:: So much, and yet so little ::

:: Hey Lovelies, I have SO much to post but such little time; so I choose to post from most important to least..hahaha! ::

:: So it's Monday night and I hunkered in, folded laundry, matched up socks, organized my lingerie drawer and indulged in 'The Bachelor' ::

:: I thought it would be most appropriate to post these newly released photographs of last seasons Bachelorette, Jillian with her chosen beau, Ed -- this was their engagement shoot up in Kelowna near the end of Christmas vacation ::

:: The photos were taken by Wedded Bliss Photography :::: I found the photos here ::

:: There is some serious cute factor in these photos,
just so nice to see! ::

:: Hope you enjoyed this as much as I did -- I'll try to post something about our wonderfully crazy life we lead...Happy February 1st, did it catch anyone else off guard?!?!! ::

:: Fly Beau, The Bachelor ::

:: Oh my goodness...the past few weeks have been quite the wild ride with this Bachelor & all his girls! ::

:: I still have (at least until tonight) my eye on Tenley, Ali & Elizabeth --- However all that changed tonight! More on that in a moment ::

:: We obviously all saw the gong show that was last weeks news...Rozlyn being asked by Chris to leave due to her having inappropriate relations with a "staffer". We don't know what this means, but obviously since she didn't fight Chris on the allegations, something improper happened! I felt bad for Jake and for Rozlyn (kinda!), it was a horrible train wreck! ::

:: So this week, I have to admit that I missed the first 3/4 of the show as I was out at a meeting and then dealing with my babes when I got home ::

:: At any rate, there was plenty of action that I did catch! ::

:: There was the amazing date that Jake took Ella on, in the helicopter, to the aquarium and then his surprise...which wasn't such a surprise, her son joining them - it was lovely, but so predictable :::: Then there was all of the issues surrounding Vienna, I didn't really like my first impression of her and it still stands - she doesn't seem true to me, but Jake gave her a rose (that's part of the show I missed) -- I don't think she'll last through next week ::

:: Oh, and sweet Tenley, sharing her heart with Jake, just lovely. Then she had to go and loose points by calling Vienna out after Vienna apologized to the girls..not cool Tenley. But you still gots my vote ::

:: OOpps, apparently it wasn't Tenley that called Vienna out it was Ali...sweet sweet Ali! ::


:: Ali, sweet, sincere, lovely, Ali - not only do I love your name, but I love that you are true to yourself, much more than any of the other girls in that house. Now hopefully he likes you as much as I do! ::
:: Elizabeth, I think you're beautiful, but obviously a little slow. What was all this come here, come here, go away, go away stuff with Jake? Don't play games, you're too beautiful to play around with guys, if you need power over others, become a teacher...don't do it to your man. It's no good for your ring finger, it stay empty forever! Ps. if you don't want to kiss, talking with such vulgar language on a stage in a comedy club will definitely confirm that wish - best of luck to you - bye bye ::

:: Now about, Melissa or was it Michelle??? I don't even remember her name now...and I don't have a picture of her, but oy, she was a crazy!!! She needed Jake to kiss her, he gave her a peck and she was all over him - yuk. She wanted it so bad. He wanted nothing to do with her. She told him that if he didn't want her there, that she would leave. She left. Good-bye ::

:: Here's to next weeks drama...I love it when it get's to the mid point in this show, it always starts getting really juicy once the first 12 are gone and the real battle starts! ::

:: Now we'll return to regular broadcasting, er, I mean posting ;) ::

:: Fly-Beau, The Bachelor ::

:: So as you I'm sure guessed, I saw the season premiere of "The Bachelor" On the Wings of Love {what a corny name!} with Jake. Let me just say that Jake is lovely, he's sweet, sincere and a little bit of a loner {this worries me a bit}. At any rate, he's an all around good guy, not sure what the producers were doing by setting him up with a whole bunch of girls that were less than classy {can I just say landing strip!?!?} and filled with plastic {don't get me wrong, I have no problem with plastic..it was just everywhere on the screen on Monday night!} ::

