is reading as I type. He loves it! The author, Bob Plott, will be in Maggie Valley next weekend with some dogs. I hope to get to take the family!

We got to sing lastnight down at Canton. What a delightful crowd! We got hired for the Canton Labor Day celebration, and an open invitation to perform on Fridays. Part of the program was aired on a local radio station, I believe 920am. It was fun! The Washington family came.

Tomorrow evening we will be performing at Camp Branch Freewill Baptist Church! Come if ya can!

Well, off for now! Hope to see ya soon!

~

June 18, 2008

We just got back from a whirlwind of a morning/afternoon. I think we wore out the aunts and uncle! We were pleasantly surprised to find their motel the closest one to our house. We showed them around to the cemetaries, and some of the homesteads, Mast General store, as well as a few other places. They look to be having a great time. I hear rumors of more folks coming out. I sure hope they feel as welcome as we have!

I need to go for now..happened to have a few minutes!

~

June 17, 2008

I haven't been able to access our site for some reason, but today I am in luck!

We have lots happening here. Our big news is that Naomi turned 14 yesterday! We are so proud of her! She is a blessing..with a quick smile and a servant's heart. I think she was pleased with her birthday. We spoiled her rotten! My folks were here to help celebrate. We had a nice cake and ice cream. Good stuff!

My folks left this morning to go back to Washington state. We had a nice visit! I am sure it was hard for my mom especially to leave both daughters and all grandchildren on the east coast. Fortunately, with technology being what it is today, the distance isn't so far anymore. They'll come back!

Ted's Uncle Bill, Aunt Janice, and Aunt Marva are all coming in from Washington tonight. We are looking forward to seeing them! They will be here for 2 weeks. We are planning a family reunion for them on Sunday, June 29, at the Allen's Creek Park from 12-5. Our family will be singing at the Allen's Creek Baptist Church at 6pm afterward. (Grandma and Grandpa Rhinehart attended this church when they lived here.) Feel free and come if you're in the area. Just bring along a covered dish! We will provide drinks and silverware, plates, etc!

Well, you have a great day! I need to get to other things for now!

Blessings,

Kim for us all

~

June 12, 2008

Just a moment to drop in here before school starts this morning. All is well! My folks left from Florida yesterday. They will get here in time to celebrate my mom's birthday. (She's 39, again! Same age as I'll be in September.)

We will be at the Ole Mater Farm Festival on Saturday. Mountain Faith is giving up their spot to us. We are closing the show at 8:45 pm. Come out and see what it's all about!

The weather here is much cooler than in the Piedmont area. As soon as we crossed Black Mountain coming home from Salisbury, it seemed the temperature dropped by 20 degrees! It's beautiful in the Piedmont, but we sure love the mountains of Western North Carolina.

~

June 9, 2008

Good morning! We are now in Salisbury, NC, staying at the home of the Edwards Family Band. They graciously allowed us to play for their church lastnight. The folks were so kind and good to us, and we have all enjoyed the fellowship so much! Most of our kids haven't been to bed, and it's 9AM. This is how our family and the Edwards family visits when we get together! We just love them!

Tomorrow we will be filming for a local tv station out of Franklin, NC. I believe The studio owner says it will air 2 Sundays from now at 9 am. I don't know the channel (we don't own a tv!), but I will find more details and put them in here for those of you who are local.

My folks will be coming in soon. We don't have a date yet, but they have been with my sister and her family in Florida for some time, and I know they'll be coming!

We are having August weather and humidity, I am told. It was 99 degrees yesterday, but feels much hotter than that. Thank the Lord for air conditioning indoors!

I am 25 weeks along in my pregnancy now, less than two weeks from my third and final trimester. I am feeling really good, and things are going well.  I went and toured the hospital a couple of weeks ago, and the nurses were so nice. To tell you how small it is, there are only 4 labor and delivery rooms!

Well, I'd best go for now. Have a wonderful day!

Blessings!

Kim for us all

~

June 4, 2008

Just a few minutes before school starts this morning! I'm so sorry we haven't found the camera cords yet..would love to add a photo!

I am so thankful for the Grocery Outlet store here. We buy the good majority of our food there. I often find breakfast meat for $1 a package. Great for a large family! Of course, the kids love the cheap price on candy!

We'll be heading to the Edwards home on Sunday, performing at their church on Sunday evening. We are looking forward to being with them again! It was so nice to be able to see them again a couple of weeks ago. They are precious people, for sure!

Well, I need to go and teach my children for now! Have a great day!

~

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them:

Matthew 7:12a

~

June 2, 2008

Good morning! Everyone in the house is wisely asleep, except for me!

Most of us had a nice day yesterday, except poor Nikki and Caleb who came down with the flu. They are both asleep here on the couch..bless their hearts. These are the days we look forward to getting our second bathroom set up!

We visited a couple of different churches yesterday and heard some great preaching and music. Folks around here are really friendly. It's been interesting to be in many baptist churches, and to see how differently each one does things.

It looks like Nikki and Courtney will have a housekeeping job here, as well! (They cleaned for a good friend of mine for about 4 years back home.) Nikki helped a friend of ours clean the other day, and one of their cousins has requested their help on a regular basis. They will work only very part time until they can finish up their schooling, but are thankful for the opportunity!

Naomi will be 14 just 2 weeks from today! She seems to get the first birthday after we move every time! (I don't know if she thinks that's a good thing, or not!)

Well, you have a great day!

~

Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Matthew 24:44

~

May 30, 2008

Just a few minutes to say hello! (Or "hey", as they say in North Carolina!) We are settling into a routine, although we have new normals! Back to school again this week. We may be going through the summer this year as the older girls gear up to graduate next June. (Nikki, at my request, is doing additional studies with Courtney, and they will graduate together, although she technically could graduate now.)

We had our first official company for supper on Wednesday. I was amazed at how the Lord worked it out. Our home is tiny, but somehow it all worked, and I don't think anyone went away hungry! Our friend Bill Osborne came from Lebanon, VA, with his married grandson and a young friend of theirs. Then we all went to Wednesday night service, where Bill preached.

