Our Christmas

Our week before Christmas was full, but nice! It started off with the church choir performing on Sunday. The music for the most part was the same they do every year, but a new addition was "It's bout the Cross". I love this song! It's so good! The concert ended with the Hallelujah  Chorus. Which is always good!

Sunday night we had several friends over to play games. I was able to get two games of Ticket to Ride in - won one; lost one...  The teenage boys played Risk. One set of friends played Canasta.  All in all, I think everyone had a  good time.  And we had several yummy treats!

Monday was a day Melissa and I had been looking forward to for months!! A dear friend of ours had here baby! His name is Gabriel and Melissa and I adore him!  He's so cute!!  We're looking forward to holding him again!



Tuesday we attended a friend's retirement from the Air Force. It was a beautiful ceremony. Later that night I was able to delivery my niece's t-shirt quilt finally done. She gave me her high school t-shirts back in August. I told her then I would try to get it done by Christmas.  I finished earlier in the month - I'm so glad it came out well!. She loves it!

Wednesday Melissa and I had another we had been looking forward to: her senior year portraits.  A friend of the family's is a great photographer and we had her do them. She had some inside and outside.  We'll go back in a few weeks to see the proofs. I have a feeling it's going to be hard to decide which ones to purchase....and Drew has already given me a budget....

Thursday I cooked for the friend with the new baby....we just had a relaxing day. And got to see the baby again.

Friday Drew took the day off! - yea!! I love it when the alarm does NOT go off at 5:40!! Drew and the boys went out for lunch the saw the newest Star Wars movie: Rouge One.  We all enjoyed it - the lunch and the movie!

Christmas Eve we stayed home and cooked.  I made gingerbread and sugar cookies while Drew used his new electric smoker to smoke salmon for our Christmas Eve dinner. The salmon turned out a little more salty than we all liked, but not a bad try the first time to smoke fish.  After our dinner, we attended our church's Christmas Eve service.  Instead of the normal candlelight service, this year the service had a  festive feel instead of a sacred one.  After we tortured the kids after church by driving around to look at Christmas lights, we opened our presents when we got home. I think they were overall happy...nothing too big at this time. 

Christmas morning we had to wake up the kids.  That's like with teenagers... the days of them waking us up at the crack of down are over!  William's big gift was a chair for his dorm room he asked for, Melissa got a new cell phone, and Benjamin got money.  He never could come up with a gift we would agree to, so he got money. 

After church in the morning we drove over to my parent's house for the afternoon. It was a nice time with my family...and of course, good food.

Today - Monday - we enjoyed sleeping in again!  Sadly, Drew's alarm will go off early tomorrow morning again, so we definitely enjoyed sleeping in today. We both did some more cooking. Also, a neighbor came over to taste our food and play a few rounds of a new game Ben gave Drew for Christmas called Sequence.  I have yet to win!! May not be my game..... 

The kids are currently out shopping to spend some of the money got received from Christmas while Drew and I are watching a movie.  I am contemplating de-decorating the house....but just contemplating it...got all week, right?

Movies of the Holiday Season

A little late....but it seems I have a terrible time getting a turn on the lap top these days....  BUT! Over the holidays Drew and I saw several movies....

1. Spectre with the famous 007 James Bond.  I have seen all the James Bond movies, I think. Grow up seeing them with my mom.  But walking out of this one, I told Drew I didn't need to see anymore.  I'm done. 

2. Star Wars - yep - remember seeing the original ones in the theaters as a child as well with my brother and cousin.  Surprisingly, I like this one.  The humor was very spot on! I liked how the old characters returned and I liked the new faces.  Very well done.

3. Hungry Games: Mockingjay Part 2 -  I read the book - several years ago.  Overall, I liked this movie...this third book was my least favorite of the three, but the movie was well done.  I liked the ending....giving us a glimpse of where the characters end-up in the future.

4. Bridges of Spies - My favorite movie in this bunch! The story is a trade between the US and Russia over spies based on a true story.  Really well done...should be enjoyable for a wide range of ages.

As I look at the list of movies in theaters this week, I see nothing that I want to see...maybe we can find something on the DVR....or I'll just grab a book to read!  You know I always have a one around that I want to read!

