I’m not sure I should do movie reviews.  I don’t get to enough to warrant knowing what’s good and what’s bad by industry standards, however I do know whether or not a movie was good or bad according to Heather standards, which, really, is all that matters if I go to a movie.

So if you’re like me, and I pray that you aren’t, if I liked it, you probably would to.

Tonight I escaped the youngin’s and headed to the theater to see Eagle Eye, starring Shia LaBeouf (his last movie was Transformers, but I didn’t see that movie) and Michelle Monaghan (her last movie was Made of Honor, which coincidentally was the last movie I saw in the theater.)

Shia’s a cutie. What kind of name is that anyway?

Back to the movie.

Overall, it was a really good movie, but one that I really had to pay attention to.  This is definately not a “movie you don’t have to think about” and there were several times that I was like “oh!  okay… i get it now.” which I’m sure made me appear to be the biggest dummy on the face of the planet.

The story begins with Jerry Shaw (Shia) scamming some friends in poker which was highly comical.  We later see him trying to make rent and can’t followed by a phone call informing him that his brother has died.  At his brother’s funeral, words were exchanged between father and son and we realize that the brother, Ethan, is the golden child.   He does no wrong while Jerry is the kid that never gets it together.

When Jerry goes to deposit a check for $1,000 in his once depleted bank account, he sees there’s a new balance of $750K… grabs the money and runs only to find his apartment filled with lots of weapons and stuff to make bombs.

That’s where the phone call comes from a strange woman who orders him to leave.

He doesn’t… and it gets interesting.

At the same time, Rachel, who just shipped her child off with a band trip to the Nation’s Capital gets a call from the same woman, joining these once strangers who will now take on artifical intelligence at it’s highest form.

Billy Bob Thorton stars as Agent Thomas Morgan and is one of the funniest members of the cast.  Which, I can say that this is not all action.  The one liners in this movie had the entire theater laughing.  If I could remember the really good ones I might be inclinded to update the IMDB site, but I can’t remember all of them… just the general gist, and that’s not going to cut it.

The movie is rated PG-13.  There’s some blood and some language, but I didn’t think it was over the top.  I’m one that jumps at action and adventure movies and there wasn’t alot of unexpected turns, but on the whole I’ll give this one two thumbs up.

Check out the movie trailer here…

And then get thee to the theaters to see it!

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And…. we have a winner for the 39 Clues Gift Pack that includes the book, backpack and t-shirt!

Tabitha, I’ll be contacting you in just a moment to get your address.

If you did go out and pick up the book, I’d love to know your thoughts and if you want to trade cards?  Let me know… there are a few of us who are going to trade virtually.

How’s that for getting our kids entangled in our online lives?

New giveaway on Monday!

Until next time…

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Growing up, there were many things that were important to my parents, but the biggest to my mother was all four of us, sitting down, at the table, for a meal.  This often meant three of us sitting there while the food got cold cooled off, waiting for my dad.

But it didn’t matter.  Happiness to my mother was all of us sitting around the table.

To this day, it still is.

My mother is known to make a Thanksgiving meal days before the actual holiday to accomodate having the family together for the meal.

While I hated this act as a child, often showing up to the dinner table with my Walkman knock off brand of a tape player, I can now understand WHY this is so important to my mother.

Long ago, I realized that the three of us, my children and I, were just not in a situation that we could sit down for dinner together, so I decided that it didn’t matter where we ate, just that we ate together.  It bothers me if I’m eating in my office and they are eating in the living room, so we just don’t do it.

But what I didn’t plan on was that I would actually look forward to dinners at the actual table.

With football season in full swing, eating together is not an option most nights.  Matthew often has to eat at 4pm and Samara and I aren’t hungry (take away the fact that there’s no way I can get a meal prepared by 4… shoot… it’s tough for me to get a meal prepared at any time of the day.)

I miss out meals together.  I miss sitting there and talking.  I miss hearing how days went or just laughing.  I even miss, kinda, Samara whining about how she doesn’t like what I made.

