Remember these? Remember when I used to blog faithfully? I'm hoping that by getting back into regular routines like the Week In Review, I will get better about updating here. (Keeping in mind that I had meetings every night last week and that even though I had some good ideas for posts, I just didn't have the time to write them.)
Reading-
Jurassic Park
It was a 'book club' assignment. (I use that term loosely as it's more of a 'friends who decided to read the same book' than an actual club.) But, I really liked it. I imagine that the movie was a bit of a disappointment to fans of the book and, since I really enjoyed that movie, I'm glad that: a)I saw it first and b) that it had been years since I had seen it. I definitely like the movie version of John Hammond much, much better and I wish that more of Dr. Malcolm's comments had been moved into the movie script because they were some of my favorite reading in the book. Probably the most amusing thing about reading the book is that I would only read the 'scary dinosaur parts' during the day and not before bed lest I scare myself. I still had some pretty vivid dreams in and around the time I was reading the book, though. So it was probably for the best that I did that. There is much more I could say, but I do not like giving more than mild spoilers here and I should probably save it for the 'book club' discussion.
The Hobbit
I love, love, love this book and was really excited to be able to share it with my kids over the last month. They really enjoyed it too. I am a little curious about how the movie is going to go with most of Peter Jackson's casting centering around characters who are not in The Hobbit or just have cameos. But you know we will go see it anyway. Not that it will ever be as beloved by me as the Rankin/Bass cartoon that my dad used to take me to see at the Norman Public Library in the days before VCR's, but I'm sure it will be good. As far as the books go, I am very impressed that I managed to read the final chapters with the kids without crying. During the rougher parts of my mission, I found myself alternating between Dorothy's clicking her heels together to the tune of "there's no place like home" or Bilbo's chanted list of things he loved although 'eggs, bacon, and a good pipe' never made MY list. Still, this book has been special to me since Favorite Uncle Bob sent it to me for Christmas when I was about 11 and it was nice to finally share it with my kids.
Watching
The DVR has 19 Kids and Counting, Glee, Parenthood, and Grey's just waiting for me to have time to watch them...
At the Movies?
Not this week
Extracurricular Activities:
This week's activities included my very first OKC Thunder game, a work-related board meeting, a Primary Presidency meeting/Valiant girls activity, a district-wide Initiation for IORG that brought in two more girls to the assembly, my sister and my grandmother's birthday, parent/teacher conferences, a church potluck (no complaints about that one, I love those!) co-hostessing a baby shower for one of my closest friends, and a show at the Civic Center. Which explains why there was no time to blog. You already know what came of Tuesday's board meeting and I'll spare you the family party details and just say a few things about the bigger activities of the weekend:
OKC Thunder-It was really fun. I had NO IDEA how much the team gives back to the community. And while I liked it, I think I like college games a little bit better and I have no idea why as they aren't nearly as glitzy and exciting. Or maybe, that is EXACTLY why.
Lanie's Shower-In spite of jokes about tacky games, door prizes, and hostess tactics; my friends and I can actually throw a very classy party. I'm SO excited for Lanie and her new baby boy...it won't be long now! (And if I ever get on this blog and lament my lack of supportive family, please remind me that no matter what shenanigans my mother comes up with *and she was in rare form this week* that I will always have Chris, Wendy, Lanie, and Jen and that our lack of a blood ties make NO difference at all. Love you girls!)
Beauty and the Beast at the Civic Center-It was my 6 year-old's turn to go to the show with Mom and we had a lovely time. She was the perfect age to sit through the show without getting too restless and to LOVE the story too. I noticed that it's been tweaked a bit since I saw it in Tulsa in 1999 and even a little bit since Caroline and Elisa were in the junior version at Sooner Theatre the summer before last, but they are good changes and it's still my all-time favorite Disneyfied fairy tale. I did miss the song between Belle and her Dad, though. Oh well...it's still on Pandora, right?
*And no worries, there are two shows coming up before the end of the season that Dave will actually get to see with me. Not that he minded giving his little girl this ticket at all.
That's all I have time for tonight! Here's to a good week for those of you who haven't given up on me ever posting here again!
Showing posts with label Book Worm. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Worm. Show all posts
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Appropriate Quote of the Day
Ron : She’s gone mental. Hermione has gone mental. I mean, not that she always hasn’t been mental, but it’s just that now it out there for everyone to see.
-from the movie version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
*You know, the one where Hermione takes every possible class in her third year at Hogwarts, requiring the use of a time turner and stretching even our wonderfully capable Ms. Granger a little too thin that year. Unfortunately, there are no classes I can drop and I have no time turner. But after today I am sure that something, somewhere has GOT to give. I just wish I knew what.*
-from the movie version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
*You know, the one where Hermione takes every possible class in her third year at Hogwarts, requiring the use of a time turner and stretching even our wonderfully capable Ms. Granger a little too thin that year. Unfortunately, there are no classes I can drop and I have no time turner. But after today I am sure that something, somewhere has GOT to give. I just wish I knew what.*
Friday, December 31, 2010
11 in 2011
Again, this is a writing exercise borrowed from elsewhere, but definitely worth posting here too. If I manage to do even 2-3 of these in 2011, I will be happy. But I listed all 11 just the same.
- Find Time for Regular Exercise-While I would love to lose weight (and according to the BMI charts, I should lose about 25 lbs.), what bothers me most is how hopelessly out of shape I am. I strained my back just by getting into the car a few weeks ago-not good. So finding time for exercise it is!
- Organize my Home/Time-I like to think of myself as a creative free-spirit, but the facts are that I work full-time and I have 5 kids. Some daily attention needs to be paid to meals, laundry, and general pick-up or I lose control of this house and lose entire weekends trying to put it back together.
- Writing-Whether it is posting here or to my personal blog or to remembering my oft-neglected screenplay in my Documents folder, I thrive when I am writing and I need to make it a priority.
- LASIK-This is probably my most concrete item on the list. I want to have this done before I am 40 and my 39th birthday approaches in May. I like to blame money for not doing things that will take a time commitment and some effort on my part. And while this will be costly, it's really more of a fear of the unknown that holds me back. But I keep telling myself that this is my year to get it done and I am determined to make it happen.
- Work on my People Skills-Just because I don't like dealing with rude/whiny adults doesn't mean that I won't have to throughout the course of my life. And I need to learn to do that better than I do now. (Which is by saying "I'm sorry" a lot, but not really knowing how to compromise without either doing nothing that really improves their situation or completely caving and doing exactly what they want which rarely improves mine.)
- More Professional Networking-I'm about as skilled at this as I am dealing with annoying people, but I do see the value in it. I joined LinkedIn, but I know that's just the jumping off point. (I have a Master's in Museum Studies and currently work as the Education Director at a metro area museum.)
- Stay Connected with Family-This year saw the high of a wedding and the low of an unexpected funeral, but both reminded me that we all love and need each other; even if we are a bit of a dysfunctional mess.
- Do more Structured Activities with the Kids-We've got the 'sit around in front of the tv' covered, but most of my kids are old enough to enjoy museums, ride rides at amusement parks, and be an actual help in setting up a camping area. We did a lot of these things when they were too small to appreciate them, we need to do more of it now that they can actively participate.
- See More Movies before they Go to Video-I love the whole experience of going to the movies and I rarely do it anymore. Yes, it saves money; but I miss doing it.
- Read Good Books-I still have my list of "the classics" that they handed out in high school. I've read several, but I need to read more of them.
- Stop Fearing my Kitchen-I decided some years ago after a few kitchen failures that I was a "bad cook." I think now that I just didn't have enough practice. There are a few websites (Pioneer Woman Cooks being one of them) that show you the step by step process of making some pretty tasty meals. I've made a few in this last week. In the next year, I want to make more.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Week In Review
Reading
The Lost Olympian by Rick Riordan
We didn't make as much progress over the long weekend as I hoped we would thanks to my icky cold, but at least we know who each of our main characters belongs to now and they are just about to leave on their quest.
Watching
I'm still watching all my usual shows, but I'm much more excited about the plethora of Muppets specials I watched when I felt too icky to do anything else. The Muppets Take Manhattan, The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Muppet Family Christmas, and even The Muppets Tribute to Jim Henson. A lot of happy tears were shed while I rested. Maybe that's why I'm bouncing back so much more quickly than I usually do from being sick. I feel bad that I didn't get all the house projects and reading I had planned to do, but I did have a good weekend.
At the Movies
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1
We saw this before I started feeling bad. It. Was. Awesome. And definitely worth the wait. I remember being pregnant with Caroline when I saw the first movie, this is the first one she was old enough to go see with us in the theatre. Time goes by WAY too fast. But it was nice to have such a fun time with my children doing something we ALL love.
In My Netflix Queue
Peggy Sue Got Married-
I thought it was a nice companion to last week's Back to the Future. I've loved this movie since high school. But if I thought it made me cry then...And I also remember when my 25th high school reunion seemed like forever away. Now? Not so much. It's still a great movie though. Kathleen Turner is amazing and hello Jim Carrey's early career.
Out and About: Thanksgiving
For some reason (likely the "I'm getting sick" reason), Thanksgiving without Aunt Marguerite feeling herself enough to boss the rest of us around was hard this year. She was there, of course, but not really. Thanksgiving was ALWAYS her big to-do and dinner at HER house when other people did the cooking pretty much sucked. Of course, my mom went out of her way to make sure that Dave and I felt like guests as opposed to family-which is how Dave has felt* with his own family since his mother died. At least it made him extra sympathetic to my situation.
But, as has been constant since childhood, no matter what craziness the my mother throws my way in the afternoon; it is always made up for with the Lawson family gathering in Tulsa. My Namaw, my Pawdad, and my aunts, uncles and cousins never meet strangers. In fact, even my sister's ex-husband and his new wife could show up and feel welcome at their table. (I doubt they would ever make the drive, but they do know that they have a standing invitation because we talked about it recently.) For all my mom's shortcomings, the rest of my family's ability to accept and love everyone freakin' rocks. Ironically, my heathen sisters tend to do a much better job of 'loving thy neighbor' than most people who claim to be Christians. Then again, some of the kindest people I met on my mission were Atheists; so that's nothing new.
Church:
I am always quick to complain about church when it goes wrong, so I should definitely praise it when it goes right. And last Sunday went very right. My friend Deborah is in town and decided to visit!! We had spent part of Saturday together too which meant one of her triplets felt brave enough to sit with me and my kids. We had fun getting caught up with one of our former YW throughout the second hour (She's married now-we could both just die!) and Sharing Time was REALLY fun-which isn't always the case. The kids gave me a ton of hugs. Deb led the music. Good times were had by all!!
*felt=feel/feelings (and those don't get a "true" or "false" label, feelings just are what they are)
The Lost Olympian by Rick Riordan
We didn't make as much progress over the long weekend as I hoped we would thanks to my icky cold, but at least we know who each of our main characters belongs to now and they are just about to leave on their quest.
Watching
I'm still watching all my usual shows, but I'm much more excited about the plethora of Muppets specials I watched when I felt too icky to do anything else. The Muppets Take Manhattan, The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Muppet Family Christmas, and even The Muppets Tribute to Jim Henson. A lot of happy tears were shed while I rested. Maybe that's why I'm bouncing back so much more quickly than I usually do from being sick. I feel bad that I didn't get all the house projects and reading I had planned to do, but I did have a good weekend.
At the Movies
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Pt. 1
We saw this before I started feeling bad. It. Was. Awesome. And definitely worth the wait. I remember being pregnant with Caroline when I saw the first movie, this is the first one she was old enough to go see with us in the theatre. Time goes by WAY too fast. But it was nice to have such a fun time with my children doing something we ALL love.
In My Netflix Queue
Peggy Sue Got Married-
I thought it was a nice companion to last week's Back to the Future. I've loved this movie since high school. But if I thought it made me cry then...And I also remember when my 25th high school reunion seemed like forever away. Now? Not so much. It's still a great movie though. Kathleen Turner is amazing and hello Jim Carrey's early career.
Out and About: Thanksgiving
For some reason (likely the "I'm getting sick" reason), Thanksgiving without Aunt Marguerite feeling herself enough to boss the rest of us around was hard this year. She was there, of course, but not really. Thanksgiving was ALWAYS her big to-do and dinner at HER house when other people did the cooking pretty much sucked. Of course, my mom went out of her way to make sure that Dave and I felt like guests as opposed to family-which is how Dave has felt* with his own family since his mother died. At least it made him extra sympathetic to my situation.
But, as has been constant since childhood, no matter what craziness the my mother throws my way in the afternoon; it is always made up for with the Lawson family gathering in Tulsa. My Namaw, my Pawdad, and my aunts, uncles and cousins never meet strangers. In fact, even my sister's ex-husband and his new wife could show up and feel welcome at their table. (I doubt they would ever make the drive, but they do know that they have a standing invitation because we talked about it recently.) For all my mom's shortcomings, the rest of my family's ability to accept and love everyone freakin' rocks. Ironically, my heathen sisters tend to do a much better job of 'loving thy neighbor' than most people who claim to be Christians. Then again, some of the kindest people I met on my mission were Atheists; so that's nothing new.
