I've Fallen off the face of the Earth!

I know, I am a bad blogger... boo!

See, Hubs was out of town this week and B had a snotty nose, and the both of us were getting no sleep.

I was SURE it was teething, because he had all the symptoms. Until... this morning, when I woke up with this crap!

We both have stuffy noses and we are headed to the doctor this afternoon.

Not to mention, we have friends coming in town, so the house needs to be cleaned. We have a party Sat night, AND its superbowl Sunday! Geeesh!

Of all the times to get sick, right?

Anyhoo, I juts wanted to say, I am alive, and hacking up a lung, can't breathe out of my nose and dying well. I am just a tad busy!

Ciao darlings, hopefully next week will be better!!

Baby Bro...

Today, you are one year older. You are wiser, you are stonger, and you are more generous and kind than I ever thought possible.

Yes, there are times you are a true teenage. Yes, there are times when your Wii games in the living room annoy me. Yes, you are more like me than I care to admit. And Yes, you are my amazing baby bro!

I have to sit back and remember that little blonde, curly haired baby, asking me "Wassup!" when I walked in the room. I remember when you took your first step. I remember when you answered the phone for the first time. And I remembered when you started shaving ;-)

Then there are times, like when you automatically open the door for me and B, that I think... Mom and Dad did a hell of a job!

You are kind and sweet, and you give the best hugs and I am truly thankful you are my baby bro!!

I know I am probably not as cool as I used to be, I know I am not a big as I used to be. But... I am still your big sis. And I hope you know... I am always here for you. No matter what!

You big Sis will be here, giving hugs, no matter what!

I really just have some random things to say...

So here goes.

Did you see the SAG awards last night? OMG Terry Hatcher you ROCKED it with that dress. Seriously, you shouldv'e won an award just for that.

Um... Angelina what they hey? This dress was FUGLY! Not to mention all your tattoos on your back... classy. UGH!@ Plus! She was totally weird with Guiliana. I mean, it was AWKWARD.

Brad, however, you are stunning. Smooches!

Ok, one last thing... does anyone watch E!? I was watching when Jeremy Piven was on and he eluded to the fact that Guiliana Rancic was preggo? Could it be true? If anyone knows (ehm... Katelin, Julie Q) please tell ;-)

Kthx.

Signed,

Your celebrity gossip whore!

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

On a totally different note, who is going to the 20SB blogger meet up in Chicago? I really want to go but I don't think hubs is too convinced? Are you all bringing the spouses or are you flying solo?

And... I signed up for Twitter, but here is the deal. Who has time to sit at your computer and twitter all day? Is it an Iphone thing or what? I don't get it? Maybe I am technically challenged.

Oooohhh and one last thing, I got a new blog layout for my food blog. Check it out and tell me if it is too plain or what. I can't seem to find a cute food layout?

Doesn't it fee like

you could always use another hand, especially when your carrying your child?

Well, it sure does to me!

Mr Man is pretty heavy these days, then add the purse, the diaper bag, the mail or whatever else and voila! you have a hefty load.

However... you could always use your child to your advantage?



Apparently Mr Man thought he wasn't being helpful enough with the dry cleaning, so he just decided to help Daddy out :) He grabbed the dry cleaning, Hubs went to get the mail, and B just kept hanging on. I could get used to this!

Happy Friday All!

Wordless Wednesday... NOT!

B: Whyyyyyyyy.... whhyyyyyy is Mocha losing Momma

Me: I don't know buddy? Maybe they think dogs who wear hoodies are cuter?

B: Whhhhhhhyyyyyyy!

9 Month Check Up!

Well, Mr Man is a very healthy baby boy! He is quite advanced in the mobile department and is right on track with everything else. Mommy and Daddy are doing a good job.

Right now his weight is 20 lbs. He is in the 75% of height (he had a growth spurt) and he is only in the 12% of head circumfrence.

He is trying to cut 3 teeth right now, the 2 front and one right inscisor.

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

One the Mocha front... we are currently in 4th place. Boooo! Apparently, people like dogs who wear hangers or hoodies?

