Trying to Make a Move

I'm huddled in the corner of our living room right now, literally in the only piece of remaining furniture in our house. All around me, this is what I see.

Normally such a mess would be causing me anxiety, but right now it doesn't even make me flinch. I'm just so glad to be sitting. We've been in moving mode for the past two weeks, but the past two days have been non-stop packing, cleaning and loading and my whole body is aching.

It's not that I hate moving, in fact I tend to enjoy the process of going through everything I own and ridding myself of unnecessary things. There is something satisfying about organizing all my belongings in plastic tubs. And then comes the even more rewarding task of decorating a new space and setting up everything just perfectly.

Unfortunately for me, this move is not quite normal, nor rewarding. I don't get to decorate a new space just yet, unless you count the very aesthetic row of boxes that I piled in my 5 by 10 storage unit. I must say, the bright blue garage-like door really does wonders with my plastic tubs. Yes, there are decisions up in the air right now that are forcing me to be living out of a few suitcases for an indefinite amount of time. And there are unknowns in my life making it hard for me to feel settled. I am anticipating a few hard weeks at least.

Were it just living out of boxes, I'm sure I could manage. But the worst part comes in leaving the Flanders house where I have felt so much happiness and joy. I have lived with three remarkable women. I have found daily joy in sharing the events of their lives. I am thankful for their example in my life and will miss their energy and spirit.

My chair is no longer here as it had to be taken to Goodwill and I am now sitting on the bare wooden floor. Life is hard.

That Kind of Music Just Soothes the Soul

My summer concert series just keeps getting better.  American Idol...on TOUR. My friend won tickets from 107.3 FM and I was lucky enough to come along. We loved it. I wasn't a faithful watcher of the show this season as last year's results left me questioning America's ability to choose the best idol (I don't know Jordin, how are you supposed to breathe with no air?).

Anyway,  I feel my limited idol knowledge made me a pretty fair judge of the performers, so here's my recap of Season 7 top 10 idol performances.

Chikezie - looked smokin' in his purple velvet blazer. Energetic and alive on stage. Always on key. Not sure why he got kicked off at number 10.

Ramiele - She was so not memorable that I had to look up her name just so I could write this. Blah!!! That's all I have to say about her.

Michael -  Loved him! Sounded amazing. Performed well. Plus he sang We are the Champions,  and it was one of the highlights of the evening.

Kristy Lee Cook - Sure, she can look good in a tight top and white pants, and that is admirable, but this is about singing and I know she didn't get to number 6 because of her singing abilities. She's probably a good person, but I'm only saying that because I feel bad saying her singing stinks.

Carly - Her 3 songs were 3 too many. Good song choice. Poor execution. And she told lame jokes.

Brooke - She's cute and she has a pretty voice, but I don't think her song choices were right for the event. Regardless, she performed them well and is very talented. I hope she has future success.  

Jason - He's folky. I like folky

Syesha - She's got style and she's good. Real good. Too bad real good leaves you in third place.

David Archuleta - It was hard to tell over the pre-pubescent screaming, but I think he really is worth all the hype. The kid can sing. His voice is beautiful. He was a little awkward on stage, but I guess that adds to his endearing nature. I really did love him. 

David Cook - Really enjoyed him. He seemed natural on stage and he has a great voice. He might try a teensy bit too hard with his rock star image. His shirt said BAD, but I have a hard time believing that...he seemed too nice to be bad. He was great.

We had a great time, but I only wish Simon Cowell would have been there. I took lots of videos and pictures, but this one is the best. The girls were seriously out of control when David Archuleta took the stage. It was amazing. 

This next video is for my sister Nikki. She loves David Cook so I took it specifically for her, but I really like this song too. David Cook was also well loved by the ladies.

Sweet Dreams Little Man

This past weekend I had the chance to be with my sister Amy while she delivered her new baby boy, Jack. I've been joking that I would be at the delivery for this baby (and her last one too) in an effort to prepare me for the unknowns of motherhood, but wasn't sure I was actually going to make it. A week before my scheduled vacation she called and told me I should start driving because she was dialated to a 4. I prayed the baby would hold out...and he did. He didn't arrive until the following Saturday, extending my Ohio trip 2 days. But, it was worth it.

I wasn't sure what to expect and thought I would be quite grossed out, but actually I was fascinated by the whole process and truly witnessed a miracle. I am glad I got to see everything and I'm glad that Amy and Art let me share in their moment as they became parents for the 4th time. Amy had a midwife, Sue, who will deliver my children because she was amazing. The whole day was great...minus watching my sister in intense, uncontrollable pain.

After Jack was born, my 3 nieces came in to meet their new brother. When 3 year old Ava looked up at Amy and in her sweetest voice asked, "Mommy, are you going to bring home our baby brudder?" I knew for certain that the all the pain I had just witnessed was worth it.

I made a video documenting the event. It's my first one so please forgive any rough transitions. But, I like how it turned out. I only wish I could have done this for all of my nieces and nephews.

Goodbye Earl

I'll be back to my regularly scheduled blogging soon, but for now please enjoy this video. All I can say is when you are stuck in traffic for over an hour, you will find some way to entertain yourself.