Music Monday!

Been a while since I did a "Music Monday" entry! Here's my recommendation for the week:

"I Can't Get Over You" by Anthem Lights

Beautiful, beautiful song!

Rookie Blue: "Best Laid Plans"

So, I made a rule for myself that I COULD NOT read anyone else's RB blogs or read any fanfic until my thoughts from last night were up. Actually, it's a good rule, because other people's blogs seem to influence what I write and it also helps me not put it off. It's not that I don't like blogging about it, it's just that after I read someone else's blog, I always think, "Wow! That was really great...." and then lose the steam to write my own and not just point you to theirs. However, since I write as much for myself as anybody, here goes with this weeks thoughts:

* McNally and Swarek partnered again....Oh, my happy heart!

* Did you SEE Sam practically fly on top of her when those shots were fired trying to get them to safety? Yikes!

* And we learn that Sam has been offered an undercover op, off the grid with no contact with anyone for who knows how long....And that he leaves in three weeks. Did you hear the mild panic in Andy's voice? "You're not even gonna think about it?" Sam: "What's there to think about?" Oh you got her thinking alright Sammy boy! About not saving all the good Halloween candy, but eating it right then...Yep, you got her thinkin'!

* And then Sam leaves her to deal with the trapped accident victim to try and find the kid that's been kidnapped. And THAT also gets Andy thinking....Life's too short!

* Andy plays hero and gets the lady out of her burning car....Her training no doubt payed off and her TO would be proud!

*Sam with a kid....Go ahead, mop me up off the floor! Soooo sweet!

* Did you see the look on his face as he came upon the scene of a burned up car and no McNally in sight? He quickly handed the boy to Oliver to find her.

*Did you HEAR the panic as he called her name? And then he called it again and again....

*Did you SEE the relief on his face when he finally saw her, that she was okay! Did you SEE?

* "If I would have known the car was gonna catch on fire...." "You should have radioed me...." He told her this and gave her a slight smile and a nod of the head, when all she cared about was if the boy was safe. "Yeah, we found him..." he said as he shakes his head at her slightly exasperated that she's not even worried about herself and that she could have been killed. It was SO cute!

* And then, there they are...Staring at each other both with the hint of a relieved smile, Andy's eyes a bit teary. They inch closer. And closer. Literally, you couldn't put a piece of paper between them....Then Andy pulls back, offering a sad smile as she goes around him, leaving Sam with the saddest look on his face....

* And Sam and Andy fans everywhere throw shoes at their T.V.'s and scream a frustrated screams.

* Andy is at the station when she finds out the girl she saved didn't make it after all and remembers her promise to feed the girl's cat. Shell shocked, she's off to fulfill her promise.

* Once there, Andy realizes she doesn't WANT to save the good candy anymore and calls Sam and tells his voicemail just that....And that she's coming over.

* We see Sam's phone on his desk in his apartment, and that he missed one call. Then the camera pans down to the street where he sits in a van with the head of the undercover op. Sam's getting a new phone and instructions.... "Remember, no contact with anyone else from now on, except me." "Yes sir." Sam replies. "Sorry things changed at such short notice...." Sam shrugs, "It's not like I had any great plans for tonight...." And the van pulls off to take Sam to his UC location.

* And once again.....Fans everywhere scream. Because Andy knows how she feels..... and it's too late. Because Sam's felt that way for a long time..... and it's too late. Because we have to wait a whole week to see what happens next...And that's too long!

First Day!

Alexis' sign read, "I am a 2nd Grader"

Austin's sign read, "I am a Pre-Schooler"

Both signs were made by my creative Mom, and both kids were all smiles and seemed to have had a great day! Thanks to those of you who prayed for them yesterday, and those of you that will continue to do so throughout the year!

Dear Pop

Dear Pop,

Happy 89th Birthday! I doubt Birthdays are celebrated up in Heaven quite like they are down here. Something tells me the celebration of life never stops there! I just wanted you to know you were being thought about today down here...More so than usual.

