Mon Pierre...

As I stated in the last post, what happened after I sang, was simply incredible...

As most of you know, I have been dreaming of France to meet my very own, Non-Smoking, Pierre. I've been teasing my friends and family for months that I was going to France and a beautiful French man would sweep me off my feet and I would fall in love, only to quickly return with Brady (and my ex-husband - he would LOVE France by the way) and never come home again.

That didn't exactly happen...but it seemed mon Pierre had been sitting in the audience watching me sing the entire evening.

After the "show", a young, very well dressed man, approached the table of my new French friends.  He thanked me for my singing (in his beautiful French/English accent) and asked if I had come to France with someone or if I was here by myself.

He had slightly curly, sandy blonde hair, and green/blue eyes that could melt your soul.  He was wearing a turquoise blue polo shirt (popped collar of course - that's how they roll in France) and jeans that were the perfect French slim cut. He was maybe 6 feet, slim but muscular, and with an accent to die for.

I explained that I came with my mom, but she was asleep in the hotel room, and that I was only in town for one more day.  We chatted briefly about being from Texas and America but it seems their only knowledge of Dallas...is the show...Dallas (yikes!). He explained that he was going to Dallas for a Foreign Exchange program and that it was tres magnifique to know someone there.

I also quickly realized he spoke only some English, which was comical next to my less than stellar French. None the less, we communicated (him in French and I in English) and he tried his best to translate the conversation of my new French friends.  The translation was truly comical (think a hilarious version of Pictionary meets English to French dictionary) but it only made my evening seem more spectacular. 

I must've looked like a goon with my full face grin, but shit, I was in France...with an extraordinarily good looking Frenchmen holding my hand (they are quite affectionate, the French) and speaking with a table of new found friends.

Next thing I know, my male friend is leading me towards the exit door of the bar and trying to get me to go with him and all our new friends.  He kept repeating "Avec Moi?"  (translation: with me?)  I was concerned to say the least, and alarm bells were going off in my brain (go with Mr. French hottie where? In a country where I barely speak the language and where my navigation skills are far from perfect...EEK!) but seeing the alarm on my face, the young girl that was with us explained that they were all headed to a Discotheque and they wanted me to join them. Why not, I thought.  This is my once chance and I am in France for God sake :)

The discotheque was nothing to write home about (think very cheesy disco balls with blue circle lights illuminating the walls, and bad techno music) but my new French friends and I were having a blast and I wasn't going to let a cheesy environment ruin my mood! We danced and laughed like college kids!

After realizing the discotheque was not our scene, we walked into the karaoke portion of this bar (or whatever it was) only to realize this was a worse scene than before.  The girl singing "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Deon, IN FRENCH, and far from the correct key, was not going to keep me awake. It was late and my mom was getting worried.

I told my new friends I had to leave, kissed each cheeks, and left with French Hottie (FH) and his cousin (who affectionately referred to himself as Lumierre (as if I haven't seen Beauty and Beast...HA!)) so they could walk me back to the hotel. Lumierre wondered off and FH and I arrived at the hotel at the prompt hour of 3 AM.  Apparently, French hotel lobbies shut down at 2 AM (whoops!) and I had to text my mom to come let me in.

As we waited and stared at the darkened lobby, FH whispered in my ear...Andrea, you are tres jolie (very beautiful).  Regardez Moi, s'il vous plais (look at me, if you please).  Ok, so looking back, it was probably cheesy, but considering my night...it was the most welcomed French words I have ever heard. 

And then...he leaned in and kissed me.

WARNING: If you are related to me (or think of me like a sister), please don't read the next few lines of this post ;)  *It was unexpected but sweet and gentle.  He smelled like L'Occitane (think Lavender and flowers meets European Spa) and tasted like fruit...and he was a damn good kisser...hee hee!*

I don't know how long the kiss lasted but when I turned around, a hotel employee was opening the door and I was being whisked inside. Au Revoir FH, I waved. And that was it. FH was gone ;)

I will end this post by saying that my mom and I could not have been more pleased with France.  It exceeded (and over exceeded) our expectations.  The food was a mouthwatering exploration of our palates, and the wine and Champagne were beyond what we had hoped.

