Monkey and Mommy

January Happenings

2012-01-25T22:16:00.001-05:00

I have been a huge blog slacker. I guess I will pick up again once American Idol gets into Hollywood Week. January is almost over…about 1.5 months away from Spring here in the RVA…although I cannot complain, this winter has been fabulous. What are some things Pres and I have been up to…. Well he kicked off the new year with the Cruz’ and even stayed up until midnight with his buddy Robert! He really enjoyed spending time with Ms. Sandy and the crew. Which allowed mommy and DJ to spend the evening in DC. After a seven course meal (so yum) we partied with his friends and then spent the night at the Fairfax in Dupont Circle. It was such a fun New Year’s Eve. Happy 2012 (25 days late).

Pres spent some time with Grandma and PaPa in Carytown. He was excited to be picked up from Minnieland early and what is that in Mr. Preston’s hand…hmmm….someone “suckered” grandma….Just a side note on this trip my parents went into the grocery store. Preston insisted on buying me a red pepper for my salad. He even felt them all to make sure he was getting a good one. I love this kid.

Preston’s new found love is Angry Birds. He is forever asking my mom and I to play our phones. Even trips to the grocery store include game time.

By the way, he was so engrossed in Angry Birds, that he was sitting on my bread. He is becoming quite a little reader. I am impressed that halfway through kindergarten his writing and reading are coming along great!

Katie and Steve took off to Arizona to visit Chris and Anna. Chris and Katie ran the Phoenix Half Marathon-and they both beat their PR (personal record). It was awesome because Steve signed up to get their times at different points texted to his phone. We were able to get updates here in VA. Go Raabs!

Oh the Giants are in the Super Bowl. Preston had faith-here he is during the Packers/Giants play off game. The only thing wrong with this picture is DJ insists on wearing his Redskin shirt despite the fact they are not in the playoffs. I keep calling him a bitter man. Here’s my little Eli staking his ground. Pres insisted on staying up Sunday night to watch them beat the 49er’s. He told me, “Mom, the game is tied 17-17. I have to watch.” How can I argue? I was so proud I almost cried.

Preston had his artwork on display at Barnes and Noble (or No-balls as he says it). I was quite impressed with my little Picasso!

This past weekend DJ and I took the boys bowling. And after adding up what it cost to bowl plus eat I vomited a little. I dread thinking of what Disney must cost. I mean it’s a tad absurd that a Sunday afternoon activity requires refinancing your home. Just saying. Preston was hysterical. His fingers don’t fit into the holes so he was rolling the balls. He had a blast with Caden and Noah. Of course it became a competition as I wanted to win. DJ and my scores are a tad pathetic considering we were bowling with rails up. The PBA tour is certainly not in our immediate future.

And nothing is cuter than this picture-all watching National Geographic sea creatures. Have a great week everyone!

There Go the Holidays

2012-01-09T19:59:00.001-05:00

I’ve been meaning to post this post forever. The holidays came and went in a true whirlwind. Preston was deprived as ever, barely having enough gifts to open. The whole family came down to the RVA to celebrate. I’ve been a major blog slacker, both reading and posting. Not quite sure in the new year if I will just do monthly updates or not, but since I’ve had this draft going, might as well finally post the pictures. Enjoy!

Hanging his Preston star ornament! And he also LOVED his candy a day Advent calendar!

The Wii from his Aunts and Uncles! Book of Mormon tickets for mom and a smoker for dad from the kids this year. It is getting too hard trying to find the perfect gifts from those that have everything!

It is quite nice being with a guy I have absolutely no issues wearing heels with. I was quite spoiled as well this year!

Katie did a 365 day “self portrait” blog. It was AMAZING. Check her out on my blog roll. Her selfers became such a big part of all family gatherings. Everyone wanted to be in one. There was only one gift to give her…her blog in a book. It was the most creative blog ever and I am so proud of her. Of course I ordered the book early and it came at 3:30 pm on December 23rd. GRRRRRR.

It was a GIANTS Christmas!

And off to Grandma and PaPa’s for the pile of presents there!

Pres gets the synthesizer I never got…because I got a globe instead.

Yes my siblings got Legos…from their spouses.

Bike riding on Christmas day. Happy 2012! May it be filled with love and laugher and hope and health!!!

The Tree Snafu

2011-12-18T19:55:00.011-05:00

So we got the tree. There was a picture of it in the last post. I put the lights on the tree Monday night. On Tuesday my mom came over and we decorated the tree. It was so pretty.

I took my mother home and put Preston to bed. I started another task. I looked. I squinted. OMG why is the angel coming forward? Holy crap, the tree is going to fall. So I'm in my living room. Holding the tree. With a sleeping child upstairs who doesn't wake up for smoke alarms next to his ear, so my screaming won't wake him. And there is no one else in my home. See the issue? I see my phone on the coffee table and slide it over with my foot and dial my mom while holding the tree watching ornaments plummet to the carpet. I put her on speaker and we devise a plan. I shimmy (if I even can shimmy-what is shimmy-ing? I suck at dancing so I'm pretty sure i suck at shimmy-ing). In any event I tighten the one bolt loose on the tree stand enough to anchor the tree. I take off all the ornaments and drag the tree to the deck. I don't have the wire to secure it to the wall. There I am. Three hours later looking at the ornaments on the coffee table...again. So we do the whole procedure over Wednesday night. I am Bill Murray and Sonny and Cher are playing in the background. The tree is now secured to my drapery rod hooks. If it falls, it pulls down the drapes. If that happens, Santa is being detoured to my parents because Christmas will officially be banned from my home. Here is the tree part 2.

Almost identical, except we had one ornament casualty. It looks gorgeous. I thank my mom for putting up my tree...twice. This weekend we went up to Maryland for DJ's mom's side of the family's Christmas party. Preston had a blast since there were a ton of kids to play with and he was able to run free in the big backyard. DJ did the organizing (this was a surprise Christmas party for his grandmother). The three boys passed out in the back seat on the way to his parents' later that day. The picture I posted to Facebook was priceless. I also got to see the musical side of DJ this weekend. He spent a good portion of time in one band a few years back. The band he played with this weekend is a cover band. His voice I would say is a mix of Creed and Staind. Seeing that I sing about as well as American Idol hopefuls in auditions (the bad ones), I get so excited to hear people with good voices. I'm sure I am biased, but he was pretty incredible and I was impressed. It was fun going to meet his friends and get to hang out with his sister a bit longer. Here he is jamming out.

And our relationship still lasted through the Giants/Redskins game today-or really the Redskins game since clearly the Giants didn't even come out to play. Hope everyone enjoys the last week of shopping!!!! For good measure...Jaime M. posted a pic of Caty dressed as a reindeer. It reminded me of Preston dressed as a reindeer when he was almost two. Enjoy!

The Birthday Celebration

2011-12-11T19:06:00.001-05:00

Preston’s actual birthday was a big deal. I baked cupcakes for his party in school. He celebrated with all women-my mother, myself, Kelly and Eileen and Katie. We started out opening gifts, then it was off to Longhorn for dinner and then back to our house for more gifts. Clearly this child is not spoiled.

Because this was his Golden Birthday (6 on December 6th), Kelly made a golden basket!

He also got an adorable Build a Bear with an extra outfit from Eileen and Katie and Kelly also bought him Mr. Popper’s Penguins. My mother bought him clothes and books and toys, but nothing was more exciting than this-

I had no idea what to get him this year. So I bought him a flat screen HDTV. You know, the typical gift for a 6th birthday.

This weekend Mel and Katie came down to celebrate the festivities at Pump it Up. This year his party was not cancelled either by his father. We had a great time today!

After the party we went to Buffalo Wild Wings with Katie, my parents, Kim and DJ and the boys. This weekend was also Miss Faith’s baby shower and we bought our Christmas tree. The branches still have not fallen, but DJ got it in the stand for me and the boys did have fun picking it out. So I’ll attempt getting the lights on it tonight!

And I broke down and decided to do Christmas cards, but I am only going to send out a limited number this year. I will post a copy here though. Hope everyone is enjoying the last two weeks before the big day!!! I’m more than halfway done shopping-yippee!!!

Happy 6th Birthday Pres Pres!!!

2011-12-06T09:52:00.005-05:00

My Dearest Preston,

As you turn six years old today I cannot help but think back to the day you were born. It was snowing. It's 70 degrees today. You came into the world screaming....you are still not what we call, "quiet." You are a total Raab in that department. Speaking of Raab, you are officially a Raab now as well. You are the funniest kid on the planet. You challenge me intellectually at six. As I told you, once you pass the bar, I may let you win an argument. You are doing amazing in kindergarten. In fact after the first quarter you've scored over what you need to pass kindergarten. I was a little worried when you left the bubble of Minnieland, but in true Preston fashion you became the mayor of the school, stealing everyone's hearts. All those worries I had on the day you were born are gone. You have shown the world that you are amazing. You have shown the world that differences do not mean less than perfect; that they mean perfection for you! You played soccer for two seasons and you have become an aggressive little player, scoring goals and helping assist. You love trains and I am so proud of how you can navigate the NYC subway system (and you also know how to hail a cab). You love Phineas and Ferb and there is nothing funnier than listening to you belly laugh while watching an episode. You are reading. You are writing. You are doing very well in math (which is great because mommy is terrible). You love music. You listen to everything and can tell me who sings what within a few notes (much like Mommy and Aunt Tinka). Your current fave is "Country Girl" and I catch you in your room singing it and shaking it for me! You've become interested in video games and play many games on Grandma and Mommy's iPhones. You LOVE going out to dinner and trying new foods. You still have a big sweet tooth!

Preston, we cannot go many places in Midlothian where you are not known. I'm ok with being "Preston's Mommy." It's quite the badge of honor. You are the apple of this family's eye. Your Grandma and PaPa love you so darn much. Grandma couldn't even finish singing to you without breaking down because that is how much your presence in our lives mean. Your uncles and aunts love you so much. They have had so much fun watching you grow up and develop into the character you are today. You are Star of the Week this week in school. You and DJ had a great time making your poster and coloring it all in. You are the Star of Every Day for me.

