A very merry....

...Christmas!!
   
My children and husband are all tucked into bed.  I have JUST finished wrapping the last of the gifts and the stockings, carefully hung by the chimney with care, are now chock full o' goodies.  The house is dark and quiet and I am sitting here listening to endless Christmas music, in the glow of the lighted tree and mantel.

All over here in the Hinterland, travel has been halted and plans have changed as people anxiously wait to see what sort, and how much precipitation will fall next.   Oooo, baby it's cold outside, with alternating bouts of rain and sleet and snow falling.  But despite that, it's truly one of the prettiest Christmas Eves I can remember.

We are two Christmas celebrations down, with two to go.  Our own in the morning, and my family after lunch until Saturday. We hosted the Hubs family (his parents from FL and one brother and s-i-l and two kiddos) yesterday and this morning. We shared in 2 meals and a gift exchange among the kiddos last night, then a huge pancake buffet this morning, and celebrated all 6 kid's birthdays, complete with cupcakes and icecream at 10:30am!  This afternoon I had two errands to run to complete my shopping for celebrations #3-4, so The Hubs and I zipped out for an hour alone to do that.

We enjoyed Christmas Eve service tonight, our first in 6+ years that we have not participated in.  And....I'm not sure how I feel about it.  Timing wise, it was the best thing for us to say "no, not this year", but as I had more moments of melancholy this week than not, I realized that I had said no to the one thing that keeps Christmas the most real to me.  Celebating the birth of my Savior King with my voice, through the gift of music.  So, I missed it. I teared up as the band was played without me.

This Christmas season has been very...hmmm...funky(?) for me.   I have felt stuck and obligated, somedays even a little sad and in general just outta sorts.  Anyone know where to get some sorts?

Every year, come the day after Thanksgiving, I vow this will be the year it will be different.  I'll get my shopping done early.  I'll actually send Christmas cards, before Christmas (if at all).   We'll do an advent calendar with devotions with the kids.   I'll do more baking. Fun baking with the kids.  Maybe even host a party.   Ring bells for Salvation Army or some other "giving and serving" opportunity.

And every year?  it doesn't happen.  Not a one.

We get caught up in the buying and cleaning and shopping and fussing. I always seem to be doing everything at the last possible moment.  Our schedule is a rotating door, in and out and in again.  The Hubs traveled (with very little warning) all of last week and that was a major hiccup in my plans, plus we had a portion of our sewer line excavated and replaced as well (and Merry Christmas to us!)  Even though my house has been "appropriately" decorated for the whole month, tonight is truly the first time I have thought, Ahh...it's Christmas.

And tomorrow, Christmas will be over.  I wonder if I start thinking about NEXT Christmas now, while I am still in the spirit of things, if that will help?   Hmmmm...

But now as seeing as it's nearly 2am and my children will be awake in a mere 5 hours, (and I have even more family to host and two more huge meals to prepare tomorrow) I must let my weary mind and body rest; perhaps the sugarplum fairies will come dance in my head...if even for a moment.  And so I bid you all the Merriest Christmas.

May God bless us, everyone.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Happy...

birthday to me.  

Happy birthday to me. 

Happy birthday dear me-ee...

Happy birthday to me!

Sushi, music and IKEA....

all in under 24 hours!    We had a great get-away with good friends this weekend.

Hop on over here to read a full run down written by my sweetie....and then come back here!  

The concert was "The New Standards", a trio of Mpls musicians, playing familiar classic "modern" tunes in the style of the old standards.  It was simply one of the most incredible concerts I've been to...a perfect blend of fun, musicianship, and pure talent.  I was literally on the edge of my seat in anticipation for whatever the next song might be.   

They played everything from Britany Spears "Toxic" to the Suburb's "Love is the Law" and Cheap Trick's "I want you to want me"..with a bunch of holiday songs thrown in. They featured a 406 voice back-up choir, 4 piece brass section, a string quartet and a guy on a Wurlitzer organ at times.   There were poetry readings and tap dancers, and they closed with a version of OutKast's "hey Na" complete with a very silly, bendy, hip-hoppy guy lip-syncing and dancing around.   

Perfection. all of it.


Here's a sample of the concert; this song was a highlight....



 It was a wonderful way to officially kick off the holidays. 

Our girls....

just wanted to share this a wee little video of our not-so-little girlies (in blue and white) at gymnastics the other night...



They love gymnastics more than I ever thought possible. We did one year of dance (tap and ballet) last year, and while I think they enjoyed it, I don't think they LOVED it. Even tho Wren can often be seen found flitting about the house like a little butterfly at any given time.

But gymnastics, whoo wee do they love. it. After their first one hour session, they were begging to be signed up to go more than one day a week. We said no, let's just start with this and see where it goes.

After their third week, they were invited to join "pre-team" training. The Proud Momma in me took this to mean that they see some potential and we should begin saving up for living away from home for future Olympic training. The Cynical Momma in me took this to mean that the gym just wanted to get a little more $$ of out us.

But who am I to say no to my potential Olympians? Especially when they love it oh so much.

So they are now "training" 2 days a week after school for an hour at time. If they had their way, they would be there everyday. By June, we could be expected to have them training up to 8 hours a week. Uffdah....we'll cross that proverbial bridge when we come to it.

They just love it. And in watching them, I do truly think they have great potential. But think I can safely hold off, at least a couple of years, before I need to make space on the mantel for any gold medals.

6 years ago...

this sweet baby boy came into our lives.

J oyful
A ctive
C limber
K utie-pie

W onderful
I ntelligent
L oving
L uscious
I nteresting
A mazing
M agical


He completed our family and made us a family of 6.















He is free-spirited and goofy, filled with noise, loves to climb and jump, discover all things creepy crawly, wrestling with his brother, playing video games, hanging with his sisters, watching PBS, cutting and pasting, McDonald's cheeseburgers and mac-n-cheese, being a good friend, snuggling with mom, helping dad and can't sleep without his favorite stuffed and very (very) well-loved puppy tucked under his chin.


Happy Birthday to the sweetest boy!

We love you so much!

Heart's Cry

Here's a blog post I happened upon the other day that scratched at the surface of a not so old wound... What's ironic was just a few days before reading that post, I was thinking back to this time last year when I was on my way to discovering what I thought was an answer to prayer in this area of authentic friendship...and then almost as quickly, it was gone. I gave of my time, my heart, my listening ears (so hard for me!); I poured myself into it. And then was told I was someone she couldn't trust because she "hardly knew me". eh?? We tried again, and she pretty much went AWOL on me. I decided I was done trying and that if friendship was truly what she wanted, I'd hear from her. So I waited. And...nothin. nada. Why is it so hard for grown women to build and grow in authentic friendship? After last years' hurt, I truly doubted my own "friend-ability". But now reading this, and all the comments that followed, I know it's pervasive and it's NOT just me. What do you think?

How to worship...

As a worship leader, I would be re-miss to not post this....

Now laugh with me as we poke a little fun at ourselves shall we? ;-)

And I expect all 5 of you who view this and also worship alongside me to execute your proper worship technique next time!

1st Days of School....

Coleo is off to 7th grade...

