What a week its been...

...on American Idol that is!

Wow- what a show last night. Some good ones, some bad ones and one crazy, wild, and funny one. Here is what I thought about last nights show. I'm anxious to see how America voted!

1-Jasmine- What a pretty girl Altho- in my opinion, the song was too low for her voice range. I didn't like it.
2-Matt- Yay Michigan Native!!! wow- his audition tape was awesome and I loved the piano. His voice sounded shaky. I guess he was feeling a bit nervous but I liked him. Better than some of the guys from last week (and I swear its not the fact that hes from MI) Poor guy tho- his nerves just lost him the song.
3- Jeanine-oh no.....this chick butchered my Maroon 5. What a karaoke rendition.Ugh! Yuck! (and I'm not even liking her legs)
4- Nick- What a weird-o, but a funny one. I loved it from the beginning! Its about time we had some comedy on AI and someone that takes it a little less serious. I smiled the whole song thru and loved the "sassypants"
5- Alison- I really like her bar voice. the deep smokey sound and to sing Heart was the best song choice she could have made. Best girl of the night!!!!! and I am really digging her sweet rocker style.
6-Kris- Holy crap-this boy looks like my BFF's son Jacob. Karen, can Jake sing? Well, this Kris boy can and I like his real, non fancy approach to his turn. No fancy clothes, just him and his voice and it was reallly good. I hope he gets voted thru
7-Megan-first of all, I LOVE THIS SONG. and I love this girl. Hippie chick w/tats. However, I think she was all over the place w/this song. She was trying too hard to put "her" thing on it and I didn't like the over doing it part, but I still like her and will vote for #7.
8-Matt-What a safe song. He sings good but noting special. Next....
9- Jessi- I really liked her. I like the uniqueness of her voice and I thought she looked really nice but I'm afraid she was just too "plain jane". Sorry Girl
10- Kai-He reminds me in looks like Adam Duritz (Counting Crows) and I was excited to see what he would sing and do, but too bad his voice was "ok" for me and his song was a safe=bad choice.
11- Mishavonna- Drops of Jupiter is another one of my favorite songs and she didn't do too bad. Not bad at all and she is a good singer but I don't think she will be making it through. There were others that were better. I see her coming back next season in full force.
12-Adam- Saving the best for last for sure. First impressions are important and his looks are great. His eyes are amazing and I don't care if he sports eyeliner. And singing the Stones? Rock on Adam!!!! and Randy mentioned Twilight. Could Adam be the real Edward Cullen?! Vote for Adam!!! My new Idol crush-ha~

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Kindergarten Registration

I'm proud of him. I'm scared for him.


I'm proud of me for getting him to this point.


Mothers all over the world face this every year , I know.


Sending their children, one by one, to their first year of school.


Letting go.


I guess we ask ourselves the same questions.


Have I prepared him enough?


Could I have done more?


Will he be alright?


He's spent the last five years at home with me,


At places where he's been loved and protected.


School is scary, probably scarier for me than for him.


"You'll love school" I'm telling him with tears welled up in my eyes


I'm proud of him. I'm scared for him.

Southeast Elementary

Class of 2022

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The three R's

Did you know that recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 2 barrels of oil, and 4,100 kilowatt-hours of electricity — enough energy to power the average American home for five months. Did you know that recycling aluminum cans saves 95% of the energy used to make the material from scratch. That means you can make 20 cans out of recycled material with the same amount of energy it takes to make one can out of new material. Energy savings in 1993 alone were enough to light a city the size of Pittsburgh for six years. Did you know that if every American household recycled just one out of every ten plastic bottles they used, we’d keep 200 million pounds of the plastic out of landfills every year?

I am truly amazed at recycling. Before moving to Howell, we were unable to recycle. Why waste management companies don't add recycling to their services is beyond me. I guess it doesn't pay the mob bills-hehe. However, since moving to this great little town of ours, we found a place local to recycle. Its $25 a year and you drop your stuff off on Wednesday or Saturday. You can drive up and volunteers open your trunk and grab your stuff and you are on your way. So-during another crappy snow storm, I loaded the back of the van up with our bins of recycling. Plastics, paper and metals. I drove to the recycle center in town and for $25 a year, you drive up and volunteers open your trunk and unload all your recyclables into huge dumpsters to be reused. I was bummed that I forgot my camera. It was quite a site. Blowing snow and freezing cold and all these dedicated people dropping off their recyclable and the volunteers all bundled up in arctic clothes. It was sort of inspiring.

Paper, Plastic, Glass and Metal. How I separate my recycle-ables is easy. I put some totes in the garage and before I throw something in my trash can, I think before I throw and half the time I take it to the garage to the totes. I also want to add that we went from filling our trash bin to overflow capacity and praying it didn't overturn on the trip to the end of the driveway to two bags of trash. Yes, only TWO bags of trash this week.

