American Idol

American Idol is holding auditions in Orlando July 9. The Singer is bound and determined to 1) get an audition and 2) make it to the show. She's pretty excited. Personally, I think she's got what it takes, both from a voice perspective and being quite a charming personality. But what do I know, I'm just the mom. As a non-watcher of the show, I have no advice for her, except "Do your best," "Be yourself." And "If you don't make it, don't let it crush you." She's scheduled times with her voice teacher, who also does not watch the show. So we're going in blind. At least it's something interesting to look forward to.

I made Chocolate chip meringue cookies the other day. I was surprised at how easy they were, how good they were and they're only 21 calories per cookie. I think I'll be making them again, and soon. The Imp absolutely loves them. In fact, I think I'll make them for our pastor's good-bye party. After 20 years at our parish (unusual for a Catholic church) he's being re-assigned. There'll be a big hoopla after all the Masses next weekend. The Women's Guild is asking for lots of baked goods. It's going to be a big deal. I'm looking forward to meeting our new pastor, too. We're also getting a new music director (both start on July 1). So lots of changes in store for our church.

Guys tend to be harder to shop for than women. The girls never have trouble coming up with what to do for me for any special event. The choice of things that'll make a mom say "Ohhhh, how wonderful!" are many. The girls have had their picture made at Penney's, made powerpoint presentations that essentially say, "We love you." And bought me cute knick knacks, all with equal success. Father's Day is next weekend and the girls are stumped. For years they've made him T-shirts. Decorating them with various sayings. The first one they made (when they were 4 and 1) had their handprints on it. Then they did a thumbprint one (where you make the thumbprints into people).



Because Hubby doesn't wear the T-shirts all the time (primarily because he doesn't want to wear them out...he used to wear them more) the girls don't want to make him any more. So they're left with a week to figure it out. I agree with them that getting something for my mom is way easier than for my dad. Dad's wish lists tend to be smaller but with bigger ticket items. My own dad's list includes an acrobatic airplane...that's a real one that he could get in and fly! Hubby's list would include a new gas grill, a plasma TV, an iPhone, etc. Sort of "Keep on dreamin'" kind of items.