Cami
Well, this is an exciting time in the LeBlanc household as well as the Echoing Angels family. Josh and I went to our monthly dotors appointment today. Not only was it a checkup but I had to do the lovely Glucose test today. I can honestly say that the fruit punch drink wasn't horrible going down, but, it made me so jittery and Lacey went bonkers moving around like crazy. We were sitting in the doctors office laughing because she was sooo active. Anyway, my iron tests came back perfect. Lacey's heartbeat was perfect. Now we just wait on the glucose test to come back. We're just praying for good results. We were looking at the calendar today and cannot believe we are 93 days away from Lacey's due date. It's coming up so fast.

Today was also a bitter sweet day as it would have been the due date of our Angel Baby #2. And although we miss this little one that we will not meet here on earth, we are so grateful for our Lacey who is on the way. And we know that one day we will meet our 2 Angel babies in heaven.

In the Echoing Angels family, we're so pumped because we got to hear today the mastered radio version of their new single coming out next week. It's sooo good!!! And I cannot wait for everyone to hear it! The guys have worked so hard on this and I cannot wait to see the doors the Lord is going to open for them. The guys also are getting ready to head out on the road for a radio promotions tour to promote the new single. Please keep them in your prayers for a good response and traveling mercies!
Megan
Ok. I am absolutely loving this weather! We have turned off our air condition and have opened up all the windows. There is a breeze running through our house- it's wonderful! I can't believe it is almost October. I was just wearing shorts last week! It's like I woke up yesterday and fall had arrived.

Everyone in North Georgia make sure to come out to see Echoing Angels play at Faith Fest this weekend. Go to Echoing Angel's facebook page for all the details, we would love for you to be there! It's the first time I have heard them play since Celebrate Freedom and I am stoked to hear some of their new stuff live! Other big news- the single comes out next Tuesday! Be prepared for it to rock your face off. I can't wait to hear the guys over the radio. It's been such a long time since "You Alone" and "Coming Back to Life." I know Neil and I are going to freak out when we hear it for the first time. Make sure to call in to your local station and request it if you like what you hear!

Well, now I'm off to make some homemade chili and cornbread for dinner!
Nikki
Wow! two blogs from me in one day!! Unheard of!! Well, anyway.... Jon showed me the routing for the radio tour last night and that is when it hit me that he (and the rest of the band of course) is going to be gone almost the entire month of October. For Trey he is going to be gone the entire month and the rest of the guys will be out for 3 weeks. I have to admit that I got a little emotional with that thought. I am so grateful for the band to have this opportunity. And equally as grateful that the Lord has surrounded them with such an amazing management team that is fully invested in Echoing Angels. However, I am a little heart broken to have Jon gone for such a long time. The really stinky part about it all is that I am still on maternity leave and since we have had the baby Jon has been here. Now he will be gone the last two weeks of my leave. I have really enjoyed having him here. We have been able to spend a lot of time together and with the boys. I am really going to miss him. He did the sweetest thing. He knew I was going to need a lot of help when he left so he has lined up people to come and help me. As I have stated before, I have an amazing family! My in-laws, who I consider second parents, and my dear parents live only a few miles from me. They have both graciously said they would help in any way.

I have also been worried about our finances this coming up month. With the guys on tour then no shows have been booked. Therefore, there isn't any income coming in from EA. Also, with being on the road, Jon is unable to work his other job. Since I have to go back to work then we also have to start paying childcare. So....... needless to say, I was a little worried until earlier today. I had texted Jon while he was at work and just told him I was a little down and out today thinking about him being gone, how we were going to pay our bills, etc...... He texted me back with what he had just seen on twitter. It was entitled, "Trusting God with the Unknown" by Rick Warren. He (Rick) said, "It's not my job to figure out how God is going to do it. My job is to trust Him." I know beyond a shadow of a doubt Jesus was speaking directly to me!!!!! Enough said- He will take care of all of our needs-both emotional and financial. I hope this encourages someone.

As I am sitting here typing I am slowly but surely figuring out how the Lord is using my lack of faith to minister to others. It seems like every time I doubt or worry and exhibit a lack of faith- which sadly is often- He shows up in a mighty way. So, to those of you who struggle with this also I am here to be a witness to God's faithfulness.

Take care and God Bless!!
Nikki
My little one is a month old today!!! He has been such a joy to have. I didn't think I could ever love someone as much as I love Jayce, but I have to say that this new little boy has stolen my heart too. As I have blogged before, I am so blessed and thankful the Lord as blessed me with such sweet, precious children.

