MarytheKaytheBlog

My Favorites from the Oscars

Before I show you my favorite dresses from the Oscars, I feel impressed to post a disclaimer. 

Billy Crystal said it best in one of my favorite quotes of the night in his opening monologue:  "We're here at the beautiful Chapter 11 Theater to celebrate a holiday tradition that not only creates memories for the ages, but breeds resentments that last a long time...Nothing takes the sting out of a recession like watching millionaires present each other with gold statues."

I realize we watch movies to escape reality for a moment, and live in the magical world on the big screen before us.

Much in the same way, we escape the Sunday night reality to live for a few hours in the magical designer dresses and jewels, and witty banter on the screen before us.

The older I get, the more I realize I prefer my reality.  Oh don't get me wrong...I'd love to be able to pay off my home mortgage, and not to get a knot in my stomach when paying bills each month.  Sometimes I'd love to have a stylist, and a trainer, and a personal assistant, and a maid.  But, I'm guessing the magical moments and magical designer dresses on the  television screen aren't all they're cracked up to be, either. 

I have a strong suspicion those skinny actresses in their lovely designer dresses weren't munching on pizza and chips Sunday night, like my girlfriends and I were.  Probably many of those girls ate a stick of celery, and were wearing a whole lot of spandex.  Me?  I was wearing sweat pants.  In fact, my reality is a lot like those navy sweatpants I was wearing:  Laid back and little bit slouchy, but completely comfortable and  relaxed.

Oh, but don't think I'm on a soapbox here.  Because guess where I was Sunday night?  Sitting in front of the t.v.--watching the Oscars.  And loving every moment of it.  Feeling swept away by the creative montages, the hilarious jokes, the genius of Billy Crystal, and of course--the beautiful dresses!

So, let's get on with it!  Here are some of my favorite dresses of the night...

 

Top pick, hands down:

Emma Stone in her stunning, yet simple red flowing dress.  Simple hair, simple makeup: elegant!  Her Presenter banter with Ben Stiller was hilarious!  Love her!!!

And in no particular order, some of my other favorites...

  Cameron Diaz

 

Kristin Wiig

Lara Spencer

 

Lea Thompson

 

Octavia Spencer

 

Maria Menounos

 

Natalie Portman, in her elegant 1954 Christian Dior gown

 

And, now, for MY OWN, very special Oscar Awards...

*drum roll, please*

 

Actress's waistline most likely to resemble my wrist...

(except my wrist may be a little pudgier)

The beautiful, the witty, the very skinny Kelly Ripa

 

Actress most likely to slip out of her dress...

(and not in a good way)

Honey, your bosoms are showing Jennifer Lopez

 

Actress most likely to play a super hero

(But, looked simply lovely when she removed her cape)

 

Presenting Super White Girl powered by celery sticks Gwyneth Paltrow

 

Actress whose hair weighed more than her dress

(Which, by the way, is stunning)

You won't recognize her when her hair's wet Esperanza Spalding

 

Actress's leg most likely to get chilly

Or...

Actress most likely showing off her right leg in every photo of the night

Makes me wonder what's wrong with her left leg Angelina Jolie

 
To be honest...I didn't even get to watch all of The Oscars this year.  So, goodbye witty banter and beautiful dresses...  Goodbye sweatshirt wearing friends hanging out, and goodbye pepperoni pizza.  Back to reality... The reality that I'd promised to help my daughter type a paper and study for a grammar test.

A little escaping and a little magic is fun for a while.

But, reality is always there waiting for my safe return.

Did you escape reality last night?

Who were some of your Oscar Night favorites?

The Soundtrack of my Youth

My friend Emily is hosting a Top 10 Tuesday: Music.  Since Emily is about to graduate from high school, I started thinking back to the soundtrack of my high school days.

Now, please let me preface this list to say I'm not a big music buff.  I never know what song is playing on the radio, nor do I know the words.  What I DO KNOW is whether or not the music part is good.  I'm a melody girl.  If it has a good melody, I like it.

