Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

I have to admit that lately I've been wondering why Hollywood feels they need to take every classic children's book and turn it into a movie (I still can't believe they are trying to touch "Where the Wild Things Are" next month). "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" has always been a favorite of mine. When student teaching I even had my students write their own books based on the story. Using my three year old son as my excuse, I went to see the movie today. Honestly, it didn't disappoint, but it wasn't exactly like the book either. The graphics were amazing, the story was cute, and there was humor infused throughout the movie. I'd give it three out of four meatballs. It had a nice message about being true to yourself and never giving up on your dreams. My son viewed the film differently, at the end when I asked him about his favorite part he said, "I liked the big meatball."

What a Blessed Weekend!

This week has been a roller coaster of small ups and downs at work and at home in my personal life. God has really been good though, almost seeming to step in and "fix" things.

On Thursday I was very excited to receive a phone call from WRBS 95.1 (local Christian radio station) letting me know that I had won a "VIP package" to the Chris Sligh and Aaron Shust concert. This package included tee shirts, cds, a preshow meet and greet/acoustic session, and concert tickets!!! I really wanted to go desperately (Chris Sligh was on American Idol and was one of my favorites), but things are extremely tight for us financially and it just wasn't a possibility. Jason agreed to go with me, and even though Christian music is not his thing he did mention that he is beginning to have an interest with playing the guitar and was able to appreciate that aspect of the evening. Without going into detail our marriage really needed this night out! It was nice to hold hands, talk, and focus on nothing but each other. Some times I think parents try to be such great Mommys and Daddys that they forget about the husband and wife part of things. Really if you think about it, the marriage needs to be strong in order to be good parents!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the evening:

Me and Chris Sligh. I brought up seeing him on Idols Live, but later he talked about wanting to be know more for than being a "singing head" on Idol though, oops. He was very nice though and so funny! (Just like American Idol, but there I go again! LOL)

Me and Aaron Shust (Unfortunately we only got to hear him acoustically... I felt too guilty staying there until the end of the concert because I wanted to see Caleb before he went to bed. He was great acoustically and very nice though. I hope to see him in a full show one day. He is best know for the song "My Savior, My God.")

Chris Sligh during the concert

I also posted a video on youtube of Chris singing 2 songs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lY6bTjh6qhc

On another happy note I think we might (fingers crossed that it will work out this time) have found a new church home at Community Christian Church. I like nondenominational churches, despite going to denominational churches (Catholic and Lutheran) as a child. It something about them that is more genuine and laid back in a good way. I thought I had found a great church about a year ago but things really fell apart. I am unfortunately hesitant to get excited after that experience. Their message this week was on Materialism. We are in over our heads big time now financially due to our huge weekly daycare payment and huge mortgage payment, so again I think God put today's message there for a reason.

Any way, I don't have much time for blogging any more but I like coming on here when I can! I hope everyone is having a great weekend! Go Ravens!

Caleb Busting a Move!

Caleb has become quite the break dancer! I wish that dance classes were more socially acceptable for boys, lol!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpWbRiTuCDI

Christmas Tree Shops

Everyone is always asking me, "Where did you find THAT?" Most often my response is "Christmas Tree Shop!" This diamond in the rough is located just outside of York, Pennsylvania (although there are several locations). The name of the store is very deceiving. They do not carry strictly Christmas decorations, although you can find some pretty neat Christmas items during the holiday season. They carry unique decorations for every holiday, curtains, home interior type decorations, candles, party supplies, food, cleaning supplies, toys, books, and the list goes on and on and on. The best part is everything is high quality and dirt cheap! We have driven to York just to stop in. For directions, current sale fliers, hours, locations, etc. visit www.christmastreeshops.com I have my fingers crossed that they will build in the Baltimore region soon!

Strawberry Angel Food Cake Parfait

Strawberry Angel Food Cake Parfait

1 store bought angel food cake (or make your own if you are that ambitious!)

2 lbs. strawberries

2 packages of sugar free, instant cheesecake jello pudding

4 cups of skim milk (for pudding)

1 large container of lite cool whip

1. Slice strawberries, slice angel food cake into small squares, and prepare pudding according to package instructions.

2. Layer half of the angel food cake, then half of the pudding, then half of the cool whip, then half of the strawberries.

3. Repeat with other half of the ingredients

I made this today for a funeral wake and I have never received so many positive comments over a dessert. The great part is that it was simple and didn't require me to turn on an oven! Thank you to my cousin in law Sue for sharing this awesome and easy recipe!

American Idols Live 2009

Those of you who know me well know that American Idol is my biggest vice! When it is on I don't answer the phone. I record the episodes as I watch them and some times even go back to watch my favorite performances again (Adam Lambert's "Ring of Fire" was the episode I didn't want to delete this season). I usually wrap up my obsession by going to the American Idols Live tour when it stops in Baltimore and had been the last 3 years.

This was going to be the year I wasn't going to go because of the concert's $80 price tag and the $20 parking. Disappointing, yes. Practical, yes.

HOWEVER the day of the concert I read how a friend of mine was going on Facebook. Something drew me (more like tempted) to the ticketmaster website and I just checked in to see if there were any tickets... 14th row center section seats came up! I couldn't handle it! I called Jason quickly to get permission (not that I need permission to do things, but when spending massive amounts of money of frivolous things it is nice to consult him) and then frantically called my Mom to see if she wanted to go. She quickly jumped on the opportunity but wondered if my sister could go too. I checked for 3 seats and 12th row seats came up! Unbelievable! I have often heard that promoters release whatever tickets aren't used by family, friends, corporations, or radio stations at the last second. This was my lucky day!

On the way into the arena Matt Giraud, contestant number five best known for his hat and piano playing, was standing outside. I was very excited to have my picture taken with him! I was surprisingly very mature about the whole thing, but I don't think I could have behaved so well if it was Adam Lambert!

The first half of the show was decent, but I honestly was just so excited to see Adam Lambert that I felt impatient. At the concert 2 years ago they varied things more and you saw all of the contestants at the very beginning of the show. Last year and this year they unfortunately start with contestant number 10 and work down to the winner. In the first half I did really en joy Scott McIntyre. I knew he played piano, but didn't realize how great he was. I don't think he got to showcase his talent enough on the show.

Another highlight of the first half was when Scott and Matt played piano together.

The second half of the show (they throw in an intermission in hopes that you will buy their $35 tee shirts or $25 programs) was much more exciting! Danny Gokey, though not one of my favorites this season, did a nice job with the song "My Wish."

Then, was my beloved Adam! He did not disappoint a bit! I just don't know he belts it out like that every night and still has a voice. Interestingly enough, girls were throwing their bras on the stage. I don't quite understand that at all. What was he supposed to do with them? He sang one of his best "Mad World" and some other songs that I am not as familiar with.

Kris Allen was disappointing, although this could still be bitterness leftover from him winning. I really felt strongly that Adam should have won! At the end all of the contestants came out to finish "Hey Jude" with Kris Allen.

Overall, I am so happy I went! Not only was the concert great, but it was nice to spend time alone with my Mom and sister. We don't get to do things much any more, so it was a rare, great occasion!

Spotlighted

I have been writing reviews for igougo.com of places we have visited this summer. I was very excited to receive a message from the editors that my review of Dutch Wonderland was spotlighted! How exciting! To see the article go to:

http://www.igougo.com/travel_blog/post-p488-Your_Favorite_American_Attractions_This_Summer.html.