I took the little guy (he's not so little anymore) to the movies the other day. We were trying to decide between the only available kid friendly (?) movies, Nim's Island or Horton Hears a Who. We went with the latter.
I've come to a couple of conclusions.
1) Jim Carey usually plays Jim Carey.
My two middle daughters loved the "The Series of Unfortunate Events" books, but felt the movie was marred by the fact Jim Carey played Count Olaf not as Count Olaf, but as Jim Carey.
Horton suffers a little from this as well.
2) Dr. Seuss books make very nice 30 minute TV specials. Stretching them to an hour and a half is... well.. a stretch.
Nice parts:
The son and I both chuckled at Horton's Anime fantasy segment. No, you are not having a memory lapse. That sure WAS NOT in the book... but it was cute.
The Mayor of Whoville was delightful. This book character was fleshed out so much for the film, I'd say he was 'invented' by the team who did this movie. Steve Carrell did a wonderful job with this role. His son Jo Jo reminded me a bit of my youngest teen. This added story of the Mayor and his son was one part where the 'fleshing out' of the book worked very well. It was sweet.
The team from Ice Age who animated also did a wonderful job. Whoville was spectacular and very Seussish. The Whimsy in the Animation saved the movie. Loved Vlad the Vulture, Vlad the Bunny, and a few of the other minor characters added to the story.
Note for homeschoolers: There is a jab at homeschoolers in the movie. Sour Kangaroo wants to protect her child from evil things like Imagination, so she "Pouch Schools" her kid... and the kid breaks away from the oppressive parent at the end.
I couldn't really take offense to this, though. Sour Kangaroo seemed much more from the NEA than from any homeschool group I know. And Horton's "lessons" with the kids (he had some sort of teacherish role) early on was much more like a day in a homeschool than a day in a classroom.
I had a brief flashback to college, when a guy I was dating heard the Billy Joel anti-Catholic song "Only the Good Die Young." The boyfriend said, "that song is so true."
I said "Am I like that?"
He said "No."
I asked if another friend of ours, a religious Catholic, was like that. He said, "No."
I then asked if the crew from our Newman Center was like that. He paused, then said "Um.. No."
I asked if he knew any Catholics like that.
More silence. Followed by "Um.. No."
Actions speak louder than songs, or lines in a movie.
Overall, I'd give Horton a C+. Great animation, whimsy, and the wonderful line "A person's a person no matter how small."
That covers a multitude of silly filler.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Only in America....
Just watched the Pope touch down in D.C.
What hooting and hollering from the crowd! I loved it.
They all burst into "Happy Birthday" at one point.
Quite impressed that Bush went out to meet him.
Years ago I sat at Pope John Paul II's Mass, shortly after he was elected. Awesome experience.
One of my children was at an audience with Benedict, and another is going down to DC tomorrow.
It's cool to be Catholic. This is our Papa, and he's one of the good guys.
What hooting and hollering from the crowd! I loved it.
They all burst into "Happy Birthday" at one point.
Quite impressed that Bush went out to meet him.
Years ago I sat at Pope John Paul II's Mass, shortly after he was elected. Awesome experience.
One of my children was at an audience with Benedict, and another is going down to DC tomorrow.
It's cool to be Catholic. This is our Papa, and he's one of the good guys.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Taking a walk
Today my little guy and I took a walk. It's getting to be springtime here. Flowers are poking their heads up, trees are just beginning to blossom. Robins are all over the place, getting their nests ready.
How important walks are! I think my eldest and I learned more going on "nature walks" (even if all we saw were sparrows and ants) than we learned from any book.
There are always worksheets to do, and numbers to be tallied, and tests to be taken. They are all so much the same, and all so easily forgotten.
But the walks, we remember.
How important walks are! I think my eldest and I learned more going on "nature walks" (even if all we saw were sparrows and ants) than we learned from any book.
There are always worksheets to do, and numbers to be tallied, and tests to be taken. They are all so much the same, and all so easily forgotten.
But the walks, we remember.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Harry Potter, again
I was thinking about the Potter series today, and the Christian themes within it. I was thinking of the way ordered, and disordered love was portrayed. How refreshing it was to read a book where families were cherished, and a large family which put children ahead of "things" was heroic. Where young people fell in love, got married, and had children. This love led to life, even though it sometimes required great sacrifice, even the ultimate sacrifice.
And we had some great examples of disordered love, and the tragedy it leads to. Some of the people involved were not evil, some greatly repented (Snape, for example), but the disordered love led to death.
