Ryan Murphy Addresses glee's Future

Gleeks everywhere have been waiting with bated breath for Ryan Murphy to address the death of his star player, Cory Monteith. You can read the interviews here and here.

News broke yesterday that glee's production was moved to early August, thus bumping glee's season premiere one week, from September 19 to September 26. The news did not sit well with gleeks arguing that Cory deserved more than a couple weeks grieving time. Today Ryan Murphy explained the reasoning behind glee's decision, and that would be the lovely Lea Michele.

Ryan stated that Lea Michele is the one calling the shots right now, stepping into Finn's leadership of the glee family, and I couldn't be happier to hear that. The cast and crew want to be near each other, grieve together, in a safe place filled with beautiful memories of Cory. Ryan even went as far to say that the first couple of weeks there will be grief counselors available. KUDOS Mr. Murphy and FOX. 

I'll admit I've been worried about Lea this last week. I changed my phone wallpaper to this beautiful picture of her and Cory as a reminder to stop and pray. Although I have never had the privilege to meet her, I am all too familiar with the devastating, sudden loss of your friend, your life, your love, your Beloved. Ryan beamed about Lea's strength and I remember someone telling me just days after Mike's death that you don't realize how strong you are until being strong is the only option you have left. I have the utmost respect for Ms. Michele and will keep praying for her strength, her light, and her love to continue shining through her during this time.

The first two episodes of the season will be Beatles tribute episodes that glee has been working on for 4 years. The scripts were written in May. I agree with this decision wholeheartedly. The cast and crew will love on each other during this time rather than jumping straight into a memorial episode, allowing time for a proper memorial script to be written honoring Cory's treasured character, Finn Hudson. I have read blog after blog after blog begging Mr. Murphy to write Finn his happily ever after rather than killing him off. The truth of the matter is, Finn wouldn't have been happy without Rachel by his side. By writing Finn off the show like that it would do a huge disservice to not only Lea, but the Finchel fans as well.

As I wrote this post I was reminded of the episode Yes/No. Rachel sang Without You by David Guetta featuring Usher. After news of Cory's death that song became stuck in my head. In hindsight the irony of that episode is eerie. In some stupid, freaky coincidence, Finn's father died of a drug overdose in a hotel room out of town. Finn was worried about becoming like his dad. And after reading the above interviews about Lea and her love for Cory, the intervention, the love and support she showered on him, I am reminded of Finn's speech as he proposed to Rachel.

You’re like a beacon of light guiding me through the darkness. You’re like this big gold star, and for some bizarre reason, you chose to let me love you. And, I feel like if I can just convince you to let me keep doing that, I’m going to be okay. Everything’s going to be okay.  

In the last episode, All or Nothing, of Season 4, Cory Monteith's name is shown with a somber backdrop of Rachel (Lea). The symmetry is heartbreaking as that could quite possibly be the last time his name is credited. Finally, the New Directions performed Hall of Fame during Regionals at the end of the episode. When the song hit my iPhone a few days ago, the lyrics reminded me of Cory.

Standing in the hall of fame (yeah)

And the world's gonna know your name (yeah)

Cause you burn with the brightest flame (yeah)

And the world's gonna know your name (yeah)

And you'll be on the walls of the hall of fame (yeah)

The Heart of New Directions

Where do I start? How do I begin? Do I just come out and say it? I can't even believe I'm going to type this. Cory Monteith, affectionately known to gleeks around the world as Finn Hudson, is dead. I won't presume to the have the answers. I don't care why he's gone. I just know that he is.

As I was winding down for the night, hitting up my Facebook, twitter and tumblr before bed, two things happened simultaneously. My twitter feed showed a single word post from Mark Salling, Puck, "no" and my favorite 2 tumblr's posted vague posts about Cory. I fired up my search and typed in Cory Monteith. I was unprepared as I clicked the link of the first story and proceeded to watch the police livestream reporting Cory's death. I sat in front of my laptop stunned. I had to watch it a second time because I was sure I heard it wrong. When the Chief said Cory's name again followed by the popular TV series glee I was full on bawling. I went back to Mark's twitter and his post had been taken down, but it left a lasting impression on my heart these last few hours. No. No Cory isn't dead. No Cory's family isn't reeling from the news of a son and a brother gone too soon. No the glee family isn't mourning the loss of their heart. No Lea's heart is not shattering right now.

