All That Happened at the 53rd Family Reunion

Great! Fantastic! Amazing! Just a few words that were used to describe our 53rd Family Reunion that happened this week-end. To get the party started, Saturday night was a concert that featured the releases of my new CD and Bryce's CD. After some praise and worship, I was introduced by my husband who bragged on me much more than I deserve. After singing five songs, Blake and I introduced Bryce. I first spoke and gave a brief history of Bryce's singing which began at five years of age singing the solo part of Isaac in an Easter musical, progressing to elementary school talent shows, runner-up in the 2005 Exalting Him National Talent Search, to the current time of his solo project. Then Blake took over and said, "He is also the guy that picks on me and torments me, but I will give him credit for teaching me how to play basketball. Would you please put your hands together for my big brother - BRYCE ALLARD!" Bryce brought the house down singing the first five cuts from his CD and I was the proud mom. He was followed by Tim Spell who gave us an amazing hour of his vocal abilites. Immediately following, was a wonderful reception which included four different salads, gourmet crackers, veggies, specialty cookies, mango-peach tea, and an assortment of fresh fruit complete with fresh strawberries and a chocolate fountain. There was a large board set-up where people could write congratulatory notes to Bryce, and then Bryce was presented with a Spumoni ice cream cake. He loves Spumoni ice cream and was so happily surprised. We had many guests, but topping the guest list for Bryce was his dear friend, Tyler Sullivan from Sacramento, California and Laura and Felicia Cardoza. Laura is the mom of one of Bryce's school mates, Chuck, from Kindergarten to sixth grade. Chuck wasn't able to attend, but his younger sister Felicia came with her mom. This was such a great surprise for Bryce and he had a great time visiting with them.

Sunday morning, Tyler sang "Play It Again." It was fantastic! He has also recently released a new CD. Of course, Tim Spell sang and then he preached an incredible message about The Good Samaritan. He spoke of how the thieves were communist, socialist, and marxist, and the priest and levite were capitolists. His sermon also instructed people to suppress prejudice. It was just an outstanding message. After a fabulous lunch at P.F. Chang's, we returned to the evening service. Again, Tyler sang and Tim Spell sang and preached. His message was about spiritual dehydration and hunger. I won't take the time to give you the whole thought, but it was awesome. The snapshots are, Bryn and Spell, Bryce, Blake and Spell, and Bryce and Tyler.

It was such a happy time, but I am now completely exhausted and hear my pillow calling my name.