Magic & Miracles Please.

I knew it this was coming. The older Landon gets the more the condition of his arm, the nightly exercises and surgery every year start to build, the more I feel the tension grow.

For the most part we lead normal lives. We are not victims here. We are grateful to have this arm....We believe in MAGIC & MIRACLES.

But last week, in the darkness of bedtime, the honest feelings came to the surface, the snuggling was not enough, there were questions and Landon wanted answers.

In general I hate questions what start with why.  I don't think "why me?" benefits anyone. Landon however, being 10, has a right to ask. Sometimes I feel so angry he has to deal with all of this. He just wants to be happy and keep it moving like his Mama. So when the tears came I have to admit, they came for me too. It was heartbreaking.

I let him have his feelings and tried to bring the gratitude forward. He wanted the full story, the real story of his birth, so I told him. He listened intently and had more questions. He's heard it before but I went a little DEEPER.

I tried not to DROWN as I did. I kept the faith.

When the questions were done we snuggled. There was nothing else to say.

I have been doing a lot to keep any negativity, and harm from this guy. I have never made him learn to tie his shoes, I cut up his food, I make things easier. I do it for him. Don't get me wrong, he plays piano, writes with his left hand when we feel he was born a righty, and a lot of other things that are hard for him. However I'm starting to realize it's time. Time to push him to be more independent even though it will be painful. Time to be a little more real. We're 10 after all.

Still....Landon believes in Santa, Disneyland, and sleeps with a blankie. He's still my baby. We just need to shift a little. Let the pain in sometimes so it doesn't overwhelm us. So that's what we're gonna do.

And to all the Moms out there, who have a kid with ongoing issues. Whether they're mental, physical, emotional or all of the above... I'm thinking of you. I'm thinking of the daily decisions you make, the doubt you feel, the helplessness. I'm thinking of you're nights with your kids... And I'm sending you love. All my love... And a little MAGIC & MIRACLES.

David Bowie- Put On Your Red Shoes

David Bowies death was sad. A legend like that, you would like to live forever. David Bowie touched so many of our lives. Including my little seventh grade one.

In seventh grade I moved to a new school. I had graduated from 6th grade and my little elementary school and moved on to the big leagues. A school three times the size, this junior high was intimidating to say the least. My friends I had clung to were now in other classes, other buildings, other lunch areas and I never saw them. I had to forge a new life for myself.

I remember meeting new kids who were so free with their identities and expression. I, on the other hand, had fallen into a group in elementary school and dressed like them, talked like them, and was entirely not myself. In addition this was reinforced by the fact that any time I stepped out of bounds fashion wise or in any way, I would by shamed into going right back. There was a uniform required to be in this group. There were no deviations accepted and I was to consider myself lucky to be in the group at all. I put on my pearls, head band, and corduroys and kept my mouth shut.

In junior high, and no longer with my copycat posse, I was exposed and alone. In short I was terrified. My uniform was no longer my armor. In fact it made me stick out. I didn't know what to do.
I spent the first part of the year just trying to keep my head above water. Then I started meeting some girls I felt like I could really bond with. Girls that would end up my life long friends. They loved my humor and my way of looking at things. Still, I was dressing like my old gang. Too afraid to be singled out. I watched as my new friends took chances with fashion and I remained scared. Soon I was getting attention from new boys (because of my new group). Again, I was not comfortable. I remember looking in the mirror and saying: "who are you!?"

Not long after that David Bowie released: Let's Dance. My thirteen year old mind was swimming. I loved the video and watched it incessantly.





 I loved his sex appeal. His strength. I loved his individuality. I listened to the lyrics.