:: So here is my synopsis, Jake is great, some of the girls not so much...he knows what he wants and he wants a wife. Now I don't know if he really knows what that means or looks like, but that will be determined in the next few weeks ::

:: My top picks for the girls {in no particular order} are these three {sorry the pics are so small, my computer revolted while I was uploading them}, you can find full size ones here ::

:: Ali, 25, Advertising Account Manager -- she's home sweet home ::

:: Tenley, 25, College Admissions -- She's easy {not like that!} but she's confident and sweet, yet perfectly humble - I really like her, she's from Oregon - I have lovely girlfriends that live in Oregon, their just good girls! ::

:: Elizabeth, 29, Nanny -- She's the girl next door on steroids, not sure how confident you would have to be as a wife/mom to hire her as your Nanny! Yikes! ::

:: It'll be a bumpy ride to remove the baggage on the runway of love for this Fly-Beau, but once the runway is clear for take off, it'll be a lovely smooth flight! ::

:: Oh, and did you hear about the scandal on set with one of the producers and girls in line dating??...ah, the drama of living real life on t.v. - nobody said it would be peachy! ::

:: Chat: Elisabeth Hasselbeck on Rachel Ray ::

:: You know who I'm talking about right? The very cute and very Christian Blondie on "The View". Now let me clarify what I mean about my wording "very Christian", this isn't a bad thing or in poor taste, but she has been one of the only Christians in the public eye that has not wavered on views like gay marriage and abortion. She has held strong to her guns and that has obviously gotten her in trouble over the years as she's not very PC! ::

:: Well, she's preggers with Baby No. 3 and is going to be on Rachael Ray on Thursday (tomorrow) talking about a whole smack of things, so if you don't have anything better to do at 3:00 in the afternoon on Thursday tune into Rachael Ray! ::

:: If not for anything than to see what cute outfit she is wearing, I just can't get over how stinkin' cute she is, pregnant or not, I wish I was her size! ::

:: You can find the article that I pulled these pictures from here ::

:: Happy Wednesday Everyone! ::

:: Mr & Mrs. Ed ::

:: Well, it's old news now and I'm sure you've heard that Jillian {made me proud} chose Ed the other night when the Bachelorette came to an end ::


:: It was crazy drama, but it all ended well and they seem sincerely in love. I wish them only the best. Apparently they are planning on being married within a year ::

:: Well, we've still had a major heat wave here and it doesn't seem to be coming to an end anytime soon. We headed out to Cultus lake this evening just to have a dip in the lake. We packed a picnic dinner and headed out to the lake as soon as Paul came home. It was well worth it, the water was beautiful and the breeze actually felt cool on our skin, a welcome change! ::

:: Tomorrow I'm heading down the the US of A to do some shopping, but I'll be back here in the afternoon with pictures of our shower we held for Denay last night ::

:: Good night my Lovelies, hopefully we all sleep well in this heat! ::

:: XO : Shawna ::

:: This is IT! ::

:: Hey Lovelies, this is the last night of The Bachelorette and I'm having a little get together at my place to watch it all go down ::


:: Here are the details ::
Where: My couch
Time: Between 7.30 & 8.00

:: If you'd love to come and hang out I'd love to have you, my family room is nice and cool and I have plenty of space, so come and join this one person party ;) ::

Ps. send me an email {click on the link on the sidebar} if you need my exact location!

:: Yesterday ::

:: I missed posting yesterday, I was a goner! I was coordinator for a huge wedding at our church that took a lot longer than I thought, so that along with the heat just zapped me {Congrat's K+T}. Then I came home to two very happy but very tired little boys - Thanks Anna for taking such good care of them!. They needed naps but since it was late they ended up waking up after they usually are already in bed -- so then it was a challenge to get them back down again, and the heat, oh the heat! ::

:: I ran out last night and watered Grammie & Grampy's flowers and lawn as they are away right now. I also grabbed an Iced Americano on my way home from my favorite coffee shop ::

:: When I returned home I paid some bills {nothing like $44 gas bill for two months, gotta love the summer!}, chatted with Paul about our day, wrapped some gifts for today and then settled in to watch this movie - it's not new but it's quite cute ::

