Mama Pajama

So Many Movies...

I found this meme over at Malcolm's Pop Culture Dish. 

Here are the rules:

Bold the movie if you’ve seen it.
Put asterisks next to the movies you’ve seen and liked.

(I also took the liberty of putting one, two, or three asterisks next to the movies I liked....since this might be my only opportunity to be Roger Ebert for a day.) 

1. Pulp Fiction 1994 *
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy 2001-03 *
3. Titanic 1997 **
4. Blue Velvet 1986
5. Toy Story 1995 **
6. Saving Private Ryan 1998 *
7. Hannah and Her Sisters 1986
8. The Silence of the Lambs 1991***
9. Die Hard 1988*
10. Moulin Rouge 2001
11. This Is Spinal Tap 1984
12. The Matrix 1999
13. GoodFellas 1990**
14. Crumb 1995
15. Edward Scissorhands 1990*
16. Boogie Nights 1997
17. Jerry Maguire 1996***
18. Do the Right Thing 1989
19. Casino Royale 2006
20. The Lion King 1994***
21. Schindler’s List 1993***
22. Rushmore 1998
23. Memento 2001
24. A Room With a View 1986
25. Shrek 2001**
26. Hoop Dreams 1994**
27. Aliens 1986
28. Wings of Desire 1988
29. The Bourne Supremacy 2004***
30. When Harry Met Sally… 1989*
31. Brokeback Mountain 2005*
32. Fight Club 1999 

33. The Breakfast Club 1985**
34. Fargo 1996*
35. The Incredibles 2004
36. Spider-Man 2 2004
37. Pretty Woman 1990*
38. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 2004
39. The Sixth Sense 1999*
40. Speed 1994*
41. Dazed and Confused 1993*
42. Clueless 1995*
43. Gladiator 2000**
44. The Player 1992
45. Rain Man 1988***
46. Children of Men 2006
47. Men in Black 1997*
48. Scarface 1983*
49. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 2000*
50. The Piano 1993**
51. There Will Be Blood 2007**
52. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad 1988**
53. The Truman Show 1998
54. Fatal Attraction 1987**
55. Risky Business 1983**
56. The Lives of Others 2006
57. There’s Something About Mary 1998***
58. Ghostbusters 1984*
59. L.A. Confidential 1997
60. Scream 1996*
61. Beverly Hills Cop 1984*
62. sex, lies and videotape 1989
63. Big 1988***
64. No Country For Old Men 2007
65. Dirty Dancing 1987

66. Natural Born Killers 1994
67. Donnie Brasco 1997
68. Witness 1985**
69. All About My Mother 1999
70. Broadcast News 1987
71. Unforgiven 1992
72. Thelma & Louise 1991***
73. Office Space 1999***
74. Drugstore Cowboy 1989
75. Out of Africa 1985
76. The Departed 2006**
77. Sid and Nancy 1986
78. Terminator 2: Judgment Day 1991 

79. Waiting for Guffman 1996
80. Michael Clayton 2007 

81. Moonstruck 1987*
82. Lost in Translation 2003

83. Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn 1987
84. Sideways 2004 

85. The 40 Year-Old Virgin 2005***
86. Y Tu Mamá También 2002
87. Swingers 1996
88. Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery 1997**
89. Breaking the Waves 1996
90. Napoleon Dynamite 2004*
91. Back to the Future 1985***
92. Menace II Society 1993
93. Ed Wood 1994
94. Full Metal Jacket 1987*
95. In the Mood for Love 2001
96. Far From Heaven 2002
97. Glory 1989**
98. The Talented Mr. Ripley 1999***
99. The Blair Witch Project 1999
100. South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut 1999

This is the Life...

We finally brought out the pool this year (it also makes a great toy box in the house).  As you can see, Cameron really liked it.  For some reason we didn't pull it out last year, but two years ago he wasn't really sure about it. He thought it was an outside bath or something. It's funny to see how much he has changed in two years!

Cool Tub Idea

Recently, I saw a commercial advertising a new kind of walk in tub. What's really cool about it, is that all you have to do is walk in, sit down, close the water proof door, and then fill up the tub.  You never have to climb out of it. All you do is drain the water, and walk right out!  It is advertised for those with mobility or joint issues, but I think it is a great idea for everyone!  If you need to replace a shower or bathtub, it's a great option.