(Let's Dance) Put on your red shoes and dance the blues
(Let's Dance) To the song they're playing on the radio
(Let's Sway) While color lights up your face
(Let's Sway) Sway through the crowd to an empty space

[Chorus]
If you say run, I'll run with you
If you say hide, we'll hide
Because my love for you
Would break my heart in two
If you should fall, into my arms
And tremble like a flower

(Let's Dance) For fear your grace should fall
(Let's Dance) For fear tonight is all
(Let's Sway) You could look into my eyes
(Let's Sway) Under the moonlight, this serious moonlight

It was brave. It was powerful. I was inspired.

I went out shopping that week with my Mom and picked out clothes I liked. No one else. My Mom was encouraging. Most importantly, I got a pair of red shoes. Red "Mia" flats with pointy toes. Edgy. Brave. Cool.

I showed up to school Monday morning like I owned the place. People noticed. I got a lot of positive comments. Some negatives ones too. I didn't care. I was myself. I looked the way I felt. I looked like me. I put on my RED SHOES.

I think about what those little red flat shoes gave me the courage to do. Like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz they always kept me brave and safe.

I need to remember this NOW as life challenges me in different ways....

I think I need a new pair of red shoes.

2016 - The Year To Transform Your Life! Questions to ask from Mallika Chopra- STEP 1

Hi friends!

I don't know about you but I am ready to kiss 2015 GOODBYE. I am ready to leave a lot behind. I am ready to embrace and get a hold of some significant parts of my life.

 I am ready for TRANSFORMATION.

Can I get an AMEN??

The first step is getting focused on what is really important. A LOT of important time is wasted on things that are not important. An easy trap to fall into!

Mallika Chopra (daughter of Deepak Chopra) suggests in "Living With Intent" that we ask these questions:

1) Who am I?

2) What do I want?

3) How can I serve?

and I added another:

4) What makes me happy?

You can meditate on this and then write it down. The funny thing is, when I started this I only had a few things for each category. Now I have 10!

Here are a few of mine:

1) Who Am I? 

Mother of two amazing kids.
A wife who is committed.
A seeker who wants to learn.

2) What do I want?

Health and wellness for myself and my family
A purpose driven life
Financial freedom

3) How can I serve?

As a mother/ teacher to my children
On the board of Junior League
With The Warrior Moms- helping women rise to their greatest potential

4) What makes me happy?

Deep conversations with good friends
Reading
Hot yoga!

Try this exercise and join me on my journey! Let's make 2016 everything we hope for!

The Marriage Quilt

A few nights ago my high school friends and I got together. This was no small feat. With kids, holidays, different zip codes and coasts, it was a miracle we pulled it off. What I love about this crew is that everyone is cool being exactly as they are. No pretense. No B.S. We've all been through various good and bad things. Divorce, husband issues, child issues, parent issues. We've all walked through the fire.

When the conversation turned to marriage I heard a lot being said about how hard it really is. What it takes to have a marriage that lasts.

My analogy that I came up with was: Marriage is like a quilt.

When you first get married the quilt is perfect, snugly, and everything you want. You don't know how you ever lived without it before! The perfect comfort and happiness.

But over time job stress, financial strain, emotional strain, kids, can put holes in your quilt. It can wear it really thin and leave it threadbare. Mending it takes major work. You need time alone to reconnect, you need to let built up resentments go, and that's HARD. Sometimes the mending is as easy as watching your kid score a goal at soccer together, or sing in the school play.
You just smile at each other and feel mended.

Sometimes, however, you feel tired of mending. You think of how your quilt used to be and compare to how worn it looks now. You even think about getting a NEW QUILT. We could all just walk away from our relationships. Say we would be better off, happier, without it. 

In reality, in a lot of cases, there's a comfort to that old quilt that a new quilt can never bring. There's a history, a shared dream. New quilts look better but there's no guarantee it will really keep you warm.

So when you're holding on by a very thin thread....remember that's all it takes sometimes. You can always mend and patch those holes.