Church:
I am always quick to complain about church when it goes wrong, so I should definitely praise it when it goes right. And last Sunday went very right. My friend Deborah is in town and decided to visit!! We had spent part of Saturday together too which meant one of her triplets felt brave enough to sit with me and my kids. We had fun getting caught up with one of our former YW throughout the second hour (She's married now-we could both just die!) and Sharing Time was REALLY fun-which isn't always the case. The kids gave me a ton of hugs. Deb led the music. Good times were had by all!!
*felt=feel/feelings (and those don't get a "true" or "false" label, feelings just are what they are)
Sunday, November 28, 2010
A Belated Friday Flashback
I should have posted this on Friday. I hesitated, because it's one of those short posts that will only make sense to a handful of people. But, it's been stuck in my head all weekend and refuses to leave. So I'll just post it and have done with it-as is the case with much of what I post here.
Recently, I took my three oldest kids to see the newest Harry Potter movies. In addition to being a brilliantly creative storyteller, I've always been amazed at JK Rowling's ability to take me right back to my own teenage years as she describes Harry, Ron, and Hermione's struggles; not only with good and evil, but also with adolescence verging on adulthood.
Driving home, I had the following conversation with Natalie (very minor spoilers contained):
Natalie: I felt so bad for Hermione. Ron just made her so sad when he tried to make her choose between him and what she felt was her mission in life.
Me: I felt bad for Harry. He was caught in the middle. Not only did he have to worry about saving the world, but then he had to make peace with his own mixed up feelings about the whole Ron situation AND he had to get over those feelings so he could make Hermione feel better her problems with Ron too. I mean, that was a really tough thing for him. He already had the weight of the world on his shoulders AND he was caught between two of his best friends which had to have been awkward for him, AND there are both of them wanting him to choose sides when neither one of them had any right to ask it of him...and...ooohhh crap.
Natalie: What?
Me: Never mind. Just remind me to email your Uncle John when I get home.
Natalie: What do you need say to him?
Me: I need to say 'thank you.'
And I did.
Recently, I took my three oldest kids to see the newest Harry Potter movies. In addition to being a brilliantly creative storyteller, I've always been amazed at JK Rowling's ability to take me right back to my own teenage years as she describes Harry, Ron, and Hermione's struggles; not only with good and evil, but also with adolescence verging on adulthood.
Driving home, I had the following conversation with Natalie (very minor spoilers contained):
Natalie: I felt so bad for Hermione. Ron just made her so sad when he tried to make her choose between him and what she felt was her mission in life.
Me: I felt bad for Harry. He was caught in the middle. Not only did he have to worry about saving the world, but then he had to make peace with his own mixed up feelings about the whole Ron situation AND he had to get over those feelings so he could make Hermione feel better her problems with Ron too. I mean, that was a really tough thing for him. He already had the weight of the world on his shoulders AND he was caught between two of his best friends which had to have been awkward for him, AND there are both of them wanting him to choose sides when neither one of them had any right to ask it of him...and...ooohhh crap.
Natalie: What?
Me: Never mind. Just remind me to email your Uncle John when I get home.
Natalie: What do you need say to him?
Me: I need to say 'thank you.'
And I did.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Week In Review
Reading-
The Lost Olympian by Rick Riordan
With all the crazy evenings we have here, we are not making progress nearly as quickly as we did through the Percy Jackson series this summer. But, we still really like the book and we have been told by someone who has already read it that it is the best one ever. Hopefully we will read more next week than the three chapters we managed this week.
Watching
Big Bang Theory-
I always enjoy this show, but this one had an homage to Raiders of the Lost Ark, a Wil Wheaton cameo, AND a girls night. This has potential for this season's favorite episode, but the season is still young yet. And overall I will never love ANY episode moment as much as I loved the one when Sheldon hugged Penny.
Grey's Anatomy-
It's hard to do this without posting spoilers, so...favorite scenes for the episode would have to be Cristina and Callie's hair, Alex's face just before Jackson punches him, Lexie telling Jackson "don't be stupid." And Derek and Cristina talking house fixtures.
OU. v. Texas Tech
Now that's what I'm talking about, Sooners! Let's keep that up for the rest of the season, OK?
(Glee is still sitting unwatched on the Tivo. Maybe we'll just watch it as a double-feature next week.)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 1
I finally took the suggestions of my husband, several friends, and Netflix and started watching Season One. The special effects make me cringe, but otherwise it's enjoyable so far.
At the Movies
Back to the Future
In honor of its 25th anniversary, we pulled out my trilogy boxed set and had fun watching it on Friday. I caught Huey's Lewis' cameo as an audition judge for the first time ever (and I won't admit how many times I've seen the movie previously). I'm quick like that. Natalie really liked it, though the other kids weren't as impressed. Maybe they will like #3. (I really want to skip the sequel, it confuses me.)
Hairspray
Natalie and her friends wore out my DVD of this, so thank you to Oxygen channel for airing it this week. And I guess I should thank the kids who came to work on Friday and wore me out so much that all I could do was watch movies and Buffy re-runs with my kids that night. Sometimes we just need nights like that.
Out and About-
5th Grade All-City Choir concert
I actually picked my son out of the crowd!! (Still not sure where Natalie was for that 2 years ago and I really wanted to find her.) The songs were cute, seeing people from former and current schools was fun, and so was seeing friends from church. I had 111 kids to teach at work that day, a Rainbow meeting to set up for (and get someone to sub for me during), and still made it to the show before it started. I felt a lot like Super Woman on Tuesday. It was a good thing. (But even better that the rest of my week wasn't quite as packed as usual.)
Shrek: The Musical
When I heard about this one on Broadway, I was skeptical. I liked the movies, but did we really need a musical too? The answer is a resounding YES!!! And I only wish I had the money to take all of my kids to see it. (Natalie and Caroline were my lucky dates last night.) It was cute, clever, and very funny. I haven't bought anything on iTunes in months, but I will be downloading the Shrek soundtrack before today is through. I loved this show and (as always) had a great time going out to see it last night.
The Lost Olympian by Rick Riordan
With all the crazy evenings we have here, we are not making progress nearly as quickly as we did through the Percy Jackson series this summer. But, we still really like the book and we have been told by someone who has already read it that it is the best one ever. Hopefully we will read more next week than the three chapters we managed this week.
Watching
Big Bang Theory-
I always enjoy this show, but this one had an homage to Raiders of the Lost Ark, a Wil Wheaton cameo, AND a girls night. This has potential for this season's favorite episode, but the season is still young yet. And overall I will never love ANY episode moment as much as I loved the one when Sheldon hugged Penny.
Grey's Anatomy-
It's hard to do this without posting spoilers, so...favorite scenes for the episode would have to be Cristina and Callie's hair, Alex's face just before Jackson punches him, Lexie telling Jackson "don't be stupid." And Derek and Cristina talking house fixtures.
OU. v. Texas Tech
Now that's what I'm talking about, Sooners! Let's keep that up for the rest of the season, OK?
(Glee is still sitting unwatched on the Tivo. Maybe we'll just watch it as a double-feature next week.)
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 1
I finally took the suggestions of my husband, several friends, and Netflix and started watching Season One. The special effects make me cringe, but otherwise it's enjoyable so far.
At the Movies
Back to the Future
In honor of its 25th anniversary, we pulled out my trilogy boxed set and had fun watching it on Friday. I caught Huey's Lewis' cameo as an audition judge for the first time ever (and I won't admit how many times I've seen the movie previously). I'm quick like that. Natalie really liked it, though the other kids weren't as impressed. Maybe they will like #3. (I really want to skip the sequel, it confuses me.)
Hairspray
Natalie and her friends wore out my DVD of this, so thank you to Oxygen channel for airing it this week. And I guess I should thank the kids who came to work on Friday and wore me out so much that all I could do was watch movies and Buffy re-runs with my kids that night. Sometimes we just need nights like that.
Out and About-
5th Grade All-City Choir concert
I actually picked my son out of the crowd!! (Still not sure where Natalie was for that 2 years ago and I really wanted to find her.) The songs were cute, seeing people from former and current schools was fun, and so was seeing friends from church. I had 111 kids to teach at work that day, a Rainbow meeting to set up for (and get someone to sub for me during), and still made it to the show before it started. I felt a lot like Super Woman on Tuesday. It was a good thing. (But even better that the rest of my week wasn't quite as packed as usual.)
Shrek: The Musical
When I heard about this one on Broadway, I was skeptical. I liked the movies, but did we really need a musical too? The answer is a resounding YES!!! And I only wish I had the money to take all of my kids to see it. (Natalie and Caroline were my lucky dates last night.) It was cute, clever, and very funny. I haven't bought anything on iTunes in months, but I will be downloading the Shrek soundtrack before today is through. I loved this show and (as always) had a great time going out to see it last night.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
Week In Review
Reading:
The Lost Olympian by Rick Riordan-
So you knew that was going to happen, right? I can't offer too much commentary because I don't want to spoil it and because we just started reading it. But yes, it is (so far) every bit as addictive as the first series was and I am loving all the Latin. (SO much easier for me to pronounce than the Greek.)
Watching:
I'm going to make this one short today: Parenthood and 19 Kids and Counting, both of which seem more and more formulaic to me. Grey's Anatomy which I loved this week (Go April!!) and Private Practice which I usually never watch, but just blew me away this time. (Darn you Private Practice, I CANNOT get hooked on another show!) I also watched some episodes of Sister Wives leading up to the one-hour special. As it turns out, I only like my polygamy shows when they are sensationalized and broadcast on HBO. And only before they push the envelope too far for even me to stomach. Go ahead and judge me, I'm learning to be OK with that. :)
At the Movies:
Toy Story 3-
I kept getting told I would cry. And I did. But in a good way! The kids loved it too, but with far less crying. However, they don't know the history. I saw the first one on a date with their Dad before we got married. The sequel came when Natalie was not quite two and I was pregnant with Tristan. The concluded the series as all my babies are growing up too. It was tear-worthy and I am not embarrassed to say that I shed a fair few while watching it.
Out and About:
A Night Out at the Bourbon St. Cafe-
One of the neat things about returning to the world of IORG is that a lot of the people I grew up with are back too. While knew some of them well, I am now getting to know others of them who (for whatever reason) I was only acquainted with back then. One of them in particular has been a joy to get to know and she invited us to her birthday dinner in Bricktown. It seems like after spending the last 15-20 years or so establishing our lives, relationships, careers, etc...there are a lot of us getting together fairly often these days. I like it. I like seeing old friends more often, and reconnecting with those I lost touch with over the years. It's also nice to get reacquainted as adults and to find that we still have so much to talk about. Dave and I have always had Wendy, Chris, Lanie, and their respective spouses for various get-togethers, but I've found I don't mind expanding that group a little. I will admit that I didn't stay for any of the later evening adventures, but it was a lovely dinner and we all enjoyed it. Happy Birthday Kendra!
District 3 Weekend
And because I am back in IORG-land, I also got the pleasure of escorting four of the girls to Duncan and back on Saturday and Sunday (earlier today) for the official visit to District 3. Between Tristan waking up sick on Friday night (shortly after I got home from our lovely dinner), Dave having to find alternate care for the kids because of a Sunday mandatory work shift, and several detours as we made our way from Edmond to Duncan; I wasn't so sure I should have gone in the first place, and I really doubted that I was going to come home happy. But I did. I've heard the words of a Rainbow initiation so many times since I was 15 years old that I couldn't possibly count them, but they never fail to bring familiar comfort and to remind me of who I was and who I am and what my priorities are. Then, today's church service had many my favorite songs in it (How Great Thou Art, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Mighty to Save) and while it isn't my faith of choice, given my Okie background, I have to admit that sometimes hearing an old-time Southern Baptist preacher speak about Jesus is just good comfort food for the soul. (Parkview Baptist Church) It's not like I'm signing up for the newsletter or anything, but I did really enjoy the service today and I did come home from Duncan with a smile on my face and three happy girls in my car thanks in part to the words I heard this morning. I love these visits, but I'm glad I don't have to start them up again until February.
The Lost Olympian by Rick Riordan-
So you knew that was going to happen, right? I can't offer too much commentary because I don't want to spoil it and because we just started reading it. But yes, it is (so far) every bit as addictive as the first series was and I am loving all the Latin. (SO much easier for me to pronounce than the Greek.)
Watching:
I'm going to make this one short today: Parenthood and 19 Kids and Counting, both of which seem more and more formulaic to me. Grey's Anatomy which I loved this week (Go April!!) and Private Practice which I usually never watch, but just blew me away this time. (Darn you Private Practice, I CANNOT get hooked on another show!) I also watched some episodes of Sister Wives leading up to the one-hour special. As it turns out, I only like my polygamy shows when they are sensationalized and broadcast on HBO. And only before they push the envelope too far for even me to stomach. Go ahead and judge me, I'm learning to be OK with that. :)
At the Movies:
Toy Story 3-
I kept getting told I would cry. And I did. But in a good way! The kids loved it too, but with far less crying. However, they don't know the history. I saw the first one on a date with their Dad before we got married. The sequel came when Natalie was not quite two and I was pregnant with Tristan. The concluded the series as all my babies are growing up too. It was tear-worthy and I am not embarrassed to say that I shed a fair few while watching it.
