May 2008

ROSIE: In January, I got to go with Mom and Dad to Georgia. Dad sang and we saw Ron, Trish, and Joseph Brewer. I had to stay in the van during the concerts because Mom says I have an “attitude.”

RICK: We loaded up the van and went to sing in Georgia and happened to be in Ron Brewer’s hometown so we went to lunch and visited with him and his family.

ROSIE: Yeah, we’re going to the studio and I get to see Shane. I can’t wait to smell who’s been there.

RICK: We went to the studio in February for the finishing of my new DVD. Rosie was so excited when she got there, she even ran up to Travis for petting. She let Jetta in the office without growling and just barked a little before making up with Paul. Of course, she went nuts when she saw Shane. She flopped over on her back at his feet for a tummy rub.

ROSIE: Uncle Jim and Aunt Shirley Profitt stopped by and I played with Aunt Shirley and even slept in Uncle Jim’s arms. I really like it when I can snatch her pantyhose and run around the house with them. In April, Dad left Mom and me and went to Chattanooga all by himself. A few days later, Mom left too for SGM FanFair. Nick stayed and played with me so I wasn’t too sad. He said I hog the covers.

RICK: Lana hadn’t been feeling well so I went to SGM FanFair by myself for the first few days and Tom Sabella, my manager, brought Lana for the last three days while Rosie stayed at home with our neighbor Nick. (Yes, he was brave enough to stay with her again, even if she does wake him up early.) It was great time. I was asked to present an award and sing during the awards ceremony on Thursday. The crowd sang Happy Birthday to me Friday night. We met new people and visited with old friends. Thank you Paula and Jim Hill and Ruby Radio WDOD!

ROSIE: I have been on many shopping trips with my parents. They were looking for new sound equipment; oh, the smells! Dad sure sounds loud with this stuff.

RICK: I have been looking for a new sound system for about a year now. I finally purchased a whole new system and tried it out the first weekend in May. Lana loves it.

ROSIE: Do you know how long it takes to get to southern Alabama? I didn’t think I was ever getting out of the van. There was some new animal that I had never seen before along the road; Mom called it an armadillo. Dad just yelled and swerved all over the road. That was fun.

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JANUARY, 2008

ROSIE: Mom and Dad went to Christmas in the Smokies without me. Yes, they left me at the doggy day care again. I really don’t mind it except at night because I am used to curling up in the back of Dad’s legs under the covers. I played with all the other doggies and bossed them er. . . led them around.

RICK: Christmas in the Smokies was great again this year! We had great crowds, good food, and the best entertainment. I even filmed my first “live-in-concert” DVD. I hated to leave Rosie at the day care, but her regular sitter had major surgery and is just now getting around. Maybe he can be with her when we go to SGM Fan Fair in Chattanooga in March.

ROSIE: Christmas we went to Papaw’s in Indiana. Do you know how to say, “blizzard?” I didn’t know it could be that cold! I had my hand made sweater on and went out side (personal business) and the wind blew me over – completely off of my feet! Needless to say, I put no more paws on the ground till we were almost home.

RICK: Lana, Rosie, and I went to my Dad’s as usual for Christmas. We didn’t take scarfs, hats, or even heavy coats because no snow or very cold weather was predicted. I’m from there, I should know better. We got there on Saturday night before the 25th and all was well until after midnight then the wind started gusting and snow started falling, not to mention the temperature. We got up Sunday morning and the temperature was 17 degrees with a wind chill of 7 degrees and 50 mph winds. Thank goodness for puppy pads. After Rosie was blown over, she wanted no part of outside. I had to buy a coat and Lana a scarf. But a good time was had with my family.

ROSIE: Do you know where Georgia is?

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NOVEMBER, 2007

ROSIE: I’m all better now, no more cough and temperature but now my sitter Nick is sick. Mom is looking for a new one ‘cause she said the place they are going to next week doesn’t allow dogs. I’m an heir to the throne and have a t-shirt that says so, so I don’t understand the dog remark. I got to go to Pigeon Forge in September. I was so cute a man bought me a corndog – but Mom wouldn’t let me have but just a bite – she said it would ruin my figure.