Because of those things, back in high school I usually gravitated toward movie soundtracks, with some classical music mixed in.  This playlist is not your typical 1980s playlist...but it IS the 1980s ALL THE WAY.

1. Amy Grant - If you were a teenage Christian in the 1980s, then you most certainly had some Amy Grant.   A little trivia...Amy Grant's Straight Ahead Tour was my FIRST concert.  I also seem to remember a young Michael W. Smith wearing a white argyle sweater vest playing along...  Anybody else remember that concert?

 

 

2. Michael W. Smith- Also, if you were a teenager in the 80s, you DEFINITELY sang Friends are Friends Forever with your arms draped around your friends' shoulders...no less than a dozen times.   Am I right?

 

3. Beethoven- I know this is an odd selection for a teenager...but my parents had a couple of Beethoven records I really loved.  Whereas most teenagers would blare loud rock music when upset, I usually turned up the volume on either Beethoven or Rachmaninof, if I was feeling especially moody.

 

 

4. Rachmaninov- Oh, this song is so beautiful...  Again, one of my parents' records.

 

 

5. Phantom of the Opera - Oh, how I LOVED (and still do) a good Broadway soundtrack.  This one was my favorite in the 80s.

 

 

6. Beaches Soundtrack  - What teenager didn't CRY HER EYES out during this movie?  The soundtrack was beautifully moody music for a teenager back in those days.

 

 

 7. Top Gun Soundtrack - This song in particular was on my exercise mix tape.  Kids, mix tapes were serious business back in those days...

  

 

8. St. Elmo's Fire Soundtrack - The quintessential Brat Pack movie.  You kids probably don't even know what "The Brat Pack" is...   I'd forgotten all about Andrew McCarthy--he was my high school movie star crush.

 

 

9. Footloose Soundtrack- This movie made even dorky dancers like myself believe I could get foot loose...  How many of you danced in front of your mirrors to this music?  C'mon--be honest!

 

 

10. Stealing Home Soundtrack - I really loved the music from this movie.  Plus, Mark Harmon and Jodie Foster--double score.

 

 

There were lots more songs from the 1980s I loved...but these sum up that decade for me pretty well.

What about you?  What songs remind you of those glorious 1980s?

Now, go check out Emily's favorite songs...

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Baby Steps: How I'm Drinking Fewer Cokes

Now, don't be thinking I'm getting all crazy on you.  I'm not saying that I'm giving up Cokes.  No sirree. 

What I am saying is that I am trying to drink  fewer Cokes.

But, fewer could mean less than a dozen a day.  Or less than 2.  Or even less than 3 per week.

You think I'm going to tell you how many Cokes I drink a day/week?

A proper lady never tells...how many Cokes she drinks.

And since I am always proper, I will tell you how I am drinking fewer Cokes...than I normally drink.

(Are you on the edge of your seat yet?  Biting your nails in anticipation?)

I am buying 2-liter Cokes, instead of 12-packs of cans.

Now, my first true Coke love will always be those 200-calorie cans--icy cold from the refrigerator.  *swoon*   But, I have found that if I buy 2-liters instead, I drink less.  (Plus, I'm saving a heck of a lot of money.)

I like my icy-cold 2-liter Coke poured into a glass--no ice.  If you're not drinking it out of an icy can, and you're not drinking it out of a Sonic styrofoam cup, then the 3rd best is icy cold in a glass with no ice.

(I realize I have issues.)

Sometimes, I want to drink my Coke out of one of one of my pretty little juice glasses.  Those things are itty bitty--but I do love those little glasses, and Coke tastes special and delicious in them.

You know what itty bitty means, right?  Itty bitty calories.  Cha-ching.

So, for today, that is my baby step to getting healthier.  Between my running, and drinking fewer Cokes, maybe--just maybe--I will finally lose the rest of my baby weight.  I KNOW MY BABY IS  7-YEARS-OLD.   I just like to take things slow and steady.

