Getting all my Ducks in a Row

#StopKony2012

2012-03-07T05:36:00.000-10:00

KONY 2012 is a film and campaign by Invisible Children that aims to make Joseph Kony famous, not to celebrate him, but to raise support for his arrest and set a precedent for international justice.

I hope that you will feel moved to join the movement, share the movie or set up a reoccurring donation like I did this morning.

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

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Inside The Crayon Box With @Crayola and #MyBlogSpark

2012-03-06T05:31:00.000-10:00

Creativity matters. It’s a skill that all children can learn and when it’s practiced every day, kids become the critical thinkers, problem solvers, and leaders in the classroom, and they’re better prepared for professions of the 21st century.

Crayola wants every child to be creatively alive, so they’re inviting parents “Inside the Crayon Box,” for a special live chat with celebrities and trusted parenting experts that will inspire and spark ideas to expand your child’s creative thinking. If you find yourself looking for new ways to inspire your children to express their ideas and build their creativity, you’ll want to join them to learn and share!

The first “Inside the Crayon Box” live chat is Wednesday, March 7 at 9 p.m. EST. Join Crayola and musician, children’s author and mom, Lisa Loeb for a 45-minute live streaming video chat on the Crayola Facebook page. Lisa, best-known for her number one hit “Stay (I Missed You),” will share as personal stories, practical advice and ways she brings a little creative play into every day for her daughter. They want to hear from you - participants can ask Lisa questions during the event, too!

Interested in the topics to be covered during the chat?

Why Does Creativity Matter?

Creativity is not about who’s the best artists or becoming an architect. It’s a way of thinking that encourages kids’ original ideas and develops their confidence.

Growing Up Creative. Lisa will share stories about growing up in a home where creativity was encouraged.

Simple Tips. Easy Ideas. Like most moms, Lisa juggles a lot. She’ll share simple, easy ways she sparks her daughter’s creativity as part of their daily routine.

“Creativity Matters”

“Inspire”

Just in case you miss the Crayola “Inside the Crayon Box” event, or if would like to share the chat with your readers after the live session, check out the Crayola YouTube Channel where the session will be posted.

To learn more about the tools from Crayola that make it easy for parents to help children develop their creativity www.Crayola.com and like Crayola on Facebook!

Also, be sure to check out Lisa’s book Lisa Loeb’s Silly Sing-Along: The Disappointing Pancake and Other Zany Songs (Sterling Children’s Books, 2011) available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. Sing, laugh, and play with pop Lisa in this fabulous collection of ten of the silliest songs ever. Fun activities, games, and recipes accompany whimsical songs. Take Lisa's Silly Sing-Along with you wherever you go and get the high-spirited good times started. Includes a 10-song CD recorded by Lisa!

Disclosure: The Crayola “Inside the Crayon Box” prize pack, product information and prize pack for giveaway (to be given away later in the month) have been provided by Crayola through MyBlogSpark.

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After 10 Years Could You Start Over?

2012-02-09T05:35:00.000-10:00

Could you throw out every pre-conceived notion you have ever had about your kids overnight? Could you wake up the morning after visiting with their doctor to begin your life as a mother again?

I have found myself in that position recently.

My oldest is going in for a gamut of tests to determine exactly what we are dealing with. For the last two years we have been dealing with him having ADHD...but now they are not so sure that's what he has - or if that's all that he has.

We've already been told my his teacher this year that 5th grade is the turning point in our schools. Kids can be passed on in lower grades if they are on the cusp of getting it but being held back by problems and maturity. But this year...it's make it or break it.

Since we have visited (IE cried, complained and listed all the symptoms that we have been dealing with the last couple of years) I saw a look on the doctor's face questioning why we always said things are better, things are good...

The honest truth?

It's embarrassing to share just how out of control, out of sorts and out of the realm of normal my son's behavior is gotten.

and

good in my eyes had become manageable. As long as we can make is through the day that is all that I had come to expect.

Now?

I know that's not enough.

So after hearing about all that it could be:

Aspegers
Oppositional Defiance Disorder
Or ADHD combined with a combination of other things.

I

well I am having to make changes. I am having to strain my patience to it's breaking point and then take a deep breath and make it stretch ever farther. I am having to stick to my guns and give up all semblance of control. Power struggles seem to flair up into arguments that spiral out of control all to quickly. So I am choosing my battles wisely and sparingly. I am not punishing for how long it takes to get homework done or the amount of work that he has to bring home. I am not excluding him from activities but pushing him to be active, social and happy. I am being more supportive about his needs and the needs that he doesn't even know about.

