Six Word Saturday

WHY IS CHRISTMAS SO DANG MESSY?????

I woke up this morning after a long day of shopping & an even longer day of wrapping last night, feeling refreshed & ready for a new day...

Then I walked out of my bedroom....

UGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!

No - this isnt what my table looks like - mine looks worse!!!!  But my house is just a mess!  Wrapping stuff everywhere, bags everywhere, gifts that are wrapped - just sitting on the couch waiting for my tree to go up, gifts that NEED to be wrapped...you know those - the ones you wait until the last minute because they are the weirdest shapes to figure out how to make it look pretty!  By the end, I wont even care - I'll just roll it in paper & put a piece of tape to hold it together.  Slap a bow on it, & good enough for me!

But today, we've got to pull out the Christmas tree decorations - MORE MESS...

Not to mention the mess of Thanksgiving leftovers being pulled out & reheated & nibbled on all day...

And NOT to mention all the knitting projects going on so piles of yarn everywhere...

Needless to say, I'm getting overwhelmed...

& it doesnt help I'm sitting here watching Martha Stewart & her showing how easy & beautiful Christmas is supposed to be... shut up Martha!

Off to do SOMETHING to get this house straightened up...

How the Day went...

How was your Thanksgiving?

I was woken up at 7:00 with my husband standing over top of me saying "Are you ready?"... I clear my eyes to see what the heck he's talking about & he's standing there with the newspaper!  Its tradition for us to go through the Black Friday sales ads together & he just couldnt wait until I woke up....Sydney had to get in the mix too....

I went to my brother's house & had Thanksgiving with them while Ricky went to his family's...  today was also my brother's birthday!  Happy Birthday Tony... I asked Sophia how old she thought her daddy was.  She said 27... I said, how old do you think I am?  She said 28... yeah, my brother is older then me, & Sophia knows that, but that's OK - I'll take 28!  Here's Madi just eyeing Tony's ice cream cake... & I had to be slick to take a picture of Madi - she's Miss Camera Shy....

& then me & Ricky meet up for our own Thanksgiving dinner so we can eat together.  I do a turkey breast in the crock pot & man, can I tell you - it just fell off the bones & it was the yummiest turkey...

Ricky even said, "Take a picture of my plate for your blog"... to me, that's his way of saying "This is good stuff!"...

& even the dogs were going a little crazy....

So now, the kitchen is clean & the leftovers are put up for tomorrow & I'm ready to relax a little because we've got the alarm clock set for around 3:00 am.... WHAT?  Yes, 3:00 AM.... This is a glimpse of where I'll be in the next few hours....

Are you out taking advantage of Black Friday Sales?  How was your Turkey Day?  Are you still as stuffed as I am?

Happy Thanksgiving

May we be thankful for our blessings at ALL times...

Enter his gates with thanksgiving & his courts with praise; give thanks to him & praise his name.

For the Lord is good & his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

-Psalms 100:4-5

And for a little fun... enjoy this video... THANK YOU CHICKEN NUGGET PEOPLE!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just enough

I was blessed to give our church's communion thought this past Sunday... Every time I hear "Communion Thought" I think of Saturday Night Live's "Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey"...two TOTALLY different things...

But our pastor gave me the scripture earlier in the week from where he was going to get his message.  It was going to be in 1 Chronicles 29:10-22... I kept reading it over & over & one verse just kept coming out to me.

"And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion to keep your commands, requirements & decrees...." verse 19

Those words wholehearted devotion just kept hitting me....

I mentioned earlier that I just celebrated 17 years at my job.  Obviously, I'm dedicated to my job - devoted... to an extent.  I mean, after 17 years, I know the days where I can take a longer lunch... or I can bring knitting in & knit the afternoon away.  Its like I know on some days where I can just do what needs to be done... just enough to finish what I have to do...

Then I thought of how we do that with our walks with God.  That we loose our "wholehearted" devotion - we end up just doing "enough"... following the commands & rules that we LIKE... not the whole thing...Oh, yes, we still love Him & are devoted... but we loose the complete picture somewhere along the way.

