Movies Movies Movies

Time, once again, to review the movies I've seen recently. I really should do this more often. . . I'm guessing, now that TV has slowed down for the summer, that my lists will be longer and more frequent.

So, back in April I decided to bump some non-chick movies to the top of the Queue so that Ben would watch a few with me (not like he has a lot of time for movie watching. . . ) So the first few were in honor of that goal:

Iron Man
It was good! As comic book movies go, this was one of the better ones. I would never have cast Robert Downey Jr. in this, but he was great. Surprisingly good for the role. I have to admit that when things start blowing up, I tend to lose interest. . . but that didn't happen much in this movie. And it showed off what the Blu Ray can do nicely.

Wanted
Honestly, I got this because of the cast, and because the special effects were supposed to be so great. And those are the things I liked about it. The script was BLAH, the story weak. . . not really worth the time. But it was pretty!

Quantum of Solace
I must admit, I was a little disappointed. I know that story and character development are not the POINT of James Bond films, really. . . but the first one was SO good, implementing a little of that human interest, that I expected the same from this. . . I didn't get it. It was still a better Bond movie (in MY OPINION) than any of the old ones. But I didn't LOVE IT.

And. . . on to the chick films

I've Loved You So Long
Since I tend to craft while I watch movies these days, it took me a while to watch this one. You can't read subtitles while you sew. But when I DID get around to it, I found it to be everything I had heard it was. Touching, interesting, well written and acted. It was definitely a French film, without all of the bells and whistles of American cinema, but it's certainly worth a watch if you can handle reading your movies.

Australia
I went into this prepared not to like it. I had heard very little good. It started out in serious Baz Luhrman goofiness, and I was really afraid it would stay that way the whole movie. Thankfully, it didn't. The movie is too long, it really should have ended about an hour before it did. . . BUT the last hour is especially touching and wonderful, so I may reconsider that stance. The cast is great (I'm a sucker for Hugh, and I don't hate Nicole) and the visuals are stunning. If you have 3 hours, I would recommend it.


Flash Of Genius
It was a great IDEA for a movie. The story had some great underdog movie potential. . . the execution was not impressive. Which is sad. I liked the cast. . . but it was not well written, went on way too long (though some may argue that was the point, as the case was long and drawn out), and the direction was pretty uneven, for me. That said, it was a clean movie, you could watch it with your mom and not be embarrassed. . . and it wasn't awful. . . So if you're bored. . .

Seven Pounds
Again, not a bad IDEA for a movie. The acting was great (I love Will Smith, and this is a REALLY different character for him) but the script. . . the script was just not. It acted like it was trying to be all secretive about what had happened, but if you ever saw a preview, it was pretty obvious. . . And if they are trying to make it a secret, I need not to be able to figure it out so early on.


Definitely, Maybe
I admit, this, like the following film, I DVRd from TV to watch on a day that I wasn't totally paying attention. And in this case, I sort of liked the movie. I like Ryan Reynolds, but I wasn't really prepared to get sucked in by this. . . But I did. It's a cute movie.

27 Dresses
Again, recorded from TV. The cast was fun. It's DEEP in the chick flick drama. . . but the day I watched it, I was in the mood for that, so it kept me entertained (even if it was pretty obvious what would happen)

Marley & Me
K, I should start by saying that I'm NOT a dog person. At all. Besides being allergic, I spent a good portion of my life living in fear of the creatures (even though we had one for a while) Ben saw this without me one day, and wanted me to see it. The opportunity came up on the plane back from our WI trip. He was right. . . I cried. I was impressed with how REAL the portrayal of parenthood was. I have to admit, the first thing that made me tear up was Jennifer Aniston's speech about having lost herself in motherhood. . . SO hit a nerve. Point is. . . even if you don't THINK you'll like this movie, see it. It's less about a dog and more about a family. And everyone can relate to that. (especially if you have kids)

Friday Randoms

1- Tamera took Nolan on another adventure early this morning (to a wedding in Manti), which meant I got ready for work without a toddler under foot. SUCH a weird feeling.

Also, I feel that Nolan looks like a miniature version of a 60 year old man in that picture. (minus the binky of course) It's like Benjamin Button or something. . .

