Movie Review: "Seven Pounds"

My husband and I decided to go out for a movie for our anniversary over the holidays. There was way too much food to warrant a nice dinner and the movie was a little cheaper. ;-) There were several good movies at the theater, but we finally settled on "Seven Pounds" with Will Smith. Typically, you can't go wrong with Will Smith.

What are the words to describe this movie? All I can think is.....different. Not good, not bad, not even alright - just different. As the movie starts out we really had no idea what was going on. Was he an IRS agent giving gifts, was he a wealthy philanthropist giving everything away, who is this person? At one point as he talked quite rudely to a blind telemarketer (Woody Harrelson) and it was almost more than I could bear, but my gut said to stick it out and see what played out. Once you meet several of the characters in the movie, you start to vaguely piece together what is going to happen. The plot does twist and turn to the point you almost doubt what will happen. But after the movie is over you go back and figure out the seven pounds and still come out scratching your head.

This isn't a movie I would buy but it wasn't a bad movie. It is worth a rental if you wait for it on DVD.

Updated lists

I have updated my book list of what I am reading right now. I am updating my music list also.

Back in the blog again...

Here we are back on blog - as a fellow blogger says, "I'm always blogging in my head even if it isn't on my blog." I always have great things to say but by the time I have time to get it here, I forgot. Shoot!

Well, I have a list now and I have been busy! :-)

Book Review - "Me, Myself, & Bob" by Phil Vischer

I finished reading (a few weeks ago) an autobiography from the VeggieTales creator, Phil Vischer entitled "Me, Myself, & Bob: A True Story About God, Dreams and Talking Vegetables".

Being an avid VeggieTales fan, I was really looking forward to reading Phil's autobiography and reading the history of VeggieTales and Big Idea. This was a super easy read and thoroughly enjoyable. Whether you are interested in the evolution of the creative cutting edge animation or the evolution of your favorite animated characters or the whole enchilada, this is a great book. Further, the things that God brought Mr. Vischer through and the things that God taught him, were incredible. Mr. Vischer shares his spiritual growth in a full circle and it is incredibly profound. Not many books of this sort really "minister" to me, but this one ministered to me as well as my husband.

I highly recommend this book if you can get a hold of it.

Movie Reviews: Monster House, Fool's Gold

I am behind on my movie reviews from the past several weeks. Today's reviews are from older releases since I don't ever get to a theater and tend to always be behind on the new DVD releases too. But anyway, here are my reviews for "Monster House" and "Fool's Gold"

A few Saturdays ago we pulled out an older animated movie, "Monster House". I can honestly say this was a weird movie. Although it was animated and hopefully family-friendly, there were phrases and ideas I really didn't want handed down to my children.

This movie is about a house believed to be haunted and eats toys, children and whatever else it wants to that may aggravate it. Three children set out to kill whatever it is that is keeping it alive and get to know the owner of the house to find out that he is really a prisoner of the house. The house was built for his very robust circus wife, who was killed and buried in the house accidentally. Her spirit inhabits the house and lashes out at anyone who may seem to make fun of the house as they did her in real life. The old man admits and realizes he is a prisoner to this house and along with the three children "kills the house".

I wouldn't recommend this movie if you are protective of your children and the language or phrases they pick up. I also would not recommend the movie if you disapprove of Halloween since this movie is based on preparing for Halloween so kids won't get eaten and has the Halloween theme in it. That aside, it was just a really weird movie I didn't really care for.

A week ago or so we rented "Fool's Gold" with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. We rented it based on how much we enjoyed "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" with these same two actors. Their chemistry was fun and enjoyable. There wasn't the electricity in "Fool's Gold" as there was in "How to Lose a Guy…". Although they were becoming newly divorced and you knew they would get back together, it was still dull. This movie was hard to follow from the history as they jumped from big find to big find and you couldn't really follow why the treasure was here or there. This movie was kind of lacking in general. The plot and characters were not well developed and it wasn't a real engaging movie. There was one funny thread throughout the movie that Jeff and I got a kick out of regarding one of Ben's (McConaughey) "skills". But outside of that, the movie was kind of a dud, far-fetched and disappointing. The movie had potential but missed the boat.