If you haven't voted, please head on over there and vote! Thanks!

http://kdfw.4wmt.com/packages/templates/anonymous/vote.aspx?pageid=aee642ea-25f0-4b7e-b924-013fea20331a

Our dog was chosen!!! WOOT!

OMG, I just got the email from the local news in our area and Mochachino has been chosen for pet of the week.

It is this contest we have that selects cute pets of the week. Then they post his picture on the news.

I know it is really not that big of a deal, but it is HUGE for me!

HOW AWESOME!!

Please go vote...

http://kdfw.4wmt.com/packages/templates/anonymous/simple.aspx?pageid=7afaa5ed-eaf8-4423-ac33-42cc92ca5c6b

His name is Mochachino!!

9 Months! and a 1st Haircut!

9 Months already... OMG! Where is time going? I feel like I may blink and he may be a year. Geesh!

In your short 9 nine months I feel like you have accomplished so many things, all while changing my life.

Some things you are doing:

• You have taken 3 steps, without holding on
• You pull up on everything, and cruise around it, like it is nothing
• You have figured out how to chew. Like really. You actually eat a whole puff.
• You love to dance and rock around
• You LOVE your new rocking horse (thanks Uncle L!)
• You stand, dance and sing to every song that comes on
• And best of all... you got your VERY FIRST HAIRCUT!

Mik (the stylist) and B.

Sitting in Daddy's lap...


Smock on... check!

B: Um? Why the heck is this guy spraying me with water?

B: Daddy... why do I have to sit here?

B: Hey... what is going on... let me see!

Future rocker!

B: I could get used to this star treatment!

My stylist, Kim, and B - eating a hair clip

B: Tadddaa! Check me out, I am stylin' and profilin'
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Today was an exciting day and a sad day for Mommy. It was thrilling that Mr Man is old enough to get a hair cut, but it saddens me that he is growing so quickly. Sometimes I still feel like it is week 1 and my boobs are leaking and I am getting no sleep. Others, it is as if, he has been here all along.

Mr Man, there are no words to describe the love, excitement, enjoyment and passion for life you give your Mommy. There is never a day you don't make me smile or laugh, and there is never a moment I would change my life. B, mommy loves you, and I hope your life is as full of love as you have given me.

Mwuuaah!

Playdates are great!

Especially when pretty girls are involved ;)

Yesterday, my friend Lindsay headed over my way, and we let A and B play around, while we chatted it up and ate some pizza. Seriously, is was a great way to spend a Thursday!

It was so fun watching the little ones interact. They are only 1 month apart, so they are mostly of the same level. A is a little better at eating (JK Lindsay) clapping and waving, but B has her beat in the motor skills department.

At first B tried to eat A's bow, and A tried to lick his head, but after that... they were having a great time. Playing the piano together, climbing on the gate to get the dog's attention, and just crawl around.

It was so fun! Thanks for a great day Lindsay!

Hope everyone has an awesome Friday!!

I'm Going to Cry...

Yesterday, while at the rents house for my mom's b-day, Mr Man took his Very First Step!!!

Oh Mr Man, how you are growing up right before our eyes!

Let me set the sceen:

My dad was cooking this amazing crab cake recipe in the kitchen. My mom was in the other room, checking out my awesome fabric for my new drapes. My baby bro was changing. And Mr Man and I were in the living room playing with their dog.

Mr Man had one hand on my knee (on my right), the dog was on the left. Well... that is all it took for him to take the leap.

He let go of my knee, took one step towards the dog, and grabbed my knee again.

It only lasted 5 seconds, and hubs wasn't even there *le sigh* but it was so unbelievable.

Mr Man did it! I know he is going to be walking any second.

There is...

There is a woman I know who is... a gardener, a writer, a lover of politics, a law student, a seamstress, a teacher, a chef, a kayaker, a traveler, an artist, a friend, a confidant, and best of all... a mother.

To me, there are not enough words to describe this person. She is my best friend, my shoulder to cry on, my favorite person to share a joke, and a woman that has never let me down.

She has been there through the tough times always holding my hand, all while giving me a push in the right direction.

When there are questions, she has the answers. When there are tears, she has tissues. When there are fears, she is calm. To me, she is the embodiment of love.

