photo by Brian Gary

Time for an update on Eunice the robin and her nest full of new babies. I had named the offspring Muddy, Sam and Otis then to my surprise we found a fourth youngster who we named Greta. I have watched in wonder as mom has kept the brood healthy and happy. I am amazed at the dedication these birds have for their young ones. They make sure they are fed and taken care of and then teach them all they need to know to make it once they leave the nest. We should make sure we do that with our own children. So often we set them free without teaching them to fly. We could learn a lot from birds.

When I went to check on the nest yesterday it was empty. The little dudes have earned their wings and were flying around the back yard. I am going through empty nest syndrome now but was so lucky to get to watch it all take place. Thank you mother nature.

Photo by Jenny Harding

Photo by Todd Harding

If You have been in Old Town Fort Collins lately you have probably noticed some very brightly colored pianos scattered about.  They are part of the Pianos About Town program.  I went in search of these pianos last night with the mission to play a little tune on each of them.  I did manage to play 4 of the pianos.  My wife captured video of three of those performances.

So, what is Pianos about town?

According to their Facebook page:

Pianos About Town is a collaborative project between Bohemian Foundation,the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority, and City of Fort Collins’ Art in Public Places. The project involves local artists painting murals on pianos in Old Town Square where the public can watch the creative process and interact with the artists. These colorfully-painted pianos are then rotated about town for the public to enjoy as both musical instruments and works of art.

Photo by Todd Harding

Here are my 3 performance captured on my iPhone by my wife Jenny.

photo by Brian Gary

I love to cook. I really love to cook on the grill. Last night we tried a new recipe for grilled pork chops that I just have to share. I don’t cook a lot of pork chops and I don’t know why, they are so delicious. I think I am afraid of under cooking them and killing my family. I just have to remember to cook them till they are white as Mayberry and I am safe.

Here is the killer recipe I found for mouth watering amazing chops on the grill.

Ingredients

1/2 cup brown sugar firmly packed
1/2 cup apple juice
4 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp ground ginger
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp corn starch
1/2 cup water
6 boneless pork chops

Directions

1. fire up grill to high heat
2. mix together brown sugar, apple juice, soy sauce, ginger, salt and pepper and oil in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Combine water and corn starch in a small bowl and then whisk into the brown sugar mixture until it thickens
3. cook chops about 10 minutes on the grill, flipping them once. Right before you take them off the grill, brush the chops with the brown sugar glaze then serve with the remainder of the glaze.

These were so tasty. I grilled some pineapple and asparagus to join the party. You’re welcome.

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Jamie Moyer extended his record for being the oldest winning pitcher in history to 49 years and 180 days, as the Colorado Rockies (15-21) beat the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks (16-22) 6-1 last night in Denver. The two-game series wraps up this afternoon at 1:10 at Coors Field (TV: Root Sports).

Moyer, already on his way to 6 1/3 innings of pitching that baffled D-backs hitters, hit a dribbler to the right side of the infield with runners at second and third with two out in the fourth that scored two runs. Moyer struck out five against two walks and six hits, and didn’t give up a run until allowing consecutive doubles in the seventh.

Official: Tuesday’s Box Score.

The Rockies riddled Corbin (2-2), a 22-year-old rookie, for six runs and nine hits in six innings. The game was smoother than Tuesday’s 5-4 victory at San Francisco. The Rockies blew a 4-1 lead in that one but won on Marco Scutaro’s ninth-inning home run.

“It’s just a well-played game, a clean game without unnecessary drama and flair,” manager Jim Tracy said.

Tickets are available for this afternoon’s game at Coors Field vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks, and can be purchased by calling (800) 388-ROCK, or click here.

[ColoradoRockies.com]

I have said many times that I think happiness is a conscious decision. I believe we can choose our mood. There are many things that try  to effect it but if you are set on being happy, you will be. I know there are times when I just want to be mad for awhile. That is a conscious decision as well. We choose whether we are going to let something into our minds or not. I have trained myself to just not “go there”. People can mistake my attitude for that of not caring but the truth is I just don’t let it in. I care, I just won’t let that crap kill my day.