Two Messages Collide Today

While I was work doing some mindless work, I was listening to the last sermon in a series, "Stormology" by Dr. Bill Lawrence of Leader Formation International and Dallas Theological Seminary. You can find this series here with podcasts and notes.

In this sermon he emphasizes the importance of a relationship with the Living Word as opposed to obedience of the Word. We traditionally see obedience as doing what the Bible the says but in doing so reduces the Living Word into dead words. We turn Jesus life into our death and miss the point of obedience. Obedience is not conforming to external demands or commands but a response to the Living Word according to the written Word. We are responding to a loving relationship with the Living Word and can only obey the written Word when the Living Word acts through us. We immerse ourselves in the Word that takes us to the Living Word. Wow, that takes some thinking to wrap one's mind around that when you are traditionally taught to obey the Bible, follow the rules, and so forth. (I am not discounting this.) But then we totally miss the relationship with Jesus that propels us to obedience out of love and hunger for both the Living Word and the written Word. Too often pastors make believers "functional legalists" where the focus is on obedience to rules over a relationship with Christ.

His earlier sermons lead up to this one where he drives home the point that storms come. They are a part of life. Are you on sand or solid rock? A transitioning point was made that there is a veil that cannot be penetrated by the Christian to reach the non-Christian. We can explain away, preach, and drone on and on, but it is the glory of God in our lives that will penetrate the veil and draw others to Christ.

This collides with a post from tallgrassworship where she is challenging her choir members to purposeful worship. When we focus on the Great Musician, the Living Word, and our Savior, God's glory goes by us (Exodus 33:22) and shines through us to fellow Christians and non-Christians. What an awesome thing!

I am so sick of bugs and other creepy crawlies!

Today has been a really bad day for bugs and creepy crawlie things. I don't know why today has been so bad since it hasn't rained and is average warm. We live in the middle of LOTS of foliage - trees, ivy, etc. (You can hardly see our house from the street.) So I know it is all breeding ground for these things, but can't they stay outside?!

Let's see, today I found a cricket spider or camel spider, caterpillar (fuzzy and striped), a BIG FAT 4" - 6" millipede, and 4 other bugs, not to mention tiny little ants in the bathroom we can't get rid of. We always have spiders, little ones, daddy longlegs and several BIG wolf spiders. There is always some sort of bug trying to get in our house. We look like crazy people coming out of our house as we wave our arms like crazy to get rid of the spider webs outside the door. (There are two big tall bushes on either side of the door and we have cut them back almost to bare sticks to try and cut down on the webs.) My neighbor does the same thing - so I don't feel so bad!

Movie Review: "Nancy Drew" (2007)

Yes, I am reviewing an older movie that I saw several weeks ago. I was thinking through the different movies we had seen in the last month or so remembering this one.

"Nancy Drew" (2007) is a family movie based on the popular Nancy Drew books. I've actually never read the Nancy Drew books since mysteries aren't really my preference in movies or books. But our family enjoyed this movie. I had inquired of my Nancy Drew buffs in my brother's house, and they also said it was a nice movie but cautioned me to the single mother and the possibility of explaining that situation to our 10yo dd. Outside of that it was nice and refreshing to see Nancy Drew remain true to her "old-fashioned" ways and not bow to the peer pressures in her new school.

I really enjoyed her new partner, "Corky", played by Josh Flitter. He was also great in "The Greatest Game Ever Played". He is pinchable cute and offers great humor to the movie. I was hopeful she would still remain true to "Ned", played by Max Thieriot, her quiet boy friend from her old hometown. He was more her type although Corky was fun and totally into the mysteries. But could you really see Corky and Nancy Drew together outside of friends?

This movie was family-clean and appropriate minus the single-parenting. It was a nice introduction to our daughter of Nancy Drew. Maybe she will pick up a Nancy Drew book and have a read.