Slow and steady wins the race, right?

RIGHT????  I.  CAN'T.  HEAR.  YOUUUUUU.

What baby steps have you taken lately?

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Friday Five: Moles, Movies, Cards, and Junk...

In case inquiring minds want to know...or even if they don't, here are 5 things I've been up to this week.

 

1.  Today, I felt like I was inside an old-school video game.  I was one of the little aliens in Space Invaders, and the mean ole dermatologist zapped me over 100 times.  Okay, he used liquid nitrogen to freeze off some moles/skin growths.  (Sorry, do the words "skin growths" make your stomach tense up?  I agree.) 

I'm sorry. Did you see that number above?  100 times.  Have you ever been stung by a bee?  Multiply that by 100.  Dang, it hurt.  Hurt 100 times in a row.  At one point, I asked the doctor, "Am I supposed to say 'Uncle or something?'"  So now, for about a week, my neck and back look like I've got the Pox or the Scaly Mumps.  I thought of posting a picture...but I guess I have a teeny shred of dignity left, and decided against it.  But, if you see me in public, feel free to ask to see the war zone on my neck.

 

2.  I've seen more movies at the theater recently than I have in a very long time.  Here are the movies I've seen:

War Horse--loved it!!  However, sensitive viewers beware--some scenes are difficult to watch.  I loved the storyline, and learning something I'd never thought about--how horses were used in the war.

New Year's Eve--thoroughly enjoyed it!  I didn't know what to expect, and hadn't even seen a preview of this movie beforehand.  I LOVED all of the cameo appearances.

Joyful Noise--loved, loved it!!!  Now, this movie was predictable, and I knew that going in.  I just let myself enjoy Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah.  What I didn't expect?  The amazing voices, and just how much I would enjoy the music.

 

3.  Here are the upcoming movies I CAN'T WAIT to see:

Red Tails

(Click here if you cannot see the link below)

 

The Iron Lady

(Click here if you cannot see the link below)

 

and I still haven't seen Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

(Click here if you cannot see the link below)

 

 

4.  I've played 2 card games recently, and I have LOVED both of them.  I don't always love games...especially games that require counting or keeping track of scores.  (Like Nertz--my brain just doesn't work as fast as my opponents, I guess.)  But, recently, I played Spoons and Golf (the card game), and thoroughly enjoyed them!

 

5.  On Saturday, we are joining in a HUGE INDOOR garage sale.  Please come by and buy some of our junk.  And, if my husband's not looking, I may even GIVE you some...just to get rid of it.  You may remember how MUCH I despise garage sales...

 

That's it for me!  What have you been up to this week? 

Some thoughts about The Help

 
I got to see the brand new movie The Help last night, and I LOVED it!  I was nervous beforehand--because I had fallen in love with the characters and the story when I read the book a couple of years ago.  I was nervous the movie wouldn't measure up.  But, it was wonderful!  It far exceeded my expectations!  I laughed and laughed, and cried.  One time, I even nearly started crying out loud.  Really--if you have a chance--you should not miss this movie.  You can't help but be inspired by its message of having the courage to do what is right, even when unpopular, or even illegal.

Now, I have hesitated a dozen times today in writing some personal thoughts about the movie's theme...  Mostly, because I do not want to diminish the movie--or the story--one bit.  Both are well-written, and wonderful depictions of the Civil Rights South.

However. 

I do hope everyone understands--especially non-Southerners--that every period of history has its group of small-minded people.  There have been bigots and horrible people since the beginning of time.  And, certainly, we have our share of selfish, self-serving, and downright mean people today.

But, let's please not forget that since the beginning of time, there have also been loving people, people with courage, and people with the moral conviction to make the hard choices.  Where would we be today without our heroes throughout history, shining light on the moral paths?

