Hermi'nuetics

By the way, the family christian store is having another event for the young ones! It's Hermineutics; just kidding - really its, Hermie & Friends (the Max Lucado characters) Hailey & Bailey's Silly Fight Spectacular - Saturday, January 26 9-10 am. You can reserve your attendance online.

Where art I?

Where have I been all year? Well its been busy. The new boss at the office isn't me, so making adjustments to someone new to our department who has not been in the office a lot. With the youngest's school restarting, church commitment escalating, the spare time is sparse!

I've been mentioning the talent of son-in-law - so I'm finally displaying some. Here's the Christmas card graphics he did for their greetings this year. (I'm going to ignore the fact that he scoffed at my idea for a joint-venture - must be the Texas air.)

They have high ideals for their dog, Cali!

Then some time ago, I mentioned the water color he did on canvas for me ...

It's a signed original and graces our bedroom quite peacefully.

Well times up - I'll steal back again when I can.

a new veggie - FCS always has food for the young soul

The pirates make a showing at the theaters this coming 11th - those Veggietale rascals. The family christian stores always have children's programs with the likes of them and Hermie and Boz! This week was a premiere per se for the new Pirates Who Don't Do Anything Movie. The premiere reminisced through veggietale hit songs over the years and shared a few highlights of the movie. FCS always have games and giveaways too. The youngest answered the very first question and had his pick of all the prizes. Next event is expected to be a Hermie focus, probably by the end of the month.

Of course FCS is a quite expansive store with gifts and books and a variety of christian products with coupons, sales, and discounts - there are local stores and online shopping.

The Nativity Story - new Christmas family film night tradition

Ever wonder how Mary, Joseph felt - we had one of our family movie nights - the girls were with us - and we watched The Nativity, very worthwhile and profound. To be unexplicably pregnant with only natural conclusions for people to assume. To be betrothed to such a woman. In the Stoning Age. The story brings to you the wonderment of 3 wisemen, these two, and a journey, giving us a reflection on the parents of John the Baptist as well - but touching mostly upon the relationship of Mary and John's mom, her cousin. You are stuck plumb in the history of the event to realize what people God had chosen and prepared for such a time as this!

I recognize Elizabeth's portrayer from "24", X-Men: The Last Stand, and The Exorcism of Emily Rose. Shohreh Aghdashloo plays moms often -i.e. The Lake House, House of Sand and Fog; I like seeing the native of Tehran do well.

Precious lines from the movie between Mary and Joseph:

People will not look at you the same. They will not look at us the same.
You are my wife. I am your husband. That is all anyone need know.

It was an enjoyable family film night.

Mulling with Cider - Goodbye 2007; Happy 2008!

Goodbye 2007; Happy 2008!

Was going to Palm Springs - but as things go the high there will be about 66; not that much different than here and rain is imminent. So I am taking care of a few things and sitting down (looking 'round for a spider) with some cider to mull over the last few days :-)

The vacation time is waning away and I will return to work on the 8th. Have a few things to lock in school (yes, I picked one - will talk about that another time) - but have to write a 500 word paper among other things.

A wonderful animal story for children is Andre, the seal - if you like that genre I recommend it for renting. Today I watched the Miracle Dogs - and that is cute as well. I discovered that there is Miracle Dogs Too,

Watched Will Smith's I am Legend. That was intense. It talks about listening for God; here's an interesting review. While I didn't recall the whole story line, I vividly remember one Christmas going to see its predecessor, Charleton Heston's The Omega Man, with my father years ago. Richard Matheson's novel was also made as The Last Man on Earth.

Watched Louis Gossett Jr., a darling little girl, Penny Bae Bridges (she's related to Todd Bridges of Different Strokes fame), and the incomparable Gena Rowlands in a movie, The Color of Love: Jacey's Story, about mixed relations in the south. The youngest, watching it with me,was able to see what hatred does to people.

A site recommended couples watching and discussing relationship movies together and provided a list. Meanwhile, I happened across a Story of Us movie with Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfieffer about a couple entertaining ending their marriage - it was a scary concept and I could see familiar personality traits in it.

I have yet to watch Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, but I will. Dicken's Christmas Carol is the most remade Christmas movie ever. I saw one yesterday with lovely multi-talented Vanessa Williams playing a witchy diva who comes to her senses.

Our interim pastor, whose term is soon coming to an end as they begin a new pastorate in Wisconsin, and family is in Iowa attending a funeral for his wife's brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and the family. Church had a watch service this year - a good way to harken the new year. The veggie tale pirates break open a new movie so we are going to see a preview at Family Christian Store. On the tail end of a season of fasting and praying (try that during the holidays *L), the ladies have a brunch that Saturday as well. The annual superbowl fellowship is coming up too. There also is a couples Valentine retreat in the works down the road.

Had hoped to get out to see the Giant before the end of my vacation, but now plan to make that visit within the next 7 weeks while he's there; hoping to see my brother before vacation end too. Will be previewing a card graphic from the son-in-law - telling him we should do greeting cards together.