Pete's Dragon Teaser Trailer

So, I know last week I was completely over the moon about Pete's Dragon being reimagined. When I saw the actual trailer, my heart skipped a beat! If you missed the trailer, be sure to check it out! How the heck am I going to wait until August 12th?!

Like PETE’S DRAGON on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyPetesDragon

Follow PETE’S DRAGON on Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneypetes

Follow PETE’S DRAGON on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneypetesdragon/  

Visit Disney Animation on Tumblr: http://disneyanimation.tumblr.com/

Visit the official PETE’S DRAGON website here: http://disney.com/petesdragon

OFFICIAL BOILERPLATE:

A reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film, “Pete’s Dragon” is the adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon. “Pete’s Dragon” stars Bryce Dallas Howard (“Jurassic World”), Oakes Fegley (“This is Where I Leave You”), Wes Bentley (“The Hunger Games”), Karl Urban (“Star Trek”), Oona Laurence (“Southpaw”) and Oscar® winner Robert Redford (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”). The film, which is directed by David Lowery (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”), is written by Lowery & Toby Halbrooks based on a story by Seton I. Miller and S.S. Field and produced by Jim Whitaker, p.g.a. (“The Finest Hours,” “Friday Night Lights”), with Barrie M. Osborne (“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Great Gatsby”) serving as executive producer.

For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliott. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliott seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon. Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2016.

Learning To Grow Vegetables

I decided this was going to be the first year I grew my vegetables from seeds. I've always just gone to Mendards and gotten the ones I wanted and planted them directly into my garden. Easy peasy!

For years, since I started my first garden at our house in Minnesota, I wanted to start my veggies from scratch. How hard could it be?

Welllll, let me tell you...

I naively thought I just bought the seeds, plopped them into one of those fan dangled starter kits, around 8 weeks later planted them in the garden, and voila, veggies!

Apparently that's NOT how this works. That's not how any of this works.

I have to know the day of the last frost. When do my neighbors sow their seeds? How long does it take the seed to germinate. Um, what have I gotten myself into?

Keeping a journal is a great way to do this I guess, and yea, because I'm so consistent as to keep a journal. For the love of all things green, why can't is just STICK the seeds in some dirt, and be done with it?

This is the face of someone who is trying to figure out when to start her tomatoes, peas and spinach. @mimibakermn

A photo posted by Fred noble (@boyradd) on Feb 27, 2016 at 9:19am PST

The hubs captured me Saturday morning trying to figure out the last frost date for this year.

The first site I'm reading has my head spinning. Learning how much I truly don't know about gardening. Thank you to all of those people who start seeds for me to buy at the store "ready to plant"! The site also says that 70° is the magical number. If it's below that in my house, start a week earlier. If it's above that in my house, start a week later. Ugh, some days it's 69° some days it's 71°! Someone take me to the loony bin right now!

We headed to the hardware store, and getting there I still wasn't sure what to get. There was seed starting soils. One was organic, one has seed food along with the soil, if I just get the basic soil, I have to get the plant food, too. Oh, but I don't start using the plant food/fertilizer until they've been germinated for a few weeks. The little seedlings are supposed to spend time in a south facing window. I have no idea what direction any of the windows in our house face.

One of the kids might have to share their bedroom with my wee little baby plants.

If they make it through the seedling stage, maybe I'll get them planted. Of course, for that to happen, I need to have my backyard ready for them. Being in a new house, in a new stated where I have grown veggies before, on land that is constantly saturated because we live next to the Bay, this could prove very interesting. I may need to bring in some soil so that I can actually have a garden. If that doesn't work I'll have to do raised beds. Not thrilled with that direction, but I'm determined to get back to gardening again.

Good times ahead!

Do you have any tips for a newbie?

Oh The Worry Of Being A Mom

Last Wednesday on Facebook, Proverbs 31 Ministries shared an image that said, "With all I worry about doing wrong as a mom, praying is something I can do right." ~Lysa Terkeurst

I look back on motherhood, even though I've still got some years left ahead of me, and so often I'm reminded of the things I did/do wrong. Days where I lost my temper. Days where I hated being a mom. Days where I wanted to run away. Days where I wanted to give all of my kids up for adoption.

I've been a mom for almost 9125 days. And I've added 3 more children since the first day I became a mom. I would want to make some of those days disappear if I could for more reasons than one, but that isn't the full story.

Being a mom is the best thing I ever did with my life. When I was younger, I didn't even think I'd be a mom. It just wasn't on my radar, but I became a mom at the young age of 22. In fact, I'd only been 22 for eleven days before my oldest daughter was born. My pregnancies were tough because of the emotional stress I had with my marriage, but also hormones. I had never heard of Postpartum Depression in the early 90s, but I have no doubt I suffered from it intensely.