Commercials

Cameron's favorite thing about television is definitely the commercials.  He stops in his tracks when he hears drug commercials from Caduet, Nasonex, and especially Lunesta.  I think it's the part where they list out the possible side effects. The person usually has a nice smooth voice and there's just something about it that he likes.  This morning he liked one that featured a law office asking if you or someone you love is suffering from mesothelioma.  I wish I knew exactly why these grab his attention!

Thursday Thirteen: Thirteen Modern Classic Films (that weren't on EW's list!)

This week's edition of Entertainment Weekly featured many of my favorite things: LISTS!  It includes the top 100 "New Classic" movies, albums, television shows, and more.  One hundred movies seems like a lot, but when you're covering a twenty-five year span, it doesn't leave much room for errors.  So, of course, I thought that there were plenty of movies that could have should have been included in place of several that were (in my humble opinion) less than classic (ie. Casino Royale, Speed, Clueless, and to top it off: Evil Dead 2: Dead by Dawn).  Here are 13 movies that I think should have been included in Entertainment Weekly's list of The 100 Best Films of the Last 25 Years:

1.   The Color Purple (1985)

2. Dumb and Dumber (1994)

3. Boyz N the Hood (1991)

4.  The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

5. Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

6.   Forrest Gump (1994)

7. The Cider House Rules (1999)

8. Dead Man Walking (1995)

9. Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

10. The Karate Kid (1984)

11. The Fugitive (1993)

12. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)

13. Philadelphia (1993)

Nice Hint

I have always had terrible looking fingernails. I've never even had a manicure, because honestly, I'm pretty embarrassed by the way my hands look.  They aren't hideous, but I tend to peel off my nails as they grow.  It's a nervous habit, I guess.  For Christmas one year, my parents bought me a manicure set from Rubis that was so nice.  I guess it was a 'not so subtle' hint that I should take care of my nails!

Want to Get Away for the Fall?

Am I the only one who wants to escape to the pool in this picture?  It is so hot here right now, and we could so use a vacation!!! You know, a fabulous vacation destination like this might not even be out of reach afterall.  Have you heard about WonderFALLs? It's a celebration being held by the folks at Beaches Resorts!

During the off-peak season months of September and October, you will be able to save up to 45% off the normally published rates.  If you stay seven nights or more you can even get two nights free!

Beaches has lined up some really fun events and activities for this WonderFALL Celebration.  There will be plenty of stage shows for the little ones, such as Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street.  Elmo and Gordon will also be performing live!  So while you are enjoying the serenity of the pool and the beach, your kids will also have plenty to look forward to each day. If you're interested in experiencing the WonderFALLs Celebration with your family, click here to get even more information!

Smart New Lock from Schlage

Now why hasn't someone thought of this before?   I absolutely love the new Schlage Electronic Keypad Deadbolt. It allows entrance into your home without the use of a key.  (But it also comes with two keys that will work in place of a code).  My husband installed ours very easily on our back door. 

What's really neat about it, is that you can set several different codes to work at once.  In fact, you can set up to nineteen codes if you'd like!  We all have times when we'd like to be able to let someone in our home when we're not there. Maybe you would like a neighbor to be able to get in to let your dog out. Or, maybe you have a painter that you trust to come in while you aren't home.  But, you also don't really want to give out your key.  Well, with this lock, you can set a code for them to get in, and then erase it when the job is complete! 

Plus, it's very comforting to know that you'll never be accidentally locked out of your home. You can just use the code to let yourself in.  (No more digging for the key under a rock somewhere in the yard!)  It's just a simple, yet ingenius idea!  I'm so glad that Schlage developed it!

Vacation Destinations

I would love to visit Cancun right now.  We could really use a vacation!  We might go there next summer.  There are so many places in the U.S. that I also want to see.  I'd love to go to Sedona, Arizona, or even Santa Fe, New Mexico.  I'd also love to go to the East Coast. We went to Colorado for our honeymoon in 1999, and I'd love to go back there during the summer again.  Maybe one day we'll be able to get fractional ownership of a home in Winter Park.  Then, we could spend two months out of the year there, but return to Texas during the winter!

Computing Needs

Are you in need of networking or communications products for your business?  You might want to look into used cisco products.  You will find refurbished as well as new products at great prices. They have equipment that can even be used for home networking, allowing you to share things like internet access and printers.  Wouldn't it be great to be able to share your music and games on more than one computer in your home?

Not Again!

