Happy Birtrhday to me!

     My 36th birthday was Thursday May 17.  I have lived to see 36 years old and with the help of CrowdTap and Madagascar 3` Europe's most wanted we had a great time.  I was given a virtual party pack that included a zebra cake recipe, face painting, masks, games for the kids, decorations and pin the tail on the donkey game.

     Every year I try to make my children's birthday special and feel that I too should enjoy my birthday.  I don't ask for any gifts but just for everyone to come, eat and have a good time.  This year we had the Circus theme for mine, and yes I know everyone says that is for little kids.  I myself enjoy the circus and feel like you are never too old to have a good time and enjoy yourself like a kid.

      We had such a good time, I was with my friends and family.  who could ask for anything more, right?  Here are some photos of the party, and the wonderful people that came and ate with me.  I think when we get older it is no longer about who comes to bring you gifts you just enjoy still seeing some of the people around to enjoy it with.  I cherish each and every moment I have with my Mother and Father, so to have them still here to celebrate with me makes every birthday Grand.

  
     How do you celebrate your birthday?  Do you still have themed birthday parties, are they adult only, or do you just spend time with your family?  Leave a comment below and share your birthday ideas.  Remember I will be 37 next year, so I am looking for ideas already!

~Mighty Fine Movie Review~

     Do you remember how yours and your friend’s childhood were?  I remember thinking my childhood sucked and everyone else had it made.  I particularly remember a friend my sister had and I always thought that she had what I wanted..  Her mother never seemed to care what she done, who she done it with, or when she would be back.  I am sure at some point we have all had this thought.  However,  I had a very loving family who didn’t have the money to buy me name brand clothes , or give me everything I wanted.   My parents never failed me by not supplying what I needed rather it was food or clothing.

      The film, based on writer/director Debbie Goodstein's childhood experiences, touches upon the controversial and difficult roles that anger and aggression can play in a family. Mighty Fine tells the story of a 1970's family, who move from Brooklyn to New Orleans in search of a better, more prosperous life. The movie paints the picture of Joe Fine's (Chazz Palminteri) love for his wife (Andie MacDowell) and daughters (Jodelle Ferland and Rainey Qualley), juxtaposed against his explosive, rage-filled side, which he often takes out on those closest to him. The emotional abuse leaves Stella, Maddie, and Natalie conflicted between their love for this charismatic, generous man, and their vulnerability in the face of his unpredictable mood swings.  Chazz Palminteri gives the performance of a lifetime, that will mesmerize and haunt viewers. 

  I was in tears in a lot of this movie because even though I couldn’t relate to the children in this movie I could however relate to the mother.  I myself was married to a man that abused me for several years before I finally decided I had to get out.  I also have a son that is Bi-polar and while watching this movie I could see a lot of resemblance to things I have experienced in my life.

    Mighty Fine is rated R for some really bad language, and brief nudity. Although it is not recommended for children under the age 13, I allowed my 8 year old to watch with me, because of things we go through with her older brother.  I don't think she really understood what the movie was about and really had no concern to watch with me.  Taking that into consideration I would say that 13 is probably the best age to watch so that they understand what is going on.  To learn more about Mighty Fine visit their Facebook page, and their website here.  Mighty Fine will be playing in select cities on May 25th.  You can check to see if Mighty Fine is playing near you here.


“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Mighty Fine and the distributor. I received access to an online showing of the film and a promotional item to thank me for participating”

Cowgirls `N Angels Movie Review in Theaters 5/25

     Ida, a feisty and rebellious young girl, dreams of one day finding her father, a rodeo rider, whose identity her mom has kept from her. While searching for her dad at a local rodeo, Ida meets the Sweethearts of the Rodeo, a team of young female trick riders run by cowboy legend Terence Parker. Terence discovers that Ida is the grand-daughter of a friend who passed away years before, so he decides to help her. Ida joins the Sweethearts and embarks with them on a tour of rodeos throughout the west. Ida hopes to find her father, but she discovers much more, including a love for horses that redefines her life.




     If you are looking for a great family movie that you and your children can watch together, this is the film for you!  I watched this with my 8 year old daughter and she really enjoyed it.  Sadly, The movie hit home for me because my daughter, Hailey, is the same way as  Ida.  Headstrong, stubborn, and ill willed.  Although Ida had it in her mind to find her father we are not sure what is going on with Hailey.

     After watching this film it has really made me want to become a trick rider.  This is coming from someone who is terrified to ride just sitting on their backs.  However, I love the Rodeo and this film really just brought that love out and I was amazed at some of the things these ladies did.   This film also put into perspective for me what life should really be about.  It is not always what or who we know, but sometimes things happen to us for a reason.  And we should learn from those things and move on, not dwell on the bad but look forward!

     When watching Cowgirls N Angels I felt excited, happy, surprised and sad.  It is a must see for everyone..  It comes out in Theaters May 25 and is rated PG.  You can find Cowgirls N' Angels here on Facebook.  You can like their page and let them know that Southern Mom of 4 sent, and you can't wait to watch the film.  Leave me a comment and let me know what you think about the trailer.

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