Thank you Preston for being the amazing little boy you are. I am so lucky to be your mother and watch you grow up. Always remain who you are. Reach for the stars. I will be right there next to you every step of the way!!!!

I love you. Happy Birthday.

Love,

Mommy

Let Us Give Thanks

2011-11-27T16:59:00.001-05:00

We spent Thanksgiving in New York again this year. Wednesday night we went to a nice dinner at Aturo’s, The food is so delicious I wish I could box up the restaurant and plant it right here in Midlothian. Alas, I cannot. Preston enjoying his meal! And after dinner, in true New Yorker fashion, Pres hailed us a cab.

Another year…another parade. Preston of course, thinking he owns the city, pushed his way right to the front of the barricades again this year. Minus a minor “snafu” with a woman who definitely believed she owned the City, the parade was a success. The weather was amazing-more April than November. Mom, Dad, Pres and I met up with Jason, Erin-Kate and their two kids, Mya and Collin. If you recall, Jay and I have been friends since 1992. It’s always a blast seeing them!

We had hors de oeuvres at my parents’ apartment before heading out to dinner. It was the first year we ate Thanksgiving out of the home. It kind of was a nice break from cooking and cleaning. The meal was delicious and we went back to the apartment for dessert.

More from the weekend to come……Off to take down the fall decorations! (In 76 degree weather).

Halloween….

2011-11-13T17:38:00.001-05:00

Ok I am finally posting pictures from Halloween…hey it’s not Thanksgiving yet, so…. I’ve been a blog slacker, both writing and commenting on others. Part of me wonders how much longer I’m going to continue. I don’t want to make the blog private because no one really wants to type in more passwords. I don’t want to stop writing completely because I know there are new families that have reached out to me on Facebook after finding my blog. But it pains me to know the only way Preston’s father knows he is still breathing is by checking my blog. I even once was the lucky recipient of a snotty blog comment “anonymously” of course, from his girlfriend. More time and effort should be spent delving into child support arrears (by the way $19,000) and less time on what is going on in my life and making fun of how I look like we are eight years old. So that is my blog quandary.

Halloween was both fun and miserable. Fun because Preston couldn’t get enough of the trick or treating, miserable because the skies opened up as soon as we walked outside. My friend Kim and her mom and boyfriend came with us. Kim’s boyfriend’s daughter and Preston had a blast going from house to house and got a bucket full of candy. He dressed up as a convict this year (like someone we know). Despite the rain, he had a great time.

Some random pictures from our time in New York the weekend of Mel’s wedding.

Mr. & Mrs. Marinelli

2011-11-02T19:29:00.001-04:00

I watched my best friend get married this past weekend. Her wedding was amazing, beautiful, wonderful…the weather…not so much. Rain, snow, wind, frigid temperatures. But it didn’t matter. All bridesmaids put their hair up, we brought the mums inside for pictures and Mel was the ray of sunshine anyway. Her rehearsal dinner was awesome. Her sister in law put on a photo montage to music. Every time Preston saw himself on the montage, he’d raise his hand. Speaking of Preston, someone was an ANGEL. I mean on the best behavior I’ve seen in months. Stinker! Here are some pictures. I’ll post the rest on Facebook this weekend. I love you Mel and Pete. A lifetime of happiness and love to you both!

Love this picture. Brett is either 6’9 or 6’10. Preston called him the Big Man and he was Mr. Tiny.

Pres passed out.

WEDDING DAY!!!!!!!!

Yes she wore red satin shoes!!!! Mel is the biggest shoe fanatic!!!

The godsons!!!!

Then we hit the local bar and took the coolest pictures ever!

Getting introduced was so much fun. We all made up routines. The best man Steve and I did a football toss/run for a touchdown. Mel and Pete came in to “Thriller.”

My maid of honor speech was pretty awesome. Remember for Katie’s I put in 30 Billy Joel song titles? Well since Mel and I are lawyers, as are many of the people in the room, I did a closing argument. Steve was my opposing counsel, Pete was his client, Mel was mine and the guests were the nuptial jury. Complete with my mother’s glasses, I convinced the jury in a unanimous verdict that Mel was the best friend a girl could ever ask for.

Pres passed out….again.

A beautiful day…a beautiful bride….Congratulations again Mel and Pete!!!

Short and Sweet

2011-10-23T17:10:00.001-04:00

We have a HUGE week ahead of us with Aunt Melski’s wedding. Preston’s outfit is all ready, my dress has been resized, my shoes are a go, I even have a weave for my hair if necessary from Jessie. Mel is already freaking a bit about the weather even though I know it’s going to be a gorgeous day and there is no way to predict this far out. My maid of honor speech is ready to be put on paper. My best friend Dennis is coming with me as my plus 1. I figure after 17 years of putting up with me, he’s the perfect date-he knows my family and Mel and can entertain Pres while I give my speech. Even he has been out and about getting a new suit, shoes etc. This is a BIG DEAL! I need the perfect wedding card and a new camera card and we are set! I cannot wait. Mel is going to be the most beautiful bride. I’m so honored to be standing by her side! There will be a couple of blog posts with tons of pictures up next week. Pres told me today, “Mommy, I’m not going to miss PaPa that much this week…we’ll be in New York at the apartment on Thursday.” There you go dad. A real pick me up from your grandson.

Nothing too exciting this weekend-Pres had two soccer games to make up for a rain out weekend. He scored two goals this weekend. He is one little aggressive player out there!

Of course no holiday is complete without themed cupcakes!

Our Mommy/Pres pic o’ the week:

New York here we come!!!!!!

Foray into Fall

2011-10-16T16:57:00.001-04:00

That means pumpkin patch in 85 degree weather. Last weekend we headed down to the Chesterfield Berry Farm to get our pumpkin. Here are some pictures from this event!

A darn shame there was no one else to take pictures---I would have made a mean goat.

This tractor is totally stationary, but it almost appears my dad is driving…and putting off the appearance that he knows what he is doing. I’m not too sure he is succeeding. I’m pretty sure Mr. Manhattan is not a tractor person. However Preston has found what he would like for Christmas….

Got to love the tongue out in concentration.

Some fun pictures from our weekend together.

We are so excited…only two more weekends until Aunt Melski’s wedding! Yay! I have picked up the last piece of Preston’s ensemble…a white oxford button down, his khakis are hemmed and he has his new pair of brown shoes. The look is complete with his brown vest with orange piping. He and Jackson are going to look ADORABLE!

Miracle Mile

2011-10-09T10:58:00.004-04:00

Not the shopping mecca on the North Shore….this is about my miracle baby. Yesterday Katie and I were flipping through the radio stations in my car (we barely let a song end before we are looking for the next one). She stopped on Garth Brooks’ “Unanswered Prayers.” I think these lyrics sum up yesterday:

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers,

Remember when you’re talking to the man upstairs,

That just because he doesn’t answer, doesn't mean he don’t care,

Some of God’s greatest gifts, are unanswered prayers.

In the weeks leading up to Preston’s birth I remember praying so hard. Praying that the doctor’s were wrong about everything. That Preston’s limbs were going to grow. That he’d be “normal.” That the ultrasound technicians (all ten of them) measured wrong. Please God let him live. Let him not have any form of dwarfism.
The answered prayer: He lived.

The unanswered prayer: He had dwarfism.

I’ve said many times that I didn’t realize what I blessing I was being given at the time. If Preston’s limbs had grown I’d have one less “family.” I’d view normal in the ways I always used to view normal. I’d probably never have started this blog. I’d never have had the opportunity to be taught so much from a little boy. Katie signed Preston up for his first race yesterday to benefit the Children’s Hospital in Richmond. I figured he would run a bit of the “Mascot Mile.” I’d walk along the sidewalk and follow him. He’d maybe get tired. Actually what really happened was Preston ran/jogged the whole thing, with maybe about 1 minute total of walking or resting (prompted by me). To watch this child’s determination, his drive was nothing short of amazing.

He is literally in flight with his tongue out in the above picture. It was this point when I realized I would actually have to run with him. So I ran carrying my camera, my coffee mug and my BlackBerry. Clearly I underestimated Preston’s desire to show all what he can do.

He totally was so excited about the cheering going on for him along the sidelines. At this point I was exhausted and realized that Preston kills me in stamina.

After his race think he was tired? Nope. He hung out in the bounce house until it was time to wait for Katie to complete the 10K and my parents the 5K. Katie also beat her personal record! GO TINKA!!!!!

What a great day. Preston, Mommy is so beyond proud of you. Thank you once again for showing me how amazing you are, what a gift you are to me and the rest of the world. Thank you God for my unanswered prayer.

Not a Ton to Share

2011-09-25T18:10:00.001-04:00

Week 3 of kindergarten is under his belt. Mastering the triangle and rectangle (grrrrrr). It’s been raining non-stop which cancelled soccer for this weekend. We met up yesterday with my friend Kim who babysits Ivy and took the kids out to lunch. Watching two only children who have been friends since they were 2 1/2 interact is so funny. They bicker like a married couple. Eye rolling, hand waving, it’s truly hysterical. Preston’s change of schedule has us out of the house by 7:00-7:15 every morning. Naturally by the time the weekend rolls around he sleeps in (a yay for Mommy) and sometimes he’ll just get super quiet and this is how I will find him….

Just some handsome pictures of the dude…..

Today was a great day….Yankees pushed the Sawx even lower in the wild card race and the Giants beat the Eagles. Go NY!!! Have a great week!

Kicking Off the Season!

2011-09-18T14:43:00.001-04:00

Preston loved soccer so much in the spring, he is playing fall soccer as well. The Midlothian Youth league merged with Richmond Kickers, so gone are the blue jerseys and in with the new swanky red. He really got aggressive at the end of last season, scoring goals and assisting, and started his first game off with a goal! He’s gotten very good and really pays attention to the rules of the game! Go Electric Sharks!

