Remember Angie?

Of 20/20 "fame?"

Follow the link for an update and her super-interesting connection to David Cook!

While We're Talking Reality Shows

First, I just have to jump in with the rest of the Christians and say a BIG WHOO HOO for the Shout To The Lord performances! PRAISE HIS NAME!

Second, how about my fave, Jason Castro? LOVE HIM! Yes, he's got a little goof factor to him (when I first saw him on AI I thought he was high!) but there's definitely something I love about him! Isn't he beautiful?



And while we're at it, let's watch this one again:

Cataloging Current Chaos & Contemplations

Alphabetically.

Alabama lawmakers. Ugh. I can think of another "C" word (notice the alliteration of the title?) that could describe a bunch of them. It's definition is "not straight; bent."

Ball season. It is SO upon us. Thank you, God for sending the much-needed rain that has allowed us a slower start than originally scheduled. We'll be ready for a full line-up soon but right now, having each of the 4 kids practicing only once a week instead of twice, has been really nice! Stay tuned for what I hope will be really great ball videos and pictures.

Birthday parties. If I had more time and money I could probably come up with a few incredibly cool ideas but with a tight budget and even tighter calendar, the planning required for the March 27, May 7, May 29, and June 22 events is a little cheated sometimes. Captain's 1st bday party was with very little fanfare, poor fella. I think the other 4 might get mutually themed events...all motivated by a certain mouse we'll be visiting in February 2009. We are now in countdown mode so I think the kids would enjoy some Diz-themed celebrations. But not just a Princess or Mickey thing! No, I'm thinking something specifically related to our favorite things on our previous DW trip. Hmmm...

Blogs. Adding lots to my reader lately. Watch the sidebar because most will probably make it there in the near future.

Houses. I have a folder of online bookmarks for 12 houses. These are the ones we are interested in seriously considering once ours sells. Unfortunately, one of these 12 became a "pending" status this week. I guess that's OK, though because it's a different one that actually has my heart-rate speeding a little when I think about it.

Kids. Mine are awesome and amazing. Sometimes, in between the rebellion and disobedience, the fussing and fighting, the name-calling and hitting, my kids will laugh and play with each other and obey simple commands. Sometimes they will do what they need to do without being told. Sometimes they are fall-out-of-my-chair funny! Sometimes I look at them when they don't know it, and I just stare and smile because I can't believe how gorgeous and wonderful they are.

Living with parents. It's still good but it's still not home.

"Preparing For Adolescence." - This is a class I am teaching to 6th grade girls at the church. It's one of those classes where parents have to sign a permission slip. It's one of those classes where I had to meet with parents before we started. It's one of those classes where students are allowed to write anonymous questions and put them in a box. Yeah.

Reality TV - We're too interested in too many of these silly shows. But they are SO much fun. Project Runway was great and I will miss watching it. The Biggest Loser is new to our schedule this year and was only added because of Bama's Roger Shultz. We are now REALLY loving it and hope Rog goes all the way! It makes me want to exercise, which is a good thing but I often find myself eating uce cream while I watch it! Survivor is still an old standby. We haven't let the kids watch it this year, though. I don't have a favorite yet. American Idol is great, of course. I had high hopes for David Arculetta (sp?) but tonight's bombing worries me. Jason Castro is gorgeous. I don't mean that in a lustful way but in a way that means I truly think he's beautiful. I like looking at him like I like looking at sunsets. The Apprentice is another new one we added to our viewing list. It almost didn't make it because we were unsure we'd like it but it's been very enjoyable. I don't know if we'll watch it when the Celebrity season is over. I don't know if we'd enjoy watching regular people. (as an aside - is anyone watching Breaking Bad?? It's not a reality show but... anyone see it? It's horribly, and I mean HORRIBLY as in a bad-way, fascinating.)

Ron Paul. I am sad he won't be our Prez and will miss his campaign (this girl ROCKS!!!).

Teething. 12 teeth in Captain's little mouth now. T W E L V E ! He's not even 13 months old (will be on the 13th, though! YIKES!) These four molars have been tough but we're nearing the end. Two nights ago was restless. Last night was better but not perfectly sound. Tonight is lots of drool but a happy mood.

TGM - As mentioned in the Birthday Parties entry, we're in the early but serious stages of officially planning our next Family Disney World vacation (with Henry's family.) Even though I stuck my nose in the accomodations-planning portion for a short period of time, I have since given all authority of that responsibility to Pa Trippe. I know he will do a fantastic job in that department and I'd much rather focus on the itinerary portion of the trip. Too soon? NO WAY! Farnsworth and I do a bang-up job of this and with the wisdom of Tour Guide Mike, we are certainly expecting another smooth, relaxed, fully-packed, but well-rested vacation.

I Hope This Lady Really CAN Sing

Otherwise, she really made a stupid decision.