And for those of you who feel you NEVER had a quilt, WANT to have a quilt but can't find one, or have a quilt so DAMAGED it wouldn't be good for YOU if you fixed it....I am thinking of you and know what while all the crazy emotions of this past year are swirling around, and you are having a hard holiday, the new year beings RENEWAL. And NEW QUILTS. So take heart and keep the faith.

Oh, and everyone keep your sewing kits handy. Mending will happen!

What Do Your Kids Think Of You As A Parent? Interview them!

I love this idea from Joy In My Kitchen and I think it's brilliant!

Want to know what your kids think of you as a parent?  Or how much they know about you? It's fun to get their perspective.

Now this also may open a bit of a Pandoras Box...try to learn from it and not beat yourself up. After all being a Mom is TOUGH.

I'm going to interview mine and report back. Either way a fun experiment. TRY IT!

1. What is something I always say to you?

2. What makes me happy?

3. What makes me sad?

4. How do I make you laugh?

5. What was I like as a child?

6. How old am I?

7. How tall am I?

8. What is my favorite thing to do?

9. What do I do when you’re not around?

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?

11. What am I really good at?

12. What am I not very good at?

13. What do I do for a job?

14. What is my favorite food?

15. What makes you proud of me?

16. If I were a character, who would I be?

17. What do we enjoy doing together?

18. How are we the same?

19. How are we different?

20. How do you know I love you?

21. What do I like most about dad?

22. Where is my favorite place to go?

23. How old was I when you were born? - See more at: http://joyinmykitchen.com/do-you-need-a-fresh-perspective-mom/#sthash.bqBUQRyR.dpuf

--> 1. What is something I always say to you?

2. What makes me happy?

3. What makes me sad?

4. How do I make you laugh?

5. What was I like as a child?

6. How old am I?

7. How tall am I?

8. What is my favorite thing to do?

9. What do I do when you’re not around?

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?

11. What am I really good at?

12. What am I not very good at?

13. What do I do for a job?

14. What is my favorite food?

15. What makes you proud of me?

16. If I were a character, who would I be?

17. What do we enjoy doing together?

18. How are we the same?

19. How are we different?

20. How do you know I love you?

21. What do I like most about dad?

22. Where is my favorite place to go?

23. How old was I when you were born?

 Let me know how it goes!!!!

1. What is something I always say to you?

2. What makes me happy?

3. What makes me sad?

4. How do I make you laugh?

5. What was I like as a child?

6. How old am I?

7. How tall am I?

8. What is my favorite thing to do?

9. What do I do when you’re not around?

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?

11. What am I really good at?

12. What am I not very good at?

13. What do I do for a job?

14. What is my favorite food?

15. What makes you proud of me?

16. If I were a character, who would I be?

17. What do we enjoy doing together?

18. How are we the same?

19. How are we different?

20. How do you know I love you?

21. What do I like most about dad?

22. Where is my favorite place to go?

23. How old was I when you were born? - See more at: http://joyinmykitchen.com/do-you-need-a-fresh-perspective-mom/#sthash.bqBUQRyR.dpuf

Mom Interview: Questions for A Fresh Perspective

I do not take credit for coming up with this idea. Apparently the questions have been making rounds within the web, though I only became aware of them recently. Enjoy! A printable copy is included at the end.

1. What is something I always say to you?

2. What makes me happy?

3. What makes me sad?

4. How do I make you laugh?

5. What was I like as a child?

6. How old am I?

7. How tall am I?

8. What is my favorite thing to do?

9. What do I do when you’re not around?

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?

11. What am I really good at?

12. What am I not very good at?

13. What do I do for a job?

14. What is my favorite food?

15. What makes you proud of me?

16. If I were a character, who would I be?

17. What do we enjoy doing together?

18. How are we the same?

19. How are we different?

20. How do you know I love you?

21. What do I like most about dad?

22. Where is my favorite place to go?

23. How old was I when you were born?
- See more at: http://joyinmykitchen.com/do-you-need-a-fresh-perspective-mom/#sthash.bqBUQRyR.dpuf

Mom Interview: Questions for A Fresh Perspective

I do not take credit for coming up with this idea. Apparently the questions have been making rounds within the web, though I only became aware of them recently. Enjoy! A printable copy is included at the end.

