{idol pool update...}

I'm going to win at least one part of the idol pool. if adam wins tonight, i get $40 for first place in the "real" pool. if kris wins, i get $15 for first place in the "bonus" pool. yay me :-)

{wordy wednesday}

OK, I've changed the "theme" of Wednesday (again). I felt like "What I like" and "Thankful" were too similar. I love words and quotes, so now it's Wordy Wednesday. I will include quotes, lyrics, whatever :)

While listening to GAC today, I couldn't help but fall in love with this lyric from Billy Currington's newest song "People are Crazy": "God is great, Beer is good, and People are Crazy". If you go to his website, the song will start playing.

I had to include that one, but here are a few that stick with this week's theme of WRITING...

"Words, once they are printed, have a life of their own." --Carol Burnett

"An author is a fool who, not content with boring those he lives with, insists on boring future generations." --Charles de Montesqieu This made me chuckle, thinking of my comment about how I'm rambling on my blog so Matt doesn't have to hear as much of it :)

"This is pretty much what journals are all about, at least to me. I knew as I wrote them that even though they provided an excellent place for brain (and heart, and psyche) dump, they were mainly a map of me." --Colleen Wainwright I think this really captures my thoughts on writing (particularly the term "brain dump").

"Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for public and have no self". --Cyril Connolly Again, I think this reflects how I feel about writing. I have no idea if anyone will ever read anything I write...but who cares!

{idol live blogging}

Warning - if you don't watch American Idol, don't bother reading this. You'll be bored out of your mind.

OK, at the risk of appearing very pathetic, or obsessed, or both...I've decided to "live blog" through Idol tonight. (I use the term "live" loosely because the show is actually DVR'd and I am starting my viewing about an hour behind the actual broadcast). One of my favorite things about watching this show is bantering about it (usually with Matt or Tara). However, here it is...the biggest night of TV of the year and I'm watching it solo (since Coleman hasn't mastered the art of banter yet). So, this "live blog" is my way of dealing with that (but I must admit I stole the idea from Slezak at EW.com (as mentioned in my previous Idol blog). So...here goes...

Oh, I forgot Glee premieres after this - yippee!

Wow, seeing their original auditions reminds me of just how much camera time Kris did not get prior to the Top 12. He really beat those odds! Listening to clips of judges' comments just makes it all so clear - how obvious it was that they favored Adam. Tsk. Tsk.

For those that don't know, my favorite part of the show is when Ryan Seacrest says "and THIS is American Idol". I won't let Matt fast forward through it...ever.

Hey, there's the girl from the Practice in the audience.

"Acoustic rocker vs Glam rocker" - really??? Come up with something better than that.

Oh, Randy pulled out every pattern imaginable for tonight's outfit. Poor Paula forgot to brush her hair. And ew, Simon - too much chest hair. Yuck. Ryan wins the award for best dressed tonight.

I like that Kris came down the stairs one step ahead of Adam - foreshadowing???

Oh, there's Carly Smithson from last season - wonder where her sidekick Michael Johns is...

Why did Seacrest stick a mike in their faces when they have their own. Once is a mistake. Twice is stupid.

I wish Kris hadn't worn leather - leave that crap for the "glam rocker". Maybe they made him so they could use the previously mentioned rocker comparison.

I wish Simon and Paula would at least pretend to be interested in this show that gives them such hefty paychecks.

Big props to Fox for telling us to set our DVRs to go over -- would've been handy to have such warnings earlier in the season. Thank goodness Matt and I are avid Fringe watchers (but I had to watch the end of a few Fringe episodes online...).

I hate when they re-do a song from earlier in the season. But I'm not the one having to try and learn 3 new songs in a week :)

Adam Song #1: Adam loves the creepy blue light. Makes me think of Kmart (blue light special - get it??? ha.) For the record, since we all know I'm a Kris fan...I DO think Adam is talented. I just don't like him. He's not my *type* of music. A rocker girl, I am not. His long black trench coat just increases his extreme creep factor (I honestly didn't think that was possible). Adam's mom is all sequined up.
Randy: Please tell me you aren't going to grade all of the performances all night. Ugh.
Kara: Oh, she loves the word "artist" and "artistry"
Paula: You're always so proud. Gush. Gush.
Simon: Overtheatrical? Adam? Really? That's some serious insight. Didn't he get on Randy's case a few weeks ago for making a similar comment???