I just hope the people watching The Help understand that although the Civil Rights South is a dark spot in our country's history and a sorrowful time for so many black people; that not all the white people living in that era were like "Hilly" in the movie.   

My family had maids.  We NEVER ONCE referred to them as "the help."  We wouldn't even have considered it.  I cringe just to write those words.  We only called our maids by their names, and we loved them like our own family.  I can remember wanting to stay home from school some days--just so I could sit on my bed and get to be with Erma while she ironed in my bedroom.

And that sentiment didn't change as we grew up, like the movie talks about.  I remember many Sundays when we'd sit around Miss Lillian's tiny living room--the Miss Lillian that my daddy adored, because she helped raise him after his mom died, and before his dad remarried.  We loved hearing Miss Lillian tell stories about our dad as a little boy.  She always had a gleam in her eye, and wide toothy smile when she'd tell those stories.

The whole time I was watching The Help, I tried to remember families in my hometown who may have acted as horribly as Hilly and her husband.  I realize that I grew up in the decade after the Civil Rights Movement, so either bigotry to that degree had dissolved by then in our town, or maybe my family just didn't associate with people like that?  Certainly, there was still some personal prejudice I remember.  But I never saw anyone treated like the maids in the movie. 

Through the years, I've visited a lot about this subject with my dad, who also grew up in our Southern hometown.   He said he and his friends just didn't know what was going on at the time--they didn't know or understand how bad things were in towns like Jackson and Montgomery.  They saw terrible images on the news, but none of it related to anything they experienced in their town.  They didn't really think about having separate schools, water fountains, or movie entrances.  That's just the way things had always been.  They didn't know life could be any different. 

Dad's family had a black man named Mose who worked in their yard and around the house for years and years.  To say my dad loved Mose is an understatement.  Mose was his companion, his teacher of songs and phrases, his story-teller, and most importantly, his friend.  Dad says the only time he really wondered why things were "different" was when his parents were out-of-town, and Mose would stay overnight with the kids.  Dad said he never understood why Mose wouldn't sleep in a bed, or even sit on any of the furniture in the house.  He would really nag Mose to sleep in a bed--but Mose never would, he always said he was more comfortable on the floor, right next to my dad's bed.  Dad says he's sure his parents never told Mose he couldn't sit on the furniture, or sleep in a bed.  That's just the way things were then. 

"That's just the way things are" is a good sign it's time to start a movement...like the Civil Rights Movement.  People--kind-hearted and evil alike--may be blind to a different and better way to live.  Our country needed men and women like Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks to shake things up, and shine light on a better path.

But, even though we need a hero to shine a light on a better path, that doesn't mean the hero is the only good guy around.  Sometimes, it's just the hero that is the visionary to point to the moral path, that even the good guys are blind to.  Oh, sure, there are always selfish and evil people blocking the way to every moral path.  But, there are also kind-hearted, well-meaning people who will move toward the moral path, once it's pointed out.

Man, I sound like I'm preaching now!!  Preach it, Sista Kay!

It does make me wonder, though...   Who is our hero of this age? 

And what is the moral path we should be following?

Soul Surfer - A GREAT Family Movie Night Out!

 

This past weekend, our family loaded up for a good old-fashioned Saturday matinee.  Our oldest daughter had read about the true story behind Soul Surfer, and really wanted to see it.  After we checked out the movie's appropriateness for our 6-year-old, we decided to make it a family outing. 

And I LOVE family movie outings--especially when they are not cartoon ones.  Ya with me on that one?

If you are not familiar with the story, Soul Surfer (click here to view the trailer) is based on the true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton.  Bethany's close-knit family surfs together in their family's beautiful Kauai home.  Bethany loses her arm in a shark attack, and courageously overcomes all the odds to become a champion surfer again through sheer determination and her unwavering faith.

