With daughter #3 on the way, I’ve gotten some practice in being a mother to daughters - in good times and bad, I love it! Here’s a list as to why, with today’s Music Monday pick at the bottom:

1) The easiest to explain: I know what it’s like to be a girl: the issues, struggles, emotions, etc.
2) Strawberry shampoo & lotion
3) Sparkles and glitter
4) Pink & purple nail polish on their piggy toes.
5) My heart melts every time they yell, “PAPA!” and run with arms wide open to Michael when he gets home from work.
6) Dance party time before bed.
7) Pretending to be (depending on the day) a fairy princess, fuzzy cuddly animal, or grown up mommy. Watching Corinne rock her stuffed animals to bed.
9) Watching Lilli hug her sister & say, “It’s alright Corinne, let me give you kisses” when she gets a boo-boo.
10) Butterflies, flowers, & hearts.
11) I sigh each time I get to do their hair in ribbons and curls, after dressing them in those “adorable, cute, little outfits.”
12) Hugs, kisses, & snuggles…just because.
13) Hand prints on my windows
14) My Little Ponies in my car
15) Handmade…anything 16) Watching them (in my peripheral vision) watch me
17) Watching them show me (again and again and again) what I’ve taught them.
18) Colorful Band-Aids
19) STICKERS!!
20) And this song pretty much sums up the joy of motherhood: Jamie O’Neal’s “Somebody’s Hero” (which, of course, I cry to every time I hear it…lol):

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/0CeEEMRQjW8" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Picture it: 2004, a single 23 year old mother, recently relocates from tropical Port St. Lucie, Florida to a culturally diverse Herndon, Virginia. She works as an accountant for a (not to be named) property company. She hates, ooh that’s harsh, rather greatly dislikes her job and the majority of the people in that office (also not to be named). Alone in her car and pulling up to the office parking lot, she takes advantage of a music moment: She cranks up her radio so she, and others, hear Blake Shelton’s “Some Beach” (without having to stick her tongue out at them and say “nah, nah,” which of course she really-really-really wanted to do). I was that 23 year old and so, if you’re having “a day,” as I say, crank this up! And while you’re at it, throw in a silent “nah, nah!”
Driving down the interstate
Running thirty minutes late
Singin’ Margaritaville and minding my own
Some foreign car drivin’ dude with the road rage attitude
Pulled up beside me talkin’ on his cell phone
He started yelling at me like I did something wrong
He flipped me the bird an’ then he was gone

Some beach
Somewhere
There’s a beautiful sunset burning up the atsmosphere
There’s music and dancing and lovers romancing
In the soft evening air
On some beach
Somewhere
On some beach, somewhere

Late 2003 to early 2004, Southern Florida, Gold’s Gym - nearly every day. That’s where Laava’s “Wherever You Are” song takes me back to. Even though the lyrics are nothing deep (to the point that I won’t even bother cutting and pasting them on here), and I can tolerate her voice better than that of Kylie Minogue’s (Remember her “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” hit? Cringe…), it’s the upbeat I-can-spend-an-hour-or-two-on-the-elliptical tempo that really gives me a boost of energy! Hopefully listening to it will do the same for you
Just a side note (since I was disappointed in what was supposed to be a “DANCE” video), she doesn’t display any dance technique…she just sort of shifts her weight around to the beat in some rather ridiculous immodest outfits. Go figure…

[kml_flashembed movie="http://www.youtube.com/v/cfAp8Gk5ybA" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Corinne LOVES Elmo! Michael and I were trying to find some more Elmo for her a couple months ago and came across this…it cracked me up! But for real, since this is Music Monday (my apologies for its extended absence), let me share my memories about Andrea Bocelli.

His big hit, “Con Te Partiro” (also known as “Time to Say Goodbye” sung as a duet with Sarah Brightman…you can hear her on my playlist) was released in 1996. However, I was not exposed to his brilliance until 1999, when I relocated to Florida to live with my dad and step-mother, Kim, who, along with my Oma (grandmother), just happened to love him - yes my dad, but also Andrea Bocelli
Everytime I hear Andrea’s voice, I an whisked away to my Oma’s home - also known as “Lillian’s B&B.” I smell fresh flowers, feel the fresh linens and cozy covers in her guest bed, & hear the grandfather clock chime in the background. I become completely relaxed - Oma is the epitome of hospitality. In fact, I would play the play the song at least 5 times a day in my dorm room during my freshman year at GMU to regain that feeling. My roommate, Beth Ann, despised “Con Te Partiro” and would groan every time she had to endure all - what - 4 minutes of it?! (BAhhh, for short, was a real hoot!) That memory makes me chuckle
So here is Andrea & Elmo’s version…enjoy!

[kml_flashembed movie="http://youtube.com/v/BgUnYzXU-Fo" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Honestly, I think it’s too hard to tell if, at age 4 1/2, Lilli will be the next Kouzmanova…but a mother can hope and dream for her daughter’s best, right?