I am however very ready for Journey to start sleeping through the night. He is still on an every three hour regiment. I realized just the other day that it has been close to a year since I have peacefully slept all night long....... Today is a rainy, sleepy day. However, it doesn't look like any rest for me- well until nap time for Jayce.
Cami
It's been a tough couple of weeks for me physically. I thought the morning sickness between weeks 6 and 12 was rough (and it was...I lost 12 pounds). But, weeks 22-26 haven't been easy. I've been hurting a good bit from stretching ligaments and stuff. So, after I've been sitting and I get up to walk it's really hard to walk and hurts pretty bad. The OB 2 weeks ago told me this was normal. But, good grief, really? I hope it's not like this the rest of the pregnancy. But, from what I've been told from all different friends that it only gets worse. Oh well...I'll take it to have a healthy Lacey. :-)

Well, the weekend hasn't turned out exactly like I thought it would. But, that's okay. Like anyone these days, Josh and I are trying to find ways to make money to put into the baby fund so that we can still pay our bills when I am on Maternity leave after Lacey gets here. So, today we had a yard sale at my parents church/community yard sale. You wouldn't think that it would be so hot out. But, oh my goodneess, it was blazing hot outside. I even came home with a slight sunburn on my arms and I was under a tent. Go figure. We did pretty well and met our goal so we were quite pleased.

Now, I'm at home, but, Josh is working. We thought we were going to be able to spend some time together this weekend when his production company found out on Thursday that they had a last minute gig to work. And it's not just a small gig...but a gig that 4000 people are going to be a part of. So, he left to go put up the stage and roof tonight and will be gone all day tomorrow. A lot of people think that when Josh is home and not on the road with Echoing Angels that we get to spend a lot of time together. However, that's not the case. Even when Josh is off of the road, he's gone a lot with his full time job doing gigs and load ins/outs. Definitely makes it tough and can make things lonely here. But, we're doing what we have to right now even though it stinks. I'm just ready to get away for a long weekend with him where we can relax and enjoy each others company and NOT have to work. Hopefully we'll be able to do that some day before Lacey comes.

Speaking of Lacey...we're finally in the double digits to her due date. 97 days. It's crazy to think that it's coming down so fast. But, I'm just sooo excited to finally seeing her and having her here with us. I cannot wait!!!
Emily
Last night I got home from work and James, Eliza and I played in his dinosaur tent instead of making dinner. I think we all finally ate at 8pm but it was fun. Eliza even started roaring like a dinosaur. I didn't sleep well last night and hit the snooze too many times this morning and was late to work! Fortunately, my patient wasn't in the room already waiting for me. I don't think anyone even noticed. Whew. But I think I need to make myself a doctors appointment for some blood work. I just haven't felt myself. I am overly tired all the time. I know I live an insane life but this is a feeling I can't explain. Maybe its my thyroid or I'm anemic. Hopefully something easily fixed.

It has been exciting over the last month in our house, ever since Trey got back from California. Each day we get new mp3s of the songs on the album sent to us. It is so awesome to hear them taking on a life of their own. The top 3 songs that were in the running for the first single have been mixed and edited and are done! We have gotten those over the last few days. I didn't think they could sound better than the roughs but they do! Amazing. I didn't think the band was going to get a say in which one was chosen. But yesterday they all voted over email. It was unanimous, so we shall see if management and label agree. I can't say the name of the song yet, maybe next week. But if you have been to a concert in the last six months, Atlanta Fest or Celebrate Freedom or anything else, you have probably heard it. And chances are, you loved it. The song has gotten great reviews from you guys, the fans. And if you would like to hear it before it hits radio, come out to Faith Fest in north Georgia, near Gainesville . if its the one they voted on, its going to rock the radio waves! It's not the safer choice. But, let's say they do choose the less risky one, its still a fantastic song. And Trey sings his face off in it.

So tension mounts. I really don't think anybody realizes how much pressure they are under. I have to admit, I am having anxiety too. I feel like a school girl, a cheesy excited grin but with serious butterflies. You know the feeling. I know its in Gods hands, totally, I do! But I really just hope His goal is to allow Trey to do this for a lifetime. I don't want his answer to be "no" or not yet. We have been there so many years and it truly does feel that God brought us through for a reason.

To increase my anxiety, I have started making plans for the kids for October. Trey leaves the 4th for 4 wks. He and the guys will begin their national radio tour. So be listening in your hometown. They will rock their single live! But for me, it means a month of single parenthood. I have rearranged my work and call schedule, aggravated my boss no doubt. I have rearranged my moms work schedule. I have imposed on friends and family. So far they are willing and 3 of the 4 weeks are worked out. Praise God for His mercy on me...a big shout out to all my single mom friends. I am sympathizing...(is that a word?) So anybody that wants to meet me at McDonald's let me know. I have a feeling we will be there a lot!
Megan
Whew! These past two weeks have been crazy busy! Classes started at the studio, so I have been working 10-12 hour days, 6 days a week. Coffee has been the only thing keeping my eyes open lately. I'm so glad the weekend is here- I'm getting started early.

