No Stress...

On Tuesday, I went in for my 39 week obstetrics appointment with one of the AF midwives. I had eaten breakfast and lunch, but I had not had a middle of the afternoon snack/light meal because I almost spaced the appointment and only remembered it about 90 minutes in advance. In that time, I was determined to wash the kids, because washing kids is good.

I was glad I washed the kids before the appointment and didn't save it until after the appointment.

I didn't plan on being checked. Too many cervical checks can add unnecessary risk of infection or leaking. Besides, I haven't hit the due date yet, and, though I was sure that I'd dilated to at least 3 centimeters, I did not want to go on the emotional roller-coaster that is weekly cervical checks from different practitioners. The last time I went on one of those roller coasters (6+ years ago) I was told "a good 2 centimeters" at 38 weeks and then "just about 1 1/2 centimeters" at 39 weeks. Inaccuracy? Possibly. Slight regression in dilation? Also possible. (It does happen). Either way, it led to major depression and vulnerability to an unethical OB stripping my membranes without my knowledge or consent.

Sorry to be so graphic, by the way.

Anyway, the midwife and her current tag-along (a Nurse Practitioner in training) laid me back to listen to the heartbeat, and I was slightly flattered/uncertain when the midwife started asking me about my lipstick. I had a feeling she was warming me up for a little bad news. I also noticed that the "choo-choo-choo-choo-choo-choo" sound wasn't chugging along as fast as it usually did. "That doesn't sound right," I said. She agreed. So she ordered me a Non-Stress Test.

Okay, one of the many reasons I LOVE this OB/Midwives office is that their facility is all inclusive. They have the lab, ultrasound room, NST room, etc., all in one building. That wouldn't have meant as much to me with previous pregnancies. With Sophie and Aidan in tow, however, the less I have to travel, the better. So, we scooted off to the NST room where I settled in for 30+ minutes of reclining (which I hate) and stressing about the monitors that either kept sliding about or were shifting due to stretchy movements from the alien within.

I had another HUGE source of stress at this time (and I've yet to mention the nausea welling up in my stomach due to low blood sugar and anxiety for the well being of my baby) - Sophie and Aidan.


They are so cute, aren't they? Don't they just look like little angels sitting there on that bench? Well, those little angels are nightmarish little devils when they go to doctor's appointments for other people. It is really obnoxious. I don't think it's intentional. They're just really excited and really ready to explore.

I sat there in agony, sipping juice from the nurse and texting David with small details and hoping I'd hear from him soon, while watching my kids run from chair to chair, completely ignoring the video that the nice nurse set up for them, and closing curtains around each of the 3 NST compartments. Little bells were moved, and the taller of the two repeatedly ran in and out of the room between requests for permission to give the shorter one a sucker. All the while, my abdomen is gyrating, my stomach is churning in agony, and I'm staring anxiously at the screen trying to really understand what it is I'm supposed to be looking for.

To my relief, I finally reached David and helped him understand that I needed him. It turned out that the test looked great sometimes, but then there would be a variable (a drop in heart rate) here and there. So, I was told to get to the hospital within the next couple of hours for an extended Non-Stress Test. They also did an ultrasound to check the fluid. (He's fine. There was plenty.) David arrived just as the technician was trying to get a good 3-D shot of the baby's face (which, unfortunately didn't work out. It's okay - I think those 3-D shots look a little creepy).

David's mom was wonderful enough to pick up the kids for us so that we could grab some food (I was feeling pretty sick and anxious at that point) and head over, just David and I, to the hospital. The staff was great, the test was uncomfortable, and I cried a little from the anxiety for the baby and frustration over my inconsistent, weak contractions. (I just want to have my baby, and being in the hospital made it feel so close and yet so far away). After two hours of monitoring, they declared that the test looked great. His heartbeat was strong and doing all that it needed to do.

Of course, after this little scare, I'm due for an NST ever other day, just to play it safe. So, again David and I will make sure we're all set for a possible induction and hospital stay, and the Grahams are taking the kids again tonight. Our Thursday night date (we never have "Thursday night dates". For that matter, we rarely have "dates") will be David comforting me as I sit or lay in a less than comfortable position and pray that my little monkey isn't in there playing "Cat's Cradle" with his cord. My first son did have fun with his cord. I'm hoping this isn't a trend or something.

Incidentally, since there was a possibility of induction on Tuesday, they decided that we should have my cervix checked. The verdict then: "a good 4 centimeters and about 80% effaced." This means that induction, if deemed necessary, would likely go well. What does it say about when I'd actually go into spontaneous labor (should induction be unnecessary)? Absolutely nothing.

So if I seem a little moody or distracted these days, it's just me being on the "any day now" emotional roller coaster. Please be patient with me.

Idol Thought (the last for 2008) - Cooking with Archie

Okay, I know "Cooking with Archie" is a terribly cheap title. It's no cheaper or more obnoxious, however, than the WAY OVER THE TOP boxing theme they had last night on the American Idol finale (performance, not results). Seriously, my David (the bestest David ever) and I were pretty annoyed at every boxing bit from the opening announcer and the robes to the ridiculous pre-round commentary from the boxing coach.

So I will bend your ear and take yet another indulgent hour to give my recap and reaction to the finale last night. (Again, I'm posting this before the results show). First, I was so happy to see the Davids going head to head. Though I really liked a number of the other contestants (what a great year for Idol!), these two were definitely the best, each in their own way. David Archuleta is one of the most naturally gifted singers ever to appear in the competition, and David Cook is one of the most complete packages as far as musicianship, vocals, and stage presence. While I favor David Cook (we've actually downloaded 4 Cook iTunes versus 2 Archuletas), I think they're both destined for success.

I was still kind of depressed last night after the finale show, though. As much as I love Archuleta with his cute, fat lips and impressive vocal gymnastics, I wanted Cook to come out and squash him. I mean, even at his best, Archuleta has never delivered the kind of unique artistry that Cook is capable of. We're used to being wowed by someones licks and runs on Idol, but how often have we just seen someone make great music? That's what Cook brought when he reinvented "Hello" by Lionel Richie and "You'll Always Be My Baby" by Mariah Carey - artistry.

For round one, each contestant was assigned a song by music producer/industry god Clive Davis. Cook was assigned "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and Archie was given "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." Unfortunately, Cook, who had to sing first each round, lost a lot more than the backstage coin toss with this round. He was assigned a U2 song with a musically repetitive verse and a 9 word chorus. Don't get me wrong, I love U2 and that particular song, but it is so not about the melody. It's about the words, and it's a really awful choice for a vocal competition, especially up against one of Elton John's greatest songs with the beautiful, triumphant chorus. It was truly heartbreaking to watch David Cook as he performed the piece. There was no spark or individuality - no David Cook magic. On the other hand, Archuleta pulled out all the stops with a passionate rendition of his showstopper. As Simon opened a wound in David Cook and declared round one going to Archuleta, it was obvious who had the advantage in timing and song choice - Archuleta.