My sincerest condolences to Cory's family. A bright light has been turned out tonight and please know that you are not mourning the loss of his light alone.

I see things very differently than most people. My heartache, my tears, the pit in my stomach is not just because of my love for all things glee. My already broken heart is splintering for a woman I've never met, but whose grief I know all too well. A woman is grieving the loss of her own Beloved and take it from me when I say, I'm all too familiar with the pain that beautiful girl is suffering at this moment. I have been praying, fervently, for Lea tonight. I've been asking God to surround her with love. I ask God to comfort her, but know that that prayer will not be answered tonight because she will not find comfort in knowing she will never kiss, never hug, never cuddle with her Beloved again.

The glee family has begun to tweet, and quite honestly I'm not prepared for Ryan Murphy, or Matthew Morrison, or Jane Lynch, or any of the Original New Directions (Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, Jenna Ushkowitz or Kevin McHale) words just yet. Mark's said it all. I'll never be prepared for Lea's tweet, ever. Where does glee go from here? I do not envy Ryan Murphy. I suppose they could cancel glee, but I doubt Cory would want that. The gleeks are going to want closure too. The cast was scheduled to begin shooting next week, July 22nd, but that timeframe will have to be pushed back. This close knit family has to be allowed time to grieve. Obviously there will need to be rewrites. Do they kill Finn too, off screen? Yes, they should, but even as I write this, I can't imagine putting Lea, Chris, Mike O'Malley or Romy Rosemont through that, let alone the rest of the cast and crew. Perhaps a time jump is in order. I believe the healing will begin from moving forward.

We were given hope when Finn, the cool, hot quarterback, joined the New Directions, making us fall head over heels in love with this group of freaks. I fell in love all over again with Finn when he took over the glee club in Mr. Shue's absence this last season. He had blossomed from the naive boy to a man before our very eyes. Finn was a true leader, the glue that held the New Directions together. There is something poetic in that Cory's first and last glee numbers were Don't Stop Believing. Many lost an idol today, and I'm truly envious of those who are blissfully asleep, unaware that the glee world has been rocked to it's very core.

You are singing and drumming for Jesus now Cory. Our loss is definitely heaven's gain. You are no longer in pain and we will attempt to find comfort in that knowledge. Watch over your family, dear one, as well as your extended glee family. Send Lea all the love and support you can, knowing God weeps with her tonight as she mourns the loss of you, her Beloved. Fly with the angels Cory. Although you have left us too soon, you will never be forgotten.

I've said it before, tell the people around you that you love them, hug them, express your feelings, because you never know when it is going to be too late. God Bless.

Girls (and Boys) On Film

Although I smiled uncontrollably during each and every movie inspired performance of this episode, my heart belonged to Klaine singing Come What May from Moulin Rouge, bitches! Please, oh please, reunite this couple and fast. I'm dangerously close to falling for Adam, who is a jewel to Kurt. 

Somebody stop me. I've got Come What May on repeat.

The Break Up

My love for all things glee stems from my love for all things music. Finn and Blaine singing Duncan Sheik's Barely Breathing was amazing. I saw Duncan when he opened up for Jars of Clay at Pharaoh's Lost Kingdom back in the day. Finn, Rachel, Kurt and Blaine singing No Doubt's Don't Speak was epic, but nothing, absolutely nothing, could prepare me for glee's version of Coldplay's The Scientist. Kudos Ryan Murphy for a jam packed episode of eargasm melodies.

Can I get a little gushy for a moment? Darren Criss got to sing the piano version of Teenage Dream. OMG! OMG! OMG! I had tears in my eyes, and yes Darren can do that to me on a good day, but all I kept thinking about was, "What did Blaine do to Kurt?" Sadly, we find out a few moments later and...You better fix this Ryan Murphy!

I knew this episode was going to break my heart. Messing with Klaine, are you insane? I don't like the Finchel break up either. I know this will be a growing period for them all and the fans will get their happily ever afters. It just hurts. I feel like I need a good cry. Would you please pass me the tissue?

Yes/No

Any glee episode that starts with a Grease song is going to be a good one in my book. Sam and Mercedes sang Summer Nights. I have to give props to Mercedes for being true to her man, despite having feelings for Sam.

My favorite glee moments have always been Mash-Ups and Moves Like Jagger/Jumpin' Jack Flash did not disappoint. It is always a joy to watch Harry Shum, Jr and Matthew Morrison dance. The only drawback is Kevin McHale stuck in that damn wheelchair, but somehow, he makes it look effortless.

