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. 

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.  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.  When 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…

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.

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

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

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 21^st 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!

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!

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!   

Related articles

http://www.examiner.com/article/nbc-s-the-voice-contestant-chris-mann-striving-to-mannifest-his-dreams

• The Voice Saying Goodbye to Members of Team’s Christina & Blake (themusingsofnikkijo.com)

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?

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…

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!!!

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!

Related articles

• The Voice Saying Goodbye to Members of Team’s Christina & Blake (themusingsofnikkijo.com)
• The Voice Night One of The Live Rounds Recap (themusingsofnikkijo.com)

America Saved:

From Team Adam:       

Mathai – Her original delivery of “Ordinary People” captured America’s hearts.

Tony Lucca – He was one of those that I wasn’t quite sure of with his safe performance of “In Your Eyes”. Well, America was certain about the former Mouseketeer. I-Tunes also ranked him #2 behind Juliet Simms in the rock chart from Monday night’s show.

Pip – He held on!!! Shockingly – it must have been the tons of teenage girls holding him in this.  His voice is great, for sure.  But there is nothing about him that makes me excited.

From Team Cee-Lo:

Juliet Simms – She also had the number one spot on I-Tunes with her rendition of “Roxanne”. This one was no surprise for me.  I truly loved her after that performance.

Jamar Rogers – Loved his “Are You Gonna Go My Way” so I was on board with this choice. Keep on, Jamar.  Just not sure how long he can last with his competitors.

James Massone – He wasn’t a shock, I do like him.  And the little girls obviously love him enough to save him.

This left Team Adam’s Kim Yarborough (not a shock); and surprisingly Karla Davis and Katrina Parker to sing for the final spot on the team for the night.  Cheesa, Tony Vincent (not a shocker to me), and one of my favorites Erin Martin to vie for the final spot on Cee-Lo’s team.

Yarbrough’s “Spotlight” wasn’t enough to win; I knew that as I watched her half-hearted performance.  But Karla and Katrina were both singing for their lives. Again Karla had her awkward stage presence to contend with although I loved her voice.

Katrina, who never should have been in this spot, blasted away her competition and won the final spot on Team Adam.

Cheesa came ready to strike hard with a vulnerable delivery of “All By Myself”. Although I felt it was a tad too breathy it was beautiful.  Tony’s “Sweet Dreams” started off in this weird fake voice, but opened up into something pretty great.  As always Erin’s great odd voice caressed and shook up “Your Song”, but it wasn’t enough.  Cheesa was the final winner of the night for Team Cee-Lo.

Related articles

• Just the Hits & Misses from The Voice Monday Night (themusingsofnikkijo.com)

THE HITS

Katrina Parker was a definite “HIT” for Team Adam singing “Tonight Tonight”.  Her Adele-esque vibes were present once again but she owned the song and Katrina really showed up and showed out.

The Judges Two Cents: Cee-Lo was impressed but not wowed by the performance.  The Billy Corgan hit is quite a hard song to sing, but she did it well.  Adam loved the performance and was happy with the choice of song.

Another “HIT” was Team Cee-Lo’s Juliet Simms.  She originally turned all three judges in the Blind Audition.  This week she went off the beaten path with “Roxanne”, which was a great choice – if she nails it.  She did! I loved the throaty voice and breaks she allowed to happen naturally.  Her look was okay and I loved her smoky eye! She may have milked the beginning just a bit, or maybe I was just ready for her to rock it.

The Judges Two Cents: Adam said it was the best performance so far, Christina gave her props for her “dope” voice, Blake loved it and now understands what the fight over her was about, and Cee-Lo said simply “Wow….just wow.”

Team Adam hit right back with Mathai’s rendition of “Ordinary People”.  During rehearsal she was killing it and she brought that beautiful voice with her to the stage. She just hits the sweetest (and oddest) spots.  Love her!

The Judges Two Cents: Christina loved her voice but worried if it was a bit loungey.  Blake loved her voice and confidence.  Adam thought it was just magical and he couldn’t be happier with the performance.

Karla Davis showed and proved why she was still there with “Airplanes” for Team Adam.  I just hope everyone else got it and America (or her judge) saves her tonight.  It was a pretty bold choice.  She needs a little help with stage presence but she was working that dress!

The Judges Two Cents:  Christina was surprised by the song choice and liked the moments when she really hit the song.  Blake wanted more of the notes and said that she did as well as she could with the song.  Adam was impressed that she was in her pocket but he saw that she was letting her nerves come through the song; overall he felt she did a fantastic job.

