In Review

No, this isn't a year-end wrap up of all that I have done and written and the regrets I have of what I should have done and written instead.  Rather, I thought I'd give you a couple of good movies to go see.  Having some time off for Christmas vacation has let us go to the some early matinees with the kids, and while Genius Golfer has been working from home.unemployed we have seen a few others without the kids since October.  So here are the movie reviews.

This week I went with a friend, The Girl and her friend and saw War Horse.

My mom and dad saw this Christmas weekend and raved about it.  They were exactly right.  It is a beautifully shot picture with absolutely nothing that would be offensive--unless you can't stomach a panning shot of the battlefield littered with the bodies of men and horses.  It reminded me a lot of Black Beauty that The Boy used to watch over and over again when he was little.  So tender and pretty to watch.  And if horses and dogs, and any other creature that really loved you isn't in heaven--we might want to rethink our hoped for destination.


GG and I saw Sherlock Holmes: The Game of Shadows, and yesterday the kids went to the movies on their own to see it with movie passes The Girl picked up somewhere.

I really liked the first one.  And missed a little of the smart-ness of the first film in this one.  Though this was a fun, popcorn movie, to be sure.  And what isn't to like about the Robert Downey Jr--Jude Law combination?!  There are still scenes coated in steampunk set dressing and brilliant costuming, so it is very fun to watch visually.  Holmes and Watson have a great reparte, as usual.  I just think the action got away from the wittiness and snappy dialog I so enjoyed in the first one.  The kids loved it.  Genius Golfer thought it was great.

And finally the other film we went to see was Tower Heist.

GG likes Ben Stiller, and the premise of this film sounded very apropos.  Bernie Madoff should maybe have had these guys come after him.  Alan Alda plays the best bad guy I've seen for a while--outside of the Wizarding World.  I like him, so to feel real disgust and hatred for him by the end--well, that is good acting.  Eddie Murphy's character was lifted right from Eddie Murphy's stand up routines in the 80s.  Sadly, he never changed.  His language was as raunchy as it was back in the day--certainly nothing was toned down like  Shrek's Donkey for this role.  And Ben Stiller did a great job as the mastermind of this rag tag, revenge-seeking collective of former employees.  This wasn't as good as I had hoped, but not bad for the $5 early matinee price, with an old gift card we hadn't used yet.  But wait until it is on TV, possibly edited for content to avoid Murphy's filthy mouth.  Or maybe RedBox it when you can get it for $1.  Timely, though it is, it just didn't live up to expectations for me.

So save your money--and just go see War Horse.  It was fantastic.  And worth every penny.

Another Note from the South

Another thing I notice from our visit to the south lands, was the amazing;y patriotic response to service men and women who were traveling through  Granted we were only in two airports besides our own, but Atlanta's airport has a beautiful tradition of bystanders standing and clapping as soldiers and airmen walk off a plane.  There is a big banner hanging across the main entrance way from the gates that welcomes them home, and expresses gratitude and appreciation.

Why can't more places do that kind of thing?

I got a little chocked up when I realized what the spontaneous applause was after hearing it a few times.  Soldiers in fatigues traveling home fro the holidays, maybe, receiving a nation's gratitude and thanks.  That is terrific.

In Orlando I saw a young woman, also in fatigues, saying goodbye to her family--whether after a holiday visit or just being deployed I couldn't tell.  It was heart breaking.  And awe-inspiring at the same time.

Thank heavens for those who are willing to serve, and willing to leave their families for the sake of a sometimes ungrateful nation.  We need to do better to say Thank You to these fine men and women.

Patriotism is alive and well in the Orlando and Atlanta airports.  And it was reawakened in my heart on this trip too.

Notes from the South

During our sojourn to the southern most state for our Christmas vacation, I noticed something that I didn't expect.  Well, I noticed many things I didn't expect, but today's post is really about only one thing.  Praying in public. 

