Books & TV

From time to time I like to share what I've been reading lately, so here goes!

I've never downloaded books on my iphone until just a few days ago.  I've downloaded several samples, and read those, but I'm honestly too cheap to download the book.  $9.99 still seems pricey to me, and when it's downloaded to my iphone or ipad, it makes it harder to share with others!  Plus, I get hand cramps trying to hold my phone for hours while I read.

I finally bit the bullet and downloaded a book I've been dying to read:

Kisses From Katie

Incase you haven't heard of Katie Davis, she is originally from Brentwood, TN, but now lives and serves the Lord in Uganda.  She followed God to Africa after her high school graduation.  Her deep faith and love for the Lord and His people are so encouraging.  I think she is around 22 or 23 now, and has adopted 14 orphans!  This book is a quick read, but speaks so deeply to me.

After that, I think I'm going to download and read What Women Fear by Angie Smith.  I've followed Angie's blog, Bring the Rain, for years and read her first book, I Will Carry You.  I love her style of writing and her love for the Lord.

What I'm watching on TV these days:

The Biggest Loser live finale is tomorrow night.  I'm so pumped.  I watch that show every season.  I really don't have a preference on who I'd like to win, but I will say that Conda has most definitely grown on me.

Have you heard of the new show Melissa and Tye?

It features Melissa Rycroft.  She was the Dallas Cowboy cheerleader, turned Bachelor (who was dumped on live television after being proposed to), turned Dancing with the Stars contestant.  She's now married to Tye Strickland.  There's only been two episodes, so you haven't missed much.  They are hilarious though, I'll definitely be watching this Friday night!  She also has a book coming out in June, My Reality.

Normally I don't read things like this, but I am really looking forward to this book coming out!

So what are you reading and watching?  What should I add to my lists?

(Just 3 more Mondays until summer vacation!)

NOLA - IV

Yesterday we walked the five or so blocks and met Annette, Austin, and Sophie at the Louisiana Children's Museum.  We went for toddler time, but got there about 45 minutes early and enjoyed some free play time first.

Eli thinks he has become quite the daredevil lately.  He climbs up as high as he can get,

and then climbs down by leaning over, putting his head on the ground, followed by his hands and then slowly the legs come down too.  I will say that he is very careful!

Eli climbs in, Sophie climbs out, and Austin slides down.

Stairs are Eli's newest trick.  He climbed up these all by himself!  He did this several times.  Wesley would then help him slide down the slide next to the stairs.

There were several kids there for toddler time.  All of them bigger than Eli.  They talked about picnics, but this is what Eli thought about that.  He crawled off; he was not interested in picnics or how to make a sandwich!

After toddler time we walked through the rest of the museum with Annette, Austin, and Sophie.  It was lunch time and nap time by this point and Eli was beginning to get fussy.  We parted ways and went back to our resort for a nap.  After we napped we drove to Metairie to do a little shopping and to have dinner again with Matthew (my cousin), Annette, Austin, and Sophie.  Annette made a DELICIOUS tomato bow-tie pasta with sausage.  It was seriously sooo good!  Eli showed off how well he could climb.  He kept climbing up and over Austin's Mickey Mouse chair to the couch which he would try to climb up and over.  Wesley would then lower him to the floor behind the couch and he would do his speed crawl to the stairs and try to climb the 12 or so stairs to the second floor.  He would smile and look so proud of himself every time.

After dinner we came back to the resort and watched How the States Got Their Shapes.  We love this show.  Wesley and I are History Channel addicts.  You must watch it if you haven't ever seen it before.  This is about the only show I watch this summer.  I'm ready for Biggest Loser to come back on.

Fall TV

One of the many things I love about fall is good TV comes back.

My current favorite show is The Biggest Loser. Last season I watched it religiously, usually while eating some kind of unhealthy snack, but I was pregnant then. Maybe this season will inspire me to lose baby weight!