RICK: We are going back to Pigeon Forge to sing at Christmas in the Smokies. It is great fun. You meet hundreds of new people, eat great food, shop, play games, and pray, and sing, and the lights will be turned on that week in Gatlinburg. It is something to see.

ROSIE: We went to Papaw’s house for a family reunion, but I had to stay in my crate. Aren’t I family? Dad said I was too rambunctious for all the older people. Does that mean hyperactive?

RICK: Rosie is minding better, but she has these moods when she goes on terror runs and you best not get in her way: lap after lap around the yard or around the den and living room. She even made up with Travis at our last visit to the studio and didn’t try to run Jetta out of the office.

ROSIE: This will probably be my last letter until next year. Mom has been sick again and I really have to take care of her. You know, cuddle up for warmth, give her kisses, and make her sleepy.

RICK: Things are looking up for next year. My single “The Royal Telephone” is charting and bookings are coming in. Rosie plans on going whenever she can.

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SEPTEMBER, 2007

ROSIE:  I have not been able to update my page as Mom was very sick for several weeks and I had to do nursing duties. You know, cuddle up to her and keep her warm, pat her face when she coughed hard, and lick her face when she was having trouble breathing. Mom is better now and can take dictation.

RICK:  We were pretty much home bound most of July and August. Rosie and I had to take care of Lana when her asthma and COPD went wild. Rosie didn’t even want me helping Lana, although she didn’t mind me opening her canned dog food.

ROSIE:  Dad did some concerts in April and May that I didn’t get to attend. Mom said it was too hot to stay in the van, and I won’t stay in a tote bag anymore. I’m a big girl, 12 pounds of solid muscle, and I want to be in the center of all the action. I think Dad is jealous of all the attention I get. Or it could be they are scared of what I might do next. Anyhow, they have been leaving me home when they do dates close by. Of course, I have my own personal assistant to take care of my needs – Patrick.

RICK:  We have had to leave Rosie with her babysitter lately. She is just so protective of me that she doesn’t want anyone to even shake hands with me. And don’t even try to touch her van.  My brother, Danny, and his wife, Becky, came down to visit for a few days and called Rosie’s bluff. She may act aggressive but you come at her and she’s history.

ROSIE:  Oh, no, my Patrick is abandoning me for college (whatever that is), and won’t be staying with me anymore and Mom and Dad are going out of town again. Will they leave me at home all alone with Percy and Pansy Parakeet for company? I don’t want to stay next door ‘because I don’t like Buffy the Chihuahua. Oh, alright! We’re loading up my van. But wait, I smell other animals – are we at the doctor? No, Mom and Dad are leaving me at a doggy day care. These dogs are big! Help!

RICK: We needed to find other care for Rosie when she couldn’t come with us and a local pet day care was recommended to us. They let her come for an evaluation first, and then she got to stay a day at the daycare. Was she ever tired when she came home. Then she actually spent the weekend there. I was a wreck worrying about her. They said she did fine but she drank a lot of water and slept for the next three days. Of course, we were ignored and given dirty looks also.

ROSIE:  Mom and Dad are leaving again for NQC and I’m sick. I have an upper respiratory infection and am taking medicines. The next door neighbor, Nick that I bark loudly at, has been talked into staying at my home with me. This ought to be good. I can terrorize him until he calls his mom, Kim. She is one of my favorite people, even if she does have Buffy the Chihuahua. I just love Nick’s dad, Randy. He makes me just fall in a faint and roll to my back for a tummy rub; and he talks baby talk to me, too! Obedience school is being talked about. I’m obedient: you throw my toy; I run after it – oh, am I supposed to bring it back?

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MAY, 2007  

ROSIE: I am now a princess. I have a T-shirt that says, “Heir to the Throne,” (and Dad is a King), and a big white traveling coach. I have my own bed, lots of windows to look out, and lots of room to play.

RICK: I needed something larger to travel in and while recording in Sharps Chapel I found a pre-owned conversion van in Maynardville , TN that fit the bill. Rosie hated it a first, but now hops in anytime a door is open. She has a large traveling crate but now can get out and wear off some of her energy on long trips. Rosie still prefers riding on Lana’s shoulder when she can get away with it.