Kris Song #1 - Music coupons for mom? Seriously sweet :) His choice is one of the four I have downloaded, but not my absolute favorite. Maybe would've picked Falling Slowly (assuming he didn't want to do Heartless two weeks in a row). Oh good, the leather jacket is gone. I bet Idol did make him wear it. Oh, chill bumps! Did he use the piano the first time he did this song? I don't think he did. I think last week was the first week he used it. Oh, I seriously love this guy!!! Wow, this is even better than the first time he did it. The saddest thing about tonight's show is that there won't be anymore songs to download after this week. If the judges aren't fair to him, I'm going to be ticked. Let's see...
Randy: Lakers? are you serious? Yay Randy got it right (minus the stupid basketball analogy).
Kara: Did the judges finally turn their ears on?? Heck yeah!!!
Paula: Awaken the spirit? I thought creepy Adam did that. Oh, she stole Kara's word "artist"
Simon: This is a competition??? Really?? Wow, he's really smart tonight!!! Here it comes... YES, he said it. That's right Simon - you've been WRONG all season :)

Round 1 goes to Kris??? Seriously??? HELL YEAH (pardon my french)

Adam Song #2: Hmmm...didn't someone do this song on Idol last season or earlier this year? Maybe a more soulful version? Can't remember exactly. I hate black fingernail polish - on anyone, but particularly guys. Gross. He looks like he's in pain when he sings. I like that he wore a nice suit and not all crazy rocker stuff.
Randy: yo, yo, dawg. at least he said "sing your face off" and not "phonebook"
Kara: how many times has she said one of his performances was his best????
Paula: Wooo cowgirl, sit down.
Simon: Why does Randy always have to introduce Simon?

Four hours to vote? Wow.

Kris Song #2: Pulling out all of the instruments tonight. Do I know this song? I like the little group o' musicians congregating. Hmmm, I think I'm kind of enjoying this. OH, I do know this song! Bongos are fun. I liked his first performance better, but that was definitely good. The judges will say Adam won this round I bet.
Randy: that's right - boo.
Kara: "What I love about you..." Nuff said. Why is everyone talking about the social relevance of the song? So NOT the point.
Paula: tear it up girl
Simon: yet another intro by Randy. Too laid back? I'd like to point out that the judges have said he needed to do the whole acoustic thing for quite some time. Make up your darned minds.
*I will say this...I can see where the subdued performance maybe came out "milder" live there, than it would come across on TV*
OK, Simon...million percent??? Tell us how you really feel.

Oh neato - there's the whole top 12. Kara helped write the song??? Hope that's a good thing. Should be interesting to see how differently these two do the same song...

Adam Song #3: Hmmm...I think the song is OK (kind of Miley Cyrus-ish), but I'm really not sure I'm enjoying Adam's performance - at all. I'm trying not to be too biased...I think I may have even heard a couple of pitch issues - something that's usually not an issue with him.
Randy: yo, yo man. dang it. I thought we might make it through the night w/out the phonebook comment, but no such luck. Looks like I was right about the pitchiness!
Kara: You know she's not going to say anything negative about HER song
Paula: Oh, "adjectives" - that's a big word Paula. She actually managed to totally avoid making a comment on the actual performances
Simon: Is this where he begs America to vote for Adam? He totally did not judge that performance either (because he knew it wasn't good but refused to say anything negative).

Why did Ryan have to point out that this was the last performance of the season :(

Kris Song #3: Hmmm, not sure he's off to a much better start than Adam... Not sure I like that jacket he's wearing. Did he just forget a lyric??? I hope not. Damn. There wasn't actually anything *wrong* with that performance. But I wasn't wowed by it. The judges are going to tear him apart, I bet :(

For the record - the "Idol" song every years sucks. 8 seasons. 8 bad songs. Why don't they freakin' give up on the concept.

Randy: Not sure how to even take what he just said.
Kara: What, is she actually asking for votes for Kris? Woohoo.
Paula: I don't agree that this was the most compelling finale. nope.
Simon: Agreed. First song was best. Yaaaaaay Simon. I'm so glad he used the word "deserves"...because he has NOT given Kris the credit he deserves, until now.

Will he ask who won this round??? Guess not.

Wonder if they will re-release the first songs on iTunes???

Must go vote now.

if anyone actually read all of this...bless you.

oh wait...carrie??? oh crap. THIS show went over. Crap.
Not only did I miss Carrie, but I also missed the first half of Glee because I forgot to set it to record. Ugh.

{two peas tuesday}

Below are links to 5 layouts at Two Peas (my "go to" online spot for scrapbooking inspiration). I decided to stick with the theme of writing...

Storyteller by staceymichu
Besides for the fact that this layout is simply gorgeous, I've also made a note to do a similar layout eventually - about my love of writing.

Random Thoughts by lynnstone
What a cute and creative way to capture some random thoughts. If I ever see this paper, I may have to grab a sheet of it now. This would also be a neat way to capture all the cute or funny things that a child says.

My Teacher by anp
Super cute mini book that allows a child's own words and thoughts to be captured.

Goal Journal by howdee
Such a creative journal cover - could be adapted for any type of journal or mini scrapbook!

Writer's Block by walesk
A simple but cute one...love the photo and the adorable apple accent

mosaic monday {5.18}

here is the first official "mosaic monday"...I used the word "pen" as inspiration. i'm excited about the blog schedule because it will give me an opportunity to write more (though, not with an actual writing pen).... i wanted to keep with the number 5 but there were no mosaics of 5 offered by big huge labs.

