Movie Reviews

Mike and I have enjoyed having the last few days to do absolutely nothing. We have spent the day sleeping in a little, enjoying making and eating breakfast together and watching the Today Show in the morning. The rest of our days have been spent at the gym......getting back into shape was one of our new year's resolutions, doing shopping (both real and window) as well as catching up on some of the new movies out.

Over the last 4 days we have seen 3 movies! While our reviews might not be as accurate as Ebert and Ropert, we hope that you will enjoy them.

1. Quantum of Solice. The latest of the James Bond movies. While I must say that this James is quite an attractive Bond, this wasn't our favorite Bond movie. The plot was a little lacking of substance and a little long to get off of the ground. While there was the fair share of action, things being blown up and amazing cars the movie lacked in the 'bond girl' area. (This was Mike's observation). Over all a 3 out of 5. A good movie to watch when it comes out on video, but don't feel like you have to rush to the theater to see it.

2. Doubt- This drama details the real life story of a nun who tries to uncover and 'out' a catholic priest in her church that she suspects of inappropriate actions with some of the young boys at the catholic school. While this is not a 'feel good' movie it is one that really makes you think. There has been Oscar buzz about this film for the screen play as well as some of the actors uncluding Phillip Seymor Hoffman and Meryl Streep. Overall we give this a 4 out of 5. I would recommend going to see this movie.....if you have an interest in the subject. If not, I would pass.

3. Madagascar 2- Out of all the movies that we saw this week this one was probably our favorite. We are both suckers for the cute animated movies and often get teased by our friends for it. But, what can we say? Maybe we are both kids at heart. This movie builds on the first one, revealing how Alex the lion got to the zoo in New York. On their way back to the zoo from their last adventure through a series of events the animals find themselves on the wildness reserve in Africa where Alex is from. A series of life lessons are learned by the animals and Alex ends up saving the day in the end. The plot isn't complex, but cute. The laughs are their and the 'adult' jokes that are slipped into the plot made it an enjoyable movie for both the 40 plus 3-10 years olds that were in the theater as well as their parents......and Mike and I (the only people there without a small child in tow). This movie gets a 4 out of 5. If you are looking for a fun feel good movie and you don't mind being the only adult in a movie theater, then this one is for you.

Guitar Hero

Who knew that Mike was hiding a secret rocker identify? Thanks to a Christmas gift from Robbie, The Poor Etta's band has been formed featuring lead guitar player Michael Porretta. I can tell that I will now have to become a roadie if I want to spend some quality time with my husband. Luckly, i'll be on the road with my sister Janna, because her husband has too become a Guitar Hero fanatic.......all things concidered they could be doing a lot worse things with their free time!

Mike and his guitar......the night we got back from Coshocton!

Jeff and Mike on tour Monday evening.

2nd generation band member.....Carson decided he would be the drummer.

Thoughts from the Holidays

Mike and I am finally beginning our winter break. The past week has been filled with car rides, trips to relatives, laughter and food. (A whole lot of food.....which might contribute to the fact that we have both packed on a few extra lbs. over the week) We were blessed to be able to spend time with family and friends that we don't get to see on a regular basis.

We spent time in New York with Mike's family. It was nice to catch up with family, see how everyone has changed and to see those people who remain the same year after year. Here are some pictures from the NY trip.

Just a small sampling of the food. This was just part of what was at Susie and Vinnie's Christmas Eve.

The Porretta's Christmas Day, sitting around after a wonderful Italian feast.

Vince, Dom and Mike relaxing and cheesing it up for the camera at Grandma and Grandpa Porrettas.

The day after Christmas we headed back to Ohio and then went to Coshocton to spend time with my side of the family. Dad and Gwen's was on Saturday, followed by the Porteus Christmas......or as Carson called it the 'food party'. On Sunday we spent time at Mom and Tom's. It was great having everyone in one house....including Robbie and Jeni and Grandma Shryock. There were many Christmas memories that we will continue to treasure for years to come.

Tons of presents at Dad and Gwen's. It's fun when there are little ones to spoil!

I think that the Uncles and Dads spent more time setting up the train then JD and Carson did playing with it!

More presents at Mom and Tom's. Mike looks a little overloaded!

The whole 'clan' smiling for the camera.


Today we both got to relax a little in the morning.....well Mike played Guitar Hero....his new favorite Wii Game....and I slept in. Then it was back to the doctor for blood work for me. (I have to say it was nice being away the past week and not being pricked 3-4 times a week). This afternoon we went over to Mike's family in Westerville and exchanged gifts as well as played a great game of Dominoes! (a game we picked up in New York and I have a feeling will be a new Porretta household favorite) This evening the Wells kids all got together for homemade pasta and a Guitar Hero battle. It was so nice getting to spend time with Robbie again. We have always been close siblings....Janna, Robbie and I. Even though Janna and I live 10 miles from each other and remain close it's nice to know that you can be close to your little brother....even when he lives 1000's of miles away in Alaska.

