...the X factor...

Oprah gave me a big N.O. when I tried to win tickets to her show.

So much for "favorite things."

It's a good thing I didn't go through with this tattoo.

Well... I'm going to The X Factor instead. Take THAT Oprah.

I don't really know what the X-factor is, except for my friend Jill told me that it's the show Susan Boyle was discovered on.

So Jill and I are going.

They are taping a show here in Chicago, and I'm off to see the infamous Simon Cowell yell at some undeserving people. Excellent!

One particular nugget of interest is the dress code required for all X-factor guests. Since they can describe it better than I, here is the dress code, verbatim, from the confirmation email.

DRESS CODE IS STRICTLY ENFORCED FOR OUR INTERNET TICKET HOLDERS! Hip, uspcale attire is mandatory. Colorful, spring colors are requested. ABSOLUTELY no apparel with logos of any kind on the front or back are allowed in the studio audience. ABSOLUTELY no t-shirts, sweatshirts, white tops, shorts, or flip flops! We'd prefer you don't wear jeans. Please dress hip and upscale as if going to a nice club or restaurant. You will be on camera so it is very important that you dress nicely! When you look great, the show looks great!

IF YOU DO NOT DRESS ACCORDING TO THE DRESS CODE YOU WILL NOT BE ADMITTED.

Yikes.

Hip, upscale attire...I'm going to OWN* you on May 20th!

*no reference to the Oprah Winfrey Network. I boycot all things Oprah. Except for Nate Berkus, as I have recently submitted a request to be on his show in hopes that he buys me a new couch.

...mother's day...

I'm glad there is a whole day devoted to mothers.

I think there should be several dispersed throughout the year, so we are constantly reminded of how much our mother's do for us. But one day is a good start.

When I think of everything my mom means to me, I can't really find the appropriate words to explain it in writing.

Thank you mom for being a constant supporter, and always fiercely standing beside me with unconditional love.

Thank you for being a role model as a mother, companion, friend, and most importantly as a follower of Christ.

Thank you for drawing faces on my fruit and vegetable stacks.

Thank you for your unwavering help and support in the past couple of years when I moved, and then moved, and then moved again, and then got married, and then moved again.

Another great thing about you is that you're an awesome dancer. And sometimes when you're talking you break out in a truly convincing southern accent. (But only for a couple of words)

Thank you for setting an example in your marriage for Tim and I, Abbey and Josh, and yes, eventually SPENCER.

Thank you for being a best friend to me, and to everyone who has had the pleasure of being close to you.

Thank you for taking care of this poopscotch.

And this one...

Thank you for not caring when I make you ugly/"unique" cakes with a #9 candle on top.

Thank you for being willing to risk having a meal with me when I used no directions in cooking.

Thank you for your company.

Thank you for being who you are, and for teaching me what it means to live a life worthy of the calling we have received.

I LOVE YOU MOM!

And I couldn't let the day go by without also saying a big HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to my mother- in-law Victoria Erickson. Thank you for raising your son to be a wonderful man of God, and also my husband! :)