Help me decide what to read next year! I am looking for your book recommendations: Vote here!
We are just a week away from Christmas and two from the New Year. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!
What I Am Reading: After finishing The Unit by Ninni, I dove into my TBR List poll winner, White Christmas by Rebecca York and followed it up with Royal Enchantment by Lia Davis. I am now reading Curse of the Gargoyles by Rebecca Chastain and hope to finish it soon. I seem to be on a fantasy run an the moment.
What I Am Listening To: I finished Nicole Dennis-Benn's Here Comes the Sun. What a heartbreaking novel! I hope to have my review written and posted this coming week. We'll see how well I succeed with that.
What I Am Watching: I think in just a week's time I have seen The Little Rascals Save the Day several times over. It's Mouse's new favorite movie. The actress who plays Mrs. Crabtree, the teacher, looks a lot like Mouse's Kindergarten teacher.
I saw the mid-season finale of The Walking Dead and thought it was good. I was long ago ready for Negan to be taken out and that hasn't changed. It is good to see Rick coming back into himself again.
We went to see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story this weekend--was it ever good! I loved how it flowed right into Star Wars: A New Hope.
On Sunday we will be going to see the ballet, The Nutcracker, with your Girl Scouts troop. The girls will get a chance to meet and talk with the performers after the show. Mouse is looking forward to it.
I saw the mid-season finale of The Walking Dead and thought it was good. I was long ago ready for Negan to be taken out and that hasn't changed. It is good to see Rick coming back into himself again.
We went to see Rogue One: A Star Wars Story this weekend--was it ever good! I loved how it flowed right into Star Wars: A New Hope.
On Sunday we will be going to see the ballet, The Nutcracker, with your Girl Scouts troop. The girls will get a chance to meet and talk with the performers after the show. Mouse is looking forward to it.
What's Going On Off the Blog: This past weekend, Mouse and I attended a Girl Scout Daisy/Brownie Tea Party, and had a lovely time. There was hardly any time to sit down and eat the snacks laid out with all the activities that were planned. The two hours flew by. At one point Mouse turned and told me, "I thought this would be more relaxing." She had fun though. Two other girls from our troop were there (among about 250 people), and you could tell the girls were having a blast.
My husband and I were both able to attend the award assembly for Kindergarten at Mouse's school this past week. Mouse earned awards for being on honor roll and perfect attendance. She's most excited about the free pizza coupon that came with her certificates, of course. Her dad and I are very proud of her.
At work, we are doing the Twelve Days of Christmas, where each day there is a different theme or activity going on. Staff are bringing in treats for everyone, there are word games and puzzles. It's helped bring the holiday spirit to the office. It will continue into next week. My boss took all of us supervisors out to breakfast to celebrate the holidays one day this past week, which was nice.
What I Am Feeling: Mouse is beginning to question the existence of Santa Claus, and I have mixed feelings about it. I am not ready for her to lose her innocence and the sense of magic that comes with believing. Maybe it's time to tell her the truth. I don't know. She's asked me a few times in the last couple weeks if Santa is real. She says she believes he is, but made a comment off to the side the other night that it might be her dad. My initial thought was, "Why not your mom? I'm the one who kept track of what you asked for and bought all your gifts!" Haha. I didn't say that, of course, and it really is a joint effort.
When she asked me if I believed in him, if he was real, I asked her what she thought. When she told me she did believe in him, I told her I did too. Even now, I believe--maybe not in the myth of the jolly man delivering presents, but rather the spirit of him, the hope he brings, that idea of treating others with kindness, and the spirit of giving from the heart. I hope that in our conversations I am able to convey that to her. If not now, then in future discussions. With the wisdom of a five year old, my daughter told me last night that Santa Claus is about caring. I like that.
What I Am Thinking About: The upcoming holidays. My mom is driving into town this week and my in-laws will be coming for the weekend of Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. With my husband's and my work schedules, it is easier for everyone to come to us. My mom will be staying a few weeks, helping care for Mouse while she's out of school. I think I have everything I need. Still am not sure what's on the menu, but that is more my husband's domain than mine.
