Review ~ The Last House on The Left

Ok, as much as I like scary movies...I was not a big fan of this one. This is a Wes Craven remake of his own 1972 movie...which I have not seen. For some reason - some directors/producers/writers believe there has to be lots of boobs for a movie to be scary. I cannot tell you how many scary movies I have tried to watch with just nonsense nudity in them. "IT'S NOT NECESSARY!", I want to scream to them! It's just stupid...and for that reason alone - it lost a star. Another reason was the rape scene...not a fan!! I know it happens - and it accurately depicts what evil things bad people do...but that doesn't mean I want to watch it....you lost another star. I did like the fact that the good guys prevail. I watched another thriller-type movie a while back and all the good guys died...what kind of movie is that?? Who wants the bad guys to win?? This wasn't the worse movie I've ever seen...but I won't watch it again. And...it wasn't scary. For some reason...I thought scary movies were supposed to be, um...scary?


Synopsis:
John & Emma Collingwood are on vacation at their lakeshore house when, by a bizarre twist of fate, they give shelter to the sociopaths who have just assaulted and nearly killed their daughter. Upon discovering the truth, they exact a chilling revenge on her attackers...

Review ~ The Uninvited

This movie - rated PG-13 and released on January 30, 2009, was very good, in my opinion. I must preface this with the fact that I "love" scary, suspensful, thriller-type movies. This one wasn't too scary - but very suspensful and had an ending I just wasn't expecting...another huge plus for me.

Basically a film of unknown stars - I only recognized David Strathairn, who played the father - it was well acted. It wasn't cheesy like many "scary" movies tend to be. They managed to keep me waiting to see what would happen and rooting for the underdog.

Anna (Emily Browning) is commited to a mental institution after an attempted suicide following her mother's tragic death. When she is released, she learns her father is planning on marrying the woman who was her mother's nurse, Rachael (Elizabeth Banks). Rachael seems to not have the best intentions and seems to be hiding something. Anna begins seeing her mother's ghost - and Anna concludes that it was not just an accident...that she was murdered.

Friday Felicities ~ August 21, 2009

Things that make me happy:

• Fridays!!!
• My new 'puter at home...it's like a space ship!! It's so cool! :)
• Going out with friends tonight to celebrate a birthday.
• Celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary this week!!
• Children that are willing to learn from their mistakes.
• Remembering that God is in control!

Link up over at Becky's with things that make you happy!

Disappointment in our Kids

What do you do when your child disappoints you?

We caught Jordan in a lie yesterday. Not just any lie - but a lie that had been compounded by lie after lie after lie. I was so sad when the truth finally came out. I was/am so disappointed in her.

I remember when I was growing up that it was one thing to make my parents upset but I never wanted them to be disappointed in me. That hurt me more than anything.

The incident with Jordan was all centered around her cell phone. I debated for months whether or not she was ready for a cell phone. I wasn't sure that she was ready for that extra responsibility. We dropped our house phone a while back to save money...and the fact that no one ever called us on it - so we knew if Jordan was going to ride the bus and be home alone - then she would need a way of contacting us to let us know she was home safe and if she needed anything.

Apparently, one of her friends wanted to "see" her phone on Tuesday afternoon - but when Jordan got ready to get off the bus, she wouldn't give it back. Now, Jordan has always been one of those children that can "make friends with a lamp post" (as I like to say). She's very friendly and she doesn't want to make anyone mad. So, I'm sure she didn't want to make a scene with this girl. But, from the minute she stepped off the bus without her phone...she began to lie about it - saying she had left it at school in her locker.

Well, last night I learned that was a lie when I was checking her phone and saw that there were texts made when it was "supposedly" left at school in her locker. She finally came clean and told us what happened.

I told her that little girl was NOT her friend. Friends don't take things from you and refuse to give them back. This, hopefully, will be a huge lesson for her to show that you can't trust everyone...that not everyone has your best interests at heart.

I don't expect Jordan to be perfect. I wasn't and it's not fair of me to expect it of her.

"for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." ~ Romans 3:23

But, this is the first time she has just out-and-out lied...over and over...trying to cover her tracks, and that just breaks my heart. I want to be able to trust her - to count on her...but she has broken that trust and will have to earn it back.

Parenting is just getting harder and harder as she gets older. Wanting to trust her and treat her like the young lady that she is becoming, and not like the child that she was...trying to show her the right paths to follow - yet, feeling like a failure when she let's me down.

Friday Felicities ~ August 14, 2009

Things that make me happy...

• Getting off early on Friday...of course, I had to go in at 4:45 to make that happen...but, oh well.
• Being home the last 2 days when Jordan gets off the bus.
• Accepting the fact that my baby girl is growing up and going to her first dance.
• Relaxing on the couch while Myles "rests" beside me. ((that is said in quotes because that is what he is supposed to be doing...not what he's actually doing))
• Netflix...I love getting movies for everyone!! Scary/thrillers for me, family ones for the kids, and shoot-'em-up/actions for Terrance.

Link up over at Becky's...

