Friday Photo

*sigh*

Friday. Hubby's at work. I'm probably doing a little cleaning (or playing Wii - thanks sis for letting us borrow it!). It was a looooong week. For lots of reasons that don't have to be hashed out here.

So let's look at a beach picture that I had fun playing with.

Took this one when hubby and I left town for our anniversary. And totally played with the exposure and contrast. I love it. I might frame it.

Happy Friday everyone!

Happy Birthday to...

My sister-in-law, Kristen.

That's her on the left. And the creepy guy who stuck his head in is cousin Luke. Love him. Freak.

Anyway, Kristen. She likes to tell me she's going to make me babysit her kids. It's kind of a joke we have going because her son hated us (not just us, pretty much everyone) for a long time. And her daughter hates Tim. We think it's the facial hair. But Kristen is (mostly) normal so I don't know what's up with the kids! haha

Kristen is cool because she's like me - she avoids the drama. Not enough people do that. And she's letting us borrow her Wii while she's at Disneyland this weekend. Pretty sure that elevates her to awesome status.

Have a fun birthday trip Kristen! Love you!

Wednesday Wish List

I took FOREVER looking for things. I think my lack of motivation was due to the internet problems the last couple days. I almost wrote the words "RELIABLE INTERNET SERVICE" as a blog post and left it at that.

But then I thought about it and last weekend was so nice that I was wishing for a patio set. So I scoped out some outdoor stuff this week. Everything is from Target (no individual links this week because I didn't want to push my internet luck).

Nice, plain, simple patio set. I don't entertain a ton so I think a little set like this would be fine.
And I love these string lights. I think I pick them up every time we're in the store. They have those capiz shells all the way around. Love those things.
Fire pit is a must. Even if it can't technically be called a pit. I love these things. They make me want to have the kids over for a sleepover and roast marshmallows. This one even has matching seats.

I really need a lounge chair for my back yard. We have trees that shade most of the yard, especially the grassy area. So if I want to tan I'm stuck on the concrete. You don't exactly want to lay on concrete. Not so comfy.

I would switch the neutral color for this cute stripe though. And use solid turquoise on the dining set (I have this all planned out).


And I totally want a bird bath. Except I would spray paint this one black. Because then it would match everything else. And I like black. It matches my soul.*

So there ya are. Luckily the internet decided to stick with me long enough to post this. Woohoo! But I will be checking out other service providers this week. I'm fed up with Comcast.

*It's an ongoing joke with hubby and me. Every time we talk about something in the color black we have to say, "Black... like my soul." We're very emo that way. Okay, not really, just weird.

American Idol - Top 6

Really? The music of Shania Twain? Couldn’t we have a “country week?” Seriously. It’s funny to me that everyone wants the contestants to be current and to me she’s pretty much irrelevant by now. It’s 2010.

Ugh. Anyway. Have I mentioned I’m writing this on my Word program because Comcast SUCKS??? I haven’t had internet all day. And they told hubby it was a problem with the modem. So he drove to their local offices (16 miles away, not exactly around the corner) to pick up a new one (we rent it from them). Still not working. BOOOOO.

Okay, we’ll get to the singing, I promise.

Lee is up first. My mom and I were discussing him last night (on our way home from the OUTSTANDING Daughtry show). We both want him to win. It’s official. So yeah… Lee. Um, yes I do love him this week. He picked “You’re Still the One.” He’s pretty much adorable and I like his version. I may have gone from “I love Lee” to “I loooove Lee.” haha Randy said he did a pretty good job. Ellen said he couldn’t look cuter (yes!) and said he made it his own. Kara mentioned how far he’s come. Simon said it was “absolutely” the perfect song. Yay!!!

**Um, I’m kinda voting for him tonight. First time I’ve voted all season.**

Big Mike picked “It Only Hurts When I’m Breathing.” Honestly, meh. I don’t love it. I don’t know what it is, but I just don’t. Randy said he did a great job and it was totally who he is. Ellen compared him to Luther Vandross. Kara said she felt connected. Simon liked Ellen’s comparison, but felt the performance was girly.

