It's the End of the Decade as We Know It

You will have no appreciation for the above title if you are not well versed on REM's play list.

Quick Christmas Review:

Christmas gathering at Maddox.
Lights on temple square. If you sit by Nate during the "Joy to the World" movie he will pick his nose the entire time and walk out with blood everywhere. He'll then want to hold your hand.
Christmas morning before seeing Santa's treasures. Santa did a good job this year.
Tess got a dollhouse from Santa. We've all had fun playing with it.
A WHOLE decade has passed right before my eyes. I'm actually in stunned disbelief. My mom keeps talking about how time has sped up and I can't help but agree. I started this decade with my 1st baby and am ending it with my last. It's been a decade to remember.Even the parts you would wish away have brought welcomed growth, experience and been for our good. Time sure flies when you're having fun....bumper car style of course with a few collisions along the way.

In the last decade:
*James and I have multiplied and replenished the earth 5x over
*Moved 5x
*Changed employment 3x
*Enjoyed Disneyland 3x
*Changed cars 3x
*Bought our 1st home (!)

Briefly

Sellicks at a glance over the last week:

I went on a date with this guy to Coldstone----after getting our treat and finding a table he questioned, "We're eating here? I want to go home and eat with the kids." I made him sit and enjoy every moment with his mother. I think his cotten candy and m&m ice cream helped him power through his sentence.

We got our Christmas tree up. I let go of the controls and let the kids have creative license with it...it leans moderately to the front, but looks very happy.














We had an enjoyable Thansgiving at Whitney and Tim's. She always sets the loveliest table.














Neider kids all lined up. My brothers make Whits and I look like characters from "The Wizard of Oz". We're missing baby boy Brant who arrived for dinner just moments after this picture was taken. I don't think we've taken a picture like this since we were kids. We laughed at the idea of this going in some genealogy book years down the road...The Mark and Renee Neider Family: As the Years Go By.

I've basically held and coddled this guy for 2 weeks. We found out yesterday he has double ear infections with one of the ear drums being burst. Am I getting too old for this yet? My mom, sisters and I started doing the whole Black Friday thing after we got married and without fail for the last 10 yrs. (ever since Liv was born) I have spent Thanksgiving night with a crying, sick baby. Not being one to miss out, I go shopping anyway, loaded up on Diet Coke. It was the same again this year. My kids have established traditions of their own.

-Welcome CHRISTMAS-

A Captive Audience

After having 4 two-year-olds in the house I've decided their most basic need is a captive, rapt audience. Where is the best time to capture that audience? When they are in the tub of course. For the last 2 weeks Tess has joined me as I bathe, JC Penny's catalog in hand. She goes page by page pointing out her heart's truest desires and her great need to have this and that. She is hoping for the everything a doll baby could possibly need package the most. We spend lots and lots of time pursuing this page. Yet another reason to love a 2 year old. They're my favorite.

The ventriloquist dummies freak her out, just like they did when I was little.

Don't ask to use Tess' copy of this catalog. It is covered in the boogers she has not managed to get into her mouth. It's a 2 year old thing too.

V for VERY Good

I owe my Dad an apology. I've spent my entire life making fun of his sci-fi obsession. I think it stems from his weekly habit of changing the channel from Fraggle Rock to Star Trek. I hated this weekly ritual. Still holding a grudge? You betcha-

In retrospect though, as I think about my own television habits it is becoming quite clear, I have inherited his sci-finess. Fringe? LOVE IT. V? Could possibly love it even more. We watched right along with my Dad when were kids the 1983 series. I can actually remember certain characters and scenes quite vividly. Alien Lizards? Crazy, freaky fodder for an 8 year old. So it was with a thrill this morning that James and I opted out of rising from our bed and instead spent some time with our new best friend Hulu and our sure to be newest tv obsession V.

Dear Visitors-My door is always open...

Last Week in Pictures

These pictures are worth thousands of words and are most definitely better than reading my endless thoughts. Sellick Kids rock AND yes those are last year's costumes. The move and a 3 month old baby have prevented any progress, newness or ability to function. We're lucky to have dinner on the table every night.