Recipe Thursday: Avocado Tacos

These are a simple treat that I made up the other night. They were delish and refreshing.

1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled and chopped
1 medium tomato, fresh from the garden!, chopped
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
sea salt, fresh ground pepper to taste
2-3 Tbsp (or more) chunky salsa
3 flour tortillas
1/4 c. sour cream
1/4 c. colby jack cheese, shredded

Combine all ingredients up to the flour tortillas. Spoon a couple of spoonfuls of mixture into flour tortilla. Add dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of cheese. Wrap up and eat!

NOTE: I chop up my avocado rather than totally mash it. I like that texture better for this. I mash them more for a dip.

I was thinking you could probably add some black beans for more nutrition. You could also punch it up with some chili or cayenne powder. And for an immunity boost, add a clove of minced garlic. If you want meat, maybe add some shredded chicken. I wanted something simple, cool and tasty. And aren't avocados just a power-packed delicious food?!

Recipe Wednesday - Garlic Beef Enchiladas

We love these enchiladas and they don't last long in our house. They take a little bit of work but they are worth it!

1 lb. ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 Tbsp flour
1 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp sage
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 15oz can stewed tomatoes

Sauce:
1/3 c butter
4 to 6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c flour
1 16oz can beef broth
1 14.5 oz can tomato sauce
2 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp sage
1/2 tsp salt

12 flour tortillas
2 c colby jack cheese, shredded

Cook ground beef and onion. Drain off grease. Stir in flour, chili powder, cumin, sage, salt and garlic powder to meat. Add stewed tomatoes, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. Meanwhile in a large saucepan or skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add flour and make a paste. Slowly whisk in beef broth until a creamy gravy. Stir in tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, sage and salt. Cook until hot and bubbly.

Spoon some of the gravy into 9x13 pan. Spoon a couple of tablespoons of the meat mixture into a flour tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Roll tortilla up and place in pan. Finish with rest of tortillas. Cover with remaining gravy. Cover and bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake additional 10 minutes.

Suggestions:
* I use flour tortillas, but you could try corn tortillas as well.
* For a little extra heat, try a little cayenne pepper in there.

New Haircuts

Well two of the boys got haircuts this weekend. Our 2yo has only had little trims but he got a good buzz Saturday. While I was at it, I went ahead and buzzed the 3yo too.

I mean, who couldn't love that face!? :-)

First week of school - done!

Well, we made it through the first week of school with no blood shed, not too many tears, and an overall good week. There was only low grumbling from our 10yo dd who was warned to be positive with the young ones who may like school. Our 5yo ds did really well and had more staying power and stamina than the 5th grader! The 3yo ds wanted to "do school" and got in the thick of things quite well.

My only concern and eye-opener was how much one on one time was needed for the Kindergartener and Preschoolers. It should be an interesting year. We only hope we have the endurance to run this race!

:-)

Movie Review: "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets"

This last week I watched "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets" with Nicholas Cage, Jon Voight, and Ed Harris. I thoroughly enjoyed the first National Treasure. So I was looking forward to this one and I was not disappointed. In some ways I enjoyed this one more than the first. Although Nicholas Cage is the main star, it was Justin Bartha who plays Riley that makes the movie humorous along with Jon Voight. I can't help but like them. Then Helen Mirren, who plays Emily and mother of Ben Gates (Cage), also makes the movie more enjoyable and adds another layer to the story. I've always been an Ed Harris fan and he doesn't disappoint either.

Watching this movie like the last makes one want to go to places like the Library of Congress to see if the book of the Presidents exists and go to Mt. Rushmore to look for this secret passage to the gold. It definitely boosts tourism and encourages one to want to go to these landmarks and learn their true history.

This movie was PG and I had no problem watching it with our 10yo dd. There wasn't any bad language, questionable scenes or anything I felt was inappropriate. She also enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to her friends.

So for an enjoyable adventurous movie to get lost in, you should rent "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets".