I hope to return, in the very near future, to explore more wine country and maybe stop in Reins to jam with a band.

Au Revoir France!!  Je T'Aime Bouquet!!

Champagne!

The Champagne flowed, as mom and I sat at an outside cafe on our first day in Reims. We realized this town was going to be way better than Paris! Nothing against Paris but this was Champagne country baby!

The setting was majestic. There was a gold angel high above the town square signaling its strength of many years ago. There were cafe's lining the street, fashion, and it was everything our hearts dreamed of...and more.

We finished our bottle of champagne (yes, I said bottle - and my mother, the ever lightweight - was less help in this matter, but at least she's a goofy drunk ;)) and we walked back to our very posh hotel.  The first night was finished with a divine dinner of Oysters and Salmon and plenty of wine. Truly a great way to start this part of our trip.

The second day, we woke up early and opened our windows (yes, you can do that in French Hotels) and it was off to visit another church.  This time, it was the original Notre Dame, where every French King has been coranated since the year 411. Grande, Breathtaking, and Awe Inspiring, are not even accurate adjectives for what we witnessed. I would even go as far as to say, they barely scrape the surface of this exquisite church.

After plenty of walking, it was time for dinner. We decided to dine outside at a local restaurant beneath the square. The wine was good but the food was impeccable; Penne pasta with a Dijon Cream Sauce and Salmon and Beef Carpaccio por moi. Spectacular!

After dinner my mom retired to the room and I changed to hit the town (heels and a skirt were a must). I am too young to go to bed at 9 PM...in France! Especially when I hadn't managed to meet my non-smoking Pierre.

I landed at a local bar, withing walking distance of the hotel, and settled into a table to listen to the very loud (and good) band jam some 70's songs.  Just my groove! After sitting for a bit, I noticed quite a few people from the audience jumping on stage...apparently it was Open Mic Night.  To say I swooned and died at the same time would be an understatement.  This was no accident I was here...this mon frere is divine intervention.

Nothing was going to stop me from jumping on stage.  Nothing!  Carpe Diem baby!!

I couldn't remember how to tell the band members I sang (in French), so when one guy got off stage, I jumped up there like I owned the place! Maybe it was the Belgium Beer (or all the wine at dinner) surging through my veins (liquid courage if you will) but I was hell-bent on showing these French that I could sing.

I started by singing one note A Capella...and that was all it took. The band jumped right in with a funky blues song that I am assuming was made up on the spot.  We sounded good, it grooved, and it seemed the audience was pleased with my ability. The crowd sitting outside came inside to hear me and people were actually stopping on the street. My first song ended with fluster of applause and I was asked to sing more.

I stayed on for 5 or 6 songs, even closing the night with the band, and when I stepped off the stage I felt on top of the world. This was awesome...no, better than awesome...it was AMAZEBALLS!

The next thing I knew, there were 6 to 8 people circling around me, hugging and kissing my cheeks. One guy even told me I was "Superb!" and the bartender offered me free beer for life! HAHA! He quickly figured out I was from Texas and very American and changed his offer to Free Beer each time I returned :) Le Swoon!

Although, what happened next was/is truly spectacular...

Au Revoir (for now) Paris...

Yesterday was our last day in Paris & we wanted  to go out with a bang!  We started our morning with une petite dejeurnes et une cafe ole. This goes without saying, but the croissants are to die for. I'm pretty sure I've eaten 20 in the past 4 days, and as my work spouse says, gained a whole microgram because of it  ;) 

Then it was off to enjoy my favorite pastime...shopping! We walked the streets, popping in stores, as if we were Parisian. "Bonjour!" we greeted each employee, "Merci, au revoir. Bon journe!" I found some great threads. As hunger pains approached, we were off to our favorite Italian restaurant for 5 fromage pizza et une carafe a vin. 

We visited a church that was the sight of an apparition of the Virgin Mary just as we were about to leave a choir began singing. It was the most angelic and beautiful sound I have ever heard. It was if the heavens had opened & they were thanking us for stopping by. We bowed, crossed ourselves, & left the sparkling blue church. 

We ended our evening by dining on salads and more wine, while sitting outside on our favorite petite cafe chairs. I must also admit that our waiter was quite attractive & French, but alas his name was Will & he did not sweep me off my foot (insert sad face here).

