Nephew Number 2

April 4 (yup - 4/4/14) brought Baby James William Miller into the world weighing 10lbs 13oz. He is an absolute doll and my sister an incredible rock star. He's hanging out in the NICU for a couple days where his amazing daddy is staying right by his side. We are so thankful for his safe arrival and can't wait to love on him in the coming days, weeks, months and years!! Happy Birthday Little Big Dude!!

Asthmatic Movie Reviews 2

Still hanging with my nebber and watching some great (and some not so great) shows and movies on Netflix. For all posterity (and to make some sense of my boredom) here is the second addition of Asthmatic Movie Reviews.

I can't think of a better way to start than one of my oldest favorite movies. It's Helen Hunt and Sarah Jessica Parker at their finest. Two catholic girls dreaming of competing in the Dance TV contest . . . I have to put this on the "classic must see" list.

I enjoy drinking wine and thought this documentary might be interesting. It follows four candidates training and taking the master somm test. (A somm is the wine expert at the restaurant and a master somm is the highest level you can achieve.) I'd put it on the "a bit slow, a bit interesting, but wouldn't spend the time" list.

Because in his infamous words he teaches the kids at the 'Dereck Zoolander school for kids who want to read good and do other things good', "There's more to life than just looking really really good," I'm gonna put this on the "ridiculously stupid" list.

This silly little musical about the production of a musical had me smiling and laughing and finding the quirkiness quite fun. I'd put this on the "very long but very fun" list.

Love. Love. Love. Love Sandra Bullock. Love her bulky sweaters. Love the hilarious family characters and their witty banter. Love the story. I'd put this on the "love this movie" list.

This heartwarming and hilarious movie follows a career woman whose world is flipped upside down when she suddenly inherits custody of her long lost cousin's baby. I repeatedly laughed out loud as she figures out the ins and outs of motherhood as if landing on an alien planet. One question - why do movies in the early 90's have so many bizarre saxophone and keyboard notes throughout the whole movie? Hilariously distracting. I'd put this on the "cute and should be seen" list.

Set in 1953, an independent art history teacher tries to inspire the college girls that their life can be more than a housewife. I adore Julia Roberts and I adore the 50's and I'd put this on the "worth a watch" list.

With the most breathtaking acrobats, death defying tricks, and unbelievable costumes, I'd put this on the "weird but wonderful, beautiful but bizarre" list.

Spring break has begun so we started it off with a movie snuggle . . . although a bit slow, we'd put this on the "we love Dr. Seuss so we enjoyed this movie" list.

This cheesy (yet quite sweet) story follows a college aged girl forced to raise her half sister after the unexpected death of her parents. I'd put this movie on the "pretty good for a made-for-TV movie" list.

This whimsical interpretation of this classic movie tells the story in a brand new way. The costumes are over the top and the play on color and shapes made it a lot of fun to watch. I'd put in on the "don't expect the Disney version but worth a watch" list.

Two women, both struck with life tragedy, rediscover themselves by trading homes; one in America and one in Ireland.  It's an endearing movie that I'd put on the "not life altering but sweet" list.

 

This spunky comedian was fun to watch. She had some great impressions of different cultures and a few bits that made me giggle. I'd put this on the "didn't laugh hysterically put enjoyed a non-swearing female comedian" list.

 

Another movie with the kiddos . . . for some ridiculous reason this movie (rated PG) has one character say "crap," another "hell" and at the very end, "oh my G*d." It followed Tad, a wanna be archeologist, as he attempted to find a lost city.  Hannah said, "It was sort of good but I didn't like the bad words and I'd put in on the 'I wouldn't watch it again' list."

The girls and I watched the sequel to "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" and found another goofy story of a crazy scientist and the consequences of his shrink ray invention. Haley said, "It was a funny movie that has shrinking. I would put it on the 'watch it again' list but I wouldn't own it."

 

This hilarious romantic comedy follows a woman whose job it is to convince grown men to move out of their parents houses by 'dating' them. I'd put it on the "fantastic chick flick movie" list. (And Matthew McConaughey is not to bad to look at either . . . )

 

This sometimes difficult tale of twists and turns and lies and schemes, made me realize I was born in the wrong century as I adore the clothes of the 1800's. I'd put this on the "a witty little comedy" list. 

After a police officer offers half his potential lottery winnings as a tip to a waitresses, the consequences that follow become an unlikely love story. I was torn with this movie as part of it was so sweet but I'm not a fan of falling in love with people while you're already married to other people . .  . I'd put this on the "nice try" list.



And a short but sweet ending to this weeks reviews, the cake boss. A show I'd put on the "amazing to watch and to pretty to eat" list.

We are headed down to Seattle tomorrow to celebrate the birth of Baby James (my sister's first). They have a c-section planned first thing tomorrow morning. Praying for a healthy baby, a healthy mommy, and some fun new family memories made!!