I had a great weekend too. Friday night girls night out with Kim, Melissa and Abby, a 31 bag party at Ms. Delores’ house and last night went to a new Asia Fusion restaurant with my friend Felicia I haven’t seen in over six months. It was a distraction from the fact it was under 70 degrees this weekend….grrrrrrr.

Two weeks of kindergarten under his belt. He’s been challenged with the shapes square and circle-next up triangle….OK I understand the beginning of the school year needs to focus on shapes, colors and letters to figure out where all the kids are. I get this. I’m just nervous he’ll get bored and start decided class clown is more fun. I did express this to his teacher at Open School Night. Also I was happy to hear that he is already very popular in school. He decided he doesn’t want to buy lunch so I’m packing his lunchbox daily. We’re starting to really gel into our routine. Have a great week everyone! Fall TV starts this week. What are you watching???

Never Forget and New Steps

2011-09-11T15:05:00.001-04:00

Ten years ago today was the saddest day in American history. A friend put on Facebook that the hardest thing is trying to explain to your children why that day took place. How do you explain in incomprehensible? The senseless? The tragedy? How do I explain it, when even I, ten years later cannot even scratch the surface of understanding. I cannot watch a memorial without crying. I don’t remember much ten years ago that vividly. I can remember every moment of that day. Every.Single. Moment. And now trying to teach my son that there are horrible people in this world, that there are things mommy cannot answer. That there are no answers. Just try to quell his five year old fears that we will be ok, even though I don’t know if we will. We will never forget. We will always remember. God Bless America. God Bless all those lost. God Bless the Vianna family today and always.

Because of the heightened terror threat, my travel time would have been much longer and with Preston who had just started kindergarten, it just sadly meant we stayed home this weekend. I sadly missed Mel’s Bachelorette party. I know she had an amazing day and I was heartbroken to miss.

The new steps this week was Preston starting kindergarten. We are slowly getting into a routine of being up at 5:30 (me) and 6:00 (him-or then 6:15 or my 6:30 with me dragging him out of bed). Soccer started and the first game is next weekend. Last week we got up to date on all the immunizations that he would have had to get by age 6 anyway and then it was off to orientation!

The night before his first day, grandma and PaPa took him out to Fleming’s steakhouse for dinner. The chef made Pres his own celebratory cake!

Tuesday was a miserable rainy day. Totally stinky for back to school. Preston was so excited. Here he is before leaving and then getting breakfast at Minnieland before departing to the “big bus.”

And yes…I followed the bus to school. In tears.

And clearly kindergarten is knocking this little dude out!

But not out enough to spend yesterday in the fountains with his friend Ivy!

Hope everyone’s back to school was a success! Here’s to a wonderful school year!

It’s the Most Horrible Time of the Year

2011-09-05T14:36:00.001-04:00

There is a four letter “f” word that I cringe every time I hear. Fall. I hate that today is Labor Day. And every media outlet tells you how it’s the “unofficial end of summer.” GRRRR. I feel that summer gets such a bad rap. Everyone loves fall, then the holidays get everyone's mind off how it is MISERABLY cold outside and then spring is the rebirth and the blooms. But poor summer kind of gets kicked in the corner. Everyone gets excited about it for it and then it gets HOT because let’s think…it’s summer and by June 25th everyone is looking forward to fall. Maybe not everyone. I like to think there are a few who stand with me in the love for summer. Ok it’s not that I hate fall. I mean clearly there are some positives, the NFL, the Yankees in the post season, the fall TV lineup, pumpkin coffee from Dunkin. I just know what is coming. The bare trees, dead grass, cold weather, night comes at 4:30, I go back to being as pale as Casper. There is SNOW! What is appealing about that? I already have decided it’s Arizona for retirement. I hate coats. I don’t like wearing gloves. I also am bitter that the pool closed and it’s still hot in Virginia until November. So I plod through. And I think thoughts of Mid March.

This weekend we went to Maryland for Jaxson and Jude’s Pirate Birthday party. The night before we went to Paula’s for a sleepover. Jason made Preston’s weekend by taking the boys to the fire house to climb all over the trucks. Thank you Jason. You’re a good sport. Three boys out of the house so Paula and I could catch up and relax! Preston LOVED spending time with Jax and Peyton. The pirate party was amazing. I truly cannot think of a better time for boys. I was super impressed with the fact they all get dressed up and how the entire ride is based around a treasure hunt. So cute. Here are some pics! Pres got VERY into being a pirate “ARGH.” Also in case you were wondering, pirates are also Yankee fans.

After the boat ride we went to Quiet Waters Park for a bbq and cake. it was so great seeing everyone again. I love our Mid Atlantic crew! It was such a fun filled day that Pres fell asleep after two minutes in the car and stayed asleep until I opened my garage.

Yesterday we went to the end of summer pool party at the pool and spent from 10:30 through 5:30 at the pool. There was a DJ and a bubble machine. Seriously I am thinking of purchasing one for my driveway. It kept him and the other kids busy for HOURS. We had one heck of a fun summer at the pool. Met a lot of great friends, caught up with others and Preston started to learn how to swim. Until next year……

Our Labor Day self portrait!

Next up-KINDERGARTEN tomorrow!!!

REALLY????

2011-08-29T20:19:00.003-04:00

Here is a picture I snapped of Pres last Monday morning:

Getting ready to start a new week. I was ignoring Irene and pretending it wasn’t really going to hit the good ol’ RVA. Fast forward about ten hours from this picture and a call comes through my cell phone. Sue, the director of Pres’ school says, “Preston fell. He’s ok. But very banged up.” Apparently he was pushed accidentally off the playground when he and the other boys were running around. I walked in and he looked like he went a few rounds with Tyson. Because he fell onto the spongy ground his entire forehead was mottled. He had red, raw scrapes under his nose and chin and scrapes up and down his shoulder and arms. Awesome. Bath time was fun. With the stinging water.

And then there was Tuesday. And I snapped this pic. And you have to love the shirt-because let everyone think he is an offensive lineman instead of the fact he got banged up on a playground.

And so it goes. We are off to start a Tuesday. And then 1:51pm hits. My co-worker is in my office. We hear what sounds akin to cattle running across the ceiling. But it doesn’t stop. And I feel the cattle apparently under my floor as well. And we realize that the Earth is SHAKING. Here are my thoughts in the 35 seconds this 5.9 magnitude earthquake is hitting RICHMOND VIRGINIA mind you, “Oh my God. What do I do? Under my desk right? Or was that air raid drills? Doorway!” (which I later find out from Mel is the worst place to be but whatever. “Ok I’m in the doorway. I see everyone. We are all in doorways. Should I run? Is this building going? Oh my God, the building is going to go. I shouldn’t run down stair wells. Where is Preston right now? My mother? I’m going to run. Why won’t the building stop shaking? Should I take my white Louis Vuitton?” My heart never beat so fast. I never felt so powerless. I never felt more for the victims of 9-11 in the Twin Towers. But it stopped and I ran to the phone which somehow had not shut down and was the first…(of course) panicky parent to call the school. And Portia the director hears me say, “Portia, this is going to sound crazy, but we had an earthquake in the West End….” This is how ridiculous I was at that moment that I thought clearly no earthquake in the West End of Richmond can be felt 25 minutes south west of Richmond. Apparently the kids slept through it. Considering Preston would sleep soundly in an Afghanistan war zone with Cirque du Soleil performing, I had no doubts he didn’t feel a thing. Then I was on a hunt for my mother, even having her paged at the gym. She had been driving but I had visions of her curio cabinet on the floor. I mean an earthquake in Virginia. One more magnitude on that Richter scale and there would be Bono and a telethon in central Virginia. We all survived, one picture fell off my wall and didn’t break. It was something I never hope to feel again. I think the most annoying thing was the delay in receiving text messages. Obviously should the world end on 12-21-12, I will not fair well during the mass destruction.

And then there was Saturday. I went food shopping the night before a hurricane. For my weekly groceries. And laughed that there was a lone loaf of bread on the shelves. I bought fresh flowers, fruits, veggies and wine. There was no panicking from me. After all, I had things to do tomorrow. Like my standing every seven week highlight/lowlight appointment with Jessie. Woke up on Saturday and there was more wind blowing from my a/c than Irene. Here is Preston watching the drizzle.

Getting ready to head to my parents for the Giant/Jet game (which I didn’t get the memo at that time the game had been postponed).

Then Jessie texted me the salon had no hot water. Um, look at Exhibit A above. Clearly I will withstand frigid water since I am gone for the next two Saturdays and cannot deal with that two inch mess on the top of my head. I’ve never seen Jess do foils so quick. I escaped the salon and five minutes later, Chesterfield County was black. Nary a light anywhere. Except Sandy’s house. So I charged my BlackBerry. My parents with their gas stove had homemade meatballs going so we’d weather this Irene until she left us in the morning. I was pacing by 11. I hate not knowing. Why had the power not gone back on? Where was the grid? Why can’t they fix the grid? What makes the grid even go down? If there are trees on the lines (which there were) I didn’t know because I had no TV, no computer, no Internet, no Facebook. I hate not having answers. In my profession when I question a witness they have to answer. The obvious response was relax, take a break, have a glass of wine. I even put the iPod in the battery iHome, but after a few dances with Pres around the kitchen I was done. By 7 am with a flashing red battery left in my BlackBerry that is begging for juice (and the shakes setting in), I was on a quest for what makes me move and become slightly less cranky…caffeine. No power equals No Keurig. I was halfway down Hull Street when my neighbor texted (I was running the BlackBerry on pure hope and a dream at this point) that we were back up! I raced back to my parents and saved as much food from their (two) fridges and freezers and ran home to make a HUGE pot of coffee. So we survived. There are some without power still. Like Mel. Who e-mailed me to tell me she had a lot of activities planned that sadly all required electricity. Including flat ironing her hair tomorrow I would presume. I truly think at this point I’d be beside myself with no lights. Here are Pres and I after the storm. We even went to Sunday Park to sit on the docks and watch the boats.

