Bad Blogger!

Bad!

I'm back....Here's the final update on the slab leak that I left hanging. The plumber took a full day to do the repair work. They found two leaks after they got down under the slab. Both were easy to repair, but getting to them took a little work. Thankfully (and I am SOOO thankful when I say 'thankfully') they did not have to drill through any of the wood flooring to get to it. All the drilling was done in the water heater closet. YAY! We did have to rip up some flooring nonetheless to address the buckled wood, but it is not an obnoxious amount. The warranty company covered 40% of the total and our part was not embarrassingly outrageous, just uncomfortable, especially right before the biggest holiday of the year. The boys have been bunking together in Blaine's room since all of this since Braylon's floor is ripped up and we found some mold under it where the floor was sitting in a pool of water for several days. I'm looking forward to a few days off next week and hope that something might be accomplished during that time. We have all the equipment and know-how. Now we just need the time, energy and will-power to fix it.

On a completely different note, we gave the boys their Christmas gift from Brandon and I early. Yesterday we finished the adoption process of a 3 year old small Spaniel mix dog. We named him Biscuit Jeff. I'm sure over time the 'Jeff' part will be forgotten, but I did tell Blaine he could pick the middle name that that is what he liked the best. So far he's a great little friend. I hope he is a great companion for the family.

That's about all I've got right now... More later...

Slab Update

The plumber came out last night and diagnosed a slab leak. He said he thinks the hot and cold water pipes are rubbing against each other since it appears that there are leaks in both pipes. He will take a jack hammer to my floor first thing tomorrow morning. I am trying to be optimistic, not freaking out too terribly much. The warranty company will cover a good portion of it, thankfully. Looks like we might still have a Hamilton Christmas after all. haha... My story may be sadder tomorrow, but again, I shall be grateful and content in all things, even a slab leak.

Boo Hooooo

I must admit I'm pretty bummed out today. I believe I am a very optimistic person, but one can take only so much at a time.

Shall I explain?

This is crunch time for Brandon, probably more so than ever before considering this is his last full semester of classroom work and the finals are grueling, full-on practicals. At least it feels like there is more pressure. We have to treat Daddy like he's invisible during such periods of time because he simply has to study around the clock. Soooo, we've also been having trouble with our water heater for about 2 weeks. We got a new one on 11/17/09 and assumed our water heater troubles were behind us. That is, until we drove in from being out town on Friday night and discovered...No hot water. We had to wait until this a.m. to call the plumber because it was a holiday weekend and no plumbers work holiday weekends, I suppose. Because of that, the plumber is too busy to come until at earliest tomorrow. All of that to say - I came home from a baby shower tonight to find Braylon's bedroom floor completely BUCKLED from water damage. After looking closer, I realize that the leak starts in both boy's closets, just worse in Braylon's room. This cannot be happening. No, no, no!! I reject it from being in existence. No water leak. No slab leak. No, no, no!!

There, ok, now I've had my pity-party-temper-fit. I'm feeling slightly better. But only slightly, I'm afraid. I'm envisioning my floor being ripped up and the concrete being drilled into.

I know this too shall pass, eventually. At least I had procrastinated in decorating the boys rooms too much. And we have 25 days until Christmas, enough time to make them homemade gifts out of shoestring and leftover concrete tidbits.

I'm A Fan

This is copied from another blog. (Mommy Missionary) I thought it was too funny not to post. I pretty much agree with everything she say, 100%. Here goes:

I’m a fan of Tylenol P.M.

Just a half a dose. It’s non habit forming.

Especially when I am trying to get back on the exercise routine and can barely walk.

Except when my kids are getting sick and get in bed with you. I might be in such a fog that I can't tell my kids apart. Even if the one that is potty training says she needs to go to the bathroom, I might be too tired and just tell her to use her diaper.



I’m a fan of inviting friends over for dinner.

Except when we have to cancel.



I’m a fan of a nice quiet day at home.

Except when it’s due to body fluids of any nature. And it’s never actually quiet.



I’m a fan of an unseasonably, beautiful warm day.

Except when I can’t be out to enjoy it.



I’m a fan of saying no.

Especially when it means our schedule will be less chaotic.



I’m a fan of McDonald’s.

Especially when the kids think they really have to beg me to go there.



I’m a fan of doing things with my kids.

Except when it involves them watching me exercise and telling me what I could be doing better at 6:00 a.m. Or when they eat their food very loudly in my ear.



I’m a fan of people watching.

Except when it’s in the pharmacy line at Wal-Mart. Seriously, you see things you do not want to see there. I may have tried to gauge my eyes out if I had a sharp instrument and didn’t have to drive home.



I’m a fan of Pepto Bismol.

Except some people think it can cure the stomach flu. It can’t



I’m a fan of clean carpet.

Except when it has to be cleaned because someone puked Pepto Bismol on it.



I’m a fan of the doctor’s office.

Except when everyone there is coughing and wearing masks.

Especially when your kids are sick and they give you medicine. And suckers.



I’m not a fan of buying movies.

Hello, that’s what the library is for.

Except when waiting for a prescription for a really long time and looking for things to do to stay away from the pharmacy.



I’m a fan of cuddling up to watch a short, funny Christmas movie.

Especially when no one notices I’m asleep and they all think I’m enjoying it along with them.



I’m a fan of making cookies.

Except when they are peanut butter. I don’t like those. Oh wait, yes I do. Rats.



I’m a fan of letting a sick child sleep with me.

Except my husband does not agree.



I’m not a fan of sleeping on the couch.

Except when I’m a little psychotic about my child’s breathing.



I’m a fan of night time.

Especially the quiet at the end of a long day.

Happy Turkey Day

We traveled to Oklahoma for the annual Rozzell Thanksgiving festivities. The Rozzells are my relatives on my mother's father's side of the family. There are usually 80 some odd people who meet at the Masonic lodge every year and enjoy a massive lunch. Last year a reporter/photographer went to the wrong Masonic lodge to take pictures. The family laughed because the next day in the newspaper it read "Hungry citizens of Ardmore get fed for Thanksgiving." Apparently the other Masonic lodge in town was hosting a 'feed the homeless' lunch that day. It says something that no one noticed that we didn't appear to be homeless. Anyway, this year was perhaps a little lower attended, but the food was great nonetheless.

The boys did just about perfect going and coming both. They are at the age where DS gaming devices and Leapsters are perfect car companions. We also introduced them to the iconic cartoon series "The Flinstones," which they had never seen. They seemed intrigued. Mom and Dad treated the boys to a movie, too "Planet 51." It was ok - Not worth writing a movie review about, but not a terrible waste of time either.

We skipped the shopping madness of Black Friday and opted to treat the boys to a nature walk in Sulpher, Oklahoma at a state park they have there. It was really pretty, even in the start of winter. Blaine, while trying to cross over the river on spaced out rocks, stepped plum in the middle of the river. He was up to his chest in freezing cold water, yet didn't complain or holler. Crazy kid. He had to change into day-old clothes, which we supposed was better than soaking wet freezing clothes.

All in all, a good trip and a good Thanksgiving. Next up, Christmas. Ugh - Don't even remind me that the Christmas shopping season is upon us.

Low Estrogen

Not me personally...But I've decided that my house is a Low Estrogen Zone. We have extra testosterone, however. I'm thinking of getting a female dog or cat. This may be the solution I need. Any suggestions? I prefer a breed where there is extremely low maintenance. Like, as in, 0 maintenance would be most preferred. I have 3 high maintenance people in the house to contend with as is. Not that I mind the people...

Halloween

We had a good Halloween at our house. We celebrated this 'holiday' by participating in our church's Trunk or Treat. My kids wouldn't know the first thing about trick or treating in a traditional sense - Seems like we always do the church event thing. We dressed our trunk up with the theme "Wild About God" and had some African/wild animal decorations. Braylon was painted like a tiger and Blaine like a zebra. They were cute, although I must say I did expect the paint to last a tad longer. Blaine kept his on well, but Braylon bobbed for apples about 30 min into the event, ruining his face paint. Oh well, he didn't seem to care much. Mommy and Daddy decided not to dress up. I had a bad headache and even though I had anticipated dressing like a mom on safari, I didn't have the energy to give more effort than I did. Seemed to be ok anyway - We won the trunk decorating contest! Go figure. Yes, a fun, fun time.

Thoughts/Goals

Now that Brandon is nearing the end of medical school and shall one day in the near future be job-seeking, I find myself giving more thought to what I would like to do. Where would I like to end up? What are my goals, my dreams for the future? It's pleasant to think such things, not that I am unhappy or unsatisfied now. It's just pleasant to dream up what else could be on my horizon?

One thing is for sure is that we hope to stay in Midland. It is so humorous to me that two people who once declared that 'never again' would we ever live in a certain town now have a passion for staying put. Grounded, so to speak. Well-rooted. Whatever you call it. We hope to stay here. Of course, every time we make bold declarations, things have a way of changing. I'm careful not to sound too much like a clanging cymbal.

I also would love to be able to work part-time somewhere just for fun instead of bearing the burden of being the bread-winner of the family. I'd like to be able to drop my kids off at school and leisurely make my way to work and then be the parent who picks the kids up early from school and have an afternoon snack waiting for them so we can talk about how the day went. I know the boys are young, but I can already see the time slipping away in the cloud of mad rush that we live in. I don't want it to always be like that. Steady and active, but not overwhelmingly busy.

I would love the opportunity to be able to write. Verbalize the words wanting to get out, either in children's fiction or another venue. Raising up two lively boys has really written stories without too much of my input, however, I love to use words in creative ways. Perhaps I will get that chance.

I suppose the overall theme would be - Slowing Down. I would like the opportunity to savor life while I'm still young so that I don't have to look back when I'm older and wish I had enjoyed life more earlier.