Now, I don't mean formal public prayers--the likes of which are frowned upon as forcing religion on others.  I mean personal, silent prayers offered in an otherwise public place.  Like Del Taco, for instance.  Or Popeye's Chicken.  I noticed in both of the little fast food places we stopped into for lunch that customers, after receiving their food, would take a place in a booth or table and quietly and reverently--and particularly, privately--offer a little silent prayer.  I was impressed by this personal religious behavior I was able to witness.

Then it made me question:  Do I behave in such a way that others--those who may be casually observing me--would be able to tell that I was a woman of faith? A woman of God?  Would others see my behavior as one of a believer's?   A year or so ago our mutual theme for the year was "Be an example of the believers" taken from I Timothy 4:12.  Was I living up to that admonition?  The people I saw praying before having their lunch were certainly being examples of the believers.  But I don't think I was so much.

That made me wonder why.  And it humbled me to do better in my public life.

Maybe the south is full of believers.  That really isn't a good excuse for me.  I live surrounded by many people who believe as I do, yet I wasn't very good of demonstrating that faith in public. 

Was I afraid of what others might think of me?  No.  I don't think that is it.  I usually do what I do without thinking much about how it will reflect on me--good or bad.  (Ask any of the kids who witnessed my dancing at the Youth Conference dance back in June...or the stake dance about two weeks ago.  There was no thought of my stupidity showing through.)

The more I contemplated this, the more I think I had held back from praying in public in order to keep from offending others who might see me.  If that is indeed true, that is the lamest excuse ever.  Why should my personal religious behavior offend anyone?  Yet, there are examples of individuals taking offence directly because of others' religious behavior at every turn--some times it is with a political motivation.  (Remember the Prop 8 debacle in California? Or the kerfuffle anytime anyone mentions Mitt Romney's religion?) 

But even that is not an excuse to keep me from behaving as I know I should.

My only other potential reason, as far as I could come up with on a vacation, was that I was lazy.  Plain and simple.  I was living my religious belief in a lazy way.  And really, there is no excuse in that explanation.

If I believe, I need to show it.  If I have made covenants with God, then I need to live up to them.  If I accept what I understand of Jesus Christ being my personal Savior and Redeemer of the world, I need to obey Him.  And didn't He say, "If ye love me, keep my commandments?"  It really doesn't get any clearer than that.

I do love Him.  Yet, I have been lax in keeping His commandments.  I have been lazy, and more afraid of men than of God.  So, I stand corrected, and rightfully chastised.  I have asked for His forgiveness on this.  And I am trying to correct my ways.  In the grand scheme of things this is probably a little thing.  But I know that by small and simple things great things come to pass.  Someday I would like to be one of His great things.  I guess I have a long way to go.

How I Spent My Christmas Vacation

I think I am back now from our week long getaway to warmth and sunshine in Orlando, Florida last week.  As as I recover from our trip, and get back into the routine here at home, I thought I'd share some of the highlights of the trip with you.

1) Getting away together

This was the whole point of the trip.  To get away with our little family while they were all still ours.  The Girl is really only about 18-20 months away from her initial leaving of the nest for college.  The Boy won't be far behind her.  I felt desperate to spend some time with the kids away from friends, computers, phones, TV and gaming and create some good family memories with them.

2) Go somewhere warm

Do you see the shadow on the grass behind these guys?  That is the sunshine we found in Orlando.  This photo was about 7:30 AM on Monday morning last week.  The warmth was very welcome.  So was the humidity--at least for me.  My skin hasn't been that soft since we were in Hawaii or Tahiti.  I love the tropics for that.  But The Girl didn't like the way it made her hair so wavy....Genius Golfer thought her hair looked great, if she'd ever let it loose from that ponytail.  It sure looked pretty on her though--and to think of all the perms I got at her age to give my hair a little of what she gets naturally in the humidity.