1. Morning's reach, 2. Gel Pens 1, 3. My Most Treasured Gift, 4. Love is the Color of Life

{new blog schedule}

last night i couldn't fall asleep and i came up with an idea to post on my blog every weekday. I have created a certain theme for each day so that it should be pretty easy. i think it will help keep me inspired (in a scrapbooking sense), give me a place to ramble endlessly about stuff no one cares about (matt will appreciate not having to listen to this!), and it will give my brain a few minutes of down time at work each day... we'll see how long i can keep it up :) i'm using the number 5 for each day as well - it's my favorite number and it's managable. here's the schedule:

mosaic monday - i will create a mosaic of 5 (or more) flickr images (i used to do something similar that ali edwards used to do on her blog)

two peas tuesday - i will give links to 5 inspiring layouts or projects at two peas

what i love wednesday - i thought of making this "wishful wednesday" but then decided that would end up having a negative tone and i wanted to take a more positive approach. so, i will list five things that i'm loving at that time.

thankful thursday - pretty obvious...five things i'm thankful for.

free-for-all friday - this will be five totally random thoughts, opinions, observations, whatever!

{kris allen}

Considering that I'm nothing short of obsessed with American Idol, I have really neglected to reflect that here on my blog. So, I'm making up for the season with this post. Since it's been narrowed to the Top 12, Kris Allen has been my favorite. I honestly didn't think he'd make it this far and I'm thrilled that he has! He is such the complete opposite of theatrical Adam that I was afraid he might slip through the cracks. It doesn't help that the judges decided a long time ago that they wanted an Adam-Danny finale and did everything in their power to make that happen. Simon's blatant pleading for Adam votes last week made my stomach turn. The producers allowing Katy Perry to come on stage with that stupid cape was just ridiculous. I've loyally watched this show for 8 years and I will continue to do so, but this year's bias has been much more obvious than in year's past.

Kris has impressed me week after week with his amazing, yet understated, vocals. I totally *get* that Adam is talented, but I am so tired of his creepy-eyed screaching. However, I feel the finale is what it should be - the two most consistently good singers. I know that Adam will probably win, but I'll text my votes until my fingers are sore :)

I've downloaded 4 of Kris's performances from iTunes and would highly recommend them to anyone. I will probably go back for more (especially since I'll have to wait a while for his album to come out!). Since my Idol beginnings, it's always been my sign of a good performance if I get chill bumps. When I listen to these 4 Kris songs on my iPhone, I get chill bumps ... every time.

What I've downloaded:
Heartless (if I were Kayne, I'd be embarrassed to ever perform this song again)
Falling Slowly
Ain't No Sunshine
To Make You Feel My Love (I normally wouldn't advocate doing a Garth song, but he kicked BUTT on this)

I'm anxiously awaiting tomorrow night's performances. I hope they allow them to do 3 songs (in case you haven't been paying attention, the contestants performances have been reduced compared to previous years). This wish is mostly selfish - I just want to have more great Kris songs to download. Somehow I'll try to stomach sitting through 3 screachers from Adam.

If you love Idol to an unhealthy point, like I do, I highly recommend going to www.ew.com and reading the articles by Michael Slezack after every show (two a week)...they are insightful but also hilarious.

We also have an office pool going. Right now I'm in 3rd place for the main pool (where we try to pick who will get eliminated as each week passes). We have a "bonus pool" where we tried to guess the order of elimination at the beginning of the season. If Kris pulls off the Idol title, I will win that pool!

I guess that's enough rambling for now...

photos {coleman's 2 month dr visit}

i haven't done a very good job of giving official coleman updates... sorry.
ok, so at the end of april he had his 2-month visit. he weighed in at 12 pounds and 3 ounces (75th percentile for weight). his length was 24" (90th percentile)!!
we switched his formula (again) to enfamil gentlease. i've been pleased with the results. he doesn't seem to have as many tummy issues and based on how things are going now (after a few weeks), i'd guess that we'll probably stick with this formula.
little man had to brave his first big round of shots. he was great and didn't take long to calm down after the ordal was over. the first photo is in the doctor's office after he was all better (notice the super cute bandaids) and the 2nd shot was after he passed out at home later.

photos {come-see-me tailgating}

we did a low-key version of tailgating this year at the end of come-see-me. weather was nice (hot at first, but it cooled off quickly).

sky diving exhibition

tomi and spencer had a good time playing football together
me and baby coleman (check out his cute frog onesie)

matt playing football w/ spencer

spencer in action...

photos {baby shower}

melissa and i (and coleman) went to cassidy's baby shower. she got so much super cute girly stuff :) hopefully baby giada will be with us soon...very soon!

melissa and coleman (i think he's yawning)

the whole thing really stressed him out...
doesn't she look beautiful?