Movie seen

Tom & I had the chance to see the latest Harry Potter movie: The Order of the Phoenix. It is the first time in a long time I didn't sit thru the movies thinking oooh they missed this part, they should have stuck in that part, this was so important to the plot-why did they leave it out. While few movies stick completely to what the author has put to paper - I do expect the overall premise and main plots to be there. For the first time the location of the castle and Hagrid's hovel have been in the same location they were in the previous film. It was always a game of 'find the new location of Hagrids' with each film. While some things were changed to keep from introducing yet another non-essential character, the main thread woven was much the same as the book. The only part that would have been nice, although not necessary to the story, was more involvement with the twins and Umbridge.
While the H.P books are far from being considered GREAT literature on my list...I have found them wonderful for entertainment value, although I am beginning to wonder if Rowling is being paid, like Charles Dickens, by the word. Sadly, what is considered great lit by today's standards fails to come close to those from the past. I have read few current authors who have the ability to bring the reader into their world and teach invaluable life lessons in the process. I have yet to learn anything from the HP books that even gives me pause to think. Everyone is rebellious, breaking rules is fun, revenge isn't good - but it isn't bad in small doses either, and if authority doesn't give you a reason it is ok to do your own thing. While it is an amusing story for an adult to read, since we should have the ability to discern; the story line has been discussed whenever Harrison reads them about the folly of each character.

Summer Fun

Life is flying by for us. Summer has quickly filled with fun things that keep us movin and a shakin. Harrison was in a basketball camp for 2 weeks up at M's College. It was an intense 6 hours of daily practice Monday-Thursday. The coaches had them doing drills that I was amazed the kids were able to do. Granted I sat and watched on Thursday so Monday probably looked nothing like it. His skills improved by leaps & bounds...and he had fun in the process. The neat thing was that the coaches led the group of 60+ kids in devotions every morning and stressed how unimportant basketball was compared to living a life devoted Christ. It was wonderful to watch how kids who showed kindness towards others and perseverance were given notice (They were given an otter pop at the end of the day). Harrison was even recognized one day after the coach noticed that even after getting hit in the face with the ball, he continued to try hard. This was exciting news since we have been working on this. Now Harrison is up at the Jr's Summer camp till Tuesday. Chandler has been my little shadow throughout the last two weeks. She got very excited when Harrison would come home every evening. She did comment how much the car smelled like sweat after picking up Harrison and his friends. She is such a girly-girl. Chandler is having friends over today to swim. She is very excited and has great plans for all that they will do.