Top 5 (late)

Our Internet connection was temporarily down as we signed our lives away to the phone/cable/cell/Internet company….so I wasn’t able to do a Top 5 post before the results show tonight.

Before we get to that, can we just all stop and appreciate the greatness of Neil Diamond? The AI contestants did not do him justice! The first concert I ever went to was to see Neil Diamond. Ever since then….I’m a Believer! :) Anyway, I really do love Neil Diamond and was so disappointed that most of last night’s songs sounded so…cheesy.

But of course, David Cook did not disappoint. Even as a true ND fan, I didn’t really know either of those songs but thought he still did a great job. The guy has got to win this thing.

I wasn’t too surprised about Brooke going home. I really like her persona on the show and her singing (minus last night’s first performance), but think it was time for her to go.

I figure Syesha and Jason will be the next two, leaving the Battle of the Davids.

Thoughts?

Celebration-pallooza

It has been just about a non-stop celebration over here. I’m not sure how it all landed in a period of five days, but we made it through and have had a lot of fun.

Thursday:

Wade & I celebrated nine years of matrimonial bliss. What do any parents of a toddler do when the kiddo is at the grandparent’s house? We went to the movies. Not the most romantic thing ever, but we were excited about indulging in this luxury which was once a common occurrence. Good thing my buttered popcorn and Diet Coke were as good as I had anticipated, because the movie wasn’t. (Be a smart person and don’t see Smart People…boring!)

Then we were off to a delicious, relaxing (no tantrums or food throwing) dinner at III Forks. All I can say is…Yuh-meee!


Before we left for our evening out, I dug around in my old hope chest and found a stack of notes I had saved from when Wade & I were dating and then read them during dinner. We were both cracking up at that sugary, sweetness you ooze of when you’re smitten and falling in love. It was also so funny to notice the evolution of our relationship…from a greeting of “Hey You!” to “Babe!” Sweet memories. Sweet husband.

Friday:

Shannon, Brad, and the girls came in town to celebrate Shannon’s 28th birthday, which was actually on Thursday. Yes…I got married on my sister’s birthday. Before you say that I’m the worst sister ever, just know that nine years ago was the best birthday she ever had. We all tried so hard to make sure that she wasn’t left out, that we all went way overboard. She milked it! :)

Anyway, we had a great dinner at Joe T. Garcias’s. I love that place in the Spring. The weather was perfect, and thankfully, the wait wasn’t too long. And a shout out to Shannon’s best friend Kara (who lies in Abilene but came in town for the birthday dinner) who brought me zucchini bread from Hickory Street Café in Abilene…my absolute favorite! Happy Birthday Shannon!


Here's the birthday girl being serenaded.

The guys enjoying the serenade. Brad seems to be pretty impressed by the mariachi moves.

The Enright girls.

Proof that I'm not the "fun one." Here's Mommy making Tate pose at the pretty fountain.

Here's Daddy letting Tate try to dive into the pretty fountain.

Saturday:

Last month my Mom achieved a pretty impressive accomplishment. So, we needed to celebrate. Our family friends, the Barbarenas, joined us for the party at our house. And we even had a special, surprise guest. My Aunt Teri (Mom’s sister) flew in all the way from Idaho just in time and completely shocked my Mom. Once again, congrats and way to go Mom!

Here's the Higlin cryfest moment. Yes, we made her put on a cap and gown! :)

Sunday:

We headed to Lewisville to be a part of VRCC’s Grand Opening of their new building. It was great to see so many special friends. We miss you guys and are happy about your new place!

Monday:

And to finish out the celebrations, several of us organized a small surprise dinner party/baby shower for our sweet friend Tina, who is due with Baby Boy #2 in just a few weeks. As we had guessed, she figured out the surprise, but it was still a lot of fun having a dinner out with a bunch of girls and celebrating this new life.

I’m sure I’ve officially gained all my baby weight back from five days of desserts, food, and fun. Now it’s back to the daily grind. I may be on a sugar withdrawal soon.

9 Years of For Better or For Worse

Even though I feel like Wade and I understood the commitment we were making, at least as much as you possibly could at the young age of 23, I look back and realize how little I did know.

I knew I loved Wade with all of my heart. I knew he was the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I knew I was making a lifelong commitment. I even knew I would be spelling out my last name to people for the rest of my life. And I knew it was for better or for worse, of which we’ve had both.

I’m so thankful for the for better parts of the last nine years. They have been filled with so many wonderful experiences, joys, and memories. We have had a lot of fun together and have laughed a lot.