:: So today we have a ton on the go, we're heading first to a birthday pool party for a special 1 year old - it's the perfect day for a pool party ::

:: Then on to Princess Party for a beautiful 5 year old ::


:: Well lovelies --- I better go and get my biggest boy down for his rest before he's filled with chips, cake and chlorinated water! Have a fabulous day & stay cool! ::


:: Oh, and in case you read this and you live in my area and you watch the Bachelorette...YOU are invited to my place on Monday night to watch the finale --- If you don't know me well but would love to come, please do, I'd love to get to know you better! Just email me if you need my address {see the button on my sidebar}. Can't wait for Monday night, it's gonna be great! ::

:: The Bachelorette Episode No. 10 ::

:: Okay Lovelies - Sorry this is so late {both after the fact & in the day}, I really don't have much to say except this ::

:: REID is back?!?!? ::
:: Okay and this; so here's what I think. Reid was absent on the "Guys tell All" show. I think this is because he probably comes back and is ready to sell it all and be hers {well maybe not sell it all, but you know what I mean}. I so love love love Ed, but to support my bachelorette watching cohort I think that Reid might just have a really good chance at winning her back! ::


:: So who's ready for the finale and what do you think is going to happen? ::

:: Book Review ::

:: I am a reader, I love to read. Nowadays I don't often find "spare" time to read, but when I'm on a trip or sitting in the backyard with the boys I often have a book in my hand and just the other day my Mom gave me a book that I had been wanting to get - it's called "20 and Counting" by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar ::

:: I am fascinated by their lifestyle and high standards and admire their ability to serve Christ - they are not "weird" for wearing modest clothes nor are they "odd" for having what seems like a few hundred kids, they are simply listening and obeying what Christ has told them to do and act on where they are convicted ::


:: So I have been reading their book and boy have I read amazing things and felt completely convicted for not listening closer to what Christ wants to do through me by obeying Him! ::

:: I am just over half way through and I have re-read parts over and over so that it really sinks in - some of it is so encouraging and other parts terribly overwhelming ::

:: If you don't know anything about this family, know this, they have only ever had one mortgage - they now live in a 7,000 square foot home on acreage and owe no money except their taxes. They pay cash for everything and depend on God for EVERY need, and He provides. Their first mortgage was for $19,000.00. Currently they use Quicken software to balance their expenses, this is the same software we started using at the beginning of the year {it's hard to get used to but worth the effort}. Now if those facts don't blow your socks off, I don't know what will -- Who can say that they wrote a cheque for $85,000.00 from your bank account, not borrowed money from the bank but actual money that you had saved! Goodness me, I have a lot to learn! ::

:: All in all I have totally enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to sit and watch an hour of their family interaction on TLC's Show "18 kids and Counting" on Tuesday night ::

:: Ps. I love biographies, have you read any that are a "must read", if so I would love to hear which ones they are!

:: The Bachelorette Episdoe No. 9 ::

:: So I have to admit, I missed the first half {aka: all the good stuff} as we were out looking at a future RV for us {which is still being discussed and prayed about} -- but I did get the down low on what happened ::


:: Here are my 2 cents ::

* I think that Reid & Jill are "just friends" material, but I don't think we've seen the last of him yet...poor guy he needs to learn to buck up and say what he feels!

* I thought Kiptyn was sure to be the one voted off the island this time around, but no he still there - I don't see what she sees in him, but Paul does, He thinks they will end up together.