Movie Review: "Definitely, Maybe"

I watched "Definitely, Maybe" this last week with Ryan Reynolds and Abigail Breslin ("Little Miss Sunshine"). This looked like it might be a good chick flick which I am always up for. I enjoyed Abigail Breslin in "Little Miss Sunshine" although I didn't care for that movie. This was the first I had heard of or seen Ryan Reynolds although it appears he has been around a number of years and has some good stuff coming out.

This movie was alright but a little disappointing. Without trying to give spoilers, Will Hayes (Reynolds) has a series of disappointing relationships and settles into a marriage that ends in divorce and a little girl, Maya (Breslin), who is his happy ending. Maya is interested in his string of lost loves and her mother. He realizes he married the wrong woman and should have ended up with another woman whom he pursues and wins. I guess I was disappointed because he settled and married the wrong woman, tossed his marriage, and magically hooked up with the "right" woman. Then his daughter was encouraging all of this although totally devoted to her mother too. I suppose I wanted him to either not marry who he did, or stick it out and make it work with her. I know there are those who totally disagree with me and my "old-fashioned" opinions or ideas.

Stormology 101 - Dr. Bill Lawrence

I stumbled upon Bible.org in looking for Bible studies on Elijah and some other references. Before downloading the podcasts and materials I wanted to get the background of the website and writers. Then on their home page there was reference to a study that seemed interesting to me - "Why Does God Lead Us Into Storms?" by Dr. Bill Lawrence of Dallas Baptist Theological Seminary. Hmmm....this seemed to hit the spot for me. I downloaded the first podcast and sermon notes. Wow! Stormology 101 was the first sermon and I sobbed through most of it because it cut straight to my hurt healing heart.

If you have some time or are looking for a moving study, try this one and any others of interest on Bible.org. I've also downloaded other Bill Lawrence's studies/sermons that look like they might be good too. I will blog what I find...

Eek! What's happened to my Janet Craig?

I am not a gardener, horticulturist, or anything else involving plants. But I do have a Janet Craig that seems to have done well the last several years. It gets the usual brown leaves that drop off here and there and it will sometimes get little browned edges. I am careful to lightly water it to prevent root rot and it is in reasonable, not too bright, indirect light. A week or so ago I gave it some MiracleGrow plant food as recommended by my plant book and MiracleGrow's box. In the last day or so over half of the leaves turned dark brown-black and look sick. The stalks are getting dark and brown too. There are two "stalks" in the large pot. One of them seems alright, but the other is the sickly one. What could be the problem? Time to Google...

***UPDATE: Apparently I have over-watered it. After looking at several sites they describe my leaves and associate it to over-watering. Great, I just watered it again today. I guess I better back off and really let it dry some before it dies.

First Day of School

Today was our first day of school at home and with our virtual school. It is 5yo ds first day of Kindergarten, 10yto dd first day of 5th grade and 3yo ds first day of "wannabe a Kindergartener and do school". We got started at 8:30am and stopped at 10:15am for a breakfast break. (Our kids don't like to eat real early but prefer a midmorning breakfast.) Then 5yo ds wrapped up his day around 12:30pm. He was still going strong when the 3yo ds and 10yo dd were ready to pack up and be done. Hmmm. I told him he was done with his assignments but I think he would have done more. But I didn't want to push him too much for fear he might not want to do it again tomorrow and beyond. It is almost 3pm and I am still working with 10yo dd on her school assignments, although she did take a lunch break for about 30-45 minutes. She also largely participated with 5yo ds quite interested in what he is doing and learning...no worries.

5yo ds told me he really liked school and 3yo ds said he liked school too. They were looking forward to tomorrow. YEAH! I just hope it lasts for awhile. 10yo dd was grumping getting started as usual. Bummer! I am hopeful she will enjoy this year more with her brothers "doing school" alongside her.

Since I took today off of school and I am still helping with school at 3pm, it looks like we will have our hands full this year. Although we would be done sooner if they weren't distracting one another and "chasing rabbits". However, "chasing rabbits" isn't all bad and do provide spontaneous educational moments.

