Parents of daughters, and sons: Don't  miss "The Mighty Macs,'' which is due in theaters Friday, Oct. 21. This movie tells the story of the 1971-72 Immaculata College women's basketball team and its rise from underdog to top dog -- the first national women's basketball champions. I have not seen it, but from all I am reading it is not to be missed. I want my daughter to see it with, I hope, several of her friends. It's G-rated, definitely a movie for the entire family.

Lancaster's own Katie Hayek stars in the movie. A basketball standout at Lancaster Catholic, she got a full-ride scholarship to University of Miami where she pursued studies in theater. She was in Lancaster this past week and spent time with students at St. Anne School, which she also attended. Please see the story in the articles section of this LancMoms home page.

And for more about the movie, go to themightymacs.com . Great inspiration for our girls, and the boys too! (Even us parents!)

OK, a confession:I was sucked into the 12th season of "DWTS.'' There was a lot I could have been doing around the house, but I just can't not watch this show!

Pro football player Hines Ward took the mirror-ball trophy. He was my pick! Though before last night's "finals'' commenced, my daughter and I were sure Chelsea Kane would win. Truly, the Disney star is a fantastic dancer and looked every bit a pro on the dance floor. (But I must say her partner, Mark Ballas, kind of makes me wince. Talented dancer and choreographer, but a bit too edgy for my tastes.) Hines had the whole package: dance technique and the kind of charisma that made him a lot of fun to watch. And his partner Kym Johnson is my favorite pro.

The surprise of the night was Kirstie Alley making it to the No. 2 spot. But, good for her. She became much more physically fit because of the 10-week DWTS regimen, and showed that even at age 60 a woman can take on new challenges, while the world watches, and succeed. 

The draw of this show continues to amaze me -- millions and millions of people every week. It's nice to have an escape from the household chores and sobering headlines. If only for an hour or two every week, it's wonderful to fantasize about quick-stepping around a dance floor in front of a cheering audience with a handsome partner!

But, now, alas it's back to ridding the guest room of the junk that's collected on the bed and tending to the upstairs window ledge with the peeling paint. No dancing around that!  

Sunday's nasty, rainy weather prompted us to make it a movie day. So I took my daughter and a friend to see 'Ramona and Beezus.' (After we collected our concessions and made it in to the theater, I, of course, sat far away from the two of them so they wouldn't have to be seen with me. I, however, had a clear view of them the entire time, previews through the film's closing credits.)

Anyway, this G-rated movie was an absolute delight and perfect family fare. I enthusiastically recommend it! The movie is based on the Beverly Cleary books, and stars, among others, Joey King, teen sensation Selena Gomez and John Corbett (better known to many of us moms from "Northern Exposure,'' "Sex and the City'' and maybe as Bo Derek's boyfriend, and Josh Duhamel).  I digress.

The movie offered a realistic portrayal -- more than that which Hollywood typically provides -- of family life, and the problems, both big and small, that parents and kids must face together. One moment you're laughing out loud, the next you're tearing up. It touched on everything from report cards to job loss to parent role reversals to first loves to the bittersweet realities of loving a pet. If you can't make it to the theater for this one, put it on your list to see when it comes out on DVD. You won't be sorry! Klickitat Street is the place to be.