Song Sung Blues

So I don't normally have such a negative take on American Idol. I'm really starting to bum myself out, as well as various blog stalkers who peek, but don't comment online. My apologies if I'm bringing you down way low with me and my disheartening AI malaise. Please stick with me and don't give up on me...There's always next week and there is always the finale, which has been pure entertainment the last 2 years in a row. One of my most favorite television moments was Chris Daughtry singing 'Mystery' with Live. This is one of my favorite songs of all times. James didn't feel too bad about his almost baldhead after watching me swoon over Chris and the lead singer of Live. I'm providing a link to watch the performance on YouTube, which doesn't do their voices justice. It was much better than can be displayed on YouTube. If you're interested also check out his 'Suspicious Minds' and 'Higher Ground'.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4urjxPL_z4&feature=related

Also, after watching a few of Chris Daughtry's clips I remembered why I like him so much and why I feel like something is missing this season. Other seasons have provided 'performers', people who were fun to watch and engaging. I don't feel like there are any performers this season. For the most part they stand in the center of the stage and sing. I find it very boring. Chris and David are completely different kinds of 'rockers' and I prefer Daughtry a million times more. He is much more believable. He doesn't pull any hokey faces, doesn't try to 'be cool' and takes the compliments/criticism with ease. He's just cool.

Keeping my malaise in mind and a strong desire to shake it, here our my thoughts:

I LOVE Neal Diamond! I have his greatest hits and have spent many "Thursday Cleaning Days" scrubbing toilets to 'Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show'. It really gets the heart pumping and cleaning gets done a lot faster. And who can forget "Saving Silverman" and the boy's Neal Diamond cover band? Jack Black in a flashy silk shirt singing 'Cherry, Cherry' is priceless. I was again looking forward to this night, just like many nights before. *Sigh* I'm with Simon...these are the top 5 and they need to be putting in over the top, fabulous performances and I don't feel like that happened. Am I just punishing AI because my favorites aren't the successful ones? For the record-my favorites aren't doing too hot. They continue to let me down week after week and now I've hit stubborn mode and am having a hard time opening my heart to any others. I think they have come to the conclusion and acceptance of the fact that the Davids will be the final two and the other 3 are over thinking things, while the Davids continue to be 'surprised' about their comments. Are they really 'The Bomb' or is Randy saying that to convince the viewers that there is actually talent in the remaining 5 that will make them $$$? I'm at a total loss and I need to hear some feedback from those who remain optimistic about the final 5. If you are one of the Davids' fans tell me why! Do you really, truly like their style? Are you settling? Are you prepared to invest in their music? These are all life altering questions I know. Ponder them deeply.

Jason Castro- Remains safe and the same. He had a folksy vibe going with tonight's performances, but nothing memorable.

The Head- Again nothing different for me. I didn't like his 1st song at all and his attempts to sound 'smoky'. It wasn't necessarily him; I just don't like that particular song. His 2nd song did sound more contemporary and it was OK.

Brooke-Come on! I know she has it in her to do something great. She really needs to be performing much better than she has been. I much prefer her behind the piano and therefore liked her 2nd performance the best. Her 1st was just a mess. She was nervous and shaky and looked like a small nocturnal creature stuck in oncoming traffic in the dead of the night. Her 2nd performance was stronger in voice, style and attitude. Stick with the piano Brooke.

David A- I didn't like his tweaked version of 'Sweet Caroline'. As far as I'm concerned that is a classic that you simply don't mess with. It was very weird to me. I've tried to figure out for weeks now what is holding me back on this sweet kid. He has a beautiful voice, but he always sounds like he's singing from behind a door.

Awesome! Def Leopard is singing 'Pour Some Sugar on Me' on Dancing With the Stars. I'll be back... I'm back. Let me put my 'Rock On' fingers away...Maybe AI should have a Def Leopard night. That would TOTALLY ROCK! I'd actually pay to see David A. sing:

'Love is like a bomb, baby, c'mon get it on, Livin' like a lover with a radar phone, Lookin' like a tramp, like a video vamp, Demolition woman, can I be your man?'

Sorry back to David and the behind the door idea...He has a nice voice, but it always sounds dampened. I would like to hear it without the breathy quality. For the Davidites: Is that what you like about his voice?

Syesha-She was definitely the most fun to watch. She is a performer. I like watching her move across the stage instead of stand in one place and pump the arm not occupied with the microphone. She did do good tonight and is, in my opinion, one of the more talented vocal singers. I just wish there was something different and unique about her. There are millions of girls across the country singing in choirs just like her. She is sooo classy and beautiful though and I would like to see her do well. She may become my new favorite if she makes it longer than Brooke and Jason.

Bottom 3-Do we even need to speculate? Brooke, Jason and Syesha. I will again offer a bag of M&M's for anyone brave enough to go up against my bet on the Davids being the final 2.

