Sing Sweet Nightingale

I must share this cutie patooty princess anecdote~

Grace has enjoyed watching Cinderella the last few days. Yesterday afternoon, she was "cooking" in her little microwave; stirring, stirring, stirring. All the while she was singing "Sing sweet nightingale. Sing sweet nightingale~ hiiigh above me" She even sang a decent scale on the "hiiiigh" part. It was lovely & one of those "I wish I had recorded that" moments.

Cinderella Trivia (1950)
In both Cinderella (1950) and Sleeping Beauty (1959), the main character's friends surprise her with a new dress, calling out "Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! Happy birthday!"

• Not only is the name of the prince never revealed, he is nowhere in the film mentioned as "Prince Charming".
• Ilene Woods beat exactly 309 girls for the part of Cinderella, after some demo recordings of her singing a few of the film's songs were presented to Walt Disney. However, she had no idea she was auditioning for the part until Disney contacted her; she initially made the recordings for a few friends who sent them to Disney without telling her.
• Lucifer was modeled after animator Ward Kimball's cat. Animators were having trouble coming up with a good design for that cat, but once Walt Disney saw Kimball's furry calico, he declared, "There's your Lucifer."
• When Cinderella is singing "Sing, sweet nightengale", three bubbles form the head and ears of Mickey Mouse.
• The royal proclamation on the castle gate wall reads: " All loyal subjects of his Imperial Majesty are hereby notified by royal proclamation that in regard to a certain glass slipper, it is upon this day decreed that a quest be instituted throughout the length and breadth of our domain. The sole and express purpose of said quest is as follows to wit: That every single maiden in our beloved Kingdom shall try upon her foot this aforementioned slipper of glass, and should one be found whose foot shall properly fit said slipper, such maiden will be acclaimed the subject of this search and the one and only true love of his Royal Highness, our noble Prince. And said Royal Highness will humbly request the hand of said maiden in marriage to rule with him over all the Land as Royal Princess and future Queen."
• According to Ilene Woods, who did the voice for Cinderella, it was Walt Disney who suggested the layered harmonies in the "Sweet, Sweet Nightengale" sequence. She thinks that it might have been the first time that it was attempted.
• According to Marc Davis, one of the directing animators of Cinderella, at least 90% of the movie was done in live action model before animation.
• Cinderella was the first Disney film to have its songs published and copyrighted by the newly created Walt Disney Music Company. Before movie soundtracks became merchandisable, movie songs had little residual value to the film studio that owned them and were often sold off to established music companies for sheet music publication.
• The transformation of Cinderella's torn dress to that of the white ball gown was considered to be Walt Disney's favorite piece of animation.
• Walt Disney had not had a huge hit since Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). The production of this film was regarded as a major gamble on his part. At a cost of nearly $3,000,000, Disney insiders claimed that if this movie had failed at the box office, it would have been the end of the Disney studio. The film was a big hit. The profits from its release, with the additional profits from record sales, music publishing, publications and other merchandise gave Disney the cash flow to finance a slate of productions (animated and live action), establish his own distribution company, enter television production and begin building Disneyland during the decade.

Movie Goofs

• When Cinderella is getting dressed in the morning she pulls the hair ribbon around all of her hair. In the next shot it is tied only around half.
• Cinderella's bed sheet has patches, but when the birds fold it, the patches are gone.
• During the ball, the Duke's monocle gets broken during an argument with the King and he looks through the broken monocle at the King as the King leaves. When the Duke goes down to keep and eye on the Prince and Cinderella and, as he closes the curtain on the snooping Stepmother, his monocle is whole again.
• When Cinderella and the Prince are getting married, Cinderella wears a long-sleeved wedding gown. Afterwards, when we see them through the back window of the carriage, her gown has puffed sleeves.

You will find more Cinderella trivia at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042332/

Tons of Fun

Still catching up....Grace had a great time at Papa's house petting the kitties, riding the horses & the 4 wheeler. She loves to sit up on the tractor & drive, drive, drive. She learned that you must keep your hand open to feed the horse, hold the mane while you're riding the horse & sweet feed is only for horses. :o)
We had a yummy visit with Papa George & Grandma Robin! We love the haircut & hope/praying you both are feeling LOTS better!

