Malaria No More and Save The World Summer

Today we got a bit on myspace from Brooke White telling us to go to malarianomore.org .   Seeing this, I pretty much thought Brooke would be the new spokesperson for the organization like Melinda Dolittle and Jordin Sparks were last year.  And yup, she is!  

But it goes beyond that.  She is encouraging kids all over to pick a cause and raise money during the summer for it.  Katrina is a little girl with a huge heart always wanting to help those less fortunate and when we read about Malaria and how a child dies every 30 seconds in Africa from it, her poor heart just looked like it was about to break!  She decided she right then she wanted to open a lemonade stand and a bake sale and sell jewelry we were making earlier today to raise money for bed nets.  (She didn't even get to the part that the kid who raises the most money wins 2 AI Finale Tickets).  

So, being the mom that I am, I am trying to get the word out and help all I can.  I posted a donation button at brookesbandwagon.com for those who want to help.  Please let all your friends and other family members know.  Malaria is a completely preventable disease that was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago.    Please join Katrina and I in this cause!

Thanks,

Lexa and Katrina M.

Does this new layout work?

I was experimenting with different layouts, and I loved the feel of this one, but it's so different I wonder if it works with others computers.  It is considered a "stretch" layout, meaning when you expand or shrink your browser window it goes with it.  I only worry that some people are going to get one word per line when I post pictures (see below blog post). 

Let me know if this one works, or if I need a "standard" template. 

Take care

Lexa

A Fun New Thing for Lexa

So I just let the cat out of the bag so I thought I would post it here.  I am an official Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay now.  I had been buying a huge amount of product, and my consultant leaned over and said, "You know, why aren't you a consulant if you are buying this much product?"  So, I decided she was right.  You have to be your best customer!

So if anyone wants to be on my mailing list and get FREE samples and fun stuff, email me (lexahuny@gmail.com) with your mailing address, and if you can't wait for a brochure, you are more than welcome to shop online at www.marykay.com/Lexa

Since a blog just isn't as fun without pictures, I'm posting a few of my new "color" looks here.  I have a new one every day, and the lighting isn't great but I wanted to share!

I swear I'll finish this post.

I have started about four blogs in the past month, and I can't finish the darn things.  I supposed that is me to a T.  Perhaps I have some psychological subconscious fear about finishing a project.   I feel like that some days.  

I have one started all about Taylor, with pictures of him to celebrate his birthday.  I have been tagged one too many times and I forget to finish them.  I have witty observations that I forget to post and then when I go back to finish the post I forget what the punchline was.  

Today is the first day I have decided to get to work on our "summer schedule"  We are signing up for swimming lessons today, and have play dates planned for Tuesdays, Free Movies and Library on Wednesdays, and Baking/Cooking/Sewing for the girls on Thursdays.     Along with me joining a gym today and doing some water aerobics!  I'm excited.  It's been a long school year and I finally can make my own schedule instead of following the kids.  

Let me know what you all are planning for summer!

Out of the Mouth of Babes

This week seemed to be the funny story week.  Wednesday Mason was supposed to go with his class on a field trip to the movies.  Instead of wanting to go, he woke up and refused to go.  I called the school to see what the movie would be to see if I could intice him.   It was some Dinosaurs with Sesame Street.  

I told Mason that and he states "I hate Elmo"  I explained that there were Dinosaurs that he learned about in school that week, and he replied "Daddy doesn't go to school, He teaches people how to Drive!"  Then he pretended to drive around the room.   We then went into how he was going to be JUST like DADDY and not watch Elmo or go to school again.  (Doesn't that make you feel wonderful!)

We had a good laugh, and I called Mark who explained when he was 5 he LOVED dinosaurs and school.  Mason never did give in (He explained to me just 5 minutes ago he still hates Elmo) but at least he wants to go back to school. 

Well, I got my moment today when we went through the Drive-Thru at Wendy's for food.  They handed us Frosties and then asked us to pull forward and wait for the rest of the order.  When they delivered the food, I asked if they put spoons in the bag.  He replied "Ummm, They should have" 

Later after we pull away and Katrina asks for a spoon, I look and sure enough, no spoons!  She replied with more wisdom than a 9 year old should "If they respond with an Ummm, you should double check the bag"    I mentioned she was right and she said "It's because of my natural born instincts."  