There are few books where this is so clearly illustrated. It's in the natural fabric of the story. It's not preached. It just IS.
And that's a good thing.
Then tonight, I clicked on Sean Daily's "The Blue Boar" blog and found this:
http://theblueboar.blogspot.com/2008/03/shes-right.html#links
Many of us Christians really have missed the mark on the Potter books, and that is a shame on many levels.
And we had some great examples of disordered love, and the tragedy it leads to. Some of the people involved were not evil, some greatly repented (Snape, for example), but the disordered love led to death.
There are few books where this is so clearly illustrated. It's in the natural fabric of the story. It's not preached. It just IS.
And that's a good thing.
Then tonight, I clicked on Sean Daily's "The Blue Boar" blog and found this:
http://theblueboar.blogspot.com/2008/03/shes-right.html#links
Many of us Christians really have missed the mark on the Potter books, and that is a shame on many levels.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A Blessed Easter
He is Risen
He is Risen, Indeed.
A Blessed and Holy Easter to all.
We usually go to the Vigil Mass. I love the Vigil Mass, the lighting of the fire, the spreading of the Light through the darkness, overcoming it.
The first time I risked taking young children to the Vigil Mass, I was quite surprised. My then three year old said "It was the most beautifulest thing" she ever saw.
This year, however, duty called. And not the duty to attend Mass. A child is sick, and crying, and up coughing and sniffing, unable to sleep due to a totally clogged head and cough. So Dad went to the vigil, and Mom stayed home. It's daytime Mass for me tomorrow.
The little guy was very upset when he found out I'd probably keep him home from Church tomorrow. I said "I know, it's Easter."
He said, "And not only that, it's SUNDAY!"
He is Risen, Indeed.
A Blessed and Holy Easter to all.
We usually go to the Vigil Mass. I love the Vigil Mass, the lighting of the fire, the spreading of the Light through the darkness, overcoming it.
The first time I risked taking young children to the Vigil Mass, I was quite surprised. My then three year old said "It was the most beautifulest thing" she ever saw.
This year, however, duty called. And not the duty to attend Mass. A child is sick, and crying, and up coughing and sniffing, unable to sleep due to a totally clogged head and cough. So Dad went to the vigil, and Mom stayed home. It's daytime Mass for me tomorrow.
The little guy was very upset when he found out I'd probably keep him home from Church tomorrow. I said "I know, it's Easter."
He said, "And not only that, it's SUNDAY!"
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Cough that won't Quit
The past few weeks have seen the cough that wouldn't quit (and it's related symptoms) make it's way through the Smith household. This virus is nasty, and can easily move to pneumonia.
If it's come your way, don't mess with it... see a doctor! Most people get over it in about three weeks, but I know of two who have died of pneumonia complications, and another who landed herself in the hospital for three days with it. It's easy to think "it's just a bug, I don't want to be a wuss" but please, please, see a doctor if your cough does not go away in a few days, or especially if it's accompanied by chest pains of any sort.
I've still got two battling it, including the husband who is allergic to doctors (but sick enough now he's going to go). But I think we're through the worst!
If it's come your way, don't mess with it... see a doctor! Most people get over it in about three weeks, but I know of two who have died of pneumonia complications, and another who landed herself in the hospital for three days with it. It's easy to think "it's just a bug, I don't want to be a wuss" but please, please, see a doctor if your cough does not go away in a few days, or especially if it's accompanied by chest pains of any sort.
I've still got two battling it, including the husband who is allergic to doctors (but sick enough now he's going to go). But I think we're through the worst!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Traditional Latin Mass, part two
I'm finding myself more and more drawn to the TLM. I still don't know when to sit, stand, or kneel (feeling somewhat as many protestants must feel on their first visit to a Catholic Mass, ordinary or extraordinary rite). I still am not quite sure which part the Priest is at... whenever I think I know a bell rings and I find I'm on the wrong page. But... but... there is something about it. Such a sense of awe and worship. It's wonderous.
And Mass is Mass... Christ offers himself, no matter the rite. But there is *something* about the Traditional Mass that really draws me.
And that surprises me. But each week I find myself going to the TLM.
And Mass is Mass... Christ offers himself, no matter the rite. But there is *something* about the Traditional Mass that really draws me.
And that surprises me. But each week I find myself going to the TLM.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Keep praying....