Some of this I realize can be done right now. Some of it, not so much. Looking forward to some new changes in the horizon, even if they are months away.

Cool Camping

I should probably title this 'cold' camping. Just sounds 'cooler' if I name it Cool Camping.

We just back into town from a 2 night jaunt to our favorite little camping spot - Junction, Texas. We've been 4 times in 2 years and we'd love to go back again. It's just a quiet little town where no one seems to be in a hurry and the Dollar Store workers treat you like family.

We tent camped again. We haven't camped this late in the year, um, like ever... It was GREAT during the daytime - Perfect, actually. The night times were chilly. Probably upper 40s/low 50s I'd estimate. We all were snuggled in our sleeping bags, for sure!

I hope that our boys always love to camp. I hope that when we bust out the tent and they are 15 and 17 we hear cheers coming from their lips. Oh, I hope, I hope! Fun times!

From Here to There And Back Again

A Hamilton's Tale

Ever wonder how two reasonably sensible people could end up moving 8 times in 10 years and not be in the oil business? I've been thinking a lot about that with this latest move under our belts. I figured I'd cure the world of insomnia and answer it here.

Boy meets girl. Boy and girl fall in love and they get married in 1999. Move #1 occurred when boy and girl move into together after the nuptials were exchanged.

Brandon was working at a local furniture store in Abilene. Nothing to write home about, but it paid the bills. It wasn't long into that job that the company decided to downsize, so Brandon being the newest, was tossed out like yesterday's news. We both thought it would be an exciting 'adventure' to move to a big city, dumped our Abilene apartment and moved to Austin, Texas in 2000. Move #2.

Well, after about a year of apartment dwelling in Austin and having double income, no kids it was time for the Hamiltonians to move up in the world. They decided it would be most glamorous to build a new house instead of buying a 'used' one. The house was completed in late 2001. Move #3.

After getting settled in their new digs, the baby train was stopping through, so they decided they might as well have one of the little stinkers. Having a kid and staying longer in lucrative jobs grounded them there for about 3 years. However, Brandon had his mid-life career crisis extremely early and discovered he could not work for Samsung for the rest of his career and still be happy. Come on, we all know THIS story seeing as how it's been told hundreds of times....But here's the shortest version possible. Becky agreed to work full-time so that B-Dog could go back to school full time on one condition only; They relocate the family to Midland so that baby Hamilton could have grandparents caring for him instead of a day care center. B-Dog agreed. Move #4 was into the Davis household in Dec 2004 so that they could save some green and also because the Austin house had not yet sold when they moved. A mortgage and a rent was not do-able on Becky's salary alone.

Well, here's where the sensible people started doing things not quite as sensible as sensible could be. Immediately upon arriving to Midland, the baby train made an unexpected, yet welcomed, stop for the Hamiltons. However, with our little family growing and despite the Davis' hospitality, we needed our own space. Move #5 was into a small 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath townhouse - What we could afford at the time. Afford it or not, times were lean.

After a year in the townhouse, we learned of a deal where we could live in a house with a backyard for dollars more than the tiny townhouse we were in. This was probably not our best decision. Enter Move #6. There was indeed more space and there was the benefit of being very close to the Hamiltons Sr. BUT the house was a fixer-upper and we were still just throwing money away into fixing it up and rent payments. Hmmmmm, probably not too 'sensible.'

After two years in the money pit, we took the Dave Ramsey course "Financial Peace University." It radically changed how we thought about money. We started to make better choices, although not ALL of our choices to that point were bad or anything. We just did 'better.' We opted to get out of the money pit and live with parents again, under the notion that we would be paying off a little debt and saving for a house. Move #7 - Back into the parent's house.

Ahhhhh, here's where the story gets sweet. While we didn't reach every single initiative we had intended financially while living with parents, Uncle Sam decided to offer $8000 to whomever wanted to live in their own house. Yes, we'd like that please! We found out that we indeed qualified for this program, so throwing caution to the wind (and banking on Uncle Sam coming through), we just completed Move #8. 2009

This is where the story ends. Eight moves in ten years of marriage. Go figure. Don't expect there to be a 'to be continued' to this story. We would like to get off the baby train and moving express now. Thanks...

Recipe

Don't fall over and faint. I'm sharing a recipe. I admit, I've stolen it from my mother in law. I'm betting she won't mind if I share it. It's been a family favorite for many years.

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Cookies

1 cup sugar
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup medium light Karo syrup
5 cups Rice Krispies Cereal

Mix first 3 ingredients over a medium high heat until it gets smooth & bubbly. Pour over Rice Krispies & mix. Pour into a 9x13 pan and pat down. Cut cookies with a sharp knife while it is still warm. Enjoy!!

Mmmmmmmmm...........

Thankful

I was thinking this morning how thankful I am for this house. Probably not exactly for the reasons you might be thinking, although it is nice to have a space we can call our own. But really, the reason I am thankful today is that I look around and I see things that remind me of those who have helped us get to this point.

I think of the many people who literally moved us from one house to another - Cody, Alan, Mark, Ashlie, Jan, Dana, Byron, Jake, Clint, Conner to name a few. I see the lawn that first was mowed on the day we moved in by Clint. I remember that our first meal in our new home was provided by April. I think of the afternoon that Dana and I had an intervention in the kitchen as she helped me get rid of items I will never use. I see a wall decoration I got from Jan. I see how the living room is decorated and I think of how Amy helped me get it looking nice. I look at the painted wall in Braylon's room and think of Marcie, my mother and my mother in law who helped paint it. I see the surfboard that Mark supplied for Braylon's room. I open the kitchen pantry and see the super cool trashcan that Mark & Dana bought for a house warming gift to us. I see various decorations that Amy let me bum out of her storage closet. I rest on my comforter set that my friend Ashlie gave to me. I see a display kitchen dish that I recently painted with several of my girlfriends at the Pottery. I think of my parents babysitting so I could get things done around here. I think of the advice from my parents and in-laws along with unnameable help they have offered over the last 5 years of us getting to this point.

I hope I am not painting the picture that we are moochers. I hope we are not that. We are just so incredibly blessed with friends and family who are 'there' for us and we look FORWARD to being 'there' for them and others.

Yep, I'm so thankful for this house.

Busy Bee

I stayed home from work today to be with my sick boy. He was still throwing up last night until around 11:30 p.m. when I guess everything he had eaten for the day was sufficiently out of his system. We all got a good night's sleep after that and so far we haven't had any further episodes to speak of. Slowly integrating food in. I can tell he's weaker than usual, though, because all he wants to do is sit and watch movies. Not like him at all.

Meanwhile I've made the most of my day off. I've worked all morning on the boy's rooms unpacking the final few boxes that were lingering. You know, the stuff you don't really need but that you aren't really ready to let go of yet. Maybe I'm the only one like that. I have a hard time letting things go, even when I can't quite put a finger on what the item would really be good for later. Brandon is good to keep this in check for me, but I still struggle on some level with it. If it weren't for him, I would probably be one of those hoarders or 'collectors' that you read about with their stacks of Pringles cans to the ceiling and a maze of newspapers throughout the house. You never know....It could happen...

House of Pain

Ok, maybe not pain exactly. Well, my neck is sore. I got some free PT out of the deal. Brandon says I'm the wimpiest patient he's had so far. He said he's had kids that are tougher than me. I told him it's probably just because I'm the only one willing to be honest with him to say how much it really hurts and everyone else is just trying to be polite. Anyway, it does feel better now, but PT is no fun, I've decided.

Braylon came home throwing up from school today. As of right before he fell asleep tonight, he was still throwing up. No fun! I hope he gets some rest.

Everyone else seems ok for now. For now, being the operative statement. I suppose I will end on an optimistic note - We are 75% well presently.

Updates

We have been in the new house for 11 days. During that time we have started the process of getting settled in. You know, all the usual fun of getting things connected, finding the perfect spot for all your stuff, etc. I'm happy to say that we are about 85% moved in. Not bad, I'd say. The biggest time sucker is that we have to go through every box and determine if it's is 1) keep and find a place, 2) keep and store, or 3) garage sale/toss. I feel like we're on one big episode of Clean Sweep. Anyway, working full time and being active at church slow me down from getting everything done already, but I'm not disappointed with the progress that has been made so far. We are down to just a few boxes left to go through. I imagine by the weekend we will be done altogether, or very close. I'm ready to just 'live' and not be organizing. If you really know me, you know that is not a favorite activity, for sure!

The boys are doing well. Braylon LOVES his new room and personal space. Blaine, not so much. I think he would have preferred to continue sharing a room with his big brother, but alas, he is learning to like it, too.

That's about all I have for today. I promise now that we are getting settled to blog a little more often.

Moving

We closed on the house yesterday with no problems. Several of our friends chipped in to help us move and I can say that all of our stuff is successfully in our house. Now, it's a colossal mess, but it's in there anyway! Looking forward to years in this house!!

Happy Birthday Baby!

Today Blaine celebrates the big 0-4! We took little ice creams and cookies to his school so he could celebrate with his school friends. Tonight we will treat to him to his choice of restaurants - Carinos. Go figure. I'm not complaining - I'd rather have Carinos than most places, but didn't think my 4 year old would share my taste in food this early. We were going to throw a party this week for him, but with all the house and moving stuff going on, he agreed to let us post-pone his party until after the move and then we will do a big backyard event later in the month. Thank goodness he's a flexible kiddo!

