Spirit West Coast 2007

Another year, another music festival is just about over. On the last day of Spirit West Coast 2007 (SWC) in Monterey, I finally am able to sit down and reflect on my time here. It's been a busy week and boy, am I tired.

To sum up the fun:

Wednesday: We left Wednesday afternoon and drove to Santa Cruz (from Fresno) which is about a 2 1/2 hour drive. We stayed in Santa Cruz, since we have a rent-free vacation house there compliments of Troy's family. :-) Troy, myself and our friend Larrin kicked back with a pleasant evening at the house before starting our long day on Thursday. We grabbed some pizza, I worked on some homework and enjoyed the time together.



Thursday: We started our day early by having to get up at 6 am to get ready and head to Monterey. Of course, coffee was an absolute NEED!! Don't worry, mine was decaf. :-) We started our shift at the KLOVE/Air 1 booth at 9 and once the gates were open, hords of people from every direction kept running past, trying to find the best plae to plop their 'territory' for the day's concerts on the main stage. We had a lot of people stop by the booth, signing up for our contests and playing that dance revolution game that is all the crace with kids nowadays. One catch with this game though - they danced to Christian music. It was pretty cool. I might see if I can get that program for the house. No better way to dance off all the baby pounds but to dance to the best kind of music every written.

After our shift at the booth, we walked around alot, just checking things out. My body is definately telling me that I can't do all I used to do. Tyler takes a lot of out me - more then I thought he would. I guess this is just the beginning. I'm not letting him stop me from serving in my God-callen ministry though. In fact, next year, I'll be toting a 9-month old around, while I work. He will become very well accustomed to what mom & dad do, and will learn to love Christian music and love ministry as much as we do. We stayed until about 10ish that night then went back to the house. I was exhausted and my legs and feet were so sore.



Friday: Another long day, although we did get to sleep in a little bit. We got to SWC about 11:30 that morning in anxious anticipation of seeing my ultimate favorite band BarlowGirl and their wonderful family. We've become friends with them the last few years, since they did a concert in Fresno and Troy and I went above and beyond to make their stay a great and memorable one. We got to talk with them briefly and break the exciting news about my pregnancy. They were thrilled and excited for us... and I promised that I would call them once Tyler is born to let them know. We wanted to try to hook up with them before they left to catch their plane but wasn't able to. Their schedule while they are here is always so hectic, it's hard to get a moment with them. That' the life of rock stars. :-)

The rest of the afternoon, we did a lot of walking around. I tried to sit still and put my feet up every now and then but it's just too difficult to sit still in this environment. Concerts going on all-day, seeing people we know and visiting with other vendors we see every year. We found a cool vendor that was selling personalized Veggie Tales Cds. We tried it out with Tyler's name and it was very cute. One CD was full of silly songs that are familiar from Veggie Tales videos and the other was a sing-a-along CD with more familiar kids songs that he can learn to sing when he gets older. Knowing us, we'll probably get both. :-)

We had the late shift at the booth so we were on-site until about 11ish. Didn't get back to Santa Cruz until about midnight. I was really starting to feel the sorenes in my legs and my feet so I sat a lot during the shift (which I had permission to do - if I needed to). Traffic through the booth died down once the everyone started making their way to mainstage for the evening headliner concert - Third Day. There was an off-and-on crowd after that so it was an easy shift for me.


I'll post Saturday's review tomorrow, once the day passes and there is more to write about. I'll also post pictures soon.

To Be Young Again

I long for those younger years where we were excited about birthdays. The cakes, the parties, the family vacations.

As a kid, I'd usually spend my birthdays in Yosemite with my family and friends from church. My mom would cook me a home-made chocolate cake and we'd have a mini party right there in the campground. So much fun! Then, as I got older, I'd spend my birthdays in VA at my dear Camp WaMaVa with friends and co-counselors. A few times it was a disappointed day for me, but others would make up for it!

Those were the good ole days when we looked forward to birthdays!!

Yesterday, I turned 35, and it there was hardly a commotion. Believe me, I'm not complaining though... I wanted it that way. I tried to keep it quiet in the office but a few people found out and made a big spectacle. My parents were out of town (but we celebrated before they left); my sister Sherry was out of town with my brother-in-law and nephew (but she called me last night); and I got an e-card from my sister Sandy, in NY.
From Troy's side of the family, his mom & dad, and aunt called to wish me a happy birthday. They all sang to me (some better then others)... it was cute. I got many emails and text messages from friends that remembered!! I am greatful to my friends. I don't have many, but the ones I have are AWESOME!!

When I got home the little dork himself (Troy) had gotten me a musical card and some flowers.
The card played 'Always and Forever' which was appropriate for us... although that would've fit more with our anniversary but its the thought that counts. At least he went out to purchase something. :-) We went out to a nice dinner, just the two of us last night, and we're going out with his mom & step-dad tonight.