Wren(green) and Jewels(pink) are off to 3rd grade...
And our not so wee boy, Jaxon, goes to kindergarten...
And here's my facebook status update to accompany this video post this morning...


Karyn...thinks watching her little boy ride away on the bus this morning for his first day of school was one of the hardest, but most fun things she's had to do as a mom.

>sigh<

As for me, I spent my first morning as a SAHM with no kids at home watching the Today show uninterrupted, dorking around on said facebook, doing a couple loads of laundry and attempting to sort thru old school papers from last year.

I do have grand plans for all I will accomplish this year, but that will start...hmmmm...maybe next week!

Oh so long....

I know it's been oh so long since my last post...and I promise to start back up so very soon, but I just had to post this right now as it happened.

See, I have lived here in the Hinterland for nearly 16 years, and it has all the makings of a very nice city, with all sorts of wonderful suburban loveliness AND Big City nuances all it's own.

But, do you know when where you live is really still just a small town that THINKS it's big city?

When the lead story on the 6:00 evening news is that of a pregnant llama on the loose from a farm in an even smaller neighboring town. Complete with an on-the-scene reporter calling in live.

Really.

Bootcamp Insanity...

So, I am not losing the weight that I had hoped by adding a fairly intense work-out to my life. Bootcamp is great; I really enjoy the trainers and the camaraderie of all the women there. But I am frustrated by my lack of "results".

They keep saying that nutrition is just as, if not more important that the exercise itself. Which I don't' get. I have lost and kept off 13 lbs since August 2007 (and that's thru two holiday seasons as well - which they say the average person gains 3-5 lbs during...so the way I figure I have really kept off closer to 20 lbs at least!) I know what I need to eat and what I shouldn't eat in order to lose weight. I've done that. The one thing I hadn't done was to incorporate the fitness side of things until now - and I was hoping to really jump start things again with this.

With each session of bootcamp, we have had a 1 hour conference call covering the importance of nutrition and how to maximize your results. And it's all well and good, if I was single and wasn't feeding a family of six, 3 meals and 2 snacks a day most days of the week. The way they suggest we eat to see fast results just isn't feasible or practical for me. I can't cook one thing for my family to eat, and then sit down with a bowl of brown rice and cottage cheese for myself. I don't believe that sets a good example for my children, and I don't believe it sets me up for success in the long run in learning how to make better food choices and controlling portion sizes eating REAL food each day.

I have made lots of little changes like ground turkey instead of beef, whole wheat pasta and brown rice instead of white and we have always only eaten whole wheat bread. I am eating a high protein breakfast nearly everyday, I have stopped much of my late night snacking, and have for the most part eliminated drinking diet soda (except when we eat out...a girl's gotta live a little)

I recently friended the owner/lead trainer of Bootcamp on Facebook, and my status that morning said "...just endured another butt-kickin bootcamp in the gloom and fog...but wished she were seeing faster results." And he came back that afternoon and commented that he is here to help me and I need to send him my "eating plan" and he'll critique it and give me feedback about how to change it improve on it in order to see faster results. I don't want that, mostly because of the reasons I stated above. While I believe I would be losing more weight and doing it faster, I don't believe that kind of eating is sustainable (or enjoyable for that matter) for the long haul so why bother?

I AM seeing my clothes fitting a little more loosely, people are commenting on my appearance, but the number on the scale hasn't really moved at all in 7 weeks and that's SO frustrating. I keep telling myself that I am just converting fat to muscle and muscle is heavier by volume than fat, so I won't see that number go down much for now at least, but will see it in how I feel and look, and I do. But man, I wish I was seeing THAT number go down just a little faster. The hardest part is the "dollar per pound" return. That's not so good right now. Maybe in August I can kick up a little more and actually drop some serious poundage and make this whole bootcamp insanity really worth it all.

Random thots...

from the Hinterland. All is well, we're just plugging along, busy weekends, but not so busy weekdays. Here are a few bits of randomness....

I am overwhelmed by some of the recent posts on blogs that I frequent about the food we do eat, shouldn't eat and should eat. Things I've learned? (which all pretty much contradict everything that today's food industry, dietitians and nutritionists tell us).

Saturated fats are good for you.
Poly and mono unsaturated fats are bad, bad, bad.
Skim milk bad - whole milk good. Raw milk from grass fed cows - even better.
Anything that is pasteurized and even worse, homogenized, is the last thing you want to ingest.
Anything with High Frustose Corn Syrup bad. (Do you know the sheer volume of foods that have HCFS listed as one of the first 5 ingredients??)
Boxed cereals bad.
Commercial yogurts bad.

Frankly, it's all making my head spin, I don't know where or how to start making changes, but know I definitely want need to research more.

I'm not sure where summer went. Our daytime temps haven't been above 63 since Wednesday and we are on day 3 of solid clouds...it's downright cold and gloomy.

I am still getting my trashed kicked (I stole that phrase from one of my favorite bloggers!) three days a week at bootcamp. We've had some really fun workouts, lots of variety to keep things interesting. Hoping to drop at least one pants size by the end of this month.

Overall, this week was cranky Momma week. Felt like the kids and I were never on the same page, I nagged and ragged, they pushed and snipped at me and each other. It all came to a head when this happened....

Thursday was our worship band practice night. The Hubs usually just stays late at work and we meet there. This week, we made plans to meet at church at 6:15 to have dinner together (subway...klassy I know), which would require me to leave by 6. I was already running a little behind when my parents showed up at 5:50 to show off their new car, just as I was trying to get the kids some dinner, get them all settled and lay down the law (Coleo is now babysitting for our summertime band practices) and get myself out the door. Ack! Well at 6:15 I finally walked out the door. I leave, get all the way up onto the highway and realize that I forgot to pack all of Greg's gear. So I had to drive another 2 miles up to first exit where I can turn around. ARRGGHHH! I was SO mad at myself for forgetting, mad at my parents for showing up and getting me all frazzled and distracted and mad at Greg for making me be his "roadie". And sad that our attempts to have even a few minutes together was shot. I was NOT a happy lady at all. I got back home, loaded his gear and started off again.

By this time I am mad and crying and I even screamed out loud in the car. I revved the engine a little harder than I should have. I turned up some music really loud, said a little prayer for a major attitude adjustment and got myself up to church. It was not the way I ever want to feel before stepping into my role as worship leader. Plus we had three guys subbing for our regular players so it was just a trying night all around. We ended up having a good practice, but I think I was still a little off all night. Oh well.

Yesterday the girls had a playdate with a friend so the boys and I went and had fun together. Coleo had some old PS2 games he wanted to trade in at Gamestop, and they had a sale on used games, buy 2 get 1 free...so we had fun picking out some new DS and Wii games we can all enjoy. All of my kiddos are jazzed when the momma gets generous with random acts of shopping. Retail therapy at it's finest. We treated the kids to a local Mexican place for dinner as a "farewell" sendoff for Coleo going to camp. And we did have a great time there too. We even splurged and split a couple of desserts! Our kiddos are also jazzed when it comes to getting dessert. ;-)

This morning we sent Coleo off to camp for the very first time. He'll be gone until Friday evening at a camp 5 hours away. We aven't had a lot of success when it come to sleepovers with him in the past, but we've really seen him turn a corner over the past month or so in his self-control, and maturity, even going to bed all by himself without needing a "tuck-in" from one of us. At first he didn't want to go to camp back in May when registration began, but then our Youth Pastor asked again, just a few weeks ago during the last week of registration to see if he would maybe re-consider, and to all our surprise he said yes! I am so nervous for him, but know he's going to have a great week (praying for no homesickness!)

