Blessed

As I thought about a title for this post, Blessed is the only thing that seemed truely appropriate because that's what I am. The Lord has truely blessed me and my entire family. The weekend was spent eating, decorating, shopping. laughing, and loving. It's funny how I've blocked every frustrating moment from my mind. Decorating with 3 little people who just want to help is no easy task. I'm sure we uttered the words "Stop, Step away from the tree" more than once, but it's like those moments are erased. All I remember is laughing at Zeke's antics, Emmy's silliness and Elijah's new comedy routine. My how he is like his father! I think the most special part of the weekend for me was Sunday at Grandma Grate's house. Grandma's not doing so well in the memory dept. She has dementia and gets really confused. As we sat down to dinner (there were about 30 of us there) Dad asked her is she would pray for dinner. As she started to pray, I started to cry. It was like she was herself again. This was the Grandma I know, the prayer warrior. I'm so glad I was there. We don't get to hear her pray like that anymore and it was very special. I've added pictures from the weekend to share. Enjoy!

This picture of Andrea and I was taken by Elijah. He's quite the little photographer and loves to take pictures with Aunt Kelley's digital camera. Good one Lij!

Zeke was such a little helper. He always had the next branch. I thought this picture of him on the ladder was too cute. As usual, no pants were being worn. We need to start our own "colony."

Emmy looked so cute with her new hair cut. She's quite proud of it!
Elijah is in that "I don't want to take a normal picture" stage. He likes to make lots of funny faces, but getting a nice, normal, smiling picture...good luck. This is mom's finished tree in the living room. Pictures don't do it justice.
Jason, Andrea and I took our annual Thanksgiving picture with Grandma and Grandpa Walsh.
What a nice family shot. Love the denim and black idea!
This picture cracked me up. The tree stand is broken so we have some leaning issues. Jon was trying to straighten it, with a little help from Elijah and Emmy.
The Grate clan is growing. Welcome Jon!
Friday was Andrea's 29th birthday! We celebrated with a nice lunch at Texas Roadhouse. Mom tipped off the waitress so Andrea got a nice birthday Yee Haw! She was really embarrassed. The girls love their shopping day!

Weekend in Michigan

Oh My Goodness! Is it no wonder I live to spend time with these kids? This past weekend, the IWU women's basketball team was playing at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, MI. (They won both games and remain undefeated by the way) I was able to go to the games and stay with my brother. It was a 2 for 1 weekend. Zeke is such a little lover. He has the funniest personality. Ornery and so loving all at the same time. Aunt Kelley wanted very much to bring him home with her. If it weren't for these two pesky days of school, I would have.

Elijah is an absolute nut! Jason has him completely brainwashed about Ohio State. Sat. he was up at 8:00 and completely dressed for the game. He kept watching sports center while they were covering the history of the rivalry. He'd look over at me and say, "I'm so nervous! " Cracks me up! Well, the Bucks pulled out a victory so we were all very happy.
I tried to take a cute picture of all the kids in their OSU gear, but nobody was cooperating. Zeke kept hiding his face with his hat just to be funny, Emmy wouldn't keep her shirt out of her mouth and Elijah thought my frustration was hillarious. Little Miss Em looking too stylish. She was practicing her bowling. She thinks her next visit should include a trip to a real bowling alley because she's quite the pro at Silly Six Pins.
Zeke was all smiles. He loves to say cheese and be silly for the camera. Now I have to make a disclaimer here. These pictures were taken in J and Holly's unfinished basement. There are plans to paint the walls, but Holly has it really pretty cozy considering. She was worried about me posting these pictures. Just want to make sure you all don't think she makes the kids play in a dungeon.
Peek a Boo! This sums up his silliness. He was taunting me and oh how I enjoyed it. I can't wait till tomorrow. I'll get to spend another 4 days with them. I'm so excited about this week. I love Thanksgiving weekend. It's such a good time of eating, decorating, shopping, but most of all loving. I'll be sure and post about it next week! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!

Kelley

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas!

I thought I would post a few pictures to show what I got accomplished last weekend. This is my main tree in my living room window.















This is my patriotic tree in my kitchen. Mom used to put this tree in her patriotic bedroom but since it is now Dad's office, she gave it to me for my kitchen. Thanks Mom! :)




















This is my blurry living room. The sign over the mantel says "And the stockings were hung..."

