Wordless Wednesday - Ribbon

Superhero by Tim & the Space Cadets

Right about now, anything that brings a smile or a giggle is golden. (I'm looking at one particular friend who made my stomach hurt today from laughing so hard at the videos she made for me! Right now, she's golden!)

I received a pitch letting me know about Tim and the Space Cadets, and I almost skipped over the email, but instead decided to click on the video.  The song has an infectious beat and definitely brought a smile to my face today.  I think you'll agree!




And, because, really?  Who doesn't want to be a superhero??

And, I'm even happier that I read that email because they offered me the chance to download one of their songs for free and give you the chance to do the same! Click HERE for a download of the song, Superhero - which is their first song from their upcoming album, Anthems for Adventure, to be released 1/29/13.

I found it interesting to learn more about the lead singer from the press release -

While most indie-rockers get their start by playing basement shows and dive-y bars,Tim began his career in music while volunteering in the nursery of a homeless shelter in New York City. Currently, he is the curator of his own kids music program called “Little Rock-Its” that is based out of the Williamsburg, Brooklyn play space, Frolic!

The class features a three-piece band of local musicians presenting original songs and lessons written by Tim, and has been embraced by the Williamsburg community, reaching hundreds of kids every week.

I'm going to watch for the release of this album - anything that puts a smile on my face is a good thing!

Thanksgiving & Room Renovations

A few weeks ago, I pushed a bit hard and finally got Bo to agree to work on re-doing the boys' bedrooms.  We had talked about heading to California the day after Thanksgiving, but instead decided to stay home so he could focus on the rooms.  We decided to start with Nate's room -- paint, rip out the carpet, lay down laminate floor, remove the too-tall platform bed and build a new, shorter platform bed.  (While I say that "we" decided, please know that ALL the work was done by Bo. He's awesome)

On Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I received a phone call from the school nurse.  I rushed over, picked up Nate and took  him immediately to the ER.

He was admitted, and this picture you see was from the Thanksgiving meal he and I enjoyed at the hospital cafeteria.   Yes, it was quite the eventful holiday.  Thankfully, he was released in the late afternoon and we made it home to enjoy Thanksgiving with family.  (That Bo spent all day cooking - so I'm glad we were able to make it home and enjoy it.)

We still aren't sure what is wrong, but life-threatening, scary things were ruled out.  He is weak, and cannot yet return to school. The holidays meant that nobody was open on Friday to start setting up appointments, so we have the first follow up tomorrow.

His dad worked tirelessly on his bedroom and it is 90% complete. The blue stripes are on his wall to look like Shelby stripes (the car.)  It was a ton of work, but it probably gave him a great place to channel some energy as we worry about our sweet boy.

We are hoping that the symptoms suddenly disappear as they suddenly appeared, but are ready to do whatever is necessary.  We are grateful that it doesn't appear to be life-threatening, but we are also hoping for some answers in the coming days.

Hug your kids and loved ones tight tonight. Things can happen in the blink of an eye.

Wordless Wednesday - eggnog!

Review: Corazonas Tortilla Chips

Yum!  We had the chance to try these Corazonas Black Bean & Cheese Tortilla Chips recently and everyone declared them delicious!

I had a jar of salsa in the pantry, but these had so much flavor that nobody even wanted to dip them in salsa.  We just ate them up!  In fact, the bag went so fast that I had to retrieve it from the trash to snap this picture.

What makes these tortilla chips different than other is that they include plant sterols, which have been proven to lower cholestrol. Sometimes healthy food has an odd taste, but these chips were delicious.  I look forward to trying the other varieties available.

You can find them at Amazon, or at select grocery stores. Enjoy!

*Disclosure: I received sample product to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.*

Tell Me Thursday - Whitnall

Bo & Colin are back from Wisconsin, but this is one of the pictures Bo sent me while they were gone.  This was the house we moved out of to make our move to Arizona.

This is the house we lived in when we were newlyweds.

I know it's not pretty - or even charming - but it holds some wonderful memories and it tugged at my heart when I got the text message with this picture.

Memories.

Happy Birthday to my Eldest

Colin, still 11, on the shores of Lake Michigan

This boy is turning 12 years old today!  At the moment, he's 2000 miles away, but before the day is over he'll be back home!  He requested rotisserie chicken, jasmine rice, cauliflower and marble cake with vanilla icing for his birthday dinner and that's just what he'll have!  I need to remember to pick up sparkling juice before he gets home as we have gone through our entire stash.