I just wanted to post about how great recycling is. Its a little more work but the efforts are worth the work and it pays off in the whole picture of our earth and what it takes to preserve the beauty we take advantage of. Start now!

Here is the link to our local recycling center. Find one in your area tonight!

http://www.recyclelivingston.org/

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Reading

For all that I do that is wrong, it is in special moments like this that makes me believe that I mus be doing something right.

Who said lessons are only taught in a classroom?

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Its back.....

Thats right....American Idol is back and I'm so ever happy. I love watching this show and pretending that I'm a judge. Ha! Last night didn't disapoint as there were many great performances and many not so great. I think it will be easy to vote this week for the top three. I was also impressed with Paula. She was poised and composed and when she talked it made sense. Maybe having another female on the panel has helped her control her substance abuse. (just kidding). The new judge, Kara, seems to have hit the ground running and fits in really well. I like her a lot and I'm anxious to watch her in the future.

Now....on to the goods. My opinions

01: Jackie AKA: Spandex girl= outta here. She is an ok singer and looks like a young spunky Sheryl Crow but what in the world was she thinking wearing what she wore. I must totally be out of the fashion loop.
02: Ricky Braddy: Slow song downer but he's from Elizabeth City NC so I like him. Anyone from NC is rocking
03:Alexis-I think she looks so cute, but I'm not liking the fact that I'm getting the vibe she is a fake that only looks like this to "be different" and because the judges asked her to dirty up her look. On a good note, I liked her voice and song choice. She is the girl going through. Hopefully!
04: Brent- Country songs suit him and "Hick Town" brought back some memories. And seriously his dimple was cute.
05: Stevie- Goodbye- I was totally embarassed for this 17 year old. Poor thing and I really liked her in the auditions but she did not shine last night. Ouch!
06: Anoop- This guy is ok. He reminds me of someone, maybe a comedian, but he has a good voice and his auditions have all been upbeat and fun. HO-Hum to me.
07: Casey- Blah....infact, already forgot about her. Nohing really stood out about her. Not a bad talent, just nothing special either.
08: Michael-I think this guy can sing for sure! I thought his performance was good and I hope he makes it through.
09: Ann Marie- I liked her at Audition time but I agree w/ the judges that her song choice was off. She is probably the most real that I've seen though and I liked that.
10: Stephen- Michael Jackson old school in the house. Yay! Though I was disapointed at the elevator style he put on the song. Who sings MJ like that??
11: Tatiana-Singing a Whitney song is a huge risk. Did she not learn anything from watching past shows.....but she pulled it off pretty good. Personality flaws may not be with her, and I think that will ultimately hurt her. She is weird, hugh?
12: Danny- HE IS MY FAVORITE SO FAR! I loved him from audition week. His story made me cry. I love his style and realness and he is sooo cute. Bazing hot, the redeemer, sold out arenas and Simon said it was good. Vote for Danny!

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Sending you....

Lots of LLOOVVEE

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Horror Day!

For all my fellow horror flick buddies......have a happy Friday the 13th!

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What works for me Wednesday!

The boys will be celebrating Valentines day tomorrow at their preschool. They are especially excited. They have so many little buddies. Of corse, in my typical fashion, I spent all day preparing cards and treats for tomorrow's festivities. The treats I made are goodies I've made before for special events and I had to share. You will love them too!

Diviniy Popcorn

1 package of white candy coating

2 bags microwave popcorn

-Pop popcorn and pour into a large bowl, melt candy coating and pour over popcorn, stir and enjoy! (*note: I tripled the recipe here to feed 2 classrooms of preschoolers)

Truffels for the Teachers

3/4 cup heavy whippingcream

1 package chocolate chips

2 tsp vanilla (or any flavoring extract)

Nuts, sprinkles, powered sugar to roll truffels in

-In a saucepan, heat the whipping cream to boiling. Turn heat down and slowly add the chips and stir until completly melted. Add the vanilla/flavoring and stir. Slowly pour into an ungreased 9x13 pan and stick in the freezer for a few hours. Pull out when solid and scoop out mixture and form into a ball. Then roll in whatever you want. So yummy. Melts in your mouth!

Handmade Valentines

I pulled out my trusty sucker molds and went to town. I made little flower pots out of card stock and put sayings on the card like "We are buds" or "Our friendship is growing". Then I stuck the sucker in the back of the card. Cute if I say so myself-ha! Jonas is really enjoying writing his name. He writes it all the time. Since he wanted to sign his name to the cards, I had to make dots for him (so he would write smaller) but he did a great job. My baby is growing up.

So I hope you enjoy the rest of your week and are getting ready for the big LOVE day. Maybe you will try one of the treats above. You won't be disapointed!

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Being a follower for once in my life

Being addicted to Facebook, I felt the need to do this silly little survey thingie that everyone else is doing. I swear peer presure is a .......