It all comes down to making sure your desire to be up is stronger than that which tries to bring you down. I have heard that sometimes vodka helps.

Photo by Todd Harding

Photo by Todd Harding

When I left for work early yesterday morning from Fort Collins, you could smell the smoke in the air from the Hewlett Fire, which has burned over 982 acres.  When I arrived home from work in the early afternoon you could see giant plumes of smoke.  It wasn’t long before you could see it, smell it, taste it, & feel it!

It was thick.  For a short time it really was difficult to breathe.  Larimer County even issued a warning.

According to a press release from the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment:

Due to the possibility of rapid weather changes, it is difficult to accurately predict the condition of air quality related to the Hewlett fire in the Poudre Canyon northwest of Fort Collins.

But, in general, if you can see or smell smoke, it is recommended that you avoid outdoor physical activities. If visibility is decreased in your neighborhood to less than five miles, smoke has reached levels that are unhealthy.

Air quality updates are available at http://www.colorado.gov/airquality/advisory.aspx.

My wife and I went to the top of the parking garage in Old Town to snap a couple pictures of the smoke over Fort Collins.

Photo by Todd Harding

Spc. Nicholas Larson

This petition is to change the way the VA cares for the soldiers who return home from war and suffer Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Our soldiers fight for our freedom every day and do not receive the mental health care they deserve.

With the planning of annual events such as the 5K this Saturday, organizers hope to make public the petition and get as many signatures as possible to help make a change and with your help that dream could be reality. With 95% of the proceeds going to a non-profit organization known as TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) you are helping military families in need.

The goal is to provide families with support and assitance who have lost their loved ones to the war or to the effects of the war.

With your participation in this event you are not only helping get the word out about “A Soldiers Silent Cry” but you are also helping the families who have suffered the loss of their family member, friend, loved one, or neighbor.

Let’s make a change!

Cost is $25 each participant.  There will also be a BBQ and cake after the walk so stick around and enjoy the company!

Click here to preregister and for more information please contact Elizabeth at 970-817-3292 (Elizabeth@asoldierssilentcry.com) or Monica at 970-581-7905 (Monica@asoldierssilentcry.com) and/or check the FB EVENT Page for more details.

Michael Loccisano / Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Fans got a peek at Reba McEntire‘s new sitcom today. The country great shared a trailer of ‘Malibu Country,’ a show that stars the redhead as an aging, aspiring country star who’s trying to begin a career after a divorce from a country legend. She isn’t the only superstar to appear on the small screen, however. Carrie Underwood was on ‘Dancing With the Stars’ and Taylor Swift‘s ‘Mean’ got the ‘Glee’ treatment yesterday. Find video of both in the Daily Roundup.

Also included in this recap of the hottest music news stories are a few from outside of country, like Justin Bieber‘s thoughts on beer and a review of ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting.’

Today on Taste of Country:

‘Malibu Country’ Trailer Gives First Look at Reba McEntire’s New Comedy Series
Taylor Swift’s ‘Mean’ Gets the ‘Glee’ Treatment in New Video
Kenny Chesney Expands His Band Prior to Brothers of the Sun Tour Kickoff
Miranda Lambert Picks Up Yet Another Stray Puppy
Before They Were Famous: Clint Black
Lady Antebellum Head to Indiana to Rebuild Henryville High School
Josh Kelley, Katherine Heigl Reveal Details About New Adopted Daughter
Best Hump Day Song – Readers Poll
Carrie Underwood Brings ‘Good Girl’ to the ‘Dancing With the Stars’ Stage
Taylor Swift Teams Up With Ed Sheeran for New Album
New Country Music Releases – June 2012
Discover America Commercial – What’s the Song?
Toby Keith’s Annual Golf Classic Event Set for May 19 in Oklahoma

Taste of Country Also Recommends:

Justin Bieber GQ Profile Reveals He’s Tried Beer, Likes Metallica + is ‘Flaky’
‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’ Review
Jay-Z: ‘Jack White Is Insane’
‘Anchorman 2′ Poster Debuts, Teaser to Play Before ‘The Dictator’
Bill Ward Officially Out of Black Sabbath Reunion After ‘Final Effort’ Fails

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Realities for Children

Come be a part of all the fun and enjoy live music all Memorial Day weekend with fireworks, stunt shows, Webb’s Colorfest Tattoo Contest, great food and vendors. And what event like this wouldn’t have the Budweiser beer garden, Battle in the Fort IV Strong Man Contest, Biker Games, BIG prizes!