She is my mom.

And today... is her birthday.

She is another year young, and although she thinks her body is starting to age, I whole heartily disagree.





My mom has grace she doesn't even know she has. She has confidence that amazes me daily. She has intelligence that is unrivaled. She has experiences that no one can beat.





The most amazing thing about my mom is that if it needs to be done, she will do it. If there is a challenge, she will conquer it. And if it looks fun, she will be the first one to jump in and try!

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



Mom,





There are not enough water slides, kayak boats, garden utensils, manicures, swimming pools, dresses, or jewelry to buy you, that could express the amount of love I have for you.





You make me laugh, make me think, and best of all make me happy that you are MY mom!





For all that you do, I hope you know, that it has never gone unnoticed!

Happy Birthday Momma!

I'm too depressed to write a post...

I feel ya buddy!!

All I am going to say is... Eli the other team wears GREEN, get it? That's not who you play for!





Brandon... oh Brandon, you beast of a man... you tried your hardest, and we still love you! Ahmad, you tried too, *insert slap on butt here*, run like the wind buddy!





Plaxico... I hate you. Go away! How in the hell do you, as a proffesional athlete, accidentally shoot yourself in the thigh. You deserve whatever's comin' your way!





Osi... you looked damn fine in your suit, but you would have looked better suited UP and on the field sacking McNabb.





*Insert sad pouty face* Waaahhhhaaa!!!

A Post in Pictures

B: Mom... let me eat this on my own... I got this!

Me: Ok buddy, but don't make too big of a mess...

B: Look, I can eat it, nicely

B: Look, I'll keep it in the bowl and everything :)

B: I can even use a spoon!

B: Um... I dumped the bowl? I'll just use my hands!

B: Tadddaaa! Look what I did :D

A perfect way to spend a Wednesday evening!

A pedicure and dinner with the girls!

Our beautiful toes!

I had such a great time last night with my girls. My friend L had the amazing idea to all meet for a pedicure and end with a mexican dinner. Score!

Thanks ladies for a brilliant evening!

Wordless Nothin'!

A Message from the creator of this award:

"Blogs who receive this award are 'exceedingly charming' say its authors. This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers! Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

My 2nd Bloggy Award! Can I get a Woot! Woot! "They like me, they really like me!" My friend Kelli gave me this award and I couldn't be happier! She is such a sweetheart and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about her life and her new baby!! Thanks Kelli!!

So, without further ado... here are my 8 top picks!

Baby on Board - Just because she makes me laugh on a daily basis even though she is going through a hard time.

Larissa - because she is a new mom-to-be, who can cook, sew and create the most awesome things!

Olivia - cuz she is just so darn cute!



d.a.r - because I enjoy living vicariously through her life ;-)

Ashley - because she is the most honest bloggers I know!

Uncommon Blonde - because she is also a new mom-to-be who takes AMAZING pictures!

Lacey - because if I was a NY Jew in another life, I would hope to be her - too cute and funny!

One Hundred Eighty Degrees - because her daughter Bennett is adorable and she is a great blogger!
-------------------------------------

Also last night we fed Mr Man macaroni for the first time....

Style... I heart you!

Oh style, how you make the days go by so much faster. How your awkward colors and textures make my heart start beating fast. Oh... le sigh... I love anything to do with style. Personal style. Out there style. Confident style. I love it! So... I thought I would share with you my most favorite (and not so favorite) styles!

Fav new polish color!

Not so favorite... peep toe boots, here's the thing... it's winter. My toes are gonna freeze!

Love all the color that is going to pop in spring!

LOVING the tights this season - I am too short to wear ones with no feet though.

SO, not loving the fringe bag for spring... Eww. It needs a good brushing!

Love the shirt dress. Love, love, love!

Any fashion LOVES or not so Loves for you this year?

Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life!

So, I was thinking this morning, why do people clean in the spring? Why isn't it Winter cleaning, instead of spring cleaning? I mean, we are stuck in the house, with crappy weather and nothing to do. Why would we want to clean in the spring when the weather has finally become nice and we can go outside and do stuff?