In round two, each contestant chose from the top ten songs in the songwriter competition. Again, though this time of his own choice, Cook was singing a song which was message, not melody, focused. It was fast and unmoving, and I didn't actually get the message because at that time my daughter was taunting me by whispering in my ear, "David Cook is going to lose." Anyway, the song did nothing for him. Archuleta's choice did a little more for him because, despite some unusually arrogant lyrics (something about looking in the mirror and seeing perfection?), it had a prettier melody and chorus and sufficient room for him to show off his vocals. Again, Simon grabbed a handful of salt for David Cook's wound and claimed round two for Archuleta.

For the 3rd and final round, David Cook chose not to resurrect one of his brilliant reconstructions from earlier in the season. Instead of "Hello"or "Billy Jean", he chose a brand new song, "The World I Know" by Collective Soul. I honestly thought it was beautiful, but it wasn't much of a departure from the original version, hence it lacked enough spark to win him back the night. Rather than trying to go in for the kill with an old favorite, he focused on vulnerability and giving a heart-felt performance. As he became emotional and choked back tears when the audience gave him a standing ovation, my David wondered aloud, "Does he feel like he didn't do a good enough job?" It wasn't completely clear whether it was gratitude or disappointment that brought on the emotion. The greatest sting came when Simon stated that he made the wrong choice and should've resurrected an old song. David consented the point.

David Archuleta, on the other hand, reached into his arsenal, and (as many of us knew he would) pulled out his most powerful weapon - "Imagine." As he did a few months ago, he skipped the 1st verse and went straight to the second verse (a Christian rejection of the lyric "Imagine there's no heaven...no religion too?" That's my guess). Starting with so little verse remaining gave David plenty of measures to, of course, repeat and embellish the final chorus, filling it through and through with runs and licks galore. Again, each note was delivered without a single flaw...

And I hated it. The thing is, it's "Imagine" by John Lennon. The song, though profound in it's meaning, is about simplicity. "Let's live in peace - Simple as that" is the message I've always gotten from that song. To hear it drawn out and used for vocal gymnastics bugged the purist in me. Yes, I know it's American Idol, and so it's to be expected. There have just been so many great moments in this season of really terrific music, not just vocal showmanship, that I'd hope it wouldn't end so cheaply.

When all was said and done, Randy and Paula both heralded Archuleta as the best singer of the season, and Simon punctuated the moment (and my pain) by declaring that we'd witnessed "a knockout." (Phooey!)

So, who do I think will win? That all depends on which fans stayed up the latest to vote and who paid the most attention to the judge commentary. It'll probably be Archuleta (who may need the win more anyway).

Who do I think will last? Both of them. Archuleta can sing anything in his sleep, and Cook is a uniquely charismatic, gifted musician. So, while David Archuleta is finishing his 3rd International concert tour to an audience with members ranging from 15 to 65 years old, David Cook will be releasing his 3rd album to great success. They'll both likely win some grammies (though in completely different categories). Archuleta's career is likely to be more explosive, while Cook's might be slower and steadier. I just hope that neither chooses to go curly headed, do a bunch of drugs, or gain a lot of weight.

One thing is for sure: After the American Idol tour is over, I don't expect we'll be seeing them on the same stage in one night ever again.









FOLLOW-UP REMARK AFTER THE RESULTS SHOW:
I just have to say that sometimes being wrong is so nice. Also, here's sending a big "Thank you" to Simon. Cook's fan base might not have voted so aggressively had Simon not branded Archuleta the winner. Still, boy was he wrong!! 56% of the votes to David Cook! You go, Fuzzy Face!


I enjoyed the finale results show very much. I have to say that Bryan Adams looked a bit gaunt but will always have a special place in my heart. (I used to have a thing for reddish blond men). Call me mean, but George Michael looked a bit like an owl.

I chuckled guiltily at the video game ads featuring Cook/Archuleta a la "Risky Business". (Very good call for Archie to wear boxers.) Donna Summers rocks my world (even though I forget that some of her music was a bit naughty - oops! I didn't really know better when I was listening to her albums at the age of 10. I must add that while my favorite song was "McArthur's Park", it was on the album which also featured "Love to Love You, Baby." If you've never heard it, consider yourself well off).

Poor Brooke kept going off key, too, in her duet with Graham Nash, but I loved the song choice for her! I love those folk singers. If I were to ever attempt to be a recording artist, that would be my genre (except I don't play the guitar. Okay, I could never be a folk singer).

Mike Meyers disgusts me. As impossible as it is for me to not laugh at a good Dr. Evil impersonation ("duck-aduck-aduck-aduck"), I still claim the right as a mother to reject Meyers' sense of humor when he's plugging an Austin Powers-esque film during a family show with viewers as young as 5 and 6. (Okay, maybe I'm a bad mom for letting my child watch TV until 9:00 last night, but it was AI and she was nuts for Archie).



At last, I was pleasantly surprised by Cook's win. I keep forgetting that it's the votes and not the judges calling things. I hope that Cook has a great career and that being the winner doesn't hurt him at all. Alas, my tender daughter was bawling for at least 30 minutes after the announcement. It took oodles of empathy, a million reassurances that David Archuleta will be a successful singer for the rest of his life, and, finally, an ultimatum from David - "If you can't calm down, then we won't be able to let you watch American Idol next year..." Between the three, Sophie started to come to terms. (Hey, that would work for me!)

At least this year her favorite was actually someone good. Last year, it was Sanjaya... Irritating!

A non-moody update, and nesting...

I just wanted to reassure any humans who read the last post that I have passed through that mood pretty well. Thank you, though, to all friends who posted words of encouragement. You're all tender, and, yes, I find my babies rather cute as well. I have no idea where they got it.

So, now we're in nesting mode. I enjoy the sunshine of the mornings, because my energy returns to me full strength (well, as full strength as my body has the capacity to regain), and I become (as one Dr. Seuss did say) a "busy-buzzy bee."

So, now that David finished painting the nursery this weekend (poor man!), we just have to put all of the baby stuff back together (and put together some new stuff), do a ton of shopping, install the baby seat into the van, sort through boys' clothing, clean up as much as possible, tour and preregister at the hospital, print out a birth plan, pack the bag, get some sleep, do a bunch of exercises and take a daily walk, and give the other kids lots of snuggles. Oh yes, and we should name this poor guy.

Did I leave anything out?

Incidentally, we're open to name suggestions for the baby. Please, no first names with more than 5 syllables. My children are likely to find that overwhelming in time. I also prefer to avoid "flannel" names such as Braden, Hunter, or Payden. I just see hunting caps when I hear those names, and we're not crazy about guns.

Our current candidates are:

Collin Anders Graham

Sebastian Anders Graham

(FYI, Anders is a Scandinavian form of Andrew and a family name. We're kind of stuck on it. I also think it's a very sexy name. Sexy is requirement for men's names, in my opinion.)

Possible middle name substitute for Anders - Anton.

A would-be update...

So, I won't take the time to give an Idol recap. Aren't you relieved? Suffice to say that I still love the show, and it was sad to see Brooke's expected departure. I really liked her, and that boy with the dreads is getting away with murder these days.

For anyone interested, I have a theory on why I've spent so much time publishing AI commentary. It occurred to me as I attempted to draft an Idol-free update on our family on Tuesday night. I'm really moody these days!! This isn't really a surprise to anyone, especially to me, but it's just a little sad when you can actually see tangible evidence of your moodiness.