Hard to believe it's been almost 13 years since you went Home. As you know, lots has happened since you left. Kimberly and I both finished school, Kimberly and Justin got married, I survived college, and in the midst of all, that we welcomed your great-granddaughter and great grandson!
I know you held both of them long before any of us did...Still my heart aches when I think about the fact that you're not here to watch them grow. Their personalities are so incredible and I just know you would get such a kick out of them, Pop! Alexis got your work ethic and soul. She works so hard at everything and is so caring! Austin...Pop, he's got your sense of humor...Some of the things he does I know you would laugh so hard at! He loves with everything he's got...And there are times when he looks at me a certain way and I have to do a double take because I swear, I see you starring back at me. So, as sad as it is knowing that you're not here, I know God allowed you to put your fingerprints on them!

Grandma is fine. Lonely, but hanging in there! We visit as much as we can and Aunt Jo and Randy stop by often as well. Still I know she misses you and must crave your company at times.

Mom and Dad are great! Loving retired life. As you know, your name comes up in conversation quite often around here. There are times when it's accompanied by tears, but it's only because we miss you. Mama loves to tell the kids about you!

As for me, well, I think you know. I'm still rollin'. Still working on making my ultimate dream come true, but I haven't made it on the T.V. screen yet, nor do I work behind the scenes anywhere, but my passion still is television and I still pray that doors will open for me to pursue the dream you always believed in with me. I also seem to have inherited your love of coffee, Pop! Bet you never thought I'd be a coffee drinker, huh? I can drink my hot mocha in 100 plus degree temps! I used to think I was nuts, but Mom told me years ago that you were the exact same way, and now I just smile when I think about it.

I know there are countless times you have shown me that you are looking out for me, and I think my college years were times you were working your angel wings especially hard on my behalf. Those moments don't go unnoticed and I appreciate it more than you know. I miss you beyond words, Pop. Everyone told me at your funeral how extra special I was to you....I get it now, Pop. I do. And I'm humbled by how much you loved me and still let me know you love me even today. You were (and still are) my favorite, Pop. Just don't tell the rest of the family, okay? ;-) I hope I'm making you proud.

I have to go now to pick up Alexis and Austin from their first day of school. Now doubt they'll share the details of the day with a certain twinkle in there eye, and I'll know you're there.

I can't wait to run into your arms one day and talk a walk around Heaven with you....Until then, we'll keep moving forward here. Missing you every day, but knowing it's only a temporary ache and that Forever is coming.

So, Happy Birthday sweet Pop.....I love you so much!

Your girl forever,

Nat

Another School Year Begins!

Not for me (Thank God!) For Alexis and Austin. If I could ask for your prayers for both of them tomorrow (Monday).

Alexis will begin second grade and Austin will begin his final year of pre-k. He will be in Kindergarten next year.....Holy smokes!

If you could just say a quick prayer for them as you read this, or whenever God puts them on your heart, my entire family would really appreciate it! We know that His hand will protect them, and meet every need both of them have tomorrow and in the year ahead!

Thank you in advance for your prayers for the two loves of my life! :-)

Rookie Blue "Brotherhood" Clips

If you're actually visiting the blog, scroll down to the bottom of the page and pause the music to watch these clips. If you're a subscriber, just click on the links.

These are two of my favorite scenes from Thursday. One was shown in pictures in the post below, but the clip shows everything in context.

"Look at the person next to you...."

The second one is my favorite Swarek/Shaw scene....The entire exchange is hysterical and most likely ad libbed. Swarek (played by Ben Bass) is the one driving. What his facial expressions.....

"Hoist the sail...."

You laughed, right?? Right???? Man, I love this show! Feel free to let me know what you thought! ;-)

Rookie Blue: "Brotherhood"

Parade has begun for the coppers and Captain Frank Best issues an order to his squad

"Look at the person next to you. Just for a second. Go ahead...."

"That person deserves your very best!"

Something tells me Sam REALLY ENJOYED following this order!

Um, okay Sam...the order is over. Captain is moving on to other business of the day. Sam? Hello?

