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Archive for January, 2012

American Idol Magic

January 31, 2012

Vacation Chatter Continued…

If you’re just joining us, I’ve been out of town for 2 1/2 glorious weeks for a much needed VACATION! I’ll jump right in where we left off yesterday.

Day Two of our theme park visits in Orlando took us to Hollywood Studios. I think this might be our favorite of all the parks. We went there the 2nd and 5th day since we missed a lot on the first day.

We had good reason to miss a few things. Our son, Indigo became a Jedi. This was a very serious operation. They do not just get selected because they’re cute or talented or x, y, z. There is a very strict PROCESS to getting in the Jedi training. I felt very bad for the ones who were cut…but they’ve gotta do what they’ve gotta do. It’s ~~Hollywood~~ the real deal, right? So thankfully, he went through after a strenuous selection ordeal.

It was worth it. He did mighty things in a short amount of time, thanks to his instructor.

And you’re not going to believe this, but DARTH VADER ACTUALLY TRIED TO INVADE! That turkey showed up and wanted to overtake the whole park, but NO! My son, the Jedi, stopped that just in the nick of time!

It was touch and go for a while there, but I’m here to tell the story, so it’s clear that all ended well. Thanks be to God and Jedi Brave.

Greyley came in on the tail end of all this because while her brother was out saving the world, she was trying out for American Idol. We thought it would be a cute, little fun thing that wouldn’t last very long, but again~ those Hollywood Studios people are very serious about their work. She went through 2 rounds of auditions and out of 300 people who tried out, 25 were chosen to continue the competition. Greyley was one of the 25! The winner of the finals would get to the front of the line in a REAL American Idol audition, no expiration date.

She was told to come back in an hour to get in for hair and makeup, rehearsal and time with the vocal coach. Then she would be performing in the show later that afternoon. It was all very exciting.

To pass the time, we paused to get our photograph with the Contestant and then took in the Tower of Terror~ our favorite ride of all! That ride brings on a dire case of the giggles in all of us…once we get over the TERROR. Let’s ride it again!

And before we knew it, we were due backstage at the American Idol auditorium. I was Greyley’s “Manager” and we were in a small room with the other final two contestants performing in the show with Greyley. One contestant was a 33-year-old lady from Orlando~ total sweetheart~ who had her son as her manager~ he was a year younger than Greyley. And the other contestant was a 40-year-old man from London. He tries out for the show every time~ I’m not sure if he’s won the other times or not. They were both really good.

This nice girl from Atlanta did Greyley’s hair and makeup. I was instructed to not take any video and only pictures before the show, not during. Boohoo.

And then she met the very nice vocal coach, who gave her some great tips. She had to practice the song a few times~ she chose the songs when she tried out and then they gave her a small list of songs to sing in the show. She chose This Is Me by Demi Lovato.

After this, they ushered me into the auditorium, got me settled into the reserved seating close to the front and gave me my small list of rules. Before people started piling in, I was able to sneak this picture from my seat and then no more…

I put this picture on Facebook right before she went onstage and didn’t expect the reaction that came from it. I thought anyone who saw it would also see that we were at Hollywood Studios/Florida style that day, not HOLLYWOOD Hollywood. And Greyley’s too young for the other one anyway…

I got a pile of messages and texts and emails wanting to know when she’d be on TV, etc…and since I was on vacation, I didn’t get them all or have a chance to even look. So I apologize for leaving any of you hanging…teehee.

However…here’s another little glimpse.

She did a fabulous job. She really did. I know you think I’m just saying that because I’m her mother, but it’s the truth. The crowd began cheering when she got to the chorus. We all got teary. It was such fun.

The judges loved her.

I couldn’t tell you who the judges were, but they looked familiar…in that Hollywood Studios sort of way. The one on the far right was the token “Simon” and he was the only one who didn’t rave. He didn’t rave about anyone or anything, though.

The host was really nice~ he interviewed her at the beginning and talked to all of them throughout the show. He had really sweet and helpful things to say to Greyley even after the show. I appreciate these extra kindnesses. They go a long way with me, especially when they involve my children.

