So, why haven't I been posting? (less then usual that is.)

Simple question deserve simple answers... I've been busy!

The things that stand out are one, VOLLEYBALL! Lots n' lots of it! My siblings and I have eagerly awaited the phone call from Will each evening, to say when/where we're playing.

We play anywhere from 3-5 hours, (we've only played for 5 hours once, we were having waaay too much fun to stop) usually at Bender Fields.

We love playing, laughing, teasing, scoring, missing, falling, jumping, and everything else that goes with the game, and heck, it's easier than tennis...
The second thing: Practicing, rehearsing, practicing, rehearsing. Last night, (the 28th) Ali and I had our graduating recital, (or whatever you want to call it) We're moving from our current instructor, Mrs D. Who has taught me for 8 years, and Ali for 6, to move on to a new teacher, Mrs. P., who teaches in Bellingham. So Ali and I gave a concert to honor Mrs. Davis, and thank her for all the years she's taught us. It's hard, really hard, to give a recital with only two performers. It take tons of practicing, rehearsing, and planning. But, last night was the big night.

And you know what? The work paid off. The music went really well, the audience seemed to enjoy it, Mrs. Davis was happy, and hopefully, and most importantly, the Lord was glorified.

These gorgeous flowers are from our neighbor who attended with her two grandsons, are they just so sunshiny and summer-y? :)

I'm glad it's over, but it was really fun, and I'm glad we did it. It was great experience too.

Thanks to everyone who came, it was great to see our friend out there, and it kept me from being nervous.

I'm going to try and post more next week, I don't want ya'll to get tired of checking! ;)

Blessings,

Emily

How Beautiful

Someone has asked me to play this for her wedding, and it is so, so beautiful, I just had to share it.

http://youtu.be/QJfSp_rceFs

"How beautiful the radiant bride, who waits for her groom, with his light in her eyes. How beautiful, when humble hearts give the fruit of pure love, so that others may live. How beautiful."

~Words and music by Twila Paris

Tennis Anyone?

The pool is up, summer must be here!

But this summer, the thing I look forward to the most in my week, isn't swimming, it's tennis!

I've wanted to learn tennis for some time, and while dad has played just about everything else with us (soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, volleyball, badminton, and even touch-football) when I asked if he could teach me tennis, he gave me "the look." You all have dads, and you know what I mean.

The look that says "go jump off a cliff." And he accompanied this with the words, "I HATE tennis. If you want to learn, get someone else to teach you."

Me to self: Hmm, maybe if I ask with the "big brown eyes tactic" in mind (which rarely fails) he'll know I'm really serious, and reconsider.

But upon application of said tactic, all he said was; "Sorry Princess, but I mean it. I HATE tennis. Get someone else to teach you."

Me to self: Phooey. Wow, he really, really doesn't like that game, if the no-fail tactic FAILED!

Well, I guess I'd better find someone else!

So I called around, and Homestead (our local fitness center) gave me the number of a gal named Holly. So I called, obviously, and she said that if I could find a friend to take lessons with me, it would cut the cost of lessons by $10!

Now to find a friend...

"So, Ali... ever thought of taking tennis lessons? By the way, did I mention how cute the shirt is on you?

Ali: Nope. Not interested.

Me: Don't you think it'd be fun? I mean, good exercise, fun and experience!

Ali: I don't care to spend the money, I get lots of exercise playing badminton with you as it is, and besides, if you learn to play, you can teach me for free, and then I'll get the experience.

Me to me: Darn this dutch heritage of ours! She got the "cheap gene."

Well, Sam already said she wasn't interested...who else could I call....

This led to the phoning of My good friend Janeal, who to my utter astonishment, immediately said "Yes! I've always wanted to take tennis lessons!"

Wow! So, needless to say, we're takin' tennis lessons! Every Friday for an hour +1/2, and hopefully we can practice Thursdays.

Our coach is awesome, and an excellent teacher. And Janeal? Well... umm... she beat me our mock game last week! She'll be great!

So, anyone know how to play tennis? I'm up for a game anytime! =)