Pool Time

Riley, Mom and I went to the public pool by her house today, which has a 'baby pool' so I thought I would share some pics real fast!
















Saying 'Cheese'...a fairly new trick!
















Sticking his face in the fountains, he loved it, he was having a blast!


















Here's a good shot of the baby pool area (sorry, it was overcast and I haven't taken the time to edit the photos yet).

















Sliding down this slide he absolutely ADORED! He 'made' us take him down it SEVERAL times...but it was worth it! :-)

I also shot a great video of him playing, but I haven't uploaded it yet...but I'll let you know when I do.

We all definitley had a great time out there...too bad it closes next weekend!

Movie Review - "Last Holiday & The Ringer"

Disclaimer: I rented these movies as 'no brainers' to watch the week my dad passed...otherwise, I probably would have never watched them!

"Last Holiday"
Summary: A woman learns to love life when she finds out she won't be around long in this comedy. Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) lives in New Orleans, where she works in the cookware department of an upscale gourmet supply shop. While Georgia carries a torch for Sean (LL Cool J), one of her co-workers, she doesn't have the nerve to tell him, and despite her estimable skills in the kitchen, she lives frugally and doesn't put her talent to use. Georgia's good friend Rochelle often tells her that life is short and she needs to live a little, but she doesn't pay her much mind until a visit to the doctor reveals that Georgia has a very rare medical condition, and only has three weeks to live. Throwing caution to the wind, Georgia cashes out her life savings and heads to Europe for a last bit of revelry. She checks into a four-star hotel, trades her drab clothes for haute couture, finds herself flirting with a handsome and powerful politician, convinces the head of a cooking supplies firm that she's a high-powered executive from a rival company, and makes friends with a four-star chef. But when Sean learns the truth about Georgia's condition, he sets out to find her before their chance at romance has passed.

Review: Not much to say except that, ss expected, the movie doesn't grab you emotionally and it is not that funny. It wasn't horrible, but if you never see it, you're not missing anything.

Rating: C-

"The Ringer"
Summary: A guy trying to do the right thing ends up taking part in one of the most morally dubious con games in history in this comedy. Steve Barker (Johnny Knoxville) is an office drone who wants to move up the corporate ladder, but when he asks his boss for a promotion, it comes with a condition -- Steve has to fire Stavi, who has been the firm's janitor for years. Steve decides to soften the blow by hiring Stavi to do his lawn work. However, an accident robs Stavi of several of his fingers, and since he doesn't have medical insurance, Steve needs to find a way to pay for his surgery. Steve's uncle Gary also needs some fast cash, and comes up with a get-rich-quick scheme -- Steve was a track star in high school, and with the Special Olympics Championships coming up, all Steve has to do is pretend to be mentally challenged, enter the competition, and win the running events against six-time medalist Jimmy. Gary will bet big on Steve, and the odds will allow them to clean up. Steve is appalled by the idea, but he needs the money badly enough to go along. Jimmy's colossal ego has made him many enemies among his fellow Special Olympians, and they're eager enough to see him taken down a peg that they help Steve train for the big event. Matters become all the more complicated when Steve becomes infatuated with Lynn (Katherine Heigl), a beautiful woman who has volunteered to help the challenged athletes, and would doubtless be furious if she found out what Steve was really doing.
Review: If you're expecting the cringe, offensive comedy that the commercials try to pass off (what I expected), it's not really there. It's 'Jackass' humor which seems squeezed from Knoxville (although I do enjoy Jackass). And I must say, Johnny Knoxville was not the funniest character. I think the people that played his friends were definitely funnier than him, and also very endearing and loveable. Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy) was enjoyable as well and raised the move an extra star. There are some funny moments,some touching moments and some 'could have done without' moments. Once again, not horrible, but if you don't see it you're not missing anything.

Rating: C

How are you doing?

