On days like today...

It's winter. That means it was cold outside. IF the sun had been shining it would still have been cold, though we could have bundled up and enjoyed SOME time outside. But today, it was gray. It was cold. And it kept alternating between snow and trying to rain. On days like today, we do a lot of things inside. Often, we watch a LOT of movies.

Yet, we are still homeschooling - movies open doors for us. Doors into art, history, math, science, ideas, imagination, lessons in character, and so much more. Often the doors don't open immediately. But I don't worry. I don't worry because I have seen how LD's mind works. Days later he'll pop off with something that seems totally random for the situation. But it's not random... it's his mind putting things together.

I thought I'd share some of the movies we're enjoying most right now. Our list changes all the time, but for now, these are at the top. I'll also tell you one of many messages LD and I have learned from each of these:

Don't hide from what needs to be done, don't be afraid to try:

Imagine impossible things, every day - you never know what amazing things will happen because of it:

When the only option seems a bad one, think and ask, you might be surprised to find that there's a better alternative for everyone:

Be good. It might not be what you want to do, but in the end, being good has great rewards:

Listen to your children. Talk to your parents. BELIEVE in each other:

When you think the world's against you... you might be right. But keep believing in yourself because eventually, you'll do amazing things:

Appreciate what you have:

There is good and bad in all of us, we need both sides to survive. But, it's what we CHOOSE to do that makes the difference:

Just because something has been done "this way" for as long as you can remember does not mean it's always the best way to do it. Also, don't base your opinion of people on things that their ancestors did:

Sometimes, something very little can make a very big difference:

Just because someone tells you that you "can't" do something, that you're too small, or not smart enough or any number of other reasons, don't believe them... Believe YOU CAN:

Sometimes we get used to having things given to us. We begin to expect it. That can be a really bad thing:

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should:

Being a hero to one person is often far better than being a hero to many:

Don't forget your towel. Also, don't let "the one" pass you by because you're too afraid to ask the ultimate question:

Don't be afraid to challenge what everyone expects of you:

Be true to yourself, even when it's contrary to what people think you should be:

Don't forget to see the incredible things happening all around you every day:

Friends can be found in unexpected places/individuals:

 Don't ignore your inner panda. More importantly, when you have a passion, follow it, you never know what greatness you'll discover within yourself:

Dreams are important. Just because no one else believes in it, doesn't mean you shouldn't:

Being different is ok. Don't give up just because something does't work the first, fifth or 50th time. Just keep moving forward:

The universe is a big place. Don't be afraid to ask the obvious question, "why are we here?" Better yet, don't be afraid to keep looking for the REAL answer:

The grass is not always greener on the other side:

Don't mess.... with stuff you don't understand. LEARN about it... (so that when you accidentally bring a mummified bad guy back to life you know how to kill him):

With hard work and perseverance you can achieve almost anything. During all your hard work though, don't forget to stop and smell the roses:

Be brave, even when the obstacles seem overwhelming:

Have courage to do what needs to be done, even if you think you're very small: 

Don't be afraid to be different. When you try to be the same you might be locking away the greatness in yourself. Don't get so busy seeing the forest that you miss the trees:

See beyond the surface of things. Question what you see, there might be something really fantastic right under your nose:

Just because you're small doesn't mean you can't make big things happen:

One may be strong on his own, but with others and teamwork, amazing things can be accomplished, huge obstacles overcome:

Take time to look at odd things - you never know what wondrous stuff you might discover:

Trust your gut - if you feel that things are wrong, or not as good as they could be, do something. Don't wait to take action and make a better life for yourself and those you care about: