I had a great time in Missouri last weekend. I had to miss 3 days of work, but oh well, it was worth it!
I arrived in Kansas City and Dawne picked me up from the airport. Apparently they had a tornado warning not long before I was supposed to have arrived, and they had evacuated everyone in the airport to the tunnels. I was blissfully unaware of all that, I was still in the air. Of course we went through some pretty horrible turbulance. I thought I was on a roller coaster at some point. It was NOT COOL. Then we went to Cracker Barrel for dinner. That was my request. I had told Dawne before that my one request was to eat at Cracker Barrel, and she accommodated me! She also invited 3 of her friends to join us, and we had a great time there. They were all very fun people. I spent the night at her place, and the next day after work she drove me down to Bolivar. It was a 3 1/2 hour trip, but we had a great time catching up then. The thing about Dawne and I is that we wont talk for the longest time, but when we do, we have a lot to talk about. It's great. She's a great friend! She spent the weekend with her aunt who lives in Springfield, and on Sunday she came back up to pick me up to go to the airport.
So I got to Bolivar at about 4 pm and visited with Melinda Smashey. She was my professor while I was in school though she never really taught any of my classes. But after I graduated, she became Melinda rather than Dr Smashey, which I think it's great, and fun. She's around my age, and she is so much fun to be around. Then we met up with Tammie and we went to El Rodeo for dinner, again my idea. It was fast and good because we didnt have time to have a long slow dinner. It was great to see Tammie again too. She's wonderful, and we talk sometimes on the phone, (I wish more often) and it always seems like nothing's changed, even when I moved so far away. Funny thing: She was wearing this really pretty pink skirt, and I asked her, did you pick it out or did Stephanie pick it out for you? I think she was insulted that I didnt trust her taste. Hahahaha. Apparently Melinda asked her the same question. Sometime when I was in school I had become her fashion consultant, and I told her once, Tammie you look like a grandma in that. We've had many fun shopping trips in Springfield since then, and when Stephanie took her shopping, all she had to say was Tammie you look like a grandma in that, and Tammie would put it right back onto the rack. It's great.
Stephanie's recital was wonderful. It was so good to hear her sing, she's matured so much since I left. It was an awesome recital. She went first, and I think I almost teared up because I hadnt seen her in so long, and now she's doing a senior recital! She did wonderful, and she looked beautiful in her gown. Olivia went next and she did fantastic too. Very different quality of voice from Steph's, but it was a good contrast.
I had told Dr Brown a while back that I was going to be in town for Steph's recital, and I guess he forgot because I didnt see him there. But then he showed up for Olivia's recital, and I got to see him and talk to him then. Apparently Dr Kathy Brown saw me, and called him at home, letting him know that I was here, and he took time out to come down to see me. He wasnt going to come for the recitals because he was so busy, but he took time out to come visit with me. I was so grateful for that, because a trip back wouldnt be complete unless I saw him. He's a great dean and a really wonderful piano teacher. He taught me a lot while I was under his tutelege. Sometimes I wish I could still take lessons from him. But it was really good to see all my friends and professors again in that short trip.
Steph and Olivia had a reception at First Baptist church, and that was the time when I really got to visit with everyone. Besides, the food was great. If I hadnt had dinner already, I would have had my dinner there.
I spent the 2 nights with Steph, and we had a good time. We talked and caught up with each other, and just hung out, like old times. Too bad I was struck with a migrain the one day I could spend with her. I was a little bummed about it, but I was in too much pain to be too bummed. Somehow by the grace of God I managed to be on the go until after dinner, that was when it struck the hardest. BUT, the point was I got to see Steph again before she left for the Philippines.
Sunday morning Dawne came to pick me up and we had Sonic for lunch. At least I did, she already ate. I love Sonic, not so much for the burgers, they are ok, but not super fantastic, but the drinks are wonderful. Strawberry Limeade....YUM! Wish we had Sonics here. And then we began our long drive back to Kansas City for me to catch my flight at 4.30 pm.
All in all it was a wonderful trip back. It was too too short, I wish I got to spend more time with my friends, but I had to get back, work was waiting for me. In some ways I needed this getaway too, for my own sanity. Things were just starting to close in a little more, and I felt that if I didnt do something, I would start to crack. So this weekend was good for my sanity too.
So, to Steph, Tammie, Melinda, Dr Browns, and everyone else, I'm so so glad I got another chance to meet up with you again. I dont know when the next time will be, but you're never far from my heart and my thoughts. Take care, y'all! (havent lost the slang!)

For Baby Anne

Hello little Anne,

This is your auntie Audrey. You probaby dont know me yet, and truth be told, I probably wont be able to see you till youre about 3 years old! But hey, welcome to the world! It's big, it's bad, it's beautiful.
So you and me, we got a lot of things in common. We are the first child, and grandchild of the family. Oh oh oh, and both our names start with A! I dont think your parents really intended that coincidence, but like me, I think you'll grow to love the letter A and it will be your favorite!
So what's this I hear about you sleeping in the mornings and wide eyed and bushy tailed at the night time?? Gurrll, if you look outside and it's dark, THAT'S when you need to be sleeping. And when the sun is up, then you have to be up as well. I know you dont know the difference yet, but I think the faster you get this concept, the more your parents will thank you. Here's a little secret: parents get a little grumpy when they dont get enough sleep. And besides, your grandpa, (my dad) says he hardly sees you with your eyes open because youre always sleeping when he's there. You gotta show off your gorgeous eyes a little! Big eyes are beautiful, so the more you open them, the bigger they will get. Haha, just a little joke there, dont believe me. Big or small eyes, God created you just the way He wanted you to look. Remember that if and when you arent satisfied with the way you look.
I dont profess to be very wise, or even wise, period. But you know, I've learnt a few lessons in my lifetime, and I know youre too young to understand, but hey, it's never too early to tell you about some of them:

1. Always wash your hands after you go to the bathroom.
2. Dirt never killed anyone. Just dont eat too much of it.
3. Vegetables are good for you. I know they dont taste very good most of the time, but here's a tip, what tastes bad is usually good for you, and what tastes absolutely wonderful and decadent, probably isnt good for you at all!
4. If you had to choose between not sleeping and sleeping, my humble suggestion is SLEEP! You always feel so much better after a good rest. (Hence the suggestion to get your days and nights straight so your parents can sleep too!)
5. Crying is good for the soul. I find it helps me release some tension and stress. Right up there with that thought is that Laughter is the best medicine. Laugh as much as you can, as often as you can. And smile, Annie, Smile. Always have a smile on your face.
6. Grandparents are wonderful people. Never, never, never give up the chance to spend time with them. Besides, they are a great source for treats!
7. Your daddy and mommy are wonderful, wise people. Always ask them for advice and direction. They DO know better than you, and because they love you, they will always want the best for you.
8. LISTEN to your parents. They know more than you.
9. Have love for the unlovable. The results are unbelievable.
10. Above all, have Jesus in your heart, and trust God in everything you do. He loves you more than all of us combined, and then some!

These are just some things I've realized in my life, and I know your parents and grandparents will add to that as time goes on. So babe, enjoy your babyhood, because before you know it, you'll be potty trained, and you will have to clean up after yourself. Give me a call sometime, I'm always here for you.

with lotsa hugs and kisses,

Auntie Audrey

I AM AN AUNT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's a baby girl!!!!! WOOHOO!!! Congratulations, Ching Han and Faith!!!

I'M ALMOST AN AUNT!!!!!!! check back for updates......