I think back on the last 4 years and am thankful for a healthy, vibrant boy that he is and the little man that he is becoming. He is compassionate and loving, but sometimes zany and humorous. Blaine has a way of saying things in a sincere way that just 'stick it to you' like few others can get away with. This a.m. for example I was singing various versions of Happy Birthday to him on the way to school. He listened for a long time, but when I got to my Mariah Carey version, he matter of factly said, "That's getting on my nerves, Momma." Then he said, "Now that I'm 4, could you please call me Blaine instead of Lainey?"

Yep, he's a sweetie and I'm so thankful to get the honor of being his mommy. Looking forward to the growing years to come!!

House Update

Well, good news. The house was appraised at the right value and the inspections all passed with flying colors. So, all we have left to do is bring some money to the closing table and the house is ours. If all goes as planned, we will close next Friday. It has been a long time since we've been home owners and we are ready. I was thinking on it and Brandon and I have moved 6 times in 10 years of marriage. I feel a major pang of guilt for asking my children to live a nomadic life any longer than we already have (um, like their entire lives pretty much). All Braylon wants is his own room and a dog, two things we've been unable to give him yet because of the sacrifices we agreed upon making back in 2004. That is about to change. It is fine time for us to put down roots and let our little family grow. DON'T read more into that comment - I just mean the existing family will grow, we don't plan to add more people to it!

If you read this before Sept 4, please pray that things continue to go smoothly and that we go wherever God leads us always.

School Ties

Braylon has successfully attended 2 days of the 1st grade. No behavior issues thus far, though admittedly the teacher hasn't created the behavior log yet. He says he is not getting into trouble despite being in a class with last year's trouble maker. Braylon is very bright and is an advanced reader....and sometimes that leads to his being disruptive when he is bored. Bless his little heart, he is sweet natured most of the time, but....God's still working on him, that's for sure.

God's still working on me, that's for sure, too. As a parent it's easy to look at our earthly children a little more like I imagine God sees all of His own children. Knowing they are not perfect, yet loving them still. Wanting the best for them. Molding their character to be pleasing and righteous. Seeing blatant opportunities for growth, yet gently showing them how to grow instead of doing it for them. I imagine that God is thinking that about me, and I'm touched.

Stuff

My poor, neglected little blog. Ever since Facebook came into my life, you are second fiddle. Alas, here I am.

Here are a few tidbits since last blogging.

Yesterday at dinner I whispered, "I love you," into Blaine's ear. He quickly responded by saying, "Prove it." Now where did he get that, I ask? bahaha

Tonight while watching a movie Blaine asked if a certain few men were the bad guys. Daddy told him yes. Then as he's still watching he said, "I can't wait until I can kill those bad guys right there." Wow. That was scary. Of course we laughed and said that they didn't need killing.

Braylon is officially without his splint. The doctor wanted us to keep it on until Labor Day, but he was okay to let it be off a few days before that considering school starts on Monday. We bought a handy-dandy brace for him to wear for a couple weeks. We aren't quite yet comfortable to go with nothing just yet. The break was far worse than the doc first thought, thus the 10 weeks in a splint.

Brandon ended the summer semester with 3 As and 1 B. Pretty darn good for 3rd year medical school. I'm proud of him, so I had to share. 350 more days, not that I'm counting.

Work is going well. I've received many compliments for the 'higher ups' lately. Not sure I'm doing anything different, just doing it more visually in front of supervisors, I guess. Got to give a presentation at work and was asked to testify for a case that wasn't even really mine just as support for the case. Was told that my current 2-year position is mine for however long I want. Guess it's going well.

The house looks like a done deal. We will know 100% for sure next week. Please pray we will go where God sends us (right now, that's just across town).

And finally, school starts Monday. We met Braylon's teacher and she seems like she will be good. Blaine's teacher is the same one that Braylon had 2 years ago, so we are happy about that.

Yep. All things are shaping up pretty good around here. No complaints!

A Camping We Did Go

We got back today from a short camping trip. It was our 2nd tent camping adventure. The first one was cut short because of a snow storm (2 years ago). This go around, the weather cooperated and we stayed 2 nights with our tent about 20 feet from the Llano River riverbed. We mostly just hung out, but we did go on a 4 hour inner tubing excursion down the Llano. Boy, you learn a lot about your friends and family in such circumstances. For example, I learned that Brandon buckles under the stress when he thinks his babies are in danger. He was having trouble with Blaine who was scared and crying. Braylon went sailing by them. I was stuck in a fast current and couldn't help. There was a lot of yelling. Then I noticed a friend was saving Blaine and carrying him along the side of the river and Brandon was still yelling. He had lost a flip flop. No worries, though. The flip flop was recovered. We made it home with all the kids we originally left with. Brandon settled down and we had a great time!

Momma's Boy

At VBS during snack time, Blaine offered to pray into the microphone amongst dozens of other children in the fellowship hall. Here is what he said:

"Thank you for my mommy and for me and even for this snack. Amen."

He didn't know I was standing about 20 feet behind him. Cutie pie.

Absentee Blogger

It's been too long since I last entered a blog post. Shame on me. Let me briefly explain. Brandon and I have been considering buying a house. Our original plan was to wait until he graduated next year so that we could consider both our incomes and buy a house in the neighborhood we'd really like. However, the $8000 free money from Uncle Sam is enticing, so we've decided to bump our plans up a year. In the process of casually looking, we found a house that is 1) very, very close to our desired neighborhood (like spitting distance), 2) the perfect size, and 3) near several of our friends. (Also in a great school district, but that doesn't apply to us yet since the boys go to/will go to a magnet school.) Sooooo, we simply couldn't pass it up. We are in the process of buying and if all the inspections pass, we will be homeowners again at long last. This last week has been a whirlwind of paperwork and planning. Oh, and throw VBS and vacation planning in there, too. Trying not to get too excited, but, truth be told, I do really hope it works out!!

The Lord's Supper

On Sunday our church congregation observed the Lord's Supper. For anyone non-Baptist reading this, it's where we remember the sacrifice Christ made for us through the tradition of the last supper where Jesus dined with his disciples. We drink a small cup of grape juice to represent the blood that was shed for our sins and eat a small cracker to remind us of the body that was sacrificed on our behalf. Baptists believe that anyone can observe this traditional ceremony as long as you have made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. My children have not yet done that, so they are not encouraged to partake.

Braylon has witnessed this occurrence a few times. Blaine, however, has not to my recollection. This Sunday I braved it and had both boys in the service with me. I quietly reminded Braylon that the juice and cracker were just for Mommy & Daddy and he was cool with it. When I whispered to Blaine the same thing, he wondered why. Trying to keep it simple and on a 3 year old level, I said, "Well, I do this to remember that I have invited Jesus into my heart."

Blaine quietly and sweetly whispered, "Why can you not remember that??"

School Time...Almost

Last night I took Braylon school supply shopping at Target. We got nearly all his stuff, however, a few things on the list were impossible to find. I imagine there is a purchasing manager somewhere laughing riotously about not ordering the correct items on the list. For example, it appears that Crayola does not make the 16 count crayon boxes, but rather 24. The list provided by the school says, "Please pay attention to brand names when specified." Soooo, do you get the off-brand 16 count, or do you get the 24 count Crayola Crayons? Life can be so hard sometimes and choices so difficult...Ahhhh....

Weird Schedule

Without kiddos home I'm learning that my schedule becomes all 'caddywompis' (it's a word, look it up). For example, yesterday I took at 4 hour nap instead of my usual 1 hour rest. Mistake #1. I was so un-tired that I agreed to go see a late movie with Brandon. Mistake #2. It is now mid-morning on Monday as I write this and I am fighting the fatigue bunnies. It should be an early to bed night for me!

Sans Kiddos

The boys went with their grandparents for another week of fun and adventure in the woods. My dad still has to go to East Texas every few weeks to check on my terminally ill aunt and to do house maintenance, etc. Since the kids don't start school for another month, they went with them again. I must admit, even though I become a ball of stress when they aren't here, it is nice to get a break every once and again. Parting is such sweet sorrow, but the reunions are always so worth it. Six more days...Until then, I'll be kicked back and relaxing a little.

Movie Review

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
Rated: PG
Starring: Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint

This is the 6th installment to the beautiful series about coming of age wizards at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardary. Some important events happen in this film and Harry learns a few 'true colors' of trusted allies. The rivalry between Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter comes to a head and some other spoilers that I can't mention occur.

Becky's Rating: A++

Getting an A from me is hard enough, but an A++, well, that's durn near impossible in my book. I recently read all 7 books and so I can tell you, the movie follows the book as well as it possibly can considering time constraints. (Don't let that deter you from reading the books, though.) The actors, I feel, have matured and feel more comfortable in their characters than ever before. The storyline was easy to follow, yet complex and interesting. The pace of the movie was perfect. I disagree that it should have been rated PG and would not recommend taking any child under about age 11 due to some violent moments.

Let me take just a moment to make a soapbox comment on the content of not only this film, but all the books and films. There are some people who believe that these books open a portal of evilness and that if one should read about wizards and witches, they become interested in or open to the dark arts. I actually read this series in preparation for the future, anticipating my children reading this series. (And my new philosophy on this issue, I will only listen to those with opinions on the subject if they themselves have actually read the books.) Let me say this - I hope my children do read and love this series! I did not find anything disturbing in the material or anything which I found objectionable. J.K. Rowling took great care to play to her audience - Young people. Her wording was handled brilliantly and I do believe that in time this series will go down in history as a classic.

Bottom line: Please READ the books, then go enjoy a little bit of mind candy!! Take your teens (or just go by yourself!!). You won't be disappointed.

Tender Moments

Sometimes, I'm learning, while raising little wild things, there come days when you are utterly exhausted from repeating endless commands and reprimands. And then, one tender moment can turn it all around for you and you remember just how sweet those little beasts can really be. Such was the case tonight with Braylon. I'll keep that tender moment just between he and I. But my heart is indeed full with affection at the moment.