Good Reads

One of the things I enjoy about nursing a baby is the necessity to take 10-15 minutes every 3 hrs. to quit running. It wasn't until I had Nate that it dawned on me I should read while I cuddled my babes. I've gotten through a large pile of books during the year I nurse. This newest series I found caught my attention as I wandered through the aisles of the library. Is it silly to say they called out to me? I have loved every moment spent with Sam, a Quaker minister living in Harmony, Indiana, and his kooky congregation. If you're in search of your next read give this series a try. I've laughed out loud, cried just a little, felt frustration at some of the more extreme congregation members and fell in love with Harmony. There are also two short Christmas novels in the series that I am saving until Christmas. I can't wait...

It's In Our Stars

We had our 2nd broken arm last weekend, same boy, same arm. I doubt it will be our last. My Dad wanted to keep him safe during our visit in case he hurt himself and we wanted to sue. The result was our very own "Bubble Boy". I'm at a loss for words...





















I made sure to sign Mark's cast in style and get a little payback at the same time. Every 7 year old boy wants an "I Love Mom" heart on their cast to show off to the gang at school. And what do you know, all the sharpies disappeared after wards so my work could not be undone.

While we're on the subject of Bubble Boy, I love how he loves his baby brother. He'll spend a whole hour interacting with Clint like this.

Muffins Vs. Jeans

I've had a problem lately and it's come in the form of this delightful little muffin. Not yet fitting into my 'long time ago' jeans? Yep, and I think I can point my finger directly at this newest addiction (I won't mention my late night ice cream love affair. I don't want to hurt its feelings). This recipe makes up quickly, has a high yield (3 dozen) and is a fun fall treat to take to neighbors and visiting teaching sisters. My kids eat them like crazy and like them warmed in the microwave with a glass of milk. They're healthy right? Pumpkin is good for you and I know it counteracts all of the sugar included. Right? I am therefore providing the recipe for these tastey gems in hopes that the rest of my loved ones can fill out their own jeans just a little bit better.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Combine:
3 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 cup chocolate chips (you know me, i add more!)

Combine:
4 eggs
2 cps pumpkin (canned Libby's Pure Pumpkin, not pie mix)
1 cup oil
3 cps sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cloves
1 tsp nutmeg

Combine dry and wet ingredients together and mix well. Fill muffin liners and bake at 325 for approximately 25 minutes.

Hint: Libby's has two types of canned pumpkin, pure and pie mix. Don't buy the canned pie mix. It will make the muffins too runny. I don't understand the science behind it, but it's true. Also, if you buy the big can of pumpkin, use just under 2 cups and you will have enough pumpkin for another batch of muffins. This doesn't effect the muffin in any way and that's 6 dozen muffins people! 6 dozen of course to share with friends, family and co-workers ; )

Think of me fondly as you finish off batch after batch and call me if you need to go shopping for some new jeans. I'm in need of some new ones myself.

Emily Neider Sellick is......

home for the weekend. Kids are on fall break and so am I. We have returned to the home of our youth for some cozy down time. My mom greeted us at the door and the smells of fall took over and enveloped us. Love fall. Love Mom. Love Idaho. Love Home.

One Alone

Here's how babysitting works at our house.

Hello! American Eagle, Utah Update-

Just so you all know-I kill myself. For the life of me I can't call this new home of mine the right name. And let me tell you, the looks that follow are ones of confusion and pity. Our relocation adventure has landed us in EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah, not, as I am prone to say on a daily basis, American Eagle. Enter the Idaho jokes...

Sorry my favorite Idahoans. I'm not giving us all a very good name right now. American Eagle? Wow.

