Monday, June 30, 2008

Movies to Skip

(1) Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (still in theaters)


Here is a review I found with which I coldn't agree more (but I have only included part of it). It was 2 hours of my life I can't get back, not to mention the high ticket prices and the cost of a babysitter!



Review By Kirk Honeycutt


Bottom Line: A wearying onslaught of action and effects gives Indy little chance to charm as he did in days of old.

What do you know, the film billed as a return of Indiana Jones turns out instead to be a sequel to "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Extraterrestrials and a spaceship mix it up with well-lit caves, tumbles over waterfalls and swings through the jungle that would make Tarzan gape. Director Steven Spielberg seems intent on celebrating his entire early movie career in "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Whatever story there is, a murky journey to return a spectacular archeological find to its rightful home -- an unusual goal of the old grave-robber -- gets swamped in a sea of stunts and CGI that are relentless as the scenes and character relationships are charmless.

(2) Grace Is Gone (out on DVD)


Well what do you know, I agreed with the same reviewer. I may have to start following him. Overall this movie was just a huge downer without much of a point.

Review By Kirk Honeycutt

Bottom Line: A disappointing and manipulative look at one family's loss in the Iraq war.

"Grace Is Gone" is not a dishonest film for you sense the fledgling filmmaker's sincere desire to deal with grief, the natural outcome of war. But the grief in writer-director James C. Strouse's "Grace" is so heavily manufactured that everything rings hollow. In John Cusack, Strouse has one of the screen's more versatile leading men. Yet Cusack seems strangely remote in a surprisingly one-note performance that requires the audience to supply the emotions.From the sounds of sniffles in the Eccles Theater here, many will do just that.

Much of these feelings owes to the highly manipulative use of two very young actors who play Cusack's adolescent daughters. The eldest, Shelan O'Keefe, is the best thing about the movie. But the younger one, Grace Bednarczyk, is Strouse's go-to person when he needs a quick emotional jolt.Sensing a hot property, the Weinstein Co. snapped up this picture over the weekend. As an antidote to the Bush administration's determination to keep images of grief over Iraq out of the media, the film may work at the boxoffice as a political statement. In theory though, shouldn't this movie be about any war and any family's loss? The marketing campaign may have to be as manipulative as the movie itself if the distributor is going to convince adult audiences they need a good weep.Instead of creating an air of normalcy before news of the tragedy breaks, Strouse allows the film to open with a sense of melancholy, loss and anger. One can rationalize this approach, but the film never undergoes a dramatic tonal shift to reflect the impact of unbearable news.


(3) August Rush (out on DVD)

This movie nearly but my sister-in-law Jen and me to sleep. Plus it was just plain bizarre.

Review By Lou Lumenick

They'd better stock some insulin along with the popcorn in theaters showing the extremely sticky and moist musical fantasy “August Rush." This is the sort of movie that requires you not only to suspend disbelief, but to check your sanity at the ticket counter.


The title character - named after a slogan on the side of a Daily Snooze delivery truck, no less - is an orphaned musical prodigy. In the space of six months, he is offered a scholarship to the Juilliard School and composes a symphony which he conducts in performance by the New York Philharmonic. Remarkably, August's only previous musical training is a brief stint with Wizard, played by Robin Williams in a red toupee as a cross between Fagin and Don Imus.

Wizard instructs August and other under-age street musicians by yelling at them in the ruins of the Fillmore East - which appears to have mysteriously moved from the Lower East Side to Queens - and delivering epigrams like “Do you know what music is? It's a reminder there's something else besides us in the universe."

No plot twist is too shameless for the unintentionally hilarious script attributed to James V. Hart and Nick Castle, who turned Williams into a middle-aged Peter Pan in his earlier, uh, triumph “Hook."
August has inherited his musical talent from his parents, a classical cellist (Keri Russell) and an Irish rock musician (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) who conceived him during a one-night stand on a rooftop overlooking Washington Square Park.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

A Healthy Addiction

My mom just mentioned finding several bags of edamame in her freezer, and I was overwhelmed by a compulsion to make a trip to Central Market. Of course this cost me over $50 - a trip to CM puts way too much temptation in one's path to only buy the target item.