* Ed, Ed brought his parents to Hawaii to meet Jill, oh boy! What brownie points he earned!!! I want it to be Ed & Jill in the end, he's my vote

:: What are your thoughts? I love that they are staying in the islands, it's truly one of the most romantic places on earth! ::

:: The Bachelorette Episode No. 5 ::

:: Whistler Whistler Whistler -- One of the most beautiful places in BC and they were there, enjoying the beauty that BC has to offer. It was an incredible show last night, just for the scenery let alone the drama! ::

:: So the show starts out with Michael and Jillian Zip Lining it to first base {apparently she saw something I didn't, I wasn't sold that he was going to get a rose}. But he did. Poop. I was disappointed, he reminded me of an ex of mine {that will remain unnamed - to protect the innocent, hence the fact that he's an ex}. Anyway, back on track here. She apparently likes the crazy jazz hands. Humph ::

:: While back at Fairmont Chateau Whistler Testosteroneville there is still talk of certain guys not being there for the "right" reasons aka: to get with Jillian. When there is the infamous knock at the door. The following guys are invited to a "snow day" with "Jilly" - - - Wes, Kiptyn, Jake, Reid, Mark & Ed. Which means that Jesse will get the last one on one date ::

:: Jillian heads out with all the guys on the group date snowmobiling it throughout Whistler back country, and chooses Robby to ride with her. He talks to her about the whole girlfriend issue and she's pretty sure that he doesn't have a girlfriend. He puts her mind at ease and she's thankful to have that out of the way ::

:: Tanner talks to Jillian about watching her back and she gets frustrated that he should be more worried about getting to know her instead of trying to tell her what to do. Then Wes comes and grabs "babe" for some one on one time and just slithers into her heart. Yuk. I can see how she would be wooed by him in the situation, but when you see it from our vantage point, he's so slimy! She says she's glad he's there. Can I get another Yuk!?!? ::

:: Later that night Kiptyn and Jill get some quality {make-out} time in and then she spends some time with Reid - they are both just goofs together and he's a fun guy to be with but I don't think he's "the one" ::

:: In the midst of all this Ed has had calls from his work back home regarding his job and that it's no time to be goofing off for a chance at love {the recession is in full swing in the US of A at this time and everyone is having to fight for their positions}. Ed is torn, but feels that he needs to tell Jillian what's up. She pulls him aside knowing that something is wrong and he tells her his dilemma -- She understands and then follows suit and gives him the rose from the group date. Oy, way to make it harder for him Jill! ::

:: Meanwhile, Jesse is getting ready to "break the ice" on his one on one date will Jillian, they head out in a ski plane --- which is apparently totally un-romantic, but I wouldn't be complaining! They have an epic flight over the mountains & land on a local glacier. It's a beautiful site and they feel like they are the only ones on earth - they play like little kids in the snow. Super fun, super cute and all around just a out-of-this-world time - us Canadian girls are just good fun! ::

:: They head back in the plane to the hotel and get ready for dinner then meet up again, they talk about if he's ready to commit and if she's willing to move out of Vancouver...both answer YES. They hit the hot tub and she gives him the rose, it's a good thing but I'm not sold. I still really like Ed and I'm worried that he's going - humph. ::

:: They kiss. Surprised!?!?! ::

:: Poor Ed is feeling the pressure and meets with Jillian to talk about his choice. He tells her that if he doesn't leave than he's letting 6 or 7 people down vs. just letting her down. He can't do that. So he tells her he's leaving, but he wants to keep the rose. She is obviously upset and starts crying immediately - I can't blame her, she had kept Ed there for a reason. She feels that this is once in a lifetime and she wishes that he could have just taken the chance. I understand her point of view but I also understand and respect his. They hug and say good-bye. He knows she's upset and doesn't blame her, but I don't think this is the last we'll see of Ed...what are your thoughts?!?!? ::


:: There is no cocktail party - Jill's not in the mood since she just basically got dumped by Ed {aka: my work is more important than you} - so she heads into the rose ceremony knowing exactly who is going ::


:: The rose ceremony starts with Michael & Jesse already having roses, and since Ed removed himself there will only be one other guy going home, I was hoping that they would still send two home, but no such luck. Seriously, we need to get rid of some of this excess phat & quick! ::

:: Jillian proceeds to give roses to the following dudes in this order: Reid, Kiptyn, Robby, Jake, Tanner & Wes -- So poor Mark is heading home ::


:: Sneak Peek into next weeks episode looks rather juicy - oy vey! They head into the Rocky Mountains and experience some downs & some ups (!) --- Can't wait to see what next week brings. So, what are your thoughts, who are your front runners? And do you think that poor Jillian is looking a little stressed out these days?!?! ::