Casey’s up. He’s singing “Don’t.” I like it. But I think I might like him better when he rocks out. That’s just me. Randy loved him. Ellen said it was beautiful and called it his best performance. Kara called him ugly (okay, not really, but I got a laugh out of hubby). Simon said it was probably his best performance.

Crystal is up next. She picked “No One Needs To Know.” I’m gonna go ahead and sound like a hater again. It’s meh. Sounds like every other week, just a little more twangy. She’s good and all, but it’s nothing new to my ears. Randy liked her. Ellen said it wasn’t her favorite, but she still liked her. Kara referred to Ellen as a guy (again!) and liked her. Simon said it was like something out of a coffee shop.

Aaron picked “You Got A Way.” This song seems old for him. He sounds good, but it just seems old. Could be me being harsh tonight. Randy liked him. Ellen liked the emotion and depth. Kara agreed with Ellen. Simon said he’s been struggling, but he pretty much made up for it tonight.

Okay, last of the night is Siobhan. She picked “Any Man of Mine.” I haven’t missed this song, that’s for sure. She sounded like she was holding back a little when she started. She had a couple of spots that were good, but overall I really didn’t think it was very good. Aaaand there’s that predictable scream. Over it. Randy loved it. Ellen said fantastic. Kara said she’s “back.” Simon liked the song. What? Hubby and I had to have been hearing something else.

Ooookay, so tomorrow… um, I’ll say Big Mike, Aaron, and Crystal in the bottom tomorrow. It’s getting hard to guess. I’m off to vote for Lee now.

Monday Coolness

Yeah, it's a bit late. We had some internet issues this morning. :/

Soooo, guess what I'm doing tonight? Mom and I are going to see DAUGHTRY!!!! He's pretty much the reason I even got into American Idol in the first place.

So first up, here's the performance that got me. I can't help it. A man singing Bon Jovi gets me every time, haha.




And then I'll go ahead and throw in a performance of a Bryan Adams song. For the swoon factor.



Happy Monday!

Happy Birthday to...

My oldest stinker, I mean nephew, Cole!

Cole is turning 9 today. This makes me feel old. When I met hubby, he was only a year and a half. And he stole my soda the first time I met him. Seriously. He went to pick up hubby's soda and hubby told him, "No, that's mine." Then he reached for mine and hubby said, "No, that's Ashley's." Cole looked right at me and started drinking.

He's pretty much still a punk. :)

Happy birthday Cole! Love you my little all-star!

Well well well...

Happy Friday indeed!




I actually just finished this last weekend (for the second time). And yes, this deserves one of these...

*EEEEEEEE!!!*

Friday Photo

It's Tad, are you surprised?

He had been coming down that slide and figured out that if he touched someone, he could shock them. This is his, "I'm coming to shock you" face. Weird kid.

Happy Friday!

Oh Tad

Tad loves my brother. He's always thought he was funny. Apparently my brother with his long curly locks has made quite the impression. Because every time Tad sees a guy with long curly hair, he says it looks like Nick. He saw Slash on American Idol last year and said, "HEY! It's Nick!" Yesterday he saw a picture of Russell Brand and said, "Hey, that guy with the curly hair looks like Nick."

Sorry Nick. You're doomed to be compared to everyone he sees with long hair. But at least you know you made an impact on him.

Wednesday Wish List

Today's list is complete randomness. Because I've been busy and even though I could have come up with a theme, it made more sense to me to make no sense at all. Because that's how life is at the moment? Get it? haha

A certain little boy has a birthday coming up very soon. Which led me to search "Where the Wild Things Are" on Etsy. I liked this stuff.

This ring makes me giddy. From the side, it's Max's crown. From the top it's the sea that Max sails on. And that removable top? Yup, it's a little compartment in that ring. (via SnapdragonStudios)


Not gonna lie. This made me tear up just a bit. I showed it to hubby and he decided I can probably rock this one myself. So if I find fabric like this, I may be trying. I tell Tad this all the time. (via inspiredmess)

I also found some good ol' random cuteness.

