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.