Advent Calendar Day 15 #ErinLawless

Behind door 15 is Erin Lawless listing her top ten Christmas films that get forgotten about! 

WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING

A dowdily-dressed, lonesome as hell Sandra Bullock pulls the Christmas shift at the train station, only to save the life of the man she's secretly fancied all year. Visiting him at the hospital where he lies in a coma, she 'accidentally' tells the nursing staff that she's engaged to him. With loads of charming family festivities and a Christmassy Chicago, this is always my go-to Christmas film!

DIE HARD/DIE HARD 2

Bruce Willis plays Detective McClane, a New York City cop trying to mend his broken marriage with his wife over the holidays. McClane's wife's office Christmas party is, naturally, overrun by a terrorist mastermind (Alan Rickman) and all of the guests are held hostage. McClane flies in late from NYC and is off in another part of the building when the takeover happens, so he's got the element of surprise on his hands as he tries to foil the bad guy's plot. Too bad he doesn't have any shoes.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Okay, so it's not strictly a holiday film – but there's something deliciously festive about the snow, and the dark wintery woods, and the roaring fires! You could make a Beauty and the Beast sandwich and watch the midquel, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas too if you wanted to!

JINGLE ALL THE WAY

"I'm not a pervert! I just was looking for a Turbo Man doll!" Poor, beleaguered family man Arnold Schwarzenegger is always putting his career over his family, so much so he forgets to pick up the action figure his little boy is desperate for for Christmas. Arnie has to race through town on Christmas Eve – along with a bevy of other neglectful fathers – to try and find a store where the toy isn't sold out! In the days of internet shopping, it's fun to look back and laugh..!

TRADING PLACES

A stuck-up stock investor (Dan Aykroyd) and a scheming street con artist (Eddie Murphy) find their positions reversed as part of a nature-versus-nurture bet by two insensitive millionaires. It also stars Jamie Lee Curtis as a prostitute, which is always excellent. Classic con game comedy that takes place around Christmas (remember a drunk Aykroyd dressed up as Santa and waving a gun around?)

MIXED NUTS

A glorious Nora Ephron-penned comedy starring the legend that is Steve Martin and Live Schreiber as a transvestite. It's Christmas Eve and a serial strangler is on the loose. A crisis hotline, staffed by three inept counsellors, faces eviction. They need a miracle…

ABOUT A BOY

This wry coming-of-age tale is quite touching amidst its Christmas backdrop – Hugh Grant starring as the "man-child" bachelor who survives on the royalties from a successful Christmas song his father composed decades before.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Don't make the mistake of consigning this film to October! The film is truly about Christmas, not Hallowe'en! Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, is bored with doing the same thing every year for Halloween. One day he stumbles into Christmas Town, and is so taken with the idea of Christmas that he tries to get the resident bats, ghouls, and goblins of Halloween town to help him put on Christmas instead of Halloween -- but alas, they can't get it quite right.

GHOSTBUSTERS 2

Set five years after the first film, here the holiday season sees an influx of spirits to New York City, so who you gonna call? Who can resist the Ghostbusters charging around in Santa hats, eh?

www.erinlawless.co.uk

www.twitter.com/rinylou

www.goodreads.com/rinylou

www.facebook.com/erinlawlessauthor

Erin Lawless lives a happy life full of wonderful friends, in love with a man who buys her books instead of flowers. To mix things up a little, she writes books where friends and lovers hit obstacles and (usually) overcome them. When she’s not doing that she reads absolutely everything she gets her hands on, spends an inordinate amount of time in pyjamas and runs a fun-but-informative blog on British history.

Advent Calendar Day 1 #TeresaFMorgan

Behind door number 1 is me!

I thought I would get this show on the road, and introduce you to my advent calendar blog posts.

Each day there will be something different behind the 'door' - just like opening your advent calendar.

It could be a different author sharing a Christmas story or tradition, or even a recipe. It will allow them to also share details of their book - Christmassy or not! Or different Christmassy discussions.

Hopefully there will be some eye candy behind a door or two for you, too :)

Today is the first day on our advent calendars.