Throughout my girls toddlerhoods, to moving to Minnesota, and finding a new home, we were surrounded by people who loved on us. Back in Seattle, I had a small core group of believers who were aunties to my girls. They just loved and loved on them.

We have no idea or guarantee how our kids will turn out. We don't know where their choices will lead them. Circumstances happen in life that are out of our control, not matter how much we think we have.

None of us go through life unscathed. We all have something along the way that impacts us in a way that we could go down a path we never expected. That could definitely happen with out kids. For a variety of reasons that I won't get into, I worried about all four of my kids. Things happened in their lives that I wasn't sure I'd be able to guide them through, and quite honestly, I failed. I failed my daughters the most. I didn't protect them when I should have, and I didn't care for them how they needed.

We're not perfect as parents. Only our Father is perfect. As our kids grow up, they become responsible for their choices, and we have to let go...well, at least to a point. Ok, we have to let go because they're not truly ours. God has given them to us for a time, but really, I think as moms we'll always be "momming."

I won't patronize you, and say that everything will be just fine, and they'll come around. We have no guarantees. What we do have are promises from God.

When you're going through the trials of not knowing how things will turn out, be prayerful, stay in fellowship, and have godly friends who will walk through this time with you. Remember, God loves you, and He loves your child.

What has been the hardest trial you've gone through with your child(ren)?

Disney's Pete's Dragon

Today I heard about Pete's Dragon being retold! I have to tell you, this was one of my favorite movies and books growing up. I truly hoped one day I could have a dragon, too. Maybe Elliot would come help me! You have NO idea my love for that movie. Now to find out they're reimagining it?! My heart just started racing.

Check out the first teaser poster for Disney’s PETE'S DRAGON, a reimagining of the studio’s cherished family film about the adventures of a boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon. PETE'S DRAGON, starring Bryce Dallas Howard and Robert Redford flies into U.S. theaters on August 12th!

Also, be sure to catch the debut of the brand new teaser trailer during "Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60" on ABC Sunday night at 8:00PM EST.

I saw a tiny little clip today (can't wait for the trailer tomorrow), and I was as excited about it as my 16 yr old was about Star Wars. Really, I'm not kidding. It looks beyond magical in a way that only Disney could do it!

More about Pete’s Dragon

Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyPetesDragon

Follow them on

Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneypetes         

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneypetesdragon/

OFFICIAL BOILERPLATE:

A reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film, “Pete’s Dragon” is the adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon. “Pete’s Dragon” stars Bryce Dallas Howard (“Jurassic World”), Oakes Fegley (“This is Where I Leave You”), Wes Bentley (“The Hunger Games”), Karl Urban (“Star Trek”), Oona Laurence (“Southpaw”) and Oscar® winner Robert Redford (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”). The film, which is directed by David Lowery (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”), is written by Lowery & Toby Halbrooks based on a story by Seton I. Miller and S.S. Field and produced by Jim Whitaker, p.g.a. (“The Finest Hours,” “Friday Night Lights”), with Barrie M. Osborne (“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Great Gatsby”) serving as executive producer.

For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliott. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliott seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon. Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2016.

For The Love Of Coffee

I like coffee.

Once a day.

In the morning.

I became a latte drinking back in the late 90s in suburbs of Seattle. My mom got me my first espresso maker probably in 97 so I could make drinks at home and save money. I used that thing for years. I still have it. I have never made a pot of coffee, and drank all of it. A pot would've lasted me an entire week!

Miracle of miracles, the Keurig was created! My first one was given to me by my parents! It was one of the best gifts ever! I didn't always drink coffee in the morning. It was just an occasional treat I'd have at home. When I met Fred, he sent me a care package of coffee and a reusable k-cup. He hated the idea of me wasting money on the throwaway k-cups.

Now, Fred and I are married, and I still have my morning coffee. I actually have coffee with my creamer since I'm more of a creamer flavor kind of gal as opposed to a strong coffee taste.

Mornings can be rather amusing between Fred and I. He and I race to see who's going to make my coffee in the morning. Lately, he's been winning. I get started with work, and the next thing I know, he's handing me a cup of coffee. It's a single serving, but he uses the Chemex. That means he puts a lot more work (aka love) into my coffee than I do with my Keurig.

I sometimes can sneak over to my Keurig, but he always seems to hear me plug it in, and comes up right behind me to unplug it. I'm very thankful for my daily, morning blessing. What would I do without my guy?