1. What is something I always say to you?

2. What makes me happy?

3. What makes me sad?

4. How do I make you laugh?

5. What was I like as a child?

6. How old am I?

7. How tall am I?

8. What is my favorite thing to do?

9. What do I do when you’re not around?

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?

11. What am I really good at?

12. What am I not very good at?

13. What do I do for a job?

14. What is my favorite food?

15. What makes you proud of me?

16. If I were a character, who would I be?

17. What do we enjoy doing together?

18. How are we the same?

19. How are we different?

20. How do you know I love you?

21. What do I like most about dad?

22. Where is my favorite place to go?

23. How old was I when you were born?
- See more at: http://joyinmykitchen.com/do-you-need-a-fresh-perspective-mom/#sthash.bqBUQRyR.dpuf

It Didn't Turn Out Like She Wanted

My Grandmother passed away a few weeks ago. Although she lived a long life, it still hit me hard. She was my last living grandparent, the end of an era for me. I was so thankful she had spent time with my kids, but selfishly, I felt old. I was no longer was somebody's grandbaby.

The funeral, in my gorgeous hometown of Raleigh, North Carolina, was a nice tribute to her. She was a war bride, had many friends and was a devout christian. I was barely able to stop crying. I was just so SAD she was gone.

Then my Father said something that, at the time, made it even worse.

 "Well, it didn't turn out like she wanted." 

I was FLOORED. It was devastating to me. She had spent her life as a devoted friend, wife, mom and christian and still....I wasn't even sure what my Father meant by it. I didn't ask. It just struck me. What were her dreams? Goals? What had she hoped for?

When I die would people say the same about me?

Part of "Losing My Fabulous" was this feeling of being LOST. Not knowing what direction to go in next. Feeling stuck. Feeling unsatisfied. Feeling unmotivated and depressed. Nothing seemed to be working. Was this my destiny?

On my way home to LA I became MORE sad, until two women magically came into my life on my travels home.

One gave me a great idea.  She took something I had been thinking about and made me think of it in a BIGGER WAY.

And the other, made me feel loved enough to follow through with it. She let me know that the universe was on my side.

These divine encounters, and a meeting with some of my key board members has lead me to launch: WARRIOR MOM.

It encompasses the way I have been feeling, things I have written about and all my passions. I hope you'll follow along and see where this takes me. Where it takes US!
Thank you for always supporting me and encouraging me and sharing your stories! I hope I am inspiring you, making you think, and prompting you to action.

Stay tuned for more on THE WARRIOR MOMS by following on Instagram and Twitter. This is going to be BIG.

I Lost My Fabulous.

I don't know how it happened.

That's not true. I do. I guess I don't know the exact moment. Sometime, in the middle of working, tending to family, volunteering, socializing, dealing with friendship dynamics, family dynamics, dealing with minor crises, dealing with major crises, dealing with people with bad attitudes, hearing unkind words, financial issues and just bad juju.....

I lost my fabulous.

I didn't think I had really lost it all together. Even amidst emotionally devastating happenings I was able to still bounce back a little. Go out to dinner. Put on the Lilly Pulitzer....

But then my heart was broken. My dreams were dashed. Things got worse. And soon, looking around and then looking in the mirror. I realized: I lost my fabulous.

You may think this is funny coming from One Fabulous Mom. And truthfully I started this blog because I was feeling less than Fabulous and wanted to get it back.

But things have piled up too big to ignore. And my heart is broken. So friends, no more fabulous. And I have to face it. After all the definition of crisis is: a difficult or dangerous situation that needs serious attention. And so, this does.

