Beauty and The Beast

Many of you are aware of my huge passion (some call it an obsession) for all things Disney.  Since they first announced this was in the works, I have been super excited to watch this live action remake of a beloved animated Disney movie.  A few weeks ago a media frenzy ensued about the release of this highly anticipated movie.  Many things were published online about the director's comments about some things he alluded were in the movie.  Blog posts, reviews, articles, etc. began to appear ALL over the place.  As I began to read some - I struggled on what I should do about the movie.

I have spent my entire adult life coming alongside parents as they muddle through raising warriors for Jesus in a world that is getting harder and harder to navigate.  Never do I want my actions or endorsements to ever be a stumbling block for anyone- especially children.  I wasn't sure what to think after reading so much.  Until I read a blog from someone who had actually seen the movie (before it had been released).  I have searched to find it again- a friend on Facebook had posted it.  I so wish I had kept it.  I'd like to thank the blogger - she encouraged me to go see the movie and see for myself what I thought of all the "hub bub".

So today I saw the movie.  Here is what I posted on Facebook-

Mike and I went to see Beauty and the Beast today. I wanted to decide what I thought about all the "hub bub" prior to it's release myself. And unless I missed it - there was no kiss. A couple of innuendos on a couple of things - less than in most movies I've seen targeted for kiddos. I really liked the movie. It was awesome. I had a few favorite parts - but I won't spoil it for others. Oh the music- wonderful. I will be singing those songs for a while in my head. I will tell you if you have young children or kids who tend to be scared easily- the wolf scenes and a couple of the ones with the Beast are pretty intense. So there is my two cents for what it is worth!

I have been shocked at the number of responses.  Most all have the same sentiment about the movie as I expressed.  A few asked me if they could share my post- which was very humbling.  It also has reminded me that others are always watching us.  It is a continual reminder to strive to live for Him at all times.  

My favorite scene in the whole movie happens in the castle library.  I am a lover of books (like Belle).  I don't want to spoil it for those who haven't seen the movie yet.  Just wait for it! 

I love the new inspiration for all things Beauty and The Beast - here are a few of my favs- 

Gorgeous Belle Cupcakes

Tale as old as Time Bracelet 

Free Printable Bingo 

Be Our Guest Parties 

Oh, how much fun this classic Disney story allows us to have when we begin to allow our creativity to kick in! 

If you haven't seen the movie- watch the trailer  HERE! 

 Two weeks before the movie I actually got to see Belle's dress while visiting One Man's Dream Exhibit at Hollywood Studios (and watched a sneak peak of the movie- it was just enough to increase my desire to see the movie) !

For those who have seen the movie- leave a comment on what you thought! 

Much Love! 

Mrs. Tara 

Yes I'm Obsessed!

Well, if you know me personally, chances are you also realize I am obsessed with a mouse.  Not just any mouse, but a mouse who lives in Florida.  Yes- I am talking about Mickey Mouse! 

This love started many years ago when my grandparents, parents, aunt (10 years older than me), uncle (7 years older than me) and my younger sister headed out for Fort Wilderness at Disney World.  It is a memory that is very vivid from my childhood.  I remember the camper, the boat ride/boat parade and my family.  It would be several years before I would return but the love of that place and the memories were stamped on my heart forever. 

Many have asked, "Don't you get tired of going?"  To be honest, no I don't.  I can't get enough.  I am also asked if I ride the rides.  Yes, I do.  But my favorite are the shows and the parades.  I love it when I can go with my husband.  However, as strange as many find it- I am okay to go by myself too.  Often I have a conference in Orlando and he can't always attend.  Last year I needed a vacation and he couldn't go- so guess what- he told me to go and I did.  I had a blast. 

Here is one of my favorite things to see......

(picture taken by my husband from the Contemporary Resort )

This past week while visiting Disney World, we drove past the entrance to Fort Wilderness.  I got all misty eyed and emotional.  I looked at my husband and asked how in the world did my grandparents and parents ever afford to take us to Disney?  I now realize what a gift my inaugural trip was financially.  It not only began a love for the place but for the one who created it too. 

If you can dream it, you can do it!

Walt Disney

Stay tuned..... I am working on a post of my observations / suggestions for visiting Disney with your children!

Being on the same page..........

Well one thing I was reminded of at the conferences I attended was making sure you are communicating effectively. Sometimes you think you are, but you realize you are not on the same page. This can be frustrating for everyone involved. I thought this picture clearly illustrated this tip............... Minnie Mouse misunderstood when planting BUTTERCUPS in her flower pot. If you will notice from the picture above she literally has CUPS OF BUTTER! Not quite the same!

At first I thought - Minnie Mouse sure is silly. Then I stopped and thought of all the times I thought I had communicated clearly .... only to find out later I was not so clear. Well this is definitely one of the areas of my life I need to work at harder. How about you?

Note: This picture was taken in Minnie's house in Toon Town at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World (Orlando, Florida). If you are a Disney fan............you may have heard Toon Town will soon be gone........forever. They are making way for the expansion at Fantasy Land and as of right now there are no plans to put Toon Town somewhere else. Sad, I know. So you may see lots of pictures in the future because I took lots since it is disappearing from my favorite place on earth.