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.

The Outer Banks- 23 years of friendship

Our trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina was amazing. We stayed in a town called Corolla, which is just past Duck. I liked Corolla. It's not too touristy or built up. Just my speed.

We rented a fabulous house on the beach with 4 of my girlfriends from college, each sorority sisters (Kappa Alpha Theta!), and their families. Ryan, who was the president of our sorority, brought the Theta flag to hang on the house. I die. (Ps there's my husband setting up the umbrellas!)

Ryan also brought these fabulous hot pink terry tunics for us! I'm taking mine to the monogrammer TODAY.

It's hard to boil down this trip to a blog post but here are some highlights.

We went to see the wild horses of Corolla. This was something on my bucket list. I will never forget Nicoles husband driving like a maniac so we wouldn't get stuck and us following one of the horse tours so we could find the horses! We are tour stealers!!

I have never been in, or climbed a lighthouse. The Currituck Lighthouse was gorgeous and the view was incredible. It was HIGH up though!

My husbands favorite thing on earth is Blue Crabs. Even though no one else wanted any, I got him his own dozen and he was so HAPPY!

We saw so much wildlife while we were there! Deer on the beach, a fox in the dunes, sting rays, crabs, and....

Jelly Fish. Which can also be used for breast enhancement. LOL

Husband loves to cook and was happy to share two of our favorite recipes. Maralago Burgers and Cilantro Ginger Salmon! Both were huge hits!

Landon celebrated his birthday there. Complete with mini golf and bumper cars!

We took a road trip to the Lilly Pulitzer store in Duck called "Lifes a Beach!". It was so cute! I got this fabulous "Adriel" dress. ON SALE of course!

One night the kids did giant sparklers on the beach. It was magic.

Best of all, I had deep, meaningful, hilarious, heart felt, fabulous time with these women I adore. Each of them has been, and continues to go through lifes challenges, but these ladies handle it with grace and dignity.

 

The NIghtmare Of Returning From Vacation!

I have just returned from one week in the Outer Banks with all my bestie girls and their families. Twenty-three years of friendship with these fabulous women! It was glorious. We all relaxed and lived a beachy perfect life with this view!

Now I'm back to this:

Here's what's hard about when you really dial out. Your email piles up, bills pile up, laundry piles up, calls, errands, social obligations, school supply buying, are on the back burner and all come rushing back.

I'm trying to just slowly make my way through the fog. And trying to hold on to these moments forever.

Missing all my girls and the times we had.

More on the trip later!

GodMothers Cilantro Ginger Salmon!

God Mother of Coco, Anne, is such a fabulous chef. She makes everything look easy. The good news is, this recipe IS EASY and the perfect thing on a hot summer night!

Cilantro Ginger Salmon:

Get a big piece of salmon and bake on a cookie sheet and foil at 350 degrees for 15 minutes (depending on thickness)

Chop cilantro, green onion (scallions), and ginger. (as much as you want on top. I like a ton!)

In a saucepan at low heat, blend equal parts of soy sauce and olive oil and whisk.

When salmon is cooked, drizzle over Salmon and top with your greens.

Serve with rice and asparagus!

Heading To Corolla! OBX!

We are taking a trip to the Outer Banks and I have never been! Any suggestions? I'm all ears!! We're staying in Corolla.

Super Soul Sunday- I'm Not A Stay At Home Mom!!

I love all things Oprah so it's no surprise I am loving Super Soul Sunday on Own. It's deep stuff lemme tell you!

I watched India Irie describe her total spiritual transformation after realizing she was turning into someone she didn't recognize. She walked away from the music industry until she could come back and do it her way. Brave.

Watch a clip here: OPRAH

She also spoke about how, when she put her album out, was receiving criticism for being vane and shallow. That people thought she had lightened her skin (she hadn't). The stunning revelation to her was she always hated people who were vane, shallow, sell outs in the music industry. She had major judgement against them. Then she was being accused of being one of those people! It made her understand how harshly she was judging others.

After walking away from my company and spending more time with my family I find myself nervous when people ask me: "now what?" I feel guilty for enjoying this time not working. Why? Because I have judged Mom's who don't.

Yes. That's not so fabulous is it. I have judged stay at home Mom's sometimes. I was always "busier" and "worked harder" then them, working outside the home and being a Mom. WRONG. Being a full time Mom is HARD WORK. Having the patience to do it takes everything you've got. So like Miss India Irie, I was judging them, and now am one. How's that for Karma?

I even joked with a friend who is working but has the summer off. I said now we're both stay at home Moms! She was pissed! "I'm Not A Stay At Home Mom!" 

Is Stay At Home Mom a bad word?

Why does it get people going?

This is a wild ride, this journey of self discovery I am on. I suspect I will have a million more epiphanies like this.

What do you think? Do you judge stay at home Moms? Working Moms? Has Karma come back on you? Tell me!

The Perfect Family Vacation: Westin St. John!

The pictures say it all. We had a wonderful trip!!! The Westin caters to parents and kids with their kids club, arcade and fun activities!

An amazing place and about to have a major 12 million dollar face lift!

T

This is the legendary Trunk Bay. Best snorkeling!

Look out for Coco on the beach!

Coco and I in our Lilly!

First Pina Colada!

At Our favorite restaurant Morgans Mango!

Such a wonderful trip! Where are you headed this summer?

And Then I Danced In The Kitchen

I made some big changes recently. Work was becoming too big. It was taking over everything. It was a black cloud. I stopped enjoying my kids, my husband, my life.

My life is good. It would be a shame not to enjoy it....

So I quit. Stopped. And I'm taking a break.

I want more life. More time with my kids. More moments. More peace. More quiet. I want more of that.

The other day Coco asked me to dance in the kitchen. Her favorite Disney song was on Pandora. So I did. And I cried.

I cried because it had been a long time since I danced.

I cried because I hadn't wanted to dance until then.

And I cried because I was so happy to dance in my kitchen with Coco.


I don't know what comes next. Or what will happen. I'm okay with that. All I know is that I stopped everything. And then I danced in my kitchen.

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!

Friday Five: Five Things You Need For Summer!

Hi gals,

No one looks forward to the Summer more than me. I live in California for a reason! I want to be at the beach. Here are some fun things I think would make Summer complete.


1. The Lilly Pulitzer Over-sized Beverage Bucket in Chiquita Bonita! I know my friend LULU would love this to hide her "Sneeky" cocktails in as she heads to the beach. Isn't it divine? I got one for my birthday and I LOVE it.

2. Mudpies Full Length Caftan. Beyond.

 

3. Fabio's Italian Kitchen Cook Book!

I'm dying to try some of these recipes this summer and finally get my pantry stocked correctly!!

4.  Monogrammed Acrylic Cuff Bracelets!

I have one in pink and about to order some more!!

5. Gazpacho: I could eat this all year long!

Gazpacho adapted from Epicurious

Ingredients:
Serves  8


1 egg
2 cups chopped fresh plum tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped red or yellow pepper
1 cup chopped cucumber, seeds removed
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
2/3 cup olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2 cups beef broth (optional) *you can also use veggie broth 
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup minced parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons Worcestershire
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 46-ounce can tomato/veggie juice *I highly recommend R.W. Knudsen's Organic Very Veggie
1/2 cup panko crumbs
Tabasco, to taste


What are your Five things you are wanting/ loving for this Summer?