Friday Funnies

At one of the recent free summer movies, we caught this preview for another funny edition of one of our favorite movies. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did...and hope you're enjoying a fun Friday!

Falling Slowly...

It's no surprise that these singers got an Oscar for this song. The way they sing it and the words...so very touching, very poignant, very inspiring.

From the movie Once...

Falling Slowly

I don't know you
But I want you
All the more for that
Words fall through me
And always fool me
And I can't react
And games that never amount
To more than they're meant
Will play themselves out

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You'll make it now

Falling slowly, eyes that know me
And I can't go back
Moods that take me and erase me
And I'm painted black
You have suffered enough
And warred with yourself
It's time that you won

Take this sinking boat and point it home
We've still got time
Raise your hopeful voice you have a choice
You've made it now

Falling slowly sing your melody
I'll sing it loud

~Glen Hansard

Once...

For Valentine's Day, I gave Stuart a CD of romantic songs that I found at our local Starbucks. It was supposed to be a "together" gift that I would play for the first time while we drank coffee together, romantically pouring it from our new French press pot.....

Okay. Okay.

*Pop!*

Three kids later -- especially one toddler -- and that isn't quite how it happened.

But that's not a problem.

We've still enjoyed the coffee pot and the music, though I have to admit, I've probably listened to it more with the kids than with him.

It's an interesting and eclectic mix of songs; some that I knew and some I'd never heard of...and, honestly, had they not been on the CD, probably never would have. Yet, I feel so much richer now from hearing them.

Make sense?

That's how music is for me. Much like a journey. I hear something and it makes me curious about it, and that leads me to another something, and I read about that and so on.

So...long story short...that led me down the path to a song called "Falling Slowly."

You know how every now and again you hear a song and it haunts you? Sticks in your soul so much that you find yourself humming it?

Yeah? Me, too! That was this song.

Emily and I got curious about it so we looked in the little leaflet that came with the CD to read more about it.

And that path led me to an indie movie called Once, the story about of two lonely people who love music....

Here's the trailer, which also includes part of the song:



It was one of the most fantastical movies we've seen in a long time.

A true love story.

And one that will keep you smiling for quite some time.

Moving and Musing Towards Our B'day

Monday, Monday. Can't trust that day...

So true sometimes. Except this week it's the FIRST Monday in October! Yay!!

October!!!

That's our -- a.k.a. Emily and me -- "Birthday Month," for all of those new to the blog...or old and forgetful. *wink-grin*

The photo is one from Emily's 2nd birthday and my...hmm, not sure which number...29 and holding maybe? I put it on my desk pc as the background. Isn't Emily's expression adorable? That was the year we began singing to each other, "Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to uuuuh-usssss! Happy birthday to you!"

So busy day...busy-ish week...and all that after a bit of a busy weekend.

Edward's team lost again on Saturday. 3-2. BUT....BUT!!!! Our little soccer "star" got a GOAL! He kicked it in the goal but thought he missed so he turned to get back in position, and the fans went WILD!! Well, mostly his family, but we did get kind of loud...and the baby cried. Oops. It was actually a really fun game to watch since all the kids on both teams did a really good job. Needless to say, we had lots of ice cream after that game.

Emily just confirmed that she gets to dance as a soldier in the Nutcracker again this year. There was some doubt as to whether or not she'd even get to be in it this year since she's not in the Company yet...and she's too tall to be an angel. But her teacher told her that they'd definitely need her as a soldier again this year. We were pleased. Emily told us she likes doing the Nutcracker more than even doing her recital. Plus, it's become somewhat of a tradition in our family. We look forward to it, too.

My dad will celebrate his 70th birthday this coming Friday. Pretty special...like him!

Just over 3 months -- count 'em -- THREE months until Season 8 of 24 starts. We're a little bummed that Emily has dance class on Mondays from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. I suggested that Stuart could take her out 10 minutes early each week so that we can enjoy 24 together at 9 p.m. But I guess we'll tape it and watch it at 10 instead. Sigh. Still, it's exciting that it'll be back!! Yay! We had a "TMHB" (Teachers' Mental Health Break) last Friday and enjoyed two excellent movies: Amazing Grace and 17 Again. Both were very enjoyable, and I highly recommend them to you if you haven't had the pleasure of viewing them yet. The first, especially, was powerful and thought-provoking...and very moving.

