Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

1 head of cabbage (cored, and chopped)

3 cups of cooked rice

3 lbs of meat (I like to mix ground beef, and ground pork)

1 large onion

garlic to taste

1 can of diced tomatoes (28 oz can)

1 large can of tomato soup

2 large can of tomato sauce

Saute the garlic, onion, and brown the meat. Cook rice separate. Boil cabbage and strain. Then mix cooked rice, meat, and cabbage together. Stir in diced tomatoes, and tomato soup. Now divide into 2 9x13 pans. In each pan pour 1 can of tomato sauce. Bake covers on 375 for 1 hour.

I served this with mashed potatoes, and rolls.

This really took me back. When I was a kid my mom would always boil the cabbage and wrap it around the raw meat mixture and bake it. To me this tasted the same, and was much faster. At first I thought this was alot, but we ate 1 whole pan on Sunday, and I saved the other pan for another night this week. The whole family loved it.

Note to self: Next time I promised Lynsey that I would take a bowl out for her before I add the tomatoes. She is not a fan of tomato sauce at all. She's so weird....but I love her. Also, when you want to take pictures use your other cookware...LOL

Memories from Febuary 22, 1979

One boy, one girl, two hearts beating wildly

to put it mildly it was love at first sight....

He smiled...

She smiled...and they knew right away...

This was the day they'd been waiting for all their lives

For a moment the whole world

Revolved around one boy, and one girl...


In no time at all they were standing there in front of a little church

Among their family, repeating those sacred words.

The preacher said 'son, kiss your bride'

Like the night they met,

Time just stood still...

My Mom (Luann Leon), and my Dad (James Uphold Jr. a.k.a Butch) meet at Tub Run Campground the summer of 1974. They got married Febuary 22, 1975 at the Grace United Methodist Church in Confluence, Pa. They were very much in love through my entire childhood, and teen years.


They are divorced now, but are really good friends. They are actually very close and have alot of love for one another. They would have been married for 35 years today.


The song I used was One Boy, One Girl by Collin Raye

Dad, Me, Mom, and Harmony in Grandma Leon's kitchen December 2009

Shutter Island....

Martin Scorsese has created some really different kinds of movies over the years. Some I liked, and some I just don't get. Examples would be:
The Departed (liked), The Aviator (never saw), Gangs of New York (liked), Casino (liked), Cape Fear (was creepy but I liked it). I guess looking over the list Maritn likes to work with Leo as much as Tim Burton likes to work with Johnny Depp. I would like to say just because I like them doesn't mean I get it. I don't consider myself a film critic, and I don't judge the movies like they do. With this being said let me tell you what I think about 'Shutter Island'.....

In 1954, U.S. Marshall Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his new partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo) are assigned to investigate the escape of a patient at the federal maximum security hospital/prison for the criminally insane located on Shutter Island. Once on the island, they find that the hospital and prison staffs aren't really cooperating with their investigation. It seems that the staff is hiding a big secret and Teddy is going to uncover it. Teddy believes that if he can see the records that he would break the case. In the meantime, the island is hit by a hurricane, and more dangerous patients escape and must be captured. This gives Teddy and Chuck the opportunity to check out some of the buildings that they were denied to go. What Teddy finds is the answer he was looking for. Remember, things aren't always what they seem to be.

(if you don't want spoiled don't read on)

My opinion:

Well I didn't try to figure out this movie as it was going through. I didn't even think about he twist until Amanda leaned over and said 'Do you think he's crazy?' So, I was surprised. I thought it was really sad about his wife killing the kids, and then him killing his wife. I really felt bad. It really reminded me that I love Leo in movies. I could watch him play just about any part I think. I was even shocked with how it all ended. I would like to also say I think he was really faking at the end. I think he called the guy Chuck on purpose, and I think he wanted the lobotomy. I think he was in his right frame when he said something like would you rather die thinking you are a monster, or die thinking you are a good man. I think if I would have seen this movie alone it would have wrecked me for awhile. I do believe I will be haunted by some of the imagines. I won't run out and see it at the theater again, but I know that at some point I will watch this movie again. I need to see it again knowing the ending, so I can really look at it. I'm sure there will be some film students out there that will analyse this movie to death, and have very smart conversations about it. Good for them.