Instead of celebrating, we'd rather stay home, and work on getting Tyler's room ready (it's getting closer) but still have a lot to go so we can start painting.

All in all, it was a good birthday, and life goes on.
O-Bla-Dee, O-Bla-Dah.... La, la, la, la.... Life Goes On!

12 years

Yesterday was Troy and my 12 year anniversary. It's hard to believe that it's been 12 years since we got married, and 15 years since we first dated. Time does fly when you're having fun.
We have faced struggles in our marriage, but God gave us both patience and understanding through the years. This has been a big year for us. I finally got my AA degree (now working on my BA), work is began to pick up for Troy and bring in some really good employees that are actively producing good loans, and the biggest and best of all - we'll have a child this year. After so many years of trying, God has blessed us with a great joy.

We must be getting to be an old married couple because we didn't do much yesterday. We didn't give each other cards or gifts (well, actually I did get him a gift but haven't given it to him. It's actually a late Father's Day present). Troy took the Sunday off from church and we visited one of the other local congregations nearby. It was a nice feeling to be able to worship together, without him thinking about lighting cues, or me focusing on musical notes.

We went to lunch after church with Troy's mom & stepdad. I can tell our dear, sweet baby-boy is getting an appetite because we ate BBQ and I ate nearly everything on my plate, which would have been impossible with me eating on my own. It was GOOD BBQ!! After lunch, we went to go see Evan Almight. We had been wanting to see it, but hadn't gotten to the movies in awhile.

I have got to say it was very funny, and connected the scriptural story with modern-day times. It definatley held a great message. Coming out of the theatre, Troy and I agreed we liked this one much more then the first. It was more direct with trusing in God's plan instead of our own, in spite of the ridicule and rejection you will face by people around you, including family and friends. I give it an A+!

So, why hasn't it do well in the box office?? It's been out for quite awhile and still gets a packed theatre. Ours, at least, was packed. Did Christian movie-goers give it a chance?? We, as a Chrisian community should reach out and really make a statement to Hollywood that we need more family-friendly and Christian-based movies. Do we need to disguise the true story with an imagination fantasy, as CS Lewis did with Chronicles of Narnia? I loved them both!!
Jesus taught the people in parables, that's a great way to connect with a society that does not know Him. The Bible itself have great stories, such as Noah and the Ark and Joseph with his amazing 'technicolor dreamcoat'. There's a common ground we can find between them both to entertain and teach.

Things to Know

I'm sure you moms out there might already know some of these. How many of these have you actually done?

THINGS TO KNOW

1. Budweiser beer conditions the hair.
2. Pam cooking spray will dry finger nail polish
3. Cool whip will condition your hair in 15 minutes
4. Mayonnaise will KILL LICE, it will also condition your hair
5. Elmer's Glue - paint on your face, allow it to dry, peel off and see the dead skin and blackheads if any
-- I've actually tried this when I was younger, but on my hand, not my face. I didn't necessarily see any dead skin but it did feel fresher and was fun to do!

6. Shiny Hair - use brewed Lipton Tea
7. Sunburn - empty a large size Nestea into your bath water
-- I've actually used Noxema to help soothe a sunburn.
8. Minor burn - Colgate or Crest toothpaste
9. Burn your tongue? Put sugar on it!
-- What about when you burn the roof of your mouth?

10. Arthritis WD-40 Spray and rub in, kill insect stings too
11. Bee stings - meat tenderizer
12. Chigger bite - Preparation H
-- don't think we have chiggers here in CA, do we?
13. Puffy eyes - Preparation H
14. Paper cut - crazy glue or Chap Stick (glue is used instead of sutures at most hospitals)
-- gotta try this one, I get paper cuts all the time?
15. Stinky feet - Jello!
16. Athletes feet - cornstarch
17. Fungus on toenails or fingernails - Vicks vapor rub
-- I've actually heard of this one but haven't tried it before.
18. Kool aid to clean dishwasher pipes. Just put in the detergent section and run a cycle, it will also clean a toilet. (Wow, and we drink this stuff)
19. Kool Aid can be used as a dye in paint also Kool Aid in Dannon plain yogurt as a finger paint, your kids will love it and it won't hurt them if they eat it!
20. Peanut butter - will get scratches out of CD's! Wipe off with a coffee filter paper
-- Cool!!
21. Sticking bicycle chain - Pam no-stick cooking spray
22. Pam will also remove paint, and grease from your hands!? Keep a can in your garage for your hubby
23. Peanut butter will remove ink from the face of dolls
24. When the doll clothes are hard to put on, sprinkle with corn starch and watch them slide on
25. Heavy dandruff - pour on the vinegar!
26. Body paint - Crisco mixed with food coloring. Heat the Crisco in the microwave, pour in to an empty film container and mix with the food color of your choice!
27. Tie Dye T-shirt - mix a solution of Kool Aid in a container, tie a rubber band around a section of the T-shirt and soak
28. Preserving a newspaper clipping - large bottle of club soda and cup of milk of magnesia, soak for 20 min. and let dry, will last for many years!
29. A Slinky will hold toast and CD's!
-- a good use for a fun toy
30. To keep goggles and glasses from fogging, coat with Colgate toothpaste
-- but how can we see through the toothpaste?? :-)
31. Wine stains, pour on the Morton salt and watch it absorb into the salt.
32. To remove wax - Take a paper towel and iron it over the wax stain, it will absorb into the towel.
33. Remove labels off glassware etc. rub with Peanut butter!
34. Baked on food - fill container with water, get a Bounce paper softener and the static from the Bounce towel will cause the baked on food to adhere to it.? Soak overnight. Also; you can use 2 Efferdent tablets, soak overnight!
35. Crayon on the wall - Colgate toothpaste and brush it!
36. Dirty grout - Listerine
37. Stains on clothes - Colgate
38. Grass stains - Karo Syrup
39. Grease Stains - Coca Cola, it will also remove grease stains from the driveway overnight. We know it will take corrosion from car batteries!
40. Fleas in your carpet 20 Mule Team Borax- sprinkle and let stand for 24 hours. Maybe this will work if you get them back again.
41. To keep FRESH FLOWERS longer Add a little Clorox, or Bayer aspirin, or just use 7-up instead of water.