>insert thought provoking or otherwise witty conclusion here<

that's all I've got.
ttfn.

weekend delights...

Our "holiday weekend" began Thursday night - as The Hubs had Friday off. Here's a quick recap...

Thursday - dinner with new friends. Wonderful food, great conversations getting to know each other. They were wonderful hosts, in a beautiful and comfortable home, weather on the backyard deck was perfect and kids all had a blast.

Friday - The hubs and I got ourselves up and out the door for a walk/run. That felt good. The rest of the day was spent playing and relaxing. Friday night, we attended Freedom Fest with my parents, a community outreach event at an area church with music, food vendors, "inflatables" for jumping/sliding fun, a little drizzly rain, and impressive July 4th Eve fireworks show.

Saturday - An annual 4th of July pool party at our friends the B's, such gracious hosts, beautiful setting, a pool filled with kiddos, an abundance of tempting foods. The weather was a little drizzly on and off all day, but didn't bother the swimmers at all. The evening turned into an impromptu pizza party at the C's house along with the O's, before heading out for fireworks together. The sun came out, clouds cleared out. We found a great parking spot, only had to walk a couple blocks for perfect viewing of another fun firework spectacle. I was wise and picked up a whole mess of glo-necklaces at the dollar spot in Target last weekend - so all the kids all got to share in the fun of those without breaking the bank.

Sunday - we all slept in after 3 straight nights of 11pm bedtimes - uffdah! (except for The Hubs who was subbing in the worship band so he had to go in early.) But I was up and treated the kids to cinnamon rolls and eggs and watched the start of the Wimbledon Men's Final between Andy Roddick and Roger Federer. Amazing tennis. Kids and I left for church. Excellent service and message. Home from church. Ala carte lunch. Watched the rest of the tennis match via video. Perfect weather for relaxing and just "being" after such a busy few days. Pulled together another impromptu dinner with the C's and my parents - grilling out and ended the weekend with a bonfire and some redneck "MN legal" fireworks on the driveway.

Perfection.

So...

I totally have at least 4 partial posts sitting in my drafts box. I can't seem to come up with the time and wit and words to finish them off to actually get them posted. I have a recap of the past few weeks, but want to add pictures, and don't seem to ever remember to dump my camera onto my laptop to get that one done. I had another started to talk abotu my Bootcamp progress. And a few others have been in the ol' drafts list for a while, more timeless, philosophical ones...maybe someday.

But today was the last official day of my Bootcamp Insanity; we ran thru the same set of tests we did on the first day.

My results?? I have a lost a total of 4 lbs, and 2 points off my BMI, (but somehow my body fat percentage was the same(?) I did 7 more push-ups in 30 seconds than 4 weeks ago, and shaved one minute off the running test. I am feeling really really good, the crazy insane o'clock in the morning thing HASN'T been the death of me. I no longer have the stiffness and pain in my lower back and hips that I frequently woke up with, and have more energy overall.

Boot camp ROCKS! Shelly, Shawn and Chris are great at encouraging us without pressure. All the women are so encouraging of each other. I am signed up for another 4 weeks. I am going to try to be much more focused and intentional on the nutritional aspects this month and also try working out on my own on the "off" days more regularly, with hopes of losing at least another 4 pounds by the end of July. Wish me luck!

Happy Father's Day...

to my most dear, most lovely husband, who truly is a most amazing father to our 4 children.

We aren't ones to make too much of these overly commercialized, consumer driven holidays. And we have been so busy with the prep and execution of our family reunion (which was this weekend and is now over!) that we haven't had time to think about much else. But I figured the least I could do was write a little something here.

We had a wonderful breakfast with some lingering post-reunion family including Greg's parents, his brother and family, and one of his cousins and her family who were still in town this morning and that was nice.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing, playing outside with the kids, and watching a movie; I spent the day lounging and napping on the the couch, watching some of my favorite cooking/travel/decorating and gardening shows on PBS. It was a perfect end to a couple of really crazy and stressful weeks. And then this evening we met my parents for a nice casual dinner out.

To my dearest husband, I love our beautiful, crazy and patience testing children. I love the home and family we've created together. You're a great dad and I love you, so very much.

Happy Father's Day!

Bootcamp Insanity

So here I am....sitting here after Week 2 -Day 1 of Bootcamp.

Yes, this crazy bootcamp fitness class - moment of sheer insanity thing - that I signed up for.

Last week was week 1 (duh) and 33 women of all ages, shapes and sizes are meeting three days a week from 6-7am on a school playground for some serious fitness. Yes, I drag my sorry butt out of bed at 5:15am (otherwise known in my world as o'dark hundred hours) to go and be run thru the ringer by our drill sargeants leaders, Shawn and Chris and Shelly. Running, push-ups, ab work, cardio, agility it's all there. It's painful and hard, but in that "feel-the-burn-it's-a-good-thing" kinda way. They are kicking our butts...and quads, and hamstrings and triceps and biceps and muscles I had long forgotten even existed in my mother of 4 "core". Uff.dah.

But boy does it feel good. And the crazy o'clock in the morning thing isn't killing me either...which is actually a huge shock for me. I originally signed up just for the 4 week session for June thinking I can do ANYTHING 12 times, but then last week I signed on for July too. Gotta whip my tail in gear here and I am hoping this is just the thing to do it.

And to top it off, my lovely amazing husband is totally supportive of me and is even getting up at 5:30 to go running himself. Love him!!

Stay tuned for more Bootcamp Insanity updates. Or check out my friend Wendy's take on things here and here. Maybe I'll even try to snap a couple of photos sometime soon just for y'all's enjoyment. heh.

All things...

IKEA!!!

I love anytime I can spend browsing thru IKEA. Surprisingly, it does not feed into my feelings of discontentment - rather it feeds my inspirations.

The Hubs called me up mid morning yesterday and said he was tired of working and did I want to play hooky and do our IKEA "run"? The answer of course was a big fat YES!!!!

See, I have been contemplating filling one whole wall of my living room with brown/black Billy bookcases....to create a built in library look and have been waiting for a free day when I could make the 70 minute drive and and back myself...but this was even better. My favorite store with my favorite people!

Our living room has been kind of the "catch all" multi-purpose room since we moved into this house nearly 8 years ago, housing a desk for the kid's computer, misc art, a bookcase with toys, puzzles and games and a hodge podge of furniture. And I am ready to start moving forward to make it look a little more "intentional".

So we did our part to help stimulate the economy and bought ourselves a van full of bookcases...along with cushions and pillows for our deck furniture, a bunch of kitchen trinkets, and all sorts of other goodies!

