I will always love

classical piano. ALWAYS. I was in a nostalgic mood, as well as really wanting to brush up on these piano favs of mine. So, that's why there is another change to the music on my blog again, and so soon, too. When you are not into practicing your technique, you falter much, well at least I do.

The first song is my absolutely favorite to play. You may recall hearing it in the movie The Secret Garden (wonderful book and movie- a favorite of my childhood). The second, one that I couldn't play as well as this recording, but I still love to play. The fourth song is another I rank up high on the list. Just beautiful. Love going fast with that. The Rach. one, well...I loved the theme and do like to fumble around a bit with the music I bought for that...actually need an orchestra to really sound good though. LOL. The others, all ones that really touched my soul. You'll notice I'm into minor keys and very contemplative pieces.

Dad- I hope you enjoy the take down memory lane.

The feat of the....year

I cleaned out the inside of my car (well, still needs swept)..looks tons better. I have the toys in a couple piles and the kids will have to bring those in. I was tired out after that job.

I was able to watch a really good movie that was on the Hallmark channel recently. King Solomon's Mines, with Patrick Swazye, of all people..sorry if I butchered that spelling. Set mostly in Africa, it is an adventure where a young woman needs help to rescue her archaeologist father, who is being held against his will to enable a certain African king the chance to retreive a coveted map. The map, of course, is for King Solomon's Mines. FOUR hours long. HOWEVER, it really was not boring at all. JUST FANTASTIC. I would say similar to Indiana Jones in a way, but Swayze's character is more, emotionally real, I think. I was really impressed. Should have been a movie, really should have been, in the theater. AND GET OUT OF HERE. I just looked it up on the internet and the heroine is Alison Doody, who played Dr. Elsa Schneider in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Huh. No wonder it was really good. Her acting in this was great. I did NOT recognize her as being Elsa, and the Last Crusade is my favorite Indy movie. Anyways, if somehow you are able to rent it or something, do it. It is soooo good. Based on a novel written in the 1880's. I loved the historic nature of the story. Just great.



TRAILER

Interview

When you get a favorite...

The first layout is one that I have named a FAVORITE. The next, not a fav., but one I just did last night. Philip is SOOO little in that photo!

excuse the warped look- will fix tomorrow with natural light (****FIXED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)IF i can tweak something on my camera equipment- it's been terribly annoying as of late as I am getting some blurry pics.

add that to the terribly annoying fact that since this 3rd pregnancy i seem to almost always park crooked in a parking space.

and still can't eat chicken a whole lot.

and don't sleep good.

but I do like my chocolate still!

In the morning

we're home today, due to lack of sleep and a tummy ache for mommy. i think i may have had a touch of food poisoning from friday- not sure- but i am feeling better now. looking forward to some family time tomorrow, though rich is working. i'll take the kids to a parade, hopefully, in the morning, and then, to my parents.

i got to work on some scrapbooking recently. YEAH!

Beautiful Idol Ending

Great Sadness

Tuesday night, I thought that American Idol's David Cook reminded me Steven Curtis Chapman when he sang his second round's song. I thought, wow...it just brought me back to a few songs of SCC's that sounded similar, or had the same feel.

This morning, I am unbearably saddened by the news of a terrible accident that has given this family- the Curtis's- a great loss I cannot imagine. The family needs our prayers. The Curtis family is strong, there's no doubt. And they are because of Him.

Here is Cinderella....about a daddy's little girl...sung by Steven.


If you prefer a different version:


This morning, also, I need to call Ella's doctor to address something that is, well, my fault, or something I should have been up on. Let's just say, there's some major healing to be done with my daughter's pierced ears. Please pray that her right earlobe, the one with the most to worry about (and I cannot even SAY why), heals quickly. The left, I am not that worried about. Both, I hope that scarring doesn't occur. Anyways, I'd appreciate your prayers. Ella, too. She's not in pain, at least she has not told me, and with that fact, I am in disbelief...I'll update when I can.

Still

Do you like being still?

I do. I suppose I always have, even when in my childhood and teenage days I was superbly involved in activities of all kind. I am a "still" kind of person.