Colin is bright, inquisitive, passionate, thoughtful, kind, musical, artistic, loving, considerate and an all-around great kid. He loves to read, write, draw cartoons, play his viola, create origami and play video games. 

He has a strong bond with his siblings, as evidenced this week when he made the effort to call and speak to them while he was away. When he talked to Lydia, he asked her what she thought he was going to give her when he got home, and when she asked what, he replied with "A Big HUG!"  She squealed in delight and replied, "I just LOVE your big hugs!"  I know he has missed them, even while having a good time seeing family and spending time just with his dad.

He wants to attend ASU, and someday work for NASA.  He will tell you that he has NO interest in going into space! He wants to work in mission control, staying firmly on the ground. He hopes that there will be a space program when he's older. 

He thinks carefully about things, and cares how people feel.  I like to have conversations with him, to hear his thoughts and opinions on many varied topics. He is proud of his large vocabulary, and likes to tell people he knows so many words because his mom home-schooled him.

He's the child I never thought I would have. I cherish the days we have together, and am grateful for the joy he brings to my life.

Happy Birthday, Colin!  You are much loved!

Wordless Wednesday -- Whitnall

Jump Start's Madagascar App Review

We recently received a promotional code to try out Jump Start's new Madagascar Preschool Surf - n - Slide app.  Lydia is past preschool, but loves apps, so I agreed to try it out.

The characters from the Madagascar movies are cute, and she loved playing with them.  The game itself is simple (riding down a long chute / slide) and it's broken up by characters asking players to answer some questions (matching colors, letters, that sort of thing;)  When the player completes a course, they earn "stickers" that they can place on a variety of backgrounds, all relating to the Madagascar movies.

I'll admit, at $2.99, I think it's a little pricey. I think the suggested audience of preschoolers is the the right target market, but I would have been more likely to purchase it for a preschooler at $.99.

You can see what Lydia thought about it right here:




*Disclosure: I received a promotional code to download the app from Jump Start. No additional compensation was provided, and all opinions are my own (as well as Lydia's.)*

Company Kids Fun Pillowcases Review

A couple months ago, we received this adorable frog Pillow Friend in the mail from The Company Kids.  Lydia thought it was so cute, and we immediately found a pillow to stuff into the pillowcase.  It's been a companion ever since, and is her favorite snuggle buddy when she's hanging out in the living room watching TV.

Lydia (5 years old) says, "It's really comfy and you can put it behind your back when sitting in a chair. It's perfect for when you're tired and want to relax. Plus, it's sooooo cute!  If you are taking a car trip, it's a great to take along"

The pillowcase is well made, and I really like the fact that there is a hidden zipper that keeps the pillow inside. They have a few other styles, like monkeys, dogs, cats and even a butterfly. A regular bed pillow fits perfectly inside, and it is easily machine washable. 

I think they would make cute gifts, especially with the holidays coming soon.  You can find Pillow Friends, and many other cute room decor items at The Company Kids website -- www.thecompanystore.com.

*Disclosure: We received a Pillow Friend from The Company Store. No additional compensation was provided.  All opinions are my own. The photo was taken by me.*

One of my Favorite Holiday Traditions

*Disclosure: This vlog was sponsored by Your Santa Story, who work with Santa to send out personalized videos for Christmas morning.  All opinions stated are my own.*

I Need Words

If you've ever heard of Gary Chapman's series of books about love languages, you know that he proposes that people feel loved in 5 different ways -- Gifts, Physical Touch, Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service and Quality Time.  I've come to realize that a very strong love language for me is not Words of Affirmation - but just WORDS.

I need communication in order to feel cared for, loved and . . . well . . . important.  It really hit home on my birthday when I received a phone call from someone I love dearly, but our communication has been pretty much nonexistent for the last 6+ months. It was such a relief to hear their words, to have that contact, to begin building back the ties that had been stretched pretty thin.

And, then, I received a birthday card from someone who I'd lost contact with -- not for any specific reason, it was just a series of events that made it hard to pick up the phone and reestablish contact.  All day, I was expecting to hear from this person in some way, as birthdays have always been important.  It wasn't until the end of the day, thanks to a postman who dropped the card in someone else's box, that I received the card.  I am so grateful, though, for the card that has opened up the doors again and I look forward to reconnecting.