Where are you lacking wholehearted devotion?  In finances, in relationships, in attitude, in passion....?

Its easy to do - & I think we all loose it at time... but God can & does restore it...

Beautiful Ending...

I've always loved Barlow Girl... love people that have a ear for harmonizing... jealous of them actually (Yes, I'm talking to you Lynn!)  Barlow Girl is made up of a group of sisters & they are just growing & changing with each of their new albums.

Their latest came out - "Love & War" & they had it on sale for $8.99 the day I ran in to pick up my wonderful Steven Curtis Chapman's CD.. (You totally knew I was going to throw his name in there)...

I am in love with this CD... but the one song that I'm just listening to over & over is "Beautiful Ending"...

The words in just the first part of the song breaks my heart...

And it scares me to think

That I would choose

My life over you

Oh, my selfish heart

Divides me from You

It tears me apart

The selfishness in us - that tears us away from God...

Its funny because this morning, Ricky & I were just talking about selfishness... not because of something we did - but I was watching my dogs this morning.  Zoe was laying in the dog bed at the foot of our bed... she wouldnt move because she knew Sydney was standing right next to it waiting for her to move so she could take her place in the comfy, warm softness of this bed. 

And I look up and on OUR bed (these dogs said "forget the dog bed!") & Bruno is chewing a bone just staring at Buffy while Buffy is just waiting for Bruno to turn his head for a minute so she can run off with it...

I told Ricky - look at that.  Selfishness is bred into not even our being, but animal's instincts as well...

Its "what I want"... "its all about it"... "I'm in control"... "I am in charge."..

And then I get in my car & the CD is still tuned into this song...

The words continue to say "At the end of it all, I wanna be in your arms"....

Thats the most beautiful thing of it all... no matter our selfishness, God will take us back into his arms because He loves us DESPITE ourselves....

May I set aside more & more of my selfishness daily as I long for my own beautiful ending...

Who's it going to be?

Tonight's the night.... Our big Dancing with the Stars Finale!  I get so anxious...I usually do a recap during the show, but honestly, I am so happy about the final 3, I'm just going to kick back & hold on to my knitting & yell on the couch instead of sitting at the computer.... I dont think there is anything else I could even say about these three.  With Aaron & Joanna gone - I'll be happy with ANY of these three holding that hidious, beautiful mirror ball trophy...

Is it going to be Kelly?  She's the under dog, but she truly has become a beautiful young lady who carries herself with more poise.  Is she the best dancer?  Nope, but in a show like this - its kinda, not really the thing that makes someone win.  Plus, there are alot of Ozzy fans out there so you may see a rush of 50-60 yr old rocker men pick up the phone... (hey, that almost includes my husband!)

Then there's Mya....She is obviously the best dancer on the show so that's why I feel like she deserves it.  I dont think she has anywhere the personality as the others, but her dancing definitely pulled her through.  And I'd like to see our alumn from So you Think you can dance, Dmitry, take the trophy!  He deserves it after having that horrible partner of Holly Madison last year!

Finally..... DONNIE OSMOND!  Yes, he is deep in my heart my fav to win & who I'll vote for.  I can say that without even seeing his dance tonight - I just would love for him to win...But if he doesnt win - I wont be devestated.  He is truly the entertainer & for that reason, I believe he should win.  And (Sorry AuburnChick,) I really like Kim & would like to see her take a win too...

Who do you think will take it all?

Somebody lost a tooth....

... & it wasn't me!

How many of you all thought it was me with all the dental issues I've had over the years?  Luckily - this isnt about my teeth...

I met up with my family this weekend & lo & behold, one of the twins has lost their FIRST tooth!!!

Here's a picture of Sophia showing me... & yes, you actually cant see her tooth space in this picture - but I love her eyes in this picture, so I'm showing you all anyways...

The kicker - no one knows where the tooth is.  She didnt even tell anyone she lost it!  My brother & sister in law think maybe she lost it at school...

She just keeps saying "I think its under the couch"... how funny is that?

Hopefully the tooth fairy found it in fairy land enough for her reward for her first tooth gone...

