Friday Fragments

*Anyone seen these new leg toning shoes?  I cant figure them out... I thought they were a joke at first but then they made an appearance on "Modern Family" (anyone see that guy walking in them with walking poles?  HILARIOUS)... I cant imagine how they feel.  I think I would just teeter totter back & forth standing in them until I was a little nauseated.  Shoe sick?  Is that possible? I think it would be with me!

*SPAT OF THE WEEK:  I'm going to let the picture tell it all!  Because my camera is broke & you have to look through the view finder, Ricky went to take a picture of me for Halloween.  I kept telling him, you have your hand over the lens... the spat therefore ensued... because there is no screen to check how the picture turned out, later that evening when I downloaded the pics... this is what I found...

*I was Pippi Longstocking for the fun.... We could add this to SPAT of the week - but Ricky ended up being right about my hair.  We used solder for my hair.  It comes on a roll & it was actually really flexible so it could hold the shape... My hair stayed up for the whole night too...

Ricky was a Rocker!!!  Not too far out of his real life self really.... but it was the first time I got to put eye liner on his eyes & paint his finger nails black... it was like playing dress up with my husband!  I told him I dont want to ever do that again!  At least not unless he buys his own makeup & not use mine! :)

*I love my Polar Heart rate monitor.  It tells you all the good stuff you wanna know when you work out.  This week, on Wednesday - it said I burned 638 Calories!!! DO WHAT?  I've never hit a calorie burn that high in my life!  It was so nice, I wanted to go eat to celebrate! 

*This time change is KILLING me... I'm ready  to put on my PJ's & crawl into bed at 7:00... which is really bad because most of my night "events" start at 7:00... Bible Study, small group, church.... It just feels so wrong pulling my car out of my garage when the moon is high in the sky.  I'm ready to just hibernate.  Wake me up when Spring comes please.

*Stop by our girl Julie's Blog... she needs some encouragement!  She's at 25 weeks of pregnancy & having some contractions & problems!  If you remember during her pregnancy with Isaac, he was born premature so this pregnancy has had its issues too.  She spent a few hours in the hospital last Friday & me & Ricky were holding our breath for awhile.  Prayers were answered & she was able to go home.  But dont let me tell you, let her tell you through her blog!  She needs some prayers through this pregnancy!  And you can also check out our cutie-pie grandbaby's Halloween pics!  AND.... you can find out the name of our new future grandson!

*CD Update... Got Steven Curtis Chapman's CD... Oh my goodness... the songs are SO amazingly good, but I have to tell you - I have to listen to it at certain times because its just heartbreaking.  Every song is about the loss of his daughter, Maria.... This isnt just a pop in the player & listen on a nice drive on the road.  This is a heart tugger!..... & as for the GLEE Soundtrack - its a MUST HAVE!  if you are a fan of the show at all, you gotta get this!  They are the full versions of the songs & I have to say, "Defying Gravity" is now my official GLEE song (today, anyways)

Happy Friday everyone!

Addiction - a bad thing?

Yes, I know it IS a bad thing in certain situations....

Let me back up... Obviously, if you visit here regularly, you see I do "dancing with the stars" updates.  I also am a huge fan of So you think you can dance... there are some people who can DANCE!!!  And some of the dances stick with you for years!  I still cant hear "Bleeding Love" & not think of our cutie Chelsie, who is NOW on Dancing with the Stars!  Ahh - love the circle of life of dancers!

My funny friend, Pooba had on her blog today two dances... & one of them was one of my top five dances - Addiction by Kayla & Kupono.  I'm adding it at the bottom & if you havent seen it, you should watch it.  If you have seen it - you totally know you want to watch it again.

The thing about that dance is how horrible "addiction" looks - the evil on his face... as addiction CAN look!  I remember when Mia Michael, the choreographer, put it together.  She said, "You can look controlling because YOU KNOW SHE'LL COME BACK TO YOU AGAIN".... & that look he gives at the end - its that look Mia was talking about.  A snide look of, "you think you walked away?  You'll be back"... gives me chills...

I looked at a defition of "addiction" - it said "a strong craving" - or " something that is habit-forming"

I want to put out an idea to some choregraphers out there.  Mia Michaels, you listening?  Let's do a dance where someone is addicted to God & godly things!  Have that person keep running back & running back & have THAT "addiction" lovingly take them back & show nothing but love & caring... Can you imagine how different that dance would be... & how sweet the face would be at the end of that dance with the same look of "you'll be back"... a look of love in the eyes of that statement...

Wouldnt THAT be a good dance?...

I totally want to be 100% addicted to God, where I keep running back & His arms are open to always know I can come back to Him... Addiction.... doesnt always have to be a bad thing....

Took away...

Ever skip over the sections in the Bible that lists name after name, after name, after name... Yeah... I do too!

As I mentioned before, we are going through Genesis to Revelation with the Jr. High kiddos & I have found some cool new eye opening things on stories I've known my whole life - Adam & Eve - Cain & Able (or Cable, as I called them), Noah... you know - the good ole stories every kid knows.

I got to the part where it was the story of the descendants of Adam to Noah... BOOORRRRINNNGGG - right?  I normally just fast forward like the Bible is on DVR, but then I thought, well, my family tree means something to me so maybe I should take the time to look at this.  If anything - the names are interesting.  Gives me some ideas to throw at Julie for the new baby? 

Methuselah - that's a name you dont hear anymore!
Jared - is this the ORIGINAL Subway guy?
Seth - I really do like that name!

But I looked at the name of Enoch... through all the names, his is the only one that says "...Enoch walked with God 300 years..." (Genesis 5:22)

Then the cool thing follows in verse 24 - "Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away"

It doesnt mention that about anyone else, but what REALLY struck me - was a reminder that if we walk with God, then HE is in control!  When its time for us to leave this world, God will take us away...

I dont know why I've never noticed that, but it really spoke to my heart of comfort - especially when times of grief come, I think we need to be reminded that God is in control...

I want to keep walking with God so He will take me away to be with Him for eternity!!!  Anyone else in?

Camera? HELP!!!

So, my lovely little pink camera didnt like the horse back riding adventure day I had last week.  As you seen, I took pictures with it through the whole day, but then as we were getting back to the trailer, I noticed my screen was busted!  Now, my camera is like AIR to my lungs... I almost felt a little panic.

You can still take pictures with it but you have to look through the eye viewfinder (who does THAT?) & then you dont know what the picture looks like!  I feel like I'm in the 70's & waiting for my film to be developed to see that you only got one good picture out of 32!  ... remember doing that?

My dear sweet husband has noticed my moping around about the camera.... well, actually he got an experience how hard it will be to use it because he took a picture of me on Halloween... only to have all the pics he took turn out horrible... one of them, his finger is covering the lends... seriously!  Anyways - he said we can go out & look for a camera for me.

The thing is - what do I want????? I mean, I LOVE LOVE LOVE taking pictures... & I love the small compactness of a camera I can leave in my purse all the time - like my cute little Sony Cyber-shot...

But dang man - I've seen some of the pictures you bloggers take with some mac-daddy cameras & I've been looking at those for awhile!  But that's not convenient to tote around everywhere.  I mean, I cant see me toting that thing around while on horseback!  But the quality of the pictures seem to be in a league of their own....

Give me thoughts, suggestions - what camera do you use that you like?... decisions, decisions!

Len is on crack....

This is the first Monday where I havent had something scheduled & dont need to watch Dancing with the Stars on my DVR... so I'm feeling all a frazzle... but I'm literally LLLIIIIVVVEEEE tonight!

We get to start off with the pros dancing.... huh?  Why?  I guess they have to figure out a way to fill the whole 2 hours.  Didnt the show used to be one hour, especially when it got to half way through?  Hmmm... let's get this 2 hour show on the road, shall we?

Michael Irvin & Anna - Let start off by saying that No, I have not mistaken Michael as Fred Astaire one time during this show... does anyone think he looks like Mr. Astaire?  After all, can you see little Fred out on the football field... those poor twinkle toes would never last!  .... But I have to say, this fox trot, I'm going to call him "Michael Astaire" because he really pulled this off!  It looks like he is getting more comfortable & actually ENJOYING himself! And you gotta like the guy even more for designing their costumes around Barney because he loves his kids... ahhhh!  (I love you, you love me, we're a happy dancing family....)