2- Reasons I love sleeping with the window open:
* it's the time of year that it is the PERFECT temperature to do so
* I love a cool breeze when I'm sleeping

Reasons I DON'T love sleeping with the window open:
* Allergies. BAH!
* Just a little bit of freeway noise
* blinds have to be open a bit, making it even brighter than usual
* STUPID CHIRPY BIRDS! they live in the covered parking thing in front of the house and chirp like the dickens from the time the sun starts to peek over the mountains.

Does the fact that there are twice as many cons make me STOP?

No.

3- They didn't say it on the show, but I TOTALLY called that the blond girl (Randi) on SYTYCD, the one with the unitards, was from Utah. I'm just saying. . .

That accent is unmistakable.

4- My goal for this weekend. . . HANG OUR STUPID PICTURE FRAMES!
Ben painted them forever ago, and they NEED to be off the floor of the office and on the walls, regardless of the fact that I don't have pictures ready for them.
I'll fill them in later.

5- It's national doughnut day. . . And I need to know where I can get a free doughnut in Utah Valley. Anyone? Tips?

Boo

Quite possibly the saddest thing I've seen in weeks.

STUPID ECONOMY!!

Fun in AZ part 2

To add to the fun, we got to meet and enjoy the company of two of our favorite couples that we knew in our BYU theatre days. They've since moved to AZ, and we HAD to find a way to get together with each of them and their families.

First, in Tucson, we met Jeremy & Cyndi Selim and family. Their boys are so adorable, and they were so sweet to meet us, despite the moving drama they were in the middle of (we had no idea)

Then, a couple of days later, we met Joni & Joey Clausen and their boys up in Gilbert and headed to McDonalds to take advantage of the sweet playground to get a little adult talk time (but let's be honest, that was only partially successful. . . will we EVER be able to have conversations with our friends again?) They also had adorable boys (what is it with our friends? How are we only making boys?)

And Nolan LOVED the playground.

Our last day in town, we took a little trip down to Tubac to check out one of their restaurants and some shopping.

First, we went to the Wisdom Cafe, which sported 2 giant chickens in front. . . I'm still not sure why. But Nolan found them amusing.

And Ben and his mother spoiled the boy with some new kitchen tools for the wee kitchen Ben is crafting for Nolan in the next couple of weeks. I can't wait to see how it turns out! He already LOVES his new toys, and the new apron.

We had a wonderful time in AZ, and hopefully will get to return VERY soon.

Fun in AZ part 1

We had a full week of fun in AZ this past week. Nolan was able to spend a bunch of time with Ben's parents, which was awesome for him. (and we enjoyed it a great deal too) He had many days of fun wreaking havoc on their house.

Another part of the fun was the time we got to spend with Nathan, Jenny & Tanner. Nolan spent a lot of time hugging and tackling Tanner. There was no doubt he remembered his cousin.

They had a great time playing in the kiddie pool in Grammy & Grandpa's back yard
(yes, that rash guard is way too small, and has since been replaced)

We also got to go visit them up in Chandler to see where Nathan works, where they live, and experience a little bit of local cuisine.

The boys had so much fun together

And Nathan & Tanner's antics were cracking Nolan up


To add to the fun, we found yet another local cupcake shop. This one was up in Scottsdale, and let me tell you. . . Lulu knows how to make a cupcake. We had the lemon, chocolate/peanut butter, Strawberry shortcake, and vanilla/vanilla. All of which were very tasty. And you know I don't say that lightly.

Nolan agreed, as usual

Kiddie Pool Action

At first, it was hard to get him in the water. It was a little cold. . . but he settled for walking around, shoes ON his feet

Then he played with a few toys

And the hose.

He still won't SIT in the water, he'll just crouch down, filling his diaper (if I don't put on a swim diaper) But we'll get there. . .

Random Pics

Reading Harry Potter

He often assumes this position to watch TV. He leans against a couch, the love sac, the table. . .
heaven forbid he sit down, or hold himself upright on his own power.

Eventually he just put the pillows on the ground and flopped.

He loves his Tamera

Still practicing his xylophone skills

Probably while watching the talent show episode of Sesame Street where a seal plays the glockenspiel

He always spills a little yogurt down his bib when he eats. It's an inevitable part of letting him eat it himself. But this morning he got a little more energetic.