I'll end our Paris adventure by saying I may have to retract my previous statement about moving here. The more time in Paris I spend, the more it feels like New York City. The metro is filled with commuters & traveling on it has made me more direct & pushy than I care to admit.

I wouldn't say Paris has lost its allure but I have quickly realized how similar (& different to dime extent)  those 2 cities are. The one vast difference, that I have absolutely fallen in love with, is the relaxed experience with restaurants & food. Instead of shoveling food in your mouth, they sit & enjoy the weather, food and wine easily.  There are even occasions when they just sit, smoking, and talking to the wait staff as if they are friends. It is as if they truly enjoy the company of others. No phones, no IPad's...just simple conversation. What an amazing concept ;)

Today, we are heading to Reins (pronounced like France with an R), which is the Champagne region. We hope to experience the real France; less tourist attractions & more champagne!

As I sit writing this, I am seated in a quaint cafe. I've eaten the most amazing omelette & croissant, & even the garbage man has stopped in to grab une espresso. 

C'est Magnifique Paris! Until next time!

Day 3

Day 3 started with a very late wake-up call. Mom & were apparently more tired that we realized becaus when we looked at the clock it was 11:30...oops!We had already missed breakfast, so we got ready in a jiff & headed to the local Brasserie. Who knew they had world famous Pizza Italian food in Paris? Could this get any better?!?

 The wait staff remembered us from the night before (apparently my shoes caught his eye) & he welcomed us with a big smile, handshake, & table with a view. I have absolutely no idea why they say the French are rude, because they have been nothing but friendly, honest & welcoming to us! Mom & I sat there dining on possibly the best pizza I've ever had & salmon carpaccio, while we felt the cool air, breeze in through the open window. It had begun to rain but nothing was going to keep us down!

 After eating & drinking ourselves into a stuper, we hopped on the Metro & braved the crowds (and rain) towards the Opera.  It was pouring by the time we got there, but the moment we stepped inside, we knew it was all worth it!!

We were instantly transported to a regal & more elegant era. The staircase is breathtaking and it takes little imagination to see how the Paris Opera is easily one of the best in the world. Just walking up those steps transports you to a visual of you, in a silk ball gown, walking those stairs while the Arias permeate the walls.

As is the Opera were not spectacular enough, Christian Lacroix's costumes were also on display, & the craftsmanship & fabric are unparalleled! The imagination it took to create those outfits is simply breathtaking!

After leaving the Opera, we headed back out in the cold rain, towards the grande Notre Dame. The cardinal was giving a mass & we weren't going to let our frizzy hair & cold bones stop us from that.  All I will say, is that the church, the mass, & the ambiance was amazing! To be seated in a church that has given mass since the 1600's is breathtaking & the Cardinal walking three steps from us, was icing on the cake.

After eating another amazing meal of lamb & duck with roasted peaches, we are back in our lovely hotel, relaxing.  We have one more day left in Paris & I will be sad to see it go! There is so much this city has to offer, & the people, the weather, & food has been nothing short of incredible!

Tomorrow is a day of shopping (sorry dad...we just can't help ourselves ;)) & then it is off to Champagne to drink & eat more!

Dear Pierre

Dear Pierre,

Although I have not run into yet, I am thoroughly enjoying the city of love!

Yesterday started with a quiet breakfast of croissant, eggs, frommage, et cafe. Then it was off to Versailles. After mom & I braved La Metro, we arrived at Versailles, along with every other tourist in the city ;)

It was very gold & very large but squeezing through the hords of people was not really our idea of Paris, so we cut the trip short & headed for a cafe.

As we sat at another small round table, we soaked in the sights, smells, & sounds of Paris. The weather has been amazing & sitting to eat a gourmet meal with phenominal wine (that costs less than a coffee, I might add) is what we're here for!!

After a short stroll to walk off some calories, we stumbled across Le Tour Eiffel and it is simply stunning in person. It shoots up through the sky & gives such a regal & strong impression. There were couples picnicking on the lawns below & many pictures being taken, but aside from the tourists I still think it was one of my favorite moments.

