The Sing Off - Season 3

It’s back!! This is by far my favorite reality TV show. For those of you who don’t know, The Sing Off is a competition using voices only.  Singers will even emulate drums and other percussion sounds, called “beat boxing.” Last night, we were introduced to 8 of the 16 groups. Two were sent home.

First off, we have a new judge! Sara Bareilles joined Ben Folds and Shawn Stockman. Honestly, she’s a much better fit than Nicole Scherzinger. Nicole, although a talented vocalist, is more known for her sex appeal than her musical ability. Plus, her critiques were slow and syrup-like. Sarah has more credentials; she’s a songwriter and was in a college vocal group. So we now have Ben, who brings highly technical musical critiques, Shawn who mastered blending and harmonizing while in Boyz II Men, and Sara giving the best of both worlds with a feminine flair. Like many women judges, she tends to be more encouraging and less critical than her male counterparts.

The first to perform was YellowJackets, an all-male group from the University in Rochester. Their rendition of “Wavin’ Flag” was tight and full of energy. They featured 4 or 5 solos instead of the typical 1 or two, which shows me the depths of the group’s talent. They succeeded in a flawless key change, although I felt they got so loud at times that it was difficult to hear the lead vocal. Hearing it on TV as opposed to live can have drawbacks.

Next was Fannin Family, a group of 11 – yes, 11! – brothers and sisters, who sang “Who Says.” They worked well together, and blending wasn’t a problem. However, the lead vocal was 14. I hate to say anything bad about someone that young, but she just wasn’t vocally strong enough to carry it. The song started out too low, causing the rest of the group to back off so you could hear her, then she went a little flat at the end. Sounded like nerves. More practice and experience would benefit them greatly.

Next was Afro-Blue from Howard University, singing their version of “Put Your Records On.” I was awed with their jazzy, soulful style. The girls especially have lots of personality. They blend well AND have smooth, unique voices. I love how Shawn compared the lead vocal Christie’s voice to “warm butter on grits.” Yeah, she was that good.

Fourth was Delilah, the all-girls group composed from season 1 and 2 contestants. They sang “Grenade” in a slower style, reminding me of a power ballad in the 80s. The lead singer, Amy was fabulous (even if she was wearing a jacket from Madonna’s wardrobe). It’s difficult to sound that smooth when singing that high. The group showed perfect pitch with their tight harmonies and included lots of dynamics.

I wasn’t looking forward to Urban Method, artists from Denver.  One of their lead vocals is a rapper (ironic?). Very out-of-the-box for a capella, and he raps well,  but I don’t like rap. I also don’t like the song “Love the Way You Lie.” That being said, the song sounded like a track instead of voices, so I have to give big props to the beat boxers and background vocals.

Next was Cats Pajamas, 5 guys from Branson who perform 200 shows a year. They sang “Some Kind of Wonderful” and technically did a great job. With only 5 voices, they have a clean sound and use tight, difficult harmonies very classic in a capella music. Lots of choreography, but not very current. I wondered why they were here if they’ve already found success in Branson…

Kinfolk 9 is difficult to critique. I was moved by their story of sacrifice and wanting to do this to better family situations. They sang “Secrets,” with a lot of their own flavor. Personally, I feel songs by OneRepublic don’t need to be doctored that much. The lead male vocal has a strong voice and wide range, and I liked how they dropped the beat in certain areas for emphasis. Overall, the mood was a little sad though.

Last of the night was Vocal Point, an all-boys group from BYU. Their rendition of “Jump Jive and Wail” lived up to the name. They have lots of vocal energy, and the ending was really cool trumpet sounds, ending on an unresolved chord. They did a modulation that got great kudos from Ben Folds. They’re really fun to watch.

SPOILER!

This week, the judges voted two groups off. To me, Afro-Blue and Delilah are obvious frontrunners, so I knew they were safe. The first to be eliminated was Fannin Family, which came as no surprise. They weren’t ready yet. The surprise came when they voted off Cats Pajamas. I was thinking Kinfolk 9 was going home. I wondered if they were voted off because they don’t really need it, or if they were just driven to give Kinfolk 9 a second chance. But at the same time, I thought they needed to be more current and original. I guess the judges did too.