But the main highlight of course would be the 100 mile scenic ride to raise money for the abused and neglected children of Larimer County.

The Realities Ride brings in over 15,000 motorcyclists and spectators to Old Town Fort Collins every year and it’s fun to be had by all.  Check their website for incredible detailed information but here is the quick skinny:

• THE RALLY: May 26th,  Old Town Square: 11am-11pm
• THE RIDE: MAY 27th, Thunder Mountain Harley Davidson: 8:30am Registration & bikes out at 10:00am in a parade formation
• THE AFTER RIDE: May 27th, Old Town Square: 11am-7pm

And even if you don’t ride, you are all invited to celebrate and participate as we make every mile help an abused child at the 11th Annual Realities Ride & Rally Memorial Day Weekend!

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

Kenny Chesney is gearing up to head back out on the road on his first major stadium run since last summer’s Goin’ Coastal Tour. Not only is he sharing the stage with his fellow country music superstar Tim McGraw, but also famed Nashville musician Kenny Greenberg.

Greenberg is the Academy of Country Music’s 2012 Guitarist of the Year and a veteran session musician in Music City who has previously collaborated with Bob Seger, Willie Nelson and Etta James. The legendary guitarist has frequently worked with Chesney on past musical projects, including the singer’s forthcoming new album ‘Welcome to the Fishbowl’ (in stores June 19) and his previous album, ‘Hemingway’s Whiskey.’

“Kenny is one of the best guitarists out there today, period,” Chesney says of his fellow Kenny, Greenberg. “He’s been a great friend and collaborator over the years, right through ‘Welcome to the Fishbowl,’ and it’s going to be amazing to have him at the party each night this summer.”

Greenberg will join Chesney’s already solid band of musicians, which includes Wyatt Beard (keyboards), Sean Paddock (drums), Steve Marshall (bass), Clayton Mitchell (guitar), Jim Bob Gairrett (steel guitar) and Jon Conley (guitar/fiddle).

The highly-anticipated Brothers of the Sun Tour, also featuring Jake Owen and Grace Potter, is set to kick off on June 2 in Tampa, Fla.

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/kenny-chesney-tim-mcgraw-2012-co-headline-tour-dates/" title="See Kenny Chesney Tour Dates" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

The Hideout Patio Bar and Grill

“Bike Nights” with Thunder Mountain are every Wednesday at The Hideout Patio Bar and Grill in Fort Collins from 6pm to 9pm and continue through August.

And what would a “Bike Night” be without a burnout pit so for all you bad mo-fo’s bring your scoot and smell the rubber.  It goes well with meat and hops!

The pre-ride tonight starts at TMHD and will take riders through Loveland/Masonville/Horsetooth and into the Hideout. Meet at TMHD by 5:15 and jiffy’s up at 5:30. If you can’t make the ride then just meet us and your friends at The Hideout Patio Bar and Grill.

The Hideout Patio Bar and Grill is located on the east side of Fort Collins. From Mulberry Street (Highway 14), turn north on Air Park Drive and east one block to the newest and best patio themed restaurant in northern Colorado. If you get lost, just give ‘em a call at 970-407-1903.

Sony Pictures/The Weinstein Co./Warner Bros.

If you’re ready to bring action and adventure to the comfort of your living room, June 2012 is packed with new DVD and Blue-ray releases to suit your needs. From ‘John Carter’ to ‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,’ we give you the run down of all the movies you’ll be able to take home this month.

June 5

‘Act of Valor’ – Directed by Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh. Starring Alex Veadov, Roselyn Sanchez, and Nestor Serrano. In this all-American actioner, real Navy SEALs were cast as an elite team on a mission to retrieve a kidnapped CIA operative.

‘John Carter‘ — Directed by Andrew Stanton. Starring Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins, and Willem Dafoe. A Civil War veteran is transported to Mars and embarks on a journey to save a princess and her people from a nefarious man and his army.

‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island’ — Directed by Brad Peyton. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Josh Hutcherson, and Michael Caine. A boy teams up with his mom’s husband to find his missing grandfather on a magical and mysterious island.

‘Safe House’ — Directed by Daniel Espinosa. Starring Ryan Reynolds and Denzel Washington. An up-and-coming CIA agent goes on the run with the fugitive he’s supposed to be guarding.

June 12

‘Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance’ — Directed by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor. Starring Nicolas Cage, Ciaran Hinds, and Idris Elba. Johnny Blaze returns in this follow-up to ‘Ghost Rider,’ that pits Blaze against the Devil one more time.

‘A Little Bit of Heaven’ — Directed by Nicole Kassell. Starring Kate Hudson, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Kathy Bates. Diagnosed with cancer, a woman uses her sense of humor to face and cope with the unexpected.

‘Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ — Directed by Guy Ritchie. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Noomi Rapace. Sherlock Holmes and Watson return in this charming sequel that finds Holmes facing his most challenging, intelligent foe yet — the enigmatic Moriarty.

June 19

‘Big Miracle’ — Directed by Ken Kwapis. Starring Drew Barrymore and John Krasinski. When a group of whales become trapped and threatened by an ice formation, a reporter calls on his ex-girlfriend, a Greenpeace volunteer, to help save the day.

‘The FP’ — Directed by Jason and Brandon Trost. Starring Jason Trost, Lee Valmassy, and Art Hsu. Rival gangs battle for control of a park with a thrilling game of “Beat Beat Revolution” in this original comedy.

‘Jeff, Who Lives At Home’ — Directed by Jay and Mark Duplass. Starring Jason Segel, Ed Helms, and Judy Greer. After an unfortunate coincidence, Jeff leads his estranged brother on a day-long quest to see what else fate has in store for them.

‘Project X‘ — Directed by Nima Nourizadeh. Starring Thomas Mann, Oliver Cooper, and Jonathan Daniel Brown. Three high school teens throw the biggest party ever — a party to end all parties — in this found footage comedy from producer Todd Phillips.

‘Wanderlust‘ — Directed by David Wain. Starring Paul Rudd, Jennifer Aniston, and Justin Theroux. Unemployed and desperate, George and Linda venture to a free-spirited commune to find happiness and purpose.

June 26

‘21 Jump Street‘ — Directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Starring Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Rob Riggle, and Brie Larson. Two mediocre cops are banished to an undercover program where they’re forced to return to high school in order to bust a drug operation.

‘The Artist’ — Directed by Michael Hazanavicius. Starring Jean Dujardin and Berenice Bejo. A silent film star is faced with the changing landscape of cinema, but soon emerges from his depression when he finds love with a dancing actress and star of talking pictures.

‘Mirror Mirror‘ — Directed by Tarsem Singh. Starring Julia Roberts, Armie Hammer, and Lily Collins. In this quirky twist on the fairy tale from visionary director Tarsem Singh, a princess must reclaim her rightful throne from an evil queen with the help of seven dwarfs.

‘Wrath of the Titans‘ — Directed by Jonathan Liebesman. Starring Liam Neeson, Sam Worthington, and Ralph Fiennes. Perseus’ saga continues in this sequel where he must rescue his father Zeus from the evil Hades.

Source: ScreenCrush.com

FB

Reports this afternoon from the Denver Channel are saying that the fire continues to burn out of control and is still only 5% contained.

There are no official orders to evacuate but many residents are taking their pets and getting out of the area.

The fire is difficult to fight as its in rough, steep terrain about 20 miles northwest of Fort Collins. According to officials on site the fire is active and heading northeast. Residents that haven’t decided to leave yet are packing up boxes to be able to leave at a moments notice. These homes are along hwy 14 between mile markers 110 and 115.

Officials are also considering putting new neighborhoods — Glacier View and Livermore — on possible standby to evacuate.

FB

As reported by the Denver Channel, U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman, Jackie Parks, the Hewlitt Gulch fire in the Poudre Canyon was caused by humans near a hiking trail Monday afternoon. As of this morning the fire has burned through 982 acres.