Out and About:
A Night Out at the Bourbon St. Cafe-
One of the neat things about returning to the world of IORG is that a lot of the people I grew up with are back too. While knew some of them well, I am now getting to know others of them who (for whatever reason) I was only acquainted with back then. One of them in particular has been a joy to get to know and she invited us to her birthday dinner in Bricktown. It seems like after spending the last 15-20 years or so establishing our lives, relationships, careers, etc...there are a lot of us getting together fairly often these days. I like it. I like seeing old friends more often, and reconnecting with those I lost touch with over the years. It's also nice to get reacquainted as adults and to find that we still have so much to talk about. Dave and I have always had Wendy, Chris, Lanie, and their respective spouses for various get-togethers, but I've found I don't mind expanding that group a little. I will admit that I didn't stay for any of the later evening adventures, but it was a lovely dinner and we all enjoyed it. Happy Birthday Kendra!
District 3 Weekend
And because I am back in IORG-land, I also got the pleasure of escorting four of the girls to Duncan and back on Saturday and Sunday (earlier today) for the official visit to District 3. Between Tristan waking up sick on Friday night (shortly after I got home from our lovely dinner), Dave having to find alternate care for the kids because of a Sunday mandatory work shift, and several detours as we made our way from Edmond to Duncan; I wasn't so sure I should have gone in the first place, and I really doubted that I was going to come home happy. But I did. I've heard the words of a Rainbow initiation so many times since I was 15 years old that I couldn't possibly count them, but they never fail to bring familiar comfort and to remind me of who I was and who I am and what my priorities are. Then, today's church service had many my favorite songs in it (How Great Thou Art, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Mighty to Save) and while it isn't my faith of choice, given my Okie background, I have to admit that sometimes hearing an old-time Southern Baptist preacher speak about Jesus is just good comfort food for the soul. (Parkview Baptist Church) It's not like I'm signing up for the newsletter or anything, but I did really enjoy the service today and I did come home from Duncan with a smile on my face and three happy girls in my car thanks in part to the words I heard this morning. I love these visits, but I'm glad I don't have to start them up again until February.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Week In Review
Reading
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
Midway through the book and I am already getting choked up and teary-eyed while reading to the kids, much to the chagrin of my almost-teen daughter. Oh well, when they start talking about the youth-as-heroes, Mama's going to cry. Especially since I already know how it ends. But the kids are loving it. We try and have a 'no TV on Sunday rule' here, and when there's lots of Percy Jackson to read; we usually get away with it. I'm toying with reading The Hobbit with them next or maybe the Chronicles of Narnia even though I know that my older two have read them dozens of times already. On an unrelated topic, how cool is it to have a job where you can order the boxed set of Little House on the Prairie books because you genuinely need them for work purposes. Pretty cool indeed.
Watching
The Big Bang Theory
If there's anything I missed the first time in Season 3, I think I've seen it now. Also, what in the world are the writer's going to do about Kaley Cuoco's broken legs? I'm curious to see how it plays out this season. And finally, the kids and I have some hypotheses about what Amy Farrah Fowler does for a living since Sheldon would have already known her if she were a scientist of any note whatsoever. My bet is on Library Science even though I simultaneously bristle at the stereotype. Natalie went with English teacher, but I think she's been written as too matter-of-fact for that. Tristan said he didn't care as long as the show was coming back next week. And regardless of whether any of us are right, we can't wait for Thursday!! (And thanks to DVR, I'll still get my Grey's on too.)
Parenthood-
I'm glad the show is back, I'm kind of bummed about the Jasmine character spending the season in transit. I was actually a little bit underwhelmed by the first episode, but I adore this show and have faith it will get better.
19 Kids and Counting-
I'm glad the baby is home and healthy. That's pretty much what I got from watching two weeks' worth of episodes.
OU v. Air Force
Technically, I listened to this while driving to and from OKC. But...seriously Sooners? You're starting to scare me.
Extracurricular Activities
Bridal Shower
I skipped a precious OU game viewing because one of my former co-workers is getting married. It was like a mini-reunion for co-workers. Since it was a couples' shower, I got to see their spouses too. I had a great time getting caught up on what everyone is doing and how one of them is now expecting her first baby. (Squee!) Since Natalie was my date, I'm glad we didn't play some cheesy version of 'The Newlywed Game,' though one co-worker's wife aptly noted that Natalie would likely outscore Dave at such a competition. Alas, I think she was right. At any rate, a great time was had by all and I'm so excited for the wedding in a few weeks. (Squee again!)
This week was slow, next week is very full and should make for much better blog fodder. Provided I actually have time to write about any of it.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
Midway through the book and I am already getting choked up and teary-eyed while reading to the kids, much to the chagrin of my almost-teen daughter. Oh well, when they start talking about the youth-as-heroes, Mama's going to cry. Especially since I already know how it ends. But the kids are loving it. We try and have a 'no TV on Sunday rule' here, and when there's lots of Percy Jackson to read; we usually get away with it. I'm toying with reading The Hobbit with them next or maybe the Chronicles of Narnia even though I know that my older two have read them dozens of times already. On an unrelated topic, how cool is it to have a job where you can order the boxed set of Little House on the Prairie books because you genuinely need them for work purposes. Pretty cool indeed.
Watching
The Big Bang Theory
If there's anything I missed the first time in Season 3, I think I've seen it now. Also, what in the world are the writer's going to do about Kaley Cuoco's broken legs? I'm curious to see how it plays out this season. And finally, the kids and I have some hypotheses about what Amy Farrah Fowler does for a living since Sheldon would have already known her if she were a scientist of any note whatsoever. My bet is on Library Science even though I simultaneously bristle at the stereotype. Natalie went with English teacher, but I think she's been written as too matter-of-fact for that. Tristan said he didn't care as long as the show was coming back next week. And regardless of whether any of us are right, we can't wait for Thursday!! (And thanks to DVR, I'll still get my Grey's on too.)
Parenthood-
I'm glad the show is back, I'm kind of bummed about the Jasmine character spending the season in transit. I was actually a little bit underwhelmed by the first episode, but I adore this show and have faith it will get better.
19 Kids and Counting-
I'm glad the baby is home and healthy. That's pretty much what I got from watching two weeks' worth of episodes.
OU v. Air Force
Technically, I listened to this while driving to and from OKC. But...seriously Sooners? You're starting to scare me.
Extracurricular Activities
Bridal Shower
I skipped a precious OU game viewing because one of my former co-workers is getting married. It was like a mini-reunion for co-workers. Since it was a couples' shower, I got to see their spouses too. I had a great time getting caught up on what everyone is doing and how one of them is now expecting her first baby. (Squee!) Since Natalie was my date, I'm glad we didn't play some cheesy version of 'The Newlywed Game,' though one co-worker's wife aptly noted that Natalie would likely outscore Dave at such a competition. Alas, I think she was right. At any rate, a great time was had by all and I'm so excited for the wedding in a few weeks. (Squee again!)
This week was slow, next week is very full and should make for much better blog fodder. Provided I actually have time to write about any of it.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Week In Review
Reading-
The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan
Knowing that two weekend trips were coming, I didn't want to start reading Book 5 in the Percy Jackson series with the kids until I got home. This one was a nice stopgap measure and, conveniently, seems to have been targeted for reading between Books 4 & 5. We read part of it before I left and finished it earlier this week. It was kind of fun to read some short stories that I'm guessing were cut from the novels? (Not sure) I also liked the little interviews and profiles. It wasn't as good as the novels, but for kids who are currently eating, sleeping, and breathing all things Percy Jackson; it's a must-have.
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
A.K.A. the LAST book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. I read it on the flight back from Ohio at the beginning of August, and now the kids and I are reading it together. It is my favorite in the series, and the events of Chapter One helped the kids grasp immediately how serious this book is compared to the previous four. Appropriate (I think) that we would start this book on the weekend of 9/11. (Which, incidentally, is all the reference I care to make to that anniversary this weekend. I know I've written about it more extensively in the past.)
Watching
The West Wing, Season 7
I finished the series on Friday. Tears were shed. And I would have to say that, for me, West Wing is to my generation what MASH was to me parents'. I can give no higher praise than that. There is NOTHING about this show that I didn't love. And I had to smile that the dad from Juno had a few appearances in that last season. He was only in one scene with Alison Janney that I noticed, but I wonder if they got a chance to meet then before playing a married couple a few years later in one of my favorite movies. I doubt I will see another show that impresses me as much in my lifetime, and we all know I love me some good TV.
OU v. Florida State
The game is on as I type this. The score is 44 to 7 at the end of the 3rd quarter. I really think this means we're going to win. From what I heard about last week's game, I think I'm glad that even had we wanted to watch last week's Pay Per View game; it wasn't offered in the Seattle area. Today's game is free and MUCH more enjoyable.
Out and About
Seattle Trip
Let's see...between lost luggage, my niece throwing a Thursday night party because her mom, aunt, and cousins were on earlier flights and she thought we wouldn't notice, botched highlights, an introduction as "a baby machine," the requisite amounts of drama from my mother, and a post-wedding party at the local casino on Bainbridge Island; my cousin and his fiancee did manage to have a lovely, intimate, enjoyable wedding outside on a sunny, but not too hot day. And, I managed a lovely lunch with one of my dearest friends and her daughter. I also made it home in one piece and left the airport with my luggage. I spent time with people I love and didn't kill any of what my dad used to call "the hysterical people." I'd have to call that a successful trip. Not that I'm ready to do it all again anytime soon. ;)
Any other activities this week were all work or Rainbow-related and while I see the necessity in each and every one of the meetings I attended, there really isn't anything blog-worth in any of them. Except the observation that Rainbow/DeMolay dances are much more fun when you are a kid attending them and not one of the adults planning them. But I think I suspected that even when I was one of those kids and I do think the upcoming Halloween dance is going to be a blast! I'll try and view it intermittently from the kitchen and sales tables. Sigh.
The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan
Knowing that two weekend trips were coming, I didn't want to start reading Book 5 in the Percy Jackson series with the kids until I got home. This one was a nice stopgap measure and, conveniently, seems to have been targeted for reading between Books 4 & 5. We read part of it before I left and finished it earlier this week. It was kind of fun to read some short stories that I'm guessing were cut from the novels? (Not sure) I also liked the little interviews and profiles. It wasn't as good as the novels, but for kids who are currently eating, sleeping, and breathing all things Percy Jackson; it's a must-have.
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
A.K.A. the LAST book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. I read it on the flight back from Ohio at the beginning of August, and now the kids and I are reading it together. It is my favorite in the series, and the events of Chapter One helped the kids grasp immediately how serious this book is compared to the previous four. Appropriate (I think) that we would start this book on the weekend of 9/11. (Which, incidentally, is all the reference I care to make to that anniversary this weekend. I know I've written about it more extensively in the past.)
Watching
The West Wing, Season 7
I finished the series on Friday. Tears were shed. And I would have to say that, for me, West Wing is to my generation what MASH was to me parents'. I can give no higher praise than that. There is NOTHING about this show that I didn't love. And I had to smile that the dad from Juno had a few appearances in that last season. He was only in one scene with Alison Janney that I noticed, but I wonder if they got a chance to meet then before playing a married couple a few years later in one of my favorite movies. I doubt I will see another show that impresses me as much in my lifetime, and we all know I love me some good TV.
OU v. Florida State
The game is on as I type this. The score is 44 to 7 at the end of the 3rd quarter. I really think this means we're going to win. From what I heard about last week's game, I think I'm glad that even had we wanted to watch last week's Pay Per View game; it wasn't offered in the Seattle area. Today's game is free and MUCH more enjoyable.