Do you have a chocolate calendar or one that comes out every year?

I have a cloth one that has pockets which I fill. Each year this advent calendar comes out, and I have to find small chocolates to put into the pockets, as I need to squeeze two in there for the boys.

This year I've bought advent calendar chocolates from my friend and they look so cute in their foil wrappers!

Each morning, the boys take it in turn to move the tree that sits in the pocket and take out the chocolates.

As a child, I used to love the chocolate ones - obviously, but our Aunt used to send us a picture advent calendar in the post. I used to love opening the little window to see what scene was behind it.

And as today is the first door to be opened... I feel it is only fair we share some eye candy too!

Having watched both Bridget Jones' Diary movies recently (for research purposes), I fell in love all over again with Mark Darcy (aka Colin Firth). So here he is at the end of Bridget Jones' Diary. :)

The Worst Part Of Writing

Have I told you how much I hate writing a synopsis? I haven't written many, so don't feel at all comfortable or confident in writing them. And it feels so alien to how you write, because you're talking about your characters, and it feels much more telling, not showing.

How long does a synopsis need to be?

Do I really need to tell all the twists?

And then when I read it back I question the story I've written!

This is definitely the worst part about writing. And do you write it before or after you've finished your first draft? I tend to write it after, as my storyline likes to change as the characters decide to do things differently to my original plan.

So I now have the fun job of writing my synopsis for my third novel, which I'm in the process of editing. It all feels a bit more worrying too, because I'm out of contract, so will Harper Impulse like this novel? My goal is to try and get this novel out there before Christmas if I can as I'd love to see it in print next year. This will keep me on target of a book a year then.

In the meantime, the characters in potentially what may be my fourth novel keep talking to me. So it looks like I'm going to be writing them next. They've just demanded it really, even though I had thought of other storylines I wanted to tackle, this one 'Cinderella meets James Bond' just keeps growing inside my head.

With the digital release available, there are more fan vids for The Man From UNCLE now, and Illya and Gaby are my inspiration for book 4. (I can't wait to get my Bluray copy).

A New Obsession... The Man From UNCLE

Ever since watching this film with my friend on Thursday, I haven't stopped obsessing about it. I wanted to see it because of Henry Cavill who plays Napolean Solo (the American Spy). Ever since seeing him as the Man of Steel, I've been a fan! And in this movie he doesn't disappoint either. He shares the screen with two other great actors, Armie Hammer (Illya Kuryakin) and Alicia Vikander (Gaby Teller) and the chemistry between the three of them is amazing.

Solo and Illya (the spies) have a love/hate relationship which is fun to watch but as this story unfolds, I found myself loving the relationship between Illya (the Russian spy) and Gaby (the East German girl). I don't want to ruin this film with any spoilers, but they have to pretend to be engaged... and you all know how I love relationships that are pretending to be in a relationship. Yes, I've been on YouTube and yes there are fanvids of these two already :)

There are a few moments in this film where these two sizzle. You think they're about to kiss... you want them to kiss... desperately...

Guy Ritchie directed this film. It's of his usual calibre, but I would say it's better - if not his best yet! Brilliant. You will be entertained from start to finish, there is never a dull moment, the comedy is timed to perfection. But the comedy isn't spoofy, it's just dry and fun. The film is set in the 60's to keep it in line with the TV series it is inspired by.

One fantastic action movie! My friend and I came out of the cinema wishing we could go back in and watch it all over again.

Don't worry, I still have a love for Henry, who is my inspiration for book 3 (which I'm currently writing) but I think it's safe to say, Armie Hammer, my Russian Spy, with his blond hair, blue eyes and slim, muscular build at 6' 5" will be my next book inspiration - or he'll be fighting it out with Tom Hiddleston.

If you're wondering - like I was - where have you seen Armie Hammer before, he's The Lone Ranger with Johnny Depp which is okay, and he's Prince Alcott in Mirror Mirror which is the tale of Snow White and is another fantastic movie.

Here's the official trailer of The Man from UNCLE. I promise this isn't showing you all the jokes and best bits. The whole movie is the best bit!

