Music Music Music!

I'm in desperate need of a new playlist, so I've put one together. My stats tell me that people tune in to these, so I'll keep sharing them, but I'd LOVE feedback and other artists/songs you like so I can include them in the next one maybe?

Oh, but really quick, before we get to the playlist, check out this medley of misunderstood lyrics, it's sure to make you smile :)



Okay, now for the playlist. I've really outdone myself this time, folks. Nearly 200 super fab songs, so dig in and enjoy!!!




And just a few more vids to share of artists that I'm going to see! I used to LOVE going to live concerts before I got married, but it's not really Oby's thing. Well I recently made a friend through work that shares my obsession with live music, and our summer concert schedule is quickly filling up with good stuff. I can't wait!

You have no idea how hard it is for me to pick just ONE song for each artist, but here goes.

Joe Purdy:


William Fitzsimmons:


(sadly this concert is sold out, but I still had to throw in this video because It. Is. Awesome.) Adele:


Iron & Wine:


Mindy Gledhill & Meaghan Smith (free concert!):

(quick fact: Mindy is #1 on the charts in Korea. Way to go, Mindy! I love her.)



Ray Lamontagne & Brandi Carlile (another free one!):




Natasha Bedingfield:


David Gray (squeal!):


Joshua James (free!):


Neon Trees (free!)
YES you read that right. Neon Trees. Free.

(I'm going to try to take Chloe to this concert. She's obsessed with that song.)

Wowza, good stuff!

:):):)

Easter Excitement

Chloe was SO excited this morning when I told her the Easter bunny had come. We searched through the house and finally found Chloe's basket. She dug right in!


Chloe looked lovely in her Easter outfit, so we had to snag some pix by Grammy's tulips!... and in the yard, and on the porch, and.... ;)








Side note: how cute is Chloe's new backpack!?!?! (Answer: Cute as can BEE!) lol


Not my favorite picture in the world, but here we are.

Egg hunters in 'ready' position...


The hunt is on...


The loot is examined....


Chloe loved watching Tangled with the cousins, but not nearly as much as she enjoyed watching Daddy, Papa and the others show their wii dance moves.




It was such a wonderful holiday weekend, we are immensely blessed!

Easter Extravaganza

Chloe is so excited it's spring!


(The barrette and bracelet she's wearing were mine when I was her age.... awww, sweet!)

She's also excited her cousins are in town from Vegas & San Fran! Here's cute little Madison in bunny ears.


I threw a slumber party at Nana's house to celebrate the family finally being together, and since it landed on Good Friday, well of course it was Easter-themed!

There was a bunny hop race & egg-drop relay.



Sidewalk chalk-ing.






Cute decor.



Easter egg dye-ing.



Crafts. We used this Easter thumbprint idea from Crafty Chic.




I had to throw in this picture of Nana's puppy, Fiona (a Daniff - Great Dane/Mastiff mix) because she's so darn cute. She's growing up fast and is really cute with the kids.



Some of the kids slept in a tent. I love this pic.



Last, but not least, we played Just Dance on the wii. It was a smash hit! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time, and that's really saying something.

I still haven't figured out all the settings on my camera, so these action shots aren't as good as they could be, but they are still super fun if ya ask me!






Good times had with the Bennett fam. Now, if I haven't convinced everyone to move back to Utah, well, then I just don't know what else I can do! Beg? Plead? ;)

Like a Good Book

I love my birthday. Besides that it's Hitler's birthday, 4/20 is a symbol for marijuana & it's the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing & Columbine shootings. Aside from that, though, it's just a wonderful day! I really do feel special on my birthday. I wish everyone felt like that every single day! Thank you to everyone who makes every day special, and especially my birthday. Here's a quote that helps explain why I like getting older and don't hold onto my youth like some people do. I love the wisdom that comes with each day and the joy that comes with that wisdom.

I think of life as a good book.

The further you getinto it, the more it begins to make sense.

~Harold S. Kushner

Happy 4/20 to everyone!!! ;)

Tulip Festival Open Invitation

Hey, all my special needs friends in Utah....
you've read Welcome to Holland, right?
Come tiptoe through the tulips with others who also had the experience of "landing in Holland" with their special needs child(ren)....


Thanksgiving Point's Tulip Festival is amazing!
I cannot think of a better place
to celebrate our unexpected life amid the tulips
than at this venue with my other special needs friends.

This is an open invitation.
Feel free to spread the word, or come even if we've never met! If I've learned anything in these four years, it's that one of the best parts about life in Holland are the other tourists you meet along the way....

Let me know for sure if you're coming and how many will be with you
(manntar@hotmail.com)
because I'd like to make windmills for all the kids
and will give you my phone number so we can be in contact that day, just in case ;)

p.s. I'm going to contact Thanksgiving Point to see if they may possibly offer a discounted price for this special group. If I don't tell you otherwise, though, plan on an entry fee.
Details about the Tulip Festival
(prices, directions, etc)
can be found here.

And remember....

Ear Candy

I needed a new playlist to listen to at work this week. Feel free to partake of the ear candy as well!

'S Wonderful, 'S Marvelous!

spring has sprung
It makes me think of Doris Day's song
'S Wonderful!
Because spring truly is wonderful and marvelous!



Today we enjoyed the spring weather at Nana and Papa's house.
Izz pushed Chloe around while the boys played basketball.
I'm pretty sure THIS is what joy is!







We had THREE wonderful reasons to celebrate today!
Tami's birthday, Oby's birthday, AND
Mike and Tami's 30th Wedding Anniversary!

30 years, people!
That is NO small feat.
These two really are in love.

I really do admire their relationship.
Their marriage and family life is enviable.
They have a closeness with each other and with
each one of their children.
It is very special and admirable.

Wanna know the secret to their success?
I think there are many reasons,
but I think one of the fundamental elements to their relationship is
laughter




If you want all the other reasons they've made it this far
and still really like each other, you'll have to ask them.
In the meantime, this is what I think!


I appreciate their example
and created this little tribute to celebrate this milestone!
Even if you don't care to watch the entire 14 minutes
of a bunch of people you don't know,
you still should consider listening to the songs

because they are 'S Marvelous! ;)

p.s. I had really good intentions
of re-creating this idea for today's anniversary celebration.
So if you would, just squint and pretend the 5 is a 3, okay?
Thanks! ;)