Celebrating Mother’s Day in God’s Time

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I am looking forward to this Mother’s Day! It will be my first as a Mom with an actual child! LOL! I have celebrated before, for my little ones that could have been.  I celebrated as a dog mom….

This year I celebrate as a mom to a beautiful baby boy. 

Tristan1

I spent the better part of my 16 year marriage going between bouts of depression over my inability to carry a pregnancy to term to trying to convince myself that they would only cramp my style. Me and John Truck I would spend weeks avoiding children like the plague. The time spent around others kids was just too painful.  My husband and I could pick up at 3 am and decide to embark on a road trip.  I could sleep late every day if I so chose.  So I started to question whether I just wanted to have kids because it was what women were supposed to want.  Well, the questioning assuaged my sadness and longing….

This time last year I had no idea how my life would change.  It was June of last year after having gone through weeks of illness.  I had diagnosed myself with everything from Celiac’s disease (which actually affects mostly Caucasians…lol) to Irritable Bowel Syndrome.  My mother suggested that I take a home pregnancy test, this made me chuckle a little.  I knew that I didn’t want to take one – they only disappoint me.  Well, hubby picked up one of those tests and I kept forgetting to take it. 

One morning I thought, “Why not?” and did the pointless little test.  I had that stick in my hand and was going to sit it down to wait for the five minutes or whatever to be over.  I noticed that something was odd…it immediately said that I was pregnant.  I put it down, took a pic, and sent it to hubby.  This can’t be right.  I visited the doctor that day and the next day the blood work was back. After 15 years of trying….I was pregnant. 

But blood work had come back positive before.  It was the first ultrasound that floored me. 

There was an actual BABY there. With little ARMS and LEGS waving about.  UltrasoundWhen the doctor asked if I wanted to hear a heartbeat I shouted, “There’s a heartbeat?” I wasn’t quite getting it. I left that appointment in a daze…don’t know how I got home that day.  I sent one text and the world changed.  My parents, my sister, my husband, my in-laws….everyone cried when we told them the news. NOT ME….

I knew how to be the infertile, barren woman.  I knew how to long for a little one. I’m not sure I knew how to be a mother.  It was a long 10 months, but we welcomed Tristan Jon August Sonnier into the world in January of this year. 

My Aunt prayed with us in the hospital room, my mother-in-law recited the Holy Rosary with me. When he came into the world he was welcomed first by my hubby, his mom, and my mom. Oh…and me – I was in shock when they placed this little body on my chest.  I still wasn’t there…Tristan2

Now it’s been three months, almost four and I don’t remember not loving this little boy.  I never thought I would ever love anyone this much. It’s scary and wonderful all at the same time.  He has brought so much joy to everyone.  I thank GOD for him and my little family every day.

First Easter

So, this Mother’s Day I celebrate as a MOM.

God works in HIS time…not ours.  God is GOOD…all the time.  

Smoke Signals in Vatican City

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Black smoke billowed out of the Sistine Chapel today signaling that the Conclave will continue. I am anxiously awaiting those white puffs. I converted to Catholicism a few years ago.  While I take issue with a few things, I take the faith seriously and love its beautiful traditions.  I think I owe that to Father Brinkman, an educator who made Catechism so interesting to me.  As someone who married into the faith I was a bit skeptical and needed to fully understand the faith. While I continue to have questions, a lot of the mystery has been uncovered.

So I am watching the princes in Vatican City.  Inside the walls made beautiful by Michelangelo these cardinals will determine the direction of the church by the selection they make.  They will do this secretly. It is this secrecy that, while necessary in this case, led to the biggest scandal that the Catholic Church has ever seen.   The new Pope must be able to get his church in order. They must make a statement with this decision.

This is why I’m praying that the new pontiff is the people’s pope like John Paul, knows the history like Benedict, and has the ability to manage the church like no one before him.  He must step into the 21st century while holding on to the traditional beliefs of Catholicism.  Offenders must be stopped and made to suffer the consequences of their actions and victims must be protected, as should the church.  The only way to do this is to stop the secrecy in this regard.  Return our faith to being revered and respected.

I implore them not to choose according to geography.  I couldn’t care less if he is from a third world country, Europe, or the US.  He needs only to love the people, know the word, and be prepared to reform the church.

Vote on, Cardinals! Vote on…May God be with you!

The Voice: And Then There Were Four

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The FINAL FOUR are set!

Here is a look at who made it through the semi-finals and will be competing for the grand prize of a recording contract.

Adam awarded 60 out of 100 points to Tony Lucca which pushed him right over Katrina Parker in the semi-finals.

Katrina’s rendition of “Killing Me Softly”, while impressive, was not enough to beat out Tony Lucca’s performance of “How You Like Me Now”.  All was on the line and Tony did not disappoint with his throaty voice and confidence on display Monday night.