Stuart and I have our "Monday Movie Night" again tonight. We're watching Management. It looks funny, and I'll let you know what we think of it next Monday. We're also renting Monsters vs. Aliens. We saw it in the theatre...but it'll be fun to see it again with the kids.

Tomorrow night, we have our October "Halloween" 4-H meeting. The kids are dressing up their rabbits and guinea pigs, and they'll have candy and snacks and a toilet paper game. It should be lots of fun.

I'm sure there's lots more that I wanted to write about in today's blog post...but my mind is going blank as it's already going to sleep. So I'll end here and bid you a fond farewell until next week.

More Muggy Monday Musings

And then there was one...

One Monday left in July that is.

Happy Monday! The final one in July. Next week is August... already.

And it's a muggy Monday, that's for sure. I think traditional Summer finally decided to arrive. (And I, for one, would not have been disappointed had it decided to stay away this year.) Sigh.

We've had lots of thunderstorms lately...so the gardens are filling with lots of weeds. Ugh. I guess it's time to spend some quality time in the flowerbeds.

The kids chose to make some homemade gifts for Ethan, and Edward finally got the chance to finish his: a fringe-edged (Is that even a word? It is now.) blanket. Emily had started hers -- a mini scrapbook -- before he was born last year and has already enjoyed sharing it with him. He "thanked" -- rewarded -- both of them with plenty of happiness at their thoughtfulness.

Speaking of Ethan... The kid is ready to take off...literally. He has been sneaking unassisted steps here and there, and today he took three steps from me to the table. It was like "look, Mom, no hands." Egads. I'm definitely not ready for that stage just yet. Neither of my older two were climbers...and I'm very worried that once he gets his sturdy legs running this guy might be different. But he's growing and changing and chatting up a storm now so there's no holding him back. It's really exciting and fun to watch. Well, from his siblings' point-of-view anyway....my mommy-view is having to quell alarms that keep going off in my head as I remember the older two...

August is ramping up with activities. Our church is holding an "adventure camp" the same week as the Reading Fair...so the kids will be pretty busy that week, I think. Then Emily has another visit to the spine doctor in Wilmington, Delaware, just to check on her scoliosis. She's grown over 5 inches since last October, so we're hoping nothing has changed too much. We also have our annual 4-H club picnic, which comes in the form of a night swimming party.

Stuart and I will resume our "Monday Movie Night" tonight with a selection from the library again. I think we might watch the newest Indiana Jones movie though he's already seen that so we'll see. I have to remind myself of the joys of borrowing movies for free from our local library. In our effort to save money, we sometimes forget that you can't get much cheaper than free. *wink-grin* My laundry folding time has found me just finished with Season 1 of 24 again, and now I'm rewatching Season 7. It's fun to see the huge changes in the main character, Jack. I can't wait for Season 8!

Speaking of shows... Stuart introduced me to a fantastic new show on the Syfy channel called Warehouse 13. It's awesome. Check it out online for free. We watched all three episodes and now we have to wait until later in the week for the next new one. Sigh.

Still, good things come to those who wait.

Until next Monday...ciao!

Friday Funnies

We took the kids to see Monsters vs. Aliens and enjoyed it immensely. It was full of lots of funny moments, and I found these two on YouTube for your "Friday Funnies" pleasure.

Enjoy! And if you get a chance, check out this movie...especially in 3D!

You Know You're...

You know you're...stupid when you go to see a particular horror movie -- your least favorite type of movie -- knowing that you wouldn't have even known about it if your favorite actor wasn't starring in it.

You know you're...manic when you go to see this movie three weeks before you're due to give birth to your third child.

You know you're...crazy when you go to see it a second time, especially when you aren't a fan of any kind for this particular film genre.

You know you're...silly when said-movie -- in which you should know all the surprising moments, having already previewed them once -- still makes you jump high enough to throw your popcorn.

You now you're...nuts when you come home afterwards and look into all the mirrors just to prove that you aren't afraid of them.

You know you're...even crazier when you buy the soundtrack to said-movie, so that you can "relive" all those terrorizing moments through music.

You know you're...loved when your hubby and one of your dearest friends go to see this movie with you, even though neither one is a fan of this particular film genre either.

Thanks, Stuart and Angel!!!

Mirrored Monday Musings

Happy Monday to you! Only one more Monday in August. Wow!!

School begins next Monday...already. We're starting a week earlier than usual so as to get a jump on our lessons...that way, Leechie's arrival won't interrupt our studies too much. *grin* That's the theory anyway.