Tuesday night we all went to a music jam up on some mountain, and the kids had a great time. Our friends, the Scott's, kindly led us up the mountain. We never would have made it otherwise! I am sure they will be wanting to go back! The folks made us feel very welcome.

We are finding the weight limit on the bus often exceeds the bridges' limits around here, as well as the road size! If the Lord brings it to your mind, please pray with us that the Lord provides a van for us. We have one in mind that was a former church van here in the area, but we'll see!

Daniel now has a part time job helping some friends with outside work. He's not able to do more than a few hours with school and our schedule to consider, but it is a definite answer to prayer!

We are keeping busy with the music, and I am thankful how things are coming together! We will be at the high school in Bryson City for their first annual bluegrass festival. We look forward especially to meeting the Mountain Faith family. We met the daddy the other day, and I believe we will be performing at their festival in Sylva in just a couple of short weeks!

Well, enough of my rambling for now. I need to get breakfast going before the troops arise!

~

May 26, 2008

We got home yesterday from our first time at the Fiddler's Grove festival in Union Grove, NC. The kids had a great time. Everyone was ready for bed lastnight, to be sure!

A big congrats to Courtney and Daniel, who competed in the junior instrument contest on banjo and guitar. They both took first runner-up in their categories, bringing home ribbons and checks! Due to an unexpected rain, the judging had to be moved indoors, where the judges were up so close. I would have been so intimidated!

We really enjoyed being reunited with some of the musical families we met when we were here a year and a half ago. The Edwards family we especially got to know, and the kids so enjoyued hanging out together. Dale and Connie had us over to their campsite on Saturday night for a delicious dinner. It was great fellowship! I am sure we will be seeing them again soon!

I am anxious to add some pictures in here for you all! One of the "joys" of moving is the inability to find chargers and cords, and anything else you might need! Maybe we'll come across more today!

We are adapting to life on the east coast, and have felt very welcome here. I have often been asked if I like it better here. I love it in Washington State, and it reminds me much of home. I think when Ted's people left here, they looked for the place that reminded them the most of here, and settled in the Pacific NW.  It's beautiful here, just like home. (We live on a mountain that was owned by the Rhineharts, and it is special to us!) It's truly amazing how much family we have here!

Jeddy is now getting his top two teeth in! He gave me two kisses yesterday..what could be better in life? Mandi is improving her reading skills all the time, and is especially into paper dolls at this time.  Caleb enjoys reading, and e-mailing when time allows. Naomi enjoys keeping in touch with her friends, going to the library, and is pickin' away at that mandolin! Daniel is a great help to us..doing great at the guitar, loves listening to music and playing all her can. Courtney got to go into the public school last week and watch a banjo lesson. (Amazing, the public school affers free banjo, guitar and fiddle lessons here!) She even played a few tunes for the kids, who were impressed with her shiny banjo head! She keeps busy! Nikki is really enjoying her music. She even dusted off her guitar to play back-up for Daniel at Saturday's competition! (Her fiddle, I asssure you, gathers no dust!) Ted is so diligently tackling that dobro. He is now the official bus driver for us, which he is getting used to! I have enjoyed having him around so much! The whole family has been a great help with Jeddy. As for me, I am just "mom"! Getting ready to finish up our school year. Keeping groceries in the house, bass playing, band managing..that's a full-time job for me!

Well, I think I'd best go get some rest for a bit longer.  Miss you all!

P.S. Our baby is due in September..less than 4 months to go. I am truly feeling great!

~

The just shall live by faith..

~

May 23, 2008

Just a minute to say howdy before leaving for our first festival in NC..I won't be in here for a couple of days.

Have a great weekend, All!

~

May 20, 2008

We made it safely back to Waynesville lastnight! We had a great time in Virginia, and the folks were great to us. We met many wonderful new friends, and got to see our long-time friends, the Haymaker family, who we went to church with in Portland about 14 years ago!

The Osborne family in Russell County gave us a homecoming. Our friend, Bill killed his hog and roasted it for us. Let me tell you, that family can cook! We played mucic for them, and then some of the young people, and the  young-at-heart people, picked for a long time.

The farm home we stayed at was so lovely. The family who owns it live in Florida, and have graciously offered it to us whenever we are in the area. There wasn't a view from any side of that place that wasn't just beautiful. The road we stayed on was actually called Bluegrass Trail.

We got to meet the Stamm family, a beautiful family from Iowa. Courntey and I had actually met two of the girls at a birthday party in Iowa 4 1/2 years ago for their mutual friend, Heidi Lindsay. It was so neat for the girls to be reunited!

We were so blessed by a thank you note we received in the mail when we got home lastnight, and I wanted to share it with you all. It encouraged out hearts so much.

~

To the Wright Family Band

Dear Friends,

Just wanted you to know we appreciated your coming to our church, and we were surely blessed by the good music you gave us! We were glad to see you all again, and we're thankful you were doing well. Anyway, to back up my thanks, I am enclosing a little help with expenses. Yes, after the thrill and excitement of you being with us, I realized you may have some expenses with traveling, gas prices, etc. Anyways, i just wanted to say thanks, we enjoyed it, hope to have you back someday. God bless you all!

Love in Christ,

A fan in Alllison Gap

P.S. Yor talents have really developed and you are so humble about it! Enjoyed it very, very much!

~

Those are the things that make all the difference in the world to me!

Well, I best be going for now. Time to be a wife and a mom! Blessings on you all!

~

May 17, 2008

Just a second to come in here. We are on our way to the homecoming the folks in Russell County are giving us today! We are staying at a beautifully restored farmhouse in Rich Valley. It has been so relaxing! We have no internet available at the home (or cell phone service), so I snuck away for a few moments to our friend's house to check in. We are having a nice time. We are going to head back to Waynesville on Monday, the Lord willing!

~

May 14, 2008

Howdy! We got our phone line lastnight, so now I have a computer at home again! We are leaving this morning for Virginia for several days where I'm not sure about computer access, though!

We have been in Waynesville for about 5 days now. We are still working at setting up housekeeping, and with us now leaving, it may be awhile before  we can really "settle", but we are gettting closer all the time!

