First Day Of School

Today was Anthony and Amanda's 1st official day at school for the 2007-2008 school year at JA. Anthony is in the 10th grade and Amanda is in the 4th grade. (So hard to believe!!)

Anthony drove himself to school for the 1st time. He has to get to school earlier than he used to because he has to park way down at Raider Park and catch the shuttle bus up to the school.

Amanda got the teacher she really wanted, Mrs. Debbie Campbell and is so excited about getting back into the swing of school.

We are looking forward to a fun and rewarding year at school.

New Member of the Mississippi Girl Choir

Today was another proud moment for the Ray family. Amanda auditioned for the Mississippi Girl Choir this afternoon and was immediately accepted. Lillian Lee, the Artistic Director of the MS Girl Choir, said that Amanda has perfect pitch and a gift for being able to recognize harmonies. Amanda has loved to sing ever since she was a little person. God has blessed her with this wonderful gift and an enormous love of music. We pray that she will continue to use this gift for all of her life. We look forward to seeing and hearing her in upcoming performances of the MS Girl Choir.

Information about the Mississippi Girl Choir can be found at: http://www.msgirlchoir.org

A New Driver On the Road

Today was a big day for the Ray family. Anthony got his driver's license this morning. He completed all his driver's education requirements over the course of the summer and was officially eligible to get his license today when he turned 15 1/2 years old. Congratulations Anthony.

Girls Trip To Colorado Part 4

Today, Sara and Bryce took the girls to Noah's Ark just outside Buena Vista, CO to go whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River. They had a really good time, even stopping along the way to eat lunch beside the river.

Scenes from Day 4

Girls Trip To Colorado Part 3

Today, the girls went shopping, got pedicures and manicures, and went to see the movie "Becoming Jane".

Scenes from Day 3

Girls Trip To Colorado Part 2

Yesterday, the girls spent much of the day at a big water park. I'm told that they were all pretty worn out when they finally got home. Later, they went out to eat at what Fran said was one of the best Italian restaurants that she had ever been to.

Scenes from Day 2

Girls Trip To Colorado Part 1

Frances, Amanda, and Mama headed off yesterday for a girls only trip to Denver, Colorado to visit Fran's sister and brother-in-law, Sara Ellen and Bryce Lokey. Sara had all kinds of full activities planned for them while they are there. When they got there yesterday, Sara took them to Boulder, CO to have lunch and look around.

Day 1 Pictures

These mountains are called the Flat Irons. Bryce enjoys honing his rock climbing skills here.

The girls at the Dining Hall for lunch in Boulder.




Sara, Amanda, and the dogs in Bear Creek just outside Denver near Sara and Bryce's house.

New Orleans Saints Training Camp

Once again this year, the New Orleans Saints are holding their training camp here in Jackson on the campus of Millsaps College. We received special invitations from Millsaps for the opening day because Fran's dad is a member of the Millsaps College Board of Trustees. Fran's brother, Robert, happened to be in town for the weekend and was able to go with us.

Vacation Bible School

Fran and Amanda had a fun time at Vacation Bible School at Galloway UMC this past week. Fran led all the music for the week and had a great group of kids, including Amanda, helping as music leaders. VBS this year was called Avalanche Rach and had a western theme. Amanda's good friend, Julia, went with her all week.

Happy Birthday Frances

Today is Frances' birthday so:

Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday dear Frances
Happy Birthday to You.

Amanda and Sugar

Amanda has desperately wanted a guinea pig for months now so she got her wish today. As a surprise, we all met at Petsmart today for Amanda to pick out her guinea pig. We first went to the Petsmart near County Line Road only to find out they only had male animals there. Since Amanda really wanted a female guinea pig, we had to all load up and drive out to the Pestsmart across from Dogwood out in Flowood. Needless to say, Amanda was very surprised and very excited about her new little friend. She named her Sugar.

Preparation for Vacation Bible School

Frances and Amanda are leading the music for Vacation Bible School again this year. They have had a group of young music leaders who have come to our house a couple of times to practice the songs and dances. They have all had a great time and it's been fun watching them.

Cooking Classes at the Choppin Blok

Amanda has taken several cooking classes at the Choppin Blok in Ridgeland. She is quickly becoming a fine chef. She has made all kinds of great thing for us to eat. She has enjoyed getting to take some of the classes with her friends, Julia and Bailey.

Duke University Basketball Camp Post 1

Anthony, accompanied by Fran's parents, flew out of Jackson Friday headed to Durham, NC and the Duke Basketball Camp. The camp started on Saturday and runs through next Wednesday. Anthony's friend, Ty Rust from Nashville, met him up there and is his roomate. Anthony has been so excited for months about going to his favorite team's camp.

Pictures from Saturday:

Amanda at JA Cheerleading/Accent Camp

Amanda attended the JA Cheerleading/Accent Camp this past week. She had a really fun time learning cheers and a drill team routine. She even won the dance off contest one day. Her favorite cheer was "Cookie Monster".