Jason Merritt, Getty Images/Twitter

If it’s possible to become addicted to adopting animals, Miranda Lambert definitely has an addiction — and she might need rehab for the kind-hearted. According to the sassy songstress’ Twitter feed, she has welcomed yet another stray pup into the Shelton household.

Apparently, the furry black and white pup she rescued from the streets just a month ago wasn’t enough to fill the ‘Over You’ singer’s heart. On Tuesday, the singer shared the photo of this adorable black dog that she found, which she appropriately named after one of country music’s most legendary females.

“New puppy I found last week. Loretta! She will go to a new good home soon I hope. : ) or maybe she is already. Hehe,” Lambert tweeted. Although dozens of her 953,280 Twitter followers replied that they would take the sweet girl off of the country star’s hands, Lambert hasn’t mentioned finding a home (other than her own) for the latest canine addition.

Of course, people are starting to wonder how Lambert ends up with all of these strays. She answered the question that’s been burning up all of our minds when she conversed with Pistol Annies bandmate Ashley Monroe. Apparently, it’s because she’s magnetic — pups just come to her.

“@ashleymonroe said I have “dogdar”. They find me,” Lambert told Monroe. “And I hope I never see the people that dump them. For [their] sake. It won’t be pretty,” she added.

Let that be a lesson to any of you who have been tempted to abandon an animal: If you’re near Miranda Lambert, she’ll probably make the castoff her newest furry friend. And if she finds you, you better watch out!

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/hillary-scott-cute-pets/" title="See the Cutest Pets in Country Music" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Rick Diamond (2) / Royce DeGrie, Getty Images

The first month of summer is the biggest month of music yet. Country superstars like Alan Jackson and Kenny Chesney will be releasing new projects in the list of new country music releases for June 2012, in addition to 10 other hit makers like Josh Turner, Gloriana and Edens Edge. Start saving now so you’re not left out on the new music on the list below.

Jackson and newbie Jana Kramer kick things off on June 5, while Turner, Edens Edge and Darryl Worley have music the next week. June 19 is crowded. Not only is Chesney’s new ‘Welcome to the Fishbowl’ album in stores in June, but so are new projects from Colt Ford, Chris Cagle and the legendary Don Williams.

Take a look at the entire month worth of new country music releases for June 2012 below and plan accordingly.

New Country Music Releases for June 2012:

June 5
Alan Jackson, ‘Thirty Miles West’
Jana Kramer, ‘Jana Kramer’

June 12
Darryl Worley, ‘One Time Around’
Edens Edge, ‘Edens Edge’
Josh Turner, ‘Punching Bag’

June 19
Chris Cagle, ‘Back in the Saddle’
Colt Ford, ‘Declaration of Independence’
Don Williams, ‘And So It Goes’
Kenny Chesney, ‘Welcome to the Fishbowl’
Marlee Scott, ‘Beautiful Maybe’

June 26
Aaron Lewis, ‘The Road’
Gloriana, ‘A Thousand Miles Left Behind’

[button href="http://popcrush.com/new-music-releases-june-2012/" title="New Pop Music Releases - June 2012" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

kharlamovaa, flickr

How many times have you fallen so desperately in love only to find yourself not liking who your with? It happens more than you know or realize. It isn’t the love that fails you, many people have said through the course of time, I love you, but I can’t live with you or I just don’t like you. When couples part ways often times you will hear of their love. You date another and know that they still love their ex. It doesn’t mean that the ex is a threat, it just means that once upon a time they chose to love someone and then it didn’t work out. There are many people from yesterday that I love, but because I don’t like them and what they represent, I could never be with them again. I think once we do decide to love it is to some degree endless, love is so powerful and all encompassing that it is difficult to put restraints on it, therefore we don’t and can’t.

It’s Falling Out of Like That Ends a Relationship

Think  about that one for a minute… how true is that? If we are allowed to be honest with ourselves more often than not the love remains, its the liking that has been flushed down the toilet. The longing for him or her is still there until too many times when the longing becomes only a memory. When you get near your loved one, instead of feeling happiness and warmth as you thought and longed for you feel cold and disconnected… that’s the like leaving love town. When your hopes of a warm connection fade and happen too infrequently you lose your longing. And that’s when the relationship is clearly over… see, it’s not the love that took a hike first, its the like.