Good Day Sunshine

I need to laugh, and when the sun is out
I've got something I can laugh about
I feel good, in a special way
I'm in love and it's a sunny day...

We were blessed with glorious 68 degree weather today. Boy does that brighten the moods in this house! I love a Sunday where I don't have to bundle the kids up along with ALL 50 church bags to get out the door. Good Day Sunshine! We had James' parents and youngest sister Rainee make the drive from Pocatello for dinner. I've been blessed with a set of in-laws who are quite agreeable and easy to be around. Rainee was just barely 3 years old when James and I hooked up and she is now knocking on the door of 'Sweet Sixteen'. Yikes! She had this beautiful head of red, crazy, curly hair when I joined the family and she is now very chic and wears it long and straight. I would love to know if it still curls if she leaves it alone...not sooo chic I'm afraid! Here are a few fun pics of our short time together. All you Sellicks out there go ahead and be jealous you weren't with us. We thought about you for a second and then went on ahead and had fun without you.

Poor James married boring me. I'm not a 'play' kinda gal and you won't catch me tossing a football around. He's always happy when his sisters show up, because they LOVE to toss the ol' pigskin. Thank heavens for sisters.

Tessie wanted to play catch too.

Grandpa Jim and Lovely Livvy

The two we thank for getting the job
done right with raising James.

The kids spent the whole time gathering pruned branches from the ground and making a beaver den. Here is Mark showing us his beaver face.

Here's Rainee with her new baby that she got yesterday...as long as people are putting orders in for new cars...we're in the market for a fancy suburban, white. You know who you are and all me and James have to say is very nice, very sweet and very thoughtful. They don't come any better than you. Now quit vying for favorite! We already won a long time ago.

Celtic Thunder

For all those loved ones in the "Neider Circle of Trust" I apologize for stealing and repeating one of Carrol's posts, but I have a new love and had to share with those outside the circle. Carrol linked to a performance by one of the members of Celtic Thunder and after watching it, I quickly downloaded their stuff on iTunes and have listened to it nonstop ever since. James and I, as far as we know, don't have a drip or drop of Irish in us, but we might as well due to our great enjoyment of Celtic music. It must be the drums or the sweet lilt in their voices as they sing. Celtic Thunder will be in concert in Utah in December and you can bet we'll be there. I've provided a link to my so-far favorite song, sung by member Keith Harkin. He is very easy on the eyes. After watching this one, check out the other clips, especially 'Lauren and I' and 'The Mountains of Mourne'. He has such a soothing tone to his voice. Also, for those of you who think I am too hard on David A. from AI and don't think I enjoy a good balladeer, check out youngest member of the group, 14-year-old Damien McGinty's clips. David A. has nothing on this wee lad. He is absolutely flawless. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ajw3AZA_7A

Dynamic Duo

Tonight was our Mother/Daughter night for Activity Days. It was a talent show and Livvy and I wowed the crowd with some fine flute and piano playing. Livvy played "I Am a Child of God" and did a fabulous job. She is a silly little girl and spent most of the night trying to make the other girls laugh. Her best audience is Isa and Ali Belle who appreciate her quirkier side, but she did manage to get a few chuckles. I considered reprising the "Stairway to Heaven" jingle, but opted not to in case any of the 8 or 10 year olds in the room were wise to its history. I think I dodged a bullet on that one. I played "Beauty Everywhere" and brought the house down...

1st Official Temper Tantrum by Tess

The Queen T blessed us with her 1st official temper tantrum today. I wouldn't let her get into the shower with me, which resulted in a broken heart and crocodile tears. She's just like the rest of the Sellick Ankle Biters and got a red, splotchy face to drive the sad point home.

Memory

Like many others, I went through a huge Andrew Lloyd Webber phase. It certainly wasn't because of my dad's great disgust with "Cats" though. He took my mom to see "Cats" when I was fairly young and from that night on we have heard him lament having to spend 2 1/2 hrs. listening to a bunch of cats sing and about nothing to boot. If you ever want to get Mark Neider going, just ask him about the musical "Cats".

My love had to be garnered from other areas. When I was a sophomore in high school our marching band's half time and competitive show was based on "The Phantom of the Opera" (Did you forget I was a band nerd?) We won everything we competed in and I fell in love with the music. In fact, it was at this time that I 1st got to know my sister-in-law Colleen. She played the part of "Christine" and danced herself all across the field. She was dating Ryan at the time and it was fun to hang out with an older girl on the bus while we traveled around. My junior year my dad got us tickets to Phantom and we went while on vacation in California. It is truly one of those stand out moments in my life. My dad got us the tickets a few months before we went and I kept them closely guarded in my top drawer. I remember getting in trouble over some teenage misstep, probably over a boy, and he took them away from me and said one of my brothers would take my place. I was devastated! He hung onto them for quite sometime, but the week of our trip he brought them to me and said,"Do you really think I would keep you from the show?" My dad has always been a sucker for his girls! We went the same week of the L.A. riots and were scared to death to be driving around the area the theater was in (right across the street from the courthouse), but we weren't about to miss it. The theater was practically empty and my Dad, who had bought himself a cheaper ticket than us girls, was able to sneak down to the orchestra seats. He ended up with better orchestra seats than us! It was a BEAUTIFUL night and my memory of that night will forever be attached to that music and to my dad. I have played many, many Lloyd Webber songs in my time as a flutist, so it was very fun to hear tonight's music.