So there is a little sampling of what we did this holiday. In the days to come look for a detailed comparison of New York vs. Coshocton Christmases. I think that you'll find it quite humorous....I know that Mike and I do. I'll try to get that up as soon as possible...but I am going to be selfish the next few days and enjoy spending some quality time with just my husband. It's something that we don't get to do together very often with our busy schedules at work and school and something that we both want/need to do more of. So it might be a few days before the pics and video get up......but they'll be there.

Latest Update

I know it has been a while since we posted. Things have been busy with school. Mike just finished up finals at DeSales and had a band concert a week ago. I just finished the annual Holiday Show at Chapelfield. It now seems like things can settle down a little bit.

We have been in NY for the last few days spending time with Mike's extended family. While the holidays can be filled with stress it is nice to spend time with those that you love and don't get to see often. We head back to Ohio tomorrow......as long as the weather stays good. Then on Saturday and Sunday are spending some holiday time with my side of the family.

We have taken many pictures and can't wait to share things with you. I'll work on getting those up next week when we are home and can actually start relaxing on our winter break a little. The next week should be a relaxing time for us, which we both really need right now. Life has been busy the last month or so, with lots going on to keep us occupied. We'll keep you all up to date on anything new and exciting in our lives, but for now are looking forward to some much needed Mike and Julie time.

Merry Christmas!

Something I NEVER thought I'd say......

Here is something that I never thought I'd say. I feel so bloated right now and uncomfortable and couldn't be happier!! I know you are all thinking what?????? But those of you close to me will know what I mean.

The injections that I have been giving myself the last week if definitly working. Two Fridays ago I had my first ultra sound and my largest follicle was about 6 mm. and there were only about 3-4 of them. The next visit showed a bit of an improvement with follicles being at about 7-8 mm. Well, they upped the medication and today when I went in the follicles were averaging around 15-16 mm. and there were a million of them......or so it seemed. Also my estrogen levels went from 39 the first visit to 203 the second visit to 1326 today!!!! Holly Cow.

So back to my being bloated comment from earlier, when I asked the dr. about it today he said that it was pretty normal...especially if the medication is doing it's job. He said 'think about it like this.....it's like you now have two huge grapefruits inside you....if we're doing are job right.' And by the feel of things.....they must be doing their job.

I go back one last time....hopefully....on Wed. for some final tests. Then the rest is up to Mike and I and then....we'll just have to wait to see! So thanks for all of you thoughts and prayers and well wishes sent our way. We appreciate them all so much. Keep saying them for me and pray that I have another 9 months of feeling bloated!

Christmas Cookies

What holiday season would be complete without a batch of Christmas cookies and an evening of decorating. We have sort of started a tradition( 2 years now...) with the Stanford clan of decorating christmas cut-out together. The evening usually starts with a festive dinner......chinese usually or tacos, and then onto the cookie making. Janna and Mike always complain that my cookies are the 'pretty' ones, while their's lack a certain artistic appeal. I would disagree. I think that Mike'e especially are very artistic....almost Picaso like (he's the one who went crazy and cut off his own ear right.....?) Jeff usually does a couple of cookies and then the boys watch football or play video games.

This time things were a little different because for the first time Carson was old/big enough to help in the decorating. Here are a few of the highlights of the evening.

Carson and 'Daddy' playing a little Wii bowling.

Aunt Julie helping Carson get his apron on.

'Mommy', Aunt Julie and Carson in their aprons. Thanks Grandma Shryock for those, you were a special part of our holiday tradition.

"Mommy" and Carson adding red to yet another cookie.....all by himself may we add.......with 'no help mama'

Uncle Mike decorating the series of 'Fa La La' balls.

Name that tune....with a twist

This morning started off with another doctor's appointment and bloodwork. That usually means a few things.....lots of waiting and usually having to get 'poked' two or three times because my veins roll away from the needle. (would you blame them?)

But the nurses at the lab made my wait a little better by giving me this Christmas quiz. They are a list of Christmas songs with just the first letter of each word of the first line and you have to figure out the song. For example DTHWBOHFLLLLLLLL is 'Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la la la la'. I must say that I thought that I did a pretty good job, but there were a few that tripped me up. I have the answers, but lets see if you can figure them out.

1. GGROBARWHOHCE
2. HAHJCITBTOTY
3. JHTSBRTTT
4. UOTHTRPOJGOSC
5. OTWOIFBTSISD

Here are a few that I got right away. Let's see if you know them.

1. SBRAYLITLSIG
2. DTTSIAOHOS
3. CROAOFJFNAYN
4. GTIOTMOTHAEWGTIOTMTJCIB
5. WWYAMCWWYAMCWWYAMCAAHNY.

Post your guesses on the comment page. If you want the real answers you have to send me an email!