Jun 30, 2008

My Weekend in Pictures

I woke up a little early this morning with a tinge of sadness on my heart. I'm not sure why because this past weekend was full of activities and get togethers. I think it is because I am in that strange place of "newness". I am making lots of new friends, but it is hard to explain feeling like the new girl.

I am definitely going to do a bible study this fall for women called "After the Boxes are Unpacked". It is about moving on after moving in. Even though I have moved back to my former city after just one year away, it is still tough. We are constantly meeting new people and for some reason, I have become much less outgoing. Once I start a conversation, I'm fine. It's the getting started that freaks me out a bit.

Here are some super sweet pastor's wives at a staff pool party our pastor and his wife hosted at their home on Thursday. I already have a long time friend in Laura(in the blue), and the other ladies have gone way above the call to make me feel welcome. I just know over time, the friendships will grow strong and it will feel more and more like home.


Here is my girls with our new pastor and his daughter Allie. My kids have made a great transition back home, and are enjoying all the new kids they are meeting.




This is Lori our LifeGroup pastor's wife. She has two beautiful children, and I can tell that she is jewel!



Donald is our Calallan campus pastor. His wife Cheryl has been so sweet to me personally. She has such an outgoing personality and her husband is just as great!




Skip and I celebrated our 16th Anniversary with dinner out. He hates this picture of himself, but I think we look fine for 40 yr. old lovebirds.





Now, we come to last night's baseball game. Real Life Fellowship had reserved seating in the grassy area, so Skip decided to let me and the kids go it alone. His hip wasn't going to hold out sitting for that long on hard ground. I was pretty bored, and I'm not sure who actually won, but my kids had a blast. Well, at least 2 out of 3 did. Annie said, "I'm bored about 1000 times." I have no idea where she gets it. I only said that 600 times to her.






I guarantee you that Ashley did not watch a single inning of the game. Three of her friends were there to hang out with. They were too busy texting each other even though they were inches away. I just don't get it.



Annie did have about 30 minutes of fun while hanging out with her friend Meg eating $10 sour patch kids candy. Okay, they weren't actual that much, but still they were EXPENSIVE.





Yes, I know my son Seth needs a haircut. Doesn't every 11 year old boy these days? He and his new friend Heath enjoyed walking around the park looking cool. He wanted nothing to do with sitting with mom. I'm not ready for my baby to grow up and act cool.



Leaving the field, we snapped a quick photo in front of Whataburger Field. Hopefully, next time we go we will be in the comforts of our friend Bart and Michelle's box seats. Maybe then I could give you a recap of the game, and maybe even tell you who won. Sad, so sad.












Jun 29, 2008

IN THE ZONE




Have you ever been in the zone? It may sound like a strange question if you've never actually been in the zone.




I am in the zone when I am sharing with a group of ladies about how God has worked His mighty hand in an area of my life. I am in the zone when my fingers frantically type to get feelings out on a blank page before I forget them.




For my husband, it is when he is leading worship before God and before a congregation. Last night was the first time in over two months that he has led worship at our new church. It was amazing! He was SO IN THE ZONE! It is what he was designed to do, and even though he is great at so many facets of media and worship, leading worship is where I see him shine the most.




Have you found a place where everything suddenly clicks? A talent that is so God-given and needed in this world? If you have, share it with others. In fact, begin to ask God how this "zone" can be lived out for Him and to His glory.

Jun 27, 2008

16 Years Ago...

It was 16 years ago today that I gave a pledge to God to love this man for the rest of my life. I seriously thought that things were going to be perfect. Who thinks these things? Well, I did and I found out that quickly that wasn't the case. Over the years we have struggled with many issues that kept the perfect marriage stamp off our certificate. HOWEVER, we have worked through every single obstacle as it came along with one thing. The power of Jesus Christ. We really can do ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS US!
This past two years have been the toughest for our marriage by far. We never knew trials like the dreaded, financial, house woes trials. It almost took us over the top! Two job changes in less than a year was another huge adjustment. God knew we could handle it, and that he had something wonderful waiting if we would just trust him. Don't even get me started with the hip replacement fiasco and the one looming in less than two weeks. The fun never stops around here. Prayer doesn't either!


