American Idol - Live Week 6

My 5th Judge Opinion. 

Theme:

Motown

#1 - Matt Giraud

Yeah, Baby!! Let's get IT on!! Started on the piano, moved to the stage. Very comfortable in his skin - Justin Timberlake-ish. Nice vocals. Song showcased his voice.

#2 - Kris Allen

Have I told you this guy just bugs me. He always seems so karaoke/high school musical/cruise ship. Jim Carrey's younger brother.

#3 - Scott MacIntyre

Oh dear lord. I want someone to come take him home. Cheeeeeesy!! All he needed was to pull out a tambourine. How much more can I take till I puke.

#4 - Megan Joy

Train wreck. She made 'For once in my life' sound like the theme from Love Boat. Yikes, girl! MOTOWN week and you pick THAT song with a JAZZY voice? This could get you going home, my friend - and I have even more mad love for you than Randy!

#5 - Anoop Desai

It's time Anoop purchased a pair of $200 jeans. Those $50 GAP jeans aren't doing anything for me. Voice was sweeeeeeeeeet though. 

#6 - Michael Sarver

It was a white boy singing a black boy song. But I enjoyed it. Maybe I'm a Las Vegas loungey kinda girl. 

#7 - Lil Rounds

It wasn't a heat wave for me. It was a madness wave. Lil developed some sort of manic lisp for this rendition. I can't keep from wanting the song to be over. And that flapper outfit? With a 60's song? Really? No.

#8 - Adam Lambert

Wow. Oh. My. Freaking. God. Standing ovation from Smokey Robinson. End the competition now. Give the man the title. He is ah-mazing! That last part. WOW!! He sang that entire song in falsetto. And he is beautiful. I love me some Adam.

#9 - Danny Gokey

I wasn't ready for this. Whew. This song did nothing to showcase Danny's voice. You can't pick fun songs if they don't showcase your vocal abilities. I'm with Simon - clumsy and amateurish. Never go on after a better singer...But I do love you Danny.

#10 - Allison Iraheta

She did a great job. There were some mumbly parts, but she did a great job at making a man's song her own. Allison is another one who bugs me. But I will admit this girl can SANG. 

There ya have it!

The view from my couch.

And then there were 9....

Michael Sarver went home

Ahahahaha!

I actually did it. I bought a Snuggie!

I called the toll-free number but it was going to be $17.99 +$7.95 s&h + an extra $7.95 s&h for a 2nd Snuggie. Nope. No thanks.

Then, I was walking through Staples and saw 2 boxes left. They were $14.95 each. I purchased 1 because I wasn't sure we would like it and the other box had been opened and I didn't want OPF (other people's funk) on my Snuggie.

Verdict:

It's okay. It does keep you warm, but the collar falls down. If you are sitting on the couch, it works great. But when I sit at the table to homeschool, my back gets cold. I would not pay more than I did for it. Who knows, if I get into sewing this summer, I just might make a modified version for everyone in the family for Christmas. 

Ahahahaha!

Burn Baby, Burn!!

This morning, the last of our house guests left. We've had house guests for the last 2 1/2 weeks straight. In fact, on Friday and Saturday, we had 8 people in our humble 3-bedroom loft. We never had that many guests when we owned a house!

I've enjoyed my niece being here. It was like having a little sister around. We always enjoy having J's parents here. This time, they surprised Motor Mouth and Mini Me, by bringing J's niece for the birthday weekend.

As much as I have enjoyed having family here, I am ready to burn my bras. I have had to wear a bra all day, every day for 2 1/2 weeks. 

Where is my lighter?

Happy Birthday Motor Mouth!

Today is Motor Mouth's birthday.

He turns 6 today.

I have so many memories of the day my first born came into this world. The first glimpse, other than an ultrasound, was when I saw his head crowning. Soon, there was this tiny creature and I was cutting the umbilical cord. I remember him laying in the bassinet after having been cleaned and weighed. He was perfect. I didn't know what to do, so I counted his fingers and toes. He was so beautiful. 

Today, 6 years later, I look at my son. He is still beautiful. Motor Mouth is one of the best things that ever happened to me. I love him so much.

Happy Birthday Mini Me

Today is Mini Me's 3rd birthday.

It was a Monday evening at 5:10 pm when I received a phone call from the adoption agency director telling me there was a baby at the hospital and did we want her? We did. But we had to wait until the next morning to meet our baby. 

Mini Me was the most beautiful baby girl I had ever seen. She was born via c-section, so her head and face were perfect. When TT, her birth mom asked if I liked Mini Me, I told her I loved her. And I meant it. Our family was complete. All was well with our world.

I was so excited to have a baby girl, I bought pink everything I could find. We weren't going to redecorate the nursery. But J couldn't resist. We had a girl!!

Today, Mini Me is a quirky, fun little girl with the most amazing laugh. Two nights ago, I sat and observed Mini Me as she belly laughed at a movie. It was such a beautiful sound. I can hardly wait until she wakes up and I can hear that laugh again!!