And at that point the weekend was over….yeah. Not so much. Preston made the brilliant decision after a viewing of Toy Story 3 to try out couch diving while I went upstairs to the bathroom. It didn’t end well. And his chest hit his wooden step stool. So I hear a (very) audible thud following by a scream. He was hyperventilating. Once I calmed him down and I felt his chest, I was slightly reassured that he was ok. His sternum hurt so we were off to the Kid Med that opened so close to my house Pres can spit on it, (even though he requested the hospital). After a series of chest x-rays and a sticker and ice pop I very happily put the monkey to bed. I am hoping he takes that activity out of his repertoire. REALLY???? Really.

Today….well today was pretty boring…and I am SO ok with that.

Introducing….PRESTON RAAB!!!

2011-08-21T14:20:00.001-04:00

There are three things I wished for when I was divorced….and this year two of these wishes have come true. I have closed and moved into our home, the home I built for Preston and this past Friday, August 19, 2011, my son is now officially and legally, Preston Raab. The change of last name is something I have dreamed about-not to mention how irate I become when calling CVS for a prescription only to hear, “Oh it will be ready in 15 minutes Mrs. Lombardo.” Vomit. When I saw that written Order I could not help but tear up. It’s been myself and my family, the Raabs who have supported and raised this fine young man. Just in time for kindergarten (and labeling all the school supplies)! Here he is!

I picked him up from school, sat him on the playground and showed him the name on the Order. He looked at it and said, “Yes!” It was such a great moment. To celebrate, Preston, Miss Kim and I all went out to dinner. Yesterday my mother took him to Target to pick out toys to celebrate his new identity.

Monkey and Mommy Raab!

This and That

2011-08-15T19:05:00.002-04:00

Tinka and Steve came down to spend the weekend. Due to a fire in the eastern part of the state, the smoke would have made Busch Gardens a non-ideal spot for Saturday. Over Easter everyone noticed Preston, who uses his right hand, can’t throw right to save his life. Yet throwing left, he’s dead on accurate. It’s like A.J. Burnett verses Mariano Rivera. And we need him to throw a bit more Mo. Steve and Katie had bought Pres a righty mitt for Christmas. But Uncle Steve to the rescue with a new lefty mitt! What a great uncle!

And no trip to Short Pump is complete without a train ride!

Preston loves trains. It’s really no secret. He’ll even spend hours reading his train “maps.”

Another super funny t-shirt that Grandma bought Pres.

Of course I can never resist a photo shoot with the love bug! I cannot believe he is starting Kindergarten in three weeks. Of course we are starting dry runs in the morning to get him ready for the bus! How is he going to Kindergarten?

Mel’s Bridal Shower

2011-08-07T08:57:00.001-04:00

What an amazing bridal shower. It was such a gorgeous day! Debbie and Erin put together one heck of a party. Here are some pictures from the amazing day! The bridal party gave Mel a honeymoon basket with her luggage, flip flops, candlelight dinner and couple’s massage on the beach at their resort and other little goodies:

I bought her candles from Yankee Candle and wrote her a note for when she should light each candle through the year. Her mom, Debbie, wrote her a poem using household items. Tara and Teri asked Pete questions about Mel. Every time she would get a question wrong she’d have to chew a piece of gum. Of course at first we told her it would be a cherry tomato. And Mel abhors tomatoes!

Here are some other pics from the day!

My Son has Gotten Some Sun

2011-07-31T14:08:00.002-04:00

Going through the pics for the blog this week I realized just how tan Preston is, even with wearing SPF 195 for kids. This picture I took last weekend when he got a little too much on his nose. I was dragging the fish from the pool:

Preston hangs in my room a lot to play with the little bear on my bed that he bought me for Mother’s Day that sings “Wind Beneath my Wings.”

My parents were in Chicago last weekend and Preston really wanted the wooden CTA trains to add to his collection. Naturally there was no transit store that they found so thanks to the internet, these arrived (along with a NJ Transit for good measure) at my mom’s two days later. His eyes are shining. Literally. It would be if like you took me to Louis Vuitton and said pick out four new bags you’d like.

Chris and Anna were in Europe a few weeks back. They are going to the Olympics next year (of course they are-these are people who when you ask them what they are doing for the weekend they say things like, “Jump out of a plane”). Anyway, they picked up this jersey for Preston. I feel good about this, getting Olympic gear before the Olympics. Unlike the last time when I was cheated out of the USA Ralph Lauren hat…still bitter.

Here is my little goofball and I. Because of rain today (so. not. happy), we are not outside. Boo. Hope everyone is having a great week!!!

Catching Up!

2011-07-24T13:31:00.001-04:00

With so many events going on I have not posted about our POLP meet up in Sandy Point Park in Maryland two weeks ago. The Mazur family was up for Peyton’s appointments in Baltimore, so the Mid Atlantic families got together. Preston had a blast at the beach with his friends. I forgot why I hate the beach with kids until after when nine pounds of sand was in my car. I’ll let the pictures do the talking:

The beach stud:

Best Friends:

The obligatory selfer:

Even though Pres has quite the tan, the sun was so strong and I made him wear his shirt. Pres and Simon are becoming very good buddies. Even saw each other twice in one weekend!

Seriously I cannot deal with that picture of Pres and Pey! They are adorable! The Mazur girls are very good swimmers and Pres was so excited to jump right into the mix!

This weekend we have done ZERO traveling after two fun filled weekends but spent a ton of time up at the pool. Apparently it’s very hot outside this weekend. Preston had his first swimming lesson today. It’s amazing how much he listens to adults other than myself. He is becoming quite the little fish, even under water! He also loves jumping off the sides of the pool-especially to show off to the pretty girls in bikinis. Yesterday after we came home and he ate dinner I told him I was jumping into the shower. When I came out and there was dead silence I walked into his room only to find this-

Here are some pics from the pool today! We just came home for lunch and we are heading back in!

New York Getaway

2011-07-19T19:09:00.001-04:00

We hadn’t been to New York for a long time and with Chris in from Arizona, what better time. What a whirlwind weekend. Lots of visiting and driving. Got to spend time with my oldest friends, Mel and Cheryl. Thursday we rolled up north and get to my parents’ apartment. The apartment is located one block from the East River with a fabulous park. Preston had a great time running all over the place.

Friday morning Pres and I headed over to the “Surge” or the surgery center where Aunt Tinka works. Preston had a great time getting loved on by everyone and exploring PaPa’s office. And always photo opportunities with my beautiful sister!

Then it was off to Long Island to have brunch with Aunt Cheryl!!!

Third stop on Friday was my cousin Jeffrey and Phyllis’ house. Gosh our family is LOUD! Phyllis is the most amazing cook and homemade Italian food….yes please! Preston and Uncle Charlie were infatuated with Jeffrey’s bike.

Last stop was Aunt Melski’s. We spent the night there and then when off to Katie and Steve’s in the morning.

Katie and Steve moved to the South Shore on the water. The pool overlooked the bay with the most fantastic breeze. Preston enjoyed lots of pool time with his aunt and uncle!

It’s so funny how Katie and I get so many freckles on our nose as soon as we are out in the sun! I will also point out how clearly the sun is stronger in Virginia!

Last stop for Saturday was a huge Italian meal at Umberto’s with Grandma and Father Bill. So much food. It was AH-MAZING. I further point out that while Katie did a fab job on her make up, I did her hair!

And this is how Preston spent his dinner…..

It was a nice weekend to spend with the whole family, good friends and food!!! Including bagels!!!!

The Camengas Visit and Busch Gardens with the Greenes!

2011-07-09T20:34:00.001-04:00

What a fun filled few days. Emily and Devon and the three amigos came through Virginia on their way to Myrtle Beach. It was such a great visit. Emily was my very first POLP friend and it is unreal that the boys are 6 and 5 1/2. Liam was of course the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Mel told me I should steal him. I almost did. The kids played as if no time had passed since the last time we saw each other. It was so great to catch up with Emily and Devon too. Here are some pics of the kiddos!

Devon was such a good sport with three wild beasts on his back!

An impossibility to get three kids to smile and one not be silly!

After breakfast and a much too fast visit, we were off to Busch Gardens to meet up with Jenn, Jason, Simon and Jude. We did miss the storms. (Pres and I were having ice cream when the first one hit!) Pres always has a blast with Simon. It’s so great that they are becoming such fast friends. Jenn and I must also share a tiny part of a brain. We were both wearing matching shades of nail polish on our toes! Out of all the colors and brands-same one!

We are off tomorrow to Sandy Pointe Park to meet up with our POLP group! What a weekend!

How is it July 4th?

2011-07-04T14:14:00.001-04:00

Seriously! This summer is just flying by! Last weekend my mother and I raced to get last minute pool toys because I’m sure tomorrow all the back to school items will be out with Christmas decorations waiting in the wings. It’s been super hot here in the RVA this past week. Preston has become quite the fan of the pool even submerging himself under water and jumping into the low end. Just a few pics from this week:

This past Saturday Preston was asked on a date with Kelly and Alec to go see Cars 2. Kelly sent him a card in the mail decorated with all Cars stickers. He was bouncing off the walls excited Saturday morning, even agreeing to grab a sweatshirt just in case the theatre got cold. I think he thought he was hot stuff not going with mommy.

Kelly also bought Pres a goodie bag with Cars figures, stickers, a bowl and a dry erase board. He had the best time. Thank you Kelly and Alec for treating Pres to such a good time. Yesterday my parents hosted a big Raab BBQ. I could not even fit all of the appetizers in one photo! Then there was dinner and dessert!

Happy Fourth everyone! Big week ahead-a visit from the Camengas, Williamsburg with the Greenes and a POLP get together on Sunday! Whoo hoo!

Our Boys Get Together!