The family and friends here have been so good to us. It's almost like we've known them our whole lives. I can really see why the folks from NC settled in Washington. It reminds me so much of home here. I am anxious to get some pictures in here for you all, but I'm not quite set up for that yet. The view from our front deck of the mountains is unbelievable. There is a lighted cross we can see on the mountains across from us at night.

Somewhere along the way I have lost my address book, so those of you on our mailing list, please send us a quick e-mail with your address and phone number if you would. I am so frustrated about that one! In other words, if I don't have your number memorized, I don't have it anymore! We just got our phone yesterday, so I hae a new number to give you!

A friend from Newfoundland, Canada sent Jeddy a tiny little fiddle which we just got yesterday! It was so cute, and a big thank you to Eileen and Don! I already got a picture to send you, but I believe you are in Florida right now!

It is nice and warrm here! Folks are out in their gardens and in their front porch rockers! I tell you, it's a whole different culture over here.

We went to church on Sunday with lots of family, and had a nice time. Spent the day (Mother's Day) with the Bolden family. Had a really nice time. Ted said it reminded him so much of the get togethers at his Grandma and Grandpa Rhinehart's growing up.

Well, so much to do. We are headed to SW Virginia, where we have many good friends!

Blessings!

Kim and fam

~

May 10, 2008

Well, here I sit at the public library in Waynesville! Wow..we are here after 2 weeks on the road. We got in Thursday late afternoon/early evening. It really has been a whirlwind, even since we've been here! Lots to do. I am thankful the Lord has been taking care of our every need. We took the bus out lastnight for the first time as a family! It was the first time in a very long time we were all in the same vehicle at the same time! 

Well, off for now. We get our own connection sometime Monday, so I will be back!

~

May 7, 2008

Hey! The computer at lastnight's motel wouldn't let me add or answer e-mail, but here I am tonight. We are in Morton, Illinois for the night. Lastnight we were in Minnesota, almost to the Iowa border.

Jeddy is 7 months old today. He says Momma now whenever he wants anything..Momma means Nikki or water or a toy. So while I am tickled he is saying my name first, he apparently doesn't associate it with me!

The kids are having a good time, in spite of the hours on the road. They really enjoyed all the new friends they made in Minnesota. It sounds like we'll go back!

We should be in Waynesville on Thursday night, God willing. The moving truck needs to be back on Friday, so we'll be working hard to get there!

Well, I best go and get my feet up for the evening. It's about that time!

Blessings,

Kim for us all

~

May 5, 2008

Just a moment before we take off for Minneapolis in a few minutes. Had a wonderful day yesterday with our new friends here in Minnesota. Every time we turn around we are meeting family of long time friends. We went to church yesterday with Andy and Patty, and then all went for supper to Harry and Lori Aho's home. Harry gave us a tour of his grandparent's home, which is filled with their treasures! It was so neat. I wish I'd had hours to spend there!

Ted and I also took a small tour of Harry's dairy farm, which he and his brothers (five in all) run. It was so neat! I wish I could have brought the little ones along!

Well, I need to run and get ready! So much to say, so little time!

P.S. Ann, if you're reading this I got to meet your four little grandchildren at church yesterday. The little girls ended up in the nursery with Jed and I, and they were so cute! The four of them even let me take a picture! Praying for you all..

~

Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other's gold.

~

May 4, 2008

What a beautiful place to wake up! We are in Sebeka, MN, staying with Andy and Patty Aho, and the sun is shining, and we are wayyy out in the country!  I'll try and get a picture of the place to add at a later time.

We had a very nice time playing in Manahga lastnight. The folks were so good to us, and had the nicest things to say. They tell me they love bluegrass in Minnesota, but don't have alot of opportunity to hear it live in these parts.

We had some delicious Land O' Lakes cheese lastnight. It was just delicious. The fresh milk is so good! As much as I love dairy products, it might be a little dangerous for me to stay here too long!

Well, we are getting ready for church. Just wanted to say hello while I had a computer available!

Blessings!

~

Great peace have they which love thy law and nothing shall offend them.

~

May 3, 2008

Well, it's about 5:30 AM CST..way too early to call home! (3:30 there!) We are at a motel in Bismarck, North Dakota at the moment! Ted and the kids are wisely asleep! We are headed to Menahga, Wisconsin, for a concert tonight, and still have a ways to travel. The kids are doing very well, for which we are so thankful! I wanted to get in here lastnight but I was just too tired!

A big thank you to all of you who are praying for our safety and health on the road as we travel. The Lord has been so faithful!

Jeddy has the cutest lil pearly white teeth coming in! He says Momma now, and just said Dada lastnight! Oh, he loves his Daddy! He is growing even while we travel, and is sleeping extra well. We stop every couple of hours to give him lots of attention! He is a good travel buddy.

Our good friend, Bill Osborne, an his friend, Harry, delivered the bus to our place at North Carolina, so it is waiting for us! I am so grateful!

Well, if I am to get a shower, I best close for now!

Have a great day!

~

May 1, 2008

Just a minute to say howdy this evening! We are safe in Billings, MT, at the moment at a motel. It is snowing, mixed with rain at the moment, and we are hoping not to get stuck here! We saw some beautiful country today on our way from Seeley Lake!

Had a nice time with the folks at Seeley Lake! They invited us to come back on our way home next time, so I think maybe they enjoyed us, too. Pastor and Mrs. Bogardus' children sure had grown in a year and a half. Their little guy, Danny, was very sad to see us go.

We had a great meal at the Golden Corral today. I think the kids all have a new favorite restaurant!

Well, I need to run for now. Just checking in!

P.S. We have very poor phone reception here in Montana. For those of you waiting for calls, please bear with us!

~

April 30, 2008

We are now in beautiful Seeley Lake, Montana! We spent the night in Missoula lastnight, and visited Greg Boyd 's music store. It was alot of fun! We play tonight at the baptist church here in Seely Lake. It really is gorgeous here. There are lakes all over. Lots of deer. We came into a pretty good snowstorm on the way. Can it really be May tomorrow? I wonder if we had snow on the mountain in Amboy.

We head out for Minnesota in the morning, a place which is new to us all! It will take a couple of days to get there.

The children are all doing well, and keeping themselves fairly occupied! It's a tight squeeze in a moving van and my little car, but we are managing!