I'm hoping I can get it back. Right now I have no clue how. But since I know some if you are in the same boat...I'll keep you posted. I'll take you on my journey. And if you have lost your fabulous you are not alone. And if you are getting it back I applaud you. And if you never lost it, trust me one day you will.

So let's do this together. Join me on my journey  Find My Fabulous. Stay tuned...

Cindy Cawfords Un Retouched Photos- Sexy still? ARE WE ENOUGH?

By now you've probably seen this un retouched photo released released by Marie Claire. Marie Claire will be publishing a full spread of Cindy with no airbrushing or retouching.

What do you think? Still sexy?

I have to admit it was a shock to see this at first. My mind is so used to the perfection of models and the beauty industry, that this floored me. At first I was shocked.....and then I felt VALIDATED.

So many actresses are waltzing around Hollywood, three weeks after having their babies, wearing skinny jeans and ready to get back to work. Or their 40 and fabulous in the magazines with zero wrinkles and cellulite FREE.

I love Cindy for showing us that even a supermodel, who has access to every cream, potion and procedure, shows us this is the REALITY of AGING.

And guess what. It's NOT as bad as THE MEDIA and THE BEAUTY industry has lead us to believe! We are constantly being show that we're not good enough. Really? I'm no supermodel but I have experience, real knowledge and have been through A LOT. Two kids, one round of IVF, 52 days in the hospital with my son, one husband, three pets, and SEVEN FISH. Yes. Don't ask.

Think of this picture when you're thinking you're not aging well, not feeling sexy, and realize THIS
IS SEXY. And you're ENOUGH.

And I'M ENOUGH.

'NUFF SAID.

Dear Coco, Now You Are 5

Dear Coco,

On the day you were born all that is pink, fabulous, and right in this world came together in perfect harmony. I truly believe you came to this earth to bless everyone with your joyful amazing spirit. You are kind, you are sweet and you are funny! I look forward to all our years together, us getting to know each other and growing deeper in love with you than I already am. I am so proud of who you are. A true princess.

I love you!!!

Mommy

Take the Vanity Fair Questionnaire

If you answer these on your blog let me know! I want to read it!!!

Or answer in your comment!



What is your idea of perfect happiness? A beach vacation with wine.
What is your greatest fear? My children dying.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Lilly Pulitzer. I'm just a girl with a vacationy dream.
Which living person do you most admire? Carol Burnett
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? Being judgemental.
What is the trait you most deplore in others? One upping.
What is your greatest extravagance? Dinners out.
What is your favorite journey? Self discovery
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
On what occasion do you lie? If it will hurt someones feelings.
What do you dislike most about your appearance? Getting old.
Which living person do you most despise? Anyone who demands that it’s their way or the highway.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
What is your greatest regret? Trusting the untrustworthy.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My husband, kids, cats and dog.
When and where were you happiest? At the altar.
Which talent would you most like to have? Flexibility, and a great singing voice
What is your current state of mind? Amazed and slightly panicked.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My weight!
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Parenting without a net.
If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? A pelican who visits the Highlands Inn in Carmel.
What is your most treasured possession? My humor.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? No sense of humor.
Where would you like to live? Bahamas.
What is your favorite occupation? Doing the unexpected.
What is your most marked characteristic? My humor and knack for being people together.
What is the quality you most like in a man? Resilience.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? Loyalty
What do you most value in your friends? Being there through thin and thin. That’s friendship treasured.
Who are your favorite writers? Maya Angelou
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?Auntie Mame and Mary Poppins
Who are your heroes in real life? My father and my son.
What are your favorite names? Landon and Coco.
What is it that you most dislike? Braggarts
How would you like to die? I wouldn’t.
What is your motto? Save water drink Champagne.

Throw Back Thursday

Where does the time go!?

Five On Friday- My Top Five Most Popular Blog Posts Of The Year

I got this idea from September Acres, who has a fabulous blog herself! Of course this Friday Five I am connecting with these amazing ladies who all seem to be pregnant!! It's in the water look out! LOL

Here are my top five most popular blog posts of 2013. Let's do it David Letterman style to make it more suspenseful!