The house feels so cozy at Christmas time. Now we just need a good snow to go with it! :)

Life

Well, life is just zipping by. I have tried to post a couple of times with no success so hopefully this will work. I have several updates.

First, I think my sickness has finally passed. I actually went to the dr. last week on Wed. because I had a setback and thought I was probably having some serious issues. All my blood work and other tests came back normal. No problems. My "Issues" have gone away and I'm feeling great. So, that's a big praise. It was the longest stomach flu I've ever had, but at least it's over.

Second, All my teams are still undefeated. IWU ladies won a close battle against the #2 ranked Cedarville last Saturday. That was exciting. Because of Cedarville's arrogance, I enjoy beating them almost as much as Taylor. The lady Kats are in Missouri this weekend for a tournament playing tonight at 7:00 and tomorrow at 12:00. I will listen on the radio. The Buckeyes are 10-0 with that big Michigan game looming on the horizon. Go Bucks! And my Colts are 8-0 squeeking out last week against New England.

I'm excited to decorate for Christmas this weekend. As I look at the calendar I can't believe how quickly this fall has flown by. It will be January before I know it.

Next, I was reminded this morning how awesome life with our God is. My cousin Kim had a cancer scare and posted this week that her biopsy came back negative. Praise God! I had already checked her blog a couple of days ago, but the song she had wanted to play when you brought it up wasn't working then. This morning before school, I went on to see if she had updated and the song was working. It's a song, I know and have heard many times before but this morning, in the context of her good news, it hit me anew. I sat with tears streaming down my face as I listened to the song titled His Grace Still Amazes Me. I am so thankful for God's Grace and that we don't get what we deserve. God just continues to take care of me and to heap blessings on me that I often wonder what I've done to deserve it. I know I haven't done nearly enough.

Last, I would like to request prayer for one of my students. I can't put any details on the blog, but this is a major situation that needs a huge miracle. My heart is all wrapped up in this situation and it's really eating away at me. I'm worried about this student's safety and wish sometimes that I could take them home with me. I wonder what life would be like if they could have my family. A family that would surround them with more love than they've known in a lifetime. As I've talked with another friend who's also involved, she put it so perfectly, "I do believe in miracles." That's what we need here folks, so please pray if you can.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend!

Love,
Kelley

What a Wonderful World

Aahh...Life sure is great. What prompts this new outlook on life? I just love the months of Nov. and Dec. Besides summer vacation, they are my favorite months of the year. I love fall, I love holidays, I love my 3 favorite teams. Now I know the Colts and Buckeyes have been in full swing for a couple of months now, but today my Lady Wildcats joined them, making my joy complete. The only mar on this joy is that for some reason tonights opening game was not covered on the radio. I was all ready. I had the radio in the living room beside my favorite chair and nothing but mood music met me. I have already e-mailed the station and the announcer who usually attends the games to broadcast to find out how this oversight occured.
Below is a picture of this year's team. I have big expectations for this team. I believe they are the "ONE" making this year that all 3 of my teams will end their seasons as champions.














Here you have my man Troy Smith with the classiest coach around Jim Tressel. What a team they make. The Buckeyes have made me super proud this season. That big Michigan battle is just 3 games away....GO BUCKS!!!







Then there's my other favorite duo, Peyton and Tony. What a class act they both are. Sunday afternoons aren't complete without my Colts.






So, you must be asking, "Is she crazy?" Is this all that's making her happy? No, it's not the only thing. Like I said, I love these next 2 months. I love Thanksgiving and Christmas. The traditions with family that I have during these two holidays are some of my favorite moments of the year. I am eager to enjoy them again this year. I can't wait to decorate for Christmas. My house looks so cool at Christmas time. I'm actually decorating next weekend. It's my only free weekend before Thanksgiving and I don't want to wait till the week after. That's just not long enough to enjoy!

As we enter into this busy season, I hope everyone takes a moment to really savor and enjoy it. It doesn't get much better!