:: Sorry this update is late, I was waiting for the official photos to be posted so I could add them to my recap! ::

:: Ps. this is dedicated to New Mama "C" since she had just birthed her first baby last night I'm sure she'll have to catch up on the latest bachelorette news by tuning in here ;) --- Congratulations C & D, many blessings on your new little lovely family! ::

:: The Bachelorette Episode No. 4 ::

:: Last night all the guys headed to Vancouver and stayed in one of the loveliest hotels here - the infamous Fairmont Vancouver Hotel. They had a glorious suite ::

:: Jillian welcomed them and had a glass of champagne with them to welcome them to Vancouver, left an envelope and exited the suite. The card was for a one on one date w/ Kiptyn. The card says "let's cook up some love, Vancouver Style" - aka: Market fresh, and Granville market was where they started out. It's one of my favorite places to go on a date too! ::

:: They have great chemistry {surprise!} and really enjoy each others company...Kiptyn gets a rose. He's happy, she's on cloud no. 9 and all is good! ::

:: While back at Vancouver Testosteroneville - the guys receive an envelope that has group date written all over it....they open it and yup, there it is a group date for: Jesse, Tanner, Jake, Robby, Ed, Wes, Michael, Reid, Juan & David...so left behind is Mark & Mike --- Bets are on that Mark will go, that's what I thought too ::

:: The group date comes around and Jillian takes them all curling and it's a real competition, the reds against the blues. And the winning team gets to spend the evening with Jillian! Bring it on says the boys, well in the end the red team wins and they head off to the harbour with Jill. On the boat Jake steals some alone time with Jill and it was worth the investment, she needed to hear from him. David also stole some alone time and tried to plant a kiss on Jill. She turned and he then accused her of not wanting to kiss him. Duh! What would give you that idea!?!?? He's mad and says that it's just a challenge to get her to kiss him. Yuk. ::

:: Jillian ends the date by giving Jesse the rose, he's delighted the other guys are picked...perfect planning on the producers part ;) ::

:: The next day the two on one date starts with Mike & Mark, they arrive at Stanley Park and get onto the polo field where there is a helicopter waiting by, of course there is, isn't there always a landing pad in the middle of the polo field?!?!! They take off taking in the sights of the city, it's a phenomenal sight! Then they head up to the top of a local mountain {Grouse} and dine together, all three of them. Mike is trying to pull out all the stops and ignore that Mark is there with them. Mark gets some alone time with Jillian and really opens up, I guess it worked because she gave Mark the rose & Mike headed down on the gondola ::


:: So now we have Kiptyn, Jesse & Mark with roses --- but then everything gets smashed to smithereens, Tanner in some alone time with the camera says that someone has a girlfriend at home. Word gets to Jill {shocker!} and she puts the cocktail hour on hold until someone bucks up and says that they have a girl at home. No one does, so Jillian leaves with Chris. They talk about the situation and the guys she likes, then she returns to the suite to see if the guy/guys have come to their senses. Nope. So she leaves again and contemplates who to keep and who to ditch ::


:: She comes back in and gives roses to Reid, Robby, Ed, Michael, Wes, Jake, Tanner. So sent home is David {wow, big surprise!} & Juan - But don't forget that Mike was kicked of the mountain earlier ::

:: Next week they all head up to Whistler for a little R & R - it'll be good...but I'm still not really "sold" on anyone of them in particular. But I do like Kiptyn, he's not too pretty, he lives in Cali and seems level headed --- What do you think??? ::

:: I guess we shall see! ::

:: I'm off to go for my walk this morning, then do some gardening, it's beautiful here! ::

:: Happy Tuesday Ya'll ::

:: The Bachelorette Episode No. 3 ::

:: Last night was a little bit soap-operaish for me, I thought that girls were nasty, back stabbing and moody, oy vey! Last night showed a whole different side of the guys that I personally didn't really like! ::


