Hail !!!

Last night about 10:15 all HAIL broke loose here! We had not seen the evening news, and in fact, were watching Dancing with the Stars on the DVR when the following seemed to occur:

The twins were in bed sleeping, Jason had gotten in bed and then gotten back out to go to the bathroom. Mike and I were blissfully watching DWTS and the house was nice and peaceful.

The next moment our house and windows were being pounded with HAIL. Nearly golf ball sized hail. There was no build-up to this either. No thunder, lightening or rain gave us early warning. Just sudden HAIL.

A neighbor texted and said her husband got hit in the head trying to get a vehicle in the garage. I heard another neighbors son got hit in the head trying to get their dog in. Another friend wrote on FB that her daughters cars had 3 holes smashed in the back window.

Crazy. Our cars were in the garage. But, it will be interesting to assess the damage as I head to guard duty this morning.

American Idol - Top 10 Results Show

Okay now I am rather ticked. In yesterdays post, I picked Lil, Megan and Scott as my bottom 3 singers. Mike picked Michael, Lil and Megan. We were both convinced that Megan would go home.

UNBELIEVABLE. Megan Joy did not go home. SHE WAS STINKIN' SAFE TONIGHT !! WTH?? Not even in the bottom three. Please, please, please, don't let Megan Joy be the next Sanjaya. NOTE: someone needs to tell M.J. to quit doing that shoulder twitching thing she seems to love to do. It is irritating.

Then, I hoped and wished that if Megan had to stay another week, that Scott would go home. Scott at least was in the bottom 3, but was immediately sent back to safety leaving Matt and Michael standing there.

Michael Sarver got the lowest number of votes. I definitely think he should have stayed longer than Megan or Scott. Then, to add insult to injury - the judges apparently couldn't agree to disagree - so Simon just blabbed out that Michael is going home tonight.

But here is my question: if the judges had saved Michael - would the contest remain at 10 singers - or would they have sent the person with the next lowest votes home - or would it have been the judges choice to axe someone without warning?
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Aside from all the drama, it was terrific to see Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard. He has really slimmed down, and apparently he also got married.

Smokey Robinson performed a duet with [unknown to me] Joss Stone. OMG! They were singing only to each other - almost like they were making love. Did they even remember that there was a live audience in the room and millions of people watching on TV?

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Mike was cranky that he wiffed on choosing the bottom 3. None of his picks were correct. Oh well. Maybe next week.

American Idol - Top 10 Perform !!

I am back! Life interfered the last several days and ruined my blog post everyday since December 1st. Oh well.

Tonight on American Idol was Motown night. Motown is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The mentor is music legend Smokey Robinson who has written over 4000 songs.