Helen Mirren played the mental voice of Becky Jackson and I couldn't stop grinning. Honestly, how does Ryan Murphy do it? Becky is such a special part of the glee ensemble and I adore her mini-Sue Sylvester character.

Emma singing Wedding Bell Blues with Coaches Beiste (who is now a married woman!) and Sylvester as backups and bridesmaids (complete with hideous replicas of Princess's Beatrice and Eugenie's hats) to Will was A-DOR-A-BLE! Emma's parents continue to be horrible people. Ugh!

Will's proposal to Emma was definitely a highlight. I loved the retro bathing suits, the synchronized swimming and Rihanna's We Found Love was swoon worthy. I've already said I want a glee wedding, but how about a glee proposal too? A woman can only dream can't she?

Personally I think Finn was the star of this episode. He tells Mr. Shue that he wants to do something special with his life, "Like my dad without the whole dying part." Mr. Shue brings in Carol and Burt to discuss Finn enlisting into the Army. Mike O'Malley's portrayal of Burt is one of my all-time favorite TV Dads. I know I've raved about him before, but when the Hummel/Hudson family came together, they really did become a family. Burt tells Finn he hopes his son will take over his [mechanic] shop. Carol breaks down and admits to Finn that something happened to his dad in Iraq and he came back a broken man. He developed a drug problem and died of an overdose in a hotel room. I'm really pissed at Carol for lying to Finn for 17 years about how his dad died, claiming he was a war hero. Finn is understandably devastated. Rachel wants Finn to know that he already is special and sings a ballad version of David Guetta's (featuring Usher) song Without You. It was truly breathtaking. It is probably my favorite Rachel song to date. I was speechless when Finn dropped to his knee and proposed to Rachel.

Singing

Cameron: Mama, your singing!
Me: What?
Cameron: You haven't sang since Dad died.
(Technically not true...I held Cameron on my lap, rocking him back and forth, singing God of Wonders while Pastor Jeff played it during Mike's memorial)
Dylan & Peyton from back of van: Yea.
Dylan: You haven't sang in a long time Mama.
Wow! I hadn't noticed, but my kids did. :(

What was I singing? glee's version of Don't Stop Believin'. Appropriate, no?!?!

Original Song

I'm seriously considering renaming my blog to include Chris Colfer in some form or fashion. Just kidding, but here I am again, about to go all gooey for Chris Colfer. Kudos to Kurt for standing up to Blaine and telling him that they aren't the Warblers, but Blaine and the Pips. (Secretly I don't mind that they are Blaine and the Pips because...Darren freakin' Criss!!!) I loved that they did my favorite Maroon 5 song, Misery. Kurt sang another Beatles song, Blackbird, and nailed it.

As I said before, Quinn is a bitch and she's only using Finn for Prom Queen. 

Original songs, Trouty Mouth, Big Ass Heart, and Hell to the No, as sung by the New Directions were hideously hilarious. I am curious as to how many takes it took to film them, because seriously, I wouldn't have been able to keep a straight face.

Rachel puts all the pain of her breakup with Finn into a beautiful, original song called Get It Right. I couldn't listen to it without crying. I literally had tears in my eyes remembering my first heartbreak as I endure my second heartbreak while I type. I wonder...will I ever be brave enough to give my heart, or what's left of it calling itself my heart, to another man. Only time will tell. 

So I throw up my fist, throw a punch in the air 
And accept the truth that sometimes life isn’t fair! 
Yeah, I’ll send out a wish, yeah, I’ll send up a prayer 
And finally someone will see how much I care

Oh, and Klaine became a couple.

I couldn't even keep a straight face as I wrote that one line like the thought of Kurt and Blaine becoming a couple hasn't consumed me for months. It's official! Blaine finally realized Kurt was what he'd been looking forever for. He spilled his heart out to Kurt and then laid one on him. I was hooting and hollering and clapping all at the same time. Then I rewound it and watched it unfold all over again. Kurt's reaction was so freakin' adorable. Their duet of Candles at Regionals doesn't hold a candle to Baby, It's Cold Outside, but I am uber bias. 

Sexy

Everything that I felt the episode Blame It on the Alcohol lacked, this episode had.