That picture above is a dear treasure of mine.  I'm not sure you can read it, but it is the note my grandfather wrote to my grandmother and aunt the day I was born letting them know the news. (I'm guessing they were at work and school when he got the call.) And, I realize how in this day of text messages and emails how precious those written words are becoming.  Nate wrote me the sweetest birthday card this year, and I took a picture of the text message Colin sent me from Milwaukee. My mom gave me a card and the cover was filled with words, and she wrote in the inside that I was "her Word girl".

I crave communication.  And not just the superficial kind, but I guess I'll take that if that's all there is.  I  have a friend who said to me a couple weeks ago, "I don't think we have ever gotten together in the last 5 years without crying at some point."  She's right.  She's a friend who often knows my heart and has opened her heart to me.  She is a dear friend who I feel closer to the more we communicate.  I feel happier when we've been in touch, because I know there will be plenty of laughter in that conversation.

I received wonderful gifts that I appreciate for my birthday, and will put to good use.  But, the things that made me feel the warmest?  The note in my card from my sister, from my parents, from my sons, from my daughter. The pictures a friend posted as a follow up to her sweet words. Hearing my husband's voice from 2000 miles away.

My intensity sometimes scares people off.  I can remember hearing that I was "too intense" and that's why a couple guys I dated broke it off with me. But, that intensity and passion is what makes me an unbelievably loyal and trustworthy friend if we get to that point. And getting to that point means that we have contact, that we communicate, that we share what's important in our hearts. Thankfully, I met Bo who embraces that intensity, and also tempers it when necessary.  He is not intense, and doesn't crave communication like I do -- but we fit together in so many ways and he tries so that I never doubt his love for me.

I realized in the last couple weeks that as I've gotten older, sometimes I am not open enough to others. A couple people in my life that were on the outskirts made the extra effort to try and get to know me, and I realized that I liked them much better than my first impression led me to believe I would.  I think that I have been hurt in the past, and feel like my life is full, that I've been holding back on making the effort to make new friends.  That's one of the things I'm going to work on this year.  Because maybe if I had a few more friends, the ones I have now won't feel my intense need for words quite as often.

Back when I started this blog, I recalled a boy in college that said I had an "intense and ridiculous need to over-communicate."  He meant it as an insult. But, can the truth be an insult? I don't think I over-communicate, but it is definitely true that I have an intense and ridiculous need to communicate. I don't remember his name, or anything else about him -- but he did have me pegged.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yep, today is my birthday!  As the picture shows, I was born with a ton of hair - as I'm only a couple days old in this shot.

My husband is out of town on my birthday for the third year in a row.   I admit I'm a bit sad about that.

The last 2 years it was for work, this year it's because his dad is getting married.  It was a bit of short notice, so we couldn't all head back to the Midwest (plus, it's COLD there), so he and Colin left last night to help his Dad celebrate. Before he left, he gave me an awesome birthday gift -- a new Canon Rebel camera. My old DSLR hasn't been working well, and while we've been a Nikon family for years, I'm excited to put the Canon through its paces.  It's important to me to take pictures to document our lives and cement memories, so a camera is very dear to me.

At least my parents and sister are here, so I can celebrate with them and 2/3 of my kids today. We'll make some memories of this birthday!

When I was very young, we lived in the same town as my mom's sister and I have one cousin that was born 3 years, minus a day after me.  When we were little, we often celebrated our birthdays together at my great-grandmother's home and I remember those days fondly.  I wish I could find a picture, as I know there are a few around!

Another birthday memory I have was when I was probably 11 or 12?  We lived far away from extended family by then, and my dad was out of town.  I expected him to be gone on my birthday, but he came home the evening of my birthday.  I can remember being so happy when he walked in the door!  I'm not sure if he cut his trip short, but I know that it was important in our family to spend our birthdays together.

I remember my 25th birthday because my grandfather passed away. I was in college and rented a limo and had planned to bar hop that night, but instead the hospital called me in the afternoon to ask me to come and be with my grandmother.  I remember thinking that they had argued with her again over my grandfather's care, but actually they didn't want to tell me over the phone that he had died.  I canceled the limo and spent the evening at a funeral home instead.

