Something Beautiful

Here it is! The performance from NeedtoBreathe when they dropped by the studio a few weeks ago. This is their latest single, "Something Beautiful". They were the best performers of anyone who has joined us before, I hope you enjoy it too!

Perfect Pillow

I went back in the blog archives today. I was searching for a pillow I posted about four years ago. I recently lent it to my friend Danielle who was dealing with insomnia during her last few weeks of pregnancy. She has said (more than once) what a gift the pillow was, and I knew it would be! Lol. Jim bought it for me when I was pregnant with Garrett and I will never forget what a blessing it was. When you have a bulging baby belly, it's so hard to find a position that is comfortable...even with all the pillow-propping and position shifting. It was an investment that was more than worth it! I bring it up because I spoke to another friend today who had the same frustration and it's a good thing to spread the word about! You can read my post here, just scroll down to the February 13, 2006 date. It's actually painful for me to go back and read those old entries now. I feel awful to write that, it should be a thing of joy (and it is). I think it's just hard for me to come to grips with Garrett turning 4, and knowing we've been dealing with infertility for almost 3 years already. The good thing is, it makes you realize what a gift children are...the fact that I was able to have 3 was truly a miracle!
Anyway, more details on the pillow are here, I think I might start using again...even without being pregnant!:)

A Time of Preparation

I can't believe Easter is almost here! I'm feeling behind right now, we haven't colored the eggs yet and the Easter Bunny is not ready for the delivery of treats...if you know what I mean (translation= I haven't been to Target yet)! That being said, I know those are just the trimmings on the outside and if we don't get to it, it's not a big deal. The primary issue is preparing hearts and trying to convey the meaning of Holy week to the boys. In some respects I get frustrated because it's a monumental event every year, and I always try to tell stories, show videos, say extra prayers and read specific Bible verses that tie in to the days leading up to Easter. The frustration comes in during days like today when no one in the family can identify that this weekend is Palm Sunday. Especially since we just talked about it yesterday! Still, I know how many times I have hear the same things as an adult, and I know how easily I forget, so I just have to press on and trust the Holy Spirit and believe it will sink in by the time they are adults. :)

Something that has been on my heart lately, is trying to help the boys understand the times in which Jesus lived. In this age of the Wii and 3-D TV, I think it's hard for an 8 year old to visualize the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem over two thousand years ago...on a donkey, wearing a cloak and sandals with people waving palm branches. So that has been my prayer, to try and travel back in time and talk about what it must have been like to witness that event, what it meant then, and what it means today. Anyway, I am looking forward to mass on Sunday when we begin the service with anticipation, and then leave in silence with the stage set for the days ahead...the Agony in the Garden, the Crucifixion, Death and Resurrection.
If you are looking for quick, creative ways to try and enrich Holy Week, click here for some good suggestions. The bottom portion of the page has info for every day leading up to Easter.

Happy Palm Sunday!

She's With Me

It's time for another tissue alert. I wasn't in the mood for this today, but my friend Bobbi e-mailed it to me and I am so glad she did.
It's a song that Collin Rae wrote about his disabled granddaughter. A love story that is inspiring, bittersweet, and beautiful. This is the back story and a portion of the song. Click here for the full song. Off to hug my precious boys now.

Home Improvment

What a weekend! Sorry I've been neglecting the blog, we have been working on some project planning for the house. One of the big items has been trying to find a shed for our yard. We have a pretty small property and the shed will be going in a central location, so my hope was to find something that would add to our property and not be an eye sore. I ended up finding some nice choices online, but oh boy, will you pay for it! So that has been somewhat stressful. This is an idea of what I had in mind:



We are hoping to incorporate it into a garden area, and that has taken a lot of planning. In addition, we've been looking to do something with our entry and I have always wanted a Dutch door. I think they add so much and at the same time are very functional. This is one example:


However, I was in for a rude awakening when it came to pricing that too! I think it's a rip off actually, I mean it's just a door with a split in the middle. Lol. I am obviously not in the loop with the cost of these things, so needless to say, we have learned a lot.
Anyway, on top of the cost, I realized we could really only use the open door feature a few months out of the year. It just wouldn't be enough to justify it. Bummer. Even though they look great, I know it wouldn't make sense. O'well. So we are working with our budget, trying to figure out what to do, when, where, etc. It's exciting but a little stressful. So, that's been the big to-do lately. By the way, if you happen to be in the market for a door, I did find this website that has some great options. Okay, off to see if I can find an affordable screen door instead.:)

Best Day Ever

NeedtoBreathe. Wohooo!


