Monsters University Review

I was able to attend an advanced screening of Monsters University with Scott and the kiddos this week. The previews have been playing, almost on loop, on Disney Channel, so the kiddos were pumped to say the least! Here's a little background on the movie, just in case you have not watched the preview a hundred or so times....

Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (voice of Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he has dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows better than anyone that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. To make matters worse, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right.


Before I even get into my review, I want to point something out that bothered me. The movie has Mike and Sulley meeting in college, however, in the original Monsters Inc. Mike mentions that he has known Sulley since the 4th grade. Oops. I was hoping they would explain that, but alas, they did not.

The movie itself is adorable and reminded me of Old School quite a few times. I think I would have died if a character was named Blue (You're my boy, Blue!), I really would have. We were able to view the film in 3D and while the kids may not have worn their glasses the whole time, I thought it was fantastic. I love watching the animated films in 3D, it just seems to add something magical to them.

The bigger picture message of working together and friendship definitely rang true throughout the film. All in all the kids thought Monsters University was "funny" and "silly".  Scott and I also really enjoyed it, especially the bonus scene after the credits!



For more on Monsters University you can:

• “Like” MONSTERS UNIVERSITY on Facebook: http://facebook.com/PixarMonstersUniversity 
• "Follow" Disney/Pixar on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/DisneyPixar 
• Visit the website: http://www.Disney.com/MonstersU

Let me know if you go on June 21st to see Monsters University! I'd love to hear what you thought!

Scott's Father's Day

Father's Day was pretty quiet, which is always nice. The kids and I made Scott breakfast including some of his favorites: biscuits and gravy and lots of bacon!

We also snacked on some of the delicious cookie that Aaron made at Publix on Saturday!

After breakfast we went to church and they had a barbecue after. We stayed for a few minutes, but it was SO hot outside that we were literally melting.

Later on we went to dinner with Paw Paw and Mimi and then came home for some ice cream and couch snuggling. 

I think it was a pretty successful Father's Day! I hope yours was equally enjoyable!

Father's Day

In honor of Father's Day I wanted to honor the Dad's in my life.

Happy Father's Day to my Dad!

4 of the 6 kids and their families

My Dad is the proud Papa of 6 kids and 12 grandkids. Can you imagine? I am definitely a lucky girl to have him as a father. He was always in attendance for competitions, concerts and anything else that was important to us kids. Plus, he always made time for us to all just get away and relax. I still talk to him every day and am beyond thankful that I had a ton of one on one time with him after he retired. 

Happy Father's Day to Scott!

I will never forget when Scott and I had the "baby talk" and he was set on just one child and then "we'll see".  I will also never forget the reaction he had when he found out our "one baby" was twins. I cannot tell you all how great he is with the kids and I am so thankful he is their father. 

Love to you both on this Father's Day!

The Story Behind the Photo: Father's Day Edition

In honor of Father's Day I wanted to share this photo of my Dad and I. 

Seriously, how adorable is this photo? 

I was definitely a surprise for my parents. When my Mom discovered she was pregnant with me they originally thought I was twins and my father thought it was the most amazing thing in the world. Thankfully, for my Mom, I was just a singleton...a really large singleton.

I'm definitely close with my Dad and really this photo is just the start. I talk to him every day and honestly cherish the time I had with him in high school after he retired. Another favorite of mine? The 2 1/2 hour drive from ISU to our house when he would pick me up. 

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

Thanksgiving Thursday

For those of you that don't know what Thanksgiving Thursday is, it is the one time during the week where you stop and basically count your blessings. Even if you've had one of those weeks, I promise you can find at least one thing to be thankful for, no matter how big or small.

This week I am thankful for:

• Scott who puts up with me when I'm sick. No lie, I'm an awful patient. Thanks babe for taking care of me!

• Aaron who gave me some extra cuddles this week.

• Jillian who has played nurse this week.

• Our family.

• Text messages that tell me that I need to stay home and far far away from 238E.

• Text messages that consist of mainly photos that make total sense.

• Netflix.

• Snagging a coveted spot in the Glass Slipper Challenge. 

• Hot tea and ice cream.

• Belvita breakfast biscuits. Seriously, run, don't walk and grab some of them.

What are you thankful for this week?

Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend the 4th Edition

Going for a perfect 4 years in a row, I'm doing the princess half marathon again with Cathy, Lorren and Michelle!

Except this year, we're all doing the Glass Slipper Challenge. What is the Glass Slipper Challenge you ask? It's when you run the 10K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday for a grand total of 19.3 magical miles.

The four of us girls are running again and I cannot wait to snag this photo again.

Now sit back, relax, hit play on this YouTube video and get ready....

The 13.1 mile race on Sunday starts in EPCOT, goes through Magic Kingdom and then finishes in EPCOT. The course has not changed, which is an advantage for us. Here is the course:

I have no idea what the 10k course looks like, all I know is it goes through EPCOT and the EPCOT resorts. 

Now onto the runners....

This is my sister Cathy and I at the Royal Family 5K last year.

Fun Facts:

She always runs with a Cinderella bib. Always.

The half marathon will be on her birthday this year. I think that's pretty kick ass.

She is the mastermind behind costuming.

Next up is Lorren. This is Lorren and I before we headed to the corrals last year.

Fun Facts:

She loves Aurora and pink. It's a match made in Disney heaven.

She can run like Groucho Marx.

Her choice food for refueling after a race? A hot dog at Casey's with extra sauerkraut.

Next racer is Michelle. Here we are last year before getting on the bus.

Fun Facts:

This will be her second half marathon and only her 5th race (right?).

Her favorite princess is Belle.

She protects me from squirrels on runs.

Finally, there's me. I know this is a screen shot photo, but it's one of the only photos that doesn't make me look like a jackass when I run.

Fun Facts:

I am the tallest of the four of us.

I run like Phoebe from Friends.

I pick a different princess each year. I've been (in order): Cinderella, Rapunzel, Merida and now Ariel.

I'm hoping it's not crazy humid like it was last year because I really don't want to puke in the bushes again. 

Bring on the bling!

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at around 18 months. My Mom said I was walking and just stopped, so she took me in. I remember visits to the rheumatologist (Dr. Geringer, who basically watched me grow up), lots of blood work and various medications.

By the time I hit high school my flare ups were rare and I felt like maybe I kicked this thing. Sure, I've had the occasional flare up here and there (usually when it's really cold or if it's really rainy) but still nothing out of the ordinary. So when I do have a flare up, it sucks because it's pretty much out of the blue.

I had a flare up last week. I was so stiff, tired and just over it. Then, I came down with "something viral".  I've noticed this happens a lot during flare ups, the mysterious case of the yuckies.  It sucks.

However, no matter how much it sucks I have to remind myself I have it easy and there are people out there that have it worse than I do. I do not have to be on medication and my flare ups are rare. I think I can live with the occasional case of the yuckies.