Into the Woods Movie Review

I don't get an opportunity for date nights often but I was so happy to have a date night and do something that is even rarer than a date night-see a movie.  Ever since I saw the preview for Into the Woods I have been anticipating seeing it.  I am a fan of the musical and even own a dvd of the musical with Bernadette Peters and Joanna Gleason among others.  If you aren't familiar with Into the Woods it is a story with many of the fairy tales we know.  Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Baker's Wife, Cinderella, and Rapunzel.  The musical explores these stories traditionally with humor in the 1st act and the 2nd act of the play is really reflecting on turning the stories a bit awry and self awareness within the characters.

Into the Woods the Movie has an excellent cast.  I could see why Emily Blunt has gotten a nomination she was excellent in her role as Baker's Wife.  Meryl Streep did a wonderful job as the witch and all of the supporting characters were great as well.  One of the things that was evident as a fan of the musical was the disappearance of the narrator besides a voice over.  He is a pretty integral part of the play and his absence was definitely felt.  Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf in the play have sort of a more sexually undertoned interaction in the stage version.  That was left out of the movie as well.  Also, I feel bringing it to the screen it lost a lot of it's funnier moments.  Although Agony was very funny in the movie and is in the play.  As far as children seeing the movie, there is some scary moments with the witch, loud and unexpected appearances and disappearances.  Overall, I think it is a good movie for 8 years old and up.

My overall review of the movie is 4 out 5 loaves of bread in honor of my favorite character the baker's wife.

***This review is solely my opinion and I received no compensation or sponsorship for it.

Speech Evaluation Part One

My little 2 year old is not super talkative, it has been a subject of worry as a mommy for awhile.  It didn't help matters any when his pediatrician suggested I take him for a speech evaluation.  I called all of the #s that were recommended to me by the doctor and they were anything but helpful.  I even had one office want me to commit to seeing her for treatment for my son before even evaluating him for speech.  We haven't even established if there is a problem that he would need therapy for and already they are convinced he will need therapy???!!!!  So upsetting...I have felt really frustrated and defeated looking for a speech evaluation.  I even called my insurance company for a list and everyone on the list replied with oh we don't do that.

The recommendation that was made by the pediatrician was made in August and thankfully I have seen a lot of improvement in my boy.  I really have to listen closely though.  He has been saying a lot of things lately and sentences which has made me feel so happy.  I think I finally found a place to go to for an evaluation-the best part is they will come out to my home. We will see if they call me back.

To be continued....

Gas Card Winner

We had such a great response to this giveaway.  I am so happy that I can bring so many of you giveaways you are excited about.  We have one of our largest giveaways scheduled for February so keep watching Facebook/Twitter and the blog for the announcement.  The larger our followers are the more the giveaways will grow so share us with your friends.  

The winner of our gas card giveaway is...

Giovanna S!!!!

Congratulations and contact me at peeingwithdooropenmommies@gmail.com with your address and I will get it out to you asap.

52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables Review

I think that by now most people when you say Les Miserables know what you are talking about.  When I was in high school I became acquainted with the book with my love of literature and attraction to depressing stories.  If you aren't aware Les Miserable is a story about tragedy, redemption, and forgiveness.  The musical version is what most people are familiar with and believe or not that is the more positive version of the story.  The book expands upon the tragedy a lot more and is pretty depressing.

I recently got an opportunity to read a book analyzing Les Miserable and the Life Lessons that can be learned from it.   The book is 52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables by Bob Welch.  This book was an easy read with short chapters and engaging subject matter.  This book comes from a christian perspective and it's analysis is smart and encouraging.  The book starts out with a quick overview of the characters and the 1st chapter addresses the story in a simple, easy to understand, and straightforward way.  Some of my favorite lessons are Crisis reveals character, Love Means Letting Go,  Love Perseveres, and of course To love another person is to see the face of God.          
To get a copy of your own http://www.amazon.com/Little-Lessons-Miserables-Bob-Welch/dp/1400206669/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422068519&sr=8-1&keywords=52+little+lessons+from+les+misérables

***The book was provided to me by Booklook Bloggers for free.  I received no other compensation for my review.  The review is completely my own opinion.

My Boy's First Disney Marathon

Living in Orlando we are fortunate to have Disney in our backyard.  We try to get out to the park as often as possible.  Every year Disney has a few marathon events.  My kindergartener has really gotten into running and joined the running club at his elementary school  It is an hour before school normally starts on Tuesdays and I am proud to say we haven't missed a day.  I am not going to paint the picture that this feat has been easy but he wakes up and gets ready.  Several times it has been super cold and he has had to run in that but he has a very positive attitude even when it is cold out.  Since his newfound love of running he asked to be in a marathon.  He knew that Disney has a marathon so they were first on his list.  Disney has marathons for all ages and I do mean all.  Even one for crawlers to participate in.  My boy's age group had a 200 meter marathon and it was such a great experience.  He really felt super special from start to finish and was so excited to get his medal. Mickey was even there to give a high five of encouragement.  When they finished their race they had water, a banana, and a granola bar waiting for them.  They even have someone taking pictures of your child for the race.  We had such a great experience at Disney for the marathon that we can't wait for the next one.