Alive and Well

Yes, it's been awhile since I've posted...we are alive and well.  We really enjoyed our holidays....we really didn't do anything major....just stayed at home and enjoyed family and life. 

I've already posted on how our holiday started: by learning that Melissa earned a 29 on the ACT. She was pretty much on a high from that for all of Christmas break!  Still in - in fact yesterday when she went back to school, she made sure to stop by a few of her teacher's room to let them know. 

My parents came over and spend several nights with us.  My brother and his family came over for several hours Christmas Day.  I have to admit: it was extremely nice not to travel.  We all got to be good and lazy!

We did see several movies.  Drew and I saw Unbroken.  Very good!  But I would say, read the book before you go.  Of course, the book is better, but, also, it explains the change in Louie's life.  He met Jesus and his life was changed. The movie glossed over that...sadly....but not surprising as Hollywood doesn't even want to admit there's a God much less that His name is Jesus.

We, also, saw Night at the Museum Three. I enjoyed it.  We thought the kids would go with us, but they all found some reason not to be seen with their parents in public.  Yes, they are teenagers!  I did take Melissa and a friend to see Into the Woods (but Melissa asked me NOT to sit with them - like a dagger to my heart, I tell ya!!).  I enjoyed it as well - neither of these two movies will probably win any awards, but they were fun to see.

We, also, watched lots of TV...movies....cooking shows....football (but not Ole Miss as they seemed to have NOT SHOWN UP TO PLAY....very, very frustrating!).  Melissa and I did do a little after Christmas shopping but not much...I didn't brave the mall.....too much craziness for me.

The kids seemed happy with their Christmas presents.  William got a video camera, Melissa concert tickets, Ben got some Minecraft stuff , and they all got a small Ping-Pong table.  Of course, the boys are enjoying that more than Melissa!

The other big event is Melissa getting her driving license.  She has had her permit since the summer and as of January 3rd was eligible to get her full license.  Which, of course, she wanted!  My plan was for her and William to share a car for several months to six months before we bought another car.  Well....I got out voted.  Drew bought himself a new Toyota Camry.  It's a very nice car!!  So, that means William got the blue Camry and Melissa got the white little Matrix that William had been driving.  They all are very, very happy!!

And I'm still driving a mini-van.  Oh, well.  A few more years of driving soccer plays and giggly girls around, then I can down-size. 

One of the gifts I was excited about was fabric. Yes,  I got fabric for Christmas and I was very happy with it all.  In the last week I have pieced a quilt together for William.  It's green.  No surprise there for anyone who knows how much that boy likes green.  Today I was able to piece the back together, but not quilt it as I need to get some green thread.  Hopefully, I'll be able to buy that tomorrow and if I don't work on Friday, then get to the actually quilting.  So, now I'm looking at patterns for my next quilt....fun stuff!

Entertaining Strangers

Yesterday Drew and I went to the movies and had dinner out. The movie was very enjoyable - Divergent,  - they did the book proud, I think. Dinner (Fuddrucker's) was, also, enjoyable - the hamburgers as well as the side show next to us.

This particular Fuddrucker's is quiet small from the others I have been to in the past (first time for this location...yes, we have been here over three years...not sure why we never have gone before).  The tables are  very close and you just can't help but hear the conversations from next to you.  As I returned from getting some fixings for my burger I over heard what turned out to be a pretty  hilarious conversation.

It seem that Mr. Truck-Driver Guy was in line behind Mr. Stiff-Under-the-Neck Guy at the soda refill area.  Mr. Truck-Driver told Mr. Stiff-Under-the-Collar that he was sure what they did, but the sweet tea tasted like they pour tons of sugar in it.

Well, that's NOT what Mr. Stuff-Under-the-Collar heard. He heard something along the lines of "your wife looks like she taste like tons of sugar".

As Drew and I listened to them try to figure this thing out, I thought one just might hit the other.  Mr. Stiff-Under-the-Collar was totally appalled that any total stranger would say something like that to him.  Mr. Truck-Driver was totally appalled that any total stranger would think that HE would say ANYTHING rude like that - after all! He's been married for over twenty years and has been faithful to his wife!!!  Both seem to take it as personal insults.

