Values

I'm taking a humanities course through Liberty University online. One of the topics we discussed was our values. Our values our those things that we would die for. It's something I have thought and discussed before with my friends, but I really enjoyed the idea that I would hear some feedback from those in different areas of the United States.
There wasn't really any earth shattering news to report. Most people agree that your values change as you grow older and as you grow in the Lord.
When we are young, we value what is on our level. I was fortunate to be raised in a Christian home where my parents taught and lived good moral Christian values. I thank God that I wasn't abused or neglected as some children are today. We were poor, but I didn't even know that until I was in my 30's. We had plenty to eat and a roof over our head. We never went hungry and always had a roof over our head. For that, I am truly grateful.
As we get older, our values change. I would like to believe that our values get more refined. We have life experience so we know and learn what is really important. Hopefully, we have and will train our children with the same strong, good values that we were raised with. I believe we have.
Our oldest son is an officer in the Army and he has gone to Iraq two times. Our second son was in the Army and went to Kosovo. He is now a firefighter and is training to be an EMT. Our next son is a financial manager for an IT corporation. The next son is a marketing representative and mascot for San Antonio Spurs. Our youngest son will be a senior in high school and has plans to attend college because he wants to be a police officer. Our daughter is 10, and has lots of plans for the future. But right now she volunteers at church in the nursery and at her dance studio with younger classes.
I think we are going in the right direction. That's important isn't it?

God, do we make you proud?

If you are on face book, then you know that my youngest daughter Kady is dancing in a recital tonight. Last night at dress rehearsal, from 5 to 10pm, I made an observation. There is about 150 girls that dance this year. There are little girls that haven't been walking very long all the way up to the teachers dancing. I have noticed it before, but never quite so obvious, that each parent believes their child is the "BEST" dancer ever. Of course, I think that about Kady too! Some girls, immediately look to their parent(s) to see if they are doing well, or not.
So, my thought was... as we go through our day. Sometimes stressful, sometimes not, God looks at us and loves us as if we were "only" children. Kady isn't an "only" child, but because she is so much younger than her older siblings, she is raised pretty close to that stigma.
Some days our "performance" may not be that great. We might slip and fall (tap shoes are slippery.) Our hair bows may fall out, our shoe might fall off, and we might forget all the right moves. But, because we want our Father to be pleased, we are striving to make Him proud. Or are we?
Whatever we do, in word or deed, may we only do what pleases Him and brings glory to His name.

SLEEP

SLEEPING IN

I love to sleep. If I believed in reincarnation (I don't) I think either I was a cat or would come back a cat. Cats sleep 20 out of 24 hours. But since I don't believe that way, its just a weird thought I guess.
I get up early when the sun beams in, or when someone is loud in the morning and wakes me up. Since I'm actually somewhat an insomniac, when I sleep, I sleep hard, when I wake, I'm up!
I remember sharing with a friend how much I had been sleeping. She had a newborn at the time, so sleep was elusive. She said telling her how much I was sleeping was like counting all your money in front of a poor person. She was right. I remember the newborn days.
My oldest son is adopted. I brought him home at 3 days. I was anxious once I heard about him being born, so I didn't sleep for two nights, wondering and thinking and planning for this baby boy. I was in for an incredible shock. I lost two nights sleep, so day three when we brought him home, that night.... he was awake every 2 hours to eat. I could not remember anyone ever telling me that babies don't sleep at least 8 hours at night. Thank God for naps! By the time he was 3 months old, he slept 8 hours straight. That was heaven!
In Psalm 3:5, 6 David says, "I lay down and slept. I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me. I am not afraid of ten thousand enemies who surround me on every side." Sleep doesn't come easily during a crisis. David could have had sleepless nights when his son Absalom rebelled and gathered an army to kill him. But, he slept peacefully, even during the rebellion. What made the difference? David cried out to the Lord, and the Lord heard him. (See Psalm 3:1,ff) The assurance of answered prayer and divine protection brings peace. It's easier to sleep well when we have the conviction that God is in control of circumstances. If you are lying at night worrying about circumstances you can't change (or you can, but don't know how) pour out your heart to God, and thank him that He is in control. Sleep will come.
Jesus slept in a rocking boat during a violent, loud storm. He knew who was in control. Sometimes God calms the storm outside, and sometimes God calms the storm within us.
Let Him do both.... Sweet dreams!