Out and About
Seattle Trip
Let's see...between lost luggage, my niece throwing a Thursday night party because her mom, aunt, and cousins were on earlier flights and she thought we wouldn't notice, botched highlights, an introduction as "a baby machine," the requisite amounts of drama from my mother, and a post-wedding party at the local casino on Bainbridge Island; my cousin and his fiancee did manage to have a lovely, intimate, enjoyable wedding outside on a sunny, but not too hot day. And, I managed a lovely lunch with one of my dearest friends and her daughter. I also made it home in one piece and left the airport with my luggage. I spent time with people I love and didn't kill any of what my dad used to call "the hysterical people." I'd have to call that a successful trip. Not that I'm ready to do it all again anytime soon. ;)
Any other activities this week were all work or Rainbow-related and while I see the necessity in each and every one of the meetings I attended, there really isn't anything blog-worth in any of them. Except the observation that Rainbow/DeMolay dances are much more fun when you are a kid attending them and not one of the adults planning them. But I think I suspected that even when I was one of those kids and I do think the upcoming Halloween dance is going to be a blast! I'll try and view it intermittently from the kitchen and sales tables. Sigh.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Thoughts on a Sunday
I think I've just reached the other side of a year-long crisis of faith. It wasn't really a question of whether or not I believed in God nor did I ever doubt in my Savior and His mighty power to save. Or that I no longer believed the story of a 14 year-old farm boy who once went to pray in a grove of trees. My faith in those three things feels almost innate at this point, almost as if they were a part of me. What I doubted was my ability to belong to the same church as a very small handful of people who turned out to be a lot more petty and unkind than I had realized. (The adult convert in me has really got to stop placing other members of the church on pedestals.) I mean, who wants to live eternally with people who constantly irritate you? And yet, that ever steadfast (and occasionally annoying) still small voice never wavered when it came to answering my endlessly repeated question "Are you SURE this is my church?!" in the affirmative. And so I've carried on, feeling a lot more like an observer than an actual participant for most of the past year. This is what I've come up with so far:
First of all, EVERY church has petty, unkind people in it. So I'm not going to avoid them by leaving and joining some other congregation. I know this problem isn't unique to my church, I've attended enough other denominations in my lifetime to know better. But I've also learned that it's OK to acknowledge and admit the hurt, rather than pretending it did happen if you ever want to let go of those grievances and move forward. So, here is my list of hurts, followed by why they don't matter in the grand eternal scheme of things:
It hurts when people from church drop me from Facebook. I may have been baptized almost 18 years ago, but in my heart; I am still very much a new convert. And when some faithful Molly drops me, I feel like "maybe I never really WILL be good enough for this church if Sister (Fill in the Blank) can't even stand to read my status updates." (And yes, even with 400-plus friends, I know exactly which women from church have dropped me, and in the most recent case; all I can say is a knife in the back would have been more subtle.) And, as if online incidents weren't enough, it hurts even more when I watch someone from church do a bad job of pretending that they haven't seen me at the store. And the worst is to have to hear the passive/aggressive comments that they make right in front of me. Particularly on the Sundays that I conduct Primary or teach Sharing Time ("Oh dear, we lost ALL our music time today because Sister G's lesson ran over a little bit." or "Well, SOMEBODY in the Presidency needs to do SOMETHING different around here.") And they say these things right in front of the children, including three of my own. (And yes, there are specific incidents and people related to each of the above-mentioned incidents.)
To any casual bystander stumbling across this list would say that I have what they call "just cause" to gather up myself and my 5 children and leave the church. And yet, as I mentioned, I no longer feel inclined to leave. My hurts may be legitimate, but my commitment to God and to my Savior is bigger than those. And while I may fall short of these women's expectations of me; I know through prayers that my Father in Heaven is pleased with my efforts and my progress and I will not let their small-mindedness get in the way of my bigger picture. Eighteen years ago, I made a promise to follow Christ, and while I may not be very good at it; that's not going to stop me from getting up and trying my best each day. As annoyed and hurt as I can get in the moment, overall I feel a much bigger sense of peace regarding where I am in my life both professionally and spiritually. I found a quote that pretty much covers my feelings about those who make such a show of disapproving of me. Not surprisingly, I found it in the Percy Jackson book; so you're going to have to forgive its plural references. I think everyone will get the gist of it anyway:
"...lesser beings do many horrible things in the name of the gods. That does not mean we gods approve. The way our sons and daughters act in our names...well it usually says more about them than it does about us."
To which I can only add an "Indeed it does. Amen." I'm not going anywhere. Sorry Molly's, you're stuck with me. Eternally.
First of all, EVERY church has petty, unkind people in it. So I'm not going to avoid them by leaving and joining some other congregation. I know this problem isn't unique to my church, I've attended enough other denominations in my lifetime to know better. But I've also learned that it's OK to acknowledge and admit the hurt, rather than pretending it did happen if you ever want to let go of those grievances and move forward. So, here is my list of hurts, followed by why they don't matter in the grand eternal scheme of things:
It hurts when people from church drop me from Facebook. I may have been baptized almost 18 years ago, but in my heart; I am still very much a new convert. And when some faithful Molly drops me, I feel like "maybe I never really WILL be good enough for this church if Sister (Fill in the Blank) can't even stand to read my status updates." (And yes, even with 400-plus friends, I know exactly which women from church have dropped me, and in the most recent case; all I can say is a knife in the back would have been more subtle.) And, as if online incidents weren't enough, it hurts even more when I watch someone from church do a bad job of pretending that they haven't seen me at the store. And the worst is to have to hear the passive/aggressive comments that they make right in front of me. Particularly on the Sundays that I conduct Primary or teach Sharing Time ("Oh dear, we lost ALL our music time today because Sister G's lesson ran over a little bit." or "Well, SOMEBODY in the Presidency needs to do SOMETHING different around here.") And they say these things right in front of the children, including three of my own. (And yes, there are specific incidents and people related to each of the above-mentioned incidents.)
To any casual bystander stumbling across this list would say that I have what they call "just cause" to gather up myself and my 5 children and leave the church. And yet, as I mentioned, I no longer feel inclined to leave. My hurts may be legitimate, but my commitment to God and to my Savior is bigger than those. And while I may fall short of these women's expectations of me; I know through prayers that my Father in Heaven is pleased with my efforts and my progress and I will not let their small-mindedness get in the way of my bigger picture. Eighteen years ago, I made a promise to follow Christ, and while I may not be very good at it; that's not going to stop me from getting up and trying my best each day. As annoyed and hurt as I can get in the moment, overall I feel a much bigger sense of peace regarding where I am in my life both professionally and spiritually. I found a quote that pretty much covers my feelings about those who make such a show of disapproving of me. Not surprisingly, I found it in the Percy Jackson book; so you're going to have to forgive its plural references. I think everyone will get the gist of it anyway:
"...lesser beings do many horrible things in the name of the gods. That does not mean we gods approve. The way our sons and daughters act in our names...well it usually says more about them than it does about us."
To which I can only add an "Indeed it does. Amen." I'm not going anywhere. Sorry Molly's, you're stuck with me. Eternally.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Week In Review
*I'm aware that I get the fewest comments on these and I'm sure if I put out a readers' survey, people would suggest these posts be the ones I don't write anymore. BUT, I'm writing these more for me to have a record of things my family and I did while the kids were growing up, so basically you all are stuck with them.*
Reading
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
We will finish this later tonight! I have to say that it's not my favorite book, but reading it through aloud to the kids (I always read them to myself first) has given me more appreciation for it. Book 5 is my favorite and we will start it next week. It's hard to write these reviews without giving away spoilers, but some of the things I have appreciated about this book (and its predecessors) have been the renewed interest my kids have in US geography, Greek mythology, and creative writing/play. Caroline has been writing Greek 'myths' all summer and acting out parts of the book with Elisa (and Tristan when she can rope him into it). And I love events in the book taking place in tourist spots I have visited with the kids: the St. Louis Arch, Arizona, Florida, etc...because the kids really relate to it. All in all, these books will represent the summer of 2010 to my kids and I'm sorry to see them coming to an end.
Watching-
19 Kids and Counting-
Do you think Jim Bob and Michelle took comfort in knowing that not only would their oldest set of twins be together in Southeast Asia, but that a camera crew would be there too? I'm glad though, I've really enjoyed seeing their trip. Also, I'm glad Baby Josie is almost ready to go home. And yes, it is amusing watching Jim Bob on his own with most of the kids, BUT he isn't nearly as inept as the commercial spoilers make him out to be and it irritates me a bit. Kind of like how their cover on People magazine read "WE ARE READY FOR MORE" (babies), but in their interview all they said was 'We aren't going to prevent more, that's not our decision.' (A viewpoint I respect, but lack the necessary faith to follow through with myself. I'm more of a "Let's quit while I still have bladder control" kind of gal. Anyway...) I also wonder why so many visits to the Bates? Could there be some kind of courtship involved? Just curious...
The West Wing, Season 6
I realize that one of the very telling hints as to how odd I am would have to be my love for these two very divergent TV series, but it's just part of the fun of being me. My husband may not love this show, but he bought all 7 seasons for me as a Christmas gift a couple of years ago. I flew through the first 5 seasons, then I got busy with other things and stopped watching them. It wasn't because I didn't love the show, I do! It's just a busy thing to have 5 kids and a job. A few weeks ago, I happened across the show on the Bravo channel and realized I was watching one of the final episodes. That reminded me that I still had two unwatched (and commercial-free) DVD boxed sets in my possession. I finished Season 6 on Saturday. Now that school has started and I start working tomorrow, who knows how long it will take to see Season 7? But I'm determined to see it through by Christmas. I think the writing, direction, and acting on this show made it the highest quality TV series I will see in my lifetime. And I wish the three branches of government who actually make our decisions in Washington DC were as principled as the characters on this show.
At the Movies
Anne of Avonlea
First, these were my favorite books. Then, they were my favorite miniseries on PBS and later The Disney Channel. They were loaned to me by a friend so that Natalie could experience them too. We watched Anne of Green Gables immediately, then we got distracted and busy. (As mentioned above.) No one was more horrified than me to realize that the DVD's were still in my possession when my friend sent out a FB message to several of us looking for them. Fortunately, she lives close to where I work, so we agreed to meet there while I set up my office last week so I could give them to her. (Did you see that? I have an office.) Natalie wanted to watch the rest of them before we gave them back, so we had a huge marathon on Tuesday. I loved Anne of Avonlea (aka Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel), but I could only handle the third one through Anne and Gil's wedding. I read and re-read Rilla of Ingleside about 100 times during my 8th grade year and it was Anne's sons who went to war, NOT Gilbert. I just couldn't wrap my mind around it, though it was nice to see how many of the original actors they gathered for the final movie. It shows on BYU TV from time to time, so I may still see it eventually.
Out and About
Back to School-
After all the supply and clothes shopping, we are now back into our school routine. I used to resent it. This year, it has returned a schedule and some normalcy to our lives-and this from a Mom who used to be desperate to home school. So far, so good...And also, spending $20 on backpacks with a lifetime guarantee seems to have been a better use of my money than buying one for $12 each year before school starts.
Back to Work
I start tomorrow, but taught for a couple of days last week and set up my desk and put the Exersaucer and a Pack n Play in my office for Alexis on the days she will be at work with me. I've never been so happy, so nervous, and so excited all at once! The timing and the circumstances worked out perfectly. I'm not sure how much I will blog in specific about my job, but know that it I am very happy with the situation. Especially the fact that "you can bring the baby to work on days you don't have kids to teach or meetings to attend."
Friday Night at Grandma's
Usually, I take the kids. They eat pizza, play computer games, and visit with their great-grandmother. This time, after they went home, Grandma, my uncle, and I talked for half the night about relatives my kids never knew and that even my younger sisters barely remember. I know I am lucky to have my grandmother and both of my paternal grandparents with me at my age. Not even my kids can say that. And I am very grateful for evenings like this. Also, I have one crazy, wonderful, loving family.
And that's all for this week. With a new job starting tomorrow, a Meatloaf concert on Tuesday, and four kids experiencing their first full week of school...who knows what will happen in the week to come!
Reading
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
We will finish this later tonight! I have to say that it's not my favorite book, but reading it through aloud to the kids (I always read them to myself first) has given me more appreciation for it. Book 5 is my favorite and we will start it next week. It's hard to write these reviews without giving away spoilers, but some of the things I have appreciated about this book (and its predecessors) have been the renewed interest my kids have in US geography, Greek mythology, and creative writing/play. Caroline has been writing Greek 'myths' all summer and acting out parts of the book with Elisa (and Tristan when she can rope him into it). And I love events in the book taking place in tourist spots I have visited with the kids: the St. Louis Arch, Arizona, Florida, etc...because the kids really relate to it. All in all, these books will represent the summer of 2010 to my kids and I'm sorry to see them coming to an end.
Watching-
19 Kids and Counting-
Do you think Jim Bob and Michelle took comfort in knowing that not only would their oldest set of twins be together in Southeast Asia, but that a camera crew would be there too? I'm glad though, I've really enjoyed seeing their trip. Also, I'm glad Baby Josie is almost ready to go home. And yes, it is amusing watching Jim Bob on his own with most of the kids, BUT he isn't nearly as inept as the commercial spoilers make him out to be and it irritates me a bit. Kind of like how their cover on People magazine read "WE ARE READY FOR MORE" (babies), but in their interview all they said was 'We aren't going to prevent more, that's not our decision.' (A viewpoint I respect, but lack the necessary faith to follow through with myself. I'm more of a "Let's quit while I still have bladder control" kind of gal. Anyway...) I also wonder why so many visits to the Bates? Could there be some kind of courtship involved? Just curious...
The West Wing, Season 6
I realize that one of the very telling hints as to how odd I am would have to be my love for these two very divergent TV series, but it's just part of the fun of being me. My husband may not love this show, but he bought all 7 seasons for me as a Christmas gift a couple of years ago. I flew through the first 5 seasons, then I got busy with other things and stopped watching them. It wasn't because I didn't love the show, I do! It's just a busy thing to have 5 kids and a job. A few weeks ago, I happened across the show on the Bravo channel and realized I was watching one of the final episodes. That reminded me that I still had two unwatched (and commercial-free) DVD boxed sets in my possession. I finished Season 6 on Saturday. Now that school has started and I start working tomorrow, who knows how long it will take to see Season 7? But I'm determined to see it through by Christmas. I think the writing, direction, and acting on this show made it the highest quality TV series I will see in my lifetime. And I wish the three branches of government who actually make our decisions in Washington DC were as principled as the characters on this show.