Finally, Mr. Stiff-Under-the-Collar gave an almost apology IF he heard wrong. Mr. Truck-Driver sort of took it.

Drew and I just found it all absurd.  My question is this: when Mr. Stiff-Under-the-Collar heard what he thought he heard, why didn't he just say, "What did you just say??"  After all, it was a TOTAL STRANGER!!! Why did it never occur to Mr. Stiff-Under-the-Collar that he heard wrong?  Is he that arrogant? There have been lots of times when I heard something that just seems off...totally out-of-the-blue or totally out of character for that person to say WHAT I THOUGHT I HEARD.  Nine times out of ten I heard WRONG!  The person repeats what they said and since I'm purposely listening, I hear them right the second time.  And I laugh.

But these two guys?  There' was no laughter at their tables....just awkward silence with their wives eating fast so they could get out of there. But Drew and I were laughing. They had no clue they were entertaining strangers.

Sunday Night

It's a loud night at my house. Melissa has her friends (I think I counted 13 or 14) over for Bible study. She and two friends from Sunday School started this group around January (I think). During the school year they meet on Friday afternoons, but now that half the group is in high school, Friday afternoons are busy due to the high school football games.  After looking at every one's schedule, Sunday nights were chosen since our church doesn't currently have a class (that'll change sometime in September).

There's been lots of giggles, but some good sharing of the Word as well.  And some good snacks.  Can't have teenagers without some good snacks. They are a must!

The boys have hid, of course. Ben in his room and William in the loft with the tv headphones on.  Now a few girls have left and the remaining ones are playing "catch-phrase" (a type of board game).

So glad Melissa has some good friends....hope they are able to keep being sweet and seeking Jesus.

Yesterday my plan was to treat the kids to a movie, but only Melissa wanted to go. Not sure what was up with that....William did say he was tired. He had soccer practice from 8am to 10.... But Ben??  Who knows! Melissa and I saw "Red 2". While it was violent - after all - it is about spies and CIA agents, the language was not bad at all. I was quite surprise - and happy!

Afterwards, we stopped for an ice cream treat and to look for me a dress for my parent's anniversary party.  I know exactly the kind of dress I want. Which means, of course, I will not find it in my size!  I tried on a few, but nothing yet. I may just pull something out of my closet. 

I have a few things planned for this week. I'm hosting a luncheon on Thursday. A friend from church has finished a school where she learned how to do facials - as esthetician. Just keeping it simple...soup and sandwiches....probably minestrone and muffalettas. Friday I work - it's for the front office, not in the class room, but I'm excited. Melissa will babysit four afternoons and William will for three- that'll keep them busy!

We're missing Drew...but we were able to get in a few good conversations in with him as well as one Skype visit.

Pure Laziness

This first week of no school has been wonderful! We have done next to nothing - and have loved every minute of it! (Well, almost every minute of it - I did make everyone help me clean the house on Tuesday morning - they all really didn't enjoy that, but it's apart of life.)  The kids have slept in, played on the computer, hang out with friends. Drew and I have slept, played on the computer, instead of hanging out with friend he did take me to the movies. 

And I have read several books - ok. More like a lot of books. Its' been great! I love that I can put a book on hold at the library from our computer and even download books from the library to my kindle. Been reading a new author as well as some new works by well known authors. It's been great! Books are like crack to me!

Back to the movie... We went to see this particular movie because it was filmed here locally and we were able to see some of the buildings. They built the from of the White House - we even got a picture of us in front of it (I'll dig that up later - it's on the other computer). The kids were so excited to see it - until we all realized it was rated R. After seeing it, I know why. While the language wasn't overly bad (but bad enough) it was the violence. Urgg. Yuck! But I really should have read the review....after all, the movie was about some bad guys taking over the While House. It was war - like a blood bath. So, not me. I had my eyes closed for half of it.

Drew owes me at least two chick-flicks!

Yea...That Movie and That Book

Lately, I have heard a lot about being holy - one preacher said we are 'to chase holiness'. After all
I Peter 1:16 says to "be holy as I am holy" (which is a quote from Leviticus). You can't get more direct than that.