What I Am Planning and Looking Forward to: Mouse's school is having their Christmas program on Monday, and I am looking forward to seeing how that turns out. I hear the auditorium fills up fast, so hopefully I can find a good seat. Our Girl Scout Troop is having its first investiture meeting (award ceremony) and we'll do a little gift exchange to celebrate the upcoming holidays along with a pizza party. It should be fun. I will also be taking my team out for lunch one day this coming week for the holidays. They selected a local Italian restaurant we've enjoyed visiting before.
Are you ready for the holidays?
Tell me about what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your week? Do you have anything planned for this coming week?
Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.
What about you? Do you have a favorite holiday beverage?
My husband and I were both able to attend the award assembly for Kindergarten at Mouse's school this past week. Mouse earned awards for being on honor roll and perfect attendance. She's most excited about the free pizza coupon that came with her certificates, of course. Her dad and I are very proud of her.
At work, we are doing the Twelve Days of Christmas, where each day there is a different theme or activity going on. Staff are bringing in treats for everyone, there are word games and puzzles. It's helped bring the holiday spirit to the office. It will continue into next week. My boss took all of us supervisors out to breakfast to celebrate the holidays one day this past week, which was nice.
When she asked me if I believed in him, if he was real, I asked her what she thought. When she told me she did believe in him, I told her I did too. Even now, I believe--maybe not in the myth of the jolly man delivering presents, but rather the spirit of him, the hope he brings, that idea of treating others with kindness, and the spirit of giving from the heart. I hope that in our conversations I am able to convey that to her. If not now, then in future discussions. With the wisdom of a five year old, my daughter told me last night that Santa Claus is about caring. I like that.
What I Am Thinking About: The upcoming holidays. My mom is driving into town this week and my in-laws will be coming for the weekend of Christmas Eve/Christmas Day. With my husband's and my work schedules, it is easier for everyone to come to us. My mom will be staying a few weeks, helping care for Mouse while she's out of school. I think I have everything I need. Still am not sure what's on the menu, but that is more my husband's domain than mine.
What I Am Planning and Looking Forward to: Mouse's school is having their Christmas program on Monday, and I am looking forward to seeing how that turns out. I hear the auditorium fills up fast, so hopefully I can find a good seat. Our Girl Scout Troop is having its first investiture meeting (award ceremony) and we'll do a little gift exchange to celebrate the upcoming holidays along with a pizza party. It should be fun. I will also be taking my team out for lunch one day this coming week for the holidays. They selected a local Italian restaurant we've enjoyed visiting before.
Are you ready for the holidays?
TThis Past Week In Reading Mews:
- Bookish Thoughts: Descent by Tim Johnston (Audio)
- Where Is Your Bookmark? (& Top Ten Books I Am Looking Forward to in 2017 - You Get to Vote For One!)
- Bookish Thoughts: The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
Tell me about what you have been up to! What are you reading, listening to and watching? How was your week? Do you have anything planned for this coming week?
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Every Friday Coffee Addicted Writer from Coffee Addicted Writer poses a question which participants respond on their own blogs within the week (Friday through Thursday). They then share their links at the main site and visit other participants blogs.
What is your favorite holiday beverage to drink while you're reading?Peppermint Hot Chocolate with whipped cream. Or French Vanilla Hot Cocoa, which is hard to find in stores around here. I generally just drink water when I am reading though, regardless of the season or time of year. I do like a little eggnog (no alcohol) around Christmas time, but I generally am fine stopping after one glass.
What about you? Do you have a favorite holiday beverage?
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I hope you all have a great week! Happy Reading!
The Sunday Post is hosted by the wonderful Kimba, the Caffeinated Book Reviewer, and gives us all a chance to recap our week, talk about what we are reading, share any new books that have come our way, and whatever else we want to talk about.