One more thing that I want to remember about tonight:
Chris made dinner. He made chicken, noodles, and broccoli with cheese. It was really good. We went to the movie, and guess who we sat with? Josh and Amanda. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to see them. They have been really busy, and I miss them! We all went for dessert after the movie. We totally need to go out for a double date. Seriously! We just love hanging out them.

BHS Pageant

Lynsey entered the BHS Pageant this year. She is a Junior, and has never been in a school pageant. She was very excited to be allowed to do this. This is the picture we gave to the PTSA for the program. I took it the day before it was due down at the dance studio. It was a good picture of Lynsey.

So many decisions have to be made when you do a pageant. Like dress, hair, make-up, shoes, ect. It is enough to drive a Meme crazy. Anyway, we tried her hair down, and up. In the end we liked it up best. So, I did a french twist in the back.

She loves the bumpit. I thought she did a nice job on her make-up.

Daddy bought her the earrings, and picked out the dress. I think she looks lovely.

I only got this one photo of Lynsey with someone else, and it happens to be with Bethany.

Lynsey didn't place, and she was sad for a little bit, but in the end she's glad she did it. However she was very happy for Erica. She placed 1st runner up in the Freshman division. Congrats to Erica. She looked really beautiful as well.

Of course Noah had to get a picture with his woman.LOL His shirt says 'The Ladies Love Me'.

I really enjoyed the experience myself. I spent alot of time with Lynsey planning, and working on pageant stuff. The only thing I didn't really like is that when the pageant was over we went to the locker room...Yuck! The winners were on stage and the girls were in the locker room talking about the girls that won. Teenage girls can be so mean. But what I just couldn't believe was the Mothers were just as bad. I leaned over to Lynsey and said 'Don't say a word.' I feel like if you want to give an opinion about anything that's fine, but not mean. Don't get me wrong we talked after the pageant about the going ons. But we did it in private, and we were not mean. I feel like that was a good chance on how to teach your daughters not to be mean girls, and how to be happy for your friends. I mean all those girls were friends. With those kind of friends who needs enemies...LOL I would chalk it up to teenagers, but what excuse can I give the Mothers?

Pat, Amanda, and Courtney came out to watch the pageant. Lynsey was really excited and happy about this. Courtney, and Amanda went backstage before she went on. Lynsey thinks they are so cool. (and they are) I know Courtney took pictures, and when I get them I will post them.

Oh Michael..

Tickets went on sale today...you know I was R-E-A-D-Y!

I love this photo because he looks so real.

He's coming on July 11, 2010..It will be a total girls night out. Just me, Amanda, and Gigi..


I can't wait to see him do this move.

I went back and forth with myself about telling you about the seats we got. I mean I don't want to come of bragging or anything...but okay I'll tell you. See this seating chart?

Well we will be sitting in Section F6, Row 17, Seats 10, 11, and 12.

Yeah Baby....try not to be haters....LOL

Feelin' bad-and it ain't good!

I am feeling bad today, well a few days. It made me think about post I did 2 years ago. 'A Rant Of Nothingness' from March 7, 2008.
I really feel like this. I know it will pass, but for right now I'm wallowing.

Pulse 2010

I am so excited for Lynsey. She is going with some people from the dance studio to Atlanta to do the Pulse workshops....Ms Krissi just told us who was going to be there.....

Mia Michaels.....If you are a fan of 'So You Think You Can Dance' then you know who I'm talking about. How exciting....

She will also get to meet Wade Robson: He does 'So You Think You Can Dance'

Dave Scott : He also does 'So You Think You Can Dance'

Cris Judd: Who is a dancer, choreographer, musician, songwriter, and actor.

Brian Friedman

I am green with envy. Not that I can dance...but WOW I would love to watch....LOL

Showstoppers 2010

Well this weekend I went with the girls to Showstoppers. It was a really big competition, and the other studios were really fierce, but we held our own just fine. So here is my take on the whole thing.