But at the same time I see from many friends on Facebook comments about things that are not holy; the two latest items being a book (Fifty Shades of Gray) and a movie (Magic Mike). I'm shocked and saddened at the friends who have posted about reading this book and attending this movie.

I am NO WHERE near perfect. I constantly struggle with how much of the world to let into my life...or rather how much I need to get rid of the world in my life. It seems to be a never-ending process. (Of course, the reality of it IS a never-ending process on this side of heaven.) I have enjoyed some books and movies only to be convicted afterwards. I am constantly trying to view things through God's eyes before I partake. Sometimes I fail - as I posted awhile ago about walking out of a movie.

I have to admit: some things in the entertainment world seem innocent....harmless...but it seems to me that many things are out-right beyond distasteful. God is my standard. Not the world. Not what is the latest "must see/read". I shuddered to think of having my Savior seeing me read a book or watch a movie that trivialize and cheapens an act He deemed beautiful. I'm also fully aware of three sets of eyes on me at all times....watching to see if I really believe and live what my words say I do. It cuts me to the core to think that I will ever give any of my children a reason to doubt the goodness and the reality of the Lord.

So, I call to all my fellow Christians:

Leviticus 19:2 "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Ephesians 5:3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

As I said, I'm not perfect. I struggle with sin just like every other person I know. But God and His holiness need to be our standard in EVERY PART of our life. Not just when it's convenient.

Dark Shadows the Movie

Well over a month ago ads for a movie called "Dark Shadows" started to air and Melissa & I just laughed over them. Especailly "Are you stoned?" asked by a teen. The response by Johnny Depps charatcer: "They tried to stone me. It did not work," said with an English accent.

We both wanted to see the movie! But then we saw it....

First mistake:  Getting sucked in with ads.

Second mistake: Not doing any research on the movie. I had no clue until afterwards that it was a remake of some old TV show (and based on several friends' comments, a bad TV show at that).

Third mistake: Not reading the plugged-in review beforehand.

Fourth mistake: Taking my 13-yr old daughter to a movie I did not read the review on.

Yes, I knew it was PG-13 before I went, but I honestly thought it was because of the violence. After all, the main character was  vampire. Vampires kill people - I get that, so, a PG-13 rating was no surprise.
About fifteen mintues into the show, the cussing started. I looked at Melissa and said, "Hmmmm. I think I should have read the review first...."

Then there was a s*x scene. Looked at Melissa again, "Hmm...yeah...I about to walk out....."

Then there was a second s*x scene.  This time Melissa knew what was coming - it was time to go!  She said,"I'll leave first  - you follow a few minutes later so it doesn't look like we're walking out."

Sure. Whatever. But I wasn't going to sit through that show with my 13 yr old.

Many times during the beginning of the show several characters talked about the Johnny Depp character, Barnabas Collins, as a "good man" - loyal...family loving.  He talked about finding his "one true love".  But a  good and loyal man doesn't not have s*x with anyone and everyone if  you have a "one true love". I don't want my daughter to think it's okay  to sleep around - even it's you just enjoy it as entertainment - not actually participating yourself.

Once again Hollywood missed the mark.  They had the makings of a good movie! But they added useless language, senseless s*x scene, failed to develop real characters. I should not be surprised.

Hopefully, I won't be making the above mistakes agian.

Spring Break 2012

Spring Break is over. Very Sad.  But we only have four days of school this week, then we are out for a long Easter Weekend - very happy about that.

Overall, it was a nice week off from our normal routine. William and Melissa went with the youth group to New Orleans to do mission work. They both LOVED it! And both want to go back next year.  We'll see...I would like to take a family trip somewhere....good thing we don't have to decide any time soon.

Ben did feel a little left out. I tried to entertain him. Sunday night we went to my mom's to help out there for a few days.  He got to spend one day with one of his friends playing mini-putt-putt, eating yummy Orange Leaf Yogurt, and just having fun. He, also, spent the night at another friend's house.

Friday I ran away to Houston to attend a ladies retreat with a friend that her church. It was really nice to get out of town! Wish I could have stayed longer!! I did get some great meals in and some shopping done as well.