I laughed a little and said "You must get those from your Dad"   She agreed and said "Yea, I do.  I don't think you have any natural instincts, Mom"   

Gee, Thanks!

1148 Miles, 22 hours, and Four Kids with Small Bladders

Last weekend was really exciting for us.  Mark's sister Sammie was sealed to her husband Doug and their children.   Of course that meant taking a whirlwind trip to Mesa from Roswell.  The trip actually went well.  

We left Thursday and got to Safford at midnight (Arizona time) and stayed the night with Shirley and Ed.  Of course the kids don't sleep in and we were up at 6:30 the next day.  After breakfast, visiting, and lunch, it was back in the car for another 3 1/2 hour drive to Mesa.   We got to Mesa around 4, and found out the gov't stimulus check was deposited so of COURSE we tried to figure out what to spend it on as quickly as possible.  (We're doing our part to stimulate the economy).  We decided that my poor broken laptop with the external monitor and thousands of cords wasn't going to last much longer so we went to the Apple Store and bought a new iMac.  I love it and it has all kinds of gadgets.  BUT I digress about the real reason we went!

We went through a session with them at 10:30 and then they were sealed around 1:15.   I haven't been to a sealing with children before and they were all so beautiful and everyone was teary eyed.  It was such a blessing to be a part of that.  

Thankfully Ky and Lynaya brought our kids and a camera and took pictures of everyone because everyone else's cameras were gone missing or broken.    

Later that night it was back in the van, back to Safford to sleep for the night, then up and gone by 9:00 AM back to Roswell.  We made it back around 6:00 pm NM time and I am still trying to recover.   I won't say never again... but I will think long and hard about a plane ticket!

Who Thought Up Beating Animals for Birthday Entertainment?

Piñatas of course.  But come on, seriously?  First you stuff the carcass full of things you want to eat later, then you beat the thing to a bloody pulp for "fun"?  What are we teaching our children?

So honestly, we had a party for Mason today and we try to have birthday parties for them every four years.  It's supposed to be 4, 8, 12, and 16, but it ended up being 5 for Mason.  5 is probably better anyhow.  It's more the coming of age (kindergarten) party anyhow right?  So we went to pick out a Piñata for him, and they had little itty bitty ones for 16 and GINORMOUS piñatas for 26.  Now mind you, these aren't filled, and it would of taken 50 dollars worth of candy to fill the big one,  so being a "smart shopper" I passed both of these at Wal-mart and went to Target and got the medium sized one for 12.    They had one identical to Burro on Viva Piñata, but we went with the manly colored one instead :)  

Well, after 4 bags of candy and a mix of whistles, bouncy balls, tops and other annoying things that you seem to get out of Oriental Trading Company, we make our way home to stuff the thing.  Only one thing... Being so "user friendly" now, the compartment they make for this donkey is only 1/4 of the darn thing.    Yup, the "itty bitty"ones were actually totally hollow, this one was stuffed full of paper except for the tail end.  

Being so smart though, I decided to just poke a hole through to the rest of the animal.  Whoops...found the paper...  Now what?  I take on the job as Veterinarian and perform a Burro Tracheotomy to remove the blockage.  Warning:  These pictures may seem graphic to those with weak stomaches.  

Sorry you have to see this folks, but it's all in the name of entertainment.  
So now we have enough room to STUFF the darn thing full and I go to cut the tag off and decide to read it.  I mean, I've done a lot of Piñatas but I have never had a tag on one. So the first thing I notice is the "Safety Warning"  NOTICE:   Only use a Piñata Whacker to break open. Do not use broomsticks or handles on Piñata.     

Well, hello. .What the heck is a Piñata Whacker (TM) ?   Some accessory you are to buy along with it for 12 dollars?    That's it, I'm opening a Piñata Whacker (TM) factory to sell to the Gringos who actually read labels on Piñatas and then TRY and follow them.  

Then it has directions. 