This is what his hair does when he gets sweaty. He had been asleep on my shoulder while we walked around a store, and his curls actually stayed. I had to capture them. Here's hoping he doesn't resemble Ronald McDonald when he grows up.

Crib Fun

This is how Tamera found him after his nap

He then proceeded to run away.
He did not want to be helped out

I'm not sure what's up with this expression.
Possibly practicing for his teenage years?

And then the escape attempt begins

The crib mattress has since been lowered, but I have no illusions that the crib thing will last as long as I want it to.

Outside in PJs

Helping to water the plants (and simultaneously sneezing)

Trying to put Tamera's shoe on by laying it on top of her foot.

not pleased that it didn't work

FINE, I'll wear it myself. I'll show you how it's done!

Out of the Office

As we are heading out again on yet another adventure (this time to AZ), and I am not taking my computer with me (GASP!) I thought I would leave you all with a series of posts while I'm gone. . .

These posts will once again consist of cell phone photos taken by me and by Tamera, of Nolan. If you're bored, please move on. I can't come up with anything more clever right now, and some of these are downright entertaining to me (even if they aren't to you)

Today, we will start with the following:

Drawing on the magna doodle. Best invention EVER for toddlers.

Drawing on the magnadoodle in only his diaper. . .
Whatever spurs on his creative energy, I say

Throwing one of his many recent tantrums
I'm pretty sure Tamera was in the process of ruining his life or smothering his non-existent puppy or something when this happened

Much happier and playing with the ball popper.

Chillin' with some juice. He is either watching Sesame Street or Curious George. I know this for 2 reasons:
#1-- those are the 2 shows we DVR, so they can be watched at any hour, and they are the only ones he loves
#2-- It is only while watching one of those 2 shows that he sits this still


See, wasn't that fun?

Friday Randoms

1- Do you ever sit in the line at Walgreens and wonder if the people in the pharmacy are judging you for your prescriptions. Like, when they see someone pick up a prescription for Xanax, do they think "there goes another crazy lady". . . I didn't even fill a Xanax prescription today, but it got me wondering. . .

2- I'm not sure if this is just me and my musical theatre/choir loving friends, but is GLEE not AMAZING?! I am fascinated with it. How are they getting the rights for all of these songs? Will it start great and then fall on its face? Will the current fervor for it help come fall? Was the teaser show an effective marketing tool? I'm guessing yes, but I think we need one more teaser in July.

3- I know NOTHING about dancing, and yet (or maybe BECAUSE of that) I LOVE So You Think You Can Dance. We watched the tail end of season 3, and then last year, got TOTALLY sucked in. It's actually how Nolan learned to clap. . . And last night, watching people fall down in the auditions was cracking him up. I am SO glad there will be a fall season as well as summer!

4- I am flying alone with Nolan for the first time this weekend. I am beyond nervous about it. He is either an angel or a devil on planes. . . let's hope for angel, shall we? Maybe sleep the whole way, like he did on the way back from our WI trip. . .

5- People can change. . . When I was a sophomore in college, I struck a deal with my room mate Bonnie that if she would cook, I would clean. I had NO IDEA how to cook. Now I have a side business based on baking and have no problem following/inventing recipes. I'm just saying. . .

That's all for now. Everyone have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Outside Fun

Because of the awesomeness of the economy (did you sense the sarcasm there?) we, like many others, considered buying a house while it was a buyers market (forget the fact that we would struggle to sell our CURRENT house) We considered it very seriously. It would certainly be nice to have more space. . .

Instead, we opted for refinancing and promised ourselves that this summer, we WOULD enjoy our back yard. They always say on HGTV that it is another room of your house, after all. . .

Last summer, we were lucky to get the lawn mowed every 2 weeks (if you'll recall this post)

This year, we vowed to do better. We planted more flowers, some strawberries, beans, peas, and cilantro. We have been keeping up on the mowing & weeding. . . and what do you know, we like to be out there! It is a slow process of adding things to help, but we're liking it so far.
And it's a good thing, because so does Nolan.

He uses the flower boxes as his own little bench

He takes some time to smell the flowers

And enjoys the water from the sprinkler

This behavior motivated us to get him a kiddie pool.

But he can entertain himself without one, as you can see.