Libby’s created an interactive website called Get Back To the Table that’s filled with recipes as well as tips and information for getting the most out of your grocery dollar to create delicious meals the whole family can enjoy together.

Seriously, y’all.  There’s stuff on there that I can even make.

The next night that no one has anything to do, which very well may be in ten years, the kids and I are going to work together to prepare a meal… and get back to the table.  It’s where we belong…

I never understood why it was so important to my mother… but I do now.

And I’m looking forward to it many family dinners around the table…

Until next time…

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Communication is super important to me. I can’t begin to stress to you how important it is.

For most of the people I know, communication is important.  And when you have multiple children, involved in multiple sports and activities, things can get hectic.

As a coach of softball, soccer, and ::gulp:: cheerleading, in addition to being a youth leader for the church, it’s my job to keep parents up to date on when we have practices, games, team pictures, and other assorted events.

And for whatever reason, parents don’t want to talk to other parents.  I’ve yet to figure out why.  I also can’t understand why parents who take pictures at the games don’t email them to the rest of the parents.  I have very few pictures of my daughter when she is playing a sport because I’m coaching… and I can’t coach and take pictures at the same time.

It’s nearly impossible.

So what if we had a place where we, each group, could view dates, pictures, contact information of other families as well as be able to send messages to everyone?

We do!

Someone else, someone who I had the pleasure of meeting at BlogHer this year thinks communication is super important to and she’s created a site that called Qlubb.com and it’s an amazing resource for any type of group, whether you’re a family trying to keep up with one another, a sports team, or a youth group.  If you’ve got a club of some sort, then you can utilize the features of Qlubb.com to organize it for you and enhance communication.

Oh wait.  Yes, I know.  No one wants to register and create yet another user name and password.

So what if I told you that with Qlubb.com you don’t have to.  There is one group password.  That’s all they need to remember!

I set up a page for our youth group (and I’ll keep it private because I don’t have permission to share those photos and contact information with you) but so far, it’s worked out famously.  Perhaps I should’ve set one up for soccer as there have been quite a few who have not been able to figure out when we have practice and when we have a game.

Next year.  I’ll set it up next year.

And now I’m wishing that all of the other things that we are involved in had a website set up like this so that I know what’s going on and when.

The only thing that I don’t like about Qlubb.com is the events feature.  I would love to have a place where I can denote the time of the event, however, I found a work around and just typed it in the event description and what’s neat is that I can have people RSVP right there and sign up to bring something if need be.

The key when working together for our kids, or for the betterment of any group is communication and the communication between the parents I work with just got a whole lot better… and easier.

Oh, and did I mention Qlubb.com is free?

It is.

Now, go… set one up… be the hero.

You can thank me later!

Until next time…

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Did I ever tell you about the time that I had a major dating faux pas? I don’t think I have. I’m not overly proud of it, but had I had a blog at that time, I probably would’ve blogged about it. It was a typical “Heather Moment”.

You see, I was very much involved in the dating sites at that time… the time being late 2006. I was talking and “playing the field” I guess you would call it and there were two men who were at the top of my list. We’ll call them Stalker and Guy I Should Have Picked (GISHP for short).

You can see where this is going, can’t you?

I thought so.

So, on two occasions I had dates with Stalker and GISHP in the SAME NIGHT! I’m crazy, I know. I don’t know how I pulled it off, I’m shocked I did pull it off, but I did.

I liked both of these guys, but wasn’t serious or committed to either of them. Stalker wanted me to swear off other men, but I wasn’t ready.

Stalker and I decided to allow our kids to meet and decided that we would take them to the Circus, the Ringling Bros. Circus to be exact. We thought it would be a great way to introduce the kids in a setting that wouldn’t leave room for disaster and as far as the kids go, there were no disasters.

The kids got along famously, and Stalker had an 11 month old and I fell in love with her instantly. She was adorable, and a baby, and we all know about my “wanting another baby” fascination. I carried her all.day.long. while Stalker took care of the older ones, mine included.

At intermission, we took the kids down to ride the elephants. I carried the baby and of course ran into 5 gazillion people that I knew who wanted to know when I had another baby. After explaining ALOT that it was Stalker’s and that we were “dating”, (I still don’t know how to define that), I finally just said that she was a friend’s baby and because I was engrossed in chatting with so many people, I lost Stalker and the kids.