It's a Boy!

Our first of two nephews due this week arrived last night at 2am weighing 8.2 pounds and born literally 5 minutes after the midwife arrived! He took his sweet time (being a week over due) but when he was ready, he was ready!

 

We can't wait to get to know this latest addition to the family . . . one here, one to go!

Spring Break

Spring Break has started here which means a week of no school and no routine. I will try really hard not to make this post sound like a poor me rant as that is not my intention here. My intention is to proclaim my thankfulness to friends and family who have come along side our family in this season and volunteered to make this a fun and special week for our kiddos.

My original plan this week was to load up the car yesterday and head on a girl adventure to Spokane to visit one of my oldest and bestest friend and her 6 adorable kids. We were looking forward to days of loving on twin baby boys, picking fruit in the orchards close to their home, drinking coffee while watching the instant friendship of our kids as if no time at all had past, and creating more memories together. Instead I find myself still on my bed admiring the beautiful sun through my window. Boo.

I am grateful beyond grateful however, that there are some amazing people in our life who have stepped up and said, we want to bring the Marsh girls along on our adventures. Sunday night, they got to spend the night at their Grandma Merry's. Grandpa Gerry took them to see the new Muppet movie in the theater complete with popcorn and soda. Today, the girls got to tag along to a new pool in our area that has water slides, a lazy river and a surfing wall. They came home brimming with stories from the hours of fun. Tomorrow is a mom day. We'll sit together and play Nintendo. Oh yes. Nintendo. I'm talking old school Mario. We've decided to watch a mini Tinker Bell movie marathon and I'm sure we'll fit in a card game or two. Thursday the girls were once again invited to join a fantastic group of friends as they explore the Olympic Game Farm, a drive-thru type zoo. Think Americas Funniest Home Videos where the llama puts his tongue through the window for some bread. And we'll end our week with a two night hotel stay in Seattle while we eagerly await the birth of baby James (my sister's little guy). We are also anticipating the arrival of new Baby Marsh any day now. He's a week overdo already but seems to be growing happily on his own little time line.

There are lots of rays of sun. Not just those peering through my window (closed to avoid the cut grass and pollen flying through the air) but all around us. There is much to be thankful for. There is much fun to be had. And we are beyond blessed by the people in our "village."

water park fun

A week of Movies and Shows

Besides playing a few card games with my kiddos, there's not a lot that I can do during this hibernation/asthma imposed bed rest. During and after breathing treatments my hands are so shaky that reading a book gets to frustrating so instead I turn to one of my other favorite things - watching movies. Thank goodness for Netflix where scores of options are available. From comedies to TV shows to documentaries, I've been watching a lot. Here's a list of what I've wasted/spent my time on so far.

But before I mention Netflix, we went and picked up this little movie the day it came out . . .

 

And we may be obsessed with it and we may have already watched it three times in a span of a few days. I would put this on the "best Disney movie ever made" list and if you haven't seen it yet, what rock have you been living under?

I digress . . . onto the Netflix reviews.

 

I have watched lots of weddings that David Tutera transforms into an incredible magical amazing experience no matter how ridiculous the bride's original dress, venue or theme was. It's fun and entertaining and it is on my "continue to watch more episodes" list.

  

Happy is a documentary exploring what makes people . . . well . . . happy. I found it fascinating and fantastic and I'd definitely recommend it!! It truly makes you think about your priorities and choices. (one quick warning - a woman in the film talks about a traumatic experience with a car accident and it shows some disturbing images of the damage done - wish I'd had the heads up!) I'd put this on the "you should really watch this" list.

This interesting documentary goes behind the scenes on a place unknown and a bit secretive shedding light on tradition and daily life. I really enjoyed it and felt like they did a great job of honoring the traditions and history while educating the rest of us of what we don't know. I'd put this on the "watch it if the topic interests you" list.

This heart warming documentary is about a couple both with downs syndrom who are getting married. It is filled with love for each other, their families and life. It was so endearing and precious and amazing and I'd put it on the "sweet love story that would teach you a lot about love" list.

This documentary (wow - I got stuck on a documentary theme?!) shows the history of one of our family's favorite food. It also shows the progression of what the over fishing for the good of the meal is doing to the ocean. I would put it on the "not my favorite but I learned why they serve wasabi" list. (Won't make you watch the whole thing to answer your questions - it instantly kills e-coli and bacteria so back in the day when refrigeration and clean water were not as readily available, wasabi helped keep everyone healthy. There. Now you can say you learned something new.)

This series follows a husband and wife who own an event planning business and create ridiclous over the top expensive weddings and parties. I'd put it on the "weddings and parties end up amazing but the way they show their process of planning stresses me out" list.