While I was playing in Houston, Drew took all the kids on Saturday shopping and to a movie, Mirror Mirror.  They all said it was cute and enjoyable.

Church today, a nap, and a nice walk with Drew makes spring break over.  The house is a wreck and we are all tired. This coming week is a busy one with me working tomorrow (so the dirty house will stay dirty another day) and with William in the high school play.  Tonight he is at rehearsals as well as tomorrow night with the performances on Tuesday and Thursday nights.  Throw in Melissa's art class, Ben's piano and soccer, Wednesday night church and we have lots going on!

But Good Friday is coming!! We plan to sleep in late, then help out at the soup kitchen. As of now we don't have too much planned for Saturday or Easter Sunday...I'm sure we'll come up with something...maybe a hike before the temperatures get too hot here in the Deep South.

A Joyful Noise

Sunday afternoon Drew, Melissa and I along with some friends went to see the new movie "Joyful Noise" starring Dolly Parton and Queen  Latifah. Overall, it was an uplifting movie with several wonderful inspiring songs.
But the story lines?  The unnecessary cussing?

Why, oh, why does Hollywood feel like it has to add a cuss word here and there - over and over again? This movie could have easily been rated "G" - and I personally think it would have brought in more movie-goers. But no. Hollywood writers and produces think that cussing and other unsavory story lines are the way to go.

But the cussing wasn't the only problem with the film.  Several story lines had great starts, but didn't really go anywhere or explain anything.  At several times it was stated that the daughter of Dolly Parton's character didn't attend her father's funeral - why?  It never really said.

"Randy" (the grandson of the Dolly Pardon's  character) just shows up to live with his grandmother, but the movie never really says how old he is (even through he dates a 16 year old in the movie) nor if he quit school or is working or getting his GED.

And don't get me started on the Queen Latifah character's story-line with her husband....

Maybe I want too much from a movie...from a story.  I don't like loose ends. I like explanations - reasonable explanations.

But the music? Very good.  In fact, I am planning on seeing which songs are for sale at itunes....but the movie? I doubt I'll be watching it again when it hits the DVDs or TV stations.

Seven Days in Utopia

Saturday Drew and I went to the movies to see "Seven Days in Utopia". Wow.  What an unexceptive great movie! While I had seen the name on a list of movies playing, I really didn't look into it or give it much thought until our pastor made a comment about it - which got Drew intersted in it.

While it was about a golf player and how to play the game, the lessons can be applied to life - to anyone's life.  The movie is based on a book and there will be a squeal to the book - not sure if they will make another movie, but I will be read the book. Check it out! So worth your money!

Books and Movies

Years ago when the book series Harry Potter was popular, I didn't let my kids read it.  There were many reasons.  Rebellion. Protection. Fear.

Rebellion - mine  -  I seem to hate having people tell me how I "have" to read or watch something. I like to make the decision on my own - not to be "forced".  (Which is why I have never seen Titanic!)

Protection - of the kids. Because of the fear - that would be William's.  William has always hated books or movies with a lot of suspense. Especially, if music is added. 

We once were watching a documentary on Abe Lincoln. One scene was a shadow of a man welding a knife. William had nightmares for several nights.   So. We have learned to avoid things that cause nightmares.

And I thought Harry Potter would.

So. We didn't read the books or see the movies.  There were times Melissa or Ben said something about wanting to see the movies.  But they seemed to accept our "no" without too much pf a problem.

There was, also, the whole controversy several popular Christians started with the witchcraft used in the series.  It made me ....unsettled.  I didn't want the kid to think the witchcraft was real - didn't want them to get all caught up in it.  Also, I was uneasy with the way many kids were so obsessed with the stories and yes, the witchcraft.  I much prefer that kids obsess with love. Not so much with the evil.

But that was when the kids were younger. Now they are older.  They understand the difference between real and pretend more than ever. And while William still doesn't like suspense, he handles it better.

A few months ago, William came home from the library with the first Harry Potter book on tape.   I asked him if he would be okay with all the suspense and possible scary things - and he was. Okay, then.  No problem.

So, he listened to the first book on tape with Ben (I think Melissa listened, too), then William read the rest of the series in less than a month.

