Happy New Year!

I hope you and your family had a great Christmas; we certainly did. I am very thankful for the peace and happiness we had and the many blessings of time with family and reflections of Christ's birth.

We did things a little differently this year; we traveled to Virginia on Christmas Eve and stayed until the 26th. It was much less stressful for us because we didn't have to drive back and forth and the boys didn't have to travel between states on those days, since they must be in Virginia for Christmas Eve anyway. We decided to ask Santa to come to my parents house, and he didn't mind! The boys were much better- rested than past years, and I loved sharing Christmas morning with my parents- even Uncle Matt got up early to see what Santa brought!

Here are some pictures from last week.

Here is the annual "smile or I will punish you" picture in front of the tree. It is always the same- three seconds before this they were fighting and pushing each other and this shot is 8th in a series of awful ones...

Me and B...we were not fighting and pushing beforehand...

me and Leah

Santa brought Reese Motocross gear...



Santa brought Cole hunting gear and True A LOT of Star Wars stuff!

Great- Grandma and Papa's house Christmas morning

Christmas dinner with Aunt Carrie

Nannie and Papa Dalton's house

Day after Chistmas...Cole's first successful hunt!



Fishing with Papa Dalton

The Dalton Report

Hey!! I know you missed me. I've been so busy lately that I literally have not had time to sit and blog for even a minute. This week will end all the madness- vacation starts, Barry's classes are over, and the church musical runs through Wednesday! I've been spinning many plates lately!!

So, I guess I just told you what's been going on here. In other news, progress reports were good, Reese had a "Holiday" program at school which was awesome, and True had a super birthday.

Please come to our Adult Choir Musical this week, if you can. It's Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights at 7pm. You will be blessed- it is a very moving portrayal of Jesus' story. It's unlike anything you've ever seen- hence the ballroom dancers!!

Pray for me at school. It's becoming an increasingly difficult environment.

Pray for my friend, Tracy. She just found out that she is pregnant at 40 (surprise!)with her 3rd child and she is still getting adjusted to the idea! She's a really good, sweet person and great mom and although she is stressed over the surprise element of the situation, I know their family will be so blessed by the new addition!!

Alright, I will now give the people what they really want...

PICTURES!!

Me and B in our 40's costumes

me in a cheesy 40's pose

(the lady in the picture I used for my hair was in this pose!)

Barry in his Gabriel costume (told you he was an angel..)


True's military - themed cake


We had VERY sharply- dressed party girls!! So beautiful.


Tree decorating starts with tree construction at our house...

So fake, Reese...


That's right, guys, put all the ornaments on that front section of tree, it's a Christmas tradition...

After the star went up, we realized it had a faulty plug. I bought a new one at Big Lots the next day which would not sit on the top properly. Then I found a hand - me- down star in one of the boxes that mom gave me. It works perfectly!


It's a blurry pic, but I like it...

Merry Christmas and I cannot WAIT to see each of you soon!!

Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! We did. We loved spending time with our families. We had Thanksgiving with my Grandma last Sunday and I have no pictures from that- sorry! It was delicious, trust me. I guess I couldn't hold a camera and shovel in all that food- there's my excuse! Here are some pictures to share from our other Thanksgiving activities! Love you all.

A Talbott tradition: Gingerbread House- Making after Thanksgiving breakfast!

Mommommy's Monkeys!

Cole made Twizzler shingles...

Cole on his first hunting expedition! They didn't see any doves, but he said he had fun anyway.
Squirrel hunting on Thanksgiving- no luck then, either!

We had a delicious meal at Grandma Pam's- Aunt Carrie makes the best Potato Casserole!

Reese and Parker at Corey's track.

Dalton Report

Y'all love some dressing! It took the top spot in the poll by a huge margin! Looking forward to my grandma's this weekend..

All is well here. Reese is running for school secretary and the election is coming up next week. Say a prayer for him.

Also say a prayer for my student, Shyheim. He went to visit his daddy in prison this past Friday. He told me all about it today and he is very sad. He told me all about the new tattoo his dad got with Shyheim's name on it. His dad has 19 years to go, and I want you to pray for that family. The holidays are not happy for everyone.


Brandy and I had a wonderful time in Asheville this past weekend. I loved the tour of Biltmore even though it was super cold. The weather cooperated, at least, and the rain held off for us to get into the house and then to our car. We had snow there Sunday morning!! I even got to see Matthew's band play Friday night! Brandy loved their music but not the "lead screamer". That is a common reaction. We had delicious sushi and Thai at Stir Fry Cafe and some good pasta and wraps at a downtown restaurant which I can't remember right now.. (Maybe Brandy will comment and name it.) We also had a great buffet at the Deer Park restaurant at Biltmore. We saw the new James Bond movie Saturday night because Brandy said nobody ever goes with her to the movies and she hadn't seen one in the theatre since the first Pirates of the Carribean!! However, I was a terrible date because I fell asleep about 12 times so I'm sure I drooled and/or snored beside her.