Now I find myself snacking on this frequently. It is very addictive!

Saturday, June 28, 2008

That is One Giant Cupcake

There is a picture of a giant cupcake on the cover of my magazine that I really want to make for July 4th. I was especially excited about it when I realized that you buy a cake form which does most of the hard work for you:

Then you end up with (theoretically) something like this!

I frost about as well as a first grader, so we will see how it turns out. If I can locate the cake form and actually get it made, AND it doesn't look ridiculous, then I will put another post up to brag about my giant cupcake.

Friday, June 27, 2008

Important Lesson r.e. Swim Diapers

I am discovering there are many things you learn as a parent that you have absolutely no need to know before you have kids.
Today KK and I had our usual "Pool Friday". As usual I put her in her swim diaper and bathing suit immediately before leaving our house. When I got her out of the car, I carried her on my hip for awhile. It wasn't long before I noticed that she was completely soaked and so was my shirt - from pee. Oh, yet another golden opportunity for me to be covered in bodily fluid!

I should have realized this from looking at one, but they don't absorb too much pee... They are really designed to keep #2 inside should that happen while at the pool. Her car seat cover is in the washing machine as it was drenched as well. Next time we will change at the pool!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Our Strange Night Out

Tonight our little peanut is spending the night with Nanna and PopPop. So Gene and I decided to take advantage of the time and go out to Uncle Julio's to enjoy a lazy dinner on their beautiful porch. There would be no little one to stick her hand in the guacamole or other assorted dishes that tend to get spread all over the table at Mexican restaurants.
We had to wait a LONG time for the porch and started to wonder if it was worth it - but it was so pretty outside. We finally got our table. 5 minutes later a strange storm mysteriously appeared.... after many a forecast stating it would be 100 degrees and sunny all week long. We started to get pelted by quite a bit of rain and had to retreat to the interior of the porch. We located a dirty table that had just been abandoned... ages later it got bussed and our fajitas showed up. We joked that the sudden appearance of a rain storm was "just like Kauai."


OK, maybe not.

I was eating my last fajita when suddenly it was soaked. The mother of all storms had appeared, and it made the first storm seem pretty wimpy. Everyone on the porch had to RUN inside. I took my fajita with me and stood inside eating it while the waitress got our check.

Then, we figured we might as well become one with this crazy storm and made our way to the car. I have never been so drenched after 10 seconds in the rain. I stepped in a puddle that went halfway up my calf on the trip to the car.

It was a strange but memorable evening out. We realized on the way home that this if the 4th time in a row we watered the lawn the morning of a big storm. (Gene's response to this was: "DANG!") At least we got to eat our delicious Mexican food!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Municipal Pools "These Days"

Summer has now become a time to explore the municipal pools of the DFW area. When I was growing up, we were privileged to have our own "recreation area" associated with my dad's employer. It had an enormous olympic sized pool complete with a 10-meter platform (that no one was allowed to use). It was pretty exciting at the time, but it pales in comparison to all the facilities that the cities around DFW have put into place now. They are like miniature waterslide parks. (Side note: Now that I am a parent, I find myself pointing out all the things kids have access to "these days" that didn't exist when I was growing up... I am sure this will annoy my child to no end at some point in the future!)



Yesterday I found the perfect park for Katelynn's age range, in Lewisville, TX. It had 3 "spraygrounds" similar to the one pictured above. KK loved those and I didn't have to watch her in fear every single second since she couldn't go underwater. She loved to sit on the fountains and lift up the top of her suit to make the water go in it. Pretty funny. They also had a 2 feet deep kids play area with a small slide. I was forced (by KK of course) to climb up that thing about 6 times and take her down the slide. I was the only mom going down it and she was the only kid that little going down it. I think my child may be a daredevil. There was also a big slide that she kept pointing to, but she isn't quite 48" tall yet... and a 4 foot deep area with a lazy river where we played together. And this is Lewisville's "small" municipal water facility! We had so much fun together. She was on cloud 9 the whole time, and my kid is not easy to keep in that state.