And I even find myself thankful for the for worse parts of the last nine years. We’ve both been forced to grow in sometimes difficult, uncomfortable situations. We’ve experienced hurt, loss, and pain.

But both the better and the worse have brought us closer together, made us stronger, furthered our faith journey, and even increased the love and commitment we share for each other.

I look forward to many, many more for better or for worse years together. Happy Anniversary Wade!

And now to really make me feel old. Here are some shots from the big day at TCU’s Robert Carr Chapel nine years ago. Do we look like little kids or what? Some interesting trivia from our wedding…we had celebrities! Ed McMahon was the chapel wedding coordinator, Emmet Smith was the chapel musician, and Bert Reynolds performed the ceremony.

This is my favorite picture of all. We were just pronounced man and wife!

Of course I would change so many little things, since it seems outdated already. What girl doesn’t say that about her wedding? But overall, most of the ceremony and reception I wouldn't change at all. Bert did a wonderful job of adding so many personal stories to the ceremony. And we all had such a blast at the reception. It was great watching everyone from the little kids to the not-so-little adults shake it out on the dance floor. :)

We were surrounded by so many (in fact we almost ran out of chicken) family and friends on our special day. It was a day I treasure and won’t ever forget.

Top 6

I love musicals and especially love Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals, but I wasn’t sure how it would all play out on the AI stage. There were some surprises and even a train wreck. Interestingly enough, some of my least favorites from weeks past were my favorites this week.



I think Carly’s performance was one of the best of the night. Good thing she listened to “the man” and changed the song. She seemed comfortable, sounded great, and didn’t look angry for once.

I was also quite impressed with little David A. I haven't been a big fan in the past, but I thought he did a pretty great job this time. Think of Me is one of my favorites from Phantom, and his arrangement was pretty clever. He’s still a little too Clay Aiken-esque for me to want to buy his music, but it was catchy.

Brooke, Brooke, Brooke! When it happened, my stomach tied in knots for her. I’m not sure what options she had other than starting the song over, but she just never recovered. After last week and now this, I’m thinking she’s going home next. Bummer…she was one of the most endearing contestants they’ve had in awhile.

Jason…blah.

Syesha…quite an improvement.

David C...love him, but not my favorite performance of his.

What are your predictions?

Book Review: Traveling Mercies – Some Thoughts On Faith

I had heard people refer to the author, Anne Lamott, here and there but didn’t know anything about her. I don’t know if all of her books are this way, but she is very open, honest, and real.

One of the reviews from the San Francisco Examiner and Chronicle said, “She is walking proof that a person can be both reverent and irreverent in the same lifetime. Sometimes in the same breath.” That is printed on the cover, so I think it’s a compliment, and it is a pretty accurate description.

This book is an easy read collection of essays on her faith discovery as she walks through different life experiences…serious alcoholism and drug addictions, her introduction to Christianity, learning forgiveness, losing friends and family, life as a single mom, and even getting dreadlocks.

Some of my favorite passages from the book:

“Man is born broken. He lives by mending. The grace of God is glue.”

“Who was it that said forgiveness is giving up all hope of having had a different past?”

“There are pictures of the people in my family where we look like the most awkward and desperate folk you ever saw, poster children for the human condition. But I like that, when who we are shows. Everything is usually so masked or perfumed or disguised in the world, and it’s so touching when you get to see something real and human.”

I will warn you that her writing is not like the typical #1 seller at your Christian bookstore, but that’s kind of why I also liked it…a different perspective. Some of it is pretty raw, blunt, and maybe even a tad uncomfortable. This isn’t a book that will teach you the latest trend in doctrine or Bible buzz.

But, her stories and faith transformation are inspiring, while at the same time, entertaining.

Things I Love Right Now

Adult conversation

We went to dinner with some friends (sans the Tater Tot) Friday night (great authentic Mexican food in the Stockyards) and were shocked when we realized we had been at our table eating and talking for 3 hours. And to make it even more impressive, we didn’t even talk about kids (that much)!

The DVR

Part of the fascinating adult conversation mentioned above was about the DVR. I’ve realized that it has transformed (powerful word, I know, but it’s true) the way I watch TV. I was worried at first that it would cause me to watch more TV, but I actually think I watch less, because it’s more efficient. Now, we just need the radio version.

Spring

Fall used to be my favorite season, but I think having a child has changed that. I’m now in love with Spring. It was high time that we are able to get out of the house more and burn off lots of energy.