I want this terrarium very badly. The birdhouse. The mushroom. DYING of the cuteness. (via noplacelikegnome)


This print made me laugh. Because of my duck obsession while we were at the apartment. And I still feed the ducks at one of the parks we go to. (via NayArts)


Hopefully my mother-in-law isn't reading the blog today. Because I'm pretty sure we're going to buy her one of these for her birthday. We were at an antique shop in Cayucos on Monday (no we don't regularly go to antique shops, we just ended up in there) and I saw some. We decided that she just needs one (you have to know my mother-in-law to agree). (via Gypsygirltrinkets)

Aaaand I've been on a bird kick lately. Maybe not just lately. But it's in the front of my mind right now because of the bridal shower I'm throwing (hello love birds theme!). So here's some cuteness I found.

I wish I had seen these a week ago. Because they would have been ADORABLE on the invites I made. (via cupcaketree)


These vases make me smile. They're all under two inches tall. And they'd be right at home on a little shelf in my sewing room (which already has a decorative bird cage - thanks Mom!). (via catherinereece)


And the ring. Oh the ring. This actually isn't a set, even though there are two pictured. But I want. Badly. Oh. So. Badly. (via ottobone)

There ya are. A nice random list full of things to make me happy.

American Idol - Top 7

Down to seven. Hubby just asked me if Ryan was going to apologize tonight for the crack-head moments last week. I told him no.

Dude, cameramen and spotlight men need to get their stuff together. When all the contestants came out there were some serious issues where the lights were hitting right into the cameras. *sigh* Idol, are you even trying?

Anywho, since tomorrow is Idol Gives Back, the contestants are singing "inspirational" songs tonight. And Alicia Keys is the mentor.

Casey is up first up and singing "Don't Stop." He sounds good. I enjoy him and his guitar. His performance isn't the most original thing I've ever heard, but I like him anyway. Randy said it was good, not his best. Ellen said he was good, but not great. Kara didn't make much sense but wasn't thrilled. Simon said it wasn't inspiring and called it a lazy song choice.

Lee picked "The Boxer" by Simon and Garfunkel. I don't know this one. But he sounds good to me. Randy said he's a great artist ready to make great records. Ellen said it was a beautiful song choice and called it his best performance. Kara said he had his "moment" tonight. Simon said it was the best (even though it's early to say that). He also threw out sincere, emotional, and inspirational.

Tim's turn. He's singing "Better Days" by The Goo Goo Dolls. I really like this one. I'm not sure I'm a fan. I want to be. But it's just not wowing me. Randy said it was only okay. Ellen didn't like him today. But there was a nice soup of the day analogy in there. Kara said it wasn't his best. Simon said he wasn't believable, but he's been improving.

Aaron picked R. Kelly's "I Believe I Can Fly." *gag* I reeeeally don't like this song. Like, REALLY. That said, his voice sounds fine. Even good. But I still don't like the song choice. At all. Randy said he did a good job with a "giant" song. Ellen said he handled the song well. Kara liked it by the end. Simon said he would have turned it off had it been on the radio.

Siobhan's up. She picked "When You Believe." I had to Google it to figure out what movie it was from (Prince of Egypt). Wait, I just looked up. WHAT IS SHE WEARING??? Is she aware that she's not trying out for the part of a forest fairy? Um, I think she sounded good. But honestly I wasn't paying attention once I saw what she's wearing. Randy said it was just okay. Ellen said it was more confirmation why she's there. Kara said it was technically good, but it was a little dramatic. Simon was with Randy. He said the arrangement was old-fashioned and he was distracted by her outfit (thanks for the backup, Simon!).

**Why do they give her twenty minutes after her performances to sit there and justify her choice? No one else gets to argue their case. A little favoritism Idol??**

Time for Big Mike! He picked "Hero"by Chad Kroeger. Ummm, LOVE this song! And I like him. Big surprise, right? His version is just a little different, but it's workin' for me. I clapped for him in my living room. :) Randy said he held his own (whatever that means for him). Ellen thought he did a great job. Kara said it wasn't her fave. Simon said he sang it well. Then he went and said it was about Spiderman (UM NO, it's from the movie, but it's not ABOUT him).