Happy Birthday, Mini Me

Today you turn 3!

Thankful Thursday - Obvious Choice

For Thankful Thursday this week, I'm going with the obvious choice: my husband, J.

Have you heard the saying, "I kissed a lot of toads before I found my prince"? I haven't kissed that many, but enough to know the supreme value of my husband.

J is creative. He has creativity pouring out of every fiber of his being. He is the essence of creativity. As such, I benefit because the stuff he comes up with is like no one I know. Things he does around the house, things he does for parties and family times. J's gifts and talents enhance our lives.

Like the time he made this elaborate fabric draping for over our bed. He built in 2 pin lights (1 for each of us) on separate dimmer switches. This was so I could read in bed at night. Who does that?

There are so many sweet, thoughtful things J does. Things you wouldn't think of. Like last summer when I got really sick and was tossing my cookies every hour. He put a blanket wrapped in thick towels on the floor around the commode for me to be comfortable. Who does that??

On the mornings I don't manage to get out of bed and shower before the kids wake up, he gets the kids their milk and handles the morning routine so I can have my alone time. He is always thinking of ways to get me time to myself. In Tulsa, J would take the kids to the mall - a place I hate and they love. In Chicago, J can be seen taking the kids to a museum, or for fun on Michigan Ave. My kids love shopping, thanks to their daddy.

J is a good man. The Bible says, "He who finds a good wife has found a good thing..." Well, I have found a good man. I have found a good thing. Now, I just need to treat him like the treasure he is!!

Widney Wednesday - St. Patrick's Day 2009

Greening of the Chicago River!!

Greening of Motor Mouth

Green Mini Me

Green Original Mini Me

Green Eggs

Green Shamrock Pancakes

Green Cupcakes

Shepherd's Pie - Not green but oh so good!

American Idol - Live Week 5

This is where I give my 5th Judge, person @home point-of-view. It's what this real person thinks about the performances each week. 

Songs Theme:

Grand Ol' Opry. Country music. Hmmm...

#1 - Michael Sarver

Michael sang and his voice sounded okay. But I could barely understand the words. Very mumbly. I thought this could get Michael sent home.

#2 -Allison Iraheta

I just don't like her.  The performance was dull. 

#3 - Kris Allen

I thought Kris did a good job on the song. I don't know the song, so I can't speak to the original. But he's not someone that has star power. Kris could leave and no one would remember he was ever on the show. 

#4 - Lil Rounds

Lil did Martina McBride's 'Independence Day'. For someone who doesn't listen to country music, I think she did a good job but he song was too big for her voice in the end.  

#5 - Adam Lambert

Wow!! Talk about taking a song and bringing it into your comfort zone. What a showcase for his voice. Rock star.

#6 - Scott MacIntyre

Boring!! People need to stop voting for this guy. 

#7 - Alexis Grace

Yikes. That was a train wreck.

#8 - Danny Gokey

Awkward!! He brought it home later on. But Danny needs to be careful with his song choice. Yes, you are a Christian. That is great. But if you keep picking Jesus songs, you WILL go home - and not to your Heavenly home. Just off the show, dude.

#9 - Anoop Desai

Oh my! Anoop will be always on my mind after that song. Excellent song choice to showcase his vocals. 

#10 - Megan Joy (Formerly, Megan Corkery)

That girl can sing! She made that song her own. And she looked beautiful!!

#11 - Matt Giraud

Matt brought it home!! He came out looking like a star. I didn't realize he had such a great voice.  At this point, based upon this performance, if we were voting for the top 3, Matt would be up there.

Check back tomorrow to see which 2 went home!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

HAPPY  ST. PATRICK'S DAY!!

Mini Me School Update!!!

I applied to 11 preschools for Mini Me.  Everyone I know of received their kids' school acceptance letters almost 2 weeks ago. My kids? Nada. It's a random lottery so I've been trying to convince myself it is not personal. 

Homeschooling has not been going well. It's my fault. In fact, my pupil said, "You're not my teacher anymore. You're FIRED!"

By the end of last week, all I wanted to do was go into a corner and cry. However, I have been far too busy to take that much time to indulge my PMS. 

On Saturday, I made my daily trek to the mailbox. I saw a letter from a school and knew they had started sending the decline letters. Good thing I read it, because Mini Me got accepted at a Montessori preschool that, statistically, is harder to get into than Harvard!!!  

Mini Me is going to sch-ooooool!!! 

Mini Me is go-ing t-o-o-o schooo-oooool. 

Yippee, yippee, yippeee, yippee, yippee. 

Yippeeeee-kai-yea!!! 

Whoooooo-hoooooooo!!!!! 

Yeeeeeeee----hhhaaaaaaaaaaa!

Yessssssss!

I'm a little excited. 

And she will wear a little uniform!! 