The movie stars AnnaSophia Robb (of Because of Winn-Dixie and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) as Bethany, with Dennis Quaid (love him!) and Helen Hunt (love her more!) as her parents.  A fun surprise of the movie is to see Carrie Underwood acting as Bethany's supportive youth leader.

We knew ahead of time that the shark attack scene would be too intense for both our daughters.  (They're delicate souls, you know)  We had discussed it beforehand with both of them, and gave them the option either to take a bathroom break at that point, or cover their eyes and ears.  (Hey, we know from many 'a sleepless nights that we needed to plan ahead for a life-like scary scene!  This ain't our first rodeo, you know.)  Our oldest chose to hit the bathroom, while our youngest planned to cover her ears, and close her eyes.  We had a false alarm about 3 minutes ahead of the real attack.  In case you'd like to know ahead of time when the attack occurs here it is:  (If you don't want to know--skip to the next paragraph!!)  The attack occurs on Halloween morning, when the surf coach takes Bethany and her friend Alana and Alana's brother surfing.  The attack is sudden, and although it does not show the actual bite, it does show plenty of blood, and lots of heart-stopping action as they rescue Bethany from the ocean, with the remaining part of her arm wrapped in the surf coach's shirt.

Our whole family loved the movie!  As is typical for me, I cried many times throughout the movie.  The sweetness of the family's tight bond, combined with Bethany's raw emotions, as well as her parents' sorrow over seeing their daughter's struggles--all of those things tugged on my tears several times.  Bethany's determination had our family cheering and grinning from ear to ear by the end of the movie.

The movie's underlying message of a family bonded together by their faith was like a breath of fresh air in a movie.  I'm sure to some, the faith message may be a little heavy-handed at times.  But, those little snippets, although meaningful to the movie, are short and sweet.  I think the movie does a wonderful job of showing the delicate balance between Bethany's loss, and her drive to do the one thing that thrills her soul:  Surf the waves.

What do you think?  What's the best movie you've seen lately?

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How We're Celebrating Martin Luther King Day

My daughters know we'll be watching Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech on YouTube.  They also know to watch Mama, because every year, at some point, I will get tears in my eyes.  It's different every time.  I just get swept up in the emotions of that day, the power of Dr. King's lyrical speech, delivered with the beauty of his booming Southern voice.

Seriously, is there a more poetic, more memorable speech in history?  Maybe there is, and I just have never read/heard it.  (And quite possibly, I am a little partial.)  Please tell me you have watched his speech, and recently.  If not--here, I'll post it here.  Please watch it!  And watch it with your kids, pausing along the way to explain some of Dr. King's references and examples.

There are 2 qualities about this speech, this man, that I hope to point out to our daughters.  First, even in the midst of horrific wrong-doing, Dr. King encourages the peace and forgiveness of the Bible he preaches.  He had every right to incite anger and retribution, yet he chose peace.  Second, when faced with 2 difficult choices--to organize and fight against the wrong with physical force, or to lay down and take it--he chose Choice #3.   Like Dr. King and so many other Civil Rights leaders showed us, sometimes the clear-cut decisions are not always so clear-cut.  Sometimes a better, more creative answer is out there--like the Montgomery bus boycott. 

 

Just because I cannot help myself, here are some of my favorite lines:

"We've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand, the riches of freedom and the security of justice."

"Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom from the cup of bitterness and hatred." 

"Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force."

"No, no we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."

"...unearned suffering is redemptive."

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." 

 

To help our girls gain a better perspective of the world Dr. King talks about in his speech, I thought it would be helpful to watch a movie.  Now, most of the segregation movies are not at all appropriate for our young girls.  However, I found a movie about the true story of the pint-sized hero Ruby Bridges on YouTube.  All of the movie is posted on YouTube--in 9 parts.  We're going to pop some popcorn, and watch this movie today.

If you don't have time to watch the whole movie (and I hope you do, because it is wonderful!)--PLEASE watch at least Parts 1 and 2.  Part 2, when tiny Ruby walks through the yelling, angry crowds, will break your heart, and will provide some great topics to discuss with your kids.