So, as the weather has finally turned cold and rainy in this Southern State, I thought I would share with you my favorite way to start a new year!

I have eluded to the practice (if you want to call it that?) of Feng Shui, but I never felt comfortable enough to share it with you. Some people think it is a religion, which it most certainly is not! Others think it is a science, which again, it is not. It is mearly a way of thinking. A postivie spin on life, if you will?

The book, "Move your stuff, change your life" by Karen Rauch Carter absolutely changed my life. For the better!

I was 20 years old. I had moved in with a roommate who turned out to be a dud, my finances were in shambles, I was working 2 jobs and didn't have a dime. I had to move back in with my parents, and I decided, I had to get away from this State. It had to be the state. I never liked it anyway and the only thing that was here were my parents, and they would love me wherever I was. So... I threw a dart and it landed on Florida. "Aaaahhh, the peaceful, serene beach. Perfect," I thought!

I would stay with my parents until my 21st birthday and gather as much money as I could! I would go down previous to moving and get an apartment, a job, and register for school. It would be awesome! I just knew in my heart, it was the right thing to do.

One day at work, a friend of mine told me about this book. I love books, so as soon as my shift was done, I headed over to the nearest book store.

I read the book in two days. It was funny, informative, and best of all, sounded easy.

That night, I went to the drug store, gathered my supplies and started to work...

You see, the concept of the book is to get rid of the clutter in your life and think about things in a positive way, and things in your life will respond. For example: If you want more money, you focus the ch'i (which is energy in Chinese - pronounced "chee") on your money corner.

Lord knows I needed money, so I amped it up. I did everything it said to do. I put purple in that corner, added a Jade plant, and put Monopoly money so the universe really gets the idea.

Then for the love corner, it said to put pink and red (the colors for love) in that area. And add things that remind you of love.

I put pictures of my family, my parents, my grandparents, and all the red and pink construction paper my drawers would hold!! All the things that reminded me of great love. If I was going to find love, I wanted it to last, not to be some short romance.

I mean, I did everything. My room was my personal Feng Shui, peaceful, serene palace!

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

I kid you not, the next thing I knew, I had enough money to travel to FL. I put a deposit on an apt., I registered for school, and I found a job. I was all set!

Then my 21st birthday arrived. I had money to go out, I was happy, and I just felt free. Free of clutter, free of anything. I had a big dinner with all my friends. It was a blast! That night, I also met a guy. Well, I guess he had been there all along, but never in that way. He whispered in my ear he had a gift, so I followed him to his car. He handed me a card (a pink card - my fav!) and inside was a $100 spa gift card. WOW!! I thought! This is too generous!

That night I also noticed there were sparks with that guy. Maybe there was something here? Naaah, I thought! It was just the excitement of the night, just the alcohol. 15 days later, I was about a week away from moving, when that guy called me up. We had been spending a lot of time together since my birthday, but I tried not to get too involved, because I was moving away. I knew I had feelings, but I was scared. Scared because I was moving and scared it wasn't reciprocated. You all know how that goes!

So on the phone, on that very night, he said to me, "You can't leave!"

"Why?" I said

"Because... I love you!"

And that my friends, is how Hubs and I began...

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

I believe in my heart it is because I changed my life for the better. Decided to do things for me, for once. Decided I was worth every effort I put into myself! I don't believe that things would have ended up the same way, had I not found this book.

If you're in a rut, or you just want to better your life. I feel, this is an amazing addition to any book collection! Hope you enjoy!

What is your favorite or life changing book?

A Rockin' New Years Eve!

Well, rockin' was how I felt at the end of the evening :) I think the room was rockin'! Hee hee!

Needless to say our neighbors party was a blast! Mr Man spent the night with Nona and Poppy and Hubs and I partied it up! You know... every now and again we are allowed!

Our next door neighbors decided to throw a bash that was well worth the walk! We arrived at 8 pm to Kamakazi shots and red wine in large quantities. Needless to say things got fuzzy and fun from there!

Our adorable hosteses!

The culprit

My new friends!

Hey we're normal...

Well... almost!

Hope you all had a fab New Years Eve! Happy 2009 folks!