They were getting popcorn. And soda. And toys that no parent WANTS to take out a second mortgage on to buy but will because it’s the circus and it will quiet the kids down.

When it was time for the show to resume, we herded the clan, all 6 of us, back to our seats. As we were getting ready to turn into our aisle, me managing a baby on my hip, trying not to trip, because I’m sure Stalker’s ex wouldn’t appreciate knowing that the new “girl” dropped her child from the nosebleed section at the Salem Civic Center, I hear someone call…

“Hi Heather…”

I look up.

There, in the stands, with his totally adorable six year old, sat GISHP.

Now tell me. What do you do/say in a situation like that?

Let me tell you what NOT to do…

Don’t reply with “Hey! How are you? Just came out with a friend to bring the kids to the circus…call me later, k”

Wanna know why? Because Stalker, who wants to be a family NOW, will over hear you, get insanely jealous and spend the rest of the three ring spectacular unfolding on the floor below marking his territory and speaking loudly about all the dates you’ve had and what he wants to do together with you and the kids.

No, I’m totally not kidding. Please heed my advice.

Needless to say, GISHP never called. Never emailed and in hindsight, I really don’t need to tell you how it all turned out because I think you know based on how I named the two men in my story and knowing that I am currently SINGLE.

However, despite the debacle that occurred, I can tell you that the show was spectacular. The trapeze artists, the clowns who made me roar with laughter, the animals that they had trained to do things I struggled to get my kids to do… like, ride a bike, jump through flaming hoops, etc.

I am continually amazed at the talents that these people have and my kids were engrossed in everything that was going on, anxious for the circus to come back.

I can tell you that I have NEVER been back to the circus since that date however, I’m considering it.

I’d really consider it if there were a 20% coupon for tickets, like Ringling is offering in these select cities:

Grand Rapids, MI - Sept. 18-21, 2008

Denver, CO - Oct. 2-13, 2008

Boston, MA - Oct. 8-13,2008
Cleveland, OH - Oct. 24 - Nov. 2
Chicago, IL - Nov. 6 - 30, 2008
St. Louis, MO - Nov. 6-9, 2008
Auburn Hills, MI - Nov. 12 - 16, 2008
Highland Heights, KY - Feb 27 - Mar. 1, 2009
Cincinnati, OH - Mar. 4 - 8, 2008

Want to go? Want to go for cheaper? Simply go to www.ringling.com and enter code MCC when you’re purchasing any ticket that costs $24, $19, or $13.

While you’re there, check out the Baby’s First Circus program that allows babies to receive a free ticket voucher that can be exchanged for a free ticket to any performance, any time, anywhere and never expires.

As for us, we’ll go back.  I know that we will.  Even though the kids are getting older, the circus is one of those events that spans the generations and makes for great family time… and dating horror stories.

Until next time…

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I’ve already talked about how it’s hard for me to find books to hold the interest of my 11 year old.  It just is.  While watching the Today Show last Monday (which I now do everyday since I moved the TV into my office to see NKOTB and only get NBC) I saw them talk about a new book called The 39 Clues.  The more they talked about it, the more I realized that this would be right up Matthew’s alley.

Seriously?

I fully believe that authors are aware that there are more things out there competing for the attention of our kids and for most, reading is not as fun as playing video games or watching TV.  The 39 Clues combines both reading and the internet for a winning combination.

I ordered the book on Amazon the day that I saw the segment on the Today Show.  When Matthew came home, I shared the website with him and he was excited after seeing that through the book, and the website, there was a puzzle to solve, but not just with one book.

From now through 2010, there will be 10 books released, each solving one clue.  The other clues must be solved through missions online and the cards that come with the pack (and ones that you can purchase individually).

While navigating the website, we also learned that we can share our cards with friends so we’ve already made arrangements to trade with Jenn and the boys are excited.

If you’re not into playing the online game, the book can stand by itself.  But Matthew is just as into the book as he is solving the online mysteries and clues.  His cards are organized and he’s excited.