Odd and Ends

Well, here it is a fine blustery Sat. morning and I thought I might take the time to blog. Sadly, I don't really have much to say. I have been sick for almost 2 weeks which is starting to get really old. Have I been to a Dr.? Of course not, you silly nilly. I don't do doctors. Much to the frustration of all my friends and family who care about me. I do think I am slowly returning to normal. Thursday and Friday were FAll Break so that came at a great time. I've gotten alot of rest which is my way of saying I've been EXTREMELY lazy! Actually it rained solid both days, so I couldn't have been productive if I'd wanted to. Now today, the rain is gone and the sun is shining, but the wind is blowing 40 mph so I'm not sure how productive raking leaves would be on a day like today. Maybe the wind will just blow all the leaves away and I won't have to rake. Wishful thinking... Went to see Flicka last night. It was a very sweet, wholesome movie. I cried and laughed. I enjoyed my man Tim McGraw although I don't think he'll be nominated for an oscar anytime soon. Let's see, what else is new...Well, my car seems to be running well. That's good news. I've sat here this morning paying bills and going over my budget. Doesn't look like I'm going to be rich anytime soon, but that's okay. My mind is always trying to think of some get quick rich scheme. I have some people trying to talk me into being a Mary Kay consultant. It's tempting. The profit on sales is quite phenominal, but my Creative Memories fiasco has me a little gun shy. Well, I need to wrap this up. I'm sitting here watching the leaves swirl around outside. I think some are blowing away, but some are just relocating in my yard.

Hodge Podge

Hi everybody! I know it's been awhile. I must admit I am struggling with the blog. I'm not motivated to post, read or comment. I hope it's just a phase because I miss my more consistent contact with all of you. I have sensed that this seems to be a trend with many. Many of my faithful reads havn't posted in weeks even months. Maybe it's just the time of year. Well, I titled this blog Hodge Podge because that's what it's going to be. There is no specific topic, just many random thoughts.

First, I would like to say that we were blessed with Miss Anon at ladies night this week. This was her first appearance. I had to take this picture because my little dog Sandy has a special honing beacon that lets her know who doesn't really like her. She then makes it her mission to lick them into submission. Miss Anon doesn't really care for dogs, but she finally allowed Sandy to lay on her lap. This was definitly picture worthy. As you can see her identity is still secure.



Staying with the ladies night theme, we are moving this Thursday to Lynn's house at 6:30 for a Mary Kay party. If you show up here, it will be dark, but Sandy will be here to keep you company. Those of you reading may want to call any that you know don't actually read the blog (I'm thinking mainly Jill).

Moving on...My little gem of a car is feeling like more of a lemon at the moment. In the last week I have put over $600.00 into my little car. I'm trying not to be negative, but I'd love to have a word with Dave Ramsey right about now. It would go something like, "New Cars Rule!" My dad is encouraging me that in the end I will still come out ahead and hopefully this will be all I'll have to do for quite some time, but I'm not feeling very optimistic tonight. Pessimistic maybe.

I'm not feeling well. My stomach is revolting and has been for 3 days. Today it is worse, but I think it's due to stress over the car. I think I might have a bug of some sort. Anyway, not so fun.

Had a SUPER time with my little sis this weekend. It was too short, but I enjoyed it immensely. I miss her.

School is still REALLY good! I'm having a great year and I'm so thankful.

The diet is horrible. I feel very much like a failure right now. Don't know how to fix it. Although with all my trips to the bathroom today, I will probably be down a few pounds in the morning. ;)

I am EXTREMELY excited for basketball to start. I know it's going to be a great season! Go KATS!!

Well, I think that's all for now. I'm feeling a little shivery so I'm gonna go burrow down in a blanket and watch some TV. Maybe relaxing will help.

Have a good week All!

Grate Reunion~ Take 2!

This past weekend a weird phenominon happened. We had a second Grate Reunion. This was a small intimate gathering that spun out of control. My great Aunt Ova (Uncle Bill and Cousin Colleen) were unable to attend the original reunion. They live in northern Michigan which makes for a long hike. This past weekend, they were making a trip to Marion to visit with my great Aunt Eva (Ova's sister). So, they invited little brother George (Violet and a few of their children) to come up as well. Mom offered to host a dinner Sat. for all (approximately 16-20 people). By the time the actual weekend arrived the number had climbed to 42!! Now this is almost as many as the original reunion! I was able to spend time with family this weekend that I hadn't seen in 20 years or more. A few that I don't think I had ever met. It was such a neat day. We all gathered at Mom and Dad's at 1:00 for a huge buffet style dinner with people eating everywhere you looked. The best part for me was after dinner when we all gathered in the living room and had our own version of the Gaither Homecoming. My family is very musical with many musicians and even more vocalist. Cousin Bev played keyboard, Aunt Violet played Steel Guitar, Cousin Mike played the harmonica and Aunt Eva played guitar. They rest of us joined our voices in a beautiful harmony singing old time favorited such as "I'll Fly Away, Amazing Grace, Precious Lord, Take my Hand, The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power, Have a Little Talk with Jesus, and He's Still Working on Me!" I fought tears more than once as I looked around the room at people I love so much and realized how blessed I am to come from this family. This was an event that in all reality might never happen again, and I am so glad I decided to ditch the IWU Homecoming so I could be a part of it. Sadly, the blogger system is giving me fits and I am having trouble getting the rest of my pictures to upload. The pictures below are mainly of the eating and visiting. I have pictures of the singspiration that will have to come later.