Cuts Like a Knife

Last night the boys spent the night with Brandon's parents as a treat (for everyone). Prior to dropping them off, Brandon took them to get sno cones. Braylon ordered Pickle Juice Flavor - Yuck! Blaine ordered Cherry Cola. The little lady taking the order must have misunderstood Brandon because Blaine got Cherry instead. Not wanting to make a big deal about it when Blaine asked about it, Brandon said that was Cherry Cola and Blaine dropped the issue. Later, after we left the boys in the care of Nana & Papaw, Blaine told Papaw he had gotten Cherry Cola flavor. Papaw said, "No, I believe that's just Cherry." Blaine sat quietly for a minute, then he said, "I'm not mad that they got the flavor wrong, but my daddy lied to me."

Ouch. You can't get anything past these two anymore.

Joke

This is the joke Braylon told me just a few minutes ago. He said he made it up. I can tell.

Why did the hens feed the chickens?

Because they were scared.

I'm pretty sure he doesn't have a future in comedy.

Summer Rush

In my mind I thought the summer weeks would naturally slow us down. HAHAHAHAH Well, EXCUSE ME for having that thought! This is our first summer of having a 'break' from daycare. The kids have been staying at home with their grandparents, who keep them busy with something new nearly every day. Between weekend getaways, church activities, and football games we've been almost as busy as during the school year. The good thing is that at least the kids can sleep in in the mornings and I don't have to wake up early to cart them off to their respective schools. I'm totally getting spoiled with that extra 45 minutes of sleep every day. When August gets here there will be a rude awakening for sure!

Memories

Tonight while talking to Blaine we had an interesting conversation. Chatting it up with a 3 year old never ceases to entertain me.

Blaine told me that I would be sad one day when he grows up and has his own house. I told him I would actually be happy for him when he does that. He told me he would still come back and visit. Then he said, "And I'll even remember who you are."

That's good. All this hard work won't be in vain.

Quick Trip

We drove up to Lubbock late afternoon on Friday and were back in town around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Pretty quick trip. Had lots of fun, though. Went to Brandon's favorite - Taco Bueno for dinner last night. Hung out watching the Disney channel until the boys could barely force their eyelids to stay open. Woke up pretty early and hit their favorite park, then spent the balance of the day at the Main Event Entertainment complex. Had a great time there playing Glo in the Dark Mini Golf, many various arcade games and bowling. Blaine won in bowling on the kid's lane (with bumpers up, of course). Mommy came in second (above Brandon for once) in the adult's lane. Not wanting to ruin a good thing, Mommy sat out round two. We came back through some scattered showers, but safely at that. Now just about ready to tuck it in and call it a 4th without the fireworks. Maybe I'll dream about 'em.

Holiday

Spent the majority of my day off running errands and getting ready to go to Lubbock with some friends. We're just going for one night to let the kids have a change of scenery. Probably go to the science museum again, hopefully not losing a child this time. Definitely will hit one of the better parks up there. Sure to be a good time.

Pictures

We had our family pictures taken this weekend. I'd say they turned out well. Here are some to enjoy!

Guitar Hero

This Sunday at church the praise band played a heavier-than-normal set with lots of extra instruments and vocals. After the music was over, Blaine said (in a non-church voice)....(pause) "I should have brought my guitar."

Football Part 2

Touchdown #2 was scored by Mr. Blaine Caleb...He was so cute to explain the play in detail to me over dinner. So cute!

Braylon, meanwhile, is on Injured Reserve for the rest of the season. We learned today that he broke his right arm last weekend while playing with a friend of the family. Just one of those things... We are bummed that he won't finish the football season. Swimming, karate and piano are out this summer, too. I'm sure we'll be doing extra reading and board games, no doubt!

Dad of the Year

Today is Father's Day. Thought I'd celebrate by listing a few things I like about Brandon, aka - My kid's father.

1) His willingness to get on the floor and wrestle with the boys, not to mention enjoying a good game of Scooby Doo on the Game Cube
2) His sense of humor and good nature to be the butt of the joke sometimes
3) His spiritual leadership in that he prays with the boys EVERY night, no exceptions
4) The fact that he calls the boys on their behavior, no matter if makes him unpopular
5) His silliness and willingness to just be silly sometimes - The boys love this
6) The fact that no matter how busy he is with his studies, he always has time to talk to the boys about their day
7) His eagerness to show physical and verbal affection to the boys

Football

We started the flag football season off in a big way tonight. Blaine had an outstanding kick in his first game ever (he's also not yet had any practices because he was out of town when it started). Braylon flexed his mojo and was the only player I noticed that stayed in the entire game. He pulled several flags, but our proudest moment was when he went for a '50 yard' run into the end zone - TOUCH DOWN!! Yeah, we were shamefully screaming from the sidelines. I thought Grampy was watching the Cowboys with the way he was cheering. The best part of it all is that both boys left energized and ready for more. And that's what it's all about...Having fun and feeling good. This is sure to be a great 4 weeks!

Mom Of The Year

Maybe I'm not out of the running for Mom of the Year after all... This evening after prayer time Braylon said he had something to give me. He proceeded to hand me an Olympic type 'medal' (aka cheapo plastic) and say it was my award for being the 'Best Mom Ever.' I chose not to have him elaborate whether it was 'Best Mom Ever Lived,' 'Best Mom He Ever Had,' or 'Best Mom Out of All that Were in his Bedroom at the Time.' Still, a sweet gesture... Think I'll wear my award at least another 10 minutes or so. Don't want to get a big head, you know.

Brotherly Love

Sometimes as a parent your kids will do things towards each other that brings warm fuzzies...Something like that happened today.

Braylon's SS class members were given balloons as part of the lesson this a.m. (Think blue balloons to represent the cloud that Moses and the Israelites followed by day.) Blaine is not yet in that class, so only Braylon had one. After church, we were chatting in the sanctuary like usual and, of course, Braylon lost his balloon in the 1,000 ft high ceiling (Ok, no idea how high it really is...But you get the picture). To put it mildly, Braylon was crushed. He cried for at least 5 solid minutes until Daddy and the children's minister went to get a replacement balloon, as well as a balloon for Blaine.

Not 5 minutes after getting the second round of balloons, we get into the van to head to lunch. Due to the heat in the van, Blaine's balloon popped almost immediately after getting in. It was a quiet shock for about 10 seconds as everyone realized what had happened. Here's what happened next:

Braylon: "BLAINE!! You can have my balloon!!! HERE!! I can't get it off!! HERE! Don't cry, Blaine, BLAINE, you can have mine!"
(Bear in mind Braylon REALLY wanted his...)
Blaine: (WAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH)
Braylon: "Blaine, Don't cry, Blaine, You can have it as soon as I can get it off, Please don't cry..."
Blaine: (WAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH)
Braylon: (WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH) "Mom...I didn't want Blaine to cry...I can't get it off! When he cries, I cry." (WAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH)

It was so hard not to laugh, but I held it together long enough to calm them both down. They can be so sweet sometimes...The cutest part came just after Blaine calmed down. He said, "But Jesus can fix it, right Momma?" Priceless.

Babies Back

I got my babies back, babies back, babies back, babies back....

The boys got home just after 8 p.m. tonight. It was so good to see them. They looked like they grew an inch each, but after measuring them, realized that it just appears that way because it's been too long since I last saw them. (I'm still wishing Blaine to that magical 42" mark before we can go back and redeem our 2nd day at Sea World.)Got some cute pics of them from their trip that I will attempt to post later this weekend.

Back to life as usual.

Gator Bait

Blaine and Braylon called yesterday to tell me about their venture to the Alligator Farm near where they are traveling with their grandparents. Blaine was so cute to say he got to hold a baby alligator and love on it. Braylon said his favorite part was the alligator, too, but he also said there were loads of other animals there including an ostrich, goats, and a llama. Sounds like an interesting place. Can't wait to see pictures and hear more from them. They will be home tomorrow night - So looking forward to our reunion!

Meanwhile I've been enjoying the quiet at home and catching up on some reading. Ok, ok...So I wasn't behind in my reading. It's more of 'getting ahead' if you were to call it anything. I've also gone out with friends, to the movies, and out on a date. One more night with friends tonight and then I'm ready for my life 'as usual' to return. Bring back the Gator Bait!!

It's Only Wednesday

This has been a long week so far. I'm not complaining. It has been nice to only have to take care of myself for a change. However, I'm so used to taking care of the little runts, along with the fact that I kind of like having them around...Saturday isn't coming fast enough. I'm even looking forward to breaking up brotherly fights and bathing stinky, sweaty little boys that wreak of wet puppies. (Only mothers of boys know 'that' unique smell.) Ahhh, 3 more days....

Movie Review

Star Trek
Rated PG-13
Starring: A list of virtual unknowns

The purpose of this movie is to introduce essential characters and to explain the origins of their relationships. Of course, there is that little thing about planets being destroyed, time traveling in space and Captain Kirk going on crazy dangerous missions by way of a plot, but essentially the former is the purpose of the movie.

Becky's Rating: A

I am not what you would call a Star Trek fan - Or a Trekky. (Geek yes, Trekky No - Notice the fine distinction.) However, I really enjoyed this film. The characters were interesting to me and seeing how they related to one another 'made' the movie for me. Great movie to take the family to if you have teenagers. Under 10-12, wait for a few more years. No gory violence, but ample violent action nonetheless. It was not a cliff hanger ending, but it's fair to say the producers left it wide-open for a sequel.

Bottom line: This movie will not disappoint, no matter if you can't see yourself going to a Star Trek movie.