Donnie & Kim - The only person I would want to beat Donnie is Steven Curtis Chapman & he's not on show (hint to you Dancing with the Star Producers!)... so I still love Donnie the best!  They had the Quick Step tonight & I just love anything he does.  He didnt do it perfect - but flash those shiny teeth & it puts a glare that takes away any mistake!  I love even more that he stood there & told on himself on how many times he messed up.... Honesty?  Give that man a 10!!!

Mark & Lacey Anna - Poor guy - the flu has hit his partner, Lacey!  See, apparently, if you are in perfect shape & athletic, the flu bug will take you down!  So Tony steps in & that's just weird to see two men dancing a latin dance together... & then steps in Anna, who changes everything 2 days before.  Oh mercy... you could see the nerves on this man's face & the dance was really bad.  Not at all a Samba...(I always think of Julianne & Apollo)- that was my favorite Samba of them all!!!  This one... definitely not in the top 10 of Samba's...I think it was Anna... she's cursed.  I totally blame her & I hate blaming a red head for anything bad!

Mya & Dmtry - I love that this girl who can dance got advice from Cloris Leachman!  Remember her?  Remember her dancing?  Yeah - why is she giving advice?  Because she's old?  She lived in the era?  Oh well, it was fun to see her back!  I love a spunky ole lady!  I plan on being just like that when I'm old!  .... The Fox trot was beautiful but had alot of 'show" - so you know what that means?  Len is Mr. Grumpy & even spurs Carrie Ann to say "Len is smoking crack"... I agree Carrie Ann, I agree...

Aaron & Karina - They are tackling the Jive & the speed Karina is wanting Aaron's feet to go is amazing! They are even sending him to a athlete training center that would have me walking out with at least a broken foot, if not a broken leg!  And they are Jiving to TWISTED SISTER!  First Ozzy Osbourne & then Twisted Sister!  Look at ballroom turning ROCK!... The training paid off though... Aaron turned it out!  He even got two 10's!  WOW!  Len must REALLY be on crack ... I kid!

Kelly & Louie - First thing is first - Louie has to be the coolest guy ever!  Why?  Because Kelly designed the costumes this week & she's put that dude in the FRINGE PANTS!!!!!  Yes - a MAN in the FRINGE PANTS!  Can you believe it?  At least he's up for it - you'd never see Maks in them - guarantee!.... we see Kelly at her breaking point while learning the Salsa!  Louie is turning on the heat teaching her, making her step up her game & she's not handling it very well!  I'm impressed she didnt curse him out though!  She didnt use the word "bloody" one time during her crying argument!  She's growing!....well, maybe her dancing is not growing though.  I love Kelly & as much as it pains me, I thought it wasnt good at all.  I'm surprised the judges liked it - but to me, her legs were stiff & it looked like she was falling everywhere & it was Louie who was dragging her around & keeping her from falling... guess its why I'm not a judge. 

Joanna & Derek - I havent even seen her yet & I dont like it.... Ok, I'll at least watch it & give an un-baised opinion (yeah, right!)....OK... so I watch to see her running down a beach in a swim suit?  With a corny scene?  Even though I did like Derek in it (he's stronger then Maks - funny!)... Rhumba - the love dance... I'm sorry - this dance didnt make me like her at all... I'm ready to print up shirts that say "JOANNA - ZERO" & that zero is on a paddle!... Anyone else want one?... again, another reason why I'm not a judge.

We have a Team Dance...
Team Paso:  Mya, Michael, Aaron & Mark -  Michael had to knock down the alpha-females of Lacey & Karina as they battle to take control!  You can tell Michael is a team player with all the years of football!  I'm liking that dude more every week!  .... I dont know if I'm tired or what, but I almost fell asleep... it didnt impress me much.  Mya was obviously the best... & Aaron just keeps showing his immaturity.  For him to say at the end "Our real team captains were Dmtry & Karina"... jerk!  Karina was quick to jump in & say "It was everyone who was a captain'... can someone put a piece of tape over his mouth?   He just reminds me of a 12 yr old....

Team Tango:  Kelly, Joanna & Donnie... WAIT... Hold on... Joanna & my dear Donnie on the same team?  I feel like worlds are colliding... I dont know if I can handle this... I love the first thing they say about less people is "less egos" right after we see how bad Lacey & Karina clashed... Funny!  ... OK, that's how you do a TEAM DANCE!  I didnt fall asleep at all during this dance.  It was FANTASTIC!  I just think Joanna needs to thank Donnie for making her look good!  (Hehehe!!!!)

So what did you think?  Did you enjoy the team dances?  Who was your favorite?  And TWO are going home?  Who is it going to be????  Another fantastic night of dancing!

Waiting for Tuesday...

So its dark at 6:00 with this stupid time change... & I have to get up early in the morning for work after having a week off for vacation.  Can anyone imagine my saddness I'm feeling right now... how glum my face looks right now?

But then I remembered what Tuesday is.... And my excitement perked up... that frown is turning upside down!  Why?  look at the two albums that are coming out Tuesday!

Oh yes... my dear, sweet Steven!  This is something like his 18th album... & should you doubt or question, Yes!  I have every one of them.  So does that give you your answer on if I'll be first in line to get this one too?  It should! 

And then... this is the other album I'll be running to pick up this week!

Anyone else as excited about this one as I am?????  I listen almost daily to downloads of "Take a Bow" & "Hold on", "No air", "Somebody to Love"... & the one I'm DYING to hear - "Defying Gravity" from  WICKED... Kurt is singing that one with Rachel, I believe... doesnt matter - you KNOW its going to be great!

So while I'm going to be sad on Monday getting back in the swing of things at work, & it being dark by the time I'm driving home... I'm holding out for Tuesday!!

You excited about either release?

Six Word Saturday

EXCITED TO GET A LITTLE WIRED

...& not in any sorta bad way.  We're heading to our friend Lynn's house tonight for a Halloween party & I'm dressing up as Pippi Longstocking.  And to get my pig tails out & defying gravity, I gotta get some wire.  I'm anxious to see how it works.  My hair dresser said my hair is too heavy, so I'm excited to see if it works out.  Ricky has been yelling at me for the past few days to give it a try, & I've just had fun telling him "Oh, it'll work"... so now, I'm hoping it'll work...

Have a fantastic & safe Halloween everyone! 

Daddy, let your baby grow up to be cowgirls...

Being on vacation & it being a beautiful time of year, my dad asked me if I wanted to go horse back riding with him.  Now, my love for dogs is comparable to his love for horses.  He's always been a cowboy & he knows his stuff about horses.... me, I'm just along for the ride... but he's given me some horse knowledge through my life, and with a good ole horse, some basics on "steering", how to make them stop & I'm ready to go!  Here are some pictures of the day...It was just a perfect day...

The leaves were amazingly beautiful!!!

We came to a clearing & there was a playground.  When the kids saw us, it was like the world stopped.  Next thing we knew, kids were coming over to see the horses.  Dad & his horse are just too good around kids.  And dad was prepared - he had peppermint for the little ones to feed the horses!  This was so fun to watch!

Here I am... tell me the color isnt breath taking!

me & my daddy!! .....

Me & my "brother"... my dad's 3rd child!  Such a good horse!

I told dad I'm ready to go again when I get the chance... just a perfect day... but I'll be honest... I'm hurting in places that NO ONE should be hurting in.... a little bit of pain for a little bit of fun!

After 14 yrs... conversation with Ricky...

So today is my 14th wedding anniversary with Ricky... 14 years!  WOW!  So we were talking about it at dinner & here's a little insight

Me:  So honey, what's your best memory of the wedding?
Ricky:  ... hmmm.... (thinking)... (& thinking).... I cant really say what the best memory was.  It was ALL fun.  Wasn't it fun for you too?
*I have to say, this is huge that Ricky thought it was fun because he is such a backwards, shy person & didnt really even want to have a wedding with alot of people.  We ended up having about 75, just family & close friends & it really made him feel comfortable... & he really enjoyed the day

Me:  But what stood out for you most about the wedding?
Ricky:  You laughing!  You laughed the whole way walking down the aisle & laughed through the whole ceremony.
*That's true - I did!  People who were sitting behind & couldnt see our face, they thought I was crying so hard... but those that knew me said "Nope, she's laughing"... & I was!  Laughter is a good thing...right?

