Another Season, Another Winner, and Other Random Stuff

I just need to say I'm glad it was David Cook that won, especially after Simon's bashing and "disrespectful" comments toward him. He deserved it, and I think he'll go on to do great things. David A will be just fine...and I actually feel that him NOT winning will be good for him in the long run.

I'm off to the dentist today (oh joy).

Cody only has nine more days of kindergarten left (*sniff*). They sent home information about it yesterday, and every once in a while I hear little hints of songs they are singing. I hope I remember my tissues. I can't believe how fast this year went!

Speaking of growing up and time marching on, we have officially weaned Caden off of his beloved "B" (binkie). We decided this week that it was time, and he's actually done beautifully. It's amazing how much more he's talking now that he doesn't have his "plug." He's a little chatterbox! I know some people really don't approve of pacifiers, but this kid was crazy about his, and I just didn't have the heart (until now) to take it away. It was starting to interfere with his sleep and we needed to remove that issue altogether. Fortunately, he's talking great and talking a TON. Some of my students have commented that his vocabulary grows leaps and bounds by the WEEK.

This weekend I meet up with my friend Kari for a girl's weekend. I can't wait! We have some big plans, one of which includes a trip into Chicago to see "Wicked." Kari is a fellow blogger, and she's also a dear friend from high school. I am greatly looking forward to reconnecting with her!

Hope you all have a great day!

David A or David C?

I really wish that Simon had kept his mouth shut last night.  Let the viewers decide who wins!  I think both guys are incredibly talented (though I find David A to be somewhat predictable, what with his ballads and all), but after last night, I do think that David C was a little "off."  I can't quite put my finger on it, but it almost seemed like he was empty or something.  When I looked at his eyes, they seemed to be missing that spark that I've grown accustomed to seeing.  

I have to say that I really do love David A's voice.  It is so smooth, and he really sounded great last night.  I told Jerry I cannot imagine how immensely nerve-wracking it must be for these contestants to do what they do week in and week out, to maintain their composure when they know millions of people are watching.  It's unreal.  I applaud them both, and they have fantastic things ahead, no matter the outcome.

Leave me your comment with your pick.  (The Yahoo poll shows David C winning at 52% and David A at 48%.  It's gonna be a tight race, either way.)  I want to know who YOU think should win!

This is Going to Be Really Random

Isn't that a catchy title for a post? I'm so creative, I know.

Just so you know, I'm having spacing issues with blogger, so please forgive the big gaps in between my brilliant writing. OH BLOGGER, you do, at times, disappoint.

• Please go visit my sister at her blog to read about her encounter with chipmunks many moons ago. Trust me, you'll never look at one of these ferocious beasts the same again.

• Also, that thing about Tiny Tim a little later in her post? Yeah. Totally true.

• Speaking of my sister, she has a strange affinity for Walgreens. She'd be so proud to know that, in keeping with family tradition, I've been there five times in two days. Cody has a nasty ear infection, and for some reason, it has upset his system so much that it has required us to purchase the following: Claritin, Motrin, Zyrtec, allergy eye drops, Singulair, Sudafed, and Zithromax. Forget saving for college. It's allergy season.

• Apparently we've been having little earthquake aftershocks after "the big one." I still haven't felt the earth move under my feet OR the sky tumblin' down, tumblin' down.

• I made treble clef sugar cookies today, and Lori wanted to see photos. (pausing for applause.)

• Carly, I hated to see you go, girl. But here's the thing. You'll be fine. Jason Castro on the other hand? UGH. Don't get me started. Did you see him yawning backstage waiting for the results? Seriously, Jason. Do you even care that you're in the TOP 5 AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANTS? Go home already.

• Rationing of rice. I don't even know what to say about this. Rice is a HUGE staple in my diet and I serve it often with meals. And I'm not talking about minute rice. I'm talking about the long grain and wild variety. The kind that's probably going to go WAY up in price. What's next?

• My house is clean. It's amazing what happens when I don't have lots of outside responsibilities pressing in on me. I actually cook (decent meals), clean, do laundry, bake, play with my kids, and well...do what I feel I'm supposed to be doing every day! It's a good reminder for the next time when I am tempted to say "yes" to something that should really be a "no."