My baby girl is growing up!

What Do You Want for your Birthday?

So, my kids came up with an idea at Christmas that I thought I would share with you all. I go with them to the store, and take pictures of what they want. I then sent the pictures to their grandmother. Two sets of grandparents sent money, so I took that and my photos and got them exactly what they wanted. It worked out great.

The kids' birthdays are coming up in 1 week!

When we were at Target, they asked me to 

take pictures of what they wanted.

I haven't told anyone what they want 

I'm debating on this stuff vs. bikes 

vs. gift cards from GAP or Old Navy.

To be honest, Mini Me would like an assault rifle to shoot all the pigeons Motor Mouth likes. But I've convinced her that maybe she wants to work on completing her wooden food and kitchen set with the baking, breakfast and veggies.

Motor Mouth is all about dinosaurs, 

whales, and sharks right now.

If you have grandparents who live far away, 

this idea might work for you, too!

The Original Mini Me

My Niece

The Original Mini Me

In town, visiting

At big, glass, 2-storey McDonald's

Sitting near gelato bar

Downtown Chicago

Apple Store

Standing on glass staircase

Ghiradelli Store

Ice cream break!

Outside Harpo Studios

After attending taping of show

With Reggie, Oprah's make-up artist

The Original Mini Me is here for 2 weeks.

Pray for J. He has 3 of us to contend with!

Wordless Wednesday - Shopping with Mini Me

American Idol - Live Week 4

This is where I give my 5th Judge, person @home point-of-view. It's what this real person thinks about the performances each week. 

Songs Theme:

Music from Michael Jackson. Good luck. Michael is not an easy song choice.

#1 - Lil Rounds

Lil sang 'The Way You Make Me Feel. It was a good performance. I don't think it was a memorable performance. Nothing wrong with it. Just not amazing. I don't like the outfit. Little too much junk showing in that trunk.

#2 - Scott MacIntyre

I didn't recognize the song as a Michael Jackson song. Scott's performance seemed very Elton John-ish. 

#3 - Danny Gokey

Danny sang PYT. You would not recognize the song as having been Michael Jackson's. It was soulish and rock hard. Loved it!! Simon said the vocals were brilliant but the dancing was hideous.  I agree. Paula needs to meet with Danny on his choreography next week. 

#4 - Michael Sarver

Michael sang You Are Not Alone. The beginning of the song and the middle were great. The ending was pitchy, pitchy, pitchy. It seemed a little sweet and churchy. 

#5 - Jasmine Murray

Jasmine sang I'll Be There. I hate it when people sing songs about being there the next day. I don't think she brought it. It was flat and pitchy. I really like Jasmine. I want her to come back. Jasmine could be a Miss America. She has such poise.

#6 - Chris Allen

Chris chose to sing Remember The Time. He should not have brought out his guitar. It was like a karaoke where you could bring your instrument. He was moving around so much for a song that does not lend itself to it. I think this song highlighted how average Chris' voice is.

#7 - Allison Iraheta

Unfortunately, our DVR messed up so I could barely hear the song. What I did hear, sounded strong. 

#8 - Jorge Nunez

Again with the DVR. What I did hear was a vocal showcase. However, according to Simon, Jorge picked the wrong song and it was out of his depth. I'm just going to go with Simon as I usually agree with him.

#9 - Megan Corkrey

Megan picked Rocking Robin by Jackson 5. Perfect song choice. Fun! It was very Megan. It almost seemed like watching Amy Winehouse pre 24/7 drug use. The judges were harsh on her. I thought it was great.

#10 - Alan Lambert

Alan chose Black & White. It was KISS meets MJ. I wasn't so sure about the song at first. But I think he put his own spin on it. I don't think it was the very best vocal, but there were some real highlights.

#11 - Matt Giraud

I did not hear ANY of Matt's performance. Feedback from judges seemed positive 

#12 - Alexis Grace

Thanks, Comcast. I got nothing.

#13 - Anoop Desai

How frustrating. Don't ever get Comcast cable if you can at all avoid it.

Check back tomorrow to see which 2 went home!!

Maybe by then, Comcast will be working...

Alright. So Comcast still has some issues. 

However, I can report Jasmine Murray and Jorge Nunez 

were sent home.

I Shouldn't Have Quit

I was at my husband's office last week. I walked by the stage and saw this serene, beautiful scene with a grand piano, just begging to be played. However, I quit piano lessons after my grandfather died. I was mad at having to take lessons because they had kept me away from spending precious time with my favorite person in the world. In hindsight, I see the error of my ways, but I was 11 at the time. 

I wish I could run my fingers all over those keys 

and make beautiful music. 

Be Anxious for Nothing

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

⁶Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

I keep repeating this scripture over and over and over. It needs to really sink in. Right now, I am anxious to learn if my kids were accepted at any of the schools I applied to for them. For MotorMouth, I applied to over 25 schools. For Mini Me, I applied to about 13 preschools. 