*Sayesha: I really loved this performance. It was my favorite of the night. It suited her and she really could be successful on Broadway I think. You could tell she didn't want to hear that, but it is true.

*Jason: I just didn't like him tonight...my heart hurts. "Memory" didn't suit him at all and he was way out of his element.

*Brooke: The poor thing has had to start over 2 times now this season. She is over thinking things and this type of music is way over her abilities. While I like her voice, it is not strong enough to tackle these songs. I medium liked this one.

*David A.: This was not at all what I expected and I surprised myself because I enjoyed it. He was the only one to twist the song enough to make it contemporary.

*Carley: Irreverence of the song topic aside...she did fine with this. She does tend to yell a lot and my throat hurts when I listen to her, but she was my 2nd fav performance of the night.

*David C.: Before I discuss his singing merits I need to get something off my chest. After paying attention to my sister's observations, I looked at his head in comparison to Ryan Seacrest's. Holy cow! Either Ryan has a teeny, tiny head or David C. has an enormous, gigantic head. I think it's David. In honor of this, he will here on out be referred to as David "The Head" Cook. Also, a few words from the movie 'So I Married and Axe Murderer':

Stuart MacKenzie: Look at the size of that boy's heed.
Tony Giardino: Shhh!
Stuart MacKenzie: I'm not kidding, it's like an orange on a toothpick.
Tony Giardino: Shhh, you're going to give the boy a complex.
Stuart MacKenzie: Well, that's a huge noggin. That's a virtual planetoid.
Tony Giardino: Shh!
Stuart MacKenzie: Has it's own weather system.
Tony Giardino: Sh, sh, shh.
Stuart MacKenzie: HEAD! MOVE! I'm not kidding, that boy's heed is like Sputnik; spherical but quite pointy at parts! Now that was offside, wasn't it? He'll be crying himself to sleep tonight, on his huge pillow. HEED! PANTS! NOW!

OK! I can now continue. The Head hit the high notes really good. I kinda held my breath when he was getting ready to hit some of them and when he hit them I gave a sigh of relief. That could have been embarrassing! I didn't particularly like this performance, especially when he went down to the lower notes. He's not really a 'melodic' singer. I disagree with what Randy and Paula had to say. It wasn't that great, but fine.

Possible bottom three: Brooke, Jason, Carley...I think it's time to choose a new favorite. Mine aren't doing too hot, as is usually the case by this point in the season. My 1st choice has yet to win the coveted title. Maybe I'm a jinx!

He Who Holds My Heart

Today the man in my life turns 35...Wow! He's almost 40! Who'd have thunk it was possible? For his birthday I got him a new set of scriptures. I knew it was time after watching page after page tear out as we had family scripture study. I didn't know if he would be ready to part from his mission scriptures, but it was time. When I went to pick out his scriptures I had to laugh as I went back and forth between the 'regular' set or the bigger set with bigger print. You know you're getting older and thinking about getting older when you opt for the bigger print knowing the eyesight will start going at some point. Did things like this ever cross your mind when you were 20? The point was driven home when he opened them and said, "Great! I wanted the big print ones!" After almost 12 yrs. of married life we have melded into one and are generally of one mind and one thought process. It's kinda nice.


Thoughts on He Who Holds My Heart-

*James and I knew we were going to get married within a week of meeting. Funny, at 20 do you really know the person you've decided to spend eternity with? I knew I loved him (in a 20 year old way), I knew he was cute, I knew he was funny, I knew he was smart and I knew I liked being with him. The surprising thing is, I didn't know just how intense that love would become, I didn't know just how handsome he would become, just how funny he was, just how smart he was and just how much I would LOVE being with him.

*We have truly become one in mind, purpose and deed. While those elements were there when we got married, they have been magnified through maturity and children. I count my lucky stars that the man I married didn't do a 180 on me and has just aged well, like a good wine (so I've heard). We want the same things, parent in the same manner and are working towards the same goal. Just as Russel M. Nelson said, "Salvation is an individual matter. Exaltation is a family matter."

*He makes me laugh every single day, multiple times a day. This maybe one of my favorite things about him. He has the quickest wit and funniest takes on life. I love hearing about his deputy adventures and the things he says to people. In a nice and caring way, he likes to shine a light on stupid...

