"How to Train Your Dragon" and Other Spring Break Fun!

This morning Caleb and I went to see "How to Train Your Dragon" at the AMC in White Marsh. I made the decision to go to the matinee' showing as movie ticket prices have risen sharply even in just a few months! I understand that this is a result of 3-D movies becoming popular, but costing more. What doesn't make sense is that all prices have gone up! It's $17 for 3-D Imax and $10 for the regular movie. Going before noon cost $6 to see the regular movie. Pretty soon we will just start buying movies as they come out on DVD since there is a quick turn around any way!

Less talk about how expensive movies are and onto the movie itself! I liked the movie overall. It had a good message about loving your enemies and looking closer to see why they are your enemies. While I like the movie for adults, teenagers, and even intermediate aged elementary students, this is not a kids movie. I honestly wish that I had not taken Caleb. It was laced with adult humor and was downright scary and violent at times! I give it 2 out of 4 stars for this reason.

Other than taking little day trips (tomorrow we are off to Storyville) we have been enjoying our time together over this spring break. Caleb and Blake are becoming so cool to watch! They actually play (and even have two-sided arguments) together now.

Over Spring Break Caleb was given homework from his preschool teacher, which was writing his name. I've spent a lot of time with him on this, it hasn't come easy! Above is the first one that turned out legible. I am proud of him! I found the "rainbow words" strategy to be most effective. I wrote his name in black marker several times. He would then trace over the same word multiple times, each time with a different color. He really had a time with "e." It's tricky!

We're looking forward to more fun and great weather for the rest of the week! :)

Awake Tonight Tour

Last Friday I went with my concert buddy Stacey to see Toby Mac and Skillet the Baltimore Arena (First Mariner Arena... or whatever they are calling it this month) and it was AMAZING!

Now to be honest, Skillet caught me completely off guard. I didn't really know who they were, so when they came out with red flames, smoke, and fireworks I was initially taken back (I grabbed Stacey by the arm and screamed). I had no idea they were a heavy metal Christian band! After the initial shock I actually wound up loving them! I've been jamming out to "Monster" all week! I do love that even though they are heavy metal they spoke about Christ and the message is interwoven through out all of their music! They play this on 98 rock!

After Skillet was Toby Mac! I love him and can't say it enough times! He started the show by crowd surfing from the back of the arena to the stage.

There was not a dull moment and he sang all of my favorites from "Made to Love You" to "Tonight" to "Irene." He even threw in a little "Pants on the Ground" (HA). What was truly amazing is the fact that he walked out into the audience and every one was civilized! You just don't see that at concerts! I just about lost it when he came up into our section!

He finished the show with "Jesus Freak!" (From his DC Talk days!)

The most amazing part was the diversity (Diverse City!) of the crowd. Every age group (I saw an elderly woman with a cane and afghan shawl people!), race, money class, sex, etc. was represented all for one purpose! We had a rocking time in the Lord!

Precious

After all the Oscar buzz I caved in and rented the R rated movie "Precious." I'm honestly glad I did! While filled with profanity and horrifying, its message is amazing and the movie itself is thought provoking. The plot line is filled to the brim, but I found myself clinging to the teacher that tries to help Precious rise from her situation. One person's love can make a difference. My only complaint is that there is a lot of loose ends that are left open to interpretation. I love clear, concise endings. I don't want to say too much more, it would be easy slip and spoil things. Go rent it now!

Blake is 1!

I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to post much on here! The biggest news in the last few weeks is that Blake turned 1! It was a bittersweet day for me. I know we aren't having any more children so I get said at every milestone.

On Blake's actual birthday, February 25th I took off work and spent the day with him. We played and I didn't let anything like the internet or work distract me. The night before immediate family got together at Pizza John's. We let him have a birthday cake, but he was more interested in chewing the plate!

His birthday party was held on March 7th at the Harewood Community Center. It's this cute little hall right on the Chesapeake Bay. The weather was beautiful and so was the view. The kids got to spend the party playing outside. There was more delicious food than I think I've ever seen in my life. It's amazing what happens when everyone brings something! Blake tore into his cake this time. He had it in his hair, ear, and nose.

These kids are growing up too fast! Time flies when you're having fun!