Addicted to Guitar Hero

I'm certain there must be support groups for people addicted to Guitar Hero. I could use such a group! Okay, I'm not that bad, but this game is totally addicting. It's so much fun! I didn't think it was going to be as much fun as it is and I hear Rock Band is even better...I am totally a rocker!!! Well, I get the chance to pretend I'm a rocker and can bring a crowd to its feet with my amazing guitar playing skills. Mark and I borrowed the game from my cousin Sunday and we've been playing every night after Keira goes to bed, except for yesterday when I had too much work to do. Anyway, once I get going it's hard to stop. I want to play one more, then one more, then one more...I suppose that's what they want you to do. Watching the kids on You Tube play and beat the expert level blows my mind...I'm still on easy and still have yet to have a perfect performance. Oh, well. It's fun and I'm lovin' it! Since I don't have the talent to be a musician I can at least pretend I'm one in the virtual world. I just have to figure out how to rock out and move my guitar around like you're supposed to. Right now I lose my place when I do that...Those of you who have played know what I'm talking about. Guitar Hero tournament anyone?

More snow...in April?!

Yes, we not only had a spring snow storm a week or so ago, but we got another blast of snow on Monday and it's still on the ground today. And, if you didn't already realize it - it's now APRIL!!!What is going on?!

Here's a glimpse out the window by my desk at work. You can't see the individual snow flakes, but I assure you, the gray skies had snow falling from it all day long on Monday.

Here's a photo from today. There are plants and bushes directly beneath the Evermoor sign. With all the snow that fell you can barely see the tips of these plants!

Here's a quick shot out the front window of our car on the ride into work. It really felt like Dec or January again. Crazy!

Two Years Without Mom

Today marks the 2nd memorial since my Mom passed away. My family and I spent the day at my parents' home. He cooked up a storm in honor of her. After paying our respects and remembering her in our own ways, we feasted on lots of yummy food. It was nice to be together. I know my Mom would be happy to see us all. We wish Mai could've been with us, but we know she was with us in spirit, just like I know that Mom is still with us wherever we are. After eating we went out to the cemetery and decorated her grave with flowers. She always loved spring time and the flowers that would eventually bloom after a long, hard winter.

Though two years have passed there are days when it feels like it was just yesterday and the pain and sadness of losing her overwhelms me. Then there are days when it feels like it's been years. Those are days in which I feel an emptiness somewhere deep inside. I take comfort in having known and loved my Mom and for being loved by her for as long as I was able and for having such a great family to lean on during these times.

And, of course, the biggest blessing in my life is having a wonderful husband and a beautiful and healthy little girl. Keira gives me hope and fills my heart with a love I never knew before. I can only hope that we all brought my Mom this kind of joy and love in her life. I will continue to honor my Mom by being the best Mom I can be.

Speaking of Keira, she was so much fun today and brought much needed laughter. She is quite the character and loves to have fun! She showed off to her Grandpa, Uncles and Auntie how she can stand up all by herself, how she can feed herself snacks and drink from her sippy cup. She's developed some new skills rather quickly lately.

Here are some fun photos of her new abilities...

I was so excited to hear about Keira finally eating table foods. Mashed potatoes are always a good choice to start with!

After working really hard on getting some potatoes in her mouth and most of it everywhere else (hair, face, behind the ears, etc) she resumed her habitual stance when it comes to table foods -absolutely no interest.

Keira is not only able to stand on her own now, but she likes to do her "beauty pageant" wave to say "hi" and "bye" - so cute!

Keira's modeling the awesome outfit that Grandpa bought for her - love the coat!