St. Elmo's Fire & Secret

1. St. Elmo's Fire - John Parr. Who doesn't love a great Brat Pack movie?  Well, if you weren't born in the 80's then maybe you, but that would just be one of the many things you've missed out on. This is one of the main movies from that era. I haven't seen it in forever but it's a great one. And this song. The theme song from the movie. It's such an awesome and typical 80's song.  From the instruments to the wording to the way it's composed. Just a great throwback. I'll play it and turn it up loud. I think it's slowly growing on the kids!  Up next, the movie!

2. Secret - The Pierces. Maybe you've heard of this and maybe not. If you have a penchant for teenage soap operaesque drama then you'll instantly recognize it as the theme song from Pretty Little Liars. I've mentioned before my addiction to this show. I just can't get enough. I'm caught up via Netflix and am awaiting the addition of the most recent season!  Loving the show and the song I had to download it. It's a great song. Kind of a gothic feel to the music and tone of their voices. I also just love the words and song itself.  Just awesome. But I don't know who "A" is, so don't spoilt it for me?!  :)

All is well, S down, in Drosche Land. 

The Queen & Que Sera Sera

1. The Queen - Lady Gaga. She makes another appearance on this list with this track. Not released as a single, that I know of. To be honest it's not one of my faves. I love all her music but this one has fallen off of my radar. Admittedly it partially makes the list because it is the only song in my collections beginning with the letter "Q" so it was this or nothing. I'm sure there are many mor earrings beginning with this letter, just none I am too familiar with or own. Sad. But it's Lady Gaga so it's worth a listen. 

2. Que Sera Sera - Doris Day. Ok, so it's not in my collection but I do love this song. Sure you've heard of it before. Whatever will be, will be. You know it?  Right?  Used in the Alfred Hitchcock movie The Man Who Knew Too Much. I love a good Hitchcock movie but I haven't seen this one in years. But the song became well known and Doris Day's signature song after being used in her tv show. There's son trivia for you thanks to some quick research and Wikipedia. You're welcome. So, not in my collection but came to mind and I love it. Maybe I'll add it now?  Heading to iTunes after publishing. 

All is well, Q down, in Drosche Land. 

Happy Easter

He is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia. 

Today was Easter and I hope that it was a blessed day for you. We are enjoying a 4-day weekend as we celebrate so today seemed to move a little slower and a little smoother, knowing that tomorrow morning wouldn't bring a 4:30 am alarm. An extra day to sleep in a bit, wear jammies a little longer (maybe all day), and just relax as we get ready for the push to summer. 

But that's not what it really was about today. Nope. Today we got to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We got to share the great news with our friends and family that God's Not Dead. I mention that because we watched that movie, finally, on Netflix this afternoon. It was great. The boys enjoyed it as much as Amy and I did. A great chance for us all to remember to live boldly. To confess our faith and stand firm in our beliefs. Even when it, as it often is, is difficult.  If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it.  Stream it instantly now. Watch and share. God's Not Dead. 

I guess that's about it. The day of fun, candy, eggs, and resurrection comes to a close as I once again enjoy the traditional watching of The Ten Commandments.  Just a chance to wish you and yours a blessed Easter. 

All is well, because HE rose, in Drosche Land. 

Country Strong & Calling Dr. Love

1.  Country Strong - Gwyneth Paltrow.  Did you see this movie?  With Gwyneth and Tim McGraw.  About the country star with emotional and addictive demons.  It's a tearjerker and I'm getting sad just thinking about it.  Amy didn't share my affinity for the movie, but I love it.  This song is just one of many from the movie that I love.  Who knew Gwyneth could sing?  Maybe it was a byproduct of being married to Coldplay frontman?  Maybe it was just a hidden talent?  Regardless, I love the movie and this song.  If you haven't seen it, do so quickly.  It's on Netflix, but only via DVD.  

2.  Calling Dr. Love - Kiss.  A classic.  Kiss.  So many songs from this band but I love this one.  Surely you know it or have at least heart it once.  Commercials, movies, CDs; you can't have missed it.  We saw Kiss in concert a few years back at the Rodeo (yes, the Rodeo) and they rocked it.  Of course they performed this, among many others, and it was great.  Hard to believe they're all in their 60's and still going.  But look at The Rolling Stones, they're in their 100s and not slowing down.  Rock & Roll, and face paint, do a body good I guess.

All is well, C down, in Drosche Land.  

Spring Break

This year it was laid back.  Nothing special or eventful.  But that's not bad, just life.

See, this year Amy and I had Spring Break on differing weeks.  She was last week and the kids and I were this week.  Bummer.  This meant that we could not plan any trips or excursions.  Such is life though.  

So we stayed at home.  Monday and Tuesday were spent lounging around the house.  I did a lot of laundry, finished grading and report cards (they go out next week), mowed the front and back yards, and watched all of Season 4 of Pretty Little Liars (thank you Netflix).  So, nothing too crazy, but it was nice to stop and relax for a bit.