3) Harry Potter's Wizarding World at Universal Orlando
Ever since I heard this was being built, I have wanted to go.  Actually, I wanted to live in the REAL wizarding world of the Harry Potter boks and films...it just sounds so much more fun that the reality I live in. Since my imagination from the books and movies is not an option, we took the chance to see what the Universal Studios folks came up with instead.  It was magical, to be sure.  I haven't been that silly-excited for a long, long time.  The movie soundtrack played in the background as we toured the castle, rode rides that will be the closest I ever get to flying a broomstick, and visited shops that were dressed like a film set.  The details at this place were off the charts.  Add to that the crush of fans--from all over the globe--that were there and it really was the closest thing I will ever get to visiting Jo Rowling's marvelous world.  And the butterbeer is really quite tasty too.  So fun!!

4) A long overdue visit with family far far away
With a multi-hour layover in Atlanta, we had the chance to coordinate a visit with Genius Golfer's dad and step mom for lunch and a good visit right there in the enormous Atlanta airport.  They live in the area and they were kind enough to spend their Christmas eve afternoon with us.  I had only met them once before, almost 20 years ago at my sister in law's wedding.  The kids had only ever spoke with them on the phone.  It was a welcome reunion.  It was so good for us to reacquaint ourselves with them, and vice versa.  I was glad that the kids could "meet" their grandparents who care for them so much from across the miles.  Now, at last, they can put a face to the voice or email.


An added bonus was that I felt none of the stress the final weeks before Christmas usually force on me--I didn't have to go the store for gifts, wrapping, or food.  I had finished all the baking and treat-making I had wanted to do earlier in the month. I stayed away from other holiday-harried folks.  I got my Christmas preparations done early and that let me focus on the togetherness I was after for the season.  If for no other reason, I could be easily swayed to run away again next year for that alone.  But a warm weather locale wouldn't hurt either.

Sunday Video

Day 24

final report from Festival of Trees:

One of our family's favorite Christmas holiday traditions is the annual watching of the classic A Christmas Story.  You know, the one where Ralphie wants a Red Rider BB Gun, but his mom, the teacher and even Santa tell him "You'll shoot your eye out".  We watch that as a family every Christmas eve.  It cracks me up.  It also reminds me of my dad and the stories about how poor they were and the fact that my dad, though not an"Oldsmobile man", is indeed a Chrysler guy.  You can't make this stuff up without some sort of reality prompt.  I love the movie.

So for my final report form this year's festival, I give you the Christmas Story tree:

That 'ole Spud Farkis...stuck his tongue to the pole and now it won't cope off!  Oh, and see, there is the Leg Lamp...with it's the glow of electric sex...shameful!  Hahahaha!!

Just what every boy wants!

I won a major award!! It must be Italian.

Just can't get better protection that "Ole Blue".

No one in kid-dom want to hear that!!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.  May your day be filled with love and laughter, and friends and family!  Any may you never have to eat out at a Chinese restaurant for Christmas!  Fa Ra Ra Ra Ra!


PS--Did you hear there is an off-Broadway musical version of the beloved movie?  Yep.  HERE is the NPR story about it.  You know that I will be wanting to see that when it finally comes around to the Capitol Theater.

Day 23

Festival of Trees report:

We ARE getting close to Santa's big night.  Maybe this is how he gets everything delivered on time!

How about a Madagasgar themed, jungle gingerbread scene?   There are surprises at the festival, I tell ya.

Speaking of surprises, how about a gingerbread pagoda?!  Yep.  It was there too.

And no place is really finished until you've got a place to "go".

Day 22

Festival of Trees report:

These three are detail of three different quilts.  I just love the whimsy and cleverness in each.  And so cute!  The tractor quilt was covered in various trucks, and large equipment--a little boy's fantasy quilt.

Day 21

Festival of Trees report:

Yeah, there's a gingerbread APP for that.  That's right.  This is a gingerbread Angry Birds depiction.  Some people have a lot of time on their hands to conceptualize stuff like this.  In case you haven't had time on your hands (like waiting in the eternal line at WalMart this tie of year), here's a little offering to help you kill some time...and maybe a few naughty pigs.

