Friday, February 27, 2009

American Idol...the next 3

Adam Lambert, Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta made it through this week. If you saw my facebook page you know that my vcr didn't quite record Wednesday nights show. I had several people tell me I didn't miss anything. OK, I trust y'all. The good news is with the format that AI is doing, I at least get to hear the "winners" sing the song that put them through.
So, Adam is really hot looking and I usually like his voice but the song he chose "not so much!" Part of the time I felt like he was yelling the song instead of singing it. I know that Rock goes like that sometimes, but it's like fingers on a chalkboard as far as the yelling goes.
Kris is a cutie and I really like the song he sang. "Man in the mirror" Although he is as different from Michael Jackson as it comes, he really did a decent job with the song.
Allison I remember from the Hollywood week. She is really young (and looks it) but her voice is kinda low and mellow. Very soothing. I could see her performing Nora Jones type songs. Or, maybe she will sing something from Sara Maclaughlan.
I thought Brooke White did a great job. She was one of my favorite girls during her season. She is a really good musician and her song was pretty catchy. Did it sound like something you have heard before too?
I don't think Norman Gentle, Nick is a good singer, but I thought if they did put him through it would definitely be entertaining. Can you just see Simon's skin crawl thinking about him going through. That was hilarious.
So next week will be the "Wildcard Week" That is a little different, but I'm looking forward to who they choose. Asnoop has to be one of them. It's kind of weird it being in the middle as there are 2 more groups to go right? So, are they going to have another Wildcard week in 3 more weeks. Let's wait and see.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

American Idol commentary

I love American Idol. I have been a follower since the first year. I loved Kelly Clarkson, still do. The three that made it this week to the top twelve was fairly predictable. Danny Gorkey is my very favorite. But the Oil Rigger guy, Michael Sarver is pretty likable too. Alexis Grace is good, but no Kelly Clarkson, unlike the comparison. The girls as a whole, so far are pretty disappointing. There isn't a Jennifer Hudson or Fantasia in the group. Now they were good. No, they were awesome.
I think that its possible Anoop will be brought back as a wild card. That's my prediction. There was only 20k votes between him and Michael.
So, what was with the music choices. Simon is always right. (well, almost) I don't always approve of the way he says it, but man, some of those music arrangements this week were horrible.
Those that didn't make it that I liked were: Ricky Braddy and Steven Fowler. They both chose really awful songs. UGH
Coming up too are two people a little corny and don't know if they can really sing are Nathaniel Marshall and Nick Mitchell. Don't really get either one of them. Nick is the one who acts as Norman Gentle. OK, maybe they will be entertaining, but it is debateable whether I would buy their music.
Coming up I like, Adam Lambert, Lil Rounds, Matt Breitzke and Scott MacIntyre. Kady thinks that Adam is like putting the two Davids (Cook & Archuletta) together. Scott is a cutie patootie.
Didn't you just hate Titiana Del Toro, the drama queen? Yeah, she can sing, but I'm not sure the music business needs another drama queen. Her reaction from loosing to Danny Gorkey was just pathetic. It did not make me feel sorry for her. I'm glad for the less drama, better singers. Comments anyone?

Mimi the dog

This morning, I needed to give Mimi an antihistamine. She was itching and scratching (no fleas) from dry skin. Then she started sneezing and coughing. The first try was inserting the half pill in these little things called "Pill pockets". They are made for easier pill giving to your pet. They smell like something a dog would eat. So, I inserted the pill and gave it to Mimi to eat. She turned up her nose at the treat. So, I put the pill into some peanut butter (her favorite people food) She ate all the peanut butter and spit the pill out. So, (stupid me) I decided to try that again. This time I made sure the pill was completely covered up by peanut butter. Again, she ate all the peanut butter and spit the pill out. So, I really am smarter than a dog, so.... I crushed the pill up and mixed it into the peanut butter. She at the whole thing. Not to self: Use the last way as the first way next time. Time wasted giving pill to dog, 30 minutes.
This is the same dog who refuses to let us take her picture. We get the camera out and she runs under the bed. We can even just show her the cell phone and she will take off running away. (She knows cell phones take pictures, too) So, sorry, I can't post a picture of her.
This is also the dog that when someone said she was chubby, she growled at them.
She won't let us cut her toenails. She has to be taken to the doggy salon, and they love her there. She doesn't give them a bit of trouble. She does let me trim her hair. (She is a long-hair chihuahua) She likes her baths and likes to smell pretty. She then goes outside, finds the stinkiest part of the yard and rolls around in it. Perhaps we need Valium. No, not for Mimi, for me taking care of this neurotic dog.