Yesterday, I finished up a project that makes me think of stillness, in a way. I created something that makes me stop when I see it. Not that I think there is a real grandness about it, but it is appealing to me because I see not only my own heart, but my daughters, and God's. Here it is...

I need a nap

I really really, really do need. A. Nap.

It's cold in this house. Or, maybe it's just me. It's COLD. I cannot get warm. I even had hot chai tea, which I haven't had for a loooong time. Still cold.

Started working on a "big" project last night. Didn't get very far. LOL. I am decorating around a large print that goes into an even bigger frame. I have this 11x14 black and white photo of Ella. So beautiful. Hoping it turns out alright.

Did you know my husband is just so smart? Well, I had a mini meltdown Saturday and he took me and the kids to Red Lobster. I have more no nausea days and that was one of them. Although, I could not eat those cheddar baked biscuits. I usually have THREE but I couldn't get past the one bite. Yuck. He's also so smart b/c he can work on our cars. He fixed something in the transmission of my Neon on Sunday. Saved us lots right there.

I put some new music off to the right. I like Loreena's music, although I have only one cd of hers. The Highwayman is my favorite. It is LONG. I loved the poem growing up. Don't know why. It's kind of a bizarre poem to be in a childrens book but it was. In a Childkraft volume. It probably is my favorite poem. Anyways, I do like a lot of the other songs she has done, so I am sharing a HUGE list. The Mummer's Dance was featured in the film "Ever After" with Drew Barrymore. I really like #2 and #6. To see the whole list, you'll need to click on the launch stand alone.

Didn't get to pick up cheesecake ingredients b/c I couldn't find the recipe that I thought would work for me. Maybe today. If I decide to brave the cold, rainy weather. Rich has a music practice session with a group he is in (they have a gazillion workshops and stuff this coming weekend) so I may need to get out of the house to do SOMETHING today. Oh mi gosh. I have been into asparagus lately. I need to get some more really soon. I had some with a premium shells and cheese serving and it was delicious. I cleaned out the freezer so we have room to freeze fresh asparagus..and STRAWBERRIES next month. NEXT MONTH! YEAH! I won't begin to freeze until right before the season ends though. Gosh...I need to figure out what other houses I can borrow some freezer space from. Our family loves strawberries. I love to make the shortbread biscuits and then add freshly finely cut, mashed, and juicy strawberries over top. The local grown ones are the best. The store ones have not been that great whenever I've gotten them. Alright with a bunch of sugar but not the kind you can just pop right into your mouth and enjoy. Oh and the strawberry pies from the Dutch House. Delish.

I had to add this funny and cute video that Lauren from SC had on her blog today. ENJOY!
Check out this video: Treadmill Kittens



Add to My Profile | More Videos

oooh lala!

Just a few of my favorite things....

Cheesecake- I have to make some of my own today, since I am already planning on going to the store. Just need to find a not so rich recipe. I don't want to eat the kind that gives you a headache b/c it hurts your teeth.

Studio G stamps- don't have any, but sure am trying to find these ONE DOLLAR alphabet SET rubber stamps!! ONE DOLLAR for a whole set of the alphabet!

My new scrapbooking organizer box- Hope to post a picture soon. The person who gave this to me, well, let's just say blessed my day.

My children- Ella was truly so joyful at church, and it rubbed off on Buddy. Buddy was very cuddly this morning! A treat for me!

Window shopping- going to do that this morning. Just feel like taking off and looking at some things with the kids.

Idea Books- just purchased some on ebay and can't wait to see them! Got them at a fraction of the cost.

Music- Rich played a wonderful medley on the harmonica at the Chapel yesterday. I got to play, although very out of tune, the piano. I had to skip over the notes that just aren't in the same key LOL. But that's okay. I really enjoyed myself there and then..

Pancake Breakfast- We went to the donation only breakfast at Beaver Creek following our service at church. Very enjoyable and yummy! We ate outdoors, but under a roof LOL. The kids and Rich walked around for a few minutes to observe the work on the bridge. It was a tad chilly but ended up being fairly sunny while we were there.