If they can make a million Mission Impossibles... then they can make a sequel to this movie!

*I've found the pictures/photos off the internet, I've lost track of who they belong to, but they don't belong to me. And I hope the owners don't mind me borrowing them for the cause of bigging up this awesome movie.

He's Just Not That Into You

Who'd have thought a film would be so inspirational. It's fiction, but with so much truth in it.

Was it written by a woman, with some male influence?

A friend recommended the film He's Just Not That Into You. I ordered it; it arrived within a couple of days, and I watched it the other night.

I sat there thinking "OMG! I've heard most of those excuses."

I didn't think I'd watched the film before, but about twenty minutes in I realised I had. But clearly the first time I'd watched this movie I must have been still married and I didn't have the dating experience I now have under my belt.

Not by choice, I hasten to add. Would have been happy with #MrAquarius. But it doesn't matter how hard I try - I'm probably trying too hard! - I still end up with a broken heart - just like Gigi. I would say I'm probably not as bad as her - she may have been slightly stalkerish at times. But like Gigi, I wear my heart on my sleeve - I could empathise with this character. She looked for the positives in everything, and worried that if she didn't do a certain thing the guy would get the wrong signals. Had she told him enough of how much she was into him? Maybe she should call to let him know... because he may have lost his phone... etc. etc. etc. (I do it too! Worry).  But really, what she needed to hear was He's Just Not That Into You.

Even Drew Barrymore's character talks of the difficulties of modern dating. Because you're not only waiting for a text, there's social media, emails, all sorts of different channels two people can communicate through... so you're watching them all for that message to arrive... that doesn't.

So, I've come away from this movie enlightened, because if you're trying too hard to make a relationship work, even at the 'dating' stage, and it is really all one sided, then clearly, he's just not that into you. And you need to walk away.

Don't get me wrong, relationships are a two way thing, and both need to want it. And this could work vice versa. If the girl isn't so into the guy, the signs are the same.

However, I will say, generally a girl will tell the guy honestly that she's not into him early on, rather than make stupid excuses like 'it's not you it's me. shit.'

To be honest, you usually know after a couple of dates - I've known after the first date! - whether you want it to go further or not, or the chemistry is there... sometimes it can take a bit longer. Sometimes the chemistry is there... or so we're lead to believe... but it can fizzle. That's fine. But boys, be honest, don't drag it out!

Most (decent) women, if they don't connect with the guy, like to face their demons head on and tell it straight. We're just honest. Men are not. They tell us what they think we want to hear, rather than the honest truth, even if they don't mean it. "Yes, I'm happy to be friends" is bullshit. Why would we stay in touch? I have enough friends to go out drinking with.

And while you're 'in touch' she'll still be hoping you'll change your mind, and Mr Right might walk right past her, because she's too busy concentrating her efforts on you in the hope it will work out!

If you can't love her, set her free! Truthfully.

So girls, I recommend this movie if you need a wake up call! Because it is spot on, and you'll know if He's Just Not That Into You. 

Cinderella - Every Girl's Dream

Today I watched Cinderella with one of my best friends. We like to go to the cinema when the kids have gone back to school and we get the whole theatre to ourselves. (Actually, we had to share it with a couple of others today - pfft!) The film left us with that feel good factor afterwards.

Since learning the release of this film I've wanted to see it. Cinderella is my favourite fairytale. What girl doesn't dream of meeting her Prince Charming? Or having a Fairy Godmother?

The film is enchanting, funny, emotional, and beautiful. Cate Blanchett plays the evil stepmother so well. And Helena Bona Carter is our quirky, magical Fairy Godmother, who we all wish we did have. I mean one wave of her wand and you get a fantastic dress and comfy to-die-for shoes. And our tears swept away.

What I loved most about this film, apart from Lily James playing Cinderella, is that they stuck to the storyline, they didn't mess with the fairytale. The animation had been produced to film, if that makes sense. We know the ending, we know all the details to Cinderella, and it was all in there. And it didn't matter there were no twists, because it was magical to watch.