It's going to be a big weekend for Neil and me. Next Monday is our two year anniversary! I can't believe it's already here! Every year we trade off who will plan our anniversary "activity," and this year it was my turn. I have a wonderful weekend planned for us downtown. I am so excited! Neil still surprised me by calling my boss, (behind my back!), and getting Friday off for me! Now we get all day Friday and Saturday together. I can't wait to surprise him with all I have planned. I'm honestly he hasn't figured it out yet. He always asks questions, and I am a horrible liar! I swear, he has always figured out every single birthday and Christmas present I have ever bought him!

We are spending all day in town tomorrow (I can't tell you what we are doing, it's top secret still) and then going to the GA Tech football game on Saturday afternoon. My brother goes to school there and we are visiting for Family Weekend. This will be my second college football game ever. I guess that's what I get for going to a liberal arts college... Then Neil is playing at a church on Sunday and we are heading up to North Ga. afterwards to visit the Apple Barn. Fried apple and peach pies are my favorite! Seriously- you gotta try them. Especially from the Apple Barn. I feel like I always blog about food.... Hmmm...
Anyway, I am so excited for our eventful weekend together. Just wish me luck that I don't spill the beans about our plans before tomorrow!
Emily
Today is Tuesday but it is my Monday. And I am feeling it. That's what I get for having Monday as my day off. My Starbucks has long worn off and I need a nap! But that's not happening. I seem to always get the most patients in a day here. Probably because I made the mistake of saying I like pediatrics and proving that I'm good at it, so I have done 5 cases already and have more to go. Somedays just kill me. I do enjoy my job but it really isn't fair to over work me because I've been here the longest. Give somebody else some experience! Ok, I'm done...I am very thankful to have a job.
The single was narrowed down to three songs, now 2. One of those has been mixed and is complete. Trey got a txt from the producer this morning at 115 am telling him how awesome it is. I think he forgot which coast we live on! I now wonder if this is the song! I do like it better than the other because it is so different and, wow, would it make a statement. I have not heard results from the fast with the label and management but I'm sure they are waiting on the final mix. On the album front, it was decided to wait until the end of march or April for the record to be released. Apparently, February isn't a good month historically. While I am feeling inpatient, I want what is best. I am sure the song will be chosen this week so I will keep you updated.
Cami
It was a whirlwind of a weekend, but, a really good one. Josh and I left Saturday morning to head up to Nashville. I coordinated the Christian Festival Association National Talent Search presented by Word Records. All the winners from the different Christian music festivals around the country came to Nashville to compete for a development deal with Word Records. Josh helps me with this every year handling the technical aspect of the competition. Anyway, we left on Saturday and drove up. We always try to make time to head to our favorite restaurant in Franklin called Dotson's. So we made it there in time for lunch and just thoroughly enjoyed it. After that we were able to go and see our friends Aaron and Sarah who were having a baby shower. They are having a little girl come October. It was so nice to see them and spend a few minutes with them. It seems like it had been forever. After that we headed to the Cool Springs Mall and walked around. Of course, we walked out of there with a cute little shirt for Lacey. Josh says it looks like something her mommy would wear. So you know it has to be cute! :-) Later on we went and had dinner with Uncle Bob and Aunt Laurie from Eone music (Echoing Angels Record Label). I had heard all about Uncle Bob and had seen him on some of their videos but never had the chance to meet him. What an amazing couple they are. We had such a nice time chit chatting and eating good food. I'm so thankful that he is on team Echoing Angels. He truly has the vision that the guys do for their ministry. So it made me even more excited to see what happens with the single and new CD coming out.

One thing about Josh and I is that every once in awhile we seem to not have good luck with hotels. For instance, on our wedding night we stayed at this really nice and fancy hotel in downtown Atlanta called The Georgian Terrace. At about 3 am someone who had a little too much to drink at a reception downstairs decided that he needed to pull the fire alarm. That's just an example of our luck. And this weekend....well...was no exception. We stayed at a hotel we usually stay at in Nashville called The Hotel Indigo. It's a really nice hotel that we really like. This weekend our hotel room happened to be near the elevator. And from about midnight until 4 am we didn't sleep that much because groups of intoxicated people kept getting off of the elevator whooping and hollering. This happened several times an hour. Then about 3:30 am a girl named Kelly decided that the proper place to have an argument with someone on the phone was in the hallway. Finally someone came out hollering her name to come into the room. Yeah, so needless to say we didn't sleep much that night and had to be up early and at The Rutledge for the competition on Sunday morning. Needless to say, I was a bit sleepy that morning.