Speaking of Leechie's arrival... Only 25 days to go. Well, 25 until the due date. That's not necessarily Leechie's day of arrival. I'm just about in the the "any day" range now. But I think we're ready-ish. I found most of the infant gowns/sleepers that I used with my first two. I've washed them and found that some survived 7 years of storage and other didn't. (Click here to go to a site with some very good video suggestions for stain removal.) Oh, well. The baby will have plenty to wear -- thanks to some very dear people in our lives!! And it's usually warm in September... It's been very strange to fold such tiny clothing again. I feel like I'm folding Emily's doll's clothes.

Stuart and I got to see Mirrors (locally -- hooray!!) this past Friday, and I surprised myself by actually enjoying it. This does not in any way make me a horror movie fan. I'm sure I wouldn't have even been interested in this film had Kiefer Sutherland not been starring in it. But I'm glad I saw it since it had a great storyline and a very interesting twist at the end...plus, it was very well done.

Stuart finished painting the side of our "shed" that needed to be done to bring our house "back into code." We just signed a contract with a professional painter to get the eaves/gutters done some time in the next week. The church group decided it was just too high to risk helping us...and we agreed. (It had worried us.) It'll mean tightening our financial belts yet again, but we know that God will provide. And it will be exciting to see the house looking really nice again. We just wish the timing could have been a bit different... *wink*

Emily had her 4-H Rabbit/Cavy Club picnic this past Saturday. We enjoyed it despite the fact that not many members came this year. The weather was perfect, and there was plenty to eat and a pool to swim in. Plus, the hostess took the kids for a carriage ride. That's always a treat!

Speaking of weather... We've been enjoying some unseasonably cooler summer days, allowing us to turn off the A/C and open the windows. Yippee!! Never a bad thing to save a few dollars on electricity, right? Especially after reading the sensationalized headline about electricity rates skyrocketing to the moon in yesterday's newspaper. Ugh. Plus, opening the windows allows the house (and us) to get some fresh air.

We've also been battling some fleas. I think we're beginning to get ahead of these [insert mild naughty word here] bugs, but it does cause us to feel a bit paranoid every time we get a little itch somewhere on our bodies. As much as we're the "big people" of the house -- you know, the ones who aren't supposed to be afraid of anything -- neither Stuart nor I likes bugs. I think we could easily become like the two men in the movie Mousehunt...check out the trailer to refresh your memory.



With my impending delivery of Leechie, the kids have been pretending to be a married couple having a baby. I overheard Edward announcing to Emily this morning that her baby is a boy. She squealed with delight, and they both laughed happily. Hmm... My memories of childbirth -- while somewhat distant -- are coming back very vividly (funny how that happens in the last month, huh?)...and I can't remember many moments where I "squealed with delight" or "laughed happily"...though I recall being very, very pleased/relieved at the end to finally meet the little person who'd been "hitching a ride with free drive-thru" for the previous 9 months.

Perspective is a funny thing, huh?

Memorial Day Monday Musings

Happy Monday to you! And Happy Memorial Day!

I hope you've enjoyed your three-day weekend!

Our Saturday was spent outside, doing some much needed yardwork. I cannot believe how jungle-like the yard had become! We did some weeding, some trimming, and some mulching. It's amazing how a couple of hours of work brought some tameness to it all. Unfortunately, I paid for it later on with my allergies...but that will change soon enough.

We had a lovely anniversary -- beautiful weather especially -- and are so grateful for all the anniversary wishes!! Thank you!

It was a fairly relaxed day. After church and lunch at Pizza Hut with the kids, we enjoyed time alone at Barnes & Noble and Target, followed by dinner at Red Lobster...and later in the evening, the movie P. S. I Love You. I won't say any more about that picture than "Wooof!" Excellent movie!! Box of tissues mandatory.

A BIG thank you to all the service men and women -- including my hubby and my father -- who have given of their time and energy to keep our country and our world safe! That's the point of this holiday, right?

You know how there are things in life you never expect to hear out loud? Ever? Heard this weekend from our 10-year-old daughter: "Daddy, I was playing with my brain, and it got stuck on the ceiling. Could you please help me get it down?" Head-scratching, I know...until I explain that Emily received a sticky, rubber "brain" novelty gift from Stuart's company when she went in for "Take Your Child to Work" day. Makes more sense like that, right? *grin*

We watched the old show Make Room for Daddy with the kids for our weekly dinner-and-a-movie night. It's been fun introducing them to the old movies and shows and seeing how much they enjoy them. This particular DVD even had the original 1955 commercials for Pall Mall cigarettes and Dodge cars. Hmm.... We had some discussion about how the tobacco and advertising industries glamorized cigarette use in the days before they realized how bad they really were for everyone.