I cannot imagine what sweet little Ruby's mama felt that day, as she walked her daughter through that hostile environment.  People screaming horrible things to her innocent daughter.  I know she wanted to protect her from the ugly world.  But, because of the Rubys of the world, the Williejeans and Terrences, segregation slowly ended--one brave student at a time. 

  

 Happy Martin Luther King Day!  May we all look back not upon an ugly past, a shameful past--but may we be inspired as we look back.  Inspired by the heroes, from great ones with booming voices like Martin Luther King, to pint-sized little ones, who didn't even understand the towering stand she was making as she walked into school each day.  May we teach our children about the character of these heroes, so that when the time comes, they may take a stand for good.  That our children might be emboldened to stand against the evil in the world.  And, that they might stand up and put an arm around those who are not able to stand.

At least, that's my dream for my children on this holiday...  How about you?

 

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."        -Ephesians 6:12

My TOP 10 Favorite Classic Movies

In honor of all the families stuck at home, enjoying SNOW DAYS, I thought it would be

fun to list my TOP 10 Favorite Classic Movies.  I have lots of happy memories of coming inside from playing in the snow, all rosy-cheeks and runny nose, warming up with a cup of hot chocolate, and sitting down with my mom to watch an old movie.  We loved watching old movies together!

I want our daughters to have similar memories of watching classic--well-made--movies together as a family.  I have such wonderful memories of these movies.  I bet I can tell you where I saw each one for the very first time! 

So, as your kids come in from making snowmen this week, maybe you can sit down together, with steaming mugs of cocoa and bowls of popcorn, to watch a movie together.  Many of these movies you can stream instantly from Netflix--or HELLO!--you can rent instantly from Amazon with Video on Demand!!  That's a new one to me!  Or, you could go old-school, and run to Blockbuster when the roads are clear.  Either way, I sure hope you enjoy! 

Oh--and please click on the titles below most of these to watch a preview!! 

1. 
Gone with the Wind - I first saw this with my grandmother, in an old, not yet restored, Art Deco theatre.  I'll never forget the red velvet curtains rising at the beginning of the movie to the sonorous melody of Tara's Theme.  It was the perfect setting for me to meet Scarlett and her beautiful Tara.  Oh Ashley, my foot.  Too bad Scarlett can never hear me trying to help her out.  I could save her so much heartbreak...

2.   

Ben Hur - Charlton Heston in another epic movie - what is not to love?  The scene where he scoops up his sister and mother in his arms is almost too much for me to bear.  I had no idea I would love this movie so much when I watched it for the first time!

 

3.   

Imitation of Life - Even though I know what is going to happen, this movie breaks my heart, and makes me cry buckets...even after it is over.  But, oh how I love it!  Lesson learned:  Daughters--Love your mamas!!  Love 'em now, and love 'em good!

 

4.  

That Touch of Mink - This is a nod to all the Doris Day movies I grew up loving!  My close 2nd favorite is Pillow Talk.
 

5.   

National Velvet - Is there a prettier girl than young Elizabeth Taylor?  As a young girl, oh, how I wanted this to be my story!

 

6.   

To Kill a Mockingbird - I didn't realize that my all-time favorite star is in this movie!!  Why, Robert Duvall, of course!  Who will ever forget Scout and Boo Radley after this movie?  "If you shouldn't be defending him, then why are you doing it?"

7.     

Little Women - I know there is a newer version (starring Winona Ryder), which I do love.  But, this 1949 version is the one I grew up loving!  I loved June Allyson as Jo and even bratty Elizabeth Taylor's Amy.  But, it was Margaret O'Brian as Beth, who every single time breaks my heart.

8.   

No Time for Sergeants - This one is in honor of my dad!!  He introduced me to this hilarious movie.  You cannot help but laugh at Andy Griffith's country bumpkin antics, and Don Knotts' hilarious cameo as the jittery aptitude tester. 