Amy took Wednesday off so we could all have at least one day together.  So we went out for lunch (a real treat as we rarely eat out anymore) and took the kids to see the new Cinderella movie.  Granted Braeden, in all his pre-pre-teen 8-year-old angst was not as thrilled as the rest of us, but he still managed to enjoy himself.  It didn't hurt that we sweetened the deal with a chocolate chip cookie shake for him to enjoy during the movie.  Jackson is always up for a movie, regardless of what it is.  Stella, ever the princess of the family, is now insisting on a pair of glass slippers and seeing the movie again!    Alamo Drafthouse was giving free admission to teachers for this Spring Break week so we took advantage of that!  Score!  Hopefully that will be something they do in the future and we can plan this to be a regular occurrence.  

Then yesterday and today it was back to binge watching TV shows via Netflix/Amazon/Hulu and relaxing around the house.  I am currently switching between The Slap and Bates Motel.  Equally awesome.  

Hopefully this will be the only year (fingers crossed) that we spend Spring Break apart.  the calendars for our schools are set for next year and we will once again share Spring Break!  We are already beginning to plan a trip to make up for this year's missed fun.  We're thinking Disney World again!  We have been wanting to return since we left last summer so if all goes well in the planning and budgeting departments we will be able to visit Mickey and friends again!

Well, that's it here.  Sounds even less impressive when you write it down but all is well.  It did force us to stop and relax a bit though, the kids have enjoyed the break.  Next week we are all back to normal though so we will see how easily we slip back into routine.  But, until then we will enjoy the last few days/hours of Spring Break.  Depends on if you include the weekend or not?  I do, I think.  May as well make it as long as possible!

All is well, on break, in Drosche Land.

Just Us Boys

Hamburger Helper.  Scary movies.  No estrogen.

What do these three things have in common?  Well, simple, they all play a large part in the next 2 days here in Drosche Land.  See, Amy is out of town at an administrator's retreat so we are on our own for a while.  

Hamburger Helper.  Who doesn't love this simple, one box meal?  College students, bachelors, and dads agree - it's a winner.  Not only is it good, but it's just at my culinary skill level!  The only thing easier to eat are leftovers, which also happen to be on the menu during these next few mommy-less days!  If I had my choice, or was single, I'd probably be content to live off of a diet of Hamburger Helper and Ramen Noodles (we didn't have any or we'd be eating that tonight!).  I do love me some Ramen Noodles, also a favorite of college inhabitants and those with limited cooking abilities.

Scary movies.  Me, not the kids.  See, Amy doesn't like or even tolerate scary movies of any sort.  I, on the other hand, love them.  I am currently browsing Netflix's instant gallery for something to watch tonight after it gets dark and the boys are asleep.  But I am having conflicting interests as I have discovered Brothers & Sisters and am in love, currently in the middle of the first season.  We will see what tonight and tomorrow hold for my viewing pleasure!  Currently we are watching the kid-friendly movie The Retrievers.  The boys chose it.  A cutesy movie that involves, you guessed it, dogs (obviously Golden Retrievers).  I'm not going to highly, or in any way, recommend it but the boys are enjoying it so that's good!

No estrogen.  Sure it might seem like a good idea.  Sure we might have fun watching scary movies and eating yummy boxed meals, but in the long run we would never survive without Amy.  Lucky for us she will only be gone until Wednesday so we won't have to suffer too long.  Although the movies and Hamburger Helper will make it easier to deal!  :)

All is well, and full of testosterone, in Drosche Land.

Tearjerker

Well, with all of the global excitement regarding this morning's royal wedding, I have a confession to make.  I'm a bit of a sap.  I like sad and sentimental movies, books, TV shows, really anything that can make you cry.  I mean who doesn't right?  Right?  In fact the genre "Tearjerker" is one of my favorites!  And yes, I did DVR the royal wedding (thanks TiVo!) as well as watch a bit of it this morning while getting ready.  I then listened to it on the MSNBC XM radio channel all the way to work.  I'll admit to being one of the billions of people totally addicted to the royal wedding.   

To some of you this will come as no surprise.  To others, I stand proud of my sappiness.  Currently I am slightly obsessed with the movie Country Strong (Amy is now rolling her eyes).  I totally did not see the ending coming and I love the movie.  Definitely one to own.  It drives Amy crazy, let's just say she was not as big a fan of the movie as I was.  She enjoyed it, but found it depressing.  I, on the other hand, enjoy this occasionally.  I know I can't be alone in this, but I'm willing to admit it.  I'll also admit that I may have passed this trait down to Braeden.  Don't let the two of us watch Marley & Me together.  Toward the end we become two blubbering and inconsolable people, bawling our eyes out over that sweet old dog.  This isn't the only movie that gets me though, the list is long.  Happy tears, sad tears, depressed tears, heaving sobs.  You name it, I've done it.  That's alright though, I'm just in touch and comfortable with my emotions.  Sometimes a good cry is just what you need.  Well, for Braeden and I at least.  