2011-06-26T11:19:00.001-04:00

Yesterday Preston and I were visited by Jenn, Simon, Jude, Amanda, Corey, Parker and Paula, Jax and Peyton for a fun filled boys Saturday! We started the day off at CiCi’s Pizza. This place is a totally great place for kids. All you can eat pizza, pasta and desserts and video games!

Then we went back to my house for cake, bubbles and the boys had a blast playing in Pres’ room and with his train table. Amazingly, my son was great with sharing! Go Preston!

Then we were off to my parents’ house to roast marshmallows! Jax fell asleep on the way over and I HAD to take this picture since Preston has fallen asleep on this very chair many of times!

It was such a fun day. As we all agreed, we are so lucky to live in the MidAtlantic! It’s like a National every month! Wish our West Coast friends could join us! Love you girls! Thank you so much for coming!

Also this week was the first swim meet for the development. My mother and father won a personal table for all home swim meets. Tuesday night we were up at the pool cheering on the Marlins.

And just because this is the PERFECT shirt for my son!

Happy Father’s Day

2011-06-19T15:42:00.001-04:00

Father’s Day. Every year I say the same thing. It’s a bittersweet day for me. I am so grateful that my father can also be the man my son looks up to and aspires to be. Considering his real father might as well be in Dubai (where he once thought he was selling real estate) , I am so blessed that my father has taken such an active role in Preston’s life. My heart aches for how he will feel when he grows up, asks questions, wants to know why another child is more important (my guess is room and board), why he’s not worth supporting. I also then think though he doesn’t seem to ask many questions now. He’s so well adjusted, intelligent and amazing. I will say, I did feel compelled to help myself to a donut at Donuts for Dads at school on Friday!

Preston brought home a poem from school and some coupons. We rewrote the poem and replaced “Dad” with “PaPa” and made the coupons specific to things they will do together. (i.e. play baseball in the backyard, go to Lowe’s, wash the car and clean the garage). Preston while decorating the poem with stickers told me that PaPa will bring the poem into his office and all the nurses will ask, “Did Preston make that?” and then Papa will say., “Yes.” and the nurses will say, “Wow, that is so nice of Preston.” I couldn't stop laughing. Here is the poem:

“Walk a little slower PaPa".” said a child so small.

“I’m following your footsteps and I don’t want to fall.

Sometimes your steps are very fast,

Sometimes they’re hard to see;

So walk a little slower PaPa

For you are leading me.

Someday when I’m all grown up,

You’re what I want to be;

Then I will have a little child

Who’ll want to follow me.

And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true;

So walk a little slower PaPa,

For I must follow you!

Thank you dad for being so wonderful. I love you.

We got my dad some new lounging pjs for porch and took him out for breakfast. Now we are relaxing before preparing his favorite dinner-roast beef!

Some pics of myself and the dude! Don’t know how well you can see the jewelry in the picture but my mother bought me this set (necklace, earrings and bracelet) after yet another court date with Matt a few weeks back. It’s been quite a five years. I just love the set so much!

I just have to share a few pics from the past week. Last weekend we headed down to Williamsburg with my mom and Kelly. Once again a pure photo opportunity appeared for my mother and Preston obliged…of course.

That morning Preston was being ornery and told me how he wasn’t going to listen to anybody in kindergarten. I told him that was fine, but Santa would be watching by that point and just won’t bring any gifts. About a minute later he was crying and telling me, “But if Santa doesn’t bring me anything, I’ll just be so SAD!” (Dramatic… slightly. I’m pretty sure he won’t be skipping the house any time soon). In any event, how cool that at Yankee Candle, it’s Christmas all year round, so Pres got to sit on Santa’s lap, add his name to the official “good” list and promised to see him in December. I also thought it was cool Santa sports summer gear including red crocs…which coincidentally (or not really) were the color crocs he picked out at the outlets later that day.

Preston’s class also sang for a nursing home this week. Look how handsome:

Hope everyone has a great week!

Movin’ on Up!

2011-06-12T08:24:00.001-04:00

Preston graduated preschool. Truly I don’t know how this happened. It was as if I blinked, and five and half years have passed. Preston had a wonderful nanny from six months until about 22 months. Here is Preston on his first day of school back in New York:

The past two years Montessori focused on the continents. Therefore each child was assigned a continent to dress up as for graduation. This caused me much stress. We just had come up with a costume for the Q&U Wedding. He was Antarctica. Frantically I called Miss Kim the night before who said, “Just go to Ben Franklin and get a white shirt, glue on some pom poms. He’ll be fine.” Recall…fear of craft stores. I’ve talked about this on numerous occasions. I braved Ben Franklin Thursday at lunch. On of the paralegals even texted me during the process to make sure I was doing ok. I was actually quite pleased with the costume I came up with! Although when I came home and he asked me if I got his costume, I replied with, “Yes. You will be the best Asia ever.” He seriously almost had a heart attack. “MOM! I’m Antarctica! I told you that!” (*evil snicker). I bought him Where the Sidewalk Ends since he is loving all the poems in A Light in the Attic. I wrote, “May your sidewalk never end.” I also bawled when buying him a card that played “Pomp and Circumstance.”

Of course, Preston had to be the biggest ham of all. Here is a portion of the “Continents Song.” The lyrics are, the world is round and there’s lots of land. Seven big pieces and it’s really grand. They’re called continents. Continents.” Check out the facial expressions during the continents. He should have his own television show.

And I like the above picture so much, I’m overlooking the lipstick on my teeth. I’m ok with it. They made buses with pictures of each kid going to the area elementary schools.

Pres with his teachers, Miss Christine, Miss Kim and Miss Suzette.

Other happenings in June. My mother’s goddaughter Katie stopped in Virginia to sleep over on her way to New York to visit. It’s so nice to see her always and we had a lot of laughs.

And a picture of Pres being super handsome:

My mother bought him a sleeping t-shirt with all the New York boroughs on it. He is a huge fan!

This t-shirt mom bought him which we feel sums up his love for snacks:

And because we can have no pictures lately without the signature pointing:

Our Beantown Visit!

2011-06-07T18:52:00.001-04:00

Pres and I had the best time in Boston this weekend. The family is Boston is huge and some have not seen Preston in the flesh since he was four months old. Thanks to Facebook and the blog, everyone can keep up, but they were blown away by the dude. I believe it was Ann who said, “It’s a darn shame that kid is so shy!” He was right in the mix immediately. Kristen was graduating and in true Carol and Fred fashion they threw an amazing party. With cousin Kathy flying in too, what a perfect weekend to go to Boston!

Preston en route to Boston. He was so cute with his rolling Thomas luggage. He got through the first TSA agent, then dutifully sat down and took off his shoes. Spoiled flyer much? We arrived in Logan, picked up a Ford Edge (like Jeter) to drive and it was off to Nunny’s house for meatballs and pasta. Saturday was the party. Here are some pictures with more to come on Facebook.

Preston and my nephew Isaiah. They are like two peas in a pod!

Pres and Cousin Kim who is having a little girl in the fall! YAY!

Playing cornhole…and bossing Sally around.

Playing badminton with Cousin Lauren and her boyfriend Corey. I love Lauren because she is so brave to be the only Yankee fan in the Red Sox Nation family!

With Cousin Kathy. Kathy and I are also going to start a sports show together. No really, one day. A Red Sox/Pats fan vs. a Yankee/Giants fan. It will be great.

With Aunt Carol….he’s kind of cool right?

Even cooler with the shades.

With Uncle Fred.

Playing with Uncle Steve, until “Sweet Caroline” and “New York, New York” came on. Then he decided to hop up on this rock and become (*shocker), center of attention.

Entertaining Uncle Mike.

Getting ready to go to Kristen’s play off softball game!

At the game with Aunt Ann and Mike!

Sunday morning Preston hung out at Nunny’s and Aunt Linda took him upstairs to play with Sarge, the dog. Preston pronounces Sarge with a Boston accent. It’s pretty funny.

And he woke up his cousin Emily too:

Pres and Nunny.

Then it was off for our day in the North End and the Harbor. We met up with Aunt Tinka who was visiting with Maeve, Jessica (with Michael, Avery and Taylor) and Alyssia and Brooke Green with Rider and little Nate and my friend Kim, whom I worked with in Manhattan and have not seen for six years! She just had a baby, Addison. The cuteness abounded! Of course, Preston was in his glory because he rode the T. As long as there is a dirty subway station, my son is in Heaven. Brooke picked out Regina Pizzeria. Such great pizza. And the best part-Mike’s Pastries for dessert!

My friend Kim and her baby Addison!

And minus the snafu (as Mel aptly put it) with the A/C valve on our plane and having to go on a new plane, the trip was a major success!

Our Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-30T16:35:00.001-04:00

First, to the men and women that have fought for this country, to protect our freedoms, who have laid down their lives and those that continue to fight, thank you. On Saturday we went grocery shopping early. Preston saw the vets outside the food store. He thanked them for fighting for us. One of the older vets said, “Well, I still fight…but with my wife." Saturday we went to the pool for awhile, then Preston and PaPa roasted marshmallows together.

Yesterday we drove up to Amy’s house for a POLP get together. We had such a great time! A big thanks to Amy and Tim for hosting! They have a beautiful home and it is so great to get the kids together!

After our play-date in Maryland, we drove back for a dinner bbq in Virginia. (Thanks Paula for being impressed). Pres is such a rock star in the car so I don’t mind doing long day trips. The highlight of Preston’s evening? Riding the go-cart with Alec and Kelly. This is the Alec that wrote that gorgeous essay about Preston.

Today it was back to the pool. He is loving the pool and playing with his friends. And making ridiculous faces:

And in an ever so seasonal mood-Pres is watching Christmas movies as we get ready for the bbq tonight. 97 degrees outside, but Rudolph and Polar Express inside. I love this kid!