© 2016, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
The Girl Scout party sounds fun! And how wonderful that Mouse won some awards at school. And I think she's still young enough that it's ok to keep telling her Santa is real. Like you said, it's about the spirit of Christmas :-)
ReplyDeleteKristen - The tea party was a lot of fun. Ours tomorrow will probably not be anything remotely formal--other than the award ceremony part. :-) We're very proud of Mouse. She's had a rough start to the new trimester, unfortunately, but hopefully we can get her back on track.
DeleteThanks for visiting!
Ha ha about the Little Rascals... it's funny how they can watch the same movie over and over again isn't it? And I thought the same about the Walking dead... nice to see Rick get it together and him and Daryl and Maggie come together. I just wish Rosita wouldn't have missed!
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous you saw Star Wars I need to see it lol but it sounds fantastic and I can't WAIT to see how it flows into IV. I haven't been this excited for a movie in a long time. :)
I think that is a bittersweet moment when they start to question Santa and that kind of stuff. It is hard to see that go...
Have a great week and a merry merry Christmas!! Hope you have awesome holiday!
Greg - It is funny. :-) There are movies I like to see over and over again--but not back to back or even in the same week or month. I need a little more time between viewings. :-) I got teary-eyed when Daryl and Rick were reunited. I'm so glad they're back together. Now to get Carol back on the right path.
DeleteI hope you get to see Rogue One soon, and I hope even more you love it.
Yeah, I'm not ready to let her let go of the dream of Santa. It's not completely up to me though, is it? The loss of innocence . . .
I hope you have a Merry Christmas as well, Greg. Thanks for visiting!
Is that Little Rascals movie a sequel or a prequel? I also want to see Rogue One, but I'm thinking of waiting until it comes out on DVD after I see the Force Awakens.
ReplyDeleteHere’s my Sunday Post!
Ronyell @ Rabbit Ears Book Blog and join in this week’s Book Photo Sundays!
Ronyell - I'm not sure if The Little Rascals Saves the Day is a prequel or a sequel. It came out in 2014.
DeleteIf you are a stickler for watching movies in the order they are released, I can see you waiting to see Rogue One, but if you prefer to watch movies in chronological order, Rogue One is set long before Force Awakens. Both movies feature totally different characters and can be watched independently of each other.
Thanks for visiting!
Congratulations to Moude on making the honor roll and having perfect attendance. I would have been more excited about the pizza when I was a kid too :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas.
Christina - Thank you! I think I would have been more excited about the pizza as well. :-)
DeleteI hope you have a great Christmas as well!
Wow you sound busy. I though about the same on the Walking Dead, I kept wondering wheres the guy from the previous seasons. My sons 7 and I think he's been on the fence about Santa for the past few years, but doesn't want to say anything because... you know... just in case. LOL! Have a merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteShandy-Jo - It feels like I've been busy! I will be glad when things settle down again and fall into a regular rhythm again. I do love this time of year though.
DeleteMaybe that's how Mouse will be, like your son. I can see that being her too, not wanting to say she doesn't believe--just in case. :-)
I hope you have a Merry Christmas too!
The flavored hot chocolate drinks sound wonderful.
ReplyDeleteNice your husband cooks. :)
ENJOY your Sunday and your Christmas.
Happy Hopping!!
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
My Blog Hop Answer
Elizabeth - I'm fine with regular hot chocolate too, but for some reason the peppermint one is my favorite. :-)
DeleteThank goodness my husband cooks since I don't. LOL
I hope you enjoy your Christmas and week as well, Elizabeth!
I find that kids question Santa really young nowadays, but I think it is because of media and other kids. I know people that never raise their children to believe in Santa and then of course they go to school and raise doubts in those that do believe. It's sad because Christmas loses some of the magic when you are beyond the years of believing in Santa.
ReplyDeleteKelly - Do they? I hadn't heard that, but it wouldn't surprise me considering kids are doing just about everything younger nowadays. I am sure it's coming from Mouse's school--probably even more likely her after school program where there is a mix of younger and older kids. Thanks for visiting, Kelly!