Today we welcomed NeedtoBreathe in studio! I was glad I could look at their album during the interview because it was a good reminder of what I needed to do: BREATHE!:) If you have followed my blog for a few months, you know that I am a giant fan of these guys and their amazing talent and creativity. We are pretty blessed in that we are able to meet many artists as part of our job, and usually it's just a standard thing, but today I actually had nerves kick in. Have you ever met someone and wondered if they could hear your heart pounding out of your chest!? Lol. I feel so foolish to write that because I am really not the kind of person who gets wowed by celebrities, and I don't know of anyone else I would actually get the shakes to meet (well, except for maybe Dolly Parton)!:) So I was a little embarrassed that I couldn't blow it off and just be mellow but I couldn't help it, it was a dream come true!:) The guys will be in downtown Cleveland tonight for a show(info at www.needtobreathe.net). Thankfully though, they took the time to do a little jam session. I knew they would be amazing live (because I have scoured the Internet for all their acoustic stuff! Lol). WOW..right on the money and then some. I hope you enjoy this as much as we did. Here is the video from Joe, Bear, Bo, and Seth performing "Something Beautiful".

**Update, had to remove video for now per record label request. Bummer! Hopefully will be able to post it at some point. In the meantime, you can hear the audio Thursday morning at 7:15 (ET). Listen live at www.955TheFish.com. Sorry. :(


Oh, and I cannot forget the other wonderful highlight! Today we had a listener come in to play "Name that Tune: Bagpipe Edition". A big thanks to Ruth Chapman who is a senior at Cornerstone Christian Academy. She rocked it! Click here to listen to the songs and see if you can identify the titles. Thanks Ruth, happy St. Patrick's Day!:) Ahhh, I will always remember this day!:)

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Funky and Functional

Over the weekend we received the new catalog for "Uncommon Goods". I figured I would flip through it before tossing it into the recycling bin. We get so many catalogs, magazines, etc. and I am sure they have some great content inside, but I rarely have the time to sit and actually read them. Anyway, I was just about to pitch it when I realized this was a mag worth holding on to! They have so many unique, quirky, cute gift ideas. I even ran across a few things I might put on my wish list.
Jim especially liked this Peanut Butter and Jelly Spreader:


He insists I dirty two knives so the pb&j NEVER mix. Lol. I prefer using one knife and just making sure it's wiped off before dipping into the other jar. This item however, would solve the dilemma and appease both of us once and for all!:) At $9.50 I think it's worth the investment.

I also like this Index Cutting Board



Once again, this might be more for my beloved, salmonella-scared spouse (haha) than for me. It clearly marks cutting boards designated for certain foods (fish, meat, vegetables, etc). At $60 it's not something we would buy, but I like the idea.

Oh, and I don't want to forget the Ticket Stub Diary!


It's always nice to save tickets from that first baseball game or special concert, etc. We even have bus tickets from Rome that I want to preserve. This is a great place to keep them. At $12.00, it's definitely worth the price. Although, I think you can also get that at Target too.

The Uncommon Goods website is a great source for cute items, but there are a ton of products on there so be prepared for some stinkers too.

Okay, off to clean while Garrett is snoozing. Have a great day!:)

Winner!

Congratulations to the winner of the $100 Mario's Intl. Spas gift card: Jill Stump of Brunswick, OH!!

Thank you to every single beautiful woman who took the time to enter the contest. I appreciated reading the entries and your e-mails. I am sorry if you didn't win, but I'm happy to report, there are more giveaways to come. Thanks again and Jill, enjoy your day at the Spa!:)

Powerful Prayers

"My Jesus, give me perception. It is so easy to get caught up in material things and everyday cares. Sometimes these seemingly necessary concerns choke Your Word in my soul and I am unable to see the right course to take. One day You reprimanded your Apostles because they were concerned about food and forgot how You had fed them and let them want for nothing. It must hurt Your generous Heart when I doubt Your Providence or forget Your past gifts to me. If You have taken care in the past, why do I doubt that You will continue to do so in the future? You are changeless and Your Goodness is not dependant on my goodness. You are always good and provident and I must never worry about tomorrow or doubt Your continuing Providence. I must keep in mind that Your Providence rises before the dawn and never sleeps at sunset. You are a faithful God Who straightens any crooked ways before I ever set foot on them."