I know a little overdue... but

Unless you live under a rock you know that Kris Allen won American Idol. I was pleased and actually posted him singing "God in this city" on face book. Sure, Adam was a better singer, only better vocally. I think I got really tired of everything he did had to be different. Sometimes a song just needs to be sung.(period)
Its interesting how all the hype is still going on about Adam "not winning." Recheck last blog entry.... I actually thought that Kris might win. I understand Danny Gokey blogs and predicted Kris winning for the same reason I suggested.
The top 10 were on two nights "Larry King live" with Ryan Secrest as the host instead of Larry King. Ryan was really good, and much better eye candy than the aged King. I like him because he really seems like the boy next door.
I gotta repeat though... I was really disappointed about "the song." It wasn't the words for me, it was the "theatricalness" of the tune. It seems like it was so much like Miley Cyrus' song that it was too familiar.
Adam was also on TMZ and apparently some posers have been tweeting and blogging in his name. So, don't assume anything you see in print is truly from Adam or Kris unless it is a reputable source. You can always check your source through www.snopes.com to see if its true.
I have to admit I will miss American Idol in the weeks ahead until it starts all over again in January. If I hear when an AI finalist cd will be released, I'll try to post it.

American Idol....Adam vs. Kris

At the end of last week, they did a coin toss and Kris won. He chose to go second, which makes sense.
Adam is an awesome singer. I liked both of his first two songs. He also looked really hot in his "silver" suit. I liked both of Kris' first two songs too.
I mentioned on my facebook status that the song Kara co-wrote sounds a lot like Miley Cyrus' song "The Climb". Did anyone else notice the similarity between that and their song? She actually sang it on American Idol a few weeks ago.
Tomorrow night's show is bound to be an awesome show. I don't really have a prediction for who I think will win because a lot of it has to do with more than just their singing ability. I did read though that Kris may win because most of Danny's fans will vote for Kris and I know there was only 1 million votes separating the top two last week. That means, even if Kris was second last week, he has the potential to win.
I still stand by the premise that both Adam and Kris will be making albums. I think they both know this now too. I also believe Danny Gokey will be recording soon too. Also, Allison will be picked up by someone soon too I believe. Keep your ears open and let me know if you hear when any of the top 4 has a CD released. I want to know. Later.

Bye Bye Danny!

Well, I am disappointed. I didn't want Danny to leave, but, I can claim neither responsibility or fault. I didn't call to keep anyone. I also know some that were trying to call Danny had trouble getting through, but with over 80 million people voting, the phones were jammed.
I think the worst disappointment for me was missing the last 5 minutes. I had recorded the show, and although I was watching it the same night, it only recorded one hour. I hope that they re-show the last few minutes again. I haven't been able to find it online anywhere. No doubt, the phones are going to go crazy next week. The show should be good. The finales always are really great. You will have to stay tuned for Wednesday because that's when the votes are counted.
Until next time.... Later.

What's going to happen?

