Friday, August 26, 2011

Grandpa Roger

My friend Amy mentioned that PJ looks a little like my dad and ever since then I do see glimpses of him in Patrick.  Tonight I saw it too and I was left a bit breathless.  I wonder what kind of grandpa he would have been, what would the grandkids think of him?  We do talk about grandpa Roger with Lucas, I'm not sure he quite understands who it is but someday he will.  And I do plan on telling PJ about grandpa Roger.
Thinking of you and Brian, Dad.  Miss you evey day.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A few good books

So I was able to read a few more books in the last couple months, thought I'd share my thoughts and the titles with you.

"One Day" A book that is now a movie, follows two people from their meeting in London on one day and then where they are and how they grow up/change as the years go by.  It follows that day as the book progresses.  It was a decent read, interesting concept.

"Long Drive Home" by Will Allison.  One their drive home, a father and daughter narrowly avoid an accident only to come in contact with that driver again.  This time, father tries to teach the reckless driver a lesson resulting in an accident that changes all their lives.  A quick, easy read that leaves you shaking your head at the decisions the father makes over and over.

"Lone Survivor" by Marcus Lattrell.  Oh man, oh man, this was a great read.  True story of a 4 man team of Navy Seals who head out on a mission in the mountains of Afghanistan.  As indicated by the title, the mission goes very very badly.  I was in tears, let's put it that way.  The book also explains the process of becoming a Seal and man, those guys work hard!  This was an eye opening book and it still stays with me.  I think about the three guys who gave every last bit of themselves... woa, highly recommend.

"Stories I only tell my friends" Rob Lowe (yes, the famous guy).  It's an interesting perspective into the world of celebrity.  Rob tells his story in a cleaver, easy and flowing way.  I enjoyed the look at his life from a young boy living in Dayton OH dreaming of becoming a movie star.  He had what I'd call amazing luck as he encountered multiple famous people along the way.  And the look at The Outsiders and The West Wing was pretty neat.  He was also friends/neighbors with the Sheens (Martin, Emilio and Charlie) and the Penns (Sean).  Just sort of a fun, easy read.

Next up: The Help

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Is he a good baby?

First, what kind of question is this? Is any mother or father going to say, "no, my kid is the worst kid ever."? Probably not. Second, how can you quantify how your baby is? What defines a "good baby" from a "bad baby?" and really, should we label a baby as "bad"? Aren't we setting them up for issues in their near future? Thirdly, if it's just a question to pose to fill the space, similar to those top things never to ask me when I'm pregnant, then why ask it. What's your response when the parent says, "no"? Pity? Or are you looking for a chance to offer your not wanted advice?
My baby, little Patrick, is sweet and smiley much of the time but like every baby, he has to cry to get his needs expressed. So what if his crying fits generally happen when we are out with him or around other people? So what if he doesn't sleep "through" the night yet. My babe needs his naps to make him happy and if that makes him high maintenance then so be it. So, I'm just adding that to a list of things i'll never say or ask a new mom or dad cuz really, every baby has their moments, no matter how "good" or "bad" they are.


Sent from my iPhone

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Life

My friend Rachel is in Afghanistan fighting in this war that just seems to keep going. She was home in June to meet pj and when we said good-bye I cried like a child. She's a medic and she'll be there until next June. I keep thinking about what will happen if she gets killed over there? Who will even care?
Obviously me and Joc, but I more mean what will she have died for? What is the point of all this killing. I mean, 30 navy seals one day then a soldier the next, then another. Why?
It seems like a pretty reckless disregard for precious life. It makes me sad to think of the families who have lost kids and husbands and wives.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

smiley guy!

Sent from my iPhone