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.

final destination 5 poster

final destination 5 poster

time

We all complete. Maybe none of us really understand what we've lived through, or feel we've had enough time. -Never Let Me Go

source

Seen It, Heard It, Read It

Seen It

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Seasons 4-7

Heather and I finally finished watching Buffy! I think I liked how the series ended, but I'm still in mourning that it's over. I'm almost tempted to start watching it again. How silly am I?

Date Night

I had to watch this in two separate sittings because our Netflix disc was scratched and we had to get a replacement. I thought it was hilarious! My parents really enjoyed it too! I wanted to watch it again, but it got sent back before I could.

Beyond A Reasonable Doubt

This was a movie Netflix had suggested for me. I figured I'd give it a shot based on the actors and besides that, it sounded kind of interesting. I can't believe how anxious and intriguing it was! It kept me on the edge of my seat and had it's share of twists. I'd definitely recommend it. It's on instant Netflix if you want to check it out.

Morning Glory

This was a pretty well rounded movie. Not just another chick flick. It's a great story about someone who is doing their best to achieve their goals. It had a great cast! I love Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford!

Heard It

Wicked Soundtrack

Surprise! You already knew this! Some of my favorite songs include: Popular, I'm Not That Girl, Defying Gravity, No Good Deed, For Good....so basically all of them!

Ray LaMontagne Station on Pandora

I love the Pandora app on my phone. I've been listening to this station while taking wonderful hot baths & reading. It's so relaxing!

Britney Spears: Femme Fatal

I got this cd from the library a couple weeks ago. It's addicting and catchy! I listened to it on repeat in my car while driving to and from work.

Tyrone & Elina: Different As Can Be

You know how there are some couples who are just like too cute? Meet Tyrone and Elina. They made this album together and it's great! There's a good mix of funny, sweet and serious songs. Elina sang with Tyrone when at his show last fall.

Read It

Extraordinary Faith by Sheila Walsh

I bought this book a couple months ago and got around to reading it this past week. It was everything I needed to hear. Sheila is honest, insightful and funny. She did a great job of bringing in Biblical references and relating them to her different stories.

Redemption by Karen Kingsbury

I've been wanting to read all of Karen Kingsbury's books and so I asked Heather where to start. She recommended the Redemption series. I finished the first book and have the other four on hold at the library. The series follows the Baxter family through trials and triumphs and ties in the relational teachings of Gary Smalley. I can't wait to read more!