We are doing more family activities and even inviting friends to come along with us. We are attending birthday parties and getting involved in our community.

I am being more careful with my words towards every member of my family so that he can learn respect from the source that deserves to receive it.

We are attending church. I forgot how welcoming a church family can be. I forgot how families thrive in that atmosphere.

I am praising like no one's business the behavior that I adore and trying my hardest to ignore or reprimand the behavior that I want to get rid of.

We are building in stress relieving activities into our week like baking, thrift shopping and running. The 2 oldest boys and I are going to run a 5K in April and are joining in on practice runs 2 nights a week.

I am giving chores and allowance to build up a sense of teamwork in our house.

I am taking regular breaks once a week and giving over the reins to Hubby once he gets home from work. I am going to sleep at a decent hour and waking early to get a calming 30 minutes in peace with a cup of coffee.

I have basically given up my computer, iPhone and TV during my kids waking hours in lieu of giving them one on one attention that they have been craving in the form of fights, temper tantrums and misbehavior.

We are playing games, making jokes and shedding a few tears along the way. We are struggling, but we are making it. We have good days and we have really bad days. If I have to start over from the beginning with this motherhood thing for my kids, that's what I am going to do. They are my reason for getting up in the morning and there isn't anything that I wouldn't do for them.

Blogging has been an outlet for me. I don't want to focus solely on this issue in the future. But if you don't hear from me for a few days know that I am doing the work that needs to be done in my home to ensure that happiness is always welcome here.

Hiking photos from Sequoah State Park.
Flowers from my own backyard given to me from my oldest.

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5 Nights of Soup Suppers - Vegetable Pasta Soup

2012-01-31T02:23:00.000-10:00

Not only is the week all about easy soup suppers but I have found that by making soup, I have way more time for all the things that we are finding super important lately.

Playing the games that the kids got for Christmas.
Reading with Madilyn and Ethan while the two older boys read in their beds.
Eating as a family at the table.
Getting homework and housework done.
Getting all 4 bathes done.

Not only are we able to accomplish all of this and still get supper on the table, but the kids are as ready for bed as we are to send them.

Ingredients:

2 tsp olive oil
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups carrots, coarsely shredded (3 carrots)
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup celery, thinly sliced (2 stalks celery)
1 32-ounce carton reduced sodium chicken broth
4 cups water
1 1/2 cups dried ditalini pasta (or any small pasta)
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
2 Tbs snipped fresh parsley

In a 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir for 15 seconds. Add carrots, celery and onion; cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add broth and the water; bring to boiling. Stir in pasta; cook for 7 to 10 minutes or until pasta is tender.

Top each serving with cheese and parsley.

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Are You Ready For A New Look This New Year?

2012-01-30T05:36:00.000-10:00

It's hard not to think about weight loss in the month of January. It seems like everyone I know is constantly talking about the weight that they have lost, the new thing they are trying or the food that they are missing while dieting.

One of my favorite ways of saving calories and still feeling full is soup and salad. And thanks to Progresso I have a ton of great new soups to try out. While I usually just grab something to eat at the restaurant that I work at for lunch...I know that it would be way less calories if I came home and heated up some soup and threw together a simple salad.

Now that the ball has dropped and the confetti has settled, it’s time to consider how you will stick to your resolution for the New Year and maintain your weight management plan, without sacrificing on variety or the taste of foods you love. Thanks to Progresso®, you can have your soup and eat it too!

With 40 delicious soups with 100 calories or less per serving, Progresso Soup has a variety of offerings that help you beat diet boredom and satisfy your taste cravings, while helping you stick to your weight management calorie goals. Progresso soups are packed with hearty ingredients like pasta, beans, rice, meat and vegetables that suit your taste buds and make you feel good about including it in your meal choices.