So we shall see how tomorrow goes for day number 2!

Music Review - "Praise to the Lord - Hymn Arrangements for Two Pianos"

Okay, I just got this CD this week - you have to check it out! I was so moved when I heard this CD. "There's Something About That Name" moved me to tears. "It Is Well With My Soul", "I'd Rather Have Jesus" and more. You can go to Danny and Deanna's website to hear clips and order the CD.

Danny and Deanna are a husband-wife duo that have a piano studio in Owasso, Oklahoma. They are extremely accomplished pianists and musicians. I cannot say enough about them.

Deanna "Dee Dee" and I were roommates for a semester in college and were in a girls glee club together. Danny and I graduated the same year although I don't believe we shared any classes together. I heard them play individually many times while in school. I remember the first time I heard Danny. It was a Concerto-Aria concert one spring. My mouth hit the floor and my eyes got as big as saucers when I heard him play! Deanna is equally as accomplished with sight-reading that will make your head spin. You can read all about them on their website too.

Please check out their CD - you will thoroughly enjoy it!

Competition and Economics

While I was driving home from work a day or two ago I noticed that two name brand gas stations were advertising gasoline at $.20 difference from one another. They were right next door to one another and both common brands. How can this be? How can the station with the higher gas stay open and be competitive? I have noticed this repeatedly over the last couple of years and I still don't understand it. Sure, a couple cents difference I could understand, but $.20? All I can figure is the more expensive station was closer to the interstate and they gamble that someone pulling off for gas will stop there first. Or more people have that station's gas credit card than the other stations. I don't know. This is really a befuddlement to me...

I also don't understand eBay. I do a lot of shopping, searching, selling, etc. on eBay. I don't understand how some people will pay retail prices or more for items on eBay they could easily find at their local Wal-Mart, K-Mart, mall, etc. Or why someone will pay retail for used items again that could be found at these same locations brand new. Then they pay shipping and handling on top of all of that. All I can figure out is they are remote or just hate to get out and shop. But then I think that so many stores and shops now have online stores and usually good deals on shipping. Again, this is a befuddlement. I just don't understand some shopping trends.

What are your thoughts or insight?

Recipe Friday - Italian Pizza Casserole

1 lb. turkey sausage
3 oz. pepperoni, chopped
1 1/2 jars spaghetti sauce
1 box ziti pasta, cooked
1 c mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cook turkey sausage. Add spaghetti sauce and simmer 10-15 minutes. In a large casserole dish or 9x13 pan combine ziti pasta, turkey sausage and sauce mixture, and pepperoni. Top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 30 minutes in 350 degree oven until hot and bubbly.

Recipe Friday - Italian Beef Sandwiches

3-5# pot roast
5-6 cloves of garlic, halved
2 cans beef broth
1 Tbsp oregano
Salt & Pepper
1 small jar pepperocinis, sliced, not drained
1 small onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
Hoagie or Sub Rolls or Ciabatta Bread
Swiss or Provolone Cheese slices, Mustard, Mayonnaise

Lightly brown pot roast in pan (optional depending on your time). Place roast in crock pot. Cut slits in roast and embed halved pieces of garlic. Pour beef broth over roast. Sprinkle with oregano, salt and pepper. (Oregano is the key to the flavor.) Cover and let roast cook 3-5 hours until fork tender.

Remove roast from crock pot and tear apart or shred with fork. Add chopped onion, pepper, and pepperocinis (along with pepperocini juice) to broth. Begin to simmer and add shredded roast back to mixture. Simmer for another hour to infuse or blend all of the flavors.

With tongs, grab tongs full of meat and squeeze juice out. Place on toasted roll or bread. Optionally top with cheese, mustard and/or mayo depending on your tastes.

Recipe Sunday - Whole Wheat Pizza Crust

Whole Wheat Pizza Crust - Bread Machine

1 c. water
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp honey
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp yeast (bread machine yeast works well)

Place ingredients in order by manufacturer's suggestion. We have a Breadman Bread Machine and this is the order is specifies. Set the setting to pizza dough or dough and press start.