1) Stuff Piñata with small toys and candy

2) Hang Piñata up with rope or twine.  

3) Take turns hitting at the Piñata until it breaks open.  

Ok so if you are actually buying a Piñata at the store, wouldn't you already know sorta that this is what you DO with a piñata?? That this isn't a cake topping or picture frame?  (I must over estimate the intelligence of the general public)

Ok so back to the poor animal.  We get it stuffed from behind and front, and get him set up at the Birthday party.  And WHACK one hit from the kid over 3 and it breaks off at the neck.  Apparently, the structural integrity of the piñata might of been compromised.  Who knew?  Kids just want the candy, not a chance to whack some poor animal.   Oh, and don't worry.  We used the next best thing to a Piñata Whacker (TM)... the baseball bat (Plastic) Mason got as a birthday present!

Birfday Time

So It's Mason's Birthday! Happy Birthday Mason dear! He is 5 as of 3:25 (I think) PM on May 4th. I need to look that one up.

Funny, I remember ever detail of Katrina's and a lot of Caroline's. Mason's was lost in the confusion of epidurals (which I will never do again), delivery by Billy, the 3rd year (student? Intern? Couldn't tell ya), the nICU, and my first time ever separated

from my girls.

He is a handful now, but he was the calmest baby I have ever had. On a schedule, always waking and taking nap at the exact same time every day, content to just do his own thing.

Now he does his own thing, but usually it needs supervision to make sure it doesn't involve explosives or knives.

Happy Birthday Mason, We love you!

Brooke's Bandwagon

Ok so seriously I know that Brooke is Lindsey's and Malcom's friend, but ever since I heard her music last year I have been totally hooked.

I am a proud member of Brooke's Bandwagon (helped come up with the name, I did), created a quick website (brookesbandwagon.com) and helped coordinate a drive for flowers this past week.  

I guess I am officially a "fantard" (a retard fan cause I'm so into this) but I wanted to share a response someone posted for Brooke on the forum I'm obsessed with. The letter and pictures are right below!

Dearest Bandwagon Friends!

I want you all to know, just how much your generous gift truly brightened my day, my week, and my performance!  I truly needed that boost, and the unbelievably beautiful bouquets and stunning rose garden...when I walked into the room at CBS and saw them I couldn't get over how amazing they were, and couldn't believe they were actually for me!

Last night, all I could think about was wanting to give the best performance I had for the people, for the fans, and for everyone that had given me their support, encouragement, and kindness!  I just felt so grateful, so happy and it felt good to be able to smile through it all....even when Simon said that I'm a believer was a "nightmare"...LOL.

Please know, you must KNOW how much your love and support means to me...I just think y'all are the greatest and no matter what happens, I hope I get to make music for you for a long time, and that we get to connect and find joy through the songs that make us "Feel".  That totally sounds cheesy, but I'm being serious!

Have the most beautiful day in world!

Love, 

Brooke:)

I got my first song professionally critiqued.

I found this place called SongU  that has courses for Songwriting and the music business and such.  They also have an option to have your songs professionally critiqued by those in the business, publishers and such.  It was sort of scary putting my song out there on the line, but I was very happy with the feedback.  

Here is a little about my critique:

#2062 is a Grammy-nominated producer/writer with extensive Film, TV & Recording credits. Has also worn hats in major label A&R, publishing and audio engineering. Songs in over 20 films, as well as HBO, Disney, reality, talk (Ellen DeGeneres, Tyra Banks) and news entertainment shows. This coach has had cuts in (and is comfortable evaluating) the following genres: pop, country, hip-hop, rock, world, runway, dance, and remixing.This coach is also open to questions regarding career coaching, production suggestions, etc.

And this is what he had to say about my song "Just The Beginning" that I wrote for the American Idol songwriters contest (You can find that here)

Song Title: Just The Beginning
Songwriter: Lexa Montierth
Coach #: 2062
Date Critiqued: 4/27/2008 2:47:00 PM

I’ve struggled so many years

 Trying to find my way, 

Looking for answers 

Dealing with heartache and tears, 

Waiting for the day 

I’d have all the answers. 

Would it be worth the effort and the time?