Where does time go...they grow up so fast!...

Six Word Saturday

OUR FUR BABY IS TURNING 9!!!!

Sydney is our Australian Sheperd.  She is one of our fur-babies - the oldest of the group - & her birthday is tomorrow & she turns the big 9 YEARS OLD!  Her birthday is so easy to remember because it is 11-22-00.  Being a number freak, I always loved that date....

If you've never dealt with an Aussie - let me tell you - they are the best breed!  They are so smart - smart enough where we literally have to SPELL words around her - & I'm not sure she doesnt know how to spell now too!

They are a protective dog. Protective of their family, of their home, of their other fur-sisters & fur-brother.

Ricky & I always said we will always have an Aussie in our home...

The down side of an Aussie - they have horrible hip problems & as we hit Sydney's 9th birthday, her hips have really kicked in the past few months.  We had to buy steps for her to get up & down in the bed.  She doesnt like to use them & she's smart enough to con us to pick her up & put her down out of the bed so she doesnt have to push herself.  Not easy to do sometimes, as she's about 75 lbs - but its building up muscles - right? 

We had an Aussie before Syd - & we literally carried her in & out to go to the bathroom the last part of her life for about 2 years, so we're used to tending to those hips... just hate its already setting in on our Syd-girl.

So tomorrow, Sydney Louise will get a special treat & we'll sing happy birthday to her & maybe even take her on a walk to the park (her favorite thing in the world!)...

And if you think its weird we celebrate our fur-babies birthday, you must not be a dog-owner.  Because once you are, you know how they are a part of your heart & how they are a member of the family!  And would you ignore a family member's birthday....

Friday Fragments

*I could just put this picture up & leave it at that.... after all - it is NEW MOON day!!!!  AHHH - counting down... t- minus 11 hrs till my moving showing...

Yes! I'm one of THOSE people!  And believe me - if I didnt have to be up at 5:30 am to go to work, I would have been at the midnight showing.  But I'm looking forward to meeting up with friends & sitting in a room full of Twilight-ers & screaming like I did about Patrick Duffy when he was the "Man from Atlantis"... dang - there I go showing my age again!

Anyone remember this show?  I was  YOUNG... but man,  I crushed on this guy in this show!  Before his big days of Dallas... we're talking REALLY old school there!

*I got a camera this weekend... Another Sony Cybershot - but the next step up from what I had.  I feel so much happier knowing I can pull out & click any time I want to again.  Didnt realize how dependant I was on cameras until it was gone.  But now that I have that - I can set my goals on that mac-daddy camera... yes, the best of both worlds!  I love the HOT PINK of this one too... makes me smile every time I hold it!  Hot pink just does that...

*Driving home yesterday from working out, I saw 5 Christmas trees in windows & at least a dozen houses with lights up... I guess Thanksgiving is getting further & further pushed out of the way...

*Project Runway season is over.  And surprise - another ALL BLACK collection won?  Wasnt that FIERCE with Christian?  But again?  I think they just look for the wackiest things & say that's "Innovative" & let them win.  I liked Althea the best... but I'm no Michael Kors or Nina Garcia!

*SPAT OF THE WEEK:  Cordless phones!  Our phones are deader than a doorknob... no charge left in them at all.  They are getting pretty old & it was time to get some new ones.  So when we made the trip to get my camera, we went ahead & picked up new phones.  They are on the counter & Ricky goes to pull them out & hook them all up around the house the minute - literally, the minute - I call him to tell him supper is ready.  As he's pulling everything out of the box, I ask him if he can wait, since hello?, I'm putting his food on his plate... he said "Fine, they can just wait now - we dont need to get them hooked up"... so because I made him wait that minute, he refused to hook them up all week long & he'll do it when "he's ready'... seriously?  Really?  So if you call my house & the phone goes dead, its because the old ones are still hooked up & Ricky's still sporting his stubborness.

*Anyone else excited about seeing Disney's new movie "The Princess & the Frog"?  I cant wait!  I love me a Disney story anytime, and add in a Princess in there - I'm all about it!  Hoping to take my twin nieces... if not, I gotta snag up on someone's kids, so it doesnt look like I'm the one who's anxious to see it!