Parting is Sweet Sorrow

The boys left this a.m. to go for a week at the lake with Granny & Grampy, where they will meet various other family members. Of course I have mixed feelings about them traveling sans parents. But there's hardly anyone who loves the boys like their grandparents, so I know they are in good hands. It was still hard to watch the van drive off this a.m. Blaine kept saying he was sorry (presumably that he was going to have fun and I had to stay at home being 'bored'). Braylon kept saying that he would call everyday, even if he doesn't call, he'll call. (Don't know what that means.) All in all...I'm glad they will get some quality time with family and, frankly, a little quiet ('boring') time at home seems like an exciting venture as any to me...

Handicapped

The boys are about to go out of town for a week with grandparents and so Brandon planned a 'boys day' today at the golf course. When they first arrived, an older man asked the boys, "What's your handicap?" Braylon candidly told the man, "I don't know what that means." The man clarified, obviously to be nice, "You know, what do you shoot?" Blaine looked at the man and plainly said, "A golf ball."

Guess he should have seen that one coming.

Bugs Pt 2

Blaine's prayer:

"Dear God, thank you for bugs. Thank you for spiders. Thank you for little spiders, but not for big spiders, because they bite. In Jesus Name, Amen"

It's a Bug Eat Bug World

A true testament of Blaine's tender-heartedness:

Right before bed tonight I instructed the boys to go potty and head to their beds. Braylon went first and found a small, black bug next to the toilet. He scooped it up and put it on top of the toilet seat, then hopped off to bed. As I was helping Blaine stay focused in his bedtime tasks, we found the bug, where I proceeded to throw it in the potty. I was encouraging Blaine to go ahead and go to the bathroom, but he wasn't able to 'produce' while standing and looking at the bug. The minutes passed by and Blaine just stood there staring at the bug. I unfortunately pointed out that the bug had stopped moving, therefore, he must be about dead. (I said this so he'd hurry up and go, not to scar him for life.)

Blaine then sweetly asked, "Does that bug bite, Momma?" Looking back, a little white lie gently inserted here would have been better. But nooooo. Honest Momma answered, "Not that bug."

Blaine panicked. It was then a race to see if he could save the bug's life, but he couldn't quite pinch the bug in the water, and by then it had really stopped moving. I then announced that the bug was indeed, dead.

(Loud wailing)

(More LOUD WAILING)

(A flush following by MORE LOUD WAILING)

After several minutes of hysterical crying, Blaine made me promise to never, EVER flush a good bug again. The new stipulation is that we can only flush bugs that bite.

Busy-ness

Feeling the pangs of stress, I recently evaluated all the activities that I do on a weekly basis. I took a long look at my busy-ness and realized that I was blocking out invaluable time that could be reinvested elsewhere due to plain 'ol busy-ness. Now, there was nothing I was involved in that was bad. I've once heard someone wise say that the devil works by giving us too many good things to do. I can echo that train of thought...I was doing everything - mediocrally, not finding the right balance of it all and feeling big stress in the in-betweens. Things I 'wanted' to do were shuffled to the back burner. Things I 'needed' to do were often left undone or hurried through. I don't want to live that way. Something had to go. Since I only do 'good' things, something 'good' had to go. I decided to give something up that was already a stressor for me...praise team at church. Kind of stunk, too, because I love being involved in the worship process.

I know that God has used me, is using me, and will use me more in the future to further His Kingdom. I could use this space to beat myself up over having to say no to a ministry I love, or I can just start preparing myself to have more time to invest into my family and my personal development. I am also excited to do the other things I'm already involved in better.

A Mother's Right

To brag, that is. Have to do it. Proud of the little guy...

Brandon went to Braylon's end of the year parent/teacher conference this week. I missed out because I had to testify in court that day. Anyway, Braylon's teacher said that he's done very well overall this year. The part that I'm the proudest about is that the teacher explained that in kindergarten the goal is to end the year being a B level reader, on an A-Z scale, I would guess. She said several students don't make it past A level, but that Braylon is currently assessed at level M, which is considerably ahead for his class. (Don't know what grade level M is typical for...)

(Sniff, sniff) Proud of my boy...

What A Week

I think I just experienced one of the busiest weeks in my adult life. Let me tally it up for you,in no particular order:

7 flights
1 rental car
3 different hotel stays
5 Texas cities other than my hometown
1 funeral
1 amusement park
1 stint in prison
4 killer whales
3 days of training
1 movie
2 large novels (700 pages +)
4 fun kiddos
1 tired momma

As you can plainly see, it would take far too long to give you a running story of what I actually did this past week. Ohhh boy! I just took 'Busy' to a different level. GLAD to be home!

Goodbye Memaw

Lillian Lovelace Walters Davis November 1, 1909 - May 15, 2009

(To put it in perspective for you, my Memaw was nearly 3 years old when Titanic sank.)

Goodbye Memaw...We love you! Will will always have fond memories of eating your hushpuppies, swinging on the old tire swing, feeding the horses, walking to the old country store and having you braid my hair! Not to mention your contagious laugh, I'll miss that the most.

Happy Birthday to Me

Today was my birthday. It's really not necessary to say which birthday, but I'll just say I'm officially comfortably in my 30s now. I spent the day at work, although I took it easy after a hard week already. The boys bought me a card and flowers and my in-laws took us to dinner at the Outback (yummy on the barbie!). Blaine was charming our waitress big time, the sweetie. Now it's evening and I'm ready to roll up into bed, watch Walker Texas Ranger with Brandon and READ more on my book...Ahhh...A good evening in store...

Tidbits

Here are a few cute ones:

1) Next week I am going to an immersion training where I 'immerse' myself into prison life. It's at one of the prison units in Huntsville and I told Braylon that I would be going to prison for a few days for a school. Last night in his prayer Braylon said, "And please let my mom have fun when she goes to jail." Had to crack a smile at that one. It made me wonder if God had ever heard that exact request.

2) This a.m. on the way to school we had the opportunity to learn what the word 'ream' means. I told them it means to hurt someone. Eager to use his new word, Blaine said: "Yeah, it's like when the soldiers told Jesus, 'I'm going to ream you!'" Ugh...yeah, Blaine. Like that.

3) Tonight at prayer time Blaine and I were praying. When it was my turn to go, I couldn't help but to notice that something kept bumping into my lip as I prayed. I wondered why he kept poking me. So as I continued, I took a peek to find that Blaine had a toy microphone to my mouth as I prayed. Guess he's still working out the whole 'God can hear you at any volume' thing in his head.

All About My Mom

At the Mother's Day Tea, Braylon gave me a book he 'wrote' about me. Some of the things are dead on, some are not far off. Since I don't have a scanner I'll transpose here: (Words in all caps are what he wrote.)

My MOM likes to eat NOTLES (noodles).
She hates to eat CANDY because ITS BAD FOR HER.
Her favorite dessert is CHOCLIT (chocolate).
Her favorite thing to do is READ. (Amen, brother!)
The best thing she does is WATCH ME.
I help her at home by MAKING HER FEEL BETTER. (It must be said I've been sick this week. Otherwise this makes it sound like I have some long-term emotional problem.)
When my MOM PLAYS it really makes me HAPPY.
The funniest thing my MOM ever did was LAUGH A FUNNY LAUGH.
I know my MOM loves me very much because she KISSES ME.

He is so precious to me, that Braylon. And he does know me pretty well...

Super Mom!

Just in time for Mother's Day, too. Here's the run down of my day. Keep in mind that 100% of this occurred before lunch.

1) Got the kids ready for school & delivered to their respective places of education.
2) Took Braylon to a book fair and spoiled him a little bit by letting him pick out some chapter books and a few picture books for Blaine, too. (Side note: You should see the MOUNTAIN of books Braylon sleeps with - He reads himself to sleep like his parents do.)
3) Ran to Wal-Mart to buy teacher appreciation gift and cards. Delivered cards/cake to Blaine's school.
4) Went home to 'rest'. After all, I took the morning off since I'm still recouping from the strep throat. (BTW, I'm about 85% better...After a good rest tonight I hope to be shooting at 100%.)
5) Attended Blaine's school program. Unfortunately this year our family was spread out all over the state and Brandon had to attend a luncheon in his honor for the last day of his clinical. I was the only person there to cheer Blaine on.
6) Leaving Blaine's program a little early, I RUSHED across the tracks back to Braylon's school to attend a Mother's Day Tea. If I hadn't of gone, I would have been the only mother not present, so I'm glad I decided to rush over.
7) Joined Braylon for lunch in the school cafeteria. He was so precious to 'buy' my lunch on his school account. He has no idea I've paid for it on the computer out of my own pocket.
8) Signed the boys up for flag football at the Y.
9) Went to work to rest! (Working mothers of the world, you know what I'm talking about!)

A Year of Sickness

I'm remembering back on 2009 so far. Here's what I remember most vividly: Strep for Blaine and Mommy in January. For Braylon it was the flu and surgery for his 3rd round of ear tubes in February. The flu and a sinus infection for Mommy in February, too. An ear infection for Blaine in March. The pink eye for the boys in late April. And presently strep for Blaine and Mommy in May. Brandon has been well if you don't count testing for high blood pressure issues. What gives? I hope we have gotten all our sickness for the year out the way already and the rest will be smooth sailing...Ahhh....I can hope.

Yeah Right!

Not strep, my hiney! Blaine woke up crying that his 'breath' hurt this a.m. Since I have been in pretty severe pain in my throat since Sunday, I put all the pieces together and decided it was time to take Blaine back to see the doctor. Yep, it's strep. That means: Dah duh duh Daaahhhh....Mommy has it, too. (Blaine's doc agrees.)My doctor didn't even do a strep test, come to think of it...I really think it was an oversight on her part. Anyway, we are both on antibiotics, but boy...I've been in PAIN for 4 days straight and I sure would enjoy some RELIEF! Tomorrow we will take the day off from work/school and recoup at home. I'm planning on at least a nice fat afternoon nap, if nothing else...