You know, it is so special to keep a friend your whole life. You know each other so well -you don't have to explain yourself, because they pretty much have you all figured out. Hanging out together after all of these years, it feels exactly the same! We had so much fun, just without the trouble we used to get into:) And if I may say so, I think we look better than we did in our high school pictures!!

useless information

So, here's a midweek report...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HOLLY!!!!!!!

Some of you were concerned about the boys' living conditions after I put up the new picture heading. Don't worry, they love their new barracks in the basement, and I give them plenty of bread and water ;)

Cole and Reese had dental work yesterday; Reese had cavities filled and Cole had a rogue tooth pulled. We were there for about three hours! True earned a trip to the dollar store for that.

Afterwards, we came home and watched Superman II (1982). Actually, only True watched the whole movie- everyone else napped for at least part of it! It wasn't the best day off since it involved pain and suffering for some, but I enjoyed having so much quiet time with all three of my boys.

Now that soccer is over, we have so much more free time. I love it! Barry will be done with classes in about a month, and I only have two more recording sessions left! Our whirlwind will die down a little, I guess.

I took Cole and Reese to see The Sound of Music at High Point Theatre Sunday. Hmm. It wasn't that great. The singing was excellent. The acting...wasn't. Also, the guy playing Capt. VOn Trapp was neither handsome or a good performer. It was a little disappointing! Especially since we paid MONEY to see it. I felt like I was watching Danville Little Theatre! These performers are amateur, also, but they have a state of the art theatre and a reputation for high quality shows. I guess I expected too much.

We went to see a flamenco trio at the Tate Street Coffee House Saturday, and THAT was cool. You guys have to go there with me: coffee and free live music every weekend. DOn't worry, it's not always flamenco!

Saturday, we had a dance lesson with Caroline so that I could learn more foxtrot and some Viennese waltz. Oh, it was so hard! I am so used to doing the Latin dances now, and it's way different. After waltzing so quickly in circles I was truly dizzy!! We have to put something together for the Adult Choir musical at church, and the music dictates that it be these dances, but I wish it could just be swing!

I'm going to Ashville this weekend with Brandy, so I'm pretty excited about that time away. We're going to Biltmore; I haven't been there since I was little. Wait, that was Chinqua-Penn. Mom, have I ever even been to Biltmore??? Can't remember.

I know, what a boring post!

The Dalton Report

All is well here and I hope it is well with you!

Let's see...news...

1. Cole's soccer team won the Championship! That was exciting. He played great defense.

2. Report cards came home this week: all A's and B's. I took the boys to Mimi's Cafe to celebrate, and they thought it was cool.

3. I am finished with one song for my cd and I'm still working on two others. Hopefully, we'll finish those on Tuesday and move on. I'm on track and everything's on schedule, but it's harder than I thought! Having my voice played back in my ear while I'm singing is throwing my timing and I have hated the results on the first few cuts. So, I keep working!

4. Barry made an A on his Technology test and a 93 on his math test this week! He is doing so great.

5. Speaking of my sweetheart, he has a very bad cold and could barely speak yesterday from the chest congestion.

6. Pray for one of my students, "T". This is the situation:

Yesterday, when I unlocked my classroom, I saw a note she had pushed underneath my door. I assumed it was the usual "why I don't have my homework" letter and picked it up. Now, this student is a tough girl. The kind that doesn't get bullied or intimidated, the kind that doesn't bother anybody but has the other girls' respect because they know she could take them on two at a time, if she wanted to. Actually, she's kind of like Annie in that way (you know, Little Orphan Annie?). It's a strange comparison in my environment, I know, but she really has that kind of tough persona. She also is constantly getting sent out of class for mouthing at teachers.

She was in my class last year, but I don't have her this year. She was good for me and never showed me disrespect, but she didn't exactly give me smiles and hugs, either. I tell you all of this to explain why, when I read her note, I panicked. It said, " Dear Ms. Dalton, I need to talk to you about something that is bothering me. I don't know who else to talk to and it's been bothering me for a long time."

Since I know her not to be intimidated by other children, I ruled out a common "she called me a name and took my boyfriend" scenario. It must be serious if she came to me, a teacher she doesn't even have anymore. I immediately worried that she was pregnant. I couldn't think of what else it could be.

During class change, I saw her and motioned her over. I asked her if she could come to my room at lunch, but she just started talking right there, crying as she whispered, "I want to talk to my Daddy. He hasn't seen me since I was two. My momma told me he took off, but my cousin saw him at Fox and Hound ( local restaurant) and told me. Can you please call him, Ms. Dalton and tell him I want to see him? Tell him to come and see me at school. I just want to talk to my Daddy."