There's a lovely moral to this story too. Cinderella doesn't know Kit is the prince, and the prince falls in love with Cinderella knowing she is not really a princess. He accepts her for he knows her heart is good. He sees her beauty from within. The materialistic things are unimportant. Isn't this what every girl wants? A man to love her for her?

If you haven't watched it yet... go! And take your daughters!

"Have courage and be kind." 

A little something I'm taking away with me from Cinderella. 

War Horse

Last night, Mr Aquarius, my eldest son and I went to see War Horse at the Bristol Hippodrome. It was really lovely to be doing something different like going to the theatre.

After reading the book last year, when Ben was in Year 4, and discussing his reading with his teacher, she told me about the production coming to Bristol. I looked it up and booked the tickets way back in July. How fast did January turn up!?

In the meantime, we watched the film. (I have made my son do this with a lot of films... read the book first, then watch the film... All the Harry Potter's, The Hobbit, Matilda... He's already appreciating why I do this.)

The film was good, and brought a more visual horror of the war and what the horses would have endured than the book could maybe conjure. (This is probably more for my son's imagination than mine as he hasn't seen the same level of war movies etc. as I have and it is a children's book after all.) However, there are differences in the book to the film, and we also saw this on the stage too.

I don't wish to be negative in any way about the theatre production. It is amazing. Three people hold the horse puppet, but you really do take no notice of them after a while. The horses look incredibly life like, constantly moving, even when in the background, like a real horse would do. There is good amount of humour throughout the show too. And Ben and I jumped (quite) a few times with the gun shots and bangs - but luckily so did the whole theatre. Of course, it's to simulate the 1st World War, there are going to be canons and gun fire!

I was advised to take tissues. I don't know if it's because I've read the book and I knew there would be a happy ending, but although moved by the performance (I got goosebumps at times and a small lump in my throat) I didn't need the tissues. (Probably a good job really, because when I cry, I really do like let it all out and have a good bawl. It would have been highly embarrassing.)

Unfortunately, what the film and the stage lack is that the story is told from Joey's point of view; that he misses his mother; he learns to trust Albert more than anyone, (and Zoe (which rhymes with Joey - hence his name) the old mare on the farm who teaches him to plough the fields); Topthorn is his friend, that they teach each other, and in the end Joey doesn't want to leave his dead friend but is forced to, and after all he's been through, Joey had to survive Tetanus.

The way I look at this, and how I try to accept all films "based" on a (favourite) book, is to see how the writers will take the story and use what they can to make a great film or theatre show, and "adapt" some parts of it, because they feel this will work better (maybe?) for the film/show. Maybe some things work in a book, that won't in a film/show? Who am I to know...? I need to remember they are adaptations...

All I do know is, I'm glad I read the book first. It gave me a much bigger insight into the film and the show.

As we left, I heard someone saying, "the film was better." I had to mumble, "Actually, the book was better."

But you know, you can't beat a live performance, so if War Horse comes to your town/city... go see it! You will not be disappointed.

The Magnificent Maleficent

I know, I'm bad. I haven't blogged in ages. At the moment it feels like I am chasing my tail. Or I'm that bloody hamster who can't get off the wheel!

Even though I have the smallest, cosiest house ever, it still needs cleaning, the boys need feeding and I still have to go to work. Lord knows how I'd cope if I didn't have my own gardener... aka Dad :)

I always feel guilty when I'm not doing something constructive, i.e writing related activities, and today was one of those days, as I have a whole day off to do 'stuff' - and I didn't.

However, my day was thoroughly enjoyable and I love having a trip out with one of my best friends. Female bonding is constructive, right?

Once a month, we take time out to drive to Cabot Circus, Bristol, as soon as the kids are dropped off into school, to see a film and have lunch out. Today, we really wanted to see Maleficent, and we arrived as it was starting - luckily as there were twenty minutes of adverts and trailers first we dashed next door to grab a Costa Coffee to sneak in with us. We were out just before noon, leaving us plenty of time to have lunch at Frankie and Benny's plus shop for shoes :)

I have always been a huge fan of Angelina Jolie since Tomb Raider. If you watch the extras on the DVD, she worked hard to get her part as Lara Croft right. She's one Kick Ass Chick :) Plus, she's beautiful.

