I'm studying hard for my Christology exam tomorrow! Final exams for the first semester at the Angelicum are going on right now. I have loved this class. I've learned so much.
I even signed up for 5 classes next semester. Including Biblical Greek. Exciting (and intense)!
I cannot believe this endorsement of my book by Fr. Joshua Whitfield, Pastor of St. Rita Catholic Community, Dallas TX. He writes:
Rarely should it be said, but here it applies. This is a necessary book. A witness of the varied beautiful vocations building up the Church, as a pastor, I pray alongside many who live out their callings faithfully and joyfully, sacrificially too. I see firsthand almost daily what Dr. Rombs writes about so deeply, poignantly, and personally, and that is, as she rightly calls it, the “greatness” and the “extraordinary vocation” of motherhood. This book is necessary because it uncovers and celebrates an account of motherhood too long neglected. It also makes this book unique. Not rancorous, not politicized, full of charity, Dr. Rombs broadly celebrates genuine feminist progress while looking to a newer feminism, one that better appreciates motherhood. But this book is not just for women! What Kathryn rightly argues is that motherhood deserves broader social appreciation. Thus, this book is for men too. It’s also good for anyone in ministry seeking to serve women and mothers better. A truly valuable book!
Fr. Joshua J. Whitfield is the author of The Crisis of Bad Preaching: Redeeming the Heart and Way of the Catholic Preacher (Ave Maria Press, 2019). We LOVE St. Rita's! Anyone in the DFW area is welcome to visit and see for yourself that he is the best preacher and pastor around!
In my quest to find 52 new movies that I really like in 2021, I have come upon some good kids' movies. I am not counting these in my list, because I would not watch them for myself. But it is always a relief to discover some fresh new shows for the family.
All three of these are made with kids in mind and are family-friendly. All three, however, have some bad language and have the PG rating. They are a step "older" than Disney movies, but are good for 8-15 year olds.
The first is Akeelah and the Bee, a movie about a girl in South Los Angeles who discovers her talent for competing in spelling bees.
The second is The Sandlot, a movie with a similar vibe but less heavy than Stand By Me.
The third is Big Miracle, a Drew Barrymore movie set during the Cold War, tracing many competing factions and even world powers pulling together to save some trapped whales.
Please respond to this post and tell me your good ideas! I need your help because here in Italy we are going through another lockdown! We cannot go out or leave our little township. Restaurants, shops and most everything: Closed. We need help having a party at home!
This weekend Sebastian learned to say "the" as opposed to "da." It was super cute as he said it over and over. Then in prayers last night he said, "Dear Lord, thank you that I learned to say 'the." And please help da poor, da sick, da dying, and doze most in need of mercy."
SO CUTE!@!!?!*
Ron and I found a second new movie that is WONDERFUL! It is the French film, The Intouchables (R). An ex-con becomes the caregiver of a wealthy quadriplegic. The quadriplegic takes to this unlikely employee because the ex-con has "no pity." He is real, confident, honest, and refuses to walk on eggshells. He is just himself. That makes him really trustworthy and likable. The movie documents their friendship and is a clear look into the human experience and our need for companionship and acceptance.
Sure, it is rated R for lots of language and some sexual innuendos. But even being sensitive to these things, I found it immanently watchable. The subtitles are helpful but I really enjoyed getting my French back (learning some bad words in French was a bonus!).
The first new movie we found this year, The Big Year, was also a comedy about a handful of men. This is a new genre for me! Personal dramas about men and the development of their friendships--apparently, I've watched more female-based movies than male ones. Who knew that "man movies" could be so honest and funny? I'm liking it!
I cried for days when Mary left for college, starting at University of Dallas a semester early. She is smart and diligent, having finished high school early. I know she will have a blessed and happy life. I will miss you, my beautiful Mary!
I've made a resolution to find 52 great new movies, movies that I have not seen before to add to my list of favorites.
The first movie on this list is "A Big Year" (2011) with Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson. It is a comedy that is clean, has interesting and original content (the theme is birdwatching), and although it is not a deep movie, it has a good moral.
This is movie I enjoyed watching with my husband on an evening when the goal was to unwind and relax.
Leigh KellyAnne is one of the best people I know. She is steady, grounded, humble, confident, happy, has a great sense of humor and a keen intellect. She is sharp and competent--in short, I hope to be just like her when I grow up. Leigh, I love you just the way you are! Thank you for being so darn awesome!
This past month has been such a gift to me. How I love having everyone home!
New Years was a big treat. What a blessing to have a bonfire and big outdoor party--with just our family plus one of Clare's friends! The whole sky lit up with fireworks at midnight. What hope we all have for the upcoming year. I feel so blessed!