You see, I started the post with an update about David's work, which is going very well. Ironically, I had such difficulty restraining myself from pointing out how stressful his most recent adventure was (a good, but eventually rejected job offer from a different company) and how he was given a hard time from someone he respected. (I'm not allowed to elaborate on this, lucky you!)

Then I moved on to a Sophie anecdote which, I realized, would actually qualify as a "green potato chip" story. For those of you who are not avid PBS-Kids viewers (in other words, most of you), a "green potato chip" story is one which we might find cute and enjoy telling about our children but which would really embarrass them. I've adopted this term with the inspiration of a brilliant episode of Arthur, where DW hogs a bag of chips and eats the green one only to later be convinced by her mischievous brother that the green chips are poisonous. DW believes that she'll die at first, but things eventually get resolved. Unfortunately, she becomes a rather mortified local celebrity when her Mom unwittingly shares the story with everyone she knows, including Buster's journalist mother. The episode's genius is punctuated by Binky's presentation of a ballet he choreographed called "The Green Potato Chip," based on his own similar experience. Pure magic!

But seriously, it's so easy to forget that these little people, though being shorter than us, are still loaded with feeling and consciousness as fragile as our own. So, I drafted my GPC story and then realized that it would be unfair to my little lamb. So, that update wasn't so great.

Finally, I got on the subject of painting the kids' room and the nursery. There wasn't much positive to say about the task (as of today, uncompleted). All I could think of was the stress, disappointment, and helplessness of it all. Yuck! Who needs to hear about that? Hopefully the toughest part of it is over, but I haven't started singing yet (and I am pretty poochy these days), so it's not over.

So, I deleted the post. I hope this was a decent substitute .

Well, I think that's why I love to go off on menial subjects like "American Idol." I mean, it's really hard to be moody about a singing contest, isn't it? And, frankly, I get pretty emotional about impending labor experiences. So far, we're 0 for 2 on the "have that little bundle of joy and then get to hold and nurse them soon after" experience. I promise not to elaborate on that, only to say that when my first doctors and David and I did everything wrong, I ended up in horrible shape after the delivery. Then, when we and our second doctor (who was so wonderful, I assure you) did everything right (except for pulling out our crystal ball and predicting that the baby would pass stools and then wear his umbilical cord like a backpack so he just couldn't avoid breathing in mud on the way out), the baby wasn't doing so well after birth. (Aidan was having a ball before birth!) So, what's this poor nameless guy have in store? Only time and another honest attempt to do our very best will tell. Honestly, we really did do our best those first two times. I swear.

See, I told you I was moody. Okay, so this I'll remember - faith, preparation, and gratitude. Faith that, if we do our part, things will work out as they should. We're doing our part, so they will. Preparation for normal and healthy while expecting the unexpected (which right now is - normal and healthy). Gratitude that despite the trials of labors #1 & #2, there are these delightful little people running around all healthy and nutty in our house everyday. Also, all signs show so far that mystery man #3 is healthy and whole, and, despite my mood, so am I. There, that's the spirit!

So, here's my recommitment to a positive attitude (and a humble request for just your faith and prayers). I hope that you too can have a little faith, preparation, and gratitude in your respective lives. Thanks for the listening ear. Somehow, I'm guessing that most of you will understand this a little better than the short blonds in my life. Alas, none of you are as cute as they are. Sorry.

Again with the Idol thing: Carly? Hmmm...This is getting confusing...

Or maybe there are a lot more people out there who aren't big Jesus Christ Superstar fans? I'll come back to this speculation, but, as this Tuesday's show had a special place for me, I'll first indulge in a recap of Tuesday with some commentary.

The theme: The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Now, Lord Webber, while being one of the most well known musical theatre composers of all time, is not viewed in the musical theatre world as a genius. His melodies, compositions, and lyrics are often over-simplistic, even predictable. His best work, in my opinion, is some of his earliest stuff, like Evita or Superstar. He is respected, however, for making Broadway popular, and he can certainly boast some of the longest running shows EVER. (For example, Jason, there's this one show called Cats...)

I have to admit that I was a little prejudiced against him because he's so popular and yet so inferior to many of the greats. So, it was very humbling to see what a nice man he appears to be. Just darling! Maybe it was the Idol take on him and just kind media, but he certainly doesn't seem to have let his popularity go to his head...that much.

So, in Tuesday night's show, Syesha Mercardo opened the show with quite a bang. Am I surprised? No. I've been saying for weeks that since she's an actress (assuming she's a good actress), then she should go to Broadway. I hope that she does. She's absolutely darling. I have no idea what show "One Rock and Roll Too Many" is from, and, frankly, it wasn't much of a song, but she was in her element. I was happy for her and a bit sad that she made the bottom two.

Now Jason Castro seems like a nice boy. I think he's very good looking, even with the dreads. When he picks something that is in his groove, he's really on. I must say, however, that I don't think there is really any excuse for not knowing that "Memory" was sung by a cat. Hello?! I mean, it's only one of the longest running, most overrated shows ever. It's also one of Webber's greatest songs. (Thank you, Trevor Nunn!) Jason was so off when he picked that song. There are not enough words to describe how little justice he did to the song, so I'll just leave it at this - his performance really stunk.

David Archuleta was 3rd in the line-up. So, what should I say about him? He's got such great pipes, and his song was just fine. It just seemed like a huge waste that he chose the song "Think of Me," a song that is pretty much irrelevant to the show it's in, and turned it into an upbeat pop song. The Stevie Wonder feel was fun, and it's kind of worked, but he couldn't try something more exciting, like "High Flying Adored" or something? I mean, the guy can sing anything, and he decided to popify a showtune? Oh well, he did fine, and he'll probably be in the finale.

Now, poor Brooke White inadvertently made Idol history on Tuesday by stopping and restarting a song after one line. It was an unfortunate choice, but it was probably the right choice. She could have babbled through the first half of her song, but she instead chose to restart it and sing it completely through without mistakes. In the context of an actual musical, it would've been a mortal sin; but in a concert setting like the American Idol stage, it's much more passable. It was human, and that's part of why we all like her so much. She's unique, a very good musician, a profoundly kind, sensitive human being, and she gives a lot of passion and vulnerability to her performing. Unlike Jason, she picked the perfect song ("You Must Love Me" from Evita the film), and she did a nice job with it. So, I hope that some time before she dies people will STOP RUBBING IT IN!

I'll come back to Carly, who was 5th in the line-up.

David Cook, who closed the show, sang "Music of the Night" from that one show everyone knows. Incidentally, I think he has watched the playback and has learned that when he smiles just a little during the song, it makes him more handsome. Also, he has let his beard fill out a little more, and it doesn't look as much like he's a slob who keeps forgetting to shave for a couple of days before the show. More importantly, he sang the song rather beautifully, excluding the last two notes. It was a little strange actually. He sang almost the entire song as written, give or take a tiny variation in the middle, and then he wimped out of the true ending of the song by ending it loudly instead of softly. It didn't work for me. Still, we all knew that wouldn't stop him from going on. He's still pretty fabulous, and I think he deserves to win.