Gwyneth Paltrow is back at Holly Holiday. She clues Mr. Shue into the lack of sex education of the New Directions. Finn thought he got his girlfriend pregnant by via hot tub and Brittany thinks storks bring babies. My favorite performance was Paltrow's version of Joan Jett's Do You Wanna Touch Me brilliantly ended with Ms. Holliday's advice, "So just remember whenever you have sex with someone, you're having sex with everyone they've ever had sex with. And everybody's got a random."

Whereas Blaine exudes sex appeal, poor Kurt is just pure and adorable, which is what makes this couple compliment each other so well. As Blaine tries to talk to Kurt about sex, Kurt closes himself off to the topic, "I like romance. That's why I like Broadway musicals because the touch of the fingertips is as sexy as it gets." Blaine going to Burt on behalf of Kurt and his lack of sex education was above and beyond and his plea was exactly what Kurt needed. Extra point in Blaine's favor (like he needs any more). Another perfect father/son moment in the Hummel household came when Burt told Kurt "This is going to suck for both of us" as he sits Kurt down for the talk.

I hope I have an ounce of the knowledge, the right words Burt had for his son when I sit down to give my son's the talk. DAMN YOU MIKE FOR LEAVING ME TO DO THIS!

Blame It on the Alcohol

Let me just start by saying this was not my favorite glee episode. I realize that we must educate the youth of America on the dangers of drinking.

Principal Figgins referring to Ke$ha as Ke-Dollar-Sign-Ha was freakin' hilarious. Seriously, best line of the night.

Finn breaking down the archetypes of drunks to Rachel was on point. Mercedes and Tina being the happy girl drunks had me laughing my butt off. Mercedes laugh was infectious. Finn being a jerk to Rachel was also on point as of late.

Spin the bottle while Josie Cotton's Johnny, Are You Queer of Valley Girl fame was pure nostalgia for me. Blaine kissing Rachel was OUTSTANDING, as was their duet of Don't You Want Me. More nostalgia. I'm such an 80's girl.

Artie saying, "Hair of the dog that done bit your ass." before the New Directions sang Blame It on the Alcohol left me torn. The number glorified teenage drinking rather than warning kids off of it, however, I loved the entire number, song and dance.

Blaine questioning his sexuality after kissing Rachel gave me a little start. I was seriously worried Ryan Murphy was going to tear my heart out and make Blaine straight. I'm not sure I would have survived as I'm still holding out hope for a Klaine union. Thankfully after Rachel kissed Blaine sober, Blaine realized he was 100% gay, which Kurt had no doubt. WOO-HOO!

Mr. Shue and Coach Beiste honky tonking with a drunk Mr. Shue drunk dialing Sue rather than Emma was exactly the type of storyline this episode needed.

The highlight of the episode for me was Mike O'Malley's Burt walking in on Blaine sleeping off his drunken night in Kurt's bed. Have I mentioned lately how I adore Burt Hummel? His relationship with son, Kurt, and step-son Finn, are TV gold. GOLD I say. Burt was absolutely in the right and I think Kurt was completely out of line when his Dad told him he was inappropriate for having Blaine sleepover.

The only saving grace of this whole episode was Brittany projectile vomiting the dangerous alcohol mixture on Rachel during the New Directions performance of Tik Tok, another killer performance that I wanted to hate. Santana followed suit by puking her ever loving guts out on the stage. And Mr. Shue's pledge forms came to the rescue.

Silly Love Songs

I had zero intention of jumping on here and writing a glee review tonight, but I have 3 words for you. Warbler's gap attack. Oh yea, it happened and holy hell it rocked. Darren Criss singing a cover of Robin Thicke's When I Get You Alone was exactly what I needed tonight. As much as I love Blaine, I couldn't keep my eyes off of Kurt. Poor Kurt pining away for Blaine, who is singing his heart out to someone who doesn't return his affections. Brilliantly written Ryan Murphy.

Now I have 5 more words for you. "I look like America looks." Lauren Zizes, played by the beautiful Ashley Fink, is a welcome addition to the show. I think I'm going to love the pairing of her with Puck, whose Fat Bottom Girls had me grinning from ear to ear. The throw down in the halls between Zizes and Santana was hilarious. Brava girls.

Finn and Quinn totally deserved to get mono. Finn you are no better than Rachel, allowing Quinn to cheat on Sam with you. And here's a little lesson for you, if she (Quinn) does it with you, she'll do it to you. Mark my words. Grow up and realize that Rachel is the real deal and Quinn is about as fake as they come.