:-) :-) :-)

Oh, and can Swarek and Shaw PLEASE be partnered together more often! Or at least let the ride together at least once an episode! Ben and Matt OWNED the show last night with their hysterical scenes and ad libbing! Their friendship off screen came through loud and clear! They truly are "brothers."

Not my favorite episode, but it had it's moments. And that's all I've gotta say about that.

Another Year Older!

Yesterday was my birthday! I love birthday's and I love celebrating them!

I spent most of my day hanging out with my two loves: Alexis and Austin. They spent most of their day making homemade gifts for me that I couldn't see until that night when it was time to open gifts.

* After my sister and brother-in-law got off work we all went out to eat at our new favorite Mexican food restaurant (the restaurant itself isn't new, just new to US. Kimberly got us hooked on it). It's housed in a trailer, and when you drive up to it for the first time, your first thought that would most likely be, "How good can the food be that gets cooked in a trailer?" Let me tell ya, their fajitas are AMAZING!

After dinner we headed home where I opened my gifts. The big one this year being a new ipod. Mine old one was on the fritz. It's the classic style like my previous one just updated with more room and a few new features. As I type this, it's hooked up to my computer charging and syncing my music. Can't wait to hear music without the sound of static in the background! Alexis and Austin gave me some beautiful heart earrings (one heart for each of them) and presented me with some precious homemade gifts (pictures and cards).

We then had cake (Honeybun--Seriously, it's like a huge honeybun) and milk! After Everybody left, Mom, Dad, and I went to the movies and saw "The Help." Decent movie, but LONG!

As I reflect over the past year, I can't help but think about how blessed I am. Alexis and Austin are both happy and healthy, my parents are still loving retired life, Kimberly loves her job. I've had to let long time friendships go, while seeing new friendships develop leaving me to wonder how I've lived this long without some people in my life. I'm blessed to be able to "do life" with so many incredible family and friends

It's been an incredible year, and I have no idea what the NEXT year holds, but I know Who holds the next year and so I roll on with gratefulness, excitement, and peace!

Celebrate!

August 14 is a day full of celebration.....

Happy Anniversary to my incredible parents! You guys make being married for 41 years so simple and every day I see what true love is just by watching the two of you! You inspire me and I hope the next 41 years are blessed beyond measure! Love you both!

Happy Birthday to Ben Bass! Ben plays Sam Swarek on "Rookie Blue." Thanks for simply being you and for bringing so many amazing people into my life! God bless!

Rookie Blue: "Monster"

* Oh my gosh, you guys...THE BOXING SCENE!!! I've seen this scene ALL summer in the promo and was aching to see it....Was afraid it had been left on the editing room floor, but then it appeared last night and....SQUEAL!!!!!!!! THE BOXING SCENE!!!!!!!! *Big breath* Okay, I shall return to this later, just had to get the initial "squeee" out so I could focus on the rest of this.

* So far the FUNNIEST episode of the season!!

* Our first scene and Sam and Andy fans were treated with an awesome take down of the guy who identifies himself later as "Grouchy Smurf" thanks to the dye pack that exploded in his face leaving him very....Smurf looking.

* Sam and Andy on the other side of the interrogation room window. Andy has Jo's lotion, Sam says she needs to move on, Andy says she's has moved on, and Sam replies for her to really move on she needs to take an ax to Jo's desk. Andy says moved through most of the stages of grief and acceptance must be just around the corner...She attempts too look confident at Sam to which he replies, "Do you need an ax?" LOL

* I flippin' LOVE when my couple is partnered together....They are a dream team! Case and point, Sam COULD be playing poker with the rest of the guys, but instead he's munching on an apple as he and Andy listen it while Chris tries to get info. from Grouchy Smurf....The glances Sam tosses her way are not lost on me. He knows she's wound tighter than an eight day clock because of the Luke fiasco and "almost dying in a storage locker three weeks ago...."

* And when she's forced to call Luke....Sam watches closely as she fumbles her way through the conversation, hanging up so fast, headsets go on the floor, and wires go flying here and there. Sam knows she needs an outlet.

