8 is the magic number

I was tagged last weeks by my blog buddies Jen & also from Jen - love all my Jen's!!!! - to do a fun little game... I cant be like David Letterman & have a top 10 - so I'll do this one instead & give you the top 8 things!!!

8 THINGS I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO:
1. My friend, Erica's Baby Shower Sunday!!!
2. Seeing Isaac someday - soon, hopefully!!!
3. Getting our new Pastor in place
4. Any time I get to see my twin nieces!
5. my next knitted project
6. Days where I can open the windows - fresh air in the house!
7. Getting the Mini-Marathon behind me!
8. I always look forward to Sunday's each week!!!!

8 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY
1. Blew my nose
2. Blew my nose
3. ... you get the idea... ok - the real list

1. Mailed off the knitted Charity Blanket to the next knitter
2. Worked out with a fever... not smart - I dont recommend it!
3. Knitted (surprised?)
4. Read a book that I wasnt sure I would like - but now I'm obsessed!
5. Worked on Baby Shower games stuff
6. Watched 3 episodes of "The Office".... go Michael Scott Paper!
7. Made supper... yes I did... even sick!!! Go me!
8. Did everything to get my ears to open up!!!!

8 THINGS I WISH I COULD DO
1. Find Ricky a new job - one where I didnt fear he'd have a heart attack each day
2. Move Julie & Isaac up here near us
3. Be on Dancing with the Stars!!!
4. Take my nieces to Disney World
5. Let the youth see their future & what it would look like without Christ!
6. Find a cure for cancer!!! Hate cancer!!!
7. Not worry about stupid stuff
8. Turn back time & redo decisions that I've regretted in my life

8 SHOWS I WATCH
1. You totally know #1 - is Dancing with the Stars!!!!
2. The Office
3. Survivor (Is Coach wacky or what??)
4. America's Next Top Model
5. Ugly Betty
6. Grey's Anatomy
7. LOST
8. Project Runway... ITS COMING BACK!!!!!! Fierce!

8 PEOPLE I TAG
1. Anyone
2. Who
3. Wants
4. To
5. Play
6. Along
7. With
8. me
(like that?)

Two way street verse!

I've so enjoyed doing the Memory Verse Challenge from Beth Moore. If you havent heard about it - go HERE now & catch up! We're on verse #8 for the year. The goal is to get a verse on the 1st of the month & the 15th of the month & tuck it in your heart. I just love to go check out everyone's verses... as I put mine on - it was well over 500 verses so far today!!!

I, along with so many others, have found this to be such an amazing blessing!!! To find the verse you want & how amazing it is always the perfect verse at the perfect time! And again, just picking my verse for the day - its already spoken to me! My #8 verse is from Ephesians 4:29

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen"

What struck me as I'm reading it over & over again today... This is a two way street verse! HUH? Its about me speaking encouragement or wisdom or guidance... but its also about the person who LISTENS!!!!! It wont benefit anyone who doesnt listen!

Working with the youth - we do see so many kids who do listen & get it... but we also see so many that refuse to listen! Those who have a closed heart & a closed mind & have that attitude of a teen - that they know it all!!!!

There are some kids that I know we tell the same things to every day of every week of every year! We, as their leaders, are speaking the words that God gives us through the Bible... & yet, they dont LISTEN!

How this verse hit me that we have to keep speaking the works that build up & are helpful... praying for that day - that one day - those words will penetrate & they will LISTEN with all that they are!

Do you need to speak more words of building others up? Or do you need to listen more closely to the words yourself?

Out front!!

With my thigh all jacked up from running, I am missing the aerobic part of working out. I'm the type of person, you miss a few days - its like I never worked out in my life. So I headed back to my favorite place to ever work out - JAZZERCISE!

Honestly - I know people have an idea of what that is - but it is the most amazing work out you could ever do! It has FANTASTIC cardio - strength training that will kick your butt - stretching... & I'm such a music person anyways... & when I got in there & we got to work out to "Single Ladies" by Beyonce, well, I was happy to be back!

I got there & was trying to decide where to stand... & Jazzercise is just like church & pews - people have their spots & dont EVEN think about taking their spot! You'll get a 5 lb weight on the side of your head if you do! Well, up front, right next to the stage is ALWAYS open. On one side, there is one young lady that takes that spot - but the other side of the stage.... empty! And there will be over 25 ladies in this room working out, but no one wants the dreaded "UP FRONT" spot!...... I went right up there & took it....

