American Idol commentary...

It's been a couple weeks since I've commented on the progress of American Idol...but I have been watching. This show really is a guilty pleasure for me, but even that has become a little tainted. I am more than a little frustrated that a certain 'idol' (Sanjaya Malakar) hasn't been kicked off yet. He was one that I felt should have been the first to go out of the top 24 and here he is...in the TOP 10! I just can't believe it!! His performance on Tuesday night was practically painful to watch. It was odd because the judges have always been pretty blunt with him (in that he wasn't very good - or at least not good enough to go any further), but that night Randy and Paula were almost positive...I'm convinced it was pure pity setting in. Simon was that only one that seemed to see his performance as hideous...which it was...

So, I'm thinking...is this kid's family rich or something? Did he buy off a few pacific islands to vote for him? No, I think I found the answer...Vote for the Worst. It's a movement that actually is encouraging people to vote for the WORST singer. It's all making a little more sense now...like how Kevin Covais made it so far in Season 5.

I just feel so bad for the ones that have gone home before they should have...like Stephanie Edwards and Brandon Rogers. Granted, they probably wouldn't have made it to the top 3 or 4, but definitely deserved to stay more than Sanjaya.

Here's my plea...DON'T vote for the worst! DON'T vote for Sanjaya. Vote for you FAVORITE and let the show work the way it supposed to!

DON'T VOTE FOR THE WORST!!

Spring is coming...

Boy, I haven't been posting much lately. Had a couple really crazy weeks and it's just taking more a bit to 'snap back', I think. I've been feeling very unmotivated about everything it seems lately.

But, this morning, Kaitlin and I came outside to leave for school/work and it smelled like spring. It was cool, but not cold, and there was just a hint of rain in the air. I love that smell...first time I've smelled it this year, I think, and it spruced me up a bit. I've been feeling a little better today - definitely ready for spring.

With that said, here's a quote to ponder about spring:

"Expect to have hope rekindled. Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways. The dry seasons in life do not last. The spring rains will come again.”
Sarah Ban Breathnach

I read this and realized I've been 'down' about a lot of things lately...all the illness and death around us, stresses at home and work...I haven't even felt like scrapping for quite a while. But, really, there is so much to be thankful for and I have to make myself remember that. And for the things that aren't 'perfect'...well, I just have to remind myself that 'dry seasons' don't last forever.

Sunday Spur for Scrapbookers Meme #9 - Using Props in Photography

Using props when taking photos can add so much...it can clue the viewer into the likes (and perhaps dislikes of the subject depending on their facial expression), the time of year the photo was taken, add a pop of color or some symbolic meaning. Props can be very simple things...a favorite blanket, a Santa hat, an Easter egg, or something created on the fly like a heart drawn in the sand.

One thing to be careful of, though, is not to let your props overpower your photo. Be sure that they do not detract from you main photo.

Challenge yourself to look at your household items in new ways and use a simple prop to enhance your next photo shoot.

In honor of St. Patty's Day, my daughter and I went out yesterday for some quick photos using a shamrock lolly pop as a prop, which also worked well as a reward for a cooperative photo subject! :-)

At last...a magazine for married men...

He, he...

Quite the week...part two...

Yesterday was Alice's (Justin's maternal grandmother) funeral. It was a beautiful day weather- wise, so that was nice...today is a little chilly again. This was Kaitlin's first experience with a wake service and funeral. On Monday night, she seemed her usual self, even after viewing the body. During the rosary and wake service, she drew a little picture and wrote her name on it. Later, Justin told me that he had seen it in the casket after the service. Grandma Ruth must have helped her put it there...that was nice.

There was a 'sharing' period at the wake and several people came up and said some really nice things about Alice. These are the kinds of things that really make you think, ya know? What will my family, my daughter, have to say about me one day. Really makes you want to strive to be a better person.

At the funeral, Kaitlin did well until towards the last 10-15 minutes or so. All of the sudden, she got really quite and really cuddled up to me. Then, she wanted me to hold her and I realized that she was crying when she buried her face in my neck. When I asked her what was wrong, she said in a whimpery little voice, "I'm sad for Grandma." It was sad and precious all at the same time. She continued to cry until after we got outside and got into Rahn and Ruth's car to ride to the cemetery. She was asking some questions about why Grandma Alice died and how her soul gets up to Heaven...tough questions.

I bought a book on Amazon today called The Saddest Time by Norma Simon. It has good reviews so am anxious to get it and read it with her. It is supposed to explain death as the inevitable end of life and provides three situations (accident, illness, and death) in which children experience powerful emotions when someone close has died. I was hoping to find one that also touched on the religious (Heaven) aspect...not sure if this one does...may have to keep looking.

Quite the week...

On Friday, my sister and I drove to LeMars together to meet the rest of the family and attend my cousin Teri's funeral. It was a sad, but very beautiful service. On the way home, my Mom, Dad, sister, older brother and his girlfriend all went through Sioux City to have dinner at the Olive Garden. It was some nice family time together.

Yesterday, my mom, sister, Kaitlin and I all headed back to LeMars for Molly's (Teri's daughter) wedding shower. Initially, we assumed that it might be rescheduled, but looking back, I am sure that is just what Teri would have wanted...for Molly to still have her day just as planned. It was a very nice shower and a chance to visit.

As soon as we got back from LeMars and we were soon getting ready to go to Justin's parents' house in Springfield for supper. Two of his younger brothers have birthdays next week and we still often get together to celebrate Paulson birthdays.

We had planned to go see Justin's grandma Alice in the hospital today; however, we got the sad news that she had passed away last night while we were at his parents house. What a week it has been.

On a lighter note, Kaitlin drew this picture on her magnidoodle yesterday and I couldn't get over how good it was...I had to take a picture.

Can you tell what it is? Just in case you need a hint, it has a mane, roars and lives where there is a really big sun!!

Sunday Spur for Scrapbookers Meme #8 - Favorite Quotes

This week's edition is all about quotes. Journaling is a key componant of scrapbooking, but we're all at a loss for words from time to time, so why not 'borrow' them from someone else who inpires us?

Your challenges:
#1 - Share your three favorite quotes at this time.
#2 - Share your favorite online resource for finding great quotes.
and, #3, should you choose to accept it - Create a layout using one of the quotes listed above.

Please don't forget to leave you responses in a comment box here and/or a link back to your own online journal where your answers lie.

Have a creative week!

My three favorite quotes:
#1 - "I am aware that I am less than some people prefer me to be. But most people are unaware that I am so much more than what they see." Douglas Pagels
#2 - “Draw a circle, not a heart, around the one you love because a heart can break but a circle goes on forever.” Unknown
#3 - "It takes courage to grown up and become who you really are." e.e. cummings

My favorite quote webiste:
The Quote Garden

My quote layout:
Quote (#2 above): “Draw a circle, not a heart, around the one you love because a heart can break but a circle goes on forever.” Unknown

Supplies:
Cardstock - Bazzill
Patterned Paper, Ribbon & Rub on - Basic Grey
Ink - Rubber Stampede
Fonts - Susie's Hand, Journaling Hand

Journaling (hidden on tag behind photo):
Yes, I have loved...my family, my husband, my friends. Yet somehow, I don't feel that I ever knew the depths which love could reach until the day that you entered my life. Darling daughter, you are my heart...you have touched the center of my soul. Nothing could break the bonds of love that I feel for you. It will go on and on forever...even when all I can do is look down on you from Heaven.

Comments/Techniques:
The main word of the title was highlighted by handcutting the letters, matting them and elevating the two overlapping letters (l & v) with dementional dots. A circle photo mat was used to correspond with the content of the title quote.