That's all for now. I'm still making my way around to your blogs trying to catch up. Happy (Random) Friday, everyone!

Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend

When I was a little girl, I started my performing career at a dinner club in Nebraska called Club 89. It's not there anymore, but I have some fond memories of that place.

During last night's Idol, one memory came flooding back in the form of glistening rhinestones.

You see, there was this one microphone that was studded with rhinestones that I used to LOVE using when I'd get up on stage to sing.

I'd almost forgotten about this mic until I was watching Mariah with her faux diamond mic stand and microphone. Along with her faux band and faux vocals.

Anyway. I guess a girl never outgrows the need for a glitter and glam. I just thought they were supposed to outgrow that stuff by the time they reached their adult-hood.

Apparently Mariah never got over it.

And She's Off!

First of all, thanks for your funny comments (keep 'em coming) about my doctor's visit the other day. I really hesitated to post about my experience, but now I'm glad I did. I knew you all could totally relate.

I thought it may interest you to know that I shaved my legs this morning. Can I get an "Amen?"

In other news, I had holy chills up and down my spine last night while America's Top 8 sang "Shout to the Lord." TO OPEN THE SHOW!!!! That was awesome.

Finally, I apologize if I've not left any comments on your blogs lately. I'm busily preparing to attend and lead worship for our church's ladies retreat this weekend. While I am greatly looking forward to it, there's been so much preparation, and I've not had a lot of time to read and comment on your blogs. I'll get caught up soon!

I am looking forward to the weekend away, and I anticipate the Lord will do great things in and through our time together. Please pray for my voice. It's still not back 100%, and I will be doing a lot of singing this weekend. I know God will provide all I need when I need it, so I am trusting in that. I found out that many of the women coming are "unchurched," and I always anticipate, with great excitement, watching God move. It is always my prayer that none of us would leave unchanged.

With that, I'll sign off and get back to packing and finishing up the laundry. Have a wonderful weekend. I look forward to catching up with you soon!

Oh, Ramiele. It Was Your Time.

I just have to say two things:

1. Ramiele HAD to go. And if you're a fan, I'm sorry. She just couldn't keep up with the line-up of pros like Cook (as in David), Archuleta, and Smithson.

2. We must pray for Simon. He's clearly uncomfortable with the mentioning of the name "Jesus." Did you see him squirming last night?

That's all for now.

10 Random Thoughts

1. I heart American Idol. It's an addiction, I must admit. Last night's show was great...so many strong performances (but please, America, say good bye to Ramiele)!

2. I hardly slept last night because Caden was up off and on for no apparent reason. He wasn't just waking up and whimpering, he was downright screaming. It took an hour to calm him at one point. Today he's perfectly fine. I, on the other hand, am sleep-deprived.

3. I'm sick of the economy. I'm tired of gas prices being this high. I go to four different stores to buy things because I shop where it's the cheapest. I'm tired of doing that too.

4. I have a women's retreat in a little over one week that I'm leading worship for and I don't quite feel prepared. I took a little too much of a "break" during our spring (a.k.a. winter) break.

5. I desperately needed that break.

6. My little sis is visiting my family back home because she is on break, however, I am not, so I don't get to see her.

7. I've noticed that the new style for women's clothing these days is a bit maternal in nature. I recently bought a shirt that kinda looks like that, and I think people may be wondering if I'm pregnant.

8. I'm not.

9. Here's my pic for Wordless Wednesday, because it is, after all, Wednesday.

10. I took a meal to a friend last night that recently had a baby. She has a 4 year old, a 3 year old, a 22 month old and 2 week old. And she plans on homeschooling. I think she's brave.

The chicken pot pie I made her family slid around in the back of my van (I brought it in the afternoon so they could bake it when they were ready to eat), and it didn't look like much of a pie when I got it there. I'm thinking she's probably too tired to care.

Wordless Wednesday: My New Favorite

Introducing....David Archuleta!!!!

(Sorry, Luke!)