Movie Review: Taken

This movie was fantastic. Although, I do have to say, I don't think I've seen many movies with Liam Neeson because his voice is quite distracting and creepy. However, if you can ignore that, the movie rocks. Lots of good action. Based on the story that his 17 year old daughter and her friend take off to Europe under the guise of visiting a bunch of museums. What they are really after are all the U2 concerts.....all across Europe. And Daddy isn't too thrilled about that. And of course, being young and stupid, they give out too much info to a cute boy at the airport and wind up kidnapped and sold into the sick world of human trafficking. Daddy, being retired special forces, takes off to find his daughter and her friend.

Where Am I?

Excuse me while I have a moment.

This kid? Is the cutest thing I have ever seen. I'm sure every mom feels this way about her child(ren). And seriously. He's cute beyond words. And I love him more than anything in the world.

But where am I in him? All I see, especially in these pictures, are traces of OTHER people. I see my dad in some pictures. My husband in others. Even my brother. But no me. And it hit me tonight when I was editing these pictures (besides the fact that they are still fuzzy and I'm having some doubts about my camera....or maybe it's the operator) and I was up close and personal with some portions of the pictures......he doesn't even LOOK like me. And it seriously breaks my heart.

But no one makes that kid smile like I do. No one makes him laugh harder. And no one loves him more than I do. And that makes me feel better.

Oh, and he now sleeps with his "doddie" (doggie). He has two, and night after night, when I hold them both up and tell him to choose which one, he pics this one hands down. I think because it matches his blanket. But it's so cute to see him cuddle the "doddie" as he falls asleep.

Finally! With a Capital "F"

I have been waiting for this day for a looooonnnnnnng time, now. Patiently, might I add.

The ticket sales date has FINALLY been announced for the best concert (hopefully) I will ever attend....well, next to Keith Urban of course. Because that man is just delicious.

However, coming THIS summer:

Kenny Chesney

Miranda Lambert
Lady Antebellum

And I love them all. We will be going with some friends, my parents, and my aunt and uncle and I.AM.STOKED. Price doesn't matter. I will be there.

Movie Review: Religulous

***disclaimer: if you are a religious person, this post might offend you.***

So, this really wasn't a movie....it was a documentary by comedian Bill Maher. Who offends quite a lot of people. Regularly. And this documentary was recommended to me by an old friend who knew I would take interest in it.

And the friend was right. I LOVED it. Every.last.minute. As a person who does not believe in religion, this documentary really drove home every last point I ever hope to make regarding religion. But I never will. Why? Because they are MY beliefs and I don't shove them down other people's throats. And I won't here, either. I will stick to my review.

The following is the synopsis from Netflix (where we get our movies):

Politically provocative talk show host Bill Maher skewers the current state of organized religion in this documentary that derives its title from a blend of the words "religion" and "ridiculous." Making stops in Jerusalem, the Vatican and other holy destinations, Maher travels the world to talk to believers from a variety of faiths to find out why they're so sure their religion is right -- and why they're so certain others are wrong.

It was a fantastic documentary and I highly recommend it.

Anticipation!

Soooooo this weekend, I am headed for the mountains with some close friends. And let me tell ya, the fact that I will be driving to the cabin in like 4 days is quite appealing and is, frankly, all that's getting me through this week. And the weather is supposed to be fantastic! Even better! It's a girls only weekend.....no husbands, no boyfriends, no children. Period. There will be games, mexican food, and most definitely, adult beverages. I'm planning on having a fabulous time, surrounded by good people.

Because this, my friends? Is paradise.

My Mother's Day

This has been one heck of a busy Mother's Day! I thought I was supposed to relax?! Just kidding. We started out the day taking the child swimming at the gym. Sundays are one of the family swim days and I banked on the hopes that everyone would be taking their mamas to brunch....and I was right! We were the ONLY ones in the pool and it was so much fun! The camera is still grounded from the pool, so I have no pictures of the fun....so just take my word for it.

Then, we had our parents and siblings over for a BBQ this evening. On the menu was pork tenderloin, red potatoes in butter and parsley, pasta salad, and rhubarb crisp and vanilla ice cream for dessert. It was a hit! I love that our parents get along so well - there's hardly ever a quite moment and it's never awkward.....which makes me very happy. A hostess at ease is the best! So while preparing the food, I stopped to just sit and enjoy the conversation.

And snap pictures on the sly. Carter, of course, was mostly the center of attention. He's so fun to watch and his chatter/babble is just hilarious!

I have decided that my camera is not grounded anymore.....and I have also decided it does much better with outdoor pictures. I need to sit down with the four manuals it came with and figure out more on the thousand settings and focus options.

My dad, telling stories about my parents' recent two-week adventure to Panama.

Someone was clearly deep in tought. About the bubbles, maybe?

The tables full of delicious grub.

After everyone had left, it was bath time. And then Carter finally figured out that since he's not quite tall enough to make a basket on the floor, he would utilize his music/learning chair for another purpose....and finally made a basket on his own!

The he joined Eric to play some Mario Kart on the Wii.

Seriously - look at the concentration on this kid's face! He's going to be kicking our butts at this game if we don't pay attention!