The acceptance letters were to go out, to hit homes late last week, early this week. The decline letters go out the following week, is my understanding. So far, I have not received even 1 piece of mail from the schools for either child.  

38 schools. Have they all rejected my kids? Sight unseen? Surely not. 

I just keep telling myself I am being anxious for nothing and I need to chill out!! 

My Uncle Died

Last week, my mom's oldest brother died. I'm going to call him Math Man because he was a brilliant mathematician who felt called to teach high school math. He wrote a math textbook or two in his day. Math Man was a successful business man in his spare time. 

The dreaded cancer got him. He was almost 80. But still, he seemed to have a lot more life left in him. It's funny, the older my aunts and uncles got, the younger I realized they really were. Suddenly, 70 seemed so young when these vibrant, healthy loved ones hit that mark. When my grandmother turned 90, I realized how much living there was still to be had. 

The thing that struck me the most about Math Man, was his extreme sense of responsibility. He was the oldest of 7 kids. Oldest boy. First to move to Canada. First to go to university. First to get married. First to have a child.  If it wasn't for some of his choices, my parents would not have made some of their choices. To move to Canada. To move to the city we grew up in. I'm grateful to Math Man for some of the choices he made, because in doing so, he made my life better.

Math Man was a great son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He took his roles seriously. He always made sure to visit his parents. That sounds simple, but not many grown sons with families of their own do that.

As a husband and father, he truly was the head of his household. It wasn't that he ruled, as much as he was the patriarch. He was a man. A man who always strived to do what was best for his family. I think there are things in life he might have missed out on because of that. But I don't think he felt that way. He did what he believed was right.

I hope you pick up how much I respected my uncle. Because we had an adversarial relationship for over 30 years. He used to come over every Monday to visit my grandparents, who lived with us. He would tease me in a way I didn't care for. I remember being 10 and him telling me I was fat. Calling me fatty. I wasn't fat. I was normal weight. I told my mom I didn't like him calling me fat. She said I should talk to him about it. I did. 

I remember the conversation like it was yesterday. He was surprised I would stand up for myself like that. But he apologized and he never called me that again.  When I needed tutoring in math in high school, Math Man was there for me. When I turned 18 and only wanted my mom's 4 brothers to attend my birthday party, he came. He said I marched to the beat of a different drummer. Maybe it's because I have no rhythm. 

Through the years, Math Man made numerous comments about me not being someone to mess with. Yeah, well, he shoulda known not to mess with me when my grandmother died. But he did. And it turned out not so pretty. I never spoke to him again after that. She died at the end of 2000. I think it's better this way. Next time we see each other, all will be forgotten and we'll run and give each other big hugs. Of course, I might have to go find him on the Pearly Gate Golf Course...

My mom is still trying to wrap her mind around her big brother not being here. She has the comfort of knowing he is in Heaven with their brother who passed away almost 4 years ago, and their parents. If I put myself in my mom's shoes and imagine how I would be if it were my big brother, I know I would not be able to function as well as she is. 

Out of all of this, my siblings and I have had dialog with our parents on the how's and why's of their funeral planning. We hope it will be at least 20 years from now. But we have it documented so all we have to do is look at what we wrote and agreed upon.

If you made it all the way down to here, thanks for listening.

American Idol - Live Week 3

This is my 5th Judge, non-industry, @home, real person point-of-view of this week's America Idol performances. Call me, Simon Fuller, I'm available for next season...

Songs Theme:

Billboard Hot 100, since it began

This is a dream song range for the contestants because they can choose songs they love, know, and are suited to their voices. These should be the songs they've been singing for years. Let's see who screws up the easiest range of song choice.

#1 - Von Smith

You're All I Need to Get By, a Marvin Gaye song. During Hollywood Week, Von was told he was shouting. He picked a whispery type of song. It was slow at the start of the song. He tried to bring it back around but it was just odd to me. I disagreed with the judges. 

#2 - Taylor Vaifuna

Taylor sang and Alicia Keys song and did it justice. I thought she brought it. Her voice was great and solid. Her performance was a bit cold. Again, I disagreed with the harsh criticism from the judges. I thought the high praise for Von should have gone to Taylor. She gave a better performance. 

#3 Alex Wagner-Trugman

If Prince William and Wayne Gretzky had a baby together, it would look like Alex. This boy need not dance. The singing was good until he did this thing that sounded like he was clearing his throat. I'm sorry Alex, you seem like a sweet guy but, oh dear lord. That was a tragic performance. Simon said he was a hamster trying to be a tiger.

#4 - Arianna Afsar

Arianna chose the Winner Takes it All by Abba. I think the nerves got to Arianna. She started good, but then I don't know what happened. It just didn't work out.  The judges said it was a bad song choice. Paula is right, there were some bright moments in the song. But sadly, I don't think Arianna is going on tomorrow.

