American Idol March 29 Elton John

Bring on the hate, Elton John fans.

So, what I discovered about my music knowledge this week is that I don't know a lot of Elton John's song. (Dustin knew them all, of course, and was appalled that I was so clueless.) Admittedly, I have purposely chosen to avoid some of them because I have heard them and don't like them. Others, I love. Elton John is probably about 50/50 for me. So, as the singers presented their versions of these songs, I found that I liked Sir Elton John's music a little more than I thought I did. However, since I didn't know some of the songs, I didn't have a stylized expectation, so I tended to disagree with the judges a couple times.

Scotty McCreery, "Country Comfort": You might think Scotty is a bit too country for me, and you'd be right, except for the fact that I'm so impressed by the voice that comes out of him. It is so deep and full that I have no problem listening to all his twang. He definitely took the song much more country, and I didn't find anything wrong with the performance. It was good. Was it better than Elton? IMHO: yes.

Naima Adedapo, "I'm Still Standing": I don't like most of her clothing choices, so it was not surprise tonight that I hated her jump suit, but her hair was cute. I was worried for her that she was changing up a song so much, but pleasantly surprised at the result. I thought the judges were totally wrong. This is one song where I think they were too familiar with the original to listen openly and unbiased.  I thought it was fun.  After she sang, I listened to the original.  I can see why they were so set on it, and the styles were different enough that I can't say that I liked one better than the other. I like them both.

Paul McDonald, "Rocket Man":  This song I actually do know.  I think Elton John does it better. I have loved some of Paul's songs, but this one sounded monotonous and boring to me.  (Sorry, Paul)

Pia Toscano, "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me": I like her voice. I don't think she should have done another ballad. This is one of his songs I've probably avoided on purpose. I think it's boring.  I think she made it more boring.

Stefano Langone, "Tiny Dancer": Yes, I know this song.  Yes, Stefano did it better than Elton John.

Lauren Alaina, "Candle In The Wind":  I love Elton John's version of this song.  I think Lauren looked and sounded like she was in a high school talent show.

James Durbin, "Saturday Night's Alright": I thought this was okay. There was nothing really stand-out about it.  It was similar to Elton John's, similar to Nickelback's version.  It wasn't a very strong choice for him.  I don't really like this song, so I don't know who did it better.

Thia Megia, "Daniel": Don't hate me...I don't recall hearing this song.  Maybe I have. Dustin says I can't have NOT heard this song.  Okay, fine. Maybe.  But I don't remember. So, all while he was cringing for her, thinking she shouldn't have done such a signature song, I thought it was fine.  I listened to Elton John's version and liked his better.

Casey Abrams, "Your Song": Also not extremely familiar with this one, but I do recall hearing it. I think the judges were right to save him last week.  He should definitely be around for a few more weeks.  I also like his version better.

Jacob Lusk, "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word": I really don't like Jacob's singing. EVER. So, did I like his version of this song? Nope. The judges love him, so I never agree with them on his performances. This is a good song. Obviously, Elton John did it better.

Haley Reinhart, "Benny and the Jets":  According to Dustin, I'm crazy because I don't like this song. But, I do like Haley's version better than Elton John's.  I think it turned out well.  Best performance of the night? Not really, Randy.

So, there you go.  Since your like or dislike of me lies entirely on my opinion and knowledge of Elton John's music, you can hate me now.

Whole Wide World

Whole lotta cute lyrics that make me a tad teary!  Just do it!

Young Couple Loses Appendages Upon Run In With Seemingly Friendly Newcomer

Cool Clips Barbie and her boyfriend, Beach Fun Ken, are reportedly in stable condition, although saddened by the loss of their hands, after what witnesses are saying was just an unfortunate accident.  After a Greek costume party, the couple was enjoying a relaxing evening on the couch where they fell asleep.  Witnesses tell us that Mojo, their attacker was lying in his bed, but, per his usual activity, wandered away while no one was watching. He found the appealing plastic not-quite-out-of-reach and proceeded to take a little taste.
Allie, the first witness on the scene, says she noticed the empty bed when she sneaked away from her breakfast to pet the puppy.

