Seen It, Heard It, Read It

Seen It:

Abduction

Mom was looking the Netflix suggestions and she was actually the one who put this in our queue. It was unexpected, interesting, sometimes a little silly, but overall it was good.

Courageous

This was another one that mom had put in the queue and I'm really glad she did. This was heartfelt and emotional, but there were also a couple moments that had us laughing like crazy. It's a great story about how honor begins at home, raising children and leading families. It's pretty amazing.

The Next Three Days

I think I'd seen a preview for this last fall sometime. It was on instant, so I figured hey let's check it out. Turns out it was pretty interesting. Russell Crowe plays a husband whose wife was convicted of murder. He's convinced that she's innocent and tries to break her out of prison.

The Big Year

On the way home from an extremely long day I got a text with a free Redbox code. We were looking for something funny that would lighten the mood of our day. As soon as I saw this I knew we had to get it. I mean, you really can't go wrong with Steve Martin because he's amazing. See [HERE]. I loved this movie about bird enthusiasts trying to defeat a cocky, record holder in a year long bird-spotting competition.

A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song

I love the "A Cinderella Story" movies, so when I saw via Megan Park on twitter that she was in this new version with Lucy Hale I added it to Netflix. The sister and I watched it over the weekend and were pleasantly surprised. It was cheesy, but also really funny. We saved it so we could watch it again with our mom. It's just a fun, light-hearted, tween chick-flick.

Heard It:

Carly Rae Jepsen: Call Me Maybe

Maroon 5: Payphone

Katy Perry: Part of Me

Carrie Underwood: Good Girl

Read It:

Orange Jumpsuit by Tara Leigh Cobble

I started this a couple weeks ago by the sister's suggestion. She bought it on our Nook account and kept telling me how I REALLY needed to read it. Of course she was right! I actually still haven't finished it yet or read anything else; I'm about halfway done. It's one of those books that you're pretty sure the author wrote after digging through your brain. It's hard to get through, because it's convicting, and I think that's why it's taken me so long. I can't wait to finish it! I'm looking forward to reading more of Tara Leigh's books.

Next on my reading list:

Life Without Limits by Nick Vujicic

Stuff Christians Like by Jon Acuff

Savannah Series by Denise Hildrith

Bittersweet by Shauna Niequist

Bailey Flannigan Series by Karen Kingsbury

Reshaping It All by Candace Cameron Bure

Seen It, Heard It, Read It

Seen It:

The Killing

I randomly found this series on instant Netflix. I saw that it had really high reviews and was recommended for me. Typically Netflix’s rec’s are pretty accurate for me, so I decided to give it a try. After immediately being sucked in with the first episode, I quickly watched the entire first season, which only has 13 episodes. The second season just started this month, but it’s on cable so I have to wait to watch it. I was so enthralled with this series that I also got my whole family hooked, so I watched it all again. It’s heartbreaking, but also shows the reality of a tragedy and shares multiple points of view. It’s not just the family that is affected, but also many others whose lives are intertwined in this story.

The Hunger Games

UM. AMAZEBALLS. This movie really did the book justice. It was fun to watch the story, that I had just read, come to life. It was hard to watch some of the scenes, especially when people in the audience would ignorantly applaud. It was the Capital, who they should be fighting and not each other.

Jane Eyre

I have this book, but I’ve never read it (shame on me). I honestly didn’t know what the story was about. The synopsis on IMDB describes perfectly it in one sentence,  “A mousy governess who softens the heart of her employer soon discovers that he's hiding a terrible secret.” It was a great movie and I really loved the cinematography! Now I should really read the book, huh?

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey

This was another Netflix recommendation and I’m so happy I added it to the instant queue. The story was about the man behind Elmo, his journey and how he went after his dreams. The whole family loved it! It was funny and heart-warming. I also loved it because I was a puppeteer for 8 years, so it brought back memories of my middle school and high schools days. We had an amazing puppet ministry at church and it was so much fun to be a part of!

It’s Complicated

I know this has been out for a couple years, but I finally got around to watching it this week. I LOVE Steve Martin [see HERE] and so I knew it was going to be a pretty fun movie.

Heard It:

I honestly haven’t been listening to anything new. Just Tyrone Wells on repeat. And I’m okay with that. :) See [THIS] & [THIS].

Read It:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

I’m so thankful for my wonderful friend Janelle! I had wanted to read The Hunger Games series, but couldn’t afford to buy it on my Nook and didn’t want to wait for it on the library’s LONG waiting list. I remembered that Janelle had them and asked if she’d be able to send them to me, which she did. The day I got them in the mail Heather started them and finished them in two days. It took me about three days to read them all and then my dad read them too. The books were fascinating and heartbreaking. I’m obsessed! I love Katniss, Gale and Peeta! I’m definitely going to invest in my own copies on Nook when I have the money.

