This is a new Lost sneak peek.  I guess it’s actually the video for the Fray’s new song (which I LOVE!) but there’s lots of footage, new and old, to see.  I cannot wait for the premiere…but since it is the day after sweet Violet’s birthday, I’m not sure I’ll have the chance to watch.  But if there’s a chance of watching it while I recuperate, then I will definitely be doing so!

Grey’s Anatomy returns!  I am looking forward to the mindless entertainment…no politics, no worrying about the nation’s economy or our personal financial situation, just pure entertainment.  This is probably the most anticipated show for me this year.  I’m also looking forward to Wednesday, when Dirty Sexy Money, Pushing Daisies, and Private Practice return.  And Sunday is Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters!  Now I just have to hope that the 2 year old can be convinced to be quiet while I watch…

No, no labor for me! Either in the baby birthing sense or the physical sense. It’s been a lazy day and I didn’t even make it into my oldest son’s room to do the clothing sorting I meant to do in preparation for the ultrasound tomorrow. Oh well…I guess it will happen, right? In the meantime, here’s another brain dump!

We did go to church yesterday, and Amy and her husband met us there. We all agreed that it was good, even if the start of the service was slightly intimidating at first! The sermon was something that I especially needed to hear, so I really felt God’s presence there. The kids had fun, we got a $25 gas card, and I felt closer to God than I have in a long time. Even my husband, who has never been a church-goer, enjoyed it and said he’d like to go back. I’m really, really happy about this. I’m sick of being mad at God for the bad stuff in our life and I’m ready to trust that He will help us get everything back together (as long as we’re putting the effort in, too!) if we give him the chance. So I’m really hoping that this church will help us rediscover that faith and give us the confidence we need to move forward.

Tonight is the start of the football season for my personal team, the Tennessee Volunteers. Go Vols!

I really feel for Bristol Palin. I know she must be scared and overwhelmed and being in the media spotlight (which I think is wrong by the way…we need to focus on the candidates and their fitness for office) can’t be easy. Let’s face it, we all messed up to some degree as teenagers. I just thank God that my lapses in judgment weren’t in the national news. Gah. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for her. I just hope that she has a good support system in place. I am also reminded of why I am against abstinence only sex ed. As much as I would prefer that for my children, I know that I can’t lock them in their rooms until I think they’re responsible, mature adults. *sigh* It’s really too bad that’s not an option. (That is a joke! Well, sorta. LOL)

Speaking of that, I must not ignore or change the subject on my 5 year old the next time he asks me how the baby got in my belly. It’s never too early, right? Now to figure out how to approach that issue in an age appropriate and sensitive way. I’m a little queasy just thinking about it! (Smart people, if you have resources, please fill me in!)

Tomorrow is the premier of the new 90210. Today, SoapNet has run a marathon of the original and I’ve been very into it! Yes, I’m 32 years old and reliving high school. If my house was clean, I’d totally have a viewing party tomorrow night, just like we did in high school and college! Instead, I will try to watch it with my husband mocking me and my 2 year old climbing on me. Oh, how things have changed…

Tomorrow is also the BIG day. We will (I hope!) be confirming that our baby is healthy and strong and also finding out whether this is a baby sister or a baby brother for the boys, assuming this baby gives up the goods. My first did not…we had to wait another 4 weeks and have a repeat ultrasound because his position was so terrible that she couldn’t visualize the heart well, much less tell the sex. Our babysitter for tomorrow backed out on us, so we’ll be taking the toddler along. I’m hoping he allows his daddy to enjoy the experience! Luckily I will be unable to wrestle with him. If you could send your prayers and good thoughts to us around 10:30, I’d be most grateful! I’ll be back as soon as I can with the full update.

Yeah, I’m watching the Olympics. It’s the first time my 5 year old has really been old enough to get into it and he’s been enjoying volleyball, gymnastics, rowing, swimming, and more. Personally, I’ve religiously followed the women’s gymnastics because I took and loved gymnastics as a kid. I’ve been very disappointed in the way the judges have scored the American women, though. I think there’s been a clear bias and it bothers me a lot because our gymnasts really deserved better. I guess I should be glad they’ve won the medals they have but it seems like it’s been really unfair from my perspective.

I’ve also watched a little bit of Michael Phelps coverage and my husband and I stayed up Saturday night to see him win his 8th gold. For the first time in my life I found myself identifying more with the mother rather than the athlete. Not that I was ever much of an athlete but as a young person I found it easier to identify with them. Now I find myself watching Michael Phelps’ mom and seeing her pride and joy for her son and I think that one day, I may be the mom of someone who does something truly extraordinary. Not that I will mind if my kids are just ordinary (Grey’s Anatomy reference there) but wow…they have SUCH a future ahead of them and they can DO anything and BE anything now. At their ages, they’re not too old to get involved in anything from swimming to running to gymnastics, and even things beyond the world of sports…politics, academics, the arts…the list is endless now. I feel like my oldest, especially, is on the brink of discovering who he is and where his strengths lie. He is super smart and though he lacks the discipline, really enjoys sports and is also a very attractive child. I really believe he has the capacity to excel in anything he has the desire to pursue. One day I’d love to see him up on that podium, receiving a gold medal.

But I’d also love to see him as nothing more than a typical hard working man who loves his wife and children and treats them well, just like his dad. There’s honor in both paths and heroes everywhere. So while I have huge respect for Michael Phelps and his accomplishments, it’s good to remind myself that there’s so much more to being a success than winning a record number of medals.

Years and years ago, I watched the first season of The Mole and really enjoyed it.  I never watched it after that…I think I had a baby or something and TV was suddenly a luxury I didn’t have time for.  Anyway, the most recent incarnation has been very entertaining, especially since there is NOTHING else on TV right now!

I am convinced that Nicole is the mole.  Yes, she’s said she was sabotaging so people would *think* she was the mole, but really…why would you TELL someone that?  Why not just play the game that way and keep your big yap shut?  Plus there was that whole “I could kill you and leave no forensic evidence.” thing.  I’ve watched enough reality shows to know that producers don’t like that kind of stuff and it’s the type of talk that will get you kicked off.  So why no reprimands?  Why no response from the producers?  Could it be because she’s the mole and they can’t lose her?  I don’t know, but it sure seems like she’s been awfully suspicious, not to mention annoying as hell and divisive.

I would be very surprised if it was Mark.  He seemed way too genuinely upset when they burned their journals.  Plus I’ve seen no evidence of major sabotage from him.  If he’s the mole, he played a good game!

And as for Craig, I suppose it could be him.  I wouldn’t be very surprised.  He’s really kept a low profile and not talked a lot, which is how I’d play it if I were the mole.  He does a good job of “playing dumb” but I don’t think he really is.  So I wouldn’t be completely surprised if he was the mole, but my money’s on Nicole.

Well, if I had any money it would be on Nicole.  I guess it’s a good thing I don’t, because I’m almost always wrong about these things!  It looks like the internet buzz is pegging Craig, and there are way smarter people than me watching!