Representing Team Cee-Lo next was the ex-model with the wild hair Erin Martin with “Walk like an Egyptian.” She kept up with the fast pace and the beauty in her voice came through.  I’m so glad she did. She had a lot to prove after the Battle Round with the Shield’s Brothers.  We could now focus on her tonight as that hair was under wraps.  America may not agree with me on this one, but I loved her!

The Judges Two Cents: Blake was really having a hard time with the staging all night really.  Christina loved the theatrics of it all and wanted her to come harder with the voice.  Cee-Lo agreed with some of Christina’s points but said she did a great job with the quick almost rap-like song.

Jamar Rogers performed “Are You Gonna Go My Way” for Team Cee-Lo.  While I’m still not loving his look last night he was put together so much better.  He came out rocking and showing that he wants to stay.  Great sound and prescience!

The Judges Two Cents: Blake felt that Jamar’s voice was too good for all of the crazy things going on up there.  Adam gave Rogers his best compliment saying, “In this moment he embodies what this show is.”

THE MISSES

Team Cee-Lo:

I love Cheesa but her performance of “Don’t Leave Me This Way” felt like it was going to turn into a lounge act at any moment. I wasn’t in love with her presence or look for the night.

Tony Vincent was lack luster with his delivery of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”.  It really made me appreciate Tears for Fears.

Team Adam:

Kim Yarbrough has power vocals, yes.  Is she performing like a star? NO!  Her choice to sing “Rolling in the Deep” may be what sends her home tonight.

Next up on the misses for the team is Pip.  He wants to be a rocker but came out with his Glee look and gave an unbelievable (really you couldn’t buy that this was real) performance.

Related articles

• The Voice Saying Goodbye to Members of Team’s Christina & Blake (themusingsofnikkijo.com)
• The Voice Night One of The Live Rounds Recap (themusingsofnikkijo.com)

First off – Christina was working that orange dress!

Moving on…America saved three from Team Blake – Erin Willet, Jermaine Paul, and Rae Lynn. From Team Christina the votes put Jesse Campbell, Lindsey Pavao, and Chris Mann on top keeping them in the competition at this point.

The bottom scorers from Team Blake – Naia Kete, Charlotte Sometimes (still love that name), and Jordis Unga were left to sing for one spot on the team.

One of my favorites Naia Kete was up first with “If I Were a Boy”.  Kete was gorgeous in blue with those beautiful dreads draped over her shoulder.  Her little brother had tears as he watched her fight for her place in the show.  When she finally broke out and went into her own style she shined.  Blake noted that he wished she had done something on the reggae tip, but he was the one who took her out of her element for Monday night’s show.

Second for Team Blake was Charlotte Sometimes with “Iris”.  While I loved her dress, I do wish her hair was up for this performance.  You really felt it when she sang the line “I don’t wanna go home right now.”  The performance was a little rough, but she did great with those little tender moments.

Jordis Unga rounded out the Team Blake competition.  She brilliantly delivered “Wild Horses” and it almost made me ignore the horrible dress and messy hair look…almost.  But she was fierce with great tone and she milked the great moments that the song offered.

All of the judges were touting Jordis’ praises and in the end Naia Kete and Charlotte Sometimes were sent packing.  I still love Naia, hopefully we will hear more from her soon.

Team Christina’s bottom three were ready to fight for their lives next.  How Ashley De La Rosa ended up in the bottom rankings I don’t know.  But there she was with “Paris (Ooh-La-La)” I was so pulling for her.  Again she owned the stage and blew the audience away with her performance.

Sera Hill, who I knew would be in this position after the Monday night show, was up next.  Her choice of “Vision of Love” scared me for a moment but she handled the song well.  This was the performance she needed to give Monday.

Last up was Moses Stone.  I am a Moses Stone fan but so wanted to hear him actually SING! And that he did, singing “Breakeven (Falling to Pieces)”.  It was nice to see him doing what the show was designed for, but the vocals weren’t strong enough to me.  Halfway through I wished that he would break out a rhyme or two.

Cee-Lo went with Sera as the winner of this round but Adam and Blake were sure that Ashley De La Rosa won that hands down.  And Christina agreed.

So The Voice continues with Team Christina comprised of Erin Willet, Jermaine Paul, Rae Lynn, and Jordis Unga.  Team Blake is now complete with Jesse Campbell, Lindsey Pavao, Chris Mann, and Ashley De La Rosa.

The competition continues next week with Team’s Cee-Lo & Adam.  Stay tuned….

Related articles

• The Voice Night One of The Live Rounds Recap (themusingsofnikkijo.com)