Day 20

Festival of Trees report:

 A gingerbread depiction of the North Pole with Heat Miser and Snow Miser at work and play.  You know I love the Heat Miser.  I love his little song, and just for fun, I thought I'd include it here again for you:

Day 19

Festival of Trees report:

How is this for a real Angel Tree?  The wings frame the tree and the tree frames the angel and the angel's halo tops off the whole piece.  This was lovely to see in person.  And it made me stop and look a little closer too.  It was just lovely, trust me.

Day 18 & Sunday Video

Festival of Trees Report:


Maybe this is Santa's vacation home:

And here is one of my favorite holiday commericals.  I can sure feel for this dad.  I remember having chanes to read with the kids and having this kind of thing happen:

Day 17

Festival of Trees report:

Sometimes the little addition of personality really make the overall look of the display a family creates.  Plus, who can argue with the sentiments of these two little panels?!

Day 16

Festival of Trees report:

I loved this little ornament because it reminds me of what my mom and dad call the deer that show up in their California yard in the mornings--sometimes to eat their trees or devour the garden.  They are always "deer friends".  Add Rudolph to the list of friends, then, for the holidays.

Day 15

Festival of Trees report:

Yes, there was even an little old woman, who lived in a gingerbread shoe.  Ha ha!!  I love the little swing set made of red licorice in the yard.

Day 14

Festival of Trees report:

Another gingerbread house, I know, but look at those reindeer.  When I first saw them, I thought they were sheep.  They look so fluffy and round.  Wool does that to you, you know.  I think the cartoon quality of this one is terrific!

Day 13

Festival of Trees report:

Another feature of the festival is a collection of holiday art and handiwork.  These are just two examples of the beautiful--and insanely intricate--cross stitch pieces on display.

Yes, I said CROSS STITCH:

Gorgeous, right?  I have neither the talent nor patience  to do something like this.  Good thing I can just photograph other people's work.

Day 12

Festival of Trees report:

Here is one of the more unusal trees I saw this year. 

It is created from tiers of Holiday Barbies collected over the years.  It is a little hard to see, but there were dozens of Barbies, yet in their boxes, layered to make a tree, of sorts.  What little girl--probably about 4 years old, as I recall The Girl being crazy for Barbie at the age--wouldn't adore this one?!

Day 11 & Sunday Video

Festival of Trees report:

The ornaments on these beautiful trees can sometimes surprise you by their simply and understated messages.  But the message of that first Christmas was simple and understated too.  Maybe that similarity is why I love the Festival of Trees so much each year.  They remind me of what this season is really all about.

Day 10

Festival of Trees report:

Besides the trees, gingerbread houses and quilts, they also have several aisles of doors with beautiful wreaths decorated and hung up for all to see.  Some are stunning and others--well, they make my sad simple little front door look like it belongs on a playhouse out back.

A stunning, ornamented nativity wreath.

A patriotic explosion of a wreath.

A delicate, angel inspired wreath of hope and faith.



See what I mean?  These aren't the regular little fake pine circle hanging on a door.  These are pieces of art.

Day 9

Festival of Trees report:

This is an advent tree QUILT.  Yes, the Festival of Trees includes a large selection of quilts on display.  I liked this one a lot becasue of the whimsical tilt of the tree and those curled up branches.  Very Whoville-like, don't you think?  Each of the numbers along the side are little pockets that hold an ornament. The ornaments on the tree are from the pockets that were already emptied...to show how to use it as an advent calendar.  Super cute, don't you think?  An impressive amount of work, too.

Day 8

We interrupt the on-going Festival of Trees reports to bring you some late-breaking news:

Today I have to update you on the happenings around here.  I should have done it by now, but I haven't sat at the computer long enough to do it yet. So, here goes. The Boy brought home a mechanical baby last weekend, and I am finally going to tell you all about it.  This is what she looked like:

The Boy had "custody" of a regular, life-sized, newborn-baby doll, but this baby has a computer chip system in her back that randomly makes her cry--day or night. He has a set of keys that fit into slots in her back that will make her stop--each key say DIAPER, CHANGE, FEEDING, BURP, or ATTENTION, so he has to try each one to see what the baby needs.