 

In honor of the two new nephews I have arriving in the next couple weeks, it was only appropriate that I watched a birth movie. Although both sisters are having completely different experiences - Bonnie (my sister-in-law) is planning a home birth and Melissa (my sister) is having a planned c-section for medical reasons, my greatest prayer is for very very very healthy mommies and very very very healthy babies. I'd put this movie on the "interesting look at the history of giving birth and why many women are choosing alternative options" list. 

 

This romantic comedy I somehow missed  is a touching and funny look at love and family and who we are in spite of or because of where we came from. It made me laugh out loud at times, get teary eyed at times and melt at the sweet romance at times. I'd put this movie on the "watch it if you like romantic comedies" list.

Oh Jane Austin. Where did you get the uncanny and amazing gift to pen words onto paper that capture the heart and the imagination while taking the reader (or watcher) into another world? Although Mansfield Park is not quite as fluffy as Emma or the sorts, it does not dissapoint in satisfying the marvel of an Austin tale. I'd put this movie on the "glad I'm watching Austin movies again" list. (And for some reason I find myself writing this with a bit of a British accent . . . )

 

This equal part riveting and terrifying documentary follows orca whales in captivity and tells the story of the trainer who was killed while preforming a show. I know I am so guilty of living in my own little bubble and I have been to Sea World many times as a kid and with my kids. After watching this and the history of care and cover ups about multiple injuries to the trainers and the whales, I'd put this on the "think twice about going to Sea World and instead share the beauty of whales in nature  with my kids instead" list.

In this very cheesy movie, an ex con tries to rebuild a relationship with his daughter by chaperoning her middle school field trip. In a very 'Home Alone' type twist, two of his crime friends find him and begin to chase the field trip around town. I'd put this on the "don't waste your time on this definitely-won't-win-an-Oscar film" list.

 

Amazing. So many moments of goose bumps - when those angelic voices hit just the right combination. The interviews are great, the spirits of the women incredible and I'd put this on the "totally know why it won an Oscar and you should watch it" list.

 

This simple yet endearing little movie is about two kids who find a commonality as picked on kids at camp. Instead of putting up with any more, they decide to run away. I'd put this on the "not a total waste of time" list.

This startling documentary is about the "two Indias" and the paths available to young woman. From the crazy lengths they go to to compete in pageants (skin whitening, botox, etc) which is much like our country's crazy lengths but with the risk of literally being pelted by stones for participating in the swim suit part of the competition (held behind closed doors to hide girls identities from the public) to the terrifying "Hindu extremists camps" in which girls learn their role in culture including the ability to fight and kill any Muslim or Christian that attempts to impede upon their religion I'd put this on the "I'm so thankful to live in America but my heart is sad for young girls in other countries" list.

Oh how I adore this movie and everything about it. It makes me laugh, makes me smile, and overall just makes me plain happy. I love the story, the costumes, the twists and turns of the plot and Gwyneth Paltrow at her finest. I'd definitely put this on the "must see or see again" list.

Most second graders get up just in time to get ready for school. Some second graders get up at 5am in the morning to start practicing for the Jr. World Golf Championship. This movie follows a few highly talented kids in their race for the win. I'd put this on the "I'm glad my kids are "normal" but fun to see some amazing kids in their area of interest" list.

 

Yup - its a retro throw back. A big old marathon starting from episode 1. It takes me way back to my tween days. Sarah - remember taping them on your VCR so we could watch them all again later? I didn't remember that Hayley Mills was the home room teacher all through season one?! But then, I don't think I noticed much but Zack Morris those days. Oh the joys of scrunchies, shoulder pads, trapper keepers, bad perms, canned laughter and bizarre saxophone interlude transitions? I'd put this on the "hilarious time machine" list.

Because I think she is one of the most beautiful actresses there is, I went a little old school with Gwyneth. Although I've seen it before, I'd put this on the "quite endearing, silly and fun" list.

I love cooking shows and am a sucker for empowering teenagers to reach their goals and aim for things they could never imagine. This documentary follows a culinary school program in the inner city of Philadelphia and the scholarship competition they train for. As incredible as it was to fall in love with and admire the kids, it was the passionate teacher who loved each student as her own showing them toughness at times but a tender heart beyond all understanding to want to see them succeeded. I'd put this on the "teachers are not given enough credit for all they do so watch this movie and be inspired" list.

Set in Scotland, this cute little chick flick tells the story of a famous actress and her attempt at marrying her fiance away from the tabloid photographers. I'd put this on the "darling little movie you should watch" list.

Another throw back. Filled with ridiculousness, I'd put this on the "must watch as every American should know where the ironic catch phrase 'as is' came from" list.