5. The Five Best Thanksgiving Ideas From Pinterest- My Friday Five!

Well of course. These ideas are amazing. Especially this!!!

4.  RIP Lilly Pulitzer- Anythings Possible With Sunshine and A Little Pink

Lilly Pulitzer is not just a brand. It's an attitude. Read on!

3.  March is National Reading Month With Levar Burton!

I am so happy that this is a popular post! Reading Rainbow is back in a big way!

2.  The Best Hotel In Santa Barbara- The Montecito Inn!

And I feel that the love is mutual because they send me a Christmas Card! LOL

And the most popular post of 2013 is.......


1. The Going Rate for The Toothfairy. How much do you give?

This was a controversial post! Weigh in!!!

Thanks for a great year!!!!Looking forward to a fabulous 2014!!!!

I'm Getting To Know Landon's Arm

I'm getting to know this arm.

That sounds kind of funny but, it's true. This is not the arm I dreamed of for my son. This is not even the arm he was born with. Today Landon's arm looks like this.

We're getting to know each other, this arm and I.

I realize I have tried to hate it. The torture it puts us through. But I also realize this arm is attached to the greatest human being I've ever met. A human being that needs to grow up at peace with this arm, not hating it. I need to be grateful for this arm, the arm that was saved by god.

God has a plan for this arm that I cannot even fathom. This arm touches people, makes people talk, makes them grateful. This arm is everything. So when I care for this arm, rather than cursing it, I am going to bless it. As it has blessed me.
 
It's hard to see your baby in pain. It's even harder to explain it. Through all of this my inspiration and strength comes from Landon. He wakes up everyday with hope in his heart and joy all over his face. 

This Christmas I find myself living for the joy that he is feeling. Every little thing he discovers is full of wonder.  By the time we get this contraption removed it will be February. I know there will be hard days ahead, but this Christmas I feel nothing but LOVE all around this arm. And that, my lovelies, is a Christmas Miracle.

Prayers for Landon- Bone Lengthening Surgery

Like my new blog look? It was time for a FACELIFT! Make sure you check out my new "about me" page because I love it!

As many of you know, our sweet Landon was born with right arterial thrombosis (blood clots in his right arm). He's been through so much trying to make his special arm the best it can be, and we've made great strides. Every year we have surgery to make room for his arm to grow. Scar tissue tightens the arm and tendons. We release these contractures through surgery and skin graft to make more room.

This year however, we had to be more aggressive. His arm is not growing at the rate we would like, and, in order to avoid a huge discrepancy in the length of his arms, we are doing bone lengthening surgery.

We have really involved Landon in this process and asked him if he wanted to do this. He does, but what it entails is going to be really tough on him. He will spend 6-8 weeks with pins and a bar on the outside of his arm, that need to be turned 4 times a day. Then he goes into casts for another few months to protect the length we've gained. All in all a 6 month process. He's scared. We're scared. We all want this to be as calm and painless as possible.

We would love your prayers as we go into surgery tomorrow. I will document how he's doing from time to time. This is the bravest guy I know. He's been through so much and he's still so happy and sweet. My heart breaks for him but I have to be strong. I know we will be glad about the sacrifices we are making now later on.

Please keep us in your thoughts tomorrow.

25th High School Reunion- Old? NO. Accomplished? YES.

Believe it or not my 25th high school reunion is days away. 
I feel like my 20th was a minute ago! (Here I am with the gals pregnant as hell!) I also feel like how in the world am I old enough to be out of high school 25 years! 
I  am old (I told myself). Then....I started thinking about what I have been up to for the past 25 years.