Me:  What was the worst thing of the day?
Ricky:  I didnt get a good card beforehand. 
*The guys opened up baseball cards before the wedding to pass the time
Me:  I thought you were going to say your vest!
Ricky:  Oh man - you are so right!  My own best man wouldnt trade vests with me!  That was horrible!
*Ricky was so upset!  They gave him the wrong vest.  He was supposed to have a solid white but they gave him black & white.  He knocked on my door (We didnt see each other before) & was so upset & saying he didnt know what to do - he looked hideous.  My wonderful matron of Honor reassured him he looked fine.  He still wasnt happy about it... & I was brought that memory back to him.

Me:  Who were you most excited to see there that day?
Ricky:  You (can I hear a big collective, AAHHHH) - I didnt get to see you all day & I couldnt wait to see what you looked like... (again - AHHHH)
*I was just excited to see my grandmother there.  My whole life, my grandma said she just wished she could see me grow up, see me graduate high school, see me get married... she thought she wouldnt make it to any of these things... but there she was - on my wedding day.  That was pretty cool... made me miss my other grandma a bunch though... so thankful one of my grandmas were there.

Me:  After 14 years, what have you learned about marriage?
Ricky:  "Your right, I'm wrong, I'm sorry"
Me:  SHUT UP! 
Ricky:  I do say I'm sorry first, & I'll say I'm wrong, but I HATE saying you're right
Me: SHUT UP!
*My dad, on our wedding day, told Ricky that advice.  Told him to always remember to say that line throughout all the problems we have.  After all these years... he stills says it!  Dad, who says no one listens to you!

Me:  What advice would you give anyone getting married?
Ricky:  RUN!!!!!!!
Me: SHUT UP!

There is a glimse of us, together after 14 years!  Here's to another 14 years...
Happy Anniversary PUNK!

The Bible - exciting?

So I need some thoughts & opinions.

We had our girl's small group & we were talking about how much they read the Bible.  Now, I remember being a teenager... all those years ago... & I always loved to read books, even from a wee-tike!  But I also remember not thinking it was all that exciting to read the Bible.

While these young ladies do have a heart for Christ, & they do want to live for Him, & they do want to learn, they just dont want to read the Bible.  They were saying its just sorta "boring" & not exciting... but the thing that gets me is to think how much they love youth events that involve teaching the Bible... or even our small group!  These 7 girls have been so dedicated to coming to our group & learning about scripture or what God calls us to do for over a year!  For teenager girls to give that sort of commitment impresses me so much - it shows their heart & how they want to LEARN from the Bible!  Just not if they have to read it....

I know now, as a leader, as someone who gets in the Bible more & more & tries to get in it even more then that, I learn new things all the time & find some exciting stuff!  After all, where else can you find stories of the past that involve all the stuff that would make a soap opera cringe!!!  And all the while, learning how to make your life a happier thing - I mean, if you love all the time, how much happier would your life be?  And PLUS, add in the salvation that is offered - the Bible is pretty darn exciting...

But what do you recommend for these young ladies - how would you recommend the Bible to be more exciting to a group of teenage girls?  or do you even find it exciting?  What makes you want to read it everyday?

No vacation from Dancing

I may be on vacation this week, but its not going to stop me from getting my dance groove on... Lets get ready because we're LLLIIIIVVEEEEEE......

Mya & Dmitry - Taking on the Jitterbug.  As cute as Miss Mya was in her little old fashion outfit, I was a little underwhelmed with it.  After years of DWTS, I know the kicks are to be sharp & precise & she looked like she was doing a nice little light aerobic routine to me... hmmm... I agreed with Len, so I'm sorta scared for myself. 

Melissa Joan Hart & Mark - I love how the beginning of EVERY week, Melissa says, "its time for me to get serious..."... as much as I love Mark, I'm ready for her to go.  (see, I'm all cranky like Len tonight... what's WRONG with me?) I love Mrs. Ballas got to come in & scream "You fell asleep young lady'... go get 'em mom!  And while Melissa looked beautiful for the waltz & Mark looks so much better with his mane of hair trimmed up, she just doesnt do it for me lately...

Mark & Lacey - Lacey took Mark to a Jitterbug Club!  Who knew those clubs existed?  Does every town have one of these?  Where is my local club at & how can I get in?  I may break something swinging around someone's back, but it looks like fun! ..... This dance involves kicks & flips - how can Mr. Karate NOT do well in this?  .... & he didnt let anyone down!  But am I the only one who thinks Lacey looks like some sort of maid in her outfit?

Aaron & Karina - All I can think about when I see Aaron is the scene from "Talk Soup" on E! that has him screaming like a 5 yr old girl....They have the waltz tonight.  As much as I dont care for either Aaron or Karina, it was a beautiful waltz.  I was just staring at Karina's dress throughout most of it.  I wanna gem for the middle of my back!!!  But I'll give props where props are deserved - it was a very nice dance.  I think the beautiful Lionel Ritchie song helped too... classic...It'll be interesting to see if he is still in the bottom...

Michael & Anna - So Michael has a radio show that is helping keep him in!  Nice to pull out fans from where you can.  I hope they dont keep him in too long though.... he's not the best of the best there... but he has the waltz tonight & this dance seemed to work for him.  He looked so smooth ... I guess his little pep talk on being a champion kicked in because I really enjoyed him - for the first time!

Kelly &  Louis - I LOVE these two together.  He seems like the coolest big brother to her - he's looking out for her & pushes her.  And I love that she tells him off every step of the way too!  The word "bloody" is just so cute coming out of her mouth! ... Kelly is not the best dancer there, but Tom hit it on the head when he whispered to her "Its so fun watching you have fun"... I just wish she'd get more confidence in herself to just let herself go instead of dreading the worst.  She's just so adorable!

Louie & Chelsie- It was fun to see video of Louie in his element on the snowboard.  And loved how he brought the word "stoked" into the world of Ballroom!  Him & Chelsie tackle the jitterbug & you see once again how little this guy is.  His kicks show how short his legs are... he's just so cute though with Chelsie, but she probably didnt enjoy getting dropped on her bum a few times.  oops!  And how cute was it with him planting a smooch on her at the end.  He must have been really stoked!

Joanna & Derek - Is it wrong that I liked when Derek pushed Joanna in the face & said "Stay out"?  (I'm so bad!)... Yes, she looked beautiful - Yes, the waltz was nice - yes, the spin was lovely.... but I still dont like this lady... havent from the beginning - wont at the end.  I hate that she's with Derek because I love him - but if she's in the end & wins this thing... I'll quite watching (well, probably not, but I'll do something dramatic - like throw a sock at the TV)

Donnie & Kym - I have to start off by saying, who knew in ballroom, you could say the words "I'll be going through your legs & you do a Choo-choo while looking at my butt!"... WHO KNEW?  They got the Jitterbug & this is all about energy & showmanship - how can a man who has performed since 5 years old mess this up?  He can't because he's DONNIE OSMOND!  I love this man!  Even more so because they volunteered to teach others to dance... Let this be the Osmond's year! (All 8's????  dorky judges! - what's wrong with you!)

Mambo Competition!  This is fun to see - something new on the show!  I just enjoyed the idea of Michael kicking everyone out of the way... how funny would that be if he just went around & tripped everyone?  I might throw him a vote if he'd trip Joanna for me (dang - there I go again!)...... & I just spoke too soon... How did Joanna win this thing?  BLAH!  Oh well - I'm glad Derek won, if only for letting Donnie Osmond do a shimmy walking over top of him (did you catch that?)

So double elmination tomorrow!  And I like the judges are sorta in charge of it - no more mess ups like last week of having Natalie voted off.  Who do you think will be there?  Michael?  Louie?  Joanna?  (Oh, I can keep my fingers crossed)

Jitterbug on....

Let the sleeping begin....