Regardless of the lack of sleep, we had a really good time at the competition. It was amazing to see all the amazing talent from all of the USA. And it was so much fun meeting so many people. They were all just so great to work with. The best part was being able to work with my husband. It's awesome to be able to work on a project together and see it come to fruition. We had eleven bands/artists that came to the competition. Our overall winner was a guy named Jeremiah Garcia from New York. He reminded me a little bit of Jason Mraz meets Jonny Diaz. He was very talented and won the developmental deal with Word Records. I'm looking forward to seeing what they do together in the next year. So be on the lookout. I just love coordinating things like this. Someday maybe I can do this type of thing all the time as a job. That would be cool.

After the competition we drove home and got here about 9:45 last night. I was exhausted and went straight to bed because it was back to reality today and had to be at work at 6 am. So no rest for the weary. But, I wouldn't have traded this weekend for all the sleep in the world. It really was an amazing weekend!
Emily
It wasn't a walk down memory lane, it was a swift jog! The place has changed so much yet not at all. Walking around welled up so many emotions for me that were good and bad. That camp was the place my best friend Brooke accepted Christ and memories of her flooded back making me miss her even more. It was great to see old friends. I hope they do this every year or so. That place means so much to me. I spent countless hours there as a teenager and it is where I truly gave my heart to God and I learned to worship.

After the meeting with the City, it turns out we are going to stay in our house for now. They have decided to annex us and our neighbors. This time they have promised to force the two neighbors who will not even discuss the matter with the City to annex as well. They are what has been holding us back from getting sewage for 5 years! We have a majority vote and that allows the city to force them. Thank goodness! Supposedly, the paper work is being started. I hope this doesn't take another 6 months. A couple days of heavy rain and we are sunk! But I absolutely can't wait to be on city sewage. Some people may get excited over new clothes or a new car. Not me! I am SOOOOO excited to take a bath and run a load of laundry at the same time!!!!!!! Yes, to poo in my toilet and not wonder every time I flush if the tank is full! Hahahaha.

I came home from my trip yesterday and Trey had resealed our slate tile shower. It smelled like a million permanent markers threw up in our house. And still does. I think Trey was high on fumes when I got here. We opened all the windows and turned on the fans last night. I felt like I was camping!

So I am off to get my kids. They stayed with my mom last night. Trey and I rented a movie and slept in to 9am. Such a luxury.
Nikki
My new little baby is almost 3 weeks old! Wow, how time flies!! He has been such a joy to have and I am so thankful that the Lord blessed me with such a sweet baby. I am hoping that as the weeks go by we are getting closer and closer to a full night's sleep. I think I have forgotten what it feels like to have a constant, uninterrupted sleep. Now that I think about it, it has been close to a year since that has happened. When I was pregnant, I was up two to three times a night going to the bathroom or tossing or turning. I often had to take a sleep aid to even go to sleep because I would be so uncomfortable. Now, I am on a constant three hour interval. Journey never misses a meal! Even at 4 in the morning he wakes his mommy and daddy up to get his belly full. I guess that is why he has gained close to 2 lbs in two weeks! Despite the lack of sleep these days, I would not change it for the world!
Emily
Yesterday we fasted. Trey is ending his first week of a 21 day Daniel fast. My mom and I did a full day fast. And, from what I can tell on FB, many others did it with us. My mom and I were traveling to NC, so we had the advantage of listening to each song on the record and praying over them.