We are moved in, but not situated quite yet. Its hard to put everything in it's nook and cranny when we're gearing up to paint, tile and carpet. My loving, patient husband has been cussing (in his head) at me for my BIG plans for this house. A path of tile from the front door and into and throughout the kitchen? Whose idea was that? This alone could start the divorce proceedings (I jest). I began yesterday to remove the base boards (did you all know this was part of the process?), cracked a few and then quit for fear of cracking them all. I decided to let James be mad at himself instead of me. I'm not going to cost us anymore money than necessary.

No way. I'll stick to cleaning the blinds and mopping the floors, which by the way, has not been done in this house since it was built in 2003. GROSS, GROSS and DOUBLE GROSS. Yep, that's me yelling. Having to clean the place before we could put a single thing away does that to me. One would assume (yah, yah, I know the whole ass part of that word) that the people living here before us would have the decency to clean up before they left. We found out the hard way and 650 lbs. of garbage later this was not the case.

All is swell however and we are adjusting nicely. Olivia made her first friend yesterday and then another and then another and came home from school beaming. She thinks she'll like it here in American Eagle, Utah and I'm pretty sure I will too.

P.S. James says he can see my Grandma's patriotic backyard from the interstate...it puts a smile on my face and means home is not too far away.

Netflix Pick

Excellent film about what happens to soldiers after they loose their lives protecting our freedoms. Based on a true story and VERY much worth the time. I have never thought about what happens to our soldiers after they die and it is amazing, comforting, impressive and humbling to witness the process from death to burial. This is a must see movie.


My 1980's crush on Kevin Bacon hasn't fizzled yet.

Let's Play a Game

I see something, I see something...
(something not seen: olivia, who spent the day sad she got wet.)

Bedfellows

We've been trying to figure out why Olivia wakes up not so refreshed every morning...always a little on the cranky side.

Mystery solved.

Around the Town

Sorted...Sort Of

The kids have been sorting themselves into Hogwarts' Houses on the computer. The results never change and the reactions remain the same:

Olivia:Ravenclaw
Mark: Gryffindor
Nate: Slytherin...this of course sends him into tears every time. He is, in his own words, "Not naughty!" However he does answer the sorting questions as follows:

1) Favorite color: Black
2) I like to: Pick on other kids
3) In the mirror of Erised I see: Myself in a high position of power
4) If I was given a magic wand I would: Play jokes and tricks on my friends and enemies
5) My magic potion would: Make me powerful
6) If Draco Malfoy started picking on me I would: Challenge him to a fight

If I remember correctly, the Sorting Hat honors the wishes of the wearers heart. My little Nate with the innocent face is hiding something.

3 Weeks Later

Just got back from a doctors visit with Clint. Dr. Doctor was feeling pretty good about his calling in life. This visit was to check in on Clint's circumcision...you know...make sure no undue snips or clips occurred. The doctor (who most assuredly spray paints the top of his head black to hide his baldness) gave Clint the once over and muttered to himself "Good job. Good job." From one dude to another, Dr. Doctor was reassuring himself and Clint that another guy had made it into the club. He then looked me square in the eye and repeated, "Good job." It was all I could do not to laugh right out loud. The 'Circ' Gods had smiled upon my young son and I had visions of hidden doors and secret knocks to testosterone clubs unknown to the fairer sex. Was I supposed to be proud? I will let James in on the good news this evening when he arrives home from work and he can emit the proudness I'm guessing Dr. Doctor was looking for.











We are fairing well around our abode amid the boxes and baby paraphernalia. Life BC (before Clint) is a fading memory. He has brightened our hearts and given us good reasons to smile for no reason. He is our "Go with the Flow" babe and is quickly getting into a routine, which is somewhat odd for a Sellick baby. Last night he settled in at 10:45 and didn't wake until 4:30 and then went right back to sleep until 8:00. As a veteran mother of 5...waking him every 3 hrs. to nurse isn't going to float. We let sleeping dogs lie around these parts. If the momma dog gets to sleep for a consecutive 5 1/2 hrs. (!) everything smells like roses and chocolate the next day. We are ALL happy. I've decided Heavenly Father has blessed us with a laid back fellow due to our temporary chaotic surroundings. Prayers of thanks are in order.