At the Movies
Anne of Avonlea
First, these were my favorite books. Then, they were my favorite miniseries on PBS and later The Disney Channel. They were loaned to me by a friend so that Natalie could experience them too. We watched Anne of Green Gables immediately, then we got distracted and busy. (As mentioned above.) No one was more horrified than me to realize that the DVD's were still in my possession when my friend sent out a FB message to several of us looking for them. Fortunately, she lives close to where I work, so we agreed to meet there while I set up my office last week so I could give them to her. (Did you see that? I have an office.) Natalie wanted to watch the rest of them before we gave them back, so we had a huge marathon on Tuesday. I loved Anne of Avonlea (aka Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel), but I could only handle the third one through Anne and Gil's wedding. I read and re-read Rilla of Ingleside about 100 times during my 8th grade year and it was Anne's sons who went to war, NOT Gilbert. I just couldn't wrap my mind around it, though it was nice to see how many of the original actors they gathered for the final movie. It shows on BYU TV from time to time, so I may still see it eventually.
Out and About
Back to School-
After all the supply and clothes shopping, we are now back into our school routine. I used to resent it. This year, it has returned a schedule and some normalcy to our lives-and this from a Mom who used to be desperate to home school. So far, so good...And also, spending $20 on backpacks with a lifetime guarantee seems to have been a better use of my money than buying one for $12 each year before school starts.
Back to Work
I start tomorrow, but taught for a couple of days last week and set up my desk and put the Exersaucer and a Pack n Play in my office for Alexis on the days she will be at work with me. I've never been so happy, so nervous, and so excited all at once! The timing and the circumstances worked out perfectly. I'm not sure how much I will blog in specific about my job, but know that it I am very happy with the situation. Especially the fact that "you can bring the baby to work on days you don't have kids to teach or meetings to attend."
Friday Night at Grandma's
Usually, I take the kids. They eat pizza, play computer games, and visit with their great-grandmother. This time, after they went home, Grandma, my uncle, and I talked for half the night about relatives my kids never knew and that even my younger sisters barely remember. I know I am lucky to have my grandmother and both of my paternal grandparents with me at my age. Not even my kids can say that. And I am very grateful for evenings like this. Also, I have one crazy, wonderful, loving family.
And that's all for this week. With a new job starting tomorrow, a Meatloaf concert on Tuesday, and four kids experiencing their first full week of school...who knows what will happen in the week to come!
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Week In Review
Reading-
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Titan's Curse-
We were up late reading this last night, and finished the last two chapters today. I forgot how emotional I can get while reading a book until we hit the last few chapters of this one. Wow! At least Caroline was crying with me. While I post updates on the progress the kids and I make together on the books, I have read ahead through the entire series now. Supposedly, this is to keep me from getting so caught up in the books that I don't read them clearly. But, it didn't work for parts of Book 3, and I will be in BIG trouble by the time we finish Book 5. I was just proud of myself for not crying on the plane while I read it on Monday's flight home.
Watching-
19 Kids and Counting-
The new season debuted last week. My friends don't get my fascination, but I think I just like to have someone to compare myself to when someone tells me I have "too many children." Also, their debt-free lifestyle intrigues me as does the very happy marriage of Michelle and Jim Bob. People mock them, I may have been guilty of it myself, but you have to admit; it really works for them. I am very relieved that Baby Josie will finally be going home and I really like that they let Jana and John David go on a mission trip by themselves. They are about the age that I was when I went on MY mission and I can't think of a better way to have transitioned myself from student to real-world adult. I had a very nice get-together with some old friends a few weeks ago. They are no longer practicing members of my church (how we originally met), but I was pleasantly surprised to hear that in spite of everything; they are both glad they served missions. And you know, regardless of how frustrated I get with people at church here and there, I feel the same way. I think serving my mission was, independent of any religious motive, one of the single best decisions I ever made as a young adult.
At the Movies-
Clash of the Titans-
I had no desire to ever see this without having to use 3D glasses, so of course Dave bought it on Blu-ray. I have to say, the alternate ending actually made sense. So naturally that didn't use that one. Dave has a friend who wants to borrow this. I hope we never see it again.
Out and About-
From Sketch to Screen at the OKC Museum of Art-
This was such a neat exhibit! My friends and I met for lunch and a museum visit yesterday afternoon. It was lovely and definitely worth the time and money (though it was free for those who had Bank of America cards, which sadly I did not.) It's only here through August 15th, so it's now or never if you had any intention of seeing it before it moves on to its next destination. Oh, and the caprese salad at the Museum Cafe? It's everything I thought it would be, and I used to live in Italy; so that's saying something.
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Titan's Curse-
We were up late reading this last night, and finished the last two chapters today. I forgot how emotional I can get while reading a book until we hit the last few chapters of this one. Wow! At least Caroline was crying with me. While I post updates on the progress the kids and I make together on the books, I have read ahead through the entire series now. Supposedly, this is to keep me from getting so caught up in the books that I don't read them clearly. But, it didn't work for parts of Book 3, and I will be in BIG trouble by the time we finish Book 5. I was just proud of myself for not crying on the plane while I read it on Monday's flight home.
Watching-
19 Kids and Counting-
The new season debuted last week. My friends don't get my fascination, but I think I just like to have someone to compare myself to when someone tells me I have "too many children." Also, their debt-free lifestyle intrigues me as does the very happy marriage of Michelle and Jim Bob. People mock them, I may have been guilty of it myself, but you have to admit; it really works for them. I am very relieved that Baby Josie will finally be going home and I really like that they let Jana and John David go on a mission trip by themselves. They are about the age that I was when I went on MY mission and I can't think of a better way to have transitioned myself from student to real-world adult. I had a very nice get-together with some old friends a few weeks ago. They are no longer practicing members of my church (how we originally met), but I was pleasantly surprised to hear that in spite of everything; they are both glad they served missions. And you know, regardless of how frustrated I get with people at church here and there, I feel the same way. I think serving my mission was, independent of any religious motive, one of the single best decisions I ever made as a young adult.
At the Movies-
Clash of the Titans-
I had no desire to ever see this without having to use 3D glasses, so of course Dave bought it on Blu-ray. I have to say, the alternate ending actually made sense. So naturally that didn't use that one. Dave has a friend who wants to borrow this. I hope we never see it again.
Out and About-
From Sketch to Screen at the OKC Museum of Art-
This was such a neat exhibit! My friends and I met for lunch and a museum visit yesterday afternoon. It was lovely and definitely worth the time and money (though it was free for those who had Bank of America cards, which sadly I did not.) It's only here through August 15th, so it's now or never if you had any intention of seeing it before it moves on to its next destination. Oh, and the caprese salad at the Museum Cafe? It's everything I thought it would be, and I used to live in Italy; so that's saying something.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
A Couple of Reviews
Once upon a time I had reliable Internet and posted regular reviews of books I was reading and movies and tv shows I had watched throughout the week. Now I have an aircard that works when it feels like it. But I am still reading and watching and still feel the need to share, so here goes:
Movies:
Letters to Juliet-
I lived in Verona for 5 of the 16 months I spent in Italy. It was my first city and where I learned to love that country. I also spent 4 months in Tuscany. Even if the plot and acting of this movie had been lame, the setting alone would have been enough for me. Fortunately, I loved the movie too! It's not an Academy Award winner by any stretch, but it's adorable with a lot of nice eye candy. I saw it at the dollar theatre and I may have to do it again before it leaves. Also, I WILL be buying it on DVD.
Books:
The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan-
This is the 3rd book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. I had to leave it locked in my car at the Tulsa Airport to keep the kids from reading ahead while I was gone. I am not too fond of the lack o Annabeth in this book, but since I'm now previewing Book 4, I know we will see plenty of her in the future. Otherwise, the kids and I are really enjoying our time reading together.
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson-
One of my good friends has been recommending this to me for years. This weekend, I finally read it while on vacation with her, it was in our rental's library. It's interesting to read a book about hiking for months, when you are resting up after hiking for just a couple of hours; and I think it added to the experience. I really liked the book and would have to recommend it to anyone who enjoys the great outdoors-and is over the age of 18, some of Bill and Katz's misadventures verge on PG-13 as does the language. Still, I'm tempted to run to Hasting's later tonight and see if I can find a used copy so I can re-read this later since I obviously had to leave the one I read on its shelf in the cabin.
Movies:
Letters to Juliet-
I lived in Verona for 5 of the 16 months I spent in Italy. It was my first city and where I learned to love that country. I also spent 4 months in Tuscany. Even if the plot and acting of this movie had been lame, the setting alone would have been enough for me. Fortunately, I loved the movie too! It's not an Academy Award winner by any stretch, but it's adorable with a lot of nice eye candy. I saw it at the dollar theatre and I may have to do it again before it leaves. Also, I WILL be buying it on DVD.
Books:
The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan-
This is the 3rd book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. I had to leave it locked in my car at the Tulsa Airport to keep the kids from reading ahead while I was gone. I am not too fond of the lack o Annabeth in this book, but since I'm now previewing Book 4, I know we will see plenty of her in the future. Otherwise, the kids and I are really enjoying our time reading together.
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson-
One of my good friends has been recommending this to me for years. This weekend, I finally read it while on vacation with her, it was in our rental's library. It's interesting to read a book about hiking for months, when you are resting up after hiking for just a couple of hours; and I think it added to the experience. I really liked the book and would have to recommend it to anyone who enjoys the great outdoors-and is over the age of 18, some of Bill and Katz's misadventures verge on PG-13 as does the language. Still, I'm tempted to run to Hasting's later tonight and see if I can find a used copy so I can re-read this later since I obviously had to leave the one I read on its shelf in the cabin.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Week In Review*
Reading:
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan-
We are almost through with it. The cool thing about not having DVD players in the car right now is that the kids are more than happy to let me read to them on long trips. The wedding in Kingfisher on Saturday definitely qualified. We are so close to the end of the book that I can't comment on the plot without spoiling something for someone, so just know that the kids all love it and it keeps them quiet like nothing else on a road trip. (Except, of course, for a DVD player-but they've broken the one we got them a couple of years ago and I REFUSE to buy them another one.) Also, I love that the older kids will still let me read to them.
Watching:
Kate Plus 8-
She may not win any Miss Congeniality prizes, but after Jon showed us all last summer what a moron he is without Kate pulling his strings; I will watch her show if it puts food on her table for 9. (I didn't watch her on Dancing with the Stars, though. I heard it wasn't good, and, being up to my ears in evening kid classes; I skipped it.)
Netflix Streaming on the Wii-
We've seen lots of Veggie Tales and other random kid stuff over the week. This part of our evening usually happens while I'm fixing dinner, so I guess I don't so much watch as I benefit from what the kids are watching while I get something done in the kitchen in peace. Otherwise there hasn't been much TV because I can't stand watching something that I've already seen which doesn't leave me with too many options during summer re-run season.
Out and About:
Beatles Rain-
Possibly the best Beatles tribute band I've ever seen! (And yes, I have watched a few others.) I loved the way they showed all their different looks and tied everything in with what was going on in the world as their various albums were released. I was disappointed not to hear "If I Fell" which is my all-time favorite Beatles song (and possibly all-time favorite song ever), but otherwise I loved the show!
Saturday Wedding-
My first day as a Harn Intern, I was handed over to one of their part-time staffers for training. She was in a sad mood those first few weeks because a very nice young man she liked a lot had decided that he could NOT join her church and she had decided she could not permit him to court her because she would not marry outside of her faith. Over time, they remained friendly pen pals, and I watched her meet many other nice young men within her church in the three years we were co-workers. I was always very sad that things hadn't worked out with that first suitor because she never seemed able to completely forget him and remained in contact with him throughout that time. She quit working at the Harn about a year before I did, but occasionally sent emails and once dropped by for a visit. On that visit, that first young man was with her; but she seemed rather tight-lipped about it. (Which drove all of us women in the office crazy as you can imagine.) I was thrilled when she called me in January to tell me that he had joined her church and had proposed at New Year's.
Their wedding was themed 1910 (which meant I had another place to wear my work costume) and it was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I've ever attended. Funny that I couldn't find a traditional Latin Catholic Mass in Italy in 16 months of searching, but that I did get to witness one in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Who knew? (And by Latin, I mean the ancient language, not the Hispanic culture. Because that would be a Mass in Spanish, now wouldn't it?) The music was so perfect we thought it was a CD until the choir came down from the loft to take Communion, and while I spent most of the ceremony trying to figure out where we were in the Missal, I still loved hearing Mass in Latin. But most of all, I loved the happy faces of the bride and groom. I am so proud of my co-worker for taking a stand as far as her beliefs and her standards were concerned and still getting exactly what she wanted. I was SO happy for her and so proud to tell my girls all about how Miss M STILL got her happy ending even when she refused to compromise even a little bit on what her standards were or what her expectations were for her future husband. They could see how happy she was, and I stole that teaching moment gratefully. (And yes, those standard and expectations vary from person to person and religion to religion; but I firmly believe that NO woman should compromise herself or her expectations just to have a man in their life. And THAT'S the lesson I was going for there.)