ROSIE: I’ve spent a lot of time traveling back and forth to the studio so Dad could get his new songs recorded. I had to guard Uncle Shane from a lady who came in and tried to hug him. NO WAY ! My Mom told me I had to let Uncle Shane’s Mom in.

RICK: Rosie has been to the studio so much she thinks it is her territory and it is her job to keep strangers out or even people she does know out. We can’t convince her that Jetta and Paul Roark belong in the office. One of these days …

ROSIE: Mom and Dad have kept me busy at home. They have had a lot of boxes delivered and I had to check them out. I should have known they were up to something; they’re going away and I have to stay with my sitter, Patrick.

RICK: Lana and I went to the SGM Fan Fair in Chattanooga in March. Rosie couldn’t come but she helped “unpack” boxes and suitcases. She also kept hiding in the van. She almost stowed away for the trip.

ROSIE: Do you know how much fun it is to jump on the window barking and growling at people beside the van? They yell and jump. I am so happy to have my coach.

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JANUARY 2007

ROSIE:
I haven’t written anything since September and then that just caught us up to May. I had a busy summer helping Dad work in the yard. I dug holes and he planted and/or filled in. We went to Uncle Danny’s for his retirement party in July in Indiana. I don’t know what that means, but I got to play with Kaiden and Brianna.

RICK:
I have been doing a lot of yard work this summer, planting shrubs and getting new beds started. Of course, Rosie had to help. She likes digging and eating mulch. My brother, Danny, retired early from GM and now has a hot rod building business. We went to his retirement party at my Dad’s home and Rosie got to meet a lot people. In August, we were back in Indiana for an outdoor concert at Waterford Place Healthcare and at First Baptist Church of Greentown. This was the first time I have sung in my hometown in over twenty years and without my mother by my side. It was an emotional time.

ROSIE:
Dad did an outdoor concert in the hot weather and rain and I had to stay in my crate most of the time. There were so many people there that Mom was scared I would get stepped on. I got fed a lot of treats by everyone. Don’t tell Mom! I also went to Townsend, TN for Dad to sing two days. This was also outside in the heat and rain, and yes, I was in the dratted crate a lot. I met a lot of nice people who petted me.

RICK:
I did two outdoor mini-concerts, along with other artists, to raise money for the Passion Play in Townsend, TN. It was hot and rainy but we had a good turnout and a good time.

ROSIE:
Dad went to the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY for a week in September. Mom went for one day and Aunt Dianne stayed with me overnight. She works with Dad and likes little dogs.

RICK:
I had a booth at the NQC for the first time this year. I was with the Roark/Sonshine Group and Jetta introduced me to a lot of DJ’s and people I needed to meet. I heard a lot of great singing, renewed old friendships, and learned a lot from seminars. In October, I did a concert at Hickory Hills Baptist Church, Mt. Juliet, TN, and had the best time. They had a pot luck dinner before the concert and it looked great. Lana wouldn’t let me eat before I sang because the last time I did that, I burped in the microphone; not a good thing to do.

ROSIE:
We left before Thanksgiving to Sharps Chapel for Dad to record his vocals on his new project. I didn’t see the girls this time, but I did protect the studio from intruders, such as Jetta and Paul Roark. Then after Thanksgiving Mom and Dad took a trip but left me with a babysitter! I hope he visits a lot because he played with me and petted me and played with me and petted me, etc.

RICK:
I went to Chapel Valley Studio in November to start laying down my vocals. Then we went to Gatlinburg for the Sonshine Group “Christmas in the Smokies,” where I sang and did comedy skits with a lot of Chapel Valley artists. Rosie had to stay with a new sitter, Patrick Lamb, because the hotel doesn’t allow pets.

ROSIE:
We are going to Papaw’s for Christmas again. I hope there’s a big snow so I can play in the snowdrift again! Talk to you later, it’s my bedtime.

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Septermber 2006

ROSIE:

I took a month off from writing because we have been so busy. Dad has been busy working in the yard and I helped by digging holes for him.