:: Jillian started off on a one on one date with Ed and they got into a helicopter and landed on an LA building and repelled down to their love...well maybe not love but she didn't kick him to the curb so that was a good sign. It's evident that she is totally attracted to Ed, but has a few fears with his balance between work and play. I personally just think he's making hay while the sun shines because he doesn't have anyone to stop working early for, he's just working as hard as he can to build his nest egg so when he meets the "right one" he'll be set to go. J+E k-i-s-s-i-n-g a lot! ::

:: While back on the ranch, the guys receive a card from Jill and the following guys are invited to show Jill the "good the bad & the ugly" - Here are the guys invited to that date: Reid, Wes, Michael, Mike, Kiptyn {I'm keeping my eye on him}, Tanner F, Mark, Brad, Tanner P, Robby & Juan ::

:: Meanwhile, Jillian has a great opinion of Ed and chooses to give him a rose...his bags get moved into the mansion, that sets the guys in testosteronville on edge as they feel that if you don't get a one on one date you may just be on the way out...but soon that all changed ::

:: Now here comes the western train wreck. The group date guys head out to a western movie set and are turned into live actors, chaps and all! It truly was a bad bad scene, not only was there questionable scenes in the "movie" but the boys were not happy with their outfits and that certain guys got to kiss Jillian. My thought is don't worry guys you'll get your turn, but like I said earlier they were a little like soap opera stars! ::

:: Robby makes Jillian's knees weak, I don't blame her. But then there is Wes, I'm still not totally sold about what I think about him. My chump rating hasn't come into check yet with him. Wes pulls Jill aside and says that he wants a real kiss later...Jillian seems to like that idea just fine...hmmm ::

:: The Western Opera is a wrap and they head out to a private loft to have some down time..Reid steals Jill away and they have some really good conversation, and he's, going, in, for, the, K-I-S-S.....and JUAN shows up to ruin it all! Grrrrrrr! Juan is a nice guy, I'm still not sold on him either! ::

:: After the hot tub scene Robby & Jillian cuddle and the other guys watch from afar. She obviously likes him {I don't blame her!} and she dubs him the best kisser of the day. They kiss again, she then gets the rose and gives it to Robby {I totally agree with this!} ::

:: While back at testosteronville David gets passionate about how much he doesn't like Juan. I understand his passion, but he really just made himself look sketchy - I could personally handle David going home ::

:: Sasha gets picked to go on a one on one date so he packs his bags and gets ready for the date. In the meantime back at testosteronville Wes is writing a love song for Jillian. It's sweet but may be a little over the top. Can't blame him though, he's certainly pulling out all the stops! ::

:: Sasha & Jill head out to a car museum, they get a Ferrari to take a joy ride in and she's totally digging it...apparently she's a car girl {if you don't know this about me, I am too - just a little Shawna factoid for ya!} --- Things after the car ride go down hill fast. He hasn't been in a long term relationship and she's afraid that he hasn't had the life experience that she would like. It breaks her heart to do this but she doesn't give him a rose and sends him straight to LAX on a city bus! Jillian feels that he just wasn't right but doesn't want to hurt him, with that being said she has to start eliminating some of these guys that she doesn't have a huge connection with ::

:: Back at testosteronville the guys celebrate seeing Sasha's luggage leave...one less guy for competition. Jillian arrives home and immediately Wes heads over to her place and serenades her balcony, she comes out and listens, cries and is obviously touched by his song. She asks him to come up to the balcony -he does, they kiss and he sings the song again for her ::

:: Cocktail party begins prior to the rose ceremony and Reid gets right on in there and sneaks a kiss with Jillian...she swoons and it's certainly a romantic moment. Now the next few minutes of the show are an eruption of emotions, David is clingy and creepy and tries to tell Jill that there are guys that are there for the wrong reasons, just as Juan interrupts to teach Jillian spanish, he still kinda annoys me. Jillian still likes the gentleman that he is. Hmph ::

:: Tanner P gets some time with Jilltoes I mean Jillian --- he is seriously obsessed with her toes, he wants to suck them...I don't get it and it totally CREEPS me out! Not quite clear what Jillian thinks yet, because she said that she is just starting to get to know him - 0y! ::