*James is the hardest workin' boy. Ever since we 1st married he has worked hard for our family. Often, he has worked full time and gone to school full time, at the same time. He works so hard for his family and wants to do good by us. He got his MBA last spring and is currently doing an internship at the hospital here in Cassia County and is also still working full time as a deputy. I know all of this hard work is for us and it makes me love and appreciate him even more.

*He loves his babies. I knew he wanted to marry me when he said to me one night, "We're going to have the cutest redheaded babies." He was right. He holds Tess in the palm of his hand. She is crazy about her daddy and as the mother, I find it quite satisfying.

*I had to kiss him 1st! I really wanted him to kiss me and I could tell he was just going to walk out the door this one night. So I popped up on my tippy toes and planted one on him. He looked at me kinda funny, patted me on the head and said, "You're a cute kid," and then left. What?! I still married him anyway.

*I love his easy going, go with the flow personality. He doesn't ruffle easy, which I'm sure comes in handy in his line of work. He likes to let things play out. I've learned a lot from him. I've referred to my quick temper in previous posts and can honestly say that temper has been tempered, simply because I've watched how James handles life. My temper rears its ugly head still, generally when someone (I won't name names) hurts their baby sister, but it is much less frequent. I'm certain my blood pressure has gone down several points...

He is my everything and I'm glad he's mine forever. We'll be hopping around Heaven together laughing at all of the good times we've shared, people we've known and places we've been. He holds my heart now and he'll hold it then.

You Look Like a Monkey and You Smell Like One Too!

James and I were really able to deliver as parents today and I can now officially declare Mark can never say we didn't do anything for him as a child. He woke up at 5:30 a.m. full of joy and delight at the idea of his party and spent the WHOLE morning asking me when we were heading to Pocatello. Oi! He is like one of those Monkeys with cymbals that you wind up and instead of eventually winding down, gets stuck and just keeps on going and going. Maybe I should say he's more like the Energizer Bunny, although he would make a cuter monkey...

The Neider and Sellick Clans converged on Pocatello today for a cousins super duper birthday bash at The Outer Limits Fun Zone. Mark has been planning this party since Christmastime and it was nice to finally see it come to fruition. His favorite part was the fun gifts, my Dad's was the 'Deal or No Deal' game where he won 200 tickets and mine was the 2 hostesses who kept our drinks full, served the kids, cut the cake, dished up ice cream and cleaned up our mess...wrapping paper and all. I tell you, that's the way to do it, plop down a fistful of $$ and let yourselves be taken care of. Mark's complete delight and the great service was worth it all. The kids had a great time running wild for a couple of hours while the adults sat and visited. Our dear, sweet, wonderful brother Courtney (Sellick) found our Nate crawling through the bathroom stalls (while they were in use), cleaned him up and brought him to us with a big grin on his face. I guess we got a little too carried away in visiting. Good times.

ABC's of Mark James

Our Mark turned 6 this last Friday and will celebrate this Saturday with a birthday bash in Pocatello. His one request was to go to the Outer Limits with his cousins and have a Scooby Doo cake. Every now and then it's quite pleasing to grant these requests. In honor of his 6 years of life I present the ABC's of Mark.






A is for animated. If Mark's talking the hands are a moving. He could be part Italian with the amount of hand motion that is going on. His eyes also get great big when he is excited.

B is for blue is favorite color.

C is for cousins. He loves, loves, loves his cousins and would live with them if he could.

D is for dogs. He is scared to death of dogs, even puppies. If you hear a child screaming like a girl don't be surprised if it's Mark encountering a dog. I don't ever have to worry about him begging for a dog. Phew!

E is for energetic. He has more energy than we know what to do with. We count our lucky stars that he is finally old enough to sign up for t-ball, soccer, basketball and peewee football. E is also for his eyes. His Grandpa Mark calls them his 'Saucer Eyes' because they are big and round like saucers.

F is for fact books. He likes to read books about animals, volcanoes, the presidents, mummies, Egypt, castles, etc. He wants information that he can try and sound 'smart' with as he has conversations.

G is for girl. He was supposed to be a girl and surprised us all. That was a good day when we found out about him.

H is for happy. He is overall a very happy child and wants others to be happy too.

I is for Isa his cousin who he is convinced he is going to marry. Isa is always very kind and lets him kiss and hug on her regardless of being 10 years old and very 'in the know' about 6 year old crushes. Thanks Isa!

J is for James his middle name, which is after his daddy and Grandpa Sellick, Richard James.

K is for his kissy lips. He has these full lips that are always willing to give a smooch. Tess gets rather bothered by them because he can't keep them off of her and she ends up smelling like spit by the end of the day. Gross, I know.

L is for Legos. He is a Lego nut and can play for hours with them, but has a hard time picking them up..."Mom they're too messy!"

M is for Mark. He was named after my father Mark.

