We Miss American Idol Already

I’m already missing my friends on American Idol.

We have not watched every season of AI, and we didn’t watch last year’s season at all (Season 12). We weren’t too thrilled about the addition of the, AHEM, women judges, so we opted out.

This season, however, was very different.

We watched every. single. episode.

One of my favorite aspects this year had nothing to do with the talent of the contestants. It had everything to do with the judges. There was something so awesome about the trio of JLo, Harry, and Keith Urban (you always have to say his last name because it’s very cool). They were really very fascinating. The way Harry added his expertise of music... And, if I can give my opinion, I think this was the best judging panel EVER. Then, add Randy and Ryan into the mix… We thought it was great!

When they were starting with 15 guys/15 girls, we had the winners pegged. It really wasn’t that difficult to see the most talented, but we did go back and forth about who was going to win – Caleb, Jena, or Alex. They were all so different and all so very good. While watching the finale, it was easy to see who was the best-of-the-best.

We heard criticism of this year’s contestants from many on social media. They said the contestants weren’t talented at all, boring, etc.

Our family found them to be completely opposite.

I think my very favorite part about American Idol is that our family sits down together every time it’s on and watches it together. We laugh, shout, and clap. Together. When you have kids who are growing up so fast, it's a blessing that you can all find something to watch together.

We hope the team of judges stay together for the next season. I can’t imagine any other group of judges being that great. The number they all sang together… Whoa! That was fantastic, and I probably enjoyed that performance most of all in the finale (but Alex and Jason Mraz came in a close second). 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO2E3FUQYxc 

7 months, People!

And the Hammers will be waiting.

Finally! Book Review on No More Perfect Kids

“Children have no control over their ability. They do have control over how they use their ability – and that’s a matter of character” (Savage, Jill and Kathy Koch. No More Perfect Kids, pg. 206).

I have been blessed to be a part of the launch team for Jill Savage and Kathy Koch’s new book, No More Perfect Kids. These ladies are phenomenal in their writing and encouragement to parents everywhere. This is not just a book for moms; it’s for anyone who parents children.

I think it’s easy sometimes to forget that your children are little people with minds and emotions. We want the best for them, we want them to be so much more than we were, and in doing that, we can have very unrealistic expectations of them. This book answers questions of how to show our children that we love them, that they are important to us, and guiding them to find their purpose in life. Not only are the chapters honest and easy to understand, the appendix gives valuable and usable information that parents can use in practical ways. For example, there is a chapter called “Character Qualities to Develop in Your Children.” How helpful! It puts words to the thoughts and goals we have, but this book provides realistic ways to act.

Obviously, Jill and Dr. Kathy have a heart for parents and kids, and it comes through in the material they’ve written so eloquently. This book does not make any accusations of parents’ mistakes in raising their children, but it does cause parents to think about the ways in which they engage with their children. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve made many parenting blunders, and I’m grateful to know that there’s a way to change and repair what might have been broken by my own hand.

I wrote an email to Jill after reading No More Perfect Moms, and I was asked if she could use it for this book. I said yes, so my story is written, too. It was a tough time for me, but what healing came knowing I’m not alone.

We all have parenting stories of not knowing what to do, but if you will read this book, I can say that if something starts to go awry, or you think, “I don’t know what to do in this situation,” the concepts written here just may come to the forefront of your mind and give you hope, too.

I definitely recommend that all parents read this book cover to cover. It’s helpful, insightful, and encouraging.

(This was my posted review, and I believe every word I wrote. Buy this book! You won't be disappointed - you should also get No More Perfect Moms. It's awesome, too!)