Costco

For many out there, this is way old news. I have just recently jumped on the Costco bandwagon. I’ve mooched off friends in the past, so I could get their steal-of-a-deal box of gift bags or cards, but I figure it was time to join the land of bulk purchases. Sure our pantry is now busting at the seams with a box of 80 granola bars and 50 rolls of toilet paper, but the deals are too good to be true.

This Video




I stole it from Eric’s blog and thought it was so cool.

Top 7

Still bitter about Michael Johns being gone, but I’m moving on. This was another week where I’m just not feeling the theme. Yes, Mariah has broken Elvis’ record. And yes, the girl can sing, but I’m just not a big fan of hers. Let’s hope the themes get better, because I’m ready to be wowed again.

So…last night was a strange one. I think David C. probably did have the best performance overall, but I didn’t enjoy this out-of-the-box performance near as much as his previous ones. He still keeps showing that he deserves to win, though.



I thought Jason Castro did a great job and the arrangement was creative, but again, I don’t think he’ll make it much further.

And yes, David A. did good. I’m kind of wondering if the final two will be the battle of the Davids???

I was so bummed with Brooke. It started off great, but then you could just see her nerves get the best of her about halfway through the song. I’m starting to get a little worried for her.

Like last week, I’m thinking Syesha or Carlie will go home next.

And for all of you AI fans, I was inspired with an idea from Sarah B. For anyone who is from around my neck of the woods, come on over to our house for an AI finale-watching party. I’m not sure what that date is yet, but it should be fun. I’ll send an e-mail out with more details once it gets closer. Let me know if you want to come!

15-16 Months

Wow, I’m way behind on Tate’s monthly updates. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to keep these up, but I’ll keep trying since they’ve basically turned into his virtual baby book.

So about a week or so ago, Tate turned 16 months old. It’s funny to look at the last Tate post I wrote (14 months old) because a lot has changed since then. Since early March, he has become the master crawler up on all fours. Once he figured it out, he was ready to go. Our lives have never been the same. :) And he is FAST. I think he’s pretty fascinated by it as well, because sometimes when he’s crawling really fast, he’ll look down and watch his legs go. That usually results in him running into a wall or landing face first on the ground…hence the numerous amount of bruises the poor kid has.

Finally getting the hang of crawling has made so many more things fun for him, and he seems to be a lot less frustrated with life. He has had a blast at his Gymboree classes lately, which makes for a nice long nap on those afternoons.

Seriously, life is different with a kid that can get around fast. Not to mention he is quite the explorer, so there have been many surprises like this one lately. Yes, those are what you think they are…sorry.


We have a pretty funny video showing one of Tate's creative adventures involving a baby gate, bucket of balls, and stairs, but I can't get it loaded for some reason. I'll post it later.

Another big accomplishment was standing up. It may seem pretty simple, but for him, this really is a biggie. His PT and all of the great staff where he gets physical therapy have been so excited and encouraging about his progress. He isn’t the most confident at it yet and is still very unsteady, but he LOVES to stand at his bedroom window and look outside. I can get him to stand there for a good 15 minutes straight (which for his short attention span is A LOT) looking at the trees, birds, cars, and kids playing.

The past couple of months, he has really started playing with his cars and loves his fire truck (which also includes him making a fire truck siren noise) and watching airplanes in the sky. The second he hears one (even if we’re inside), he sticks his hand up in the air and says “pa.” If we’re driving around, he notices every single 18-wheeler and says “di da,” which in Tateish means “big truck.”

He has also gotten the hang of saying bye-bye, blowing kisses (sometimes to strangers…yikes!), sticking his finger up Macy’s nose (anti-bac wipes to the rescue) and other forms of dog harassment, and doing a signature Tate dance (bouncing).

And we’re realizing that we may have a musician on our hands. I’ve thought it for awhile but have really noticed it recently. He loves playing the piano at both grandparents’ houses, loves when I turn on music anywhere, and will bounce around anytime his toys play music. American Idol 2024 maybe?

Easter Sunday


And this last picture is from my birthday dinner in Southlake. This place has become one of Tate’s favorite places…maybe because we’re there 2-3 times a week? He loves the fountains, birds, people, and crawling around. He even gets upset when we pass it on the highway and don't stop.

It’s been an exhausting, but fun, couple of months with this little guy. I love watching his strong-willed, independent personality emerge and am so proud of all of the hard work he has done. I look forward to many more fun months ahead.