*Speaking of Princesses... do you believe in Happily Ever Afters?

*BEST GLEE MOMENT:  We had a full episode without Sue Sylvester?  And it was STILL good?  Who would have thought!  But when Finn was in the bathroom talking to Kurt & he said

"I gotta go - they'll think I'm pooping" -

I about died laughing!  And then his "Karate moves" to pump him up to sing his heart to his family... is there anything better then this show?  And to close out the week, I'll leave you with the song that made me cry this week - Finn singing "I'll stand by You"...

Oh - & speaking of Finn - I saw on People.com that all three of the hot guys from Glee - Finn, Mr. Shue & Puck - they are all like within 3 yrs of each other - in their late 20's...

Now - onto my tearful song of the week....

Water thru the nose is a lesson? Oh yes!

You know me - I try to find a lesson in anything...  & with flu bugs going around - the Neti-pot has been sitting right on my bathroom counter, I could just see so many things that spoke to me... yes - a Neti-pot - the contraption that puts water through your nose.

I pulled out the neti-pot & not one of the kids knew what it was... I was sorta surprised, but that made it even more fun!  So I ask for a volunteer & everyone is afraid!  One brave soul finally came up... Here I am explaining what he's about to do... yeah, he's nervous!

Our youth minister came up & he brought his own Neti-pot... & he demonstrates how it works...

Then he walks this young man through it - giving him one on one directions & support

He even puts his hand on his back & tells him what to do so he doesnt choke, walks him through step by step...

So many lessons in this example...

First - I really hit on the salt water!  The way that salt gets in there & cleanses out your nasal cavity... when we take God into our life - dont we get "cleansed"?  So many examples of washing away our sins in the Bible!  So many great scriptures of God scrubing us clean of guilt ...

And what really hit me too - is that Jeremy, our youth minister - he showed the example of how it was going to be... it didnt take the nerves away... Eli was still nervous because he never did it before - but he saw that Jeremy survived!  His words were "I knew if I choked - he could do CPR or go get my mom"... Eli felt the support there!  The safety of the situation...

I loved the fact that Jeremy stood there & walked him through every step... "tilt your head".... "breath through your nose"....guided him...

But you know what - Jeremy couldnt FEEL what Eli was going through - Eli had to do that himself.  But Jeremy could be with him because he knew HOW it felt... & Jeremy couldnt take away the "weirdness" of water running through his nose - but he knew what it felt like himself & could relate...

And ultimately, Eli lived through it, he could do it himself now & then he could walk someone through the same process...

What an example to me... can you see it? It was screaming to me! 

We are on these walks with Christ - & people can come along side us & encourage us & walk us through - but its still OUR decision to take a step & go through with the relationship with God... & because people come along side us - it doesnt make the walk totally rainbows & butterflies... we'll still have painful situations, but they can relate & they can put their hands on our backs & walk us through.  And we can go through processes that cleanse us & those aren't always pretty situations & they can be uncomfortable... but in the end, we see we survive...

& then we can help the next person...

All through a Neti-pot....

Now that's a long time!

Today, I have been at my job for 17 years.... did you hear that? 17 years!!!

WOW... 17 years is longer than a whole span of education...

When I started, I wasnt even married... I was just 20 years old... I've AGED in this building! 

What's crazy is its basically the same people who I'm still working with!  That's a long time to be around people! 

So in a world that holds a lot of instability in the job market - I'm thankful today for my job.... even though I started as a young single lady & am now sitting here a much more "mature" woman who hides my grey!

Thankful for your troubles...

I saw this on a Youth Ministry site & just loved it & wanted to share... what a reminder to find gratitude in the midst of troubles & hardship...

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,

for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,

because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,

because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

SAVE DONNIE OSMOND & HIS ISOTONERS!!!!

So last Monday, I was swamped & missed Dancing with the Stars & when I did catch it, I had 3 conversations going on at one time - so didnt feel like I could do it justice to recap... & I was worried about tonight as well.  But God, once again, was looking over me & took care of my plans for the evening - So I'm all comfy, fresh Diet Coke sitting next to me - dishes washed after ANOTHER dinner cooked (Go me, go me!)... & I'm ready for some dancing!  Let's get this party started!