:: Kiptyn and Jillian get their kiss on, it's good, they are good together. While this is happening David and his gang are trashing Juan. It's a bad scene and a tense one at that. Then all the guys get gathered in the main room ready for the rose ceremony...Ed & Robby are already save with their roses. So she gives the remaining roses to the following guys: Jake, Reid, Mark, Jesse, Tanner P, Wes, Juan, Michael, Kiptyn, Mike & David. So the two guys sent home are Tanner F & Brad. Brad is bitter and feels she made the wrong choice. Oh well ::

:: At the end of the show we get a preview of next weeks show: VANCOUVER! I can't wait to see what they do and where they go, it's gonna get good! ::

:: Reality TV Nite ::

:: Not only is today Jacob's Birthday, but it's also Reality TV nite around my place, we have plans for celebrating Jacob & then swiftly tucking him into bed so I can sit and watch my two shows of addiction, I mean choice. I actually don't really like J&K+8 but I'm too nosy to not watch! ::


:: And then there is the beautiful bachelorette that I HAVE to watch because I'm supporting a greater cause, a local BC girl showing all of North America that we make real good girls out here! ::

:: Happy watching everyone & tune in tomorrow morning {around 9:00 am} for a recap from Episode 3 of the Bachelorette ::

:: The Bachelorette w/ Supa Cute Jillian * Episode No. 2 ::

:: Well, I'm starting w/ my episode re-caps at episode 2 - why you ask? Because I was completely out of it last week when the season premier of The Bachelorette aired! I tried to keep my eyes open but just couldn't swing it, so here we are starting at Episode No. 2 - but don't worry I caught up on the whole thing by watching it online! ::

:: Let me preface this post by saying that Jillian is seriously an incredibly beautifully put together {wardrobe wise specifically}woman. I love watching the intro for the show and seeing Jill dance around in strategic locations all over our beautiful Vancouver! Yes it doesn't help that she's a size 2 and has no kids running underfoot so she can spend the time oogling over which scarf she's going to wear and picking the "perfect" one instead of just grabbing the one within reach. But still, their is no doubt that she's a looker! ::

:: This episode was jam packed with fun group dates with the Harlem Globetrotters, an adventurous scavenger hunt to find Jillian and win a one on one date with her and the ability at each group date to win the heart of the girl who holds the rose. And this week you not only receive the rose, but the chance to move from the testosteroneville to the mansion, the competition is on! ::

:: The first date starts off as a pool party with Michael, Brian, Brad, Sasha, Mathue, Tanner P, Wes & Ed. Jillian takes Michael upstairs to her rooftop patio & has fun conversation with him, she excuses herself and heads downstairs and it looks like she's getting a rose to give to Michael. Nope. She just walks away, now it's begun. The find Jillian in Hollywood Scavenger Hunt - Goal: To find her, woo her & get the rose ::

:: After all the guys jump in mini cooper's and head in the direction of Hollywood it of course wouldn't be a reality show if there wasn't a little big of frustration, and that there was! I won't go into the nitty gritty of it all, but it wasn't pretty, especially with Brad & Wes ::

:: In the end Brad & Wes are the first team to successfully make it to Jillian. But there is a twist; she can only choose to have a date with one of the guys. She chooses Wes. Brad is ticked off because he thinks Wes is a moron ::

:: Jillian is attracted to Wes. But she's worried about his "womanizer" qualities, she feels he might be the bad boy the the girls go for but never marry --- hmmm, I kinda agree there Jillian. But she doesn't hesitate to kiss him. She gives him the rose and asks him to move into the mansion and hang out tonight ::

:: Back at testosteroneville Jake gets a note from Jillian asking him out on a one on one date and to "cut loose" - he's stoked and can't wait to be one on one w/ Jill ::

:: Jillian get's Jake to loosen his preppy wear and dress in western get up, they head out to a bar and do some two steppin' which Jake teaches Jillian, Jillian is quite impressed with him & happy with her choice ::

:: Jake & Jill talk flying and his fancy to getting up ,and just leaving town, they talk marriage and they talk kissing, okay they kiss. Then Martina McBride shows on stage and they dance, once the dance is over Jillian gives him the rose, they dance and kiss more, it was a "magical moment" by Jakes standards ::