We are in NC this weekend because I have a reunion. It was weird for me to leave Trey home for a change. But he had other musical obligations. It's sort of a high school reunion but not really. All through my high school years I was in a traveling music group. It was comprised of kids from our church district. Also, I went to our district youth camp every summer. It was a pretty big deal. Hundreds of teens and awesome rock groups came through. Toby Mac, DC talk, 4 Him, Point of Grace. They all came through before they were famous. It was pretty cool. So todays reunion is for all the camp alumni from its hay-day years. At first, I really didn't want to go. But now that I'm here, I'm glad I'm going. I would've regretted it. I am going with my sister and I'm taking James. I am hoping to spend some time with him and take him out on the lake at the campground where I had so much fun as a teenager. I brought extra clothes....a 4 yr old + a canoe equals disaster! Ha! Ok, I'm about to walk down memory lane.......
Emily
Hey everybody, sorry for the late notice, but tomorrow Friday Sept 17th is the day we are fasting as a band. Please join us. If you have never fasted, it is an amazing experience. When you are hungry and replace your food with prayer, there is a closeness from God like you have never experienced before. Jesus tells us in the book of Mark that we should be fasting just as we give and pray. Maybe tomorrow you will begin your new lifestyle that includes fasting and praying. I promises you, you will never regret it. Start with a short fast of one meal or just eat fruit for a day. For you seasoned fasters, I challenge you to ask God what you should do. Maybe a full day with just water or a week or 21 days of a Daniel fast. Whatever you choose to do, be determined to bless God with your sacrifice and He will honor it. (When we do our annual 21 day Daniel fast in January, I promise to spend a lot of time sharing some studies on fasting and how it relates to today. God set me on fire about it a few years ago and it has changed my life. But for now, just trust me, its a valuable tool to learn to do. ) We ask that you lift up echoing angels and their single/album while you fast. We want God to be the focus because if we loose sight of that, this album means nothing! He is the reason EA exists and all the glory is returned to Him. Maybe God will give you a word for us that you can share after tomorrow. Personally, I am excited to see what God says tomorrow. He always reveals himself during a fast. That's what makes it an awesome experience!
Cami
So Josh and I decided that we better start documenting our journey with Lacey before it's too late. So, here is the first belly bump picture that we took last night at 24 1/2 weeks. Cannot wait to meet this little girl. We actually went and bought the paint today for her bedroom. So, hopefully that will get done in this next week. We plan on putting up bead board and chair rail around the bottom. It's going to be so cute! Having a blast getting ready!
Cami
Today I have been sooo tired and famished. More than usual. I was telling my mom that Lacey must be going through a growing spurt today because it's crazy how hungry and tired I am. Anyway, today a friend from college was on Regis & Kelly. They had invited my friend Perry to come to the show to try and break the Guiness Book of World Records record he broke last year for most free throws made in an hour. It was pretty cool seeing him on tv. In between my breaks I would sneak into the GKA studio to see how he was doing. At the end of the show they told him that he did indeed break his record. Last year he broke it by making 1926 free throws and today he made 1968 free throws in an hour. Such a huge accomplishment! Way to go Perry!

Now I'm working on some stuff for an event this weekend. Every year I help coordinate the talent search for Atlanta Fest and really enjoy doing that. Last year Word Records hired me to coordinate their National Talent Search where all the winners from all the Christian festivals come to Nashville to compete for a development deal. Josh and I actually work on this together. He handles all the technical stuff (which I am so thankful that he does that). It's a lot of fun to work with him. Apparently, we did okay last year because they invited us back again this year. So, the event is actually on Sunday in Nashville and will be a lot of fun! I'm really looking forward to it. It's always fun seeing all the talent that come from all over the US.

For the past week I have been craving cheesy potato soup. And so today when I got home from work, I made some. It's in the crock pot right now waiting for Josh to come home. It smells so good. I can't wait to eat it! Yummy!!!!
Emily
Tonight Trey and I have a meeting with the city in which we live. Last year, when Atlanta flooded, so did our septic tank. Fortunately our home was dry but our yard had literally 3 feet of rushing water through it. So, our septic tank failed. Problem was, it continued to fail long after the flood waters receded. It cost anywhere from $400 to $700 to drain our tank and we were draining it every 10 days for months! Yes, we are still paying that off. We were in a desparate situation. We couldn't wash clothes, take regular baths, flush our toilets! It was gross and a very trying time. Fortunately, Trey did some research and found a temporary solution. It was an aerator that pumped oxygen into our tank so that proper bacteria could grow. And it has worked now for months! But it is temporary and we still are super careful not to use water on days it rains and not to use to much water in general. We recently got a soil test and found out that our soil can in NO way have another septic tank. We have to get on city sewage. Well, that sounds like an easy solution but its not. There is no easy access to it and one of our neighbours has been less than cooperative in allowing us to tap into his sewage .... wanting lots of money and land in exchange...yes, taking advantage of a desperate situation. Because we are not annexed into the city, they are not required to give us sewage. And the county? Well, they don't want to run sewage lines for just one property, even though our only other alternative is to have our house condemned. That's right....done, finito. Ok, so tonight we are meeting with our city to seek annexation along with some of our neighbours in hopes they will offer us sewage. We hope they can endure the cost instead of us. We will probably still have to pay a tap fee which is $5000 but that is better than 20,000 we will have to pay to do it through the county ourselves if they will even allow it. So please pray for us. We need sewage, its a basic necessity. And we need God to provide the money to do it. It is a giant undertaking, fighting the government. I had to write certified letters to the county commissioner, mayor, and city council just to get attention and somebody to listen to our plea. But I know God is bigger than this and I know He is our mediator. He has given us sanctuary over the last few months. Only He could have done that, made our tank miraculously start working when the odds were against it. Surely it is not His will for us to lose our home, but if it is, I'm tired of fretting over it. We will walk away from our mortgage just like half of America has done. After months of worry, almost a year now, I finally came to the conclusion that my house, and our credit, is just a thing and as long as I have my family little else matters. We can crowd into an apartment and be just as happy.
Emily
Today was a good day. We went to church this morning, a new place we (the kids and I) had never been to hear Trey lead worship. It was a great church filled with very nice people. The kids love to hear daddy sing. Its THE only music they will listen to in the car...I am so thankful to have some new stuff to listen to recently, all I have had on CD over the last few years was a CD of Trey's old band and a worship CD made from a concert at church. Both were great but it does get old after 1000 plays.