We’re Still Here

2011-05-25T22:37:00.001-04:00

Mel may have burst her top if she did not see new pics of her adorable godson. We’ve been busy around here lately. TV ended for the season. Although the Bachelorette and America’s Got Talent will keep me occupied as well as the Yankees. I just finished another season of American Idol. Loved it! Until January…which will be here before we know it I’m sure. Right now the 90 degree weather has settled into the Richmond area. I must share. For my son who absolutely, positively SUCKED at sleeping for such a long time (almost two years on and off) he can seriously sleep anywhere and through a war. Exhibits 1 and 2.

He also has had great fun with an animal sticker book my mother bought for him. You make up stories with the animals and use your creativity.

He’s had birthday parties too! One of his friends lives on a real farm. Her birthday party had horse rides, hay rides, cotton candy, bounces house, Sno cones and popcorn! Even the parents had a blast. He really is my kid-he will talk to and make friends with anyone. After thirty minutes at the party a little boy he does not know declared Preston was his best friend.

And ever the clown my son at his friend Ivy’s birthday at an indoor gymnastics pavilion. Instead of goodie bags the mom gave each kid a copy of Shel Silverstein’s “A Light in the Attic.” I am having a trip down memory lane reading these poems to him. So far, “Messy Room” is his favorite. Mine was “Sick-I cannot go to School” but alas, that is in “Where the Sidewalk Ends” so we’ll need to get that soon too!

How amazingly perfect is this shirt (I’ll save you the asking-Target)!

My mother is obsessed with buying Preston pretty much everything, but loves buying him pajamas and socks. Here is the combo he picked out last night when we slept over.

My mom and dad were in New York this weekend. I am so insanely jealous they had tickets to the Yanks/Mets subway series and sat behind home plate about 15 rows back. My mother so sweetly captured my favorites. I also just have to share the pictures. I miss New York so much sometimes I can cry so I am so thankful they have an apartment there so we can come and go as we please.

A-Rod may be obnoxious, but he’s smoking hot.

My man…Number 2.

Have a great week everyone.

American Idol-Final Three

2011-05-18T22:58:00.001-04:00

I’m beyond exhausted tonight, but alas, I blog. I am sorry if you made a comment on here last week and it’s gone. Blogger, I am told, had some issues. Anyway, three rounds tonight-finalist’s pick, Jimmy’s pick and judge’s pick. Every year my brother Chris and I try to pick the judge’s pick. We lost again. Our picks for the contestants this year, was a Dylan song for Scotty (to get off the country kick for maybe 2.4 seconds), Amy Winehouse for Haley and Etta James’ “At Last” or Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why” for Lauren. Not even close. Thanks for playing Chris. Observations from tonight-J. Lo I believe feels threatened by Beyonce. J-Lo’s earrings were too small for her hair being up. Considering Lauren wore one pair that may have been a bouquet of flowers, J.Lo’s paled in comparison. Steven may have been slightly altered tonight considering he told Scotty, ‘I’ve never heard you sing a chorus like that!” But he had… according to his very own comment…two songs earlier. And Randy. Randy who still has not answer the call from 1991 that costumes were stolen off the set of the video, “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.” Also, who thinks Jay-Z really skimped in that engagement ring department? Good Heavens! I’ve seen cars smaller. I was also confused about the video premiere. First, don’t tell us it’s a full uncut video when 1) you cut it halfway through and 2) you had the words edited so it’s TV friendly. Ah Beyonce videos. They reaffirm how awful a dancer I truly am.

I found myself a little bored tonight with Scotty even though I love him truly. He came out Round 1 with his signature denim. I really wanted Beyonce to suggest her sweetheart’s hit “Big Pimpin.” I mean, we get it, you can sing Lonestar and Garth Brooks and every other country song well. We…get…it. But it would have been fun to break the mold a bit. Jennifer requested his short hair back right after I told my mother I liked Scotty’s hair longer. After Scotty’s final song Ryan asked Scotty’s dad if he had any words. Was anyone else hearing the hidden message of “Hot damn! We are so going to be rich!”?

Lauren was the worst dressed contestant this year. During her first song where she was all dolled up in her little cowgirl outfit I couldn’t help but think she was a contestant in Toddlers in Tiaras. She is so beauty pageant-ty. She also wins for most ridiculous line of the night, “I’ve been singing Faith Hill since I was a little girl.” Which was what? Last year? Her second song was ok and for her final song not only was she dressed like Glinda the good witch (just in blue) but I swear she went from a blond to a brunette! That was about the only impressive aspect of her performances tonight for me.

Haley-Wins tonight. I’m with you Bobbi (I saw your Facebook status)! After she fell in five inch heels, I was messaging my friend Josh, (also a lawyer) and asked if his mind immediately went to negligence (although I assume wearing five inch heels may put some contributory negligence on Haley’s part). He had predicted the wipe out prior to its happening. Impressive. How cute that she performed with her dad? One thing you’d never see is me singing and my dad jamming on a guitar. I mean the image enough is hilarious. Anyone who knows my father knows is never really out of a suit…with a French cuff shirt…and coiffed hair. (Love you Daddy). Although he may have rocked out to “Werewolves of London” with a blow up guitar once that was passed out by the DJ at his 50th birthday bash-(Katie? Mel? Remember)? Loved her ensemble (shoes and dress) on her Stevie Nicks song. Did not love the wind machine. If you are going to use a wind machine (which I question why in the first place) perhaps not picking the turbo setting would be appropriate. At one point it reminded me of that old Maxell cassette tape advertisement.

Her last song-Alanis.The 90’s answer to “You’re so Vain.” The song that even was centered around a Curb Your Enthusiasm episode. First off, once again with changing the lyrics. Annoying. You Oughta Know Idol, that we all know the words! Haley also messed a few lyrics up. Which shows her age. No self respecting 30 year old (ok…33 year old) would mess up the lyrics to the best revenge anthem ever. (Although I must admit some of the anger kind of deflated for me once I found out the song was about Uncle Joey). She rocked the chorus. She took the most chances tonight and for that she deserves a place in the finals.

I think it is buh bye Lauren.

An Essay On Preston-By Alec Capparelli

2011-05-15T17:31:00.001-04:00

Alec Capparelli has just turned 15. The Capparelli family are the first people we met when we moved into this neighborhood. Alec met Preston when we moved in and has watched him grow. A few months ago he had to write about a person that inspires him. Alec picked Preston. I am so honored and cry every time I read what he wrote. Through the eyes of a high school freshman, I share his views on Preston

Being a little person doesn’t mean you’re less of one. If you know one they each have their own personalities that’s different from everyone else. Personally the little person I know is very funny. Preston is a courageous person because of the big things he does despite his size, how he doesn’t need help expressing himself and how he doesn’t let his condition bother him.

Even though he’s small I know he can do big things. He is 5 but he talks like he’s 10. He has such a vocabulary. I know from personal experiences. He does things his way and doesn’t like it when you tell him to do it differently. He loves to build things with Lego or things that have to do with trains. He can get up on to chairs, couches and go up and down stairs fine. I’ve seen him do it many times. He has no trouble keeping up with you or finding you.

One thing he doesn’t need help with is expressing himself. He is very funny in the things he does. When I see him he is always laughing about something. He doesn’t have trouble speaking his mind. When he talks he always uses his hands in some way. If he doesn’t like something he’ll tell you. He always wants to be doing something different than he did a day ago.

He doesn’t even act like he has dwarfism. He does things kids his age should do. He like has lots of friends just like him. I think he actually does some things that other kids his age can’t do. He goes on trips with his mom and they meet up with other families that have kids with dwarfism.
Big things sometimes come in very small packages in his case. Expression is one of his strongest qualities. He acts like he isn’t dwarfed at all. Doesn’t matter if you’re big or small, you’re a person either way.

Just beautiful. Thank you Alec. Preston adores you so much. And Alec is right-here is the dude with his soccer trophy after scoring four goals with one assist in his last game of the season. We can’t wait until fall soccer!

American Idol-TOP 4

2011-05-11T22:58:00.000-04:00

The competition is getting fierce. Randy wants to know still who is, “in it to win it.” (Said three times tonight). My friend Tara made the observation tonight that Ryan may have wanted to exit stage left from the spray tan booth as he closely resembles an Oompa Loompa in Technicolor.

James- I’m shocked (and slightly appalled) that James didn’t sing “Whatdya Want from Me?” in the inspirational song round, as a thank you to his obvious inspiration, Glambert. Instead he chose a song that embodied his AI “journey” (his pun, not mine, but props to him, on that one), singing “Don’t Stop Believing.” I wondered where he got the Journey t-shirt? I recall the days of Guns n’ Roses and Metallica and heading down Jericho Turnpike to the flea market next to the Commack Roller Rink and that was where I could procure said t-shirts. (And cassette tapes…nail polish in neon colors and slouch socks…ok and stretch pants with paint splatters on them…and my first pair of Z. Cavaricci’s). Can we just talk about Z. Cavaricci’s for like a minute? When I was going into 8th grade, in true non-dramatic Kim form, I explained to my parents that I would “just die” if I didn’t have a pair. Truly die. I didn’t know how I could face the first day of school without them. Because it would be humiliating not to have high waisted pants with a small label on the zipper for my first day of school. To wear with…wait for it…deck shoes with those yellow laces everyone would curl. Awesome. I spent the entire summer begging and did get them…although after that year they sent me to Catholic school and wore a uniform. But I digress. Also did anyone know Randy was in Journey??? (*Eyes rolling). The judges also told him this song was so hard to sing…um really? It’s the quintessential Glee tune. For his second song, he pretty much rocked the house. I’ll give him that-he’s entertaining. Not as entertaining as it would have been to split screen to James’ wife while Gaga got all up on him.