After listening to the three sing tonight, I was thinking. (That can be trouble)
I think as a performer, Adam Lambert is almost (I said almost) in another league, as he has been all season. I appreciate his words at the end about appreciating the other two guys, and they were awesome. But, (you knew that was coming) I am thinking perhaps the finale should be between Kris and Danny. Partly, because at this stage, Adam is a performer and will have a career for years to come. He is talented. But, I like good competition and I think a finale between Kris and Danny would be more on a level ground. Don't know if that makes sense to anyone but me, but that's what I decided.
I was thinking about this earlier yesterday about how Adam Lambert has essentially paid his dues. He moved out to California a few years back and has been trying to break into the music field. That being said, he has obviously paid his dues. But, does that necessarily give him an edge?
Actually, from the beginning, American Idol was to discover someone who might not otherwise be discovered because of the nature of the competition. (I watched "Pop Star" too. If you don't know what I'm talking about, the was the pre-show like AI before AI began. They did a girl group "Eden's Crush" and a boy group "O Town". I bought both of the Cd's. No voting, just judges judging. But, they sang behind screens where you could only see their outline. After a few weeks, the winners (4 or 5) started as a group performing without screens. Interesting concept, but you know they make tons more money with callers calling in to vote. The phone company probably loves AI don't you know?
Last year I didn't care which David won, because I liked them both. So, my hope is that Danny wins. I'd like to see the finale be done by Danny and Kris, with Adam leaving tomorrow. But, I think Kris will probably leave tomorrow. I guess if I really "cared" or was at least manic about it, I would vote, but I don't.
We will see tomorrow, won't we? Later.

Bye Bye Allison!

Leaving at this point of the show has to be a little bittersweet. They still will travel on the summer tour for the top 10. I wasn't too surprised that Allison left. I think the three guys just have a bigger fan base. It doesn't mean that she won't be making cds. In facet, having Doughtry on last night was proof of that. Also, I have to admit, I don't care for "No Doubt". I absolutely fast forwarded through their song after the first 30 seconds. I just found their song a little annoying. OK, not a little a LOT! Sorry if you're a fan. I always enjoy when the idols get to choose their own music. It will be fun to see their visits back home too. Until next week on Idol. Later!

Top Four of American Idol

Don't you love it when Adam begins a show? Slash was a little surprising as a "mentor". I know he is a musician, but I didn't think he would care much about a "pop show". This is Adam's genre, so he did no doubt, exactly what everyone thought he would do...an excellent job. I liked Allison's song, and thought she did a great job. I kinda feel for her, she always gets such tough criticism, but she is only 17 people! Can you imagine where she will stand when she is Adam's age. I really liked the duet that Kris & Danny did too, but Simon was catty when he told Danny he sang better. I didn't like the cattiness. It is beneath him as a judge. Kris' song was good, especially if you liked that song, and I do. He is amazing on the guitar isn't he? Gotta say though I didn't like Danny's ending to his song. It was OK for that song, but a little out there. I wish he had stuck to what he knows. It was edgy, like he wanted and good until the "cat screech" at the end. The duet by Adam and Allison was awesome. But, it was kind of predictable. They had a great song, great blend, great outfits, and they should record a duet together. Just guessing... Kris will probably leave tonight. If it's not Kris, it will be Allison. Anyone else would surprise me. I could see the finals being Allison and Adam, except that Danny has a lot of fans. (I am one). We will see!

American Idol Top Five

Kris was great last night. He is one of my favorites, as he voice is always pitch perfect on. I think he may have surprised a few people by the enthusiasm Jamie Fox showed. Allison is always spot on with song choices, so she was predictable, but enjoyable last night. Seems like her voice has improved over the last few weeks. She has more control. I thought Matt did a really good job. I think at this point in the competition, the whole group can see themselves winning. Danny Gokey was good as always, and I'm glad he showed his range more this week. That boy can sing! Adam was perfect as always. He is such a drama king though isn't he? I loved the way he walked down the stairs. His song and all his notes were flawless. He is so perfect, I am so impressed that week after week, he continues to surprise and perfect his vocals. I'm looking forward to this week when Taylor Hicks will be back to sing. Its his genre. I think that Matt will probably leave this week. At this stage of the game, I love them all, but I know someone has to leave. I'm not sure why Simon thinks Allison will leave, because I believe she has a good following. We will see later, won't we?