This year, the Souper You® Contest will provide three lucky winners with an ultimate makeover experience in Hollywood; this includes a trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California where the winner will receive a head-to-toe makeover including hair and makeup, guided shopping spree with a $1,000 fashion retailer gift card, $1,000 spending money and 2 tickets to this season’s live finale of NBC’s The Biggest Loser

Progresso is asking fans to visit www.SouperYou.com and submit their photo with a brief essay about why they love Progresso soups and why they deserve a makeover, by no later than February 22nd

Fans can check back on March 12th for the announcement of the top ten finalists, and to vote for their favorite finalist until March 25th

In addition, visit http://bit.ly/ProgressoCoup to download a printable coupon for $1.25 off the purchase of four (4) cans of Progresso Soup today.

Also, tune into The Biggest Loser on NBC Tuesdays at 8/7c

Click here to watch this amazing video of the 2011 winner experience.

Thanks to Progresso through My Blog Spark I am able to offer one of you the chance to win a Progresso “Souper You” prize pack:

(2) VIP Coupons for Progresso Soup
(1) copy of “The Biggest Loser” Workout DVD

Just tell me your favorite kind of soup.

Bonus Entries:

1. Follow me somehow: e-mail subscriber, Instagram, Pinterest Twitter or Facebook. +1 entry. Leave a comment telling me how you follow.

2. Share this giveaway: Through Twitter or FB. +1 entry. Leave me a permalink to your twitter or FB status by clicking on the time stamp on it and commenting with the url of your share.

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only and will close FEB 12th. Winner will be drawn using random.org, contacted through e-mail and have 24 hours to get back to me with shipping information of a new winner will be drawn.

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5 Nights of Soup Suppers - Homemade Tomato w/ Cheeto Toppers

2012-01-30T05:21:00.000-10:00

I have no trouble sticking to my list while shopping for groceries...that is until I get to the register. It never fails that I have to wait. The impulse shopper inside me loves it. All those shiny magazines are the worst...just waiting for me to discover a recipe that I have to try or a new use for an old thing. One of the most recent magazines that I have bought is SOUPS by Better Homes and Gardens. This week we are having soup for supper every night. I am crossing my fingers that this will cause snow to fall but at least the plumber has finally shown up so that I can light a fire and pretend that it's snowing outside.

I had no idea that tomato soup was this easy to make. In less than 20 minutes I had this delicious soup on the table along with an easy side salad. Not only did it taste way better than the canned variety that we are used to having but it was way healthier! I was able to control the amount of all ingredients since I was the one preparing it. I used 2 carrots, 2 stalks celery and went easy on the salt.

Easy Tomato Soup with Crispy Cheese Puffs

Ingredients:

1 Tbs butter
1/2 cup carrot chopped
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1/4 cup celery, chopped
1 28-ounce can chopped tomatoes, undrained
2/3 cup vegetable juice
2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1 cup of water
Cheetos for topping

In a medium sauce pan heat butter over medium heat until melted. Add carrot, onion and celery; cook for 5 to 8 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomatoes, vegetable juice, sugar Italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes; cool slightly.

Transfer tomato mixture, half at a time, to a blender or food processor. Cover and blend or process until smooth. Return pureed mixture to saucepan. Stir in enough water to reach desired consistency; heat through.

Top each serving with Cheetos.

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Learning To Use My Canon - Week 4

2012-01-30T04:59:00.001-10:00

While looking for something to do, I found myself on the Travel OK site. It's amazing the resources, activities and events that are happening right here in OK. This weekend at Sequoya State Park they were doing eagle watching tours. We went for the tour but stayed to play tourist in the park.

We were told that the Audubon Society would be set up at a local nesting tree with telescopes and binoculars. After a quick google search we learned that Audubon society are groups of people who want to help preserve eco systems and focus mainly on birds.

All of the society members were so helpful and encouraging. They loaned each of my kids binoculars and moved the telescopes up and down as my kids stopped for their first look at a bald eagle.

They also told us about other resources that are available and great for kids. Local nature centers and hikes, along with a LIVE eagle cam:

http://www.suttoncenter.org/pages/live_eagle_camera

Not only does taking my kids out on outings like this give me the chance to take lots of pictures, but it's fun to pass on this love of learning that I have. I can't wait until spring comes, I am ready to shoot more than these dreary backgrounds and I am looking for field guides so that my kids can learn about the plants and animals as we are exploring.

Any tips, critiques or ideas for photo shoots? Got a great pin on Pinterest for photography? I would love to see it!

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She Reminds Me...

2012-01-20T05:44:00.000-10:00

I love this little girl.

She reminds me to be gentle, kind, apathetic and to put sugar in my voice.