Why does no one want it? Because when you are up there - you are front & center - you are in the spot where everyone is watching you - watching to see if you mess up a step - or if you can make it through strong or if you have to take a break! All eyes are on you!

For me - that spot doesnt bother me. I actually enjoy it & I've been sorta taking that spot as my own.... why? Because it holds me accountable! I know those eyes from all over the room are watching.... it makes me push harder - makes me go longer then I would if I were in the back of the room or blending in - it makes me stronger!

Shouldnt Christians be the same way? We are called to be different - to stand out! I think alot of times, we like the idea of being a Christian but want to blend in - or stand in the back where we're not noticed. Yeah, in the back of the room - you can get a work out - but you're not making a difference, you're not being challenged - you're not getting pushed to be stronger!!!

Be in the front of whatever is in your life! Represent Christ boldly! Keep fighting & going strong because eyes are on you & watching your moves!

And yeah, you may have a mis-step or a moment where you have to stop & catch your breath... but you're going be stronger & people will watch you & want to know where you are getting that strength!

BE OUT FRONT!!!!

Prom, Legwarmers & Nose Picking?

I've had a long, hard day of spreadsheets & numbers... the Accounting World at its best.... So I'm excited that its Monday & its LLLIIIVVVEEEEE!!!!!!!

We get to see a flash back of David Allen Grier... oh DAG - how I love your humor off the show. How your grumpy gus face didnt seem to work here... Oh DAG - I will miss you! But tonight, we see we get the Jive & the RUMBA... with Steve O fogging up the glass as he says it... ewww!!! So I am foreseeing lots of fun spins & take back to the 60's... & alot of sexiness with the Rumba - or at least, some "trying to bring Sexy Back" - most people aren't all that good at the Rumba - but its always fun to watch. I'm just wondering if Gilles is going to be doing that dance.... hopefully not - the women of American can't handle anymore!!! Let's get started!

#1 - Ty, the cowboy is up first & he is doing the Jive. I'm not foreseeing a good dance just because you have to be pretty loose. I am quite surprised that he does the WAVE pretty good though - & who knew that bull riders could hoola hoop so well. I guess you need hip action to stay on a bull while it twists? Who knows - a cowgirl - I am not!

The dance just confused me... does the jive got country in it? It was too much country line dancing & Chelsea dancing solo.... I honestly didnt even notice Ty being there until half way done... & then I thought, "OH NO" when I did see him. I'm seeing flashbacks of the first week with the timing off & just looks of confusion..... Poor sweet cowboy! Unfortunately, my prediction was right... not at all his calling. Scores = 6,6,6 ..... I will give a 10 to Chelsea though for doing some pretty dang good kick work in chunky boots! YEE-HAW!!!

#2 = Shawn - & she's up doing the Rumba. The giggles already start when she's told she has to be sensual. What does a 17 yr old know about being sensual? Heck - I'm 37 & I don't get it either! I think it has something to do with a good dinner? And you all know I don't cook!

Anyways - we see Mark trying to get her to slap her thighs & she cant even do that without giggling - so what's a guy to do? Create a prom - the perfect high school musical atmosphere for her. It really was adorable to see him in the tux surprising her. Tony D - you have to watch out - Mark is slowly knocking you out as my favorite dude dancer!!!

I thought it was the sweetest dance! She didn't giggle once - she spun, wrapped herself around him & stared gazingly (is that a word) in Mark's eyes... but as noted - it was AGE APPROPRIATE! We gotta remember folks - she's 17! For that alone - the girl deserved 10's in my book! But alas - the scores - 8,9,9 ..... I think Carrie Ann was just upset she didn't get her own personal prom from Mark! ... I don't remember sheer guy's shirts at prom though....

#3 - Lawrence aka last week's Bottom Two member! Who knew the jive contained so much cursing? The pressure is getting to the man! And you'd think a football player could handle a kicking dance.... what does a big burly, football player man need... his dancing buddy! ITS WARREN SAPP!!! I LOVED that dude last year! But he seems to be bringing some pep back to Lawrence.