I have also been made aware by my friend Sarah that there are enormous inflatable waterslides that adoring grandparents purchase for their grandkids and put in the backyard. Here is a pic she sent me... it isn't an ad - it's her actual kids!

Somehow that looks a little more fun than the sprinkler! Kids "these days" are pretty lucky...

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Lettuce Wraps

Gene and I have agreed upon a "one new recipe per week" household policy. Sometimes I get a little carried away with wanting to try new recipes, especially thanks to All Recipes. Gene is pretty picky... he calls himself a super taster thanks to my mom informing him about this "condition." New recipes are a gamble with him. So, once a week is about as adventurous as we can get.

Tonight I made my new recipe of the week - Asian Lettuce Wraps. We both enjoyed them a lot and I was very excited that they came out just like the wraps served at PF Changs.

Here is the recipe link in case anyone else is intrigued! Note that the recipe fails to tell you to mix the meat back in at the end - which you need to do. My only other variations were to use ground pork instead of beef and regular ground ginger instead of pickled. Also, I bought the really hot chile pepper sauce at the Asian grocery store and used 1 tsp of it. That really made the dish, I think.








Tuesday, June 17, 2008

80's Movies

So, last weekend there was nothing on TV. Gene left the TV on a random movie channel, and "Working Girl" came on. Much to my dismay, I was drawn to it and then had to watch the entire thing.

The big hair, shoulder pads, and horrible makeup were pretty entertaining. But overall this movie was just bad. Why in the world did we think these movies were so great at the time? I think it is interesting how the humor of any given culture changes over time.

This movie had a serious A-list cast: Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver, Melanie Griffith, Joan Cusack, Alec Baldwin, Kevin Spacey. And, it was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress in a Leading Role, and Best Actress in a Supporting Role. WHAT?!


Gotta' love those 80's movies...

Monday, June 16, 2008

"Melmo"

All kids have their first "character" they fall in love with, and KK's chosen character is definitely Elmo (a.k.a. "Melmo"). I have to admit he is very lovable and cute. Thank goodness she didn't choose Barney or one of the Teletubbies.
Every day at some point she will demand "Melmo Melmo" and wait for mommy to make it so. And Elmo's friends like Telly and Abby just will not do. She is very aware that they are not Elmo. And very impatient for me to fast-forward to the real Elmo. (Side note: Kids these days will not learn any patience thanks to all-recorded TV, all the time!)

Of course just about anything and everything these days can be found on Wikipedia. I got a kick out of reading the introductory paragraph for Elmo:

Elmo is a
Muppet on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is a furry red monster with googly eyes and an orange nose. He currently hosts the last full segment on Sesame Street, titled Elmo's World, which is aimed at toddlers. He is accompanied by his goldfish Dorothy, and by silent Charlie Chaplin–like characters named Mr. Noodle, Mr. Noodle's Brother Mr. Noodle, and sometimes, Mr. Noodle's Sister Miss Noodle. His puppeteer is Kevin Clash, who uses falsetto to produce his voice.

Sunday, June 15, 2008

Lotion Monster


I like to slather that yummy smelling baby lotion on KK after her baths. It has turned into a game - I yell "Lotion Monster!" and chase after her. As you can see, she enjoys squeezing into small spots to hide from me.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Summer Addictions


So, I confess publicly on this website, for millions to see: I am completely addicted to the Fox summer show "So You Think You Can Dance." It started two summers ago when I was pregnant and too tired at night to do anything other then watch TV. But then I discovered the show is actually GOOD. And to me, much more entertaining than just watching a bunch of people sing over and over. This isn't just a summer addiction. I would choose this over just about any other TV show no matter when it was on.

I have decided that hard-core dancers have the most beautiful bodies of anyone... and I just love to watch all the awesome choreography each week. Maybe I should have stuck with the tap and ballet past kindergarten!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Good Things about Croup ???