A brain teaser for you from our Page-a-Day Mensa calendar:

You look at the time and realize that if it were two hours earlier, it would be three times as long before midnight as it would be two hours from now.

What time is it now?

We're off to "picnic" at my sister's house.

Memories, Mumus, and Musings on Monday

Happy Easter Monday!

I hope you enjoyed a blessed Easter weekend...and didn't gorge on too many marshmallow bunnies or Cadbury eggs. *wink*

We had a good time sharing dinner with my family at my parents' house. Stuart and I made the cole slaw. We often are in charge of making that since Stuart has a severe carrot allergy, and we can make it sans carrots, unlike all the store-bought brands.

Now it's back to real life.

School started again today, and I'm pleased to say that the week off didn't hurt the kids in their studies. Both buckled down and finished all their work by noon. I decided to hold out a "carrot" of sorts to Emily to keep her focused. This "carrot" came in the form of stickers and a piece of candy. Hmm...amazing how a little piece of sugary goodness and some brightly-colored sticky pictures help immensely...but, hey, I'm not complaining. She struggles with staying focused, and if this works -- ALL the better!

We lost a very dear older friend on Good Friday. She was my "auntie" while we lived in England and taught me all sorts of stuff about English foods and customs. We had our first "high tea" at her house over the Christmas holidays -- our first away from family -- and shared many a "roasted meal" with her and her husband after church. We hadn't seen them since Emily was a baby since they moved up to Scotland to be closer to children...but they were always close in heart. And they will forever remain my English auntie and uncle.

Stuart and I were discussing "mumus" the other night. I was telling him about how when my mom was a girl she made them with some friends at a sleepover. Stuart didn't even know what they were exactly. I wondered from whence they originally came. So we turned to handy-dandy Wikipedia.com for some answers. Turns out the "mu'umu'u" originated in Hawaii. To learn more, click here. Always nice to learn something new.

Heard from the 7-year-old: "The most best foods of summer are Popsicles, lemonade, watermelon, and ice cream." All the best food in life comes loaded with sweetness, right?

Kids say the darnedest, huh?

My friend Angel's 4-year-old C'sa watched me take off my coat last week when we got together to have donuts. "I was wondering what you were wearing," she said matter-of-factly. I loved that my clothing choice for the day interested her. And I think she approved since we were both wearing stripes. *wink* Watch for this girl to be in charge of a fashion runway at some point in the future.

Photo art courtesy of BennyBlog. THANKS!

I don't know if I mentioned that Kiefer Sutherland's latest flick, Mirrors, now has an official release date. Did I say that the movie Mirrors has a release date? I think they finally announced a release date for the Mirrors movie.... Think I'm a little excited?? August 15th is the day that the movie will hit theatres. We have a new IMAX theatre going in nearby...wonder what this horror movie would be like in that sort of theatre...

I'll forgo my usual "5 Things to Be Happy About" list so that I can actually get this posted on Monday.

Enjoy your last full week of March.

Motoring Monday Musings

Okay. Okay. It's a bit of a stretch with the alliteration in the title this morning...but it was the best synonym I could find for "travelling" that started with an "M." *smile*

And, no, we're not going on any roadtrips at the moment. *sigh*

Happy Columbus Day! And Happy Monday!

Brand new week, starting with a day off from school. Yee-haw! Doesn't get much better than that, huh?

I changed my profile photo. I loved the beachy one of me with the kids, but it was rather grainy when you enlarged it. And I thought it might be time for a change.

The new video is in memory of our birthday trip to New York City last October, when we happened into the World Trade Center train station. Haunting time...moving video...great artist.

Only one week until Emily and I share our big day. I'm still reeling over the thought of my daughter entering the "double digits," but I guess I'll get used to it in time. She's excited and worried at the same time. She often mourns the changing of her age. I guess she inherited that from me...

Stuart and I went on a date (THANKS, Mom and Dad!) this past Saturday night to see Feast of Love, a movie I'd read some good things about and that had a Rocco Deluca song called "Dillon" in it (six degrees of separation). It had a terrific storyline -- we both ended up with something in our eyes that made them water (stupid movie!) -- and really made you think about the ones you love, but we never heard Rocco's song. Still, it was so nice to go out together and reconnect. The kids took Charlotte's Web to watch with my parents...*sniff*...'nuf said.