And even better - we get LEG WARMERS!!! Only Edyta can pull them off... I gotta go to my 80's drawer & pull mine out just to honor this dance!

But WHAT???? I thought it was horrible... I didn't even really see him "kick" & didn't really even think he moved that well & the judges are lavishing praises that this is his best dance? Why does my blood boil over these judges sometimes? Everyone is clapping with their response - I'd the the only lone boo'er here... I dont get it... I thought it was awful... these scores are going to make me rip my leg warmers off!! Scores - 7, 7, 8......WHAT - an 8???? I'm even going to go pop a football too in protest!

#4 Melissa & my lovely Tony D!!! She is reminded again what the dance is about & dang it if he just didn't take the knife & twist it in her when he tells her to place her hands like there is a 10 carat diamond on there...to which she just stares & says "but its empty"... poor Melissa... Mark totally scores one for prom while Tony brings back painful memories!

But Tony tries to redeem himself by wearing a rainbow sherbet sheer shirt - dont know how since that's a hideous shirt, but hey, its Dancing with the Stars & sometimes, we get these sort of costumes!

Melissa was beautiful - so elegant, very romantic - I just hoped Jason aka, the jerky Bachelor was watching & missed her... JERK!

I hate the judges critique her for being Balletic... who knew THAT was a word! But hello - she did ballet! What do you expect? I see next week's segment already trying to break her of that!

Scores - 9,9,9 - well deserved - if alone, for doing the splits standing on your own - ouch!

#5 - Latoya Jackson... I mean Lil' Kim & Derek. They are getting the Jive & from the costumes, we can already tell the theme & the way this is going to go. Anyone else find it funny Lil' Kim is the cop & she just got out of jail not too long ago... oh, the dancing irony!

While the dance was full of fun & cuteness & show... I didn't really care for it like the judges - with Carrie Ann throwing her diamond bracelet around! I thought Kim looked like she was tripping over herself & missing a few steps even! I must be getting old & grumpy because I agree with Len - what they did was good for show, but as the dance - not so much....

And what happened that Tom had to stand in front of her... the fun of LLLLIIIVVEEE tv I guess.

Scores = 10, 8, 10 - two 10's???? WHAT??? And they didn't give Shawn a 10? I'd go throw my Lil' Kim CD's away in protest - if I had any!

#6 - Steve O & Lacy - Rumba is calling their name & sexiness to Steve O is picking his nose, passing some gas, & scratching his butt... I have a feeling this is what 90% of the women in America get to see as their sexy partners... not my husband though! He's going to put on his rainbow sherbet shirt right now!!

Anyways - can I say, I love my dogs too, but for that to be my inspiration for a sensual dance? That was a little strange to me. But I will agree with Carrie Ann - it was mesmerizing to watch - & I think I just understand why - because I think girls just like PJ's... I kept looking at Lacy thinking, I wonder what store carries those cute girl boxers!

Scores = 7,4,5 .... yep - it was the PJ's talking to Carrie Ann

#7 - Gilles.... he doesn't get a "sexy" dance, but a fun one.. & he's still in leather... weird! But the jive has turned from country to now ROCK...but we did get to see how fast this man's legs can work on the soccer field - & Cheryl's reaction as he got so excited about his goal was hilarious - the look of "HUH?" - its the sport of the sexy Italians!

HOLY SMOKE - that was fast! The man cant do any wrong, but I didn't care for the dance & I blame it all on Cheryl.... she's using the same, arms around the head, slow movement up against each other a few too many times now. All her fault... But I'll still give him my votes tonight - no doubt. This just wont be one of the You Tube videos I'll watch for the week...

Scores - 9,8,9

#8 - Chuck & Julianne - before we get started, is it me or has he looked totally uncomfortable in a lace shirt all night? OK - the Rumba - they are a real life couple - this should be decent - & as I think that, Chuck says the same thing saying "I'd hate for the judges to say we don't have chemistry"... & did anyone hear him call her "Baby Love"? How cute was that?

We get to see where their first date was & where they had their first kiss - how sweet! "I'm glad to be your girl" - "I'm glad to be your man"... let's see if they bring it to the dance.

Wow - I dont think some of that should have been on TV... Holy Cow... I'd totally say that was the dance of seduction & romance between them... Talk about 100% difference from the sweet innocent Rumba of Shawn... here's the other end of the spectrum of dance!