DeleteI look forward to your thoughts on The Unit, I read it years ago. yes, so glad Rick is back to his old self on TWD and they have to get Negan outta there. He is a great villain though and actually makes me lol. I have to see the new Star Wars film too, it looks good.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the honor roll and perfect attendance! And yes, Santa is about caring and giving from the heart :)
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Naida - I hope to post my review of The Unit tomorrow, as a matter of fact. :-) Negan does make a great villian, but he's just so unpredictable. He's scary.
DeleteThank you! She had a great first trimester at school. This second one is starting out rocky, so we'll see.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too!
I think my son believed in Santa far longer than most of his friends but I'm not sure because he's never admitted not believing. Believing in the magic of Christmas is part of what makes it fun with little ones.
ReplyDeleteKathy - I can't remember when I stopped believing. I just know it wasn't traumatic. Haha. Thanks for stopping by, Kathy!
DeleteYay for Mouse's awards! Thats awesome! Good luck with all the family in town! I'm sure everything will be perfect! Have a wonderful Christmas!
ReplyDeleteSamantha - We are very proud of her. :-) Thank you for the good luck wishes. I will need them! Haha. I hate entertaining--I think it's the introvert in me. It's always so stressful for me. I hope you have a great Christmas too!
DeleteAwwww...hope you get one last wonderful Christmas with her believing!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!
Melissa - I hope so too! Thank you. Have a wonderful holiday season!
DeleteMy favorite holiday beverage: champagne! LOL.
ReplyDeleteOr something hot with brandy or Jameson in it. Hmm, now you're wondering about me, right?
I thought it was so cute that Mouse thought the event would be "more relaxing."
As for Santa, my youngest grandson was just a little older than she is when he casually announced to us that he knew that the Santa delivering our presents at the family gathering was Grandpa. But he had pretended, to keep us happy.
I think her questions suggest the same. She knows, but isn't sure she should verbalize that.
I like the idea of continuing the "magic" as a Spirit of Christmas kind of thing.
Christmas shows that revive old times are fun this time of year. Enjoy!
Here are MY WEEKLY UPDATES
Laurel-Rain - Champagne is a good answer. LOL It's not often I drink alcohol, but when I do, it's likely a sip or two of champagne.
DeleteI thought it was cute too--I think she was expecting a real tea party--although, to be fair, they did serve tea. Haha
I could see Mouse doing that too, pretending to believe to keep me happy. It'd be just like her, really.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas, Laurel-Rain. Thanks for stopping by!
OMG, Wendy!! You & your family have certainly been busy this week! Lol. I can see that you have all been having a GREAT time, as well!!
ReplyDeleteI'll comment on your BBH answer first. I've never had peppermint-flavored hot chocolate, but that sure sounds GREAT. I do love my hot chocolate with whipped cream, like you do. I like eggnog both spiked and "unspiked". I haven't had any in several years, though, so I've been getting a little nostalgic for it, lol. As for water, I know I don't drink nearly enough. That definitely needs to change! I drink more when I go to the gym here at our condo complex. And I'm overdue for a visit there, lol.
I can't get over how fast you read! Well, last night, I started two "books", which I've already finished. One is a novelette (it's 37 pages long), and the other a novella (91 pages long). Hahaha!! They're both about vampires and Christmas, and I'll be reviewing them soon.
I hope you enjoyed "White Christmas". Looking forward to your review!!
Oh, and there's a "Little Rascals" movie? How had I missed that?! I used to watch the original series of movies years ago, and have always loved them! I need to catch this new movie!
I've also seen rave reviews of "Rogue One". Gotta catch that one, too! Although I do prefer Star Trek to Star Wars, I'd like to watch this movie. I LOVE science fiction, so why not?
It's WONDERFUL that you guys will be seeing "The Nutcracker" ballet!! I've seen it on TV, in previous years, but never in person. I would SO love that!! Enjoy!!
I think this comment will be much too long. I'll be back!! (As you-know-who loves to say, lol.)
Maria - It is a busy time of year for us. :-) So far it's been fun, but at times stressful.