Crystal got the last slot. She picked "People Get Ready." It sounds like a typical Crystal song. How can people say that other contestants are doing the same thing week after week, but not mention that she's doing the same thing? Yeah, she's good. But it's the same performance from one week to the next. Um, why is she crying? She'll obviously be here tomorrow night. Randy said it was unbelievable. Ellen said it was beautiful. Kara loved her. Simon loved it.

Okay seriously, I don't get it. She sounds the same every week to me. Is anyone else getting this vibe? Hubby is with me. Someone tell me I'm not just hating on her and I'm actually making some sense.

Anyway, home tomorrow... I'll put Aaron, Tim and Big Mike in the bottom. Maybe. I'm not so good at this once it gets to lower numbers. So I guess we'll see.

Time for Glee!!! Madonna episode. It will be faaaabulouuuussss!!!!

5 Things...

Hi. I know, I'm late. By the time we got home last night all I wanted to do was shower and head off to bed. And now I have to drive through the rain to get some stuff for invitations. But I made sure to check in with y'all first and post my list for today.

5 Things I LOVE About Spring

1. The random storms. I love storms. We're in the middle of one right now.
2. The flowers! I'm not sure I have a green thumb, but I'm trying. I love going to home stores and seeing all the flowers just shouting at me to take them home.
3. The return of flip-flop weather! 'Nuf said.
4. Fun local things like the rodeo! We haven't gone in a couple years, but we might this year.
5. The overall sense of niceness that comes with warm days. It's nice to be driving with the windows down and saying hello to the warm weather that kept you cooped up all winter.

There ya go. What do you love about spring?

2 Years

Two years ago I woke up early because I couldn't stay asleep. I got all prettied up (with the help of friends), put on a poofy white dress (with the help of mom), tried to stay calm in the back of the church (with the help of bridesmaids), and married Tim.


Best. Day. Ever.

Happy Birthday to...

my grandma Karen!

This is the woman who is the source of my Flintstone feet, my craftiness, my perfectionist streak, my laugh, and probably countless other things that would take pages to write about. She passed her traits to my mom, who gave them to me. We are crazy alike.

Grandma has always helped me out with anything I need help with. Whether it's raiding her fabric stash, giving me my first sewing lesson in third grade, or helping me find embarrassing pictures of my mom for her big birthday party. She also laughs at me when my mom just rolls her eyes which I love. It's always nice to be thought of as amusing.

Happy birthday Grandma! I love you (and don't kill me for putting up a picture of you!).

*sigh*

You ever have those times when life seems to enjoy laughing at you?

Yeah, I had a few days like that. Not to get too personal, but my PMS waited around this month and threw everything it had at me in the span of two days. Commercials were making me tear up. I had minor panic attacks over the baking project I did for a friend (which ended up being totally worth it because I love said friend and she was in love with my work). I know people who are having problems in their relationships and I'm the listening type so I've been stressed about that stuff.

*whew*

I'm ready for the new week. I'm ready for hormones that aren't making me insane.

Tomorrow is a big day. It's our two year anniversary! We're not heading out of town, but we'll find something to do. I really want to hop in the car and drive around. Have an adventure (and of course take pics along the way). We'll see.

Tomorrow is also my grandma's birthday (though she won't tell you, she doesn't love the birthday attention). Even though she's not a big birthday celebration person, I still asked her before we set the date if I could get married on her birthday. Just to be sure.

And now that I've slightly vented in a rare weekend post, I've got some cleaning to do. I want my sewing machine, which means I need to make room. I have to finish shower invitations, and maybe I'll even do some painting. Not the house, but a little project for the shower that of course will be revealed at a later date when I share entirely too many pictures of the amazing shower.

Was that the longest sentence ever? Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!

P.S. My "g" key is being a butthead. In this entire post I've had to go back with the delete button and POUND the key to put it in the word. Ugh.

Friday Photo

Hola! We survived another week!

As y'all know I've been scoping out stuff for my walls lately, so I thought I would turn to some of my own pictures. I played with the coloring and such on some and really liked how they came out. So that's what I'll give you today.

I turned up the saturation on this one and I LOVE how the sky looks. This was on a random adventure day. I should really do that more often...