 We headed home for a quick change and headed back to Seine. We snagged a boat tour (which was amazing!!!) and had our first taste of Paris rain. As we walked home we looked back to see the Eiffel tower sparkling. It is even more amazing at night!

To say Paris is amazing, simply isn't doing it justice! I will move here one day, mark my words!

Ready, Set...Paris!!!

Luggage...check. International phone...check. Passport...check.  

I got to the airport in plenty of time & after waiting through a very thorough security check, it was time to board the plane. Squee!!

As I walked to my seat, I passed plenty of well dressed, French speaking men ;) Please let one of them be sitting next to me, I though. But, it was not to be so...my window seat was located next to a very empty aisle seat. 

While sitting down I realize it's hot... Really hot! After about 30 minutes of no air in the plane, this young, well dressed man/boy sits next to me.  He was tall & slender, in a pale blue, striped linen shirt and jeans. He was probably 21 or 22. He had sandy blonde hair & piercing green eyes. This is who I am spending the next 10 hours with? JACKPOT! 

The only problem was, it didnt make the heat in the plane any better, & i would dare say it made it worse. Man/boy and I sit there, quietly sweating, until we hear the captain come over the speaker telling us that the plane has been delayed due to no air & we will have to get off the plane. 

To My Mom

There are no words that can turly articulate the depths of personality and knowledge that is my mother.

She is creative, witty, intelligent (beyond words), ambitious, ever-evolving, and best of all...she is my "Ma!"

When I try to explain her to people, it feels like when you try to explain that breathtaking sunset but somehow your description lacks the true experience...

This is a woman that worked nights, so my father could quickly move up the corporate ladder, and did this solely so I could get the best education a child could have. Yet somehow, she never forgot to make my single cereal serving before she left.

She has never hesitated to put me first and she even went as far as making construction bunny footprints and tieing 1 single piece of red licorice to each limb on the tree outside, for a small Easter celebration.

This is also a woman who got up (at God know's what hour) and never complained about the toll it must have been taking on her. She made vegetable egg rolls at night, taught me about the many religions of the world, and sang Witchy Woman while sitting in traffic.

My mother is a plethora of knowledge and if you ever have a doubt in her ability, simply ask her. She will guide you about the best plants to plant and the best stain remover to get out crayons, all while discussing world issuses and debating over the current politics in the world.

I may have beat her at scrabble...once or twice ;) but I would challenge my theory and her endless amounts of useless information on anyone!

With that, today is Mother's Day.

And although she probably doesn't want me devoting my thoughts to only her on this Hallmark Holiday, I think it is rare that we sit back and truly appreciate all Mom's do.

To You Mom: You are my sunset. It is not possible to explain to others the bond or the love that we share. Please know, that in all the years I made you contemplate why you had such an unruly child...or why you did SO MUCH (and you did!)...or made you wonder how this was all going to turn out ;) Not one thing you have done, or continue to do, has gone unnoticed.

On top of that, my son thinks there is no one in the world like his Nonna. You (and he has told me this) always seem to find a playground, don't complain when he is covered in mud from head-to-toe, and baths... are supposed to be an hour long event!

There is no one like you and it continues to be a pleasure to call you Mom.

Je T'aime Momma!

Swift Fingers...

As the smell of meatballs lingered in the air, the bathtub draining played as the background noise to the evening, and as Mr. Man quietly snored on the monitor, I allowed the sheer exhaustion of the day to fill my body.

I slowly climbed in bed and took the first sip of my excruciatingly small glass of wine only to notice...the remote was no where to be found.

Once again I got up, searching through pillows and piles of laundry, only to give up the search and realize Mr. Man is getting to be too big and too sneaky!

I should have known something was amis when I found an old boyfriends sunglasses shoved in a drawer with Mr. Man's pajamas.

As the ball of wits and energy that is my son, quickly approaches 3 years old, I have to sit back and wonder...where has the time gone?

Wrinkles are starting to appear (they're faint...but Lord help me because I can see them!), I am approaching that age that is referred to as the "dirty thirty", and my son is getting bigger by the second.

I never thought my life would be like this, but almost 3 decades in this world, has honestly made me marvel at all God has given me!

Happy Birthday...

Today you would've been 86.

Each year, as you know, I write some things down that remind me of what a special part of my life you were....so here goes.