The audience voted~ there were buttons attached to the chairs for each contestant. The other contestants’ family members were sitting close to us.

Tension mounts.

Vote for 1, 1, 1!

And the next American Idol…

IS…

The 33-year-old Mama from Orlando!

No picture of her win, sorry. She really was great and so very sweet. She said she was rooting for Greyley all they way, which absolutely made Greyley’s day.

The whole experience was a blast, from beginning to end.

*Fun fact, our nephew, Chris Lawrence, tried out for the REAL American Idol. He went to Hollywood last year, but got cut. This year, he hasn’t been telling us the outcome, but I’m 99% certain he made it to Hollywood again. Watch for him! As I’m typing this, they’re interviewing him on our local Fox news show. YES, it is confirmed that he has a golden ticket! Woohoo! Craziness! How I would love to see him in the top 10!

The fun continues tomorrow. Stay tuned! XO

Posted in Adventure, American Idol, Fun, January 2012, Kids, Music | 12 Comments »

Magical Adventure

January 30, 2012

Almost 3 weeks ago, I wrote a post before leaving for vacation…fully thinking I’d write about our trip along the way…

Well, between being so busy having fun, going like crazy, spotty cell service and internet/NO cell service and internet, that just didn’t happen. And while I missed all of you, I’m glad it went that way. Once I gave up trying to make it work, I just relaxed and enjoyed vacation.

551 pictures later…whew. I won’t put you through all that…but let’s face it, if you’re reading this blog, you’re going to be seeing some vacation pictures. So let’s just settle in here together…

What a wonderful trip…

It was a trip that had phases…I’m still shaking my head at all we were able to do. I’m so grateful, I know I won’t even be able to properly put it into words. It was unbelievable…and also perfect because I missed most of January in Minnesota! Weeha!

Phase 1, I flew into West Palm Beach and stayed with my friend Tarryn Fisher. We had the best time. I don’t think there was a topic we didn’t cover. I’m missing her! I’ve had major Tarryn withdrawals ever since I left. I fell hard for her kids too…they are so cute. Take a look at her little girl, sporting one of Greyley’s headbands…this picture slays me.

We met the rest of the group in Orlando and it was amazing how everyone clicked right away. We ate good food, wrote a ton and laughed our heads off. It couldn’t have been any better. I was so sad to leave all of them…such a fun time!

Clockwise from top: Madison, Gianna, Traci, Danielle, me & Tarryn

When our weekend was done, they dropped me off at the airport, I rented a large vehicle (to hold our massive amount of stuff, plus all of us) and picked up my sweet family and our dear friends~ Steve and Jill. Steve put this trip together, did all the hard stuff, itinerary, planning~ we just showed up and had a blast. It was amazing.

We did 5 days of theme parks~ never in my life have I done such a thing! It was exhilarating, exhausting and ENDLESS FUN!

We began the week at Magic Kingdom…

Yes, dreams really do come true when you’re on vacation.

Sleepy-eyed, but raring to go…

The weather was so nice~ WARM! Not too hot, not too cold…just right.

It’s a good thing we all love each other.

We spent a lot of time in these…

Not too much time in lines due to perfect time of year to go AND Fast Passes.

Thank you, Steve! He’d run ahead, often with Indie in tow to get Fast Passes for the next ride. Indie became obsessed with Fast Passes and thought everything in life should have a Fast Pass.

He was also all about the maps.

Both kids got colds, Jill & Steve, too…but they didn’t let it slow them down one bit…troupers, these Minnesotans.

I love this picture of my girl…

She worked really hard for weeks before our trip, getting her schoolwork done, along with play practice at night. It was wonderful to have so much time with her.

Time with my little man too, so sweet…I miss my first grader when he’s at school.

Aw, look at these two…love them. I’m still amazed that they wanted to spend their vacation time with our clan. They seemed to still love us after two solid weeks of togetherness.