Happy Friday! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

It Never Fails

Y'all know Murphy's Law. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. It's too vague. We need some specific ones. My female readership will probably identify with many, if not all, of these.

I propose Typhoid's Laws.

When no one is around to witness it, you will effortlessly have a good hair day.

When you straighten your hair and it looks shiny and fabulous, it will rain.

When you finally buy new shoes and wear them out, it will rain (if the shoes are suede, it will POUR).

When you look hot for a night out with friends, you will meet no attractive men. But when you schlep to Wal-Mart in your gym clothes you will run into a hot guy, an ex, or both.

The day you clean out your purse, you will need the items you cleaned out of it. This is especially true of nail files.

If you are looking for a very specific color to wear to an event, you won't find it. At least, not in an affordable option.

Any of you have any to add? Any guy-specific ones?

Wednesday Wish List

Y'all are probably tired of the home stuff, huh? I've been looking at dresses lately for my best friend's bridal shower. Of course I've had no luck finding something for that event (I am trying to match a specific pair of shoes, of course). But I've found some super cute dresses that are perfect for the warm weather that spring is bringing. So let's look at some pretties, and maybe one of them will find their way to your closet (or mine if I'm lucky).


I'm kind of in love with this dress. The one shoulder. The ruffles. The fact that the ruffles are different prints? Yup. Definitely in love. (via Ruche)


I love this one too. The colors definitely do it for me. And it's not overly dressy. (via Ruche)


I think I must be drawn to this shape. And the whole ruffled collar thing. (via ModCloth)


I don't know if I'm in love with the top or not, but the dress as a whole is lovely. I like gray a lot lately. And spring must be getting to me because I'm diggin' the florals. (via ModCloth)


Again with the gray. This is just a cute dress. And it looks comfy. (via ModCloth)


Purple. Flowers. Straps that allow me to wear a real bra, not a strapless. Yes please. (via ModCloth)


And this looks like the comfiest thing ever. Plus we have gray. And even orange, which I also love. Sorry for the weird graphic at the bottom. (via ModCloth)

There ya go. A home-free wish list! No promises for next week though...

American Idol - Top 9... Again

Yup, the judges used their save last week on Big Mike (thank GOD). So this week we'll see two people leave. It's Elvis night and Adam Lambert is their coach (because that makes total sense?).

First up is Crystal. She picked "Saved." She sounds okay. No different than any other week. The judges loved her. DUH.

Next is Andrew. He picked "Hound Dog." Meh. I don't love it. He sounds fine, but it's not that exciting. Randy said it was bad karaoke. Ellen thought he pulled it off. Kara said he didn't own it. Simon said it was "lazy."

Tim is up next. He picked "Can't Help Fallin' in Love." Okay, I actually really like this song so I'm interested. Ooookay I kinda love it. Tim doesn't usually impress me, but he TOTALLY is tonight. This could be a version people would play obsessively at weddings. Randy liked it. Ellen really enjoyed it and said she "can't help falling in love with him." Kara said it's her favorite performance of his. Simon said he went from zero to hero.

Now it's Lee's turn. He picked "A Little Less Conversation." Also a good song. I just love his voice. Even hubby is enjoying him tonight. I like it. Randy loved it. Ellen said he made it really current. Kara said she's never seen him go for it vocally like he did tonight. Simon said he nailed the song.

Aaron now. He's singing "Blue Suede Shoes." Meh. I'm just not impressed by him. I'm not buying him rocking out. Randy only liked it a little. Ellen thought it was a big song to take on, but he didn't get all the way there. Kara liked it. Simon didn't. I'm with Simon.

Siobhan is next. She picked "Suspicious Minds." The funny thing is that I totally guessed she would sing this. Hubby just laughed when she confirmed my suspicions. Meh. It doesn't sound very current to me. Hubby said Dwight Yoakam did it better. Randy liked it. Ellen really liked it. Kara didn't love it and actually said she was a little confused. Hubby was shocked he agreed with her. Simon didn't like it.

Big Mike! He picked "In the Ghetto." Um, wow. He sounds great. Randy said it was a little sleepy, but the vocals were hot. Ellen told him she's glad they saved him. Kara said he sang it well. Simon said it was better than last week and one of his favorites.