#5 - Ju'Not Joyner

Ju'Not sang Hey There Delilah. Ju'Not's arrangement slowed the song down and he did a soulful rendition. But it just made me want to sleep. Ju'Not has a nice voice, which he showcased at the end of the song.

#6 - Kristen McNamara

Kristin proved why she is on this show. Her voice was soulful, sultry, solid. Her performance was da bomb, thus far.

#7 - Nathaniel Marshall

Nathaniel chose a Meatloaf song. It felt like I was watching a high school musical performance on a cruise ship. The vocals were just there for me. I'm with Simon - it was verging on excruciating. Nathaniel and his mom would dance around the house singing the song he chose. And that is where the song should have stayed - at home, with mom.

#8 - Felicia Barton

Felicia chose No One by Alicia Keys. She can do this song. Her voice was so strong. There was a rough note or two.  Felicia put her own little twist to the song, yet keeping it close to the original. Felicia was actually sent home and called back when another contestant dropped out.

#9 - Scott MacIntyre

Scott is legally blind. In Hollywood Week, Scott sang a Daughtry song. He sang a Bruce Hornsby song. Nice. Very nice. I enjoyed this. Scott could be a contender.

#10 - Kendall Beard

Kendall chose This One's For the Girls by Martina McBride.  She's amazing. Great song choice. Current song, lively, suited to her voice and showcased some of her range and vocal ability. Kendall came out and knocked it out like it was what she does everyday. It felt like I was at a concert.

#11 - Jorge Nunez

Jorge chose to sing Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me by Elton John. I was not sure when I heard the song choice. Jorge has a thick Spanish accent. Jorge brought it. He was really good. He worked with a dialect coach because of recommendations from the judges at the tryouts. Jorge has a great voice.

#12 - Lil Rounds

Lil sang a Mary J. Blige song. The term, saving the best for last would describe this performance. And it was a performance. I agree with Simon. Brilliant!  She has the whole package and the name to take her to stardom. 

Well, there you have it, from Judge #5.

The 3 who made it through are:

Lil Rounds

Jorge Nunez

Scott MacIntyre

Knowing Me, Knowing You - Mar '09

The Fairy Blogmother has a monthly edition 

of 'Knowing Me, Knowing You'. 

I'm playing along...

#1 What is your dream life?

Living in downtown Chicago is a dream come true for us. However, if we won the lottery, I have lots I could come up with, depending upon how much the pot was. Let me just say, I could have done a whole lot more with the jackpot when we lived in Tulsa, with it's low cost of living. High on the priority list would be buying a fabulous condo. Ideally, we would like to live in Trump Tower. We have the unit floor plan picked out. Failing that, there is a brand new condo, walking distance to J's work, that has a great view and great floor plan. I'm a big fan of real estate, so I would want to put a chunk of change into several investment properties.

#2 Do you play games online?

Nope. Never have been one for video games, either. I do like Solitaire in spurts.

#3 Seen anything good lately?

I just saw Gran Torino which was amazing! Clint Eastwood is really incredible in this. He kinda reminded me of J's grandfather but without God in his life.

#4 What is your favourite pizza combination?

J used to order this pizza he made up, from Mazzio's. Olive oil base, chicken, fresh mushrooms, cheese, onions, and a couple other things. It was AMAZING!!!

#5 How are you with houseplants?

I remember sitting in my Toronto apartment, hearing the leaves drop. My mom took that plant when I moved, and it flourished, growing to the ceiling and living at least another 10 years. I'm working on some paper whites (thanks MAM!) and looking into an herb garden for the spring, possibly.

Head on over to The Fairy Blogmother 

to link up and play along. 

My First Time!

I went out with a couple of ladies this week. On the way home, one of the ladies needed a taxi. I flagged down the taxi for her. Me. 

It was my very first time!!

American Idol - Live Week 2

I watch American Idol, and think they should have a 5th judge. A non-industry, @home, real person point-of-view. Mine. Until Simon Fuller, American Idol producer, starts taking my calls, here is my weekly rundown of the contestants.

Songs Theme:

Billboard Hot 100, since it began

This is a dream song range for the contestants because they can choose songs they love, know, and are suited to their voices. These should be the songs they've been singing for years. Let's see who screws up the easiest range of song choice.

Contestants

#1 - Jasmine Murray

Cute high school student. She sang Love Song. Pitchy. Pitchy. Pitchy. I'm disappointed she didn't shine because she has a great voice and is a complete package. Jasmine just couldn't pull it together on this song. She is only 17, so she should come back in 2 or 3 years.

#2 - Matt Giraud

Matt sang a Coldplay song. I thought I knew the song, but I think Matt butchered it to the point of no recognition. I was looking for the amazing-voiced Hollywood week guy but he was not there. This was not enough to put him through...Unless all the other buys bomb.

