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POSTED ON 4 / 29 AT 2:08 pm
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
This morning we slept in as late as we could, but because we have to be at the Doves rehearsal at noon, it didn't seem late at all. Jeff and I have been very fortunate and we've had many memorable Doves that we were able to attend. The day is bringing back so many memories. Our first Doves we were nominated for Country Album of the Year against my trio with Heirloom. It was odd when I accepted the award as a winner over my own project. The next year we were with a brand new group everyone was excited about--DC Talk. I remember how kind the guys were, especially to our baby boy, Madison, who was only two and not very skilled in how to use his silverware. A couple of years later, we were asked to perform and I had just found out I was pregnant with baby number two and awfully concerned about how to dress (it was in the day of very little choices in maternity ware!) A few years later, we performed a 'family finale' with several family groups in southern gospel including my family, The Lewis Family. This year we're performing in the finale with 30 artists representing several genres of gospel music. We performed "I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now" with Karen Peck and New River and The Hoppers. We're driving home tonight and should arrive home by 6am.
POSTED ON 4 / 29 AT 2:08 pm
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Does the word BUSY mean anything to anyone out there? We started with hair and make-up this morning at 9am...took new publicity photos until 2pm...went for a rehearsal for the SGMG Honor Awards by 3:30pm...grabbed a salad on the bus in order to go back in by 5:15 for a run-through...began the awards at 7pm...did the Grand Ole Opry across the street at the Ryman at 8pm...then, back to the Harmony Awards for a closing. Whew! I'm tired just repeating it!
POSTED ON 4 / 29 AT 2:05 pm
In celebration of Gospel Music Week in Nashville, TN, Jeff and Sheri Easter were invited to once again perform at the Grand Old Opry held at the Ryman Auditorium. On Tuesday, April 22, Jeff and Sheri, joined Point of Grace, Terri Clark, Steven Curtis Chapman, Richie McDonald, Ricky Skaggs and the Whites, and Connie Smith. That same night, Jeff and Sheri performed at the SGMG's Harmony Honors Awards, and Jeff acted as host for the evening's event. The Dove Awards featured a finale cast of 30 artists, including Jeff and Sheri performing on a medley of Southern Gospel's "I Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now".
POSTED ON 4 / 23 AT 5:59 pm
We have been nominated for the Diamond Awards this year in the following categories.JEFF & SHERI - DUET OF THE YEAR
SHERI - FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
JEFF & SHERI - BLUEGRASS GOSPEL ARTIST OF THE YEAR Visit: http://www.diamondawardsonline.com and cast your vote today!
POSTED ON 4 / 22 AT 2:23 am
 Jayna Marie Ritchie was born April 18, 2008 at 6:53 pm. She weighed 6 lb 11 oz and was 19 in long. Greg, Charlotte, and Landon are thrilled to finally celebrate her birth. Our family was able to see baby Jayna moments after she was born as we headed to our date in Hamilton, ON CAN.
POSTED ON 3 / 18 AT 9:48 pm
We awoke today around 2 pm and we'll be leaving the hotel in a few hours to head home. We walked the streets of Oslo and bought several small souvenirs for our family. Norway is one of the most expensive countries to visit. We heard 2nd to Japan. I believe it! We had two club sandwiches, fries, and 2 diet cokes today for about US value. We laughed and said it was okay, because we'd claim that this was our filet and prime rib dinner! I can't believe that almost 2 weeks have passed since we've been with our children. Under normal circumstances, I would have been a basket case! I'm surprised that only once, while viewing family pictures, did I cry for them. It's just been so wonderful, so busy and with the Internet and computer eye cameras, we've felt so in touch.
POSTED ON 3 / 18 AT 9:47 pm
We arrived a few hours before the concert. The crowd was upwards of about 7500 and so appreciative of our music. We were all moved to tears as the audience sang "Because He Lives" in Norwegian. It was an incredible ending to a beautiful European tour. Jeff and I arrived at the hotel around 11 pm and decided we'd try to stay up awhile to prepare our bodies for the time change as we fly home Monday morning. We stayed up until 4 am talking to our kids at home, of course it was around 9 pm in Georgia. The weather was pretty bad at home and it was comforting to us to be talking with our kids through all of the storm warnings and to know they are safe.