* The smiles they share as they realize "grouchy smurf" has a wife...Another victory for the dream team! And when she is found in the empty house and turns around revealing a blue face like that of her husbands, Di texts... "Oh look....Smurfette!" ROTFLMBO!! And THAT has been our running joke for hours now! Seriously laughed so hard I almost missed the final segment of the show!

* Traci's message to her son had me all teary and reaching for the tissues....Awesome scene!

* I heart Oliver, I heart Oliver, I heart Oliver, I HEART OLIVER!

* Frank and Noelle...Love them! At least she put the baby desire out there and it was, "whether we make it or not, I want a baby, and nothing has changed that." She put every card on the table....Frank's turn.

* Andy asks Sam if he wants to go to the Penny for breakfast. Sam's response, "I can't, but I have something YOU need to do, right now. Come here..." Sam leads her off starting to unbutton is uniform.

* And then...The boxing scene...Oh my gosh, the boxing scene ya'll!!! They're in a gym...Andy's confused. Sam's in got his uniform off leaving him wearing the black shirt he had on earlier. "You need to hit something...." Sam tells her handing her the gloves. A small laugh from Andy...."Hit what?" Sam looks at her with a raised eyebrow as he finishes strapping some gloves on himself...."Me." he states. Andy laughs, drops the gloves and says she's fine. That gets her a light tap on the shoulder from Sam...And once Andy realizes how serious he is, she's strapping on the gloves and an all out sparring session ensues! They laugh, jab, smile, jab, and laugh some more....And FINALLY, we see a light return to Andy's eyes that hasn't been there in weeks and she and Sam share a knowing smile as they continue to spar! Welcome back, McNally! Sam knew just what you needed! LOVED. THAT. SCENE.

And now all I have left to ask is, "Is it Thursday yet?" ;-)

Rookie Blue: "The One That Got Away"

Blame the delay on a weekend softball tournament (yes, in 107 degree temps), Grandma visiting for the week, the fact that I don't think anybody reads these but me, sheer procrastination, whatever....But you can rejoice because here are my thoughts (however short) on last week's show....

* Sam and trying to get Andy to open up with coffee...He knows something's up and he knows she'll open up eventually. Gotta love the smile that plays on his lips!

* Andy storming out when Jo tells her to go grab them pizza's...Sam standing up, crossing his arms, watching Andy leave. He glances at Jo and it clicks....He KNOWS! And then he glares...And I do mean GLARES at Jo so long and hard that it made ME uncomfortable! Don't mess with his girl!

* Sam TRIES to keep his emotions in check as Andy goes on about how she wants to check out the storage lockers... And Sam's response, "For what? Some guy who put a ring on your finger, and then cheated on you? Andy's face totally crumbled. "How did you know? And you can clearly see the battle playing out on Sam's face as he tries to reel everything in. "You can spin the story any way you want, "ANYBODY WHO CARES ABOUT YOU is gonna figure it out pretty fast..." SQUEAL!!!!!!!

* And then Sam's had enough, and leaves his partner (bad move Sam, bad, BAD move...Never EVER leave your partner!) to check out the storage lockers if she wants...He wants some time and space as he stalks out cramming his uneaten hot dog in the garbage.

* The rescue scene is where I put Sam in the place where Luke was....I handle it a lot better that way.

* Sam apologizes later in the locker room, he asks where she's going to stay (he was SO gonna offer his place) but she says she'll stay with Traci and stalks off.

*Everybody needs a Traci in their life...Loved the end scene with the two of them.

And now, because it's so late and I have to work tomorrow (blah) I'm gonna end it there. Hopefully my thoughts on tomorrow night's ep will be up sooner rather than later.

Now There's A Thought!

Today, our chief meteorologist, Frank Billingsley asked, "How hot is it in your neighborhood today???" on his facebook page. One response that was read during the newscast:

"Baked a potato in the mailbox...." :-D ROTFL!!!!!!!

Yep, it's THAT hot here folks!