I wasn't sure what to expect about Maleficent, but all I can say is it is a popular fairy tale told from the other point of view - the wicked witch. I won't say too much because I don't want to spoil the twist, but I loved it. (And so did Fi).

Being a romance writer, I love fairy tales. Cinderella (I got all excited when I saw the trailer for that too!) being my favourite. However, I think Sleeping Beauty is up there too. I much prefer this adaptation, even though I have fond memories of the Sleeping Beauty cartoon version.

The film, Maleficent, is about a woman scorned... well, a fairy actually... Go see it! With or without the kids! It's fantastic. Angie is awesome, and was born to play this part.

Today My Blog Turns Three

I can't believe I've actually been blogging for three whole years. Happy birthday, The Wittering Woman! But what an earth have I discussed over three years?

This was my first blog post; My First Post. (Original title huh?) After that, I do believe I may have posted a lot of eye candy... I mean inspiration for writing the perfect hero.

Today, Sally Quilford shared a post from Mills And Boon, who are looking for a blogger. I've got a week, but I might give it a go and send something in. Because blogging about books and romance would be the perfect job. (As you may know, I'm looking for another job, too.) I've dug out a book review of one my favourite authors, so I can tweak that. :D

And I've realised I should be discussing romance more on here. This could be the kick I need, people. Slowly, my writing mojo is returning. First a short story competition, now a blogging one. I call myself a romantic, so I should be writing about it more. Then you'll get a feel for what my books will be like - when I finally get them published.

So, Teresa, aka The Wittering Woman, what is your favourite romance scenario in a book? 

I love reading the hero and heroine pretending to be a couple, and by doing so actually fall in love. The Wedding Favour is based on this theme. And recently I re-watched the romantic comedy Just Go With It starring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. It's actually the scenario reversed. Aniston, who works for Sadler, has to pretend to be the ex-wife, so that Sadler can woo the twenty-year-old-something he's dating. Not only is it hilarious as the lies get deeper and deeper, (because Sadler has to pretend to be Aniston's husband to dupe someone else) but on their journey of pretending, they realise that they are perfect for one another.

I think under Mills and Boon the 'category' is marriage of convenience. What's your favourite romantic storyline?

To end this blog post, as it is my blog's birthday, it would be rude not to share with you... some inspiration.

Can't beat a hot fireman for a hero, right? 

p.s. I'm opening my blog up again to visits. Let me know if you want to share your book, or raise your profile!

Good Friday

Happy Easter!

Friday is always a good feeling, isn't it? The end of the working week, the beginning of the weekend. Well, it is if you don't work the weekend (like I will be).

I thought I'd give you a round up for the week. Not much writing has been achieved during the day, as the kids are off, and I've got to entertain them. Plus, even on occasions when they're playing nicely, I just can't sneak off and start writing as I know if they come to me, I get really stressed, and start getting cross with them - because I want to be writing and don't want interruptions. Which is hardly fair on them. So I've been saving the writing until the evenings, but I have managed to get some reading of The Wedding Favour done and fixed the edits that I see. I'm aiming at four chapters a day, and I've got the last three left now. I suppose then I have to start looking at the synopsis, etc. Argggh!

Lunch on Sandford Station

I did enter The Wedding Favour into the Novelicious competition, so may have to hold off sending it to publishers until the 24th April now. I'm not sure if this is a good thing or not, having to wait longer, but then, you never know, it might come somewhere in this competition and it would have been worth the wait. We will see. Fingers crossed, please!

As you can see by the word count, I'm 50% through Perfect Isn't An Option - so I've been getting some writing done in the evenings! I'm not sure it will actually make 80,000 words but I need to set up a time line, so that I don't get muddled with what happened when. It's more for Ruby and Steve when they were younger, and his filmography. And also, it takes place over 2-3 months, so I need to keep track of everything in relation to running up to Christmas.