And this one is a very interesting fact:

42. When you go to buy bread in the grocery store, have you ever wondered which is the freshest, so you "squeeze" for freshness or softness Did you know that bread is delivered fresh to the stores five days a week Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Each day has different color twist tie. They are: Monday: Blue, Tuesday: Green, Thursday: Red, Friday: White, and Saturday: Yellow. So if today was Thursday, you would want red twist tie; not white which is Fridays (almost a week old)!

The colors go alphabetically by color Blue, Green, Red, White, and Yellow, Monday through Saturday. Very easy to remember. I thought this was interesting. I looked in the grocery store and the bread wrappers DO have different twist ties, and even the ones with the plastic clips have different colors. You learn something new everyday!
Enjoy fresh bread when you buy bread with the right color on the day you are shopping.

It's HOT, HOT, HOT!!!

We're having a heat wave here in the Valley. Wow, it's warm. I thought I'd be ok with a mild summer but with the temps above 100 degrees, it'll be a scorcher of a summer for me and baby Tyler.

It was roughly about 110 yesterday so it's a bit cooler then yesterday.

God Bless America - Lee Greenwood

One of my favorite patriotic songs would be Lee Greenwood's version of "God Bless America".

Who doesn't love this song? It still makes me cry!

In honor of 4th of July, here is a reminder of this beloved song.

If tomorrow all the things were gone

I'd worked for all my life,

And I had to start again

with just my children and my wife,

I'd thank my lucky stars

to be living here today,

'Cause the flag still stands for freedom

and they can't take that away.

I'm proud to be an American

where at least I know I'm free,

And I won't forget the men who died

who gave that right to me,

And I gladly stand up next to you

and defend her still today,

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land

God Bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota

to the hills of Tennessee,

Across the plains of Texas

from sea to shining sea.

From Detroit down to Houston

and New York to L.A.,

There's pride in every American heart

and it's time we stand and say:

I'm proud to be an American

where at least I know I'm free,

And I won't forget the men who died

who gave that right to me,

And I gladly stand up next to you

and defend her still today,

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land

God Bless the U.S.A.

Lyrics found at Patriotic Songs & Hymns

What is true freedom?

What comes to find when you think of freedom?
4th of July, patriotic songs, fireworks, barbeque, picnics.... and the list goes on and on.
On this celebration of our country's independence, I pray for those service men and women fighting to protect our freedom and bring freedom to others around the world.

Here's some 4th of July Trivia for you....

1. The members of the Continental Congress ratified the Declaration of Independence, forming the United States as a new republic on July 4th, but did you know....
The group actually declared independence two days earlier.

2. The average fire works show only lasts approximately 20 minutes.
Mark Silveira, a show producer for Pyro Spectaculars by Souza, says "People get bored. If it goes longer than 20 minutes, people are saying, 'OK, that's nice. Where's the finale? Let's go home.' "
He says post-race NASCAR shows last 10 minutes, Las Vegas New Year's Eve shows maybe 13. "Fireworks don't last that long -- but it feels like they do," Silveira says. "I could shoot a 20-minute show, and people will swear it was an hour. People love the colors, and it mesmerizes them."

3. Rumor syas that a U.S. flag needs to be destroyed if it touches the ground.
Actually, that's is false. The flag code (which can be found at www.usflag.org) includes a couple of instructions that people often conflate into this myth: You should do everything possible to prevent the flag from touching the ground, and a flag no longer suitable for display should be destroyed, preferably by burning in a dignified manner.
If a flag accidentally touches the ground but remains in good condition, it should simply be raised so that it doesn't rest on anything.