So, why did Carly go home? This is a theory. She wasn't terribly likeable. Carly had a defensiveness about her that I think bothered people a little. She reminded me of some people I went to the Y with who were crazy talented (just like Carly), but a little tough and callous and, at times, mean. I just don't think she seem very genuine when she was trying to be vulnerable, and she didn't seem very secure when she was trying to appear so. Audience members pick up on facades like that.

Another theory: I think Carly may have shot herself in the foot with her song choice. Though she sounded great and strong, J.C. Superstar is pretty contraversial material. Even if you don't know the show well, it's pretty clear from the title song (which she chose) that the show is not exactly a respectful, reverent take on the Savior. I wouldn't be surprised if a huge percentage of AI viewers are Christians, practicing and non-practicing, who might've felt a little uncomfortable with a rock and roll song calling the title character a superstar and asking him why he let everything get "so out of hand." Just a theory.

Of course, the song choice could've been a bad one because it's obscure and dated. I dunno.

So, again I've ranted about the addiction that captivates me every Tuesday and Wednesday evening. And, assuming you've gotten this far, you've read the rant. Thank you. Sharing silly thoughts with friends is so much more fun then telling all of this to myself while I wash the dishes.

So, Carly, honey, you've got some great pipes. I personally think that Simon was wrong about your song choice about 80% of the time. You may be able to pull of the tough and callous rocker thing alright, but inside you're a softy just dying to sing Diva ballads.

I also think you should consider getting your tatoo removed as well, because it won't be very pretty when you are old lady. Again, just an opinion.

By the way, my husband made an interesting comment as I composed this rather long editorial. He said that, had he the time and inclination to blog about American Idol, he'd photoshop Jason into a cat costume. I'll just leave you with that image.

Another Idol thought: Michael Johns? What the?

Okay, it's Monday, and this is old news for any Idol watchers, but something crazy happened last Thursday on that little contest Fox holds every year. Michael Johns, a handsome, very sweet Aussie with a great voice, a wife, and fantastic taste in music received the least votes and was sent home (before Kristi Lee Cook, no less!).

To be honest, I didn't think he'd win or anything. I was so sure he'd be with us for at least 3 or 4 more weeks, though. He had this fabulous awkwardness to his walk that made him terribly endearing, and he always chose such good songs (except for the Dolly Parton week, which was one of his most successful weeks - weirdness!). I mean, who doesn't love songs like "Don't You (Forget About Me)" from Simple Minds and "Across the Universe" by John Lennon. Even his last song, "Dream On" from Aerosmith, is one of those brilliant oldies that make me almost forgive Steve Tyler for the disturbing MTV memories of the emaciated, skeletore-like being making out with raunchy, but beautiful supermodels (creepy and unforgettable).

So where did Johns go wrong? Where did Kristi Lee go right?

Well, unless other viewers also have Aerosmith issues, Johns simply failed to make the most of Inspirational Song/Idol Gives Back week. In fact, so many failed to get last week right! I was not surprised at the bottom three at all, which included Johns, Brooke White, and Carly Smithson. Brooke chose the meaningful, but under-impressive "You've Got a Friend" while Carly made me question her IQ with the song "The Show Must Go On" by Queen. I mean, "The Show Must Go On" as an inspirational song? I can think of few songs which have a more dismal, angry message than that song. It may be a good song, but it's all about how much life stinks and sometimes you have to paint on a smile and get on with it anyway. It's not exactly about being inspired.

Another observation on Johns which may have taken him out was that, while his song choices were great, they were all originally recorded by some of the most unique and memorable voices in rock and roll. Unfortunately, he usually sounded bland compared to the originals. Who can compare, though, with the likes of Freddy Mercury, Jim Kerr, Jim Morrison, and, yes, even Steve Tyler? (Sorry, Michael, the rock screams just didn't work).

Well, we'll miss him terribly.

As for Kristi, who escaped the bottom three for the second week in a row, she may be a lot smarter than I give her credit for. I mean, it would've been un-American to vote her off for "God Bless the USA," (hence Simon's compliment of "clever choice of song") and "Anyway" was one of the only songs that actually fit the theme last week. (It's also beautiful and must be based on The Paradoxical Commandments by Dr. Kent M. Keith). Still, I'm really not comfortable with an Idol contestant whose musical influences include LeAnn Rimes "when she came out with 'Blue'" and Shania Twain. The technical term for such artists is "over-rated."

Finally, I have to add something about Idol gives back. We recorded it and watched some of the clips and songs. I have a theory that Hell's population will include many former government leaders, particularly many who had power in Africa. The footage and stories were heart-wrenching, so much worse than much of what I saw in the Philippines, which absolutely has it's share of corruption and needless suffering. It was very humbling. We're blessed to be where we are and with what we have.

I also want to add that I love Annie Lennox. What more can I say? She may not always sound pretty, but she's so passionate. I may never be able to bring that kind of passion to a performance in my life. I hope that I can at least have it in my personal life.

Idol Thought: Halonga Ramielle, you cutie!

Okay, so I said, "Halonga", which, rather than being "goodbye" is actually "take care." It's not Tagalog either, which is Ramielle's language. It's Hiligaynon, my most used mission language. Regardless of all of that, Ramielle Malubay, the cutest little Filipino-Hawaiin-American just got voted off of American Idol this week, and I'm a little sad to say goodbye to her. For one thing, she was so teeny and kind of needy, which I found terribly endearing. For another, she had a wonderful big voice despite her tiny body. Finally, and the most obvious reason for my sadness, she was Filipina, or Pinay (as they say over there), and that's just special to me.

(Incidentally, I must interrupt this to tell a short story about my using the word "Pinay." I was at a Relief Society dinner, and a couple of us start discussing this year's season of American Idol. I was saying how excited I was that they had Ramielle on, because she's such a cutie "and she's Pinay." Suddenly, one of the women stopped what she was saying to a neighbor and asked,"What did you just say?" I repeated the word 'Pinay', and as the word came out of my mouth, I realized what it must've sounded like. The word is pronounced pea-nie, which sounds like it could potentially be (though I assure you it is not) the plural form of another English word. Anyway, we had a little chuckle when it hit me, and she teased that I should be careful about when and where I use that word. Oops!)

Filipinos are amazingly cute people. While a majority of Filipinos (at least the Mormon Filipinos) seem to lack sufficient training, experience, and possibly talent in music (I won't even describe what hymns in church meetings usually sounded like because then you'll really think I'm a big meanie), there are still a number of Pinoys who are extraordinarily talented musicians. For instance, I'm sure you've heard of Lea Salonga, right? If not, have you seen Disney's "Mulan" or "Aladdin?" If so, you've heard Lea Salonga, who sang the roles of Jasmine and Mulan in the films. She's won a bunch of awards and stuff. She's pretty great.

Lea Salonga's just one of many great talents, some discovered and some undiscovered. In fact, I often met young men and women in the various areas where I served who could sing show tunes and Mormon-pop as well as anyone I'd ever heard. It was actually weird how someone could almost perfectly mimic famous vocalists on contemporary music but would completely butcher a simple hymn to pieces. Honestly, I still don't get it.

