chester? chestnut? chesney!

As any of my siblings would willingly tell you, we aren't much into country music. There are a few bands here and there that I like...I wouldn't dare speak on behalf of the above mentioned siblings. But I do enjoy me some country bands (not trying to sound country or anything). I pride myself on being open to all kinds/types of music genres.

SO when the opportunity arose to attend such a concert, for free, I jumped at the chance. I was excited that one of the country bands I do like was going to be there (Sugarland). I was even more excited to just have a night out and spend it with the ladies.

Kenny Chesney was headlining that night. Lady Antebellum opened, along with Miranda Lambert and then Sugarland. Unforunately...let me say that again, UNFORTUNATELY, Jennifer Nettles is sick and had to cancel (no more crocodile tears left to shed). But I have to admit, I found myself anxious to see for myself what kind of a show Kenny could offer. I mean, Oprah even featured him on her show. She, of all people, talked about his Entertainer of the Year award he has received over 5 years in a row.

So why am I freaking out? What kind of a concert is this? Showing up in flip-flops and realizing I'm part of the minority is not comforting (picture this: cowboy boots, bikini, cowboy hat...this attire not part of my wardrobe at all.). Plenty of country loving folk, crammed in to the Rio Tinto stadium and enjoying a night of beer drinking and tailgating that is customary at Kenny's shows.

You know what?? I was impressed. Don't get me wrong -- Kenny is no Bono. But, I truly enjoyed myself. He had a very charismatic presence about him and played to the crowd well. I just could not believe how crazy the women got when he set foot on that stage. Almost like a crazed cow who hasn't been milked for days and is ready to fight for her mate. These women would do almost anything just to touch him or have his eyes lock with theirs.

It was IN-SANE!!!

I too was really impressed with how he signed autographs after his last set. He went around to as many as he could and signed whatever they had: hats, guitars, pictures, t-shirts, ticket stubs. One lady was bold enough to raise her shirt for a little boobie signage. I was glad to see Kenny has more class that Bret Michaels and merely shook his head at the audacity of this crazed woman. I mean, that is sooooo 1980's. ;)

Between being drenched by other people's beer and nearly being trampled by crazed cow women, we had an awesome night.

beethoven: the balm of gilead

A sick child knocks my anxieties up from a 3 (mild case) to a whopping 9 1/2 (to the point of considering a serotonin Rx). Just to hear the croaky, tired, frightened "Mom!" from the other room sends my nervous system into a whirley tornado that could uproot any trailer park in minutes.

So, how is it, that once I exude every ounce of calming energy to soothe my child, I'm still up, trying to put my poor nerves to rest??

Well, Beethoven comes to call and call he must!! There is just something about his music, the notes, their order, the amazing timing and beautiful layout of each piece that puts me at ease. Very comparable to how I feel when the first bass chords of "With or Without You" drop over the speaker.

The balm of gilead, I must borrow.

More specifically, my most favorite Beethoven piece, of all time, never could be topped is Piano Sonata no. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique'; Adagio Cantabile. Got that??

Because I'm nice and it's late (I'm not as nice when it's late...just to show you how nice I am being right now), here it is for your listening pleasure. Sit back. Relax. Let Beetie Hoven take over your soul and stir your emotions.

dear frankie

Gerard Butler's career has really taken flight in the last couple of years. With his new movie, The Ugly Truth, having opened this last weekend, I can't help but think of Dear Frankie.

This was the first movie I saw starring Gerard. It is about a boy, who is deaf, and who has been told, by his mother, that his dad is off sailing the seas on a large ship. Soon Frankie wants to see his dad and Gerard's character is hired to pretend to be his dad. Such a great movie, also starring Emily Mortimer, who does a great job as Frankie's mum. PLEASE rent it if you have not yet seen it. Definitely worth watching. Here is a clip:

holmes

This looks so good. Why do they make us wait until Christmas?? I mean, really.
Really???

canucks

My hubby, being a full-blooded Canadian, gets a kick out of the truly weird comments he gets about being a citizen of the maple leaf country. It is hilarious the misconceptions people have about a country that borders ours. And speaks English. And has had many actors/comedians come from that country (i.e. Mike Meyers, Will Arnett, Jim Carrey).

We got a kick out of this and I must share it here.

Now that Vancouver has won the chance to host the 2010 Winter Olympics, these are some questions people from all over the world are asking. Believe it or not these questions about Canada were posted on an International Tourism Website. Obviously the answers are a joke; but the questions were real!
http://vancouvergo.com/answers/canada-questions-and-answers-from-international-tourism-website/

Q: I have never seen it warm on Canadian TV, so how do the plants grow? ( England )
A: We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around and watch them die.

Q: Will I be able to see polar bears in the street? ( USA )
A: Depends on how much you've been drinking.

Q: I want to walk from Vancouver to Toronto - can I follow the railroad tracks? ( Sweden )
A: Sure, it's only four thousand miles, take lots of water.

Q: Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Canada? ( Sweden )
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes.

Q: Are there any ATM's (cash machines) in Canada ? Can you send me a list of them in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Halifax? ( England )
A: What, did your last slave die?

Q: Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Canada? (USA )
A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe. Ca-na-da is that big country to your north...oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Calgary. Come naked.