Up now is Katie. She's singing "Baby What Do You Want Me To Do?" She sounds good. She's actually kind of believable tonight, which is a little surprising to me. Randy liked it. Ellen said it was great. Kara loved it. Simon said he just found it loud and a little annoying.

Last spot is Casey! He picked "Lawdy Miss Clawdy." Liked the beginning. Liking the rest of it. It's very him. But it's also similar to other performances we've heard. Last week was still better. Randy said it was another solid performance. Ellen said it wasn't as exciting as she would have liked, but still good. Kara said it fell short. Simon said it was a wasted opportunity.

Okay, off the top of my head, my pick for the two going home are Andrew and Aaron. Andrew just has trouble grabbing everyone's attention. And Aaron hasn't been exciting either. I have no guesses other than them. I'm hoping Big Mike will be safe.

Now I'm off to watch Glee!!!

5 Things...

Well, given that I am MAJORLY excited about Glee returning tonight...

5 Things About Glee

1. This show is so good, even hubby enjoys it. Seriously. He doesn't just watch it because I am, he ENJOYS it.
2. Sue Sylvester is the best villain EVAARRRR!
3. The episode with the special needs girl trying out for the Cheerios... followed by Sue reading to her own special needs sister... um, I cried. Amazing episode.
4. Kurt playing football is also one of my faves. Partly because it cracks me up to watch the football team dance. But also because my friend LeRoy was channel surfing and came across it. He stopped because it was a show involving a football team... then they started dancing. He was fantastically confused and it's my new favorite story about him.
5. I'm not really a Madonna fan, but I'm SO looking forward to next weeks episode with her songs. SO LOOKING FORWARD.

P.S. - I'll still post an American Idol blog tonight. It's the best way to let all my pent up snark out. haha

Monday Coolness

Do you know what tomorrow is? Do you??





Oh yes. Glee is back!!!! This video has been floating around for a couple weeks, but I wanted to save it for just before the show returned. Jane Lynch is amazing as Sue Sylvester. Enjoy, and happy Monday!

Friday Photo

Ahhhh, Friday once again. I'm getting ready to have a bunch of people over tomorrow (hooray for UFC!) so of course things are a bit hectic. So I give you a peaceful picture today.

I took this about a month and a half ago. I took Tad home and on the way home I realized it was a beautiful day and I should take some pictures. This just happened to be one of those. I love the flowers that come with spring. Even these little buggers that end up all over the ground and your car.

Happy Friday!

Okay People

I know I have readers. I have people tell me they like my blog. My mom tells me that it's occasionally a topic of conversation at her work. I installed a stat counter so I KNOW y'all are out there.

Therefore, I want feedback. Promise?

Some days, I don't know what I want to write about. So I'm taking suggestions.

What do you want to know?

Do you want embarrassing stories? Do you want to know what I ate for dinner? What I wore yesterday? Do you want to hear about how the hubby and I met? Tell me friends. Please. I apparently have some people who enjoy reading, so tell me what you want.

If leaving a comment is too much of a pain in the rump (I know, some people don't want to make an account and all), then email me.

typhoidashley@gmail.com

I get writer's block. Help me out here.

Wednesday Wish List

I had a good morning. We found the old range that we were looking for. Of course that was after running into some snooty woman who suggested that nothing like that would ever exist so close to residential areas. Right lady. Go worship the new health care plan now. I have no use for you.

So hubby, brother and I found it. Shot a few hundred rounds. I decided that v-neck shirts are a bad idea when the gun you're shooting ejects the brass RIGHT at you (I had some hopping moments to make sure nothing went down my shirt).

And now I'm home giving you a wish list. Today it's some random things on Etsy I've been eying for - you guessed it - the house.