She reminds me that mistakes happen. You can't stop them but you can control your reaction to them.

She reminds me to look on the bright side, to search for the light in every dark day and to share it with others.

She reminds me to laugh, love and hug everyday.

She reminds me to be prepared, but also to remember that things will not always go as planned and that's OK.

She reminds me to give my life the gusto that it deserves, to take the time to play and make time for the small things because they really are the big things.

Source: justquotes.org via Melissa on Pinterest

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Wordless Wednesday - Using Picnik.com to Edit Photos

2012-01-18T04:34:00.000-10:00

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3 Pinteresting Ideas for Kids

2012-01-17T05:38:00.000-10:00

I am crushing on Pinterest! My favorite board is Have Fun With My Kids. I have been pinning ideas left and right and actually putting them to good use every weekend.

1. Make a sorting basket for nature walks - this idea helped us to avoid a ton of arguments as the cups we used were labeled with initials. Thankfully the kids took turns helping to carry the basket since they found a ton of interesting stuff.

Source: familyfun.go.com via Mellisa on Pinterest

2. Use Ivory soap to practice whittling - the boys were given pocket knives when they were younger and since we have been spending a lot of time outdoors hiking, I thought it would be a great time to break them out. We tried whittling but it was a lot harder to explain with sticks. So thankful for the power of Google:

http://www.ehow.com/how_10012758_whittle-soap.html

3. Microwave Ivory soap - We did this. It's amazing what happens. It was also a great way to introduce my kids to the idea of a science experiment. I asked them what they thought would happen and they were very surprised at just how wrong they really were.

Source: toysinthedryer.com via Mellisa on Pinterest

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Learning To Use My Canon: Week 3

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-10:00

This week I promised myself that I would try my hardest not to pose my kids. I would just follow along with them and capture what they were doing. That's a hard habit to give up. We took our kids fishing, metal detecting and down to the exposed bottoms of the lake.

I love that the lady who my Aunt bought worms from included some gold fish after finding out that this was our first time fishing as a family. The kids were pretty patient but it was windy, cold and nothing seemed to be biting.

Since we haven't had a lot of rain since last summer a lot of the lake bottoms are exposed in our area. It was so much fun to watch the kids reaction when they were set free to explore, discover and play along the banks.

This also brings up a great point...be prepared. Madilyn and I were wearing rubber boots but the boys were just in their regular shoes. I could have gotten a lot more shots if I had made sure they were prepared. Instead I spent the time that I could have been taking pictures shooing them out of the water.

These were the most posed of all my pictures. I really want one of all my kids from every adventure that I can put into a scrapbook that we can look back on throughout the year. The thing that I realized though...it took me 14 photos to get to these. Once I get the kids where I want to get a shot, I have to give them some time to relax so that they are really smiling and not faking it for the photo. Thankfully Hubby has taken to standing right behind me and acting goofy in order to get the kids to laugh at him.

Any tips, critiques or ideas for photo shoots? Got a great pin on Pinterest for photography? I would love to see it!

Test Driving A New Puppy...

2012-01-13T05:41:00.000-10:00

Can someone please explain to me why if I am not that big of a dog person - why in the world would I agree to test drive a new puppy to see if it was a good fit for my family?

That was answered this morning when all four of my kids were dressed and ready for school on time this morning, just hoping to get in a little play time.

Have a great weekend. We are taking the kids fishing, arrow head hunting and metal detecting so I hope to get in some good practice with my canon. On a side note I took my first sponsored ad and am well on my way to buying my second lens. I am thinking of getting a 50 mm. What's your favorite or the favorite of the blog's that you like to follow?

Wordless Wednesday: Getting Ready For School

2012-01-11T04:17:00.000-10:00

8 Great Pins for Nature Walks With Kids

2012-01-10T05:42:00.000-10:00

Source: google.com via Mellisa on Pinterest

While getting ready to take a hike with the kids this weekend I took a look around Pinterest for some ways to get the kids excited. I love that I can find cheap and easy crafts that they get so excited about. I had everything to make these super cute binoculars:

Here are a few others that I am going to try in the future:

Source: familyfun.go.com via Mellisa on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: familyfun.go.com via Michelle on Pinterest

Source: wordplayhouse.com via Stephanie on Pinterest

Source: choosetothrive.blogspot.com via Jean on Pinterest

Source: blonde-designs.squarespace.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: pinkchalkstudio.com via Leslie on Pinterest

Learning To Use My Canon: Week 2

2012-01-08T14:58:00.000-10:00

This weekend I took photos in front of the large dining room window with a large white serving platter and then again on Sunday when we took the kids back over to Robber's Cave and did the 3 mile nature hike. I was really proud of the kids. They didn't start to complain until the very end of the last mile. I found out afterwards that the nature trail is moderate to steep slopes. Probably not the best starting point for our family since we have never really hiked. But we found lots of fun places to stop, water/snack break and of course I made sure to snap a lot of photos...