Not Strep

Well, I buckled down and went to the doctor this a.m. (See Mom, I do that sometimes!) I don't have strep - Just a pesky post-nasal drip that is causing my throat to be raw. She gave me a nice little thing I like to call heaven in a syringe, aka Cortizone and stronger allergy meds. I have been told that this time tomorrow I'll think everything is right in the world... I wonder just what is in that shot? Everything right with with world?

Well?

It appears we are moving past the pink eye issues - The boys both seems fully or nearly fully recovered this evening. If Brandon and I can last a few more days without symptoms we'll call it a success. And boy I did spray everything down - Yesterday this whole house smelled like we were living inside a Lysol can. Here's hoping... However.... Now I'm swallowing daggers again. This happened in late January when I had the strep. I've been ignoring it for a couple days now, but I have a feeling its time to go get swabbed. Three years ago I waited so long that it severely infected by throat and vocal chords - Not only did I lose my voice, I literally couldn't make a peep. I know, I know... And this was a problem how?? I'll go get it checked out if I'm still hurting tomorrow...I wouldn't want anyone to miss out on the vastly prophetic things I always have to say...

'Ol Pink Eyes

Still suffering the saga of The Pink Eye Plague!! Braylon was MOST upset last night when we discovered he, too, has contracted a curious case of leaky eye syndrome. That meant he was a no-go for his class field trip today (to the fire station no less) AND he had to decline from a birthday party he's been looking forward to going to for weeks. It was at least 30 minutes of gooey tears last night. By the time Braylon woke up this a.m. he looked like a professional boxer - Full with the shiner and swollen-shut eyes. (Poor thing!)

This momma not too happy bout it...But what can you do? UGH!

ICK

Blue eyes are much prettier than pink eyes, I've decided. Blaine has struggled with the pink eye this week. So far no one else has shared with him and I hope to keep it that way. Hopefully he'll be back at school soon...

Faulty Theology

We may need to really start working on Blaine's concept of divine communication (and telling the truth?).

On the way home from running errands this a.m., Blaine was 'looking' at a DVD case in the back seat. The DVD was then out and being handled by little boy fingers - a pet peeve of mine. I told him to return the DVD and if the DVD came out again then he would get a swat when we get home. Sure enough, it wasn't 2 minutes down the road and the DVD was back out. I told Blaine when we got home we would need to handle this.

Blaine then said, "Momma, I don't want a spanking. Jesus told me to take the DVD out. Really, Mom, He did!"

House of Boys

This was too funny and too true not to pass on. All you mothers of boys in the world, unite and laugh:

1. ) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep.
2. ) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.
3. ) A 3-year old boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.
4. ) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong
enough to rotate a 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman
cape. It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread
paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. Room.
5. ) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When
using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times
before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.
6. ) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.
7. ) When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh", it's already too late.
8. ) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke -- lots of it.
9. ) A six-year old boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a
36-year old man says they can only do it in the movies.
10. ) Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old boy.
11. ) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.
12. ) Super glue is forever.
13. ) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.
14. ) Pool filters do not like Jell-O.
15. ) VCR's do not eject "PB & J" sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.
16. ) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.
17. ) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.
18. ) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.
19. ) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.
20. ) The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5-minute response time.
21. ) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.
22. ) The spin cycle on the washing machine will, however, make cats dizzy.
23. ) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.
24. ) 80% of men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.
25. ) 80% of women will pass this on to almost all of their friends, with or without kids.
A) For those with no children - this is totally hysterical.
B) For those who already have children past this age, this is hilarious.
C) For those who have children this age, this is not funny.
D) For those who have children nearing this age, this is a warning.
E) For those who have not yet had children, this is birth control.

Good Citizenship

This a.m. Blaine woke up and while he was getting dressed he said, "Yesterday I wasn't a good citizen, but today I will be."

I guess our discipline had an impact on him last night...It was awefully cute the way he said it and was hard to stifle a smile as I told him he was correct.

Not Cute

Every now and then our kids do things that remind us about the principle of grace. Today Blaine was sent home from preschool with a note from his principal saying that he punched another boy in the face, giving him a bloody nose. Not cute. Not cute at all. What is crazy about it is that this is completely out of character for him to do. However, it reminds me that we are all sinful little creatures and even if I didn't punch someone in the face today, I haven't been perfect either. After we finish disciplining Blaine, we will forgive him and move on. It's great to know that our Heavenly Father also is quick to forgive and help restore us.

I Fall to Pieces...

No, not a Patsy Cline song, although that's a good one.

Tonight when I tucked Blaine into bed I said, "I love you to pieces, Blaine. Do you love me to pieces?"

Blaine giggled and said, "No, Mom, I love you all together and I love me all together."

Pancakes

One distinct benefit of sharing a residence with grandparents is that every morning before school there is a full breakfast prepared and on the table for the kids to eat. That being said, Granny has been out of town for the last 2 weeks helping Grampy with his mother. She got home last night and the boys were delighted at her return. The first thing Blaine did was run up to her with a wild grin on his face and say, "Granny! You can make me PANCAKES tomorrow!!!"

To know you're loved....

Simple Lyrics

It's amazing to me how I am most moved by the of simplest of song lyrics. The boys and I have been listening to an old VBS cd in the car, which also happens to be one that I use for preschool choir. Anyway, today these are the words that moved me:

"You are God. You are Life. I will worship You forever. (repeat)

You knew me before I took my first breath, and you know the day when I will breathe the last. You're the Alpha, Omega, Beginning and End. Forever to You I sing."

Just a simple little song that repeats a hundred times and makes me think how cool it is that my Creator knew me before I was born AND knows all the days of my life already. Makes me feel small.

Blood Taker

Ok, I've had too much fun telling this story that I must now write it.

Yesterday at the dentist Blaine asked the dental hygienist what a particular machine was. The nice hygienist told him it was a Blood Pressure Machine and it takes your blood pressure. Well, apparently he understood her to say it was a Blood Taker Machine. He became very serious and said, "I don't like that Blood Taker machine. If you use it on me, I will cry." I'm missing the element of his tone here - It was much more of a lecture or a warning to her that she'd better not use it. I couldn't help but to laugh as we got it sorted out.

T.M.I.

Ok, file this under 'too much information.'

Does anyone else have an odd hair that grows in a weird part of your body all by its little self? I'm not talking about a gross hair like in your ear that you have because you're just getting older and you can't see into your ears. I mean a hair that just stands alone in one random spot? I have this one hair right next to my belly button - Just one little hair. No matter how many times I pull it, pluck it, shave it or otherwise remove it, it just keeps coming back to the body party for more fun.

So I want to know - Where is your freaky hair? Or do I stand alone here?

Happy Birthday, Braylon

Today we helped Braylon ring in the Big 0-6! Dinner at Johnny Carino's and a gift of a Nintendo DS - All is well with the world according to him today!

When

When did my yellow-headed, newborn baby turn into a snaggle-toothed near 1st grader? It probably happened about the same time that the sweet little cutie pie baby went from being happy playing with a free cardboard box to desiring a $70 IPOD for Christmas and a $140 hand-held gaming system for his birthday. I just want to know when this happened, is all. I have another one coming behind him and I need to get ready and start bracing myself now. Life with Braylon is turning out to be a pricey penny, no doubt. Kind of makes me miss the cardboard box days....

Easter

I have an answer in response to the great song-writer who wrote the inspiring words to the ditty, "The Holky Polky." You're no doubt wondering where THIS is going...Stay with me here.

"You put your right hand in, you put your right hand out, you put your right hand in and you shake it all about. You do the holky polky and you turn yourself around. That's what it's all about."

In my head, when I think of Easter, I hear the last line of that song. "Easter. That's what it's all about." (Make sure you're singing it your head for added effect.)

Today at church was a great, up-front reminder to me of something that is always on the forefront of my mind - The resurrection of Jesus. You see, I believe that it wasn't so much that Jesus existed, that He performed miracles, or even that He died on the cross. It's that there isn't a physical body in the tomb anymore and no one can explain that away...No bribe was able to cover it up and no group of nay-sayers able to find a good conspiracy theory that would stick. Jesus was who He claimed He was and like my pastor pointed out, that requires a radical response on my part. If I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and became a living sacrifice, I have to believe that the resurrection was for my benefit, along with all else who believe in Him.

I hope you all had similar experiences this Easter. I hope you were reminded of the great love of God and the great sacrifice that was made. I hope you refreshed your commitment to serve Him with your life.

And that's what it's all about.

Hmmmm

So I gather that most people think the Lone Ranger is a wimp and that winter is for the birds....

Update

Brandon gave Blaine a shower last night and the tattoos came off. Ahhh....Just in time for Easter, too.

Inked

Last weekend we had a small party for Braylon's 6th birthday (which isn't until next week, actually). I gave away sheets of fake tattoos as the party favor and the boys and I had fun later in the day giving each other tattoos. My tattoos came off very easily and Braylon's have all but faded. However, I'm starting to worry about Blaine's tattoos. It is now 5 days later and the tattoos are not showing signs of coming off anytime soon. I have scrubbed and scrubbed, but no. They stay on. I'm going to feel bad at his high school graduation if he still has a large pirate ship on his right forearm and a red octopus on his left forearm. That'll go over well.

Whatever

Brandon just voted on my blog and informed me that the Clint Eastwood character is called 'The man with no name' - Not Dirty Harry. I told him 'whatever.' Soooo, by way of technicality, if you vote for 'Dirty Harry,' it's really 'the man with no name.'