The weather was great here in the ATL today. I can finally feel fall. I put the kids to bed late tonight just because I was enjoying watching them play together. It has taken a little bit of a learning curve but I think they've got it. Because of their age difference playing was a bit difficult. But Eliza now thinks James is hysterical and James realizes that making her laugh is fun. And he has figured out how to rough house with her without injury! I am a blessed mama.

I believe the day of fasting for the chosen single/album release will be Tuesday. I will let you know for sure tomorrow. Please consider doing it with us. You can do a full fast for 24 hours with just juice and water, or you can do a half day til 3, or you can do just fruit all day, or just one meal. Whatever is on your heart to do with us, God will honor it. We just ask that you set aside that time you choose to pray for the band (each member and their hearts and their families), pray for God's will in the single selection, and pray for His blessings on the album. I think Trey and I are going to start a 21 day fast tomorrow. Its time to petition God for His will. And to ask for peace that only He can give. You know, I honestly don't care which song is chosen for this first single. They all are fantastic. I just REALLY want what He wants. I want everyone involved in choosing the single to lay down their personal convictions and let God do what He wants. That's when the good stuff He has planned can begin, when we all die to ourselves and focus on Him. I can't wait to see what He has to say!
Megan
Ok, I might have mentioned that I manage a dance studio. Classes begin next week and things have been super crazy. I have worked probably 12-14 hours overtime in the last two weeks, and I've even had to take my work home a few nights. I have never been in front of a computer so much! I will be happy when classes start and I get to teach and choreograph again. That's what I really enjoy doing. I'm probably driving Neil crazy because I've been pumping Holiday music through the house and trying cut and edit everything! This office stuff is great and it pays the bills, but it's just not my cup of tea!

Even though I've had to work so much, I am happy that I have had my nights off this summer to spend with Neil. I love just being at home with Neil and the pup, grilling out, and renting a movie. Those nights are my favorite! Things are definitely about to change soon. My schedule fills up with teaching on top of the office work, and Neil's schedule is about to get crazy with EA- by the way, the new album is going to knock your socks off!

I know it will get a bit hard, especially since my love language is quality time! That is probably the worst love language for the wife of a musician! Ha! I'm excited about the future, but I know that we are going to really have to cherish the time we have together these next few days because things are about to get crazy!
Emily
We got home yesterday. Eliza finally did not cry the whole trip. Wow, that was nice. I got the kids to bed on time, only to hear James crying an hour later because he had barfed all over himself and in the bed. Nice. Poor little man. We, well I, got it all cleaned up, while Trey was gaging across the room. He is NO help...I finally sent him downstairs. I was not about to clean up full grown man puke! What would he do without me? Anyway, I am not sure what was wrong with James. If its a stomach bug, I guess I will know shortly. But I think it was exhaustion, junk food, and this cough he has that makes him gag. ??? He is better today, but very tired.

This weekend EA is home. Trey is leading worship on Sunday for a church nearby. That is great because it does involve a little extra money which is greatly needed since the band does not have any shows this month. I took advantage of his time off and booked us with a photographer tomorrow for family photos. We are doing some outdoor shots and I hope, desperately, that they don't look like a church directory photo. Otherwise, I will never get Trey to do this again! This lady is expensive but has some sort of deal with my employer so we are getting a discount. Good thing, because I am not sure I could even afford her sitting fee. She is a well known photographer, having done pics for some very popular magazines. She has taken some pics of the kids earlier this year. She was putting up canvas photos of employees kids on the walls of labor and delivery at my hospital. Of course, my cutie kids made the cut and I LOVE walking by them and seeing their faces while I am there! So I know these pictures are gonna be great! I am hoping for some Christmas gifts out of this! Thank you Neil, who cut mine and James' hair today so we can look awesome tomorrow. He does such a great job and I really appreciate it. Now I have to iron some shirts.