Going to Missouri is always a nice time to visit treasured friends. We swam with Kelly (praying your smiling again soon) & Kaeley; played dress up & ate lots of snacks with Macy & Lexi; toted puppies around at our cousin's birthday party; laughed at Aunt Jean's house but did NOT play the crabby cat who lives there; got lots of hugs & treats at cousin Bobby/Angie's house; went to church with cousin Kelly and finally, played ourselves silly at Aunt Tracy's house with Haddon & Merideth!

Whew...that's a ton of fun!

Tip for the day: to remove crayon swirls from the wall, heat with hair dryer & wipe off with all purpose cleaner. Yep - some summer fun is not play at all. :o)

Summertime fun & catching up!

This is our neighbor's flower garden. We took over some cookies for Doris & Tim, chased their kitties around & then Gracie & Doris picked some flowers. Wish I could say they graced our home for several days, but Gracie was so excited she shook them limp running around the yard chasing more kitties.

On a bittersweet note, our Nate & Stephanie friends have moved to the city -just 20 minutes away, but those day to day interactions, romps in the sprinkler, shared grilling, last minute baby sitting breaks & fashion consulting will be sorely missed. Nate is priming for a position with the Chicago Fire Department, thus they must live in Chicago. Congratulations! AND in case I haven't mentioned it, baby Emily is finally here...too cute for sure!

Summer classes are over & I am breathing before the Fall term starts in a couple of weeks. A's in both classes & I learn a bunch as well. No Nazi professors in this last bunch. Thank God!

After our RR 'O6, we spent some time with the Speaks family in Robertsville, MO. I had my Saturn detailed in order to survive the Mr Speaks' scutiny. And sure enough, if I hadn't run over their dog - literally, ran right over the top of her with my car, not the tires...the Saturn would have looked pretty good. I can't believe it! I've hidden my dog fear so Grace wouldn't be afraid & now look what happens! The dog was fine - a bit of oil in her fur from my car, but that Westie was FINE! But don't you know Mr. Speaks gave a praise report in front of the entire Cedar Grove Methodist church that morning because the Westie survived being run over "Thanks be to God!" I went to church with them that morning, but was out with Grace during the testimony service. Can you imagine how I felt after the service? Folks stared HOLES right through me! I had to serve myself the snack in the after church social time. The humiliation!! We are indeed thankful the dog is ok, but now everyone in the Speaks' circle knows my name & is watching for my sparkling Saturn.

Once the dog trauma subsided, Grace & I enjoyed the pool with Amy & Michaela. We really had a great time...very relaxing. Of course, we got out of the pool before the bats swooped in for their nightly sip of delicious chlorinated beverage. :o)

Amy's such a delightful hostess & Michaela is a treasure, particulary for playing with my Gracie & keeping her entertained while I caught up with my 1st non-monster roomate from SEMO University. What a time we had...

Thanks Amy, Mike & Michaela. It was a great time - always a great time! I sure am sorry about Trixie....I wonder if you are still talking about it. At least it takes the heat off of Amy for running over Mike. :o) We love you! PS - thanks for mailing that report for me!

Put it Down - from picturesfromheaven.com

Hey ya'll! I'm posting a "Picture from Heaven" borrowed from my pastor's blog
http://www.picturesfromheaven.com/ It's definitely worth sharing & worth applying~

Picture…a man carrying a heavy load. He can barely hang on to it with both hands it is so heavy. His shoulders are bent; his walk is little more than a shuffle. He knows that he is reaching his limit of endurance when someone walks up to him with a beautifully wrapped package. He shakes his head in despair, knowing that there is no way that he can reach out to receive the gift.