193 to be exact.

These are the best of the weekend:

Any tips, critiques or ideas for photo shoots? Got a great pin on Pinterest for photography? I would love to see it!

5 Free Kindle Books for Kids

2012-01-05T15:26:00.000-10:00

I am entering a new phase with my kids. All the sudden they have electronics where their hands use to be and eyes that are always down cast instead of looking at where they are going. I am of course talking about their new found love for all things that begin with the letter i:

Jakob got an iPhone for his birthday.
Santa brought Avery an iPod for Christmas.

I can't fault them for falling in love with their new devices. They come by it honestly. I have found myself short of breath and heading home when I realize that I have forgotten my iPhone. I have replaced it after 12 hours of dropping and breaking it. I need my phone. I love my phone. My phone has become more necessary than my purse.

While my kids don't have complete access to all the glories that are the iPhone (how I regulate their phone's capabilities in another post to come), they do have the kindle app.

And since we have been making reading a family affair with trips to the library, nightly reading and sharing of books - it's no surprise to me that they are all in constant need of something to read. This I love too!

After a quick Amazon search I found 5 free kindle books for my kids:

The Dragon of the Dolomites:

Everyone knows dragons are the vainest of all creatures. And if you're the last dragon? You're the vainest of them all. Scott William Carter's first young adult novel was hailed by Publishers Weekly as a "touching and impressive debut," and called "compelling" and "a good choice for reluctant readers" by Library Journal.

Ripley's RBI Fact or Fiction - A Scaly Tale:

The premise of this first entry in the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! RBI series is a little convoluted. Ripley High—located in the former home of the creator of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!—is now home to students with special powers. The best of the best are inducted into Ripley’s Bureau of Investigation (RBI), a high-tech operation that sends kids on dangerous missions around the world, where they, like the Ripley’s series of old, try to separate fact from fiction. Solid graphic elements help sort this all out, with visual introductions to the RBI team, both teachers and students. In this adventure, something has been spotted in the Florida Everglades that seems to be half man, half reptile. What can it be? After several close calls, the team is met with an answer that seems far-fetched until one reads the appended real-life case files. With all the graphic elements, including sidebar facts on smart phone images, this should especially tempt reluctant readers. This title will lead kids right into the follow-ups, including The Dragon’s Triangle, Running Wild, and Secrets of the Deep (all 2010). Grades 4-7. --Ilene Cooper

Book Surfers Treasure Island:

Jake, Becca, Ryan and Harriet are kidnapped by Dr Crookshanks and his accomplice, Professor Kaufman. Against their will, the gang have to jump 'into' the world’s best known adventure stories to steal important artefacts, using an incredible invention called the Nautilus. If they don't get what Crookshanks wants, what will he do to their parents? And what will Becca do without her dad's credit card?

Crookshanks explains that in order to keep their families safe, the children must bring him back the actual treasure map from Treasure Island. Their parents’ lives are in the hands of a complete madman! The Booksurfers have little time to argue. Before they know it, they are thrown into Treasure Island; they’re talking to Jim Hawkins, running away from pirates and risking their lives to get their hands on that map!

Ever wondered what it would be like to not just read a book, but actually experience it? Throughout these books you'll find something rather ingenious: hyperlinks. They're pretty easy to spot; look out for an underlined word or phrase or sentence. And whenever you see one, you can just click on it, and - KA-POW! - you'll be zipped into the actual book the Booksurfers are exploring at the exact point they are discovering it! Have fun tagging along; you never know what story you'll end up in next...

Henry Burp - Mind Your Manners:

This is the story of a young boy whose manners always get him in trouble. When he gets some, Henry learns to mind his manners - and they don't mind at all. This picture book is good for 3 - 7 year-olds.

