Catching Up

I've been a major blog slacker this week, but don't worry it's because I've been having FuN!!!

We went to see The Civil Wars in concert on the night of our anniversary. This was truly the best anniversary date I could ever have dreamed up! I had permagrin from the moment I stepped into my favorite Salt Lake venue, then the grin just widened when Rayland Baxter hit the stage. I am so sad that there is no decent version of The Mountain Song he sang that I could share with you or that I could put on replay for myself. Fortunately, though, I do have The Civil Wars songs on repeat and they all make me blissfully happy! Without question, the live version of Barton Hollow was my favorite part of the night, which shocked me because I don't usually prefer the mainstream songs - but WOW! It. Was. Amazing. THEY are amazing! The radio edit just does not do justice to the real deal -- nor do any youtube videos, unfortunately. Poison and Wine was another favorite performance. (That song was used for a SYTYCD routine last week, did you see it?!?) Oby really usually does not like going to concerts or anything like it, but he really likes The Civil Wars and surprisingly loved Rayland Baxter. So he was just a delightful date and I was so blissfully over the moon happy and in love! What better way to celebrate 5 years of marriage? I can't think of anything!

I'd do a more formal review of the concert, but it's already been done so eloquently here - no need to repeat, right? It has absolutely nothing to do with my being lazy.... ;)

Speaking of being lazy, we spent the rest of last week and this weekend sitting on the beach at Bear Lake. This was my song for that getaway (minus the dolphin impersonation, of course - hahaha!)....

Come and open up your folding chair next to me.
My feet are buried in the sand, and there's a breeze.
There's a shadow, you can't see my eyes.
And the [lake] is just a wetter version of the skies.

When we weren't lounging in our folding chairs, we were chilling on the Relaxation Station. I could go on and on and on about this thing, but let's just leave it at this - get one. You'll thank me later.

I just set my alarm for 6:30 a.m. Back to reality in the morning, I suppose. *sigh*

Expect pictures from our Bear Lake trip soon (delayed mainly because of SD driver malfunction -- any tips are appreciated!) We had so much fun, I can't wait to show it off!!!

I hope everyone else had a lovely holiday weekend as well :)

p.s. I know this post is ridiculously disjointed, repetitive, and grammatically incorrect, but I'm too tired to edit. Maybe tomorrow? haha yeah right.

And... Cue Music

Sorry, but I've been catching up on this season's So You Think You Can Dance and that's what Nigel says during all the try-outs. Speaking of SYTYCD, are you watching? If not, you should! WOW. I. Love. That. Show. And this season seems to be promising so far!

Onto the music.... Here is a new compilation - and a pretty fantastic one, if I do say so myself! I found new music from parousing VH1 Top 20, Odd Girl Out, Passionista's blog, Song of the Day blog, and from being a concert-going-groupie. I hope you enjoy this half as much as I know I will!!!

Since this is a music-related post, I'm going to do a quick review of concerts I've been to or will be going to this month....

The Head & The Heart opened for Iron & Wine. Can I just tell you -- they are both AMAZING! I already adored Iron & Wine, but Sam & his band exceeded expectations. Sam's voice is like buttah and I could have watched his drummer all night long! But as much as I loved Iron & Wine, I think I liked The Head & The Heart even more. Trust me, that shocks me more than it could ever shock you. Words just simply cannot explain and recorded music does NOT do justice to this band! Their voices, their musical skills, and their energy just filled up the entire venue. The crowd went wild for them. If you ever get the chance to see them live, take it!!!

I have loved and adored Brett Dennen's chill musical style and genius lyrics for years, and I just didn't think I could like him any more than I already did. Boy was I wrong! He was such a fun entertainer, an absolute joy to watch! He made the audience feel the lyrics. He is adorably humble, yet ridiculously talented. It was so much fun to see him!

The next concert coming up is Natasha Bedingfield. Although I appreciated her voice, I didn't really consider her music my style -- UNTIL the fateful day when I watched an acoustic concert on TV, something similar to VH1 Unplugged. Oh me oh my, she is a beautiful performer. Here's a little sneak peek at what I plan to see at her Less is More tour performance....

(p.s. I just love this song ~ it reminds me of Oby!)