Tina singing breaking down singing My Funny Valentine to Mike was genius. I don't think Tina gets enough screen time or respect, IMHO.

I'm dreading Valentine's Day because for the first time in 13 years I will be without a Valentine. I am desperately trying not to think about it. Thankfully tonight's episode wasn't all hearts and flowers. Thank you glee powers that be.

Packers Win & The Sue Sylvester Shuffle

Last year my Beloved bought a 60" television. SIX-ZERO. He proudly exclaimed, "I'm watching my team on this win at next year's Super Bow!" Fast forward. Hubby's gone. The Green Bay Packers make it to the freakin' Super Bowl. ARE. YOU. FREAKIN'. KIDDING. ME? For the last few weeks I've looked at this monstrosity taking over my living room as an eye sore. Is is possible to hate an inanimate object? Yes. I hate what is stands for. I hate that my husband isn't here to cheer on his Packers.

Today our dear friends, Chris and Amy, along with their 3 boys, came over for an impromptu Super Bowl party. Not just a Super Bowl party, but also, the return of glee after the game. Oh yea baby! Amy  is a fellow gleek. We probably drive her husband nuts with our talks. I digress. Chris was up at the butt crack of dawn smoking pork for pulled pork sandwiches. Jealous yet? Amy shredded the pork, we munched on veggies, chips and homemade dip made from greek yogurt, all the while Chris cleaned up my front yard. A huge blessing, on top of the one the one they were already doing for me by being with me today.

Christina Aguilera completely massacred our National Anthem. Instantly, both Amy and I said they should have had Lea Michele sing it instead. Chris rolled his eyes and went back outside. We ate the most amazing pulled pork sandwiches, topped with homemade coleslaw, for dinner. I know, you're jealous. Green Bay came out with a vengeance the first half. The half time show hasn't been the same since the Janet boob debacle, get over it people. Not to say that The Black Eyed Peas with Usher and Slash wasn't good, they were (with the exception of Fergie singing Sweet Child of Mine...Fergie was worse than Christina), but the half time show just isn't what it use to be. I'll admit, my butt puckered the second half of the game. When the Packers took the win, all I could think about was how Mike missed it. He bought this damn TV for today and he's not even here to enjoy the hell out of it. Cameron chimed in and said, "Mama, you know Dad had the best seat ever, right?" I love that kid.

As you know the interviews, and the likes, take flippin' forever. While we waited for glee to start, Amy and I played a little glee karaoke revolution. Too much fun. I burst out in song (and dance) at the drop of a dime, but that doesn't mean I'm good at it. Singing that is, I can bust a move. Seriously, I can usually sing a line from a song based on something someone says. Cameron hates it because it usually involves some sort of dance move with it. Ha! I also speak fluent movie quotes. Again, I digress.

Making sure the kid's are entertained before the episode starts, Amy and I sit down, engrossed in our favorite guilty pleasure. Let's just say, we were less than enthused by the California Gurls beginning, but beaming as Rachel and Puck sang Need You Now (only made that much more sweeter by Coach Beiste singing along to it). Artie took a lot of slushies, and I mean A LOT! Mercedes, "Hell to the no" is always a classic. I was not happy bringing the football team into glee club, especially after Karofsky ran Kurt off.

Sue's freak out was HIL-AR-I-OUS. Her storyline was a little blah. I felt like it fizzled, but was glad to see her finally get a little payback. Zombie camp ROCKED and let me just say, Thriller mashed up with Head's Will Roll brought the kid's in to the living room, dancing and loving it as much as Amy and I. Thank goodness I don't have to wait for a CD, mash-ups are always singles only. Woot!

The highlight for me, of course, was the Warbler's and Bills, Bills, Bills. I do so love Darren Criss those damned blazers. It is painfully obvious that Chris Colfer's character, Kurt, is completely out of place. When I think of Kurt, I don't see top 40's hits, because he's show tunes. He's romantic, a gentleman (the world needs more of them), and awkward because he's kind of sheltered in a way. Kurt sticks out like a sore thumb from the smoothness of the Dalton boys, and as much as I want a Blaine and Kurt union, the reality is, Kurt belongs at McKinley.

As I sit here tonight, I am once again reminded that despite the immense heartache I feel, I am abundantly blessed by some extraordinary friends. A huge thank you to Chris and Amy for making today a little less painful and to glee for being there to cheer me up when nobody else is.