When the dough is complete, I let it rest a little in the bread pan. Dump the dough onto a lightly floured pan. Shape dough into pan to form even crust. Top with your favorite toppings. Bake in a 400 degree oven until brown and bubbly.

Gettin' Ready for School

This weekend was Sales Tax Holiday in our state. Although we homeschool and don't need all of the supplies and things the other school kids need, I thought I would take advantage of the savings. Maybe I should have reconsidered because it was an absolute madhouse in the stores! Gee whiz, you would have thought it was the day after Thanksgiving shopping!

I waited until late this evening to get the few school supplies I needed figuring things might have died down....nope! The school supply aisles were jam-packed with moms and kids. Yesterday I ventured into the malls and other stores to find a few clothing items the kids needed. Whew! Children's Place is a tight store with no one and no strollers in there...but claustrophobic with all the people and strollers. Boy, I was glad I left the boys and stroller at home!

And is it me or can you only find dress pants and dress shoes for boys at Christmas and Easter?! I have been convinced over the last 5+ years shopping for boys that they get the shaft sometimes for clothing. You have 10 racks of girls clothes to their measly little one or two racks. It is terribly frustrating. I know boys aren't as into clothing but a little selection and size variation would be nice.

Well, I think I am done shopping for now...and I am wondering where the weekend went.

Few months since blogging

I haven't blogged for awhile because of getting snowed under at work. Then I got spooked when I popped up in Google from my professional blog. I value my privacy and my family's privacy immensely. So when I popped up in a Lotus site blogging, I back-burnered my blogging for a little bit to reconsider.

I've reconsidered and decided I have too much to say or share with not too many people to share with locally. So I must rely on my past acquaintances and new online acquaintances to flourish. I've connected with so many folks via Facebook that I must blog on....At least blogging can be a little more private than Facebook.

Happy Birthday, Bro!

A Happy Birthday shout out to my big brother! We won't get nasty with ages and how he makes me sick that he still looks 21 and could still easily pass his PT from the Air Force. Sorry, I am starting to get nasty! :-)

Anyway, Happy Birthday, Bro!

Hope you enjoyed skiing!

Movie Review: "License to Wed"

I checked out "License to Wed" at the library last week because I enjoy Robin Williams, even though he has had several duds of movies. I enjoy his energy and humor.

This movie wasn't as bad as some of the critics make it out to be. It's the story of a newly engaged couple that begins pre-marital counseling with Reverend Frank (Robin Williams). He puts them through a pretty rigorous counseling curriculum to determine if they should get married. If they make it through the curriculum then he will marry them. Rev. Frank really heats things up, eavesdrops, and plants dissension between them. Then in the end when you think they aren't going to make it, they pull together and find each others strengths and weaknesses and how they can compliment one another.

While the premise of the movie is good, the living arrangements of the couple didn't meet my approval. The engaged couple is living together and very open about their likes and dislikes in the bedroom.

Welcome to Moe's!

I'm not one to offer restaurant reviews because I eat just about anything anywhere. Sometimes folks will rave about a restaurant that is so-so to me or I will rave about a restaurant that others don't prefer. However, I had to offer this review.

There is a food chain called "Moe's Southwest Grill" that I got around to trying. I saw a commercial on TV and thought it might be up my alley. I love Mexican and Southwest type of food...probably my favorite.

Oh my! This was some tasty good eats! They serve nachos, quesadillas, burritos and the like. I liken it to Southwest style Subway. You start with a base and then tell them what you want in your burrito, quesadilla, salad or whatever you pick. They have pico de gallo, guac, jalepenos, cilantro and more. They serve hot fresh chips and salsa with every order. You definitely got me there!

Moe's is that nice in-between restaurant between a low-end Taco Bell and higher end Chi-Chi's or Chevy's. The food is good and fresh and oh so tasty. I am drooling now! Moe's anyone?