Late... but comments about American Idol this week

I intentionally haven’t been on-line until I could watch recorded American Idol this week. (That’s ok, didn’t have time either)
PART 1 OK, now is the week for Lil to go home. I’ve said this repeatedly, but who is listening to the judges for real? Her song was so all over the place. She is no American Idol winner.
Kris’ version of “She works hard for the money” was amazing. Paula’s comment of it being like Santana was a hot compliment! Wow! I would buy that single.
Danny Gokey is still one of my favorites. Even though he can really sing, I am not a fan of the song he sang. He is still so entertaining, even though he was singing a not so great song…. He was fabulous!
Allison’s rendition of her “disco” song was really well done. But, I would have liked to hear her sing something a little more up-beat. Doesn’t she have amazing vocals?
Adam Lambert is so above the rest. His voice is so perfect. I would buy him singing the phone book, or my grocery list. He took such a risk and I loved it! I also really like his humbleness. He has never been catty or egotistical. I love it!
Matt is so much fun to watch performing. He took a really well known song and made it kind of bluesy and hip. I think he will be around the entertaining world awhile, even if he leaves American Idol before the final. His talent is similar to Justin Timberlake in that I believe he is not just a one hit wonder. I knew that Simon wouldn’t like his song. I think he might have a different opinion if he was female.
Anoop sang a rendition of disco that I couldn’t really even recognize when he started. That was really a risk and I hope it works for him. It was to say the least, original. He is going to be a popular “pop” singer. If he stays in the genre, I think he will sell, sell, sell. He can really hit those notes too. Ballads are great for him, I agree with Kara.
My prediction is Lil and Anoop will leave. Anyone else leaving will surprise me. Will the judges wish they had saved their save? Stay tuned for Part 2
(I’m going to post these together, even though I watched the Tuesday night show first before writing above, and then watched Wednesday and wrote the following.)
Part 2 Paula is still an amazing dance choreographer! What a talent! The seven did a great job of dancing, although you could tell they were lip singing. Finally, Lil leaves! It didn’t make me sad except that we had to listen to her sing one more time. I admit I fast forwarded through her song. The medley of disco songs was interesting… songs were recognizable but the singers were not.
David Archuletta was awesome as always. He is such a sunny voice to hear. I love his upbeatedness! (new word for the day)
I was right on about who was leaving. But I know that Allison being in the bottom three was pretty hard for her. When it gets down to the final few, someone good leaves. Anoop has such class, and has demonstrated that throughout this competition. He is a true gentleman.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the season. Bring it on!

Judges save Matt!

I am so confused! What is wrong with America's vote? If someone can explain why Lil is still not in the bottom, I would really appreciate it. I knew when Lil was not in the bottom that the Judges would have to save Matt. He was better than she was period. I am seriously doubting what people are thinking about when they vote...proving Simon wrong? So the good news is, Matt is saved. The bad news is two fold: Next week two people leave, and the genre of music will be disco. I don't think its completely bad news, there are some good songs from disco, which is my era. But, there is a bunch of bad songs to choose from too. If Lil doesn't leave next week, there definitely needs to be a re-count. Logically, Matt and Lil leave next week but, American Idol defies logic.

American Idol does songs from movies

Allison starts off the show with one of the best movie songs! She has really stepped it up and seems to be in it to win it! She has such a recognizable voice that I am looking forward to her first cd release. Anoop did a better job this week than he had been doing. He may not win American Idol, but I believe he has a good career ahead of him. Adam was amazing as always. He and Allison are just in a league of their own, aren't they? Matt did a good job on the piano with his song, but I would have preferred he sing something else. Danny Gokey chose such an emotional song and sang it well, but I think he got caught up in choosing a song he liked instead of a song he should sing. That is two different things. I'm sure its easy to over analyze song choice when its down to the last few. Randy was so far off with Kris' song. What was that about? I totally agreed with Kara that he did an amazing job. So the song was obscure? I was glad for that, it makes it interesting to hear a song not so popular. I almost feel asleep when Lil sang this week. She really looked good, but her song was abysmal. I like gospel, but I didn't feel like she really measured up to the other six singers. Anyone leaving besides Lil will really make me question the voters. More later after the results.