Today Ben found the first movie on DVD.  All three watched it last night. And so far - no nightmares. That's always a good thing.

The other night Drew and I watched the movie, 2012. We actually enjoyed it. It's a end-of-the-world movie. But still. Good. The only problem I had was the actions scenes were very, very loud. The the conversation would be very soft.


Very annoying.

But overall, the movie was worth the time.

The movie is based on the theory that the world will end December 21, 2012 because the many believe the Mayan calendar ends then - and so, will be world.

But apparently, these Mayan believers aren't the only ones thinking the world will end soon.  CNN is reporting a group of Christians are driving around the counrty warning people that the end of the world is much sooner - May 21, 2011 to be exact.

Now, I'm all for Jesus coming back. The sooner the better in my book. But just not convieced that we mere humans will be let in on the exact date.

As I was reading the article, Melissa was reading over my shoulder. "BUT!" She screams, "That means I won't be able to be a teenager!"

Hmm...I think that's a great reason for the world to end....come Jesus, come!

Movie Time

The other night I watched We Are Marshall. What a great movie!!  Yes, you will need tissues close at hand, but so worth it! And I think child friendly - older kids - say upper elementary. There's a few cuss words, but not too bad.  The subject matter is heavy - death always is, but it's inspiring to see how a community can rebuilt after such tragedy.

The End

Today I watched the last movie in the Millennium series, The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.  While this was my favorite book in the series, it was my least favorite movie.  Very disappointed!!

In the book there was a wonderful court room scene.  The movie totally did this scene a disservice! The book had great dialogue between the lawyer for the main character and a witness for the defense.  The screenwriters should have just taken it word-for-word from the book, but instead used about three lines and ended it.  Left out all the great drama.

Hopefully, when they make the American version of the films, this court room scene will be done closer to the book's version.

Movie Time Again

This weekend we all went to see the third Narnia movie. We all loved the first two and were waiting for this third. We had great plans to see it the weekend it opened.

Then Melissa was ill and in the hospital that weekend.

We looked into going over the Holidays, but our theater only offered it in 3-D - which Benjamin hates. And I hate paying for the extra cost. And not fond of ducking in the middle of a show.

So. We waited until it was at the theater closer to us that plays older movies - and no 3-D!!  That was this weekend.

Overall, we were happy with the movie. It did make me want to re-read all the Narnia books again.

And it made me want to go to Narnia myself.

Movie Reviews

Over the holidays we watched several movies. I, personally, am not a big movie lover. Drew is. He would rather watch a movie than just about anything else in down time. I first got turned off from going to the movies when we moved from Mississippi to California.

We were paying $3.50 for a new movie in Oxford, MS which is basically twenty minutes off a main interstate - in the middle of cotton and soybean fields.  We moved to Redlands, CA - sixty minutes from Hollywood itself and movies were $5.50 to $6.00. I just didn't understand why it was such a price difference.  Just felt like it was just people lining their pockets. After that  I made a point of going to the matinee where the prices were lower or waiting  till the movie came out on video - now on-demand or even waiting until the library carries it for FREE! (love that word)

First up this Holiday season was Alice in Wonderland.  I had  ever intention to see this in Guam (especially when it was on base), but  never did. I was able to find it at the library last month.  By the end of the movie I was so glad I got it for free and did not pay money!  It just was not my type of movie - too dark.

The next round of movies we down-loaded from on-demand - Wall Street Never Sleeps  &  The American & The Sorceror's Apprentice.
All were Drew's choices. I honestly can't say too much about Wall Street Never Sleeps because,  I did sleep - right through most of the movie - which tells you how gripping the story was...or rather not. But it definitely showed the greed that moves so much of our world. 

While I didn't sleep during The American, it was very boring!!  I usually enjoy George Clooney, but this had no action and a story that really didn't make sense to me.  He was an assassin that was on what is to be his last assignment, but ends up being hunted by someone - you're told that's it someone from a previous assignment that went wrong, but you don't really understand how he was tracked down. I just needed action to move the story along. Would not recommend this to anyone.