RICK:

I have been working in the yard, trying to get our landscaping done when it wasn’t too hot, with Rosie’s help. I planted new roses and shrubs and lost her a couple of times when she jumped in the holes to dig. I didn’t know where she was, Rosie is part dachshund so digging is in her blood, and found her by her tail sticking out like an antenna.

ROSIE:

Percy and Pansy, my older brother and sister (parakeets), and I got real scared from a storm in April. We tried to tell Mom something was wrong so she put the parakeets and stuff in the bathroom. The phone rang and Dad told Mom there was a tornado in the area. I was already in her arms so we covered up in the bathroom for a while. Mom was scared so I licked her to make things better.

RICK:

We got a good scare in April when a tornado went over the house. Praise God, it spared our home but our little town of Goodlettsville took a big hit. I was at work in Hendersonville, which also was hit by the tornado, called Lana to warn her and then the phones went dead. It took me hours to get home and then our power and phones were out for a long time. We were fortunate as some people especially in Gallatin, lost everything.

ROSIE:

Kathy Yates called Dad to sing at a tornado relief concert at her church, First Baptist Church of Goodlettsville. He sang along with some other groups to help people who lost so much from the tornado.

RICK:

The roads hadn’t been shut down when I came through so I saw a big part of the devastation that had hit Goodlettsville. But I got stopped on Main St. and was told I could go no further as tornado had blocked the road to my house and had damaged my neighborhood. It was a scary few hours before I found some back country roads home and found my neighborhood just fine. When Kathy called for my help, I was very glad to be able to give something to my community. 

ROSIE:

We went to the studio in May and I only growled at the usual people, Jenna, Jetta, and the musicians. I even jumped in Cheryl’s lap and gave her a kiss. She’s the mommy of Kaycee and Kourtney.

RICK:

We went to the studio to hear the musicians lay down the rhythm tracks. Rosie was better, but it amazes me they let her back in.

ROSIE:

Dad did an outside concert in May at Corum Hill Baptist Church. I got to go but had to spend a lot of time in that dratted crate because Mom said I was too mouthy. There were these big funny animals there that kept watching Dad so I was just warning them away. I think Mom called them “cows.”

RICK:

I had an outside concert in May. It was an all day affair with a fish fry, outside concert, then an inside service and concert. I stood next to a cemetery and had an extra audience – a herd of cows on the other side of the cemetery fence. Two heifers listened and watched the whole concert. It really was a great day.

ROSIE:

I have been helping Mom at the computer. She says she is doing work for Dad so I want to help. I like stepping on the buttons and making the screen change. Mom likes it better when I lay on her shoulder and nap.

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JULY 2006

Rosie:

Dad keeps telling me to get this up-to-date, but like to tell my story the way I remember it.  Now where did I stop last month? Oh, yeah, Christmas at Papaw’s. Do you know how cold it is at Christmas in Greentown, IN? I’ve never felt anything like it; the snow was up to my tummy and the wind kept moving me when I stopped to potty.

Rick:

My Dad doesn’t really like animals in the house but he knows my animals travel with me so he lets them in supposedly under protest. That is till you see him play with them. Rosie minds him like no one else. She runs to his feet and flips over on her back for her tummy to be rubbed and cries until he pets her. If she gets rowdy, just one word for Dad and Rosie’s an angel. But Rosie loves to play with Brianna and Kaiden, my great-niece and great-nephew. They share all the toys.

Rosie:

I was just recovering from the snow when Mom starts packing again. Of course, I had to help by taking the clothes back out of the suitcases when she wasn’t looking. I had noticed that my bag wasn’t packed and I wasn’t about to let her and Dad get away from me.

It didn’t work. They left on a cruise (a big boat) for a whole week and I had to stay here with my sitter, Brad Murff. He was a teacher then, but I think I might have changed him because he went into the military shortly after our week of fun. I don’t think he wants children either anymore after sitting with me. Something was said about me being “too lively.” Just because I got up at 3:00 a.m. and wanted he to play and I chased him around the loveseat until he dropped. He was fun, to torment.

Rick:

Lana and I worried ourselves almost sick over leaving Rosie. We knew she was a character and a force to be reckoned with, and we left a list of warnings, ah her schedule, and prayed they would get along. I understand she wore him out. Rosie has calmed down some since January.