Still counting down until the new season of 24 -- a little more than 3 months -- and what I've read about it so far (no spoilers, I promise!!) sounds pretty exciting. No one is sure what will happen after Kiefer's sentencing next Tuesday (10/16). We're all hoping for the best...that Kiefer will learn from his mistake without it hurting the show's production schedule too much. Selfish, I know. There hasn't been much more in the news about it. I think he's put his nose to the grindstone work-wise and is keeping a low profile. If so, kudos to him for not letting it become a media circus...though next Tuesday is coming.

We got the above photo on a mailing from the Philadelphia Zoo. It shows the three baby tigers born last May, having their first view of the outside world. Aren't they adorable? The Philly Zoo has been extremely successful in breeding their tigers and preserving the species. It makes me glad that we are able to be members of such a place.

* * *

5 THINGS TO BE HAPPY ABOUT
• an English pub in the Cotswolds

• confectioners’ sugar

• listening to the radio

• postcards from vacationing friends

• a scientific breakthrough

* * *

One of the many joys of living in England -- in the shadow of the Cotswolds -- was the plethora of pubs available to enjoy.

I'm not a heavy drinker, in any stretch of the meaning, and some would argue that I'm not a drinker at all...unless it's coffee/tea/chocolate flavored.

But going to a pub isn't about drinking. At least it wasn't for me or my family when we lived there.

We enjoyed the atmosphere.

Many were still quite antiquated, having stopped changing during a time earlier last century. You walk in and feel like you've entered another time period.

And the food is fantastic -- very traditional English fare with great pricing to boot.

Definitely something to be happy about.

A "Winn"ing Movie

Don't you love it when you pull a movie off the shelf, thinking it might be a real "goody," and you're right? We caught an especially "goody" family one last night.

Because of Winn-Dixie.

When the film came out a few years ago, I bought the book to read and then share with Emily. I got about halfway through it and put it down, forgetting about it. Emily spotted it on my bookshelf and asked if she could read it. Since I hadn't finished it and I knew there was some sad content in the book, I hesitated. She had a hard time with anything sad in books. But then I gave in. She came down later on and lifted the book high in the air and told me how much she loved it.

So when we spotted the DVD on the shelf in the library I couldn't resist. I'd been eyeing it at the store but wasn't sure it was one I wanted to own. There's no doubt in me now. It's a true classic; one that I would like to own and watch again and again.

The message is so refreshingly positive and sweet. The little girl and her father move to a small town in Florida. She's very lonely but in no way depressed. She finds a dog and names him Winn-Dixie (for the store where she found him), and he helps her to make new friends all over the town....friends she might not have met without him. My favorite line: "I didn't find Winn-Dixie...he found me. He knew I needed him."

And it's so nice to see a respectful child character. She is so kind and caring about the older characters in the film, especially her father, and it works. It isn't cheesy or put on. It's genuine because she loves them. (Take that, Nickelodeon!)

It had all the elements a family film should have and left us laughing and crying at the same time.

A definite winner!

Queen's Brogue

5 THINGS TO BE HAPPY ABOUT
• standing on a secluded pier
• an Irish brogue
• a new lipstick
• sprawling in the chaise lounge
• not worrying about tomorrow

One of my favorite-most movies is River Queen, starring Samantha Morton, Kiefer Sutherland, and Cliff Curtis, among others.

Filmed and set in New Zealand, this movie has a "poignant and pithy" story filled with drama and action -- plus, it has a great soundtrack. Rumor has it that the director, Vincent Ward, was very exacting. He wanted the actors to have authentic Irish accents so they went for Irish brogue lessons, and all the men wore real beards. It all paid off because the acting is superb!

I found this video while perusing YouTube, and it gives a good overview of the movie. (You may need to let the whole movie load for better viewing.) The music is not from the movie.

Strip-teaser

Okay. Okay. This isn't quite as professional....but it is kind of hilarious funny. (I apologize to Kiefer in advance for a giggle or two at his expense.)

Ahem...yes.

The video speaks for itself. (Again, you might need to let the whole video load before viewing.)

Behind the Red Door

Another good one, featuring scenes from my favorite movie: Behind the Red Door. I cry everytime I see this movie....

Friday Funnies

Still a crazy-busy week here.