"Mom, Mojo is chewing the Barbies' hair! No! He's chewing their HANDS!!! No Mojo!"

Her mother then left the school lunches to put the munching menace outside. Upon examination, it was determined that the fingers were beyond saving. [Graphic images follow. Viewer discretion is advised.]

Cool Clips Barbie will most likely need to find a new occupation, as her clients have voiced concerns over their hair being colored by the hairdressers feet.  "I mean, I'm sympathetic, but it takes some skilled fingers to clip in colored hair.  I wouldn't want it to look bad." The commenter wished to remain anonymous.

Ken will continue to surf because he says he doesn't necessarily need his hands for his second favorite hobby.  However, he is unsure if his fellow Wham-Groupies will welcome him back into the fold.  "I like my hair, so it'll stay, but those guys can be so shallow. I used to sing "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" when any of them announced they'd be leaving the tour. Now I may only get to sing it to Barbie. Yeah, Mojo has really changed my life."

Since attacking Barbie and Ken, Mojo has chewed the winterizer faucet cover off of the hose, the palm trees, and the sandbox shovel and pail. No news on whether he will be allowed near the couch again anytime soon.

To follow the story on facebook, visit Barbie and Ken's photo album by clicking here.

A YouTube Video to Help Brighten Your Day

These two are so freaking cute!!!  I love the intonation and the gestures to emphasize their meaning. And when there is a meaningful pause followed by a laugh, I can't help but laugh with them!!




I think I might want to have a "dadadadadadada" conversation some time!!!  :)

Stirring a Memory

This evening Allie showed me a 'very important' letter to parents informing me that the GT children are working on a research project in class and will be presenting it in May. Part of their presentation is portraying their famous person whom they have chosen to research.  She told me that she originally wanted to be Rasputin, but her teacher said no. Imagine that.  "She said we could choose whatever famous person, and I wanted to be Rasputin because I wanted to have a beard and that cool Russian costume. She said "no, you can't be Rasputin," so, I decided to be Helen Keller." (She just finished reading a book about her, so she was leaning that direction anyway.) So, now I have to help her come up with a Helen Keller costume by May 1.  We looked tonight. She's not a fan of "all the ruffly things on those dresses", especially not the bustle.  Haha. 

Instead of being practical and deciding which dress to find or sew, I let my mind wander. I remember when I was the one with the project that my mom had to figure out how to fulfill.  I was 8 or 9 and we had a similar project--research someone famous. I chose Dorothy Hamill. You can be assured my mom was thrilled when she found out that I had to make a puppet of my famous person, and therefore had to figure out how to make a puppet with ice skates (I probably also didn't give her very much notice).  I remember sitting at her sewing machine with her and her telling me that next time I had to make a puppet, it would be easier if I chose someone whose legs didn't have to show. She was right. But, since she's so cool, my puppet was too.

The sewing machine talk worked!  The next time I had a project, I didn't choose someone whose feet had to show, and I also didn't make a puppet. I just had to make clothes for the ancient Greeks or Romans or something.  I don't remember the specifics, but I'm pretty sure my mom helped significantly on these as well, especially considering the fact that my friend and I made some Miss Universe dresses for our Barbies at about this same time frame. Those dresses had no sewing and didn't have near as much detail.  

Cool, right?!

Wham Ken. He's the only one at this house. We bought him at a garage sale.

An arm band and everything!

 

Wouldn't you agree that my mom is pretty awesome!

Winter Blossoms

I love the Pecan trees in the winter. In addition to the bare branches, the sky is dotted with these...

All those little hulls eventually open and release the pecans. All those little clusters of the hulls eventually fall as well. But, in the cold months, it's kind of nice to see reminders of the fruits of the trees.

On the way to the neighborhood park, we pick a few up and have a snack at the park.  While playing at the park, we can just grab a few from the grass and munch. Fun, right?!