Friday, February 06, 2009

I Joined Facebook

OK, I know. Isn't that a high school thing? Well, I thought about it and so what? I don't know that I care if anyone thinks it's a teen thing. One advantage is it might embarass the kids. Always a good thing. Husband doesn't care, so who is to say No, no no? So far, just checking in on a couple friends sites is fun. I'm always looking for new music. That is an option on the site too.
Last night we were telling embarrassing stories. Made me glad to be me. Embarrassing stuff happens right? Then later, you can tell all about it. But when it happens.... ugh! Don't you hate that feeling? Dread, stomach in throat, sweaty palms. I'm just glad that not all my embarrassing moments are on tape. Do I have any on tape? Anyway, I digress. How long does it take for that horrible feeling to become a humorous story? I'd like to know.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Another blog to visit

If you get a chance check out www.riggsfamilyblog.com You will be blessed and you will also have someone else to pray for.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Cute babies!







Friendship

Do you have friends that are always there? I think when I was little I thought my best friend would be my husband. But, like a lot of women, I had pre-conceived ideas a little skewed. Don't get me wrong, I'm friends with my husband, but to be a best friend; I think a little more not opposite would need to be in place. I don't think that's sad. Perhaps if you were a little girl still in Cinderella land maybe. But, if you want the truth, not everyone marries their best friend. If you're blessed, you are friends.
Some of us had a friend afraid to marry because she was so different from her spouse to be. She said "he doesn't like shopping, reading, chick-flicks" and we told her "That's why you have girlfriends!"
Sorry, but I even get a little skeptical when I hear someone say they are married to their best friend. I think you can have a very fulfilling, loving marriage and not necessarily have him be your best friend. A really good combination would be another couple you and your husband can both be friends with. Now, that's a hard fit. You actually have to have both directions of friendship. Plus, it needs to work. The dynamics are a little tricky, but it's great when it does come together.
As your children get older, they can become your friends. "Home-grown" friends. That is pretty cool.
I think Jesus struggled with friends and friendship. Don't you think? Everyone would want to "say" they are his friend, but he made sure that we knew what cost it would be to actually "be" his friend. Check out John 15:13. NOW, who is your best friend?

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Gerbils

We had 2 gerbils but one died about four or five months ago. He was grey and the one we have left was white. Well, overnight the white gerbil turned grey. Weird huh? I found a gerbil site that says it's possible they may turn grey when they get old. When we got the gerbils, they were a replacement for a happy hamster that died. They supposedly only live for 1-2 years. Well, Obi is almost 4. Guess we took really good care of them.
We watched "Clean House" on hgtv. Every time I see that show it makes me want to clean out my closet. Tomorrow, that is what we will do.
Sunday is the Super Bowl. Who do you cheer for if you don't really care? Cardinals are pretty birds, but can they play football?

Monday, January 26, 2009

Discombobulated!!!

Do you ever feel that way? Your brain is one way then that way. And, your body is, well, tired. It reminds me of the song we sang as youngsters.
Have you ever seen a lassie, a lassie, a lassie?
Have you ever seen a lassie go this way and and that?
Go this way and that way and this way and that way,
Have you ever seen a lassie go this way and that?
Whew!
Not to be confused by the dog, but the lassie means the "female".
Kady & I watched the wedding video of Anna and Josh Dugger. (TLC) It was nice, but even Kady found it hard to believe they didn't kiss until their wedding day. I can see both advantages and disadvantages. No luggage, but will they wonder what they missed? I totally get waiting until you are married to have sex. That makes sense. Well, diversity is what makes the world interesting. I'm just glad to not have 18 children. (That's how many the Duggers have)
I always thought it would be awesome to have a lot of kids, until I had my first one. Reality sinks in and children take up a lot of energy. Not just their own energy either. A real parent is hands on and expends a lot of energy and time and mental time on their children. Don't think it gets easier as children get older, it just gets different. Older children need time and attention too, they are just less willing to admit they need mom and dad. Therefore, more mental energy expended trying to reason with and reach the older child.
Roseanne Barr said it this way "there's a reason some animals eat their young!".
Hey, being a parent is the hardest job you will ever LOVE.

Monday, January 19, 2009

What happens next?

Well, today, for a lot of people was truly significant. I believe I was totally blessed by being raised by the parents I was given. Especially my father, he never met a stranger. But, neither one of my parents were the tiniest bit racist... towards any culture. I remember the end of the 60's some, but since my parents taught all 4 of us to see beyond (or not see at all) color, race or religion. I know there are still backwoods thinkers, and what a shame.
Tomorrow, another significant day, a new president will sworn in. I actually had a dream... (no pun intended) on the Saturday before election day. In the dream Obama and his wife were sitting at a table in a restaurant and someone introduced us. The introduction was "This is the next president." I remember not being really pleased at that, but in the dream, I was instructed to accept and pray for him.... Daily. I hope I can continue to do that. Some dream huh?
The real show of unity for the USA will be when we don't think of "black, white, mexican, asian" but, we just realize we all bleed red.
Cheers! and God Bless America!!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Yesterday

January 15, 17 years ago, I was in the hospital giving birth to my youngest son. He came out weighing nine pounds and with a broken collarbone (my fault) 17 years later and he is an awesome person. He loves what he does and makes friends easily. I'm really proud of him, and I'm glad we decided (ha ha) to have one more boy. Sometimes the best things are surprises in a little bundle.
Hope you had a great birthday T.J.!