It was a great day together....I love short road trips with my husband...and Jaxon was along for the ride and was an absolute gem the whole day. We had lunch (Swedish meatballs of course!), browsed the whole store, filled my big yellow bag full of all sorts of goods, and then made our way to the warehouse to load the cart with 2 talls, 3 shorts and a whole mess of doors. I am so excited!

Before and after pictures will be posted as soon as they are all assembled!

All things busy...

here are a few glimpses of the past few weeks....

My Mothers of Multiples Club Sale...this is what 140 people look like waiting to get in the door before we even opened. Acck!



And here is the insanity of it all....


And 2 tired chicas....me and one of my fellow sale co-chairs...we ROCK!!! (imho of course)


It was 72 hours of sheer madness. My back still isn't back to normal after being on my feet on a solid concrete floor for most of it.

Then, our oldest "stomped" his way thru church one morning here...(that's him in the skeleton shirt..yes at church). It came off the heels of our opening worship set which ended with the song "Indescribable". It was really cool.

The next week, our girlies performed an original song they wrote themselves for their school variety show....(Jewels is singing, Wren is on piano)



And my baby boy graduated from pre-school....



Since then, (I don't have any pictures to document most of this) we had a little Happy Hour Party with a few friends (and tequila) on Saturday night of the Memorial Day weekend. My brother and family were here for an overnight Sunday to Monday to celebrate my dad's birthday.

Last week was filled with piano lessons, field trips, classroom volunteering, a fun brunch with fellow 2nd grade moms, and a little furniture shopping thrown in for good measure.

This week is supposed to be filled with crossing things off lists. See, we are hosting the Hinterland Family Reunion in less than 3 week! We have huge long lists of things to do, mostly cleaning and organizing, a few big things left to do outside in order to be "ready". The lists are overwhelming for me, since lately I have a hard getting motivated to do much of anything at all, esp when I am home during the day with Jaxon.

The biggest hurdle I have to overcome in all this list making nonsense is my own "it's not good (pretty, clean, organized) enough to have people in my home" complex. I am constantly plagued by it. We live in a nice home. We are blessed...I know. I have some very nice things and for the most part, we really lack for nothing. But society tells us otherwise.

I can't keep myself from getting caught up in the "if onlys" ...if only my carpets were clean, if only I had new furniture for that room, if only our deck was bigger, if only I could re-paint this wall, if only my kid's rooms were cleaner, the guest bathroom could get tiled etc. It's a heavy dose of discontentment, mostly stemming from reading decorating blogs and magazines. I can get caught up in dreams and wishful thinking of how I think things could be and look, and I lose sight of all that is good and wonderful right now. I have neither the resources, creativity or time to make most of it come to fruition all at once and that frustrates me.

So I will spend the next 3 weeks trying to talk myself down from this sense of discontentment and find that place of contentment once again. And realize and thank God for all I do have and be at peace and feel blessed once again.

'Cuz I know (really I do)...that when it comes to parties, happy hours and family reunions, it's not about clean carpets, perfectly decorated rooms, decks filled with pretty potted flowers or landscaped yards, it's about the time spent together.

Yes...

I am still here...

but we are so unbelievably busy here in the Hinterland that I just don't have time to write anything worth much of anything for the tens of people (that's a stretch I know) that actually read this mostly sorry attempt at blogging.

A new post, complete with pictures, will be coming soon.

So stay tuned! And please keep stopping by, otherwise you may just miss it!

Today, May 21st...

Outside my window…cloudy, occasional sprinkles, cooler than the past few days (where we broke high temp records) and the wind has significantly diminished.

I am thinking…thankfully the day is almost over, and how excited I am for our TV date night tonight when we get to finally watch the Lost season Finale...only 8 days after it originally aired. (sigh)

I am thankful that…Jack successfully made it thru his graduation program today. He did so well and I am very proud of him. And after receiving his "diploma", instead of shaking his teacher's hand or even giving a simple hug, he leaped into her arms and squeezed hard with his eyes shut tight. It made the entire sanctuary chuckle and sigh.

From the kitchen…I browned and threw boneless country style ribs with a bottle of honey BBQ sauce into the crockpot this morning...sides of misc fried potatoes from the oven, skinny green beans, applesauce. YUM-O!

I am wearing…brown rayon crop pants, and a funky southwestern patterned top.

I am creating…this blog. Sorry it's been a few days.

I am going…to get my kids showered and to bed VERY SOON!

I am reading…HRH by Danielle Steele (I've read every single one of her books to date)

I am hoping…that we can get our act together and get our To Do and To Buy Lists done so we can make progress in preparations for hosting a Hinterland Family Reunion in yikes....4 weeks!

I am hearing…Coleo drummin' and the Hubs jammin on guitar.

Around the house...so much to do, so little time (the aforementioned reunion)

One of my favorite things...smiley happy children. A smiley happy husband.

A few plans for the rest of the week...see above....lots of To Do lists in the works. The Hubs got a freebie day of vacation for tomorrow (manager directed day off) so hopefully it's a good one being home together without the distraction of all 4 kiddos being home too. We haven't been running in sync the past few days...we need to get back on track.

Oh well...

Oh well. Danny Gokey is goin' home. I am bummed. I am tired of the judges all gushing and mushing about Adam. eh? But I knew that it couldn't be a Kris and Danny Finale - they are just a little bit too similar style-wise. But I have hopes now that anyone who was voting for Danny will now vote for Kris and blow Adam out of the water! Go Kris!

On the homefront, I have 72 crazy, frenzied hours ahead of me. I co-chair the HUGE Gi-norm-ous sale for my Mothers of Multiples Group. There are 30+ sellers this time around, we rent a building on our county fairgrounds and we fill 25 racks with clothing and the rest of the barn with other baby/child/household gear, toys and paraphernalia! It's a major fundraiser for our club, plus we all make a pretty nice chunk of change for our own pockets! But it's a crazy and busy couple of days and as co-chair I will pretty much abandon my family for the next 72 hours.

Oh well #2. My crazy busy sale weekend means that we have to miss out on seeing Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers in concert. Cuz...ya know...we kinda like this band. Just a little. Just look at him!

(This is us with Rog in Mexico)

and here's just a really pretty picture of him...(I'm pretty sure I am breaking at least two commandments just looking at it.)

He is an amazing songwriter/musician and he, along with the Peacemakers, puts on a smokin' hot show of full out, tequila infused, no holds barred, rock and roll, and thankfully The Hubs loves their music as much I do. Cuz' it's not ALL about the pretty face people. But it certainly doesn't hurt now does it??

We've ONLY seen them 8 times in 2 years, including a trip to Mexico (yes that's right, we flew 2000 miles and drove another 4 hours after that, with all 4 kiddos after for a concert. In Mexico. So worth it!) Anyway, they are playing in a town near us and we have to miss this one due to an overwhelming schedule and I am bummed.

The last oh well is the worst. See, it's my guy's birthday on Friday. Not just any birthday either. It's a biggie. Yes...the 4-0. Eek! We both turn 40 this year - exactly 30 weeks apart. And I am feeling pretty crummy that I haven't and won't be able to work something out to ring in this new decade for him. (And going to see Rog and the Peacemakers was supposed to be part of the deal!) I actually told him maybe he should just go buy another new guitar so I could quit feeling so guilty for being such loser wife and not throwing a big party. I think a few of my awesome wife points will be lost for this one. I promise Honey..I will make it up to you.