14 Years Ago

14 years ago today, Terrance and I had our first child, Dasya Kaitlin Gray. She died at birth becasue of a condition known as acrania. It is a fatal condition that is just a fluke thing that happens. Today would have been her 14th birthday. I was talking with Jordan about a month ago and she was telling me about the neighbor girl that is starting 9th grade this year, high school. I got to thinking that Dasya would have been going into 9th grade this year too.

A high-schooler!! I can't believe that she would have been that old! It's hard to imagine what life would have been like if she had lived. I know for sure it would make the issues I'm having with Jordan seem easier - because I would have gone through them already with Dasya.

I take comfort in the fact that she is in heaven with the Lord and I will see her again someday - healthy and whole.

We miss you baby-girl! Happy Birthday!!

Review ~ Gran Torino & West Wing Seasons 1-7

Terrance suggested that I start reviewing the movies that I watch on here...since I watch so many movies. I thought that it sounded like a good idea...we'll see. lol

Last night I watched Gran Torino, directed by and starring Clint Eastwood. It was released in January 2009. I must admit that I didn't think I was going to like it. I really rented it for Terrance - but ended up watching by myself. I've never been a big Clint Eastwood fan. The gravly voice, the grumpy sneer...never really liked his movies. This is the first one I've watched in a long time. I was very impressed with it.

Clint Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, a recent widower and Korean war veteran. He is a grumpy, tired, racist old man that doesn't get along with his family, priest or neighbors. When his Hmong neighbor, Thao, tries to steal his mint condition '72 Gran Torino under the pressure of the neighborhood gang, Walt sets out to make a difference.

At first, I didn't think I was going to like Eastwood's character. His racist comments were annoying - yet as the movie wore on - he became endearing. Sue, Thao's sister, really breaks through to Walt and gets him to start caring about other people again. The local priest, with his doggedness, finally makes some headway with the closed-minded Walt. As the tension between Walt and the gangsters reaches a point where they attack the innocent, Walt decides to make the ultimate decision.

I have been watching these, borrowed from my sister for the past couple of months. I resisted watching this series for years! A series about a bunch of Democrats?!?! Why would I want to watch that?? I'm not going to agree with a thing they say, I thought. I.Loved.It! I loved everything about it...I wish it was still on the air it was so good.

The West Wing aired from 1999-2006 and starred such actors as Martin Sheen, Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, John Spencer, Stockard Channing and Rob Lowe. It chronicled the two terms of President Josiah Bartlett (Sheen) and his West Wing staff.

I liked it because, although I did disagree with a lot of their political views, such as abortion and their health care positions - I liked their passion in which they worked. They had such love for their country and their president. Emily Proctor, who played Republican lawer Ainsley Hayes, had the best line, in my opinion..."Say they're smug and superior. Say their approach to public policy makes you want to tear your hair out. Say they like high taxes and spending your money. Say they want to take your guns and open your borders, but don't call them worthless. At least don't do it in front of me. The people that I have met have been extraordinarily qualified, their intent is good. Their commitment is true, they are righteous, and they are patriots. And I'm their lawyer."

I found myself loving these characters. On more than one occasion, I found myself in tears because of what was happening to these fictional people. When John Spencer's character, Leo McGarry, died (because Spencer actually died)...and I knew it was going to happen - I was sad. I rooted for their relationships, was sad when they had bad days, and laughed at their goofs.

What a great show. I'm only sorry it took me so long to watch it.

Mindless Fact Monday ~ July 27, 2009

~ The longest Hollywood kiss was from the 1941 movie "You're in the Army Now". It lasted 3 minutes and 5 seconds.

~ The world camel population is over 19 million.

~ Belle from "Beauty and the Beast" makes a cameo appearance in Disney's "Hunchback of Notre Dame". In the same scene - a sharp-eyed viewer can spot The Lion King's Pumbaa being carried by two men with a pole and a street merchant shaking out the magic carpet from Aladdin.

~ In 1992, five cows were killed in drive-by shootings in Clay County, Missouri.

~ A person uses approximately 57 sheets of toilet paper per day.

~ Maine is the toothpick capital of the world.

~ On average, 100 people choke to death on ballpoint pens every year.

~ The symbol on the "pound" key (#) is called an octothorpe.

~ Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history: Spades - King David, Hearts - Charlemagne, Clubs - Alexander the Great, Diamonds - Julius Caesar.

~ Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of their birthplace.

Daybook ~ July 23, 2009

Outside my Window ... A beautiful summer day. It's supposed to be in the mid-80's today - perfect weather. :)

I am thankful for ... my job/boss - and that they let me work nights when my sitter is out of town so 1) I don't have to use up my vacation time and 2) I don't have to try to find someone else to watch them.

From the kitchen ... I haven't cooked anything all week other than a package of cinnamon rolls since I am working nights....it's kind of nice.

I am wearing ... Jammie pants and one of Terrance's t-shirts...I haven't been up too long.

I am reading ... I'm just not even going to answer this question any more until I finish the book I've been on FOREVER!! lol

I am hoping ... To go to the Splash Park today with Steph and all the kids. I've been wanting to go - just haven't made it there.