Apparently, the first time I laid eyes on you - at the brilliant age of 6 months old - I knew we would be close friends!

When I was in NY or when you came to visit me here, there was nothing else that mattered but getting one of your hugs...a hug that felt like it reached into the inner depths of my soul and had my heart smiling from the inside.

I remember your scent, a mixture of Ararmis and soap, and how your white undershirt and jeans seem to keep you young at heart, no matter how many years went by.

I remember your hair, that funny grey comb-over that never seemed to blow in the right direction when a wind gust blew and how you unconsciously fixed it by brushing your hand across your forehead.

I remember thinking that you kept that round figure, no matter what the doctor said about your heart, because you knew your belly was my favorite pillow and you knew it was impossible for me to sleep without resting my head on it.

There were long walks in the garden with you explaining every herb and bush.

There were ice cream parlor visit's where sharing a banana split was only so Nanny didn't yell at me for eating too much ice cream.

There was that phrase "Hey...ba-by!" that I looked forward to hearing from the other end of the phone, no matter how many birthday's passed.

There were always early mornings with onion bagels and fried eggs followed by long walks on the boardwalk with Uncle Leo.

And there was that laugh...that funny laugh, that was part cough - part giggle - that put all my worries at ease and reminded me I was in the room with MY Poppy and everything would be alright.

-------------------------------------------------

Poppy,

There are so many things I miss about you and being back in your house last week, I realized you may be gone in the flesh but my memories and your scent are still constantly with me.

Each year I choose to celebrate your birthday, rather than your death, and there is no better way to say Happy Birthday - at least from my perspective - than to share with you all you have left me to pass on to my son.

You were a kind man who did so much for his country, community and church and who is fondly remember by all who mention your name.

Just so you know:

Onion bagels don't taste the same (even in NY)!
Fried eggs don't come out right (even in your favorite pan)!
And no one, but Brady, has ever been loved the way I love you!

I miss you everyday and I hope you and Uncle Leo are walking the boardwalk in heaven as we speak!

Family!!

Yesterday, my father's cousin and oldest friend drove me into the city. As we took the drive, I got to hear stories of what a crazy kid my father was - "Mr. Personality" as they called him, and what a crazy family we have in common.

There were stories of my father and his "group" traveling to Florida to visit his grandfather, my great-grandfather, and how my great-grandfather would insist on driving, blindly I might add, only to run into an orange and blinking median. He apparently didn't seem too concerned with the accident and upon driving away insisted "that wasn't there the last time I drove this route!"

There were stories of golfing adventures, where blind Great-Grandfather D, couldn't see the ball in front of him, but if you lined him up correctly, could hit the ball a perfectly straight 120 yards, and could walk off the course having only shot his age...86.

These are stories I rarely here from my father, so to get the opportunity to hear what he was like as a kid and what kind of crazy things they got into, was an amazing experience!

Then, last night I got the amazing opportunity to spend a "girl's night" with my cousin, Cathy, and her best friend, Becky.

Honestly, there is nothing like being up here in NY, where everyone knows everyone, and everyone knows your business ;) Case in point, Cathy and I walked into a restaurant and the waiter just so happened to be a former student of her husband. Unreal!

It's funny, I rarely get the opportunity to talk about my life and family and have the person across the table automatically know who I'm talking about. It is a sense of comfort I rarely get to feel and I often wonder what it would've been like growing up here. I would assume, if you live here and have spent your entire life here, you sometimes take for granted knowing everyone or being related to everyone. Having drinks with your cousin or your best childhood friend would be a common occurrence, instead of a once-in-a-lifetime gathering.

Overall, the day and night was enjoyed with plenty of laughs, plenty of wine (and Peroni) and I woke up today feeling full of smiles.

There is nothing like family and nothing like NY! It surely holds a very dear and special place in my heart, and the Pizza, the bagels, and cannoli's are just an added bonus to spending time with awesome family members!

This Thanksgiving I feel truly blessed to have spent time with family I rarely see and to get the opportunity to gain memories I would've never had before!!

With Love,
Your Very Full and Happy Italian Blogger ;)

When I was a Girl...

Almost every summer I would come to this house and spend time with my grandparents.