I'd ask you to continue to keep Mary (refered to in the Jan 20 entry) in your prayers. The devil is ticked off that she's choosing life, and she's getting trouble from almost every side. She continues to make great choices in the face of adversity. May she be surrounded by God's wonderful Grace, and may Our Lady of Lourdes pray for her!
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Rosary Cat, part two
Normally we say the Rosary upstairs. As soon as the cat (Regina) hears the beads, she comes in to join us.
But last night we said the Rosary downstairs, as a guest was over and joining us.
On cue, as the beads came out, Regina walked into the den. She was a bit put out, as 1) we were in the wrong spot, and 2) all the seats were taken. But she joined us, sitting in the middle of the room... at least until the Fourth Glorious Mystery.
She decided she MUST find a spot to pray. So on cue, just as we began the Assumption, Regina LEPT UP onto the back of the upholstered chair the guest was sitting in. Said Guest screamed as Regina flew airborne above her head. The Cat flew back down and tore out of the room...
I thought it was at least a visual aid for the mystery... the first part anyway, when she was on her way up.
After we were all settled and praying again, Regina came back in, eyes wide... but knowing she MUST be here for the Rosary. She finally decided that there was enough room on the couch next to me, and she sat there.
Once the Rosary ended, as usual, she got up and left.
And that was quite a lesson in perseverence in prayer!
But last night we said the Rosary downstairs, as a guest was over and joining us.
On cue, as the beads came out, Regina walked into the den. She was a bit put out, as 1) we were in the wrong spot, and 2) all the seats were taken. But she joined us, sitting in the middle of the room... at least until the Fourth Glorious Mystery.
She decided she MUST find a spot to pray. So on cue, just as we began the Assumption, Regina LEPT UP onto the back of the upholstered chair the guest was sitting in. Said Guest screamed as Regina flew airborne above her head. The Cat flew back down and tore out of the room...
I thought it was at least a visual aid for the mystery... the first part anyway, when she was on her way up.
After we were all settled and praying again, Regina came back in, eyes wide... but knowing she MUST be here for the Rosary. She finally decided that there was enough room on the couch next to me, and she sat there.
Once the Rosary ended, as usual, she got up and left.
And that was quite a lesson in perseverence in prayer!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Rosary Cat
Supposedly one thing that sets humans apart from animals is humans have religion, and animals do not.
Whoever came up with that idea, has not met my cat.
Every night, when we gather for the rosary, the cat calmly enters the room, finds a spot in the ring of people praying, and joins us. After the final ".. through the Mercy of God, rest in peace" she exits, as silently as she entered.
When I try to read the newspaper, she sits on it, obviously pointing out SHE is much more important than the newspaper and I ought to be attending to HER.
But with the rosary, she does not demand front and center. She just joins us, quietly, from the Sign of the Cross to the last Amen.
Animals know Who God is.
Whoever came up with that idea, has not met my cat.
Every night, when we gather for the rosary, the cat calmly enters the room, finds a spot in the ring of people praying, and joins us. After the final ".. through the Mercy of God, rest in peace" she exits, as silently as she entered.
When I try to read the newspaper, she sits on it, obviously pointing out SHE is much more important than the newspaper and I ought to be attending to HER.
But with the rosary, she does not demand front and center. She just joins us, quietly, from the Sign of the Cross to the last Amen.
Animals know Who God is.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Faith, Hope, Love, and Courage
"Discouragement is a tool of the devil" said Thomas Aquinas.
I think of that often. We often see big evils, but one of the most damaging attacks most of us get is the "soul eating bacteria" of discouragement. Satan always says "no, you can't. Don't bother"
I think that's one think I loved in the movie "The Passion". The 'attack' on Jesus in the Garden was one of discouragement. No wonder He needed his friends to be awake, to support him.
There is a young woman in my life right now, whom I will call "Mary". She is pregnant, and without a place to stay. She has family members who want her to abort. She has voices all around her, saying she cannot raise a child, it will not be right for the child, the child will suffer, she might as well abort, it would be kinder, because she CAN'T do this, she's messed up before, so she might as well give up now.
This young woman is facing the tearing of the discouraging chorus with great courage. She is determined to make a change, to do this right. But it is wearying her. I can see her near falling... though each time she's gotten up and continued to put one foot in front of the other.
Please pray for her. The attacks keep coming, from so many angles. We need to join together to support, and encourage, so she may have Grace and Courage.
Christ makes all things New. I know she CAN do this. I'm edified by her example right now. Please pray for her, and may she be so surrounded by God's Grace that the darts of the evil one, the darts of discouragement and even despair, will not be able to penetrate.