Haley- I was picking up a pizza tonight from NY Pizza here tonight (which I assure you it is not) when Haley was performing. I received a text from my friend Karen who told me Haley obviously thought she was in debate class (and maybe Karen’s text had a few other choice words in there). Haley was none too pleased with the criticism. She was pretty feisty back to them as well. But I had to agree with the judges. “Earth Song” is really a typical MJ type song that no one but MJ could sing. MJ had a very unique voice and his “angry” Michael singing still sounded like singing, not screaming. Her second song however was amazing. I also will give a shout out to the hair peeps from Idol. Obviously they have rummaged through my prom pictures and both Haley and Lauren have sported my do this season. I’m honored…truly.

Scotty-When he sang “Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning” you cannot help but tear up. That song is so moving and Scotty did such an amazing job. It was on this song where I thought Scotty was such a true performer and so comfortable. Well comfortable singing…not so much in the comfort zone when Gaga wanted him to get it on with his microphone. I am calling it….Scotty is not only in it to win it…I think he will win it. And tonight Scotty was not dressed in dual denim. Mainly because the denim was used to make J-Lo’s hideous dress. The designers should just drop denim from their list.

Lauren-Her dress looked like a duvet from a courtesan's bed in the Moulin Rouge. I also think Idol can start a spin off- Real Mom’s of Idol Contestants. Starring Lauren’s mom and what appeared to be her aunt who may have been sporting a Botox needle in her forehead along with her frosted hair and Ryan Seacrest tan. Two other observations from Lauren. While she was pow wowwing with Gaga, the piano player kept playing. He must be the same creepy piano player from year’s past. She also wants America to vote because she doesn't want to go home. But next week is Hometown week so she really needs America to vote so she does go home.

I think Lauren is on the chopping block!

What a Week!

2011-05-08T19:59:00.001-04:00

This has been quite a busy week. Another birthday for me-of course I woke up and it was a monsoon, but the sun did come out later in the day and the myriad Facebook wishes was certainly a pick me up. Not to mention a fab dinner with mom, Pres and our neighbor Kelly. Thursday was Cinco de Mayo. Preston made this make shift sombrero, which goes so fashionably with his monkey pjs.

This past week we also tried this new Crayola craft kit called Magic Presto Dots. It was pretty cool and I think our hedgehog came out very nice.

This weekend my sister came down to visit for Mother’s Day. Saturday started with Build n’ Grow then soccer. I must share how lately it is impossible to get Preston to be serious in a picture. I put the blame squarely on my sister and brother Charlie.

Saturday afternoon was my friend Jessie’s wedding. When Jessie got engaged and saw Katie’s wedding pictures, she immediately fell in love with Katie’s dress. We all remember how stunning a bride my sister was! Katie paid it forward with the dress and it was worn by another beautiful bride!!!

Last night my sis and I went to see Something Borrowed. We both read the book and it was a perfect night for a chick flick!!! Today was Mother’s Day. Preston bought me a bear that signs “Wind Beneath my Wings.” I cry every time I push the button. He also got me a bunch of other goodies!! What great taste. Since my mom has everything (remember my breakdown at Christmas over this) and she just had a birthday…we treated her to brunch at the Jefferson Hotel. This champagne brunch is a Richmond tradition and a must do. We’ve gone a few times and it never disappoints. After all, you’re on the waiting list for months prior for Mother’s Day! Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms-especially mine, a woman I strive to be!! And to Preston-I am honored to be your mommy. I love you to pieces. Even when you are a clown! *Disclaimer-that is not a real alligator….nor is Preston imbibing with mimosas. He very much wanted his OJ in a champagne glass.

American Idol-the Top FIVE

2011-05-04T23:05:00.001-04:00

Nothing like Idol night on your birthday! Tonight Randy once again reminded us of the theme-Who is in it to win it? And told America we must ask that question. I thought I answered this for Randy a few weeks back, but I’ll repeat myself just in case he didn’t read my blog-pretty much the five people on the stage want to win it. No one is voluntarily putting themselves on the holding stools for the bottom two tomorrow night. We had Steven wearing a flower on his jacket that Jennifer also wore in her hair. Speaking of Jennifer, that shirt reminded me of Seinfeld’s puffy shirt. I was driving my mother crazy because I said, “But I don’t want to be a pirate” enough times tonight to make it un-funny. Sheryl Crow was the celeb helped tonight. And who know she sang back up with MJ?

1. James-Came out to sing “Closer to the Edge” dressed as if he was time warped into a Warrant video, but with Ryan Seacrest’s hairdo. As he was singing he gave Steven a high five. The significance of that really hit home to me. He gave Steven Tyler a high five! He probably recalled watching the “Sweet Emotion” video over and over on MTV as a kid and now slapped hands with Steven. Pretty awesome.

2. Jacob-Jacob was so bad that while he was screeching and gyrating to a fog machine in a jacket five sizes too small, I started compiling a list of things I prefer to be doing rather than listening to Jacob sing: sticking bamboo shoots in my eye (or in the alternative, under my fingernails); riding the E train with no air conditioning; going to Michael’s for ribbon or smelling the aroma of a petting zoo in mid August. And then the judges praised him. Which again makes me think I’m either crazy or tone deaf. Please someone agree with me!

3. Lauren-Did you catch J-Lo’s face when Lauren was singing? She looked like she was sucking a lemon. Or maybe the realization that she’s People’s Most Beautiful Woman and married to Marc Anthony. In any even they loved Lauren too. They really also have to stop dressing Lauren in skin tight clothes from head to toe. The only other people that dress in skin tight everything are found on on the People of Walmart.com website.

4. Scotty-Obviously the fashion people refuse to stop putting Scotty in dual denim. They listen to me pretty much the equivalent of Preston listing to me. How many Facebook requests do you think Scotty gets weekly? I’m just curious. They loved him. Randy called him ‘Concert Scotty’ and declared that Scotty was, indeed, in it to win it.

5. Haley-Sang a Lady Gaga song that has not yet been released. Randy and Jennifer not only ripped Haley but ripped Gaga’s song. I’m pretty sure Lady G was at home thinking, “whatever Jenny from the block-you may not like my song but you can’t rock a dress made out of meat and while we are on the subject, “Jenny From the Block” was a horrendous song.” So there.

6. James Part Duex-James sang, “Without You” which is on my sister and my OMG CD. The OMG CD was made after watching The Wedding Singer and the Boy George look alike starts crying during the wedding and says…well…OMG. So we compiled a list of songs so heart wrenching as to make one say, OMG. Others include Sheena Easton’s “Almost Over You” and “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?” by Culture Club. Anyway, James singing in his toned down voice makes me really like him. I’ve always liked him as a person, not a singer, but this performance makes me like him as a singer too.

7. Jacob-Also sang a song off OMG, with Nazareth’s “Love Hurts.” It was hurting me to listen so I continued compiling the list: talking to Fios customer service; talking to Direct TV customer service; sitting in rush hour on the LIE…on a Friday…in the summer and finally listening to Joe Buck commentate a Yankees play off game. Yes, he’s that bad.

8. Lauren-I finally listened long enough to Ryan to hear that the Idols were singing songs this round from their parent’s era. I half expected Lauren to sing “The Thong Song” since I’m pretty sure her parents are 19 years old. But alas, “Unchained Melody.” I’m positive they were not growing up when that song came out. In any event it was a snoozefest for me. Sorry Lauren in your prom dress gone hideously wrong.

9. Scotty-During Scotty’s performance, the 256 females from his high school sent 792 tweets respectively regarding same.

10. Haley-won the award for “slaying” it tonight. She was unreal on “House of the Rising Sun.” Singing the first part acapella was such a great idea. She was amazing. She deserved the standing O!

I think we all know my pick to go home.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAALLLLL!

2011-05-01T18:18:00.001-04:00

Preston did it! Scored his very first goal yesterday. This is big accomplishment, especially since it came in the fourth quarter and he usually only plays through the third since he is tired. I may have forced him to continue playing. I may have told him he wanted to go to that party at Inflation Nation later in the day. In any event every single person on both sides clapped and cheered and my mom and I got a little teary! And on my dad’s birthday too!!! To celebrate, we actually had a shirt to commemorate the event.

Today we took my father out for brunch at the Boathouse. The Boathouse is the only restaurant in the area on the water. And when I say on the water I am using this term loosely. For a girl that grew up on Long Island I miss the water. Water here means the reservoir. But nonetheless, provides for a great picture taking backdrop!

You are Cordially Invited to the Wedding….

2011-04-28T20:17:00.001-04:00

Not mine! LOL! Q&U! Again this year Preston’s Montessori class put on the union of Q&U. Last year if you recall he was the letter P. This year he was the letter L. And we had to make a costume. I start to sweat over these things. I have discussed many times on this blog that I am not creative. Besides my fear of the end of the world, the next fear is Michael’s or any other craft store. Stressing to the point of pulling out both my high and low lights, my family all put their heads together last weekend and we thought of a costume. Big props to my sister for making tiny little lightening bugs. His line was, “L is for lion. L is for light. L is for lightening bugs shining bright.” Although I think he said “in the night” after I botched the line. In any event, Miss Kim, Miss Suzette and Miss Christine did a fabulous job! Here are the pictures!

Top 6 Perform on American Idol

2011-04-27T22:20:00.002-04:00

Top Six perform. I cannot comment on any of the duets because the National Weather Service reminded me over five times during Idol that there is a tornado warning. There has been major warnings all week. It's getting a bit much for me. I will let you in on a secret-those that don't know me well. I am terrified of the end of the world. You heard correctly. Me, big bad Kim, nothing can knock me down-Kim. After I saw 2012 I couldn't sleep. I don't want to perish in a tsunami. I worry because I won't survive the end of the world. I won't be the one remaining after it's all over. I won't be able to drive a limo like John Cusack to escape a crumbling California. My brother Charlie informed me if there are people building ark ships in anticipation of the end, I would not be one of the people privileged enough to get on. Thanks Charlie. So tonight while trying to take notes and while attempting to me funny I'm thinking if I should get Preston and I off the third floor and onto the first...or move back to New York. Pretty sure there were no tornadoes touching down in Manhattan. And these aren't little windy semi-tornatic storms. Oh no. These are full fledged Wizard of freaking Oz tornadoes.

