Books, Movies, Music & My Life

Not necessarily in that order.

We've had a busy week around here! What about you? It's not like it's Christmas or anything.

Trying to keep the meaning of the season and the commercialism at bay has not been very easy. The weather has not helped..it's been super cold in the morning..hot in the afternoon and then cool again or windy. Just when you want to start singing "White Christmas" the yard starts turning green in weird patches. So much for feeling like winter.

We did accomplish our school work for the week. This makes me very happy and quite proud of myself. Last year we took an extended Christmas break and felt the backlash long into the new year. This year we worked until yesterday. Since Christmas falls on a Saturday this year, we I didn't really see a reason to have more than 2 days off.

Anyhow, it's done and I didn't even cave when Mr. Pinch only completed half of her History assignment. We worked on it at 5:30 pm last night. Ya know what!!!?? It's Done! Hallelujah. Score one for mom! Mr. Pinch almost cried. Almost. But she kept it together and we got through the discovery and establishment of Jamestown. Whew.

This morning I am letting the dough rise for cinnamon rolls and downloading some FREE music from Amazon.com..check it out here:Believe In Christmas - Holiday Sampler"..

Don't forget to check out the 25 days of Christmas free MP3's here:
25 Days of Christmas FREE MP3's

I also just finished reading C.S. Lewis' Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold. I've carried this book around for years and have picked it up, dismissed it, picked it up again..and this time it stuck. Great Story. I loved it. It's the myth of Cupid & Psyche retold. Lewis brings an entirely new story and heroine to you. It's an amazing read and if you haven't yet, I highly recommend you add it to your winter book list.
Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold

On the movie forefront, hubby and I picked up an old favorite The Toy, with Richard Pryor.

I really needed this laugh. It has it's oops, get the kids out, moment, but well worth the watch if you have the clearplay filters in place. A few cuss words, a few cleavage shots and one scene where a naked woman's body is displayed in a painting.

Overall a great story about love and friendship. Just close your eyes when you see Fancy. :)

The Toy

And of course, It wouldn't be right without Charlie Brown.
Love this one.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Remastered Deluxe Edition)

So, if you've done all your shopping, trimmed up your tree, baked a thousand cookies, given gifts to all your neighbors..treat yourself to a good book, some free music and a belly full of laughs.

Merry Christmas Ya'll!

Sharing at Christmas - The Oplatki Tradition

I recently received some Oplatki wafers in the mail from Aquinasand more.com for review. I received a package of 12 wafers with envelopes and the story of The Oplatki Tradition.

I took the wafers to our MCCW Faith Study and shared this beautiful tradition with them.

The tradition stretches back to 17th Century Polish nobility. Oplakti, simple wafers made of flour and water, are beautifully etched with Christmas scenes. The tradition has the family gather around the dinner table on Christmas eve. The Oplatki wafer rests on a white napkin over some greenery, or straw, on a platter. This symbolizes the manger of the Christ Child. The Eldest member of the family then breaks off a piece of the Oplatki and shares it with the family member next to him with kind words of best wishes in the Christmas season. Each member of the family does the same, embracing one another as they share the Oplatki.

This is an opportunity to offer forgiveness as well. Many families talk of how old grudges were healed and family members coming together once more during this simple, but profound tradition.

This is a wonderful, simple tradition you can share with your family on Christmas Eve.

Find out more about The Oplatki here.

Courting & all that new love stuff...

It seems I am consumed lately by the activities of my oldest son. In my last post I spoke about his new job and, briefly, his girl.

We got to meet and hang out with his girl last night. He invited her for dinner and family game night. He spent the day getting the house ready..vacuuming and straightening..(I think I like this :D)

We were late picking her up because of traffic (my fault) but the carnations and little birthday cake he brought her made up for it, I think.

We had a nice time getting to know her and she seems to be a very nice young lady. We played a good round of Trivial Pursuit and the two of them won. And no, we didn't' let 'em..in fact, I was po'd 'cause every time hubby and I got a question(we played teams) I had the right answer, second guessed myself and chose another answer. I mean EVERY time! I couldn't catch a break. Ugh. And if you know me, you know how competitive I am. Even with the kids. ;D

It was a pleasant night and I am happy for my son. He's met a nice girl. He's got a great job and he's doing good in school. Keep him in your prayers that he is able to do God's will in his life always.

Thanks ya'll! Happy Advent!

Strange Things Are Happening..

These are the words to the song from Toy Story. "Strange things are happening to me.." I think Woody sings this one. It's a rather poignant scene where Woody realizes Andy has moved beyond him and discovered Buzz. He sort of feels left out, confused.

I woke up with the song in my head today. This scene replaying over and over again. Did anyone leave me for a mechanical flying wonder with laser lights and a pop up face mask?!?! No...but almost!

My oldest son started working yesterday. He's got a job and a girlfriend too!! Thank goodness he's not driving yet or I'd be a wreck. Emotionally. {pardon the pun)

Actually, now that he has a job, perhaps he can help pay for his driver's course. Then he will be able to transport himself to and from work. That would be nice.

I think it would be best if someone unbiased taught him how to drive. Better for him and for us. It's stressful and we don't live in a big city. Sometimes country roads can be more hazardous. Ya know!

But back to the song..as I watch my boy head off to work "in the real world" and I feel the little new one kick within, it's a very strange experience. I am caught in between. Feeling a little like Woody..(my boy is growing beyond us more and more every day) and a little like Andy..(a wonderful new little boy is arriving so full of promise and excitement!)

Yeah.

Strange things are happening to me..it sums it up. *Sigh*