I remember walking up those narrow stairs and the aroma of garlic hitting you in the face the moment you stepped in the door. I used to think this 3 bedroom apartment was so big, and "my room" (the one with my birth certificate hanging on the wall) was one of my favorite things.

I remember my grandfather, Poppy, walking to the garden and picking tomatoes as I skipped behind him thinking he was my most favorite person in the whole wide world! The smell of fresh tomatoes and basil was incredible. Even now, the smell is so unforgettable that when I catch a scent, it immediately brings me back to that time.

I remember waking up in the morning to the smell of sizzling bacon and Poppy standing over the stove in his favorite uniform, a white undershirt and his gold cross proudly across his neck, waiting for me to open the door and say "hey baby! You want some juice? Have some juice!"

There was the bright red patio with the gravel driveway and the mysterious shed in back, that was my person playground. There was tupperware and TV stands and cheerios hidden beneath the china cabinet.

Back then, I thought everyone within a 15 mile radius was my aunt and uncle and I thought chicken cutlets was the healthiest meal there was. I thought Carvel was the only type of ice cream they made and I thought pastrami sandwiches and pizza should only be eaten up here.

Now, however, coming back things have changed...and it makes me look back and realize how much I miss those times.

Poppy is no longer here to take me out back for tomatoes, the aroma of garlic has slowly disappeared, and those narrow stairs and small apartment seem like a distant memory.

My room, which I slept in last night, has the same mattress and my birth certificate has been replaced by a picture of an angel. Pictures on the wall that once displayed the 3 grandchildren have now been replaced by the 5 grandchildren and my son, her only great-grandchild.

It still feels like home up here, but it's different.

Typing on my IPad with my wireless keyboard at my grandmother's kitchen table, I realize things have truly changed, and I don't know if I am ready to let go of the way things were.

Maybe in my old age or because I have become a mother, I have become sentimental over those times.

Sun-Kissed Skin, Beach Sand, and Precious Moments

Look mom...a flag :)
fountains!

Mom's little surfer dude...

Chilaxin'

Poppy love <3

Are three ways I would describe our 4th of July vacation.

South Carolina and Hilton Head Island are quickly becoming synonyms with 4th of July fireworks and laughter by the beach!

Each year, we head to my parents condo out here to bask in the sun and relax by the waves, and let me tell you, every year it does the trick!

Mr Man is old enough now that he enjoys the sand and waves in the morning and by nap time is absolutely exhausted from running all morning. When the blonde monster wakes up, it's back to the pool or beach we go, to hang with friends and splash in the fountains.

These are the times I will re-count to my grandchildren and try to explain to them that family, as crazy as they are, cannot be replaced. The love and laughter they give to you throughout your life is unrivaled.

As our last full day rapidly approaches, I can only be extremely thankful for having such a wonderful family that I enjoy spending vacations with and that can provide us with amazing vacations such as these :)

Dear,

Dear Montessori Mom,

Yes, I saw that sideways glance you gave me when I told my child to “stop kicking mommy”, and when I proceeded to grab one leg and buckle the seatbelt with the other hand, so he wasn’t able to slide out of the seat. In case you were wondering…he’s 2, and he’s big for his age. And in case you didn’t notice, I weigh like 90lbs. So managing a 35lb squirming 2 year old is not what I consider ideal after driving in traffic for 30 minutes on a MONDAY. But listen lady…it comes with the territory. We are mom’s and we have to hold our ground when we need. If that means grabbing a chubby 2 year old leg, while biting the strap of the car seat and buckling my son in, by God that’s what I’ll do! Next time, look the other way, and keep your thoughts in your head, unless you want me to slide a glance in your direction when your angelic daughter pulls her dress up and shows the world her…! Kthx!

Dear Nail Clipping Co-Workers,

First of all…really? Do you HAVE a bathroom at your house? Do you know what that sounds like to the rest of us diligently working away? It sounds like click, click, click, and then nails falling into a trashcan. People, the cube walls aren’t soundproof. If you can hear it, so can I, and I wouldn’t doubt the person on the other end of the phone you are trying to sell a new job to, can as well. EWWWWW! Have some common courtesy for your fellow cube mates and leave the nail clippers at home.