N is for Nate his sometimes best buddy and sometimes arch enemy. They are figuring out how to be better buds everyday though much to James and my relief.

O is for Olivia whom he adores and takes every word she says as law.

P is for passionate. Mark feels everything intensely. If he tells you he loves you, you know it and can feel it from him. If he is scared or excited it is very apparent.

Q is for not quiet. If he's awake he's talking, yelling, laughing, jumping, hopping, banging, etc. There is no such thing as peace and quiet where Mark is concerned.

R is for repeat. He is an exact 'repeat' of his father. Not only do they look just alike, but they walk alike, stand alike, run alike and sleep alike. You can't miss one, if the other is around.

S is for Star Wars and the love affair that began when he was 3. The force lives on and on here in the Burley Homestead. S is also for 'Skinny' the nickname his Grandpa Mark has given him.

T is for the 'tricks' he likes to play. For example, "Mom the teacher said no homework today"...the next day..."Mark did you have any papers?" "No I left them at school. I was 'tricking' you yesterday when I told you no homework."

U is for underfoot constantly. He can generally be found following me around chatting at me like a monkey. I trip on him at least once a day.

V is for victory. It is the only acceptable way by which Mark will play a game. Losing is not an option and when you have an older 'wiser' sister it is inevitable. We have had to buy games where luck is heavily involved. Games of strategy and Mark don't mix well.

W is for his new Webkinz Jack the monkey. He totes him around everywhere and loves to play with him online. Hooray for Webkinz!

X is for lovely x-rays of his broken arm that he loves to show off and tell you ALL about.

Y is for 'Yep'. This is his answer for everything...that he doesn't 'hate'.

Z is for zero tolerance of spikey hair. He doesn't mind it on other boys, just don't do it to his hair. In his own words, "It just doesn't work for me."

Great Day

This has been one of those enjoyable, no stress days. I went to Twin Falls to spend some much needed quality sister time with Whitney. We went to lunch at Jaker's (James and my favorite). I had Tess and Nate and with Whitney's boys Hank and Joe we were quite the group. The boys spent the entire meal under our table, but we figured that was better than running around. Anyway-Jaker's is this fantastic steak house with hot scones and soups to die for. Lunch was worth the trip alone. We then hit my regular Twin Falls pit stops and bumped into some steal-of-a-deals. I always feel like I can dress my kids when I can find $2-3 clothing at Old Navy. Yahoo! I also took care of my sweetheart's b-day surprises and can't wait to give them to him. He and Mark will celebrate their b-days on Saturday at the "Outer Limits Fun Zone". Pictures will be posted later...

OK-OK-OK....David C. absolutely kicked AI backside tonight. He totally rocked and I really, really loved his performance. He looked nice and actually sounded good and didn't come across as an arrogant high schooler. Good job David C.! If his performances stay like tonight's, I can see me crossing to the dark side...that is if my favorites are all booted as we know they will be. As for my favorite, I loved Jason's performance as well. It was a good way to end the show. I will make a new prediction and say that both David's will be in the final two...anyone up for the challenge? A giant bag of M&M's still stands as the prize. Anyone who would like to wager is welcome too and I won't shy from sending out multiple bags. These are my predictions until the end of the season. Let's see if I'm wrong.

I felt bad for the girls tonight, because honestly, who can do Mariah? The boys were at an advantage because there is no way they would be compared to a female singer. The girls on the other hand would be. None of the girls did particularly well tonight, with Sayesha as a slight exception. The bottom 3 will certainly be composed of any combination of girls. Let's hope its Kristy Lee going home, although I'm afraid it will be Brooke. I still like her, but she just didn't deliver tonight...and another favorite will bite the dust. My heart still aches for Michael. It always seems like at this time in the season with 5-7 idols left, one of the fan favorites is sent home. Wouldn't it have been interesting to hear what he would have done with a Mariah Carey song? I found Mariah quite nice tonight. I have never really liked her and have always thought that she came across as a prima donna, and I'm sure she is, but she was surprisingly nice.

The Soundtrack of My Life

As I was jammin' to my iPod lineup tonight while doing the dishes I got to thinking about all of the music I have loved and enjoyed since my early days. My lineup is wide and quite varied. You name it, I've liked it. From Country to Alternative, its all right there on my iPod, although I was watching "The Namesake" and know I could not ever listen to Indian music for more than a moment... Anyway, this got me wondering...If you could create a 'soundtrack' of your life from childhood to current day, what would that soundtrack be composed of? What songs stick out in your mind over time that bring back moments and people in your life? Mine, I've decided would have to be a collection of cd's and would include the following:

"Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" At about 3 years old, much to the embarrassment of my mother I sang this song with great gusto. Loved it then, love it now.

"Smurfin' Party" When I was about 5-6 my mom bought us kids a Smurf music tape and we wore the poor thing out. I've been trying to find it on the internet and have been unsuccessful to date. I'd pay good money for a copy.