1. I use to be a HUGE WWE Wrestling fan. Laugh if you will, but I was glued to the TV every Monday for Monday Night Nitro and even met Chris Jericho in person. (Got his autograph on an AppleBee's napkin)

2. I have had my ears, nose and navel peirced

3. Everytime I pull up next to someone at a stop light, I feel like they want to drag race and I ALWAYS have to be the first off the line. I'm sure this is from my Trans-Am days, although I still race in my mini-van.

4. I'm not yet 30, but I enjoy sewing and knitting. I love to sew projects and costumes and knitting is my newest hobby.

5. I am completely OBSESSED w/halloween. I love fall and the joy that halloween brings with candy, costumes, decorations and fun.

6. Though Mama told me not to, I love to talk to strangers. Some of the best conversations I've had is with strangers on airplanes. (I want to add to this that I seem to have a pretty good sense of character. I trust my instincts and talk to those that seem interesting)

7. I can not stop reading. I read something every night and frequent the library at least two times a week. My reading has been passed on to the boys which I'm delighted about.

8. I haven't ate red meat since I was 12 years old. I can't even remember what steak taste like and I don't care to know.

9. I LOVE football, baseball and playing pool. Not good at either three, but still makes me smile!

10. When I'm nervous or anxious I have a habit of picking my cuticles and hang nails. Sometimes to the point of bloody fingers.

11. I use to have really long hair (waist lenght) but love my short hair much better and will never grow my hair out every again.

12. I lived with a 1960's washer and dryer for 10 years and recently bought a frontloader and I'm in love with laundry now. Miracles can happen!

13. I was adopted and believe that I choose and was suppose to be raised by my parents, but often wonder about my birth parents. Being adopted also makes my polotical view pro-life and it sickens me that the president that I voted for just signed a pro-choice act.

14. Music is my life. Not only do I play music and received a full ride scholarship for classical piano, but music brings me so much. It can bring memories, moods and moments to view in the opening chords of a song.

15. I have a thing about entertaining. I like to have parties with good food, good laughs and to be surrounded by good people.

16. I am facinated by dreams. I believe dreams have meaning and are somehow connected to our thoughts and brain and I wish so badly I could figure some of them out.

17. I drink nothing but water.

18. My goal is to do a tri athlon sometime in the next 5 years. I run and bike, so I just gotta work on the swimming. Good thing we just bought a house with an inground pool. Bring on summer!

19. Moving away from my hometown and family at 19, I made friends that became my family. This taught me about the value of friendship and friends are very important to me. Through miles and time, I value them more than they know even though I try hard to let them know how much they mean to me. Friends are forever.

20. I am surrounded by boys..but I love my boys with every cell in my body and with every beat that my heart makes.

21. I have a housefull of the latest techology and own the newest and coolest tech "toys" but I use a tracphone cell phone that I buy minutes for that was called "ancient" by a teenager. I do have cell phone envy, but reality hits when I look at plans that are over $100 a month when I spend about that much a year.

22. I CAN NOT stand when people are fake. I get disgusted when I know someone does a certain thing or acts a certain way, but given another situation infront of other people and they act a different way. It also pisses me off to have people try to imulate the people around them. It makes me angry. Just be yourself if you know who that person is....jez'!

23. A few things that I can't live without are sweaters, rocketdog shoes, coconut and lime body butter and eye liner.

24. I have been journaling since I was 9 years old. Its nostalgic to read back through old journals and to time travel to those periods in my life. I even have an entry of when I was in Toronto at age 12 when I met my now husband.

25. I know without a doubt that I can do and be anything that I put my mind to. I'm a believer and a dreamer and optimistic about life and my future on this earth that I love.

(25.a. I can not spell and bow down to whoever invented spell check, but for some reason I am unable to find the spell check for this random randomness so please excuse any misspelled word and chalk it up to two preschooler boys frying my brain cells with cars and monster trucks)

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Vday is coming

The day to celebrate love is less than a week away

Check here (http://www.dltk-holidays.com/valentines/printables.htm) for some great ideas for the little ones. We are busy making and personalizing our 20 valentines for the boys preschool buddies and enjoying the spring like weather. Hope it sticks around. Its been great to play outside all weekend long.

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What works for me Wednesday!

This is an old school recipe, but one of the favorites in my household. Its easy to whip up and such a great snack! I love, love, love it and hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Ingredients
1 bag/box 16 oz.Oyster crackers

1/4 cupVegetable Oil

1 packet/1 oz.Hidden Valley® The Original Ranch® seasoning & salad dressing mix

Preparation
Prep Time: 10 min.Bake Time: 20 min.Place crackers in a gallon size Glad-Lock® Zipper™ storage bag. Pour oil over crackers; seal bag and toss to coat. Add seasoning & salad dressing mix; seal bag and toss again until coated. Bake on ungreased baking sheet at 250°F. for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

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You gotta be kidding me....

Come on Woody......
6 more weeks of this white, cold crap?
Jez'!

Link to article: http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090203/NEWS01/902030303&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Update on Mom: She is recovering well and is expected to go home in the next couple days. Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes!

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