9.   

Old Yeller - Please tell me you have seen this movie!  "Jumper, you jug head!!"

10.    

An Affair to Remember - I know there is a remake, and I know the remake includes Katharine Hepburn.  But, this version is the real deal.  In the ending scene, you will not be able keep from yelling at Cary Grant on the screen--desperately trying to help him see the truth!  Mark my words! 

 

Honorable Mentions: 

Because I cannot bear to keep my list at just 10, here are my Honorable Mentions...

Madame X (with Lana Turner) - I'm a sucker for great ending scenes!!!

The Little Princess (with Shirley Temple),

Rebecca

Wuthering Heights

Lawrence of Arabia

Polyanna

Father of the Bride, 1950 version / Father's Little Dividend

The Parent Trap, 1961 Hayley Mills version  

Rear Window -and other Alfred Hitchcock classics
 

There you have it - My TOP 10 Favorite Classic Movies (okay, and a couple more!) 

Now--what are some of YOUR favorites???  I'd love to hear! 
 

Favorite Christmas Clips from the 80s!!

 Happy almost Christmas, everybody!!!  I do hope you have all your shopping and wrapping done...Because if you do not, then I bet you are awfully grumpy about that.  If so, then do I have a DEAL for YOU!  I searched around until I found 3 of my favorite shows/movies of the 1980s (aka, the Glory Days), and found some Christmas clips to help cheer you up, and get you in the Ha Ha Ha holiday spirit.

Boy, they sure don't make 'em like they used to, do they? 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

Do you have any favorite Christmas clips from the 1980s?  You babies, surely you've seen some RERUNS!!

As this holiday gets closer, I just want you to know how MUCH I appreciate you for stopping by.  Some of you have been so kind this year, and have encouraged me so much with your kind words.  I wish you the merriest of Christmases this year! 

Now, I'd love to hear about some of your favorite 80s Christmas clips!

Kid Weekends...The Parents Battle it Out!

(BUT FIRST...Have you entered the Uppercase Living GIVEAWAY yet?  If not--you're CRAZY--because you have a great chance at WINNING!!!  I'll announce the winner on Monday!)

Okay, so my title today may be a little misleading...  But, you know I do like a dramatic title, so I'm leaving it. 

What my title really means is that my husband headed pheasant hunting...I KNOW what you're thinking--And the answer is:  Yes, he is going AGAIN.  Um, shall we count how many weekends this has been?  No, we shall not.  Because if I do, I might be tempted to go to Hobby Lobby and drown my sorrows. 

Anyway, my husband left early this morning to drive to South Dakota, and this time he took our youngest, Sara Beth.  She was SO excited to go hunting with Daddy!  He already took Rebecca a couple of weeks ago, so Sara Beth has really been looking forward to shooting some birds with her BB gun.

That leaves Rebecca and her Mama home to have a Girls' Weekend!!!  Who Hoo!

I noticed today that Dave was uploading to Facebook a couple of darling--they're killing me they're so cute--pictures of what he and Sara Beth are doing.  I also noticed that I was snapping a few pictures of my own of what Rebecca and I were doing... 

So, it occurred to me that what we have here is a BATTLE of the PARENTS:  Who can provide the MOST FUN weekend for his/her daughter???

*cue the dramatic music here*

It's a crying shame that I only have pictures from TODAY (Thursday).  Because I am sure the BIG GUNS will come out over the weekend in our competition.  Maybe I can give an update, with the winning parent--you know, the favorite parent--on Monday...