Favorite selections from "My Turn On Earth" and "Saturday's Warrior". Go ahead and snicker and them admit you listened to them too. This is in stark contrast to the 1st song mentioned I know. When I was about 6 I listened to these tapes over and over and over. To this day I still love them both and sing "Angel's Lullaby" to my children.

When we lived on a horse ranch in Montpelier, ID my mother purchased Dan Fogelberg's "Innocent Age". I remember thinking about how he told a story with every song. A must have on my soundtrack would be "Sand and the Foam". It fully rings true now with my babies growing so quickly.

Favorite selections from "Grease". Regardless of any hidden messages and innuendos, my sister and I can sing this entire collection word for word. Must haves: "Summer Nights", "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee," "You're the One that I Want", "Beauty School Dropout" and "We Go Together".

I had a friend who loved Wham!, Duran Duran and Tears for Fears, so I of course loved them too. This would include "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go", "Hungry Like a Wolf" and "Shout".

"We Are the World"...who could forget? This was the anthem during my whole 4th grade year.

"You're the Inspiration" by Chicago. My best friend Krysta and I made up a dance to this and I can clearly remember it was fabulous. We listened to this over and over.

"Hot Blooded". This beauty of a song was on a Foreigner album my mom owned and I don't know why I particularly liked this song, but I did and I drove everyone crazy listening to it again and again.

"Born in the U.S.A." On the way to church my father would get us in a reverent mood by blaring Bruce Springsteen's great American anthem. To this day I can't hear this song without thinking about the 30 min. trip to church, Peach Rd. and my dad singing as he drove. Too funny!

The summer before my 8th grade year I lived with my Aunt and her family in Seattle. For my cousin Corena and I that summer was ALL about working at my uncle's fast food restaurant Chick n' Spuds, "Dirty Dancing" and Def Leopard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me". Ah! The sweet memories of childhood! Nobody puts Baby in a corner!

My 9th grade year was my sad attempt at a 'black' phase. This part of the soundtrack would include, Depeche Mode's "Just Can't Get Enough", Erasure's "Imagination", The Cure's "Pictures of You" and Yaz's "Only You".

Into high school the following songs would certainly apply and even have home video lip syncs to drive the point home:
*"Shiny, Happy People" My BFF Josie and I belted it out back and forth from the school to her house.
* "500 Miles" One word high school pals..."Socks"
*"Send Me an Angel"
*"Stairway to Heaven" Believe it or not a pal of mine and I used this song for a devotional. He played the guitar and I played the flute and then as he played I went over and turned the strings on his guitar. The point being that with the gospel, life is in 'tune' and without the gospel our lives are out of tune. Our seminary teacher took it way too serious and held us after class to give us a lecture on the true meaning of the song. I can still give the lecture word for word. If you want to know just speak up and I'll be happy to 'tune' you in.
*For that matter...Any Led Zepplin song!

Post high school I got on a big Harry Connick Jr. and Barbara Streisand kick, so "Recipe for Love" and "Evergreen" would certainly need to be included.

After marrying James, Country was introduced into my life and ALL 3 Dixie Chicks CD's would find there way onto my soundtrack. I gave them up for awhile after their Bush fopah, but I have slowly been forgiving them and letting them be heard again. Can't have a soundtrack without Alison Krauss either.

My soundtrack now is a jumble of all these styles and songs and I have failed and I'm sure forgetten to mention many, many others. The list is endless and thus this post would be endless too. These are just the standouts in my mind and life. What would be on your soundtrack?

Here too is a quick peek at 10 songs on my iPod from a shuffle standpoint:
*Crazy-Aerosmith
*Dreams-Cranberries
*Grace Kelly-Mika
*Baby I'm-A Want You-Bread
*All I Want is You-U2
*Juke Box Blues-Reese Witherspoon, from Walk the Line
*Mystery-Live
*Layla-Eric Clapton (My cousin Carrol told me a story about this song once...)
*Come On Eileen-Dexy's Midnight Runners
*Black Horse and the Cherry Tree-KT Tunstall

Were You Inspired?

Were you inspired last night? Were you infused with a new resolve that there is a light at the end of the rainbow where unicorns with pixie dust in their manes run wild?

After last night on AI my favorites continue to be my favorites and my not so favorites continue to keep my heart ice cold. A few thoughts:

*The Gold Star goes to my old pal Jason Castro. His performance of "Over the Rainbow" proved to me why I've loved him from the beginning. I loved the simplicity of the song. I thought it was the perfect song choice for him. He just has a different quality about him that sets him a part from the others.