I'm up late on Sunday night typing this & setting it to post on Monday morning... why?  Because the plan is to be SLEEPING early Monday... ahhh, let Vacation begin!

We got through the "Amazing Race" with the youth at church (TOO much fun!) & Sunday, had a great day at church & I came home & tackled my garage.  I told Ricky, my one goal is to get my car back in the garage while I'm off work.  So I packed up my car full of stuff & drove it down to Goodwill & now, I only have one more full load & my car will be in the garage... hopefully tomorrow!  Want to get it in there before the frost hits around her.  I despise defrosting a window.

I also wanted to get the garage cleaning finished so I could relax through the week.  Usually we go to Gatlinburg for a vacation & this year, we just wanted to take it easy - get things done around the house, let Ricky's leg rest some (his job is just so rough on him)... it'll be nice to stick around & not have the hustle & bustle of packing & unpacking & traveling... for a car sick puker, that's a very nice idea.

So hopefully, I'll be sleeping in - I'm shooting for at least 8:00 am... that sounds like heaven....

But I will be blogging through the week... I'm telling you - starting back in Genesis with the Jr. High kids has given me such insight that I had never noticed before... you all are going to be hearing alot from me coming up with thoughts of stories we've all heard over & over... but God's so cool like that to reveal new things each time... making all things new....

Happy Monday everyone!

Six Word Saturday

Getting ready for the AMAZING RACE!!!

No - not the tv show... but the youth event that is going down today!  Ever see the tv show?  Then you know what's in store for the youth form our church today.  They will be taking out at 3:00 from our church & have 12 different "pit stops" they have to go to.  The pit stops involve homes of people from the church & they have to perform whatever activity that host home involves... talk about fun!

Because we dont want these kids on the road driving like idiots (like they do on the show) - we're basing it on timed events at each pit stop.  Safety first! 

These kids are going to come to the finish line wet, muddy, poop smelling & probably ready to gag...now THAT'S a youth event.  The pastor's wife hit the nail on the head - she said, "if someone throws up on themselves or pees on themselves - that's a true sign of a successful youth event"... amen sister!

At my house - the pit stop is involving dimes... & a mess... they have to dig in a 5 gallon bucket that is filled with macaroni (thanks Lynn!) & tomato sauce to find 50 dimes... there are also like 200 pennies & 100 nickels mixed in...

Some other pit stops involve shoveling horse poop, an obstacle course, archery, ponds on people's property, bobbing for apples IN ICE!!!!!, Christmas carol challenges, a gross buffet....how much fun is that going to be?

We have the best church family that is involved with these kids... & a big thanks to Christy - who is the MASTER of organizing events!  And to our youth minister Jeremy, who is all about letting these kids have fun!

So off to get my "pit stop" ready...

Friday Fragments - Part 2

OK - I'll try this again since yesterday, my computer was all wacky... gotta love technology sometimes!

*So I'm on OFFICIAL COUNTDOWN!!!! Vacation!!!  In... just... 8 hrs!!!!!!  I feel like a kid on the last day of school before summer break!  (That's a little sad, really)  This year, we're just staying at home & taking it easy.  Going to do some home projects, take some day trips, SLEEP IN (Thank you Lord), & enjoy the ease of the week!  I got 3 good books waiting for me too, so might have to put the rocking chair to good use...

*COUNTRY LIVING:  One of the down sides of it... I was driving down the road early, heading to work & thought, someone must have dropped tons of paint off their truck... driving home in the daylight - I see its no paint - its blood!!!!  And I'm not talking a small amount - I'm talking someone must have takent out Bambi's whole family!!! The next day, driving over it - I was gagging....

SPAT OF THE WEEK:  Ricky watched the movie "Penelope" with me.... He said, "She's not too bad looking - she actually looks sorta like you"... HUH?  OK - dont know if that's a compliment or a slam - hence, the spat of the week!  You calling me a pig girl?  But he said her nose wasnt too bad looking... I'm all confused... I will say though - I want her wardrobe - especially her purple coat with all the different buttons!  Too cute!

*Is the flu taking over everywhere you are?  I'm like a NUT with sanitzer.  I'm ready to put a straw in it & drink it up!!!  But a fellow church friend, who is all about natural healings & ingredients - she told me that using a Neti-pot or Saline in the nose & then blow... & then gargle salt water or Listerine really helps kill the germs if they get up your nasal cavity... which is where it begins!!!  So, so far, I've been around tons of people who are sick... & fingers crossed & I'm afraid to even say this... I've been doing OK so far..

*I've learned I dont really know how to gargle very well...

*GLEE MOMENT:  Watch this behind the scene part with Sue Sylvester while they learn to swing dance!  Its so funny to see Jane Lynch in her natural state... I love this woman!!!  ***Look for her modeling with the fan... hilarious!

Friday Fragments

SORRY ALL - I'VE HAD COMPUTER PROBLEMS & THIS WASNT SUPPOSED TO POST UNTIL FRIDAY WITH THE OTHER FRIDAY FRAGMENTS... IT POSTED ANYWAYS... COMPUTERS.... THEY HAVE A MIND OF THEIR OWN SOMETIMES!...MY DAD CALLED TO ASK ME "ARE YOU SICK OR SOMETHING?  TODAY'S NOT FRIDAY"... OOPS!

*To prove, I'm not just a one-hit wonder... & that I've STILL been cooking... here are some more meals I've made... this first one is a New Orleans sorta stew thingie (is that a real name a chef would give?) - its got Turkey sausage, SHRIMP (YUM), potatoes, & onions in this awesome spicy sauce...

And this is beef & cheese enchiladas.  & by cheese - the receipe called for CREAM CHEESE!!! Huh?  yep - you heard me right - CREAM CHEESE!  Which is "white" so dont tell Ricky....

Just breathe....

Ever forget to breathe?  It may sound like a stupid question, but I've noticed how much I forget. 

I guess I noticed the most when I am working out.  I'm starting to run again - gearing up for the Mini Marathon again - & I notice that I'm about ready to pass out,  & then I start concentrating on taking breaths - in, out, in, out - & then I'm ok again.

Or at Jazzercise - they will make us yell something or give a big "YAAAAHHHH" to make sure we're breathing.  Why?  Because we'll be moving, thinking, jumping.. & forget the simpliest thing - to breath!

Do some ab work & watch how fast you hold your breath.  At the point of exhertion, you are supposed to exhale - get the air out.  Instead, most people just hold it in & let out a grunt sound.  All the while, making things rougher on your body.

How many times in life do we hold our breathe?  Usually in the hardest of moments.  I know when something shocks me, I'll gasp!  Literally, its like the breathe has been knocked out of me.  Ever have a moment like that?  ...I pray you haven't... but sadly, I think most of us have.

Or ever been so upset, you cry & you loose your breathe... its taken away from you...

Been on a roller coaster & held your breath when you looked over the edge & knew that a drop was coming?  I've totally been there!!!

Breathing... something so simple...what we need to sustain ourselves...

I told you we're starting back in Genesis & going through Revelation with the kids & I noticed in Genesis 2:7
"...the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground & breathed in his nostrils the breath of life, & the man became a living being."

When hard times come & we get winded or have the air knocked out of us - remember to breath in.  Take a deep breath of the breath of life that God provides for us.  Let His air fill you up to take another breath & get through the situation... & then breathe again... & again...

Poodles, nickles in the rear & Len's in a good mood???

I was late getting home tonight & thought NOOOOO - not ANOTHER night of missing Dancing with the Stars... but alas, I'm back... & this is what I see from the beginning...Does this resemble anyone you know?

Yes - it resembles our host, Samantha Harris!!! (Who did this poor girl's hair?) I was so distracted by it the WHOLE night!

Let's get this party started!

Natalie & Alex - Its Paso night... LOVE Paso night - all the anger & passion in the dance.  I love this girl, but I was just sorta bored.  Dont know if its because "American Woman" was the slowest song EVER to Paso too... or if I was tired from standing thinking she was a floating flag across the floor...It just didnt do anything for me.  Maybe because the two of them look like they cant stand each other?  She has no problem telling him she has no attraction or chemistry with him at all.  While its nice to see dancer not fall in love & hang all over each other - come on Natalie!  He's one good lookin' Russian - at least ACT like you like him!