Rosie:

Mom and Dad then went to the Gospel Music Fan Fair in Chattanooga in March, and I couldn’t go again. I don’t like this, not at all. They took me the kennel Aunt Bebbe takes Abby and Bailee to. Mom warned them I could climb, so the put me a big cage with a top on it. I cried, and clawed, and howled all weekend. I wanted my mommy and daddy. I had to sleep in that big cage all my little self with all these other big dogs around me growling and barking.

Rick:

Boarding Rosie is not an option I will use again. The vet brought her out himself when we got there, not the kennel help, and said to take her home and don’t board her again.  Lana and I picked her up and Rosie was crying real tears. She cried and sobbed the rest of the afternoon and evening. There was no putting her down or feeding her – just holding her. It was so traumatic for her and consequently us, that Rosie’s own vet said her nerves couldn’t stand the separation anxiety.  I think she is a little spoiled. Well, Lana is here with her all the time and she is our baby, or devil depending on what she has done to the shoes or furniture. But we love her and I guess she will continue to go with us.

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JUNE 2006

ROSIE:

I still get to go to rehearsals but now I have to wear a leash. Mom said she can’t catch me when I decide to make laps around the room. I don’t potty inside anymore and I don’t chew on the furniture very often so I don’t know why I can’t have free run of the house, car, or anywhere we visit. I like smelling and tasting new things.

RICK:

Lana’s dog is a handful. She has more energy, strength, and attitude than any big pedigree dog. So far, she has traveled with us everywhere since she was given to Lana, but I don’t think she will be doing anymore dates with us. Rosie either wants to be held or run like something crazed. Then there is the barking at anything bigger than her (and what isn’t), and she is kind of picky about who she likes.

ROSIE:

I went to Kentucky with Mom and Dad to hear “The Roarks.” Well, actually they made me stay in that dreadful crate, but Dad did bring the girls out to visit me. That was fun, the only fun. Then we went to PaPaw’s in Indiana for Dad to talk to someone about business. This was on Halloween. I actually was dressed up like a pumpkin and went Trick or Treating with my cousins (Dad’s great niece and great nephew.) That was kind of fun; they give you candy. I went back to PaPaw’s for Christmas; it was cold. They had snow and it was so fun to run and jump in, although Dad did have to help me out of a deep drift I jumped on. Did you know you get to open presents at Christmas, really tear up paper and no one yells at you to STOP!

I don’t know why I can’t do that all the time but Mom gets up set when I tear up tissues, newspaper, paper towels, wrapping paper, and toilet tissue. Now toilet tissue is really fun – you can run through the whole house with it.

RICK:

Rosie has decided I’m the greatest person in her life. When I come in the door, she falls at my feet belly up and has to be picked up so she can love on me. I didn’t want a toy dog, but a dog I could rough-house with. Well let me tell you, pound per pound you won’t find a more rough and tumble dog. She loves to have you throw her toys or chase her (usually trying to get your shoes back) or for you to get down on the floor and play, but when she wants a nap, isn’t feeling well, or ready to go to bed, she is the cuddliest thing curling up in my lap or on Lana’s chest. How can you stay aggravated at something so sweet?

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MAY 2006

Rosie:

I have been in several churches with Mom and Dad while I was little, but Mom says I’m too nosy, noisy, and have too much energy to go now. She said I used to sleep in my tote bag and no one knew I was there but now I’m a big girl and cannot be hidden or kept quiet. She said I can keep traveling but not go to concerts anymore. We’ll see, she forgot I’m sneaky.

Rick:

Rosie has gotten so big. Our little puppy, who was to weigh no more than 6 pounds when fully grown, has grown into this 12 pound dachshund with a Chihuahua attitude. She’s not overweight, just a lot longer and taller than expected. She is very protective of her house, her car, her parents, etc. (You get my drift.) But if she knows you and likes you, watch out for that tongue. She will lick you to death. And, oh, does she like to play with her squeaky toys, especially in the middle of the night, right in your ear. She runs laps around the yard and in the house; there is no catching her when she is in racing mode.