So, back to Ramielle: It was so hard to watch her pick the wrong song week after week while knowing that she was capable of so much more, but I must speak in her defence. First, she's so young (just 20), and she was at quite a disadvantage when they spent the first two weeks as the top 12 & 11 singing Beatles or Lennon/McCarthy songs. She was either really unfamiliar with the music of the Beatles (poor thing!), or she made that horrible mistake which some Idols make of choosing more obscure pieces of music rather than beloved hits that will resonate with and excite fans to vote. Either way, neither of her Beatles songs showed off what she was capable of.

Then we have last week, when Idols selected songs from their birth years. Either Ramielle hasn't watch this show for many seasons, or she has forgotten that Heart's "Alone" has been sung at least 2 or 3 times on the show in the last four years. I won't forget how great Carrie Underwood sounded the night she belted that song out for a #1 Hits Themed night. (Though her hair was terrible. Where do they find these stylists, and when are they going to hire someone better?!) I'm also confident that one of the top 24 last year also sang the song. Finally, though I really love Heart (Ann and Nancy, you rock my world!), such great stuff must be used sparingly, or it starts to become almost a gimmick or cliche. (Plus, if you sing Heart, you better be really, really fantastic.) So, as a side note and an amendment to the rule to use beloved hits, I really wish I could warn the Idols to be careful to not overdo such groups as Heart, Queen, Journey, etc. We're talking about sacred material here, and we don't want to cheapen it by overdoing it. The fans will not forgive you quickly, nor will they vote for you.

Finally, who would dare to say anything mean about Dolly Parton's music? She's just about the sweetest, most humble women in the music business who has endured decades of a very emotional career, not to mention being taunted again and again for her unique proportions. What a lady!

Well, I'll say something mean. Dolly Parton's music on American Idol? It's so dated! Yes, she's amazing, but it takes tremendous creativity and rearranging to make her songs accessible to the current generation. And what did our Rami do? She picked an upbeat song with a forgettable melody that, rather than showing off what an amazingly powerful voice she has, showed off how cute she is when she dances around on the stage. What a shame! Carly and Syesha were the luckiest, smartest ones in the bunch. They picked two of Dolly's most memorable songs with plenty of range and emotion. (Actually, I'm not sure Syesha was that smart. After Whitney covered Dolly's song in '93, there was no getting over her version. Yes, it was beautiful and dramatic, and it was also played about every 3 seconds on every radio station in America for months and months on end. Most people under 40 don't actually know what the original melody of that song is. Frankly, I prefer the simplicity of the original Dolly version, or, better yet, the Vince Gill and Dolly duet recorded in '95, but I'll get off this subject now).

So, was it a surprise when Rami made the bottom three this week? No. It was sad but unsurprising. It was a little shocking that Kristi Lee outlasted someone for yet another week, but what's a body to do? This year is full of so many really talented performers that the bar is just going to get higher and higher every week. I mean, who can compete with people like David Cook? He's just so fantastic! And what a cute haircut! (But, David, honey, would you please consider shaving closer to a performance sometime? I mean, is this a sensitive skin thing? It's just starting to make me a little uncomfortable.)

Ramielle, sweetie, goodbye! We will miss the joy of seeing you barely pass Ryan Seacrest's shoulders when you stand next to him. (How cute is that?!) You will have so much fun on the Top 10 Tour, though, and I highly suggest that you choose to sing one of my favorite songs ever covered by a Filipina - "You Were There" by the Southern Sons. It just might be your express ticket to stardom!

(See below for a glimpse of this sweet little ditty, covered by Regine Velasquez. I swear it'll be a hit in this country some day.)



If you thought that was nice, you must see this very special music video of the original Southern
Sons version. It makes me very happy when I see it. I hope you like it too! (Be on the lookout for my favorite moment when the "storm" starts to pass. It's just pure genius!)



By the way, Kristi Lee, you're next. As Simon would say - "Sorry."

Easter memories!

Easter is my favorite holiday of the year. I believe it's mostly because of the spiritual significance. It's just a happy thing when the Christians of this world, practicing or non-practicing, can get excited about faith. Hurray! (Incidentally, I just barely learned about the Pascal greeting, which a relative tried on me and I failed to respond to properly. Oops! But, you know, I can break out with a mean rendition of "Christ the Lord is Risen Today.")

You cannot ignore, however, that while Easter equals Christmas in religious significance, it is infinitely less stressful. I mean, you don't have to do any decorating unless you want to. You are not expected, not even by yourself, to lay out lots of money on a bunch of presents. There is no pinching involved whatsoever. You don't need a costume. It's unlikely you'll be expected to travel far for visits or host a house guest, since it's just one day of festivities. You get to follow it up with at least 4 or 5 days of yummy hard boiled egg breakfasts. (I'm a big fan of those white round things). It also happens to occur during my favorite season of the year - Spring! (I did miss the tulips this year, though). It's just a lovely holiday, and that's even if the extent of your religious practices is to watch "The Ten Commandments" and wonder what was wrong with those silly Israelites. Poor Moses! You come down one day exhausted, starving, and anxious, and then you have to deal with a bunch of naked loons making a ruckus. Actually, that sounds like some of my days, to be honest.

Anyway, we had a lovely Easter, despite having a terribly messy house and being overbooked on Saturday, our shopping and preparation day. The Easter Bunny (yes, we play that game) brought us all some media. Sophie got "Enchanted", Aidan got "Buzz Lightyear of Star Command", David received a Bob Marley CD, and I received "Godspell." (Hurray for Victor Garber in suspenders with a very large afro! Amazingly enough, he was still very handsome.) Mr. Bunny also brought a lot of sugar. Our Easter spread looked like this on Sunday morning.

The kids looked like this.

You may recognize Aidan's suit from last year. The pickin's were slim at Burlington, and the time was even...slimmer? Either way, it's a delightful suit, and it makes me terribly happy when he wears it. (He looks pretty happy too, but that's probably more because he's holding his blue and black Batmans.)

Sophie had a bit more luck with her dress. Here she is with Deanna, one of her Cabbage Patch Newborns.

Cute no? Believe it or not, Sophie and Deanna's dresses came together at an amazingly low $29.99. We paid for the nice deal by searching through the chaos of Burlington Coat Factory. I don't know if I've gone off about that place yet, but it is so appallingly disorganized at ALL TIMES. It is completely unacceptable! Every time I go I want to fire everyone, especially the manager who accepts such appalling work from the staff.

What I also feel is a bit unacceptable is the fact that there is no such thing as an Easter dress with sleeves. I ask you, what do the little Christian girls in Greenland do? They can't go around in sleeveless, spaghetti strap, or tank dresses on Easter Sunday. They'd freeze their little arms off! As you see, we resorted to the slightly long sweater shawl, which added a touch of elegance while covering a little too much of her cute dress. Ah well!

Church was lovely, and we came home to prepare for dinner at the Grahams and dye Easter eggs. Sorry, I have no pictures (I know you were excited). Suffice it to say, our Easter eggs are... fun. We usually enjoy dipping each egg in several different colors until we're satisfied with the effect (or until the egg turns brown, whichever comes first).

Our Easter egg hunt and dinner at the Grahams was lovely, though when the subject of the upcoming Graham Family Reunion came up, I started to have anxiety attacks. I won't go into my reasons. I just get overwhelmed with stuff like that, especially if I remember that this baby will probably be about a month old at that time and not really ready for big crowds. Michael, the committee representative was very understanding and compassionate when we discussed it later. We were finally able to wind down the discussion at 8:00 o'clock, and, as we were driving home and the clock read 8:32, my cute husband said the following to me: "It may be a little late to mention it, but were you planning on calling family today?" My hands flew to my face, and I moaned, "I knew I forgot something."