Grand Worthy Advisor's Reception-
For those of you who are unfamiliar, the Grand Worthy Advisor is the State President of Oklahoma Rainbow. We get a new one every year at Grand Assembly and usually hold a reception in her honor a few weeks later. I've told my very small group (assembly) of four girls here in Norman that I would rather have the four of them than twenty of any other group of girls in the state, and that definitely proved true that night. I was so proud to be there with them. They looked wonderful and behaved themselves beautifully during the formal part of the evening, then they were also (in my opinion) the life of the party at the dance too. Not that I'm biased...After 6 months, I finally feel comfortable in my role as Mother Advisor (adult leader) too. All in all it was a good evening and even better when Chris and Sean stopped by for awhile at the end of the dance. Chris got to show Sean what she will be helping me with this summer and I got to wish them a Happy Anniversary. Happy 6th Anniversary Guys!
Stake Conference-
It had been 30 years since an apostle came to the Norman Oklahoma Stake, but it was wonderful to hear from Elder Nelson in person. Even for a somewhat jaded gal like me. My only complaint for the afternoon is the selfish little prat who was sitting at the end of the row and stuck his cell phone and scriptures in the chair next to him as soon as he saw my family coming to sit down. As a result, my husband and the daughter who planned to sit on his lap wound up sitting away from us. He was there first and if he had been saving the seat that would have been fine, but NO ONE SAT IN IT the entire afternoon. He just didn't want any of my kids sitting by him and disturbing his conference experience. Not even when he saw that it split up our family. At a big conference like this when seating is at a premium, you can't do something like that. (And yes, we got there plenty early for once.) I know the young man's name and will resist posting it here. Let's just say I'm glad Kate Lynn didn't marry him, and leave it at that. ;)
Conference was still a very spiritual experience and the words it took to describe that little hiccup make it seem like a bigger deal than it actually was to us at the time. But if you break one of my former YW's hearts AND give me a reason to point you out for the jerk that you are, I won't pass up the opportunity. ;) That's just how I roll.
*I was pleasantly surprised at what a wonderful weekend we had, even though it was so busy. And because it was so lovely, I couldn't resist a blog post about it even though I am supposedly on hiatus.*
Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan-
We are almost through with it. The cool thing about not having DVD players in the car right now is that the kids are more than happy to let me read to them on long trips. The wedding in Kingfisher on Saturday definitely qualified. We are so close to the end of the book that I can't comment on the plot without spoiling something for someone, so just know that the kids all love it and it keeps them quiet like nothing else on a road trip. (Except, of course, for a DVD player-but they've broken the one we got them a couple of years ago and I REFUSE to buy them another one.) Also, I love that the older kids will still let me read to them.
Watching:
Kate Plus 8-
She may not win any Miss Congeniality prizes, but after Jon showed us all last summer what a moron he is without Kate pulling his strings; I will watch her show if it puts food on her table for 9. (I didn't watch her on Dancing with the Stars, though. I heard it wasn't good, and, being up to my ears in evening kid classes; I skipped it.)
Netflix Streaming on the Wii-
We've seen lots of Veggie Tales and other random kid stuff over the week. This part of our evening usually happens while I'm fixing dinner, so I guess I don't so much watch as I benefit from what the kids are watching while I get something done in the kitchen in peace. Otherwise there hasn't been much TV because I can't stand watching something that I've already seen which doesn't leave me with too many options during summer re-run season.
Out and About:
Beatles Rain-
Possibly the best Beatles tribute band I've ever seen! (And yes, I have watched a few others.) I loved the way they showed all their different looks and tied everything in with what was going on in the world as their various albums were released. I was disappointed not to hear "If I Fell" which is my all-time favorite Beatles song (and possibly all-time favorite song ever), but otherwise I loved the show!
Saturday Wedding-
My first day as a Harn Intern, I was handed over to one of their part-time staffers for training. She was in a sad mood those first few weeks because a very nice young man she liked a lot had decided that he could NOT join her church and she had decided she could not permit him to court her because she would not marry outside of her faith. Over time, they remained friendly pen pals, and I watched her meet many other nice young men within her church in the three years we were co-workers. I was always very sad that things hadn't worked out with that first suitor because she never seemed able to completely forget him and remained in contact with him throughout that time. She quit working at the Harn about a year before I did, but occasionally sent emails and once dropped by for a visit. On that visit, that first young man was with her; but she seemed rather tight-lipped about it. (Which drove all of us women in the office crazy as you can imagine.) I was thrilled when she called me in January to tell me that he had joined her church and had proposed at New Year's.
Their wedding was themed 1910 (which meant I had another place to wear my work costume) and it was one of the most beautiful ceremonies I've ever attended. Funny that I couldn't find a traditional Latin Catholic Mass in Italy in 16 months of searching, but that I did get to witness one in Kingfisher, Oklahoma. Who knew? (And by Latin, I mean the ancient language, not the Hispanic culture. Because that would be a Mass in Spanish, now wouldn't it?) The music was so perfect we thought it was a CD until the choir came down from the loft to take Communion, and while I spent most of the ceremony trying to figure out where we were in the Missal, I still loved hearing Mass in Latin. But most of all, I loved the happy faces of the bride and groom. I am so proud of my co-worker for taking a stand as far as her beliefs and her standards were concerned and still getting exactly what she wanted. I was SO happy for her and so proud to tell my girls all about how Miss M STILL got her happy ending even when she refused to compromise even a little bit on what her standards were or what her expectations were for her future husband. They could see how happy she was, and I stole that teaching moment gratefully. (And yes, those standard and expectations vary from person to person and religion to religion; but I firmly believe that NO woman should compromise herself or her expectations just to have a man in their life. And THAT'S the lesson I was going for there.)
Grand Worthy Advisor's Reception-
For those of you who are unfamiliar, the Grand Worthy Advisor is the State President of Oklahoma Rainbow. We get a new one every year at Grand Assembly and usually hold a reception in her honor a few weeks later. I've told my very small group (assembly) of four girls here in Norman that I would rather have the four of them than twenty of any other group of girls in the state, and that definitely proved true that night. I was so proud to be there with them. They looked wonderful and behaved themselves beautifully during the formal part of the evening, then they were also (in my opinion) the life of the party at the dance too. Not that I'm biased...After 6 months, I finally feel comfortable in my role as Mother Advisor (adult leader) too. All in all it was a good evening and even better when Chris and Sean stopped by for awhile at the end of the dance. Chris got to show Sean what she will be helping me with this summer and I got to wish them a Happy Anniversary. Happy 6th Anniversary Guys!
Stake Conference-
It had been 30 years since an apostle came to the Norman Oklahoma Stake, but it was wonderful to hear from Elder Nelson in person. Even for a somewhat jaded gal like me. My only complaint for the afternoon is the selfish little prat who was sitting at the end of the row and stuck his cell phone and scriptures in the chair next to him as soon as he saw my family coming to sit down. As a result, my husband and the daughter who planned to sit on his lap wound up sitting away from us. He was there first and if he had been saving the seat that would have been fine, but NO ONE SAT IN IT the entire afternoon. He just didn't want any of my kids sitting by him and disturbing his conference experience. Not even when he saw that it split up our family. At a big conference like this when seating is at a premium, you can't do something like that. (And yes, we got there plenty early for once.) I know the young man's name and will resist posting it here. Let's just say I'm glad Kate Lynn didn't marry him, and leave it at that. ;)
Conference was still a very spiritual experience and the words it took to describe that little hiccup make it seem like a bigger deal than it actually was to us at the time. But if you break one of my former YW's hearts AND give me a reason to point you out for the jerk that you are, I won't pass up the opportunity. ;) That's just how I roll.
*I was pleasantly surprised at what a wonderful weekend we had, even though it was so busy. And because it was so lovely, I couldn't resist a blog post about it even though I am supposedly on hiatus.*
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Week In Review
Reading-
Percy Jackson & The Olympians Book One: The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan-
We are about halfway through the first book now. As a Classics major, I am LOVING it. As a kid who never quite fits in, Tristan loves this book. As two very smart girls trying to help their brother make sense of his world; Natalie and Caroline love this book. Elisa is interested on and off while I read, but she also just turned 6. She has time. Regardless, this is a great family reading time book.
Little Bo by Julie Andrews-
We finished this a few days ago. This held Elisa's interest much better and it was a very sweet little book. I recommend it for little girls. As soon as Amazon.com ships them, we are going to pick up where we left off a few summers ago with the Tomie DePaola Fairmount Street series. I'll be sure and review it all here.
Almost Our Time: Generation X Takes on America's Challenges by Rob Stam
I rarely read non-fiction, but this was worth my time. It's a very honest take on things my generation needs to do to 'fix' America as we take over from the Baby Boomers. I thought it had good, sound advice. I have the Amazon Kindle reader app on my iPhone and ordered this as an eBook for $0.99. It is worth more than that and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in economics and politics who haven't already make their mind up completely about either.
Watching
Glee-
I can't believe it's almost the end of the season. Wah! I can't wait to see what Tuesday night has in store for us. I think the best parts of last week's episode for me were "I love me some trophies" for the laugh factor and "You're not mad, you're hurt" for the "aww!" factor.
At the Movies
Sex and the City 2
No, it wasn't as good as the first one. Yes, I liked it. Liza's cameo was by far my favorite thing, but it had other moments too. Then again, I went to see this with Chris, Lanie, and Wendy; and I could probably watch paint dry with them and think it's a good time just because we're together. So here's to friends you could enjoy anything with! Here's to Diet Dr. Pepper toasts between Wendy and I as moms who DON'T have nannies, and here's to spending as long chatting in the parking lot as you did watching the entire movie. Good times!
Extracurricular Activities-
Grand Assembly 2010-
I've already blogged about this, but it really was an Alice in Wonderland experience to see everything I used to do as a teen through the eyes of an adult. I half-expected Johnny Depp to tell me I had lost my "muchness," except that I can feel my 'muchness' returning a little bit more each day. It's definitely NOT gone. :)
Elisa's Birthday-
Since she and one of my nieces have birthdays within a week of each other we threw a joint party in my sister's backyard. Then again, between my kids, my sisters' kids, and my sister's boyfriend's kids; it's a party before we even send out invitations. It was a lot of fun and a lot of chaos and, frankly, I'm glad it's over. The next birthday for us will be Alexis 1st in August. Wah!
Next week is shaping up to be crazy/busy too...stay tuned for more updates!
Percy Jackson & The Olympians Book One: The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan-
We are about halfway through the first book now. As a Classics major, I am LOVING it. As a kid who never quite fits in, Tristan loves this book. As two very smart girls trying to help their brother make sense of his world; Natalie and Caroline love this book. Elisa is interested on and off while I read, but she also just turned 6. She has time. Regardless, this is a great family reading time book.
Little Bo by Julie Andrews-
We finished this a few days ago. This held Elisa's interest much better and it was a very sweet little book. I recommend it for little girls. As soon as Amazon.com ships them, we are going to pick up where we left off a few summers ago with the Tomie DePaola Fairmount Street series. I'll be sure and review it all here.
Almost Our Time: Generation X Takes on America's Challenges by Rob Stam
I rarely read non-fiction, but this was worth my time. It's a very honest take on things my generation needs to do to 'fix' America as we take over from the Baby Boomers. I thought it had good, sound advice. I have the Amazon Kindle reader app on my iPhone and ordered this as an eBook for $0.99. It is worth more than that and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in economics and politics who haven't already make their mind up completely about either.
Watching
Glee-
I can't believe it's almost the end of the season. Wah! I can't wait to see what Tuesday night has in store for us. I think the best parts of last week's episode for me were "I love me some trophies" for the laugh factor and "You're not mad, you're hurt" for the "aww!" factor.
At the Movies
Sex and the City 2
No, it wasn't as good as the first one. Yes, I liked it. Liza's cameo was by far my favorite thing, but it had other moments too. Then again, I went to see this with Chris, Lanie, and Wendy; and I could probably watch paint dry with them and think it's a good time just because we're together. So here's to friends you could enjoy anything with! Here's to Diet Dr. Pepper toasts between Wendy and I as moms who DON'T have nannies, and here's to spending as long chatting in the parking lot as you did watching the entire movie. Good times!
Extracurricular Activities-
Grand Assembly 2010-
I've already blogged about this, but it really was an Alice in Wonderland experience to see everything I used to do as a teen through the eyes of an adult. I half-expected Johnny Depp to tell me I had lost my "muchness," except that I can feel my 'muchness' returning a little bit more each day. It's definitely NOT gone. :)
Elisa's Birthday-
Since she and one of my nieces have birthdays within a week of each other we threw a joint party in my sister's backyard. Then again, between my kids, my sisters' kids, and my sister's boyfriend's kids; it's a party before we even send out invitations. It was a lot of fun and a lot of chaos and, frankly, I'm glad it's over. The next birthday for us will be Alexis 1st in August. Wah!