Dear Mr. Egg Man,

Although it may be amazingly healthy for you to cook egg whites in the microwave, have you ever thought about the lingering body odor smell it leaves in the kitchen when you walk away or about the people that happen to have a cube outside said kitchen? No…well let me spell it out for you…your nasty microwaved egg whites are gross. They stink up the whole kitchen and honestly, who cares how good they are for you, I want to hurl and that doesn’t make me a happy camper. So, Mr. Egg White man, if you could be so kind as to heat your whites in some other capacity or try and eat breakfast PRIOR to coming to the office, I would really appreciate it.

Dear Random Braking Drivers,

I would like to kindly point out that if you slam on your brakes, for no apparent reason, in the middle of the highway, while the rest of the world is cruising at 60 mph, you may just want to hire a driver and let the rest of us get to where we need to go. If you aren’t about to hit a coyote, an armadillo (listen people I’m in Texas, it happens) or a dog, please for the love of God, do not slam on your brakes for no reason. Just because your cell phone rings with “Tonight’s Gonna Be a Good Night” does not give you the right to slam on your brakes and reach in your purse and try and find the thing. The call can wait! Trust me the person will call back if it’s an emergency, or you can try the safest route, and wait until you get home.

And finally…

Dear Black Eyed Peas,

First of all, I would like to just say I am a huge fan and anytime you need a backstage groupie, you know where to find me! However, your catchy beats and fun lyrics have put my 2 year old into a tailspin and this Momma is not so happy about it. If I have to hear “the tonight good song” one more time, at 7 AM, while sitting in rush hour, I might just scream. I do not fault you for your musical brilliance, but maybe, just maybe, think about the moms out there, trying their damndest to give their kids the best education and possibly try and make our morning commute a little more…relaxing. Maybe call Timberland and hook up a duet with Kenny G. I think it would be a number one hit. If you need me, call me, I can have your people call your people…or whatever J

I'm Back!!!

And it's been a hell of a ride!!!

I think the last time I posted was in October, yes I know, I'm a slacker...what can I say, a girl's gotta work, and time gets away from ya! ;)

Well, what has happened in the last couple of months, you ask? Here goes!

Thanksgiving - we ate a lot :)

Christmas - we got snowed in, had an impromtu concert in my dad's media room, drank too much wine, got amazing gifts, and the love and food flowed freely!

New Years - I spent with a guy, on a couch, cuddling. Not to mention, I got a kiss at midnight. B was with Matt and stayed up to the late hour of 8 PM.

Valentines - my parents gave me adorable gifts and I got to love on my munckin.

The month of the Irish - was filled with everything Irish! I was dating an Irishman, so green beer was had, an amazing vacation with tropical islands and white sands was taken and we fell in love again.

April - BRADY TURNED 2!!!!! My beautiful, blue eyed son, turned 2 years old and it melted Mommy's heart! We took pictures to celebrate the moment, had a brunch party, and he was spoiled with over generous friends and toys!!!

May - has brought a broken heart (Irish and I have decided to split), a new way of thinking, and my birthday - which is Sunday. I can't say I am jumping up and down to turn the big 2-9, but I will tell you that amazing family and friends has made me appreciate all the little things I have!!!

So thanks for reading...if you're still otu there, and sorry I went MIA.

The Italian Stilletto is back and better than ever!!!!

Pumpkin Patch time!

Today, we braved the cold and the mudd and headed to the pumpkin patch!! My theory, is that kettle corn and hot apple cider, really just isn't the same unless you can see your breath! So pretty much, pumpkin patches rock!!

So here it goes: Pre patch!

Mom, is that snoopy?

More pumpkins!

Hee hee

My little Montessori Man

Mr Man is exploding with knowledge at this Montessori, I am just so proud of him!

Last night after dinner, he turned to me and said, "ok mom... bath?"

I think I sat there a little stunned before I said yes. He is growing up right before my eyes *weep*

Then this morning, while watching Imagination Movers, we were about to have to go and I said, ok bud, lets get your shoes and socks. And he walks in his room, grabs some socks, and brings them to me and says "socks!" He is such a doll.

I knew when we started sending him to the school he would get smarter, but this quickly, and this many words, is just unbelievable.