The $10,000 cash prize might have something to do with that.

The book came and Matthew dove in.  He registered on the website, determined which “clan” he belonged to (much like the sorting hat from Harry Potter) and he’s on his way. He’s got one clue solved and carries his book, cards, and notebook with him everywhere, so that he can continue reading and solving away.

From The 39 Clues Website:

The Cahills are the most powerful family the world has ever known. 39 Clues hidden around the world guard the family’s power, and it’s up to YOU to find them. It’s Cahill versus Cahill in a worldwide race to find the Clues . . . and beat the competition.

To find the 39 Clues:

Read the Books – Each 39 Clues book unlocks one Clue.

Collect the Cards – Game cards help reveal Clues.

Play the Game – Find Clues through online missions.

Win the Prizes – Play and you could be eligible to win prizes!

I contacted Scholastic and told them how much we LOVE the concept and the book and they were gracious enough to offer a copy of the book, a backpack and tee-shirt to one of my readers.

That’s YOU!

So here’s the deets:

• Contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike
• Comments will be taken until midnight on Friday, September 19th (EST)
• Winner must be in the US (or have someone in the US that can get the package and send it on to them)
• Winner will be chosen by random.org and must respond to my email within three days.  If there is no response, I will chose another winner.
• Prize will be mailed directly by scholastic

Want to know how to win?

Leave a comment on this post with the name of your favorite childhood book? What book do you most remember that really got you reading?  For me?  It was the Babysitters Club books.  After they were released you couldn’t, and still can’t, tear me away from a book. (Comments that simply say, enter me will be deleted.)

Want another chance to win? Link to Desperately Seeking Reviews in a post or display this AWESOME graphic on your blog!

<br /> <a href=”http://www.desperatelyseekingreviews.com” mce_href=”http://www.desperatelyseekingreviews.com”><img class=”aligncenter size-full wp-image-35″ title=”desperately-seeking-reviews” src=”http://www.desperatelyseekingreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/desperately-seeking-reviews.gif” mce_src=”http://www.desperatelyseekingreviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/desperately-seeking-reviews.gif” alt=”" width=”152″ height=”210″ /></a>

Leave an additional comment with the link to your blog or the post that it’s linked on.

Don’t want to wait?  Buy it now! 39 Clues: Maze Of Bones

and don’t forget the extra cards!

Get to it!

**Comments are now closed on this contest… we have a winner… Tabitha!**

Until next time…

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Twenty-five years ago, I was the ripe old age of 6. I lived in San Antonio, Texas as my dad was stationed at Ft. Sam Houston.

Twenty-five years ago, gas was a whole lot cheaper, and I was a whole lot cuter.

Twenty-five years ago, I hurt my mother’s feelings when I asked why Grandma always got us better Christmas presents than Santa. (Hey! I didn’t know and to this day, everything my mother buys my kids comes from Santa because she doesn’t ever want me to feel the way that she did that morning.)

Twenty-five years ago, my grandma, who did bring better stuff than Santa, but I didn’t realize that Santa was mom and dad, tracked down the hottest gift of the season. The tickle me elmo of it’s day.

A Cabbage Patch Kid.

All I wanted was a cabbage patch doll. I wanted one, at age 6, so that I could be the cool girl. The girl with the doll that everyone else at school coveted.

And when my grandma learned of this, I don’t even want to know what she did to get that doll for me.

But she did.

Her name was Justine Abbey and I fell in love with her the minute I ripped open the beautifully wrapped package. Her brown yarn hair, and brown eyes were much like mine. Her shoes never stayed on and it wasn’t long before I lost them. But then she was even more like me… always barefoot. Her hair was in pigtails and I wanted so badly to take it down, but my mother wouldn’t let me.

Can you believe that Cabbage Patch Kids have been around for 25 years? This year, they are celebrating that silver anniversary with commemorative dolls and a new website.

And I?

Have one.

When she arrived, I ripped her out of the box. The moment that I saw her, she looked just like Justine Abbey (except this doll has blonde hair in a side pony tail and blue eyes but her face. I knew it the moment I laid eyes on her.)