Next week is shaping up to be crazy/busy too...stay tuned for more updates!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Week In Review
Reading-
Percy Jackson and The Lightening Thief-
It's been awhile since I read to my kids consistently. I saw this on the shelf at Wal-Mart and thought it was a good way to start again. We've only read the first four chapters, but everyone is hooked already.
Little Bo by Julie Andrews-
I remember her plugging this book on the Rosie O'Donnell show and planning on buying a copy. I found it for $0.50 at a thrift store and bought it to read to the younger girls in case Percy Jackson was too scary for them. So far, they love both. And so do I.
Watching-
Almost everything I usually watch is sitting on the DVR owing to a busy week, but I did make time for...
Grey's Anatomy Season Finale-
Oh. My. Goodness!! SO Creepy! So Compelling! It was a little too much like a horror movie for someone as jumpy as I am, but I am still really impressed by the writing and acting because I didn't see how they could make that storyline believable and they really, really did.
This Week's Misadventures-
My last two days teaching at the Harn (at least until Summer Camp starts), a pediatrician's visit that happened just 20 minutes after I called the office and revealed a double ear infection in a kid that I wasn't sure was sick when we went, an Academic awards ceremony where I went out of my way to avoid making polite chit-chat with my OBGYN, a return to Family Game Night at my Grandmother's, and a special viewing of the LOST finale even though we never really watched the series.
Percy Jackson and The Lightening Thief-
It's been awhile since I read to my kids consistently. I saw this on the shelf at Wal-Mart and thought it was a good way to start again. We've only read the first four chapters, but everyone is hooked already.
Little Bo by Julie Andrews-
I remember her plugging this book on the Rosie O'Donnell show and planning on buying a copy. I found it for $0.50 at a thrift store and bought it to read to the younger girls in case Percy Jackson was too scary for them. So far, they love both. And so do I.
Watching-
Almost everything I usually watch is sitting on the DVR owing to a busy week, but I did make time for...
Grey's Anatomy Season Finale-
Oh. My. Goodness!! SO Creepy! So Compelling! It was a little too much like a horror movie for someone as jumpy as I am, but I am still really impressed by the writing and acting because I didn't see how they could make that storyline believable and they really, really did.
This Week's Misadventures-
My last two days teaching at the Harn (at least until Summer Camp starts), a pediatrician's visit that happened just 20 minutes after I called the office and revealed a double ear infection in a kid that I wasn't sure was sick when we went, an Academic awards ceremony where I went out of my way to avoid making polite chit-chat with my OBGYN, a return to Family Game Night at my Grandmother's, and a special viewing of the LOST finale even though we never really watched the series.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Week In Review
Does anyone remember these? I used to write one every Sunday. Now that my little one is almost a year-old, life seems to have resumed it's usual rhyme and reason and I'm going to try and resume writing these. Blogging more than once a week is also a goal, we'll see how that goes. Anyway...
Reading
Pure Pleasure: Why Do Christians Feel So Bad about Feeling Good? by Gary Thomas
This was one of those free Kindle downloads on Amazon.com. I started reading it on the 2.5 hour plane ride from Houston to Phoenix because Alexis had fallen asleep on my lap and I didn't have any other entertainment within arm's reach. It's taken me a few weeks to finish it, but I have to say I LOVED its message even though Mr. Thomas would get many tsk tsks from my church friends for being such a fan of Starbucks coffee. The point made throughout this book is that God WANTS us to find joy in our earthly lives without feeling guilty about it, and it is illustrated through countless examples that made me smile, laugh, and nod my head in fervent agreement. One of the many reasons I'm going through a bit of spiritual malaise lately is because I know I am missing that joy I first knew upon understanding what it truly means to be saved. It's not that my church doesn't believe in that joy and doesn't preach it, I just can't find it right now. Don't worry, I'm still looking. This book reminded me a lot of Chieko Okazaki's Lighten Up! and I can't give it higher praise than that.
Watching
Gary England-
No, he's not some new talk show host. He's my favorite weather forecaster in the Metro area. This is tornado season here in the great state of Oklahoma and Gary (and his storm chasers) have been very busy this month, and this week in particular. I am watching some particularly nasty storms passing through the area where my good friend Lanie lives as I type this. (Hope you, Dirk, and the doggies are safe; Lanie!) And it will likely pass from there to where my Dad and Aunt M are shortly after that (In fact, it's there now. Yikes!). So we aren't changing the channel any time soon. At the time of Monday's tornado outbreak (which was very scary even though we were never in all that much danger), I didn't care so much about missing The Big Bang Theory. But at this point if anyone wants to tell me what happened, it turns out I'm kind of curious now. (I know, I know; I can probably watch it online.)
Glee-
I started DVR'ing these after hearing good things about the show. I missed the first month and was DETERMINED not to start watching it until I had ALL the episodes taped. However, once Natalie heard there was a show about teens singing show tunes AND she found it in the "My Recordings" menu, there was no denying her. So, we started watching them out of the proper order a couple of weeks ago. (If you knew how unheard of that was for me, you would be stunned I allowed it to happen-but Natalie is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to her show tunes.) Thanks to yesterday's DVD purchase, we are now officially caught up on the show. And, more importantly, we LOVE it!
Grey's Anatomy-
Last week's episode reminded me why I still love this show despite all its behind-the scene ups and downs. I have to admit that next week's 'shooter on the loose in the hospital' plot makes me a little nervous in a shark-jumping kind of way. Here's hoping I'm wrong...And you know I will watch it anyway, so does it matter if I'm right?
Out and About-
Cirque Dreams-
Truth be told, we saw this a week ago yesterday. But I enjoyed it enough that it is worth mentioning even now. It's my favorite of the Cirque shows that I've seen (but keep in mind that I've only seen 2).
Unnamed Middle School Band/Choir concert-
There was a lot of trepidation about this because Miss Natalie auditioned successfully for a solo only to catch a cold in time for the show. I was nervous for her, but she rested her voice all day and nailed it perfectly. I was impressed with all the grades and their performances and enjoyed the concert. I thought this was going to be the last performance/recital of the year, but we have the Academic Awards reception tomorrow. How many days until school is out again?
That's all for this week! Thanks for reading!
Reading
Pure Pleasure: Why Do Christians Feel So Bad about Feeling Good? by Gary Thomas
This was one of those free Kindle downloads on Amazon.com. I started reading it on the 2.5 hour plane ride from Houston to Phoenix because Alexis had fallen asleep on my lap and I didn't have any other entertainment within arm's reach. It's taken me a few weeks to finish it, but I have to say I LOVED its message even though Mr. Thomas would get many tsk tsks from my church friends for being such a fan of Starbucks coffee. The point made throughout this book is that God WANTS us to find joy in our earthly lives without feeling guilty about it, and it is illustrated through countless examples that made me smile, laugh, and nod my head in fervent agreement. One of the many reasons I'm going through a bit of spiritual malaise lately is because I know I am missing that joy I first knew upon understanding what it truly means to be saved. It's not that my church doesn't believe in that joy and doesn't preach it, I just can't find it right now. Don't worry, I'm still looking. This book reminded me a lot of Chieko Okazaki's Lighten Up! and I can't give it higher praise than that.
Watching
Gary England-
No, he's not some new talk show host. He's my favorite weather forecaster in the Metro area. This is tornado season here in the great state of Oklahoma and Gary (and his storm chasers) have been very busy this month, and this week in particular. I am watching some particularly nasty storms passing through the area where my good friend Lanie lives as I type this. (Hope you, Dirk, and the doggies are safe; Lanie!) And it will likely pass from there to where my Dad and Aunt M are shortly after that (In fact, it's there now. Yikes!). So we aren't changing the channel any time soon. At the time of Monday's tornado outbreak (which was very scary even though we were never in all that much danger), I didn't care so much about missing The Big Bang Theory. But at this point if anyone wants to tell me what happened, it turns out I'm kind of curious now. (I know, I know; I can probably watch it online.)
Glee-
I started DVR'ing these after hearing good things about the show. I missed the first month and was DETERMINED not to start watching it until I had ALL the episodes taped. However, once Natalie heard there was a show about teens singing show tunes AND she found it in the "My Recordings" menu, there was no denying her. So, we started watching them out of the proper order a couple of weeks ago. (If you knew how unheard of that was for me, you would be stunned I allowed it to happen-but Natalie is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to her show tunes.) Thanks to yesterday's DVD purchase, we are now officially caught up on the show. And, more importantly, we LOVE it!
Grey's Anatomy-
Last week's episode reminded me why I still love this show despite all its behind-the scene ups and downs. I have to admit that next week's 'shooter on the loose in the hospital' plot makes me a little nervous in a shark-jumping kind of way. Here's hoping I'm wrong...And you know I will watch it anyway, so does it matter if I'm right?
Out and About-
Cirque Dreams-
Truth be told, we saw this a week ago yesterday. But I enjoyed it enough that it is worth mentioning even now. It's my favorite of the Cirque shows that I've seen (but keep in mind that I've only seen 2).
Unnamed Middle School Band/Choir concert-
There was a lot of trepidation about this because Miss Natalie auditioned successfully for a solo only to catch a cold in time for the show. I was nervous for her, but she rested her voice all day and nailed it perfectly. I was impressed with all the grades and their performances and enjoyed the concert. I thought this was going to be the last performance/recital of the year, but we have the Academic Awards reception tomorrow. How many days until school is out again?
That's all for this week! Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
"Hit Puree!"*
Every month or so I see some of my favorite bloggers Tweeting and posting about their Freezer Cooking efforts. In an earlier life when I had fewer children, I used to do a lot more of it. Now, when it would be more convenient, I just can't seem to get back into the swing of things. I have all the cool recipe books, just not a lot of inclination. However, I do have a new passion for homemade baby food. Like cloth diapering, this is a new venture for me and so far it's proven just as surprisingly easy. Last week, I went to Homeland and bought a bag of their ripe bananas. I froze a few individually for smoothies, a few made banana bread, and the rest were pureed and poured into the little food freezing cubes I found on sale at Babies 'R Us when last week's trip to the Oklahoma City JBF sale failed to find me an affordable high chair. (I am not going to spend more on a used one than I would on a new one, what are some of these mamas thinking when they price their stuff? No worries, I found one better-priced at BRU, no joke.) Then I went through my frozen veggie stash and made a few jars of green beans too. It was so easy!
While discovering the joys of homemade baby food, I also discovered Jessica Seinfeld's book, Deceptively Delicious, on sale at Big Lots for $3. The premise behind it is that you up your kids fruit and veggie intake by adding purees to the foods they already eat. While a lot of people complained the recipes weren't that great and that the idea was unoriginal, for $3 I was sold. If nothing else, I have more ideas for purees to feed the baby. Because I just can't seem to get excited about freezing meals for the family, I am going to use this months OAMC session to fill my freezer with baby food purees. Not only for my own convenience, but also because I'm going to be helping out a couple of mornings per week at my former workplace now that school field trip season is in full swing again. My mother lives very close to there, so Alexis will hang out with MeMe while I keep a toe in the part-time employee pool.
My plans for OAMC are pretty simple and unambitious. Wal-Mart had the Steamables on sale for $1 per bag, so on Wednesday we will be making purees of green beans and carrots for the baby and cauliflower and broccoli purees for some of the Deceptively Delicious recipes. Thursday is my first day back at work (wish me luck!) and on Friday I will make some Apple Blueberry and Blueberry Pear mixes. If I have any ripe-looking bananas by Friday, I'll probably puree them too. Banana purees work for both the baby and the recipe book. I realize these plans aren't nearly as ambitious as the plans of others, but I am excited about them. As FlyLady says "Babysteps" and in this case I am taking her quite literally. (And if anyone out there has any other baby food recipes to share, please do. My baby will thank you for it.)
*As usual, I stole my title from a movie quote. Can anyone tell me which one? It is still one of my favorites and I can offer the following clues:
While discovering the joys of homemade baby food, I also discovered Jessica Seinfeld's book, Deceptively Delicious, on sale at Big Lots for $3. The premise behind it is that you up your kids fruit and veggie intake by adding purees to the foods they already eat. While a lot of people complained the recipes weren't that great and that the idea was unoriginal, for $3 I was sold. If nothing else, I have more ideas for purees to feed the baby. Because I just can't seem to get excited about freezing meals for the family, I am going to use this months OAMC session to fill my freezer with baby food purees. Not only for my own convenience, but also because I'm going to be helping out a couple of mornings per week at my former workplace now that school field trip season is in full swing again. My mother lives very close to there, so Alexis will hang out with MeMe while I keep a toe in the part-time employee pool.
My plans for OAMC are pretty simple and unambitious. Wal-Mart had the Steamables on sale for $1 per bag, so on Wednesday we will be making purees of green beans and carrots for the baby and cauliflower and broccoli purees for some of the Deceptively Delicious recipes. Thursday is my first day back at work (wish me luck!) and on Friday I will make some Apple Blueberry and Blueberry Pear mixes. If I have any ripe-looking bananas by Friday, I'll probably puree them too. Banana purees work for both the baby and the recipe book. I realize these plans aren't nearly as ambitious as the plans of others, but I am excited about them. As FlyLady says "Babysteps" and in this case I am taking her quite literally. (And if anyone out there has any other baby food recipes to share, please do. My baby will thank you for it.)