***This post is not sponsored by Disney or the Marathon that produces the events.  I received no compensation for this review and the thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

Reese's Spread

I know a lot of people are fans of Reese's candy.  I am a huge fan of peanut butter and very occasionally chocolate.  They have come out with a Reese's spread that tastes just like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.  I have tasted a lot of peanut butter chocolate combos but this one reminds me so much of eating candy it is ridiculous.  It is a very smooth peanut butter so it is good for dipping apples, strawberries, and pretzels.  I haven't tried it in a recipe but I think it would be a really great addition to a peanut butter cookie recipe. I will say as they say on Sesame Street now, this would definitely be a sometimes food.  For some indulgence though this is a great snack and if you have will power it will last a long time in your pantry.  If you don't have will power then I suggest you leave it on the shelf because it will be gone in no time flat-I don't want to be responsible for throwing you off your diet.

***I received this Reese's Spread from Vox Box through Influenster.  I received no compensation for this review and the opinions are entirely my own.

Otronicon

Every year at the Orlando Science Center they have a special event call Otronicon.  Otronicon is a gaming event complete with interactive exhibits, games to play, and learning opportunities galore.  2015's Otronicon is from January 16 &17 at 10 am to 10 pm and January 18 & 19 from 10 am to 6 pm.  The cost of entry is $19/adult $13/child with access to the entire Science Center on this day as well.  I was fortunate enough to see some background into Otronicon this year.  My husband has a booth at the event for his gaming company Arb Studios www.arbstudios.com

There were arcade games, game competitions, and activities galore.  Every floor was jam packed with  gamer's delights.  I went with my kids and they enjoyed all the lights and electronics everywhere.  Fortunately, the Science center has lots of kid friendly areas through the building to keep your little one busy and stimulated.

Sickness has ruined the day again....

Sickness is in our house like a plague...I thought I had it bad with my 2 year old's constantly fussiness with hand, foot, and mouth but, then it got worse.  My 6 year old came home with a sickness from school today complete with a fever.  My boy does not like taking medicine so much to the point that he works himself up into a panic.  Medicine taking normally results in a hysterical battle complete with throwing it up.  Pleasant right?  Well, today was as you can see one of those days.  I am feeling zapped with all the sickness and crying.  I have never looked forward to bedtime as much as today.  Hopefully my 2 boys will sleep through the night.

Day 2 of being held hostage in my home.  My 6 year old woke up with a fever and had to stay home from school.  My littlest is whining a little less.  My oldest actually has been able to swallow his medicine without chewing and has been keeping it down.  Also by the end of the day the fever has disappeared.

Day 3

Both of the boys are fever free.  Still in the house don't want to share our cooties with everyone but it sure makes you feel stir crazy.  Hopefully we will be rid of this sickness soon on a bright note I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.  

I did have some plans for this weekend off from school.  My oldest has a 4 day weekend but due to the sicknesses we are quarantined.  Hope you are having a better time with your little ones without sickness.

New Year New You?

Do you feel the pressure every year in January to make resolutions and make this year the best year ever?  I do.  Our society puts a lot of emphasis on it.  Sadly, this commitment to improvement only lasts at most 3 months.  I think that our day to day life gets in the way and change is hard.  As a whole in general, we are not very adaptable people.  Do we really have it in us to change a major aspect of ourselves?  I try to make my goals obtainable if something is too far out of reach you are setting yourself up for failure.  Failure is not a good feeling especially in January.  So here is my encouragement...baby steps and if you had a bad day/week keep trying.  We aren't perfect and I think the act of trying and putting forth an effort makes you a better person.  A step at a time towards the new you for the new year.

Gas Card Giveaway

Gas has been a huge topic of conversation-how much less it costs per gallon.  Countless Facebook feeds and twitter tweets excited to get a deal on gas.  To celebrate we are doing a giveaway for a gas gift card to Exxon/Mobil for $10.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***This giveaway is in no way sponsored by Exxon/Mobil.  Winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter and their actions verified.  Winner has 1 week to claim their prize.

January Amazon Code Winner

Thank you everyone for your participation and entries.  This was thus far the most entries we have had in a giveaway.




Congratulations to Jackie V.  Please contact me at peeingwithdooropenmommies@gmail.com to claim your prize.

Insiders Tips to fun at Downtown Disney

Living in Orlando I have become the go to advisor for vacations.  I want to share with all of you some of my tips for select areas in Orlando.  The first destination I am going to tackle is Downtown Disney.  Downtown Disney is a free to park and free to enter area on Disney property.  Currently they are going through a lot of construction for improvements but if Downtown Disney is on your list of stops here are some things to know.

1.  Parking is a mess- they are currently building some parking garages which have limited the available parking

2.  They have closed a lot of spots to make way for their Spring arrival of Disney Springs
3.  There are a lot of construction dividers everywhere.