The other concert we've got this month is Civil Wars. Usually I go to concerts with my friend Melissa, but Oby actually wanted to go with me to this one - he loves their music! Which is a good thing because I really, really wanted to see them and their concert falls on our 5-year anniversary!!! You have to check out these videos..... Their connection, harmony and unique dance between folk-rock and indie-pop is just my style! Oh I cannot wait! Also, I LOVE the venue where they're going to perform - it's going to amazing :)

In other entertainment news, have you seen the trailer for the new show that's coming out starring Zooey Deschanel? Holy bananas, I have watched this a couple dozen times and laugh hysterically each time! She is one of my absolute favorite people - I love her music, her acting, her quirky style.... I cannot wait for this show to start! Check it out and set your DVR!

Special Loves

Chloe has such a special relationship with all of her grandparents. She is one lucky girl! Since two of my grandparents died before I was born and the other two grandparents had the affection of a shoe box, I'm a bit envious of the love she shares with her Papa's, Grammy & Nana. It makes me so happy to watch her with them!

Today, Papa stopped by for a surprise visit. We couldn't have been happier!



Chloe was happy because Papa sang some of their usual favorites....

Gully, Gully!
Head of hair (touch head)
Forehead bear (touch forehead)
Eye winker (touch right eye)
Tom tinker (touch left eye)
Nose nobber (touch nose)
Mouth eater (touch mouth)
Chin chomper (touch chin)
(pause)
gully gully gully gully ….. (while tickling neck)
(it goes something like that, anyway!)

The Old Bumble Bee

There was an old bumble bee
who lived in a barn (while making a circle and coming closer to her face)
He carried the music (still circling and coming closer)
Under his arms! (tickling under the arms, followed by squeals of delight)

Family Folk Song

(This is a Taylor/Bennett family tradition.
I don't know the origin or understand the words,
but it's a big hit with the kids!)
I saw the train go 'round the bend
Goodbye, my lover, goodbye
'Twas loaded down with China men
Goodbye, my lover, goodbye
Bye baby bunting
Daddy's gone a hunting
To get a little rabbit's skin
To wrap his baby bunting in

I was glad Papa stopped by because he helped us pass the 4-hour fasting period Chloe had today before she had the stroke blood work done. Grammy was also a HUGE help, and I'm grateful for them both! Chloe is not happy when she can't eat (and I can't blame her). We'll get the results in a week (which means at least two weeks). I'll keep you posted when I hear.



Speaking of special loves, I have a special love for Lauren Graham after her stellar performances on Gilmore Girls. I also have a special love for Ron Howard due to his roles as producer and narrator on my all-time favorite show, Arrested Development. Bring the two together, and voila! you have Parenthood. It premieres March 1st and if my DVR went ahead that far, it would already be set to record this show that I'm destined to love....

Flashback Friday: Don & Philly

It's been awhile, but I think it's time we start flashin' back again. I loooove going down memory lane!



Today's flashback has nothing to do with me. Unless you count the fact that I like Dancing With the Stars. (Notice I said I like it, don't love it, just like it.)

This flashback is a photo of Oby's Grandpa Phil with Donny Osmond.

That's right, I'm droppin' names. Donny. Osmond.

And not the has-been Donny of today, but the 70's star Donny Osmond of yesteryear....


Apparently Grandpa was working on a construction site for the Osmond Center (I think) in 1979. Donny would come to the site most days to check it out. Grandpa called Donny, "Don." Donny would correct him and say, "Actually, I go by Donny." This gave Grandpa ALL the more reason to call him Don. So Don called him "Philly."

This photo is also bittersweet for anyone who knows much about Grandpa Phil. He has a condition called Ataxia that causes his body to deteriorate. It's good to remember him standing and healthy, but it's sad to know the freedom that has been robbed from him. But if you ask Grandpa Phil how he's doing, he'll say, "Never better!" every single time.

I love Grandpa Phil.

Let's Squish Our Fruit Together!

This is for my SIL Taylor who just admitted to me how much she loves a cappella and musical-type songs (hence our shared love for GLEE).....



Anyway, how hilarious is this.........

Pop Culture

A couple things about pop culture I had to share.....

First up, let me just say - Oby and I watch pretty much all the trashy vh1 reality shows. I don't really like them, but Oby watches them when he gets home from work, just to decompress. The one I hate the most: The Rev - bugs. The one I like the best: Brooke Knows Best.


It just makes me laugh and reminds me of when I was single. And even though Brookie seems a bit desperate for stardom, I think overall she's a pretty cool girl, I'd probably be friends with her if we were to meet. LOL why am I even saying this? Oh yes, to my point....