The Adventures of Leaf Man:

A 500 word short story.

Created by Fairy Magic, Leaf Man only has one day to live. He dreams of all the adventures he can have, but instead spends his short time saving the life of a child. In so doing, he earns a sweet kind of immortality.

Do your kids know about the i yet? How do you foster the love of reading with your kids?

5 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

2012-01-05T05:41:00.000-10:00

1. I have been taking the kids to the library each week to get books for the whole family but there is just something about a book delivery from Amazon that makes me so happy. I bought these 3 books that will soon be delivered.

2. I have been practicing with my Canon each day this week:

3. I have almost saved enough money to buy the gas logs for my fireplace and to call the plumber to come and hook them up. To think at this time next week I could be sitting by the fire with a cup of coffee and a great book is almost to much to stand.

4. I have discovered Pinterest. I know, I know - it's been around for a while. I hemmed and hawed around telling myself that I didn't have time for one more thing online when I was already cutting back on the time that I spent with my computer. Here's the thing - I don't have time to NOT be on Pinterest. It's full of so many ideas that I can incorporate with my kids:

If you are on Pinterest - follow me and I will make sure to follow you back: http://pinterest.com/mellisarock/

5. I am blogging again. For real. Not just trying to post. I am taking the time to think out ideas. Sharing my life and really using my blog in a way that works with my family.

What's made you happy this week?

Photo credit for first image: http://icanread.tumblr.com/

This post was inspired by my fabulous blogging friend Chrissy at Life as a CEO.

12 Fantastic Netflix Movies You'll Probably Never See

2012-01-03T17:41:00.001-10:00

I've never really had an open mind when it comes to movies. I like romantic comedies. I really love romantic comedies that were based on books. While I have been known to see a few action and kid's flicks to keep the rest of my family happy, I prefer romantic comedies. That all changed when I got Netflix.

Now? I have a seriously weird Netflix addiction.

I recently discovered documentaries and foreign films. Never in my wildest imagination did I ever expect that one night I would be captivated by a four year old French girl or get caught up in the story of a Mexican circus family? Just the mere thought of subtitles a few years ago would have had me running for the hills but now I can't get enough.

Beware the list that follows are either:

Slice of life films
Foreign films with subtitles
Films without a single spoken word
or
Films that will leave you breathless, tearful and inspired.

Food Beware Organic - The French Revolution:

Jean-Paul Jaud's documentary visits the Barjac village in France, where the mayor has mandated an all-organic menu for the lunch program in the local school. Farmers, parents, kids and health care advocates discuss the impact of the decision. School and government officials also weigh in on why people are dying of cancer in ever-increasing numbers, the food industry's role, the use of pesticides, nutrition and local sustainability.

To Be and To Have:

The once-acclaimed French school system is under siege, with overcrowding making it impossible for children to receive the education they deserve. But there's one place that's trying to buck the tide. This documentary by Nicolas Philibert visits a one-room schoolhouse in rural Saint-Étienne-sur-Usson, where Georges Lopez teaches his 13 students, ranging in age between 3 and 10, the old-fashioned way ... with effort, attention and encouragement.

The Wave:

To give his students a real-world example of how dictatorships can grow powerful, a high school teacher starts a social experiment that gives some of his students a strong advantage while leaving others subservient and powerless.

The Garden:

Filmmaker Scott Hamilton Kennedy's politically charged, Oscar-nominated documentary follows a group of low-income families struggling to protect a 14-acre urban farm in the middle of South Central Los Angeles from bureaucratic real estate developers.

God Grew Tired Of Us:

After raising themselves in the desert along with thousands of other "lost boys," Sudanese refugees John, Daniel and Panther have found their way to America, where they experience electricity, running water and supermarkets for the first time. Capturing their wonder at things Westerners take for granted, this documentary, an award winner at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, paints an intimate portrait of strangers in a strange land.

Praying With Lior:

Lior Liebling, a Jewish boy with Down syndrome, spends his days praying endlessly to God, much to the delight -- and occasional befuddlement -- of those around him. Follow Lior, nicknamed "the little rebbe," as he approaches his bar mitzvah. Ilana Trachtman's coming-of-age documentary paints a touching portrait of a family, while raising tough questions about notions of faith and disability.