When you lose someone everybody always asks you, "How are you doing?" or they like to say, "I hope things are getting better for you". It's funny, really, because how are you supposed to answer? "I'm fine" or "I'm okay", even though it's a lie? You aren't going to tell the truth; you're not going to tell them that things are definitely NOT better, you're not going to tell them that you are doing horrible, that your heart is crushing, that you are experiencing a pain you never imagined, that you feel like things will never be better.
I'm not saying that it's wrong for people say or ask these things, we all do it, what else are we supposed to say? It's understandable and by no means do I resent these phrases, it's just an observation I've made over the last month. I've said them before, many times, and I guess until now I never really thought about what the answer really meant.
People also like to tell you, "If there is anything I can do, just let me know". This is very generous and I know it comes from the heart, but what can we say except, "Thank you, I really appreciate that." When in reality what we feel is, "Not unless you can bring my dad/husband/son/etc. back."
Although we are able to move on with our lives...to laugh, to have fun, to work...we constantly feel the loss, the grief, and the pain. I'm not sure how long it will take for me to actually be 'okay' again, and honestly, feeling the grief is a way to hang on to Daddy right now, so I don't want to lose the pain. I guess I'm not ready to let him go, even if I am ready to move on with other parts of my life.

My mother just bought me a book on losing a father and one of the 'excerpts' really hit home, so I wanted to share it.

"I do not feel that I'm betraying him for laughing, for loving, for becoming whole again.
"It is because of him that I've come through the grief as a person stronger, more courageous, and less superficial than ever before.
"It is because of his wit, his warmth, his intelligence, and his unique mind that I can move forward, looking back in love.
"It is because of him that my children had a strong memory of a grandfather who was very much involved in their world.
"It is because of him that I now can look back with the warm thoughts and tender feelings of a life that was a gift to me." - Anonymous

Gma Update

So far everything is okay. They found several hernias, but they are not convinced that's what is causing the severe abdominal pain and/or the blood pressure and pulse rate issues. They held her overnight and are keeping her one more day to continue monitoring her. Hopefully we'll know more sometime today, but she seems to be doing better, so we're grateful for that.

Thank you to those who sent your prayers, always appreciated.

Prayer Request

My grandmother (my mother's mom) went to the hospital this afternoon around 4:30pm feeling faint/dizzy and with severe abdominal pain. When she got there her blood pressure was above 200 and her resting heart rate around 40. This is abnormal. The doctor has also found a large, very hard 'growth' in her abdomen. At this time she is heading to get a 'cat scan' done and we will anxiously await the results.

I am devestated that my mother has to go through this right now (on top of the obvious fear I have for my grandmother's health). Mom just doesn't have the strength right now, but she's at the hospital with my PaPa, waiting.

I hope to hear some news around 9pm this evening, but it could just be that we're still waiting. I just wanted to ask anyone who reads this blog and this post, especially if you are reading it Friday evening, for your prayers. I know they helped me and my family have the strength to get through the past few weeks since Daddy's passing and we need that strength, and more, right now. Thank you, and God Bless You all.

SHOUT OUT

HAPPY 7TH ANNIVERSARY to Melissa and Ben!

I always tell you, you are an inspiration!

Congratulations, and wishing you many, many more years to come!

Love to you both.

New Beginnings

Exciting News!!! My brother and sister-in-law (best friend) are PREGNANT!!! They just found out this week and told us all the AMAZING news tonight! I can't express how happy for them I am. The due date is April 17th, so she's about 4 weeks pregnant right now.

It came as quite a surprise for me, as I had promised myself to not bug them about it for at least a year after their marriage, but it was one of the best surprises I've gotten in a long time.

Congratulations Danny & Stephanie, you are going to be such wonderful parents!

(and in case you are wondering, I think most bets are on it being a girl,

so we'll see how our odds go)

The Circle of Life...it's a roller coaster.

What If?

The Wednesday of Daddy's service my cousin called my mom's house around 9:45pm. Her daughter had been outside, noticed a shining star and told her mom, "Look at the star Mommy, it looks like Uncle Kenny's spirit." My grandma was staying with them that night so she went outside to see the star, which was the brightest start she had ever seen in her 70+ years of gazing. They all just stood outside and stared at it, believing it was daddy's spirit in the sky. My cousin called to show me the star, which certainly was the brightest star in the sky that night, and told me what had happened. I thought to myself, "Whatever helps them through, even if it is just a big ball of gas in the sky." I didn't believe. I told everyone at mom's house what they had called about, showed them the star, then my mom went inside and brought out a card she had received that day. It said:

"Perhaps they are not stars in the sky...but, rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy." - Eskimo legend

Then I realized that I had just been inside, not 5 minutes before my cousin called, praying to my daddy, asking him to communicate with me in some way, to find a way to let me know it was okay...that he was okay...that I would be okay. After reading the card...I believed.