The troublesome trucks at Sandford Station

Over the Easter Holidays, the kids and I have so far had a 14.5 mile cycle ride along the Strawberry Line - Yatton to Winscombe - with Grandad Ron (Monday), watched Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire, made rice crispy cakes, (Wednesday) and with the weather changing, even played the odd board game (Yesterday - it was too cold to venture out, plus it means I end up spending money). Today, their dad should be taking them to the cinema to see the new Pirates movie, meaning I'll get my run in and hopefully some writing done.

Last night, I watched Limitless with Bradley Cooper. He starts off looking like a drug addict and a tramp, but soon sharpens up his image. With him on screen 99% of the time, I was in Bradley Cooper heaven. Well worth a watch - just for his blue eyes.

Happy Easter everyone!

It Didn't Move The Romancer In Me

Haven't blogged in a while, so thought I'd better pull my finger out and get typing! Especially as I've been awarded the Liebster Award by Rebecca Bradley (which will be another blog post when I get the time to sit down and think about it).

Last night I went to the cinema with a friend to watch Breaking Dawn Part 1. To be honest, I wasn't that fussed about going, but it was a good excuse to get out of the house and socialise with a good friend. (We went to the pub afterwards!) Socialising is research for a writer after all.

I wasn't overly enamoured by the Twilight books if truth be told, and Breaking Dawn was the last straw for me. I really didn't enjoy it. The end redeemed it somewhat, as there is a good fight scene (how Stephanie Meyer seems to end all her books) and I think I gave it two stars on Goodreads. But there were times when I wanted to just chuck the book at the wall. I had to remind myself, 'It's written for teenagers,Teresa'. Maybe teenagers 'got' Bella better than I did, I just wanted to give her a slap.

I have found the films to be better than the books - which is odd as it's always the other way around with a book and a film. I was more moved by the trailer for War Horse than I was watching this film - and I'm a romance writer! I'm a sucker for romance and happy endings, even if it means getting a box of tissues out and having a good blub!

This first part is about the marriage of Edward and Bella - I wanted a bucket! It never put a lump in my throat, or a tear to my eye. I think because I don't like Bella.

Jake is rather cute...

But I think I prefer Alcide... (not that I've seen Season 2 of True Blood yet, but it's on my Christmas wish list - and you can see why!)

Maybe because I'm that bit older now... I like a man, or werewolf... whatever, enjoy ladies. (You didn't think I'd blog without putting top tottie in it, did you?)

In other news, my letter was published in Writing Magazine - January 2012 edition. I wrote to them about Jean Saunders and her family donating our writing group some of her books. I'm so thrilled to finally see my name in Writing Magazine - that made my evening last night, discovering this little nugget of information. (I'd not even unwrapped the magazine when it arrived yesterday, as I'm still reading December!)

Kick Off Your Sunday Shoes

You know you're getting old when a film you went to see at the cinema is being remade, right? (Or a song for that matter! Always remember my mum and dad saying how they preferred the original. Gosh, now I empathise!).

I always remember the grumble about Ocean's Eleven - and I always liked the new Brad Pitt and George Clooney version, but then I never saw the old one. But the old one was black and white.

I don't feel the need for a remake of Footloose! How will the 'Police' joke even work? Can't it be digitally remastered like Star Wars, and then put back on the screen? Please...

Apparently, the new Footloose will be released in Cinemas from Friday 14th October. Some would argue the original wasn't that great, but it was a teenage flick really and I adored it. I remember going with my dad and my brother - I would have been 12 years old - and then having playing the soundtrack over and over (cassette back then, though now I own it on CD, plus the film on DVD).

It wasn't that long ago I was playing the soundtrack in my car, because I LOVE it so mush still.  

This blog post is dedicated to the original Footloose. 

You can not beat Kenny Loggins, Bonnie Tyler, or Kevin Bacon. And you may not realise it is a very young Sarah Jessica Parker (Rusty) playing along side Chris Penn (Willard). Lori Singer is the other leading lady, who falls for Ren (Kevin Bacon), who was known from her appearances in Fame.