And remember to be there for others, when they need you, in prayer, in service, in love.
I think of that often. We often see big evils, but one of the most damaging attacks most of us get is the "soul eating bacteria" of discouragement. Satan always says "no, you can't. Don't bother"
I think that's one think I loved in the movie "The Passion". The 'attack' on Jesus in the Garden was one of discouragement. No wonder He needed his friends to be awake, to support him.
There is a young woman in my life right now, whom I will call "Mary". She is pregnant, and without a place to stay. She has family members who want her to abort. She has voices all around her, saying she cannot raise a child, it will not be right for the child, the child will suffer, she might as well abort, it would be kinder, because she CAN'T do this, she's messed up before, so she might as well give up now.
This young woman is facing the tearing of the discouraging chorus with great courage. She is determined to make a change, to do this right. But it is wearying her. I can see her near falling... though each time she's gotten up and continued to put one foot in front of the other.
Please pray for her. The attacks keep coming, from so many angles. We need to join together to support, and encourage, so she may have Grace and Courage.
Christ makes all things New. I know she CAN do this. I'm edified by her example right now. Please pray for her, and may she be so surrounded by God's Grace that the darts of the evil one, the darts of discouragement and even despair, will not be able to penetrate.
And remember to be there for others, when they need you, in prayer, in service, in love.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Things I've Learned Homeschooling- Part Five
Copywork.
My children are aweful spellers. ;) So am I! It took me a long time to find out the simple solution (other than making sure I have a good, updated "Spell Check" program on the computer).
Just like in the olden days, have them COPY.
I spent lotsa money on spelling programs. Lists? My kids would memorize the lists, get them all right on the test, and then proceed to misspell every other word they wrote in a letter, composition, or story.
I tried unspelling programs... write words with Chalk on the sidewalk. Use shaving cream on the bathroom walls. Spell in Jello.
It was a lot of fun. Did it help them to learn to spell? Perhaps they'd spell every word wrong, instead of every other word, if I hadn't used the jello.
Scrapping the many pricey Language ARTS program (what's more artistic than jello?), I decided to have my little guy copy songs from the Hymnal.
Why the Hymnal? Well, we get a Religion lesson (as long as we avoid Weston Priory), a Spelling lesson, a Handwriting lesson, and an English lesson all in one. And those words in the Hymnals are broken into Syllables. Had to help.
The little guy wrote the words to Oh Holy Night from Lent until Three Kings Day. Just copied verse one, each day. Not a huge bunch of copying... just the same stuff, every day.
He said to me "I finally know how to spell NIGHT! I remember!" and then he launched off into all the other words that were similar. Wow... mission accomplished! And it just took one borrowed Hymnal from Church (yes, I got permission).
There are drawbacks. I asked him to spell 'Holy' and he said "H, O, Dash, L, Y"
He's been doing We Three Kings this week, and next week we move to All Things Bright and Beautiful
My children are aweful spellers. ;) So am I! It took me a long time to find out the simple solution (other than making sure I have a good, updated "Spell Check" program on the computer).
Just like in the olden days, have them COPY.
I spent lotsa money on spelling programs. Lists? My kids would memorize the lists, get them all right on the test, and then proceed to misspell every other word they wrote in a letter, composition, or story.
I tried unspelling programs... write words with Chalk on the sidewalk. Use shaving cream on the bathroom walls. Spell in Jello.
It was a lot of fun. Did it help them to learn to spell? Perhaps they'd spell every word wrong, instead of every other word, if I hadn't used the jello.
Scrapping the many pricey Language ARTS program (what's more artistic than jello?), I decided to have my little guy copy songs from the Hymnal.
Why the Hymnal? Well, we get a Religion lesson (as long as we avoid Weston Priory), a Spelling lesson, a Handwriting lesson, and an English lesson all in one. And those words in the Hymnals are broken into Syllables. Had to help.
The little guy wrote the words to Oh Holy Night from Lent until Three Kings Day. Just copied verse one, each day. Not a huge bunch of copying... just the same stuff, every day.
He said to me "I finally know how to spell NIGHT! I remember!" and then he launched off into all the other words that were similar. Wow... mission accomplished! And it just took one borrowed Hymnal from Church (yes, I got permission).
There are drawbacks. I asked him to spell 'Holy' and he said "H, O, Dash, L, Y"
He's been doing We Three Kings this week, and next week we move to All Things Bright and Beautiful
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