1. First up - Matt Giraud singing Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get it On" Matt sat at the piano at first and then got up and sang. He looks great in the tie & shirt w/cardigan sweater. He made a good song choice, and did a good job with his vocals & the falsetto. Mike says Matt is VERY GOOD.
2. Kris Allen chose "How Sweet it Is" by Marvin Gaye. He wore and odd military style shirt. He had great guitar and vocals, and looks to be enjoying himself on stage. Mike says Kris is alright, but he liked Matt better.
3. Scott McIntyre sang "You Can't Hurry Love" by Diana Ross. Scott is just not my cup of tea. It is an okay song - he plays the piano well and sings well - but he is not at all exciting too look at or listen too. Mike says Scott is just okay. ***NOTE***WHY DO THE CONTESTANTS FEEL THE NEED TO DEFEND AND EXPLAIN THEIR ACTIONS AND SONG CHOICES?
4. Megan Joy Corkrey attempted to sing "For Once in My Life". It pains me to criticize Megan because she was one of my early favorites. But, she has bombed the last couple of weeks and I think she bombed again tonight. Bad song choice, her outfit is terrible, she is screaming NOT singing. She is just awful tonight. Her voice is really irritating. Mike says that Megan can't dance, she sounds like a bellows (loud and soft alternating volume), is duck footed and wearing ugly shoes. He says: GO BACK TO THE POND MEGAN.
5. Anoop Desai "Ooh Baby Baby" by Smokey. I felt Anoop had some pitch problems tonight. Other than that, he is just not very exciting. He is okay - but not special. Mike commented that Anoop kept puffing air onto the microphone. Mike says he didn't like this performance, but thinks Anoop will be safe thanks to Megan.
6. Michael Sarver chose "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" which wasn't a great song choice in my opinion - he did okay, he tried to work the crowd a bit, he also had a nice key change and finish at the end. Mike says Michael is just alright. ***AGAIN - CONTESTANTS SHOULD STAND AND LISTEN TO THE JUDGES CRITIQUES WITHOUT COMMENTS***
7. Lil Rounds - Wow - we both expected a MEGA performance from Lil this week - and she really missed a huge chance to nail it. She chose "Heat Wave" Lil came out with a new hair-do and a flapper-style dress. From the beginning I felt the tempo was way too fast and that Lil is rushing through the song. She is working very hard to go fast and sing loudly. Mike says that he felt the only dynamics were LOUD. Lil was shouting and straining to keep up the pace. Mike says it was horrible and he hated it.
8. Adam Lambert - We both were looking forward to hearing Adam sing. Friends from FaceBook were finished watching the show before we started, so we had been tipped off to Adam's performance being awesome. He did not disappoint us!! Adam sang "Tracks of My Tears" by Smokey Robinson. Adam sported a clean look this week and wore a suit. There was no black nail polish or make-up. I feel that Adam has done a good job of rising to the occasion each week and he did not let me down tonight. This was an excellent performance. Mike said this was the first goosebump song for him on Season 8.
9. Danny Gokey sings "Get Ready". Danny's appearance has not evolved one iota so far this season, and I am not sure his performances have grown either. His vocals are okay - but not really very special. Also, I thought it was a bit hokey when he danced with the back-up singers. Mike thought Danny was the 2nd best of the night.
10. Allyson Iraheta came out and sang "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" by the Temptations and OMG! did she ever nail it! Holy smoke. She had impeccable vocals and did an awesome job. I thought her outfit was confusing - but that might be the age gap talking. The outfit looks young on the bottom with the leggings, but the layering on the top looked old to me. Mike says Allyson is the best girl of the night!

Mikes choices:

Top 3 are Adam, Allyson and Danny

Bottom 3 are Michael, Lil and Megan

>>>>Going home??? Megan

Jamies choices:

Top 3 are Adam, Allyson and Matt

Bottom 3 are Lil, Megan and Scott

>>>>Going home??? Megan

Questions You May Never Have Been Asked

First thing you wash in the shower? My hair

What color is your favorite hoodie? Black

Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Yes

Do you plan outfits? No, I put whatever I feel that day on

How are you feeling RIGHT now? pretty good

Tell me about the last dream you remember having? I honestly don't remember

Did you meet anybody new today? No

What are you craving right now? Anything Sweet

Do you floss? Yes, If I remember

What comes to mind when I say cabbage? GROSS!!! I hate cabbage.

Are you emotional? sometimes

Have you ever counted to 1,000? Yes

Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? lick

Do you like your hair? when the hairdresser does it.

Do you like yourself? usually

Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? yes

What are you listening to right now? Megan & Ryan playing Mancala, and something on TV - maybe King of the Hill?

Are your parents strict? yes

Would you go sky diving? not likely - unless it was tandem

Do you like cottage cheese? not particularly

Have you ever met a celebrity? Yes, Roger Staubach

Do you rent movies often? No

Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in? Do My kids personalities count?

Have you made a prank phone call? Oh Yes I have

Ever been on a train? yes

Brown or white eggs? Whatever is on sale - doesn't matter.

Do you have a cell-phone? Yes

Do you use chap stick? No - I prefer Carmex.

Do you own a gun? no

Can you use chop sticks? no

Who are you going to be with tonight? My family

Are you forgiving? Generally, yes.

Ever been in love? absolutely

What is your best friend doing tomorrow? I don't know

Ever have cream puffs? not often

Last time you cried? ????

What was the last question you asked? I don't remember

Favorite time of the year? Spring/Summer (before it gets roasting HOT!)

Do you have any tattoos? no

Are you sarcastic? depends

Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? No

Ever walked into a wall? Many times

Favorite color? Fuschia

Have you ever slapped someone? not in anger

Is your hair curly? no

What was the last CD you bought? Taylor Swift. I bought the Twilight DVD today.