Hear…the Lord say, “The only way to receive the gifts that I want to give you is for you to put down the heavy load that you are carrying. I never intended for you to carry it. Others gave it to you, and you thought it was your duty to carry. But you are mistaken. It belongs to me. Let it go and reach out for those things that I do want to give you, wonderful gifts that will straighten your back and put a spring back in your step. I won’t take it from you. You must willingly, and cheerfully put it down at my feet.”Consider: I lift weights as a part of my “work out” regiment,” but I am still not all that strong. It might have something to do with the fact that I’m a 50 something year old woman, or it could be that I waited until I was nearly 50 to start exercising. Whatever the reason, I really can’t carry very much. That is…I can’t carry much in the “physical” realm. I can carry a lot of burdens on my shoulders. What about you? Do you have the ability to carry stuff around with you? Do you carry burdens for your children, spouse, parents or friends? Do you carry around burdens from past hurts that limit what you can be and do for God? I’m not accusing…I’m just asking. I know that I have a tendency to carry heavy loads with me. I usually don’t recognize it as a burden at first, but when I start to notice:
That I don’t have a spring in my step anymore…
That I’m tired all of the time…
That my laugh has no real ring of joy to it …
That I’ve worried through an entire stop light…

Then I know that it is burden-casting time. Are you able to recognize the symptoms in your own life? What does burden carrying look like in you? Are you carrying burdens right now? You have to decide what type of lifestyle you want to live, one that is filled with duty and grim determination or one of joy and peace. It’s your choice, not the people and circumstances surrounding you. Determine today that you are not going to carry heavy weights around with you. Lay them down at Jesus feet. When you are finally empty handed, you will be able to receive what God is offering to you today; freedom from sickness, pain of the past, weariness, the controlling behaviors of others, guilt, addictions and worries. The precious blood of our Lord has already paid for this freedom. It is yours to take, once you empty your hands.

Pray: “Jesus, I’m tired of walking around with all of these heavy burdens. I recognize that these are not mine to bear. I refuse to carry this weight of responsibility that causes sleepless nights. I refuse to worry about my loved ones any longer. I refuse to carry the pain from wounds inflicted by the things people have said or done in the past. The hurts that dictated who I was going to be and what I was going to do will limit me no longer. I forgive those who have harmed me. I let go of this pain. I choose to exchange my heavy burdens for Your own. I know that you want me to live a life of victory, and freedom. I receive it right now in Jesus name, Amen. ”

Celebrate Freedom!

Hey there - I'm so far behind in posting! Got lots of pics to share from the Independence Day happenings! Wow - did lots happen! Reminded me of my DBG (days before Grace) when I was crazy busy with a very full social calendar~ What fun! AND now that I'm sitting here ready to go to bed but really wanting to get these pics up...I can't remember what all we did that weekend. Wait...it'll come to me...Friday, the VanWhye's came--Great Time! Saturday - drawing a blank but I know we did something~ oh well. Weeks later....yes, indeed Grace & I went to see CARS. I loved it & Grace loved checking out the neighboring viewer's snacks. :o)

Sunday - After a very Patriotic celebration at CLC...we had a GREAT time at Randy & Emily's place with Laurie, Bob, Larry & Amanda. Finally indulged UR in some home made butter pecan ice cream after his incessant whining how I make it for everyone else but him...blah, blah, blah (you know I love you). I don't have any pics from that get together but I must share this birthday pic that I just got back of Gracie & UR. Too cute!

Monday - Millenium Park & TASTE of CHICAGO & FIREWORKS- well, much more than a taste! Despite the rain, we managed to make it downtown to sunny skies & a smiling Uncle Bob ready for a splash in Millenium Park - our 1st time! Isn't that BEAN cool???












After several tastes (favorite was deep fried banana bites) & a ride down the white water mountain, we headed back to the Uncle Bob park, playing ourselves silly. Enjoyed a little snack at UB's place & then crawled down Lake Shore Drive for a splendid view of the Macy's fireworks display. What a day~

4th of July - lots of fun at the Beecher carnival & parade with Nate/Steph & her folks. Grace rode lots of kiddie rides & we chowed on cotton candy & funnel cakes - you know, stuff you only eat at the fair. Back to Steph's folks house for a barbeque & some sprinkler play. Whoo hooo - Thanks Mark & Maureen for a great time! The ducky bath fizzies & beachy stickers were a hit~ You are the new favorite friends for sure!