So, I guess that's it for a totally random post.  Random, but topical.  Well, I've got 6 hours of footage to get through, so I'd better get started.

All is well, tissues in hand, in Drosche Land.   

2012

So I watched the movie 2012 this morning.  1 word - Awesome!  I love me a good disaster flick and this is about as big as it gets.  Earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, oh my!  This movie has them all.  Add in some super-cool CGI effects showing the complete destruction of natural and man-made landmarks and you have a great story about the end of the world and utter global catastrophe.  There's even some Biblical references, especially at the end (not giving away details).  I definitely recommend it.  I was worried about the 2 1/2 hour running time, but it flew by.

But I digress again.  So, as is I'm sure the intention of the film makers, it got me thinking about the potential truth to all of these 2010 end of times theories.  Is there something to them?  Who knows?  Obviously I hope not, I have a lot of plans.  Many of which extend into 2013 and far beyond.  By 12-21-2012 we still be in the middle of (although hopefully very near to the end of) moving and the adoption, so you can see my eagerness for the failure of such "prophecies".  But in the end (pun intended) I have no say so over when, where, how, or why the world comes to an end.  I'll leave those things to God, he tends to do a much better job in planning than I do myself!

What it did also remind me of, again another intention of the film makers I'm sure, is that we should be thankful for what we have now.  I have an excellent wife (woo hoo Amy!), 2 wonderful (albeit crazy!) boys, and tons of great family and friends.  So yeah, I'd say I'm pretty blessed!  Yeah, I know, pretty deep thoughts from a visual effects laden, action packed, eye candy movie (Awesome - see it!), but you never know where they're going to pop up from.  See, you can learn something from movies!  :)

So, don't see the movie for any soul-searching reasons.  See it because it is awesome and stuff gets destroyed!  But while your watching it remember to live your life and be thankful.  Ok, I'll step down off of my soap box.  Just some thoughts.  Enjoy the movie.  Oh and another thing the movie may teach us - if the end of the world is in 2012 and it ends like it does in the movie, then we are in for some crazy and spectacular happenings!

All is well, and very blessed, in Drosche Land.  

Movie + In Your Car = FUN!

Yeah, yeah, I know there is no post from yesterday, but boy is it for a good reason.  A while ago Amy discovered a drive-in theater called Showboat Drive-In that is located out near our house in Hockley.  What great old school, vintage fun would that be!  Well, we had the best intentions to go but with our schedule we had never had the chance.  Enter our wonderful sons.  They have been begging to go see "the dragon movie" (How to Train Your Dragon) for a while now and, since they did so well seeing The Princess and the Frog over Christmas break, we have been meaning to take them to the theater again.  We had planned on possibly seeing it this weekend, since it looked as though it would be an easy one.  On the way home last night Amy, ever thinking and planning, had the sudden thought that we should try this new drive-in theater because, lo and behold, they were showing How to Train Your Dragon!  Coincidence?  I think not!  The boys were both in good moods so we thought - why not?  The deal is incredible.  You get 2 movies for a great price, adults are $5, kids are $4, and kids under 3 (Jack!) are free!  So, we all got to see the movie for $14!  That is less than if just Amy and I went to a theater to see a movie.  Upon checking out their website, see link above, we saw that they sold food there, but we decided to grab something on the way - Jack in the Box!  So you know I had to get some tacos!  At the theater though we did get some food - movie snacks: popcorn, candy, and drinks and we only spent $11!  That brings the grand total for the night to $25 for the movie and snacks (I know not counting dinner but you don't always eat dinner out just because you're seeing a movie so I didn't count it)!  That is at least $10-$15 less than had we gone to a regular theater.  Plus you get the fun of a drive-in.  Neither of us had ever been so it was a full-on family adventure for us.  We parked the van backward, folded down the rear seats, and had a wonderful time.  The boys loved the movie and the whole drive-in aspect of the event!  All in all, it was a great night.  Once again, Amy's research and planning pulls through!  The movie was awesome too!  The boys loved it and I have to admit that Amy and I were pretty impressed also.  I think they will have a new favorite when it comes out on DVD.  The movie starts at dusk, understandable since it is outside, so last night that meant about 8:30ish.  It finished about 10:30 so we opted to not stay for the 2nd movie, A Family Wedding.  Good because by the time we got home it was 11:00 and we were all exhausted.  The boys fell asleep about 5 minutes after leaving the theater!  But, even with only the one movie it is an awesome deal.  We definitely had a great time and made some great memories!

All is well, kickin' it old school, in Drosche Land. 

Showboat Drive-In!

How awesome is that?!

We had a blast!