Do looks matter? not really

Could you ever forgive a cheater? I doubt it

Is your phone bill sky high? No

Do you like your life right now? Yes

Do you sleep with the TV on? Not on purpose

Can you handle the truth? Yes, but I might not like it very much

Do you have good vision? Yes

Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? No

How often do you talk on the phone? Everyday

The last person you held hands with? Ryan

What are you wearing? Tan shorts, pink top, bare feet

What is your favorite animal? cats and dogs

Can you hoola hoop? Yes

What was the most recent thing you bought? Groceries at Wal-Mart

Have you ever crawled through a window? yes

Can you Pogo Stick? YEP

Megan vs. Dessert....Who Will Win ????

Successful Day

This morning, I managed to help the folks unload the last vanful of stuff moved from the old house. I also found a box of medical supplies that had been misplaced. Yea!

I also successfully installed a new power cord with 4 prongs onto my parents older dryer which only had 3 prongs. I used tools and everything! I also found a solution to a problem I encountered. The ground wire was attached with a bolt that could only be loosened with a nut driver. Well, there was no nut driver available - but I figured out that the if I took the tip off the 6-in-1 screwdriver that we had - that the opening on it would serve as the nut driver I needed. And, it worked! Double yay for me!

Later in the afternoon, Jason had a baseball game at 4:00 p.m. It was a very exciting game played right down to the last moment! Jason's team won 15-14 in five innings. It was terrific. Jason had a hit (with an RBI), walked twice and grounded out once.

My van's brakes are fixed! They are wonderful and I am so excited to drive somewhere tomorrow!

We had dinner at the Dairy Queen in Rhome tonight. It was a nice treat.

Wednesday - American Idol and stuff

I made a decision to not finish yesterday's post. It is a moot point - since the results show has now aired and Alexis Grace was sent home. She was an early favorite of mine so I am a bit sad - but I love Allyson and Adam both. I am not too hip on the rest. At any rate - the reason I decided not to finished the post from last night is two-fold: First - I was way too tired to get it typed and posted before midnight and Second - well, frankly, my methodology stunk. All I was doing was posting verbatim what the judges said. Boring. Other blogs I have read actually offer opinions and comments by the blog author. That is much more interesting to me.

As for stuff: my folks are physically transferred 100% from the old house to the new house. They have tons of unpacking and sorting and organizing to do yet. But at least with that, there is no looming deadline stressing them out. It is done. Finito.

We did make two trips to the city dump. That was pretty fun. Chunking objects over the ledge and into a very large and empty container below. It was very noisy and yet oh so liberating! How often do you get to throw stuff and purposely break stuff? I threw a full clay flower pot over and it exploded in a shower of dirt and old roots.

Today, I traded a pot with a crack that was being left behind at the house with a non-cracked pot that was going to the dump - since we were leaving some larger pots for the new owners I thought they would appreciate a non-cracked pot. I loaded the cracked pot and its dirt into the van. When we got to the dump I leaned into the van and lifted that pot and the whole entire bottom fell out. Too funny.

Oh, let's see. There was a blob of hardened concrete. I didn't know that if you leave a paper bag of concrete in the rain - it activates and then hardens. What do you do with a bag-shaped-blob of concrete? It is heavy as all get out. So, you take it to the dump. It makes a loud noise. LOL.

I took my van to a shop this afternoon. My brakes were getting steadily worse and though the squeeking had stopped, a grinding had started. Not good. My friend Dave from handbells recommended a friend of his. Ken has a great shop about 16 miles from here. It is a nice set up he has there. He hopes to have it back to me tomorrow evening. Yea!

Tomorrow, Jason has a baseball game at 4:00. I am anxious to go as our multiple schedules haven't allowed me to see the last few games.

American Idol - Top 11 Perform (Part 1 of 2)

Tonight, American Idol celebrates the Grand Old Opry. Randy Travis was the mentor for the week.

Michael Sarver "Ain't Goin' Down 'til the Sun Comes Up" by Garth Brooks - Mike (M) probably as good as this guy will ever get, Jamie (J) ok, but not too exciting, Randy (R) cool song choice but not sure it showed your capabilities, Kara (K) couldn't believe he remembered all the words, Paula (P) great Garth song - you had fun and the genre suits you, Simon(S) should be good because it is your genre but I couldn't understand a single word.

Allyson Iraheta "Blame it on Your Heart" = (M) Alright, (J) she did great!, (R) I thought it was DOPE! (K) You could sing the alphabet and sing it well and you get better each week, (P) Rock solid performance and amazing artist, (S) thought it was good but tuneless in parts. Rock solid verging on precocious.