Of course, you know that I could not get involved. I prayed for her, hugged her, and told her I would think it over. Before I left yesterday afternoon, I told her that I had referred her to our school counselor and gave her half of my Hershey bar. It was all I could do.

I realize that there is always more to the story than a child realizes. Maybe her father is the scum of the earth. Maybe there is a restraining order, or he's lost his visitation rights- I don't know. I do know this- she is hurting. She, like so many other children in this world, is the victim of somebody's bad decisions. I thought of my boys and the pain they have suffered. Then I thanked God that they are able to have the peace we have managed to salvage and I felt assured that I am doing the right thing by allowing contact and accessability. It may not be possible for T's mother, and I know that, but I also know that bitterness and anger cause many children to be used as pawns, weapons, and prizes.

Please pray for T. as she struggles though whatever her family situation is. She is at a dangerous age when she needs so much attention and affirmation. What she doesn't get from a father figure, she may seek from a relationship with a boy with disastrous results. Her mother is going to be called in and free counseling will be provided for them both as they work out the issue.

The Dalton Report

Good Morning!

Check later for more Halloween pics- sorry! I'm sure that's what everyone expected the day after Halloween, but our camera was dead so we have to get pics from Mom & Dad's camera.

The meeting at the studio went great and I start recording on Monday! I'm excited and no longer nervous. I'm doing my favorite thing with people who know what they're doing and I couldn't be happier.

We had so much fun last night! We went to Danville, hung out with Mom and Dad, went trick -or- treating in our old neighborhood, and went to Kristen's Annual Halloween Bash. We couldn't miss that- a family tradition that involves lots of food, children, and screaming!

Cole's play was wonderful and he was amazing. He was, truly, the very best one. I am so proud of him!

Reese's team lost the championship, but, as a consolation prize, I let him stay up that night until 9:45. He and I got under the covers in my bed and watched Dancing With the Stars and ate cotton candy (thanks, Vera!!). Somehow, that made it all better.

True went to the pumpkin patch Thursday, but he couldn't bring a pumpkin home because the small ones were all frozen!

This week was stupid busy!!! I am so tired and ready for a break. I have an optional work day Monday, of which I think I'll take half, and Tuesday I'm off!

Barry and I will be dancing in our church's Christmas musical. Yes, that's right, DANCING!! Hey, it was the preacher's wife who had the idea. There is a song in the musical that is a nostalgic look back at Christmas music past, sort of a 40's theme. SO, we'll be doing a little swing, a little foxtrot, a little waltz. Please come and see us- December 14 through the 17- if you can.

Miss everyone!

in the studio

Tonight I will be meeting with the musicians to plan my cd. I hope it goes smoothly! I always have this fear that I will sing and people who have never heard me will not be impressed! If the guys do like my voice and ours styles suit one another's, they are actually a group that needs a singer and I am a singer with no musicians- so it would be a good thing in the future. Pray for my nerves!

Cole won his first tournament game last night. I will update on the championship later this week. Reese has his first tournament game tonight!

Papa Dalton was unable to have his surgery last week and will have that done this Thursday.

My school is having many problems and needs prayer. Please pray for students and faculty as we struggle to make things work! I can't say much because I don't know who reads this and, although I support my school, I am unhappy with the decisions and indecision there lately!

Ok, I'm off to practice...

Your Dalton Report

Well, hello there! I've been super busy- sorry to make you wait. You should be used to it by now!!

Let's see...True has an ear infection. It's pretty mild, but the cough that came with it is awful. He's on antibiotics, so it will hopefully go away soon.

Barry and Cole completed their Hunter's Safety Course and are ready to kill the Thanksgiving turkey, if you would like to place an order. Kidding, they are starting small- squirrels and doves, etc. So, I'll let you know when the stew will be ready...

Please pray for Barry's Papa Dalton. He needs surgery on his neck for a blockage; it will take place this week at some point. Also, pray for Pam who is not feeling well. We love you, Grandma Pam!

I met with the guy I told you about from the recording studio and it's a go for next week. His name is Forrest McFeeters and he owns DMS, a full-service media center in Winston-Salem. I am so excited about this project!! We will meet with the band, work out some song arrangements, and cut the cd in about three weeks! Yeah! If you would like to order an advance copy, see my agent, Mary Arnold, my manager, Jeanette Talbott, or my accountant, Holly Talbott...

Cole's stage debut is next Thursday, October 30, at 7pm. The show is a collection of Edgar Alan Poe stories- perfect for Halloween- and Cole is in The Tell-Tale Heart which has always been one of my favorites! Dessert will be served and tickets can be purchased at the door. He's so excited!!! I can't believe he's a drama major; it still surprises me.