Rosie:

I still hate my traveling crate. Mom keeps saying I’m safer there, but I want up front where she and Dad are. We have gone back to Sharps Chapel but I haven’t gotten to play with the girls or their toys. Dad’s working with Shane and Mom keeps taking outside for all these long walks and scolding me for being so vocal. I’m just protecting the studio from invaders. This is part of my territory now.

Rick:

Shane and Travis may never let us bring Rosie again. She likes Shane and rolls over for her tummy to be rubbed, but hates Jenny, Shane’s wife, and tries to run off musicians and other clients who come in. She thinks she’s a big guard dog and this is her place to protect. I think she is trying to scare people, when in reality, she is scared because she is so small.

Rosie:

Now, Dad tells me we are going to PaPaw’s house. How long did you say this trip is??? No, no, not the crate again. I want my Mommy!

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APRIL 2006

Rosie:

Mom and Dad took me to that “owie” place and left me all day. Oh, did feel funny when they picked me up. Dad had mentioned something about puppies and Mom made this appointment for me. My tummy only bothered me for a couple of days, and then I could jump on the bed again. Oops, did I say “bed”?

Rick:

Rosie developed rather fast and I mentioned that she should have puppies. Lana called the vet the next day and made an appointment for Rosie to be spayed. Lana also told me I had lost my mind. I must have had a brain glitch because one “Rosie” is more than enough.

 Rosie:

We’re in the car again but this time I’m on Mom’s shoulder. She’s been holding me a lot since I had surgery (that is what she calls it) and I like it. It’s back to the studio again. Dad has been making a lot of noise at home (Mom said he’s rehearsing) and I try to bark louder than he does. He yells at me to stop barking, but he hasn’t quit!

Rick:

We’ve found out that Rosie doesn’t like loud sounds unless she’s making them. She is very vocal, especially when I have music on and am singing. I think she likes the sounds she makes and wants the neighborhood to hear it. How do you make a puppy quit barking?

Rosie:

 Daddy is making a lot of noise with Shane (singing) in the studio. Mom keeps taking me outside because I want to bark along with them. We aren’t here as long as last time so soon it’s back in the car and the crate and on Mom’s shoulder.

Rick:

Rosie tried her best to drown out my singing at the studio. Lana kept her outside a lot so we could get finished. Besides that, she discovered a loose piece of wallpaper and kept trying to pull it off. She is still chewing everything she can. I think she should have been named “termite.”

My Dad’s been telling me to speed things up, but I want to tell you the whole story so I’ll tell it my way.

I got to go back to the studio again. This time we stayed for a long time and all these guys were making all this noise all day long. Mom kept telling me to quit barking because they were making music for Dad to sing to. I did not like those loud sounds so I tried to cover them up making my own noise. Mom had to stay outside with me a lot.

Rick:

Lana asked Travis if we could bring Rosie with us again and he told her we could. I wanted to leave her in a kennel. And after the way she carried on when the musicians where laying down the tracks, I knew I was right.

Rosie:

Where are the kids? All I see are big people. Do I have to listen to this again? I can’t sleep with all these people and all this noise. I know, I’ll find something to chew on – oh here’s something. Mom took what was left away from me; she called it a crayon.

Rick:

I’ve got some of the best musicians, (Travis, Shane, Chris, Jonathan, Kevin) doing the music for my latest project. This will be all hymns of the church and Shane has done some wonderful arrangements. Rosie had decided to be the studio guard dog and keeps growling at the guys as they come in. I finally took her for a walk and where does she go, right for the creek.

Rosie:

I’m bored. Mom won’t let me chew on anything new, won’t let me attack the intruders (musicians), and I really hate this thing she calls a leash. Oh, there’s Shane. He’ll play with me and he brought the girls! Shane will rub my tummy and talk baby talk to me (don’t tell anyone). The girls have toys for me.

Rick:

I know Rosie is a young puppy, but she is a handful. That is, if you can catch her. She is so fast and so slick, it is hard to get your hands on her. She sure loves the girls to play with her. They are cute together.

Rosie:

Here I am, back in this crate, going home. I think I’ll sleep awhile. What?  Did I hear that right? Dad just said we will be coming back!