(Sidenote: 2 weeks later and I've lost all but about 8 lbs - but it sure doesn't look the same on my body!)

Next up, Dancing With the Stars-Season 11

Here are some of the ones I'm really looking forward to seeing dance:

Kurt Warner - first NFL quarterback on the show

Mrs. Brady : )

David Hasselhoff

Bristol Palin

(I saw on the Joy Behar show *Breaking News* Briston has banned Levi from the audience of DWTS while she is competing.)

and, Jennifer Grey

because Nobody puts Baby in the corner!

What shows are you looking forward to this fall?

And because I can't leave without showing a picture of my sweet Eli

Hot Dogs

Recently, hot dogs have been a topic of discussion in our family. I was fixing my hot dog on Memorial Day when someone mentioned that Uncle Brian (or maybe just Bryanne, since she's the Chicago native and he was raised in the South) would not approve.

This is how I like my hot dog.

(Ketchup only, and plenty of it!)

And, this is how my hot dog looked in Chicago.

(Notice, no ketchup whatsoever.)

Later that same day, we were watching The Travel Channel, I think, and they were doing a Memorial Day special on the best places in the country to get hot dogs.

They featured places like Nathan's in NY and Pink's in CA. But, the guy in NY said that only unsophisticated people eat their hot dogs with ketchup on them!!!

SO, how do you eat your hot dog?

What Will I Do Now?

Last night was the season finale of Biggest Loser. I don't know what I'll do now that it's over. I have to wait MONTHS for it to come back on! I guess I'll catch Jillian's new show on NBC.

Michael won and I was really happy for him. I was really thinking Ashley was going to, though. I was excited Koli won the at-home prize, but again, was really thinking Sherry was. I guess I was Team Pink this season.

Some of those people were still huge. How do you go on Biggest Loser and KNOW that you're going to be weighing-in in front of America and only lose 50 pounds in five months??? I was embarrassed for them!

On the other hand, some of those weigh less than what I do now. (Granted...I have baby weight - but still!) Kudos to them!

Wesley is pleased this show is over. He doesn't like it...or maybe it's the fact that I cried every week about people losing weight!!! : )

I Get It....

Wesley and I have argued about this for years now.

But, I finally get it.

It's funny.

In that ridiculous sort of way.

But, I get it now.

And I laugh. Pretty hard sometimes.

The Office. It's hilarious!

Dancing With the Stars

I'm so excited about the new season of Dancing With the Stars!

I need March 22 to hurry up and come!

I think it will be a good line up. Here are some of my favs:

Niecy Nash

Buzz Aldrin

(I've always wondered if he was like, dang, I wish I had been first to walk on the moon? How did they decide who went first? Well, take that Neil, Buzz Aldrin gets to be on DWTS!)

The Bachelor, Jake.

(I refused to watch last night. I don't care for Vienna. But, hey, whatever floats his boat!)

Erin Andrews - She's just so likable!

And, Kate Gosselin! I'm really excited about her being on the show. I hope she does well. I was a Jon & Kate Plus 8 junkie. I miss that show!

Now, hurry up March 22! I'll be waiting on the couch that night!

Super Bowl Commericials

I don't think I've ever watched a Super Bowl before, but I have seen the commercials! Have you heard about Tebow's controversial commercial he's doing?

Tebow seems to be one of those guys you either love him or ya hate him. Although, regardless of loyalties to universities (my in-laws are huge FSU fans!), you can't tell me if you had a son or brother just like Tim Tebow, you wouldn't be proud of him?

You must read this article.

Seriously, go read it. It will be worth your time.

Here are some of my favorite parts:

"We're always harping on athletes to be more responsible and engaged in the issues of their day, and less concerned with just cashing checks. It therefore seems more than a little hypocritical to insist on it only if it means criticizing sneaker companies, and to stifle them when they take a stance that might make us uncomfortable."