Oh well.

not my words....

but I wish they were!! A post from one of my favorite bloggers; it's so well written and so eloquently put, I just have to share it with you here...

Magnificent...

Here's the new video for my favorite song from the new U2 album..it's cool!

enjoy.

Thankful Thursday

1. The Hubs coming home tonight after 7 long days of being gone.
2. My dad - for playing bus driver this week for the Coleo.
3. Green grass.
4. Tulips nearing bloom.
5. Watching birds at the feeders this morning.
6. Time at home alone.
7. Only one more evening and bedtime as a solo-parent because did I mention? The Hubs is coming home tonight after 7 long days of being gone!!!!

American Idol Top 5

Well. Here we are down to the Final 5. I am not sad to have seen Anoop and Lil go home last week. I am honestly surprised they hadn't gone sooner.

So tonight they are singing American "standards" - the music of the Brat Pack. I think this could be fun!! With guest mentor Jamie Foxx. Altho, after the nasty things he said on his radio show about cutey Miley Cyrus recently he has lost a few points in my book...let's see what he has to say.

Kris Allen's singing "The Way You Look Tonight" - wow. Jamie Foxx liked him and said such nice things to him! That's cool. So this was smooth, not all full of unnecessary runs. Nice. Slow, fast, slow. Loved the tempo changes. Very classy. Love.it.

Allison is up next singing "Someone to Watch Over Me". Love this song. One of my favorite to sing actually. Wow. Amazing.

All I can say right now is Simon must have woken up on the wrong side of the dungeon today. What a cranky pants!

Matt Giraud is singing "My Funny Valentine" ...hmmm...not buying it. Seems forced and not authentic and he keeps changing his "voice"...low and raspy, then breathy, then full out....it felt awkward. I agree with the judges on this one. What??!? Is Simon smoking something tonight? Normally he and I are right one...but I have disagreed with everything he's said tonight.

Danny Gokey's up. I dont' care what the name of this song is ( cuz I missed it and I dont' know it) but man oh man is he HOT tonight. WOW! WOW! WOW! Yes He can sing..so nice of you all to notice. hehe.

Adam Lambert is up last. I am kinda tired of him. I am tired of the fuss. I don't see anything current about him unless you're stuck in 1987 or listen to the hard rock 80's station. He really can go home anytime. Actually he just needs to go back to Broadway and sing the role of Judas from "Jesus Christ Superstar" for the rest of his life. The end. oooo that last note was bad! And just once I'd like to see him pull off a song without all the tongue-filled screeching. A little theatrical???? Just a little. Off to Broadway you go young man.

I think I've made my wishes clear.

Today, April 28th...

Outside my window…sunny, breezy, but pretty chilly. We hit 91 degrees here last Friday, and then woke up to 35 and rain the next morning. And then it proceeded to rain all weekend. The temps have been slowly making their way back up to "springtime". But the grass is green, perennials are starting to show themselves, The Hubs' Magnolia tree is blooming. Spring is definitely and finally here.

I am thinking…about how much life stinks without my husband.

I am thankful that…the kiddos have been pretty well-behaved this week while the Hubs is out of town for work. And Raggy Naggy Mother has barely had to help me parent this week at all!

From the kitchen…I think tacos are on the menu tonight.

I am wearing…I am in my "cozy clothes" (sweats, t-shirt, zipped hoodie). It's pretty much what I am in anytime I am home with nowhere to go.

I am creating…a quick video message for a long time friends 40th birthday.

I am going…to put real clothes on and run some errands today.

I am reading…The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson. It's good!!

I am hoping…that the weather continues to improve....I really like 65 and sunny.

I am hearing…Sesame Street on the TV, my dragonfly lights banging against the window (it's windy today.) Jaxon coughing - he has another cold.

Around the house...it's ok. There's a bucket of Magentix toys scattered all over the family room floor. But overall it's livable.

One of my favorite things...lazy days and naps.

A few plans for the rest of the week...survive. It's actually a pretty low-key week schedule-wise which I love. We will welcome The Hubs home after being gone for 7 full days. Praying that my boys get over these lingering head colds -they both have nasty coughs. Maybe a Hinterland Happy Hour May Day gathering Friday night? That might be fun!

Here's hoping your day is delightful.

Ugh....

I just realized it been 10 days since I last posted!!

I am still here...and a new "REAL" post is coming soon.

Until then, watch this... a little fun from me to you...

Corporate Worship Songs - Tim Hawkins

O Calvary...

Matthew 28: 1-10 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me." Happy Easter!

The eggs in my basket....

I wish...
...I could go on a vacation to someplace with surf, sun and fruity drinks.
...it was summer so I didn't have to get kids up and off to school every day.
...the Hubs could work from home...even one day a week.
...I had the money saved up to buy lots of new furniture.
...I didn't have 30lbs to lose.
...I could eat without counting calories.
...I was more decisive.
...I didn't care so much about what people might think of me.
...I could take a little nap everyday.
...I was more organized.
...I was more intentional about how I spend my time.
...I could discover how to parent without any help from my evil twin, Raggy Naggy Mother.
...I had the means to help more people in need.
...I had just one really good, "BFF" kinda friend who actually lived within 20 miles of me.
...I would make time to read the Bible and spend time with God more consistently.
...I was somehow magically motivated to make some of these come true.

Maybe it's more like a basket-case....>sigh<>

What are some of your eggs?

In one week...

not much has happened...hence no blogging. Well ok...that's not entirely true. I am a momma of four and wife of one so I suppose some things have happened.

Spring break happened. It came. It went. We're back to school today. But here are a few things we did...

~a day trip up to the Science Museum and The 6 (The Hubs took a day off!) spent a full day there looking at mummies, dinosaur bones, bacteria/viruses, weather facts, and our own cheek cells under a microscope. We stopped for dinner at one of our favorite far and few between visits restaurant Ruby Tuesday's. YUM-O! We don't have one here in the Hinterland yet so when we get a chance to visit one out of town we jump on it. We had a delightful waitress, amazing food, kids even behaved themselves! Coleo said the next day, "yesterday was so perfect it was almost like it didn't happen." It was a pretty perfect day.

~the playing Wii. Lots and lots of Wii. Mostly Mario Kart with interludes of everyone taking turns doing their Wii Sports Fitness tests.

~ the watching too much TV. Mostly PBS (that doesn't really count does it?) with interludes of Pokemon on DVD.

~lots of sleeping in - by me - not the kids. No, they were all up earlier than they are to go school. Go figure. But they are all old enough now to help each other and fend for themselves for breakfast so I took the opportunity to stay in bed a little longer! A mom's gotta do what she can.

~a fun "mom's so cool for treating us to an impromptu dinner out to McDs" - one night when The Hubs stayed late at work. Don't worry their meal included Apple Dippers.

~ an evening of worship band practice and powerful Sunday morning service.

~another Hubs day off and The 5 took in a matinee of Monsters vs. Aliens. The Momma stayed home and enjoyed an afternoon of being in her own house all.by.herself. Delightful!

