grace and frankie

The Netflix #StreamTeam is concentrating on families this month and what makes your family special. If I had to serve my family on a plate I would say we were a main course of traditional with a side of crazy and a dash of modern values. We are close knit, have our own unique quirks, and believe in respecting each other’s individuality and beliefs. Our family enjoys the beauty of nature, the convenience of technology, and has a set of beliefs and ideals that work best for us. Yet, we respect the beliefs of others and understand everyone may not share the same opinions or principles we do, especially in today’s mishmash of family possibilities! So, this is what makes us a special family unit and I would not trade it for anything in the world!

Nowadays, the white picket fence and the Cleavers are just a thing of the past! The once traditional “nuclear” family has evolved into a mixture and twist of possibilities. Perhaps a family is made of a single mom living with grandparents, two moms or dads, a blend of relatives living under one roof, half siblings, adopted siblings, friends, pets, or other diverse combination that just seems to work. The modern family has a whole new look and uniquely intertwined into a picture perfect painting of its own!

Grace and Frankie

This month Netflix released Grace and Frankie, a funny and bold original comedy featuring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston. The series is a prime example how today’s families can rearrange and blend in unanticipated ways.

Now, I watched all 13 episodes (binged watched) and I have to tell you it is one of those series that gives you mixed feelings. At first you find yourself squirming at the predicament of a marriage of 20 years based upon lies and deceit, and then you giggle at the awkwardness of 70 year olds trying to throw themselves into the strange vast pool of online dating along with experimenting with peyote, and next a whirlwind of sadness and happiness of events that happen as the story progresses. Honestly, Grace and Frankie take you on a roller-coaster of emotions and even though you might feel a particular way in the beginning about the entire dilemma…you might find yourself questioning just how you really feel! Initially, I wanted to watch the series because Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin are absolutely wonderful together (9 to 5), but the entire story captured me and I couldn’t stop watching it! Not going to give any spoilers away, but the last episode of season 1 ended on a significant cliffhanger! It is definitely worth watching, so check it out!

Family Is What You Make It

For your little kids:

1.Lily’s Driftwood Bay
2. The Tigger Movie
3. Guess How Much I Love You: S1E5 Big Like You
4. Angelina Ballerina: Superstar Sisters

For your big kids:

1. Crash & Bernstein
2. Life with Boys
3. Spy Kids
4. Russell Madness (Available 5/10)

And for teens and adults:

1. Raising Hope
2. The Fosters
3. Gilmore Girls
4. Life Unexpected

New on Netflix for Kids and Families

1. All Hail King Julien (new episodes 4/3)
2. Littlest Pet Shop: Season 3 (4/21)
3. Lalaloopsy: Festival of Sugary Sweets (5/2)
4. Puss in Boots (new episodes 5/8)
5. H20 Mermaid Adventures (5/22)
6. Richie Rich: Season 2 (5/22)
7. Mako Mermaids: Season 3 (5/29)