Well, I'd better go for now! Hope all is well with you and yours! 

~

April 29, 2008

Howdy from sunny eastern Washington! We are getting ready to take off for beautiful Montana today, our next performance being in Seeley Lake. We are so looking forward to being with Pastor Bogardus and his family once again.

We had a wonderful time at the Burbank church, seeing lots of friends. We especially enjoyed the McIntyre's, who graciously put us up and fed us! Sharon's sister, Glane, came all the way from Sedro Wooley to see us. They were just so good to us!

We were also so blessed by the Basin City Church. I think they combined a few churches to make a full house. Pastor Tony joked that when he said he wasn't preaching, many came out! Our precious friends, the Wicks, came out to be with us and when Jed got fussy, they took him for me. I know he liked Alan's beard!

I most likely won't be able to get pictures in here until we get settled in Waynesville, as I don't think folks would appreciate me downloading my photos, software, etc, on their computers! We haven't been able to afford a laptop just yet, but we hope very soon!

We are all enjoying ourselves so much, and the Lord has kept us safe and well thus far. Please pray for travelling safety for us, and continued good health!

~

Thou hast made known unto me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

Acts 2:28

~

OUR TOUR BUS

April 22, 2008

Just a moment to say howdy! Ted and I got home after a quick trip to North Carolina and Virginia to do some business. Our dear friend Bill found a bus for us, and we bought it on Saturday! It's a 21 passenger Freightliner, and we are hoping it will be just perfect for what we need!

It was fun to visit some of our dear N.C. relatives and sneak up on them!

Gotta go for now..I'll come back!

~

ALL THE WRIGHT SONS

Cory holding Lukas, Joe, Ted w/Jed. Caleb and Daniel ont the floor. What a fine looking bunch!

April 17, 2008

Just a minute to sneak in here! It's too early to be up! Ted is off for his last day of work. Wow, this is becoming reality! Our couches are gone, most of the beds, all of the dressers.. We are taking only a small U-Haul and keeping just our most important things!

It is so nice to know that we'll have some company from Washington over the next year. Two couples are coming out in June already, and more have made promises! There are many beautiful things to see over in the Appalachians. I've only been in the fall myself. We have been to N.C. twice. We will miss you. Make sure and keep in touch! Here is our new address:

The Wright Family

P.O. Box 821

Hazelwood, NC 28738-0821

We should be there about Mother's Day weekend. Do me a favor, and send the children a little note that they would find mail right away!

Well, way too many things to do. I most likely won't be able to add in here for a few days! Have a good one!

Blessings,

Kim for us all

~

 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Luke 15:7

~

April 15, 2008

Happy Tax Day! I can not believe we're halfway through April!  I have been so busy lately. Most of my days consist of going to the dump and donation centers getting rid of the extra things we don't need! Going from a 2700 square foot house down to under 1000 will be challenging, but I am so looking forward to the many changes.

We have had our good-byes with Ted's family and had a nice visit. We all got to see Baby Lukas again! He's so tiny, but growing and is so strong!

We had our last concert here in the area on Sunday night for the year. The folks at Pleasantview Community Church were so good to us, and are looking for our return next year!

Jedediah is now 23 lbs. and is 28.5" long. He is is the 95th percentile for both height and weight. Not bad for a little preemie, hey?!

Well, off to packing again. Not much extra time these days! I'll be back!

~

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: Romans 15:5

~

MANDI AND ANNA MARY

April 9, 2008

The week is flying by. I thought I'd sneak in for a minute and say howdy! The kids are having "Silva" withdrawals this week after spending three days with them last week! (They are one of the few families crazy enough to live out here in the country like us!)

Please think of our friend's little granddaughter when you pray, Natalie. She is not quite one, and was very recently diagnosed with leukemia. She is currently in her second round of chemo.

I hear through the grapevine that my little niece in Florida, Leyna, is gaining weight and doing very well, up to over 7 lbs. after a 2lb, 4oz start. I got my first picture of her in the mail last week!

We get to see our little nephew, Lukas, on Friday, which I am very much looking forward to! I'll try and get a picture of him in here for you to see, if it's ok with his proud parents! He is so tiny and has red hair, and is so cute. I got to hold him for a long time when we visited. Jeddy hasn't yet seen him..I hope he will be nice!

Be back soon!

~

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Romans 15:33

~

JED AND JED SILVA AT THE PIED PIPER

April 7, 2008

We are just plugging away here! So much to do and so little time. Please be very patient with me as I am an extremely busy mommy, especially now! It takes at least 20 minutes to add anything to the website, and if I get a phonecall the computer immediately kicks me off. I will do my best to get in here, though! Thank you so much for your patience!

We enjoyed Saturday night at the Pied Piper Pizza so much! A big thank you to all of you who were able to make it! Having friends is a blessing, to be sure.

Yesterday we sang at the Fourth Plain Church of the Nazarene. The folks were so friendly and what a receptive crowd!

Our final concert here in the area will be Sunday night at 5PM at the Pleasantview Community Church in Ariel, Washington. We will do a one-hour concert followed by food and fellowship. Would love to see you there! (You take the Woodland exit off I-5, exit 21, and I believe it's about 17 or 18 miles upriver.)

We are the proud uncle/aunt/cousins to little Lukas Nathaniel who was born on March 3 and weighed in at just over 6 pounds. His parents are Cory and Trish, Ted's baby brother and wife. He is a precious little boy, and we already love him bunches! He was taken 3 weeks early via emergency c-section, but mom and baby are both doing well!

Well, I need to go and be a mommy again! Blessings to you all!

P.S. We feel Jeddy's first tooth coming in!

~

And they were amazed at the mighty power of God. Luke 9:43a

~

SNOW ON SATURDAY!

April 1, 2008

Would you believe we had 16" of snow on Saturday? We headed up to the bluegrass festival in Long Beach to see some of our friends for the last time in a long time, and weren't quite sure we'd make it out of our driveway, but with the help of chains and a 4 wheel drive, we managed!

