Mark and I have had the opportunity to see a few movies over the past couple of weeks. We use a rental service that sends them and we can keep them and then return the when we’re done. This works great if you are like us, who sometimes don’t get to watch a movie the moment you check it out and if you don’t like going to video stores because of all the “junk” that’s on the shelves and your kids have to look at….okay, that’s another post.

Anyway, we saw two really good movies. One was Bella, created as an independant film. It recieved first place at the Toronto Film Festival which is a pretty great honor. The film is the first from a trio of men who felt God calling them to create positive movies in Hollywood. Boy, did they! Bella is their first film. The story was wonderful. Complete….amazing. The acting was even better than I expected. And the cinematogrophy was wonderful. Mark and I both enjoyed it. However, as a girl, I have to tell my other “girl” friends that you definitely need your hankie on this one. I was a blubbering mess by the end. While this film is excellently done, the message is what hits the hardest. It’s about life and how beautiful, fleeting, and delicate it is. Not only is this a pro-life movie (and that’s all I can say without giving too much away), it’s also pro-adoption (there’s another hint…now go rent it). Guess what else…there is no cussing, drugs, sex! Ahhh, a true family centered film. However, for some of the content (serious side) I would say it would be for older teen children…not younger ones. For a film shot in 23 days with hardly any budget…it’s comparative to its big Hollywood studio movies…if not better!

The other movie saw was from the new branch of Fox called Fox Faith. Fox Faith is responsible for bringing several other films to the big screen and DVD such as the Love’s series based on Janette Oke’s book…the awesome Amazing Grace, One Night with the King (pretty good too), Because of Winn-Dixie…okay you get the picture. Well, this past winter, they release a film in select theaters called The Ultimate Gift. I wanted to see it, but you know how it goes. So, we were able to rent it this past weekend. Oh my! This is an amazing film. It’s based on a book by Jim Stovall with the same title. And guess what?! No cussing, drugs, nudity. Again, it’s a hankie movie! But the story behind it is so beautiful. I highly recommend it. It was very well acted with James Garner (American Presidents fame and other old stuff that came out before I was born) and Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and other cast members that I can’t remember. The story is very endearing and encouraging.

I guess I’m just blown away by how well these films are. Neither had big budgets but they were able to come out with a great story, acting, and cinematogrophy without compromosing the values and beliefs that outline their faith. If you get a chance for a date night, or if you just want to see how God is using people of faith in Hollywood, check out these two films! The more we watch films like this the more films like this Hollywood will make (does that make any sense???).

…my you know whats! Anyway, this post is for the girls so if there are any guys who read…just ignore.

I’m on the hunt for another swimsuit that will cover my areas…particularly upper body and my mummy tummy…that I still have…after almost a whole year…yeah, I know! Being picky, I would also like one that covers the stretch marks on my upper legs…yeah, I know not everyone gets them, but I do.

See, here’s the deal. I have a daughter and with her has come the realization that I am created in God’s image and that He would prefer for me to be covered and not allow anyone to sin. That does not mean, to me, that I should walk around covered from head to toe…it does mean, for me, that my chest and rear should not be sticking out. However, finding clothes like that is so hard. I’m learning, slowly, to layer (I feel like I’m going to look like a doof if I do it wrong…and believe me I can). I’m hoping that I can set a good example for Zoe (and for the boys and what they are looking for in a mate).

Back to the swimsuit ordeal. I love the Land’s End Swim Minis…they cover and have cute skirts and they look nice on. The cost, however, I don’t like. Here’s the deal with Land’s End, though…. Check out their overstocks. About three years ago when I was lucky enough not to need a maternity swimsuit (how rare does that happen), I found a skirted swimsuit (I believe it was a Swim Mini) in their outlet/overstock for under $25! No joke. And it still looks great.

So, I have one nice, stylish, cute swimsuit but I’m in need of another because we are planning on going swimming multiple times a week and wearing a wet swimsuit over and over just does not sound appealing…or healthy.

I struck out Saturday as I went to a couple of stores (read–I was in tears because I couldn’t find one that fit or covered). I plan on going to a few more this weekend and if I don’t find any, I’ll look at purchasing one from one of these websites (for anyone else on a never ending, unsuccessful swimsuit search here’s my list):
Land’s End (again…overstocked/on sale swim minis!)
Modbe (these are really pricey, but since I can wear the same swimsuits every year, the price is worth it for modesty and durability and will pay for itself in two years)
Diviine Modesty (about the same price as Modbe…these are both great because you can buy skirts to match and mix and match…meaning multiple purchases over the years gives you a nice variety…I also love how long these tops are…and the fabrics are really cute…they have girls swimsuits for $39 which is not bad)
Lime Ricki Swimwear (I stumbled on this site from google and like the fun fabrics and options of skirts…these are also the cheapest. I’m a little leery because the bottoms look a little low waisted…meaning my mummy tummy would stick out or be bumpy. I favor a high waisted bottom to help suck in my stretched belly…yeah, I know it’s gross but I’m trying to honest here)

And there is my modest swimwear list. I know there are several others, but the styles seem a bit to the extreme and outdated to me…These all have cute and what, in my opinion is stylish (which isn’t saying much, I know dear friends) swimsuits.