POSTED ON 3 / 18 AT 9:47 pm
We performed in Rotterdam today. The crowds were great and so responsive. I think all of us have been amazed at the warm reception and the excitement for our music we've felt here Europe. After the concert, we tried to get to bed early because of our early flight in the morning to Oslo, Norway.
POSTED ON 3 / 18 AT 9:46 pm
Our trip today was by bus. About 3 1/2 hours into the trip, we stopped in historical Amsterdam. We visited Anne Frank's house and it was an emotional stop. I've read the book twice and was amazed at the wisdom pouring out of this 13 year old, then again, tragedy does bring wisdom and her tragedy was excessive. It's difficult for us to imagine what it must have been like even with all of the books written and interviews taped. I was excited that this would be one of our stops because not only have I appreciated the writings of Anne Frank, but Morgan is, this month, studying her book as well, so I bought her a hard back copy from the museum for her collection of books.
POSTED ON 3 / 18 AT 9:46 pm
Jeff and I took a beautiful walk today through the streets of Siegen--what a quaint town! Later, we traveled to the venue and prepared for the concert tonight. We were so amazed at the crowd response. The concert was sold out and the people were crazy with excitement. We signed autographs and made pictures for hours and the audience, literally, rushed the stage with applause and appreciation. We were so stunned by the reception, it was incredible.
POSTED ON 3 / 18 AT 9:46 pm
This morning we flew out early to Siegen, Germany. We arrived at our hotel around 6:30 pm and prepared for a meal at the oldest pub in Siegen. The food in Europe has been quite different than what we're used to, but it's all been very good. I still can't get accustomed to drinking my drinks without ice. We returned from the restaurant around 10 pm and talked with our kids awhile using the eye camera and computer. It makes the trip so much nicer being able to see that they are doing well.
POSTED ON 3 / 18 AT 9:45 pm
Today we woke up around 10:30 and headed to Oxford Street for shopping. I love to shop in Europe because I find things that are so unique for stage. I found several adorable outfits for Morgan, a cute bookbag for Maura, and cool shoes for Madison. We took Gordon with us again today. Yesterday, we visited all of the exciting stops like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the typical tourist spots, but today we kept our stops to shopping. Gordon's a trouper to hang with me while I shop, because I tend to be a serious shopper who rarely stops to eat or rest. Way to go, Gordon!
POSTED ON 3 / 18 AT 9:45 pm
We woke up this morning at 6 am and headed for the airport to fly to London. We arrived at our hotel in London around lunchtime and visited a local restaurant for fish and chips. With all of our group converging on the tiny restaurant, it made for an interesting, but extremely busy time for our server. Afterwards, Jeff, Deana, Janet, Gordon and I decided to tour the city. We visited Big Ben, House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and walked back through St. James' Park. What a gorgeous city! We retired early and once again, we're trying to get accustomed to the new clock that our bodies are having a difficult time accepting--so here I am blogging at 1am!
POSTED ON 3 / 18 AT 9:45 pm
Today we're in Glasgow, Scotland. It's beautiful here and the venue is stunning--similar to the design of the Sydney Opera House in Australia. The folks are so warm and receptive. We're having a great time and looking forward to more.
POSTED ON 3 / 18 AT 9:44 pm
We are so thankful to finally feel rested. We spent a half hour in the fitness room, trying to recover from all the sleeping and eating yesterday and prepared to go over to the venue by 4 pm. We attended a meet and greet with the press and everyone was so hospitable. The concert was incredible and the fans were so warm. We made lots of pictures and signed autographs during the entire intermission. We headed back to the hotel after the concert and after a quick packing, retired for our 4 hour night of rest.
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