Chris Colfer Wins a Golden Globe!

OMG! OMG! OMG! I can honestly say I am ecstatic! Chris Colfer won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series, Mini Series, or TV Movie. It is no secret my affinity for this man and the character, Kurt Hummel, he plays on glee. I was in tears, which is pretty much my constant state right now, but these were tears of joy, which is few and far between right now.

But most importantly to all the amazing kids that watch our show and the kids that our show celebrates, who are constantly told "NO" by people in their environments by bullies at school that they can't be who they are or have what they want because of who they are. Well, screw that, kids! ~ Chris Colder

The man pictured with Chris is Ryan Murphy, co-creator of glee, which won (2nd year in a row) for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy. I think Ryan needs his own label. I may have to go back and see what else I've written about him.

Jane Lynch won for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series, Mini Series, or TV Movie.

Christmas Cookies (Project 365/2010)

I set out this morning on a mission...bake Christmas cookies. Easy enough, right? I had wanted to do this for some time, as a friend of mine pointed out last year that the cookies we left for Santa were suppose to be homemade and not Oreos. UGH! Plus, tomorrow I'm doing a cookie exchange with my TLBS group, so I figured today I was going to master the art of baking Christmas cookies. I plugged in my glee Christmas album and got to work.

I'm not totally insane to try the mixing on my first time out, so I took some help from Betty Crocker. Foolproof, right? I just add a stick of butter, a tablespoon of water, and an egg and stir. Viola! Roll out the dough, cut them into cute little Gingerbread Boy shapes, bake, cool and decorate. NOT! I ruined the first bag, it was so sticky I couldn't spread it out, I floured, floured, floured, and put it in the fridge. The second bag I mixed and went straight to fridge. When it came time to roll it out, I floured my counter top and ... How in the heck do you transfer these stupid things from counter top to cookie sheet without it looking like zombies attacked and Gingy is missing body parts? FORGET IT! I rolled them into balls to make gingerbread snaps and ... BURNED THEM! I even took them out of the oven 2 minutes before the package suggested. DOH!

After another post to Facebook, where I made fun of my lack of baking skills, my cell phone rang and Hubby said, "Put the cookie cutters down and step away from the kitchen." He had me rolling with laughter, but I did as he instructed. Needless to say, I am not cut out for Christmas cookie baking. PUN INTENDED! ;)

A Very Glee Christmas

Darren Criss and Chris Colfer's duet of Baby, It's Cold Outside was outstanding. I rewound, and rewound, and rewound that scene. I sure hope we see a lot more of these two. How adorable they would be as a couple.

I love a good Christmas CD and I've got to tell you, the music from this episode is one I'll be playing every year. My kid's beg for it in the car and I adore hearing them sing We Need a Little Christmas and Deck the Rooftop. The later was not used in the episode. Wham's Last Christmas is one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs, and I was thoroughly disappointed that I had to purchase it as a single, rather than it being included on the CD. Merry Christmas Darling was a throwback and wonderfully done. Kudos Ms. Michele. My hope is that Finn and Rachel will be reunited.

As far as the episode goes, it was exactly what I expected. Sue is a Grinch and attempts to ruin the New Directions Christmas. Christmas comes anyway, including Coach Sylvester and the glee club spending Christmas Eve with Mr. Shue. Cute episode, don't get me wrong, just sort of...been there, done that. Ya know?

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...December 7th

Outside my window...night has fallen and my Christmas lights have a short (I think).

I am thinking...about de-friending someone on facebook. He is a (extremist) brother in Christ. I refused to get into a pissing contest of who the better Christian was, he said I was, "Tolerating and enabling evil in the name of a badly confused understanding of love and grace is no virtue." I don't feel the need to prove my Christian(ness) to someone who misunderstands (and misrepresents) Christ's love and grace. I will continue to pray for him, that he will truly open his heart to Christ's love and turn away from such actions, that which make him the type of Christian that non-believers dislike us because of.

I am thankful for...God's love and grace.

I am wearing...pajamas.

I am remembering...how stinking cute Peyton doing the robot today was.

I am creating...nothing.

I am going...catch up on this blog before the end of the year.

I am reading...Fallen by Lauren Kate.

I am praying...for our health. It seems some germs may be spreading around the Johnson household.

On my mind...Grandma's been gone one month.