This Prayer to Trust Divine Providence is from the beautiful new book "The Prayers & Personal Devotions of Mother Angelica" Introduced & Edited by Raymond Arroyo. I was excited to welcome Raymond on our morning show this week and talk about this inspiring collection. Mother Angelica is the founder of EWTN and a spunky, Holy Spirit-filled nun originally from right here in Canton, OH. Although she is bedridden, seriously ill and can no longer speak (according to Raymond's update when we spoke); there is no doubt that her ability to touch and inspire millions is still powerfully potent! This volume offers an intimate look at some of the prayers that are closest to Mother's heart and her own personal devotions. I am already referencing it several times a day! There are prayers for patience, prayers for your workday, prayers for peace in chaos, prayer for the good use of time (which I almost posted). It was so hard to choose just one to start with!:) The only unfortunate thing I can say about this book, is that I wish it came in a pocket size so I could have it with me at all times. Still, it's a small volume that is pretty portable so no complaints here. This is for Christians of all faith traditions who believe in the power of prayer. To put at as Mother does: "Prayer is your heartbeat
in rhythm with His".


Click here for book information.

Hurry! :)

Just wanted to say thank you again for your entries for the Mario's contest! It's exciting to see how many of you have taken the time to enter. The deadline is Wednesday at 12:00 noon (ET). The winner will get a $100 gift certificate to Mario's International Spas and Hotels (several locations in the Cleveland area). To enter, send your name and address to Brooke@955thefish.com. Thanks again and good luck!:)

Beautiful Belly Laugh

Just checking in for a quick update today.:) This is a short video, mostly for Grammie and family and Georgia, I hope you don't mind, I couldn't resist. Today at nap time, Garrett got the giggles and would not sleep. Usually I would get frustrated, but a beautiful baby belly laugh is the sweetest sound in the world, and it made my heart melt. Initially, I hit my elbow on the headboard (by accident) but it cracked Garrett up so much that he lost his breath. So, naturally, I had to do it over and over...and over again.:) This is just a quick video but it made me smile to hear his gleeful gut giggle. I hope you enjoy it too.



Then, in another make-mom-melt moment, Jim relayed a sweet story about Grant. It was spring picture day at school, so we laid out "handsome clothes" so he would look dapper. When I got home from work, Jim told me Grant decided to add a tie at the last minute "to look handsome for mommy". Oh, be still my heart! What a guy. In addition, as soon as he got home he wanted to recreate how he posed. He moved our little storage basket and posed, complete with his leg the way it was situated earlier today. Too cute. Here is the handsome Mr. Grant.




Lastly, over the past few months you have heard me mention the "Once a Month Cooking" system and book. It has been such a blessing for our family. A major time saver and help with saving money and making the most of our food. Well, if you don't have time to make a two-week cycle of meals, you can also make just one or two to help throughout the week. Lately, that has been our system and it's working great. Over the weekend I made the "Upside Down Fettuccine bake" which only took me about 20 minutes, and now it's ready to throw in the oven and eat sometime this week. Here is the website (with free recipes) if you are interested!

P.S. Thank you for all the contest entries for Mario's! I will pick a winner later this week and let you know. :) See post below for all the details!

Sanctuary

Today was an ahhh..mazing day!:) I was the grateful recipient of a massage and facial at "The Sanctuary", part of Mario's International Spas & Hotels. It was our half price deal this week (at The Fish) and I have an opportunity for you to go there too! More on that in a minute.
First is a quick recap of an incredible day.
Mario's is all over Cleveland, but I went to the Aurora location. It's actually a campus with seperate buildings for the hotel, restaraunt, salon and spa.
Staying true to all good spa experiences, I was handed a plush "Mario's" robe to get comfy.


I made my way upstairs to get a "Samunprai Deluxe Thai Massage". What a room!



With the sound of water, the glow of the warm fire and the soothing music...I thought I might fall asleep and miss the massage all together. It was perfect
though, even though I think I drooled a little! Lol.

Next was the ecliptics steam room. It's a giant steamer where your skin absorbs all of the oils and moisture at once. Perfect for this time of year when everything is so DRY. It was like a mini-vacation to a tropical climate.

The finale' was the Organic Fruit and Flower facial where Patricia worked wonders! I alwas request extractions because it's so helpful for acne-prone skin (at least in my experience). She basically takes a tool and squeezes out all of the blackheads and overall gunk stuck in the pores (gross but great)!:) Anyway, she said if you have sinus problems, that particular facial is good because of the bags they use on the eye/nose area. The bags have peppermint and mandarin in them and help with pressure points, and you get to bring them home for continued use!
Here are the bags. The big one is from the massage, the small one is from the facial.