I guess the thing that I want couples, singles, MY CHILDREN to know is that life will happen. It certainly has for us. It is how you choose to respond to life that makes all the difference. We have always tried to respond in a way that will honor God and our family first. If we fail, then we fail. God sees our hearts and sees our obedience even when others may not understand.


Happy Anniversary Skip! I love you and thank God for the man you are to me and to our family. Thank you for putting up with my insecurities, my sometimes crazy woman talk that happens at a certain time of the month, and for my Beth Moore lectures I might have given once, twice, or 97 times. In turn, I will forgive the time you spend with mistress one, mistress two and mistress three. Without these girls, you couldn't keep your wife living in the lap of luxury that I'm accustomed to in my 1380 square foot rental. Hee Hee. Just kidding.






Jun 25, 2008

My Sweet Girl

It seems like only yesterday I spent 3 solid hours pushing to no avail to get this little girl into the world. She finally gave up after forceps and a mighty vac. A seventeen hour labor produced one of the most special gifts God has ever given to me. I love this young lady with all my heart and even though she is 14 and over 2 inches taller than me, she is still my baby.

Proud is the first word that comes to my mind when I reflect on how awesome she is as a daughter. Loud, fun, creative, and sweet are also in her DNA. She is probably my complete opposite (Skip's personality twin), but she does share a few characteristics of her mama. She loves to write, and she cries at the drop of a hat. Last Christmas we had to keep it off the christian radio stations that played Christmas Shoes. We would ruin our mascara every time it played. Then we would start laughing so hard we would start crying again. Don't even get us started listening to Butterfly Kisses or Steven Curtis Chapman's Cinderella.


Well tonight, this beauty asked for her special birthday dinner to include just one member of the family. She chose her handsome prince, Daddy. Skip was honored and I'm sure he will treat her like a princess. I'll just go drown my sorrows with a Little Debbie swiss roll and watch a lifetime original. Just kidding. A little. I'm so glad she loves her daddy so much. Pasta is over rated anyway. Here is a quick snapshot of my girl. I did the pic in black and white because Skip was wearing a very colorful shirt that looked horrible next to Ashley's. As they were leaving, my 8 yr. old Annie shouted out, "When you take me out for my birthday, you're wearing a tux. NOT A GEEK SHIRT." Let's all start praying for that girl.



Jun 23, 2008

She Speaks and I Listen

FABULOUS! The She Speaks Conference was truly fabulous! I hesitate to write a post about my experience for fear that my words will be inadequate.


The first thing I learned is that THIS GIRL HAS A LOT OF WORK AHEAD OF HER IF SHE EVER WANTS TO BE A WRITER. I guess I thought getting my words down on paper was the hard part. Oh no my friends! That is the easy part. Basically every thing I have written thus far on my blog should be deleted from the blogosphere. My grammar stinks! My sentences stink! However... do you know what doesn't stink? My GOD! He is completely capable of transforming my amateur attempts into works of significance. It will happen as soon as I get my booty in gear to study, write daily, research and remember that it is all about bringing glory to God.


One of my favorite speakers at the conference was Lysa TerKeurst. Remember here when I first mentioned her book When Women Say Yes to God. I finished the book before I went, and then had her sign my very worn copy. It is so strange that when I handed her the book to sign, I realized that the colors of her book cover reminded me of something. Take a look at my blog design done two years ago. Very similar except for the flowers. Pretty wierd since I had never seen this book before a few months ago. Lysa words spoke so close to my heart. I was encouraged and inspired.


All the speakers were real women with extraordinary stories of God's amazing grace on their lives. One of the women I met in RL was not a speaker, but instead my roomie. We have been friends for almost 2 years via blogging. She is an amazing godly woman and a gifted writer. We enjoyed our one on one talks as much as the conference. Springs of wisdom and God praises were constantly pouring forth from her mouth. Her name is Julie and she IS a writer! A published writer at that.