 

I'm not a fan of many reality shows. I don't understand why people watch the Kardashians or Jersey Shore or Real Housewives. I don't understand the appeal of watching people fight with each other as they go through ridiculous situations. I do, however, enjoy watching family shows. I adore 19 Kids and Counting and have learned sooo much. I really love watching The Little Couple and following their journey so I thought I'd give TLC another chance to watch a family dynamic so different from ours. I watched a few episodes. I do not in the least agree with their choices to live the way that they do - but I can't deny that they have a lot of love in their home for all their children. And I can't deny that there would be days where it'd be nice to have another female friend around to help with all the daily chores of a home. I'm not going to move to Utah and I'm not going to become a full time viewer and I'm not going the increase our family in such an over the top way but I'd put this on the "interesting and respectful look into the home of someone else that I don't understand" list.

Blasted hilarious. Like laugh out loud hilarious. It's so refreshing to have a comedian that is not off color or crude but makes fun of all the little things we all go through ever day. I'd put this on the "watch it!! You won't be sorry" list.

And thus concludes week one with 'Nebber'knezzer (thanks Luna) AKA Gus Tee (thanks Pete). Let the viewing (and the convalescing reviewing) continue.

Mud Slide

It's all over the news and even more live, all over our community. A natural disaster happened . . . 15 mins from our home. Over 24 people have already lost their lives and there is still a list of over 100 missing. FEMA, Red Cross, Governors, Mayors and the National Guard are in our little town being interviewed in front of our little post office and helping with the rescue/recovery efforts. We have friends who have had to evacuate their homes as the river was quickly approaching their homes as well and know friends who are fire fighters who have been working tirelessly around the clock out in the elements risking their own lives for the lives of others. But we are not on the front lines. It's very surreal to see this all unfolding in our little town . . . but I read a blog post that explains our feelings better than I could put into words . . . the author even lives in the same part of town as us.

We're not Oso but we know who is . . .

Pray for our community. Pray for the families who have lost everything. Pray for the families that have been separated by death. Pray for the families who are on the front lines helping with everything they've got. Pray for the after math of such a devastating disaster. Pray for the people of Oso and all those touched by this unbelievable tragedy.

Coping

Back in the saddle of the asthma flare. Travis so wisely pointed out yesterday that I spend a lot of time hating this . . . so I'm trying to work on that. It's a common theme through trials that we focus on "coping." There are so many ways to "cope" - so many not healthy or helpful. But yet, we trudge along "coping." What if, instead of coping, we embrace. That is not a novel idea to some but to me, it seems unnatural. It seems ridiculous. It seems like being happy about what's happening. But I'll freely admit I think I'm missing the point of the definition. I don't think embracing always means happy - that would be faking. I think, perhaps, embracing means to stop fighting so hard against what is happening. To stop wasting so much energy on hating it and instead be in the moment. Listen to the girls laughing at some ridiculous silly thing they found to do in their rooms and instead of pout about how I'm not in the middle of every great situation with them but instead smile and appreciate that they are able to entertain themselves and are bonding as sisters. I can open the blinds in my room and instead of frowning over the fact that I can't go sit on my deck as everyone is mowing their grass and enjoy the view of our lovely backyard saying a quick pray of thanks for our beautiful home. Instead of looking ahead on the calendar and wistfully mourning all the event's I'm going to miss over the coming days and weeks, stop in the moment and be thankful for this moment and this breath and this family and this life. Easy to change these thoughts and stop hating this #@%* asthma, NOPE. Easy to refocus on all the little things that are good instead of the big things that are bad, NOPE. Completely necessary for my sanity, YUP. So, my dear astute husband, I will make a concerted effort not to spend so much time hating and instead embrace. Wish me luck.

(Ironically, I just checked my inbox and found an article from one of my favorite authors - Jill Savage - titled LOVE YOUR NOW) 

She says, " What kind of statement is that? How does one love their "now?" And if we can wrap our brain around the concept, sometimes it doesn't seem like there's a lot to love about our "now." 

God's been teaching me, however, that when I don't love my now, I miss so much.  In fact, in mourning "what isn't" I miss "what is." Our days are filled with interruptions. Our dreams are dashed by reality. Our expectations are burst like a balloon that comes in contact with a sharp pin.  But what if we could embrace "what is" instead of ruminating on "what could have been?" If you and I can learn to do that more often, we'll learn to love our now and we'll help our family love their now, too.  The Bible says, "A God-like life gives us much, when we are happy for what we have." (I Timothy 6:6 NLV) When we love our now, contentment increases, joy expands, and peace prevails.  This is what we gain! I know I want that kind of "gain" in my life more than anything else!"

Ok - not at all ironic. There is not a lot of irony in God's plan. It's incredible and sometimes down right ridiculous how a reoccurring theme crops up in your life that you need to work on. So there it is. Loving my now (or starting to try).