Kris Allen "To Make You Feel My Love" by Garth Brooks - (M) didn't really like that, (J) nice vocals on ballad but weak final note, (R) wow, tender moments from my dog, (K) didn't know this was country it was just beautiful, (P) surprised and pleasantly so; smart choice, (S) I though that was terrific! Great choice, complete control, first time I think you have a shot at winning.

Lil Rounds "Independence Day" by Martina McBride - (M) Alright, (J) definitely NOT her genre, (R) very interesting ambitious song but she didsn't seem comfortable, (K) not great performance but stood your ground, (P) hair and make-up are beautiful, (S) came over as a girl singing at a wedding who had to sing a song she was uncomfortable with and this wasn't you at all.

Adam Lambert "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash - (M) ain't nobody gonna beathis cat! (J) had doubts but liked it, (R) Young - fresh - hot, (K) Adam does country - mixed emotions but liked it, (P) you are someone who stands out and is tru to yourself, (S) what the hell was that? indulgent rubbish. Really horrific.

Scott MacIntyre - to be continued

Too Funny !!! Video of Nadya Suleman Giving Birth

Mostly over !

Well, the house is virtually empty now. Some in the garage and a few things are left in the shed - plus a few things around the property - bird feeders, flower pots, etc. It definitely feels do-able by Wednesday which is the drop dead date for the folks to be out.

Jason had baseball pratice this morning - but all other sports were rained out.

Tomorrow, I will ring 2 songs at church with the handbell group. One is "Processional Jubilee" (we actually walk down the center aisle with no music - thereby ringing by memory until we get to our spots and then we ring the rest of the piece using the music.

The other piece is "Cantus Invenilis Youthful Song" which was the winner of the 1999 AGEHR-Area II Young Ringer's Festival Original Composition contest Winner, this piece is full of those special techniques ringers love to play. For example: plucking, thumb damping, echos, shakes and martellatos.

Not much other news. This next week is spring break for the kids. We have appointments scheduled with the orthodontist for Megan (last visit before her braces come off on the 30th), dental cleanings for all three kids on Tuesday, and a Dr. appointment for Ryan on Wednesday.

Sometime this week, I really need to get the vans brakes worked on. Seriously. Does anybody trust Just Brakes? I think they will get the job done quickly - but worry they might "add-on" work I don't need and can't afford. Send me a comment if you can give me any advice! Please!

Take care!

The Light At The End of The Tunnel??

Moving someone to a new home is never actually fun - but when it rains for approx. 48 hours straight and the temperature never goes higher that 45 - well - moving is a big drag.

I'd say the move is maybe 85% complete.

Maybe the sun will come out tomorrow. It is supposed too......

Thoughtful Thursday

This week has been crazy and busy. My parents are moving from the home they have lived in for about 11 years. They had a high-maintenance property - that is - a 1/2 acre lot with 40 oak trees. They just don't need to hassle with the volume of work it takes to keep it looking beautiful.

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday this week, my folks, my uncle, myself and my friend Syndi and her twin sons worked our collective butts and got tons done. Tuesday, I wore shorts all day - I think the temperature was about 83 degrees or something. Not unbearable, but really pretty comfortable.

And then, the cold front came in and the temperature dropped to the upper 30's and low 40's. I am back to wearing sweats with PJ pants underneath, a tee-shirt with a sweatshirt over. And the rain - 3 inches in the figure I have heard mentioned. Wow! It definitely makes moving more challenging.

The freshman baseball team was to have hosted a tournament today thru Saturday - but it has been cancelled. Ryan's soccer team had a game schedule tonight, but it was cancelled too.

Tomorrow I will go back to my parents old house and box the remains that are still there. The fireman movers should be there about 1:00 to get the fridge, washer, dryer, deep freezer, mattresses etc. It has been a week are hard physical labor - but fruitful too. It is nice to purge long forgotten items we kept because they were so important. And there is cause for laughter too, like the 11 year old, never-opened jar of wheat germ found totally forgotten in the back of a very deep cabinet. I mean, really, who would do that on purpose? I just had to laugh.

And then, there is that wardrobe box sitting in the living room. Syndi started it on Tuesday with a stack of Christmas cards. Boy are the folks going to laugh when they start to empty that box . It is filled with unbreakable "stuff" we collected from all over the house. Stuff that didn't have any rhyme or reason. It isn't a collection. At the moment I can't even remember any items except for two smallish bolster pillows I laid on the top layer. It was a nice way to finish the box.