A praying church- Soon after the guest speaker began his sermon, a gentleman passed out, and went limp in his seat. A woman there was truly so quick on her feet to assist him, it was only the Lord. Truly. He is doing okay, after being taken to the hospital via the ambulance. And the church congregation prayed while we waited for the assistance.

Beautiful flowers at the front of my house- The flowers I received on Mother's Day are still beautiful and are even more stunning with the additional color provided by my pretty pink bushes. :-)

God bless you all!

I have been so tired as of late

so that is why I have very minimal blog entries. I probably won't go into a "book" about the past weekend, but here's a quick rundown.

Went to the new theater and saw Breakfast At Tiffany's with my husband. Beforehand there were many desserts to sample. I hadn't been a cheesecake for a long time. But, after THAT cheesecake, I'm BACK! It was a superb date with my sweetie. I really had wanted a special day for ME on Mother's Day. We usually go to both parents' houses, but this time stopped in at my mom's for a wonderful meal, and also to have the kids stay there while on our date.

Saturday though, was Philip's small party to celebrate him turning 3. It was small. Just a few of his little friends, but I really couldn't handle the thought of an official party. The only activity planned was the Thomas pinata. Wouldn't you know it, it was a "string" pulling one, and Ella got the string to open the pinata. AND the string was the LAST one, of all things! Pretty funny! I was kinda worried it wasn't even going to work! But it did!

Hoping for a mellow weekend, too. Last Sunday we attended my parents' church because I was needed to fill in for my mom on the piano, while she interpreted for someone that had attended. I need to ask them about this week. ;-)

I stalled out on furniture shopping. Maybe next week if I have some energy. I think we'll order our new couch first and then maybe wait on the dining room table set. Maybe. We really need to replace those items. Badly. It will be so nice to have some new furniture!

******I reread my post just now I saw something I wrote that is pretty funny- on my behalf- and I won't correct it but will just say I needed to add the word "fan" after the word "cheesecake."
;-)

Hubby Panic Button

Hehee.

Go here (it's a scrapbook company site) and then go to the green box on the left. Funny! I wonder if I'll have to ever use it!?

Back to before

I didn't like that change as much so we're back to plain jane!

I just finished watching a most wonderful movie. I literally was in tears 95% of the time.

August Rush.

A beautiful music based story that is incredibly moving. Incredible. I can't wait to rewatch it- probably with my sweetie. I know he'll love it too.

Since the main actor in one of my favorite shows is actually in August Rush, as a supporting actor, I need to express deep sadness in the cancellation of Moonlight. :-( Rich had liked the show, The Brothers Donnely, or something like that, and it had gotten cancelled. So, now I know how he feels. I think they might let go of my other fav, New Amsterdam. More of these: :-(
There are many fans of Moonlight contacting various people expressing that they would like more time with the show- and I was one of them. Hope it helps and gets revived. Season (hopefully not series) finale is Friday. Like ALL shows, I really try to use discretion when I watch...all shows these days have at least ONE negative element going for it. Anyways, that said, I had really like My Name is Earl and then it got too bold with some things for my tastes at time. So I don't watch that anymore. I like Ghost Whisperer too, but again, that show REALLY has some moments that don't go with my beliefs. What happened to the good old days of Full House and Home Improvement! LOL!

I am trying to change this blog

but I messed up. HELP!!! How do I get the top of the blog to show me where to click to get to HERE, the dashboard? Where did my lists of people go? I can't change the color of the entry titles! AGHHHH!!!!!

Despite the cloudiness and rain

I really had a great day. I will share with you novel length later on what the day unfolded to be.

But, first..thank you to all that wished me a happy Mother's Day- and here's a Happy Mother's Day to you mother's too!

And- I just feel I need to mention that when we got home tonight, there was a single message waiting to be heard on our answering machine...and I just KNEW who it'd be.

And I was correct.

Thank you my far-away in KY friend, Jen. It made me cry!

I'm gonna be a soccer mom

I'm gonna be a soccer mom!



Probably won't be your normal soccer mom but I'll try!



Ella is signed up for soccer camp in July and then the official end of summer playing! I'm excited for her!