I could write numerous posts on the topic of coffee, including my coffee cup collection from Starbucks. =)

Writing Prompts:

1. Share something your significant other recently did or said that made you smile.

2. Share a photo that captures your special Valentine(s).

3. List the top 10 blogs you’re loving most this month.

4. Write a blog post inspired by the word: Coffee

5. List your five most recent favorite things.

6. February 18th is National Drink Wine Day. How do you like your wine?

Spring In The USA Blogging Event Sign Ups

Spring is quickly approaching and we can't wait! Trista of Andersons Angels, Kay from The More The Merrier, and ME from Woven by Words are just as excited. We are also excited to be bringing you the Spring in the USA Blog Hop.

I'm not sure about you, but I'm totally ready for spring! I'm ready for sandals, warm weather, and finally having a garden in our new home! Since it can't come soon enough, we decided to get a jump on things, and have a spring focused blogging event!

Valentine's Day Wreath

For Valentine's Day, I have become one of those people who is totally fine not exchanging gifts. I don't need any new bling. Don't spend money on balloons because they're a waste of money unless it's someone's birthday. I like chocolate. I always like chocolate, but the way I've been feeling for quite a while, the last thing I need is for my husband to give me a gift that makes me feel fat. HA! Flowers are nice. I love flowers, but not the $60 kind you order, and they last a week. Run by the grocery store, grab me the $5 bouquet, and I'll be swooning! Truly. Those make me happy.

Now, those things I just mentioned, my man knows these things. The training process is working! So, on Friday, while in the middle of a sorta work call, UPS shows up at my door with a box that says "ProPlants." Oh for goodness sakes, really? I'm pretty sure I had mentioned to him that I didn't want flowers. You know, just as a reminder.

He comes downstairs defending himself with, "I didn't get you flowers." Dude! I'm looking at the box right there! I brought it in. It says PROPLANTS! Just because he was telling me they weren't flowers didn't mean that they magically weren't going to be flowers when he opened the dang box.

Ok, so he opened the box, and they weren't flowers.

My bad.

Well, technically they kind of were flowers, but not flowers to put in a vase. He did GOOD! He got me something he knows I love!! He got me a wreath. There's something about wreaths that I love. They make the entry to a home look so inviting and welcoming.

So he opened the box, and plopped it next to me during my call. I was stunned to see it! There are so many colors, and it had a very light fragrance. I wasn't the only one interested in what the UPS man delivered. This next photo is blurry, but shows how nosy Peru was about what was in the box.

As soon as my call was finished, I ran up to my holiday closet and pulled out the wreath hook that I had used for Christmas. On a side note, when we were finishing our home, I had tried calling the painter three times because I wanted a red front door. He never returned any of my calls and we ended up with a black door. My initial reaction was NOT a good one to say the least.

That being said, I've actually loved it as a background to our wreaths. Do I still wish I had a red door? Yes, definitely, but I'm fine with this black one...as long as there's a wreath. =)

Doesn't it look great? I have no idea if it's hanging the right way. I went to their site to see which way it should go, not that there's any "right" way, but I just thought I'd check.

I'm hoping this gorgeous wreath will last for 2-3 months. A year ago I had a wreath for Christmas, and it lasted several months. I loved walking in the front door because it had such an amazing fragrance that stuck around until I threw it out. I hope this one lasts well into spring!

What is your favorite Valentine's Day gift that you ever received?

Fudge & Dogs Don't Mix

So, as you saw from my post the other day, I made some white chocolate fudge for Valentine's Day! I was pretty thrilled about it all. It was more chocolatey than fudgy, but I guess that's ok. Two of the guys in the family were on board with it! lol

We got our evening finished, after I took photos of the fudge for my Hallmark Channel blog post. I headed upstairs to get my post created. No big deal, right? Just sat in bed, cuddled with the dog that isn't supposed to be in our bed. Got my post published, and off to bed we went.

Typical kind of night in our home.

Now, let me preface the next part by saying, We never really have food sitting on the counter. The only thing that typically sits out is bread and/or fruit. Nothing else is really left out.

On school days, I usually wake up around 6am. I then get my high schooler up, and head downstairs to get his lunch ready. I headed downstairs and noticed an empty plate. There was a little confusion. For real, when I saw the plate, it pretty much confirmed my belief that I'm losing my mind. lol

Trying to replay the night before, I walked around the kitchen looking in the cupboards hoping to remember where I'd put the fudge. Did I put it in one of the cupboards? Maybe the fridge? I even checked one of the cupboard that I thought maybe I was so tired I popped them in there.