My Left Foot:

Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for his emotionally and physically complex portrayal of Irish writer Christy Brown, who was born with cerebral palsy and misdiagnosed as mentally disabled for the first 10 years of his life. The story unfolds in a series of flashbacks with Hugh O'Conor starring as the young Christy, who eventually learned to write using the only body part he could control: his left foot.

Pocket Money

In this poignant and humorous film set in France in the summer of 1976, director François Truffaut chronicles the journey of childhood through the eyes of children ages two weeks to 14 years old. Among the joys and pains the kids experience are a double date at the movies, brothers who give a friend a haircut, first love, teenage rebellion and a toddler who falls from a window. One of the highlights is a soliloquy delivered by a schoolteacher.

Circo

Mexican ringmaster Tino struggles to operate his family's long-running traveling circus in the midst of an economic downturn, while coping with the demands of his fed-up wife and four talented young children in this fascinating documentary.

Babies:

Documentary filmmaker Thomas Balmes charts the simultaneous early development of four babies from different parts of the world, illustrating what makes human life unique, similar and precious wherever it occurs. Training his camera on newborns Hattie from San Francisco, Ponijao from Namibia, Bayarjargal from Mongolia and Mari from Tokyo, Balmes captures everything from first screaming breaths to first steps.

Life In A Day:

After thousands of people around the world joined together to record banal and remarkable everyday events on July 24, 2010, director Kevin MacDonald led a team of editors to condense more than 4,500 hours of video into this picture of life on Earth.

Ponette:

When her mother dies in a car accident, 4-year-old Ponette (Victoire Thivisol) is left physically and emotionally scarred and in the care of her grief-stricken father. Sent to live with family for a while, Ponette slowly comes to terms with her loss. Thivisol earned a Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival for her powerful, haunting performance as her character sullenly navigates a world comprised mostly of children's faces.

What's the last great movie you watched?

Photo Credit

Salty Nutella S'mores

2012-01-02T16:59:00.000-10:00

After dinner tonight I couldn't stop thinking about the s'mores from this weekend. I went to make one for myself but sadly my kids didn't get the memo. They had eaten all the chocolate and graham crackers that were left. I thought all was lost til I spied a box of Ritz crackers and pulled out the Nutella.

Swipe each cracker with a bit of Nutella and top with a marshmallow. Pop in 350 degree oven for 2-3 minutes or until marshmallows are pliable. Top with second Ritz cracker and enjoy.

After enjoying my fair share of these bad boys I thought I had really created something special. Google however kept my ego in check with several hits on the exact same recipe.

I'm taking the stance that great minds think alike.

New Year's Resolution: Learn To Use My Canon

2012-01-02T05:40:00.000-10:00

My entire life has been centered around the letter M.

Mellisa. Mom. Making the best out of it. Meeting goals. M is not something that I have ever feared until this weekend.

After having my Canon Rebel for a full year I finally put it on Full Manual. Don't worry, I don't have delusions of grandeur with the photos below. I realize that they are light. Believe me...the ones from Saturday were so light that I couldn't even consider sharing them here.

My New Year's Eve resolution is to figure out how to use (and I mean really use my camera.) As it stands now I have a macro lens which I think is making things harder than they have to be. But instead of purchasing a new lens just yet - I am going to spend some time learning how to use what I've got.

Each weekend in 2012 I am going to muster up the courage to flip that little dial over to M. I will share the best photos that I am able to take and hope that you all will give me a honest critique or photo tip.

This weekend is something that I think would make a great tradition. Every New Year's Day I would love to take the kids back to this state park for rock climbing, campfires and s'mores.

It's Still Christmas In My House With Christmas Tree Cakepops

2011-12-30T20:30:00.000-10:00

Even though Christmas is offically over...

The Rock Family is still celebrating thanks to Sara and her super fabulous Christmas tree cakepops.

I still dream of the day when I can ask my kids for a photo and it goes smoothly on the first take. As it stands now someone's eyes are always drifting toward whatever is moving in the room. Or someone plasters on a fake smile. Or someone hides in poison oak for a round of hide and seek so that their face is red, puffy with one eye almost swollen shut.

Or maybe their mother needs way more practice with her fancy camera. Just today she was talking about taking it out every Sunday in full auto to finally learn how to use the darn thing.

Or maybe someone makes mention of the fact that one boy looks to be doing his business right in the middle of my photo session and everyone tries bravely to hold a straight face.

