PopRocks, Mercy River & David Osmond Sing!

Ryan is on the left holding the microphone

I wasn't able to make it to the benefit concert for Lori Udy and her family (because of a surgery) but I am so excited that my Brother-in-law taped the concert and is sending me a copy. In the mean time here is a short clip of PopRocks singing their last song. David Osmond comes in and sings the last verse with them. Mercy River also sang and I hear they were phenominal. In the Video my son Ryan is the tall center cutie rocking with the music. My other boy Alan (Ryan's best friend) is on the far right (blond).

Pop Rocks & David Osmond Click here!

I hope that they raised enough money to help the Udy Family. I am so proud of Ryan and everyone who lent their talents to try to help out someone who needed it. Ryan said that it started snowing during the concert and that by the end of it there was pretty much a blizzard. I'm glad that they sang inside. The first time they sang in Rockland (10 years ago) they sang outside in the park. If you would still like to help out go to their webpage for information where you can donate to a very good cause. http://www.loriudy.com/index.php?p=1_11_Lori-s-Benefit-Concert

365 Days - Day 95 - Taste

I decided to list our favorite tastes partly to get Bob to participate. He doesn't Blog so unless I ask specific questions it is hard to get information of this sort out of him. I did learn some new things though.

Bob's is very simple and he doesn't really have strong opinions. My list on the other hand is more diverse and I kept adding things. Bob is so easy to please. I thought that I was too.

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"Taste" - sweet, sour, salty, sharp

Warranty Expired!

Bob LOVES his big-screen TV! When we got married and moved to our new house Bob bought this HUGE Mitsubishi TV (2002). I remember the glaze that came over his eyes and his jaw dropping when he first entered the electronics area of the store. Most men have that same look but Bob is a gadget guy and he had never had a gadget this big. Since we were both working I thought that he deserved to have what he wanted even though I thought it was a bit of overkill.

I have to admit it has been a fun. We can all see exactly what is going on and video games are a lot clearer on the big screen. WII games are a blast!

Luckily we purchased a good warranty because when we moved to S. Utah, where we have frequent brown-outs and black-outs, our TV had problems. This TV lives in the basement and every time the repair guys have had to come out and haul this monstrosity up the stairs they always ask if we wouldn't rather keep it in our living room (on the main floor). Of course I don't want that black hole in my living room (sorry men, I know you don't understand) so they have to lug it back down the stairs after they have repaired it.

Well, the inevitable has happened. The warranty has expired! With the recent snow storms we have had quite a few power fluctuations and finally the TV died. A moment of silence please.....

In usual Bob style he took the TV apart. I know that he has wanted to take this a part for a long time (Bob likes to see how things work) but couldn't because of the warranty.
Bob immediately got online and did some research as to how to fix the problem. He found some symptoms that matched our TV exactly and ordered some parts. We waited for them to come in the mail and then Bob soldered them on. And .......they didn't solve the problem!

So now Bob thinks that it might be a power problem. Sorry guys but I don't speak electronics very well. Give me some software and I can talk fluently but hardware lingo is Chinese to me. So now Bob is testing all electrical sources or something like that. Bob is in his element, he is using gadgets to test gadgets.

What a pain! Poor Bob has to do research, order parts or manuals, go to work for a week, come home try to fix the TV, it doesn't work so he starts the process over again. Long story even longer, our family room has a HUGE TV taken apart in the middle of it and the bedroom next to it strewn with parts. I know that Bob hates that the TV is down but I also know that he is doing what he does best. Problem Solve. Bob is happy.

365 Days - Day 93 - Listen

I have so many favorite sounds. I love the sound of a loved ones voice, nature, music, laughter and so many other sounds that evoke emotion and memories. I know that I take these things for granted, which is sad. Here is one of my favorite pictures along this theme.

This is Ryan when he was only 15-months old at Christmas time. Dennis had brought home a Christmas Music Box with Santa in his sleigh and a reindeer that would rotate on an interior magnet when the music played. It was so adorable!

Sadly Ryan's face is a bit out of focus but I hope that you still get the message. Ryan LOVED this music box! He and his brothers have always loved music and at that time we didn't realize what a huge part of their lives would be impacted by it. Since Dennis and I loved music out kids were surrounded by it. The funny part is that Dennis and I were on opposite spectrums of taste. He loved Black Sabbath and Jimmy Hendrix and I was what he called a "Bubblegummer". My record collection included Chicago, The Carpenters, etc.