We did find a house last week, made an offer and it was accepted all within an hour. It is in Eagle Mountain (neighbor to Lehi, Utah) and we will be moving in the 2nd weekend in September. James and I are now talking about paint, carpet, tile, etc. nonstop. After 13 yrs. of marriage it will be nice to finally have a place to call our own and put our own stamp on. We just need to enlist some of our more creative, stylish friends and family to help us decide what that stamp should be! The kids are loving the name of their new school. They will be attending "Pony Express Elementary" and living on Geronimo St. They've spent lots of time with Wikipedia looking up Old West characters and information. It looks to be an adventure.

Our 'Born' Baby

Clint Ryan arrived on Thursday, July 23rd at 9:30 p.m. He was 7 lbs. 8 ozs. We've taken to calling him Rerun as he is a good combo of Mark and Nate. He looks like Mark while asleep and Nate while awake. We are all crazy in love with him. How could one not be? Tess calls him our 'Born Baby' or in Tess speak 'Newborn baby'. She also keeps asking what her name is. I remind her his name is Clint and she replies, "Yah, Clint." Life in Burley will never get back to normal I'm afraid, as we are headed to Utah Saturday to look at houses. We will hopefully make an offer on one and the next month will be filled with packing, D.I. trips, tears at toys not making the move, cleaning and adjusting to another little body in our house. Life is wonderful...

Introducing our newest, not so different from the rest, Clint:

How Things Work Around Here

I washed our sheets this morning and as I was remaking the bed Nate questioned why I took the sheets off. I told him I just wanted everything fresh and nice.

His reply?

"Did Dad pee the bed?"


P.S. Being electively induced tomorrow...yeah! I have to laugh when I read things on the net about being 'patient' during this pre-baby time in the pregnancy and just enjoy the ride, take long walks, play with your other kids, blah, blah, blah. Let's just get it over with already! I'll be me again by tomorrow night. Think of me fondly throughout your day and cheer for the other 5 Sellicks who will certainly be a happier bunch as well.

P.P.S. We're headed to Utah come September with a job promotion for James. Thus was the tale told to my OB/GYN...we need to be down there in the next week (or so) looking at houses. He looked upon me with compassion and said, "Let's get this done." I think we'll pay him on time for that one statment alone.

My Angel in White Shorts

Yesterday while I was lying on my bed in self pity an angel in white shorts knocked on my door.

(Self pity you may ask? Yes...I am soooooo done being pregnant. Sleep eludes me, my hips have revolted against me and my tummy has refused to expand any further to accommodate our young prince who will most certainly arrive to my arms and demand a king sized bed. Due to these very whiny factors floating about in my brain I am prone to bouts of pouting. It's fun for one and all I promise, just ask James.)

It was in this condition that my angel arrived at the door and in her celestial hands she held a bag of popsicles. I marveled at this, because just moments earlier I had told my 4 overheated children they could all have a popsicle and upon opening the freezer they were greeted by 2 EMPTY popsicle bags. Not a good mom moment I'm afraid. I supplied them with the next best thing, frozen chocolate chips, and headed off to bed.

With a heavenly glow about her, my angel stated happily, "It's sooo hot today and I thought these might come in handy around here." She presented me with a brand of popsicles I had never seen before. She then proceeded to tell me the popsicles were a brand out of Utah and were her family's favorite. She just happened to find them, of all places, here in Burley, Idaho. Can you imagine the joyous racous that occurred when my children beheld the popsicles? Heavenly choirs can only match the moment. The popsicles? Pace Popsicles out of Bountiful, Utah. TOO DIE FOR DELICIOUS. After our heavenly being floated to her fire truck red suburban and drove off we dove into that bag of popsicles like the heathens we are. I was delighted to discover that the red popsicles were not cherry flavored, but were in fact Tiger's Blood. The JOY! Did you know such a popsicle flavor existed? I again retreated to the comfy confines of my bed and air conditioned room and savored every moment of that Tiger's Blood popsicle and as each bite melted in my mouth...so did my self pity melt away. Even at our most poutiest, poor me attitudes Heavenly Father sends blessings. And popsicles on a hot day are a blessing indeed.