Very much want this for my little man's room. He would love it. (via Dayna Gedney)

This guy is just too cute! This would also be adorable in Tad's room. (via pumml)

And because I always tell Tad I love him to infinity and beyond, I think he needs this one. (via singlestonestudios)
I like the idea of having this in my sewing room. Different color though. Maybe yellow... (via KeepCalmShop)

I love this!! I love having fresh flowers so it's perfect. And it can go right by our table. (via vol25)

I like this guy. He would have to go in Tad's room though. I don't think cartoon robots belong in the living room, do you? (via botodesigns)

And this wall vinyl is pretty much awesome. With my love for The Beatles and all. Just not sure where it would go yet. It would be pretty cute in the middle of some family pics. (via studio jk)

Can you tell our walls have been the focus of things lately? It's hard to find "grown up" art that I like though. Feel free to send suggestions my way. My walls are a bit too naked.

Hey Guys

The wish list WILL be up today, just not as early as usual. I got caught up in Lost and V last night and didn't get to finish it. But as soon as I get home from my adventures today I'll do it. I promise.

American Idol - Top 9

Another Tuesday. Theme tonight is Lennon and McCartney. People doing The Beatles scares me.

Aaron is up first. He picked "The Long and Winding Road." He sounds good, but honestly I'm a little bored by it. Randy said he has a good voice. Ellen suggested she was bored with it. Kara said he's been showing the same side of him and it's been like the same performance week after week. Simon said it was boring.

Katie picked "Let It Be." Ummm... pretty much love this song. But I'll probably say that about any Beatles song. Okay, I'm liking her. A lot. Randy said it was her best performance ever. Ellen said she was amazing. Kara said she's "blossoming" on the stage (whatever she means by that) and she's never sounded better. Simon said she "got it right." And Kara decided to sing at Simon for no good reason. ATTENTION WHORE!!!!

Now it's time for Andrew. He picked "Can't Buy Me Love." He changed it a little, but not too much. I like it. It's fun. Randy said it was "solid" and he sounded good. Ellen said it was a perfect song choice and a lot of fun. Kara wanted to love it, but didn't. Simon thought the band overpowered him and it was irrelevant.

Big Mike is next. He's singing "Eleanor Rigby." I totally remember when David Cook did this one. Hope I like Big Mike just as much. He sounds good (of course). I like it, but don't really love it. Randy said not all the parts worked, but the parts that worked were great. Ellen said it was incredible. Kara said he was amazing. Simon didn't love it because he said it felt like a musical.

Crystal picked "Come Together." Sounds about right for her. It ever-so-slightly reminds me of the version from Across The Universe (note to self: why don't I own that movie?). She sounds good, but I feel like she's sounded better. The song still totally suits her. Randy liked it, but said it wasn't her best. Ellen liked her. Kara said it was one of her favorites. Huh? Simon said it was a performance he could hear on the radio.

Tim is up and he's singing "All My Loving." I love this one. I can't help but sing along. I'm kinda diggin' his version. I wouldn't run out and buy it, but I wouldn't change the station if it was on. Randy said it was a better performance than he's been giving. Ellen said it was a perfect song choice and thought it was good. Kara said he's taking their advice. Simon thought he did really well (and surprised me with that comment!).

Time for Casey. He picked "Jealous Guy." I gotta say... he's lookin' pretty cute tonight. ;) He sounds GOOD tonight. Love his vocals. Oh yeah, that performance ended with a *sigh* over here. Randy was impressed. Ellen said it was his best performance to date. Kara said he showed depth. Simon said it was the best of the night.

Siobhan's turn. She's singing "Across the Universe." Uhhh... okay. Love this song, hope she doesn't hurt it. Her outfit isn't helping any. It's weird. I don't know how I feel about the performance. I really DON'T KNOW. She sounds fine, but it's kind of boring? But not totally boring? I can't tell if it's current? Can you tell I don't know what to think? Randy said it was a little sleepy, but he liked seeing the tender side from her. Ellen liked her, and pretty much almost gushed. Kara said it felt restrained and polite. Simon said she came back from her "disastrous" week last week.

Lee gets the last spot. He picked "Hey Jude." I can see where this could totally work for him... aaaand it's totally workin' for me. I like it. He just has a great voice though, and I like almost everything he does. Randy said it was "hot." Ellen loved it. Kara said she's a fan. Simon had issues with the bagpipe player (I agree he was unnecessary).

