[finale review: The Bachelorette - The Final Rose]

OK ... sooooo - ask me if I did the "happy dance" on Monday night, and I'd have to give you a big thumbs up to that! Of course, in my 35wk preggo body, it was more of a couch-bobbing-up-and-down dance than a full-on-happy-dance ... but you get the idea.

My hubby and I made ourselves comfy on the couch - and the entire time he kept saying, "She chose Kip. You know that, right? Be prepared." But he always does that ... tries to downplay what he's hoping for, in case of disappointment. You should hear him during hockey season when he's desperate for his team to win ...

Truth is, is that all three guys - yes, I'm including the surprising-popping-up-before-a-proposal Reid - were all pretty great guys. I mean, from what we were allowed to see. When Kip was sent home, and then Reid was as well - we laughed outLOUD with Jill's comment, "You'd better be worth it, Ed." Ok - so they had to bleep out a word and perhaps not the classiest of things to say before a proposal, but I think she had gone through a massive amount of emotions, and was READY for her man. And as Ed walked down, my hubby and I high-fived each other and cheered our guy on.

I was pretty impressed with his whole, "before I go any further I need to know that you love me too." Well, dude, way to show all the other guys how it's DONE. None of this going down on one knee and be rejected ... smart smart smart.

The ring? Not my taste, but I'm sure a $60,000 ring feels just 'right' on. *smile*

Fast forward to the "After the Final Rose" show. Hmmm ... felt bad for Kiptyn. Such a nice guy. And then Reid ... wow - he was obviously still smitton, no??

And I like what she said in response to his "would things have been different if ..." comment. Her answer being that she was happy with who she chose, and she fell in love with Ed. Reid couldn't have changed that. *clap clap clap* Good answer, Jill, good answer.

When Ed came out, it was so OBVIOUS that they were crazy-mad about each other. And a wedding planned within the next 12 months??? Oooo - I hope that one gets a tv special *grin*. I'm cheering them on!

So - another season over, and I think this one was my favourite. Not only because Jill was Canadian, but because the last few guys seemed like such good choices.

ANYway - Monday nights won't be the same ...

AND if YOU haven't voted on "boy or girl" - take a sec and vote on the right side of my blog. Not long to go now *smile* ...

[new baby: The Bought Glow]

So, I have a confession.

Perhaps it IS a bit of "pregnancy glow", but it's probably my favourite blush by MAC Cosmetics. I found it a couple of years ago, and I find it gives the perfect amount of colour with lightly-sunned skin.

I've had compliments on my "glow" from friends and aquaintances ... and told them the same thing: it's bought *smile*.

The shade is called PEACHYKEEN .

LOVE it.

[redhandedphotography: Family Photoshoot]

I have a few more photoshoots before I'm going on a "maternity leave" ... but I received permission from my latest clients, and have posted a few of their pictures on my website.

Interested?

Go to http://www.redhandedphotography.com/ and click "featured photoshoot". Then, click the black and white image of the family on the right. The slideshow should begin.

[be challenged: Being Replaceable]

Friends of my parents are returning to the mission field soon, so last week a large party was held in their honour. I made sure to stop by, and say "good bye" - plus say "hello" to scads of people I hadn't seen in ages.

A few days later, my mom was telling me a story about the couple, B&SW. My mom seemed really impacted by a few words that BW shared, and she thought it would be good for me to hear them as well.

It had to do with being "replaceable". Now, we ALL know that we're IRreplaceable ... God made each of us unique, special ... and there is no replacing parents, siblings, spouses, children & friends. That's not what the conversation was about.

Specifically speaking, it had to do with the "circle of life". How we each get taught, raised up - but then we eventually have to pass the mantle on. BW has done this with such wisdom.

My mom spoke to me directly about the position that my brother and I have been allowed to stand in, in our church. For almost 20 years, we've been involved in the music department - and we still have the privilege of leading the worship services on a monthly basis.

"But," she warned, "you won't always be "that" person."

And it's so true. I'm 35 now, and perhaps for another few years I will be a part of this fantastic ministry. When I'm no longer asked, this doesn't mean that my involvement with music and the church will be over. But maybe it will. It just means that other people, wonderful people, will continue to be raised up and essentially, "replace" me. And they, too, will be "replaced" by those being raised up beneath them.

How I handle this, is of utmost importance. I feel there is nothing much worse than when an 'older' person looks down on the next generation and criticizes how they do things simply because it's different. It causes such division and I believe there is SUCH an opportunity for bridging the gap, and for learning on BOTH sides. Being a mentor is NOT a second-rate job. It is one of high honour.

Obviously, this is not just about church involvement. It has to do with putting worth on ALL people, young and old alike. To value new ideas, and respect past ones. To know that change doesn't mean YOU did it wrong. To realized that your worth isn't WHAT you do, but in WHO you are.

So, take a moment this week and tell someone who looks up to YOU that THEY are doing a great job. Be that person that they go to, rather than the person who they feel will never gain approval from.

You never know what new opportunities are around the corner for someone who is "replaceable".

[tv review: The Bachelorette - Only One Episode Left!]

Ok. So here I am, again, writing about the most ridiculous-waste-of-time: The Bachelorette. But, again, can I remind you that this is something my hubby and I watch when the kids are in bed, and laugh and laugh - or perhaps hurl a "are you kidding me??".

I won't give you a recap to the last 2 episodes ... my friend SL is SO good at doing those (here). But I thought I'd throw in a few of my two-cents, just for the fun of it.



So, there were three guys (two episodes ago) ... Kipton, Ed & Reid. Honestly? All pretty decent guys, it seems. Kipton isn't really my cup-o-tea, but then again - I'm not looking *grin*. Reid - he really grew on me, and Ed has always been the guy I'm cheering for.

Was I surprised when Reid was sent home? UM, YEEEEAH. I thought it'd be Kippers for sure. And all that Reid had to say, really seemed sincere and genuine. I DID think it was sweet the way Ed came in and became Jill's console. Smart, Ed *wink*.

Then, this week was the "Men Tell All" episode. Blah blah blah. It was interesting seeing the "man-code" dudes and the "real-men" duke it out. Juan got more points in my book, while Dave, Sasha and some other dude made me gag.

Jake? Hmmm. He reminds me of a serious character being played by Jim Carey. No?

But the REAL clincher was the very, very last moment of the preview to next week's episode. Where REID is leaning against the banister with his OWN ring in hand ... what - the - heck??? Dude - she didn't pick you, sent you home, and you show up with a RING??

My idea of a good ending? Ed, Ed, Ed. Perhaps telling Reid to back off of his woman. But whatever the case ... it better be Ed.

My hormone imbalance won't be able to take any other ending *grin*.

But I'm happy that I'll be taking my big-ol'-belly back to our comfy bed and KNOW that I made the RIGHT choice 11 years ago!