I think it was the best spa experience of my life. I didn't want to leave!:) In fact, I want to go there with Jim for our 10 year wedding anniversary this summer. The only bummer is that I kept wishing everyone could experience Mario's with me. Things like that are more fun when you have someone to share it with. Anyway, that brings me to YOU! I have a $100 gift certificate to Mario's International Spas and Hotels! It's my first blog contest! Just send me and e-mail with your name, address, and I will pick a random winner next week. You can send it to: Brooke@955thefish.com. Good luck!
In the meantime, Mario's has a bunch of great deals due to their 50th anniversary celebration. Click here for the website. Thank you to Patricia, Carrie, and everyone at Mario's for the blessing of today!:)

Speaking of Movies

Gabriel is a big fan of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series of books. Over the weekend we saw the trailer and both Gabe and Grant haven't stopped talking about it since! Grant keeps saying "Wanna see my secret freckle? It's got a HAIR in it!" Nice. Isn't funny how kids can see something once and totally memorize it instantly?! If you haven't seen it yet, here is the trailer.

Remedy Drive and Oscars

I had a chance to break in the new Flip camcorder today. The guys from Remedy Drive stopped by the studio for a quick interview. I was hoping they would perform "Daylight" but no dice, they didn't bring their guitars this time. The video is kind of a bummer because the audio quality is not great and it's pretty long. As always, a great group of guys and just as nice in person as they seem on stage and on their website. Here is the vid.:)



Also, did you see Roger Ebert on Oprah? What an inspiration! His wife is a hero, just amazing. Anyway, I was looking forward to his Oscar picks and he did not disappoint. For the past few years I have been on an Oscar boycott (not really) but I was really turned off by their selections overall. I love movies so I'm happy to see the Academy has chosen more mainstream films this year. I am definitely rooting for "Up" although it probably won't get Best Picture. We liked "District 9" but that had too many swear words for me (still like it though). I heard "The Blind Side" is fantastic but I really, really like "The Hurt Locker". I hope it gets Best Picture and Best Director (Kathryn Bigelow)! That one is def. not for kids (obviously) and it was one of those movies I thought was pretty good at the time, and then I couldn't stop thinking about it afterwards, and now we've watched it twice! I haven't watched Avatar yet but Jim liked it. Anyway, I digress.:) Here are all of Roger Ebert's predictions. We haven't seen "Precious" or "Up in the Air" but they both come out on DVD next week, and we will be headed to Family Video for both!:) If you are also anticipating the awards, you can download a ballot on Oprah.com and vote for your favorites. Jim and I are going to have our own contest and have some fun with it. Okay, off to read and see what's on the "History International" channel and take my fiber vitamins. Lol.

Flipping Out

I am putting out a plea for a missing Flip! Ugh. I am sure it's my own carelessness, but my prized camcorder has gone missing. Usually, if I misplace something I am not panicked because 9 times out of 10 I trust it will turn up. I do still fight clutter and being unorganized, but I rarely actually lose something permanently. Looks like I lost a big one this time though! As soon as I realized my Flip was not in it's usual place I had a sinking feeling that it was gone forever because there are only a few places it could be (and it wasn't anywhere). With my job, I use the Flip all the time (as evidenced in the dozens of videos since January)!:) Lol. So anyway, I have been bumming big time. We finally bit the bullet and bought a new one today, because I do legitimately need it for work; but that was a painful expense. I can't even enjoy it because I am so sick at having to spend the money on it. Boo. Anyway, I will fire up the new Flip on Tuesday when we welcome Remedy Drive into the studio! I am hoping they will perform this song because it's one of my faves. After that, it's off to downtown Cleveland for a tour of Laura's Home to how the City Mission continues to help those in the community who are in need. It should be a great day! I'm sure I'll be posting videos and keeping my new Flip close at hand!:)

Black Bean Brownies and More

Have you heard of this combo? I saw the "Black Bean Brownie" recipe a few years ago, but I was too grossed out to try it. Well, since then I have seen it pop up in various places and I'm actually tempted to try it. It's healthy, low-fat (as far as brownies go) and I've heard very tasty! Since it looks like the weather won't be breaking for a while, this could be a fun baking project to try. Click here for the recipe. Bring on the beans! My husband will like that statement. Lol.

Also, over the weekend I signed up for Vocalpoint thanks to an article in the Canton Rep (our newspaper). It offers freebies a chance to "try and tell" , join message boards, etc. It took a few minutes to fill out the questions and it seems like there is a lot to navigate and figure out, but if it means free band-aids....I am all aboard!:)