NOTE: One thing I should mention I've noticed over the last year is that there is a difference between Mexican and Southwest. This was new to me. (I told you I wasn't gastronomique!) I probably prefer Southwest with all of its flavors but I will take fresh authentic Mexican any day too. (Where's A. Gallegos when I need her?!)

Keeping in Touch

It is interesting to me when one person you know notices you out in the Internet social abyss it lights a ring of sparks.

Out of curiosity a while back I signed up for Facebook and I only hooked up with two people. In the last week I've been noticed by five or more other friends and acquaintances. Then I write a couple of blogs. Send a number of emails. Upload images, upload videos, etc. All I have to do is join MySpace...don't know about that one yet. Then no telling how many friends I would hook up with if I filled out all of the information they want.

So much for privacy! I want to stay in touch with family, friends and acquaintances but usually have to sacrifice much of my privacy to accomplish that. So where is the happy medium of staying in touch but protecting oneself and their family from those you don't want prying into your world?

Happy Birthday, AC!

Tomorrow is the big #2 birthday for our little AC! He is definitely not a baby anymore. Sniff! Sniff! He's the last one in diapers - YEAH! He is such a happy boy absolutely full of energy and life. However, he is showing his upcoming age. He gets upset, frustrated or cries for unknown reasons and has fits at the drop of a hat. I know he is frustrated because he tries to communicate and then just gets mad. So between difficulty in communicating and understanding all of his little emotions the 2's are definitely settling in. ARGH! But despite all that he is still the most joyful happy little guy...he loves to horse around, giggle, wrestle, and play and usually always with a big grin on his face and twinkle in his eye. What is interesting is he was the most unhappy grumpy baby when he was born. He was such a difficult baby virtually impossible to keep happy. Then we visited a Cranio-Sacral Therapist a couple of times and he was a new child. Thank goodness!

Anyway, Happy Birthday! Mommy loves you so much!

Splitting Off

I am splitting off another blog from this one. I am splitting off my professional blog elsewhere. I want to blog about stuff professionally but also personally. My professional interests I don't want to get mixed in and overlooked by my peers. I also don't want friends and family to yawn over my blog because of wading through Lotus Notes and programming. If you are interested in Lotus Notes and programming - then go here: domnotesgu.blogspot.com and also www.planetlotus.org

Super Bowl musings

First let me say that I am not a sports buff or even much of a fan. The extent of my sports watching is being in the same room with ESPN Sportscenter. The only parts I really get into are the personal pieces with family and backgrounds of the players. Then I connect to a team regardless of stats. Let's face it, I am all about emotion and picking who has the nicer outfit.

So, I was really pulling for the NY Giants and Eli Manning. (Although I liked the Pats outfits better. ) Last year I was cheering for his big brother Peyton of the Indy Colts. There just such nice, clean cut guys, you just can't help but cheer for them. Then there was all the bad press surrounding the Pats. Although it would have been nice to see them go undefeated to the end. Since I am not totally football-savvy but not a football dunce either, I was into the last couple of minutes like all the other fans. Eli and his team made a several nice moves that saved the Giants and broke the Pats. Way to go!

As for the musicians this year:

• It was great and touching to see Jordin Sparks singing the National Anthem...hometown with dad's team. She did a nice job! Nice set of pipes!
• Then a nice not-so-showy half-time show with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I recognized the tunes and it was easy to watch. But the whole time he is singing with his band, I am thinking, this guy or anyone on the stage with them isn't much younger than my dad and look at these young people going crazy rockin' with him?
  

Finally after the National Anthem, were those Luke AFB F-16's? Sigh. Gee, I wish I knew an F-16 pilot!

Toddlers, Pre-Schoolers and Grade Schoolers

By the end of this evening, I was at my last breath of patience. Over the last several days I've listened to the almost 2yo whine and cry continuously with no idea why; the 3yo whine and cry about being left out, left alone, or just not getting his way; the 4yo has been tame; and the typical school struggles with the 9yo...carelessness, doesn't pay attention, attention span of a gnat, etc. Now let me hasten to say this is all part of the territory of their ages and their other wonderful qualities far outweigh these temporary troublesome ones. So a calm deep breath, good nite's sleep and fresh new day makes all the difference.