We are having a good-bye party at the Pied Piper Pizza on 4th Plain in Vancouver on Saturday from 4-8, for those of you who can make it! Just plan on buying your supper there. We'll provide the cake!  We will be heading for the east coast, God willing, by April 26, where we plan to spend the next year. We are hoping to sing for about a half hour, around 6-6:30. While we are so looking forward to new opportunities, we will miss you and so hope to see you on Saturday!

Another bit of news to announce..we are expecting a baby in September. Jed and Baby 8 will be about 11 months apart, if all goes as planned. It's a pretty exciting time for us, with lots of changes ahead! It was neat to see the ultrasound last week, and count all the tiny fingers! Jeddy will have a lil buddy to grow up with. (I am feeling great, by the way!)

Kids are all doing great. They are busy going through their things, trying to decide what to keep, etc. As my good friend Bill Osborne said, "If you have alot to do, it'll be here before you're ready!"

Please keep us in your prayers as we travel, and drop us a line as time allows! Also, I will do my best to send out a newsletter every month or two. Make sure and send us your address if you want us to keep in touch with you that way! I will have a notebook available at the Pied Piper for that purpose!

Well, off for now..

~

Joy cometh in the morning..

Psalm 30:5

~

~

SLEEP ON, BABY JED!

Saturday, March 22, 2008

I'm so sorry it's been so long since I've updated you all! Between computer viruses, glitches, travel, and life in general, it has been challenging! Trust me, it's not been from lack of trying!

We are all doing well. After a particularly snowy winter, it's nice to see green grass again! (We did wake up to about a 1/2 inch of snow yesterday, though.) It's been a cold winter!

The music schedule is beginning to pick up again after our long winter! We played in Shelton last weekend and had a great time. It was nice to see old friends and also to make some new. Unfortunately, we THOUGHT we had left the camera at home, so I don't have any pictures to share!

We went to the new Cabela's up in Lacey on the way. Wow, if you get a chance to go there it is quite a store. It seemed as if there were thousands of folks there, but it was worth it. They have a huge aquarium that was really neat. Even little Jed was amazed!

The kids had a wonderful time up in Tacoma last month at the Wintergrass Academy and Bluegrass Festival. Nikki, Courtney, and Daniel got to study under the Infamous Stringdusters and they all came away feeling as if they had learned so much. What an oppportunity for them! Naomi helped me with Jed, and although I wish she could have attended the mandolin workshop, I don't think I could have done it without her! (Thank you, Naomi!)

We will be leaving at the end of next month for another tour of the south, only this time we are planning to stay for several months. For those of you wishing to visit, we will be at the Pied Piper Pizza on Saturday, April 5 from 4-8. We will be playing from about 6-6:30. Plan on buying pizza for your family that night and take the night off from cooking!

Our final concert will be at the Pleasantview Community Church in Ariel on Sunday, April 13 at 5PM. We'd love for you to join us!

Enough of my rambling for now..the connection to the internet has already failed once and I don't want to lose this! Have a great day!

~

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above!

~

Imagine our surprise when our purebred golden retriever ended up bred by the neighbor's visiting parent's purebred golden retriever, unplanned! We were pleasantly surprised! The puppies are for sale and ready for new homes next week. Who will take three?

Ted went back to work on Monday, for which we are thankful. (As I listen to it pour down rain out there, I wonder if Ted is very happy about it at the moment! Poor guy! The weatherman wasn't calling for this.)

Nikki got a really nice 3 point buck last Saturday! Excellent shot, Nikki! So now our freezer is nice and full! No elk this year, which was a great disappointment to Ted. (Of course, he's laid off now that the season is over!)

Good morning to you all! Well, its hard to believe our Jeddy is now a month old! We are all just loving him. Even teenagers can learn baby talk quickly, I have learned!

We actually performed twice last weekend with Jed in the front pack. (Thanks Mel and Ruby!) So I am once again learning how to play the bass with the baby in a new position!

It was a little nerve wracking for me as I was afraid he was going to scream, but we mostly made it!

Both Ted and Daniel got deer, good- sized spikes. Nikki will hopefully get hers during late buck. So our freezer is full. Its currently elk season, but I doubt they'll have much time for it. (Ted went back to work Tuesday after more lay off time. He thought the timing should have fallen during elk season!)

We are busy, busy, busy with life! Between doctor and dentist appointments, a new baby, school, hunting, and music, there is more to accomplish than hours in a day!

Courtney attended an Alan Munde workshop last Saturday in Portland, where she had a great time. Mr. Munde teaches bluegrass banjo at Levelland Collegeis Texas, and is quite a master of the banjo.

Thanksgiving is in 2 weeks now. Unbelievable! The time has gone by incredibly fast lately! (Except, of course, when it doesn't!)

September 24, 2007
Sometimes I wonder how time gets away from me! All is well around here. We are getting pretty busy around the house again. Fall is like that! What a beautiful time of the year it is for us, here up in our neck of the woods!

Our final concert of the year is on Saturday at the Old Liberty Theater in Ridgefield at 6:30-8:30. I sure hope you will make plans to be there!! We want a full house! We are hoping for a wonderful evening for all. Our new cd should be here anyday, for which I am so anxious! After this weekend, this mom plans on settling down and doing some "nesting", and getting ready for the baby sometime next month.

Speaking of baby, this pregnancy has been a bit different than the others. About a month ago, the doctor put me on insulin 4 times a day. The wonderful thing about that is that I am able to get those blood sugars down much more quickly, and that feels good!

I had an ultrasound done about a week ago and Naomi and Mandi got to come. They were so excited! Naomi said it made it all seem so real, and Mandi keeps talking about the little fingers she saw. the ultrasounds of today are so real looking. The technician said the baby has lots of hair! (All but Nikki were born with a full head of almost black hair.) We still don't know the gender of the baby, as we want to be surprised. We're guessing boy, but it's only a guess!

We are keeping pretty busy with school these days. Kids are doing real well. They grow up too fast, don't they? Courtney will be 17 on October 6th. Last birthday of the year (other than the new one's!) They are all such blessings to me. I was just telling Ted yesterday what a blessing it's been to have them with me all these years. It will leave a huge void in our home as they begin their own lives. Of course, they are only home for a season, and I will rejoice with them when that time comes, for them. I pray that they will find as much joy in life as they and their daddy have given me. Don't know what I would have done with myself all these years without all these folks to love!