The first birthday I spent with Bo he bought me warm hiking-type boots because we lived in Milwaukee and I didn't wear appropriate shoes for the weather and he was worried about me.  I love those boots and still have them in my closet, even though I don't need them to tramp through snow anymore.

Then, there was my 33rd birthday when I was hugely pregnant and Bo took me to a steak house where I devoured a huge steak and baked potato.  I remember it was delicious and people commented on how hugely pregnant I was.  Colin was born 4 days later.

I remember last year's birthday because my sweet mom made me a cake that collapsed (her oven was faulty - she's really an excellent baker) and she tried to disguise it with a huge river of golden sugar.  It was also held together with skinny wooden dowels.  It has to be the ugliest cake I've ever seen, but it will never be forgotten!!

The important thing to me always are the people and the memories in my life.  What really matters is the experience of life - not the things of life.  Even the year that my grandfather died, while of course I was full of grief for losing him, it was important that I was there for my grandmother and able to help support her during that time (my mom & aunt both lived far away and arrived in the next couple days.)  And, even though Bo is 2000 miles away today, the memories that we build each and every day in our home build a life I love.

Your Santa Story Video Review

Earlier this month, I posted a review and a giveaway for Your Santa Story.  One of my readers won the code -- Angi's family will be watching Santa talk to them on Christmas morning!

I wanted to share a video review I did about Your Santa Story, in case you were still wondering what it was all about:


*Disclosure: I received a Your Santa Story dvd, as well as one to give away, in exchange for posting.  No additional compensation was provided and all opinions are my own.*

Wordless Wednesday - concentration

Sweet Makeover from Chuao

It wouldn't be the holiday season without chocolate.  Okay, who am I kidding?  It wouldn't be any season of the year without chocolate!  Have you heard of Chuao Chocolates?  They are hand-crafted, all natural goodies available online, and also at select Target stores nationwide.  To celebrate, they are offering a "Sweet Makeover" sweepstakes along with shopbop.com!  You could win:

• $1,000 shopping spree at www.shopbop.com
• A one-year subscription to Birchbox ($120 value)
• A Broscato Vibrastrait flat iron ($150 value)
• Philosophy Miracle Worker Collection ($190 value)
• Clarisonic Mia2 Skin Cleansing System ($150 value)
• Gourmet Chuao chocolate ($180 value)

(As an aside, I have a subscription to Birchbox and love it!  It's so much fun to receive a box of new beauty things in the mail each month, and I have found some new products that I have continued to use after the samples were gone.)

ANYWAY, if you want a chance to enter the Chuao Chocolates sweepstakes, you have to head over to their Facebook page, like them, and enter the sweepstakes there.  If you win, don't forget to come back and tell me!!  

*Disclosure: I received the information from a PR firm and chose to share on my blog.  In exchange for posting, I was entered into a drawing for a possibility of a gift card. No additional compensation was provided and all opinions are my own.*

Tiny Prints Holiday Cards Giveaway

Even before Colin was born, Bo & I sent out Photo Christmas Cards (okay, I think we only sent them out the Christmas after our wedding - and then since we've had kids we've sent photo cards each year.)

This year, I'm going to try out Tiny Prints.  Their designs are modern and fun, and I love their new thicker paper that the cards are printed on.  Check out this cute video about their premium double thick paper -


Have you taken photos yet for your holiday cards?  We haven't, but I plan to try and get them done next weekend.  I love the photo cards that include multiple pictures, so I don't have to try and get a good picture of all 3 kids in a single shot!

I want to help you get your holiday cards completed this season!  Tiny Prints has generously given me a $50 credit that I can give away to one of my readers!  (does not include shipping & cannot be combined with any other promos. The credit must be used by 12/14/12 -- NO extensions.)

To enter the giveaway, I need you to CLICK HERE TO GO TO GIVEAWAY FORM. Once you're there, fill in your information, including the information below:

Name of Giveaway: Tiny Prints
Mandatory Question: Have you taken your holiday photo yet?

The giveaway will end on November 15, 2012. You can find all my giveaway rules linked on the top right of my blog. (Giveaway open only to US addresses.) Good Luck!!