Monday, January 12, 2009

The Big D

We spent the weekend in Dallas. (technically Richardson/Plano) We went initially to attend a baby shower for my great-nephew to be Rayden Matthew Porter. He is due February 17, so this is the party to get loot for the baby boy. It was fun and we enjoyed getting to see our other family "newbie" Addi Mae Ford. She is almost 8 weeks old and a real cutie patootie! We were hoping to see the family longer, but plans don't always work out the way you want when there are more than one decision decider.
We also got a chance to visit the Galleria and The American Girl Store. Kady purchased a Chrissa Doll. See http://www.americangirl.com/ She came with an outfit and we bought an extra one. Plus the Chrissa book and movie. Th next doll she wants and is saving for is Julie, the 70's doll.
We also stopped for about two seconds at the ikea store. http://www.idea.com/ I could have stayed longer at that store, but Spurs game was at 7:30 last night (they lost)
Today is chilly, but at least there is sunshine.
Also, last week my other nephew got engaged. They have a blog/website at http://www.mywedding.com/janellandjeffreyswedding/blog.html Wouldn't that be fun to post all your plans? I happen to love the idea.
TTFN

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Isn't it funny how...

Aren't the flowers pretty? I actually got some bulbs the same time my sister did. My son Chris was living with us at the time. The bulbs were in the garage in a trash sack. My husband normally does the trash, but to be nice, Chris did it. Only, what he threw away was all the iris bulbs that we had dug up at mom's house in Enid.
I admit it, I wasn't mad. Hey! He threw out trash! Cheers!

These are Oklahoma irises now in Minnesota



Obviously not today. But I'll share the story of "my" irises in the next blog.

Monday, January 05, 2009

Monday, Monday!

Not to belabor the point but it is cold here! 40 something degrees.
I think it's hard to get back in the groove after being kind of "on vacation".
My favorite scripture is Isaiah 40:31
They that wait upon the Lord,
shall renew their strength.
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary,
and they shall walk and not faint.
So here's to flying high!!!

Sunday, January 04, 2009

All about the Weather

Yesterday it was 83 degrees and today it is low 50. Can you just feel the brain bubble then shrink. Yikes! We've got all the decorations put away. So today, the last day of vacation, I cleaned and Gary laid tile. What is wrong with us.
I just finished reading The Host for book club. Good read, but it takes about 8 chapters to really get good. It did feel like an accomplishment when I finished though. 600+ pages
Now I'm reading a Dean Koontz book "The darkest night of the year" I love his Odd Thomas series.I like mystery and Odd books are quirky. I read "The Shack" just before the holidays. You really need to read it if you haven't.
See how my brain has jumped around today. I tell you ITS THE WEATHER.

Friday, January 02, 2009

Resolutions

How many people make New Years Resolutions and then break every one by the end of January? I don't make New Years Resolutions, I find myself making daily ones. That way, the stress is stretched out and not crammed into one day. Aren't resolutions just goals with a fancy name?
I'm going to complain less, say I love you more and let my kids know I'm proud of them. Say it to their face instead of bragging to my friends about my kids. My children would probably like to hear all the great stuff I say about them. Didn't they know that?

Taking down the Christmas stuff.

OK, we play Christmas carols when we put up the Christmas decorations. But what kind of music should we play to put it all away? Once I get my holiday cards out in the mail, the holidays will really be over. Oh, yeah, gotta write Thank you notes. Finish the leftovers. Then, it will really be over. Next year I will start holiday plans sooner. Summer, that's right. I'll make my list and get things done by Thanksgiving. I'll let you know how that one goes.

New Year's Day!

We had a great time on New Years Day at the Rampage Hockey game. Besides the fact they won 6-2. It's just a lot of fun. So, if you haven't ever seen a game. You must! You must! That cute mascot T-bone is a riot too! Interesting what he can get people to do just for a laugh.
I really like Turkey, so we had it again. Pumpkin pie too, mmm, I knew something was calling me a minute ago. (Diet doesn't start until Monday)

Ah the Holidays!

You know you are getting older when New Years comes, you have a babysitter and you end up at Walmart. Yes, thats what we did on New Years. Then we came home and watched the old movie with Clint Eastwood "Dead Pool". Guess we've graduated from parties to homebodies.