Getting the Like Back in Love Town

This is easier said than done. You must first recognize that the like is fading. An argument, two arguments, three arguments… disrespect… resentment, these are stepping stones to the end when they become more frequent than quiet moments with tender words and touch. When you start to look at your mate like a blank wall its time to find the like. It’s like the Brad Paisley/ Carrie Underwood song, no really, it’s exactly like that. Remind Me!!!!

We didn’t care if people stared
We’d make out in a crowd somewhere
Somebody’d tell us to get a room
It’s hard to believe that was me and you
Now we keep saying that we’re OK
But I don’t want to settle for good not great
I miss the way that it felt back then I wanna feel that way again

It’s so important to stop and see that this is happening, closing your eyes and being blind will only speed up the processes of goodbye. Take the time to be together. To remember. To like each other. Don’t resent one another and be sure to always talk it through, don’t hold on to the poison that riddles your mind. Be honest… say I’m scared… say I’m lost… tell them you can’t find them and that you need to reconnect… don’t be selfish, be sure to listen with an open ear. It isn’t easy to hear that we have faults… that we’re wrong or that someone close to us is falling out of like, but remember you’ve chosen to love, you have put that out there in this universe…what now? Protect it, that person you first liked and couldn’t stay away from is the same person in front of you now… look harder, challenge yourself to be truthful and revive it or move on.

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

In March, Lady Antebellum announced the tornado-ravaged Henryville High School in Henryville, Ind. as the lucky winners in the band’s Own the Night Prom Contest. Holding true to their word, the superstar trio heads to the Midwest today (May 16) to play a private concert for the students who are still trying to piece together a somewhat normal high school experience.

“Helping rebuild this community is our biggest priority right now,” says Lady A leading lady Hillary Scott. “We were so moved by the stories from Henryville High School, but also from the students at their rival schools who raised their hands and said they wanted to help. There has been so much national media attention and so many sponsors and volunteers are stepping forward to help. It’s going to be an amazing day!”

Outreach for the disaster relief has reached a fever pitch, with major media outlets covering the event, and ultimately getting #RebuildingHenryville trending on Twitter. The trio took to their official account too in hopes of garnering support for their goodwill effort.

“@Ladyantebellum is #RebuildingHenryville today! Help out here http://bit.ly/ladyaprom and RT to show your support!” the ‘Wanted You More’ singers tweeted.

“The whole community, especially the students, is excited about Lady Antebellum coming and performing for Henryville,” says the superintendent of the West Clark Community Schools, Monty Schneider. “They missed so much with the school being destroyed that things like this help them feel whole again. They will be talking about the tornadoes for the rest of their lives, but this event will give them something positive to reflect on about that time. It’s going to be a special moment for the entire community.”

The trio will perform a private 45-minute set for the juniors and seniors at the KFC YUM! Center as part of the school’s prom night, which will be followed by a full-fledged post-party concert that will be open to the general public in order to help raise funds to rebuild the town. Lipton Tea’s team has also come on board to help with the event in the spirit of their Drink Positive and Live Positive message, a campaign that Lady A already supports.

The band is on track to reach their donation goal of $250,000. All proceeds raised from the concert portion of Rebuilding Henryville will remain local through the New Hope/Indiana Bankers Association for the benefit of the disaster relief fund. Fans who are unable to attend Rebuilding Henryville can still get involved by making donations in any amount here.

Watch the Winning Submission to Lady Antebellum’s ‘Own the Night’ Prom Contest

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images

Ever since we first reported about Josh Kelley‘s and Katherine Heigl‘s new baby, we’ve been dying to get more details. We’re happy to announce today that the wait is over! Mr. and Mrs. Kelley revealed more information about their new little family member to People, including her name: Adalaide Marie Hope.

“Her full name is Adalaide Marie Hope Kelley,” Heigl explains. “Adalaide because of my great-grandmother, Marie after my middle name, and Hope because that is what the process became.”