Next week, we meet 8 more groups. Can't wait!

Moments

     There are few things more precious than listening to your husband in the other room read bedtime stories to the children and sing to them before they go to bed. Last night it was two book; one about sharing and the other was Jesus Loves the Little Children. Hubby went the extra mile, singing each page.

     Moments like these warm my heart. Not only am I with the man I fell in love with 12 years ago, I'm with a man who is an amazing Daddy for my kids. He cares. He's involved. He works hard and makes lasting impressions in their hearts. My son will grow up, wanting to be just like him. My daughter will grow up expecting her future husband to be just as hard working and devoted. That's when I know we're doing well. We're not perfect, but we're doing our best and giving our children our best as well.

   Life is hard and kids make it harder. But I'm so thankful for the family I have and the blessings God has given us. I'm thankful for parents who taught us our values and standards. I'm thankful for God's patience as he continues to mold us into the individuals He knows we can be. I'm thankful for moments I hide deep in my heart so I may never forget.

Mile 8

Yesterday's sermon was all about encouragement, and it really hit me hard. I learned a long time ago that my primary love language is Words of Affirmation. I am easily discouraged and tend to give up on things too soon. Running has magnified this tendency and my need for encouraging words. But encouraging words go a long way. I am a slow runner, so taking on a half marathon seemed lofty. Less than two weeks before my race, I got a slight knee injury. Since there wasn't enough time for it to heal, I was in a lot of pain during the entire run. I was cold, wet and hurting. I was mad at myself for deciding to do something that I'm not even good at and wanted to give up. But I will never forget one lady at the water station around mile 8. There were lots of volunteers and people cheering us on the whole way, but she was just what I needed at exactly the time I needed it. She stood on the corner, clapping and yelling "You can do it! We are SO proud of you!!" I cried. At the lowest point in my run, she was there to emotionally pick me up and give me what I needed to go on.

I want to be that Mile 8 Lady for my friends and family. I have so many amazing, talented people around me that I take for granted. I have super kids who have all the potential in the world. I have a husband who loves taking on challenges and exhibits such admirable determination. I have a hard working mother who never stops loving. I have a best friend who "sparkles." And that's just a few of the people in my life. I want to be the girl that makes you feel like you can take on the world when you're with me. I want to remember the positives in each situation. Being the Mile 8 Lady is committing to an attitude and lifestyle. It's remembering that each one of us is fearfully and wonderfully made by God.

Philadelphia Vanilla Mousse Cheesecake

Best. Cheesecake. Ever. I can't take credit for this; it's a Kraft recipe found in Taste of Home magazine. My family goes bonkers for it.

40 Nilla wafers, crushed (about 1 1/2 cups)

3 Tbs butter, melted

4 (8 oz. each) packages Philadelphia cream cheese, softened, divided

1 cup sugar, divided

1 Tbs and 1 tsp vanilla, divided

3 eggs

8 oz. Cool Whip

HEAT oven to 325. 

MIX wafer crumbs and butter, press into bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.  

BEAT 3 packages cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1 Tbs vanilla with a mixer until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each until blended. Pour over crust.

BAKE 50-55 minutes or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool completely in pan.

BEAT remaining cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in large bowl until well blended. Whisk in Cool Whip; spread over cheesecake. Refrigerate 4 hours. remove rim of pan before serving. Garnish with fresh berries.

(This also goes really well with coffee for breakfast. Just sayin'...)

Best BBQ Sauce

I am a Southern girl, and a staple in any southern meal must include BBQ sauce. Generally, the hubby and I prefer either Texas or St. Louis style, just in case you were wondering. When we married, my mother-in-law passed down their family BBQ sauce recipe to me. After much Food Network inspiration, I was motivated to perfect the recipe. Here's what we've cooked up:

1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 Tbs butter, melted
2 Tbs apple cider vinegar
1 Tbs lemon juice
1/2 shot Jack Daniels (or a whole!)
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cilantro
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp ground mustard
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
Tabasco, to taste

combine all ingredients and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Higher heat (temporarily) will help thicken.

Goes great with any grilling meat and BBQ rub.