Oh, WHO am I kidding?  I am going up against Mr. Fun himself.  Seriously.  You want to know what that CRAZY MAN did on the way home from Maine?  (Remember the bike ride across Maine for Kids Across America Kamps?)  Well, did I mention that I got to fly out of Maine to join some girlfriends for a long beach weekend?  Dave assured me he would be FINE driving the girls the four hundred thousand miles home by himself.  Well, FINE he was.  They called me the first evening on their drive home--from NEW YORK CITY (say it like the Pace Picante commercial).  Yes, my sweet babies were standing in TIMES SQUARE with their daddy and WITHOUT their mama!!  I hate to admit that my first thought was, "Oh dear, what in the world are my babies wearing?" (All you mamas are nodding your heads, aren't you?)   Then, my second thought I spoke aloud to my oldest, Rebecca, "Don't you dare let your little sister out of your sight.  Hold her hand tight!  There are craaazy people in that place!!"  After checking at the Plaza for a room, only to find out the cheapest option was $950 a night, they headed on their way...at midnight, I think.  Then, GUESS WHERE they called me from the NEXT day???  Hershey, Pennsylvania!  At the Hershey theme park, no less!!  All while I was suffering on the beach...

So, needless to say, I might as well give up now.  There is no way I can beat that man. 

But, I'll show you our pictures anyway. 

DADDY TIME:

 On the drive up.  Hey stuck my baby in the very back seat of the van.  I'm sure she looks very lonely and unhappy here...  Can anybody tell me what the red thing is above her finger?  Is she bleeding?  Is she eating a Hot Tamale?  Whatever it is, it seems a little unsafe so far back in the van all by herself...

 Oh, he's just being mean now.  They are eating my favorite treat at my favorite restaurant there--Root beer freezes at The Dairy Bar!  And look at that poor darling's hair. (no no, not Dave's!)  People at the Dairy Bar probably wondered why that little girl's mother doesn't brush her hair...

Well, here come the big guns...  He has stacked the beds together so she could sleep on the top bunk--with TWEETY!  The same Tweety she cried for 30 minutes in the car on the drive home last time because she couldn't take Tweety home...  I think Tweety takes up more of that bed than she does!  Sweet dreams, my baby girl.  Please brush your hair tomorrow.
 
 Dave didn't send a picture of them hunting, but Sara Beth told me all about getting to carry her BB gun along!  She said it was a good thing she missed--because she *almost* shot a hen!  (You aren't allowed to shoot hen pheasants.)  I bet she is the cutest pink coat, floral boots, faux fur mittens, bb-toting little hunter in all of South Dakota!

  And now--for MAMA TIME:

First, we had a delightful little lunch at Thai Thai--the BEST Thai food this side of the Mississippi.  Or, at least in Branson.  Whatever.  Umm--and could somebody please tell me what that yummy yellow sweet sauce is they serve with the spring rolls?  I wanted to eat it with the spoon, like soup.

Next, we did a little shopping!!  Of course we did!  First, we went to the cutest Christmas ornament shop and costume jewelry store (crazy combo--but it works. Bling and bling.)  Then, we headed downtown for some flea market shopping!!  *cue the harp music*   Rebecca's favorite booth was the antique clothes? Retro clothes? Dress-up clothes booth!  This sassy little red satin number (along with the white sequin dress and the blue chiffon dress) were all REALLY HARD to leave in the store...for one of us, at least.
 
  After ballet class, we headed to the BEST Red Box location in town (no, I'm not telling you where!!!), rented a movie, and headed home for some chili and grilled cheese in front of the movie Cats and Dogs.  

Ah, now it's time to snuggle in bed and do some reading.  I sure do love this girl!!  Sometimes, I have too much stuff to do at night, and I don't take the time to read together anymore...  But, I really NEED to.  Sometimes, that is the best chatting time of the day.

What else is on the agenda for the Mama Daughter weekend?  I hope there is a play, some beading, and some toenail painting...maybe some more shopping, another Red Box, and maybe a long walk somewhere fun in this beautiful Fall weather!

What is on YOUR AGENDA this weekend???  I do hope you carve out some time to relax, and refuel.   Don't forget to go to church on Sunday--that's my favorite way to refuel!!

Please stop by again next week!  I'll miss ya terribly if you don't...