"Here's what we do need a lot more of: Tebows. Collegians who are selfless enough to choose not to spend summers poolside, but travel to impoverished countries to dispense medical care to children, as Tebow has every summer of his career. Athletes who believe in something other than themselves, and are willing to put their backbone where their mouth is. Celebrities who are self-possessed and self-controlled enough to use their wattage to advertise commitment over decadence."

And, finally, I love the part where she talks about males having some sexual-restraint, and if they did, women may be scheduling fewer abortions (although, I think it's important to note, "it takes two to tango" and maybe women should have some sexual-restraint too...I'm just saying....). Then she says that the best way not to have an unwanted pregnancy is don't get the sperm and the egg together in the first place!

So, on Sunday, I will be watching the Superbowl, not for the Colts or Saints (pro football just really doesn't do it for me), but for Tebow and his ad. And hey, regardless of how funny they maybe (and they are), this ad sure has a better message than some of those beer commercials decked out with idiocy and scantly-clad women.

*Quotes and image courtesy of the Washington Post (see link)*

Miss America

We've had a very busy weekend around here. We got up yesterday and Wesley started on some manly projects (replacing a broken shower knob and fixing the toilet in the guest bathroom) while I began cleaning the house, folding laundry, doing dishes, etc., etc., etc. (does anyone else find it hard to clean during the week? I sure do). We got all of that done mid-afternoon and did some mega grocery shopping (we were down to a bottle of syrup!). By the time we were done with that, it was time to start getting ready for church! We love going on Saturday nights now, it's so nice to have "another lazy Saturday" on Sunday mornings. We stayed for church and our BFG (Bible Fellowship Group) and then hurried home for the 2010 Miss America Pageant!

I came in just before the evening gown competition. My favorite was Miss Kentucky. She ended up coming in 4th runner up. I had stumbled across her blog earlier in the week; it was kind of neat getting to read what all she does as Miss Kentucky - man, she is BUSY! I don't know if I could do all that.

Anywho, congrats to Miss Virginia, the new Miss America. I just loved her yellow dress. Not everyone can pull off yellow, but I think she looked gorgeous!

I also read that the outgoing Miss American (2009, former Miss Indiana) got engaged the night before she gave up her crown. How sweet! : )

I only wish I'd been watching Miss American with my mom and sister eating some boiled peanuts - that's how we roll!

It's That Time Again!

So glad it's back!!! : )

These first episodes are Wesley's favorites. My favorites are when they're actually in Hollywood; you know, all the people who can ACTUALLY sing.

It's a little weird without Paula on anymore. But, I'm anxious to see how things are when Ellen gets on the show.

Are you watching?

A "New-Do" ... or maybe a "Don't - Do It"

Y'all, I love the Gosselins. I really do.

I blogged about them here and here.

Yes, I got a little sad to hear that their divorce was finalized. But that's not the topic of this blog post. Kate Gosselin has made her hair-do famous. Now, I don't think I could EVER. EVER. pull this off. Nor do I have a desire to. I love "rockin' a pony" (Bump-it commercial, anyone?)! But, on Kate, it was beginning to grow on me. Here she is with her famous "do."

And here's the new "do" ..... or do you think it's a "don't"?

I'm really kind of shocked. I don't know what to think of it.

I almost didn't recognize her.

I'll probably be buying that edition of People Magazine though!

(Photos courtesy of Google Images.)

Taylor

During the summer I watch the Ellen show nearly everyday. Sadly, I don't get to watch it since I have to go to work (just like everybody else I guess). So, I was catching up the other day because Taylor was coming on the show.

I love Taylor!

Excuse my name dropping, but my aunt Paige was at an antique show and ran into her! Who runs into Taylor Swift?!!! Aunt Paige has pictures up on Facebook. It's pretty cool.

Anyway, I digress. Back to Ellen.

Have you seen this video?

Ellen was spooking guests on her show for Halloween. I have watched this sooo many times. It's HILARIOUS.

Watch it. Laugh with me!