#3 - Jeanine Vailes

Jeanine picked a Maroon 5 song. Wrong song choice. Pitchy. I suspect her voice is so much better than this song. She should have done a Christina Aguilera song where she could have shined. It was a train wreck. She does have great legs. I think if the Pussy Cat dolls need another singer, she would fit in.

#4 - Norman Gentle / Nick Mitchell  

Norman Gentle performed. He was certainly entertaining. I LOVE Norman Gentle. I was disappointed he didn't showcase is voice as much as he has in the past, because he really CAN sing. Very well. 

#5 - Allison Iraheta 

The 16-yr old picked a Heart song that is suited to her voice. She knows how to work a mic, that is for sure. Allison's singing was pitchy, especially at the beginning. But I think she brought it after the bridge. I don't think she was as good as the judges made her out to be. She was the best SO FAR.

#6 - Kris Allen 

Kris sang Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson. I'm always worried when people pick a Michael song. Michael Jackson, for all his faults, is an amazing singer. There is a reason people in the industry still respect the man. Kris Allen sounded like mediocre karaoke and looked so awkward. Bad song choice. I totally disagree with Simon and Paula.

#7 - Megan Corkrey 

Megan sang Put Your Records On. I thought it was a cute performance. She picked a song perfect for her voice. Which, her voice has a distinct sound. She has a unique voice. I think Megan should go through. 

#8 - Matt Brietzke

Matt is a welder, who sang Tonic because it encapsulates love. Very low key performance, even when they kicked in with the electric guitar. I had to close my eyes to listen to the song because his hand motions were distracting. I think his voice sounded nice but it was boring, though. Listening to Matt's comments after getting negative feedback on the song choice from ALL 4 judges, makes me I think Matt deserves to go home. He is an idiot. All the judges said bad song choice but he would have done it anyway. 

#9 - Jesse Langseth

Jesse sang Bette Davis Eyes. Bad song choice. I think this was a much larger song than her voice is capable of. She sounded shrill. Her clothing was atrocious. Those jeans with that shirt was horrible. At this stage of the game, the contestants need to showcase their voice and their vocal range. Jesse picked the wrong song.

#10 - Kai Kalama

I didn't expect such a safe, cheesy song performance out of Kai. His voice sounded nice. It wasn't the breakout performance people need to bring at this stage of the competition. 

#11 - Mishavonna Henson

Mishavona sang Drops of Jupiter. Solid voice. Solid performance.

#12 - Adam Lambert 

Adam sang Satisfaction. He brang it. He performed. The song was lively. Adam managed to showcase his voice beautifully. Wow. I loved it!! Great look. 

So there you have it, from Idol Judge #5

American Idol, Season 8

The 3 who made it through...

Allison Iraheta

Kris Allen

Adam Lambert

Thankful Thursday - MIL

I KNOW. It's only Wednesday. 

Well, I got my American Idol days messed up. I thought the first night of shows was last night. It's tonight. So I'm switching my entries around. 

Over at The Mommy Project, she says you can be 25% happier if you are thankful. I'm very thankful because I have the BEST mother-in-law. Some people hate their MIL's, so I know how blessed and fortunate I am to have this incredible woman in my life. 

1. We are friends.

My MIL and I became friends when J and I were best friends. Our friendship continued long distance. In fact, she manipulated the situation for J and I to reunite. Okay, manipulate is a strong word, but it's fun thinking about how her eyebrow just raised when she read that word. Hahaha.

2. Make everyday special

DonnaMomma taught me to use the expensive dishes everyday, on the people I love. She gave all 3 of us girls Henn Workshop dishes. We knew it was awesome, but none of us really realized how amazing this gift was until we had to start replacing pieces her sons (son-in-law) broke. I am VERY thankful for our dish set.

3. Live in your whole home

DonnaMomma's living room and dining room are just that - for living and dining. I grew up not allowed to go into our formal living and dining rooms, except when company came over. Her house is ginormous, so she could easily set these rooms aside. But every room in her house is used for living and life.

4. Great mom

My MIL raised a great son and a wonderful husband. For this, I am VERY thankful. She instilled some amazing values in him and fostered his talents. My husband and his mom have such a good relationship, which makes my life that much more wonderful.

5. Great grandmother

I am so thankful for all the times my MIL cared for our son and daughter. At the time, when our son would spend the weekend over there, I knew we were really, really lucky. These days, we are very fortunate they travel to visit us as often as they do.

Come on. You had to know I was going to use this picture of her. It's such a stark contrast to who she is. Sort of. Her husband traveled a lot for work, which meant she had to do some man things around the house. If the horses got out, she was the one in the rain, fixing a fence. When a snake came close to the house, near her daughter, she got a shovel and killed it. So while my MIL really IS a little, sweet, gentle woman, there is a strength within her. And that is what this photo represents to me.

What are you thankful for?

Need a Job?

Look at who is hiring in these tough economic times

That's right!!