Movie Review - "Failure To Launch"

Summary: A overgrown mama's boy who hasn't found the courage to take flight from the nest gets a little help from the girl of his dreams in the one comedy that proves it's never to late to strike out on your own. Tripp (Matthew McConaughey) may have hit 30, but that doesn't mean that he's ready to give up the many benefits of living at home with mom (Kathy Bates) and dad (Terry Bradshaw). His desperate parents have had enough, though, and after years of gentle nudging they soon realize that it's going to take a concerted effort to get Tripp out and enjoy their twilight years in peace. Realizing that their only hope for ridding themselves of their reluctant-to-leave offspring rides on the off-chance of his meeting the ideal female companion, mom and dad enlist the help of a beautiful and talented woman (Sarah Jessica Parker) in providing the romantic incentive needed to finally get their son out of the family home. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

Review: A chic flic for sure, but this one focuses more on the guy's side of the story than the girl's. If you like 'How to Lose a Gguy in 10 Days' then you're probably going to like this movie...which I did. This movie was funny and entertaining with of course the usual romantic plot. If you're dying to watch a chic flic with your hubby, I'd say this is the one to choose.

Rating: A for a 'chic flic' and B- for overall

Movie Review - "Shopgirl"; "Imagine Me & You"; "Weather Man"

I wasn't very impressed with any of these movies, so I'm not going to waste my time writing the reviews, I'm just going to borrow some.

"SHOPGIRL"
Summary: In her 20s, Mirabelle leaves taciturn parents in Vermont to live in L.A. She sells gloves at Saks, lives alone in a flat, and sporadically pursues her art (photography and pencil). She's so lonely she'll sleep with Jeremy, a clueless, penniless graphic artist and constant talker she meets at a laundromat. About the time Jeremy sets off on a months-long road trip as a rock band's groupie, Mirabelle meets Ray Porter, pushing 60, wealthy, charming, living in L.A. and Seattle. He thinks he's made it clear it's just an affair; she hears it's more. She's on cloud nine. Meanwhile, on the road trip, Jeremy listens to self-help tapes on relating to women. Can a shopgirl find true romance?

Review: ***This review may contain spoilers***
As a comedy, it fails; it isn't at all funny. As a drama, it fails; you are never given any reason to connect with the characters, and the so called twists (Ray sleeps with some random woman, Jeremy returns to town in a new suit) don't do anything to alleviate the mind crushing boredom. As a romance, it fails; the main characters are essentially shag partners, not really romancers. The acting was bearable, but it was just so BORING. Nothing happened throughout the whole movie, and other than that, nothing was explained. Why did Ray take a like to the shopgirl? Indeed, why should we care? The one liners are awful, and it is just so mind numbingly tedious. The people who claim that this is the best film they have ever seen are either clinically insane or have exceptionally poor taste. Add to it a non-ending and you've got yourself one of the worst movies of 2005.

Rating: C-

"IMAGINE ME & YOU"
Summary: A newlywed bride becomes infatuated with another woman whom questions her sexual orientation promoting a stir among the bride's family and friends.

Review: ***This review may contain spoilers***
Not really much to say. A disappointing movie for anyone bold enough to say one's mind. In a romantic comedy we are supposed to witness and support the struggle of two people towards a happy ending celebrating their true love. Usuallly one or two of them are starting the story stuck in an unhappy relationship (not literally unhappy but one whose fundamentals aren't true love and such). And what do we have here... A protagonist (Luce) who doesn't look much like a protagonist. More like a typical home-wrecker. Another one (Rachel) who is a permanently confused wife of a longtime friend (and supposedly a lover) both well aware that what they are doing is wrong from the moral point of view. We have a third protagonist (hector) who is the only one fully fitting into "the good guy" picture. Heck! He even steps aside for Rachel to help her get her true love. Who cares that most people actually want Rachel to stay with Hector? Romantic comedy has to leave you happy for the lovers. And it has RULES it is built upon. Such as: the good guys always win. You want a word of advice? Don't watch it. I was watching a movie for 90 minutes and wanted one of the main (positive) characters to die.

Rating: D

"The Weather Man"
Summary: Dave Spritz (Nicholas Cage) has a decent career as a weatherman in chicago. He is loved and hated by people. However, his personal life is a mess, his father is dying, his kids are getting into messes of their own, and his ex-wife isn't fond of him. Trying to cope with all his problems, Dave attempts to make his father proud before he dies, tries to help his kids become better people, and tries to get back with his wife. Sounds easy right? Not a chance.