Not to mention Mr Man has started singing. As you all know, I sang to him as a baby, and have continued that in all of his 17 months... but when he started singing back to me, I couldn't help but cry.

Both the ex and I are singers, so I guess he just hears us all the time, and he gets to sing at his school. It is just so incredible to have these walking, talking, little people staring at you and singing to you.

Even after 17 months I am utterly shocked at how much the little guy teaches me!

A ReCap

I am officially the worst blogger ever. Raising Mr Man and working full time, has taken its toll on my schedule, which of course cuts into my blogging life ;-)

However, I thought I would catch you up on what has happened, since the last post.

First of all Mr Man has started Montessori school. He is doing very well, although he has only been in it a week. He seems to be speaking a lot more, and he is loving the kiddo's and new toys.

This weekend was an absolute blast with the little guy!

Saturday we spent time with 2 pretty ladies, Miss Priss and Lindsay. We went to the rainforest cafe and surprisngly the loud noises and large (fake) animals didn't scare the two, but kept them utterly entertained, so Lindsay and I actually had a conversation ;-) I would recommend it to anyone! Then, in the afternoon, I took the munchkin to the blues festival. OMG that was fun, but it was HOT! Mr Man was entertaining all the people on the lawn with his awesome moves and we even got video'd by ABC news. Woot!!!

Sunday I took Mr Man to the zoo and holy schmole. What an amazing experience. First off, that place is enormous!! And Mr Man was so excited to walk around and check everything out. We had a blast. He even had some sherbert! At around 2pm, though, he was absolutely wooped, and so was I, so it was nap time for both of us.

Overall, this has been a busy month. Mr Man is a whopping 16 months (soon to be 17 months - where the heck has time gone???). October is right around the corner, and pumpkin patches and Halloween costumes will soon come out, for all to see.

The Best View in the Morning...

Every morning, when Mr man wakes up, I peek in his room and I get to see this beautiful face. There really is no other better sight in the morning. Not to mention the morning hair is awesome. It hard to describe how you can miss and love soomeone so much at the same time.

Then, yesterday, I thought I would try and give Mr Man a spoon and see if he could feed himself some cereal. Needless to say, he didn't get too many cheerios in his mouth, but it was a darn fun experience!


Such a cutie!

July 4th!

Although I wasn't able to spend the actual July 4th with B, I did get to see him participate in a 4th of July parade and wear an adorable hat (that he made).

I never thought it would be this hard, not seeing my little guy, but it gets harder and harder each week. I miss that little monster more than I can say.

I still think B has adjusted well to the situation, but I am not sure how well I am adjusting...

I am trying to stay positive, but it sure is hard!

14 Months!!

As my beautiful son grows older, his personaly becomes more and more defined. Not to mention, there is no keeping up with an active 14 month old.

This is him April 17th :)

He is always contemplative, wondering what I am doing. Whether it is cooking, or talking, or singing or cleaning, he wants to know how he can be of assitance or wants me to show him exactly how things are done.

He is also extremely analytical (He gets this from his daddy)! Wondering why the screw on his Xylephone won't come out when he puts the stick in the hole and turns (I am assuming like dad does at home?).


And he is ever the ham! He laughs when you poke his nose. He laughs when you say the word zipper and he laughs when you smile at him. He is exactly like me in this regard. Not to mention, my little bundle, you are becoming quite the ladies man at school. Walking into the room and having all the girls run up and hug you. You must be a good hugger ;-)

At 14 months love bug, you amaze me everyday.

• You are saying too many words to count.
• If I ask you to do something, you go and do it
• You love water, and milk, and Lord knows you can eat!
• You run, run, and run! I think it is your favorite activity.
• You give the best hugs

And most of all, you teach momma new things every month, not to mention, every day!


I am happy to say, for all of you still reading out there, Mr Man has adjusted amazingly to the situation. The divorce was final on Tuesday of this week and the ex and I continue to talk on a regular basis. Sometimes 3 times a day. We finalized things via mediation and we were done shortly after lunch. It was relatively painless. Mr Man is the happiest baby I know and shows no signs of agitation toward the situation (so far). The ex and I praying (and working together) to keep things this friendly and happy throughout his life.

Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes, as they seem to be working. God Bless!