These images are taken from an ad campaign about domestic violence that has been running on, and inside, Dallas City buses since October 1. The young boy with the cheerful smile announces that one day he will beat his wife. The demure, sweet-faced girl shyly asserts that one day her husband will kill her.

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I am a soccer mom and I am ok with that.

By this I mean I am a soccer mom in the traditional sense whereby the requirements of the job are simply that I haul my children to practices and games and then park my butt on a lawn chair with a jumbo double-mocha-latte and, if the Soccer Gods are smiling, a slice of pizza or creamstick I cadged from the concession stand. If I happen to score a similarly minded fellow-soccer-mom to enjoy game-chat with as we watch, all is right with my world.

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My three-year-old son is going to be a butterfly for Halloween this year. I admit, when he first told me this was what he wanted, my heart melted a little. It was completely his idea, but you can bet I jumped on it. His costume is now complete with huge red and black wings, and he is so excited to take flight on Friday.

But you know what I’m about to tell you, right?

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This entry will have spoilers, so don’t read it if you plan on reading the book and haven’t yet.

I read this book, by Stephanie Meyer, when it first came out, because it was the hot new thing.  I really wanted to like it, but I didn’t.

I hated it. 

I found the main character weak and flaky.  God, even her name—Bella Swan, is something out of a Harlequin Romance novel.

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I put my foot down with myself and made an executive decision for the family.  I will only be seeing one movie this weekend and that is final.  The choice turned out to be easy for the kids.  Sari wanted to see HSM3 and Drew wanted to go mask shopping with Dad.  Jack Skellington in 3D would just have to wait.  I could have gone either way.  Like I’ve said before, my idea of a good kid’s movie is one that engages my children.  Their enjoyment is contagious.  As it turned out, we had a great time.

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