Seen It, Heard It, Read It

Seen It

Amish Grace

My mom had put this on the Netflix queue and I really didn’t know what it was about.  Kimberly Williams Paisley starred in it.  This was a made for TV movie.  It was the story of the shooting in the Amish school in 2006.  It was intense and heartbreaking, but a great story of family, community and forgiveness.

Hot In Cleveland

A friend at the Crafting Retreat recommended this show.  It’s almost like a spin on the Golden Girls.  It’s based around three women who get stranded in Cleveland after their flight to Paris makes an emergency landing.  They noticed that the men in Cleveland actually paid attention to them, unlike in Los Angeles where the men looked passed them to the 20 year olds behind them.  It’s hilarious and I love that my parents, especially my dad love it too!

Dear Jack

The sister put this on the queue.  It’s a documentary about Andrew McMahon from Jack’s Mannequin when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2005.  It features self-recorded footage as he went through treatment.  It was really interesting and I’m glad the sister recommended it.

City of Ember

This is such a fun and interesting story!  This was the second time I’ve watched it and I think I’d like to own it.  It’s based on a book, which now I think I’d like to find at the library.  To preserve humankind in the middle of a nuclear war, the Builders of the underground “City of Ember” decide that they should remain underground for 200 years.  The instructions are given to and passed on from mayor to mayor.  One of the mayors dies suddenly and the instructions were never properly passed on.  The movie follows Lina and Doon who both realize their city is crumbling and will soon be extinguished and they do everything they can to save it.

Heard It

Miranda Lambert: Four the Record

Um, LOVE.  What can I say about Miranda?  She’s just so sassy and fun!  I listen to this over and over until ALL of the songs are simultaneously stuck in my head.

The Band Perry

I’d heard about 3 of their songs on the radio that I really liked, so it was no surprise that I really enjoyed their whole album.  I wish I would have been able to see them in concert when they were in Boise a month ago.

Tyrone Wells: Where We Meet

I didn’t think I’d be able to get his new CD when it came out on March 6th, but my mom gave me an itunes gift card that she didn’t want. I’ve been listening to it non-stop since. His tour just started so check to see if he’ll be coming your way soon!

Read It

Anticipatience by Sharon Virkler

Anticipatience is a “New word of hope for single women.”  Everyone knows I couldn’t be MORE single.  I’ve read ALL the books.  We know this.  But this book is different.  I recommend it for all single women.  When I re-read it this time I took lots of notes.  I’m hoping to put all my notes together for a blog post soon-ish.

Kris Jenner…and All Things Kardashians

As you can probably tell by looking at my past posts, I really enjoy celebrity biographies.  This one was particularly interesting.  I’m a fan of the Kardashians and was excited to read more about their lives from Kris’ perspective.  I didn’t realize how much she and her family were tied to Nicole & OJ Simpson and how involved they were in the case.  Of course I knew Robert was one of OJ’s attorneys, but it was really sad and fascinating to read a different perspective about all of it.  Kris has really overcome a lot in her life and has worked hard to get to where she is.

I Got This by Jennifer Hudson

I was excited to read this book too, because I love J-Hud.  BUT this book turned into a Weight Watchers commercial.  I ended up skimming the end of it because I was getting a little bored with all the WW talk.  While I think it’s good for her that WW helped her and she’s excited about it and want to share it with everyone, I wasn’t in the mood for an infomercial.  I wouldn’t recommend this.  Bummer.

Seen It, Heard It, Read It

Seen It

The OC: Season 1

This show will forever remind me of college.  One of the girls on our floor was able to get a copy of every episode before it would air on tv.  Everyone would take turns passing the dvd around and watching it.  One night I was on the guys floor and a group of them were in the common room watching an episode and invited me to watch it with them.  It was so addictive.  It was fun to watch it again with the sister.  

It’s Kind of A Funny Story

SO. GOOD.  That's all you need to know.  I'm just glad I saw it before I watched United States of Tara, because the main character of this movie is in that show and he's completely different.

No Strings Attached

This was one I watched for the heck of it.  I mostly just listened to it while I was working on a project.  It was alright, but I don't think I'd watch it again.

Paper Man

The sister had added this to our netflix queue and we ended up watching it one weekend that the parents were out of town.  I was surprised I hadn't heard of it before considering the cast, Jeff Daniels, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone.  It had a random story line, but I think I liked it.

