David vs. David: And the winner is...

I'm not sure how many of you are aware that my mother is a HUGE AI fan...and I mean HUGE.  She and her friends play what she has coined "American Idol Madness".  They fill out brackets at their kick-off party, they vote weekly and earn points to see who has their "finger on the pulse of America".  Then they gather to watch the finale, eat food and win prizes.

This year the favorite amongst mom and most of her friends was David Archuletta. My mom felt an extra special closeness to him because he is from Murray, UT and attends school with some of my mom's young women. Also, he sang in our ward...mom and I didn't get to hear the performance though because I was hungry and she had to take me to the women's lounge to eat and he didn't sing into the mic so she couldn't hear. It's really not my fault I was just a baby and needed my milk. I'm sorry mom...I hope you can forgive me for making you miss an opportunity to see the future AI runner-up. Anyway...back to my mom and her love of AI.

These are her friends (starting with Sho in the blue, Jorden, Chelsea, Michael, Chance, Janet, Carly, that's my dad in the green, and Janalee.)  I'm on the floor playing with Janaka...she is soooo funny...I laugh at everything she does...I even laugh when she stands in the kitchen and drinks.  You should see her, it is hilarious.

That's Angela in the pink (she has a very funny blog that mom reads to me sometimes angelablogs2.blogspot.com), then Juan and Chantel.  Judy is in the floral shirt (she is a Claymate...I'll explain later) and Marlene (we just met her tonight and she is very nice).  Oh look, it's Jorden again...why is she in all mom's pictures?

Here is the food...it looked delicious...I just got a cheesy taco.  I heard people asking mom for her chicken recipe so here it is:

5 lbs. chicken (she uses tenderloins)

8 oz zesty Italian dressing

1 T. Cumin

1 T. Chili Powder

1-2 tsp. minced garlic

Cook all in crock pot for 5 hours on high.  After 4 hours, shred chicken and then cook remaining hours.  Mom stirs it on occasion, once it is shredded, so the chicken doesn't get dry.

Okay...Judy LOVES Clay...and I mean LOVES Clay.  She is a Claymate...she is a member of his fan club and owns this poster and well..what more can you say.  Mom says it is adorable.  I don't really understand it...and everyone kept talking about cougars!

So after all the fun that my mom and her friends had watching the show...awards were to be given.  Now, my mom spent a long time after each show emailing and keeping track of points for this competition of hers.  (I'm kinda glad AI is over because I will get more of her time and attention of Wednesdays...except I heard something about another SYTYCD competition...seriously mom?   Seriously).  Anyway....back to the awards.  

Third Place goes to: Michael...congrats!  

May I mention that he rarely watches the show and his guesses and points were pure LUCK!

In Second Place: Darren....Yeah!  

He came from behind and stole 2nd place from Michael by a few points.  Way to Go!!!!  

And the first place winner is: Woohoo, My Grandma Thompson won! Congratulations! Unfortunately, due to visitors at her home, Grandma Thompson was unable to attend my mom's party...I will accept her award on her behalf.

It was a real fun night...I even got to stay up WAY past my bedtime.  I can't wait till next year!  I'm pretty sure my mom can't wait either!