I am hearing ... The Little Einsteins - Myles is watching. I still really like that show.

Around the house ... We moved the large bookshelf from the bedroom to the living room. We didn't have enough room on the little 2-shelf one for all our movies and it was just junky-looking all the time. Of course, I don't have room for all my books now...but no one sees that mess. lol The large one now has all the movies (except for Terrance's Steven Seagal collection that he keeps upstairs) and the Wii remotes and Myles' toy buckets are on the bottom shelf. It looks much better.

One of my favorite things ... Hanging out with my kids...doing fun stuff like we've been doing this week. I know that's not possible all the time since I work - so I am really trying to enjoy this week.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... Jordan and I are leaving for a girls weekend tomorrow in Cookeville, Myles is going to Grandpa and Grandma's and Terrance is going camping....I know - I can't believe that last one either. :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you ... From our Week o' Fun...

Mindless Fact Monday ~ July 20, 2009

~ Florida has twice as many lightning injuries and death than any other state.

~ There is a Nike commercial that was shot in Kenya with Samburu tribesmen speaking in their native language Maa. The slogan "Just Do It" appears while the tribesman is talking. In reality, he was saying, "I don't want these. Give me big shoes."

~ A sneeze travels out your mouth at over 100 m.p.h.

~ 315 entries in Webster's 1996 dictionary were misspelled.

~ A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.

~ Macadamia nuts are not sold in their shells because it takes 300 pounds per square inch of pressure to break the shell.

~ Cubic Zirconia is 55% heavier than diamonds.

~ Mosquitoes are attracted to the color blue twice as much as to any other color.

~ The first toilet being flushed in a motion picture was in the movie "Psycho".

~ Painting a house yellow, or having yellow trim, helps a house sell faster.

Friday Felicities ~ July 17, 2009

Things that make me happy:

• Harry Potter tomorrow!!!
• Only 4 more days until my birthday!!
• Working nights next week (ok - I can see how some people wouldn't think that would make me happy - but I get to spend all day - every day - with my kids...something I don't normally get to do...as a workin' gal, you know.)
• Going on a girls weekend next weekend - just me and Jordan.
• This video...of which Myles is Oh.So.Proud!!

Link up over at Becky's with things that make you happy!

Daybook ~ July 16, 2009

Outside my Window ... A cloudy day. It keeps saying it's going to rain - but so far it hasn't...I am prepared though - my windows are up...which pretty much guarantees it *not* raining.

I am thankful for ... my parents - they are sending me and Jordan on a girls weekend next weekend. We are going to have a "Passport to Purity" weekend. I thought it was something we needed to do since there will be a lot of new issues coming up this year as she starts middle school.

From the kitchen ... I am thinking about sausage pasta alfredo tonight...either that or lasagna. Apparently, I am in an Italian mood.

I am wearing ... A multi-print skirt that I got for my birthday last year and a red shirt - that I just noticed this morning that they match.

I am reading ... the book that never ends...I don't think I'll ever get through it - it's not boring at all, I actually like it - I just need to finish it. I have about 473 more books to read.

I am hoping ... to have a great time next week when I am working nights. I'll get to spend all day every day with the kids.

I am hearing ... The West Wing Season 6. I am really liking this show!! Can you believe it!

Around the house ... I need to do a major house clean. Clean the carpets - scrub the kitchen floor - actually move the refrigerator...stuff like that. We'll have to see if I actually do it though.

One of my favorite things ... leaving at 4:00. I love that I can leave early - pick up the kids and still have several hours with them in the evenings. I would hate to get home and have to feed them and put them straight to bed.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... HARRY POTTER ON SATURDAY!!!! Ok, I am just a little excited about that. :)

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you ... This is a pic my dad took this week while he was out. If you haven't checked out his site...you need to - he takes beautiful pictures.

Mindless Fact ~ July 13, 2009

~ San Francisco cable cars are the only mobile national monuments.

~ The winter of 1932 was so cold that Niagra Falls froze completely solid.

~ There are over 50 different kinds of kangaroos.

~ Great Britian was the first country to issue postage stamps on May 1, 1840. It was named the "Penny Black" to attempt to fix their system of paid postage. Before the stamp, there was not a standard rate for postage and could cost up to a day's wage. Since all mail was sent collect, most mail was returned unopened.

~ If you place a tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion, it will instantly go mad and sting itself to death.

~ On average, an American eats 140 pounds of potatoes annually.

~ Fires generally move faster uphill than downhill.

~ The second best selling toy of all time is Jenga, a Swahili word meaning "to build".

~ Cleopatra married two of her brothers.

~ Donald Duck comics were banned in Finland because he doesn't wear pants.

Friday Felicities ~ July 10, 2009

Things that make me happy:

• My friend had her cancer check-up today and got a clean bill of health!! Yipee!!
• An evening out with my hubby tomorrow night sans kids. :)
• Wonderful parents that are willing to watch the kids so we can go out.
• That my cold is seemingly leaving as quickly as it came.
• Sister's that know all the right books to suggest.

Link up over at Becky's with things that make you happy.