Noticing that...routine helps me not dwell on my hurt.

Pondering these words..."Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage." Psalm 84:5 I began a pilgrimage this year, with bumps and curves sending me to a dead halt. Now I have to get up, dust myself off, begin again, and make 2011 what I wanted 2010 to be.

From the kitchen...the kitchen is CLOSED!

Around the house...children are snug in their beds and I'm watching, "Unanswered Prayers" from my DVR. I think of all the Garth Brooks songs, that is my favorite.

One of my favorite things...Baby, It's Cold Outside sung by glee's Chris Colfer and Darren Criss. LOVE LOVE LOVE their voices together.

A few plans for the rest of the week: buy Christmas cards (UGH!) and send them out, catch up on blogging and picture editing.

From my picture journal...Peyton's memory verse book she made during her "Bible Story" (TLBS) time. SUPER cute.

Anniversary (Project 365/2010)

Hubby & I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversay this evening. I can't imagine going through life with anybody else by my side. I am truly blessed to have married my best friend.

I surpsied Hubby with dinner at Mama Carpino's. The food was DELICIOUS. Hubby had his first fried green bean (OMG) and fried green tomato. He said, "What are you doing to me?"  I could eat just the appetizers there and forgo the food, but the lasagna was the best darn lasagna I've ever had.

Hubby surprised me with a Kitchen Aid mixer in Tangerine Orange and glee Season 1 on DVD (He must really love me to put up with my glee addiction...hehehe)!

Teenage Dream

I am hotter than hot right now. When I feel my love for Jesus, or my faith, is being bashed, I tend to lose my religion a little. I think I handled myself correctly, and waited until I called Hubby at work to really let myself go. Here's what happened...

It is no secret my love for all things glee and I might have mentioned that I'm addicted to ::cough:: Darren Criss' ::cough:: Blaine's The Warbler's version of Teenage Dream, from the infamous Never Been Kissed episode, that I wrote a post about here. I posted the glee official video of said performance to my Facebook wall, when a friend from high school posted an anti-gay comment, using the word "troubling" to drive his point home. O.O Needless to say, we are both Christians.

I responded with, "I see it at face value, entertainment. The boy singing has a beautiful voice and I would listen to him sing the phone book. It's an all boy school, are you saying they are all gay? I'm fortunate. I serve a Lord who preaches love." Let's just say it escalated from there. Why am I so fired up?

I have gay friends. I have friends with gay children. I don't need them seeing such "troubling" statements...let's just call crap, crap and it's flung on MY Facebook page. I don't condone it and I am the mistress of my domain. Having said that, I realize I am also a rare breed of Christian. I take to heart love others as yourself.

Did I mention this is the watered down version? Had I written about this earlier, this post would have had an R rating.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...November 30th

Outside my window...Baby, It's Cold Outside (I seriously can't get enough of the Klaine version and even made it it my ringtone). I completely broke my ritual. I didn't just download glee's Christmas album, I've listened to it before the Christmas episode aired. Dammit all to hell that Darren Criss is addicting.

I am thinking...about setting Cameron up with a facebook account so that he can keep in touch with his friends from diabetic camp.

I am thankful for...my Dad's side of the family. The Carpenter's getting together Thanksgiving night meant more to me than I can ever express. The holiday was a tough one and being with them helped. Would have been perfect if Sara had been home.

I am wearing...flannel pj's. It's downright chilly today.

I am remembering...the dream I had last night. Grandma at her house, all us grandkids surrounding her. I can't shake this one, I miss her terribly.

I am creating...nothing. I don't have the energy or desire to handmake my Christmas cards this year. I hope everyone understands.

I am going...to finish editing my pictures this evening and clear my memory card for the first time in 4 months. OH!

I am reading...The Vampire Diaries: The Fury by L.J. Smith. It's a double book, so once I finish The Fury I can start Dark Reunion.

I am praying...that God will lead us to a permanent babysitter. Hubby & I seriously need time out together.

On my mind...Grandma. I'm so selfish. I want her here. I want to hear her voice. I want to call her and tell her how funny Peyton has been lately, how Dylan is reading, and Cameron is sneaking food again. I know she knows all this, but I want to HEAR her.

Noticing that...today has been the roughest one since Grandma passed.

Pondering these words...In honor of my 10 year wedding anniversary, my favorite scripture. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

From the kitchen...leftover Beef Stew and Pumpkin Pie.