My other favorite new RL friend is Lynn. This beautiful lady is a dance teacher who has owned her own studio for many years. We met on the shuttle bus coming into Charlotte and became fast friends. She roomed with us the first night and we quickly became the three musketeers. She from TEXAS which helped us to form an immediate bond!
I could talk on and on about this wonderful conference and why I WILL be back next year, but I'm saving a little fun for future posts. This last picture sums up what first brought tears to my eyes as it was handed to me. It's just my name, but the 6 letter word under it represents the desires of my heart.



Jun 19, 2008

Reunited and It Feels So Good

I was in Victoria for just shy of 7 months, and during that time I only had a hair cut twice. That was out of complete desperation. The reason being that I hate to cheat. On my hairdresser, that is. It is difficult enough to find a hairdresser that you like, but even more difficult to find one that highlights and colors as well as they cut. I've completely given up on cost. It's expensive for quality. After being back in Corpus for a month now, I finally could not wait another week. I went in to see Kristyn (AKA- Wonder Woman), and got a cut and highlights. I'm not sure it's the highlights I love most, or just the way she cuts to make my hair work when I have almost given up. Either way, Kristyn, you are the BEST! I mean it when I say, "I was a fool to ever leave your side. Me minus you is such a lonely ride. That breakup we had has made me lonesome and sad. I realize I love you 'Cause I want you back Hey, hey!"


Jun 18, 2008

Need Some Prayer?


I have been so caught up in my own agenda lately, that my prayer time and bible study have been pretty minimalistic. I have also not had much inspiration to write either. Wonder why...hum? I know it is because my time with the Father is what gives me inspiration, ideas, and desires to write things to pass on to others. I know it is difficult to do a structured study this summer, but I am going to try to read a devotional or two each day. I found several unpacking a box the other day, and they are perfect.


During my time of prayer earlier, I felt the need to lift up a couple of things to you. First of all, my dear mother-in-law has had some stomach pain and issues for over a week now, and is still not feeling better. We are hoping to hear some news from the doctor soon. She is such a wonderful lady, and our family needs her healthy and well. Second, I was able to spend a lot of time with my daddy in Victoria yesterday while awaiting the arrival of his first great grandchild, and my first great niece. He asked for prayer for my grandmother who is struggling with the illness of my grandfather which has never improved. She does not want to let him go, but he is really suffering and he may not have much longer. We continue to pray for healing. Lastly, I pray for financial provision for so many I know struggling to make ends meet right now. I wish I could say that it is not a worry of my own, but everything keeps going up in price. I pray for God's provision for our family and for your's. If you have a special prayer request as you are reading this, I would love to pray for you today.


Matthew 6:33
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

*Please also pray for my sweet friend Julie who is suffering from pluerisy and wants desperately to make it to the She Speaks conference which starts on Friday. She is also going to be my roomie. I am praying for quick healing!

Jun 16, 2008

Here He Comes...


*Update: Here is baby Deacon. He is a healthy 7 lb. 4 oz. boy with dark curly hair. She had him without any real complications. Steph's iron count was pretty low, so she was given blood today to get her levels up. We are so thankful that Deacon is here and that he is doing great. We are praying Steph can go home very soon and start enjoying that precious gift from God.




My niece Steph

7:00am.

Phone call.

Accidentally hang up the phone.

Phone rings again.

Scream!

Calm down and listen.

My niece Steph is in labor.

Pray with her.

Shower, dress, throw kids in the car.

Head to Victoria.

We have to get there in time to greet baby Deacon!!!

Jun 15, 2008

C'mon Fess Up

You probably would never guess how I spent the last two evenings with my husband. I sat enthralled watching this. What an awesome tournament. Skip and I have laughed, cheered and cried a few tears together watching such amazing competition this weekend. And, we aren't done yet. The playoff is tomorrow! I haven't always been a huge fan of golf, but I have my favorites. When my favorites are on the leader board, I am glued to the set. This has become something we enjoy watching together, and I hope one day to join Skip on the course when time or finances permit. This sport is often geared more towards men (at least in my family), but I love that we sit and experience it together. What do you do with your husband or wife that most people would be surprised to hear? I'd love to hear!