DeleteI love Starbucks peppermint hot chocolate. I like to try flavored hot chocolate now and then but the regular stuff is perfectly fine too. :-)
I bought a little carton of eggnog the other day and have had a cup every now and then since. I don't like it as a steady diet, but now and then around this time of year is good. I do not drink alcohol at all and so definitely no spiking for me.
There have been a couple of Little Rascal movies since the original show. They're cute, but don't compare to the original show and cast. At least in my opinion. :-)
I'm not a huge Star Trek fan, admittedly. I used to watch The Next Generation and some of the off shoots from that, but I've always preferred Star Wars.
We enjoyed The Nutcracker. :-) It was a fun day!
I look forward to reading your next comment, Maria. :-)
The finale for Walking dead was so good. I almost cried. About time their was some hope. Thanks for sharing your story. My son asked me and I did something similar. Let him decide and we got one more year of Santa before he lost that magic:)
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas!
My Sunday Post
Laura - I am glad you thought it was good too! I did cry, or rather got teary-eyed. I'm hoping she'll onto her belief in Santa a little longer. I'm not ready for her not to believe. LOL
DeleteThanks for visiting. Merry Christmas, Laura!
I'm so glad you've enjoyed the run up to Christmas - my daughter just came out and told me she knew about Santa but my son hedged his bets for a while (a bit like Mouse) It is lovely while they believe and you're right there is something magical about this time of year
ReplyDeleteCleo - This is my favorite time of year, and while it's been somewhat subdued and I haven't been 100% into the Holiday spirit department, I try to make it seem so for my daughter's sake. My daughter wants to stay up all night to try and catch Santa Claus. Haha! I told her I'd stay up with her. :-)
DeleteThanks for visiting! Have a Merry Christmas!
Merry (early) Christmas!
ReplyDeletehttp://shoshireads.weebly.com/home/get-to-know-me-better-tag
Soshi - Merry Christmas to you too!
DeleteHow WONDERFUL that you and Mouse had such a great time at the Daisy/Brownie Tea Party! I wish I could have gone to stuff like that when I was a little girl.... On the other hand, I was more into trying to climb trees and play cowboys and Indians at that time, to my parents' dismay. Lol.
ReplyDeleteMouse's comment is SO funny! It's just so adult-sounding. She's definitely a precocious kid!
CONGRATS to Mouse for getting on the honor roll and achieving perfect attendance!! CONGRATS to you & your husband, as well, because the two of you have already instilled in her the value of education! WOOT, WOOT!!!! YAAAAY!!!! :) :) :)
I LOVE all the activities going on at your job. Gosh, I wish I could find a company like that to work in! But then, you guys live in California. That state is a heck of a LOT more progressive, where workers are concerned! Florida is a so-called "right-to-work state". What this translates to is that employers can treat employees any way they want, with impunity. And, with Rick Scott at the helm, public education is definitely NOT a high priority....
And now for the thorny subject of Santa Claus. I can tell you that, as a kid, I firmly believed in him, of course. So did my sisters. And I found out the truth in the WORST possible way -- accidentally. I happened to overhear my parents discussing Santa, while they were sitting at the kitchen table one afternoon. They were actually discussing how to tell us kids that he didn't exist.... You can imagine how I felt. I was 10 at the time, and it was a HUGE trauma for me! So I don't know what to tell you about how to approach the subject with Mouse. How sweet that she said that Santa Claus is all about caring! She's just so ADORABLE!!
You know, I also used to believe that all the fairy tales I read about were true. I believed in Peter Pan, the Snow Queen, Sleeping Beauty.... I have retained a great love for the fantasy genre -- especially YA -- to this day. I also LOVE science fiction. Mundane, everyday reality just doesn't appeal to me much. Lol. And I can't WAIT to go see the Harry Potter Wizarding World at Orlando!!!! I've been asking hubby to take me. I'm a HUGE Potterhead!!! Heck, I have the Gryffindor robe, necktie, and sweater vest. And I also own the Harry Potter and Hermione Granger illuminating wands!! (Maybe I've already shared this very important information with you.) WINGARDIUM LEVIOSA!!!! Lol.