Then I thought, "oh, maybe when Fred let the dog out before coming to bed, he saw he fudge and put it away." hahahahahaha I cracked up after that, because he wouldn't have done that. I amuse myself sometimes.

That left only one answer...Peru. But there was no evidence. There were crumbs on the floor or any fudge left on the plate. I mean, she wouldn't have eaten it ALL. It couldn't have been the dog. Figured it was time to go ask the hubby what he did with the fudge...at 6am!

I asked Fred what he did with the fudge, and his answer? "Nothing." For a second, I honestly thought I'd misplaced the fudge. More like a nanosecond. Then it became clear. It had to have been the dog.

For a moment, I was nervous about the dog getting sick on fudge, but thankfully, it was "only" white chocolate, which contains a minute amount of actual chocolate. The main problem was, she ate a POUND AND A HALF of fudge! This is a dog that only eats dog food, and occasionally an apple or handful of carrots. I likened it to a vegetarian eating a burger. The belly wasn't going to handle it well.

I noticed after I got back downstairs that her water bowl was empty. I filled it up, and she sucked down the entire bowl. That all came up about 15 minutes later. Don't read the next part if you're easily grossed out.

Peru had to be let out about every 15 minutes. She had diarrhea to end all diarrheas. You've heard of projectile vomiting? She was projectile diarrheaing. I'm not kidding. The first time she went, I yelled to Fred because it was hysterical.

She pretty much spent the entire day outside either relieving herself or inside puking. It was a grand old day.

I'm happy to say, after that day, she's been much better. I've also learned a lesson, not to leave food out for her to get at. It was after all, my mistake.

Have you ever had a pet gorge on something they shouldn't have?

Hallmark Channel's Anything For Love

I don't know if you catch me on Twitter on Saturday nights, but if you have, you know I'm typically tweeting through a Hallmark movie. I think with Hallmark Channel, it started two seasons ago with Cedar Cove. Then they would have their seasonal shows. Their original Christmas movies, hello, I have to tweet through it.

Now, it's the season of love! That of course means #CountdowntoValentines movies. Last weekend was SO fun tweeting with people who love Hallmark Movies. That original show was Appetite for Love. Absolutely adorable.

Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Valentine's Day featured 5 original movies in preparation for next Sunday. On February 14th, they'll be premiering Anything for Love at 8pm CST. And yes, I have it on good authority that you'll find me tweeting during the show! Check out their movie marathon calendar.

Right now, our plans are to have dinner at a new restaurant that Fred has chosen. He made reservations last month, and I'm looking forward to trying out a new location. I have a little treat that I'm going to be making him (and my boys).

Valentine's Day Fudge

1 1/2 pounds of white chocolate
1 can (14 oz) condensed milk
pinch of salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
3-4 drops of food coloring (I added 3, and it still wasn't pink enough)
1/2 cup Valentine's M&Ms

In a saucepan, combine chocolate, condensed milk, and pinch of salt. Melt mixture on low heat, stirring regularly. Remove from heat after mixture is melted. Mix in vanilla, 1 drop of red food coloring until desired color, and M&Ms.

Line 8x8 or 9x9 pan with wax paper. Be sure was paper sticks over pan edges. Pour fudge mixture into pan. Place in refrigerator to cool for at least 2 hours. Remove once hardened, and slice to desired sizes.

This is our first year celebrating Valentine's Day as a married couple. This coming Friday, will be a year to the day that he proposed to me. We'll be celebrating that at church. Conveniently, they're hosting a dinner for couples, and then we're watching a movie! So romantic isn't it?

Now, you might be wondering, why didn't Fred just wait for Valentine's Day to propose? Hello, most romantic day of the year. Well, he didn't because I told him not to. I didn't know when he'd do it, but I thought it would be too cheesy. lol Really. I told him no holiday proposals. Wasn't he awesome to hear my request. What was great was, two days later, V-day was here, and I was an engaged lady!

We usually have one date night every week, but this week we'll have two! Why only celebrate on one day, right? So, Friday is dinner at church, and then on Valentine's Day, we'll go out for a short bit like I mentioned before to a dinner. Then, home we'll come where we'll cozy up on the couch, to watch Anything for Love. Honestly, that sounds romantic, doesn't it?

Be sure to join me on Twitter (cuz you know I'll be there) where I'll be tweeting through the movie. Follow @HallmarkChannel on Twitter and Facebook to keep up with their schedule!

What will you be doing for Valentine's Day?