Jun 14, 2008

My Two Favorite Men

This picture was taken several years ago, but I'm so glad I found it. These two wonderful men are so important to me, and I thank God everyday for them. On the left is my daddy. He and I didn't really start our father daughter relationship until I was in my twenties, but he is the most gracious, caring, smart and godly man I know. The way he has poured his life into his family over the last 20 years of his life has more than made up for a few rough patches we may have had while I was growing up. He didn't know the Lord then, but when he finally trusted in Christ, I have never seen such a beautiful change. He is the one I call when I have a spiritual question or I need advice on something, and he is the one I know will pray for me at a moment's notice. He loves the Lord so much and I am so proud of the man he is today. Happy Father's Day Daddy!


If you have ever read a single post I've done then you definitely know the other guy. The love of my life, Skip. He is by far the Best Dad EVER! He has so many wonderful qualities as a father and don't even get me started about how he shows his love for me. I would make you want to
puke for sure with my flattery. If you happen to ask my kids who their favorite parent is they would not hesitate to say Skip. He is the fun parent. I try my best, and it doesn't even matter that I spend almost every waking moment with them showing my love. He cooks better, he wrestles better, he's funnier, he hugs better, he's smarter, he's cooler, he tells way better stories. These are actually things they have told me. They always throw in "No offense mom, but dad is so much better at ..." Guess what? It doesn't bother me one bit. I LOVE how much they love him. I wouldn't have it any other way. I can remember when Skip and I were dating and I saw the way he wasn't afraid to pick up a baby and play a silly game with him or her. He would often help me babysit my niece and nephew and I knew that he would make a fantastic dad someday. He did, and he is still is! This weekend at church Skip is singing the Toby Keith song, "Love Me If You Can" to help wrap up our Generations Series on the role of the older man. It was such a beautiful father's day song, and the words that he sang were so fitting. If you want to hear Toby Keith's song on youtube, go here. Happy Father's Day Skip! We love you so much!

Jun 13, 2008

Fun Night, Lame Movie

Tonight Skip and I had another couple over for dinner, and two of our guy friends who had their wives out of town. I decided to make Barb's Pizza Spaghetti Casserole. Okay, technically it's Southern Living's recipe, but I found it on Barb's site. It was delicious and very filling with garlic bread and a big salad. We didn't have a lot of time to prepare the meal or really enjoy the company because we were on a tight schedule to all go see The Happening together. Guess what? The Happening WAS NOT HAPPENING! It was actually the worst show I've seen in a very long time. I love most of M. Night Shyamalan's movies, so I was extremely disappointed. Save your money...PLEASE.

We came back home and made a quick pound cake and drank some delicious coffee. Our friend's recently got back from an Alaskan Cruise and we loved seeing all the gorgeous pictures. The beautiful surroundings made Skip and I long to go to Colorado again. We haven't been in two years which is like forever to us. Estes Park is our favorite place on Earth. We have so many wonderful memories there. Skip fly fishes in the most awesome streams and brooks. We are trying to figure out how to get there this summer sometime after his surgery. In the early years of our marriage we would put money in a gas envelope for our trip. I remember thinking it was so crazy that it took $150 in gas money to get there and back. We figured on a calculator tonight that if we went right now, the cost would be about $800 for the gas. It sounds unbelievable, I know. Even worse would be airfare for five people. Wow, we better start saving.

Have a great weekend everyone!

It's Only Stuff

You know the scripture found in Matthew 6 that says, "Do not store up pretty glass items from Marshalls that kids will easily knock down while skating through the living room with a plate of food in there hands...?" Okay, maybe the scripture is a tad bit different, but I am trying to remember today that my stuff is only stuff. It's hard to remember this when it is the 2nd time in two weeks that my piece of crud entertainment center shelf has broken and sent the items crashing to the laminate wood floor. It's not like the pieces of stuff are worth anything, but it makes me so mad because these things are ones it took me a while to pick out and I REALLY enjoyed them. It's not like I have extra cash to replace them. I thought having older kids would make having a few nicer things out okay. Nope, the activities actually get rougher the older they get. Even Skip has been known to throw a ball or two in the house and break something precious to me.

