52 in 52 - December, week 1

Holiday Baking Championships


We don't watch cooking shows generally, you know, having no t.v. signal and all. But my parents have let us spend a lot of time at their house, using their washing machine when ours broke, using their computer when ours broke, and letting us hang out when we didn't have enough cars to get everyone where they needed to be. During that time, we have watched a lot of bake-offs and they were actually pretty fabulous. Everyone had their favorite and there was much cheering. There was also a lot of drooling. Goodness, I don't even like cake, but I sure craved it.


Mr. Peabody and Sherman

I'm not sure what to make of this one. We all laughed hysterically. We groaned at the many puns. It was great. But it makes me wonder if it's a healthy thing for any adopted child to see. It seems to leave the impression that being adopted isn't secure. The relationship between Peabody and Sherman is an "adoptive relationship." When Sherman bites a student at school, it immediately results in family services stepping in to investigate. If the investigator doesn't like what she sees, Sherman is removed. As adults, it was just a silly plot line. But I couldn't help but think about my friends with adopted children and it didn't seem so benign anymore.

Also, the girl Sherman bit, is a terrible snot! Sherman tries acting like a snot. In the end, I'm not sure if the movie was trying to give the message that Sherman learned his lesson or if Mr. Peabody was supposed to relax his parenting techniques.

Lots of crass jokes, but if you have boys in your house, you appreciate a good poo joke and that's as it should be. 

Elf

If you haven't seen this one yet, STOP WHAT YOU'RE DOING RIGHT NOW AND WATCH IT. It is an instant Christmas tradition. You are missing out if you don't watch this movie. It is hilarious. Truly.


Christmas Vacation

If you haven't seen this one, then you are probably a good parent. You should leave things as they are. You might consider recording the t.v. version and watching it after the kids are in bed. I don't generally recommend movies that are appropriate for our children, but it's a movie from my childhood. It is so wrong. I'm embarrassed to say how much I love it. Do NOT watch versions that have not been edited for television. Do NOT tell anyone I recommended this movie.