I wanted to swipe a few things from Magic Kingdom…this is just one example…

Absolute cuteness, everywhere you turn

A little bit of quiet time together while the others are riding Space Mountain…AGAIN.

The castle is absolutely beautiful at night!

I nearly flipped when Tinkerbell FLEW out of the castle.

Truly a magical day.

Tomorrow, I’ll tell you about Greyley’s American Idol experience and Indie’s Jedi Adventure.

Posted in Adventure, Family, Friends, Fun, January 2012, Travel, Vacation | 9 Comments »

Writing & Water, Water & Writing

January 11, 2012

I can never sleep very well the night before a big trip. I wake up over and over again, checking the clock each time…half hoping I have a few more hours to sleep and half hoping it’s time to get up and GO!

I do have a few more hours to sleep, but gave up a little while ago.

I’m too excited to sleep.

I am starting out on my own this trip~ meeting some girls in Florida for a Writer’s Retreat. I met Tarryn Fisher through a writer’s group we did back in the Spring and we’ve stayed in touch. (If you haven’t read The Opportunist yet, you should.) She was working on a retreat and when she found out I was going to be in Florida, she scheduled it around my trip. I cannot wait to meet her in person. We’ve emailed back and forth, become Facebook friends (she’s hysterical) and talked on the phone once. We covered a LOT of ground in the phone conversation. I’m pretty sure she’s crazy (in the best way) and I love her.

So now that that’s settled, I am off to meet her and a handful of other writers that I’m excited to meet. Not only are we going to have fun, but we are going to WRITE. It is something I have looked forward to for a LONG time. I can’t believe it’s finally here.

Take a look at what I’ll be seeing for a few days…

Oh yes.

I’m packing for a long stretch. The family will be meeting me along the way and we will continue the vacation fun. I think I’ll keep you posted every now and then, but you just never know…the ocean might carry me away…

Posted in Books, Friends, Fun, January 2012, Writing | 13 Comments »

Brain Mush

January 9, 2012

The last two nights I have fallen asleep at old lady hours…and had a brief interlude with 4 AM each morning…thankfully, sleep came to me again for another couple hours. I feel like a new woman.

It’s a good thing.

Saturday, I woke up and knew my brain was fried.

Just plumb tuckered out…that’s Southern for really, REALLY tired.

Side note: Apparently “plum” is acceptable now to replace “plumb”…who knew? I still like plumb.

I could not think what to make my company for lunch. And it was my brother and the fam, so it wasn’t that it had to be all grand or anything. I wondered around the store, aimlessly, even with a list. And normally, I make my list in the order of the aisles~ my husband especially appreciates that about me. This time, I was up and down the aisles and back and forth a dozen plus times.

And then I left all the groceries at the grocery store.

I was halfway home and realized I had nothing in the back seat.

Fried.

It reminded me of the story of how my grandfather, Paka, couldn’t remember how to get home from the store one day. It was the first sign that he had Alzheimer’s.

Every now and then I’ll see someone I know VERY well and blank out on their name and think about Paka.

I really want to remember. Especially all the good stuff. All my loved ones and the fun times…I hope it doesn’t go away.

I pulled off lunch. Nate bought me a HUMONGOUS pot at Thanksgiving time. I made Chicken Enchilada soup~ doubled the recipe~ and it looked so tiny in this pot that I began adding more and more and more…until I filled the pot up. We have enough soup for the whole week, 3 times a day, if we’d like.

Take that, Alzheimer’s.

It was wonderful to see my niece, Brittney~ I haven’t seen her in 10 years! She’s all grown up into a lovely woman. I’m kicking myself for not getting a single picture of the day. I’m blaming my complete space out, but no one else thought of it either, so I guess we’re all going off our rockers.

Sounds like sleep, vitamins and crossword puzzles are in my future. Any other helpful tips?

Posted in Confession is Good for the Soul, Family, January 2012 | 12 Comments »

Wasted Love

January 4, 2012

Do you ever feel like you’re wasting time?