Now after settling down, cleaning up the broken glass, and stopping to pray (there were a few harsh words for my little daredevil Annie who had just been told to take off the skates in the house), I am now realizing that the scripture hidden in Matthew 6 was written for years ago, yet it's meaning was written for me and for generations to come. My babies are my treasures, and I need to spend my time and energy on building them up and storing God's word in their hearts. In doing this, their treasures will not be destroyed by moth, rust or even roller skates.

Jun 12, 2008

Thankful Thursday

My list today is all about the things I'm thankful for this summer.

Nephew Conner, Annie, Niece Shelby and Ashley



1. Staying up late and sleeping in.



2. Watching how each of my children likes to spend their free time. Ashley is all about writing and designing. She is constantly writing lyrics to songs, stories and always creating designs on Polyvore.


Seth is ALL ABOUT MUSIC. He started piano lessons last week and Skip is teaching him guitar. He basically sits at his keyboard or plugs into his amp 24/7 unless I tell him to come eat or that we are going swimming. I really wanted Seth to find his nitch in life early since sports are not his thing. Praise God the boy takes after his father.


Annie is all about having fun playing games and activities. She loves card games best. She and Skip have their daddy/daughter time at the kitchen table with the poker chips almost every other night. Yesterday I heard her ask Skip, "Daddy, were you ever a dealer before you were a pastor?" I thought that was hilarious. And no, he wasn't BTW.


3. The smells of sun tan lotion and barbeque grilling.


4. The beach and the pool.


5. Reading while watching the kids swim.



I can think of many other things, but it's more fun to go read what everyone else is thankful for at Sting My Heart. If you would like to join in, then go here and leave a link.



Leave me a comment of what you are thankful for this summer. I'd love to hear!

Jun 10, 2008

My Future Rocker

Seth actually wanted me to post about him tonight which NEVER happens. I think he is following in his daddy's footsteps. What do you think?

I Don't Do Mornings!

Skip has always said that I am such a morning person. This does not in any way mean I get up early, but instead it means that I am happy, talkative and very irritating to anyone who is grumpy and quiet when they wake up. Our home contains both kinds. Skip and Ashley fall into the "Don't talk to me and I won't bite your head off category". Seth and I are annoyingly happy and extremely wordy once we're up. Annie can go either way depending on the time she went to bed.




The reason I bring up this random post today is to tell you there is a big difference between morning people and people who get up early. I am NOT a person who rises with the chickens. Mainly because when I married my husband almost 16 years ago, he lived like a rockstar (schedule that is). It's funny because he hadn't had a gig since the college years, but he stilled stayed up super late. If I was going to be the fun, spontaneous wife that I had fooled him into believing that I was when we were dating, then I knew I had better keep it up for the rest of our lives. It has turned out really great because I've been a stay at home mom for the last 11 years and we've been blessed beyond measure with children who have always slept late. I hear that is a rarity with young ones. In fact as I'm typing this post at 8:45AM, they are sound asleep. I love the peace and quiet they give me. I would absolutely love to be joining them, but for some reason I'm not today. In fact, I did wake up with the chickens-at 7:00AM!!! This is basically like 4:00 AM to a normal early bird. Would you like to meet these chickens that woke me up.



Chicken 1-Conner
Chicken 2-Shelby
Don't let their precious smiles fool you!