I stared at her through the wall of flimsy plastic and remembered the day 25 years ago when Justine Abbey became mine.

The excitement was more than I could handle and I carefully opened the box that she came in. Immediately after I opened the top, the smell of baby power consumed me. It was that smell. That new baby smell. The smell that I love and that I remembered.

Once we got her out of the box, I did what everyone does when they first hold a cabbage patch kid.

Yes, I lifted up her bottoms to see if Xavier Roberts was stamped on her cheek.

And it was, along with a 25th, so that I would know, she’s a comemoritave baby.

Samara was beside herself with this new doll at her finger tips. And we decided that she would adopt this baby, this baby that is so “us” it’s unreal.

For example, this baby? Her name?

Catalina Pamela.

Catalina was my spanish name in Spanish class in highschool (there is no spanish equivalent of Heather and since H’s are silent in spanish, I got to be whomever I wanted to be!)

And her birthday?

August 4th.

Which just happens to be my baby brother’s birthday.

I don’t know from experience what it’s like to adopt a child but I read on a lot of blogs of those who have adopted that when they meet a child for the first time, they know that this child was meant to be with them.

When I laid eyes on Catalina, I knew. She belonged here.

It was then that I shared the adoption papers with Samara. I explained to her the importance of taking the oath and that being the adoptive mother of any cabbage patch child was not only a huge responsibility but an honor as well.

After looking at me like I was nuts, she asked me what she needed to do.

And that’s when before God and her brother and I, she stated the following:

I promise to love my Cabbage Patch Kid with all my heart. I promise to be a good and kind parent. I will always remember how special my Cabbage Patch Kid is to me.

And then?

She signed her official adoption papers and I signed them as well as her witness and on August 14th, Catalina Pamela became a part of our home.

You can see more Cabbage Patch memories here and as soon as I track down a picture of Justine Abbey and I, you can bet that I’ll be posting mine!

So now I want to know… how about you? Did you have a Cabbage Patch Doll? What’s your greatest memory?

Until next time…

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As a parent, it’s our job, our responsibility, to show our kids how to be responsible.

They don’t want to be responsible.

Shoot, let’s be honest…

*I* don’t want to be responsible sometimes. I just don’t.

The responsibility doens’t only fall on us, as parents, although I do feel that it starts here. But teachers, youth leaders, pastors, coaches, mentors, etc. are also responsible for passing that responsibility on.

And whereas I feel that you can’t complain about the country, the economy, or those in political office if you don’t vote, I don’t think you can complain about the “unruly” children of the times unless you’re attempting to do something about it.

I’m impressed that Liberty Mutual is stepping up and doing something about it.

Liberty Mutual launched The Responsibility Project, after a huge response to one of their TV commercials where people do nice things for strangers, in an effort to provide parents with tools to share with their children on what it means to be responsible.

Somehow, over time, we’ve lost that. We’ve become a WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?) society.

It’s time to bring it back to doing unto to others what you would have them do unto you.

It’s not called the Golden Rule for nothing.

At the Responsibility Project website, you’ll find videos, resources, and a question poised to make you think: What’s your policy?

What is your policy on responsibility?

I shared this website with Matthew and Samara. While I do try to instill the values that were taught to me, times are different. What worked when parenting me, won’t work when parenting them.

So in an effort to try to speak to them on their level, with what they are interested in, I’ve used the Responsibilty Project.

Our favorite video is this one… Mandy & Lester. Poor Lester. He went through alot. He could’ve given up at any time. He could’ve eaily done the WRONG thing, but he didn’t. He continued, time and time again, to do the RIGHT thing.

That’s the message that I want my children to hear.

Take a minute and check out the Responsibility Project. Watch the videos with your children and take a moment to see what other parents think, what stance others are taking.

As the website states, and I wholeheartedly agree with, “We believe that the more people think and talk about responsibility, and even debate what it means, the more it can affect how we live our daily lives. And perhaps, in this small way, together, we can make the world just a little better.”

Will you do your part?

Until next time…

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