Here's just some of it:

Graduating high school
Going to college
Falling in love with Florida
Falling in love with a bad boy
Learning that bad boys who are aloof, suck
Joining a sorority
Making amazing girl friends who are like family
Learning about myself
Going to Europe
Figuring out my career path
Moving to NYC
Doing improv
Doing stand up
Doing jobs to help keep up my art (coat checking, bar tending, waitressing)
Booking my first commercial
Having my appendics out
Acting in my first big movie
Acting in my first off Broadway show
Moving to CA without knowing anyone
Getting a job as apartment manager of a 100 unit bldg
Selling my first screen play
Doing a movie with Kevin Costner
Buying myself a car
Dating
Friendship shifts, changes and losses
Meeting the one
Learning how to let someone in
Getting two cats
Getting married
Honeymooning in Greece
Getting a dog
Buying my first house
Going on safari in Africa
Going to Dominican Republic
Having fertility issues
Doing in vitro
Getting a new car
Getting pregnant
Dealing with a special needs child
Starting a blog
Loving motherhood
Starting play groups
Helping Landon through surgeries
Getting pregnant again
Giving myself injections
Having a tummy tuck
Doing a one woman show
Starting a social media company
Turning 40Taking in a partner
Doubling my business
Taking on new partners
Tripling my business
Learning to juggle work and mommy hood
Learning I didn't like it
Being brave enough to walk away


To be honest I am starting to feel not OLD but ACCOMPLISHED. Have you ever listed it out like this? I think it really shows you all you have done! Have you been to your high school reunion yet? Are you nervous? Excited? Or feeling ACCOMPLISHED??!!

Five on Friday

This is my first time participating with a Link UP! Welcome to Five On Friday!

Brought to you by these fabulous bloggers: The Good Life Blog, A. Liz Adventures, Hello Happiness, and Carolina Charm. I follow these and all the blogs I love on Blog Lovin.

Let's get started!

1) I am loving trying new breakfast ideas on the weekends. Here's why! Last weekend my husband made this:

Chorizo omelette! Chorizo, and Mexi cheese topped with avocado, cilantro and tomatoes. Yes I have married WELL.

2) Got this little project done! Coco's new dress up area! I'm going to do a video tutorial on it!!

3) I am so hair challenged. Thank God the DRY BAR can make me look like this!!!! This was at the Young Life Fundraiser.

4) I am becoming obsessed with Retro Wifey because she posts things like this:

Didn't you just LOVE Bewitched?? You must like her page on FB!

And Last:

5) These Target Jeans are amazing. Made well, look great and are CHEAP!!! Get em!

What's Your Theme Song- An Ally McBeal Moment

Driving with Coco the other day I was thinking of that Ally McBeal episode with Tracy Ullman (her therapist) where she tells her about getting a Theme Song. She wanted to inspire confidence. Wanted her to feel her power. Wanted her to FEEL.

As I drove with Coco, listening to the Disney station on Pandora...it came to me. My theme song. I know it's corny but....

It's from Princess and Frog. There's something about it. I well up with tears. Here are the lyrics to "Almost there".


Mama! I don't have time for dancing!

That's just gonna have to wait a while
Ain't got time for messing around
And it's not my style
This old town can slow you down
People taking the easy way
But I know exactly where I'm going
Getting closer and closer every day

And I'm almost there, I'm almost there
People down here think I'm crazy, but I don't care
Trials and tribulations, I’ve had my share
There ain't nothing gonna stop me now ‘cause I'm almost there

I remember Daddy told me: “Fairytales can come true
You gotta make 'em happen, it all depends on you"
So I work real hard each and every day
Now things for sure are going my way
Just doing what I do
Look out boys, I'm coming through

And I'm almost there, I'm almost there
People gonna come here from everywhere
And I'm almost there
I'm almost there

There's been trials and tribulations
You know I've had my share
But I've climbed the mountain, I've crossed the river
And I'm almost there, I'm almost there
I'm almost there!


Oh the rivers and mountains I have crossed. I'm almost there!

What's your theme song? Tell me!