I had another post all ready to save to my blog, and it got deleted (grrrr!)...so it may take me a day or so to get it rewritten and re-posted.

Until then...

Enjoy a video using the song "Tubthumping" and scenes from one of my favorite funny-yet-poignant movies, Dead Heat, for the rainy first Friday in Spring!

Washington, D(a). C(ity).

So last week I'm perusing my usual favorite "24" sites, reading interesting tidbits on my favorite show and actor, and I come across a press release about another special screening of the rockumentary I Trust You to Kill Me with a Q & A with none other than Kiefer Sutherland, Manu Boyer, and Pliny Porter.

Oooo...ooooo!

This time it's in...Washington, D.C.!

A quick call to my parents to see if they're available for an overnight with the kids...another to my hubby to see if he's interested...and it's all organized.

Whoo-Hoo!! Road trip!!

Okay, okay. So we've already see the movie a few times (and now own the DVD). And we saw a Q & A about it in Atlanta last October. But this time the "cherry on top" was that Rocco Deluca and the Burden would be playing live after the Q & A.

It was all part of the closing ceremony of the D.C. Independent Film Festival held on the campus of the University of the District of Columbia outside Chevy Chase (who knew the actor took his name from this little suburb of Washington?), a suburb of D.C.

So we headed down after church and arrived about an hour and half early.

The tickets included a buffet of cheeses, meats, snacks, salads, and other goodies. After we finally got our seats, we watched the closing ceremonies of the film festival, including a cool video sampling of the films that were presented during the festival's 12 days. Then we watched the Rocco movie, and it was time for the Q & A.

Kiefer came out with the other two men, and everyone cheered. It's always so funny to see him in person since we watch "24" and expect him to be in L.A....where we last "left" him.

They answered lots of questions about the movie, about making movies, about becoming an actor or filmmaker. As an added bonus (to me especially!), Kiefer's longtime buddy and co-owner of Ironworks, Jude Cole, was there. (I desperately wanted his autograph and a photo with him, especially for the kids since we're all big fans, but, alas, not this time. He sat in a row across the aisle from us during the Rocco concert, but I didn't want to disturb him...or miss anything Rocco & co. were doing.)

Then Rocco came out with the band and played four songs. They were "phenomenal" (to borrow Kiefer's favorite adjective) as always. We left the auditorium feeling tired but exhilarated. And, of course, arrived home way past our "bedtime."

Still, it's always worth it! And we have tickets to see them in concert in Philadelphia next month.
Can't wait!

Q & A in Five (or so) Parts

The first 10 minutes or so of the Q & A. Sorry it's so small and shaky. I was using my little Kodak digital camera. Funny bits include how Manu managed to talk Kiefer into doing the movie, as well as how the Bunny joined the band...and more. Enjoy!

Finally Found...

Well, I finally found one of the the last Kiefer movies I hadn't seen...and I'm so glad I found it.

What's it called, you ask?

Paradise Found -- apropos, no? -- and it tells the story of Paul Gauguin, a French painter credited as the "father of post-impressionism."

Putting aside the fact that his art isn't my sort of taste, the movie is a masterpiece in and of itself. Visually beautiful, well thought out and acted, and haunting. It certainly made me want to know more about this artist.

Just the sort of film most critics pan....which is why I liked it, I guess.

Maybe I'll start a new category on my blog: "Films I Like -- Because the Critics Don't."

Welcome Break!

I spent Friday evening with a dear friend and fellow homeschooling mom (Aduladi'), having a very welcome, much-needed "mom-teacher" break. We decided to dig out some of the ol' favorites movie-wise and share them with each other.

So she brought one of her favorite Esai Morales movies, La Bamba, and I picked one of my favorite Kiefer Sutherland movies, Flatliners, and we sat with a table full of snacks and enjoyed some of our past with two of our favorite actors.

What's fun about watching older movies is the memories that they conjure up. Maybe they weren't the best movies in terms of production or continuity, but they have "history" in them. They encompass a certain time in our lives and perserve that in a big-screen form. The "remember-whens" and fashions and lingo of a time gone by. Sharing that with each other makes it even more poignant.

The movies ended, and we chatted on into the night. By the time my hubby got home from the "movie-night exchange" (he went to watch "guy" movies with her hubby), we didn't even realize the time was nearly 1 a.m. Amazingly, we didn't even feel tired.

Movies and memories....a much-needed and very-welcome break!

(Thanks, Angel!)