Saturday here is what some others took from our studio : (I didn't add the names to other children because I don't want to upset anyone)

Contemporary -"Let It Be"- solo - she won Gold1st and 9th overall (this was really good)

Musical Theater - "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better"- boy/girl duet- they won Gold 1st and 9th overall (this was really good)

Like I said both these dances were really good. I just don't understand those judges sometimes, they are so fickle......

Also on Saturday this is the numbers my girls did.

Musical Theater - "My New Philosophy" - Bethany - Gold 1st and 2nd overall (she really rocked it)

Jazz - "Let's Dance" - Bethany/Lynsey - Silver, but highest in their category (they are so cute)

On Sunday we only took one dance.

Musical Theater - "Roomies" - Lynsey/Erica - Gold 1st and 6th overall (I love this number it is the 'what is this feeling' song from the musical Wicked)

Let me just say this isn't my first competition, but I'm still trying to learn the ropes. Which means I am still very much a rookie in this atmosphere, but I've come a long way.

Saturday when we arrived all the dressing rooms were taken. So, we set up in the little break room with a bathroom. Well when we came back from lunch our stuff was in the hall. We weren't suppose to be there. That was part of the judges green room. Whoops! I really didn't know it was an honest mistake. But have no fear super mom is here. We just put our set up in the lobby along with the rest of the people that didn't get in a dressing room, but I was more prepared. I had a clothing rack, and my handy dandy portable dressing room. I wish I would have taken pictures you would be proud.

Anyway, when Bethany was ready she went backstage, and the solos started. I was fine at first, and then it dawned on me...All these people are competing against her for overalls....Then I got more nervous as they went. I mean those kids got moves...then you start to worry that she will mess up and cry and run off stage and on and on and on...nothing good...Then Bethany comes on stage...I just held my breathe whispering the moves in my head....then I realized at tough parts I was whispering out loud here we go here we go...point your toes...okay okay okay okay....Then as the other dancers danced I just waited...it felt like forever until Bethany came out to join me. When she got there she was so thrilled with herself. Then she turns to me and says 'One judge the one with the long brown hair looked really happy, the one beside her looked worried the whole time, and the man just kept talking really fast' I don't know about you but that made it worse for me, I mean it can't be good right. Well just chuck it up to rookie Mom, and those judges are so unreadable.....

(This is Bethany getting ready in the Break Room...She didn't wear those shoes on stage)

Then it was time for the awards. I felt like I was going to vomit. Yes I'm making this about me. Bethany was just fine, all smiles, not a care in the world. Sometimes I wonder if she belongs to me...LOL

They did the awards, and she got Gold 1st...okay that was good. She came up to the mic and said her name, teachers name, and studio name...Then sat down. Then they started with the overalls. They started from 10 and worked down. I was pretty cool at first. But then as it went it started getting to me....Oh no she will be one that won't be called...They called the 5th and my heart started to flutter, I looked at Bethany she was fine. They called 4th and I thought hey we meet them today and they were nice, but my knee started to shake and Bethany was fine. They called 3rd and I started to cry, yes a big tear rolled down my face, I looked at Bethany and she was FINE..They called '2nd overall is 256 My New Philosophy'...I found myself screaming and clapping and stomped my feet alittle, still crying....Bethany walks up to the mic just beaming.....

(She is so happy about these awards!!)

I love the girls in their duet costumes for 'Let's Dance'. I was really excited that they scored higher then the trio that was in their category, and for us that was good enough. They just love it up on that stage, and in the end that's all that matters..yes sir

The girls in their duet costumes!

Then I asked for a Sassy face...LOL

On Sunday we got up really early and headed out again. There is alot to do to get Lynsey ready to be transformed into the one and only 'Glinda the Good'. I think it really suits her, and she plays the part so good. I was just as nervous for them as I was for Bethany when I saw who they were up against. But they shined like a new penny up on that stage. My heart raced the whole time. I cried 2 tears at the end for them. One tear because Lynsey made one tiny mistake and I knew she was beating herself up and I wasn't backstage, and the second because they were really good. I love a good show, and they put one on. Maybe I'm alittle bias whatever....