Donnie & Kim
First Dance - We get to see GILES back... oh mercy!  The man is still hotter then hot & has the ability to make me drop my jaw in just .5 seconds that he's on tv!  And he's giving advice to our little Donnie Osmond on how to make everyone uncomfortable during the Tango.  I just cant imagine Donnie forcing the same kind of "appeal" that Giles does... but I do love my cute, innocent Donnie.  Both can be sexy - right!... All I can say is that stupid song "Black & Gold" made me uncomfortable.  What the heck kinda song is that for the Tango? No wonder it threw him off & he was stumbling all over the place & ripping Kim's dress...& why does he have Isotoner gloves on?  ... my poor Donnie... I'm giving him all my votes... SAVE DONNIE!

Second Dance - The Samba... But first, we get to see Donnie's background & another reminder of how amazing he is... honestly, is there anyone out there as wholesome & adorable as him?  I dont think so!...He's the comeback king for the Samba!   So entertaining!  And there's Mary Hart with Marie Osmond..the Entertainment Tonight connection.  ... the audience is packed of celebs tonight!  Remember season one when no one even cared about the show... how far we've come!

Third dance - I'm just glad to see what their Knock out dance is because those green outfits have had me curious every week.  Jitterbug!  That's what green & pink combo represents... Just love his energy... If I havent said it before... we have to SAVE DONNIE!!!!... I feel like taking a water tower & writing on it - like Ferris Bueller - SAVE DONNIE!  (Anyone remember that part of the movie?)

Joanna & Derek (ugh... she's still there)
First Dance - The Venice Waltz... Brook Burke came back & I always loved her.  It must be reunion night!  I hate to say this about the dance... it was pretty... UGH!  I think it was because of Derek!  How adorable is Derek!  he seems like a perfect blond Ken doll who is just romantic dancing.... yep, only looked good because of Derek!  Derek - I give a 10... Joanna - I give a .01

Second Dance - The cha cha cha... but first we get to see the story of how to go from a communist country with $200 to the spread of Playboy  (oh mercy)....we get RED fringe pants for the dance... I totally still gotta find a pair!  Derek was great... no further comment...

Third Dance - Samba... .....by Joanna's 3rd dance, I've had my fill of her tonight.... If there is any way she doesnt make it to the finals - be prepared to go outside & listen real close because you will hear screams of joy coming from my house that will probably be heard for many many miles!

Kelly & Louis
First Dance - OK.. We all know I'm a dog lover & we start it off with the passing of that adorable fur ball?  Break my heart DWTS!  And look at Kelly hanging in there!  Louis said normally she would go home?  Heck, I want to sit & cry myself for that fur baby.  So Kelly has the Rhumba & she just looked beauitful in her dress... & doing a little move that was amazing with one leg!  Carrie Ann is exactly right - she has a magical quality that reachs into our hearts... love Kelly!  Love Louis... love this couple!

Second dance - We get a glimpse into Kelly's life & I have always loved "The Osbourne's"... I think as weird as they seem, Ozzy & Sharon are amazing parents who love their kids so this is a fun little look at this quirky young lady.  ... The Quickstep.. & Kelly NAILED it!!! I love when her mom is just beaming from the audience!  Makes me want to root for her even more!

Third Dance - Cha Cha Cha.... Can only say I LOVE HER & her pink skirt & her little blond curls... just adorable!

Mya & Dmitry
First Dance - They have the Waltz... give a flowing white dress, soft lights, & opera & how can it NOT be beautiful... Where Derek is the blond Ken, Dmitry is the dark headed Barbie cousin - perfection!

Second Dance - We see a glimpse of Mya's life... she is just such a poised young lady...She has the Salsa this time & holy cow... PERFECTION! And I'm not just talking about Dmitry's bare chest!!!  That was amazing!!!!!!!!!!... & that Len was amazed by her Tutti Fruitty Booty, sums it all up!