4. How many Presidents were born on 4th of July?
Only one: Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president, in 1872. The next closest is the George W. Bush, who was born July 6, 1946.
BUT DID YOU KNOW: Three of the first five U.S. presidents -- John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe -- died on July 4. Monroe was the last to do so, in 1851.

5. What's the highest-grossing American movie related to the Fourth of July?
According to www.boxofficemojo.com,
1. "Independence Day" is the 23rd-highest domestic box-office success of all-time, pulling in
more than $306 million.
2. "The Patriot" (No. 279, $113 million);
3. "American Pie" (a stretch, but No. 335, $102 million); and
4. "Born on the Fourth of July" (No. 613, $70 million).

Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!!

God Bless America!!

Source: The Why of Fourth of July, found at Fresnobee.com.

The I-phone cometh!

The I-Phone has arrived!!
So much commotion over a phone. On Friday, the much anticipated I-phone (from Mac) was available in store. Depending on where you go, some stores sold out in a matter of a few hours.

Is it really worth it get up at 0-dark thirty, and get in line at a local Apple or A.T. & T. stores for a phone that costs $500+ . I know of 3 people that were in those lines (although not quite that early) and got the phones on the first day out. Some claim they had issues with activation, while others were up & running in about an hour. And those who have wireless services other then A.T. & T are out of luck if they want to keep their original service. The I-phones won't work on anything but A.T. & T.

At first glance these phones look very neat, like a mini-computer (which most phones are leaning towad nowadays) and has a touch screen instead of a normal keypad. You have your regular phone features plus music, video and internet - all in one.

It's a neat little gadget - BUT.....

I think we'll wait til the price goes down a little AND all the little bugs that come with new technology are all fixed. Being I'll probably be using a Mac in my chosen field (once I graduate), it's probably inevitable that I'll get one - EVENTUALLY.

A precious gift

I just a received a special gift from my dear friend, Malia! I was pleasantly surprised to fin a special angel that was passed down to her from her dear frend prior to the birth of her son. She was inspired to pass on the blessing to me, as I continue my pregnancy and prepare for the birth of my son.

My son... that's still so hard to fathom!! I'm going to be a mother! And Troy is going to be a dad! I have no doubt that we'll be loving parents, I just hope and pray that we direct our son's life to be a servant of God, as Troy and I are.

Malia was very poetic in her words (she's always had a way with words, which is why she's such a great blogger) and her words brought tears to my eyes. Must be the hormones, since I'm not the emotional type. LOL

Malia and I met through camp many, many, MANY years ago. Eventhough we live so far away, she is still one of my most cherished friends. Our anniversaries are one week apart, and if it weren't for that, we would've been in each other's weddings. It's ironic that the gift comes this week, as I happened to notice that this is the first week of camp at WaMaVa.

My dear sweet friend thought of me and I will uphold the tradition after my son is born, but passing it on to another cherished soul!

Thank you so much, Malia! You mean so much to me!!!

New CA Driving Laws - effective 7/1/07

Not sure if it's just in CA, but all over that this will take into effect, but here's a few things to consider. The Police Dept will be on serious lookout!! Just wanted to make you aware!!!

New Driving Fines for 2007

1. Carpool lane - 1st time $1068.50 starting 7/1/07 (The $271 postedon the highway is old). Don't do it again because 2nd time is going to bedouble. 3rd time triple, and 4th time license suspended.
I see this alot when we're driving in the San Jose/San Francisco area. We don't have car pool lanes around Fresno.

2. Incorrect lane change - $380. Don't cross the lane on solid lines or intersections.
This happens all the time around here, too many people in a hurry and will pass on anything. Very dangerous and stupid on our country roads. Unfortunately, there's never a cop around to bust them when it happens.

3. Block intersection - $485
Too many people trying to get through the intersection during rush hour or conjested times. What people will do just to not sit at a red light.

4. Driving on the shoulder - $450

5. Cell phone use in the construction zone. - Double fine as of 07/01/07. Cell phone use must be "hands free" while driving. (Also see # 9)

6. Passengers over 18 not in their seatbelts - both passengers and drivers get tickets .

7. Speeders can only drive 3 miles above the limit.
Oh, come on!! This one is a bit ridiculous!! 3 miles over?? That's being a bit nit-picky in my opinion. The buffer is usually 5-10 mph over. I think that's good enough.

8. DUI = JAIL (Stays on your driving record for 10 years!)
Yah baby!! They need serious jail time!! And a fine, and counseling, and rehab, and AA. Anything to get them to realize that driving while intoxicated (even a buzz) is dangerous and stupid! This one is a hot-button for me.