Shutter Island

I watched this on instant Netflix one afternoon when I was sick.  I'm not sure what compelled me to watch it, but I'm glad I did.  It was a little creepy, but had a great story with a twist.  It was one of those movies that you need to watch again to pick up on everything that happened.


Super 8

I was like half to 3/4 really watching this while I was multi-tasking, but I really enjoyed it.  There was a good combination of action and humor.


United States of Tara: Seasons 1-3

I LOVE this show.  Seriously, it's awesome and so interesting.  It's not a family friendly show.  It follows Tara, her family and her "alters" as she tries to deal with her Dissociative Identity Disorder without medication.  The sister kept pulling out her Abnormal Psych book so we could read more about DID.  I was so sad to hear that it was only 3 seasons long, but honestly I loved how they ended the show.  It's probably one of the best endings to a tv series that I've ever seen.


Heard It
I've been listening to a lot of country music lately.  Here are a couple videos of some of my favorite songs right now.

Read It
I didn't read many books in January.  I randomly picked up The DaVinci Code to re-read.  I got sucked in and decided I should read Dan Brown's other books.  It was fun to read something different for a change.

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown

The Lost Symbol by DanBrown

Read It

Millennium Series by Stieg Larsson

Not sure if I really need to go into detail.  It was kind of difficult to get into, but after the first chapter or two it picks up.  For me, it was hard to keep all the characters straight.  Once I finished the first one I couldn’t wait to get to the next one and so on.  But warning, these books are for the faint of heart.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

It is certainly strange, because I have a tendency to read books before I see their movie counterparts, but this was an exception.  I LOVED the movie and was compelled to read the book.  As expected, there was some difference, but I loved the book just as I did the movie.

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo

Whatever you may believe or don’t believe, read this.  I read it in one sitting because the story was compelling and it’s a quick read.  It’s the true story of a 4-year-old little boy who slips from consciousness during emergency surgery and goes to heaven.  The book is written by his father, but is kept in the boy’s perspective as much as possible.  It is pretty amazing.

Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow

This is an inspirational memoir about Tim Tebow’s life.  His story has been filtered through others, such as the media, and this is his chance to tell it himself.  He has a unique story, starting at his birth.  He discusses his faith, his family and his motivation.  Tim is a one of a kind man.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Amazing.  See my blog post [HERE].

Sunrise Series by Karen Kingsbury

This is the third series in the Baxter Family books.  It includes: Sunrise, Summer, Someday, and Sunset.  It follows the lives of the Baxter Family and Dayne and Katie.

Above The Line Series by Karen Kingsbury

This series includes: Take One, Take Two, Take Three, and Take Four.  It follows the lives of two Hollywood producers, starting with them trying to make a movie that will change the world.  It intertwines with the Baxter and Flanigan families in Bloomington, Indiana.

Bailey Flanigan Series: Leaving & Learning by KarenKingsbury

I’ve only read the first two books in the Bailey Flanigan series.  The third book, Longing was recently release and Loving comes out in March.  I love where this series is going and can’t wait to read more.  What will happen with Bailey and Cody Coleman?  Or Bailey and Brandon Paul?

The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

I read the “Single’s Edition” back in small group in college, but loaned by copy out and never got it back.  I bought the regular version on my Nook and read it in a day or two.  The principles apply not only to marriage, but to any relationship.  I think it’s a book that everyone should ready.  My top love languages are Physical Touch and Quality Time, I think they differ by one point.  The other “languages” include Words of Affirmation, Receiving Gifts and Acts of Service.  We all receive love in different ways.  This book explains each language and the ways people give and receive love through each one.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Just read it.  OKAY?!

Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith

Freebie from Nook.  It’s the first of a trilogy about three sisters.  This one is about Joan who is 25 and living at home with her mom and grandma.  Her life is stuck, but once a young doctor moves in next-door things start to change.  With some help from her sister Allie, a big dog and God she starts to find her way.

Bright Young Things by Anna Godberson

This was another freebie.  What’s with getting free books that are part of a series?  It makes me want the others.  This was a fun one, set in 1929, the end of the roaring twenties.  Letty and Cordelia escape from their small Midwest town to New York.  Letty wants to be a star and Cordelia wants to find her long lost father.

Throwaway by Heather Huffman

One more freebie, but this is a standalone.  The author made it free to download as an ebook to help raise awareness about human trafficking, which is the subject of the book.  Jessie’s worked the streets for 14 years, but Gabe, an undercover cop, comes along and offers her love and a future.  It was a really fast read.

I’m currently in the middle of Wuthering Heights.  Next on my list is to re-read The DaVinci Code by Dan Brown, Cold Tangerines and Bittersweet both by Shauna Niequist.  I really want to read through all the books on my Nook.  Do you have any recommendations of books to add to my list?