I am rambling and mostly, I am itching to share one more thing. This isn't a criticism of my parents - this is about honoring those who have gone before us. It is about loving those still close to us. It is about acceptance. It is about tolerance.

It may sound weird to some of you - but I found a mason jar in the pantry today as I boxed up the cans of peas, Tarragon vinegar (which I dropped and it spilled everywhere and shattered the bottle), boxes of tapioca, etc. The mason jar - had something clearly not food in it. But, I knew immediately what it was. I was a bit puzzled. Oh, I knew it existed, but it was tucked neatly away in my mind. See, my maternal grandparents died at different times - but both were cremated. Before my Nana died of ovarian cancer - she and Papa had decided to be cremated. My memory is that they asked my mom and my uncle to mix their remains and sprinkle the ashes in the Arizona desert. My mom, wanted to keep the memories of her parents close at hand, and to honor their lives had kept that small mason jar with a bit of her parents. She wants to plant a tree to honor them. And, I think that is special. And the right thing to do.

Still, I was curious to find that unexpected mason jar and the memories it evoked, in the pantry among such common items as peas, corn and tapioca. My grandparents were extraordinary people. So, I asked my Mom about it when she passed through the kitchen.

She simply replied, "Well, Mother liked to cook, and Daddy loved to eat! I couldn't think of a more appropriate place!"

She is right, of course. I think Nana would approve, and Papa was laughing his booming laugh at that precise moment.

American Idol - Results night from Top 13

Tonight there is a twist: A Double Elimination AND a new rule "The Judge's Save" The judges can save any eliminated contestant at any time until we get to the Top 5 - but the SAVE can only be used one time all season. The SAVE decision must be unanimous!

1) Michael Sarver - SAFE
2) Allison Iraheta - SAFE
3) Jasmine Taylor - to the center of the stage
4) Matt Giraud - SAFE
5) Kris Allen - SAFE
6) Megan Corkrey - to the center of the stage

It is revealed that Megan is safe - and Jasmine is eliminated - the judges DO NOT save Jasmine.

7) Scott MacIntyre - SAFE
8) Alexis Grace - SAFE
9) Danny Gokey - SAFE
10) Anoop Desai - to the center of the stage
11) Adam Lamber - SAFE
12) Jorge Nunez - to the center of the stage
13) Lil Rounds - SAFE

It is revealed that Anoop is safe - and Jorge is eliminated - the judges DO NOT save Jorge.

I can't wait until next week!

AMerican Idol - Top 13 Perform

Tonight, the Top 13 will be performing Michael Jackson's music. This should be interesting since usually contestants who sing MJ get pummeled by the judges. NOTE: 2 contestants will go home from tomorrow's results show.

Lil Rounds "The Way you Make Me Feel" comments: Mike (M) Alright; Jamie (J) good vocals and works the stage; Randy (R) this is the way to kick off Season 8 - you made the song new again; Kara (K) perfect! Wow! I hope we get to hear you on the radio!; Paula (P) dressed well, force to be reckoned with; Simon (S) good, disappointed - thought it was a lazy choice. Hates outfit.

Scott MacIntyre "Keep the Faith" comments: (M) didn't like song, but okay; (J) boring song; (R) like song - performance good - very safe; (K) Did you learn that song on piano this week? yes Nice and hopeful message - not dynamic; (P) magical with piano - lovely performance; (S) Hated song - no one knows it. I like you - just not the song.

Danny Gokey "PYT" comments: (M) best of the night so far!; (J) really good; (R) I loved it all, passionate; (K) You have joy when you step on stage; (P) I think you are on way to the finals; (S) vocals brilliant! White guy with soul, dancing was hideous!

Michael Sarver "You're Not Alone" comments: (M) alright; (J) okay; (R) one of the best; (K) You really can sing, can hit notes, great job; (P) likeable regular guy, good song choice. (S) not the best singer, you made up for it with passions and heart. Gave it 110%.

Jasmine Murray "I'll Be There" comments: (M) the sound guy needs to get the tinny sound off her microphone, did well; (J) very nice; (R) pretty good! Mixed Mariah Carey's version with MJ's; (K) surprised me! 1/2 key down might have been more comfortable to sing; (P) tremendous composure & poise, a few flat notes; (S) good attempt, nice control at end, lighten up a little bit.