Needless to say, our boys grew up with an ecclectic education in music. I remember when Dennis had the boys listen to Jimmy Hendrix play the National Anthem with his teeth. He was so excited to share this with his boys and hoped that they appreciated Jimmy's talent. The boys loved it. I remember teaching my boys guitar when they were pretty small and making them take piano lessons. It has been interesting to see them each gravitate to the instrument that best helps them express themselves.

There are so many aspects of listening but for some reason I went off on music. Suffice it to say I appreciate the blessing of sound. I am amazed at my step-son Tyler, who is hard-of-hearing, and how well he communicates with people without being able to hear them. He is so patient.

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"Hear, listen"

What do your ears hear today?

365 Days - Day 90 - Love

Today Bob and I have been married for seven years! Sometimes I feel that I have lived several different lives and this last life, as Bob's wife, has gone by amazingly fast. Here is a picture of Bob and I on our wedding day (2002). It is a picture, that for some reason, I have passed over. Today when I saw it I thought, "This is so sweet, why haven't I used it before?" Maybe as in many cases, I see it differently because of what we have shared and how we've grown together and individually.

The challenge today was to take a picture of love and ask how we have spread our love today. Well I can say that I am on the receiving end of that. I married one of the least selfish people on the planet. Bob spends most of his time helping others. I have always admired that trait and I was fortunate enough to marry someone who lives what he believes. Bob doesn't ask for much in return. Sometimes he is a bit shy about keeping up with family and friends but it doesn't mean that he doesn't think about them often and love them. He loves his faith, family and lives a responsible and giving life.

Thank you Bob for being you and sharing yourself with me and others. We are all the better because of it.

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"Spread your love everywhere you go."
- Mother Teresa

How did you spread your love today?

Pop Rocks Reunites For Benefit Concert!

This is a copy of a message on my son Ryan's blog. I thought it was very important and even if we can't be there we can help. Those of you who haven't seen Ryan in a while may not know what he is up to, he is in the Physician Assistance Program (a stringent 2-year full-time program), is married to Christy (who is amazing), two sweet little girls and twins due in August! Even with his full life he is making time to help out this family.




Ryan, Christy and their sweet girls.

Please take the time to read this and search your heart. If you feel like you can help click HERE or leave a comment below with your address so that we can get info to you.

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Hey friends, this is Ryan. I'm the one lucky enough to be married to Christy. YESSS!!
Anyways, I am blogging today to invite you all to a benefit concert for a beautiful mom, Lori Udy, that was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy, but unfortunately the cancer metastasized to her lymph nodes and has since infiltrated other organs. She doesn't have too much longer to live.

The Udy Family

Not only does her family have to deal with her end-stage cancer and saying goodbye to her, but they also have mounting medical bills that they cannot afford.

My good friend Rock Permann was talking to his lovely wife, Whitney a few weeks ago about a benefit concert that her group, Mercy River, and American Idol contestant David Osmond are going to be putting on to support the Udy family, when Whitney said, "what about the Pop Rocks?"

For those of you who don't know, I was in an A cappella group back at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, called Pop Rocks. We sang in lots of concerts and serenaded many people during our short time together. Since then we have all separated as we got married and moved away, but we have tried to keep in touch.

Back to the story: Rock thought about it a while and then decided to give it a shot: invite the members of the Pop Rocks to reunite for this benefit concert 9 years after the original Pop Rocks had dissolved.

When I first got the invite from Rock to reunite, I realized that I had a PA conference that weekend, so I ended up declining with a very sad heart. But soon I found out that every single one of the other original Pop Rocks were going to be able to make it, so I talked to my PA professors and they told me that for this occasion they would allow me to miss a part of the PA conference. Sweet! I called the guys and we made plans to somehow remember our old songs and sing!

To make a long story short (too late...), the concert is going to be at Rockland High School in Rockland, Idaho on April 3rd at 7 pm. tickets are $10, all of which will go directly to the Udy family to help them with the enormous amount of medical bills they have.