Happily all is well, and each of the family members I've reached so far have been very patient and understanding and had their own lovely Easter Sundays.

So, we survived yet another holiday! I was just thinking, though, about how, despite the messes, inevitable frenzies, and sugar rushes, short people tend to add a bit more joy and meaning to the holidays.

You know what I mean?

By the way, indeed He is risen! Happy Belated Easter!

An Identity Crisis?!! Oh no! I knew this pregnancy was wearing me out!

But seriously, looking at my blog, I see that it is strange to have my name appear as "Irina Sergeyevna." It'll be changed back to my normal name before most of you read this, but for about two hours I appeared here under a different name. As Catherine asked me who Irina is, however, I thought I'd explain and, let's be honest, reminisce a little.



Irina Sergeyevna is a role I played at BYU in 1994 in Chekhov's The Three Sisters. The youngest of the three sisters, she was inadvertently responsible for the death of the plays most beloved character, Tuzenbakh. (Though should she really blame herself when someone lets himself get killed in a pointless duel over her? I mean, really?) It wasn't my greatest work ever, but Emmie played my eldest sister, and I still call her Olga much of the time. I know, it's pretty random to call myself that when it really means something to just a few other people, but posting comments as "dianna g." has felt boring. I'll have to find some kind of middle ground, because I have the cutest picture of Sophie on my profile, and if I don't comment as a blogger, the world will miss it. Anyway, I very much see myself as Irina. She was passionate, emotional, often a bit confused, very childlike, and she had a bad habit of not getting things done (like that coveted trip to Moscow!). That pretty much sums me up most of the time!

Now my favorite role ever has a very boring name: Kate Mundy. Another good friend, Jannah, played my little sister, Christina, that time. As I already have a sister named Christina, I choose to call her Jannah. I must share, however, that my favorite cast-mate memory of Jannah is when she played Poseidon in The Odyssey. She was so brilliant that I feel really sorry for everyone in the world who missed her performance. My hand has only recently healed from the day she slammed a 5 pound trident onto my fingers when I, as Zeus, wasn't paying enough attention to her godly demands. Those were very special days!

(Incidentally, if you feel up to something like The Odyssey, you must try the Robert Fagles translation. It's hysterical genius!)

Of course, in that play, we each played multiple roles, most of which were men. Identity crisis indeed!

To Do Lists While You Have a Big Belly

I have one response to them. Phooey!!

Okay, I'll elaborate. I am a Palm girl. I live in my Palm. Well, sort of. I'd live in it a little more if the touchscreen were more reliable than a Palm and didn't need reconfiguring every 20 minutes. But, I digress. Like a great old Go-Go's song once said, "I am a girl of a hundred lists..." Isn't that a nifty tune, by the way? I loved the Go-Go's!

So, each day I make an effort to review and revise my To-Do List, but during these last few days I've made very little progress shrinking it down. It has been growing and growing, and it doesn't contain a whole lot of things that make me excited. Allow me to share it with you.

I will now proceed to list my "Last 7 Days list" with due dates and explanations, because you need to know these things. This does not include anything planned for tomorrow or later. It also does not include my list of library books checked out (unless they were due in the last 7 days), life goals (one of which is to learn at least two more languages - doesn't that make me cool?), church responsibilities due in the future, shopping needs, thank yous I should be writing, and other "personal" items (a.k.a. everything else). So, back to this last weeks due dates:

- Due 3/11! - List people to pray for - I heard of this lovely idea when you have a lot of people you care about and want to pray for, but you tend to forget about by the time you kneel down exhausted by your bed (or lay on your side clutching a pillow to your expanding belly). Anyway, I've got a lot of people I should be praying for, so I'm wanting to do the list. This item, I must point out, will be like some others that do not get checked off for the day, but get a new due date assigned to them. You will see a few others like it. So, did I make the list for prayer yesterday (!)? Not yet.

-Due 3/11! - Pray for miracles in our lives - Why have I kept this one? No, really, why? I'm not sure, and I want someone else to answer it for me. I just get so moved when I'm in church and someone teaching a beautiful Relief Society lesson challenges me to pray for miracles in my life. I just have to write it down. I haven't prayed for any very specific miracles yet, but I've recently learned of some great miracles I should be praying for in some other peoples' lives. So, I'll get to work there.

-Due 3/11 (surprise!) - Easter music. Oh wait, I can check this off. I have accomplished something. I won't explain it. I just needed to send an email, and I actually did it for a change. Woo!

-Due 3/11! - Temple - I volunteered to help coordinate temple trips with other Moms of wee ones. I've shirked this so far. I'm too tired right now. I should change the due date to something more reasonable.

-Due 3/11! - Update Palm and calendar - No explanation needed, except that I must comment at what a ridiculous obsessive compulsive I am that I actually gave myself an assignment in my Palm to update my Palm. What a weirdo!

-Due 3/11! - Organists, pianists - One of the joyous responsibilities of overseeing music in the ward. You are supposed to know who has the ability to fulfill these responsibilities. I'm overdue on this one, so that's why I keep torturing myself to finish doing the updated research and send the info along to the Music Advisor. But, really, I'm pregnant and being kicked all of the time. My poor children (the ones already born) are sorely neglected. I'm exhausted. I need more time. So, this needs a better due date.

-Due 3/11! - David fix computer - It's broken. I want it fixed. Not this one I'm typing on. It's fine. Just the one that Aidan used to play on while I was on the elliptical. Oh, I had such a great system down. But the computer is broken, so you can guess what other To Do item will go undone for yet another day.

-Due 3/12 - Exercise - see last item

Okay this is getting old for you, so I'll stop. Suffice it to say that this pregnancy has just taken me by surprise, and I feel so dragged out that it's hard to get things done. (Plus, what's my problem with a million church responsibilities? I'm really overdoing this stuff). You see, I had such awful doctors and took horrible care of myself when pregnant with Sophie that I felt terrible for much of it (and I gained a ton of weight). Then, when I got some education, got better care, and took better care of myself with Aidan, I felt great. I guess it's just been a surprise that my sickness went longer on this, my 2nd trimester flew away with the holidays and other major events, and I'm now just feeling like Ripley does in Aliens when she dreams that the alien's hand is rising out of her. (It's a pretty cool scene.) Not comfy! I guess it's the 3rd time Mom or the "I'm 33 now" thing. I've really been trying to take care of myself this time around, and yet my body seems to be saying, "Okay, this has been nice, but how many more times do you think you're going to do this to me, because I'm not sure if I'll be up to it again."

So, I think the newest item on my list should be "try not to complain and keep your chin up," due daily. One thing I know I'll be adding around May 24th - "Give birth."

True Art

I hope this brings a little joy to your day.




(Apparently, Aidan was supposed to pretend to sleep along with the other two, but I think this makes it even more meaningful, don't you?)

A Very Special Book...

