We saw CYT South’s production of “Sound of Music” on Sunday afternoon.  I love “a few of my favorite things” so I thought today I would share a few of my favorite things from our busy weekend.

First, Abby Kate Lasala as Annie in CYT’ East’s production of “Annie” Friday night.  The cast did a great job and the show was fun. Abby Kate was Rachel’s buddy in Peter Pan. Rachel is very loyal and her assessment was that her favorite part of the show was “Abby Kate as Annie. She is so talented, Mommy. And I like the dog Sandy because she reminds me of Dora.” Dora is Rachel’s dog and she says that all dogs from poodles to Great Danes remind her of Dora.  The opposing coach at our Upward Soccer Game set it up so that Rachel could try to score a goal at her soccer game. A nice reminder that God uses people like him as positive role models for our kids and parents.  Another of my favorite things was seeing Rachel cheer when she saw her daddy coming out of the woods for the last leg of his 50-mile race. We jumped out of our van and she caught up with him and ran with him those last few hundred feet.  Seeing him cross the finish line two hours better than his last 50 and to share in his proud moment was one of my favorite things.   Mackenzie Jones was amazing as Maria in “Sound of Music”, and I was kind of partial to the Mother Abbess played by Shelby Keller.  Rachel’s friend Savanna spent a big portion of Sunday with us. We went to church, had lunch and then enjoyed “Sound of Music” together.  Just two little girls giggling, smiling and enjoying a Sunday. Watching Rachel’s face light up as she introduced her friend to everyone – that was definitely one of my favorite things!  Last but not least, we wrapped up children’s choirs with a little reception where I serve what I call “Tammy’s Golden Punch”. One of my good friends from Faith Baptist Church in Bartlett, TN gave me this recipe. It is so popular that it is my standard punch recipe for almost all occasions now.  It makes a ton and can be stretched by the addition of some extra lemon-lime drinks and water.

Tammy’s Golden Punch

1 can of Pineapple Juice (46 ounce)

1 can of 12-ounce frozen orange juice (thawed)

1 can of 12-ounce frozen lemonade (thawed)

2 cups of sugar

½ of a small bottle of almond extract

1 2-ltr lemon lime drink (and an extra)

4 – 6 quarts of water

Crushed or cubed ice

I chill all of my liquids prior to using, and I dissolve the sugar in warm water. Mix it all together in a punch bowl or other large container. You just kind of have to adjust the water and ice and extra lemon-lime drink as you go.