As always, if you like my blog's Facebook page, you can earn an extra entry. (Even if you've already liked it in the past you will receive an extra entry!) My blog's Facebook page is found here (www.facebook.com/mylittlepatchofsunshine)

If you want more information about Tiny Prints, you can find them at these social media channels:

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tinyprints
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinyprints
• Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/tiny_prints/
• Instagram: Tiny Prints
• Google +: https://plus.google.com/+tinyprints/
• Blog: http://blog.tinyprints.com/

*Disclosure: I received a promotional credit for myself, as well as credit to give away, from Tiny Prints in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.*

Phoenix Family Fun Day NSA

Nate and I attended the Phoenix Family Fun Day at ASU Campus in Tempe AZ this past weekend.  This was the third year we've attended, and it was great again!

The day before I ended up in the hospital -- thanks to kidney stones AGAIN! I was at lunch with friends, and they ended up taking me to the emergency room where I was given massive doses of painkillers and basically told to go home and wait. (Aside: I know there isn't much they can do, and I was grateful that the stones this time are small enough that they should pass easily, but I was not happy with my care this time.)

Anyway, we had this day planned for a long time, so even though I was still in pain and dopey from painkillers, I had Bo drop us off in the morning so we could attend.  It was great seeing some of the national staff, as well as seeing both of Nate's SLPs attend. (There's another component geared towards SLP where they can earn CEUs.)  We also got to meet a bunch of new people (was kinda sad that people we've met in the past weren't able to attend this year.)

In the end, I was glad we went. Nate had a good time, as always, with the kid activities.  There were 2 informative topics discussed - the new common core standards and how they will affect kids who stutter and then a psychologist spoke about coping with stuttering within a family.  Finally, Nate and I were both on a panel with adult people who stutter and we both answered questions from the audience. 

The best part, though, were the people who came up and recognized Nate from his videos, or his spots on the NSA website and newsletters.  One mom said that her son's SLP said they should come because they "might meet Nate!", and they did!  Her son's SLP had shown her son Nate's videos and interested him in making a presentation to his class.  Nate was also approached by some SLP students who said they watch his videos in class and one sweet girl even asked him for his autograph.  

We can't wait for the annual conference in July!  I'm so excited it will be held in Scottsdale so my entire family can experience the power of the NSA finally!

Old El Paso Coupons

When I'm looking for a quick, easy dinner and we've already had spaghetti, another favorite is Mexican.  Old El Paso products make dinner at home easier and more convenient, because I can keep the products in my pantry for those "What's for dinner?" moments.

This fun micro-site is full of recipes and coupons, thanks to Old El Paso! Check it out below and you'll be serving Mexican in no time!



*Disclosure: I received the code for the Old El Paso micro-site from Old El Paso Brand, but no additional compensation. All opinions are my own.*

Review: A Guide to the New Translation of The Mass

Last Advent, the Roman Catholic Church made some changes to the Mass.  Almost a year later, most parishioners remember to say "It is right and just," but there are still quite a few people who don't know why the wording was changed.  The booklet, "A Guide to the New Translation of The Mass," provides a concise, but thorough, explanation of the changes that have been made.

It's important to note that the essence of the liturgy has not changed at all, but the translations of some prayers and responses have been updated. This booklet takes each one and explains the differences.  It also includes a tear out reference card in the back that is handy to bring along to Mass.

If you or someone you know isn't sure about the changes, this booklet is a great tool. It is only $1.95 at The Catholic Company.

*Disclosure: I received a copy of the booklet to facilitate my review from The Catholic Company.  No additional compensation was provided, and all opinions are my own."

Review: Your Santa Story and GIVEAWAY

Last Christmas morning, after presents were unwrapped, I looked at our DVD player and asked "What's this?"  I popped the DVD into the player and a picture of Santa Claus appeared on the screen.  Then, he began talking to my kids by name -- he mentioned Nate's soccer playing, Colin's love for reading and Lydia's ballet dancing. Lydia's eyes lit up, and even skeptical Nate & Colin weren't sure what to make of it.

Thanks to Your Santa Story, we were able to add another magical moment to our Christmas celebration.  What I really liked was that Santa spoke right to my kids -- it wasn't a computer generated voice, or a computer filling in the blanks.  The story was told from beginning to end by Santa, and it showed.

