Change Of Wardrobe

Shhh....don't tell Blake.

I found some old Halloween costumes while searching in the basement for my fall candles. Brought them out and the kids have had a ball trying them on. Strange capes from various costumes, "Blue" from Blues Clues, the precious pink octopus from last year.....all enjoyed again.

Then, Lainey had to go and get brave on me.





You're playing with fire, baby girl.

Playing with fire.

Movie Reviews

OK, here we go.


Taking Woodstock - (Demtri Martin); Any movie "based on a true story" immediately draws my attention. Like most people, I know this story already. I am a huge fan of the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and other late hippies, so the music alone drew me in. It wasn't a great movie, but I enjoyed it. I loved learning more details about how it all came together.....the best concert in history.....still upset I missed it. Oh, wait. I wasn't born yet.

Did see the Grateful Dead's second to last show in St. Louis in '95. Nothing in the world like it. Makes me giddy with excitement in anticipation for my neuvo-hippie fest in October....Widespread Panic and the Allman Brothers! I can almost smell the patchouli.

Extract - Had high hopes since Mike Judge has created a few good movies (Office Space) and TV shows (King of the Hill). It didn't measure up. I love Jason Bateman and Ben Affleck, but the movie was pretty slow and the characters were not strong.

500 Days of Summer - One of my favorites of the year so far. Precious cast, creative plot, edgy feel and lots of good music. I could watch Joseph Gordon-Levitt (3rd Rock from the Sun) sing karaoke and dance through the park over and over again. Zooey Deschanel was intoxicating. The movie had an artsy direction, but not too much to turn off standard audiences. Highly recommend it.

All About Steve - When you have low expectations, it's hard to walk away disappointed. Go into it with that in mind, and you'll be fine. Sandra Bullock used to really annoy me and recently, I've grown to like her. Her quirky character was tolerable and Bradley Cooper can do no wrong (minus choosing scripts), but overall, it was weak.

Halloween 2 - Save it. Y'all know I'm a freak about Halloween.

I honestly had not seen a horror movie since I was a teen, I believe. Today's version of "horror" is quite different than what I knew in the likes of Poltergeist and Children of the Corn, way back when scary movies were suspenseful and psychologically thrilling. But, I was intrigued. After the 15th slaying, you kind of grow numb to the gore. Rob Zombie directed it, so it had a different feel. The funky cinematography reminded me of old Trent Reznor videos. Overall, it was horrific, but I didn't walk away despising it as much as I expected.

Looking forward to:

The Informant! - (Matt Damon); Based on a true story about the highest ranking corporate whistle blower in U.S. history....who appears completely ignorant to the penalties facing him as a result of his "spy" work....looks like all sorts of fun.

Love Happens - (Jennifer Aniston, Aaron Eckhart); Let's pause a moment first and ponder the title...hmmmm.....that took some soul searching. Another low expectation (no brainer), I'm sure. Jenny is so darn cute, though. I'll be there.

Fame - (doesn't matter); A classic remade. Excited about it.

I Can Do Bad All By Myself - (not familiar with the cast); Love Tyler Perry movies.

Capitalism, A Love Story - (Michael Moore); Have never seen one of his films. Catchy trailer caught my interest......likely will be a hit due to the economy's current state.

Under Our Skin - Documentary on Lyme disease. I know! Invite your friends and sneak in some popcorn. But, seriously, I'm curious about this subject and anxious to learn more.

Lo Mejor De Mi - (translation...The Best of Me); Latin American love story.

****Note - Take 5 minutes to research theaters in your area and you'll be surprised what great deals are out there right now. Two huge theaters in our town offer Monday-Thursday movies at $5 each, regardless of time. One sells all-you-can-eat popcorn and coke for $5. Another has BYOB on Tuesdays (bring your own bowl for free popcorn).

Our Fine Arts Theater (shows mainly independent movies) has free popcorn on Wednesdays for members of the Film League, which I will be joining soon. A nerdy club for movie lovers, t-shirt and early screenings? Don't mind if I do!

First Day Of Class

Been back for a bit from my Building Better Moms class and am thrilled to share that the kids did fabulously!

First, though, let's take a look at what Jack packed for the day. Nice.

After a thorough inspection of each bag (with a few changes of necessary items), we were on our way. Tried for a photo before we left, and this was the best I got....

Lainey turned on the charm, though, and I captured the following. Can you hear her? "Cheeeeese!!!! Got it."

The drop offs went relatively smoothly considering there were many new people - moms and kids - all in the same place, trying to work together. The church is wonderfully organized and I was very pleased with their classrooms and teachers.

Lainey cried upon my leaving her.....no surprise there.....I've probably left her (with someone other than family) a total of 5 times, otherwise, except for when she was already asleep. Jack marched right in like he owned the place, immediately found the trains, followed directions and even went potty for the teachers. I was so relieved. Now, during music class, he was running around the room and tripped, causing me to sign an accident report, but that is not new to this family. I lost count with Carter during his Preschool years.

After the two of them were secure in their locations, I peaked back into Lainey's room to check on her and she was sitting quietly, reading a book with the director. Another, relief.....now time for Mama to attend her class.

Loved it.

Love the women.

Love the direction we're headed.

Had time for prayer, focusing on special concerns and immediate needs.....signed up for various volunteer opportunities.....became pen pals with a child at an inner-city school in Kansas City.....learned about future field trips...ordered t-shirts.....and got organized for the months ahead.

I was blown away. Not like any Moms Group I have ever heard of or been part of. I'm thrilled!

So, here we go.....a new chapter in motherhood for me.....the children learning while I'm learning.....I couldn't be happier with the organization.

Building Better Moms

Tomorrow starts a new adventure for Jack, Lainey and me. I'm taking a class at the Church of the Ressurection here in town called Building Better Moms. We have classroom time and then Mom and Tots Field Trips, too. While I'm in discussion, the little ones will attend the school on campus.....receiving a good introduction to a classroom setting, thus preparing them for Preschool.

The classes are broken up into three sections - Early Childhood, Elementary and Teens. Finally! A guide on how to handle the tough stuff!

I'm anxious to get started and see how it all works. In the Early Childhood section, we'll discuss discipline, tantrums and building faith as a family. 3 things we can always improve on.

I may move up to Elementary next year, as I certainly could learn from that curriculum as well. So happy to have these options here in our new home town....including benefits for both me and the kids. Win, win!

Jack is excited to try out his new backpack and Lainey is packing up her baby dolls.

So, wish us luck as we take this next step. I can't wait!

Raising A Daughter

I recently read a quote from my friend, Tracey, on Facebook that accurately sums up my thoughts on raising a daughter:

There are two types of women in the world - pioneers and princesses. Pioneers make their own happiness and princesses look for others to do it for them.

I am simply a happy pioneer who refuses to raise my daughter as a princess.

I couldn't get it out of my head. I thought and thought about it and then finally researched on-line to find out its origin. Dr. Meg Meeker included it in this book:

I found this article, which discusses how our society is going through a crisis of masculinity.....where a father's influence on his daughter is more important than ever to the choices she'll make down the road.

Finally.....I can put it into words......part of this whole "raising a daughter" thing that terrifies me. I worry often about Lainey - simply because she's a girl - feeling the world owes her something. Scared she'll wait for a man to define her happiness.

And, yes, people I know she's not even 2 years old. Doesn't mean I can't get a head start on this stuff.