 I put my heart and my soul out on the line

 I’ve always wanted this and now it could be mine 

But I know in my heart this is Just the Beginning 

Oh, Just the Beginning 

This dream is coming true 

Pieces fall into place 

As you stand beside me 

It’s like I always knew 

When I see your face 

That it’s as it could be 

Will love be worth the effort and the time? 

I put my heart and my soul out on the line 

I’ve always wanted this and now your finally mine 

But I know in my heart this is Just the Beginning 

Of our hopes and dreams finally coming true 

The beginning of my destiny began when I met you 

This love is worth the effort and the time

We’ve put our hearts and our souls out on the line 

The future’s hopeful with you right by my side 

And I know in my heart this is Just the Beginning

Oh, Just the Beginning of our Lives

LYRICS
Hi Lexa!Pretty good song for your first effort out! Lyrically you'd done a good job with the American Idol idea. And then weaving it into the relationship love. If it were mine, I'd changed the opening lines of the chorus to an immediate positive statement, as in it is worth the effort and time. I like the way you went from the second chorus into the bridge, that's a nice segue.
MUSIC
Musically pretty good also. Typically we'd like to hear the vocal soaring a little higher on the chorus, especially in a piano/guitar vocal, as opposed to a full band production where you can get away with out a big vocal chorus. part of this is a little more training on your voice to develop a stronger head tone in state of the weaker falsetto. A voice coach could help with that, if you have a good one nearby. If you are in the Nashville area, or make trips here, my wife is an excellent voice coach. www.robinearl.com I liked where the bridge went, with a stronger vocal that would work terrific.
ORIGINALITY
You've done a good job feeding the American Idol ideal.
COMMERCIAL VIABILITY
This is a good song, and commercially viable I believe. Not just for American Idol, but it's a generally good pop or country pop young female pitch. Really terrific job for your first song, you're in the game.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
I've started a new songwriters blog you can check out if you were interested. www.garyearl.com Best wishes, gary

No Joke...I wrote a song

For the American Idol Songwriters Contest.  I was worried about everyone listening to it, but I guess that's the point of music? To have people listen to it?  Anyhow, I can't seem to get an mp3 to post here so you have to be redirected to MySpace.  Take care!!

Lexa

A post just for posting.

I feel like I have nothing new to say every time I come in and look at my blog, so I don't write. But now I feel guilty because I haven't written anything down. So this blog post is just to humor my spirit a bit and make me feel like I wrote in my blog, when in fact, I didn't say anything. More later :P

Jewelry 012...Stringing

I decided to try my new found jewelry making skills out, and put some pieces together. Let me know what you guys think! I hate how jewelry pictures never look like the same thing up close and real! (The one I'm wearing and the one above it are the same...the color is all messed up!)

Jewelry 101...or more like 010

Since working for the Ebay Gemstone Beads place, I have had a lot of material to make things. Fortunately, my new V.T. Partner here has been making Jewelry for a part time income sorce and so graciously has been tutoring me. She taught me how to wire wrap last night, and I made a pair of earrings. I have to show them off!This is a wire wrap that the little gemstone ball actually fell off the pin. I did this after my second attempt (Apparently I am a fast learner, my tutor says!) Wire wrapping is where you take what basically is a straight pin and curl it and wrap the wire around to make a loop you can attach it to stuff.

The Red Briolette Bead is one of the hardest ones to learn. As Junie B. would say, It didn't turn out that professional.








The finished pair of earrings is shown below. Modeled by me. No I don't have a manager for my modeling career yet.

Snow Day

Well, that's what we hoped for. It took us until 2:00 in the afternoon to get everyone dressed and bundled, and go buy intertubes at the tire shop. And then the trip to Ruidoso was longer than we planned...And THEN we find out there is no snow in the lower peaks, only what Winter Park made, and they won't let you use your own tubes. (Why did we waste so much time trying to buy interubes!) And not only that, they closed 30 minutes before we got there. So our Snow day ended up us playing in the ditchbank that had a few inches. Kids had fun anyway!
Don't eat the Yucky Snow! Oh well, at least it wasn't yellow.