TWICE in the past week, I have been told by complete strangers that I look like Brooke Hogan! What?!?!? I don't see it. Okay, maybe my hot bod, but other than that (lol!!!)....



Okay, I actually do see it in this photo. This is so me (just the 'tude, not much else)....


The second thing has a back story: When Chloe is in her wheelchair, sometimes (okay, a lot) her little head gets tired and falls forward. We always say, "Where's your head?" or "Get your head up!" And she always brings her head right back up. Well, when we were in Bear Lake, Oby's dad spent a lot of time with Chloe pushing her around in her wheelchair, and when her head would fall forward he would always say in a big papa bear voice, "Get your head up!"

Okay, so onto the pop culture story. Have you heard this song by LMFAO? It is dirty and terrible, but my sweet little innocent daughter must believe that her papa is singing this song directly to her. When she hears it, she goes WILD. I feel bad letting my pure daughter listen to a song about taking off polka-dot bikinis, but she's so innocent, it's okay right? Seriously, listen to it, when they say "Get your head (or sometimes hands) up!" it sounds EXACTLY like how Oby's dad says it! Chloe can't get enough of it....

So You Think You Can.... Remake a Beatles Song?

Something tells me I'm not the only SYTYCD mega fan out there. Can I get a boo-yah from all the rest of you SYTYCD fans?!? I actually don't quite get why I love the show so much. I'm not typically into dance. I respect dancers immensely - because I can't dance AT ALL. No, seriously, even when I'm just doing workout videos in front of Chloe, it sends her into hysterics! Even she knows her mom is seriously lacking in coordination. =)

So I've been thinking about it, and figured out that although I enjoy watching the dances, and I even like the annoying judges, the reasons I truly LOVE the show are: Cat Deeley and the music.

Now don't get all jaw-dropping on me. My girl-crush on Cat Deeley isn't anything too weird. I just love that girl's hair, clothes, and cute personality! Isn't she simply fab?!

Next up: the music. They come up with the latest, greatest songs that you won't hear on the radio. But then they go and make the songs popular, and sure enough the radio snags them for some playtime. But before radio, songs like this can be heard on SYTYCD.

Don't you just love it!?!?!? And that's just one! I could go on and on, but nothing beats a Beatles tune with a twist!

New Obsessions

Photoshop

I've been wanting to create some sort of photo album of Oby's life for awhile now. So now that I've learned how to scrapbook digitally (and - LOVE it), I've decided that is how I'll do Oby's pictures. Here are a few pages I did this weekend...

So I've been a little MIA learning and playing with Photoshop.

Chloe's New Medication

Chloe is on a new medication that is helping her sleep through the night, and we are all very happy about it! I went to church today without black circles under my eyes and stayed for the entire time. Several people came up and asked if I was new. Yeah, I've been inactive since Chloe decided to stop sleeping, but I swear - I'm turning a new leaf. And one of the little old ladies kept telling Oby how handsome he looked. Crush ya think? Step aside little old ladies, he's MINE!

Celebrity Apprentice

It started tonight. I LOVE this show. It's one of my all-time favs. All these egocentric people with strong personalities in a competitive environment.... aaahhh I just love it!

And if any of you want to know what Oby's personality is like, just watch the show and pay attention to Jesse James. Aside from all the tats, I swear he is exactly like Oby. Cracks me up.

Sorry, no pix of Chloe in several posts now. I know most of you stop by just to see her smiling little face. And she wore the cutest little skirt and sweater combo to church today, but I forgot to snap a pic! I'll do better I promise!

Can you believe it's March? I swear, it seems like Halloween was yesterday.

Tuesday Tribute: Crime TV Hunks

I am obsessed with crime TV shows. The other day I was talking about this obsession with a few of my friends. None of them understood why I would like crime shows so much. Well, let me shed some light on the subject....

Shemar Moore on Criminal Minds

Danny Pino on Cold Case

Mark Valley on Fringe

Who's your favorite eye candy on TV???

Random Thoughts

Monday is laundry day. Do any of you do specific chores on specific days, or am I the only one? Anyway, while I was folding laundry, I was watching HGTV's marathon of one of my favorite shows: House Hunters International. Oby and I both love that show! It always makes us dream of one day running away to a beach front casa.

And then that got me thinking about the last time I went anywhere tropical. About two weeks before I met Oby, I went on a cruise with a huge group of friends. Oh my goodness, it was soooo much fun. My favorite stops were Honduras and Belize. Pardon me while I reminisce for just a moment....