We had such a great time at the Spirit on the Mountain Festival. The folks were just wonderful to work with, and the crowd so appreciative!

Well, off for a few more winks of sleep! Have a blessed day!

~
Grace be with you all. Amen.
Hebrews 13:15
~

September 15, 2007

Well, the big day is here! Daniel is now 15! We'll go up to Mt. Hood Resort for the Spirit of the Mountain Festival. This is a new one for us, and some great folks will be there. Maybe we'll be able to get a picture or two! I am excited about playing with my family. It's a joy to bring joy to others, so pray with us that we can do just that!

The next concert we will be doing is on the 29th of this month. Be sure and get your tickets! We will be, the Lord willing, releasing our latest cd, WE'LL MEET AGAIN, that night. It will be so much fun for the children..we have some special things in the planning for the evening! Also, Momma here (expecting Baby Seven next month) is slowing down quite a bit, so it will be our last concert for 2007.
To the first person to e-mail me requesting them, I am giving away 2 free tickets! (familyband@integrity.com)

Well, there is much to do right now as we are getting ready to head off for the festival!
Have a great day!

Blessings!
Kim for us all

~
But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing of thy mercy in the morning; for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. Psalms 59:16
~

September 11, 2007
Wow, it's hard to believe six years have passed since the Twin Towers fell that awful day. Let's remember those whose lives were forever changed by the loss of loved ones. It's a sobering thought.

We are all doing well. Courtney and I just got home from American Banjo Camp at Ft. Flagler. She had a great time learning under some of the best banjo pickers in the world. I did upload a beautiful picture of her on the bay up there, but I can't find it! Hopefully my webmaster can help us out and get it in here. I think you'll enjoy it. The Lord has provided for her to attend for the last 3 years. We are blessed.

Daniel will be 15 on the 15th! We will be at the Spirit on the Mountain Festival in Mount Hood on that day! (Please pray for our travels..our poor van is getting so tired!) We are honored that we would be asked to come, and I hope to be able to be a blessing to those attending. Daniel is growing up to be man-sized! He is so helpful to me. The maturity that has taken place in him the past year is unbelievable.

Work has been pretty scarce for Ted these past couple of weeks, but things are supposed to pick up real soon. Construction, at least residential home building, has sure taken a hit the past couple of years in our area.

We continue to enjoy good health! That is no small blessing in a family our size!

Baby is growing very well, from the best the doctor can tell! The last time they did an ultrasound, he/she was in over the 90th percentile for size. Sometime in the next month or so, we will be a family of 9! We are all so excited!

Our friend from Virginia, Mr. Osborne, is on his way here for a visit. This will be the second friend to come and visit since our trip last fall! Isn't it so amazing when God brings folks into our lives, and though we live away so many miles, we are reunited?! It's a very precious thing. Heaven will be wonderful..the land where we never part.

Well, I'd better get back to bed for a few minutes before that alarm goes off. I am having alot of trouble sleeping these days!

God bless you each and every one.
~

August 27, 2007
Just a little moment to sneak in here this morning! The kids and I are are heading for a picnic lunch with our friends today! I have been up making chocolate chip cookies.

We had a super busy weekend this past one between the Rainier Pickin' Party and the funeral. Come Monday morning, we were all exhausted.

We went to Yacolt on Monday and got some delicious blueberries from a friend of a friend. Oh, they are so tasty! So I made blueberry bread, and blueberry bars, and froze some blueberries!!

Lil Mandi lost a front tooth on Saturday morning. Boy, is she ever growing up! (As they all are!)

Nikki gave her second fiddle lesson to Jesse yesterday. It's going so well!

Well, I need to run for now! I'll be back!
~

August 23, 2007
Good morning! Wow, doesn't life just seem brighter sometimes with a good night's sleep?

On a sad note, Ted's Uncle Gene passed away earlier this week. Please keep his family in prayer. He was in the late stages of Alzheimer's, but always seemed so happy and well cared for by his family. I can truly say I'm proud to be a part of such a wonderful family.

We will be mixing the cd tomorrow, and should have a completed copy in our hands tomorrow afternoon! What a relief it will be! Then off for duplication. We are so thankful.

Nikki has a new fiddle student! I think it will work out well for them both. It is our passion to see other children get involved in great music! Jesse seems to have a real knack for the fiddle!

Speaking of youth and music, we have another family band whose children will be playing with ours at our upcoming concert all the way from Tacoma! I hope you will make plans to attend this final concert of the year! (Momma Wright plans to settle down and get ready for baby's arrival afterwards!) We are planning to have our new cd, WE'LL MEET AGAIN, available for purchase, at the concert. It should be a good time for the entire family!

Well, duty calls early today, so I need to run.

Blessings to all!
~

August 15, 2007
Good morning! Thought I'd pop in here and say howdy before another busy day. Nice to get a good night's sleep, for a change! I guess with baby coming coming, though, a full night's sleep is probably something of the past.
Caleb really enjoyed himself at Fiddle Workshop this year. I heard him playing some of the things he learned in his class lastnight, and I was pleased! Caleb has completely put his clawhammer banjo away and is talking of selling it to upgrade his fiddle. He and Mandi are best buddies, and I think she pretty much has him wrapped around her little finger! It is fun to see Him and Nikki doing a bit of twin fiddling together!
Naomi turned 13 in June, so I now do have 4 teenagers! She is very helpful. Also learned so much from mandolin class at Fiddle Workshop. Her teacher pulled her aside as we were leaving and told her she was a great mandolin picker for her age, and someday she would be awesome. I believe it! Her class was challenging, but she enjoyed it so much! She loved being with friends she'd met in the past. (This was her and Nikki's 3rd year!)
Well, I guess I should run as we have a private show today to prepare for!
~Kim for us all~
~
When I kneel in prayer I hope to meet you there!
Blessed Jesus, hold my hand!
~
It turns out my bass is going to be a rather big job to fix. Thankfully, my friend Libby has loaned us her 1/2 size until we can get it fixed or replaced. Another friend is loaning me one for recording. I am thankful! It seems there is always a person to lend a hand (or an instrument) in our bluegrass world!
~