Aaron & Karina.  Can I say first, I saw them on some award show this weekend... these two just go through me.  I think Karina has given him a lashing on how to act, because he's trying to act very mature & manly while learning the tango... but to see him fall to the floor & giggling because he was trying to act sexy... umm yeah - not so manly.  The judges liked it... I think they were just tired of seeing him cry. 

Michael & Anna.  Girlfriend needs to keep her hair dark!  And Michael needs to keep nickels out of his butt!  Yes - you heard me right!  He practiced this dance by putting a nickel in his butt & holding it there while dancing (I have to wonder, does this technique really exist?  Is THAT what's been wrong with Aaron?)... who cares how their Paso went... it couldnt have been good when all you think about is the "Bad News Bears" theme is playing.  Really - what is that name of that song?  Everyone automatically thinks of a little league gone bad when that is playing!  But in the end, Bruno ended up with the famous nickel... & it could be yours for a price.  Apparently, its going on Ebay.

Mya & Dmitry - We get to see these two get out of the studio & help with Habitat for Humanity.  I'm waiting for Miss Piggy to come around the corner, carried on some wood (love that commercial)...All I can say... let this girl build a house every week, because she NEEDS no time in a studio... she's AMAZING!!!!  She had the tango & I swear, she looked better then the pros.  I was just waiting for Len to make fun of them because I've seen him secretly wearing "I hate Mya" shirts... but he actually liked her!!!!  It was crazy good!!!  ... I do think she was jipped though... this was a 30 dance... & they gave straight 9's... BOO! (I can boo the judges from home all I want... & yell at Ricky about it... that's the fun of watching at home & not in the studio)

Mark & Lacy.  They had the Paso & the talk goes back to Mark's past as a fighter.  Who knew he had to put his fighting skills to a challenge in Hell.  Lacy comes out of a wall of fog with the scariest mohawk for a girl & flames are everywhere & the screen is just all sorts of red... I was scared... felt like I was seeing a part of Dante's Inferno...  But really - Mark did pretty decent.  I like the guy... he looks just like a friend of my brothers too.. seriously!  I've got to find a picture.. you're going to freak out when you see how much they look alike!

Donnie & Kim. Things to put on my to-do list... 1. Get a Vegas ticket & go see Donnie & Marie's show! 2.  Get a dress like Kim's ... wasnt that black dress the best dress EVER in dancing history!  3.  Grow another foot to be as tall as Kim in that dress!  4.  Try not to laugh at Donnie Osmond trying to act sexy!!!.... I mean that in the best way!  He looks like he's trying not to laugh when he's acting sexy... but the Argentine Tango was really incredible!  And his "kudos" to Bruno saying "You took me there" made the dance the best of the night... You gotta love Donnie's personality... I really hope this guy takes it all!

And I'm not saying I hope he takes it all because of the picture I just found too.... Is that from a little play called Beauty & the Beast?  And is Beauty & the Beast like my favorite thing EVER?  No - it doesnt influence me at all...

Louie & Chelsea.  Oh yeah... these two are into each other... if they're not - it aint because he doesnt like her.  Did you see how he looked her her?  Isnt young love the cutest? .... I think that Louie's dancing increases when his hair is slicked back.  Maybe he's some sort of Samson with that shaggy do!  But it was slicked back - & he had to grab Chelsea alot - so it was probably the best dance he did.  It wasnt Donnie Osmond level... but it was good for Louie!

Melissa & Mark.  Mark is one of the Flu Boys... one of the pros who the Flu has hit!  So I've been on Flu Fear here in Indiana... I guess the Flu Bug has crept into the dancing studio!  I love that Anna came in & filled in for Mark & her advice - I shall make my life motto now - "Keep the girls up"... huh?  I'm loving the dancing technique advice tonight - first, nickels in the bum & talk of keeping boobs up high?  well - for me, the advice didnt work for her.  I didnt think she really deserved a 10 last week either but who am I?  I am worried for Mark - I think his fever went to his feet - they were red like they were on BURNING UP!!!

Kelly & Louie.  "I'm a cape"... "This week, I get to be a cape".... I love her giggles.... I love she cant control her giggles... this girl is my type of girl!  I love that there is a skull on the dance floor & she's dancing to her dad's song... time to ROCK OUT THE BALLROOM!  I think Kelly & Louie are just a great couple... I love her dad there to cheer her on... she's not the best dancer, but I just love her.

Joanna & Derek.... Maxim.  Our cute little blond dancer shouldnt have danced last week without his shirt - he came down with some MASSIVE flu with fevers of 104!  Poor Derek.  But Max is there to save the day.  (I bet Karina was like DANG IT - He's back!)... Oh snap... there was screws ups with a stumble!  And if anyone saw Joanna on "Superstars" - she's good at blaming others for mistakes.  She's good at throwing curse words at her partners that screw up... watch out Max... Hold UP!!! She just blamed Max... told you... THAT is exactly why I didnt like this girl from the beginning...

GROUP DANCE!!!   We got to go back old school... as soon as I saw Donnie, I said, "Its like my doll!"... I loved that they all made fun of Donnie because he was back in his time era!  Those were some horrible wigs & some UGLY costumes... but it was the 70's!  I love these group dances because you can see they are just having fun... & in the end - Mya & Donnie stood out once again... I'm ready to go find some polyster though & tell Ricky to pull out our rolling skates!

Looking forward to the results show tomorrow - a tribute to Michael Jackson... should be amazing! 

Dance On!!!

Cuteness Factor = OVERLOAD!!!

I'm warning you... the cuteness factor in this video is BEYOND anything most people can handle!  Especially on a Monday... but if you need a Monday smile... then check this out... my mom & dad sent me this video & I HAD to share it... (My favorite part - when she says the word "Debtors"...

How easily I'm amused!!!

I love when a birthday comes around... that means a visit to look for a birthday card!  I can seriously sit & read every card & end up walking out with tears from laughter... Ricky by that point is sneaking out, acting like he doesnt know me.  I'm quick to yell, "COME HERE & READ THIS!".... but I'm used to the back I see as he ignores me... thats OK - it just gives me more time to read more cards! 

So - I had a birthday this weekend - (Happy 18th Birthday Carly Sue!) - & I found a card that I just read like 50 times before I put it in the envelope & cracked up every time... so being the blog-geek - I wanted to share it...

Is it me? Or is that one darn funny card!!!!

Six Word Saturday

WORLD MUST BE ENDING... I'M COOKING!!!!

So I found a web site from another blogger... wish I knew who it was so I could thank them... but it led me to a site called E-mealz.  You sign up for it & for a small cost of $1.25 a week, you get receipies for five days worth of dinners.  And the best part - they send you the ingredients you need for the whole five days.  And even better then that - they give you a shopping list... this is what has made it so exciting for me because I think its just overwhelming to get all the stuff together.

Not with this - they give you a list & have all the stuff together for the Produce department - the meat department - the Dairy... etc, etc, etc.  There is also a number for which meal it goes to beside it so if you happen to not like that meal, you can cross it off.  I now go equipped into the store knowing what I'm getting & it actually is exactly, perfectly what I need for all the meals...This whole program is endorsed by Dave Ramsey for the fact that you buy exactly what you need & its not any waste!!!!  If Mr.Dave Ramsey approves it - then you KNOW its good!

And what is the COOLEST thing - you have so many "catergories" to choose from on which dinners you want.  For us, I choose the "Dinner for two - low fat option"... but they have dinners for 4, receipes for Weight Watchers and the point system - & even more awesome - they have dinners with all the ingredients coming from specific stores, like Wal-mart or Kroger!! Tell me how amazing that is!

So I made the first meal... & of course, I had to capture the moment!

First - I cut up real sirloin steak.... which I NEVER have bought in my life... cut off all the fat & then used REAL brocoli... no frozen stuff.... real, healthy, green stuff!!!!

Then this is what blows me away... I made my own sauce!! ME... my own sauce!!! See - the world HAS to be coming to an end.  I had to buy spices & everything because me, the non-cooker, has nothing but cinnamon or spices that Julie buys when she visits & cooks! I'm hanging my head in shame no longer because I ended up combining sugar, ginger, orange juice, chicken granules, garlic powder, soy sauce & corn starch into this AMAZING sauce!!!!  Add in some water chestnuts & let it simmer until the sauce thickens!!!