Sacrifice

When we decide to have children, we know sacrifices will be made and our lives will be turned upside down. For the most part, I have enjoyed every minute of my new-found topsy turvy world. I'm now used to sharing my hot fudge brownie sundae. But I am now graduating from a new mom to a MOPs member (mothers of preschoolers). Life is easier in many ways, but some areas have now grown more cumbersome. More and more sacrifices are needing to be made. I have less time, and quite frankly less friends to share my time with. Activities that I have always done seem more difficult since I now have to find someone to watch my two active tikes instead of one sleeping baby.

I remember hearing someone say "Parenthood is 10 times harder, and 10 times better, than I ever dreamed." The longer I'm a parent, the more I get it. There are things I never expected I'd have to give up for my kids. Good things. Beneficial things. But my children are wonderful, delightful beings and worth all the sacrifice. Sometimes sacrifice really hurts, but mothers know that.

Kitchen Plans

Jay and I have talked about getting new dishes for our kitchen soon. And of course, buying new dishes means possibly changing the color scheme of the entire kitchen. The walls are a celery/mint green and I have no desire to change it. For a while now, our kitchen colors have been pale green, yellow and red. But I have found a color combination I have fallen in love with: mint green, navy and turquoise. The turquoise would be more of an accent color, and the combination is flawless together. I found a moroccan plate on overstock.com that embodies the blues I'm going for. Unfortunately I will not be able to afford an entire collection of the dishes since the plates go for about $50 each. But alas I have found my kitchen color calling. As soon as I find the right dishes, towels, etc. I'll be able to make up my birthday wish list. If you find any suitors, send them my way.

Sweet Tooth Cheeseburgers for Independence Day

Growing up, we enjoyed big family BBQs for Independence Day followed by an amazing fireworks display by the local university. We children would make these for each 4th of July. With 15 cousins, an easy-made sweet treat was always on the menu.

The buns are made from Nilla wafers. A thin layer of red icing (the "ketchup") is spread on the bottom "bun" and a peppermint pattie is pressed on top. Coconut dyed green give us the lettuce, and yellow icing ("cheese") sticks it all together. For added cheeseburger authenticity, the top bun can be brushed lightly with water then sprinkled with poppy or sesame seeds. Enjoy!

Summertime

The leaves rustled and gravel crunched beneath her feet as she walked down that country road. It was a warm summer evening. Morning thunderstorms had cooled the blistering air, so the walk was more bearable, albeit more humid, than the day before. She slipped her hand into her husband's, squeezing it just for a moment as they fell in stride with each other.

The children skipped ahead a few paces, stopping often to examine the rocks or pick wildflowers growing on the side of the road. It was a treat for them to be outside after dinnertime. They took their time exploring the trees and counting the deer that dashed across nearby meadows.

Old Man Gibson's hunting dogs barked and ran up to sniff the children but quickly backed off at his whistle that cut through the thick air. A moving van was in the driveway of the two story yellow house with white trim. Such a shame that the house never saw a family grow. No one ever stayed there more than 3 years.

That's the way it was around here. Locals lived quiet, content lives, retiring in the same house that had welcomed their babies home from the hospital. They married their high school sweethearts and worked alongside their childhood friends. Fresh faces would occasionally burst into town but would soon fade into the willowy landscape. Newcomers would bounce around to find their niche in a stone society just to be drawn back to the bright lights of the city. No hard feelings, it was just the way things were.

But the trails weaving through the forested land welcomed them all, guiding them through a natural wonderland. The peace and tranquility offered at creek beds could be more majestic than anything man made in the city. Children would splash around in the shallow pools and blankets would be spread under old hickory trees. Quiet evenings could woo young lovers to the water's edge to watch the sunsets fill the sky with brilliant shades of pink and orange. Nature has always had a way of highlighting simple pleasures in life.

I'm Back!

As you can see, my blog was severely neglected. Originally, I had intended to keep the blog focused on the home; decorating, cooking, cleaning, etc. However, I have decided to open it up to whatever tickles my fancy at the time. So I'll still write about the home, but I'll also include funny "mom" moments, short stories, poetry, analysis, inspiration, and anything else that piques my interest. Maybe this time I'll stick with it better, and you'll get to know me a little more in the process.

~D~