9. As of 07/01/07 cell phone use must be "hands free" while driving. Ticket is $285. They will be looking for this like crazy - easy money for police department.
I agree that cell phone use can distract a driver while driving (especially on the freeway) but a fine of $285 is a bit much. I know the police dept will start raking in the money of this one, as just about everyone I pass by coming & going from work is on their cell. Us Californian's can't seem to live without our cell phones. I do put myself in that category as well, but I am not nearly as hooked to my cell as some people are. It is my only way of communication, and is a good tool... but MUST we be on it 24/7??? Believe it or not I even see people at church that have their hands-free ear-pieces in during service. And many of the young people texting during service instead of listening.

10. Ok, I'm adding one more that SHOULD be a law!!
I think there should be a fine for motorcycles that 'share the lane' with cars. This is when a motorcycle driver feels the need to rush past all of the cars in between lanes. I've heard it is actually lawful to do this if the traffic is not moving, but it's dangerous and a pet-peave of mine. I have seen many motorcycles speed past even as we're moving. I can understand if traffic is backed up, and we're all at a standstill but when it's the normal flow of busy traffic, they need to wait like the rest of us. :-) Just my thoughts.

Ok, I've vented. I feel better now! :-)

Happy Father's Day to the new daddy

Although he doesn't see this, I wanted to express my deepest Happy Father's Day to my dearest husband. This is his first father's day with our expectant child.

Ironically, both this weekend and Mother's Day weekend, we spent together in Santa Cruz (just off the Central CA coast for those not familiar with CA). Eventhough I am technically a mother now, I don't feel the real job begins til next year.

I know how excited Troy is to become a daddy and how long we've been waiting for this so I wish him the happiest Father's Day. Next year will be quite a year!

Passing of a pastor's wife

Billy Graham's Wife, Ruth dies at 87.

By MIKE BAKER
Associated Press Writer

MONTREAT, N.C. (AP) -- Ruth Graham, who surrendered dreams of missionary work in Tibet to marry a suitor who became the world's most renowned evangelist, died Thursday. She was 87. Graham died at 5:05 p.m. at her home at Little Piney Cove, surrounded by her husband and all five of their children, said a statement released by Larry Ross, Billy Graham's spokesman.
"Ruth was my life partner, and we were called by God as a team," Billy Graham said in a statement. "No one else could have borne the load that she carried. She was a vital and integral part of our ministry, and my work through the years would have been impossible without her encouragement and support.
"I am so grateful to the Lord that He gave me Ruth, and especially for these last few years we've had in the mountains together. We've rekindled the romance of our youth, and my love for her continued to grow deeper every day. I will miss her terribly, and look forward even more to the day I can join her in Heaven."
Ruth Graham had been bedridden for months with degenerative osteoarthritis of the back and neck - the result of a serious fall from a tree in 1974 while fixing a swing for grandchildren - and underwent treatment for pneumonia two weeks ago. At her request, and in consultation with her family, she had stopped receiving nutrients through a feeding tube for the last few days, Ross said.
A public memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Montreat Conference Center. A private interment service will be held the next day in Charlotte.
As Mrs. Billy Graham, Ruth Graham could lay claim to being the first lady of evangelical Protestantism, but neither exploited that unique status nor lusted for the limelight.
Behind the scenes, however, she was considered her husband's closest confidant during his spectacular global career - one rivaled only by her father, L. Nelson Bell, until his death in 1973.
"She would help my father prepare his messages, listening with an attentive ear, and if she saw something that wasn't right or heard something that she felt wasn't as strong as it could be, she was a voice to strengthen this or eliminate that," said her son, Franklin, who is now the head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.
"Every person needs that kind of input in their life and she was that to my father."
Bell, a missionary doctor, headed the Presbyterian hospital in Qingjiang, China, that had been founded by the father of author Pearl Buck. Ruth grew up there and spent three high school years in what's now North Korea.
"What she witnessed in her family home, she practiced for herself - dependence on God in every circumstance, love for his word, concern for others above self, and an indomitable spirit displayed with a smile," said the Grahams' youngest daughter, also named Ruth.
Despite her reluctance to be a public personality herself, Ruth Graham met many of the powerful and famous through her husband - who was a spiritual adviser to presidents for decades. President Bush and first lady Laura Bush called her a "remarkable woman of faith" who "inspired people around the world with her humor, intelligence, elegance, and kindness."
She met Billy Graham at Wheaton College in Illinois. He recalled in 1997 memoirs, "If I had not been smitten with love at first sight of Ruth Bell I would certainly have been the exception. Many of the men at Wheaton thought she was stunning."
Billy Graham courted her, managing to coax her away from the foreign missions calling and into marriage after both graduated in 1943. In 1945, after a brief stint pastoring a suburban Chicago congregation, he became a roving speaker for the fledgling Youth for Christ organization.
From that point onward she had to endure her husband's frequent absences, remarking, "I'd rather have a little of Bill than a lot of any other man."
Ruth Graham moved the couple into her parents' home in Montreat, where they had relocated after fleeing wartime China. She stayed in western North Carolina mountain town the rest of her life.
The young couple later bought their own house across the street from the Bells. Then in 1956, needing protection from gawkers, the Grahams moved into Little Piney Cove, a comfortably rustic mountainside home she designed using logs from abandoned cabins. It became Billy's retreat between evangelistic forays.
Though the wife of a famous Baptist minister, the independent-minded Ruth Graham declined to undergo baptism by immersion and remained a loyal, lifelong Presbyterian. When in Montreat, a town built around a Presbyterian conference center, Billy Graham would attend the local Presbyterian church where his wife often taught the college-age Sunday School class.
Due to her husband's travels, she bore major responsibility for raising the couple's five children: Franklin (William Franklin III), Nelson, Virginia, Anne and Ruth.
Ruth Graham was the author or co-author of 14 books, including collections of poetry and the autobiographical scrapbook "Footprints of a Pilgrim."
In 1996, the Grahams were each awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for "outstanding and lasting contributions to morality, racial equality, family, philanthropy, and religion."
Crime novelist Patricia Cornwell began her writing career with a Ruth Graham biography that depicted many deeds of personal charity. Cornwell said as a youth in Montreat she thought Ruth Graham "was the loveliest, kindest person ever born. I still do."
She helped establish the Ruth and Billy Graham Children's Health Center in Asheville, and the Billy Graham Training Center near Montreat.
Ruth Graham will be buried at the new Billy Graham Library in Charlotte - a source of apparent discord within the family last year. This week, Billy Graham said he and Ruth had decided "after much prayer and discussion" they would be laid to rest at the foot of a cross-shaped walkway in the library's prayer garden.