Our Westie, Buster (right) might have bladder stones again. We noticed that it is taking him a long time to urinate. Also, today we saw a little blood that dripped on the floor.  We are bringing him to the vet tomorrow morning.  The vet saw bladder stones several months ago and he was put on a special food to help dissolve them.  It seemed to work, but now he's showing signs of this problem again.  We'll obviously know more tomorrow.  He's such a good dog - I hope he's OK!

Need New Boots?

If you have a job that requires that you wear work boots, you should check out workbootsusa.com. They have the latest and greatest in all your footwear needs.  You will not only find the style of boots you are looking for, but you'll get them at a great price. Check it out today!

Remember Me?

While I was just looking through some old pictures of Cameron, I came across this one.  I remember this day so clearly. It was two years ago, and it was the first time he pushed up on his arms like this.  It just made me realize how far he has come. 

Cameron has finally started "letting go" to try and stand independently.  He has stood completely by himself for four second stints about five times.  It is so exciting for all of us.  I can't wait to tell his PT tomorrow!

Gas Mileage

We recently traded in our Honda Accord for a Toyota Carolla.  Between gas prices and Chris' long commute each day, we felt like this was a smart move.  I think he's actually getting over 40 mpg! I like it because to get optimum gas mileage, he's also driving a little bit slower than usual.  Our auto insurance also dropped with the new car.  That always helps.  Need any info. about children's life insurance?  (There's the link just in case.)

La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon)

As soon as we finished watching La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon) last night, I knew I had to write about it today. It is honestly one of the best movies I have ever seen. I'd rank it up there with The Shawshank Redemption and Steel Magnolias (and for me that's saying a lot!)  It just came out on DVD yesterday.  Without giving much away, it is the story of Carlitos, a nine year old boy who embarks on a journey to find his mother.  She has been away for several years in L.A., trying to earn money and provide him with a better life. 

Carlitos is played by Adrian Alonso.   (He also appeared in 2005's The Legend of Zorro, playing the young son of the title character.)  His performance in La Misma Luna is absolutely the best one I have ever seen by a child actor. 

I am going to attempt to persuade you to rent this film as soon as possible, but I do not want to give away much of the plot. I want you to watch this film with an open mind and heart.  Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

Wordless Wednesday

 

Summer Reading

There are so many books that I want to read this summer.  Right now I'm reading Fat Tuesday by Sandra Brown. But, I have several books that I haven't even started lying around the house. I also love to read magazines, such as People and Entertainment Weekly.  But Cameron loves to shred them up after he drinks his bottles.  So I have to read those as soon as they arrive in the mail!

Music Mama

I am someone that always has to have music playing.  I especially love to listen to music while working out and cooking.  I adore my ipod nano, that I've had for almost three years.  But, after I crashed my computer recently, I realized that all of my itunes were erased.  This isn't as devastating as it seemed at first, since as long as I don't plug in my ipod to the computer, the songs I have stored on it will remain on there forever. I use a little plug-in charger anyway.  But, of course, now that I can't add or change songs on there, I really want to do so even more.  I've been researching different MP3 players, and I might go ahead and get a new one that will hold more songs.  But that still won't change the fact that the songs we had loaded are now gone! And as I end this post, I can hear the world's tiniest violin playing just for me.

The Heat is On

I can't believe how hot it has already been this year.  I know that it is going to continue to be ridiculously hot until at least early October. But, I would much prefer heat to snow.  Hopefully I can bring Cameron to the neighborhood pool in the coming weeks.  I found a really cute baby float that even has a little sun cover. I think he'll enjoy the water.  Now I just need to make myself work out so that I'm not embarrassed in a swimsuit.  I'm not a believer in diet pills, so I guess I had better get on the exercise bike!

Thursday Thirteen: Reviews of the Last 13 Movies I've Seen

This week it's about movies! Chris and I went to see the latest Indiana Jones movie on Saturday.  So for this week's Thursday Thirteen, I thought I'd give my two cents on the last thirteen movies we've seen (mostly at home on DVD).

1.   Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - Without giving much away, I thought that the special effects were incredible.  I especially enjoyed the interaction between Shia LaBeouf and Harrison Ford. But, honestly, the plot left something to be desired.  That is not to say that the movie is not worth watching.  It will definitely be a classic piece of Americana.  It's just that the alien aspect of the plot was a little silly for me. 

2.   The Lost City - This is the story of an affluent Cuban family dealing with major political changes during the late 1950s. Batista's rule ended, but with Fidel Castro, came a Marxist government.  This film poignantly shows how a family is torn apart over political ideals.  Andy Garcia, who was born in Cuba, stars in and directed this amazing film.  I thought he did an excellent job directing the scenes that he acted in with his father.  He also makes the audience understand how important music is to Cuban culture.