Reese's team has made it to the playoffs in soccer! The tournament starts this weekend and ends Tuesday. GO DYNAMO!!!!

True was the star student at school last week. He also informed me that he is really "in love" with Amie, you know, his fiance?? When I asked him how he knew he was in love, he told me this: "She chased me on the playground, and I fell, and when I got up she caught me, so I fell into love." I know adults who have used a similar system when choosing a mate...

I had a very nice visit with my grandparents Sunday and I also got to see both of my aunts. It was really nice to relax and just hang out for girl talk! Also, between Grandma's mac and cheese and the Paula Deen "OOEY GOOEY BUTTER CAKE" Debbie made me test for her I think I gained 10 pounds!! (I'm kidding- everything was delicious and I willingly gobbled it up!!! Thank you..)

Well, I've got no more news!! We will be in Danville for Halloween, so I hope to see everybody then if I don't see you this Saturday!

Love you all!

This burger is only available in NC.....

Dalton Report

Hey, everyone!



The boys had fun camping. Carrie and I had a great time at the ballroom showcase (2 drunk girls in the audience got kicked out and one of them fell down because she was spinning around with her wineglass- embarrassing!!!) and Matt's show was fantastic. My brother is awesome! Both of my bros are awesome, of course, but Matt played so GREAT Saturday night!!! Reese came home from his trip very happy and very tired! While he was there, he dissected a squid, identified and catalogued sealife, and got to stay up late. He accidentally erased the pics on his camera, so we will post some from his friend's camera soon.



This week at school is not going well. I have a major disciplinary situation to work out that has me worried. I was supposed to present to the Board of Directors tomorrow my NYC proposal for final approval, but was told today that I'd have to wait for the November meeting!! Apparently there are other, more pressing issues, and I respect that, but I have to let parents know details and start fundraising soon!!



On the sunny side, I am meeting with a producer tomorrow to make a game plan for my demo. I plan to record jazz standards because that's when I sound best and they are what I love to sing: Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter, Puttin On the Ritz, and Meglio Stasera. Then, to switch it up, I'll do Crazy (Patsy Cline) because my mommy told me to... My main concern is what the cost will be for the recording session, but I will get that figure tomorrow.

Muffin top won the poll by one vote! You guys obviously hate visible thongs, though. Guess I'll pulll my pants up now, sorry...

Here are some camping pics. I also added some new songs to the player- let me know what you think! We love you guys!

I LOVE the above picture!!!!

Your Dalton Report!!!!

The natives are restless!!! I apologize for making you wait on the Report, but we have been experiencing computer problems ever since Barry downloaded new anti-virus protection (oh, the irony). I guess the idea is that if you can't get online, you won't get any viruses!!

Sooo...what's going on around here? Let's see...

I am helping with our church's children's choir's Christmas musical. It's the same one that I did when I was in 4th grade at Mt. Hermon- Angels Aware! I still remember the songs! (I'm thinking about asking for the solo I had back then but I'm afraid I'll look ridiculous in a tinsel halo...)

Reese left this morning for his Sound to Sea trip with school. I miss him already! True cried this morning when he left! Reese lied and told him he would miss him. I'm glad the kid will get a break, seriously, because in the middle has got to be a tough spot around here! Knocked around and bossed around by big brother, followed around (and also bossed around) by little brother- I'm sure Reese is in heaven right now just being alone!! He'll return on Friday, just in time for the big camping trip Saturday with Dad, Brandon, and Barry. Carrie is coming to visit me Saturday for a girl's night! We are going to a ballroom event and then to see Matt's metal band- very diverse entertainment!

Speaking of Barry, classes are going much better. He's had less tedious work lately and he gets Fall Break next week!

Cole made his school soccer team, so he has practice every single day for one of his teams! He loves it, though. I never thought he would like anything as much as baseball...

True told me yesterday that he is getting married. Apparently, the proposal happened in the lunch room, where the bride to be, Amie, told him they were getting married. I asked True how he answered and he said, "I just said ok. I just wanted her to stop talking." Priceless.

Last Saturday I sang at a function at the Greensboro Day School. The emcee of the event was Rod Davis of WMAG. He told me that he loved my voice and for me to get a demo made and send it to him! He also said that he would help me out and for me to stay in touch and let him know when the demo was complete. That was pretty exciting, and I have the number of a recording studio and a keyboard player in Winston to call tomorrow to set something up. I'll keep you all updated!!

The poll last week was great! Most of you answered that you would change nothing about your wedding, so that was cool. I would change nothing about my wedding, either; it was perfect! I would marry Barry over again every day of my life, if I could.

Love and miss you guys!

PS: Look at my beautiful niece!!