I did enjoy The Sorcerer's Apprentice, but it was  little dark - had a lot of suspense.  So much suspense that William had to leave the room. He hates suspense.  But this movie did have a good story line - very much a fantasy movie.

Sad to say the best movies of the holidays for us were two made-for-TV and one cartoon.  I took the kids to see Megamind.  So cute - and a good story of good vs. evil and how a villain can turn into a hero. It was actually our second choice. We all really wanted to see the new Narnia movie, but here it was only offered in 3-D. Benjamin and I hate 3-D. So, Megamind it was. And a good choice it was.

We caught Hallmark Channel's "Debbie Macomber's Mrs. Miracle" &  "Call me Mrs. Miracle" - both were very sweet and uplifting movies. Of course, Debbie Macomber is one of my favorite authors, I'm a little bias. All of us enjoyed both of them.

Drew caught a few other movies - but I either read a book through them, slept through them, or just avoided them all together. Or watched football....we did see several football games...even if our team did not make it to a bowl game...there's always next  year, right?

On this Saturday night, I see more football in our future - the Saints will be on in an hour. But later tonight, I'm sure Drew will find a TV movie for us to watch....hopefully, it'll actually have a gripping - or at least a good - story line. And characters that make sense. One thing I hate about movies is when characters do things that make no common sense.

I'm not talking about fantasy. I'm all for some of that along with some sic-fi. I'm just talking about good-ole common sense.  We once saw The Recruit.  It was about a young  man being recruited by the CIA.  At one point in the story, the  young man realized he was being followed.  He tries to lose this tail - he ends of on a deserted rail-road tracks where a gun fight breaks out and he kills the man following him. This whole scene made no sense to me. When being followed, why go somewhere where no else is at??  To stay safe, you need to stay in a crowd.  You would think that any fool would do that - but not here.  It's like the writers just wanted a gun fight scene.

Common sense, people! It's not that hard....but then again, maybe it is.

Mondays

For the last several months Drew had been dreaming of long weekend with the federal holiday, Columbus Day.  He had great plans of taking the family to the mountains for some hiking, enjoying the fall colors, and seeing mountains instead of oceans.

But the Bossier Parish Schools throw a wrench in his plans: school was not out. He was off work, but the kids were not. Sort of hard to do a family trip without the family. And then was soccer...of which he is the coach for Ben's team.....

Scratch that plan. On to the next: Drew and I ended up helping to serve a lunch at a soup kithchen our church was helping out with for the week. Then  we went home to finish painting the kids' bedrooms.

Now to this week: for some  very odd reason, the kids were out of school yesterday  - it was called "fall break".   I just find it odd. Very odd.

Last week was a federal holiday - would have been a great opportunity for family fun. Next Monday the state fair will be in town - another time for family fun. But we had the Monday off with nothing going on.

Odd, very odd.

But we did not waste the day.  William had a dentist appointment, then I took the kids to see the movie, Secretariat.  Very good!!! Such a nice family show!

Then we ended the evening with a soccer game.  Deep sigh. Not the best soccer game.  Soccer can be very frustrating! That ball just won't go where the boy's want it to go!  I think several need lessons in physics and angels.

And in no being Christmas trees....that's what the coach yelled at one point: "Quit standing like CHRISTMAS TREES - GO TO THE BALL!"

Movie Review

Yesterday I took the boys to see Despicable Me (SHHH!! Don't tell Melissa!! She's in Natchez at pottery camp.) Very cute movie. We did not see the 3-D version....It wasn't offered at the theater we went to. Of which, I'm very fine with. I'm not sure the extra charge is worth all the hype.

One interesting thing about the movies here is the size of the theater.  We go to the one downtown in a relatively new shopping area called Louisiana Boardwalk. The theater offers fourteen screens. But each theater is small! As in small!

This was the second time we went to see a show at this facility. Our first was Karate Kid (also a cute show). With Karate Kid we walked into the show about ten or fifteen minutes before the show started and the room was full. We had to sit really close - like on the fourth  row  - craning our necks the whole time. But it was Fourth of July. A busy holiday....so no wonder it was full.

Yesterday it was a work day and it was still full.  And yes, we were craning our necks again on the third row. Can't imagine having to sit on the first row....would need a chiropractor after that.