Scores = 8,7,8

So fellow lovers of dance - we've made it through another night - & we're half way through! I totally am cheering for my favorite three of Shawn, Gilles & Melissa to make the finals - they impress me each week!

Did you smile at the Prom with Shawn? Did you think Lawrence was as good as they said? Did you want a pair of PJ's like Lacy's too? And who do you think should go?

Jesus is ALIVE!!!!

Its Easter!!!! He is RISEN! Its my favorite Holiday... just such a reminder of what Jesus did for you! Its so humbling! And I just love going to church on Easter. Its always full & the energy is just flowing with excitement.

I made Ricky take a picture for Easter... can you see his reaction? Yeah - that's eye rolling going on right there! And then he's worse than a kid - he took his tie off because he felt like he was choking & just put on a sports jacket instead... Men - what can you do?

I was totally blessed though because my nieces got to come to church today! We didnt have youth today so they could enjoy time with their family so I got to be with the 4 &5 yr old kiddos... Too much fun!!! Look at my little Princesses... (& yeah, Madi's head is down - I have to SNEAK to get pictures of this girl) Sophia - she loves a camera!

Then my brother & Sis in law had an awesome lunch for the family & it was so nice to be able to get together... it feels like its been forever! I got to see Trinity too - my other "niece" - I love this child! She's growing up so fast! She took me to her room at her house & posters of Zack Efron are everywhere! I remember her being 2 yrs old... & now she has pictures with LOVE written across his face! How adorable is that....

Then the Easter egg hunt was on! I kept threatening them by saying I was going to push them out of the way & win all the eggs. I was a good sport though - I let them go for it hunt without me! I was on a mission to get a picture of Madi! Here's the best I got....

I promise she has eyes.... I was able to get this picture to prove it! She was having a camera-shy day!

And finally - I have to show you what the girls learned at church today!!!! It just made me smile because they were saying it all day!

This picture - its my favorite of the day because you can see Sophia on top of the house... she is screaming ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's the reminder of the day.... fun, laughter, hope... all because Jesus is ALIVE!!!!

Hope you've all had a Blessed Wonderful Easter!

Recovery

Its 4:00 pm.....I've lost all sense of time! Why? We had another Youth Lock in!!! And dude..(see, been around the kids too long!) - there were 45 people there! It was awesome!

But as you can see - I'm bright eyed & bushy tail as I get ready to venture into Lock In World! Got my car full of Diet Big Red, caffeine overload - check!


We watched "The Passion of the Christ" at 11:00 pm in the sanctuary... still breaks me every time I watch it...& its like my mom always says, "I've read the book - I know how it goes"... but dang, its hard to watch. I know of at least 4 girls - it was their first time seeing it. Very impacting.

Then the rest of the night is filled with laughter, pizza, games...anything you can think of. Even me eating a hair ball... yes, that's what that is in front of my mouth! And of course, knitting! That's what's in my hand... everyone just expects me to have yarn & needles at these things - who wouldnt? is my question!




We even had an Easter Egg Hunt at 6 am... these kids were PUMPED when they heard there were 50 bucks in one special egg.... talk about chaos... And then someone found the egg - only to have pictures of a BUCK (aka the deer) - 50 of them to be exact... they took the joke pretty well!

And yes, I once again made it through the night...wasnt even really tired until I stepped into the door, which was at 9:00 am!!!! SURVIVED!

Ricky was so good - he had me lay down, took my cell phone away so it wouldnt wake me up - & let me sneak in a 5 hr nap!!!

Ahh - the face of a Lock In Youth Leader.... pretty - huh?

Why

Soldiers, you think you lead him?

Ropes, you think you bind him?

Men, you think you sentence him?

He heeds not your commands!

He winces not at your lashes.

It is his Father's voice he obeys.

And it is your soul he saves.

Forgetting so quickly

Its Thursday.... the time where we are smack dab right in the middle of the Holy Week's action - where the build up for Good Friday is beginning.... its the Lord's Supper.

I'm telling you - I am so blessed & happy that I picked up this book "Six Hours One Friday" with the timing of the Easter Season. It has just spoken to my heart is so many ways.

But I was reading through the Bible of the Lord's Supper this morning & came across Matthew 26:31

"Then Jesus told them, "This very night you will all fall away on account of me...."