Cousins Jenny and Bonnie and Aunt Donna



Cousins Colleen, Georgene and Bev
Jenny's husband, Aunt Violet and Uncle Bill



Aunt Eva, Aunt Ova, and Grandma Grate catch up after dinner.
Elijah's proud of his game day t-shirt!



Cousin Sean is a senior and a talented Soccer player. He's being recruited by many Big 10 schools. I'm hoping he doesn't go with Michigan or Michigan State. Yuck! Austin and Ashley belong to Cousin Bev. Ashley is a Sophomore at Marshal Universtiy in Huntington, West Virginia. She was an extra in the upcoming Matthew McConaughey movie about a sports team from Marshal that was killed in a plane crash. Ashley actually saw Matthew in person!!! She said he was at their football game the other night but she had decided to stay home. Her friend got up close pictures of him! I was in awe!!! I told her that he was actually dating a good friend of mine, Missy. I don't think she believed me though. :)


And of course, no family weekend is complete without a picture with my Sis!

Just a note: Ladies night is back on for Thursday at 7:00! :)

My Weekend Continued...

I had to do two posts because it wouldn't allow me to upload all these photos. Saturday we were a Buckeye family in preperation for the big game! Sue didn't participate, but we didn't hold it against her.

Sue plays games with Emmy and Zeke. Check out the crossed legs. She cracks me up. I wonder how old she'll be before she realizes she shouldn't run around naked. :)
I had to take this pictures because Piper the dog is too cute watching the kids play a game of Chutes and Ladders. He is one cute puppy. Sue and I both would have taken him home in a heartbeat.
Zeke and Sue
Emmy, Aunt Kelley, Piper and Elijah are ready for the game. Love the red Ohio State hair, Elijah!
Aunt Kelley with her little man, Zeke.
Holly with Emmy and Elijah. This was supposed to be an Ohio State is Number 1 picture, but Emmy looks confused by Elijah's new hair do.

I had a great weekend. Thanks for having me Holly. The kids were wonderful and I came home feeling very full...of love that is. Love you all lots!

My Heart is Full...

My heart is full tonight and this little guy is responsible. He had a little help from his siblings, but Aunt Kelley hadn't seen Zeke since May and she was having some serious withdrawl. I was so worried that he wouldn't warm up to me since it had been so long, but it didn't take him any time at all. He dished out the lovin' and made this aunt very happy. Eastown was having it's annual street fair this weekend so we went over to check it out. Jason's church had a booth. It was pretty cool. I think the weather scared some people away, but it was still neat. For lunch we went to Yesterdog's. It's a cool hot dog place. These pictures were taken there.
Sue and Elijah waiting for their dogs.
Emmy and Aunt Kelley are the Buckeye girls!
Jason and Zeke are so cute together. I love this picture!

Blog Night is Cancelled

Ladies,
This is the easiest way to reach most of you so I am announcing this here. If you can think of those who attend who don't read the blogs, please call and let them know. Due to a rummage sale on Friday and Sat. I must cancel this week. We will be busy setting up in the garage all evening on Thursday. If you really need a break from your life and would like to help, you're more than welcome to still come. :)

Also, I have Parent/Teacher conferences next Thursday night until 8:00. You are more than welcome to still meet, but I won't be able to be there. You can either use my house, or move the meeting next Thursday. I'll put you in charge of that decision Jaena. :)

Give me a call with any questions.

