Where's my Help?

I just finished a great book, The Help by Kathryn Stockett. They're actually making a movie out of it...I think it hits theathers later this month. I know it's impossible to fit everything that happens in a book into the movie--I mean, if it takes you approximately 12 hours to get through 400 pages, no wonder major parts are skipped to make a 2 hour movie. I for one am excited to see the movie, even if somethings are left out. While reading, I found myself laughing and crying over various parts, mostly the stories about Mae Mobley, a young child very close in age to my daughter.

I believe I am very blessed to have a job that I enjoy, good daycare for my children, and friends and family close by. I'm thankful to live in a country where the lines of segregation no longer stand as barriers like they did half a century ago.

Mike and I took the kids to a community pool this afternoon and then got the family ready for church this evening. I let Mike have some "man" time (playing on the playstation--something I'll never fully comprehend or understand) while I cooked dinner. Have I mentioned that I've cut our grocery bill in half? I'm not sure if it's the deep freezer, which allows me to stock-pile groceries when they go on sale, or the fact that I'm shopping more at Aldi, or if it's that I'm just planning better, but whatever it is...it's working! Now if I could just get that electric bill to taper off and head downwards.... wishing fall would hurry up and come!

Oh, and since I've gone off the face of the planet for a while, to update all of you--I went on my very first float trip down the Illinois river last weekend...and now, I'm hooked! My parents and brothers are coming sometime in the next month...and I'm very much looking forward to it! My brother Tadd goes off at the end of the month for basic training--he's joining the Marines and will be fighting to keep the freedom for this country that I love. My other brother, Scotty, the baby, is back up at KU for the year, but it will be good to spend time with him before his rigorous schedule takes over!

True Blood is on...must go now :-)