Can He Win It? He has worked hard and plays to the crowd.  They love him. But when we compare him to the technical singer Chris Mann and the rocker who is killing it on iTunes Juliette Sims, I’m not so sure.

Cee-Lo has been so supportive of Jamar Rogers and while his slowed down, modernized version of “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” was a crowd pleaser the judge gave the higher points to Juliet Simms.  He obviously is as impressed by her as America seems to be.  She has topped the iTunes charts and really knocked it out of the park with Monday night’s “It’s a Man’s, Man’s, Man’s World”.  The gown was shocking but her voice was true to exactly who she says she is.

Can She Win It? A resounding YES! While she is not my favorite, I have to give it to her.  America loves her and I loved her for the last two weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

America made this Chris Mann’s world when they put him on top over Lindsey Pavao. Her “Skinny Love” was more of the same for her.  While Mann took it back to his opera roots with “Ave Maria” he proved what he has said all along…it is the job of the operatic singer to tell the story in a foreign language and still get the emotions across.  He did just that, all while looking gorgeous – did you see those crystal eyes?

Can He Win It? While Juliette has been a fan favorite, Chris has his own Mann fans that are loyal.  This may boil down to how faithful their fans are to phoning it in!

And finally, Blake’s finalist is Jermaine Paul.  I will never get tired of seeing his chocolate skin against those crisp white shirts. But, I digress….Paul sang the classic “Open Arms” by Journey.  How can you go wrong? He was vulnerable and open.  Women love him! But….

Can He Win It? I am not so sure about that.  I believe that he will be able to step out onto center stage and give up his life as a background singer.  But the competition is too fierce this season, I am not sure he has enough of what America’s looking for.  I am pulling for him (and my Chris Mann).   

See ya next week! I can’t wait!

The Week America & the Coaches of the Voice Got it All Right

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Not that I disagree with EVERY decision the celebrity coaches have made this season, but we have disagreed more than agreed.  As we get closer to the end of the competition the choices are going to get tougher each week. How could they not? The best is what’s left on the show and someone still has to go.

While waiting for America’s choice from Team X-Tina I knew that as much as I loved Ashley De La Rosa, I knew that Lindsey Pavao killed for weeks on the ITunes chart.  I also knew that Chris Mann was a powerhouse who constantly communicates with his fans.  This goes a long way; pros in the industry could learn a thing or two from Mann. 

So, when Chris was saved by America it was no surprise and I didn’t disagree with them.

 

Team Blake’s trio was up next and I knew who my favorites were.  I go back forth from Erin Willet to Jermaine Paul.  But Raelynn is from Baytown! I felt like a traitor going against my hometown girl.  But hey, it is what it is.  When Jermaine Paul was saved by America’s votes I just knew that, no matter what, Blake would save his little country girl.

Side note: It took my 6 year old niece to tell me that “Boyfriend” was Bieber’s new single. LOL! Nice job, JB! Well he came out to give us a “peek”…and I mean a “peek” at a “clip” from the new video for the song.  Love the little R&B/Hip-Hop feel to the song. I just wish the Bieb would pull those dang pants up…I’m just saying….

 

Team X-Tina’s Last Shot Performances

Ashley De La Rosa – I love her! I pleaded with her, not that she could hear me. I really hoped she would go for the gusto and she came out with an okay rendition of “You & I”.  Her attitude was on point and, as usual, she owned the stage.  But it just kind of fell flat…this is a LAST SHOT!

Lindsey Pavao – She came out to win with “Please Don’t Go”. While I always knew she had talent, I was never a big fan….until that performance.  If it’s all about just that performance…she should have taken it.

And she did…X-Tina chose Lindsey to continue with Chris into the semi-finals.

Last Shot Performances for Team Blake

Erin Willet – Her dad would be so proud of her delivery of “Proud Mary”.  Her rich voice conquered the song and she worked every bit of that stage. Go ERIN!

Raelynn – Okay, I really see her as Blake’s favorite.  She’s a country girl and he is such a big supporter.  Now, I’m still thinking that someone was waiting to sign her and put a bug in his ear, “Let her go, man!” I truly love “If I Die Young” for its vulnerability and gentleness.  I kept wondering what that song ever did to her because she just attacked the poor song with that voice.  Where is the feeling?

Now while I just knew Blake would keep his country gal around, I was so proud of him when he made the right choice.  He kept Erin around to advance into the semi-finals with Jermaine.

When I see those types of tough decisions and that coaches/judges on these types of shows seem to really be making sound choices it helps me to accept the choices that I didn’t quite understand.  Like Christina’s choice to eliminate Jesse on Monday night’s show.  Although I can’t help but miss being outraged all over social media. Can’t wait to see what happens next week!   