The Baby Shower

Just because it's my blog and there are not many pictures of me on it, I'm revisiting this photo.  I had such a fun time with everyone, and Blossom got lots of cute things for Miss Abigail!

Aw...look how cute we all are!

Gold, Black, and White, Mustangs, Unite!

Give me an 'A'
Give me an 'I'
Give me an 'M'
Give me an 'E'
Give me an 'E'
Aimee, Aimee, go go Aimee!

Aimee worked hard all week working on her cheers and her cheerleading dance.  (I'm also taking this time to thank our neighbor and friend, Wendi, who was a cheerleader and coach a few years ago, and who spent some time with Aimee one on one to get her positions correct!  Teens LOVE mentors like that who take a genuine interest in their lives. Thank you, thank you, Wendi!)

Even Aidan was singing along with her silly dance song, "Sean John, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan's fashion line". Cheer tryouts=success!  Aimee is now on the Freshmen cheer squad for next year!

Congratulations, Aimee! I'm proud of your determination and hard work!

The only problems with cheerleading is that in a district that already has school for so long, cheerleading adds to that time, football, basketball, volleyball, they cheer at everything and also practice for national competitions. So... *sigh* ... bring on the long hours. I think Aimee will enjoy it. Not the no sleep part, but definitely the focus on the activity part. The other problem is that both cheerleading practice and seminary are in the zero hour for school. I figured we'd just do what we needed to to make it work once we came to that bridge. Well, now we're there. I'm thinking home study for seminary? idk

Pinata

(This is my third post in one week that includes Alex. Amazing, right?!  Apparently when one is in high school, he's not around enough for mom to take pics of random happenings.) 

Over spring break, Alex was supposed to make a pinata for Spanish class. If he turned it in on the first day back, he would get 10 extra points, otherwise, he could have 2 extra days to work on it. Since Alex has 100% in his AP classes, and would have a 5.0 GPA if only it weren't for Spanish class, he was all over those extra points.  After many hours of drying time, flour/water glue in his perfectly gelled coif, fermented leftover glue, and tons of tiny tissue squares, the chicken was complete.  When he turned it in, he was one of only 3 in his class. The teacher ended up giving everyone an extra week to work on it, and Alex got 30 extra points rather than 10.  He's happy. 

Aluminum Foil Eyes. He had to wrap the foil onto tissue paper, because he discovered that school glue doesn't stick to foil, almost "foiling" his awesome eyes plan.

Black and Gold. School colors. Although their mascot is a Mustang, not a Chicken.

Bugged

I don't like these little things. 

Clover Mite

Clover Mite magnified x200 (using the EyeClops that Allie got for Christmas)

Apparently they aren't bad, but imho, any bugs invading is bad.  I just don't really know what to do.  They were here when we had ORKIN coming to spray. In my research, it would seem the only thing to do is dig up the grass on the south side of the house so that it isn't up against the house. We could have flower beds there. Then, each spring and fall we wouldn't have to wipe up these little guys.

A Little MoJo

Yep.

Five on Friday

In honor of St Patrick's Day, I'm enjoying some of my Celtic and/or Irish favorites this week!

1. Love You 'Till The End ... Pogues ... from P.S. I Love You
    This would be another one of those songs that instantly makes me smile. Almost involuntarily. It also makes me take a happy breath. I don't usually listen to all of it though, because I have a thing about repetition. This one gets a little long for me.

2. If I Ever Leave This World Alive ... Flogging Molly ... also from P.S. I Love You
    Cause, you know, just in case. :)

3. Drunken Lullabies ... also by Flogging Molly, but not on the soundtrack
    I always think their songs are going to be different, based on the instrumentals in the beginning, which I love. Then they start singing. I don't love all their songs, but enough of them.