ALL will fall away on the SAME night they just sat & shared the Passover Feast... with the Lamb that would be sacrificed.

In this book - these words just really struck me how it reflects to this verse in Matthew.

With the very wine of the covenant on their breath & the bread of his sacrifice in their bellies, they fled.

How quickly they forgot everything they saw! Everything they experienced with Jesus! All the miracles! How quickly they let doubt set in!

What could have been in their minds when they fled? What a night that must have been after that supper together.

We know the end though - dont we? They may have fled that very night - they may have forgotten - but the vision of Jesus & all He did - & the way He touched their hearts brought them back!

I think we do the same thing this very day... we experience the greatness of God & then with the covenant on our own breath & the bread of sacrifice in our own bellies, we get up & we too forget & flee away from Him!

Praise the Lord that He is merciful to let us remember & come back to Him every time!

You'll be saying WOW everytime!

Words cant even explain... you just gotta watch! You'll have a new appreciation for the commercial now!

Gratitude?

I want a Nintendo DS....I have for a few months! A little pocket gadget that I can play brain games on - or even better - SCRABBLE! I keep looking at them & then I saw this weekend, the NEW Nentendo DSI came out... stop the press! I dont want that puny regular old-fashioned game now - I gotta have the NEW ONE!

Anyone else feel that same way about something they want? You want something so badly & before you can even get it, the newest version comes out & you gotta have that - & then the next & the next....its an endless cycle.

Then I read in the book by Max Lucado "Six Hours One Friday" a statement that really hit home. Especially in the times that our country is in right now - the state of our economy.

"You cry over spilled champagne"

Before you say - HUH? - think about it! We, in our country, get so upset over the benefits of our life, not the essentials - over the frills, not the basics!

We even take a look at our blessings & think of them as problems! Like a car.... when it breaks down, I will complain & grumble... but think about the family that has to walk miles beyond miles to get anywhere!

We get stuck in an airport & complain about being late to a destination.... when we are so blessed to be able to see our loved ones in a few hours instead of weeks or months of travel!

We complain about having to go to the grocery store (Yeah, this is totally me right here) because it takes too long, or its too crowded - when some people would give ANYTHING to have a selection of food!

Or we want a bigger house when there are people who are living in tents & shelters that provide no air or warmth....

Or we need new clothes because last years are out of date when people just want something to cover their bodies....

Gratitude - its being MORE aware of what you have then what you DONT have!

I'm the most guilty here! When I read just those 5 words - it hit me.... I need to really start looking at what I'm complaining about!

I need to be even more thankful to God for the blessings he has bestowed on me.

Am I the only one feeling the conviction here? Do you think we realize how Blessed we are?

Dancing with the Stars!!!

We had a dreaded Double elimination last week... but it was two people who could have gone - so no tears shed yet...

OH NO - tonight's the Paso???? I always love that - the passion, the drama - the capes - I'll never forget Mel B's - or Kristi & Mark - or even Sabrina & Mark.... Oh, time to stop reminiscing because its Monday.... & we're LLLLIIIVVEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can I say before I even get started... seeing Ty in the outfit for the Paso... I'm scared for him! Seeing Melissa in the outfit for the Paso - & Tony's scruffy beard... I'm excited! Seeing Gilles in garb for the Paso... I'm even more excited.... let's get this dance floor open!

#1 - Chuck & Julianne....glad to even see them there after the videos I saw online of Julianne winning at the CMT awards. I'm an admitted non-Country fan but was excited to hear she won! But they made time to dance & Julianne is pushing him in practice. It scares me when she tells him "When you made fun of it - that's the way it should be".... so here they go with the Waltz. Julianne in all pink looks like a Barbie & just beautiful. Chuck must have took notes because he is being very dramatic with swinging arms & all in all, I think this is the first time I have ever enjoyed his dance. I just see them doing something like this at their wedding... and as I think that - what just happened - a bended Knee!!! Is that a throw back to Boyz II Men there last week?