Say It Isn't So #2

So this is the second time in my illustrious American Idol history that my favorite contestant has been unjustly voted off way too early. But just like last time, my shock and awe also contains some regret for not voting. I have failed one more American Idol contestant. For that, I am sorry. But the reality of this reality show is...Michael Johns will probably do much better (i.e. Chris Daughtery) by not winning.

For real this time...a Tate update and other thoughts are coming soon to either entertain those that don't watch AI and/or hopefully add some amount of credibility back to this blog.

Top 8

I seriously have got to blog about something other than American Idol. But now I've started posting about it weekly and can't give it up. I have issues about being a quitter.


Even though this was the week of inspirational songs, I wasn't totally inspired. Some were good, and some were OK. Nobody blew me away. My two favorites this week:



Woo-hoo, two weeks in a row. Last week was definitely better, but I thought he was one of the best this week. Sorry Simon...I don't think he's a wannabe.




This version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow has been one of my favorite songs for years. He did a great job. I'm not convinced he could win overall, but he'll definitely make a great album when it's all over.


I'm not sure what was going on with David C. Strange song, and he is looking a little smug. He's still my choice to win (with Michael a close second). I have to admit that Kristy Lee did pretty good...for her. I'm not a big fan of hers, but she's improving. Same with David A. I'm not crazy about him, but he did a pretty good job this week and is sure to stick around for awhile. I love Brooke, but agree that this week was very pretty and nice, but that's about it.

I'm thinking Syesha or Carlie will go home next.

From One Year Olds to Tweens

I'm a blog slacker lately. I actually have several things to update...Tate's 16 month (and 15 month--woops!) updates, a book review, highlights from a recent sermon I heard, and some other deep profound thoughts I've had other than ones about American Idol ...but for some reason, I've been better at reading blogs than writing them lately.

Until then, here's a recap of my Saturday. It started with Tate going to his first birthday party for friends. His super-cool friends Alex & Addison turned one this past week, and we loved celebrating with them. It has been a fun journey experiencing parenthood for the first time with our special friends, and we look forward to many more years of fun to come.

I then quickly switched gears from one year olds to tween girls. Wow, that is quite the switch.

Our Christmas present to our 8 1/2 year old niece, Mary Tish, was a big day out and show with Aunt Kelly. We started with shopping around and trying on all kinds of bling at Claire's.


Then she got to have her own mini-mani at Sweet & Sassy. I'm sure I had a deer in the headlights look as I gawked at all of the craziness there...glitter, fashion shows, feather boas, make-up, and what in the world are these Webkinz? They're everywhere!


Next was going to her pick for dinner...Mi Cocina...my kind of girl!


Then the big highlight was seeing the show, High School Musical on Ice. At dinner, she had to give me the overview, since I'm a little out of touch. Here's the big scene when Troy & Gabriella rushed from the basketball tournament and academic decathlon and sang for the big musical. We were all pretty nervous wondering if they would make it. :)


And just when you think it's over...there's a sequel! After intermission they performed the ice version of High School Musical 2. Here's the big finale.

I had all kinds of flashbacks to my NKOTB days as I sat in an arena of screaming girls. They all seemed to know just about every word to every song and were quite gaga over Troy. Although, the girls in front of us seemed pretty disappointed when they realized the ice version of Troy isn't the same Troy as in the movie.

She is a hoot, and we had a great day full of all kinds of conversations and fun!

Top 9

I was not that excited at first to hear that this week was Dolly Parton Week. Things have obviously worked out for her, but aside from Islands in the Stream and Working 9 to 5 (thank GOODNESS no one sang that), I really didn’t know many of her songs. But, I may just have to go buy Dolly’s Greatest Hits after tonight’s show. I was quite impressed.

Usually I tend to agree with most of Simon’s comments, but he was pretty picky tonight. My favorites were the three that have been my favorites all along:




Finally Michael! He is a cutie (with a great accent), and I thought this was his best so far…finally! No matter what happens, this guy is going to be successful.




I’m so glad David listened to whoever suggested the new hairstyle. Much better! I think he deserves to be the winner. I’m not sure if he will actually win, but he is by far the most talented one up there. The sparrow song was pretty cool.

And Brooke is my favorite girl. I hadn’t ever heard the song before, but I liked it and didn’t think it was near as strange as Simon said. Let it Be was still her claim to fame, and I’m not sure if she’ll be able to top that again.

Other thoughts…I think it may be time for little Ramiele to go home. Yes, David A. can sing, but he seems like he’s about 45, not 17. Carly, don’t listen to Simon about how you dress, it’s what differentiates you, so go with it.

Anything I missed?