Today is the day

UPDATE: IT'S A BOY!

Today is the day that I find out if I'm having a boy or girl. I'm kinda nervous, and excited all in one. It's starting to really hit me that I'm going to be a mom, and my stomach grows bigger and I start feeling the changes going on within me. This is a defining moment.

It's been really sweet (and sometimes annoying) to see how excited Troy is. He's really look forward today and has been on me constantly to eat better, make sure I drink enough water and get a lot of rest, etc. He's going to make a good daddy, although it will be a growth experience for the both of us. I think especially for him.

Troy and I have been working on the baby's room and still have so much to do. We've made some headway getting all the junk out. Have gone through momory lane with old pictures, and momentos of our youth. I came across camp pictures that really took me back. Some really good memories!!

After this afternoon, we start really getting into gear turning our 'storage' room into a fine looking baby's room. We're going with a Disney theme for the room. Baby Disney for a boy (with more blues and browns) and Disney Princess for a girl (with more pinks).

Now, if we could decide on a name. I have a few ideas but nothing conclusive yet - as long as it begins with a T. Middle names are already decided, just trying to figure out a good first name.

For a boy: Tyler, Trey (although too close to 'Troy') Tristan, Trent, Trevor
For a girl: Talia, Taylor, Tricia, Tia

What are your thoughts?

Vanishing Act

From USA Today. Looking at items from the past 25 years that have seemed to vanish. I thought it was cute.



Times have changed for Michael Jackson (No. 24 below) and vinyl records (No. 5) since he released Thriller 25 years ago. Today, we look back at 25 years of other changes in our lives. Some things are still around (No. 4), some not (No. 6).

1 Indoor smoking
The workplace once had clouds of secondhand smoke and first-rate smokers. You could even puff away in the rear of jets. Attitudes have changed, forcing smokers outside, rain or shine.

2 Service stations
It's easier to find chips and a hot dog than free air or somebody to clean your windshield as service has transformed into convenience shopping and self-serve fill-ups. Want fries with that?

3 The Soviet threat
The United States' Cold War rival ended with the stroke of a pen in December 1991. The "evil empire" was undone by internal changes, the desire for independence by its satellites and economic pressures.


4 Typewriters
The computer keyboard on your desk used to be a thundering, hulking device. The electric model sank the manual, only to be trumped by a revolution in technology that continues to this day.

5 Vinyl records
Music used to be big. Literally. Before palm-sized CDs took over, songs were embedded in vinyl platters the size of hubcaps. And then there were 8-tracks and cassettes. But that's another story.

6 New Coke
Introduced in 1985 as a replacement for Coca-Cola's flagship brand, New Coke is considered one of marketing's all-time duds. New Coke evolved into Coca-Cola II before being discontinued in 2002.

7 Carbon paper
If you worked with typewriters, you're familiar with the flimsy, filthy filament. To make copies, you'd need a sheet of this purplish-looking stuff. Type "good riddance." In triplicate.

8 Betamax
Betamax was the most popular video format in the early 1980s. By the end of the decade, VHS was king. What happened? Some say Betamax's limited recording time was the culprit.

9 Phone booths
Don't tug on Superman's cape — especially when he's been trying to find a place to ditch his Clark Kent duds. The bulky boxes with a phone inside have gone away for the most part. Sorry, Clark.