Anyways - Bruno & Len really liked it... Carrie Ann - not so much... arguing already ensuing - but I can see her point - she said it should be coming together & its not. I appreciate that. But I'm sure Carrie Ann doesn't appreciate the evil eye from Julianne! One thing I know about country music - she will be standing by her man!.......Scores 7,8,8

#2 - Lawrence Taylor & Edyta- I'll say from the beginning - we see this man is all about working! He doesnt give up - but we learn that he needs words to music to "feel the rythym"... OK, I thought a beat in the music is what you felt - but if he needs words, who am I to mess with a football star?

And once again, Edyta comes out in clothing that I'm scared to death is not going to stay in place! How did that skirt not fly over her head, especially when Lawrence was tossing her around the floor? I think I get too busy watching her clothing, praying no mishaps are going to happen that I missed the dance.

And honestly, I must have missed the dance because it didnt WOW me... Len said it was his best dance so far. I dont know if that's saying alot. But he definitately has incentive to win when his friends tell him if he doesn't - he has to give a lap dance? Did I just hear that right? What kind of friends are those?............Scores 6,7,7

#3 - Shawn & Mark. During practice, you can just see the natural talent in this girl - her grace & her strength, but she holds herself to the status of Kristi - but I see her able to do it.

They are dancing the waltz.... I have no notes.... I just sat & watched it & smiled & even want to tear up... I'm corny like that - but it was just sweet. She floated in that white dress, Mark was so cute in his little old fashioned shoes (yes, I look at their shoes) - & it was like something you'd see in a fairy tale! I personally think its a perfect score!

But then Len has to go bust my bubble with talk of heels? Seriously? You'll give someone else a 9 for TRYING or the SPIRIT of the dance - & you want to get on her because her heel was up? That's what makes me bring out an angry side to the judges & want to punch them........ Scores 9,8,9..... I still say she deserved a 10!!!!

#4 Melissa & Tony... I'll give them a 10 without even seeing it... no -I'm joking! I'm a fair person.

So we see she is a person who cant keep a straight or mean face! I know how to give her a straight face... bring that dorky Bachelor in & have him sit there! I saw a mad face when he broke up with her on National TV... jerk!.... yeah, she had anger & a face then! But I guess ABC doesnt want to bring up harsh memories!

The dance is beautiful - this girl is just talented. I have to say, I'm distracted by the heart on Tony's vest... a heart? He's supposed to be a strong matador... a heart? Oh well...

WAIT>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> is that Melissa's parents? The ones who wouldnt appear on the Bachelor? I think I gasped!!! .......... Score 8,8,9

They keep talking of blunders she made... I have to rewind - I didnt even see it... guess that's why I'm not a judge!

#5 - David & Kim. David is going to go for it - waltz his way to the top this week! We see his determination & he wants to really show he can do it! The thing I dont get, he is such a funny person - then why is he always making such a mean, mad face?

The dance was good - probably not my favorite. I feel like Kim knows he can kick now, so lets add in lots of kicks - kicks for everyone - kicks all around! Who knew men were supposed to kick so much in a waltz? Nope - not working. But Len liked it so that's positive. Come on David - I'm still rooting for you! And he was even fun enough to sing a song for Samantha - Bring the happiness David!..... Scores 7,8,7

#6 Gilles & Cheryl. We are getting a recap of last week. Can I tell you - I think I You Tubed that dance & watched it DAILY! That was the best dance... I still love seeing it! Definitely a perfect 30!!

We are starting the dance off with no shirt? REALLY? Cheryl knows how to get the crowd started! But OH MY GOODNESS.... Seriously? This is going to be another dance I will watch over & over this week!!! The foot work was crazy - the intensity - everything about it was insane! And in the end, Carrie Ann & Bruno were standing in applause? I dont know if I have ever seen that!

And all you can hear is the ROAR of the crowd!! Seriously - ROARING... I love to see Gilles wife just beaming from the audience too! So sweet!

But Len had to be the sour puss of the evening & I think Tom hit it on the head when he used the words "Pec Envy".... I love Tom! Scores 10, 9, 10!!!! This guy..... wow!

#7 - Steve O & Lacy. The first thing that comes to mind is the song "You gotta have friends" as we see Johny Knoxville, Wee-man & someone else (& is Wee-man even right? - sorry - I'm not a fan).... but Johny put it right - Steve is a winner because he would be dead on the path he was on! So Kudos for friends bringing up the mood & being supportive!