*Brooke and Michael did fine, not great, but fine. I continue to like them because what they do is simply my chosen style. I went to a scrapbook store yesterday and the lady who worked there had some jammin' polka music just a blarin' through the speakers. I felt like I was waiting in line to get on the Matterhorn at Disneyland and yes I did do a little jig as I shopped. She didn't look like the AI type, but I'm sure if they had an accordion playin' Slovakian boy tearing it up each week she would tune in religiously. To each our own! I'm afraid Brooke will be in the bottom 3 again this week.

*Sayesha I felt did better than what Randy and Simon said, but there are a million girls out there just like her. I don't feel there is anything different or unique about her or her voice.

*Kristy Lee is really pushing the country thing. I like country a lot, so its nothing against country. I feel the same way about her that I do Sayesha. There is nothing special that sets her apart from all the other country girls out there. I still don't like her personality. She comes across as sarcastic and snotty.

*David C. Yuck!!! Hated the song, hated the jacket hated the voice. I thought his song had a weird, funky rhythm, cadence and melody. It was very Christian Rocky sounding and I just didn't get it. I kept waiting for him to break into, "Our God is an awesome God, He reigns..." Can you hear the commercial? I sure can and I will now have that song in my head for the next 24 hrs. I hope you do too. He is NOT the whole package like Paula said. His little hand sign didn't melt me at all.

*Carley-I like Carley a lot, but its her personality I'm attracted too and not her performing abilities. I think Simon has really done a number on her and she is having a hard time getting over it...and her outfit selections are still not helping her.

*Inspirational song night would of course produce a ballad from David A. We haven't heard one from him yet and I was looking forward to hearing him do something low key...I still don't feel him folks. Sorry all of you Davidites.

Possible bottom 3 Dwellers: Brooke, Carley, Sayesha, Michael

Your thoughts?

Time Well Spent

It's been quite awhile since I have read a book that stayed with me long after I have read the last page. I finished "The Kite Runner" on Sunday and James and I watched the movie last night. The boys who this story revolve around have imprinted themselves upon my mind. Set in 1970's Afghanistan and into present day America. "The Kite Runner" is the tragic, yet beautiful story of friendship, courage and redemption. What are we willing to stand up for? One of the lines I found most impressive was spoke by Baba the father in this story. He is speaking of his son Amir and states, "A boy who won't stand up for himself becomes a man who can't stand up to anything". Hosseini writes beautifully. I'm glad I read the book 1st, as the reader is able to be a part of and understand so much more the relationship that exists between Amir, Hassan and Baba. The movie sticks 95% to the actual story line and I was truly moved as we watched it and because of the book understood so much more than could be portrayed. These were both time well spent and I highly recommend them. If you're a reader, read the book 1st! "The Kite Runner" has officially been placed upon my "Favorite Books of All Times" list.

Simple Answers

I've been looking forward to this conference weekend for awhile now and knowing that I had nothing scheduled and no where to go, I knew I would be able to watch all 4 conference sessions. I can't think of the last time this was possible. It seems like with the hustle and bustle of life I often become detached from spiritual matters, all the while knowing I need to be doing more. I've been craving spiritual edifying of late. I know it is due to the great responsibility James and I have been given with the raising of our 4 lively children. Everyday my mind is filled with a desire to do better and work harder for them. James and I want our home to be a safe haven and a place the kids want to be. I want to yell less and love more...thus I am on my knees a lot praying for the know how to do just that. On some days it is nearly impossible to keep things in perspective. I find myself saying out loud numerous times a day, "He's only 3. He doesn't understand," or "1, 2, 3, 4..." So this morning I rolled out of bed, hit the floor and asked Heavenly Father 3 things. The first was to ask for a true knowledge of President Monson as our new prophet and leader. The second was to please uplift me through the words I would hear about my role as a mother and how to make my home a safe haven. And third, I prayed that the kids would allow me to listen to conference peacefully. Some requests are answered quickly...

First request answered: The moment I saw President Monson and over and over as the solemn assembly proceeded the Spirit witnessed to my heart that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet, seer and revelator. I felt that warmness all over that we hear so often about. If felt good and I'm happy to say, "I know". As so many others are, I have felt a great sadness at the loss of President Hinckley. What a great man and what a wonderful spirit. I was tickled to hear President Monson poke fun at Joseph B. Wirthlin about calling him at 8:00 pm German time, which was midnight SLC time. It was the only 'good time to reach him'. We need that sense of humor to continue as it makes the leaders real and human. Last week a brother in our ward told us about the Jazz game he had went to last week and how President Monson had walked in just before the game started and was able to sit down and enjoy the game. Somehow its a comfort to know even our prophet can catch a Jazz game.

Second request answered: The first speaker of the morning was Russell M. Nelson and his talk was the very thing I have been praying about for the last few months. I must have a direct line to Heavenly Father! I needed this talk so badly and I felt so very much lifted and inspired. My favorite thing that he said was how, "Salvation is an individual matter. Exaltation is a family matter." He spoke about parenthood and how we cannot be released from this calling like we can a church calling. It is our duty to teach our children about God with patience and love. The love needs to be sincere. We shouldn't control our children, but listen, inspire and lead. This last line was especially meant for me. I feel I try to 'control' my children rather than listen to them and inspire and lead them. I love conference for this matter alone...it inspires me to want to be better and work harder.

