Today after a marathon shopping trip I made a big pot of soup. I am gearing up for a lazy couple of days and know I won't want to do any cooking tomorrow other than the requisite pumpkin pie baking session with Allie. Feeling uncharacteristically in the holiday spirit I picked up The Polar Express at Blockbuster when I was running around. So after dinner the kids and I (all but Brandon - who, sadly but predictably, ditched us for some friends) piled on the sofa to watch it. Ben had never seen it but I figured with a boy, a racing train and Santa it would be hard to go wrong. And I as right. He absolutely loved it. Watching it through his eyes brought me such joy. He was positively riveted through the train scenes and would periodically bounce or cheer in his seat in excitement.
(Although what is with the part where the creepy marionette comes to life and starts screeching at the kid? I forgot that part was even in there and it scared Ben to death. Poor kids gonna have nightmares tonight about rabid toys.)
Sitting on a sofa snuggled under a blanket with my children is one of life's simple pleasures. A pleasure that is often neglected in our home. More often than not when my kids are watching a movie it's because I am trying to get something else accomplished. It's rare that I just sit with them in peace for any length of time. Let's face it, it's rare that there is peace for any length of time. So today I am thankful for the time we spent piled happily on top of each other. And for the opportunity, when the movie was over, to talk about what the first gift of Christmas really was. The gift I strive to be thankful for most of all.
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4 comments:
That is rare here, too, but so sweet when it happens.
The Polar Express always chokes me up. I'm always fighting tears with that one and I have no clue why, I'm usually not that way.
I love the Polar Express too. Although, I must agree there are a few creepy parts. I'm sure it's too scary for Pumpkin this year. She has a low tolerance for excitement (she takes after her mama).
I SO sympathize with your comment that you normally use movies as a way to get something done. I do the same thing and often feel guilty that I don't sit down with my kids and actually watch the movie with them. I am going to try and do that more this Advent season. Like you said, it's such a lovely time together. Plus, I think it might be the one way I could get all three of my kids to watch all of the Christmas movies I love so much. :)
"Sitting on a sofa snuggled under a blanket with my children is one of life's simple pleasures."
Mine too!
There is a REAL polar express train in North Carolina, Dilsboro (I think). We have been talking about going since last year, but still haven't tried it. Jon is worried that the girls will expect it to be EXACTLY like the book/movie and will be disappointed. I still think it's worth a shot, it does end up at the North Pole. Let me know if you want more info.:)
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