Kris Allen "Remember the Time" comments: (M) worst so far easily; (J) forgettable, nothing special; (r) love the guitar, very well job done (randy's words) (K) all the girls love you! happy to see him with his guitar, couple of pitchy places; (P) didn't understnad Paula's comments here; (s) interesting - song didn't suit guitar, vocals okay.

Allison Iraheta "Give In To Me" comments: (M) alright; (J) unique voice, I love it, really good; (R) you can sing! you are one to watch; (K) keep being the rocker girl! Great job!; (P) mind boggling. You are a rock star. Keep it up! (S) good performance! very good.

Anoop Desai "Beat It" comments: (M) Not good! (J) not my favorite at all; (R) wrong song choice, it didn't work; (K) felt disconnected; (P) wrong song choice, sounds like Karoake; (S) horrible, no agression, karaoke, looked stupid, bad impersonation and Simon regrets making Anoop the 13th selection in the Top 13.

Jorge Nunez "Never Can Say Goodbye" comments: (M) lucky for Jorge that Anoop and Kris were so bad!; (J) still don't like him; (R) not right song choice, pitchy; (K) idn't feel his emotion; (P) why did you pick this song?; (S) corny, out of depth, bad arrangement.

Megan Joy Corkrey "Rockin' Robin" comments: (M) too low key, wrong song, like a teacher trying to compell kindergardeners to sing; (J) okay, disappointed in the song; (R) not good song choice; (K) you put your signature on stuff, next show your range and falsetto; (P) quirky & unique tone, loved her; (S) we like you, what a stupid song choice, dancing was ridiculous.

Adam Lambert "Black and White" comments: (M) Adam sounds like Axel Rose; (J) perfect song choice!; (R) you could make a record now!; (P) whole package, wow! comfortable and seasoned - you know who you are; (S) totally different league that the others, people will be talking about you.

Matt Giraud "Human Nature" comments: (M) quit!! painful; (J) boring; (R) good performance - like Justin Timberlake; (K) good guy; (P) talented, sexy, authentic; (S) difficult to follow Adam, but good meat & potatos act.

Alexis Grace "Dirty Diana" comments: (M) pretty good; (J) great voice & performance, looks like a star; (R) good but not great, liked her attitude; (K) Your are back! Naughty girl. I liked it; (P) watch over singing; (S) very over-the-top.

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Who do I think SHOULD go home: Jorge Nunez

Who do I think WILL go home: Anoop Desai

My favorite of the night: Adam Lambert!

Out of Time....

....to write a proper post!

Super busy this week. My parents are moving and I have been helping to pack and ferry stuff a couple of miles to the west. My Uncle came in from California to lend a hand as well. This, in addition to Open House from 6-7 tonight, soccer practice at 6:30 and Gymnastics at 7:00. Add that to trying to eat some dinner and an unexpected/unplanned tip to the grocery store at 9:00.

By 9:45 Mike and I sat down to hurriedly watch the 2-hour season premier of Dancing With The Stars. Thank goodness for DVR's. I think I dozed through a couple of dances - but overall it looks like a nice group with plenty of talent. It is really too early for predictions of a winner - but I would say that the guy from Apple Computers Steve W. was my LEAST favorite and can go home.

Anyway - more moving tomorrow with the folks. My friend Syndi and her boys are coming in to lend three pairs of helping hands. THANK YOU and BLESS YOU!

Goodnight!

Jason playing baseball

A Typical Busy Saturday with Three Kids

Today, I got up at 6:45 a.m. and immediately showered. By 7:05 a..m. I was dressed and putting on my make-up with my hair in a towel. At 7:30 we were expecting an HVAC guy to replace the rusted out coils on the upstairs A/C unit.

At about 7:06 a.m. we realized that Brett was here. Mike had just stepped out of bed. I was forced to answer the door with bare feet, no make-up and my hair wrapped in a towel.

7:45 Ready for the day, I began to assemble ingredients to cook Jason an omelette in the new Easy Omelette pan I got at Bed, Bath and Beyond. 2 eggs, 3 slices of thin ham lunch meat diced, and a good size pinch of grated cheddar cheese. The pan seemed to leak the butter around the edge which was frustrating. The pan is hinged and once the eggs mixture is in the pan (which I put margarine in the top and bottom sections - you close the lid and lock it. After a few minutes, you turn the pan over and cook a few more minutes. I think it took about 10 minutes total. But, as I said, the butter seemed to ooze from where the pans hinged and made a terrible mess on the smooth top range. The omelette, however, got high praises from Jason along with bacon and toast.

