Sing and be Happy!

March 7, 2011: Mom says Daddy has discovered You Tube recently and spends hours listening to and singing along with old gospel songs. Recently, he wanted her to sit with him and sing along. He was so into it that he wouldn't let her check on the grill, and their dinner burned up! I can just picture this scenario, and it got me thinking about much singing has influenced my family. Even though I can't sing well, I appreciate those in my family who are. I know even if I don't sound very good that God, and my kids, just love to hear me sing anyway!  Here are just a few special memories: Daddy leads singing at the church in Antoine. When I was growing up,  he kept a red "Sacred Selections for the Church" songbook by his chair. He'd gather us in front of the fireplace and we'd sing together. My parents also have a big collection of hymns in their cars, and we'd all sing along. Sometimes, Daddy would take the backroads to make the trip home take longer.  Now, Trey and I keep cds of church hymns in our vehicles so the girls can learn to sing them, too. One of Isabel's favorites is "Gloryland Way." During my childhood, Daddy lost his parents, two brothers, and a niece and nephew. I didn't realize at the time how singing hymns with his family must have been really comforting to him. My Great-grandmother Ida used to tell me about her family singing around the piano in their living room. Long before TV or internet came along, singing is what her family did for entertainment. My Grandaddy Richmond belonged to a Barbershop Quartet. He looked so handsome in his suit and bowtie! He doesn't still perform, but when my Grandmother, Valle, turned 80, he surprised her with the barbershop quartet, "Zirconium," at her party. They performed several songs, then backed up Grandad as he sang "Heart of My Heart" to her. I posted this a few years ago, but it's so amazing I want to share it again: Here's the video... https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mb4fSuYxk1m7wMCEZdiVXt1fAFW1wKNIfpi0nlWX1YA?feat=directlink

I also married into a family of singers. Trey's sister Lauren, Uncle Johnny and Aunt Carol, all very talented singers, performed at our wedding rehersal dinner.  A new tradition for Trey's family is Cabin Karaoke at their annual 4th of July bash. I am already looking forward to it this year! Trey used to serenade me with his guitar when we were dating. Sometimes after curfew at Harding, he'd call me in the dorm and play for me over the phone! Now he entertains the girls and they dance around the living room. That makes me so happy!! I'm so glad the tradition of singing is continuing in our family!!

*** Here's an update, my Dad, Trey and his Dad singing along with Johnny Horton's "North to Alaska" at the Cabin 4th of July party, 2011:

How fun for the girls to see their Daddy and both Granddaddy's singing together!!!