The recording of the album is done! It is now in the hands of Reid Shippin, a very well known and awesome guy, who will mix the songs. That means make it sound as best as possible, adding effects, reverb, etc. After that it will be mastered and handed in to the powers that be at E1, the label. So very excited. Has the single been chosen yet, you ask? No. I sit on pins and needles. We, the band, are going to take some time, probably a full day, to fast over it and new album. Please join us in prayer and fasting over this journey. While we, and you, fast and pray, please add Trey and the guys to your list. They need some peace and rest during this process. This is very personal and Satan likes to remind Trey daily of all the possible failures. But he is not welcome here!... and I know from personal experience that fasting makes the enemy run away really fast, so I am actually looking forward to doing it! I will let you know when the date it picked. But we are less than 30 days now from the single release......AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

ok, now about those shirts....
Cami
So I woke up this morning thinking that it was Friday and was so excited. Only quickly to realize that it was only Thursday and I still had one more day until Friday. I guess I'm just really excited about this weekend and ready for it to get here. Why? Well, this past January I went with Josh and Echoing Angels to some shows in Michigan. My friends Correne and Jenn who I hadn't seen since High School drove 2 hours to come see me. It was so awesome to catch up with them. God knew what He was doing. Because since then, the friendship between Jenn and I has just blossomed. And for that I am just so grateful!!! Jenn called me last week to let me know she was going to come visit for her birthday which is this weekend. I'm very excited! So I'm quickly trying to clean up the house and get things ready for her. I've already planned out our weekend. A fun, but, relaxing weekend filled with shopping, movies and eating! Plus, this visit couldn't come at a better time as Josh will be in town as Echoing Angels has the weekend off, but, will be working all weekend with his full time job. So, this will keep me busy and I'm thankful for that! So I am soooo ready for a great weekend!!!

On a different note, Lacey has been moving around like crazy today. Such a weird but amazing feeling. I can't wait...3 1/2 more months! Yeah!!!
Nikki
eWe have been home for almost a week now and my new "normal" is just now setting in. Today was my second day with just me and the boys and I have come to the realization that my new normal is filled with lots of diaper changes, my 2yr old is still not potty trained :-( and has no interest in it, bottles, bottles, and more bottles, an abundance of laundry already, and lots and lots of hugs and kisses!!!

The delivery of my little boy could not have been more perfect. Jon and I got about an hour's sleep the night before. We left home at 5 in the morning and arrived at the hospital at 5:30. People tease me about having my hair and make-up done for my c-section, but my question is why not? I did not want to look like a "hot mess" in the first pictures of me and the baby and with it being planned, doing my hair and make-up is just part of my normal routine. Anyway, I waited in an observation room for about 2 hours before the surgery. During this time they hooked me up to an IV and did some other pre-surgical things. At 7:30 I was wheeled into the operating room where they gave me my spinal, which surprisingly wasn't that bad. Within 24 minutes of being in the OR my sweet little boy was here. We asked the doctor to let Jon tell me the sex, since we didn't know, and that made it even more special. Journey Rhodes was and is absolutely perfect!! He was a little guy only weighing 6lbs 12 oz. The nurses took the baby to a holding area where they bathed him and after I was stitched up I was rolled into recovery. I spent three full days in the hospital and came home last Thursday.

It has been good being at home with my family. The Lord has truly blessed me with two of the sweetest children ever. Jayce absolutely loves Journey and so far has not shown any signs of jealousy. Journey just sleeps most of the day. He seems to only fuss a little bit when he gets hungry or needs to be changed.

I would not change my new "normal" for all the money in the world. Thank you Lord Jesus for all you have blessed me with!
Emily
It has been so great spending time with my family here in Charleston. My parents left yesterday and Trey got here on Sunday. I haven't seen him in a week and only for a day the week before that so it has been wonderful having him around and the kids are elated. We have worn ourselves out with going to the beach, the pool and riding bikes. But thats what vacations are for. The kids are having a blast. The weather has been perfect. Last evening we went for a bike ride and the weather couldn't be more perfect. A cool coastal breeze and no bugs....which is shocking considering they usually eat us up every year when we come here.

Last night we stayed up far later than I wanted to working on "song by songs"...they are a little blurb on each song of the album to explain their inspiration etc. Thing was, because I am pretty good at writing, I offered to help him at 830 after the kids were in bed. He waited until 11pm to accept my help. I felt like I was in college again cramming in a paper that was due today. Trey needed to have these turned in this morning. In his procrastinating defense, he has been busy and not home in the last 2 weeks. But we got it done. He paced the floor talking about each song while I typed and organized his thoughts. I think we captured each song.