4 Dueling Bagpipes .... The Chieftans
   Because St Patrick's Day needs a little jig.

5. Braveheart Theme...Braveheart
   So, I know Braveheart was technically Scottish, not Irish. But they have Celtic influence in the film. Also, technically, I don't drink beer, green or not, I don't drink whiskey, I don't speak Irish or Gaelic. We have green Kool-Aid and we read silly Leprechaun stories about Rings of Truth and Gold. So, my music gets to be whatever I choose, as well.

Remember, Five on Friday is on Trav's blog. So head over for more Friday songs!

Happy St Patrick's Day

Corned beef is our basic stand-by St. Patrick's Day dinner. The sides vary, but I never make cabbage. I don't like cooked cabbage. Unfortunately for me, corned beef seems to be the same as every other meal in this house, which is some people like it, some people don't.  In the interest of change, I switched it up. We did not have corned beef this year.  Nearing dinner time, I regretted the meal plan. I started thinking that just because my family always manages to complain about something, I shouldn't break with tradition. Lucky for my meal plan, I only have one grocery store in town and I was almost certain I didn't want to buy corned beef there.

I stuck with the plan and we had green food! No dye.  There are plenty of delicious green foods out there without adding dye to food that isn't actually green.  (Also, one year we had green milk at breakfast and  green mashed potatoes with dinner and that did not go over well. Entirely unappetizing to our children *remember, they are "selective".* And to be honest, I found dyed-green food unappetizing as well. No use making unappetizing food if your kids don't even think it's fun or cool or yummy. )

Leprechaun Greens with Pot of Gold

Leprechaun Greens for dinner:
Green Goddess Pasta and Chicken Salad
Cucumber
Spinach Salad

Allie called our Kool-Aid, which was pink, "Fairy Punch" (we don't have Kool-Aid often, and I didn't have green on hand)

Dessert:
Pot of Gold (aka lemon jello cubes)

Aidan came up with an amazing recipe, which you may be at a disadvantage for future lemon-aid stands if I don't share this valuable knowledge.

"To make lemon juice you should have jello and a jello squisher. Then put the jello in the jello squisher and hold it over a cup. Then. Poof. You have lemon juice that's yummy to drink! Or if you don't have a jello squisher, you can just swish the jello in your mouth until it is juice. Then swallow." (We don't have a jello squisher. He is just the patented inventor of that little miracle machine.)

Can you tell we don't have jello that often either?

Spring Break!

We're staycationing for spring break, which basically means we're getting lots of family time, lots of friend time, no hectic schedules. On the very first day of break, Allie made good use of the vacation! Ears pierced!!  Yay!

Sixteen Years and No License

Happy Happy Birthday to my baby Alex!  

For his birthday, Alex really wants to endure great pain of welts and bruises via Paintball, so we're still trying to find out where to go in this area, or if there is a good paintball arena anywhere semi-nearby. No worries. I will share those pictures as soon as I get them.

My little boy is 16!!!  That means driving! Last fall, Alex took Driver's Ed and got his driver's permit on September 16, exactly 6 months before his birthday.  That license lets him drive whenever he wants, as long as he has a licensed driver 21 or over with him. Awesome planning because he has to wait 6 months after that permit before getting his license. It was his grand plan to get it yesterday, right on his 16th birthday on the 16th of March. Pretty cool, right?!

Yesterday, he called the driver's license office at around 11am. No answer. No message. In this little town, we figured that was normal because they end up taking really long lunches around here, and for some reason, that's considered okay, normal, even.  So we waited; he called again, no answer. Guess what? It didn't happen yesterday. Sad right? So his awesome planning was foiled by the license office.

This morning, he called again. No answer. So, he called another office in the courthouse and found out that the license office is closed all week.  I guess they figure no one needs a license on Spring Break. Sad stuff.

But, all was not lost. He still got chocolate cake and new shirts and shorts, and we all know how much Alex loves shorts, no matter the season. He got a new pocketknife because he always manages to get his confiscated. Also,, he got a necklace. Aimee tried to defend it to Dustin, saying it was a guy necklace.  That didn't help. Dustin calls that an oxymoron. LOL So, dad isn't a fan of the necklace, but you know, life goes on.