Honduras sunset


Dave, Steph, Mike & his "hairy bagel"

The group in Belize after snorkeling

GNO on the ship

Aaaah good times. Oby and I are planning a much needed tropical vay-cay sometime this year. After a few episodes of House Hunters International, it's a good thing I have a getaway to look forward to!

Speaking of HGTV, is everyone on board for the dream home giveaway? Oby always really gets into this. We're planning our new life in Sedona when we win this beauty....

Heaven? Is that you?

And now. Another random thing. I might get some daggers because of this, but can I just say that even though I like Jason The Bachelor, his old man walk really bothers me!?! Has anyone else noticed that he walks funny, with his head forward a bit and his back hunched over? I know, I know. Petty, petty.

Which got me thinking. I really wish they would have chosen Fred to be the bachelor. Remember him?

DeAnna didn't like him, but she doesn't really like anyone, so what's new. But Ellen liked him. Remember? I think he almost turned her sraight! The man jewelry's gotta go, though. I know. Petty, petty.

Does anyone else hate centipedes?

Hey. I warned you this post would be random.

Ugh. I loathe centipedes. Spiders? Mice? No biggie. Do I like them? No. But do I squeal like a little girl and run the other direction as fast as I can the moment I see them? Also no. But centipedes? YIKES! They have 100 legs. This increases their speed and creepiness. It doesn't get any worse than this....

So when I saw one in our bathroom tonight when Oby had already gone to bed, I was forced to face my fears and kill it without male assistance. Have I overcome my centi-phobia? NO WAY!

And another thing. Why is it that when Chloe is fussy, she wants me to be vertical. It doesn't matter if I hold her vertically, that's not enough. I have to stand up. No big deal when I have to stand for only a minute or two. But when the little stinker's fussy for hours on end, the incessant standing is a real drag. Good thing she's cute!

While I was standing trying to soothe Miss Chloe, I watched a special about Martin Luther King, Jr. It was pretty wonderful, I gotta tell ya. What a man we celebrate today.


My favorite quote that was shared on the documentary was:

"The time is always right to do what is right."

~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Balancing Act & "I Had a Pony"

Chloe and Oby tried out a new trick tonight. I could have watched them do this forever....

Chloe sat on her daddy's hand and did a balancing act.

Did you catch the two key words??? SAT. BALANCED.

Chloe was happy. Her daddy was happy. I was happy. Her physical therapist will be happy.

I've been trying to get her to balance on a ball, oh, about three times a day for about three months. Then Daddy comes along with his big old hand and achieves expectations.

Yay for Daddy!!!

This is totally changing the subject, but I had to share this as well. Chloe got a set of 'My Little Ponies' from Santa. She loves hair. She rides horses. Santa was so smart to realize that she would love these ponies.

Every time I hand her a pony I say, "I had a pony." People usually look at me like I very well may be insane when they hear me say that.

Tonight as Chloe was playing with her pony and doing her music therapy before bed, I did my quote again, and giggled to myself (I totally crack myself up all the time). To all my friends and family, and random strangers who may see me saying, "I had a pony," in a deep Polish accent, don't worry. I'm not insane. I'm quoting a Seinfeld episode....

Reality Check!

I have several guilty pleasures. One of them being....

The Bachelor. I had sworn off reality romance shows after finding the last Bachelorette broke up with her fiance. Then what did they do?....

Pick Jason (whom I loved from the last Bachelorette) as the next Bachelor. Of course I had to watch! Tonight I was engrossed in my show, and Oby was mocking me (and the show) endlessly. I just giggled at his teasing because I agree that the show is ridiculous, but it reels me in and I can't help it!

Then Oby went into the bedroom to get ready for bed. I came in for a minute, and found him engrossed in....

A Double Shot at Love with the Ikki twins....


This show has the same premise as The Bachelor. Just minor differences.... The twins are bisexual so contestants are male and female. And the winner gets not one, but both of the twins, as their love.

Hmmmm suddenly I find my obsession with The Bachelor to be much less embarassing. He better not tease me about it anymore!

Well, we obviously disagree about our reality TV shows, but there's one thing we can always agree on.... that Chloe is a cutie patootie! Here are a couple pictures from her physical therapy appointment this afternoon....

Chloe swinging with her therapist, Lisa

Chloe playing with wheat

Do you have any guilty pleasures?