~ a great date night with The Hubs - out to a Wine Tasting. Over 200 wines to sip, tasty ante pasta salads and fresh fruit, and amazing chocolates from local chocolatiers. A-MAY-ZING! It was held in a Home Improvement/Builders "Market Square" so even the atmosphere was pretty wonderful. Lots of stolen kisses. walking arm and arm, and we even got to check out new countertops and sofas to boot! My favorite spot was the the lighting store area...all the beautiful fixtures, sconces and chandeliers.

And what didn't happen over our spring break? Playing outside. 'Cause someone forgot to actually inform the weather that it's SPRING! It never made it over 40 degrees the whole week. And most days it was downright gloomy. The kids would go out for short bits at a time but it was just crummy so they never really had much fun.

So there. Our Spring Break 2009! One for the books dont'cha think? :-)

Today, March 30th...

I happened upon this on a blog I just discovered and thought I'd give it a try since it's been a few days since my last post, cuz I am all about the easy!

Outside my window…Cloudy, chilly, very windy. Snow is actually in the forecast. A downright blustery day one might say. March is going out like a lion.

I am thinking…what I should try to get done today? So far it's not a whole lot.

I am thankful that…the kids have been getting along pretty well today - the first day of spring break. Let's hope it lasts thru the week.

From the kitchen…no clue. Some kind of pasta based hot-dish most likely. In my awesome new cookware!!

I am wearing…hmmmm....it's 2:30 pm and I am still in my "cozy clothes" (sweats, t-shirt, zipped hoodie)

I am creating…not much today. I should be creating a newsletter for my MOMs group. So hard to stay motivated tho.

I am going…to put real clothes on and go to the grocery store soon.

I am reading…a couple of new blogs I just discovered. The book I am reading is "The Matter of Grace" by Jessica Barksdale Inclan. I just discovered her earlier this year and really like her writing style.

I am hoping…that our week at home here over spring break is fun and relaxing without many appearances by my evil twin, Naggy, Raggy Mother.

I am hearing…the noise of Wii sports, kids playing together nicely. Some music from the kid's computer. And my dragonfly lights banging against the window in the wind.

Around the house...a little chaotic, but it's been much worse. I just can't seem to get a handle on the kitchen clutter these days. And a sink full of dirty dishes and a dishwasher full of clean ones. hmmmm... need to get the kids right on that one. :-)

One of my favorite things…happy kids.

A few plans for the rest of the week...hopefully enjoying a relaxing, laid-back week, maybe a trip up to the Science Museum or Children's Museum, some cleaning/organizing perhaps? And hopefully a little exercise. Oooo...and a wine tasting event Friday night!

Loose toofes and middle school woes...

so my darling 5yr old baby boy, Jaxon, came running into my bedroom yesterday morning as I was getting ready for the day to announce that he had a wiggly tooth! His first loose tooth. He was so excited...and I got a little teary-eyed. And that took me by surprise.

See, I was totally fine registering him for kindergarten, not understanding all the heartache among friends in signing up their youngest for kindergarten. The Hubs and I were talking about it then, and we both decided that life is so much better now and we're having more fun with our kids than ever before that we shouldn't waste the present grieving the past or lament about how fast their growing up. Life is good.

But for some reason this first loose tooth made me a little sad. My baby boy is growing up. >sigh<.

As for the middle school woes, this is something I dread about having my kiddos growing up. My oldest baby boy, Coleo is struggling at school with feeling like kids are picking on him and teasing him. He had a little meltdown this morning on his way out the door.

I have been coming down pretty hard him the past few months, in helping him be more aware of the choices he's making re: all sorts of things. Food choices, how he spends his free time, how he's spends/saves his money, controlling his impulses, all sorts of things. We've got charts posted all over the house for all the kids reminding them what needs to be done and when, in attempts to empower them more and to have me nagging them less. And he still falls short sometimes and I am the first to call him on it. So I am the bad guy right now. He actually told The Hubs that I am just like the teacher at school that he doesn't' get along with. Ouch! I just don't know how else to come along side him and try to teach him the things he needs to know and do to be a confident, self-reliant young man. I do know I have to catch him doing things right more often and praise him more. I know the whole it takes 10 praises to counter every negative. But it's so hard! Why is the nagging seem to be easier?

So this morning I grieved for him after getting him out the door. I feel so sad when he he has these melt-downs and tears up saying he doesn't have any friends. Or that he's being teased or picked on by "everyone". I don't get that at all. He is a funny, witty kid, he's friendly and sociable. We let him do all sorts of fun things, we've offered him the chance to invite kids over from school. But the friendships just don't seem to be happening. He was one of only 4 kids from his elementary school to move to the middle school he attends, and 3 of them were girls. So he started out at a little bit of a disadvantage with no one on his side really, but he was kinda of excited about that actually. He was looking forward to having a new "pond" to swim in and make some new friends.

I have prayed for those friendships...in hopes he'd find those one or two really special ones that he could carry thru to highschool with. He has a couple of really good friends at church, but they all attend different schools. I hate the thought of him being a target, singled out by the supposed "cool kids". I know how vicious middle-schoolers can be. A parents worst nightmare really. Vigilante Momma takes hold and I want to go scope out the rotten ones and let them have a taste of it. He endured some physical harrassment and bullying as a 2nd grader on the bus, initiated by an older boy and it about broke my heart that he tolerated it as long as he did before it "surfaced'.

I hate the thought of him worrying and dreading going to school. It's hard to know when to step in and talk to a teacher. I have encouraged him to talk to his teachers, and even go see the 6th grade counselor if he thinks that would help. He's afraid the kids will pick on him more if he talks. I just don't know what to do - what to say to encourage him, how to help.

This first-born parenting thing is tuff.

Our drummer boy...

Coleo had his first ever school band concert tonight. He's playing percussion and loves it. It's the first thing in his 12 years that he has been passionate about. He's not driven by sports, especially if it involves being a part of a team. We tried, and encouraged, but athletics just aren't his thing. Music is obviously OUR thing so we certainly weren't going to discourage him. Plus, some kind of music instruction is required in 6th grade, band, orchestra or general music.

He decided last spring, at the end of 5th grade, that band was his class of choice and drums were what he wanted to play, so we immediately got him signed up for private lessons to help "level the field" so to speak for him getting chosen to be in the percussion section for 6th grade band. Apparently, percussion is pretty popular and there are only a few spots to fill. Well, for once things worked out for him and he was chosen for percussion. yay!

He has continued with the private lessons as well and he is doing great.

So tonight was the 6th grade Spring Band Concert. (The mandatory concert that was on the school schedule from the first day -miss it without a pretty good excuse and you fail band, kind of mandatory). I bought the black pants, white shirt and a new pair of all black skater shoes to wear. The new shoes cost more than the pants and shirt combined - thanks to Savers - cuz heck if I am gonna pay full price for clothes he will were just this once. I'm thrifty like that!

Doesn't he look sharp?

I have to admit tho, I was excited for him, but a little anxious about sitting thru even a few minutes of a 6th grade band concert, ya know what I'm saying? Yikes.