Around the house...naptime...Peyton is down and I'm next, hence the flannel pj's.

One of my favorite things...The Beatles song I Want To Hold Your Hand ... Across the Universe style. :) I can't believe I don't own that movie.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hubby & I celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary on Thursday.

From my picture journal...I took a detour to Target this morning for my first Starbucks Hot Chocolate of the season (seriously, it was 28 degrees this morning) and the new glee CD. Hubby was none too thrilled that I was bumping Teenage Dream (Darren Criss' voice is like butter) when I picked him up. He actually rolled his eyes at me. hehehe

Furt

I want a glee wedding! Alright, so it's a little late for that, but seriously, can I just say how absolutely thrilled I am for Burt and Carol? I realize you all must think I'm a little overzealous with my love for this show and that I write about it as if they were real. What you don't understand is that for an hour every week I get to lose myself, sit back and enjoy an awesome ride with kick ass tunes. Would you prefer I write about CSI and tell you all the things they are doing wrong? (My first degree is in Criminal Justice with Forensic Science as a major) I didn't think so.

Kurt giving Burt and Finn a dancing lesson was terribly cute. I can't wait to see the dynamic of this new family. Burt going after Karofsky is just one of the many reasons I adore Mike O'Malley and his character. Burt and Kurt's father/son relationship is what true television magic is made of. The New Directions singing Marry You as they walk down the aisle was phenomenal. I had the biggest grin on my face the entire number. Burt and Carol's heartfelt speeches had me reaching for more than one tissue. I actually stood up and applauded when they kissed.

I sure hope Finn gets over his image/ego and truly embraces everything Kurt is attempting to teach him. Life is already hard enough, and believe me, these 2 know it. Furt having each other's back is what family is all about. Let me just state, Finn serenading Kurt with Bruno Mars Just the Way You Are was the cherry on top of this delicious episode. I ask you, how freakin' adorable is Chris Colfer?!?!

Carol Burnett is a legend and her duet of Ohio with Sue Sylvester's was outstanding. Dammit I miss the Carol Burnett show. I think I'll jump on Amazon and hook myself up.

I want Karofsky to get a taste of his own medicine. GAH! As devastated as I am that Kurt is leaving McKinley and the New Directions, I get a little giddy about what this means for him and Blaine. More Dalton Warblers and their incredible a cappella melodies please.

One last thing...allow me a moment to {{{SQUEE}}} at the inside of Kurt's locker with a beautiful picture of Darren Criss Blaine and the cutout letters spelling out courage.

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY...November 16th

Outside my window...clear, black night w/ stars and a waxing gibbous moon.

I am thinking...about Christmas. Hubby & I were putting together our tentative gift list, with only 39 more days left before Christmas.

I am thankful for...my Hubby. I know I've said it before, but my Hubby ROCKS! He worked his butt off around the house last week to make sure the house was perfect for Peyton's party while I planned Grandma's memorial. He got up this morning, got the boys ready and took them to school, then out with Peyton so I could sleep in.

I am wearing...pajamas.

I am remembering...Grandma's memorial service going off without a hitch. It was a beautiful service.

I am creating...Thanksgiving cards.

I am going...to attempt to fix my Photoshop. It hasn't come back up since my computer went down, TWICE, while making the program for Grandma's memorial.

I am reading...nothing...but need to pick up a book from the Library.

I am praying...for my family, who are (mostly) on the fence of whether or not to believe in Christ.

On my mind...friendship. I have made a pretty amazing friendship over the last few weeks with Marlena, and her husband Ken. I am super grateful for them, as they were the ones who made the DVD slideshow for Grandma's service.

Noticing that...Mount Washmore is piling up.

Pondering these words...Grandma's favorite scripture passage, Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

From the kitchen...ice cream.

Around the house...kids are snug in their beds.

One of my favorite things...glee and it ROCKED tonight with Gwyneth Paltrow! Hubby came home and I excitedly played the BEST glee Mash-Up Singin' in the Rain/Umbrella. Plus, Kurt has the best one-liners ever, "Ohhhh my god" when the student's at McKinley want their TOTS back. Let's not forget my fake boyfriend Blaine.

A few plans for the rest of the week: mourn my Grandmother, which I haven't been able to do in the last 9 days.

From my picture journal...my lunch, Havarti cheese & tomato grilled cheese with my BFF's FABULOUS (albeit leftover) potato salad.