8:15 I made an omelette for myself, and probably by 8:30 had one created for Mike as well.

8:40 I dashed to 7-Eleven for some soft drinks.

9:00 I drove Jason to Sport Clips for a hair cut.

10:25 I drove Jason to the high school to dress-out for his two baseball games he was playing today.

10:35 Filled the van with gas

10:45 Home again to do more laundry with the [finally] fixed washing machine.

11:30 Mike left to go to the baseball games, I continued with laundry.

12:00 Megan came home from her sleepover, and I got her into the shower to get ready to attend a birthday party. Also, we wrapped the gift and did a card.

Between 12:30 and 1:30 I handled a bit more laundry and cat-napped for 30 minutes.

1:30 we head to the skating rink. By 2:05 I was a bit worried that we were at the wrong rink -but I was wrong - we were in the right place. I got Megan laced into some 4-wheel skates [not in-line] and tried to get her acclimated because.....she has never really learned to roller skate!

2:20 I exchange cell numbers with the birthday girl's Mom and head out to Ryan's soccer game.

2:45 I arrive at the soccer game just after half-time. Ryan is playing defender and runs down and SCORES a goal. Yea for Ryan - we are very proud! I wish I had a picture to post here.

3:15 The boys won their game 6-0. I walked back out with another family to their car to get Ryan's sleeping bag and overnight case. They had Ryan over last night for a sleepover.

3:30 I drop Ryan at our house so he can play a few video games while I run back to get Megan.

4:00 I arrive back at the skating rink to find Megan skating! Here is one pictre - forgive me for it being out of focus - but - she was skating! I am so proud of her!

4:45 Megan and I leave the skating rink and head to Sam's club for a few provisions, especially bulk Dixie cups in 3 oz and 5 oz sizes. On the way home, I have lengthy discussion with my Mom about logistics for their move into their new house this week.

5:45 we are home again and waiting on Mike and Jason to get home from baseball. Today, they lost the first game, but won the 2nd game. The coaches bought the boys Subway sandwiches for between the games. Megan heads outside to ride her bike.

6:30 p.m. I am cooking dinner and Mike and Jason arrive home. Also - doing more laundry. My washing machine was inoperable for the biggest part of 2 weeks!

7:10 p.m. we eat dinner

7:40 p.m. chatted with my mother in law Margie, and then a nice long chat with my Dad and Kara.

9:15 I headed to Wal-Mart for more laundry soap.

10:15 home again - check laundry and chase the twins to bed.

11:15 the phone rings. My step-sister Julia called from San Francisco and asked me to go have a drink with her. This confuses me because I am in Texas. A few minutes of questions and answers leaves us both chuckling. I say: Where are you? Julia: Coming down your street! Me: Really? you are in Texas? Anyway - it was fun to have a couple of minutes to catch up with each other!

11:41 Well - I must post this to my blog, or I won't get credit for March 7th. I have a 9th grader who needs to get to bed. Mike is snoozing on the couch.

Don't forget to roll your clocks forward 1 hour for the time change!

Off to switch the laundry. Again. Ciao.

How Smart is Your Right Foot?

I am totally taking the easy way out as it is 11:15 on Friday night. This came to my in-box and I found it to be fun and entertaining and therefore worthy of sharing.

HOW SMART IS YOUR RIGHT FOOT?
This is hysterical. You have to try this. It is absolutely true. I could not believe this!!! It is from an orthopedic surgeon. This will boggle your mind and you will keep you trying over and over again to see if you can outsmart your foot, but, you can't. It's pre-programmed in your brain!

1. Without anyone watching you (they will think you are GOOFY.......) and while sitting at your desk in front of your computer, lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.

2. Now, while doing this, draw the number '6' in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction.

I told you so!!! There is nothing you can do about it! You and I both know how stupid it is, but before the day is done you are going to try it again, if you've not already done so.

American Idol - Wednesday and Thursday

Tuesday night the final group of 12 contestants in the top 36 performed. I was confident in my picks:

Lil Rounds
Ju'not Joyner
Felecia Barton

I thought that there was a very outside chance for Scott MacIntyre.

I was wrong! Neither Ju'not nor Felecia were selected. I am VERY disappointed about these two singers.