So that 'bout sums it up~ Busy & blessed! I leave with the words & hopefully a link to my new favorite worship freedom song... I AM FREE -by the Newsboys but wonderfully sang by the CLC worship team. Here it is: Newsboys - I Am Free from the album I Am Free http://pageman.multiply.com/music download it if you haven't heard it before

Through you the blind will see

Through you the mute will sing

Through you the dead will rise

Through you our hearts will praise

Through you the darkness flees

Through you my heart screams I am free

I am freeChorus: (2x’s)

I am free to run(I am free to run)

I am free to dance(I am free to dance)

I am free to live for you(I am free to live for you)

I am free(I am free)Yes, I am free(I am free)

Through you the blind will see

Through you the mute will sing

Through you the dead will rise

Through you our hearts will praiseT

hrough you the darkness flees

Through you my heart screams

I am free I am free

Are you free? I am freeChorus: (2x’s)

Re-CONNECTED

What a week - trying to get back into our routine after a week of company & two weeks of alternate child care while our Auntie Jeanette was cultivating the harvest in Peru. It's an exciting time for me considering the re-connections I've made this past month. I've enjoyed the company of my friend, Tina (& family), TWICE in one week...very NICE!

My college roommates are kicking up the dust at Jellystone Park in Eureka Missouri in a few weeks~Our first roomie reunion with all FIVE of us since...wow...how long?? 1997 or 98?? I can still remember the human pyramid right there in the middle of Val's living room! GAD~ We are so excited - to quote one of the roomies "I could just Pee!" Of course, I can't be that close to Robertsville & not see my very first non-monster college roomie- AMY! Don't you know I'll be sparkling up the Saturn for the Mr. Speakes inspection? No doubt Amy will have a list of job openings in the surrounding school districts & a couple of potential homes to check out while I'm there. Tempting...

Just thanking God recently for re-connecting with my old friend, Lauri - I've missed you & I'm really glad God restores in His own time - it's always just the right time~ Thanks for loving on Gracie the past couple of weeks. Thanks to Caitlyn & Elizabeth for sharing your toys! We'll keep working on returning the favor. :o)

It's interesting the things that bring re-connection. I got an email this week about a musician that used to play with the Servants of Praise.Paul was hospitalized for pneumonia & then decided to have some heart surgery while he was there. Paul is from Jamaica - HOW do you spell that...regardless, he's far from his family. Now, I've been in the hospital while the ocean separated me from my friends & family- that is NOOOOO fun! It's time to re-connect with that guy! Gracie is ready - we've spent our fair share of time in a hospital -so much so, it's a regular part of her pretend play. "Gracie, where are you going in those high heels & cutie purse?" More often than not, she's "goin' to the hospital." Goin' to see someone we love...so here we come, Paul! AND if we could, Tommy - we'd be strollering up to your room as well! Take good care way out there in California! We're praying for you~

One of my favorite scriptures is found in Ecclesiates chap 4, beginning w/vs 7:

The Advantages of Companionship
7 I observed yet another example of meaninglessness in our world. 8 This is the case of a man who is all alone, without a child or a brother, yet who works hard to gain as much wealth as he can. But then he asks himself, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" It is all so meaningless and depressing.
9 Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. 11 And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Let's face it - we need each other! God described the church - not the building but the people inside - as the BODY of Christ; each with our own place & role to fill. Doesn't matter how good or strong of a pinky finger I may be, if I am not CONNECTED to the other four digits...I am likely to shrivel up, unable to function properly if function at all. I'm no good to anyone, without the rest of the BODY. This, folks, is from personal experience. When you are out there, lone rangering - whether you meant to be there or not - you're in danger without the warmth or strength of companionship that will hold you accountable or help you when you fall or mount a defense beside you.

We work better together says the Creator. Remember, He fashioned us out of a heartfelt desire for companionship Himself. I believe He KNOWS lonely! I remind Him often that it was His idea that I should have a companion & thank God for my true blue friends, but ya'll know what I mean! No, that's a another blog & besides, I have very Grace FULL days as it is. But, we do need fellowship & it usually takes some effort in this busy world we live in with kids to raise, businesses to run, playgrounds to build, blogs to write, grants to write, reports to type...if you have friends, it's on purpose.