Lo and behold, they were good! I would even venture to say they sounded pretty great. Especially when the band teacher announced that they had only played thru their entire song set together as a full band a couple of times this week! WOW!

There were only a few little honks and squeaks that didn't belong (from the trumpets and clarinets mostly, NOT the drums), but my goodness, are we proud of our very own drummer boy.

Mid-week Randomness...

so.....
I am still chewing my nails to the point of discomfort. What am saying? It's actually painful to type...that's how bad it is. I don't know why I am still biting my nails, but I really wish I could reach that point where I could resolve to stop pretty right quick. I hate being self-conscious about my hands. Hate it.

The weather is Glor-EE-US this week! Warmth, sunshine. love it.

We have new neighbors moving into the house up behind us. I know I should do the right thing and march myself over there to say hello, but good golly is that a hard thing to work myself up to do. I sure hope they don't mind our kitty prowling around the yards. We'll see if we can catch them out in the yard this weekend perhaps. They have furniture out on the patio, and a bird bath appeared in the corner of the backyard so I suspect we'll be seeing more them back there than the people who used to live there...which was pretty much never. I am praying now that they are nice, like kids, and noise and black kitties who like to explore.

As of Monday, I had a book that was 1 week overdue and couldn't get to the library to get it returned. I actually didn't finish reading it until Sunday, so Monday was the first day I would've returned it, but I didn't. So I made it to the library on Tuesday, and my card was "blocked" against any new check-outs due to excessive overdue charges. Oops. I knew they were racking up! $13.05. Got those paid for, I don't mind really, I figure it's just our way of supporting our local library.

We missed Idol last night. A little bummed. SO no re-cap for this week and it was country week too darn it all. I have read several reviews and blog re-caps so feel like I am up to speed but the results show will be interesting.

Have I told you lately how much I LOVE the new U2 album...love it. Even the kids love it and have a couple of favorite songs they ask to hear every time we are tooling around town, but maybe because it's all I've listened to in the car in the past 2 weeks?

I don't get St. Patrick's Day. I just don't. Although most of the family wore green yesterday and The Hubs insisted on putting green food coloring in our milk glasses last night at dinner. I still don't understand what all the fuss is about.

I am bummed that Alexis was sent home in Idol tonight. really bummed. I liked her a lot. There are definitely several who should have gone home waaaaay before her.

I hate late night commercials for scary icky movies. Why do they show those??

We have a crazy busy day tomorrow...I am stressing about it and really fear not sleeping well tonight because of it. Hence the fact that it is midnight and I am not even close to being ready to go to sleep.

We are now on day 4 of not having anyone throwing up in our house! Yippee!!

And have I blogged yet how much I hate the new Facebook layout? It's yucky and they took all the fun out of it. I still spend way more time than I should dorking around with it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I'm just sayin' people - why change something that wasn't broke?

Alrighty then...I think that's enough for now.

Smooches...

Long week...

of illness here in the Hinterland. It really started about 10 days ago with The Hubs getting hit with a pretty bad cold. And he never gets sick, well hardly ever.

Next, Wren was exposed to a stomach bug last Wed. when a boy who sits next to her at school threw up. So we were kind of on "alert" for her. Except that she hardly ever gets sick either.

We were then out of town overnight Sat-Sun, up north visiting both our brothers and their families. The kiddos spent the day with Greg's brother's family while we attended a worship conference. By the time we got back to their house for dinner, Jules was not well at all. Complaining of her stomach hurting and looking pretty "peaked" (as my mom would say). After dinner with them, we headed over to my brother's house to spend the night. Well, the inevitable happened and Jules was sick, thankfully just once overnight and by morning she seemed pretty much back to normal.

I woke up Sunday morning not feeling well. Nose was stuffy and drippy all at the same time and had a sinus headache. I had gotten the Hubs cold. Church, lunch, a little Nascar; we enjoyed our Sunday with them and then made our way home late afternoon.

Monday, I woke up and felt just plain rotten. Massive headache, scratchy throat, nose was stuffed and dripping like a leaky faucet. Another morning laying on the couch for this momma...poor Jaxon. I got up in time to get myself moving, showered and dressed, make him lunch, and to get him to school. I then did my usual Monday grocery run, followed by what I like to call Manic Monday - picking all 4 kids up from their respective schools, Coleo at 2:30, Jaxon and 3 and then girlies at 3:30. >deep breath< Cole to drums, wait, girls to dance, home for dinner, homework and bedtime.

Tuesday was no better, The Hubs got hit with the stomach bug overnight Monday, so he was home from work and spent the day in bed. I spent most of the day on the couch getting up only when necessary. Thannkfully, Jaxon is eaily entertained, and self-reliant. We received a call from school about 3pm saying Wren had thrown up; I was already getting myself up and on my way to pick them up from school (for piano lessons at 4) so I hurried a little more to get myself out the door. Dropped Jules off for her lesson, with my little Wren-bird in tow, I stopped for gas, a quick run to the library and back for Jules and home. BY this time it was starting to get cold....like Antarctic cold. It's March people!

I obviously kept Wren home from school, and I was still pretty miserable feeling from my cold, and then with the WAY below zero temps and wind chill, I decided I was not going out unless absolutely necessary, so called and said Jaxon would not be at school that day. Another day spent mostly lazing on the couch, altho I did muster up enough energy to throw the makings for beef stew in the crock pot. A very long, very hot shower helped take the edge off the headache and congestion, and did run up to school to pick up Jules (she has never ridden the bus without her twin and seemed a little sad at the thought of it.) Same routine, dinner, homework, showers for all, and bed. >sigh<

Thursday, everyone was back to school and work, I was still feeling pretty crummy from the neck up. I got thru the week doing as little as possible, but still wonder what would happen to my family if I was actually REALLY sick? It's so hard for stay at home MOMs to take real sick days isn't?

Thankfully,no one else has gotten the head cold junk and we haven't had anymore of the nasty stomach stuff. yet.

UPDATE: Our sweet Jaxon got hit with the stomach bug Saturday afternoon. Poor thing. That makes 4 of 6. So now, Coleo and I are the only ones how haven't had it. Eek!

Because I Might Just Be....

a teeny tiny bit neurotic. Let me explain.

Tonight was a band practice night, for our worship band. Our new church building sits on the back corner of a 20 acre field on the north side of town, which is surrounded by another 100+ acres of fields/wooded areas. Pretty much out in the middle of nowhere. It's dark, it's isolated, it's a little bit spooky. Especially for someone with a neurotically over-active imagination like mine.

So I forgot to lock my van tonight while it sat in the parking lot of the dark 20 acres, but didn't really think about it until I had started my van and made my way thru the parking lot and down the long driveway. It was then I realized I had made an even graver mistake and I had gotten in and driven away without "checking". And I know You all know what I mean...don't you? That's right. I didn't check to make sure no one was hiding out in the back waiting to car-jack me. It was a moment I tell ya.

So I find the switch to flip on all the interior lights. So far so good. Captains chairs - check. Back seat - check. But I still can't see the very back, very deep, very well-hidden stow and go hatch of my mini-van. Blast it all. I couldn't stop and check, because there were others leaving band practice who would happen upon me and wonder what I was doing on the side of a very dark, deserted road. So here's where the neurosis kicks in.