Things to do with Kids

When we go to Downtown Disney there are some can't miss activities.  There is a Lego store

and Once upon a toy

that is always on our agenda.  At the Trex restaurant

there is a Dino dig area and it is a fun place for the kids to play.  Trex and Rainforest Cafe are both fun interactive places to eat.  There is also a train and carousel on site to enjoy.

Things to Enjoy with Older Children and Adults

Splitsville is a great bowling alley that is definitely more adult than kid.

House of Blues is a concert venue on site and if you time it right you can catch a great show.

 Disney Quest is an interactive gaming paradise with simulated games and the games are Disney themed.  The price is $45/person 10+ and $39 for children.  They also have

Cirque de Soliel which is basically a modern day circus minus the animals.  Watch in amazement at what these performers are capable of.

Can't miss Food Spots
T-Rex Restaurant -Dinosaur themed restaurant that is lots of fun
Earl of Sandwich- excellent quick dinning option
Raglan Road- if you happen to be there later on in the evening there is irish entertainment and it is so fun

As you can see there is something for everyone.  

Dear Son

To my son,

I want you to know that I waited a long time for you.  My life was lived,  now that I look back, a little empty.  Before you were born your dad and I were working a lot trying to build a future.  I knew that I definitely wanted to have a child but your dad took a little convincing but once it happened-he was all in.

I remember the exact feelings I had the day I found out I was pregnant with you.  I was so happy, excited, and scared.  Fear of the unknown plus my fear of doctor's visits were now a reality.  You grew without any problems and overall my pregnancy was so easy.  Labor, no matter what anyone tells you, is called that for a reason.  It is painful but so rewarding, there is nothing better than having your child that you hoped for and dreamed about placed in your arms.

You my son are very special, you made me a mommy with your arrival and you taught me how to be the best one I could be.  Through all of the adventures we have shared together-I can think of no other  path that my life could of taken that would have made me as happy, proud, and loved as you make me feel.  I look forward to your laughter throughout the day and your silly stories which seem at times never ending from your imaginative, playful mind.  Your hugs and your kisses make life...well life.  Your sweet disposition and love for others amaze me.

I have so many hopes and dreams for you, like any other parent, but my main hope is for you to be happy.  I want you to be who you want to be, do what you love to do, and above all love life as much as you love life as a child.  I hope that you never lose this love as you continue to grow.

Love
Mommy

My plan is to print this out for you to have and can keep with you as you grow older.
I encourage you to take the opportunity to write out a letter to your child and store it away for when they are older.

My Intro to Snapchat

Seriously, I have never felt more old when a friend suggested I get Snapchat.  I downloaded the app not fully knowing what I am downloading, I feel like I have enough apps to occupy my time with Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.  But I am trying to be more open minded.  First off, I was fully confused looking over the app it seems like a mishmesh of things and I have no idea how to use any of it.  It didn't matter any when I tried to look up my friends account and was rewarded with a steaming pile of poo.  Awesome..?  After exploring by touching everything I realized I could send a message, pic, or video to my friends with a play by play recount of my day.  Mostly mine consists of pics with my youngest napping (somehow I don't think I am the demographic they were searching for).  But I think it is a great single guy/girl tool and if you want to update your friends of your goings on in the day and Facebook posts of what I am having for lunch isn't enough then this is the app for you.

Resolutions or Goals for the New Year

1.  Keep up with the laundry.  It is a never ending chore and just when I think I have a handle on it a surprise pile arrives out of no where.

2.  To not let family drama bother me so much.  I tend to get involved in the drama of it all.  This year I am resolving to stay out of it.

3.  To stop caring so much what people think about me.  I am getting better at this.  When I was younger I struggled with this all the time.

4.  To not sweat the small stuff.  If it is not detrimental to let it go.

5.  Reduce my stress or at least my reaction to it.

Hope that you are able to make some resolutions that are going to help you become a better person or even a small improvement and more self awareness of things that can make your life easier.

What I did on my Bloggy Vacation...

I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas vacation mine consisted of lots and lots of family time.

This is our Christmas tree when the kids discovered the tree and were more than ready to open presents.  We had Christmas at our house complete with all the trimmings.

The day after Christmas I found one more present under the Christmas tree.  A passed out 2 year old.

We really mostly just took it easy, the kids enjoyed their presents.

We had a day at Sea World and a meet and greet with Elmo. 

Then just in time to ring in the New Year I got a nasty, disgusting, horrible cold.

Hope you had a great holiday season with your family.  

Happy New Year Giveaway!!!

Another year has come and gone.  Can you believe it?  I am looking forward to amazing things in 2015.  I want to start the celebration off with an Amazon Giveaway for a $10 Code.




a Rafflecopter giveaway
***This giveaway is not sponsored by Amazon.  Winner will be randomly chosen by Rafflecopter and their actions will be verified.  Winner has 1 week to claim their prize.