Third Dance - Cha Cha Cha.... cant even say anything but Awesome... that's all that comes from Mya - awesomeness!  She HAS to make it to the finals!

So what do you think?  Can you believe the finals is NEXT WEEK?!?!?!  Who do you think will make it?  Am I the only one hoping Joanna doesnt make it to next week?  Anyone else want to go buy some Isotoners now?

Six Word Saturday

Old school glasses making a comeback!!

I used to wear glasses since I was in kindergarden.  My vision is perfect, but I have a lazy eye & I had to wear the prescription glasses to pull my eye back into place.  So over the years, I've had various styles of glasses... all the way from small glasses of the 70's, up to Sally Jessee Raphel glasses of the 80's....

And the twins must have discovered my glasses at my parents house & they are having fun wearing them... I keep getting these pictures & it just makes my day.... look at these cute little faces in my glasses.....

When I see Sophia in glasses, I swear, its like I'm looking back at myself... my parents call her Rebecca all the time... she's used to it by saying "I know, I look like Aunt Bec"

Here's Madi with my "clear" glasses....hoping they just blend in  Do you think it worked?  HA!... these were in my early part of high school... Oh mercy!

I actually liked these glasses.  I loved the more bold glasses - even do today!  And to clarify, I have always had big ole' cheeks so I always wore big glasses to try & "hide" the cheeks... yeah, that probably worked as well as the clear glasses hiding....

I need to find my other glasses - particularly the ones in elementary school that had initial stickers in the corners & little puppy dog stickers.  Anyone remember those eye glass stickers back in the 70's?  I bet the twins will actually like those.  Bring back the old school style!

Friday Fragments

*Be sure to go HERE to try & win a free book from my book blog... the drawing is this evening!!!

*We had 80's night at church last weekend for our 175th +1 anniversary of our church... there was a time capsule that was put up 25 years ago... in the 80's, hence the theme.  It was so much fun pulling out the eye shadow & pulling the side pony tail fashion again!

Totally wish I would have pulled out my slouch socks!!! Remember those?  I have a FEW pairs... that's embarassing to admit...& no! I didnt have that sweater laying around.  I made a trip to Goodwill & found the perfect 80's sweater! 

How cute are these girls (& Ryan back there)... I love it though because these girls werent even ALIVE in the 80's & yet, they love the fashion & music of the era... Rock on girls!

*I'm sorry I missed the recap of Dancing with the Stars... but speaking of the 80's ... did anyone catch how awesome my Donny Osmond looked channeling Adam Ant/ Michael Jackson/Corey Feldman...I'm rooting him on all the way to the finals!!!

*SPAT OF THE WEEK:  Candy wrappers!!!! Ricky has the biggest sweet tooth of anyone I know.  Seriously - his blood has to be made up of at least 51% of sugar.  So after Halloween & half off of bags of candy - Ricky is in his heaven.  Reese's cups, Kit-Kat's, Almond Joys... candy is everywhere!  He carries these bags around like a security blanket.  So now, I'm left to pick up dozens... no, make that HUNDREDS, of candy wrappers... & pulling them out of dog's mouths.  I mean, why just throw them in the trash can when its just fun to watch me chase dogs around, pulling a saliva piece of paper out of their mouths?

*Anyone going to make this week officially TAYLOR SWIFT WEEK?  First, the appearance on SNL (how funny was her Montage Song (la la la)....& then she kicks butt on the country music awards?  WOW... that's one over-achieving 19 yr old... What were YOU doing at 19 years old? 

*In case anyone wasn't aware (yeah... right....) NEW MOON... 1 WEEK AWAY!!!!! (aaahhhhhhh....screaming like a teenager girl!)

*Its Friday, the 13th... a guy at Ricky's work will actually not come into work today because of superstition.  Truly!  I never really think anything of it... do you?  I've never seen the Friday, the 13th movies.  Maybe if I saw those, I'd be a little more freaked out.  I dont know - did people get superstitious about it before or after the movie?  Did the date inspire the movie?  ... I'm so confused & lost.  I need to do my research on this topic.

