Mommy Brain

Here’s a pic of Kevin and the kids on a bike trip last summer.

You have probably noticed how much I love the Twilight series of vampire novels by Stephenie Meyer. They each scored a solid 4 stars out of 5. They are totally engrossing and addictive, and I can’t wait for the fourth and final book to be released on August 2nd. That said, none of them had that indefiinable quality that earns a book 5 stars in my mind. The Host, Meyer’s first foray into the world of adult novels, has that quality, and has it in spades.

Ms. Meyer calls The Host science-fiction for people who don’t like science fiction. Well, I love sci-fi, and I adored this book. But I know exactly what she means, because I am going to pass this book on to my mom, who doesn’t like sci-fi – and I know she will love it.

The Host is the story of Wanderer, a soul who has lived on seven different planets, in seven different host bodies. When she comes to Earth and is implanted into Melanie, she experiences something new and different – the host consciousness doesn’t leave, but continues to fight for ownership of her body.

Wanderer begins to learn more and more about Melanie through her memories, and especially comes to know Jared, Melanie’s boyfriend, and Jamie, her younger brother. As Wanderer experiences Melanie’s feelings for the people she loves, she is torn between her loyalty to her own race – the Souls – and her new-found feelings of love and family.

The Host asks the question: What does it mean to be human? It explores the bounds of love and loyalty and self-sacrifice, and examines what is best and worst about the human race. It’s a love story in the best possible way.

5 out of 5 stars.

Noah has started and stopped many books this month, but none has kept his attention enough for him to finish.

Mole and Shrew Step Out by Jackie French Koller
Giant Pop-Out Vehicles

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple by Karen Cushman
Ghosthunters and the Totally Moldy Baroness by Cornelia Funke
New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 2) by Stephenie Meyer

Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold by Geoff and Janet Benge
Magyk (Septimus Heap, Book 1) by Angie Sage
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices From a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schlitz
Crispin: Cross of Iron by Avi
Poetry Speaks to Children

Twister on Tuesday by Mary Pope Osborne
In the Whale (Andrew Lost #6) by J.C. Greenburg
Season of the Sandstorms by Mary Pope Osborne

99 degrees yesterday. 99 degrees today. Which made it a perfect weekend to spend one afternoon at the lake, and the other in an air-conditioned theater.

We headed up to the lake yesterday, bringing lunch and a van-load of floaties. Another family from our church was there, too, so Natalie was able to swim with a good friend, and we were able to get to know her parents a little better.

I’ve been having a hard time getting involved at our new church. Kevin’s not even attending much. I’ve posted before about our history with churches, and I don’t want to get into all of that again. I just wish we could find a church where politics and staying in a denominational bubble weren’t the norm.

Anyway, it was nice to get to know another couple from church. We’ve met some really nice people, and the children’s ministry has welcomed our children with open arms. I suppose that will have to be enough for right now.

Today, Mom and I took the kids to see Kung Fu Panda (my review). The kids loved it, and I enjoyed myself. And it was cool. What more can you ask for, right?

(The Sword in the Stone: 45th Anniversary Special Edition was provided to me by Click Communications for the purpose of review.)

Humor, spectacle, and magic rule in Walt Disney’s legendary classic tale The Sword in the Stone – now celebrating its 45th Anninversary with exciting new bonus features!

Embark on an adventure-filled quest for an unlikely hero! According to legend, only someone with honor, decency, and inner strength can claim the throne of England – by pulling out the enchanted sword that lies locked in a massive stone. Many brave knights have tried, so it seems impossible that a young apprentice known as Wart could succeed. But with the guidance of the wizard Merlin, help from some hilarious friends and true strength of character, Wart just might become England’s greatest king.

There’s even more wizardry fun with mavelous bonus features, including the all-new Merlin’s Magical Academy Game, animated shorts, Disney’s song selection and much more! The Sword in the Stone 45th Anniversary Edition DVD is a magical experience your whole family will want to share again and again!

Noah’s review: It’s about this little kid who thinks he’s just a little kid who has nothing special about him. Then he finds a wizard, and learns that he is special. He pulls a sword out of a stone and becomes king. 4 and a half stars out of 5.

Jonatha’s review: It was a great movie. It was also funny. Once, he swallowed a bug when he was a fish because the wizard turned him into one. 5 stars.

Josiah’s review: My favorite part was when he was a squirrel. 4 and a half stars.

It’s fun to watch old Disney films with my kids. The Sword in the Stone was one I hadn’t seen in years, but it is definitely a classic. This new 45th Anniversary Edition has all-new special features, including some movie shorts and Merlin’s Magic Academy Game. The Sword in the Stone: 45th Anniversary Edition is available on DVD now.

Okay, I’m blushing. Can I plead over-busy-ness due to a camping trip, birthday party, and two VBS’s? I completely forgot about the Gone giveaway.

Well, better late than never, right?

I used Random.org to generate two random numbers, and it came up with 1 and 2. So, congrats to Sheila and Lawanda. I already have your address, Lawanda, so watch the mail. Sheila, check your e-mail – I’ll be contacting you for mailing info.

Congratulations – and sorry, again.