Can I say how pretty Lacy looks tonight. I totally would wear that dress! That purple with the ribbon - she just looked so pretty! And the dance was very sweet & cute. Its like Len said, "dont take this too far, but its the best dance yet"....

But can I also say that was a very awkward moment when the camera went to Wee-Man in the audience & the little girl behind him was just staring at him? Anyone else notice that?

Scores 6,6,6... & they are so excited... the highest he's gotten yet! If he goes home this week - he can go with his head held on on this one!

#8 Ty & Chelsea. Like I said from the beginning - I'm scared for him! He's excited about it though knowing he's used to bulls. I dont think he understands it different from RIDING a bull to acting like you're dancing around one! But he loves its a "man dance"... & yes, a man dance it was - but maybe not that man's dance! I have to admit - I expected a lot & I mean ALOT worse - but it wasnt fantastic! How do you follow up a Paso after Gilles just did what he did? The judges are right - he was thinking the whole time & you could tell!

I just want to know, if Chelsea knew she was going to go to Ty's Bull Ranch - why did she wear a short sweater dress & fancy pretty cowboy boots? Anyways... the scores - 7,7,7

#9 - Kim & Derek. We get to see Lil' Kim in her element... & is it me - or does she look a little bit like LaToya Jackson before she went totally nuts with the plastic surgery? Something about her - I think Kim is beautiful though! I knew she would do well at the waltz - she is very elegant anyways. And its left me wanting to tie a piece of material on my wrist so I can fling it around during the day & be elegant & beautiful myself!

I have to ask though - what the heck is a Budda board? I'm not sure I want to know...maybe its a prison thing? I'll stick with material flowing on the wrist for relaxing!

And before the scores, can I say - I honestly think me & Bruno would be best friends! I love the dramatic way about him - how everything is said with arms swooping & flying & swishing... he makes me smile!

OK - scores...9,8,9

And thats the end of the night!!! Another great night of dancing. Some great stuff! Who was your favorite? Can Gilles do no wrong? Who is the most smiliest - Melissa or Shawn? Will Len get over his heel fetish? And who do you think is going home?

I'm off to find my material for my wrist now! Happy Dancing Folks!

Anyone else wanna call the bank?

Its Monday...... its gloomy..... I'm tired..... my body is achy......I have a sore throat.....

Its a blah kinda day!

And then I get a phone call from our CFO to call the bank - there was an error in our deposit. I didnt even send in a deposit today??? So to make a very long, boring accounting story entertaining - I'll skip all the numbers part & talk about the lady who helped me.

This lady I had to call just brightened my day.... at the end of every phone conversation I've had with her she says:

"Thank you - you are WONDERFUL!"

& she says it in the most heartfelt tone too!!!

I had to call her a few times & each time the same thing

"Thank you - you are WONDERFUL!"

Holy cow... I told my coworkers, I'm calling this lady EVERY day I'm having a bad day... She's made me smile - she's brightened my day! Who ever thought a bank could do that!

So in case anyone else is having a bad day.... I just want to tell you

YOU ARE WONDERFUL!!!!

Prom Night

Its prom time!!!! And yes, all our girls are grown & out of high school - but yipee, cuz I get so blessed by the girls in the youth group.... I got to have fun with prom night with one of them. Erica & I got to go over & see Miss Carly getting ready .... & what a beautiful Prom Princess she turned out to be!!!!

Look at this beauty! She's bringing back the 70's with this unique dress.... totally FUNKY!

And here are her friends before they headed out for the evening! We were teasing them saying they had to have the Obligation Prom Picture which is standing in front of a tree or bush... mission accomplished!

And because I love her mom too, I got to hang out with them & we drove them out to dinner & to the prom. Lynn & I went with the intentions of sitting at our own table - who would want to sit with us? Apparently three beautiful young ladies did - so we got to enjoy dinner together - & its just so fun to listen to young ladies sit & talk & giggle & laugh... sounds like happiness to my ears....

Here are me & Carly before she's ready to go in & dance the night away!

And because Lynn & I just weren't going to go straight home - we headed out shopping for some baby gifts. Target - we came, we saw, we conquered!!!

And Lynn found this little pan... how cute is this? I had to take a picture just because I love little things... she had to hold up another size to show the difference.... I want it.... but I dont cook, not even one egg... nope, not even one egg... but it was cute!

Thanks ladies for letting me hang out today!!!