We should expect

the media to misinterpret news- some of the time? Or most of the time. I'm not sure! LOL!

Remember the photos recently of Miley Cyrus? Well....

A favorite author, Karen Kingsbury, has discussed things personally with Miley and her mother...check out this link instead. It doesn't expell a whole lot of information but does say that things were not presented correctly. Scroll down a little bit and you'll see some about it.

Run down of weekend..

A non party birthday party for Philip (who turned 3 exactly a week ago and who also had his first buzz cut given by dad yesterday) on Saturday.

Today we are going to Rich's grandparents for a nice visit (and on the way, to a music store that Rich likes...). And today's craving, since it's for a sub, a stop for that, too. Wednesday I had a craving for a salad, and while eating that salad (out on the town with Beth) I also ordered a hamburger and fries. Thought I was turning the corner after those TWO meals but then yesterday didn't feel so great part of the day.

Then, Sunday after The Gate (yes- our new church- I think I did forget to say that's where we've decided to attend) to my mom's for dinner and then DIRECTLY to The Encore for a dessert buffet and the afternoon showing of Breakfast At Tiffany's. I CANNOT WAIT! That was "our" date movie and Rich played Moon River for me at our wedding. Very sentimental movie. I am so excited! As long as we can score tickets- I am not sure if you can get them early and then, I hope they aren't sold out. LOL! It'd be my luck!

I like to think about Nashville now and then

And it's one of those "now" times.

An internship at World Relief, the Nashville office, still remains one of the best times of my life, in every aspect. During that time, I went away from home for a length of time- the first time I ever did that-, did something I loved- working with various cultures-, and got engaged. I wish very much to someday be able to work in this environment..someday.

But until someday, I did some digging yesterday on the website of World Relief and came upon a blog of someone that does work with the refugees. I WISH that I could share in the same way she is sharing..through writing like this. Reading her entries brought back many memories and reminded me that praying for refugees is something I need to start doing. I hope you enjoy- and learn from- this blog.

Laura Story's music

is so refreshing to me. I love all aspects. She's such a beautiful and tender song writer and piano player. Her voice is tender. Enjoy the songs that are to the right...and, forgot to mention, she's the one that wrote Indescribable.

Like the twists and turns of a mountain road, Laura Story's life has held its share of unexpected moments - some exhilarating, some terrifying, and some simply beautiful to behold. Leaning solely on her faith in the sovereignty of God, Story has learned that no matter what comes around the next bend, it's going to be an incredible view.

Set to release her label debut on INO Records (Sara Groves, MercyMe, Derek Webb) in 2008, Story is still learning that God's plan is far deeper and wider than she ever thought possible.

Once an aspiring symphony conductor, Story didn't even know she could sing - much less write songs - until she was in her early twenties. Today, Story is not only a gifted vocalist and worship leader but also the composer of one of the most beloved worship songs of our generation: "Indescribable." The song has topped charts and been recorded by multiple artists, but most importantly, it has helped people all over the world experience our magnificent God.

So how did a string bassist and YoungLife leader from South Carolina end up penning a worship anthem known and loved by millions? It all began with a providential moment in the class registration line her sophomore year at Columbia International University. There she met Shane Williams of the popular indie pop-rock band Silers Bald, who asked her to join his band.
Five years and many road miles later, Story found herself being led a different direction musically, just as Silers Bald was on the brink of signing a deal with Essential Records. When her manager suggested she record an independent album with the songs she had written while in Silers, Story was still unconvinced her vocals could stand on their own. Besides, she was out of money and didn't have enough songs for a full record.