Good-bye Scott

I really liked Scott and his final performance was one of the songs I really liked him singing. I had to wonder if his ego wasn't kind of topping out. I know in the "heat of the moment" you can say things you might filter out if you had a chance. But, I didn't really like it with the attitude. I was right on about Lil being in the bottom three. I think that the judges might actually save her. They only have 2 more chances to use their veto, so we will see if that happens. Remember its just a one week reprieve. After they use the veto, the following week two people will leave.
The entertainment for the show was different. I wasn't familiar with Flo Rida and I'm not a fan of rap, but the song was entertaining and the dancers were really awesome. I'm a Kelly Pickler fan, but I didn't like her performance. She looks like she lost weight and her dress and shoes were adorable. I almost felt like her song was a little "off".
Can't wait for next week.

American Idol does song of their birth year.

Danny Gokey kicked off American Idol with a great song. He is really pretty adorable, and I really like his gospel flair. Chris did a song with guitar and though I've always liked him yikes it stunk. He has an amazing voice, but it was off tempo, no riffs, boring yuck. I agree with everyone about Lil. She was karoake Tina Turner. I like Tina, but I think I've seen a better copy in drag. Poor Scott, I don't know if he is getting bad advice or what, but his performance was an awful mess. Chords were off and his voice was flat in places. The only thing I can give him is he did try something different. DON'T TRY IT AGAIN, or you are gone Scott. Matt was so good! I liked him before but his song was like a Justin Timberlake and Toby Mac combo. Both good singers and awesome talents. He made the song his. I would have loved to see that performance in person. Allison keeps growing and growing as a performer. I keep having to remind myself that she is only 16. What a voice! She is quickly becoming one of my favorites. If she doesn't win, I would still buy her songs for my i-pod. It did help that she sang one of my favorite songs. Anoop was good, and I really appreciate that he was apologizing for his "bad look" to the judges. What can you say about Adam. He is so far above the other singers, unless he gets a bad vote, I believe he will be in the finals with someone else. I'll let you know later who I think it might be, but it will probably be female. My guess for who will leave tonight? I polled my family in Oklahoma. My guess is Scott, my niece guesses Scott too. My sister says Scott or Lil. My nephew says Lil or Anoop. We watched it in HD, wow, I loved it! Talk to you later....

I did watch American Idol last week

As some of you know, I left for Oklahoma on Monday, March 30 and I am coming home April 17. If you facebook, you can check the status there for all the truly current happenings.
American Idol last week was viewed in Oklahoma "live". (I usually record and watch it the next day) There really weren't any surprises. I was pretty sure that Megan would go home last week, so no big shock that it was this week instead. I missed the show on Wednesday. I thought the show was pretty good. The only thing was although Lil is a good singer.... she just doesn't appeal to me. I think because I keep waiting to see (actually hear) her do something to WOW me, and it hasn't happened yet. I enjoy watching Scott, but I think his songs are beginning to sound the same. All the other singers were good. Megan was just off, musically and fashion wise. Sorry, I did like Allison's outfit, she is young and that's the way you look. She wasn't just dressed "rocker" but youthful. I usually agree with Simon, but not always with his fashion sense. He is older, and he speaks of fashion as not only a man, but a father figure. Chris is a really good musician, although I don't think he will make it to the finals, I hope he continues on for awhile. Did you like Adam? He is always so good, and this week, keeping his hair a little like last week was a good move, showing he will always be full of surprises. I never heard what tonight's genre will be. I do know it's only an hour show. (If you have never seen FRINGE, its good too) More next time after Idol.

I was Wrrrrrrrroooonnnnngggg!