I don’t mean the typical wasting…

Lollygagging on the couch~ ha, that word makes me smile…lollygagging

Watching TV

Staring out into space

Even, gasp, reading~ I have a hard time thinking reading is wasting time, but sometimes, I suppose…

Those are the typical time wasters…

I’m talking about the other type…

Pouring love into people who don’t want it

Giving chance after chance to someone who doesn’t seem to notice

Mentoring…only for that person to walk away

Maybe this doesn’t happen in your life. I can’t imagine it NOT happening, but maybe your job or your relationship styles prevent these things from happening to you. If so, I’d like to know what you’re doing…maybe I can sneak into your suitcase and live YOUR life!

Sorry, bad joke.

This is a common part of my life and sometimes I get so weary from it, so brokenhearted, I just want to hole up, not love another single person, spread my mother wings over my little family and protect us all…forever.

But I can’t.

I’m compelled to love.

John 13:34 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Luke 10:27 He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind” and, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

When I’m having a good day, I realize that none of my love is wasted…on anyone. Ever.

Recently I heard our dear friend, Jason Gray, sing this song and was reminded again that this is true. I will try to remember it the next time I hurt for what seems like wasted time.

Nothing is Wasted

Jason Gray/Jason Ingram/Doug McKelvey

The hurt that broke your heart
And left you trembling in the dark
Feeling lost and alone
Will tell you hope’s a lie
But what if every tear you cry
Will seed the ground where joy will grow

And nothing is wasted
Nothing is wasted
In the hands of our Redeemer
Nothing is wasted

It’s from the deepest wounds
That beauty finds a place to bloom
And you will see before the end
That every broken piece is
Gathered in the heart of Jesus
And what’s lost will be found again

And nothing is wasted
Nothing is wasted
In the hands of our Redeemer
Nothing is wasted

From the ruins
From the ashes
Beauty will rise
From the wreckage
From the darkness
Glory will shine

You can hear a sample of the song HERE.

Posted in Hope, January 2012, Ministry | 12 Comments »

Dreaming of an Ocean Blue

January 3, 2012

Whyyy is my alarm going off in the middle of the night?

Oh wait…it’s 6:30. AM.

UGH.

It’s pitch black outside.

There’s something wrong with this picture.

It is with a sad heart that I send my kids back to school. I do so enjoy seeing their sweet faces during the day, slow leisurely mornings and staying up later at night…

However…it will be good to get back into a routine. My house needs to get back to a routine too, if you know what I mean. Somehow, it gets so much more cluttered with the kids around all the time. And there’s something about the New Year…even though I don’t plan to do resolutions…there is still a reevaluation ticking off in my head of what is going to be different and BETTER this year. My house is in that category. Oh yes.

There are so many exciting things happening this month. I can’t wait to tell you about them all…but I will. My lips are sealed a little while longer. Oh OK, I can’t take it~ let’s just say, it involves writing, friends, plane rides, Mickey, cruise ship, and tropics…EEEKK!

Now that THAT cat is out of the bag, sorta…you can probably see why my mind has been going a mile a minute. Not only is there so much to do BEFORE…money to be saved, swimsuits to be procured (ahem), work to get done…but, it is somewhat challenging to not wish the days away until the fun comes. I’m doing my best to be in the moment…truly! But if you see me drifting off into lala land, you’ll know I’m already on the beach.

Soooo, back to today, right now…

If you didn’t see yesterday’s comments, you should go back and look at them for some great book recommendations. Please keep book suggestions coming at all times, I can’t get enough. You should see my To Read list! It’s a mile long.

Happy Tuesday! Dance a jig!

Posted in Dreams, January 2012 | 5 Comments »

Ocean, Lull Me to Read

January 2, 2012

Winter finally blew in on New Year’s Eve. I’m trying to pretend that howling wind is the ocean~ at night it’s been working, try it! A beautiful snow covered the brown that has been somewhat freakishly eying us the last few months and the wind has nearly blown it away again.

It had to happen sometime. Didn’t it? The tundra is inevitable, I’m pretty sure. So let’s just go with it.