*Best GLEE Moment:  Sue Sylvester actually making me tear up?  What the heck?  A older sister with Down Syndrome that she reads stories to & holds hands with.... Who saw THAT coming??

*I'm still on a hunt for a camera!  Trying to keep an eye out for those big sales that are supposed to be amazing PRE-Black Friday sales..... come on Best Buy - give me something that will make me happy.

Hope everyone has a fantastic Friday!!!!!

Mamaw's Dumplings....

Thanksgiving is just two weeks from today... (I still cant believe it).... & someone was asking me what my favorite food is for Thanksgiving?

I'm such a carb nut!  Give me mashed potatoes... or some good stuffing!  I even love Stove-top, so I'm not picky when it comes to stuffing.  Lots of carbs?  I'm in love... Sorry Bob & Jillian!

But the best thing that I always loved for Thanksgiving was my grandma's dumplings!  Oh my word... I seriously looked forward to the family get togethers just for those yellow pieces of heaven!  Turkey?  Who cares!  Pumpkin pie?  HA!  The dumplings were what I was there for!  There was just nothing like them.  They were thick & yellow & a meal in itself.  Oh... my mouth is watering....

My grandma has left this earth quite a few years back now....

And with her, those dumplings have gone too...

Her daughters (my aunts & my momma) have tried to re-create them.  Its just not the same.  They dont turn out the same color - they arent ever thick enough - they just aren't the same...

I swear, I think she left an ingredient out of her recipe she passed down so no one could make them like her... & no one can...

So once again, with Thanksgiving coming, I'll still think of those dumplings, even though its been over 20 years since I've had them... & I'll appreciate the times that I did get to have them... & my grandma....

What is your favorite Thanksgiving food you're looking forward too?  Have a old time family receipe that you just savor?  Got a good dumpling recipe?

Thank you Veterans!

Panting...

Sunday, I thought I was going to DIEEEEEEE if I didnt get something to drink.  It was late & I had been running all day long.  Up & out at 7:45 am to head to church, practiced singing with the Worship Band, then sang through two services, taught the Jr. High youth, so that involved alot of talking (which I'm good at!) - then we had a youth meeting - then off to lunch with my buddy Ryan & some fun talks (more talking!  I'm telling you - I'm good at it!) - then we had our church's 175 +1 celebration that revolved around the 80's!  Oh - I've got pictures coming!  But that event was so much fun!  I dont think I've laughed that hard in a LONG time - & of course, I talked alot...

So I get back into my house at 9:45 & I'm PARCHED.  I literally downed a can of Diet Coke in like 5.7 seconds!  Well, maybe not that fast, but I bet you it was less then 2 minutes.  Then I pull out another one - down it!  I'm telling you - I'm chugging!  Then I get another one!  It was like I couldnt get enough to drink... my poor throat was yelling "SOOTHE ME"!!!

Have you ever been that thirsty?  Isnt that a horrible feeling?  I know working out makes me just crave water - yes, water! - not Diet Coke! 

I had to laugh at how cool God is though because my scripture reading for the day yesterday was Psalm 42... & the first words,

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. -Psalms 42:1-2

I've heard this verse before & never really put a lot of thought into it... I love God's timing of showing me how my thirst was consuming me the night before & how I was doing everything I could to quench it.  This verse became alot clearer.

Then, me, being a word nerd (along with a knit nerd & a number nerd, & all the other "nerd" things in my life) - I looked up what "pant" meant.... here's some of the definitions:
*Breath noisly, as when one is exhausted
*To Gasp; a short labored breath
*To long for (something); to be eager for (something)

AHHH.... yes!  Exhausted - being labored - to long for something...

Yep... those are all the things I am without God in my life or when I put other things before Him...

So next time I'm DYING for something to quench my thirst, I think I'm going to remember that verse & thank God that He is the Living Water to ease my exhaustion - to ease that labored breathing ...& to fulfill all that I long for!

Book Giveaway

Hey... you all know you want a free book - right? 

Stop over at my Book Blog, just click right HERE & leave a comment... easy enough! 

Drawing will be Friday evening... good luck!

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....