:: Again back at testosteroneville there arrives an envelope for a few of the remaining guys as put by Jillian " if you want to be with me, you have to play ball" - this was for Jesse, Mark, Kiptyn, David, Simon, Mike & Juan. They head off to the beach to play a round of basketball, but not just any basketball, basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters! Seriously fun for the guys and for Jillian to see how the guys let competition get in the way of a really good game. Mike is bent on getting Jillian to see his fun side and make an impression before the rose ceremony. Well, he did just that. Jillian thought it would be SO funny if someone asked a random stranger on the beach to borrow his speedo and jump in the ocean. Well, you don't have to ask Mike twice! He did it and Jillian thought it was classic! ::


:: Later that night they all go out for drinks and Juan & Jill get some alone, I mean kissing time. She dubs him a gentleman; the boys hate him & say he's fake. Kiptyn and Jillian have great chemistry and they talk a bit than kiss kiss kiss. Once returning from said kiss-fest, Jillian gives the rose to Mike. They too kiss and then get in their swimwear and get into the pool, the rest of the guys do too ::


:: At the pre-rose ceremony Mike, Jake & Wes already have roses but don't feel that is any reason to slow down their persistance with Jillian, if anything they feel the other guys should step up to the plate. Things are pretty slow until that little black box comes out and the guys are told to help Jillian out by voting on who should leave the house, but Jillian has the right to over-rule their opinion, and that she does ::


:: Since the three {Mike, Jake & Wes} already had roses they were not included in the voting process, which is too bad because Wes would have won for the most votes, that I'm sure! Chris comes in with the final tally and Juan was the one that was most disliked by testosteroneville. Jillian didn't agree and decided to keep Juan {go Jillian!} ::


:: So to re-cap: Jillian has already given roses to Wes, Jake, Mike & Juan - she continues to give roses to Jesse, David, Ed, Sasha, Mark, Michael, Tanner P, Kiptyn, Reid, Robert, Tanner F & Brad ::

:: So the four guys that were voted off were: Julien, Brian, Mathue & Simon ::

:: Phew, that was a long detailed show! I'm not really sure who I'm watching yet, I feel we're still in the prerequisites for the core group that I really want to watch. Do you have your eye on anyone? ::

:: Reality TV - Jon + Kate ::

:: It TEARS me up to have watched the carnage that the world has made of this beautiful thing that God made. I HATE the fact that Jon + Kate have decided to go ahead and let Satan have a foot hold in their lives. I BELIEVE that they chose to continue with the show against their better judgement (+ Jons choice of not wanting to be "Jon + Kate plus 8 anymore) ::


:: In Jon's original vows and the ones that he recited in Hawaii at their vow renewal he stated that they would "face new and challenging experiences together" emphasis on the TOGETHER - it seriously breaks my heart ::

:: Now not getting too deep on the subject, but there is something that God has taught us women, that is to listen to the head of the household {our husbands} not that we have to roll over and not use our brains or give our own input or thoughts, but that when our husbands feel passionately enough about a situation/issue/problem that they speak to us about it, we are to listen and heed their feelings and validate them. Satan/the world doesn't preach this to us, we are told that we can do/be/achieve anything a man does and sometimes do it better. Like I said I don't want to get into this too deep, but there is a point in time that we need to be still, listen and heed our husbands desires, it is dangerous for all involved not to ::

Here are snip its from Jon & Kate's Wedding (original & renewal in Hawaii in 2008)

:: If you want to hear a different side of the story you can go here, remember Aunt Jodi? Yup you do, the cute SIL to Kate {Kate's brothers wife} -- This link is from her sisters blog - you follow? ::

:: Tomorrow morning, update on how Jillian is doing ::

:: PS. Please PRAY for Jon + Kate, I'm sure no matter how messed up the story is, or what the truth looks like, that God cares for them and that His desire is to see them repent, return and not re-run over the past 8 months of crap. Pray they can overcome, I know I will be!