Soundtrack of our life

It's Wednesday!  The day where, from 9 am-2pm, the girls are left with the sitter and I have freedom.  You know, "mom freedom" where I can cram in groceries, banking, the post office, accountant, Sam's Club....etc in peace.  There are days like today where I get some "real" time and get a mani/pedi and a little fun shopping.  No matter the errands I do on Wednesdays, I just love the 30 minute drive to Canton and back to listen to whatever I want in the truck.  No movies on the DVD player.  No Radio Disney on Sirius.  Me music!!! 

I was thinking today as my iPhone shuffled between Jimmy Buffett, Coldplay, Bon Jovi, Madonna, Imagine Dragons, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift and Ke$ha (hey, don't judge!!!) just how important music is in our lives.  Instrumental, in fact (pun intended!)

Growing up, music was such an important part of our family.  Everyone in our family could sing (or at least most everyone).  We sang in the church choir, the school choir or musicals.  We even sang grace.  Several family members have made music their profession.  I love how music can wrap you up and take control.  I love how it has the power to change your mood from lazy to energized or it can give you solace and let you lay around in melancholy dismay.  Music sets the mood in movies and TV shows and can be a great tool for teaching children.  My 2 & 4 year olds know their planets and what a dodecahedron is from a song on the iPad!!!  Don't tell me music isn't entertaining.....just watch Teagan's interpretation of Beyonce's Super Bowl halftime performance!

So, what grabs YOU about music? 

Within my play list alone I never grow tired of the songs that literally give me chills from the sentiment even though I've heard them thousands of time. 

The heartfelt lyrics and simplistic melody of a piano or acoustic guitar of a ballad.  (FYI, men who play either of those instruments are HOT, so just in case my husband wants to take up either.....)

The pulsating rhythm of a good dance beat that makes a workout go easier.

The driving beat of a base drum line (call it the marching band influence).

The power and soul of a classic rock anthem.

The songs that make you think of good friends.  Past loves.  The song you danced to at your wedding.  Or even just your kids singing in the Christmas program. 

If our lives were a movie and they were building the soundtrack, what would be on it?  It's hard to say based on just some of the artists I mentioned above.  But at least there would be music.  What fun is a "mom freedom" day if I can't turn up the tunes and rock out a little!  Next time you pull up to a stop light and the person in the car next to you is rocking out, singing and having a great time....give them a thumbs up and turn your music up too.  Might as well start compiling the list for your soundtrack.  Who cares what the music is, as long as their is music!! 

Golden Griddle

Sometimes, its really hard to write what's on your mind and in your heart. 

Tomorrow marks the 12-year anniversary of the day we lost my grandpa Stan.  Seems like forever.  It seems like yesterday.  I miss him all the time.  Not just on his birthday, or every February 6th or special holidays.  I miss him every October when we make Apple Butter and when the farmers turn fields in the spring.  I miss him when we sing "The Old Rugged Cross" in church and when I hear someone repeat one of his jokes (for the thousandth time).  When I see Bill fishing with the girls and when we sing the Doxology for grace at family meals.  When I make beef & noodles (with vinegar, of course) and when I sit in his blue chair. 

I could use this anniversary to be sad about all the great times I've missed with him over the past 12 years, or I can use it to be grateful for the amazing times we had in the 23 years before.  For the way he instilled the importance of family, faith, friendship in all of us.  For someone who loved life. For the way he made it happen...in spite of hard times or bad days.  And for his laugh. 

Tomorrow will be a good day.  As with any anniversary, it seems like a fitting time for a little celebration.  A day to celebrate life and love, and not focus so much on the sad.

So, those of you that know my grandpa....join me in a little "golden griddle".  You see, you just pull up the top.....and squeeeeezzzzeeeeee it in the middle.