Grey's Anatomy

Do you watch it? Oh my, I have been waiting since May for this day (well, tomorrow actually). And I can't wait. I'm very proud of myself, I usually can't hold out on finding out a surprise, but I haven't been to show spoilers yet.

But watch this.

OH. MY. GOODNESS.

American Idol

Oh how I love me some American Idol! I have been a faithful watcher (or VIEWER if I want to use a vocabulary word from this week) since Season 2. Carrie Underwood is my all-time fav, but that's for another time.

I was SHOCKED to learn that Paula had left the show. I mean, really, REALLY SHOCKED! That judge number four was not my favorite last year. But, I think they needed a way to revamp the show and give viewers some renewed interest. And, I honestly believe, that's what been done again this year.

I'm very anxious to see how Ellen changes things up for the show. What do you think about that. No, Ellen has no musical background training. I think it will be interesting to have a "normal" (and by normal I mean someone who isn't in the music industry) person's opinion. Ellen does listen to music a lot on her show. And she dances. I love her show.

Oh well, I guess we'll all have to wait and see with the rest of America! I can't wait for it to come on! And while we're speaking of TV - is anyone else sitting on the edge of their seat for one more week waiting on the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy. I can't wait. I've been biting my nails since May over George, Izzy, Alex, Christina, Meredith, Derek, etc!

PS-I'll be back with more tonight - pictures coming! : )

My Hubby Rocks.....Even When He Doesn't

We are That Family - have you read that blog? It's a new one I've discovered. She posts some great stuff on there.

Read today's post. It's a good one.

It made me think of these two.

(I'm semi-obsessed.)

Maybe because I had just watched this.

Jon and Kate + 8

I've always gotten completely wrapped up in television shows, movies, books, etc.  I love books in a series, but at the same time, I miss the characters once the series has come to an end.  On the Season 5 premier of J & K, Kate mentioned that the fans and viewers are so important, because we allow the Gosselins to come into our homes each week.  So, I do feel for them and their loss.  I've been thinking a lot how Satan does everything he can to attack the home.  The easiest way to do that is through attacks on marriage.  I must say, I am guilty of reading tabloids and googling them frequently to keep up with what is going on in their marriage and family life.  I'm not entirely sure who cheated on whom and whether or not their marital strain comes simply from having so many children, having a reality television show, work situations, or how they have treated each other in the past.  And quite frankly, it's none of my business.  However, I have noticed a few things.  In the early episodes of their show, I noticed that scripture was posted all over their house.  Kate even mentioned that this was encouragement to her as she went throughout her day.  As their popularity has grown, I've noticed that the mention of God or any signs of the Gosselins being believers have faded.  A cord of three strands is not easily broken.  I am upset and saddened for them that they are getting divorced.  I do not believe that a divorce glorifies the Lord.  Now, I'm not married (18 days!!), but I do now what the Word says.  A marriage is a holy covenant.  A marriage is not a business agreement that if one person fails to keep up their end of the deal, then the other is free to go.  Marriage is not 50/50.  Each person is entering (or should be) 100%.  You promise for better or worse, sickness or health, and until death do you part.  Marriage does not glorify the Lord because marriage is a picture of how the Lord loves the church.  God would never leave or forsake his church, no matter what the church may do.  Yes the church has problems, we are still sinful creatures living in a sinful world.  One of my favorite quotes is from an Audio Adrenaline song (I think, ... really bad with songs/artists), "The single greatest cause of atheism in the world today, is christians who profess Christ with their lips, and then deny Him with their lifestyles.  That is what an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable."  I've read on many blogs that people are saddened because of what it will do to their family, they feel badly for Cara, Mady, Leah, Alexis, Hannah, Joel, Collin, and Aaden (I told you, I <3>

So, I do not feel foolish in saying that I am praying for Jon and Kate (and the eight).  I pray that God would be glorified and for His name and renown to be spread.  That an unbelieving world would not find our lifestyles and words unbelievable.