Sophie Amada Graham, kindergartner at Brookside Elementary (age 6), has written the following book with no assistance whatsoever. Though this electronic version will be a little difficult to see and will not likely do it full justice, we hope you'll enjoy it just the same. Here it is:

(Translation: Our Family by Sophie Graham - with labels for each current member)

("Our family is so sweet.")

("My Mommy is a great cook.")

("My Daddy is good with kids and makes jokes." On the left side, David is holding Sophie's hand and a baby in the other hand. On the right side, our family is all laughing at one of his "jocs.")

("Aidan likes to fight. He likes Batman." On the left, Aidan is playing a "fighting" video game, and on the right, he is dressed in his Batman costume.)

("And I like princesses and Hannah Montana.")

("And the baby in Mommy's tummy swims.")

("The end." Before anyone panics at the creative spelling, I just want to emphasise again that this was written by a kindergartner with no assistance from an adult. It's rather good considering the source.)

Here's hoping that your day is filled with the kind of joy and simplicity that this story contains. Love to all!

The Buggy Grahams go foreign...

So our family took a very special trip this month. My father and step-mom have a time share in Aruba, and they invited the Wilsons (Christina and her family) and the Grahams to go and join them for the first week in February.

If you are like me and you know little or nothing about Aruba (except that it has been Dad and Shirley's favorite vacation spot for almost 18 years), you might ask someone about the place, and they'll often answer, "It's one of the ABC islands." If you are still like me and you have no idea what that means, your jaw will drop a little, and then you'll suddenly put (not get, but put) a knowing look in your eyes and say, "Oh, yeah. Uh huh." (Or a humbler person may admit that they've never heard of the ABC islands in the whole of their life, but it really just depends).

The ABC islands are Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. (There's a really cool accent on the second C in Curacao, but I've not actually learned how to put accents on my foreign letters with this keyboard). They are three islands located in the far west of the Antilles in the Caribbean and are less than 20 miles off the coast of Venezuela. Isn't that fun information? I just like to hear the name "Antilles" because it makes me think of Once on This Island (a delightful musical).

Anyway, it's a lovely island with a very pleasant climate. They speak multiple languages (I'm allergic to Spanish, but I used a fair bit) and have iguanas, gorgeous beaches, snorkling, and happy hour. I have to chuckle, though, because Wikipedia (which I tend to rely on way too much) says that "unlike much of Caribbean region, Aruba has a dry climate" which I find to be totally false. Okay, I'll concede that I've lived in a more humid climate. Southeast Asia is quite humid in places (my hair was pretty curly on the mission), but Aruba wasn't very far behind it. Most of our clothing, once wet, remained wet until put out to dry on the patio or placed into a dryer. (It took us almost 5 days to figure out the patio trick, by which time some of that wet stuff was just gross). My skin liked it, but I noticed that everyone was a little sticky most of the time. (I tend to noticed such things, which make me a very pleasant companion). I'm sure if I'd surf the net for climate descriptions, I could come back with evidence that the Philippines is more humid, but I've already bored everyone enough with the whole ABC island explanation and the climate thingy. So, I'll proceed with a trip report:

We had an adventure! It was a very beautiful island, and the opportunity to go and stay with Dad and Shirley and see Chris and Kenny and the boys all at once was very unique and nice. Sophie loves her cousins, and she and Josh and Joey were often seen running around or playing in the pool together and making large amounts of noise. Aidan admired them and enjoyed the excitement as well.

I will refrain from giving details about Sophie's near-death experience on our first afternoon there, which frightened David and me terribly, but which is something Sophie is anxious to share with others. (Short people are very interesting.) Suffice it to say, I think we may wait to go to another beach and pool resort until all of our children know how to swim and are potty trained. You can guess the rest (or email me directly for more details).

This lovely photo is of Sophie just minutes before her near death experience. Oh how cute we thought it was that Sophie just "fell in." Little did we know what was coming...

More about the climate (because you came for a weather report): There was a lovely breeze all of the time, and the only time it was remotely unpleasant was if you were just coming out of the water in the later afternoon, and you were suddenly a wee bit frosty. When you were resting in a lounge chair, however, it was comfy.

This is a picture of a couple of natives. Well, the human natives are much more attractive and charming, but these iguanas have their own charm as well. They have keen senses of smell, sleep in palm trees, occasionally take a dip in the pool, and like to come out at lunch time if there are people eating. I rather enjoyed them (unless one was under my chair - then I was afraid of being bit on the bum), but I did not have the exciting experience of having one fall on and scratch me. (Shirley had one of those during a different visit).

About the iguanas: I couldn't tell if it was a sign of anger or something, but sometimes they'd lift their bellies from the ground and start nodding their heads repeatedly. Aidan found them very interesting and liked to recount how "the guanas ate the pineapple off the ground." He only just announced to me a few minutes ago that he "love"s to look at pictures of iguanas.

Unlike the iguanas or other creatures with olive skin, we (the Grahams) all got sunburned. Is anyone who has ever seen my family surprised by a fact like that? Ironically, and you might not believe it to see and know me now, I was once a skinny, bronze little blonde. Actually, it was really just for one summer before I started high school. There was a time, however, when I swam or laid by the pool for hours everyday in our South Florida neighborhood after spraying or smearing generous amounts of suntan oil on my 5 foot 6 inch, 105 pound body. (I did not eat much and was also doing many rebellious things at the time.) Frankly, there is little to admire in that era of my life, but I could've used the tan skin while we were there, because after the first day in Aruba, David, the kids, and I were tee-shirt wearers in order to protect ourselves from the agressive rays of the sun.

So, since anything I say about the trip will be boring, I'll just post a few photos to keep things lively. I can only say that while trips like this are very cool and make special memories, for pregnant and pasty people like me, there really is no place like home. Our family got a little sick and has needed some time to recover (and, in one case, get their voice back). Just the same, our Bishop was standing near me last Saturday at a friend's baptism, and he asked, "So, Sister Graham, how are you liking all that white stuff out there?" I answered him in my husky voice, "Well, I do love home, but the snow sure makes iguanas and palm trees sound a lot better."

Sophie and Aidan enjoyed the beach, both near the resort (above) and at "Baby Beach" (below). Actually, Sophie didn't LOVE baby beach, because it was windy and she was unaccustomed to the salty water sloshing in her face. Also, she may be a bit like her Mom, who does not love sand and the difficulties of managing sand. You can call us party poopers, but I think we may just be industrialists or something. Either way, we like swimming pools (when someone we love is not almost dying in one).

A comment about Baby Beach: It really was beautiful (as was all the ocean water), and if you look very closely at the ant-sized humans, you may notice that the water was quite shallow
for at least a hundred feet. David went very far out (farther than I was comfortable with) before the water began to reach up past his belly. (He was holding Aidan, and I just stared in terror and dreaded the possiblity of my two favorite men floating away together. Again, I really can be a bit of a party pooper. The whole family tolerated me admirably, which I appreciated.)

Another attraction we visited was the Butterfly Farm, which turned out to be just delightful. You can't tell from the photo on the left, but this guy is a gorgeous blue-backed butterfly which typically lives in the jungle. (I don't remember names. Sorry.) A nice view of his "true colors" can be seen in the photo on the right (below). I don't know how they got that photo of him, because he (or she) does not stand still and spread wings for very long. Perhaps it was dead? Or drunk? (It is Aruba...)