Thanks,
Kelley

Life is slow

For those of you who feel like life is passing you by or that you seem to be meeting yourself coming and going, you might be frustrated by this post. Life right now is so calm and uneventful. I’m enjoying my job; I have relaxed evenings and just generally feel refreshed. The absence of classes, internships and constant stress has been heavenly.

New news: I have a new (old) car. My lease is up in Dec. on my rendezvous and it was time for Kelley to put the Dave Ramsey ~ Financial Peace learning to use. I’ve just been biding my time to try his buy a car with cash plan. So, I found the perfect car last week thanks to Sue. A guy she works with is selling a ’92 Honda Accord. Back in the day, this car was loaded and was driven by a Dr. A year ago the guy that works with Sue bought it, but due to having a hip replacement found that it wasn’t comfortable for him on longer trips. Sooo, Dad and Mom made a quick trip on Sunday to see it and drive it, and with their blessing, I bought the car. Actually I got a loan. I don’t want people thinking that my bank account is over flowing or that Mom and Dad made this purchase for me. My car payments are being more than cut in half and I’ll be getting 31mpg city. Yahoo! Cheaper insurance, cheaper tags, cheaper payments! My plan is to pay it off while putting the extra money away and in 4-5 years have enough saved to buy my next used (but newer used) car with cash. The process will continue until I’m driving a practically new car with no payments. I will add pictures to this post when I get home so you can all see my little beauty. My thinking is that in 4-5 years I might have it junked up enough that my brother might want to drive it. Right now, it’s probably in too nice of condition. He doesn’t like them unless he’s afraid he might not arrive at his location. Just kidding, J! Although, I’m seriously thinking it might be a great car for you when I’m done with it. You’re going to love it!

Diet Update: I believe I said that I was going to do an update on each post and I have failed to do that. I seem to forget till I’ve already posted. The diet is going very well. This is probably the healthiest eating plan I’ve ever followed. I’m following it pretty well, but have cheated just about each weekend. Even with that, I have lost 9lbs. Monday will be 4 weeks that I’ve been on it. I’m averaging a little more than 2 lbs. a week which is a great, healthy amount to lose. I can see this working for the long haul. I’m refusing to tell Elijah about it though till I lose a significant amount. He informed me that the diet I did for the wedding stunk. I didn’t have the heart to tell him that it wasn’t the diet that was the problem, but the dieter. Gotta love their honesty and perception.

Well, that’s all the news I have to report today. I hope all my buddies out in Blogland are having a good week!

Kelley

My Teacher Friends

I was thinking this morning while I was getting ready that our work lives are the one place that people can't really picture us. We talk about work to our friends and family, but they rarely get to see us in that atmosphere. We talk about people that we work with, but they can't really "picture" them. So, I decided to share my favorite co-workers with you. Good to put a face with a name!

This is Teresa Aspy on the end. She teaches Language Arts. In the middle is Sandy Roberson who teaches Math. These ladies are super special and I enjoy being on the 6th grade team with them.
This is Chad and I. Chad teaches Social Studies and is a major pain in the...! Just kidding. We are very good friends and have taken our masters together. I wouldn't have had nearly as much fun in my classes if he hadn't been there. It would have been less work, since I basically carried him through, but not as much fun! Just kidding....?
Now these ladies are my super-duper friends! This is Heidi (brown hair) and Terri (blond), my diet buddies! We have gone through every diet success and failure together the last 7 years. Right now, we're all experiencing success, so hopefully this will be the last diet.... Heidi is also my driving partner. We ride to and from school together which makes the ride fun.
Next you have my twin sister, Delayna. We have been asked more times than we can count. Both short, similar hair (when Delayna has hers down), etc. Delayna is the 7th grade Science teacher so we were on the same team for 3 years. Lots of good times!
Last, but certainly not least, you have Reta, the librarian. She runs the school very effectively! :) She's one of the many "mother" figures in my life and what I love is she never hesitates to tell me just how it is!

These are great people that I feel very blessed to work with. Every one of them supported me through the last 3 years as I worked towards my masters. I hope they know how much they mean to me.