Inspiring Words Coloring Book Review

What kid doesn't like to color? What parent doesn't like to spend time coloring with them? Then those kids grow up. They exchange coloring books for tablets. Oh, wait, that didn't happen with my daughters! Throughout high school and into college, my oldest daughter was always coloring. Not only her, but her friends, too! This was long before "coloring for adults" became a thing!

I don't know what happened that adults started coloring again, but I'm all for it, and so are my daughters! lol They've never lost the love for it. I'd say that they moved away from children's coloring books, but they really haven't. Thankfully, coloring books for adults has really transformed into a creative outlet with many options.

Right before Christmas, I was given the opportunity to review a new coloring book that would be out after the first of the year. I was actually pretty excited because I was ready to take time to relax and get back into the coloring groove. Then I had to send my daughter a package, and decided she'd probably get through the book much sooner than I would.

I sent her Zondervan's new coloring book called Inspiring Words: 30 Verses From The Bible You Can Color. I grabbed a few photos of uncolored pages, and sent it off to her.

Inspiring Words
ISBN: 9780310757283
Publisher: Zondervan

What I loved about the book to begin with was that with each page, you could meditate on that scripture. You could memorize it, and pray with it. Depending on how long it took to color each page, by the time you were done coloring this entire book, you could potentially have 30 verses committed to memory.

Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

Now Brieanne got a couple of pages done in a quick amount of time so that I could do my review. She did such a great job, and I love how her pages turned out!

Uncolored pages:

Those are just a couple of examples. Now here are a couple examples of finished pages:

This was her process through one of the coloring pages. I love that she sent them to me at various points of her coloring.

If you're looking for a nice way to relax, especially with a coloring book, this is the way to go. No kids necessary. You're welcome to share, but this book is perfect for adults.

When was the last time you colored?

Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman Book Review

I was so excited that today's writing prompt from Kat is a book review. I'm rather partial to book reviews! I just happen to have a book I just finished! Here are her prompts for this week:

1. List 10 things you love about motherhood
2. A photo journal entry…show us what winter looks like in your town.
3. Book review!
4. Write a blog post inspired by the word: shocked.
5. Take a look at your archives, what were you blogging about in a previous year at this time? What has changed?
6. List 8 solutions for bored children.
7. Write about something funny a sibling said to you.

Isle of Hope

by Julie Lessman

• ISBN-13: 978-1519377456

I've been a Julie Lessman junkie for years. I even met her back in 2008 when she was with a group of authors at the Mall of America! Totally bragging here. Don't judge the quality or lack thereof, with this photo.

Ok, focus Mimi! Book review.

I'm used to reading Julie's historical fiction. When this book became available right before Christmas, I snatched it up. I was excited to read something modern from her.

Synopsis:

She stole his heart. He stole her peace. Can hope steal their pain? At the age of eighteen, Lacey Carmichael was a wild girl bent on fun, promised to Jack O'Bryen, a straight-and-narrow pastor’s kid bent on the seminary. When her father kicks her out of the house, she runs away from Isle of Hope, turning her back on everything she loves. Now, eight years later, she’s back as a woman of faith, hoping to make amends to the father she defied, the boyfriend she deserted, and the best friend she denied. Only the bridges she’s burned are still smoldering, kindled by an adulterous affair by Jack’s pastor father that damaged his son’s faith. But can a turning of tables—and hearts—lead the way back to “hope” for them all?

My Review:

One of the things I love about Julie's writing, is I feel like I know the characters as soon as I start reading. Lacey ends up back home, which is where she has to face the people who have all pretty much turned their backs on her. I immediately felt for her. You know she's going to have to face these people in humility, and it's not going to be pretty.

At one point during my reading, I commented to Julie on Facebook, that I'm used to parents in a book being MY parents ages. This time, I was reading about parents who are MY age. It was such a hard frame of mind to get into. I've become THAT segment. lol What I did enjoy is that I could picture them with better clarity, understanding where they were in life. It's an interesting transition as a reader.

The one character that I struggled with, which was a good thing, was Lacey's dad. He was such a pain in the neck. As we learn more about him, we understand why. I still was very frustrated with him for a good portion of the book.

I really enjoyed watching Lacey's process of reconciliation with the people she had known and loved before she ran away.

As always, there's passion and romance, but it's done in such a way that we know the characters desire to honor the Lord. I'm always thankful how Julie never takes it too far. She makes her characters very human. She also makes sure to keep faith the main reason for her stories. Forgiveness is something we all need to extend. Healing comes from giving and receiving forgiveness. Jack's mom is probably my favorite character in the whole book. She loves on everyone, even when she's struggling herself.

Isle of Hope should make its way onto your bookshelf sooner than later!