Lilli is excelling in school, is “using her strong muscles” in gymnastics, and Michael and I thought it would be beneficial for Lilli to have some music education as well. So the other day, we took a trip to the music store and had her measured for her first violin: she measured 1/10 and it was all I could do to go goo-goo at how darn cute it was!

Lilli is very excited to start her lesson next week…however, I don’t think my ears are ready for it just yet ;)

I’ll be sure to post more about Lilli, the Violinist, as her lessons progress!

It’s Monday again and you know what that means….time for a music flashback!

Today I chose Vanessa Carlton’s “Ordinary Day.” Perhaps this is just an age thing, but as I’ve grown older and as my life has changed (and continues to do so), I’ve really started to listen to the words of songs, rather than just liking them for how they sound musically or if they’re “danceable” or not (you know…can you shake your booty to it??) This is a perfect example. I first heard “Ordinary Day” when it came out in mid-2002, probably on one of those “easy listening” stations. I never thought about the words, never really liked it (the danceability level was and still is 0), but thought it was a “cute” song to listen to…especially if you were in a waiting room or even grocery shopping. However, 6 years have passed and I no longer listen to Fat Joe, Ashanti, and could not even tell you who is “in” right now on the hip-hop/pop charts. So Vanessa Carlton, take that as a compliment because I would love to listen to your music anytime…even in the grocery store
Now let’s get to the good stuff….what does this song remind me of? Simple answer with a lengthy explanation: a hard time in my life. After four years, I was finally coming to the realization that I was involved with a destructive person - one who I really didn’t want to be with, but felt I had to be to be in order to make it. I actually recall this person telling me, “nobody is going to ever love you….you’re a single mom.” I can now chuckle at this silly attempt to manipulate.

This next event is the turning point of my life: I met a “nice guy” who posed the question to me, “what is it that you want in life?” and then simply said, “well then take it.” I kid you not, a lightbulb went off…it was a “DUH!” moment! Sure, family and friends had told me to get away from the craziness, but it was this “ordinary boy’s” total belief in me that I could do anything…on my own…”just take it.” Literally from that moment, my life changed….and my not so ordinary Michael and I have been together ever since
Now is that a love story or what?!

[kml_flashembed movie="http://youtube.com/v/EXnfgtf3f2Q" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

“Ordinary Day”

Just a day,
Just an ordinary day.
Just trying to get by.
Just a boy,
Just an ordinary boy.
But he was looking to the sky.
And as he asked if I would come along
I started to realize
That everyday he finds
Just what he’s looking for,
Like a shooting star he shines.

He said take my hand,
Live while you can
Don’t you see your dreams lie right in the palm of your hand

And as he spoke, he spoke ordinary words
Although they did not feel
For I felt what I had not felt before
And you’d swear those words could heal.
And as I looked up into those eyes
His vision borrows mine.
And I know he’s no stranger,
For I feel I’ve held him for all of time.

And he said take my hand,
Live while you can
Don’t you see your dreams lie right in the palm of your hand
In the palm of your hand.

Please come with me,
See what I see.
Touch the stars for time will not flee.
Time will not flee.
Can you see?

Just a dream, just an ordinary dream.
As I wake in bed
And the boy, that ordinary boy
Or was it all in my head?
Did he ask if I would come along
It all seemed so real.
But as I looked to the door,
I saw that boy standing there with a deal.

And he said take my hand,
Live while you can,
Don’t you see all your dreams lie right in the palm of your hand
In the palm of your hand,
In the palm of your hand.

Just a day, just an ordinary day
Just trying to get by.
Just a boy,
Just an ordinary boy.
But he was looking to the sky.

I have a secret talent…shhh don’t tell When I hear a song, I can tell you how old I was when I first heard it, where I lived, and what it reminds me of. In fact, I’m quite good at this
Today, I heard “Solsbury Hill” by Peter Gabriel on the radio and I was immediately taken back to early 2002 when my dad and I took a father-daughter fishing trip to Bimini, the Bahamas. (Well, he fished and I got a great tan!) We were driving down Florida’s I-95, headed toward the itty bitty international airport to take one of those dreaded puddle jumpers (you know, where you feel EVERY bump), and my dad was rocking out to this song. I didn’t like the song at the time, probably because I thought it was strange to see my dad “rock out.” Hey, I was 20 years old, unsure of what the future held, but knew I wanted a change. I was actually supposed to have gone on a trip up north, rather than to the Bahamas. But like I said, I knew I wanted a change. I never read the words to this song until now, but it’s amazing how it really fit that time of my life. I smile (and giggle) every time I hear it…rock on dad!

[kml_flashembed movie="http://youtube.com/v/j1BG72trtog" width="425" height="350" wmode="transparent" /]

Solsbury Hill
Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night
He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing stretching every nerve
Had to listen had no choice
I did not believe the information
(I) just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom boom boom
“Son,” he said “Grab your things,
I’ve come to take you home.”