10 Leaded gasoline
The EPA phased out leaded gas in the mid-1990s, citing threats to the environment and public health. Lead was blended into gasoline to boost octane levels and enhance engine performance.

11 Rotary dial phones
Imagine your cellphone, only stationary and way bulkier, with a numbered wheel that you had to spin seven to 10 times or more, depending on your call being local or long distance. Oy.

12 Videos on MTV
Before reality shows and the like filled its airtime, MTV forged its identity with wall-to-wall videos and the veejays who loved them. OK, who misses 1984's 99 Luftballoons by Nena? Anyone?

13 Baltimore Colts
One of the NFL's cornerstones ended its stay in Baltimore with a whimper in 1984, hitting the road for Indianapolis. The Colts' Marching Band lived on, even after the Ravens took the field, till 1998.

14 Oldsmobiles
The last Olds rolled off the assembly line in April 2004, signaling a shift in the U.S. auto marketplace and marking the end of a renowned brand. Also deceased: Plymouth (2001) and AMC (1987).

15 Civility
It can be rough out there — whether on TV, radio, the Web or at sporting arenas. Today’s discourse has plenty of “dis,” and it can be pretty “coarse,” too. And whatever happened to thank-you notes? We could go on.

16 'American Bandstand'
The TV dance show, a sensation in Philadelphia in the 1950s before going national on ABC, survived countless shifts in musical tastes. Bandstand ended its run in 1989.

17 Beverage pull tabs
Once, to open a beverage can, you'd pull a metal ring from a can, creating a tiny blade you'd rediscover walking barefoot. Tabs that stay attached to the can did away with pull-tabs.

18 West African black rhino
At 12 feet long and 3,000 pounds, the rhino might appear indestructible. Last summer, it was "tentatively declared as extinct" by the World Conservation Union. Blame illegal poaching.

19 Hand-crank car windows
Before your car was controlled by electronics, you could get a brisk workout just opening the window for a little air. No fingertip controls here, thank you. Crank, two, three. Repeat.

20 Home run kings
Roger Maris got a record and an asterisk in 1961 when he passed Babe Ruth's season record. He's been passed by Mark McGwire (70) in 1998 and Barry Bonds (73) in 2001. More asterisks to come?

21 Hair bands
The music: bad. The hair: worse. In the late '80s and early '90s, the mix was magical for bands such as Poison, Ratt and Cinderella. Some continue to tour, testing the endurance of leather pants.

22 The afternoon newspaper
Remember the kid on the bike who never quite reached the porch with your afternoon daily? He moved on, as did lifestyles and the media world. City afternoons became lonelier for newspaper readers.

23 Transistor radios
Before iPods, the handheld music-delivery system of choice was the transistor radio. The transistor tuned in to whatever your local radio station was dishing out. It's the very definition of "quaint."

24 Michael Jackson

The Jackson 5's lead singer evolved into, well, the "King of Pop," selling gazillion of copies of 1982's Thriller. Sales slowed as various accusations and trials came. Today, he is believed to reside in Bahrain.

25 Checker cabs
The iconic yellow Marathon cab — you know, like the ones in the movie Taxi Driver — stopped being produced in the early 1980s. The last Checker cab in New York City was retired in 1999. So it goes.

And the winner is....

UPDATE: AND THE WINNER OF DWTS IS: APOLO!!!
Yah Apolo!! It was really close!! I wish him and Joey could both take home the trophy. Maybe they can share it!! :-)

Details on the battle between Jordan and Blake tonight!

On DWTS, it comes down to three!
On AI, it's down to two.
Tonight will be a hot night for tv.

First, DWTS:
If you've kept up with my ramblings, you know that I'm a fantatic about DWTS now. The final results of DWTS is tonight and the winner will be either Apolo, Joey or Laila. They've all done exceptionally well and it's still anyone's guess as to who is going to walk away with the coveted dancing ball.

Last night's dances didn't impress the judges to grant a lot of 10s, but I thought they were fabulous... especially their free-style.

Apolo and Julianne did a hip-hop, breakdancing type dance and wowed the crowd! Didn't think they were able to do it but it worked well and were totally in step with each other. They even surprised everyone with doing a few moves blind-folded.

Joey & Kym began their dance with slow, elegant choreography. At first, I was like "What in the world is HE doing???" No more then I could get out the words, and they both stripped off their formal wear to show a more dazzling glittery outfits. I should've known better with Joey. He's full of surprises. I loved their dancing and did a lot of great moves - even incorporating some of the techniques he learned throughout the season. It was fantastic!!

Laila and Maxim did ok. They had a lot of good moves but it wasn't anything too 'wow'. She's been rockin' the dance floor, which has led her to get to this point... which is a first for a female dancer.

Eventhough it would be nice to see her win, I think it's in the bag for one of the guys. They're better performers and really know how to shack it.

Now, AI:

Tonight is the finals between Jordan and Blake. My bet is with Jordan all the way!! She's been my favorite, eventhough I haven't paid attention to watching it. I've just made sure she's continued on. We'll see how they sing tonight.