Motivated

Honestly, I was motivated to write this post because of watching American Idol tonight. It was a GREAT show!! I REALLY hope the final two end up being Jordin and the obvious winner, Melinda, but after Phil and Blake's excellent performances tonight, I would hate to see them say goodbye. I really hope it's Chris' week but this is the week that two will go so I think the other will be Phil. He did a really nice job tonight but I believe his song choice was probably a little too foreshadowing. I'm afraid he'll go down in a blaze of glory...

Melinda -- oh my goodness, she's just awesome! She can sing A N Y T H I N G ! I had this laptop in my lap, doing some work, when she started singing and I had to set it aside so I could lean forward on my knees, pat my hands on my thighs, tap my toes and generally do a tired little rock-out. Incredibly enjoyable. She HAS to win this thing. SHe's the only one we're voting for so that we can do our part to prevent one of those tragic, freaky, and wrong dismissals.

And while I'm motivated to talk about reality contests, let me say I'm happy John Ratzenberger had such a good run on Dancing With The Stars. This has been teh first season I've seen where the dancers have been eliminated in a judicious order. If things continue in this manner, Billy Ray will be the next to go (he's been fun to watch, too) and then Ian. The last 3 will be Laila, Apolo, and Joey. I've yet to decide which of the guys I want to end up on top.

Motivated -- that's me! You know what I'm motivated about OTHER than blogging because of the boob tube??? I'm motivated to LOOK GOOD :) OK, to look as good as I can! I just got my first tube (cleanser) of M's preservative-free, Hunza-water skincare line and it is AWWW-some (hear me singing that!) I will be ordering the Serum and Moisturizer at the end of this week and then I will really be getting some good-looking skin on my face. And for a recovering sufferrer of acne for many years, this is uplifting in lots of ways. Even with as much as I've believed in and loved M's nutritional products, I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised at how well the skin stuff works, too!

I'm also motivated to lose weight. Even after just a couple of days of A3, I feel my body trying to kick into its fat-burning mode. My energy is increasing and I feel non-bloaty, for lack of a better term. I'm taking it slow and easy because of breastfeeding but I know I can do this safely and effectively. It's exciting!

Lastly, because of the following adorable pictures, I've been motivated to spend too much time uploading these so that I could share them with you. I hope you like them!


Ain't he darling? 11 weeks old today!


Posing like his Daddy in the middle of his haircut.


Rocky really looks like Henry, doesn't he?

Indie is a NUT! This was taken while we were waiting for Ray's Bible Drill to get started.

And here's Ray during her Bible Drill (The bible verse memory equivelant of a spelling bee.) She did a fantastic job all the way through the District level! We were extremely proud!

I hope you'll leave comments to keep me feeling motivated but I know that the feel-goodness of this week isn't from anything people have been saying TO me but because of what people have been praying FOR me. I've had a couple of specific prayer requests mentioned to a small handful of people this week and I just have to PRAISE GOD for these prayer warriors and for His answers.

11 And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety. 2 Corinthians 1:11

Post-AI Post

Well, I must say that I am pleased with the way Alabama was presented. And I love that the first gal was from Auburn :)

I think those judges had more fun here than anywhere else they've been. Good ol' Southern Hospitality paid off! And I think the "thank you" bit was awesome!

Yes, I know that there were probably more golden tickets given for non-Bama folks than Bama folks but it's cool to know that if any of them actually succeed in this competition that there will always be a connection to our great state.

I REALLY liked the Jack Black Osborne dude by the way. He was great!

Dedicated

I sure felt like a Mom dedicated to her unborn child today while I was out hoofing it around the block in way-too-cold weather. I'm such a whimp in these freezing temps! My ears were killing me and my lips were numbed to a point of not speaking clearly. But since walking is SO important for optimal fetal positioning, I toughed it out. (But not without complaining a little!)

My out-of-the-womb children didn't seem to mind it at all, though. They stayed outside on the trampoline, even if only for a short while, after our walk. Crazy youth! The dog was no dummy, however. She followed at my heels, all the way into the coziness of the house.

********

Speaking of "dedicated," I know many of y'all out there are just as into American Idol as we are. I haven't said anything about it here yet but with them airing the Birmingham version tonight, I thought I should give at least a little shout-out about it. I'm very confused, though...all ads for tonight's episode lead us to believe that Birmingham was an audition stop just like all others around the U.S. whereas I was lead to believe by local media that B'ham was a last-minute add-on stop and that Ryan Seacrest was the only one of the celebrities in attendance the day of the auditions. But commercials certainly imply that Randy, Paula, and Simon are watching auditions in Idolville, AL. I'm wondering if maybe the BIG auditions (where footage is shot on the massive crowds outside the civic center) are used to whittle down the contestants to only those that are worthy of airing. Maybe the Big 3 Judges are then called in later?? Or maybe they were here in Bama all along and our local media coverage goofed or was lied to?

Anyone understand the process?? JD, do you know more about how this works? I'd really like to know from someone because I'm confused.

Here's to hoping that Alabama isn't too embarrassed after tonight's episode.

(Wondering, too if I'll see anyone I know...)