Might just be that their mother is learning that natural photos look way better than the posed. Hope that 2011 was everything you wanted or needed it to be and if it wasn't...well it's almost over.

Happy New Year!

In 2011 I was incredibly blessed.

2011-12-29T05:37:00.002-10:00

I attended my first blog conference: BlogHer.
I went on my first blog trip: BoxTops University in Minneapolis.
I bought a camera for the blog: Canon Rebel.
I crossed 2 things off my bucket list: I visited the Pacific Ocean and tried sushi.
I celebrated my 2 year blogging anniversary.
I celebrated my 10 year wedding anniversary.
I shared my family, daily life and values with you.

My favorite posts for 2011:

January: Let Them Be Little

February: Taming The Octopus

March: How Do You Deal With Guilt?

April: Tuesdays Our Busiest Day - No Wrenches Allowed

May: A Couple Of Things I Can't Stand About My Self

June: Confession Time

July: Hoping She Retains Her Sense Of Humor

August: This Isn't Monopoly Money

September: Please Tell Me I Will Always Be This Lucky

October: New Moms Should Be Required To Keep Their Newborns At Home At Least Until The New Completely Wears Off

November: I Say No A Lot, So That I Can Say Yes Sometimes

December: Spelling: It's Not Easy For Everyone

Top 11 photos of 2011:

I am linking up this post at:

Wordless Wednesday: Leaf Angel

2011-12-28T04:36:00.000-10:00

Goals for January 2012

2011-12-27T05:42:00.000-10:00

I have so many goals for the new year.

January Goals:

Gas logs for upstairs fireplace
Plumbing to connect gas line to logs
Front Door and storm door

Here in Oklahoma we have had ice storms that have knocked out the power in the last few years. I would like to have a working gas fireplace to ensure that my family is safe and warm at home in the event that this year brings another storm.

Our front door is desperate need to be replaced and the storm door was ripped from it's housing a couple of weeks ago by strong winds. If I were really honest I would say that 4 little hands going in and out without thought to using the button didn't help.

I know the best way to make sure that I reach them is to get control of my finances. First up is the money that I spend feeding my family.

In the last year I would guess that we have eaten out as much as we have eaten in. For a family of 6 that can be mighty expensive, especially when 2 out of my 4 kids are old enough to eat off of the adult menu in most restaurants. Since we are in a soccer hiatus we have been eating at home more often in the last month but with the price of groceries on the rise even that has been pretty expensive. So last night I sat down with a couple of cookbooks to make out a menu plan.

I have 5 simple dinners planned with the option of soup or sandwiches for 2 nights. All of the recipes that I picked share ingredients and are also items that I know my kids will snack on. I am hoping to bring my grocery bill under $100. This would free up a ton of money for the things that I have planned to purchase for the house in January.

While searching for the recipes that we will be eating in the next couple of weeks, I came across one that really got my attention.

Chunky Beef Vegetable Soup to Feed a Hundred
Amish Cookbook

I can't even wrap my head around trying to feed 100 people for dinner. But the more that I think about it...the more it sounds like a lot of fun. Maybe it's just left over joy from the holidays.

How do you save money feeding your family?

Our Version of Christmas Evolves Every Year

2011-12-26T04:58:00.000-10:00

Our great Christmas started on Christmas Eve. I wrapped all the presents in the early evening while the kids were out visiting. What a difference it made to be able to go to sleep at a decent hour. While in years past I have grudgingly got out of bed on Christmas Day, this year I was the first one awake. I was able to have a cup of coffee and greet my kids with a smile.

We started a few traditions that I would like to carry forward:

We took the kids to see We Bought a Zoo. There were so many families at the theater - it seems to be a tradition for a lot of families in our area. Each year I want to take the kids to see a movie.

We asked each of the kids if they would like to buy anything for their siblings. They all knew exactly what the other would love. I counted these as gifts from us as we were buying them...they were not in addition to what we had already bought. On Christmas morning we talked to the kids about it being better to give than to receive and then they opened the gifts from their siblings one at a time before any other presents.

Before the kids went to bed for the night Hubby and I played the games that they got for Christmas with them. It was so much fun playing Trouble, Battle Ship and Madilyn's pre-school version of Uno.

I hope that you Christmas was filled with peace, love and joy. I hope that you were surrounded by those that you love and that love you.

Merry Christmas.

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