In the end - look at this... Sirloin & Brocoli Stir fry...

The true test... Ricky aka MR. PICKY!!!!! He was AAAA-Mazed!!!! He said, "next time - can you make more sauce"... well, of course I can - I'm a cook now after all!

So tonight, is Enchilladas... REAL in the oven, baked enchilladas.. I never thought I'd be so excited to cook!  Cant wait for next week's shopping list to come out & I get to do it all over again!

Friday Fragments

*I have to start the day by saying congratulations to my buddy Ryan!!! I know I've asked you all to pray for him many a time when he was trying to get IN the academy... well, today - he GRADUATES from the Louisville Fire Academy!  Amazing!  I remember Ryan when he was just a young teen punk in high school...

And now look at him... a real grown fire fighter!!!  Ricky & I are both going to the graduation in just a few hours... I'll probably shed a tear... Go my friend!!!

*We havent seen the sun since Sunday... Is it out there? Anywhere? Mr. Sun, please come back to us.

*The twins had their birthday this past weekend... I went over & got to visit my "great nephews"... yes, the doggies.  They are getting so big... but I sat in the floor & this is what happened...holding two puppies sleeping just made me want to sleep...

*SPAT OF THE WEEK:  Haunted Houses!!!  Ricky says we've been to a haunted house together.  I KNOW we haven't - in all the 17 years we've been together - no haunted houses!  He keeps trying to tell me I'm loosing my mind but I KNOW I have never been to a haunted house with him.  I love it though because Ricky said "You're worrying me that you dont remember that"... & I said "Where was it at?"... his response "I dont remember"... seriously?! 

*FLU - FRIGHT!!!  It seems like everyone is dropping like flies with getting the flu!!  My manager took out of work after getting sick here - right by my office door!  I think I'm ready to DRINK hand sanitizer...

Favorite Sue Quote of the week:  when calling the kids that were being slighted by their so-called-racist teacher, she calls them "Santana, Wheels, Gay Kid, Asian, other Asian, Aretha, Shaft"... this woman is hilarious!!!!

*Is anyone really shocked that Garth Brooks is making a come back?  He's like the Brett Favre of music... & I dont even know anything about Brett Favre except he keeps coming out of retirement!  I have to say - I'm not a big country music fan... but I always did like Garth Brooks.  He has that country gentlemaness to him - always taking his hat off in appropriate situations - doing the Yes Ma'am thing... well, not so gentleman if you think he left his wife after so many years for his best friend... but alas, I did like his singing.  So welcome back Garth Brooks...(I just dont think people in any entertainment industry really understands what the word "retirement" means)

*This is a quick Friday Frag because I gotta do my work & head off to the graduation!  Happy Friday everyone!!!

Let's start at the very beginning....

...a very good place to start!  (You all know you were singing that song)

We are starting a new series in our Jr. High youth group & its going to take us from Genesis to Revelation!  Will these kids be married with children of their own by the time we get to Revelation?  Nah... but we just started it, so this past Sunday, we got to start at Genesis 1:1.  Everyone was quick on that Bible race!

Something struck me really funny though as I started once again at the beginning of the Bible.  Well, you all know I love books - everything about reading - a great story... (which reminds me - one more day before the drawing of a free book - so go visit my "book blog").  I usually will finish a book & as I take the book to put on the shelf, I'm pulling off a new one to start right into it.  The thing with that - it gets sorta confusing when you jump from one book to the next because I'm all about the characters.  I'll start the next book & remember Jim from Texas & wonder how he fits in a vampire novel in the 1800's... I get characters mixed up so easily from book to book...

So, when I start a new book... I'm going to let you in another secret that I do that once again, yes, once again - confirms why I'm a nerd!  I will take a piece of paper & write down the characters as I start a new book.  Who they're related to - who's the main character - what the beginning details are.

I really have to pay attention to those beginning details because if I get a few chapters in & see a name & I dont know who it is, then I feel like I'm lost - I dont feel like I'm in the story or grasping it - so I'll have to go back & find out who that person is.  The little notes at the beginning of the book take care of that!  Especially when there are characters that have similar names - it REALLY helps!  (Dear Authors - there are millions of names - why have a charcter like Rilley & Rollie in the same book.... why??)

Its also neat to have that little note with basic character info in case I am reading two books at once - its a way to look & remember who is in this particular book... it works for me...

So we're starting in the beginning of the Bible & I thought - wow... how do we really need to pay attention to the beginning of THIS book!  This is the beginning of it all... how important are these details?  It made me really want to pay even more attention to the details, more then ever before...& even though there are hundreds of people in this book - the note taking would be INSANE - I am paying more attention... I'm ready to really let it set in one more time & see it with fresh eyes...

FYI - In the beginning, God said "let there be light"... but the sun wasn't created until day 4... hmmm... see, new details!

May we all start have fresh eyes to notice details of God's word....

Nobel Peace Prize...

No - I'm not going to talk about the President receiving this award... personally, I dont really care...

What I do care about is the story of the man who created the Nobel Peace Prize - Alfred Nobel. I read a story about him the other day & it just was so interesting to me.

Mr. Nobel has been an inventor of dynamite & many other explosives. Well, he was going through the local paper & saw in the obituaries HIS NAME!!!! Could you even imagine? But what made the whole situation even worse - he had been portrayed as a villain!

The obituary writer penned Nobel as the "Merchant of Death"... Mr. Nobel saw what people thought of his inventions & the way he conducted his life.. & it wasn't in the best light.

The words depicting his achievements in such a defamatory manner caused Mr. Nobel to reconsider his legacy & he set out to change it! He took large sums of his wealth & established the Nobel Peace Prize, honoring those who made major contributions to bring about world peace. Many other fields were recognized including medicine, economics, & literature (Go BOOKS!)

When Mr. Nobel did finally pass away, he ended up leaving a major part of his financial estate to the Nobel Peace Prize institute. How different do you think that second obituary was?

What an opportunity for this man to have a second chance to change his legacy left on this earth... & look at the legacy! Its still relevant in today's time! The Nobel Peace Prize is still an honored - & much debated - topic of conversation.

Reading his story though, I thought of what my obituary could look like... would it be words that I wouldn't want to hear? Then I thank God that I have a new start to a day to leave the best legacy that I can possibly leave....for a fresh start at a another chance...

A Guest Blogger knows ALL about dancing!!!

OK - so I had some things come up where I missed Dancing with the Stars!! Yes - two weeks in a row!! GASP!!! But I have the coolest bloggy buddies that know my love of all things dance & even better - SHARE that love... so the coolest friend emailed me an update & is not making an appearance here on my blog!  Go say hello to AuburnChick - she's FANTASTIC!!! Besides her love of God - her knitting skills - her AMAZING coupon savings talents... she's just an amazing mom & beautiful woman!  Thanks friend for keeping me updated on all things Bruno, flying fringe & shaking hips!  hehe!... (& even though I havent seen it - I'm even going to add comments here that are mine... so the blue are my words... be warned!)
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Last night was all about Two-Stepping, the Charleston, the Bolero, and the Lambada...dances that the stars don't regularly boogie to.


Chuck and Anna - Two Step - Can I just say that Chuck was AWFUL?! His charm did nothing to detract from his inability to dance. Anna was practically turning herself during the spins. I think Chuck may have just had his last go in the ring.....I have not seen dancing skills from him at all this year.. & Anna - BLAH.. & I hate I dont like a redhead!

Melissa and Mark - Charleston - The costumes were great! The dance started off in black and white, for television viewers, making me think of the silent movies of old. Melissa was in her element...a dance she could use her acting skills in. She was having fun and did well with the amazing choreography Mark came up with. She was hoping for a score in the 20's. She got a 28! Her first 10 of the season! Go girl!... I cant imagine her getting a 10... anxious to see this dance now!!!!