Jun 9, 2008

Procrastination is My Middle Name

I'm not sure how this name change came about for me, but it has definitely become a way of life over the last couple of years. Do you struggle with putting things off? I don't like it and I'm really ready to do something about it. I mean as soon as I type this post, check the bazillion blogs I read, and call a few friends to see what they have been up to this summer. Oops, see that's how easy it is for me to get off task. Here are the things I am going to attempt to accomplish this week:

* Do two math lessons with Seth and Annie. We still have to finish a few more chapters.
* Finish the registration papers for all three kids for their schools.
* Have some fun with my niece and nephew who are staying with us for 3 days.
* Dust furniture and clean mirrors- sounds easy, but I loathe doing both.
* Find some time to go through some of my writings before the She Speaks Conference
* Pray (this should be number one) a lot!
* Give myself a pedicure.
* Call to set up dentist and doctor visits.

The list could go on and on, but this is what I'm shooting for this week. Is there something you are putting off? I'd love to hear what it is and how you are making sure to get it done.

Jun 7, 2008

Catching Up

This was a very emotional week for me and for so many people I love. Not only did I lose a very close friend and mentor of mine, but her two daughters are some of my dearest friends. I was so close to going into a deep selfish state of sadness, all the while trying to be strong for those sweet friends who were struggling to grasp that the center of their world was now gone. Jeannie's sweet spirit affected so many young ladies at my former church, and to hear them share their stories of her influence touched me immensely. Though she is no longer here, her genuine love for her family, friends, and especially the Lord, will be remembered always.

Yesterday we went with some of our fun new friends to a nearby pool with water slides. Ashley is getting so tall. She is less than a month from turning 14 and is 5'7'' and still growing. I can't believe my oldest is starting high school in 2 and a half months. Where did the time go? Here are two of Ashley's new friends she has made since we moved back. These are great godly girls that we have really enjoyed getting to know.
Here is Seth with his new buddy Will. They both love PS2 and guitars. I really prayed that Seth would find some new friends quickly and God has provided.
Here are all the girls hanging out in the back of my car after we had a picnic lunch.

I have also been able to make some new friends of my own. Here is one of them. Won't you stop by and welcome Lori to this wonderful world of blogging.
Lastly, I am watching my sweet two year old twin niece and nephew Monday through Wednesday. I'm sure they will give me plenty to blog about. Ready or not, here they come!

Jun 2, 2008

Heavy Heart

I never truly understood what people meant with they said the expression, “I have such a heavy heart for ....” Last night I found out not only what that really means, but also how it feels. I felt it to my very core as I heard the news about a dear friend. My sweet sister in Christ left us yesterday to enter the presence of our Precious Maker, our King of Kings, our Great Physician, our Everything!

When I first got the call, I was immediately thinking that there was a mistake and we all just need to calm down and pray. God can do anything and maybe this was not true. My friend is still in her 50’s and last time I talked to her, she seemed fine. Unfortunately, she was not fine, and did pass away leaving behind a devoted husband, two beautiful godly daughters, a handsome son, 4 sweet grandbabies and one on the way, and so many other family and friends who have loved and cherished her very presence.

I will miss most the way she spoke of the Lord to me. She knew immediately when I was struggling with an issue of trust or fear. She once called me out of the blue before Skip was going in for his first hip replacement. She said, “Susie, I know that right now you are scared. I know that you are worried about the outcome. Susie, God has given me a peace that I am to pass on to you about this situation. Everything is going to be okay. Skip will be fine. Do not fret or be anxious because God has assured me that this is going to go fine.” For some reason, I knew she and God had talked extensively over me, and her prayers were answered in my behalf. I finally felt that peace that I had been longing for when she spoke those words.

I will also miss that hunger she had for knowledge. She would dive into a bible study like it was a Christmas present. Knowing the Lord for years and years only increased her desire to know every single thing she could about His Word. When we decided to do the Beth Moore Daniel study over a year ago, she became speechless with excitement. That would be the last study I did with her, but she never stopped learning and absorbing up until her passing.

I can’t even get started about her love for her children and grandchildren without the tears pouring down. I was so jealous at times the way she attended every program, every school party, every field day, every oral book report given. Her daughters are some of my dearest friends, and she would never miss their children’s activities. I always wanted a mom nearby to come to these things for my own children. Actually my kids and her grandkids were often in the same classes, so in way, she was that for me too.