After he "calms" the baby he has to log the solution and the time, on his baby care assignment sheet. It is for his Teen Living class at school, and is supposed to show the kids just how much work a baby really is--meanwhile showing them that teen pregnancy/parenthood would definitely not be fun. At least not now.  The Boy did say at some poin tthis weekend, that he could see why it was better to be married before having kids. Then at least "you would have two people to gang up on the kid".

He was a good little "dad". But since he can't have leace this baby with a babysitter he already sees how much work a real baby would be. Good for him to recognize.  Since he is the youngest here, he never saw a real baby in action. He was the action baby.

I have to hand it to the baby too.  She went along with The Boy and Genius Golfer Friday to Saturday on their scout campout/rifle shooting expedition.  I had to give her clothes a good wash--and I made The Boy give the baby a bath--when they got home.  She smelled like campfire.  Like "father like daughter, I guess.

Festival of Trees reports will resume tomorrow.

Day 7

Festival of Trees report:

Yes, you are seeing correctly.  That is a gingerbread Beehive.  I thought this was refreshing and, frankly, surprising to see something like this in a gingerbread display.  But it reminded me of this article that I recently read involving beehives and our Young Women at church. Click here for the article.

I like the delicate little "honey" bits drizzled over the rolls in the hive.  And the little flowers, butterfly and bee are pretty cute too.

Day 6

Report from the Festival of Trees:

Yep.  That is a dirt bike tire tree.  The Santas under the tree are riding motorcycles.  Who knew tinsle and tires would look so cute together?!

Day 5

Report from the Festival:

This is a tree loaded with red ornaments and then wrapped in red tulle fabric netting.  Then the whole thing is dressed as the Jolly Old Elf himself.  So clever.  Who thinks of things like this? 

Have you got your Santa work done yet?  Just curious...as this tree reminds me of someone we all know.

Day 4 & Sunday Video

Report from the Festival of Trees:

Here is a gorgeous Gingerbread house, or more like a Gingerbread Lodge!  I love this one.

Just lovely.  The icing icicles are perfect and I love the red trimmed shutters.  Absolutely gorgeous.


And now for something completely different:

Day 3

Report from Festival of Trees:

This tree caught my eye this year because it answered a question for me.  My question being:  Did Mrs. M, from the Junior high, do a tree this year again for her girls?

Each year she has put a beautiful Hawaiian themed tree together in honor of her two daughters who both died of the same genetic abnormality.  When I saw the girls' photos in the frame on the tree skirt, I knew I had found her tree.

This festival is a great way to honor not only those who have been to PCMC--her girls both did spend some time at the hospital--but it offers a positive way to honor anyone who has passed on and the money from whomever buys that tree goes to a great cause.

Day 2

Festival of Trees report, Day 2:

Knowing that we are going to get to visit Hogwarts and Hogsmeade--recently reconstructed at Orlando's
Universal Studios--this tree caught my eye.  Well, it would have caught MY eye even if we weren't anticipating a visit soon.

YES!  It is a Harry Potter themed tree!  There is the Nimbus 2000 right there in front!

And, of course, Hedwig is perched atop this gorgeous tree.  And the Golden Snitch is right in there too!

The Monster Book of Monsters was hiding beneath its limbs.  Don't let it chew up your trainers!!

An admissions letter, the Sorting Hat, some Potions ingredients and Harry's wand and glasses sit just waiting for classes to begin!

The Maurader's Map is ready for mischief!  Has anyone seen Fred and George?

A mini-Goblet of Fire--this one must be mantle sized--and a quill and Sirius' wanted poster adorn this tree.

And finally, the Sword of Griffindor, hides among the other momentos--just waiting to appear when a courageous Griffindor is in need.  If I saw it appear, that must mean I am a Griffindor!!

Can you see WHY I love this tree?!?  And YES, it was sold.  Dangit.