The last photo (below) is a fun and famous example of a divi-divi tree. Again, I uploaded the ant-sized version, but if you look closely, you'll see that the trunk of the tree twists and turns and is quite funky. After this photo was taken (Dad has the good poses), David and I walked with Sophie and Aidan back to the resort. It was a beautiful beach, and it quickly proved that Baby Beach is uniquely shallow. Unlike at baby beach, adults stepped into the water here and were up to their shoulders within 20 feet of the shore.

Anyway, the trip was a cool adventure, and, as always, it's fun to hang out with some crazy relatives. So, here's a little shout-out of appreciation to Dad and Shirley for making the whole thing even possible. Thank you, fun people, and welcome home!

This is a test...

This blog entry is a test to see how quickly I can give an update of the exciting events of our lives. You see, I check blogs when I'm syncing my Palm with my laptop, and I rarely feel like I have time (after the 2-3 hours I've spent checking or paying bills, setting up transfers, etc) to actually update my blog. So, I just enjoy the blogs of others and then listen to my screaming children and return to other practical matters. My daughter has often yelled the following at me: "Your kids are a lot more important than that stupid computer!" I tell her she's right (but let's not use the word "stupid"), and I can't stand how long it takes me either.

So, here are some updates from the past few weeks:

I organized a fireside for our church ward, which took place on Sunday the 20th and was pretty successful. There was a wide variety of talent (styles, instruments, levels), but each number was tender and spiritual. I sang with the choir, which opened and closed the fireside. Overall, it was a relief to have it done, and it was touching to hear the positive response from attendees.

I must mention that one of the songs was "Impossible Dream" from The Man of La Mancha. (I looked for a photo to include, but all I found from the film had Sophia Loren front and center and looking quite cleavy, and I just didn't think it would fit in with my description of the fireside...) Unorthodox? Yes! It was performed by a family band with full strings, some small clicking percussion instrument that sounded like the clomping of a horse, and (gulp) a cymbal. I avoided looking at the Bishop, who was in attendance, and reassured myself that this was a fireside and, if people can speak-sing and belt Mormon pop and call it spiritual, the Jensens can give their inspirational rendition of a show tune. In truth, it was great, and I just basked in everyone's contribution.

Ah, I see my Palm has finished syncing up. Oh well, I'll share a some more...

Aidan got an ear infection this last weekend. It was so sad! Our little buggy came down with a bad cold (and a BAD cough), and a fever kept recurring over a few days. It still took us a little by surprise when he was in and out of bed for over half the night from Saturday to Sunday and was completely inconsolable. After our various attempts to comfort him and get him some rest, he asserted, "I want to go to the doctor!" It was heart wrenching! David took him to the emergency room, and the doctors confirmed that one ear was pretty red and the other was rather pink. Medicine brought healing and relief, though, and he's doing great now.

We purchased an absolutely lovely vehicle: a 2008 Toyota Sienna. We bought new. I know, I know! I have issues with buying new and watching a vehicle's value depreciate before your very eyes as you drive it off the lot, but it was a great option for us. (You don't need to know financial details). Suffice it to say, after the smells of various chemicals wore off (the stuff on the engine and the "Autoshield" chemicals), David yielded custody of the vehicle to me and the kids, and it's delightful to drive. It's quite, comfy, and we haven't had to fill up a gas tank or pay a new insurance payment yet, so the shock of financial changes hasn't hit us quite yet. (Though, that $15,000 down payment felt pretty surreal). Here's a picture of our beaut!




Another update: An old friend from summer stock and BYU classes, Michelle Gardner (formally Marquis), called a few weeks ago and asked if I'd join her in a performance on the 23rd of this month. We sang a few standards for the Springville Chamber of Commerce at the Springville Art Museum in this great room upstairs that is fabulously live, but not echoey. Michelle's expecting her 4th child next month, and I'm showing quite a bit by now, so audience members enjoyed the convexness of our bodies. One man tenderly approached us and said, "It's so cute how you are both in the family way!" I wanted to hug him for using the phrase "in the family way." What a dear!

Anyway, the performance went well (Michelle sounded fantastic, especially at 8 months pregnant!), and it was a relief after the weekend when my head/chest cold peaked and threatened to make things very difficult. (It was exactly the kind of illness which has rendered me speechless in the past). Each day leading up to the performance, I was constantly trying not to stress about my voice. Here's a snippet from my inner monologue: "Have I sung enough today to keep the voice up, but not too much? I don't know. It's sounding pretty husky there. How on earth am I going to sing these songs?" You see, I didn't choose the songs wisely. They were not the kind of songs that a stay-at-home mom who rarely warms up or sings full out would choose. They were the kind of song that an active professional would select. So, what was I thinking when I picked "Blow Gabriel Blow" from Anything Goes and "The Man That Got Away" from A Star is Born? I guess I was thinking I was hot stuff or something. :) Very silly. Happily, once I started working the songs some weeks ago, I decided it was a great challenge and worth the effort to get my voice reprimed.

As an aside, I must say that I rejected the Audra MacDonald version of "Man That Got Away" and chose to sing it straight Judy (even though I'm no Judy). If you're interested in comparing, here they are:


With the help of a thermos full of hot water mixed with grade-B maple syrup, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper, I made my contribution to the night successfully. So, I can now say I've sung an Ethel and a Judy on the same night in a fabulous room with great acoustics and was paid for it. It doesn't get much better than that! It may not be that exciting for others, but it was thrilling for me (and terrifying, I must say. "The Man That Got Away" at our chosen meter of 81 makes the long notes...well, long). And best of all, it's done!

So, this next week brings the excitement of preparing for Sophie's birthday on the 30th and getting ready to leave for Aruba on the 31st. The birthday for Sophie should hopefully be easy. We'll be picking up a few of Sophie's friends on Wednesday evening and heading off to Chuck E' Cheeses for pizza, cake, and games. Let's just hope that we don't have a repeat of Aidan's birthday experience at Chuck E Cheeses where his stomach flu decided to make itself known while we were there. It was sad. So, fingers crossed for no vomiting attacks from any of the short people (especially in the van. Boy, does a $25,000 vehicle bring out the obsessive compulsive in you)! (It also makes you a little heartless, but look at it! Would you not become heartless?)

So, the hard part of the next 5 or 6 days will be preparing for Aruba. We've never traveled so far with the kids, and we'll be stay in a foreign country, so David and I feel daunted. The good news is most things are sold in dollars, English is spoken by everyone in the area, and, according to my Dad, we can drink the water. David and I are sure that, while it may be peanuts compared to the cost of visiting Europe, the natives are making major bucks overcharging foreigners with their "dollars." (We've decided NOT to find out how much the cost of living actually is for natives. It would just ruin the trip for us.)

As I sign off now, I must acknowledge that in the time I've taken to write this epistle I could've hot-synced my Palm 15 times, checked our bank balances, paid a month's worth of bills, and taken the time most people take to update their blogs. Perhaps I should try the method utilized by my witty friends who tell one or two stories maximum with a lot of flare and throw in some great visual aids.

Speaking of, here's one more peak at my favorite visual aid for today...

Gee, that's pretty!