*As usual, I stole my title from a movie quote. Can anyone tell me which one? It is still one of my favorites and I can offer the following clues:
- It came out in 1985
- "Rocky Road?"
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Week In Review
Reading
A Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family by Mary Ostyn-
This was written by a very popular blogger who is also a mother of ten. I splurged when ordering family Christmas presents from Amazon.com and added this for myself. I felt a little guilty for spending on me when there are gifts to buy, but let's face it: no one was going to buy it for me, and it isn't at our local library. I haven't finished reading it yet, but I already know that I love this book. It isn't so much a 'how to' as it is a 'you already are,' but the affirmation is nice. I don't have the book handy at the moment, but there is a good quote in there about not letting the greeter at Wal-Mart's opinion on your family size determine your own feelings about it. And I can definitely agree with that. I also wonder if she's ever shopped at our Wal-Mart. Anyway, her book is really helping me embrace the truth that I am, indeed, a mother of many and I recommend it to anyone with three kids or more.
Watching
I would be embarrassed to own up to the number of shows sitting on my DVR right now, so I won't. I did manage the last 30 minutes of the last Jon and Kate Plus 8 and the latest Duggar adventures. I feel sad for Jon, no really, I do. He is throwing away happiness with both hands (as they said in Gone With the Wind) and he doesn't even realize it. I got teary-eyed when I heard Kate talk about the driver's seat. And while being on the show may factor in, I think Jon has a lot of nerve suggesting ALL of his kids' behaviors are the fault of the show. I'm sure they have nothing to do with Dad moving out, living the swinging bachelor life in NYC, hooking up with a 22 year-old, AND saying he despises their mother on national TV.
On a slightly related note, I am more of a Kate than a Michelle Duggar when it comes to dealing with my husband. And yet...as much as I hate the idea of being absolutely submissive to one's spouse, she seems really happy and so does her husband. It's something I've been thinking about a lot lately. (Amusingly, I typed this just as my husband just came in and informed me that were out of a kitchen staple that should still be in the refrigerator had someone not used it all up without permission. Oh well...)
I also caught this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Someday, I will see it live. Until then, I would just like to thank its organizers for including the Muppets, Jimmy Fallon, AND Cyndi Lauper all in one show. And now that I've seen the parade, the holidays can begin...
At the Movies
New Moon-
Even the opening credits let me know that this was a better quality film than the first one. I didn't have to laugh at the cheesiness NEAR as much this time, nor did I cringe in embarrassment for the actors at all. I definitely like the series better with more Jacob and less Edward. There was one change to the book that I could have lived without, but two other changes that I definitely thought worked better for the storyline. I took Natalie with me this time. She is insistent on reading Eclipse now, and given the way that she mocked Bella and how she gets when Edward is around; I just might have to let her do it. Natalie doesn't like to see movies without reading to book first though, and since the movie doesn't come out until June, I still have more time to think about it. My worry has always been that she will think an Edward/Bella lovefest is THE relationship standard because I did at her age even without those books to guide me and it made for a very unpleasant experience for me the first time I had a serious boyfriend. (Then again, my generation read Flowers in the Attic, so who am I to worry about what's in the Twilight books?) But while Natalie looks like me, it's becoming very clear that her thinking is very different from mine. And if she is able to see the books as nothing more than an enjoyable diversion (like her mom does), then I will let her move forward in the series. I guess...I mean, a human girl who can't have sex with her vampire boyfriend does seem a lot less harmful than all the incest and other ickiness my girlfriends and I absorbed from the V.C. Andrew's books when we were her age, right?
Out and About
How is it that I keep going to Tulsa to see family and keep missing out on a quick trip to Whole Foods Market? Annoying! I know I won't love the place as much as Trader Joe's, but it's my only option outside of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or St. Louis. We do have an organic grocery store here in town, but it is very small and prices its items accordingly. I want to see a bigger store with (supposedly) more competitive prices.
Otherwise all was well with both families and it was nice to visit both the Gregg and Lawson sides this year. Dave's favorite aunt, her granddaughter (a cousin) and his sister and her family were all here. My father-in-law even put up a picture of my kids in honor of the occasion. (Can I tell you how much it hurts to go over there and not see one? It was a nice change.) Here's hoping it stays up when Aunt P goes back to Florida at the end of the week.
So basically, good food, lots of family, a day with Natalie and my friends, and no morning routine for three days last week make me a very happy mom who has to get back into her routine tomorrow. I hope everyone else had as good a week as I did!
A Sane Woman's Guide to Raising a Large Family by Mary Ostyn-
This was written by a very popular blogger who is also a mother of ten. I splurged when ordering family Christmas presents from Amazon.com and added this for myself. I felt a little guilty for spending on me when there are gifts to buy, but let's face it: no one was going to buy it for me, and it isn't at our local library. I haven't finished reading it yet, but I already know that I love this book. It isn't so much a 'how to' as it is a 'you already are,' but the affirmation is nice. I don't have the book handy at the moment, but there is a good quote in there about not letting the greeter at Wal-Mart's opinion on your family size determine your own feelings about it. And I can definitely agree with that. I also wonder if she's ever shopped at our Wal-Mart. Anyway, her book is really helping me embrace the truth that I am, indeed, a mother of many and I recommend it to anyone with three kids or more.
Watching
I would be embarrassed to own up to the number of shows sitting on my DVR right now, so I won't. I did manage the last 30 minutes of the last Jon and Kate Plus 8 and the latest Duggar adventures. I feel sad for Jon, no really, I do. He is throwing away happiness with both hands (as they said in Gone With the Wind) and he doesn't even realize it. I got teary-eyed when I heard Kate talk about the driver's seat. And while being on the show may factor in, I think Jon has a lot of nerve suggesting ALL of his kids' behaviors are the fault of the show. I'm sure they have nothing to do with Dad moving out, living the swinging bachelor life in NYC, hooking up with a 22 year-old, AND saying he despises their mother on national TV.
On a slightly related note, I am more of a Kate than a Michelle Duggar when it comes to dealing with my husband. And yet...as much as I hate the idea of being absolutely submissive to one's spouse, she seems really happy and so does her husband. It's something I've been thinking about a lot lately. (Amusingly, I typed this just as my husband just came in and informed me that were out of a kitchen staple that should still be in the refrigerator had someone not used it all up without permission. Oh well...)
I also caught this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Someday, I will see it live. Until then, I would just like to thank its organizers for including the Muppets, Jimmy Fallon, AND Cyndi Lauper all in one show. And now that I've seen the parade, the holidays can begin...
At the Movies
New Moon-
Even the opening credits let me know that this was a better quality film than the first one. I didn't have to laugh at the cheesiness NEAR as much this time, nor did I cringe in embarrassment for the actors at all. I definitely like the series better with more Jacob and less Edward. There was one change to the book that I could have lived without, but two other changes that I definitely thought worked better for the storyline. I took Natalie with me this time. She is insistent on reading Eclipse now, and given the way that she mocked Bella and how she gets when Edward is around; I just might have to let her do it. Natalie doesn't like to see movies without reading to book first though, and since the movie doesn't come out until June, I still have more time to think about it. My worry has always been that she will think an Edward/Bella lovefest is THE relationship standard because I did at her age even without those books to guide me and it made for a very unpleasant experience for me the first time I had a serious boyfriend. (Then again, my generation read Flowers in the Attic, so who am I to worry about what's in the Twilight books?) But while Natalie looks like me, it's becoming very clear that her thinking is very different from mine. And if she is able to see the books as nothing more than an enjoyable diversion (like her mom does), then I will let her move forward in the series. I guess...I mean, a human girl who can't have sex with her vampire boyfriend does seem a lot less harmful than all the incest and other ickiness my girlfriends and I absorbed from the V.C. Andrew's books when we were her age, right?
Out and About
How is it that I keep going to Tulsa to see family and keep missing out on a quick trip to Whole Foods Market? Annoying! I know I won't love the place as much as Trader Joe's, but it's my only option outside of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, or St. Louis. We do have an organic grocery store here in town, but it is very small and prices its items accordingly. I want to see a bigger store with (supposedly) more competitive prices.
Otherwise all was well with both families and it was nice to visit both the Gregg and Lawson sides this year. Dave's favorite aunt, her granddaughter (a cousin) and his sister and her family were all here. My father-in-law even put up a picture of my kids in honor of the occasion. (Can I tell you how much it hurts to go over there and not see one? It was a nice change.) Here's hoping it stays up when Aunt P goes back to Florida at the end of the week.
So basically, good food, lots of family, a day with Natalie and my friends, and no morning routine for three days last week make me a very happy mom who has to get back into her routine tomorrow. I hope everyone else had as good a week as I did!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
With Props to Ms. Devine
When I was in the 10th grade, I took Advances American History with one of the best teachers I ever had in public school. Her lessons were creative and enlightening and often fun. She is one of the inspirations I cite immediately when people ask why I am so good at dealing with teenagers. Anyway, one of the units we covered was Labor Unions (and for a 37 year-old to still remember her Sophomore history class this vividly should stand as an example of how wonderful this particular teacher was). We started with Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, continued through various accounts of the Triangle Factory fire, managed to tie in a field trip to Norman High's fall production of The Wizard of Oz because we had studied the book's allegorical themes of cooperation between farmers and labor union workers (as the author originally intended it) and we ended it with an edited viewing of Sally Field's first Oscar winning role, Norma Rae. There is an exchange in the movie between Norma and her family pastor that's always stayed close to my heart. I've always been able to recall it pretty closely to word-for-word, and it's been running through my mind a lot this past week. So, I thought I would share it here:
Norma Rae: How long I been comin' to this church, Reverend?
Reverand: Since you were a little girl.
Norma Rae: That's right. I accepted Christ when I was six years old, didn't I? Well, would you call me a good Christian?
Reverand: With a lapse or two, I'd say so.
Norma Rae: "With a lapse or two."...Would you call yourself a good Christian?
Reverand: That's for the Lord to say.
Norma Rae: I want this church for a unión meetin' next. Saturday. Blacks and whites sittin' together.
Reverand: This is a house of God.
Norma Rae: I'm waitin' to see whether it is or it isn't.
Reverand: You're comin' mighty close to blasphemy.
Norma Rae: I've come here and said I sinned and I'm sorry, and I asked for God to forgive me. I wanna see what this church stands for. I wanna see if you'll stand up and say there oughta be justice, a unión, and if you're smitten, rise and the Lord'll be on your side. And if you don't, then I say there ain't nothin' good for me in that church, and I'm gonna leave it flat.
Reverand: We're gonna miss your voice in the choir, Norma.
Norma Rae: You're gonna hear it raised up someplace else.
(Though, strictly speaking, I guess I have to side with the Reverand since you know how I feel about mixing church and politics. Still this has always touched me. And you know what the Reverand's real reasons were for denying her use of the building anyway.)
Then yesterday while driving home and listening to yet more Harry Potter, Hagrid gave me this gem:
" 'Never be ashamed,' my ol' dad used ter say, 'there's some who'll hold it against you, but they're not worth botherin' with.' An' he was right."
~Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire p. 456
Isn't it nice when I can't come up with my own posts, Hollywood and J.K. Rowling have stepped up to the plate for me so beautifully? I think so too. :)
Norma Rae: How long I been comin' to this church, Reverend?
Reverand: Since you were a little girl.
Norma Rae: That's right. I accepted Christ when I was six years old, didn't I? Well, would you call me a good Christian?
Reverand: With a lapse or two, I'd say so.
Norma Rae: "With a lapse or two."...Would you call yourself a good Christian?
Reverand: That's for the Lord to say.
Norma Rae: I want this church for a unión meetin' next. Saturday. Blacks and whites sittin' together.
Reverand: This is a house of God.
Norma Rae: I'm waitin' to see whether it is or it isn't.
Reverand: You're comin' mighty close to blasphemy.
Norma Rae: I've come here and said I sinned and I'm sorry, and I asked for God to forgive me. I wanna see what this church stands for. I wanna see if you'll stand up and say there oughta be justice, a unión, and if you're smitten, rise and the Lord'll be on your side. And if you don't, then I say there ain't nothin' good for me in that church, and I'm gonna leave it flat.
Reverand: We're gonna miss your voice in the choir, Norma.
Norma Rae: You're gonna hear it raised up someplace else.
(Though, strictly speaking, I guess I have to side with the Reverand since you know how I feel about mixing church and politics. Still this has always touched me. And you know what the Reverand's real reasons were for denying her use of the building anyway.)
Then yesterday while driving home and listening to yet more Harry Potter, Hagrid gave me this gem:
" 'Never be ashamed,' my ol' dad used ter say, 'there's some who'll hold it against you, but they're not worth botherin' with.' An' he was right."
~Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire p. 456
Isn't it nice when I can't come up with my own posts, Hollywood and J.K. Rowling have stepped up to the plate for me so beautifully? I think so too. :)
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