I 'shopped' at Goodwill for the first time, ever. J was getting some lamps for the stage at church. We were waiting in the car when the kids said they had to go potty. On the way back out, the kids stopped in the books section. I purchased about 14 kids books for only $7!! 

Mini Me loves books, but she also loves tearing the pages. I was able to pick up about 7 hardcover, hardpage books for her to 'read' and ruin - and I don't care if she tears them apart. 

Return on Investment

When we moved to Chicago from Tulsa, I knew we would need to get winter clothing. We didn't own a winter hat, scarf, or boots.  We didn't even own a proper winter coat, or gloves - leather does not count. When I say 'we', I mean between the 4 of us.

When we moved to Chicago from Tulsa, I was TOLD the Chicago winters were FREEZING. And UNBEARABLE. And to be sure we purchased WARM WINTER clothing. Okay. I lived in Toronto. I know it can get brisk at times and I remember the Blizzard of '77. 

I set out purchasing warm clothing. Hats, gloves, scarves, boots, coats, snow pants. I even purchased ear muffs for myself. Down became my friend. I reunited with my former friend, Thinsulate. Lots of money was spent. 

Well, the Chicago winter has been MIILD as far as we are concerned. It is almost March and I am pissed! The weather people said this winter has been among the worst in Chicago's history. Yeah, there was that record setting cold snap last month. But if this is the worst of the hellacious Chicago winters people talk about, then they are wimps!! Sissies. 

Do you know how much I spent on warm winter clothing?? Do you know how many stores I went to, in search of the warm stuff? Sigh. 

Well, there is snow on the ground today, for the first time in weeks. The kids are playing in it. I put their old, Tulsa coats on with their warm Chicago snow pants, etc. This snow is bringing me some return on my investment.

I made white chocolate chip cookies and hot chocolate while the kids were outside for over an hour. What a great mommy!!!

Now for the truth...

I somehow managed to burn most of the cookies and I just couldn't bring myself to allow the kids to drink out of my Henn Workshops mugs. It's $18 +shipping to replace ONE mug. I appreciate my mother-in-law more and more each time her son breaks a piece of our full set of 10 dishes.

Finished for Friday - Elephant

 

Finally!!

Mini Me requested a crochet elephant from me way back in December!! She has patiently waited while 4 cousins got amigurumi animals. She has patiently waited while her brother got his requested rocket and her friend had a cat made. Mini Me waited patiently while her uncle and her father got a hat!! 

Getting an elephant pattern was harder than I thought. I searched and searched and searched. Finally, I found a pattern I liked. Then I found out it was a knit pattern. I need crochet. I tried to do the stitch conversions, but they didn't work out for me. I'm new at this, remember. 

So, I made it without a pattern. All on my own. Made it up as I went along. No pattern.

Good things come to those who wait!!

I added the ears I had forgotten!!

And shortened the trunk

Please head over to Lit and Laundry,

home of Finished for Friday

for some incredible ideas.

New Blog Name

I want to come up with a new name for my blog, and need your help. 

Initially, I chose Widney Woman because I was in the midst of getting our house ready for sale.  I didn't have time, energy, or the mental where-with-all to come up with something cute. I always used MonyMommy in the past and thought I should break from that. Not sure why. Just did.

To be honest, I stole Widney Woman from Whittaker Woman. I started reading her blogs and she was so much like me and so I thought, "She'll never know me. I'll just make mine Widney Woman". Well, gosh, never say never. While we have never 'met', Whittaker Woman DOES know me. Her family almost stayed at our place over Thanksgiving. We've talked on the phone once. We know each other's real home addresses - a big deal in the blog world. And, I was her husband, Ragamuffin Soul's, 100th tweet on Twitter (I did put pressure on him via the wife and his stomach to get that honor but I got it!). 

I see all of these cute blog names and I want a cute blog name. So I am soliciting help from you, my blogosphere:  

What should I rename my blog?

American Idol - Live Week 1

I watch American Idol and I think they should have a 5th judge. A non-industry, @home, real person point of view. Mine. Until Simon Fuller, AI producer starts taking my calls, and paying me the big bucks, here is my weekly rundown of the contestants, free of charge.

Songs Theme:

Billboard Hot 100 since it began

This is great because the contestants can choose songs they love, know and are suited to their voices. Let's see who screws up the easiest range of song choice.

Contestants

#1 - Jackie Tohn

Beautiful girl. Photogenic. The running shoes look odd on her skinny legs. The '70's Studio 57 shiny black pants and tube top outfit was bizarre. Her performance looked polished in a heroin addicted way. Jackie is a sweet girl but her voice was just there with her song pick. 

#2 - Ricky Braddy

Nice guy. Likes plaid shirts. His Alicia Keys performance was amazing during Hollywood week. His Leon Russell song choice was nice. I'm sitting here staring at Ricky sing his little heart out and getting drawn into this man's eyes. The scruffy beard is hot. He did transform from Mr. Geek when he was speaking on the couch to a hotty while singing. He's a contender.