August 12, 2007
I am up with before the birds, and I thought I'd drop in and say howdy! We have been super busy with life in general. We were actually gone at a fiddle camp and several performances for about 10 or so days.
We now have an 18 year old daughter! We are amazed! Nikki turned 18 at Fiddle Workshop, and we are left wondering where all the time has gone! She is such a special young lady, and we have and are surely still enjoying her so much! She still has a few months of high school work before she completes that, but is on the path to finishing up! She is hoping Courtney will finish up in the spring so they can graduate together!
The pregancy is going really well. I think I may have been fighting a touch of the flu this weekend, but am doing better today. I can honestly say I feel better than I have in a long time, but I have always enjoyed MOST of pregnancy! The kids are sure getting excited. We have less than 3 months left. We don't know if the baby will be a boy or girl as we never find out! We do know that if he/she goes full term, it will most likely be a big baby, according to the dr.
Daniel has his new guitar and it is paid in full! We are so happy for him! He continues to practice very faithfully! He was happy to return the borrowed guitar on Friday! Lots to be thankful for there! He did place first in a flatpicking contest (youth division) in June at the Amboy Festival! Great job, Daniel!
We are about halfway through our third recording! Praise God! We are hoping to have it completely recording and mixed by the end of August, and ready for sale by the end of September. We are planning a final concert for 2007 on September 29 at the Old Liberty Theater in Ridgefield in the evening. I will have the details on the website very soon. You won't want to miss this one, as the new cd will be available, and we are planning to take a break until next year, preparing for and then adjusting to Baby!
(Folks have mentioned they expect to see Baby on my back while playing bass in the future. Time will tell!)
On another note, we are all doing well. Thank you to those of you who have stood by us in person and in prayer through some heavy trials this summer. We are finding God's grace to be sufficient, but we will always be thankful to those who have been beside us all the way.
I will be in to do some updating soon on the rest of the family, but time is out this morning!
Blessings,
Kim for us all
~
What time I am afraid I will trust in thee.
Psalms 56:3
~

July 20, 2007
Good morning! Hope all is well with you all. We are pretty busy enjoying our summer the best we can! The kids all seem to have their noses in books when they get a chance. Caleb ordered a Frank Peretti series called the Cooper Kids that he just loves. Mandi still loves to be read to! I especially like the book we got her for her birthday called ALL THE PLACES TO LOVE by Patricia MacLachlan.
Our van recently broke down on the way to perform in Amboy of all places! I tell ya, it really couldn't have picked a better place to do it! It was pretty stressful because Ted and Caleb had run home to get something Caleb forgot, and when they didn't make it back in time for our set to begin, we knew something was wrong. It is back on the road again, and we are thankful.
We have been keeping pretty busy performing this summer. We are gearing up to begin recording in the next few days. I am so hoping to have a new cd by the end of September. We'll see!
Nikki will turn 18 in about a week and a half! That just blows us away! Very wise women warned me they grow up fast..boy, they were not kidding!
We recently celebrated Ted's grandma's 90th birthday, although I think it is actually tomorrow!
What a blessing to have had her all these years. We love her so much!
I will try and get a picture in here, but I am having a bit of trouble figuring out this new program! It was taken of Mandi when she and I went to the Tea House to celebrate her 7th birthday recently.
~

July 11, 2007
Just a minute to say hello this morning! Busy day ahead. We're all doing well. Caleb got a pretty good case of the flu last week, but so far he hasn't seem to have shared it!
We are schooling this summer..Nikki and Courtney are wanting to graduate together in the spring.
Keeping busy with the music!
~

July 9, 2007
It's Mandi's 7th birthday!
~

May 25, 2007

Good moring! I sure hope this works! For those of you who faithfully come back to the journal and wish for more, I'm sorry! Between being hacked and server problems, it has been frustrating to both myself and my webmaster these past few weeks..I have written, only for the entry to get lost in cyber space. Even as I type now, it is with a prayer as I keep getting a message reading Internal Service Error. It doesn't appear I shall be able to add a photo this morning due to the problem!

We have been keeping really busy lately. We have been doing lots of performing. Taking the weekend to do some visiting with dear friends, and not performing this time! What a concept!

Daniel received a great blessing in the mail last week! Someone sent him $100 to help him purchase his guitar! I don't even know how this person knew about it, but what a surprise! Daniel is turning into quite the flatpicker. He has been borrowing a family guitar for some time, and for that we are so thankful. But he'll be so glad to have his own soon!

It looks like we'll be doing some pretty heavy part-time homeschooling this summer. Nikki so badly wants to get through her requirements and on to other things! She's working so hard! Her fiddling is coming along so beautifully..

It has been such a blessing that most of the children practice on their own. I'm so often asked how I get them to practice. I don't think we'd be doing this if I had to be the one doing all the prodding! So much to be thankful for!

Well, I'm going to say good-bye for now! I sure hope you'll see this entry!
~
Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.
Psalms 17:5
~

DANIEL, CALEB, AND ALEX

May 12, 2007

Hello all! Sorry ti's been so long since I've been in here. We have been very busy enjoying life! I actually came in here to add a couple of days ago, and found that our site had been completely hacked. When my webmaster was able to restore the site, I came in for about an hour and ended up losing it all. But I think we are back in business now! ( I do apologize to anyone who saw it all messed up..it was very evil looking.)

The children had a great time with their friend, Alex, from North Carolina. He made it home late lastnight. He is such a fine young man, and we really did enjoy him. I think he and the kids are hoping he'll come back sometime this summer.

Today we will be at the Vancouver Farmer's Market from 10 AM and 1 PM, for those interested. Due to the problems with the site, I haven't been able to add to the schedule recently. Lots of fun things coming up! We are looking to have a full summer!

I took my mom out to the Pomeroy House for a Mother's Day Tea yesterday. We had a great time! I just love the Pomeroy House! It belongs in part to my Washington
State History teacher, through his wife. The Brinks' are such lovely folks!

Well, I hate to cut and run but I have much to do still before we all leave at 8:30 this morning!