So reach out & touch someone. Re-connect with an old friend, make a new one or BOTH! Make some ice cream, grill a burger, borrow a back yard for a get together or visit the hospital. No high heels required but ya better bring your smile. ~:o)

PS~ The photos above: I had to take a picture of Gracie sleeping this morning sunny side up! & there's Gracie snuggling on baby Emily's quilt I made. :o)

PSS: Gracie said her first spontaneouslGerman words last week. As we were going inside for the evening, Gracie called "Bis Morgen" to the neighbors, meaning "until tomorrow". Too coooooool!

Presidential Visit

Hi folks! We've been busy this week entertaining Piotr Ptak, future president of Poland, while here in the US on a research grant from the Polish Committee for Scientific Research. After two fruitful weeks at Standford University in California, Piotr concluded his research here in the windy city & we were honored to show him around the town during his free time.

We enjoyed a sunny day at the beach on the shores of Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes. No visit to Chicago is complete without experiencing Chicago deep dish pizza, followed up by Strawberry Shortcake by moi. Shedd Aquarium was worth the admission price with the Wild Reef exhibit voted the favorite by everyone!

My good friend & neighbor treated Piotr to an American baseball game, Sox vs Astros. Compared to soccer, the European favorite, baseball is a rather slow moving game. Thus, the piece that he remarked most was our national anthem, God Bless America! It moves me every time as well. Thanks Nate!

There was wild shopping on Michigan Avenue after commanding views of the city & shoreline from the Hancock observatory! Can we say YUM to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory?? AND what about all that JAZZ as we dined al fresco? Gracie entertained the band as they warmed up with a few modified ballet moves. Fascinated with percussion instruments, Grace imitated the drummer's every move as he readied his drums. She even had her feet going. I think this girl is a future Muzicnet student & CLC band member for sure!

Just to check it off the list, we stopped by Navy Pier for a brief - really brief visit. Not enough time to appreciate the most visited Chicago attration, but hey...we were on a shopping mission!

All this with some of my best cooking/grilling & Gracie fun to boot! Gracie's favorite part was Piotr as her pink horse & protector from the mixer monster as I made homemade ice cream. Of course, there were many wonderful moments at the beach & playing in the yard. We broke in the new butterfly net catching fireflies one night. What memories!

AND speaking of homemade ice cream...butter pecan was on his list of MUST TRY items while in the US so how could I not break out my secret recipe? Don't you know he thought it was better than any we could purchase??

After a time of worship at CLC today & lunch, we sadly dropped our friend at the airport for his grueling flight home to Katowice. It was truly our pleasure, Piotr. What memories! Remember us when you get moved into the Presidential Palace! I checked it out & it's quite impressive. :o)

The Songs We Sing~

Jesus Loves Me

Print by Kathryn Andrews Finch

This has been a big week for us - turning TWO is a BIG deal! Gracie never ceases to amaze me but this week I shed some tears. For weeks, Gracie's belted out "Deep & Wide" - there's a fountain flowing deep & wide; a song she learned in CLC KidsTown about the never ending fountain of God's love toward His children. This week as I was putting Gracie's shoes on & she started singing another familiar tune~

Jesus loves me this I know

for the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong.

They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!

The Bible tells me so.

Though she missed a few of the words, it was by far the sweetest melody. This child's song is powerful when you really think about those words. The declaration that Jesus, God almighty, creator of heaven and earth, loves ME. And I KNOW it! We, as His children, belong to Him; treasured and cherished of our Heavenly Father. Though we are weak, He is indeed strong; strong enough for whatever makes me afraid. To quote an old song, "His strength is perfect when our strength is gone. He'll carry us when we can't carry on. Raised in His power the weak become strong. His strenth is perfect. His strength is perfect."

