The Help

Set during the nascent civil rights movement in Jackson, Miss., where black women were trusted to raise white children but not to polish the household silver. Eugenia Skeeter Phelan is just home from college in 1962, and, anxious to become a writer, is advised to hone her chops by writing about what disturbs you. The budding social activist begins to collect the stories of the black women on whom the country club sets relies and mistrusts enlisting the help of Aibileen, a maid who's raised 17 children, and Aibileen's best friend Minny, who's found herself unemployed more than a few times after mouthing off to her white employers. The book Skeeter puts together based on their stories is scathing and shocking, bringing pride and hope to the black community, while giving Skeeter the courage to break down her personal boundaries and pursue her dreams. Assured and layered, full of heart and history, this one has bestseller written all over it. (Feb.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

What a great book, especially for someone who didn't experience those times. I loved the characters, they came to life for me and I could see this book being played out in my head the whole time. I enjoy books that take me into another society and time and that's exactly what The Help did. This book is a light read with a heavy theme; I had no problems forging through. I'm excited to say this book is scheduled for the big screen in 2011.

Happy Reading!!

40 Years of Earth Day

Today, April 22, 2010 is the fortieth anniversary of Earth Day. Before 1970 factories could release black clouds of toxins into the air or dump toxic waste into rivers and streams, and it was perfectly legal. In 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day as a ways to "force this issue onto the national agenda." President Nixon and Congress established the Environmental Protection Agency in response to an increasing public demand for cleaner water, air and land; this agency would be known to tackle environmental issues facing the United States and world today. From news.gather.com.

I like Earth Day and the meaning behind it. God entrusted us with a magnificent gift and we are responsible for its well-being.
God spoke: "Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, And, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth."
Genesis 1:26 (The Message)

Look for ways to conserve energy, spend time outside, and better the earth. The kids helped me weed the garden yesterday. Hopefully soon we can get some things planted, I know the kids enjoy helping with that as well.

In honor of Earth Day, I think we'll make dirt cups as a family tonight. What a fun way to celebrate and the kids will be so excited! Here is a link to a recipe...have fun!! dirt cups recipe at kraftfoods.com

Visions of Eskimos

Parker's soccer team, 98 Vision, played a game in Stillwater this past Saturday. We LOVE Stillwater. The team went to eat at Eskimo Joes afterward. Our kids had never been so it was a lot of fun. Phil and I think it's good when the kids can hang out with kids from their team at times other than games; builds good relationships. Oh BTW, Parker's team is undefeated this year and they start state tournament play this weekend!! GO VISION!
Liv and Easton enjoying the store

The team enjoying a great meal!

Easter

I'm disappointed with the 'lack-of' pictures I got this year for Easter. I guess part of it is that my kids are getting bigger and it's not 'cool' for mom to take a million pics. This is usually the time we're able to get atleast one good family pic and none were even taken!! Bummer! I'm sure that's why I'm so late posting this...I wasn't even going to. Brad and Catherine and the girls were here for Easter and I didn't even get any pics of them!! Urgh!!

Well, here's what I have!!
Liv was the only one of my kids that hunted eggs this year!! So sad!


Olivia & Parker

Livie sharing her loot with Easton!

We have a Hat Trick!

Yay!! All three of our compassionate and caring children have made the 'Principal's 200 Club'. Olivia came home yesterday and said she got it for staying behind and pushing in all the chairs! Wow!! That is such a good feeling for me and Phil that our kids can go out into the world and give of themselves at such an early age. I pray they continue to grow and continue to develop a love for people and a servants heart!

YAY Livie!! We are SO proud of you!!

My life...

My life consists of soccer, cooking, cleaning, walking, reading, softball, work, Air1, family, The Biggest Loser, fundraisers, homework, baseball, church, small group, reorganizing, redecorating, budgeting, book club, church functions, American Idol, eating, facebook, Modern Family, corralling, driving, emailing, cheering, gymnastics, texting, surfing, planning, drama, tears, phone calls, The Office, sleeping, getting ready, yard work, disciplining, blogging, friends, birthdays, joy, shopping, tournaments, fishville, naps, sadness, practices...

I think you get the picture. One thing that is totally missing is time with God. I sent out a Daily Verse yesterday, it's one of those verses that truly puts the fear of God in me. It was Luke 13:24-25 "He said to them, 'Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.' "But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'"

I don't want to be one of 'those' people! I want God to welcome me with open arms and be so elated to see me! I desire for him to call me HIS and to tell me how beautiful I am. But the way my life is SO packed full right now, I'm not making Him a priority. I need to manage my time better and instead of fitting God in, I need to fit the other things around my time with God.

Lord, please help me get the priorities straight in my life. I want you to be number one. Help me to see what I can do without to make you Lord of my life. Thank you for your grace and the new opportunity everyday to get it right!

The Lightning Thief

The Lightning Thief Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. When his mom tells him the truth about where he came from, she takes him to the one place he'll be safe--Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island). There, Percy learns that the father he never knew is actually Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon Percy finds himself caught up in a mystery that could lead to disastrous consequences. Together with his friends--a satyr and other the demigod daughter of Athena--Percy sets out on a quest to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

This series was recommended to us by our friend, Ellen. Parker read it at the beginning of the school year and enjoyed it. I'd been wanting to read it so after we heard they were making it into a movie I decided to move it up on my reading list. It was a very quick read and continuously entertaining. Now we just need to go see the movie. I can't wait to start the second book!

They also have this "character companion" for the series. This will be great to have to keep everyone straight throughout.

HAPPY READING!

Fools Day!!

How ironic is it that today is not only 'All Fools Day' but also my brother, Jace's birthday AND my s-i-l, Catherine's?!? Just kidding guys!! Haha!! I love you both and hope you have a GREAT birthday!!

How did April Fools come about you ask??? Well, that's a good question. I checked out www.april-fools.us and here is what they said...
The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1.
You can click on the above link for more information on the holiday!

I've never been very good with dishing out pranks but I sure do like to see them played out or stories about them, and being married to Phil I've heard a lot of good ones. The best April Fools prank I was ever involved in was safety pinning my dad's underwear together and folding them up neatly in his drawer. When he went to pull one out he got all of them. I know...pretty lame, but as a 8 or 9 yr old I thought that was pretty funny, and harmless!!

Well, I hope you all have a very 'funny' day...and try to prank someone in the honor of the day!!