Q: Which direction is North in Canada? ( USA )
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees. Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.

Q: Can I bring cutlery into Canada? ( England )
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do.

Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? ( USA )
A: Aus-tri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Calgary , straight after the hippo races. Come naked.

Q: Do you have perfume in Canada? ( Germany )
A: No, WE don't stink.

Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Where can I sell it in Canada? ( USA ) A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.

Q: Can you tell me the regions in British Columbia where the female population is smaller than the male population? ( Italy )
A: Yes, gay nightclubs.

Q: Do you celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada? ( USA )
A: Only at Thanksgiving.

Q: Are there supermarkets in Toronto and is milk available all year round? ( Germany )
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of vegan hunter/gatherers. Milk is illegal.

Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Canada , but I forget its name. It's a kind of big horse with horns. ( USA )
A: It's called a moose. They are tall and very violent, eating the brains of anyone walking close to them. You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.

Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? ( USA )
A: Yes, but you will have to learn it first.

fun at the lake

We love going to the lake. The kids always have a blast and don't ever want to leave. Good times with family and seeing old friends. I love summer. :)

frozen dessert

Doesn't this look divine?? It is the frozen chocolate mint dessert from Weight Watchers. You can find the recipe here. I am definitely going to try it. I love how, in the recipe, it suggests to stash these chocolate desserts in your freezer for a "sweet, summer indulgence". Indulge I must!!

favorite children's books

Caralyn and Mark Buehner are definitely on the top of my list of my favorite children's book authors. Her storytelling and his artistry are just awesome. Thus, you cannot go wrong in telling of how Marvin the ape escapes from the zoo to enjoy a day on the "outside". Really creative and very cute. Again, the pictures are bold and colorful. Sometimes I feel like Marvin when I get to escape and have a day on the "outside".

womanizer

All-American Rejects doing a cover of Womanizer. Can't figure out why Britney didn't use an accordian and beer bottles in her song.

roller babies

Too funny.

pimples?!?

This has been my thinking when looking in the mirror over the last couple of months. Not sure if travel or the changes in weather have caused my face to act up...but my face is breaking out like I'm a freshman in high school. It blows my mind!! The last time I seriously broke out was right before we were married. Nightmare, I know. It was awful and I prayed fervently that it would never happen again.

But, here we are. I'm trying not to freak out everytime another zit appears but what is a girl to do?? I have found something new that is helping me big time.

It is the Arbonne Clear Advantage set. The set includes a clarifying wash, toner and lotion. Also a skin support dietary supplement. I am loving it so far and so is my face. I just hope this is the last of the adult acne stage.

fanatical friday

Seeing Keane perform in SLC was the best start to summer. I honestly cannot get the concert out of my mind. I know...I'm a bit looney. I am just so impressed by their music and style. Here is a performance of Crystal Ball, which they also sang in SLC. It wasn't a huge fave of mine before the concert but after hearing/seeing it live, I can't get enough. Enjoy.

lovin' it

I am lovin'

• a clean kitchen
• clean floors
• swimming with the kiddles
• a clean shower
• good food with great friends
• game nights
• Chris Daughtry on YouTube singing Poker Face by Lady Gaga

Not lovin' so much

• acne
• still covered in chlorine from our swim
• not having time to take a shower sans kids screaming
• cleaning my house
• baby no. 2 constantly asking for a treat
• tired kids
• laundry

iron giant

We got this for Mase's birthday and it has quickly become a favorite. Hogarth befriends a large metal giant that fell to the earth. Their friendship is inspiring and the story is very cute and creative. I definitely recommend it.

happy fourth

Like any overwhelmed and overloaded parent, we forgot to take our camera to our fourth of July celebrations. I know others had cameras and so hopefully I can steal their pictures. But until then, you will have to live with my attempt at describing what an awesome day we had.

Every year we love to drive to Lewiston for the early morning pancake breakfast and parade. The sun was shining bright when we got out there but then the clouds moved in and kept us cool for the parade. It was perfect! Usually, by the time the parade starts, we are sweating bullets and wishing for rain. The parade is always jam-pack with tractors, cheerleaders, dairy princesses, fire trucks, old cars and candy. This year, a new addition was added to the parade: a compost truck. Seriously, folks. Thank heavens they weren't throwing "candy".

A fair, craft booths, food booths and entertainment in the form of Rob Bishop followed the parade. It is great to check out the latest in homey crafts available for purchase. The best part is congregating under a large oak tree with family to visit and relax. Big J's is our next stop for lunch. Greasy food and great kids meals. Then a mandatory nap time/rest period takes place in the afternoon. BBQ and more family fun in the evening.

We love celebrating holidays especially with family. Such a fun tradition that I'm excited we can now share with our kids. What did you do to celebrate??

happy happy joy joy

We celebrated the birthday of one of our little maple leafs. We were sure to start off the day right with a birthday breakfast.

We had a red "You Are Special Today" plate when I was a kid. We would use it on special occasions...duh. My parents gave us one when we were married and it is fun to use it now with our kids.

Swimming later with cousins.

Birthday dinner later in the week when more family were available to come.

Birthday bike unveiled.

Hopped up on birthday sugar and an adrenaline overload from all the fun.