Jesus Loves Me comforts the soul. When my mom was sick, sick, sick in the hospital - I had no idea it would be the last day she lived, but while visiting her, Grace persisted in trying to get a book, a Bible I thought, off of mom's nightstand. After telling her "not for Grace" a dozen times, I decided we could look at the "book" together. Well, it was a hymnal. Then I remember my sister telling me that she & my cousin has swiped one from the hospital chapel so they could sing for mom. Mom was a singer when she was younger - lovely, lovely voice. I treasure the memory of her singing to me, with me when I was little and then, mom singing to and with Grace. The words were sometimes jumbled but charming still.

Mom affirmed she would enjoy it if we sang a bit. I went through the songbook, finding old favorites I hadn't sang in years...Standing on the Promises, What a Friend We Have In Jesus, Amazing Grace and finally, Jesus Loves Me - with all the verses. Now mom enjoyed the others, moving her lips to sing as she was able, but when I began to sing Jesus Loves Me, she began to breathe deeply, relax & "rest" in the song. I remember all day that mom was looking very deeply at Grace & I, like she was drinking us in. I think mom knew that it was the end and this song gave her peace to rest eternally in the love of Jesus.

Jesus loves me - it's been a favorite for a long time, holding special meaning for a number of reasons. One of mom's favorite stories to tell from when Tracy & I were kids was the one about Halloween when we were 2 & 3 years old. She took us trick or treating and our "trick" was singing Jesus Loves Me. One lady was so moved, she recorded the song to send to her son in Vietnam. I wonder if two giggly girls singing this Sunday School favorite brought a smile and perhaps reassurance that he was being held by the everlasting love of Jesus. I believe it did...

So sing on Gracie! Sing it 'til that message is embedded in your little soul, because He does indeed love you! Sing it for others so they will know they are loved as well.

PS - the print above by Kathryn Andrews Finch hangs in Gracie's room as a reminder of this precious love. AND special thanks to Christian Life Center KidsTown Children's Program http://clctoday.org/children.htm for singing with my little Grace. You'll never know how far your efforts go!

Birthday Picnic

The Birthday Picnic
Grace & mom on our 1st day home from the hospital. My, my how we've grown

After some serious water play in the new water table & pool, Grace & I had a lovely picnic today enjoying Aunt Tracy's picnic blanket & gift set. We dined on chicken salad croissants, watermelon & gold fish crackers. For dessert, Gracie enjoyed the yummy Hello Kitty marshmellow sucker from Auntie Cathy & Uncle Dave. Of course you will notice Grace is sporting her charming 2 piece swim suit adored still from last season. We will "grow" into the more modest (prudish) surfer suit from UR, but for now we'll let her toddler tummy shine! :o)

Today, June 14th, is the actual BIRTHDAY - so we will indeed celebrate today with a visit to some water play facility though it isn't quite as warm as I would like. The girl will still have wayyyy too much fun! AND my friends, Nate & Steph are at the hospital as I type preparing for baby Emily's arrival. How cool is that?! The girls might share a birthday! FUN!

Ok folks, got a report to type & test to take before the party starts! Sunny day to you~

Pink Princess Party

A little rain never stops a princess, especially when there's a party! We had the Swirly Twirly Birthday bash for Princess Grace on Saturday. What FUN!

We were tickled PINK to celebrate our 2nd birthday with some of our closest friends and family. Though not quite the park party we planned due to rain, we still had a grand time! Lots of ribbon, tulle, balloons, & yummy pink sweets! For those of you who saw Gracie with her 1st birthday cake, you might say she's quite refined now using a fork for the most part. Compare 1st & 2nd birthday cake shots. Pink icing makes GREAT lipstick!

Gracie has since been developing her skills at walking in her new fancy dress up shoes - all 6 pair! AND she got a too cute pair of real cowboy boots today from Auntie Margie in Texas! Cutie clothes & purses including a handcrafted leather purse made by another good Texas friend, Tony.

Tutu many fun & cutie things to mention here~ poodles, purses, puzzles, playdough, princess dresses, pretty pjs, playhouses, picnic & play-in-the-water essentials, pink books along with lots of other wonderful blessings!

From our giggling hearts~

Thank you, dankeschon, merci, gracias, 謝謝, dank u, grazie,

σας ευχαριστούμε, dziekuje & вы.