Are there angels among us? Most certainly. They walk in the ordinary shoes (flip flops) of ordinary, everyday people who are in tune enough with the Spirit and kind enough to act on the promptings given.

My goal for the day? Be happy...listen for promptings...head to Stokes grocery store and buy every available bag of Pace Popsicles containing Tiger's Blood flavored sticks of joy.

A Good Day

We have quite a few 'favorite' days in the Sellick household, each one holding something different and special. Next to Christmas Eve, Independence Day is the ULTIMATE good day for one and all and filled with a history as rich as Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake. The Mark Neider's have been going to Idaho Falls for fireworks along the river for decades now. It is a must have experience and after having missed it the last 2 years, I wasn't about to miss it for a 3rd year in a row...9 months pregnant or not! And even though we didn't get home until 2:00 a.m. and I spent the ENTIRE following Sunday curled up in bed (no joke) it was worth all the fuss.

We spent the day eating, playing, visiting, enjoying the atmosphere and topped the night off with the BEST fireworks show "West of the Mississippi". I dare/beg anyone to try and prove that statement wrong. It was a feast for the senses.

Always On My Mind

Maybe I didnt treat you
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didnt love you
Quite as often as I could have
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time...You were always on my mind.

I have often found myself thinking about this blog as a living, breathing entity. I feel guilt when I haven't paid it enough attention, given it enough love. I am now sending out my apologies to this little blog of mine. And like all good mothers whom I know and love...I'm blaming my children.

We've been too knee deep in baseball, summer hoorahs, Utah drives, church functions, sewing baby gifts and the last little growings of a baby boy to have ANY creativity in the writing arena. I don't feel like I get a lot done, but by the end of the day I wonder where the day went and just exactly what I did during the waking hours. We are busy and we are happy.

After fulfilling everbody else's baby needs, I have finally started a quilt for Clint. I have 4 requirements for a new baby, 1: New burp cloths 2: New Quilt & Blankie 3: New clothes to come home from the hospital in and 4: New pj's for me. With Olivia, Mark and Nate these requirements were accomplished the week we found out their gender. Tess was just a little bit later than that and Clint's needs are being met far, far later. He must be #5. The only thing fully done on the list is his burp cloths. For some silly reason I enjoy making them. With 5 weeks to go I still need those blankets done (in the process), still haven't found something I deem purchase worthy to bring him home from the hospital in and I still haven't found the perfect pair of pj's to lounge and live in for the week after I return from the land of pregnancy. I got to get a'goin'! Oh...and I haven't found anything to bless him in yet. We are very unfussy in that area. Just something soft and sweet, which currently doesn't exist in any stores I have scoured. Are you feeling my pain? These are my current trials? Yes...and I'm going to internally milk them for all they are worth. Maybe they will give me purpose over the next 5 weeks as we wait not so patiently for this baby boy to arrive.

So there is my life in a nutshell over the last couple of weeks. No big deal, nothing special. Or for those of you in a snarky mood...boring. Posts will most certainly pick up after our young prince arrives. We can hardly wait.

Dancing Queen

We spent Saturday dedicated to ballet. Olivia had to dance a solo in front of a judge that her teacher brought in from New York City (hoity toity!). Each girl was judged and graded on their performance. She achieved a silver medal and was quite proud of herself. I was proud she felt like she could do a solo in front of an audience. I wish the video quality was better, but it is what it is...

Her dance was called "A Day at the Beach":

And So It Begins

Today is the last day of school...