Brothers

The boys had fun tonight playing 'brothers.' I tried to explain that that is the role they are really playing in life, but I obviously didn't 'get' the game if I go by their blank stares. Apparently this game involves moving sofa cushions into the living room and making a fort, followed by working at McDonalds and ending with Braylon putting Blaine into a head-lock and cutting his hair (with real scissors, mind you). I think I came back into the room just in time to prevent any serious damage to Blaine's image, but it was a close call. Ahhhh, the game of 'brothers.' Missed out on that game growing up, I guess.

Movie Review

'Monsters Vs. Aliens'
Rated: PG
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Rainn Wilson, Paul Rudd (and various other big names)

This is a cartoon movie about, you guessed it, a small group of long-forgotten monsters who are assigned by the US government to take on one self-replicating alien. The main story centers around a 'monster' named Susan who discovers satisfaction in her true identity after being mutated from getting hit by a meteor.

Becky's rating: B+

There are several well-known actors who provide much comic talent in this family film. We saw the 3-D version, which was a neat feature. The film held the boys attention the entire 1.5 hours, so that's always a sign of a good cartoon movie.

My favorite line: "EAT LEAD, ALIEN!!!.... (Bang, bang, silence).... "Evidently he eats lead."

Bottom line: Take your family, you won't be disappointed.

Three State

Don't know if I ever pointed this out before. I was just looking at the pictures I've had up for quite some time to the left of the blog. The bottom picture is that of Grampy, Braylon and Blaine in August 2008. I don't know if anyone noticed this, but Grampy is standing in Arkansas, Braylon is in Louisiana and Blaine is in Texas. Cool, huh? You'd think there would be more fanfare at this particular location. But nope. Just a sad looking rock that you can stand on and be in all three states at once.

That geography lesson was free.

Red Envelope Day

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=93404

Check out this article talking about one man's plight to change another man's heart. Pretty awesome.

A Good Day

For any parent with young children, the theory of relativity definitely comes into play when assessing whether the day was good.

For example, if you've made it all the way through the night without hearing your kid scream somewhere between midnight-5 a.m. whether from a nightmare or wet sheets, that's a great start. Then you 'officially' start your day, hopefully with more than 4 hours of consecutive sleep on the books. If you make it through breakfast without having to change someone's clothes more than once or enter into a philosophical debate of strawberry vs. grape jelly, well, that's pretty good, too. (Especially if the argument usually covers 8 of the 10 minutes you had allotted for breakfast.) And I'm sure ALL school aged parents agree that ANY day your kid gets to school with all his backpack items secured, homework completed, uniform correctly assembled AND on time before the tardy bell rings...well, you're just plain pushing your luck now. After school there's always the mad rush home to figure out what to do for dinner. If you brave fixing something at home and get the dinner all the way to the dinner table without hearing too many, "We're hunnnnnggggrrrry"s, things are looking up. And the winner is - If you can make it to the end of your day without having to test your basic math skills too many times (oonnnnneeee. ..tttwwwwwwwwoooOOOO.....THHRRREEEE!), you really HAVE had a good day!

Seriously, according to this scale, our day was pretty good.

I've Got the Joy...Everyday

Over the last year I've had the privledge (and I do mean privledge) to teach 3, 4, and 5 year olds in preschool choir every week. They have provided free entertainment to me in that time.

This week was a prime example: The song we were singing was I've Got the Joy. Come on, if you ever attended VBS as a child you know the tune. "I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart. I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Down in my heart to stay."

After the second time through, Nathan - a kindergartner - asked me, "Why only on Tuesdays?"

Priceless.

'Crusty, The Incredible Catnabber'

Sometimes after children's church on Wednesday nights, Mark, the children's minister at church takes his work home with him. AKA, the Hamilton boys. The reason for this is that childcare at church ends at 8 p.m. but band practice often goes until 8:30 p.m. While the graciously-patient-with-children music minister doesn't mind the kiddos hanging out, I personally find it disturbingly distracting from my practice. Sooo...that's the background information needed to tell this story.

Tonight after practice when I went to pick up the boys, Mark tells me that he had an interesting conversation with Blaine. Braylon had asked where the family cat was and Mark replied, "Oh he's out doing his cat thing." Blaine very commonly asked, "Is he out fighting crime?"

HAHAHA

(Sorry, Mark, don't know the cat's real name...)

Back in West Texas

The boys and I made it back onto the West Texas scene last night around 7:30 p.m. We had a fast and furious trip to East Texas (a 10 hour drive for you out-of-staters) from Wednesday-Saturday. Twenty hours in the car round trip. The boys behaved well and I hesitate to say beautifully. I can only recall a few "Mooommm, he hit me" fights to break up. They enjoyed seeing Grampy, so 20 hours in the car with them was well worth it. Now, I don't propose another trip that far anytime soon (hint, hint Grampy...).

Sons of Thunder

I brought the boys to see their Grampy this week. After 10 hours in the car, we got here yesterday at lunch. The boys didn't waste time repeating an activity they did last summer when we visited - Making 'thunder' on the extra long handicap ramp that runs off the porch. I think they were almost as excited about doing that than they were to see their Grampy - But perhaps the thought of doing that with Grampy was the key component.

The boys have also been very sweet to love on their incompentent great-grandmother. They can't understand the words she is trying to say, but they are always quick to run up to her and hug and kiss on her. Very sweet to see. I will try to post pictures if I am able.

Tough Guy

Braylon has discovered a new joy in his life - The Disney Channel. Up until 3 months ago, we didn't have the Disney Channel in our home. This evening he slipped into the back living room to watch TDC, where his Daddy was on the laptop computer. After some amount of time, Brandon looks up over his laptop and sees a girl ice skating to pretty 'girl' music and Braylon's eyes glued in utter interest. Brandon then said, "Are you watching a girl movie?" Braylon solemnly replies, "It's Ice Princess, Dad. Don't laugh." Dad did laugh, but then they watched more together.

Hate the Game

....Not the Player

This evening we treated the boys to a trip to a cool park in town. The weather was B-E-A-utiful, so it was sort of a treat for us, too. After the park we hopped in the car to go to Texas Burger where they have burgers and ice cream. Brandon said, "Momma, the boys have been so good, I bet we could treat them to an ice cream." Knowing that Brandon had an ulterior motive for 'treating the boys' to ice cream, I just said, "We'll see." This was met with various, "Oh, pllleeeeaaase Mom???s" After I again said, "We'll just see," it got quiet in there. Then a sweet little 3 year old voice with all evidence of sincerity says, "Mom, you're pretty."

Ok, I realize the game being played here, but believe me, we all got ice cream tonight.

Top 10

I recently read an article out of "Parents" Magazine that I really liked titled "Let Your Child Soar." It lists 50 ways to be a fantastic parent. Out of that list, here are my top 10: (Things I added in parenthesis)

1) Play with your children - Let them choose the activity, and don't worry about rules. Just go with the flow and have fun. That's the name of the game.
2) Eat at least one meal as a family each day - Sitting down at the table together is a relaxed way for everyone to connect. A time to share happy news, talk about the day, or tell a silly joke. It also helps your kids develop healthy eating habits.
3) Read books together every day. Get started when he's a newborn; babies love listening to the sound of their parents' voices. (And make sure you do all the voices that you hear the characters say in your head. It makes all the difference.)
4) Always tell the truth. It's how you want your child to behave, right?
5) Gossip about your kids. Fact: What we overhear is far more potent than what we are told directly. Make praise more effective by letting your child "catch" you whispering a compliment about him to Grandma, Dad, or even his teddy. (I don't advocate talking to inanimate objects, however. That's weird.)
6) Kiss and hug your spouse in front of the kids. Your marriage is the only example your child has of what an intimate relationship looks, feels, and sounds like. So it's your job to set a great standard.
7) Fess up when you blow it. This is the best way to show your child how and when she should apologize.
8) Give yourself a break. Hitting the drive-through when you're too tired to cook doesn't make you a bad parent. (Amen, sister!)
9) Don't accept disrespect from your child. Never allow her to be rude or say hurtful things to you or anyone else. If she does, tell her firmly that you will not tolerate any form of disrespect. (This one is hardest for me.)
10) (AND #1 in my play book) Say "I love you" whenever you feel it, even if it's 743 times a day. You simply can not spoil a child with too many mushy words of affection and too many smootches. Not possible.

Day at the Museum

Thursday at lunch Brandon and I got a wild hair to jump in the van on Friday and drive to Lubbock for the night. Brandon had just completed an intense 8 week, front-loaded semester and was ready to relieve stress with some quality family time. So, Friday at quitting time we all hopped in the family fun van and went to Lubbock (about a 2 hour drive exactly).

While there we let the kids stay up late and watch the Disney Channel until we could no longer stand the Jonas Brother or Zach and Cody. We got up fairly early to go play at their favorite Lubbock park that has a huge fort-like house that is big enough for adults to go in. We had fun playing hide and scream with each other. Then we took them to the Science Spectrum museum and IMAX to check out the Sea Monster movie and exhibit. We ended up staying there for about 2.5 hours - A feat for a family with small children.

While at the museum we accidentally lost Braylon. That can go on our 'bad parenting of the year' list. We are going for some kind of record. I thought Braylon was staying with Brandon and Brandon assumed he was going with Blaine and I to look at the fish. Ooops. Big ooops. Braylon started crying after he couldn't find us and a nice man stopped and helped him find Brandon, who was actually not far from him the whole time. Still scary for a 5 year old - Especially right by the moving, life-sized T-Rex exhibit. Things to work out in therapy later in life.

Blaine was cute when we were looking at the fish. I saw a orange and white fish and exclaimed, "Look, Blaine! It's Nemo!" Blaine looked very carefully and replied, "That's not Nemo, Mom. It's just a clown fish." That kid is too smart...

