madameblogalot

Murder at the Margin: This novel is required reading for my son’s economics course next semester. It was an easy read with a style similar to that of maybe Agatha Christie. It is a way to introduce basic economic ideas and vocabulary in an easy to read and understand way. While this is not an outstanding text I will rate it as a HIT.

Catch Me if You Can: Ever since seeing the movie a few months a go, I’ve wanted to read the book. I find the book as intriguing as the movie, if not more so. I still can’t imagine an older teenager pulling off all the stuff Frank Agabnale Jr. did. I enjoyed the book, finishing it in only a few days. While what Abagnale did is wrong, his story is intriguing and I found the book to be a HIT.

The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe: This first installment of the movie series was on television. While we have the video, I went ahead and watched the tv airing. I ended up enjoying the show and am happy they stuck pretty close to the book with the movie. When my husband said “You really like this, don’t you,” I knew I better list it as a HIT.

The Chronicles of Narnia, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: I was a little hesitant about seeing this third installment of the series since they did not stay as close to the book in the second film. This third film seems to be even farther from the book than the others. However, as a Hollywood movie, the story stayed “good enough” and I was glad they left some of the most important ideas in it. We enjoyed it and I will go ahead and list it as a HIT (though be lenient if you love the books!)

Christmas Trio: Seeing this production of three Christmas stories at the community college theater was a treat. While nothing spectacular, I would still give it a HIT.

Christmas With the Kranks: Based on the book “Skipping Christmas” this film is a lot more goofy. It was an all right movie to watch the week before Christmas, but I would rate it as neither a HIT or MISS, being a near MISS.

Chaplin: This show features lots of well known actors portraying some well known actors. The story was interesting enough for those who like biographical portrayals. I thought Robert Downey Jr. did a pretty good job as Chaplin. I was very surprised though at the nudity portrayed in this 1992 PG-13 rated movie. I can’t decide if this one was a HIT or MISS for me.

The Lost World: I was intrigued to read the “original Jurassic Park”. While I am not really a dinosaur fanatic I found this adventure to be fun enough to be mostly a HIT. Now I just want to read Jurassic Park and go back and watch the movie too (doesn’t seem like the movie was at all like this original novel.)

Our family enjoyed skiing in Montana over the Christmas break. Except for our daughter’s incident I think we made some good memories. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. The people were friendly and it was not crowded like skiing in Colorado. We enjoyed our time and would go back again (wearing helmets to ski of course!)

I am wanting to post some of the pictures we got. I am no “Montucky” but I think I got some good shots of Bridger Bowl and the surrounding area. Unfortunately I can’t seem to post the photos here and my flickr account is nearly full…so I will try posting them on my other blogs. For now, you can see a few of them here.

Today’s video from Bridger Bowl ski area, Bozeman, Montana. We heard skiing in Montana is great! Can’t wait to find out for ourselves!

I had forgotten about this song (my sister had the record when we were little) but just heard the end of it on the radio. I wanted to share it with my nephews and found this video to go along with the song! Hope you enjoy this fun Christmas song!

Many folks are looking for ways to give back this year rather than focusing on getting. I heard a blogging mom asking for ideas. Here are just a few that I thought of:

*volunteer-there are many ways to volunteer throughout the Christmas season. Many places allow families along with kids, or groups of teens.

*serve-at a soup kitchen or community holiday dinner

*focus on traditions-keep family traditions important, be sure to pass along the meaning, how it started, etc; and/or start a new tradtion

*focus on faith-remembering Jesus at this time of year really puts things in perspective (see her Jesse Tree idea)

*find a cause-whether it be an Angel Tree or shoebox project or baking for the neighbors, find someone to honor and give to

*take candy canes to a nursing home; sing Christmas carols to the residents

*take goodies to the fire station or police station

There are so many other ways that folks have found to reach out to others. I heard about a neighborhood who all decorate their houses and then host a night selling cocoa and cookies to those out strolling to look at the lights. All proceeds went to a charitable cause. At this time of year, with so much getting, it’s the perfect time to step back and refocus and teach our kids (and remind ourselves) about the importance of giving.