So, my little sweetie has croup. The poor thing woke up from her nap yesterday with a fever of 103. This is the first time in her 18 months of life to have a fever that high. Then that deep cough started - which makes her cry every time... and makes her mommy want to cry. Combine that with her refusal to eat, or even drink, very much and this is a stressed out mommy.

Today has been emotionally draining. So, I will focus on the positive! Here are two good things about the croup:

1. I bought a really cute humidifier for KK's room. See picture. It made us both smile. The steam comes out of the cow's ears... heehee. (Normally I would be VERY leery of any electronic type device designed to look like a cute animal, but it was actually very well reviewed on Amazon.)

2. KK is much more snuggly. She was content to sit on my lap with lots of blankets and watch TV today. She would never do this normally! We watched several re-run episodes of "John and Kate Plus 8."

Aunt Jen


Katelynn loved playing with her Aunt Jen this weekend for our family get together. The picture was too cute not to post.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

"God's Smile"


My mom-in-law Joy just forwarded this to us and I thought it was a great picture. Just thought it might brighten your day!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Katelynn's "Toddlerality"


In a post long ago, I discussed Katelynn's "babyality". It is time for an update on her "toddlerality."

This weekend I developed some sort of sickness, complete with a lowgrade fever and chills all night long. My mom came to the rescue and has taken my kiddo for a couple of nights. So I actually got a sick day all to myself on Monday. She sent me an email update below, which sums up how KK has acted many-a-day lately:

Katelynn has been very difficult. You were this way, but I was younger. I feel so frustrated not being able to help her be happy. I remember looking back at your early years and thinking that you just so desperately wanted to do things you couldn't do. She is so much the way you were. I'm sure it will get better, and one day she won't want to be held every minute. She'll be too busy.

I know my readers may not believe me, as she looks so happy in all the pictures I post. But of course one is not as inclined to take pictures of irritated and crying toddlers... This little girl is apparently her mommy's daughter. Thank you to my mom for her sacrifice in caring for such a cranky one!

And to my little KK, we love you so much, but also look forward to a time when more of your moments are happy than grouchy!

Monday, June 9, 2008

Baby Tad


Imagine... you are in the middle of a nice, deep sleep when suddenly you are awakened to the very enthusiastic and child-like voice of Baby Tad: "HI, I'M BABY TAD! LET'S SING! HICKORY DICKORY DOCK...." You get the picture. It isn't pretty, and it has happened about four times in the past week. Just look at his face and you can imagine how he sounds.

I tried to remove Baby Tad, but he really does provide some good morning entertainment and keep Miss Katelynn from getting too grouchy while she waits for mommy to come get her. I am sure I will laugh one day about my midnight serenades. But right now Baby Tad is just givine me nightmares!

Sunday, June 8, 2008

Kitty Cat Syndrome Continues


Apparently Katelynn really does think she can fit into any size basket...

Saturday, June 7, 2008

ICE ICE!


At some point, I shared some crushed ice with KK when we were playing the backyard. (I usually take a big glass of iced tea with me.) This has progressed to giving her a huge bowl of crushed ice all to herself. As you can see, I really do mean huge. (To the worry warts out there... I make sure it is all small. And most of it ends up on the ground. She doesn't sit there and chomp a bowl of ice that big!)

Now, Katelynn will stand at the back door and say "ICE ICE!" which sounds exactly like the same word she uses for "OUTSIDE!"

Friday, June 6, 2008

The Sprinkler


I have vivid memories of playing in the sprinklers in my backyard. Do I wish I had a built-in swimming pool (plus a deck, a dining table, cool landscaping, and lots of shade)? Definitely! But am I glad KK is getting to share some of the same childhood experiences as me? Definitely! (And I don't think she cares about any of the above listed "luxury" items...)

Monday, June 2, 2008

A Phone Conversation Overheard


Katelynn, on her toy phone:

Me: Katelynn, who's there?
KK: PopPop
Me: What is PopPop saying?
KK: Beep. (For "Deep and Wide", the song he always sings to her...)