For the first 5 miles or so, I manage to dig my cell phone out of the abyss my purse and get it in my coat pocket. I then begin practicing if I can get a number dialed without the hypothetical bad guy realizing what I'm doing.

Okay now, see? I saw a "celebrating heros" story on Oprah once where a woman was forced into the backseat of her own car, with her child, while a man proceeded to attempt a car-jacking. She was able to dial 911 on her phone without the guy realizing it, and then left phone hidden with the line open so the good guys could track her. So that's what I was doing. (And it's not the first time) Could I get a number discreetly dialed so someone would hear what's happening? I figured out I could push two buttons and have the The Hubs on the line. Tiny moment of relief. (So Hubs if you're reading this, promise to always, always answer your phone??)

Ok, so then I start thinking, what if the phone thing didn't work. Neurosis part deux.

I then remembered a scene from a movie where the good guy is driving, bad guy is in the passenger seat not properly buckled, and the good guy realizes this and deliberately crashes the car sending the un-buckled bad guy thru the front window. Saved! So, I then proceeded, for the second half of my 14 mile drive home, to look for places along the highway that I could deliberately crash my van, taking out the passenger side all the while not severely injuring/killing myself. I thought about how fast I'd have to be going to have a light post slice thru the car like a hot knife thru butter. Or if just sideswiping the passenger side along a sound wall would do it. Or what it would feel like to roll it.

And of course I arrived home safe and sound. No bad guys hiding in my hatch. And all the while, The Hubs was less than a mile behind me the whole way home.

So yeah....whaddya think.

Maybe ...just a little bit?

American Idol Top 13

What??? The music of Michael Jackson? Didn't the judges say to every single contestant that attempted MJ's music in the last few weeks to NEVER try to sing MJ? And now they are subjecting us to an entire night of it? Really?

Kinda fun intro having the judges make a grand entrance like that. Well then, off we go...

Lil Rounds (The Way You make Me Feel) OOO! I Like!! very much. An excellent start to the show. She made it her own song. I'm a little afraid she is bit like Fantasia tho? But I like her very very much. Way to go Lil!! I agree with Simon on one thing, I don't care so much for the white pleat front pants...but the color of her top is beautiful on her.

Scott MacIntyre (Keep the faith) Nice. I like his style and confidence behind the piano...I don't know if he can take the whole thing, but I like him. It was a good song choice for him, and it's an MJ song that I like!

Danny Gokey (PYT) Love.him. that's all I have to say.

Michael Sarver (You're Not Alone) hmmm...I like him, but I don't think he has the chops to stick around for very long unfortunately, esp compared to the first 3.

Jasmine Murray (I'll be there) yikes.

Kris Allen (remember) I liked what I saw

Allison Iraheta (be good to me) from the few seconds I caught (was putting kids to bed)....over done and over sung. And the whole outfit and look was a bit much for me.

Anoop Desai (Beat it) A bit karaoke for me. I honestly haven't made up my mind about him. Judges agree. He missed the mark tonight.

Jorge Nunez (never can say good-bye) Huh. this one fell really flat for me. Nothing interesting about it. very forgettable.

Megan Joy Corkrey (Rockin Robin) She is still doing that weird hippy shake thing. I don't like her. She's look uncomfortable. I don't get it. Why would she pick a be-bopper song, when she is obviously a little bit more rocker? I don't like that "unique and quirky" voice.

Adam Lambert (Black & White) I am very excited to see what he can do. There is a little conflict with him for me...he's got this rocker persona and look. With an Elvis snarl, can rip thru those vocal runs better than anyone, but then occasionally slips into this kind of bad 80's hair band thing. I really like, but a few of those things need to gel together for me. I agree, he is a natural born performer, I just don't get how they keep saying he's "the most current" when he slips into that hair band thing. But I do like him and think he'll go really far.

Matt Giraud (Human Nature) Another piano guy. I like. He has a Justin Timberlake-ish-ness about him. And I don't really care so much for Justin T.) Aha. Randy agrees with me!

Alexis Grace (Dirty Diana) I love this girl from the get go! I hope she nails it. Ok...pretty good. Song choice is questionable. I loved the power vocal stuff...but agree that she over-sang some parts of it. Loved the soft moments, loved the look, but yes, a few bits of it were a little much. She is another one that is a natural born performer tho and would love to see her in the finale.

Best of show? Lil, Adam, Danny, Alexis
Ho-hum and goin' home? Jasmine? Jorge? Anoop?

American Idol bonus......

Wildcard Night Re-cap...

Well here we go. A bonus night of Idol...the wildcard spots will be filled after these 8 lucky ones get one more shot to prove themselves worthy of the Top 12.

Jesse Langston - (Tell Me...) Hmmm. I don't get the song. I like her voice. But the song just isn't doing anything for me. It was weird. She's the hometown girl so would love to have her make it in...but it was still kinda strange.

Matt Giraud (Who's loving you) Talk about indulgent....let's see if Simon says that to HIM. Hmmm....this is gonna be a tough call. He can sing the blues...but can he sing anything else? What will happen on country week or Elvis week and any other "week" they throw at him? Unless he's amazing at arranging like Chris Daughtry was and can turn it all around to his style every week, he'll be an interesting choice.

Megan (Cherry Tree) I don't like her. There are already enough of this kind of rough scratchy R&Bers out there. And what is with the hippy shake thing she keeps doing? And no one can touch Katherine McPhee's version of this. Sure she's "current" but I don't think she's gonna be a Top 12er.

Von Smith (Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word) Here's a hard word - Yuck. He just blew it.
What was he thinking?

Jasmine Murray (Reflection) Well it was a nice karaoke version of Christina Aguilera. Not so great. She is one of the young ones isnt' she? Maybe we'll see her again another year. She's got time.

Ricky Braddy (Superstitious) Ok he's good. Really good. I think he's got the chops for the Top 12.

Tatiana - oh my-lanta. Can we just put this to rest once and for all????? She really really shouldn't be here and was only put in to give us one more week of the drama. Just get it over with. What??? Saving All My Love....Really? Whitney again? Is that all she can sing? And poorly at that. That was just plain bad...bad bad bad karaoke. Everything about her is so fake and all show. She is different (but the same) every time we see her. Please stop the ride and let her off. Did she really sing that same song 3 times already?? She is so gone.

Anoop(My Perogative) Eek. The song doesn't fit him. But he can sing. Really. And he's likeable. But this was a poor song choice and I didn't like it.

So...we're forwarding ahead...who's it gonna be??

The final three spots go to....Jasmine, Megan and Matt. Huh. I'm not sure those would have been my picks? But there ya go. Overall I have been fairly unimpressed by the lot of them save for a few.

Updated: AHAH!! I love surprises. Our recording ran out before it ended and I just heard the news that they picked Anoop too..so it's the TOP 13! Very cool....Should be interesting! Esp since it's 5 women and 8 men! Is this the first year they haven't had it an even 6 and 6? They are really shaking things up now aren't they?

And now the real fun begins! Can't wait.