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So Ready for the Party Weekend – Serani and Jouvert at Banana Bend

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So, I’m pretty excited about the weekend. I’ll be extremely busy writing and taking care of clients, but there will be some PARTYING going down! I haven’t been out in a while and I’m so pumped about reggae star Serani coming to Houston Friday night.

Serani’s had great success as a producer, working with Sean Paul and Tony Matterhorn.  He also sings my jam “No Games”…an anthem for all ready to be real and get serious with someone.

As soon as I’ve recovered from that I’m heading over to Banana Bend Beach for a Jouvert experience.  For those of you who don’t know what Jouvert is let me fill you in:

Courtesy Jamaica Star

Jouvert is a large street party during Carnival in the eastern Caribbean region. Jouvert is a contraction of the French jour ouvert, or dawn/day break. (Borrowed that from Wiki).  But in plain terms, here in Houston it is a part of our Caribbean Carnival – Houston CaribFest.  We not only party on the road, we let it all hang out in a truck yard…yes I said a truck yard.  Plenty of water from trucks spraying all over the place, party goers covered in mud and paint, and wining your waste in total abandon.  You have to experience that just once in your life.  Well, then you’ll be hooked.  LOL! Come on and join us this July!

Courtesy Lioness Promotions

Well this weekend it won’t be the huge gathering of thousands…I’m thinking more like hundreds…but it will still be a blast! I will try my hardest to remain fully clothed….I’m not promising you anything.

What do you have planned for the weekend?

 

 

 

Announcing The Musings of NikkiJo Jean Crazy Blog Contest

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First off let me start with a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who commented on Jean Crazy: Top Ten Jean Brands!

 

I hope the post provided useful information for you guys! Remember, if you are not already subscribed to The Musings of Nikki Jo; sign up now to be alerted to all posts and upcoming contests. And now…

Congratulations to the winner of The Musings of Nikki Jo

Jean Crazy Contest -

Amanda Jankowski Skibniewski!

 

 

Amanda will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card to use anyway she sees fit…but of course I’m hoping she picks up a hot pair of jeans and posts pics of her rocking them!!!

What the WHAT Moments from The Voice Last Night

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What the What Moments from The Voice Last Night

Last night’s The Voice had me saying WHAT THE WHAT so many times! The surprise elimination was the first WTW, but that isn’t where the oblivion ended.

The performances of Rae Lynn, Jesse, Jordis, and Lindsey were pretty good.  Nothing to write home…or a blog post…about.  Yes, I know that Lindsey is the #1 Apple ITunes seller of the season….yada yada…she’s great. But my favorite performances from last night were delivered by:

Ashley de la Rosa: “Foolish Games” allowed her to play with the rock music she really wants to do.  Loved the staging! Blake was certainly right when he said the smartest decision of the season was Xtina’s save a couple of weeks ago.

 

Erin Willet: Through her grief she has been pulling it off each time she hits the stage. I even loved the costuming this week. She worked to fill the big shoes of Adele with “Set Fire to The Rain”.  I was a little worried.  She didn’t hit it hard like Adele but she sang the hell out of that song so YAY!

 

Jermaine Paul: Wow did he come out this week! He has always been HOT, but this week the Alicia Keys backup singer really showed out with his tender rendition of “Against All Odds”. I was never a big fan, but he has now won me over.

A few other YAY moments:

I wanted to steal Christina’s ring ! And Cee-Lo was working that sparkly little big faced watch on those cute little arms!

Team Xtina surprised Crenshaw High School Choir with a visit and an invitation to perform with the team live! Great job giving back girl!

Maroon 5 with front-man Adam Levine and guest Wiz Khalifa performing “Payphone”.  I can never get enough Maroon 5, so I was all good.

The strippers that came out with XTina during her performance that flocked Blake and through bills at him….which brings me to…

 

 

 

The Remaining WTW Moments:

I was all ready to see her perform again, but who in the hell told Christina that she was cute in that get up? I am a huge fan, but that did not flatter her one bit! She has been looking great on the show so I don’t know why she went there.  You know that Kelly Osbourne is going to be all over this one. I say “leave her alone”…but I know that this time it’s too easy. Why make it so easy for your haters, Christina? I would say wear whatever you feel, but really that was not the right choice. Where is June Ambrose when you need her! She’s crying out for help, June!

Next up….and the BIGGEST WTW Moment:

Jesse Campbell was Christina’s choice to be eliminated tonight. I can get with Blake’s decision to let Jordis go, she was in the bottom last time around. But Jesse….REALLY? I’m not a pro so I’ll let her do her thing with her team…but I’m not getting it!

No worries Jesse, you’ll be signed by the summer!

 

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