But those challenges were overcome when God provided more money and more songs. In 2002, Story began recording her first independent album, trusting that last song she needed would come. Soon after, she was driving down a mountain road, eyes fixed on the majesty of her Creator, when she started worshiping and singing, "Indescribable, uncontainable, You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name …." Story added verses on the piano and finished the song while reading God's own description of His power and might in Job chapter 38. Her first record was now complete. "Indescribable" was the perfect title track.
What brought "Indescribable" into churches all across the U.S. and the world was when Chris Tomlin recorded it for his 2004 release, Arriving, produced by Ed Cash (Caedmon's Call, Bebo Norman, Bethany Dillon). "Laura has a genuine understanding of a well crafted lyric," says Chris Tomlin. "She carries herself with true humility as well. Laura is a wonderful songwriter and artist, and through the song 'Indescribable,' I am honored to be a small extension of her ministry." Immediately, the song flew up the AC Charts, where it stayed #1 for 7 weeks and in the top 15 for 50 weeks. The song was also included on the Passion CD/DVD in 2005, Tomlin's 2006 release, Live From Austin Music Hall, and performed by Avalon for WoW Worship 2006. The list of accolades goes on, but Story takes no more credit for writing it than she would for creating the Appalachian Mountains. "I always think the last song I wrote was my last song. Just when my mind is completely blank and I don't know if I'll write a song again, God surprises me. The songs are His. I'm just the first person who gets to hear them."

"I'll never forget meeting Laura Story," says producer Ed Cash. "I was behind the dining hall at a YoungLife camp in North Carolina, and she played me the song "Grace." I still remembered the words and melody to that song after years of not seeing her. Laura has an awesome anointing on her life for writing songs that call me closer to Jesus. She is a true worshipper of God and a joy to be around."
In 2005, Story released her second independent album, There Is Nothing, produced by Ed Cash and Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay). That same year she married her high school sweetheart, Martin Elvington, and moved to Atlanta to become the worship leader and women's pastor for the arts and music community at Perimeter Church.

Shortly after inking the deal with INO Records in 2006, a trial entered Story's life that would not only provide her with a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty. After one year of marriage, Story's husband was hospitalized with a brain tumor.

"There was a time he was on a breathing machine and we weren't sure he was going to make it. I spent my whole life singing, ''Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,' but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didn't really know that sweetness," reflects Story. While supporting her husband through surgery, radiation, complications, and intense physical therapy, Story composed new rubber-meets-the-road songs to reaffirm God's presence in her darkest hours.

"It's hard to understand why God would allow us to go through this, but I know He works all things together for good, and I feel my new album is reflecting that. Though He leads us through valleys, that's when we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though I've doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. He's remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope."

Bless the Lord oh my soul, all that's in me bless your name,
Forget not your power untold, not your glory or your fame
For you came to heal the broken, to redeem and make me whole,
Bless the Lord, bless the Lord, oh my soul …

Story's new project titled Great God Who Saves, produced again by Ed Cash, declares her tried-by-fire confidence in God's faithfulness in unforgettable, utterly infectious songs like "Mighty To Save," "Immortal, Invisible God," "Great God Who Saves," and "Bless The Lord." Melodic, piano-driven worship imbued with the peace and joy that comes only on the heels of suffering.

Faith rising up from uncertain times, glimpses of the majestic in the ordinary.
Immortal, you are not bound by death, you're the living God of every breath
Invisible, you are not bound by space, but your glory is filling this place …
"On this last record," Cash says, of Story's label debut, "I wanted to make sure to highlight the authentic, organic nature of Laura's music. It's well worth preserving."

On a regular basis, Story gets to share this hope with the 100+ women she ministers to through her job at Perimeter Church; and it's not a job she's giving up anytime soon. After all, the opportunity to pour into others' lives and treasure each moment reminds Story that she is just a passenger on this remarkable journey.

"Mine is not the perfect voice or the perfect life. My life is as messy as the next person's, and God is using me to speak to the church. For this season of my life, God has really blessed me with some insight into who He is and what that has to do with me. For some reason He just gives it to me in song form."
With the way inspiration comes to Laura Story, it's exciting to wonder what will be around the next mountain bend ….

If you post here

at Studio Calico, in the bring a friend thread, after registering (you don't have to have a sub..or even plan to...or even like scrapbooking! LOL!) with a username, and say I recommended you (amyrjoy) then we both could win a 6 month subscription to this wonderful scrapbooking kit club! So..if you're game, I'd appreciate it!

a few more

A couple of pics from a kids thing, in a firetruck.
I had a post below this but thought of not having it here anymore b/c I do really like Paula. She just had a bad moment on American Idol :-)