Natalie and Alec - Bolero - She unwrapped to reveal a stunning white beaded gown. It was heavenly...sparkly...very sexy. The dance was ... WOW! But the judges didn't agree with Your's Truly. They expected more, I think, but how could you? She was amazing! Sometimes I wonder what the judges are drinking from those cups....totally agree friend... the judges are so NOT consistent with ALL the people... irritating!!!

Before they showed Aaron and Karina, we saw a clip of Michael consoling Aaron after last week's dance. Mr. Football Man actually hugged little singer guy and offered him wise words. It was very endearing and reminds you of the bigger picture...keep on trying...just do your best....aahhh - love to see different people become good friends on this show!

Another comment about pre-dance stuff...Karina looked lovely in her interviews (while they were training last week)...hardly any makeup and hair pulled back simply. Why can't she look like this all the time?

Aaron and Karina - Lambada - Well, Aaron toned down his over-exaggerations from last week, but he still wasn't good. Karina danced all around him. The Lambada is supposed to be raunchy. The only thing "bad" about it was the way Karina draped herself on him. It was like a school marm ogling a student. Blech. I was not impressed. The judges were a little more positive than I would have been, but Carrie crushed his spirits by telling him he was still trying too hard. Agreed, Sista..... I dont like Karina... & REALLY didnt like it when they said after week one they knew they were going to win... too cocky!!!

Mark and Lacey - Two Step - Oy. This show is killing me! Mark did not look good at all. I'm starting to think that maybe I was wrong about his natural talent. He is very uncomfortable on the dance floor. Trying to talk all cowboy doesn't make you a cowboy. I don't like when people try to mimic a Southern accent. We don't sound that stupid, people. Off the soapbox... The dance was not good. Poor Lacey. She looked cute and tried to make up for Mark's lack of skill. It wasn't enough.... I had high hopes for him too! Maybe we were under the Kung-Fu influence that first week!

Kelly and Louis - Charleston - I expect great things from this girl every week, and she didn't disappoint! She looked stunning in her 20's get-up. Louis' face was weird...white makeup...red lipstick. I didn't like it at all. But, the dancing...OH MY GOSH. Girl can dance! She had FUN! She didn't look miserable during rehearsals, and that transferred to show night. The judges were all gaga over her too....Love to see her doing well!  She just seems so honest & real... Love Louis too - after all, he's on BOTH dancing shows - this & So you think you can dance!!!

Joanna and Derek - Lambada - I was all set to poo poo this one. I like Derek...I have issues with Miss Pursed Lips Model Person. When she came out, I've gotta say that I was not likin' the neon green get-up either. She glowed and could have done the dance with the lights off. But, she surprised me and managed to keep her footing as she and Derek gyrated themselves around the floor. For his part, Derek was SMOKIN'! But then again, he always is. His expertise allowed Joanna to shine. Kudos to her for surprising me. She'll probably stay.... She ranks with Karina for me... so I'm anxious to see if she sways me with this dance.  I do like Derek though..

**By the way, this is when the show started getting really raunchy. I'm so getting tired of the off-color comments. Dances are naturally sexy. Why keep pointing things out? Especially when you have children in the audience (Mark's) and families watching at home?** .... Preach it sister... I totally agree!

Ok...back to the show...
Donny and Kym - Charleston - You knew this was going to be good simply because the Charleston is all about the presentation. Donny didn't disappoint. You've gotta feel bad for him though. He's so hard on himself! Show business is tough, I guess...always wanting to be perfect. The Charleston is one of those dances in which a man cannot hide behind a woman, and boy, he didn't need to hide! He held up his own admirably. The judges agreed with me. Finally! Oh, and Donny and Kym had a classic conversation. Kym to Donny: "You just learned this." Donny's response? "I just forgot it." Something I can identify with!... I gotta find my purple clad Donnie barbie doll!!!

Michael and Anna - Bolero - Personally, I thought it was his best dance. He came out in a silky shirt, looking dashing when paired with her silky dress. He moved smoothly...albeit not much. The judges blasted him for the lack of dance in the dance. Um...isn't that the dancer's fault for choreographing it that way? Whatever. I think Michael will stand in the bottom two with Chuck.... anxious to see if you're right!!! :)

Louie and Chelsie - Two Step - Ok...isn't he a snowboarder? Doing the Two-Step? For inspiration, Chelsie took him to Ty's house (from last year), where boy child played ranch hand. Did the work transfuse into his being? Nope. Snowboarder boy must be from the city. All he did was walk behind Chelsie and lift her a couple of times. I've liked him for so long, but it hurts to watch him dance. This guy might just be in the bottom two as well. In fact, it will probably be him to leave.... he doesnt seem to have musical rhythm - it'll be back to the slopes soon, I'm sure

Mya and Dmitry - Lambada - HOT, HOT, HOT!! She's a natural! After watching her Lambada, I'm thinking Joanna's wasn't so good. Mya looks like a professional dancer. She's that good. However, Len was in one of his moods and gave her an 8 against two 10's. What is that man's problem? Someone check his pulse!...he just seems to not like her... or Dmitry... he's got an issue something between them.  These is where the judges irk me!

Results show should be good. Shakira is the guest singer, and I'm getting my hips ready. My children have the unfortunate blessing of a mama who loves the song "Hips Don't Lie." The kids' reaction to the guest star? Loud groans of "Oh no." Oh yeah, baby. That's it for now. I'm sitting on the edge of the couch...waiting eagerly for tonight!
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So I dont know about you... but AuburnChick has me ALL excited about the show!  I havent seen it yet, but feel the happiness as if I saw the glittering rhinestones myself!  I gotta go vote now just to pat my Donnie & Mya on their backs...& maybe Kelly... & maybe Natalie... another fun season!

Wanna book?

Do you want a free book? Then check out my Book Blog right HERE .... I get to give away a copy of a book I just read. Check it out!!!

Six Word Saturday

Planning on going on SLOW MOTION!!!!

These are the things I need to do this weekend:
*Its the twins birthday party today
*I have a MOUNTAIN of laundry... not even joking! That's what happens when all you want to do is love on a cute baby while they're in your house!
*I have to make out my bills
*I need to make a trip to the grocery
*I'm teaching Jr. High tomorrow so need to review the lesson
*Need to clean out my garage to get my car in before the temp starts dropping & I dont wanna have to scrap windows




But you know what....I'm planning on just going in slow motion! Dont want to rush - dont want to stress... So my slow motion schedule is this:

*Enjoy the twins & their little faces in front of their Tinkerbell cake
*Enjoy the cool weather & the beautiful trees & the amazing color they are turning - so I'll take my Jr. High lesson out on my front porch & put my rocking chairs to good use!
*What laundry gets done - gets done - it aint going anywhere
*I want to go to the pottery place & start making some Christmas presents
*May make it a late night grocery trip when all the "rush" is over with....


I just wanna take it easy this weekend... how about you? You running at full speed this weekend or are you able to go into slow motion mode yourself?

Friday Fragments

*Guess who's birthday it is today! Nope, not my mom & not Isaac's... its only the birthday of the two cutest, sweetest, smartest, puppy loving twins I know! Yep - my nieces birthday! October is a busy month for me in celebrations! But today is their day! Seems like only yesterday they were like this....

And today - they are the big 5 years old!!!! Amazing... where does the time go? Happy Birthday Sophia & Madi...your Aunt Bec loves you more then anything!

*I went home yesterday after work & there sat Isaac's basket of toys in the middle of the floor.... it about broke my heart. Yes - I sat there & cried... then forced myself to get moving so I wouldnt wallow... I did 4 loads of laundry, cleaned my kitchen - my house is shining... at least I didnt sit & cry....missing that little cute face! Funny how you can feel like a piece of your heart is missing...

*SPAT OF THE WEEK: Oh, you can already tell what the spat was this week... who does Isaac love more - his Nanny or his Pappy? It can be the cause of many spats... & I'm only saying it here because I would never give Ricky the satisfaction, but I do think he's a little more partial to his Pappy....I think probably because he thinks he's magic on skates & his Nanny has a hard time walking across a floor... I'll still argue that he loves me more... just for arguments sake.

*We're having flooding around the area again today! I grew up never hearing anything about flooding & I think this is the third time in the past two months that we've had severe flooding ... I know we're not the only ones too around the US... what the heck is going on? I'm expecting to see Noah's ark any day now!