I admit I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was extremely impressed. I watched it right after we received it, and I almost couldn't wait until Christmas morning to show the kids!  I am glad I waited, though, because their reaction was priceless.

Because of the complete customization of these videos, there are only a limited number produced.  If you want Santa to visit your living room this Christmas, order early!  The process is simple -- you fill out a form with various details and information, review the script,  then submit with payment ($29.95). They can customize your story for military families, ex-pat families, or even use sign language.

Check out their promotional video -- (I made a video of the kids last year, but the boys taped over it with some Lego movie creation.)  The middle of it shows Santa in his workshop talking to a family, just like the video that could be created for you.

You can find them on their website -- www.yoursantastory.com, and also on Facebook, Twitter and even Pinterest.

I'm very excited that I have one code to give away to a reader to make their own personalized Santa Story!  I want to make sure you get it in plenty of time, so this giveaway will end on November 9, 2012.

To enter the giveaway, I need you to CLICK HERE TO GO TO GIVEAWAY FORM.  Once you're there, fill in your information, including the information below:

Name of Giveaway: Your Santa Story

Mandatory Question: Share with me a favorite holiday tradition

You can find all my giveaway rules linked on the top right of my blog.  (Giveaway open only to US addresses.) Good Luck!!

As always, if you like my blog's Facebook page, you can earn an extra entry.  (Even if you've already liked it in the past you will receive an extra entry!)  My blog's Facebook page is found here (www.facebook.com/mylittlepatchofsunshine)

*Disclosure: I received a video last year, thanks to Your Santa Story and MomSelect and will receive another one this year. All opinions are my own.*

Green Giant Veggie Giveaway

Green Giant has come out with a new variety of frozen vegetables, named "Seasoned Steamers."   There are 6 varieties to choose from.  The thing I like about them is that they don't have a sauce.  My family doesn't like sauces on vegetables, but I like frozen vegetables because they are easy and the nutritional content is preserved through freezing.

These vegetables are seasoned, but not sauced.  We tried the Mediterranean Blend pictured to the left and everyone ate their vegetables!  (Not an easy feat in this house.)

My Blog Spark and Green Giant are offering a $1 coupon for you to print and use on your next shopping trip. (Coupon Link)  You can also find information, recipes and more at the Green Giant Facebook page.

I also have a fun giveaway for one of my readers.  You can win a nice white serving bowl, a slotted serving spoon, a fun vegetable print apron, and a coupon for a FREE bag of Green Giant Seasoned Steamers.

To enter the giveaway, I need you to CLICK HERE TO GO TO GIVEAWAY FORM.  Once you're there, fill in your information, including the information below:

Name of Giveaway: Seasoned Steamers

Mandatory Question: Which variety would you like to try? (check out flavors here)

The giveaway will end on November 11, 2012.  You can find all my giveaway rules linked on the top right of my blog.  (Giveaway open only to US addresses.) Good Luck!!

As always, if you like my blog's Facebook page, you can earn an extra entry.  (Even if you've already liked it in the past you will receive an extra entry!)  My blog's Facebook page is found here (www.facebook.com/mylittlepatchofsunshine)

“Disclosure: The coupons, information, and gift packs have been provided by Green Giant® through MyBlogSpark.”

Review: Chris Mann's Roads

I haven't gotten into the television show, "The Voice", but I do understand the premise.  Chris Mann won last year, and his debut album came out this week.

He is considered a "classical crossover" artist, and after listening to his album a few times, I think that's a great description of his style.  He has a fantastic voice!  I enjoyed listening to the songs on this album.  More than half are covers, but he added a twist to each one.  I wasn't thrilled with his version of Willie Nelson's "Always on my mind", but thought he did a great job with Frank Sinatra's "My Way."  I really liked his rendition of "Ave Maria."  It's one of my favorite songs, and was even sung at my wedding.

I can see myself listening to this album in quiet moments, or the background music for a get together of friends.  It's probably a good end-of-day, driving home album as well.

You can preview 3 of his songs at SoundCloud at this link: http://soundcloud.com/universalrepublic/sets/chris-mann/s-e7O63.

You can buy his album either physical copy or MP3 at Amazon, or it's  available via iTunes.

*Disclosure: I received an advanced copy of this album, and by posting I am entered into a drawing for a prize. No additional compensation was provided.  All opinions are my own.*