Blessings,
Kim
~

April 30, 2007

Good morning!
We are all doing well. We spent much of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday up in Centralia at the Steve Kaufman Workshop. Naomi attended the mandolin lesson, and Nikki and Daniel the guitar. Libby Bigler graciously sponsored all three of them..thank you so much, Libby!! They are all inspired and learned so much.

Lastnight we performed at the Walnut Grove Church in Vancouver. What a wonderful bunch of folks there..I wish I had given my camera to someone to take photos. If anyone from the church has a picture or two, would you mind e-mailing it to me? They were such a responsive crowd. I invited them to come and follow us around!! The soundman did an excellent job, and we had enough mikes! Afterward, Pastor Hart and his family took us out to Wendy's and we had the best time! I am still just overwhelmed at the folks' response..they love bluegrass at WGC! And Pastor Hart has already let us know that they will have us back!

The kids are sooo looking forward to the arrival of their friend, Alex, from North Carolina on Wednesday. We met the Edwards family last fall (although Mrs. Edwards and I had corresponded a bit for a year beforehand) when we went back for our tour/family reunion. Alex is Daniel's age and is one great banjo-picker! I am sure they will have a great time!

Well, I'd best get a bit of rest before it's too late! Have a super day!

~
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 2 Cor. 5:15
~

Isn't Nikki adorable?

April 25, 2007

It's been awhile since I've been in here! We are all doing well. I think we have all just about kicked that flu/cough/cold thing! It's been a bad one. I still have bouts of "morning" sickness, but they are much less often.

We have been doing lots of performances lately, which is good. Due to Ted's work schedule, he's not been able to make it as often as we'd all like, especially on the weekday stuff. I am so pleased to see the children enjoying the music so much, and working so hard at it. (They are having a great time with it!) I wouldn't recommend anyone starting a family band unless your children were in love with the music. I think Ted and I would have given up a long time ago, but our children are wonderful cheerleaders!

It has been a blessing to play for such responsive crowds this past weekend. We had a very nice concert on Friday in a private home, then off to Kamlu Retirement Center where the folks were so smiley! (I am told they are the oldest retirement home in the nation.) We played for 3 hours on Saturday at the Lilac Gardens, which was great despite the rain! Then on Monday we performed at the new Firstenburg Center, and finished up with a mini concert at the Clark County Square Dance Center.

The kids have been doing well at keeping up their studies. They have been working extra hard, knowing that Alex is coming out from North Carolina on Wednesday. We didn't take a spring break yet, and will do that when he gets here on Wednesday. (Definitely one of the blessings of homeschooling, setting your own schedule!)

We were able to have lunch with our friends, the Lauser family, last week. It seems like it's been so long since we've been able to just visit with friends! Daniel has begun helping Jay, their oldest son, on the guitar. He is showing much talent in a short time, and is diligent to practice. It's very exciting!

Mandi sure has grown up these past couple of months. (Awhile back she was overheard telling one of her siblings, "I'm not that little anymore, I'm going to be a big sister soon!) She makes sure just about everyone we come into contact with is aware we are expecting a baby.

All the children are very excited about having a baby. It's hard to believe after all these years that God has blessed us in that way again! Nikki will be 18 when this one is born!

It seems as if 2007 has already been a year of so many changes for our family, and it looks to be staying that way for awhile! I am so thankful that God has a plan for our lives, and that He is in control! He is good, all the time.

Have a great day, Folks. I'm not sure if I'll be in here the rest of the week as it's looking to be a very busy one. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Love,
Kim for us all

~

April 14, 2007

Good morning! We're still fighting sickness around here. Ted ended up home from work really down yesterday. I am amazed he made it all week! He was one sick guy.

I have received a few notes from North Carolina lately. The weather in Waynesville has been so crazy. They had 3" of snow on Easter. Apparently, they suffered terrible crop damage, the worse it's been since 1955. The fruit has been hit really hard. I feel so bad for them.

Our dear friends gave us a whole pig, all processed and wrapped! I made biscuits and gravy for breakfast this morning with the sausage. Oh, it was good! I am so thankful for the meat!

Naomi's mandolin is in the shop getting set up properly. Boy, does she miss it! I have a lil cheap one she practices on, but it's not near as nice as hers!

Someone came by and gave the family a woman's accordian this week. I am thankful he just wants to give it a good home as Ted's not a big accordian fan! I am waiting to hear back from a friend with a beautiful little girl who just might be the one!

I am so thankful the Lord provided an almost brand new washer and dryer for us recently. Before we had a chance to set the washer up, the motor went out on my old one. Praise the Lord. My kids were amazed that I set it up. I'm not usually the maintenance person.

I am beginning to feel alot better, where the morning sickness is concerned.

Well, I best run. Hope you enjoy the new look!

Blessings,

Kim for us all

~

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

1 Corinthians 1:27

~

MANDI FLATFOOTIN' WITH ?? AT THE LONG BEACH BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL


April 10, 2007

It is just pouring down rain out there this morning! Still fighting with a head cold, but was actually able to sleep for 4 hours fairly uninterrupted! Poor family..I think Daniel and Naomi are the only ones unaffected so far!

We had a real nice Easter Sunday. My parents, brother and sister all came down to Molalla. A very warm and friendly church, and the pastor really loves the Bible! It was a blessing for my family to meet Neil R., an elder in the church who had spoken to my Uncle Alan before he died and was sure he had accepted the Lord. It made all the difference in the world to us.

The kids were all together with their cousin, Hannah, whom they had not all seen for 11 years. She is now 14, and such a beautiful young lady. It really made our day extra special!

We had Easter supper with Grandma Sarah and Rod, and lots of aunts and uncles as well as Grandma Rhinehart! It was good to see everyone, and we all had a great time.

~

You've no other such a friend or brother, tell it to Jesus alone.

~


DANIEL, NIKKI, COURTNEY, AND CHRIS J. JAMMING AT LONG BEACH


April 7, 2007

Thought I'd stop in for a quick hello this morning. We have still not been able to find what happened to the rest of the journal, which is sad for us. I will be in here from time to time. I wish I knew what happened so I could be sure it wouldn't happen again!

The children had a great time last weekend at the Long Beach Bluegrass Festival. Ruth Ann always does such a nice job at the festival. The kids had a great time j