*2 Full bags of popsicles waiting to be devoured in freezer: Yep
*Fridge full of water bottles for hot summer days: Yep
*Shorts and t-shirts brought out of hibernation: Yep
*Summer movie schedule posted on fridge for all to see: Yep
*Cupboards full of snack items for 4: Yep
*Chore chart displayed for ALL to see: Yep
*Anticipation of no homework: Yep
*Scheduled cousin visits and events: Yep
*Plans for backyard camping in motion: Yep

*Readiness on Mom's part to keep 4 little personages busy all day whilst cooking her 5th: Nope
*Inner desire to enjoy the next 3 months and her energetic children: Always and forever

After Thoughts

*Kris Allen is my American Idol, funny faces and all. The 'King' of funny AI faces was Clay Aiken and Kris doesn't come close. His face has never bothered me. Now, Adams tongue when he screeches is another story all together. I really liked Kris' 1st and 2nd songs. Too bad he was criticized for song choice #2. This has happened 2x now where he's had no control over a song he had to sing and both were not "Big enough". Remember the scene in Princess Bride where Buttercup is imaging being greeted by the people and that old lady emerges and loudly says over and over "Boo! Boo!"? Well that's me.

*The song Kara co-wrote and will be released as a single was dismal at best. It was choppy, tuneless and hokey. Too bad both contestants had to be judged singing it. My heart actually went out to Adam. I was surprised myself. I would like to hear Kara, who can sing very well, belt it out and see if she can do it any better. I think the producers had to be apologizing over and over to Kris and Adam when they handed the music over, "Sorry. It's the best we got."

*I really don't see Adam having lasting value in the long run, say like Steven Tyler or Mick Jagger. He is still a Bret Michaels in my mind and will be making an infomercial in about 15 yrs. touting "The Best of American Idol: Adam Style" for us all to purchase for the low, low price of 9.99.

*If I had a dime for EVERY TIME we have heard Kara and Paula, especially Kara, say the word 'artist' we would all be quite wealthy peoples and headed to Disneyland tomorrow. Man o' man. For that one reason alone she should hit the trail. Her main crusade this season was to inform the entire world we needed to 'find an artist'.

*I'm really looking forward to tonight's finale. I love the entire night of 'artists' presented to us for a musical feast. We have to shove a ball game and practice in just before it starts, so I'll be sweating it out until my rump is seated safely on the couch where my indentation is already firmly implanted.

*Directly after AI last night the new show Glee was on. LOVED IT! It was funny and the music was awesome. I can listen anytime, anywhere for hours to Journey and be a happy girl. 'Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' ranks in my Top 10 Favs ever. Haven't listened to it lately? Get on it and experience it for yourself. Anywho- Glee is like High School Musical for adults. Fox is kicking back side with their round up of shows. It doesn't look like that rump print will be going anywhere in the near future. I'm starting to think my couch is made up of memory foam.

Self Indulgence

These pictures are being posted simply for self indulgence sake. I just think he is too cute.

Retaining Half My Status

I'm only putting one foot down off my 'Know it All' stool. I've decided I'm allowed to retain a tad bit of nonsensical knowledge. It makes me feel good about being me.

Who else cheered their lungs out last night when Kris made it to the finale? YEAH! I'm holding a sliver of hope in the announcement that Ryan Seacrest made about there being only 1,000,000 votes between the top 2 contestants. Let's hope my Auntie Andrea is correct and people are getting burnt out on the vocal stylings of Adam Lambert. Let's all get our fingers cracked and pumped to vote and vote and vote and vote for Kris (those who have expressed an anti-Adamphi-Lambert-hi dislike). Kris needs us.

Side note: Time for Kara to go. I was offended on Kris' behalf as she cried and mouthed the words, "No, no, no" while Danny sang his swan song. Some of us do know what we're talking about and like every now and then.

My Own All American Idol

I'm sure to be in trouble with a select few...

Mark had his first baseball game and hit of the season last night. He looked so stinking cute in his uniform...now if we can get his aggression to match the look we're golden. During the whole game I was thinking about how cute he looked and James was wishing he would actually use the mitt to field the balls. How's that for the difference between male and female? First game...what can you say? The other team spanked us 13 to 4. Mark was just happy he got a hit. I don't think he even realized the score was being kept. We'll clue him in by his next game this Friday.

