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.