If you can come, PLEASE COME! This isn't about me, the Pop Rocks, Mercy River, or David Osmond, it's about the Udy family. Please let others know also! Make it into a date night and invite your family and friends! If you have any questions, please post a reply and we will be sure to get right on it.

Tagged

What is your blogger name? Bob n Tammy. which is funny because Bob doesn't blog.

When is your birthday? July 5th

How long have you been blogging? About 7 months or so. Christy got me started.

Who tagged you? My darling Daughter-in-law Christy

Tell me your five most favorite body parts? I just had surgery yesterday so I'm thinking any part that works well!
I love music and the sound of a loved ones voice - ears,
I love to see my family & friends and nature - eyes,
I love to hold my family near - arms & hands,
I love my family and friends - heart,
I love to hike & play - feet and legs,
I love to dance so I guess that's the whole body!

What do you wish most for your birthday? I would love to see my kids and grandkids!

What color are you nails right now? Color? Those who know me know that I'm not a high-maintenance kind of girl.

Have you had any depressing thoughts lately? I just had surgery and had a bad reaction to some medication so I think I was a bit frustrated but then they got the drugs right so I'm living better through chemicals at the moment.

What’s your plan for the next month? Celebrating my anniversary to Bob (7 years this month!)Getting healthy and learning more about Photoshop Elements.

At what age did you have your first crush? I was a tomboy so I don't really remember too many crushes. When I was little I dreamed of marrying someone tall, dark and handsome like my Dad, but that was probably because he wasn't around and I missed him.

Have you attended any school reunions? Just my ex-husbands. My 30-year reunion is coming up in July in Las Vegas. I will go unless the twins come early. It would be fun to see my old friends but it would be more fun to hold two new grandchildren and help Ryan & Christy.

Are you a clean freak? No and Yes (I agree with Christy) I was a clean freak and then I had 3 kids in 3 1/2 years. Then the kids were gone and now I have been sick so I had to give in on something. Let's put it this way, I love a clean but comfortable house.

What era do you wish you were born in? I used to think I wanted to be born in the time of the pioneers but have come to realize that I would have died young in child birth. I guess I'm not as hardy as I wanted to be.

Are you a vegetarian? No, although I don't eat a lot of meat. I like fruit, vegies and grains more.

How many pillows do you sleep with at night? Two and Bob (when he's home)

Are you a light sleeper or a heavy sleeper? Both. I don't sleep much but when I do I wake pretty easy. I think.

Do you secretly wear granny panties when your man is not around? No (what a weird question)

What is your ultimate dream job? I agree with Christy - it would be nice to be paid to be a Mom and Grandmother. I've also always wanted to be a writer.

What is your dream car? Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Do you wake up easily in the morning? Not usually, it takes me a while to get up and get going most days

Do you like hairy men? I like my husband- who is perfect for me!

Which would you prefer: a two-hour spa massage, a two-hour Thai massage, or a two-hour foot massage? D. all of the above! (I would have to agree Christy!) My husband gives the best foot massages....

Have you ever wished you had a different name? Yes

Have you ever passed gas in public and pretended like you didn’t smell anything? What kind of question is this?

What is the most extreme sport you have ever done? Repelling and White-water Rafting

Do you prefer traveling in Europe or Asia? I've never been to Asia but I LOVE Europe and would love to travel more of it.

What is your favorite food? I can't decide. I love a variety

What is your most embarrassing moment while out on a date? I was bitten by a mesquito on my knuckle and had to explain to my date that I was allergic and that we would have to go home. I watched him give me the "yeah right" look and then freak when he saw the size of my hand and arm. I felt pretty stupid. Whose allergice to mesquitoes? Me.

Surgery Over!

My surgery is over and everything went well. I'm home and recuperating. I am a little worried about my brain though because with my last surgery in October they gave me Lortab and I got this killer headache that wouldn't go away until the drug wore off. Since my surgery was a lot bigger and so many other things were going on, I guess I forgot. Well now I'm paying for it because I've got this head-splitting headache and now I remember that I've had it before. Maybe now I won't forget. There isn't anything I can do except wait for it to wear off. Consequences can be a pain - literally!

I just wanted everyone to know that I'm fine and will be taking it easy for a little while and then hopefully be up and active again. Thanks for your good wishes and prayers.