My friend was like a mom to me and to so many others. Besides always knowing the exact thing to say when we were unsettled about something, she never hesitated to say I love you whenever we said goodbye to her in person or on the phone. That is what moms do and my friend was that to so many ladies in her church, and in her bible studies.

The pain is so real and so strong at this moment, but our friend is literally at the feet of Jesus. She is dancing, singing, rejoicing, praising our Lord! How exciting and beautiful! She is exactly in the place she always longed for and knows all the things she longed to know. There is no more pain for her, and no more sadness. She is with God!

The days to follow will be unbearable for this tender family that has felt cut short of so many things. They have so many phone calls and so many arrangements to make. They have no sweet mother to keep it all flowing and to pause along the way for hugs and tickles. But …they do have church families, they have friends and family who are going to come in and take over to meet the needs. They will have peace that only comes from above. Most importantly, they have the reassurance that my dear friend is with her Heavenly Prince in paradise.

Please lift the family and friends of Jeannie De La Garza up in prayer. We will all miss her so much.

*Jeannie was also a member of a writing group and here is one of her devotionals she wrote.

Jun 1, 2008

Susie's May Movie Reviews



Have you been to the movies lately? I'm almost embarrassed to say that I've been 4 times in the last 3 weeks. Let's just say it's been a while, and my family and I are huge movie buffs. By no means am I am movie critic, so please read these reviews with that in mind.

First movie up is Prince Caspian. Loved it! We had just finished ready the book as a family so the kids were very excited to know the characters and the basic story line. There were many differences in the book and the movie, but the kids followed everything really well. I thought the battle scenes were pretty intense, but my kids were not even phased. Probably not such a good thing. Anyway, I would recommend the movie for kids over eleven, or if there like mine, over 8 is fine. This is a must see for theaters unless you have an awesome sound and theater system (we don't unfortunately).

Iron Man was so AWESOME!!! This was adult only(lots of explosions and violence), but amazing! There were so many things I loved in this movie. Mostly, it was great acting on Robert Downey Jr.'s part. He is in incredible shape and very hysterical. I can't believe he is a 42 year old super hero in this, but it works! Your man will love this, and love you for going with him to see it.

Next up is Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Another yes!!! Now be warned...Very scary part at a grave yard. However, once again, my kids saw it and loved it. Don't stop reading my blog and think I am just a horrible parent. Instead you can blame my husband who has made my children huge Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Lord of the Rings fans. Okay, I must admit it's my fault too. I love adventure, good triumphing over evil, and the special effects in all of these blockbusters. It was so great to see Harrison Ford again. That man is a classic! And can I just say that Shia LaBeouf is my new favorite young actor. He was great in Transformers too! It is just hard to believe he is the same kid from the Disney's Even Steven's show. Please don't miss this one. It's great!

Last up is Baby Mama. What? Susie saw this? Never! Actually my friend Tiffany dragged me and I had no choice. I tried to beg her to see something else, but she said she would never go have coffee with me again if I didn't. Okay, so maybe it was me that dragged her and begged a little. Who cares? Why place blame? Anyway, we were two of about 6 in the theater and we literally laughed our heads off. It was hysterical. Yes, there was some language, some raunchiness, and yes we were very disappointed at lot of the story line choices, but overall it was so stinkin' funny and a great chick flick to see with a friend. It really would have made Skip crack up too, but I didn't want to torture him by walking into a show called Baby Mama.

That is about it for now. Please stayed tuned for my June and July Movie Reviews. I am looking forward to The Happening (love M. Night Shyamalan movies!), Kit Kittredge:An American Girl, Hancock, and The Dark Knight. Looks like I need a good chick flick thrown in there somewhere. Ooh, I forgot about Mama Mia and Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. Okay, I better get a summer job for all these movies I want to see.

If you've seen any of these, let me know what you thought. If you saw something else that you really enjoyed, let me know that too. Don't forget in October, everyone of you better put HSM3 on your must see list. It is going to be family friendly and full of song and dance fun! Support my nephew's first motion picture if nothing else.