When they did the awards Linda and I sat alone together. We were so nervous for the girls... Then they got called up for Gold 1st...we both said yes...LOL The girls walked up to the mic still in full costume and gave their names, their teachers name, and their studio..They were both really happy...
Now for the overalls....we just kept thinking oh we just don't know but we were really excited at the same time....Then they called 7th overall and it wasn't the girls...dang it...then they said '6th overall is 259 'Roomies' lots of clapping, and screaming from me...but most of all a great sigh of relief.....

Lynsey, Erica, and their teacher Jessica Dominey.

The whole experience was nerve wrecking..... but totally worth it....

A couple of things I want to remember about this trip that are not in this story.....

Kelsea was a big help all weekend...we couldn't have done it without her...I need to get her a stage manager shirt...LOL I also need the girls to do a thank you for her...

I am sad that this is the only picture I got of all the girls together. But I do love this picture.

Judy...she is the new GPS system that Andrew got Lynsey for Christmas and we used it on this trip...we named her Judy after Judy Jetson...LOL Judy doesn't understand detours but all in all she's a good little machine.

Linda we are totally going to make ourselves something awesome for the next competition...I would tell you but then I would have to kill you...LOL

My camera...I forgot my camera and I had to use Kelsea's. She was really great about it, and she has a nice camera, But I know my camera...and I know how to use my camera better...so next time it won't be forgotten, and I WILL take more pictures...LOL Also I didn't take one picture with me in the picture...

I need to give a special thanks to all the people who came, and stayed to support us in this. I really enjoyed lunch with the Watson family, and Ms Laura on Saturday. I really felt like I was part of something special being there. I'm so glad that Ms Jessica, and Summer were able to make in on Saturday, and Sunday.Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!

Last but not least...really it was my most favorite part, and you might not believe it....Me, and Lynsey talked the whole entire time we were in the car...I mean really over an hour down, an hour back, an hour down, and an hour back...that's over 4 hours of non stop talking about nothing really..we never listened to the radio...Kelsea, and Bethany would pipe in sometimes...we refer to them as the peanut gallery...LOL Those moments in the car with the girls will be some of the best memories for me...and that makes them priceless...LOL

Harajuku Lovers - Valentines

Harajuku Lovers

Right before the Christmas of 2008 I was introduced to this cute little girls. I was at Belks. I fell in love, and so did Bethany. Please go back and read about it. I love that post.

Anyway. Bethany had a Harajuku birthday party in August. Yes I know there really isn't any stuff for that kind of party, but Mommy made it happen. The party was great. Bethany couldn't have been happier. However, she did tell me that this year for her Birthday she wants to do the Harajuku theme again....Oh Gwen why do you do this to me....I am talking about Gwen Stefani. She did create it and it is wonderful, but and I mean BUT, it's not really marketed for little girls...So I do what I can...I would like to say I would buy this stuff if I could...if it was there. but it's not.

Then for Halloween 2009 she dressed up as a Harajuku....she called herself Harajuku Bethany...

I'm sure you've already guessed that Bethany has decided that she would like to have Harajuku Valentines. Now let me just say she didn't pout and say I want Harajuku valentines....no what she said when she saw the little girls dressed up like cupid was 'Oh I wish they made valentines. I could pass them out to all my friends....blah blah blah' Sorry I zoned out after that thinking about how could I create Harajuku valentines....what is wrong with you Gwen...They would be adorable....

So, I created my own valentines for Bethany...They are really really cute. I used these images. There is Music, and Lil' Angel....(Lil' Angel is Bethany's favorite)

There is G and Love

There is Baby

So I got the images from these T-shirts and I put them all across the top with their names under them. Then I wrote 'Harajuku lovers will give you a fatal attraction to cuteness!' Then under that I put some of the lyrics from the Harajuku song like: (there are 5 different cards)

Work it! Express it! Live it! Command your style!

Style is style! Fashion is fashion! You got style!

You got the look that makes you stand out!

You got the wicked style!I like the way that you are!I am your biggest fan!

Now let me see you work it!I'm looking at you! You're so original!

Then is says Happy Valentines Day from: Bethany Kirkland

She thinks it is AWESOME! She wants extras to pass out at dance, and send to her pen pals....

I just love it. I love that 'you're the best mom in the whole wide world' feelin' I get when my over dramatic daughter squeals with delight....