So it 5pm now, we have all taken naps and have that hang over feeling. Ug. What to do now? Maybe another bike ride...
Cami
It's Labor Day. And boy do I love having a day off. Josh and I spent a good majority of the day cleaning out our office so that we can make that into Lacey's room. My parents came over and helped us move the desks and filing cabinets out. It was great having them hear working on this project with us. We're making our guest room into a guest room/office. Actually, right now Josh is upstairs setting up his computer and speakers and all the boy toys he likes. LOL. He's also still cleaning out the rest of his stuff from the old office. Once he has that done then I can get back in there and vacuum and stuff. It's been a fun and yet accomplishing (is that a word?) day. AND it's making Lacey's arrival even more real. Crazy! In less than 3 months she'll be here. Yeah! I cannot wait to meet this little princess!!!
Cami

I have to say that I could not be more proud of the guys from Echoing Angels. Yesterday they played at Celebrate Freedom for 104.7 The Fish. The crowd was probably about 10,000 at that point...although by the end of the day I heard that 52,000 people came to this free event. It was AMAZING. But, the guys did an amazing show and everyone really seemed to enjoy all the new music that they debuted. Then the autograph line was huge. They did an interview with Kevin & Taylor in the morning and did a great job. In fact, Kevin & Taylor always put the artists on the spot to come up with a K&T jingle on the fly. Trey's lyrics and vocals along with the others beatbox was AWESOME! After they played they also were interviewed on the video stage for the audience to see. They were able to tell everyone about their single and CD that are to come. They talked about our blog here. And of course they talked...babies!!! It was just such an amazing day. And I was just soooo proud of them!
Cami

I LOVE long weekends! And I am so happy to see this Labor Day weekend here! Today I'm absolutely exhausted. Our morning and afternoon traffic reporters ended up both being out today and so I had to fill in for them AND do my job. And although my job isn't physically exhausting....it definitely was mentally draining trying to make sure that I wasn't missing their reports or my reports. Just a lot of little pieces to the puzzle. So I'm especially thankful that the weekend is here. I can't wait to catch up on some sleep! Another reason I love long weekends is because it means that it'll be a short work week next week.

I'm also excited because Echoing Angels is playing at Celebrate Freedom tomorrow. It's exciting because it's my stations event and I'm excited to see the band play and get the exposure. To get out the and let everyone know that EA is back and even more amazing than before. I just know they are going to blow the socks off of everyone! But, I'm also so excited because I'm so proud to show off my husband. What can I say...he's hot! LOL...I can't help it! But, I am so thankful for him and so proud of him for pursuing what God has called him to do. It's just going to be a fun day overall. If you're in town, come out to see them play at 5 pm tomorrow.
Emily
I got the opportunity this morning to go see Nikki and JP and Journey at the hospital. That is a beautiful baby. He has a head full of dark hair. And he is a good baby. I am so happy for them. I stayed until they were discharged and watched them as they drove off with their new bundle. He is so tiny. I had almost forgotten my children were that tiny at one point. It goes by in a blink.
Trey is on a plane home right now from California. He said they got everything done they needed to in two short days. God was making them work efficiently. Trey is very excited about how it all sounds which makes me very anxious to hear it. All of you GLEE fans out there will be happy to know that the singers from the show sang BVGs (background vocals) Trey said they did awesome and it sounds sick. Too cool. Now the record is off for mixing and mastering. And now the band and the powers that be must get serious about the choosing the single. We have a month until its release! Yaaaaah! I have my favorites, only time will tell if that's the one!
So we are off to the beach for a week. My mom and dad are joining me and the kiddos now and Trey will join us Sunday after Celebrate Freedom. I am actually sorry that I will miss them play Saturday. There is an expected 20,000 people and they are going to debut some of their new stuff on the record. If you are looking for something to do Saturday , Celebrate Freedom is FREE! There will be a bunch of artists there. It is at Jim R Miller park in Cobb county starting at 10 am, Echoing Angels plays at 5ish. Ya'll let me know how they do and what you think of the new music.
Cami

As you already know, I work for a radio station here in Atlanta. This weekend we have a big event called Celebrate Freedom. At the station everyone is hustling and bustling trying to get last minute things done for the event. Our amazing promotions team has been out at the park all week setting up and getting ready. And although I haven't been there yet, I know that they are doing an awesome job. It's a one day event being held at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta and is absolutely FREE! We have a lot of great artists that are going to be there inlcuding Switchfoot, Big Daddy Weave, Natalie Grant, Point of Grace, Johnny Diaz and of course Echoing Angels! The guys are gonna be debuting some of their new music from the CD they just recorded. So make sure you come out and support them. They will be playing around 5 pm. Plus, I'll be there. :-) So, come on out this Saturday if you're in Atlanta! Hope to see you there!!!