Nothing says COZY like a good book.

If you haven’t read the following books, you might like to give these a try…

Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay is a fictional account of a journalist who uncovers secrets in her own family while writing about the Vel d’Hiv round up, which took place in Paris during the War. The story follows Julia, the journalist, and Sarah, the little girl whose family was captured. There are gut-wrenching moments in this story that will forever stay with me. We watched the movie over the weekend and it closely followed the book. The DVD also has extensive special features~ often my favorite part of a movie. This book is especially worth reading.

I’ve written about this series before, but it bears repeating…

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I got on this bandwagon late and read them all within a few days…I don’t like waiting for a sequel, so this works! It’s crazy to even explain what it’s about. It’s a “young adult adventure science fiction” series, but pretty violent for anyone very young. The twists will keep you guessing until the very end. (I’m Team Peeta, by the way.) I’m nervous about them wrecking the story with a movie, but we shall see…maybe it will be done right.

If you prefer nonfiction, anything by Donald Miller, Anne Lamott or Madeleine L’Engle will be worthwhile.

My daughter adores the Wrinkle in Time series by Madeleine L’Engle…

And I adore this one…

Circle of Quiet by Madeleine L’Engle is another favorite of mine. And Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. And The War of Art by Steven Pressfield…and I could go on forever…

Think you don’t have enough time to read? I used to think so too. And since my deepest wish is to read or write 24 hours a day, I’ll probably never feel there’s enough time in the day for it…however, once I gave up the idea of long, leisurely reading and just took whatever time I could get, it began to work.

Did you know besides the obvious~ reading before bed, in the tub, or while waiting for your kids during their dentist appointments, you can also read while…

Brushing your teeth

Waiting for the coffee

Boiling water

~~At a stoplight~~

Any time a football game is playing

On the dentist’s chair or doctor’s table~ he/she can work around you!

Do you have a favorite place to read? Growing up, I had a window seat in my bedroom where I spent hours reading. It was such a wonderful spot. Now, I like to read on our front porch swing or in the red chair in our Cozy Daisy. (That’s what Greyley dubbed our family room when we moved in.) Anywhere by windows is nice…

So, happy reading! If you have any favorites to recommend, I’m all ears.

*Reading now: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone...

Posted in Books, January 2012 | 15 Comments »

Happy New Blog!

January 1, 2012

Happy 2012!

Happy 3rd Anniversary to Girly Muse! 3 years and 722 posts later and I still get a kick out of writing this blog. It wouldn’t be the same without you. Thanks for hanging with me all this time. If you’re new around here, welcome.

Since resolutions are such a big part of the New Year, I feel I should come up with some, but I’ve actually given them up in the last couple of years. Last year, my resolution was to be happy and By George, it took me a full year to get there. Not really, but some days felt that way. I’m grateful to be in a better place all the way around this year…whew. I can’t tell you what a relief that is.

If I could have one wish for this year, it would be to continue the goals I have already put into motion…

Go forward, don’t look back.

Continue eating healthy food and drinking lots of water.

Exercise more. (This is the one that needs extra work right now)

Have more fun and be more fun, especially at home…

Write more. Finish my book. Get brave about publishing, etc.

You know, those sorts of goals…nothing new for me, really. What makes it feel easier to accomplish is that I don’t have the sudden urge to make everything better all at once just because it’s the beginning of the year. I’m feeling that tug to do better on a regular basis, day in and day out, plugging away on what really does make me happier at the end of the day.

Anyhoo…what about you, are you doing resolutions this year?

I’ve made some changes around here, can you tell? I hope you’ll check it all out…take a little tour. There’s even new things in the shop.

Oh! And I’ve been pestered by certain someones to start a Girly Muse facebook page…so I finally did. Still figuring it all out, but come say hello. XO

There’s a good feeling in the air…hope. I like it.

*Thank you so much, Matt Khoury, for the new look and the new pictures!

Posted in Happy New Year!, January 2012 | 3 Comments »