Weekend at Home

This was a great weekend at home. I hadn't been home in a while and the upcoming weekends are full of activities, so I made a trip home for the weekend. Sue got bribed into going to since I have very few miles left on my lease that's not up till December. Friday night we went up to the big Popcorn Festival (Marion is the Popcorn capital of the world - Not VanBuren). We saw a great country concert and ate some yummy food. Saturday, was a relaxed day with minimal running. We visited my grandparents and went to see a new house my dad just finished. That evening was the Big OHIO STATE game!!!! We were all pumped about the game and enjoyed watching them beat the TEXAS Longhorns. During the game, John, Kim and Carolyn (and kids) came to visit. John was home from Florida. It was so great to see him. Sunday, he sang in church and did a fantastic job. I was listening wandering why he isn't in the Gaither Vocal Band. I took some family pictures on Sunday to share. Hope you enjoy them.
This is me with my Grandma Grate.
Me, Mom, Dad and Andrea
Kim, Kelley and John
Sisters~ Kelley and Andrea
Sue, Andrea and Kelley

Ramblings...

I’m calling this post Ramblings for lack of a better title. This is exactly what I’ll be doing today. I don’t have any significant happenings to post about, but I get frustrated when others don’t post so…. Post like you want others to post. That’s Biblical, right?

I’ve been amused this week by Miss Anon…our new blogger friend. She finally caved and joined the rest of us addicted bloggers. I knew it was just a matter of time. If you don’t already know who it is, think…Kelley’s oldest friend (not in age, but in time known)…4 kids….always speaks her mind….Is it coming to you yet? She’s going to shake things up, I can just feel it.

I’ve got the first of my biannual sinus infections coming on this week. I could set a calendar by it. It never ceases to amaze me. I’m not feeling too bad, so I’m hoping that it’s not going to be a bad one.

School’s still going well. I keep waiting for the wheels to fall off, but so far so good. Neat kids!

I’m headed home this weekend which I’m excited about. Haven’t been there in a while and I’ll get to see Cousin John while I’m there. We’re also going to a Trick Pony concert Friday night. (That’s a country group for those of you who are wandering) They’re famous for songs like “Pour Me…Pour Me another Shot of Whiskey” Quality. Forgive me Lord.

On a spiritual note, I read a great devotional last night. The scripture was familiar to me, but it started a few verses ahead of the “famous” part.

Isaiah 40:28-31 “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increased the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

The title of the devotional was Keep Trusting. It talked about the disappointments that we all face from time to time whether it be not getting the job we wanted or something more serious like a failed marriage or death of a loved one. It’s so easy to let these disappointments derail us or wreck our faith. Sometimes the disappointments are in other people. People aren’t perfect and we all disappoint someone at some point in our lives. We need to forgive when people let us down, and we need to accept the forgiveness of others and not beat ourselves us over things we can’t change. Disappointment can cause us to get tired and weary, but we need to take hope in the fact that God doesn’t grow tired or weary. He will renew our strength.

I thought this was so appropriate. I have felt disappointment. Not getting a job was disappointing. I have been disappointed in friendships, but my disappointments pail in comparison to some. I am so thankful for a God who not only renews me each day so I can soar like the eagles, but who carries me when I’m too weary to put one foot in front of the other.

Father,
Help me to build my faith, and to believe that You will bring good even out of circumstances I don’t understand. I choose to trust You.

Love,
Kelley

Kenny Chesney Concert

Yesterday Sue and I attended our 5th Kenny Chesney concert. Now some may think that that's a little crazy, but let me tell you, "He NEVER Disappoints!" It was another AWESOME show! I'm just glad I missed the sermon on lust a couple of weeks ago. ;) Just kidding. Although he is soooo easy to look at. This first picture is of the thousands of fans that were seated on the lawn. We nearly lost our lives in the stampede to get good seats on the grass, but luckily we were okay. (and we got decent seats)













This concert was special because we got to take Amy, Sue's neice, to her very first concert ever! She loved it!!













Oh My....Just look at him!













Another reason this was an awesome show is that Carrie Underwood, our favorite American Idol, was one of his opening acts. She was Fantastic! Loved it!!!













Then, came Dierks Bentley. He's a cutie, but doesn't sound that great live. I made a much needed trip to the bathroom during his portion of the show. It was a long line....













Towards the end of the show, Kenny totally rocked out. This was his last show on the tour and he went out with a bang. He and Carrie sang "Hurt So Good" together. I was very envious....another sermon I must have missed.













Uncle Kracker was also there. They sang several songs together which was also great! This is the 3rd year in a row that he's been there with Kenny. It's always a fun part of the show.













WORTH EVERY PENNY....UNTIL NEXT YEAR.....