Jackass 3D

The long awaited continuation of the Jackass group was beyond words this time around. After hearing and reading reviews about the disgustingly tasteless pranks, I have to admit I laughed more this time, than the other movies they created. I was thoroughly grossed out by a few stunts, but of course that's to be expected.
This is not a movie for kids. Mr. Party Boy enjoys being nude.
Rate: A
Buy: Theatre and DVD
Rated R (plenty of language, nudity, and vomiting)

Harry Potter Series

Let us start with an amazing book series. When an author can take characters through seven novels, and keep her audience interested through the final page, you know she is a legend.

J.K. Rowling did just this. Book one introduced the reader to various characters and the trouble they face as new wizards. As each book came out each character(that survived the previous book) then encountered a new list of fun, drama, and turmoil. Within this series readers found laughter, hate, and tears. 

If you compare the books to the movies you will find a very good similarity between the two. What you won't find is the entire novel. This is the reason the final book is being split into two movies. They just can't skip any parts. Can I say thank you for that.

Overall Rating: 5/5 ☺

Readers: 10-Adult (parents use your judgement on latter books for younger children)

It's Apple Time

Image by Paul-W via Flickr

Fall marks the calendar for our counties apple season. Oak Glen Orchards is closest for us, which is located near the beautiful San Bernardino mountains about 90 minutes from Los Angeles. Families can enjoy a day in the orchards to hand pick your own or purchase previously picked apples. Each location offers various types of apples, and may also include fresh juice, treats and entertainment. Small shops and restaurants are located in the middle of town with happy local residents ready to serve you.

Snow Line Orchards is home of the famous Apple Cider mini-donuts as seen on television. They also offer U-Pick raspberries. Just watch out for those bees. An original 1898 apple shed, three flavors of cider, and the state's oldest chestnut tree. This is our favorite to visit.

Parking is sometimes difficult so be prepared. Keep in mind that many orchards offer school tours during the weekdays. If you decide to wait towards November make sure you check online or call to make sure they're open. Many orchards close after apple season.

Who can resist home made apple pie? Not anyone in my family.

Grades, Projects, and Tardies

Image by jesseducation via Flickr

The local  middle school has made our lives as parents a little bit simpler by using a website called SnapGrades. This site is updated by each teacher daily or weekly(when they have time) with each students progress. Homework, projects, tests, tardies and missed days. Including PE, you can see how well they run the mile each week. If a student is falling behind the teacher can contact you via this website and stay on top of your child, and if they need to talk to the student about something they can leave a note on the website for both parent and student to see.

I am able to log on at anytime and see my child's current grade in each class. Any missing assignments, and their current GPA. I also receive a weekly email with current information.

Middle school is a difficult transition, and with help of a simple website like this, we can all keep our children on the right track. If your school doesn't have this type of simple communication maybe it's time to suggest it. I only wish they had it in my daughters high school. *Sigh*

Here is the website. If you watch the demo it will give you a nice introduction.

http://snapgrades.net/

Easy A

Comedy night here we come.If you're a fan of John Hughes movies, then Easy A should be your next movie. This movie is geared around a high school nobody who chooses to lose her virginity to get a reputation. Although, the movie is based around sex it wasn't the base of the movie. I had an under 13 year old with me, and I wasn't covering her eyes for those type of scenes.

The movie lived up to its hype as another great teen comedy. The theatre was full by the time the movie started so don't wait until the last minute to get to your seats.

Rate: A (easily)

Buy: Theatre if you can, rent or buy when it's out.

PG-13 I took under 13(this is high school ages, so expect language).