Review: This film was a major disappointment. The previews made it appear as though it would have a dry witty sense of humor about it. However, what unfolds is a long depressing film with very little content. Even the brilliance of Michael Caine could not save this one. This is the sort of film that has you checking your watch after only 30 minutes. All of the humor in the preview is the sum of the humor in the movie - all the good lines are there. The one highlight in the film is the Spongebob Balloon drifting by the hotel window that cage is staying in. Not only is this film depressing, vulgar, and tasteless - it is also very long. There are at least two hours of my life that I will never get back.

Rating: C-

Lessons

I think people always try to find something positive to take away from a tragedy. We all say to ourselves "What is the lesson I am supposed to learn from this?".
I feel like I cherished life and my loved ones before my daddy died; I knew it was important to be sure I said everything I would want people to know so I had no regrets when they passed. I did this. I have no regrets. So where's MY lesson? My brother has begun looking for a new job...an 8-5 career that will allow him to spend more time and energy with his family...he found a lesson.
It took me a few days to get over the initial anger about the situation to finally discover my lesson...and in my opinion, it's a very sad lesson to have to learn, but here is it: People don't always live to be 80 years old. I know, I know, seems pretty obvious, but think about it, honestly. Personally, I have FIVE grandparents still living...yes, 5...all in their 70's...they were all able to watch their grandchildren grow up to become adults, they even have great-grandchildren to enjoy.
When 'M' passed away last year I made it a point to visit my grandparents often and to take lots of pictures of them with Riley, because I finally realized that they weren't going to be around forever. But what I didn't realize is that my dad, my mom, my husband, my brother, my friends...that they aren't guaranteed a long life. I guess I have known that death is a part of life, it's inevitable, but what I never really 'believed' is that growing old is not promised to us. So my lesson is to cherish my time with EVERYONE, not just my grandparents, or Chris' grandparents, but everyone. Do not take life for granted; tomorrow is not promised, no matter how young a person is.
Another lesson I want to share with you all is about heart attacks...or at least what I learned from my dad's...hopefully you will never need this information, but it can't hurt to know.
When I got to my parent's house that Sunday evening I went outside to say hi to Daddy and he was leaning over the ice cream maker pouring in the rock salt. He was sweating profusely. I even mentioned it, but he and Chris just thought it was due to the heat and humidity. I didn't think it was that hot, but I didn't know how long he'd been outside in it. Shortly after, he went inside and took off his shirt, I thought he was just hot. He went into the living room and was reaching up his arms like he was stretching. I had no clue he was having chest pains, but mom says he was. He moved from one couch to another a couple of times, just trying to stretch out and get comfortable. I finally realized what seemed to be going on so I went over and took his pulse. At the time it felt fast, but after doing some research it appears it was in the normal range. After I took his pulse he asked for Aspirin. Who knows if he was just being cautious or if he knew then what was going on, either way they didn't have any aspirin because mom can't take it. Let me just say that during this time his arm did not seem to be hurting him, I think that's a common misconception that has been widly publicized and it doesn't always happen. I don't think his heart felt like it was 'squeezing' either, something else we hear a lot, I think it felt like he had pulled a muscle in his chest (which he had done before). He decided he wanted to go to the emergency room, so he walked outside to put his shirt back on and just collapsed on the patio. Mom and I performed CPR for the 5 minutes it took to call 911 and get the paramedics there, but they could never get his heart beating on it's own again. He did make it to the hospital, but they tried about 3 different things and nothing worked, and finally they had to let him go.
So why do I share this with you? Because, anyone can experience a heart attack, they are more common than we want to believe yet many of us don't know how to recognize one. Well, now I know, at least more than I used to, and I can ASSURE you all that I will not hesitate to call 911 IMMEDIATELY if I ever see anyone experiencing anything similar to what I witnessed a week ago. With my dad it was heavy sweating, difficult breathing, and chest pain that felt like a muscle strain, but a main point is that it was 'wrong', ya know, he felt 'wrong'. I think we're often worried about calling 911...maybe we're thinking, "What if it's not a heart attack, what if it's just a panic attack or pulled muscle or something?"...but what if it IS a heart attack?! I'm not saying that calling 911 could have saved my daddy, I'm not saying it couldn't have; but I'm also not blaming myself or anyone for what happened to him. What I AM saying is that maybe this information will make a difference in someone else's life...better safe than sorry.