As I drift off to sleep, I am reminded of their sweet or cute antics too.

The 3yo has been growing a drawl like you wouldn't believe...single syllables words are turning into 2-3 syllables...nap = nay-ap, have = hay-ave and so on. You get the picture. But what is funny is he doesn't really get out much or interact with much of anyone, so where did the drawl come from? Do I talk like that? If I do, please slap me! He has also been growing his own way of talking..."Ok, Mom, here's the deal..." How many 3yo's say that? And, "Actually Mom, ..."

Our almost 2yo is coming up on his 2nd birthday in a few weeks and I think the terrible twos are hitting him hard. Ever since I returned from Lotusphere and his grandpa left he has been a whiney bag grump with the strongest will I've seen in him yet. But again, his charm and good nature over-shadows his present disposition. He has a face for every moment, quick as a whip, and really does have a sweet side.

And I have to add that our 3yo is just about potty-trained! Yip-pee (no pun intended!) I am one child away from being diaper free! They all four sleep through the night. I think I have just about arrived...until the next crisis of raising children.

But like I tell everyone I meet that gawk at me wide-eyed and slack-jawed, these kids are fun good kids. I can take them out in public, sit with them in a church service, and let them go with another trusted adult without cringing. I wouldn't trade them for anything!

Time to buckle down...

Holidays are over. Lotusphere has come and gone. It is time to buckle down and get busy.

After Lotusphere I was really struck by the importance and urgency to step up my programming game. Lotus Formula language and LotusScript can only take me so far. As IBM Lotus Domino evolves there is more to know. It is time to add a few more skills to my bag. From what I was hearing all week, it was XML, Java, DXL, etc. I am okay with XML and probably DXL with a little effort, but that elephant, Java? That's where the JumpStart (JMP207) session on Sunday with Paul Calhoun and John Kidd were so valuable. Maybe I can eat an elephant...it's worth a try. And furthermore, I have a comrade who's been through these waters in express and accelerated mode - my brother. Ok, so he only had a semester or two of it in grad school - he's ahead of me! Well, I plan on investing (or have my company invest) in O'Reilly's Head First books...hopefully they will help this old girl stay young!

Movie Review: "Enchanted"

A few weeks ago I spent my last free movie ticket to see Disney's "Enchanted" starring Patrick Dempsey, Amy Adams, James Marsden and Susan Sarandon. The storyline is an animated princess gets sent to the real world of NYC by the evil step-mother/witch. The animated handsome prince comes to rescue her, but of course, she is going to fall in love with the real world divorce attorney. Didn't see that one coming, did you? Actually it was a real cute clean movie.

Before leaving for the theater, my little 9yo princess was kind enough to offer to accompany me to the theater. How sweet of her. I declined her gracious offer with the reasoning that I only had one ticket. ;-) After seeing the movie I think it could encourage her existing princess and "happily ever after" thoughts. I don't care for any of the Disney witch, wizard, sorcery, etc scenarios. But there was no sleeping around, bad language or excessive skin showing, so I may let this one slide for her and let her see it. It isn't out on DVD yet but she will let me know when it is.

Back from Lotusphere

I spent last week in Orlando/Disney World at Lotusphere. It was my first Sphere. I had typically attended The VIEW's Admin conferences in Boston in my previous Lotus days years ago. Then after my 4 yr sabbatical I am back in Lotus World. So I had the good fortune of attending Lotusphere which was more beneficial to me now since I am pure development now, not wearing the Admin and Dev caps.

Several regrets, however...1.) get registered earlier - no hotels on-site 2.) go to more sessions, bofs, etc. 3.) stick to the present and a little future, rather than lots of future and little present 4.) more networking with the pros, and more exploration of products. Those are a few...but I am just a newb to the Sphere. If there is a next time, which I hope there is, I will be a little more savvy.

I am gathering other Lotus blogs like a mad person - there is so much info to glean there and I love it all.

Lady Sterling