Third request answered: I never told my kids they had to sit and listen to conference. I was planning on making them for Sunday's session, but not Saturday. I put Tess to bed and when I turned on the television I was pleasantly surprised to watch the other 3 gather up crayons and their conference books and come and sit with me. ALL of them sat quietly through the entire morning session coloring, listening, quietly rolling on the floor. I could hardly believe it. This is a modern day miracle where Nate is concerned. He is a rambunctious boy and to see him lolling about on a blanket in front of the television for 2 whole hrs. was amazing. Now the afternoon session was a whole other story, but for the session I especially needed to hear with President Nelson's talk, I was able to do just that.

I didn't see an angel or have a vision, but my testimony was simply edified and confirmed today by the answers to these simple requests made by a weary mother. Funny, I don't feel so weary anymore.

The GIANT House

We drive by this old barn almost on a daily basis. When we first moved here Mark kept saying, "There's the giant house." It took me a couple of weeks to actually tune into what he was saying and ask what the 'giant house' was. He replied in his matter of fact, innocent manner, "I think a giant was wandering around one day and got tired and thought that house would be a good place to sit down and take a rest." I couldn't agree more and I get a smile on my face every time I drive past it. Ahh! The innocence of a 5 year old and their belief in Santa Clause, The Tooth Fairy, Mommy, Daddy and giants.

Maintenance

Is the slide show working on the sidebar?

Another Night, Another Song

So-I really wish I had fabulous things to report about our previous week, but nothing ever seems noteworthy! Our favorite gal Ali Belle was baptized on Saturday. It was nice to see our Utah Neiders, Mom and Dad and of course the Hopkins. Whitney had a lovely dinner for us where I'm sure I gained an extra 2 lbs. I provided dozens of delicious cookies that I ate throughout the week and on Saturday. It will be a long time before I volunteer to do that again. Too much temptation! Cookie dough might just be one of the BEST things ever. We've also had dental appointments where Nate kept a locked jaw for the first 5 minutes until he was promised a chance to look in the treasure box and booster shots for an angry Tess. That little girl can pitch a fit a tell you! The nurse just sort of smiled as she was able to walk away from me as I tried to explain to Tess it wasn't my fault, but the mean nurse in the Elmo scrubs. It was to no avail...I'm the one who had to hold her down. Mean mommy!

I did have a good laugh this weekend as I listened to my Dad talk about his meetings in Chicago last week. He said everyone was a buzz about AI and it wasn't the women, but the men. My Dad is kinda funny about 'things' people are crazy about. He likes to buck the system. We had to talk ourselves blue in the face to get him to watch '24'. We promised he would love it, but NOOOOO he has to go against the trend. It wasn't until Rush L. endorsed the show that he decided to give it a try. His wife, daughters, sons and son-in-laws don't count for much in the good taste arena I guess. Needless to say, he did convert and does love it. We keep trying to get him to at least peek at AI so he can pontificate with the rest of the guys at his meetings, but he refuses. Poor guy! We're also trying to get him to watch "The Office", but he is too scared he is Michael Scott and it makes him nervous...My dad has yet to burn his foot on a Foreman Grill.

My AI night shaped up pretty well for me. Please take what I have to say with a grain of salt though. I think I want my favorites to do well, so maybe I build up in my mind that they did do good. I have to disagree with a majority of what Simon had to say. I thought Brooke and Jason C. did very good tonight. I will be downloading "Jolene" and "Travelin' Through" tomorrow. My favorite of the night was again Michael Johns. He did a primo job with "It's All Wrong, But It's All Right". He can sing that song anytime he wants and he will on my iPod tomorrow.

*News Flash* I opened my heart to David C. tonight. It's just ajar, but open just the same. He looks much, much better with his haircut and I will preview his version of "Little Sparrow" and determine its download worthiness. I have heard that song before and liked it and he did do an honorable mention worthy job with it. He is trying a little too hard to be humble looking though and not pulling it off. Everyone else for me was so-so. I wish I could catch the David A. fever, but I know I will never like the type of music he will put out. I hate to remind everyone of last weeks song selection...BUT...I think it would be an awful lot like that.

Possible bottom 3: Ramiele M, Carley and Kristy Lee Cook (Jason C. maybe, simply because of the judge's comments)

All you blog stalkers out there better start commenting. No more lurking in the Sellick shadows. Reveal yourselves and let me know what you are thinking. If you like David A and David C tell me why. If you liked Ramiele's "It's Me! Eloise!" outfit tonight speak up! I can be pretty ignorant and can be humble enough to be schooled ; )