After the 12:00 movie about Sea Monsters, the kids were TIRED and HUNGRY. We couldn't get to the restaurant fast enough. We had a great venture from start to finish (well, except the losing Braylon part) and we are all glad we got that wild hair!

Movie Review

He's Just Not That Into You
Rated: PG-13

Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck, Scarlet Johanasen, Jennifer Connelly

This is a series of stories of different people in different walks of life who live in the same city and who are all connected in some way. (Sound vague enough?) Someone is single looking to find her perfect match among imperfect choices. Someone is married still seeking his soul mate. Someone is married trying to save her marriage. Someone is single looking to figure out the new dating technology. Someone is commitment shy, yet in a 7 year relationship. Someone is completely in love, but wants to take her relationship to the next level. So many situations in one movie plot!

Becky's Rating: A-

This movie has questionable views on marriage and for that it didn't get a higher rating in my book. However, it was very well written and all the plots were interesting to follow. I found myself rooting for certain characters and being totally enamored with others. I was very pleased with the endings for all the characters, which usually doesn't happen in movies with various plot lines. I will likely either rent this or buy it when it comes out on DVD.

Bottom line: I'm definitely into this movie!

Big Daddy Weave

This weekend Brandon and I had an opportunity (one of those seemingly rare ones) to sneak off without the kids and enjoy some great Christian rock at a Big Daddy Weave concert. If you haven't heard this group, you're short-changing yourself. It was a great experience even though I was fighting a sinus headache the whole time. Totally not their fault.

Little Noses

Blaine is on a roll with cute little life moments. Don't worry, Braylon fans. I'm sure the tables will turn soon. They always do.

Blaine has strep throat (again) and has several medications this go around. Blaine's doctor is trying to avoid a referral to the ear, nose and throat specialist, so he's being aggressive in his approach to remedy the problem. Anyway, this evening Blaine was being as patient as a 3 year old can possibly be while I was going back and forth reading all the directions for the various prescriptions, etc. The last medicine I came to was for prescription strength nose spray. He participated well and either out of sympathy for Mom or just to be funny, he states loudly & immediately after the first spray, "I can ALMOST smell!!!"

Struck me as funny.

Interview with a Preschooler

I stole this idea off a friend's blog, who stole it off of her friend's blog. Enjoy ~

Interviewer: What is your name?
Preschooler: Blaine Hamilton

I: How old are you?
P: 3

I: What is your favorite color?
P: Blue & Pink

I: Where do you go to school?
P: At preschool

I: What's is your favorite game?
P: Monsters, Inc & Scooby Doo
(From the background, "No, not Scooby Doo, not this one, It's too hard for you!")

I: What's your favorite toy?
P: Transformers, Optimus Prime, Vulcan, Megatron is the bad guy, I know. Mom, how do you fix this? His head is funny.

I: How many teeth have you lost?
P: 2. From the dentist and the Tooth Fairy. Optimus Prime is a good guy, so it Ratchett.

I: Who is your family?
P: Mom, Dad, Braylon, Nana & Papaw, Granny & Grampy, Memaw & Pooka, Memaw......(too many to list)

I: What church do you go to?
P: (long pause) (from the background, "Say Fannin") Say Fannin. ("No - SAY Fannin church.") Fannin church.

I: Is there anything I should know?
P: You know, Mom, I love you (Mom: "Remember, shoes don't go on that sofa.")

I: Is there anything else I should know?
P: Checkers at Cracker Barrel

Editor's Note: Blaine is a sweet hearted 3 year old with loads of energy and charm.

Sleepy Head

This a.m. we all woke up fairly late and were leisurely getting dressed to go to the annual Pancake Jamboree that the Lion's Club puts on every year. Brandon and Braylon got up around their regular times and I dozed a little longer than usual. Blaine wins the prize for family sleepy head, though - It was nearing 9:00 a.m. before we could talk him out of his warm, snugly bed. This is how the conversation went:

Mom: "Blaine, it's about time to get up, son."
Blaine: "Just one more minute."
(Several minutes elapse)
Mom: "Ok, Blaine, it's time, sweet boy."
Blaine: "I'm just going to wait until Memaw gets up."
Mom: "Memaw has been up for a long time already."
Blaine: "Ok, I'll just wait until Daddy gets up."
Mom: "Blaine. Everyone in the house but you is already up."
(Long pause of silence)
Blaine: "I'm just going to wait until Jesus gets up."

More Travels

This week I traveled more for work - To Austin for training. I feel like a jet-setter with all that I've been on the road. I have a short work trip planned in March as well, then I'm also traveling for leisure probably twice. So, the theme for the year so far is I'm sick or I'm traveling. In some cases, I'm sick and I'm traveling. And in all cases, I'm sick OF traveling. haha... Ok seriously, I'm home now and grateful for safe travels and to be with my little men again. They miss me something terrible when I'm gone. (Or at least they act like it beautifully when I return home.)

Smart v. Wise

The other morning before school I was talking to Blaine and I told him he was smart. He responded by saying, "Well, sometimes I'm not smart, Momma." I said, "Well, you're right. Sometimes we all do things that aren't smart." Then Blaine responded by saying, "That's ok, Momma. You're smart sometimes."

Ok, I don't know about being smart, but the wise thing to do was not to have started this conversation with a 3 year old to start with!! haha

Chill Out

Anyone who really knows Brandon knows that he is a gentle giant, quiet among strangers and a social butterfly among friends. Unfortunately like myself, Brandon gets agitated somewhat easily and can get grumpy and vocal sometimes. The other day Blaine rode home with Brandon from school. As they were getting out the truck, Brandon said, "Get your school stuff, Blaine." When Blaine hopped out of the truck without his stuff, Brandon got gruff and said, "Blaine, get your school stuff!" Blaine turned around without missing a beat and kindly said, "Chill out, Dad," and proceeded to get his stuff. Nothing like a 3 year old putting you in your place. (And let's admit it, folks, we've ALL been there!)

The Plague

Well, I may have answered my own question. I think I now have the Plague. Ok, maybe not. BUT the medicine the doctor gave me for the sinus infection has made me sick to my stomach. If anyone needs diet tips and hints, come see me. I haven't had much of a hinkering to eat, oh say, in the last month. Here's the secret: Keep getting sick and never fully heal before you move on to another sickness. It's great... Works like a charm.

Sweet Prayers

Something just strikes me as sweet when the boys pray for something out of left field. Tonight Blaine started thanking God for various people at our church and his school. Some people in his life I don't know and some others who are very dear to us. And the weird thing is that several of them are people I didn't think would come to his mind first. Makes you wonder if God isn't already pressing on his little heart and he is listening in his little 3 year old way. That is truly to me one of those odd little blessings.

Round 3

Raise your hand if you're healthy and feeling fine. Not so fast, Becky Hamilton. Now I am suffering a sinus infection. I mean really - How long can this continue? I am worried about what next week may hold. What does come in the natural progression of strep, the flu, and a sinus infection? Leprosy? Pneumonia? The Plague? What?

B Baller

I never thought I'd be that mom at the sporting events yelling from the sidelines. Well, I must admit, I am. It's that moment that you stop caring what the other parents are thinking of you and you just want to yell the tidbits of wisdom to your kid about 40 feet away that gets you.

Tonight at Braylon's basketball game, he found himself in possession of the ball (Another kid actually PASSED it!!). He dribbled and got himself through the mass of kids who were guarding him. And then he did a beautiful thing - He made a perfect lay-up and shot a basket. Now, I am completely serious when I say I am proud of him no matter if he is good at sports or not, but there was indeed a whelp of pride bubbling up when all the other watchers were cheering for MY son. He did well the whole game...Good times!!

Differences

During a dinner conversation last evening, Braylon asked a single friend of ours who his wife was. He answered by saying he doesn't have a wife and then jokingly said, "Yeah, girls are bad." As if he were a true adult and in a completely serious way, Braylon responded, "Yeah, girls are on the edge and boys are on the track." What? Truth according to a 5 year old.

It Ain't Easy Being Orange

On the way home from school Friday Blaine asked me what does orange mean. I said, "Well, orange is a color and it is also a fruit." Blaine replied, "But what does it mean?" I then basically repeated my answer for lack of being able to think of anything else to say. Blaine said, "No, Mom. What does orange mean??"

Well, goodness. I don't even know. How could I have gotten this far in life without knowing what orange means???

Basketball

We are enjoying watching Braylon's basketball season through the YMCA. When he started, he had hardly as much as ever picked up a basketball much less understood any of the game components. And although the NBA won't be rushing out anytime soon (err...ever) to scout him, I'd say we have a little player on our hands. You should see him play defense...He's so energetic about guarding his 'man.' We're still working on offense. Last week he asked the kid who was guarding him if he would please move so he could take a shot. The cute thing is that the kid moved. Hey, it's a strategy. Fun times...

Movie Review

Paul Blart: Mall Cop
Rated: PG
Starring: Kevin James

This is the story of a 10 year veteran mall cop who takes his job a little too seriously and dreams of someday becomming a state trooper. After the busiest shopping day of the year, thieves try to plunder and steal from the mall and Paul Blart is left to single-handedly rescue the hostages and save the day.

Becky's rating: C-/D+

In this true-to-formula film, you can't help but to root for the underdog and boo/hiss for the villain. However, it's so formulaic that it was just not hardly worth my time. It had a few cute moments and it would most definitely be a movie to take your family to with children over about 7. Not that it's necessarily inappropriate for younger kids, but I can assure you it won't hold their attention. No big surprises during this film, so don't expect 'em.

Bottom line: Wait until it comes out on DVD and watch it after you've rearranged your Tupperware cabinet and reorganized all your income taxes for the last 10 years. (No really, it wasn't THAT bad... but...I don't intend to see it again.)