3.   Before the Devil Knows You're Dead - This was a really great film! I had never heard of it, but Chris rented it last week.  It stars Ethan Hawke, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei, and Albert Finney.   This is a story about a chain of events that just spirals out of control.  It's one of those movies that explores how far one will go to get away with what they want.  That's not explaining much, but I don't want to ruin it for anyone. This is one that you've just got to see!

4. Charlie Wilson's War - We thoroughly enjoyed this movie.  Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, and Philip Seymour Hoffman were all fantastic.  Charlie Wilson, a politician with lots of character flaws, finds a way to make a real difference in the world. He helps rebels in Afghanistan fight the Soviets by giving them weapons and support. It all sounds far fetched, but it is based on a true story! 

5. Cassandra's Dream - Two brothers, played by Colin Farrell and Ewan McGregor, try to make a play that could really change their lives.  But, as plans like this often do, it all starts to unravel.  I really enjoyed this one, but it's not the feel good movie of the year.

6. National Treasure: Book of Secrets - This sequel was almost as good as the original. I'm a sucker for cheesy one-liners, as long as the plot is creative and original.  This one is definitely worth renting.  Plus, this is one that the whole family can enjoy!

7. Schindler's List - Chris had never seen this one, so we borrowed it from my brother.  What an exceptional film.  This is one that we should all probably see more than once.

8.   Thank You For Smoking - This one has been out for a few years.  I thought it was very cleverly done.  I really thought that Aaron Eckhart was very convincing as a tobacco lobbyist, spinning his way out of every sticky situation - up to a point.  William H. Macy is also fun to watch as his "Vermont Cheddar" is scrutinized for its cholesterol content.  This one has a satisfying ending.

9. The Upside of Anger - This is the story of a woman who must deal with the sudden absence of her husband.  Major alcoholism and depression make this a real challenge.  Her three young adult daughters must also navigate through this major transition.  While it might seem like a real downer, I found the relationships and conversations to be both realistic and revealing.  Rent it and you'll be glad you did.

10. The Other Boleyn Girl  - We loved this movie!  But, we are really into the Showtime Series Tudors. If you like the drama, mystery, and history of the Boleyn and Tudor families, you will probably enjoy this film.  Scarlett Johansson plays Mary Boleyn, the less famous sister of Ann.  According to the film, she falls in love and produces a son with King Henry VIII.  But, because she was confined to bedrest during most of the pregnancy, he loses interest in her and becomes infatuated with her sister Ann.  He fails to recognize the child as his heir, and proceeds to give up many things in order to make Ann his Queen.

11. The List - DO NOT RENT THIS MOVIE! It is so bad that it will make you laugh out loud.  In all fairness to Chris for picking it out, it appears to be an interesting story about a secret list that dates back to the Civil War.  But, it turns out that the movie is all about "the power of prayer" and "fighting off evil".  There's nothing wrong with those two things, but the script is almost as bad as the acting in this one.   

12. The Bucket List - Now this is a great movie! It was so popular that I'm sure everyone knows about the story.  But honestly, I didn't think it would be as moving as it turned out to be.  If you want to 1.see something majestic 2.laugh until you cry 3.you get the picture.....check it out!

13.  Match Point - Want something a little different? This is the story of a guy who wants to climb his way up the social and economic ladder.  Who doesn't? But it's what he's willing to do to get there that makes this Woody Allen picture so shocking. It will definitely keep you guessing.

Halloween Ideas

I absolutely love Halloween!  This is probably because my mom always made a really big deal of this holiday...decorating the house, making complicated costumes by hand, etc.  So after Cameron was born, I knew she was going to be involved with his little costumes.  For his first Halloween, he was a pumpkin. He had a crocheted hat and booties, and a little pumpkin onesie.  We didn't take him Trick-or-Treating, but he had fun with the family at home. 

For his second Halloween, Cameron was a cowboy.  My mom found a cute set of overalls, two different cowboy hats, and soft little baby boots. This was my favorite costume so far.  He looked so serious in that picture!

This past year, Cameron was a pirate. It was a little more difficult to get him into this costume. He wasn't sure about the scarf or the eye patch. But at least he kept it on long enough for us to snap a few pictures. Thanks to Buster, the sword is now long gone.  But, at least he can still wear the black shoes!