In true pregnant brain, harried mother style I forgot to hit record on the VCR (no TiVo or DVR here folks). Although along with pregnant brain I'm going to give a little bit of credit to the new prescription I started for my wicked acid reflux. Who knew drowsiness would be a side effect of anti-acid meds? Maybe the manufacturers are hoping the sufferers will sleep their way through their symptoms. Ta Da! The drug works! We got home mid-show and my poor children were frozen to the bone and plopped into the tub to warm up. In between the tears, towels, fights, catching a quick bite to eat and the need to close my eyes, I only caught Danny's last song and Adam's 'One', so you are all going to have to school me on how last night went. I will say this, and it will totally surprise you, I hated Adam's version of 'One'. Rock opera just doesn't cut it for that song, regardless of whether or not "You play back the song and listen to the lyrics. They are beautiful." I just can't win my AI comrades or should I say Adam just can't win with me?

Final two: Danny and Adam and we ALL know who will win. The real test is whether or not YOU will purchase Adam's music. If he sells records beyond what I would ever expect I will be stepping down as any kind of expert on any and all topics. Maybe I've been listening to my parents far too long (33 1/2 years) and I am not as smart as I think I am...

Rock n' Roll?

I think we could all pretty much guess that Rock n' Roll would favor Adam and Allison last night. Of course with Adam's training he can pretty much morph himself into any genre available. Last night was a no 'Big Deal' to me, which reminds me of my Aunt Julie who taught hearing impaired children long ago. She was a funny little gal with a quick wit and wicked sense of humor. If she would hear her kids (or even a teenage me) making a fuss about something she would fan her hands in front of her face and up over her head to sign 'Big' and then in an animated manner deal out a deck of cards to sign 'deal'. It usually put you in your spot quick fast and then made you laugh at the notion that the 'problem' really was not a Big Deal. Ahh- I miss that aunt of mine.

Anywho-after every song I kept seeing her doing the 'Big Deal' sign in my head over and over.

Adam: Yes he kicked it out on 'Whole Lot of Love', but stumbled in his 'Rockitude' as he gushed and swooned about how much he 'LOVED' Led Zeppelin. Don't we all? My problem: A true, cool, honest to goodness rocker would simply state, "Yeah, Zeppelin's cool." Would they really state in a high pitched love fest manner how much they 'love' Zeppelin in the same way a girl from the 70's LOVED David Cassidy? Maybe he was swooning over the tight pants and teased hair of Robert Plant. I again question his rockness.

P.S. Does he really need to screech in every song? We got the idea already Adam...you can belt (scream) a note.

P.P.S. My dedication to Zeppelin, I will remind you, came in the form of me playing 'Stairway to Heaven on the flute for a devotional in seminary. I'm still laughing.

Allison: Bad song choice. I'm with the judges. There was not much flavor and listening to her sing "Cry Baby Cry" over and over got a little old. I do still count her as my 2nd favorite. She has a cool, rockin' voice.

Kris: He still be my number one guy (shout out to the pigeon bible Brant brought home from Hawaii). I was really concerned about what he would choose for this genre and having to follow Adam. I thought he did fine with this. He put his twist and voice to it, which is what I like. Remember, I'm still listening to "I'm Yours" 50 times a day. I'm afraid for his status tonight.

Danny: I've been over Danny for a long time now. I thought he was completely loony for choosing "Dream On". Brave? Possibly. Loony? Definitely. A soul man will never, ever, ever, ever, ever be able to hit those last notes like Steven Tyler. Do you think he had bad dreams the night before? Even in my own head I can hit those last notes and have even tried a few times as I vacuumed the house, but I certainly wouldn't go on AI and give it a go. Yikes.

Ready for the Day 2 Year Old Style

Being the sassy, independent individual that she is, Tess gets herself ready, by herself, most mornings. Today produced the following combination:

Hair bow neatly placed in slept on hair: Check













Pink, fashion forward bracelet: Check













Pink dress and yellow sweater worn on the previous day to church...still clean: Check

















Classic sock/sandal combination (how could one go wrong?): Check