How nice that your mom and in-laws are coming over for the Christmas holiday! Mouse will surely have a GREAT time with them!!
As always, I have really enjoyed catching up with all of your "mews", Wendy!! Thanks for sharing!! <3 :)
Also, thanks for dropping by and commenting on my own BBH post!! <3 :)
Maria - Maggie likes to climb and rough house too, but she definitely has her girly side. :-) I like to think she's well balanced. Haha
DeleteWe're very proud of Mouse. She isn't too fond of school these days, unfortunately, but she knows her stuff and learns fast.
I work with a great group of people, and it does make the job easier in some ways. We have a very depressing job and so we have to make up for it in other ways. We have a very active staff-led morale committee, and that's what has helped us.
I'm sorry you had such a bad experience learning the truth about Santa. I honestly don't remember how I found out. It couldn't have been traumatic in that case.
Company coming is always stress-inducing for me, but hopefully everything well go well. I know Mouse will be happy to have everyone here.
Thanks for visiting, Maria!
Happy holidays! When I asked my mom if Santa was real, she always said “I’ve never seen him.” From what I remember, she’d never commit to saying if he was real or not real. I don’t know if I ever asked my dad. He probably would have told the truth and ruined the fun. :)
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
A.J. - That's a good response on your mother's part. Then it can't be said she's lying. :-) Thanks for visiting!
DeleteIt sounds like Mouse has lots of fun things on at this time of year and I'm sure they'll all be great.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed Rogue One... I've only heard good things so far!
Deborah - It's definitely been a busy month so far. Mouse has enjoyed it all. :-) Thanks for stopping by, Deborah!
DeleteYay for Mouse being on honors roll! Of course you're proud of her! :)
ReplyDeleteAh, the question of Santa Claus' existence. I think my eldest daughter asked me that question before when she was younger, and I told her yes, he exists. I think you've given Mouse a great answer too, about his spirit in giving and caring.
Melody - She's had a rough week at school and I'm hoping we can get her back on track. Maybe the winter break will help . . .
DeleteThanks for visiting, Melody!
My husband and I wanted to watch Rogue One this weekend but other plans preempted it. Glad to hear that you liked it.
ReplyDeleteOh-oh, that talk about Santa Claus with your daughter won't be too fun. Growing up, I remember wishing for Santa Claus to be real, that it would be so much fun to believe in that magic. Oh well, good luck to you!
Athira - I hope you are able to see Rogue One soon (and that your other plans were good plans and not something unexpected you would rather not have had to take care of).
DeleteThank you! I am sure it will be fine however the Santa thing plays out. I'm a big worrier. LOL
Thanks for visiting, Athira! I hope all is well with you and your family.
Ahh yes hot cocoa for the win I just love drinking hot cocoa during the holidays. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog hop.
ReplyDeleteKatiria - Hot cocoa is the best!
DeleteI'm looking forward to checking out Rogue One! Glad you enjoyed it. And congrats to Mouse on her honour roll and perfect attendance!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely holiday!
Cyn - Thank you! I hope you enjoy Rogue One when you see it! I hope you have a great holiday too.
DeleteOh my! The tea party seems a little nerve-wracking. 250 people? I've always perceived tea parties to be more intimate. A select few to share afternoon tea with. It's great that you both enjoyed it! I don't remember when I realized that Santa wasn't real - in the same sense of this jolly man in red delivering presents around the world the night of Christmas Eve. But because I had younger brothers, I kept the belief going for them. Keeping the spirit alive is what is important about Christmas.
ReplyDeleteCharlie - I'm glad I wasn't running the tea party event. I think it was less an actual tea party than it was a craft event and for the girls (and a fundraiser for the troop that put it on). They had a good time and that's what matters. I don't remember when I learned Santa wasn't real, but like you, I had a younger brother who I had to keep the belief alive in. Have a Merry Christmas, Charlie.
Delete