So, the American Public voted Lil Rounds, Jorge Nunez and Scott MacIntyre into the 7th, 8th and 9th spots.

Thursday Night Tonight, 8 Wild Card performances and selection.

The wild card selections (many surprising to me) are: Jesse Langseth, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy Corkrey, Von Smith, Jasmine Murray, Ricky Braddy, Tatianna Del Toro (gag me) and Anoop Desai.

After listening to them sing I chose Megan, Jasmine and Ricky. Tatianna made me sick again. She sang, for the 3rd time, "Saving All My Love for You" THE THIRD TIME! To me, that is a cardinal sin on American Idol.


In a surprise ending, the judges selected 4 people to make what is now a Top 13 !!

The remaining spots were awarded to:

Jasmine Murray
Megan Joy Corkrey (Yay Megan!!! I like her)
Matt Giraud

The 4th person put through as the 13th contestant is Anoop Desai. I could care less about him.

One final thought about Tatianna and her drama queen ways. Paula Abdul was sickening in the way that she indulged Tatianna by consoling her and otherwise coddling her. It seems to me that Tatianna is no more crushed by her elimination that the other 23 contestants are. GET OVER YOURSELF TATIANNA!

I feel all better now. LOL.

See you next week, for the first performances by the Top 13 !!!

Wednesday's Walk

Today I was at the orthodontist with Ryan when I decided on my topic for today's Wednesday Walk.

Ryan has not progressed quite as quickly through orthodontics as Megan has. Poor guy has had only six permanent teeth for the last several years. Four on the bottom - two on the top. In spite of all the correction done thus far - there still was simply not enough room for the two teeth on either side of the two front teeth to come down. We actually had his two [baby] eye teeth pulled last summer to help out. Finally, in the last 10 weeks - those two teeth have begun to peep through the gums.

This is where my Wednesday Walk Down Memory Lane comes in. I had a flashback while talking to the orthodontist. So, I told her:

"Really, it shouldn't be such a surprise that Ryan's teeth are so slow to come in! When Megan and Ryan were 6-7 months old we joked that it was funny that Megan had the teeth and Ryan had the hair!"

Megan must have really missed having her own hair because when I nursed the twins simultaneously in the football hold (one baby under each armpit with their heads nearly touching in front of my chest) Megan would always raise her little arm and hand above her head and twirl Ryan's hair!

It is funny how that sweet memory just bubbled up today!

American Idol - Top 36 - Week 3

When I sat down tonight to watch AI via DVR - I thought - as I always do - How will I ever narrow 12 people down to 3. And, as it has happend the last two weeks - it just wasn't that hard. What are these kids thinking?!?

I am not even going to waste my time typing about the performances I considered unworthy. I am cutting to the chase. In no particular order - here are the 3 folks I think will make it through to next week - plus one alternate.

Ju'not Joyner: Sang "Hey There Delilah" but the Plain White T's - I first thought this was too slow - as it sounded slow like a ballad - but in the end - I was liking it alot. The judges all liked it. Mike (my hubby) said it was his favorite of the night.


Felicia Barton: Sang "No One" by Alicia Keyes - I loved Felicia. She LOOKS like a recording artist. The judges thought she is amazing, hot, best look, had attitude and presence, very talented, glad they brought her back to the contest. Simon wasn't as enthusiastic. Mike liked her!

Lil Rounds: Sang "Me Without You" by Mary J Blige - I said she looks great, dressed great, worked the crown and has a GREAT voice. The judges - Randy said "Hands down best of season 8, kept swagger, great vocals, loved it!; Kara called her a powerhouse and can't wait to see her next week; Paula said "First Class!" Simon's mouth was hanging open and he commented "Brilliant!! Favorite performance - once of the best on Season 8"


Jamie's Alternate choice:

Scott MacIntyre
I really was pulling for Scott when I heard him sing. But, in my opinion - the other 3 really performed so much better. I don't think Scott will make it through - even as a wild card.

The other 8 singers - they just were not good. Go home.

An Oldie But A Goodie

It never hurts to tell people that you appreciate them for whatever role they have played or still play in your life.

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty,

to provide you with guidance and support,

To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,

This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die.

Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met,

our desire fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,

because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,

Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson,

Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships

and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,

Whether you are a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Megan & Ryan

Here is a picture my mom took of Ryan and Megan on Saturday. My folks kept the twins Friday and Saturday while Mike and I made a fast trip to Austin for a funeral.