Now we're trying to decide on this year's costume. Yes, we still have four months to make a decision. But I like to be prepared!  I've been looking for costumes online. I found a really cute Indiana Jones outfit that I think I'm going to buy.  Chris doesn't know it yet, but I might make them both dress up as Indiana Jones.  Since Chris already has a cool leather Indiana Jones hat, it wouldn't be hard to put the whole outfit together.  We'll see if that actually happens!

Bicycle Boy

Chris bought Cameron a really cool child bicycle seat that fits in between the adult seat and the handle bars.  It's really cool because it allows the child to sit in the front. Cameron loves it, of course!  He wears his horse riding helmet, and loves every minute of speeding through the neighborhood with Chris and I.  But, his favorite thing is when we park (on the bike) near the busy road by our house.  He absolutely loves watching all the cars, trucks, and if we're lucky, motorcycles go by.  There's only one problem with taking him for bicycle rides...they must come to an end at some point!  As soon as we turn into our driveway, the tears start rolling.  But, I think the fun of riding on the bike outweighs the sadness of when it's time to get off. 

Summer Learning Fun

June is here!  Thank goodness, right?  But with all the joy that summer may bring, you might also be wondering how to keep your kids on target academically.  You want them to retain what they just learned, and maybe even get a head start on next year's curriculum.  But what is the best way to do this?  You also don't want to burn them out on school work or cause frustration. Luckily there are tons of kids educational games from which to choose.  You're probably wondering which ones are worth the money, as well as your child's time. 

Personally, I think that all kids need to practice their math and reading skills in the summer. There are lots of interesting math games for kids out there, and I would highly recommend trying to find something that your child really enjoys.  As a former elementary school math teacher, I remember how much time we'd have to spend at the beginning of each new school year reviewing the previous year's curriculum.  This is fine, but kids that practiced their skills in the summer naturally had a much easier time grasping new concepts later on. 

Knowledge Adventure offers a wide variety of multimedia kids educational software that can be used at home.   My favorite is the JumpStart Series. These fun learning games are designed to teach your child fundamental math and reading skills, but also delve into topics such as art, music, languages, and more! JumpStart offers these exciting games for kids from pre-K to Grade 5.  You can easily download the software on their website. Check it out today to make learning fun for the whole family!

Cameron's New Move

Cameron spent Saturday with his MeMe.  When he returned home that evening, he was ready to show us something new.  If you ask him to "shake n bake" now he'll stick out his fist for a knuckle shake.  This is really surprising, since he doesn't really do a lot with his hands yet. We're still working on waving "bye bye" etc.  But I guess he thinks this is cool.  Whatever the reason, it is something different and fun to do with him.  It's also a great distraction when he's fighting me while I'm trying to feed him. 

Computer Issues

With all of the computer issues we have had over the past few weeks, I'm wondering if we also need more ram.  We've been adding lots of new software to our computer lately, so that might be why it has been running a little bit more slowly.  We've even thought about getting a new computer, but I guess that if it continues to work, we should keep what we've got!

Informed Decisions

With so many hormonal supplements available for women, it can difficult deciding what we really need.  There are so many factors to consider, such as age and your specific health needs. For example, women might need estrogen, or progesterone at different times in their lives.  However, it is definitely best to ask your doctor before taking any type of supplements or hormones.

Thursday Thirteen: My Favorite American Idol Performances

I thought I'd squeeze in another post about American Idol while we can all still remember the names of the final contestants!  My husband and I definitely watched American Idol more this year than in the past few years combined.  There were several performances that just blew me away. Here's my list of favorite American Idol performances from this past season: (Click on the song title to watch/hear it on youtube)

1. Michael Johns - It's All Wrong - Dolly Parton

2. David Archuleta - Imagine - John Lennon

3. David Cook - Always Be My Baby - Mariah Carey

4. David Archuleta - Stand By Me - Ben E. King

5. Michael Johns - Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

6. Carly Smithson - Alone - Heart

7. David Hernandez - Papa Was a Rolling Stone - The Temptations

8. Jason Castro - Somewhere Over the Rainbow -  Israel Kamakawiwo'ole

9. David Cook - Hello - Lionel Richie

10. Syesha Mercado - One Rock n Roll Too Many  - Andrew Lloyd Webber

11. David Archuleta - Shop Around - The Miracles

12. Brooke White (with Graham Nash) - Teach Your Children Well - Graham Nash

13. Top 12 Finalists - George Michael Medley (you know I had to get my George in there somehow)