When illusion spin her net
I’m never where I want to be
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me
Today I don’t need a replacement
I’ll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom boom boom
“Hey” I said “You can keep my things,
they’ve come to take me home.”

Michael and I were chuckling about how life completely changes when you have kids….here are a few of my examples: 

Before: I knew every word to the top 10 hits on the radio.
After: I have no clue who Kanye or Rihanna are (how do you even pronounce those names???), but I know all the words to Disney, Sesame Street, & Barney Sing A Long Songs.

Before: I would go shopping with my friends at the drop of a hat to find that “must have item!”
After: Planning any time with friends requires at least a week’s notice and I can’t go shopping because I’d rather sign up for those email notifications to my favorite children’s store because my child “would look so cute in that!”

Before: Friday and Saturday nights were devoted to going out and then sleeping in until at least noon the next day.
After: “Going out” is going somewhere kid-friendly (we like Ruby Tuesday’s & Cracker Barrel) and “sleeping in” is now 7am…even if we’ve been up with our children to get a drink, use the bathroom, or check the closet for monsters.

Before: My home was spotless - everything was in it’s place.
After: I’ve tripped over about 10 toys and it’s not even noon yet…and how did my designer bag end up in my daughter’s closet??

Before: Getting a mani-pedi was done on a weekly basis…Heaven forbid if I ever broke a nail!
After: My nails are short so I don’t accidentally scratch baby during a diaper change.

Before: I worked out at least 3 times a week.
After: Running after my kids is now my work out.

Before: Grooming was an intricate process: hot baths or showers had to take at least 20 minutes (I never forgot to light those pretty scented candles!), I moisturized after using that special lotion that made my skin look 10 years younger, & each hair on my head was perfectly in place - because the price I paid for that hair cut was so worth it.
After: I take pride in getting ready in 10 minutes flat, I’m lucky if I even get a shower in (and the lotion I do have is the same bottle that I’ve had for the past 2 years…no wonder why my skin is dry), & I’ve learned that throwing my hair up in a pony tail is easier than trying to pry it out of my toddler’s hands throughout the day.

I wonder what having grandkids will be like…be sure to check back in about 20 years for that post - “Before & After: Grandchildren”

Michael had today off so I thought I’d take advantage of it and do my grocery shopping without the kids in tow. I was really looking forward to this because #1: I can take my time, #2 I don’t have to explain to Lilli that we can’t have the pretty box of cereal because it’s loaded with sugar, & #3: I can listen to my music, instead of Disney Sing A Longs. So I immediately turn on WGTS 91.9 and crank it up - because #1: it’s not something I usually get to do & #2: I enjoy singing to the music more if I can’t hear my own voice….remember, I’m no Sara McLachlan. Long story short, I have a new favorite song and if you’ve read my post Knit With Love, then you know this song hits close to home for me.

I was sitting at her desk and glanced around her office while she was typing up some information. Little knick nacks cluttered the top of her desk and her daughter’s old art projects hung on the wall. “I refuse to get rid of them” she said and as a mother, I completely understand why. But everything else…the string bracelet that said, “Ghana,” the hand-made clay dish that served as a paperclip holder, the pink pin on a stuffed teddy bear, what are the stories behind those? To an outsider, it just looked like junk. But to her, they were treasures…and they made me smile.

On my way home, trying to hit every note with as much emotion as Sarah McLachlan (good luck times ten…billion!) memories flooded into my head.

TIME
Time here,
all but means nothing, just shadows that move across the wall
They keep me company, but they don’t ask of me
they don’t say nothing at all.
And I need just a little more silence
And I need just a little more time
But you send your thieves to me
silently stalking me
Dragging me into your wall
Would you give me no choice in this?
I know you can’t resist, trying reopen a sore
(Chorus) Leave me be, I don’t want to argue
I’d just get confused and I’d come all undone
If I agree, well, it’s just to appease you
Cause I don’t remember what we’re fighting for.
You see love– a tight, thorny thread that you spin in a circle of gold
You have me to hold me
a token for all to see
captured to be yours alone
And I need just a little more silence,
and I just need a little more time
The courage to pull away
there will be hell to pay
the deeper you cut to the bone
(Chorus)
Time here,
all but means nothing,
just shadows that move across the wall
They keep me company,
but they don’t ask of me
they don’t say nothing at all.
(Chorus)

It’s amazing to think back about my story behind this song. I listened in detail to the entire cd - 90% of it was my life for a few years back. But I’m not mad, resentful, or wishing I had different experiences. Truth of the matter is: what a faithful God we have! His Word is Truth above all else and nothing can get in the way of that! I praise Him for his love, grace, and faithfulness!

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)
      ” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’ “

Romans 8:28 (NLT)
     “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

2 Samuel 14:14
     “…But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.”