Happy 7th Birthday Landon- I love an ALMOST

Many of you long time readers know the story of Landon. If you don't you can read it here: Landon's Birth Story.

In a nutshell, Landon was born with a blood clot in his arm, had a stroke, and was in the hospital for 52 days. We almost lost him. He almost had brain damage. And he almost lost his arm.

BUT HE DIDN'T.

Instead Landon went from this....

To this.

I love an almost. It just let's me know that God is working for us. He was at the hospital before we got there, he was there when we had our emergency C section, and he was there for 52 days after. He's still there.

Back then I could hardly imagine Landon as a 7 year old. Back then I didn't know when we were getting out of the hospital, how I would care for him, or what his prognosis would be. I felt like I would collapse. I almost broke under the pressure. Instead friends and family were there to rescue us.

There are challenges ahead. Landon's arm is growing at a slower rate than we hoped. We are now going to have to explore bone lengthening surgery. When I think about that I almost start crying. But then I look at Landon, how happy he is, how full of life and love he is. And I know we'll make it through.

I'm so proud to be Landon's Mom. I learn so much from him about forgiveness, and what perfection really is.

So if you have something you are barely holding on for. Feeling like you almost might not make it. Remember: I love an almost. And God does too.

10 Years.

I am the luckiest person to have had 10 years with this extremely patient, funny and sweet man. He's the best Father on earth and so good to me.

Look at these two young ones 10 years ago on our honeymoon in Greece.

 

Not a care in the world. We were dreaming of a fabulous life.

 

 We felt blessed then....

But even more blessed now. We've been through some tough times, but we've weathered it TOGETHER.

Lord thank you for this man! And our lives!!! And our children.

Happy 10 years babe. Let's start the next 10!

RIP Lilly Pulitzer- Anything Is Possible With Sunshine And A Little Pink

I was so sad to learn of Lilly Pulitzers passing. She was such an iconic figure and was able to accomplish so much. Lilly was one of my personal idols for many reasons but not for just her clothes, for the way she embraced life. Here are some of her greatest quotes and a little perspective from moi.

“Being happy never goes out of style.”

I learned a long time ago that whatever life throws at you, being happy is a choice. I have been through my share of tragedy and hard times. I have learned that life is hard. I am still cheerful and happy because that is what I choose. Being happy is like being a Love spreader. You make others happy. You have no idea how a kind word or funny moment can affect someone. It can turn their day around. Rose colored glasses are not a bad thing. They're pink!

“It's always summer somewhere.”

I grew up on the East Coast and absolutely hated the winter. I even hated the fall! Hated the leaves dying, falling off the trees, the whole thing really got to me. I was probably one of those people who needed to stare into a lightbox. Instead I turned up the heat to 80 degrees and slathered on Coppertone while listening to the Beach Boys every time my parents went out. Yes I got in trouble, but from this I learned that I had no other option then to go to college in Florida. Clearly I had my priorities straight.

“I was a gypsy, living a carefree life of ponies and tennis.”

Going to Rollins College in Winter Park Florida was a dream. I studied by the pool and handed in suntan oil stained papers to my Sociology teacher. I belonged to the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and made some of the best friends of my life. Life was so carefree then and I am so grateful to have had that experience! I was introduced to Lilly Pulitzer in college and fell in love instantly. I never looked back. Seeing sorority pictures like this continue to pop up just makes me so happy!

“Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink.”

If it weren't for my can do attitude I have no idea where I would be. Certainly NOT in California, where I always dreamed of living, and certainly not having my own business. I have always been a girls girl. I treasure my time with girl friends and all things fabulous. My two business partners are women and I love that too. Supporting other women, mothers, girls is always something important to me. I am raising Coco with this in mind. Here we are in our matching Lilly.

Tell me your Lilly Pulitzer experiences. When did you buy your first Lilly? Learn about her? I will always have Lilly in my heart. And on my back!