*What's your favorite version of the Bible? I am partial to the NIV but lately, I really am loving the simplicity of the Message Bible... it just breaks it down so easily. My buddy Dawn uses the Message version on her blog & I just am loving it more all the time. Thinking I need to go get a Parallel Bible

And I'm wondering why this guy's picture comes up in the midst of all these bibles on Google Images with the words "Message Parallel Bible" under him...weird...

*Anyone see Nancy Grace RIP into Jon Gosselin? I dont normally watch her - but I will say - I wanted to high five her for telling him exactly what everyone thinks about him...

*Lets talk TV!!!! I havent been able to watch all my "normal" shows due to Isaac-week... but trying to catch up... lets DISH!

So You Think You Can Dance - I officially hate you judges! How can you get rid of Ryan???? They had it against him from the beginning - they knew Evan did so well & that everyone already loved Ryan - so get him out of there... hate you judges!

The OFFICE - did you all see Jim & Pam's wedding? Oh my gosh - the first five minutes - when the whole office was PUKING - I had tears coming out of my eyes & my stomach hurt from laughing... I've never seen anything more funny in my life!!!! I'm STILL laughing about it!... & isnt Jim just the sweetest man ever... when he cut his tie for her & the look he gave at the end when he was married to her on the boat... aahhh! One of the funniest episodes ever!

Dancing with the Stars!!! OK Auburnchick, you gotta give me your breakdown! I've only caught You Tube clips of the dances...quick thoughts. Why would they put Aaron in a baby blue Hugh Hefner robe when he looks like a 10 yr old-creepy! .....I thought Tom Delay was awesome for sticking with it - but didnt it seem like Cheryl just wanted to give up on him because she knew he wasnt going to win?...... Do you think Chelsie & her little extreme snow boarder are falling for each other?.... & what was with Kelly kissing Louie at the end?.... Mya & Donnie are still my favs! Though I am loving the swimmer!

GLEE.... is anyone else into this show as much as me? I just hang onto every word that Sue Sylvester says - I'll actually rewind & listen again because you miss what she says sometimes. HILARIOUS! They had a video up with a future song & it was AWESOME... but they already took it down!! But this is still one of my favorite that they did...

Happy Friday everyone!!!

The AMAZING SKATING BABY!!!

Its true - Isaac is a skating fool! If you know anything about the Vincent gang - you know they are a skating family! Seriously - Ricky just blows my mind on skates. His sister & her husband - and his brother - they just make my jaw drop in awe when I watch them! Ricky's mom even pulls on the skates every time we all get together! Ricky had his daughters on skates right when they could walk - so you can imagine how good they are too! Its in the genes... so time to introduce Isaac to skates!

Ricky rented the skating rink for a private party so it was just friends & family to celebrate. Julie thought for sure Isaac wouldnt even DARE put on the skates that Ricky got him for his birthday. But we got there & everyone started skating & Isaac just stood there watching his Pappy & you could see the wheels churning in that mind... it was like the skating-gene power was taking over... (here is his with my dad - his Great Papaw- watching everyone)

Next thing you know - he had the skates on! No fear at all!!!!! His Pappy took him in the floor & showed him how to move those feet & it just came naturally... he was on the MOVE!

You think I'm joking? Look at this little man!!! He was all about it... didnt want to come off the floor. When someone would take him off - he'd just point & want right back out there! Yep - the Vincent gene is strong in that one... (said in my best "star wars" voice)

Then time to inject more sugar to keep him going... BIRTHDAY CAKE TIME!!!! It was so funny because I lit the candles & he instantly blew them out. Julie couldnt see his face & she said, "What happened?" - I told her he blew them out - she didnt even know he knew how to blow that good! So I had to re-light & keep him from blowing them out so we could sing!

Then it was time to DIG IN!!!! And I mean DIG IN!!!! I kept saying "Look at those hands" - & he would hold them up, so proud of his icing covered fingers. He was having the time of his life.

Then next thing I hear are gasps & "Rebecca - get her off skates!" - I look out & see Julie on skates. I was so happy for her! All she wanted to do was skate just a lap or two! After all - she's a Vincent - she's got it in her blood to put wheels on the bottom of her feet! Everyone was so nervous - but I wasnt' at all.. the girl knows how to skate - & Ricky was by her side... he wouldnt let go of her & I knew he wouldnt let her fall... he only let her go a few rounds & they went slowly - but she did it... got a few laps under her belt!

And Isaac was done with cake & back at the skating... with fresh sugar running through the veins - he never came off the floor until the lights came on. And then, he was just getting mad that the skating was over. We ended up letting him skate to the car & he fell asleep on the drive home so then we could slip off the skates...

The cutest thing... Isaac couldnt take his eyes off of his Pappy while Ricky was skating... Isaac would literally just stand there & turn the whole time Ricky went around the floor... He's seeing his future...he's going to be the next in line for master roller skating...

Here are two videos - the first one of Isaac first getting on the floor... sorry its so dark - it didnt look that dark on my computer at home...

And then here's a video of a taste of Ricky skating... I've said it before & I'll say it again - I fall in love every time I see him on wheels! He's the one following the guy in the green shirt...

Birthday weekend! ... Part ONE!

Finally - I can get up some sort of pictures from our weekend - the BIRTHDAY WEEKEND of that cutie pie, Isaac!

Saturday, the "official" birthday - we got to start the day off with a parade! Two little twin girls were in this parade & they were so good waving! So good in fact that every picture I got, has their hands in front of their face waving! I gotta work on their Princess wave with them! (There's Sophia with her hand right over her face - & Madi is behind with a sorta-princess wave going on!) Little Princesses to me on that float!


Isaac enjoyed the day & watching all the fun stuff going by!

Then we were off to a day at Huber's Orchard & who cares about anything Orchard-y when a playground is around! Its a good thing Pappy is agile enough to run on playgrounds with Isaac...

Off to a corn maze! Isaac led the way, having fun running & taking the turns on the path. Ricky, of course, being the kid he is, would hide in the corn even though the signs said "Stay on path"... & then Isaac was off to run THROUGH the corn too... what's a Pappy for, but to break the rules?

It was a long day at Hubers... enough to wear a baby down. And because he is now two years old, he is due for a good fit - & Nanny is always there with a camera. I think he's cute, even when he throws himself on the floor, screaming for bloody murder!

It didn't last long though... he was up chasing dogs within the next few minutes & talking on the phone to Yaya! Here he is pointing to his Mommy... We found out, my mom was asking where everyone was & he was pointing to us all every time... He knows his Nanny!!! He'd point to me every time... heart melt.... & notice Julie's cute little belly???? You ask Isaac where his baby brother is & he points to his OWN belly!!!!

Sunday - we started the day with a cook out for the Stephanie's Hope Mission Fund!!! My buddy Lynn is just amazing organzing it & pulling it off again, along with some INCREDIBLE people from church! Smoked pulled pork... YUMMY! And a cornhole tournament! Steve & I teamed up- & for someone who never played before - that would be Steve, though people may have thought it was me - we did pretty good! Isaac on the other hand wanted to play too & when he was told he couldnt - we get another cute pouty face!

But he occupied himself with bean bags... until someone took one away from him... Thanks Kay (HEHE!!!!)


And then we finished up & was off to the BIG EVENT... the BIRTHDAY PARTY!!!! I'm going to show the rest of those pictures tomorrow... I know we're on Isaac overload right now - so want you all to take it in doses! Believe me - tomorrow, you're going to smile & go AAHHH with the birthday pictures...

But I gotta leave you with a picture of my little red-headed buddy from church! Everytime I see this little girl, I just want to pick her up, & hug her & take her home with me... she's the cutest little thing! Tell me that face isnt just adorable... Her's - not mine! hehe!!!

Hope you all are enjoying your day... today is my last day with Isaac - they leave bright & early tomorrow morning... so if you hear sobbing in the distance - that will be me....

On Hold...

Dancing with the Stars has been put on hold... why? Because I'm still spending every minute I can with the most adorable little boy in the world...Birthday videos & pictures are still to come... off to go kiss a spaghetti covered face...