Wow! What a surprise. I really expected Megan to leave. But, it was Michael. Actually, I am not that surprised because he would have been in the bottom three going by his song last night. BUT, Matt being in the bottom after his performance really surprised me. The only explanation I have is that when it gets down to the last 10, its not just about their song but about fan base. I actually thought Michael had a good fan base. He didn't seem too upset though did he? Well, in the past, the top 10 have done well, and he made it that far. He gets to tour this summer and he gets to go see his family. Its all good as far as he is concerned. Megan was surprised she wasn't at least in the bottom three, don't you think? Surprised and thrilled to still be there, that's my thought. Well, the show was good with the duet by Joss Stone and Smokey. Ruben Studdard is always good. Man, that boy can sweat can't he? Seemed like watching it live had a LOT of commercials, but we were home and nothing else (but basketball) was on. Looking forward to next week.

American Idol 10 do Motown

Matt, Let's get it on: Kris, How sweet it is: Scott, Can't hurry love: Megan, For once in my life: Anoop, Baby, Baby: Michael, Ain't too proud to beg: Lil, Heatwave: Adam, Tracks of my tears: Danny, Get Ready: Allison, Papa was a Rolling Stone.
Motown has so many songs to choose from that genre that it is actually so sad when someone chooses a wrong song at this point in the competition.
I'm a big fan of Matt, and his rendition of "Let's get it on" could only be outdone by Barry White. He has a way of inserting himself into the song, it's really enjoyable to watch him. Kris and his version of How Sweet it is, wow, how sweet he is! But is sweet enough at this point? Scott is always singing the same, I feel. I believe that he is talented, but I really would like to see him do something else. What I mean is, the last 3 weeks he has basically sung very similar songs. Ramp it up Scott! What can be said of Megan? Her performance was abysmal. I don't know what she was thinking. Awful song choice. Now, the song is good but her singing it was almost like a cruise ship wanna be. Argh! Anoop, sweet soulful, and his voice is just so sweet. I would buy that single. Michael seemed like he was having fun, but I really agree with the judges, he really needs to put more into it, step it up. His love of the fans was the best part of watching him. Talk about a disappointment with Lil! She should have nailed Motown genre, but she looked good, and that was it. Her song was just downright awful. Can you say karaoke?
Adam, oh wow, AGAIN! He is so in another league that even if he left tomorrow, he'd be a star and not be a loser at all. He sang hot and he looked hot! What a perfect face he has when he doesn't have his hair in his eyes. I actually really liked his look last night. I needed a fan going when he sang. HOT!!! Poor Danny having to follow Adam has to be a little unnerving, but he always does a good job. I agree with the judges it wasn't great, but he is so energetic, you can't help but enjoy his performance. I don't think he is in danger of leaving even if this wasn't his best song. Then, Allison having to be last... don't you think most 16 year olds would crumble under the pressure? She is such a trooper, and her song was really good. Her voice is so different, I think she is like a young Macy Gray. My guess for the leaver? Megan, if her song this week was different... Michael would be going. So, we shall see, won't we?

Good bye Alexis!

So, I was right about Alexis leaving. One of the problems this year, not really a problem, but they are all so good. I think each of the remaining 10 is so good that, from her on in, it really will be who has started building the biggest fan base. All 10 of them are quite capable of delivering Gold records at this point. Votes are around 30 to 35 million, so even people calling in over and over, that still doesn't translate to less than a million people per singer. I guess I was a little surprised that Michael and Allison were in the bottom three, but at this point, everybody but two will eventually go. I do like that Lil Rounds was happy and seemed a little surprised to still be in the competition. A little humbleness goes a lot for me towards the likability factor. Don't you agree? I replayed Adam's song again from you-tube, and although I'm not a big rock fan, it was just quirky enough for me that I really liked it. I still am just shocked how high he can sing, and it doesn't sound all that "falsetto". If Alexis hadn't left and it was one of the other two, I would be a little disappointed, but not surprised. Next week is Motown but the show is on Wednesday and Thursday night. Looking forward to it!!