Great news on the Music Front

Just wanted to share this news to anyone who views my blog!!
I found out some great news about my church's worship leader and good friend, Jon Shabaglian.
He is currently pursuing a music career and has made some major strides.

He recently won 2nd place in a Battle of the Bands (he lost to some guys in helmets...). From that win, he and his band will be performing at a music festival up in Sacramento in June.

And the BIGGEST NEWS: Jon and the band has won the grand price in an Indie artist competition called Artist Ovations. The grand prize is the opportunity to perform at Spirit West Coast in Del Mar, California (near San Diego) and will be traveling to Nashville in November to meet with well known producer Otto Price, from Word Records, for a possible record deal.

SWC is the biggest and best music festival on the West coast and is such a great thrill and opportunity. He'll be able to have thousands of people listen to his incredible music, and also get connected with other artists already in the industry. Meeting with Otto Price, who has launched the careers of many new Christian musicians, is an incredible experience and opportunity to finally get noticed in the 'big world' of music.

Check out Jon's music and his debut CD, "Stay Near" at: www.myspace.com/jonshabaglian

Yah Jon!!!! I'm so proud of him!!!

American Idol shocker

I'm not usually one to watch American Idol anymore as it has become more of a popularity contest then a search for talent.

I've been watching the finals off and on for the fact that I'm interested in seeing if 17-year-old Jordan Sparks makes it to become the 2007 "American Idol." The fact that she's only 17, and has made it this far, makes her already a winner- win or lose.

I seriously thought Melinda Dolittle would make it to the final two and ultimately become the winner. I was shocked to see last night that Melinda got voted off, much to Simon's disgust. Through Simon's half-sincere congratulations to Jordan and Blake, anyone who has watched a minute of the show this season has seen how Simon has totally favored Melinda.

Despite the turnout, I truly believe all three of them will get signed to some sort of contract and will become great artists. Whether they have great success such as Kelly and Carrie, or they're shadowed in the woodwork with little high publicity, they'll be doing what they love, and what they do best. Already, Melinda and Jordan have had great success in the industry as backup singers. Now is their time to shine!

I'm reminded of another now famous Christian artist who began as a backup singer and keyboardist. The legendary Michael W. Smith, who actually is close with Jordan and her family, began as backup for Amy Grant many decades ago. He eventually stepped out from behind the piano and became a household name in his own right. He's still doing what he loves - making music and honoring the name of Christ in his music! How much better could it get??

DWTS finals

It's down to the final 3.

Sadly, Ms. Cheryl won't get her 3-peat. Her and Ian were voted off last night. I was sad to see Ian go, especially after he finally got his perfect 10s.

So, going to the finals are Joey & Kym, Apolo and Julianne and Laila and Maxim!!
It's exciting to see that Laila is still in this!!
You go girl!!

Next week should be excited!! Stay tuned dance fans!!

DWTS - Semi-Finals

The Heat is ON!!
The dancers are steppin' up and all I can say about this week's dances was WOW!!!!!
Four remaining couples fight for the chance to win the coveted disco ball. With a nearly perfect 60s across the board for all the couples, the judges scores were:
Laila & Maxim - perfect 60
Joey & Kym - perfect 60
Apolo & Julianne - 59
Ian & Cheryl - 58

Everyone did such a great job, I can't pinpoint an exact favorite. Joey & Kym and Apolo & Julianne just did a fabulous job with their choreography... I loved it! Maybe the best moment was when Ian, who channeled Elvis for the 2nd dance, got his first perfect score of 30. That shows he's not ready to go home yet.

Tonight, we'll see who's fighting for that trophy!

DWTS - Week 7

It's down to the last five couples, and one more is going home tonight.

Ian & Cheryl did a wonderful job with their dances, although yet again, Ian seemed to fall short of impressing the judges.

Joey & Kym are always a favorite. Their first dance was well done but Joey really shined with with his 'razzle dazzle' with their Latin dance. They had a lot of fun with the dance, which is where Joey really shines.

Billy Ray yet again tried his very best with dancing. He definatately has the determination. He tooks some rude comments from the judges in stride

Laila's waltz was truly inspriring and was very sentimental. Her dad, legendary boxer Muhammad Ali was in the audience and the dance was dediated to him. This was the first time he was able to make a show.
One of the great moments was when Billy Ray danced and went over to Mohammad, shook his hand and was air boxing with him. It was very cute, and an honor for Billy Ray.

By far, the hottest dancing of the night was, no surprise, Apolo & Julianne. They were the only couple to get a perfect 30!

So, for tonights results, the list from top to bottom are: Apolo & Julianne, Joey & Kym, Laila & Maxim, Ian & Cheryl, and Billy Ray & Karina.

In the bottom two this week: Billy Ray & Karina and Joey & Kym

Going home this week: Billy Ray & Karina