Before Kelley got engaged to his superstar wife, actress Katherine Heigl, both agreed that they wanted a family. And although the couple wants to have biological children one day, they started their family by adopting Naleigh — their now 3-1/2-year-old first daughter — from South Korea in 2009.

The tiny family was happy enough as a threesome, but earlier this year, both the country music singer and his wife hinted in interviews that they might have plans to expand their family unit. A few weeks ago, Heigl’s PR rep confirmed that the happy couple had added to their family by adopting a new baby.

Now, Naleigh has a new baby sister! The newborn baby was christened Adalaide Marie Hope, and she was adopted domestically.

With a new baby at home, the big-hearted couple spent a quiet Mother’s Day at their house. But the singer — whose brother is Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum — still took the time to update Twitter followers about the family, writing, “HAPPY MOTHERS DAY !!!! Hope you dudes out there take care of your ladies. No skimping…” He even shared a photo of the breakfast spread he made for the mother of his children.

Although the Kelleys have just expanded their brood, the country crooner still plans to hit the road this summer. Surely, he’ll be belting out ‘Naleigh Moon,’ a song about his oldest daughter and the first single from his 2011 ‘George Clay’ album, at most of his upcoming shows.

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/category/baby-news/" title="Get More Country Babies News" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Paul Kane, Getty Images

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to hear Taylor Swift‘s ‘Mean’ performed from a male prospective? Thanks to a gender-bending performance of the No. 1 country song on last night’s (May 15) episode of ‘Glee,’ fans are now truly able to appreciate the tune from both sides of the spectrum.

McKinley High’s resident heartthrob Puck (Mark Salling) tackled an acoustic arrangement of Swift’s tune with a little help from Coach Beiste (Dot-Marie Jones) in the most recent episode, which also featured celebrity cameo appearances by actress Lindsay Lohan and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton.

‘Mean’ seems a likely candidate for recognizable cover tunes — and we’re surprised ‘Glee’ didn’t take it on earlier, considering the series recurring themes of self-acceptance and teenage angst in a high school setting. In the past, the show has tackled country covers in Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene‘ and Toby Keith’s ‘Red Solo Cup,’ among others.

How does the new version measure up to Swift’s original recording? Watch below and voice your opinions!

Watch Taylor Swift’s ‘Mean’ as Performed on ‘Glee’

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Michael Loccisano, Getty Images

Following a successful television run with her self-titled sitcom ‘Reba,’ Reba McEntire is getting another crack at the small screen. The singer-turned-actress’ new series, ‘Malibu Country,’ has been picked up by ABC, after a pilot episode was given the greenlight earlier this year. Now, the first official trailer for the series has been released.

In the clip below, McEntire tells the dramatic story of how she and her kids found their way out to Malibu. Following a divorce from her cheating husband, the fiery redhead packs up the car and heads west with her brood — mom (Lily Tomlin) included — in tow. But like any good comedy show, you know things aren’t going to be as smooth as the singer had originally planned.

ABC’s official synopsis of ‘Malibu Country’ reads:

When Reba Gallagher (Reba) discovers that her husband, Bobby, (Jeffrey Nordling) a country music legend, has a cheatin’ heart, her world is turned upside down. Reba dreamt of becoming a country star herself, but put her career on hold to raise a family. Now she’s questioning all of that, big-time. With the ink on her divorce barely dry, Reba packs up her sharp-tongued mother, Lillie May (Lily Tomlin), her two kids and the U-Haul and heads for sunny California to begin a new chapter. Leaving Nashville in the rear view, they start over at their Malibu residence — the last remaining asset they have. Reba gets to know her new open and loving neighbor Kim (Sara Rue) and her son, Sage, but also discovers that relocation to Southern California is going to be quite an adjustment for a traditional southern belle: the West Coast seems like the polar opposite of Music City, and Reba feels like an outsider. Still, with the support of her family she sets about finding her voice, jump-starting her music career with the help of her new music agent, Geoffrey (Jai Rodriguez), and embracing this chance to begin again.

‘Malibu Country’ will air Fridays starting this November on ABC.

Watch the ‘Malibu Country’ Trailer Starring Reba McEntire

Source: TasteofCountry.com