My love for Kevin Bacon comes from this film. He has proven he is a brilliant actor (sometimes playing seriously creepy bad guys) and if you've seen the episode of Will and Grace that he features in, he's quite happy to make fun of himself (and his Footloose connection).  I've even put the trailer in for you to watch again - plus the other video is the end scene of the film and Kenny Loggin's Footloose track.

If you're an original Footloose fan, enjoy!

One For The Memory Box

Firstly, there are no film spoilers! 

Today, for the first time as a family we went to the cinema.  This should be a memorable event.  Hopefully both boys will look back on this and remember being taken to see Toy Story 3.

I'd taken the boys to the 'Kids Club' at Weston's Odeon. The first film they'd ever seen in a cinema was Alvin and The Chipmunks - The Squeakqual (I laughed a lot!) and then, another time, we saw Nanny McFee and the Big Bang (another good film!).  Kids Club operates at weekends, and during the holidays.  It's usually a morning showing of a film (not usually a new release, possibly released 2-3 months prior), and you pay only £1 per child, adults getting in free.  I'd used this as a way to see if my kids were ready to sit still and behave in a cinema.  If they didn't, then I knew I'd only paid a £1, and so had everyone else, so you could anticipate and accept some disturbances.

But for some reason, these two trips to the cinema didn't quite feel like a proper cinema event - although they were - because we hadn't been as a family.  My husband hadn't yet got to come and join us in this fun.  And I suppose because they were a cheap morning out, and you're not really seeing the latest release it didn't seem as big as today.

Toy Story 3 has been the latest movie to hit the big screen in time for the summer holidays.  It's competing with some popular movies that are on; Eclipse (rated 12A), The Karate Kid (rated PG) and The A-Team (rated 12A - that's on my list to see next week!).  Okay, so Toy Story 3 is a U... but it has adult humour.  If you're a big kid, you won't be disappointed with Toy Story 3!

In the week I'd suggested it to Dave, and so he went about getting tickets for today.  Weston Odeon were only showing the 3D version, and after some thought on it, we really couldn't see Kieran sitting through a whole film with 3D glasses on.  Also, the price was extortionate!  So, we got a family ticket, dashed up to Vue at Cribbs Causeway after I'd finished work, and got some good seats in the 2D viewing, saving us over £10.

Kieran sat the whole way through as good as gold.  Occasionally he asked for a sweetie from his dad.  But otherwise he was mesmerised.  I admit, I was worried about his staying power.  He isn't quite 3 and half.  Ben got upset mid way through when he thought it was a bit scary.  I didn't really think about it as I tried to console him, (nervous the whole cinema could hear him sobbing) telling him it will have a happy ending.  I actually hadn't realised a couple of the characters were scary to him.  He's such a sensitive soul!  I found him crying the first time with Monster Inc (when Sully has to say goodbye to Boo) that I have on DVD .

So going to the cinema today was a big success and something we hope to do more as a family together - funds provided of course (it's no longer a cheap day/night out).  And Dave and I are thinking of all the films we can go and see, which we wouldn't normally, because of course, the kids want to see it!  Cats and Dogs - The Revenge Of Kitty Galore looks so funny!

Driving home, all uplifted by the greatness of the film, Dave and I were discussing how the boys will probably remember today, Toy Story 3 being one of the first films they saw at the cinema.  I remember my first cinema experiences, I remember seeing Dumbo, the days when you walked in even if it was half way through, and sat there to watch it again (we did).  I also remember seeing Mary Poppins, and the cinema was so full, my brother was sitting right in front of me, on the end aisle, giggling away in his seat as Dick Van Dyke lowered his trousers and danced/waddled with the penguins.  I still remember that image.  And I suppose the one I remember the most - being that bit older - my dad took me and my brother to Leicester Square, and we sat in the 'circle' rather than the stalls, watching Ghostbusters.  I won't ever forget the ghost in the library at the very beginning scaring the whole cinema witless as it came towards us filling the whole screen!

With all the excitement, I said, today should be put in our diaries as a memorable moment, and Ben said, in his most serious tone, "But I haven't even got a diary."  Dave and I laughed.  I reassured him that it would go on my blog.