Ahhh, I don't know if I can pick a bottom three. I would say Aaron, but we all know that the obsessive moms are voting for him. Even though she doesn't deserve it, Katie could always be there again. And I hate to say it, but maaaybe Andrew? He didn't seem as strong as some of the others tonight. I guess you can take those as my three guesses. Meh, I'll throw Tim in too. Because I honestly have no clue at this point.

5 Things...

Let's keep it simple today...

5 Things I Just Don't Get (and I'm not sure I want to)

1. Lady Gaga - I've talked about how much I don't like her before, haven't I? Well, if I haven't, guess what? I don't get it or like it. Please tell me I never liked anyone that weird, mom. The clothes (although I should probably say costumes), the super annoying "music," and the cult following. HUH???
2. Justin Bieber - I don't think this kid had even made a video or been on the radio yet and all of a sudden I'm constantly hearing his name. Apparently he sings? I haven't listened to anything. I've seen pictures and all I can tell you is that his hair is too long and he wears some funky shoes. And my girls at church loooove him. *sigh*
3. E! Network "reality" shows - So I was never a fan of the Kardashians. You should not be "famous" because you made a sex tape and have a ginormous butt. Now they have this new show, "Pretty Wild." Sisters who don't mind walking around half-dressed, whine about life, and - oh yeah - one of them was part of the Hollywood burglary group (they broke into a lot of young stars' homes). And we GIVE THEM A SHOW?! Yeah, because that makes perfect sense.
4. Kids' Sports - I have beef with this because my oldest nephew has been practicing SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. He's eight years old. They had practice during spring break. There's something wrong with that. Aren't they supposed to be having fun?
5. Weathermen - I'm only unhappy with them over the past week. They've been more wrong than usual. Which tells me that any literate person who's mildly appealing to the eye can be a weather forecaster. Maybe THAT'S my calling!!!

I'm a little depressed now because I just realized that the first three points make me sound like an old lady who sits on her porch and shakes her fist at the kids who walk on her lawn... wait...

Monday Coolness

So how many of you have a sugar hangover? I ate a couple Peeps and that was it. So I'm bueno.

Last week this kid hit the interwebz in a big way. I've watched the video a few times and shown it to hubby and little brother already.




Happy Monday. Don't let anyone tell you what you can or can't be. haha

I am JEALOUS

I don't know if I can wait three and a half months for our trip!



Ellen visits The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
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Friday Photo

Hello friends! It's Friday!!! Okay, that's not nearly as meaningful when you aren't fortunate enough to be gainfully employed...

Here's a fun picture for your Friday.

THAT my friends, is a kitchen drawer filled to the brim with cookie cutters. Yes. To the brim. There are over a hundred. Maybe close to one fifty. I don't know, I'm not going to sit and count.

The drawers above it and the cabinets over that section of counter are all dedicated to baking.

I love my kitchen.

April Fools!!!

Ha, two years ago Tad didn't fully understand that April Fool's Day is only the FIRST day of April. Or even that it's only in April. He shouted it at people frequently. Including at my wedding rehearsal. Dang kid...

I'm not big on the day (that's the teacher in me). Although there are some good things you can do to your family members that won't take a lot of prep. Let me share.

1. Do you have one of those spray attachments for your sink? Before your victim uses the sink, head over there with a rubber band. Wrap it around the handle of the attachment so that the thing is pressed down. When your victim turns on the regular faucet it will come out of the sprayer... right at them if you've positioned the sprayer straight out. I'm a fan of that one (yes, I've done it).
2. Do you have kids? Make dinner look like dessert tonight. Make meatloaf in your cupcake pans. Then top it with mashed potato "frosting." I've seen that online a TON. Never done it myself, but I don't have kids. Just a husband who acts like one.
3. Vaseline on the doorknob anyone?
4. Change the clocks to make them think they're late. (Don't ACTUALLY make them late, that would be wrong.)
5. If you have milk in a cardboard carton, dye it before anyone drinks it. It'll freak them out to pour green (or purple, or blue) milk in their cereal.

Keep it simple if you're doing something last minute. And if you pull something really good off, please let me know. I love hearing good prank stories.