#3 - Alexis Grace

Alexis was told to dirty her look up a little bit. She did. She looks great. I didn't think she was strong enough to pull off Aretha vocally. Her performance was good. She owned the song. I want Alexis to stay because I think we will see a lot of great performances out of her.

#4 - Brent Keith

Brent went country. He was believable. Maybe I'm a sucker for a man with deep dimples and skinny legs, but I want this one to stick around. Sadly, I don't think he will. Brent's performance was nice. Safe. Maybe too safe as he didn't show that much range. We'll see if the country fans put their fingers to work.

#5 - Stevie Wright

Nice girl. The song was wrong from the get go. It felt like a high school performance that you grin and bear because your friend's daughter is up there singing her little off-key heart out. Nerves may have gotten the better of this girl. I don't know. I do hope Stevie tries out for Idol next year, or a few years from now when she has more confidence and comes into her own.

#6 - Anoop Desai

Note to contestants: If you are going to sing a song made popular by the opposite sex, change the arrangement. Anoop did himself no favors with this song. I like our South Asian R&B singer.  I'm pulling for AnoopDog, but not sure he did enough to make it to the next round. At the very least, he can show America that not all singing South Asians are freaks like Sanjaya, the Season 6 Idol contestant with the ponytail mohawk!

#7 - Casey Carlson

What the hell was that? She had fun? Really? That was just painful to watch. Even more painful than Stevie Wright. Don't let the microphone hit you on the way to the airport, Casey.

#8 - Michael Sarver

I love Michael. I am pulling for him and have from the moment I learned he was a roughneck who can sing. Y'all didn't know 'roughneck' was actually a job title!! Bad song choice. Bo Bice rocked this song like no one else! Bo did this song better than Gavin DeGraw. I am actually praying Michael sticks around. Maybe it is because I love and appreciate the oil industry for making my life amazing for the last 10 years. Mostly, it is because Michael can SANG!!

#9 - Anne Marie Boskovich

I was really pulling for Anne Marie. When I heard her song choice, I was hoping she would come out and belt Natural Woman out and tear the place down. Nope. Nice dress and body though. Call Hef.

#10 - Steven Fowler

Bad song choice with Michael Jackson's Rock with You. People don't realize how good Michael is until they hear someone else try to sing his songs. I was embarrassed for Steven. Cheesy karaoke version, dude.

#11 - Tatiana Del Toro

Freak!! That's how she came across throughout Hollywood week. But Tatiana proved why she is in this competition. She sang Whitney Houston's Saving All My Love For You. And she did the song some justice. Tatiana was able to show a calm, normal side of herself that just might get her in the Top 12. I think I actually want her there now.

#12 - Danny Gokey

I love Danny Gokey. He is the young guy whose wife died. Danny reminds me of Dr. James R., one of my favorite people in the world. This week, he sang Mariah Carey's Hero. Started rough. Randy called Danny the redeemer of the night. I wouldn't go that far. I think they just like him. I found it a bit mellow. I'm with Simon. It was good. Danny's a good singer. But I'm not buying the hype from Randy and the girls.

So there you have it from Judge #5

American Idol, Season 8

UPDATE:

The 3 who made it through this week are:

#3 - Alexis Grace

#8 - Michael Sarver

#12 - Danny Gokey

No, Tatiana did not make it through. She cried like a baby. But there is still a wildcard round where she could come back...insert Twilight Zone music...

I Shoplifted!!

Yes. It is true. 

I was once a sticky-fingered momma.

Well, the lipstick didn't actually stick 

to my fingers.

See, Mini Me was a baby. I was shopping for groceries and whatever else (apparently lipstick) at Wal-Mart. Mini Me was in a baby carrier, in the shopping cart. I put everything on the conveyer belt and paid for my items. When I got Mini Me out of the basket, I saw the lipstick under her seat. I put the groceries in the cargo area then drove away.

On the way home, I got to thinking about the lipstick. I checked the receipt and sure enough, not on there. I would like to say I immediately turned around and returned to Wal-Mart to pay for the lipstick. But I didn't. I had a new baby, you know. 

A few weeks later, I was back AND remembered about the lipstick. I picked up the same brand and color. When I checked out, I asked the cashier to charge me for the lipstick and to keep it to return to stock. And thus, my life of crime ended.

Have you done anything criminal?

Looky Looky There!!

3 handcuffed guys + 4 cops = bloggable

Do you see the cop on the right, with the leather jacket, black sunglasses and designer jeans? Was this a movie scene? He looks like a rock star!! I didn't think they made cops that hot.

Featured in a Magazine!!

The architecture of our new church building is 

featured in a magazine!! 

Click here to check out the 

picture slide show:

It doesn't show what J does. 

There are pictures of the outside and the mix of textures inside. How cool for our church to be featured!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Happy Valentine's Day!!