Tonight was Carole King night, or bad fashion night. Speaking of Wizard of Oz, Steven didn't disappoint in channeling his inner tin man. Randy is still stuck in a quartet R&B group from 1993 and Jennifer looked as if they forgot to apply any more make up after foundation (and still managed to look better than 95% of the female population). Let's get to it, shall we?

Jacob-He may have sang tonight. I don't know if he did because I could not wrap my mind around the fact that he voluntarily donned the outfit he was wearing. First his jacket looked like an outfit Preston wore at 9 months old. (Seriously-check the blog a few posts back). Then with the blue vest, yellow shirt and purple tie, it was as if the Wiggles got into a fight and these were the clothes leftover. Steven told him that tonight he shook his tailfeathers. Don't worry Steven-there was no way we could not notice the tail feathers when Jacob was wearing straight legged-skinny jeans with Timberlands..because there is the footwear to match the wretched ensemble. This must have been the same person who not only dressed Randy and Steven, but Jacob's family member that looked as if her dress was made from a nursing home shower curtain.

Lauren-My comments for Lauren have to do with her hair. He hair the past two weeks when curly has closely resembled my senior prom hair do, tight spiral curls. I wonder if she too has 953 bobby pins holding it up as well as help from a can of Paul Mitchell hair spray. The hair slick straight tonight during her performance made me yearn for the days like five weeks ago before humidity when my hair stayed straight. This humid weather that has creeped in is even rendering my iron useless against the moisture laden hair killing weather. I love the heat, but I hate the humidity. I have a retirement community picked out in Scottsdale already. Anyway, Lauren picked some random guy up in the audience. Interesting...Also Miley Cyrus, her Idol apparently came to give advice. After all a Disney show actress with a teeny bopper career gives one entitlement to give music advice on Carole King night. I'm also going to share a personal story. Lauren's boots reminded me of my first pair of boots. When I was in 4th grade I remember wanting cowboy boots so bad. My mother thought the ones I wanted were too "old" for me. I begged and pleaded. Christmas morning, there was a big yellow Thom McCann box and inside were shiny bright blue (yes blue) boots with studs and silver scales. I wore them with everything (including the hot pink striped jogging suit I also received that Christmas). That summer, wouldn't you know, Thom McCann sold blue studded sandals with silver scales. To this day, Mel has not let me live my blue boot wearing down. What she doesn't know is I'm looking for a pair to wear with my maid of honor gown at her wedding.

Scotty- Prior to Scotty, I caught ten seconds of the Haley/Casey duet before the NWS cut in. Enough time to hear them grunt and growl at each other. Scotty again committed fashion disaster with the dual denim. At least I thought it was, until the lights came on and I realized it was just a shiny blue blazer. Not really sure what's worse. Scotty I still think has this thing in the bag. Got to love Randy's quote of the night, "Scotty is in it to WIN IT!" Well yes....that is the point of this show.

James-If James sang like this the whole season, I may have liked him more. I may have thought he'd beat out Scotty (and he may if he sings like this). Toning it down made me realize James has a nice voice. It was nice to hear him sing instead of turning every performance into a Rent meets Ringling Brothers event.

Casey-Lauren had a random guy on stage, Steven was holding a random child during the performance. Casey and his dollar store straw fedora were terrible. Seriously I don't get the fascination. Is it singing? Is it a bad Blues Brothers spoof? What is this? Casey and his maniacal faces! If I was to see Casey in a park let's say, I would hold Preston's hand and kind of detour my child around the strange and disturbed man..much like I do when we see un-picked up dog poo on the sidewalk. Avoidance. Casey scares me. Not as much as being swallowed up by the Earth, but close.

Haley-bored me. The song was upbeat but she bored me. She sang it well but she bored me. This saddens me because I like her, but I just find myself tuning her out, checking Facebook status updates on my phone and BlackBerry messaging my father that a tornado is going to rip through my neighborhood and this could be the end and I won't know who wins Idol. (And just in case you're wondering, I know my dad gets my message because a little "R" appears. But then he either ignores me or feeds into my fears saying things like, "Well you'd better hope the shopping plaza a block away stands or else you have no protection." So. Not. Funny. Pere).

So I think Jacob will go home. Because if he doesn't, I'm not going to predict it anymore. Maybe he'll be the Idol. And then that would be an Idol Apocalypse.

Easter Weekend Picture Overload

2011-04-25T12:42:00.001-04:00

What a whirlwind Easter weekend. Everyone right now is at the book store while I’m blogging. Then it’s lunch and my siblings all depart. The amount of food that was consumed this one weekend could feed a nation. I’m stuffed. Friday we all hung out together since the weather was icky and Charlie painted one of my bathrooms. He was going to paint the one in the guest room. I ran to Target I came back and screamed. The color we had picked looked periwinkle instead of a silver sage on the wall. Charlie said that’s why paint chips are not reliable. So he painted the main floor one instead.

Saturday morning was Build n’ Grow. Uncle Steve and Preston built a birdhouse.

Saturday afternoon Preston played outside with Aunt Tinka and Uncle Steve where we found out that Preston throws left and bats baseballs left, yet writes with his right. But before his adventures, it was egg dying time! He even made an egg for Jesus. He thought orange was a suitable color. Thank you Paula for the wax crayon!!!

Saturday night in true Raab tradition, it was off to Yamato. I am so impressed that Preston eats dumplings and miso soup. He’s awesome.

Easter morning Pres woke up and asked if the Easter Bunny hopped past the house. I told him to go look and see if he left him a basket. Sure enough, the Easter Bunny did not disappoint. He finished his egg hunt in five minutes. Next year the Easter Bunny may need to step up his Easter egg hiding skills. After our egg hunt we went to my parents’ for him to get more Easter treats.

My parents made a delicious Easter feast. We had our neighbors over as well. It was such a nice day. I leave you with some pictures of our holiday! Hope everyone had a very Happy Easter!

American Idol-Top 7 Perform

2011-04-20T21:50:00.002-04:00

Tonight's theme was songs from the 21st Century. I start twitching because I know what's coming-Ryan says the rules are the songs had to be recorded from 2000 to today. NOOOOOOO! This is one of my biggest pet peeves (one of...because we all certainly know I have a lot of them). There was no year ZERO!!! That means that the millennium started in 2001, not 2000. Which is why I couldn't wait for January 1, 2000 so I didn't have to be bombarded with stories about the new millennium. ARGH! Moving on. Randy has replaced the word "pitchy" from previous seasons with the word "slay" which he said 657 times tonight. Why are his necklaces always mall kiosk jewelry big? We started the show with the rejects singing for us. I don't understand this. As I said before, when a person on Idol gets voted off they make them sing. WHY? This is the person America voted not to hear again. Now we have all the rejects back singing tonight. And how surprised were you to remember that Karen and Ashton were even ever on this season? I know!
I was also not a fan of the song choices tonight. You had from 2001 until today (or because Idol counts time wrong, you can chuck in 2000). I was surprised the Idol hopefuls passed up such chart toppers like, Terror Squad's "Lean Back", J-Kwon's "Tipsy" and the true lost hit, "Because I Got High" by Afroman.

Scotty-sang country-shocker. I think Scotty is a shoe in to win this thing. Country music has a huge fan base and Carrie Underwood may be the most popular Idol winner ever. But besides that, when Scotty goes back to school next year this guy has got it in the bag. I mean he is the number 1 prom date. If he were on Glee he would so not be getting the slushee to the face...even though he does sing.

James-He was asked how he comes up with ideas for his songs. He said that he gets a "vision." He lies. What he really does is pull tapes from two seasons ago, watches Adam Lambert perform and says, "Yeah. That. I'm going to do exactly what he does. Maybe add a piano on fire." This week he added in the cast of Drumline to help him out on this quest. The thing is, and what makes James amazing, is not his singing. It's his ability to make Randy forget that he saw these very same performances two seasons ago. It's uncanny.

Haley-So as I'm driving home tonight "Rolling in the Deep" came on the radio and I thought to myself (as I was singing my own Idol worthy rendition to the song) that someone should sing this on Idol. I have to say I think Haley did a good job with the song. The hair stylists also did a good job of taming her mane, because in auditions it was obvious L.A. has had some humidity this week. I hope she stays, even if she swings her arm like an elephant trunk.

Jacob-Someone make the torture that is Jacob singing stop! It's so not American Idol, pop music, bubblegum, Z100 (for my New Yorkers) type music. He's not even that good. I understand getting emotional during the song. I sometimes tear during Calloway's "I Wanna be Rich" but he was trying to use the emotion to cover up the fact that his singing is sub par. I was also a fan that Randy brought back a signature line of his during critique, "I wasn't like jumping up and down." I love this line. I've never really seen Randy jump up and down. I've seen him get excited, but not jump up and down. And even if Jacob sang the song well (which he didn't) it may not have been an appropriate song to jump up and down to.

Casey-As Josh so perfectly put it to me about Casey-he has the potential of being the homeless guy in the street who talks to himself. This is so spot on! We know this guy! His grunting that has found their way into the songs the past two weeks is borderline frightening. Also the creepy pedophile looks to the camera. What was that singing to J-Lo and then the kiss? It was so awkward I almost couldn't watch. He got so close she turned her head. Either of embarrassment, fear or his breath was lacking an Altoid. I think he kissed her to try to break the awkwardness. Of course this gave Ryan the excuse to remind America that Casey kissed the most beautiful girl in the world....and now I'm singing Prince.

Stefano-I mean seriously. If I were Usher I'd fly to L.A. and slap Stefano for that awful Usher-esque impression of dancing. Terrible. He was dressed like Pauly D and dancing like Usher and singing Ne-Yo. It was so horribly wrong. Jimmy began talking about how Stefano was so good looking and he did not have to beg for the girls' attention. Jimmy said he was not like Stefano in school. The girls didn't pay attention to Jimmy. Don't worry Jimmy. I'm pretty sure some of the guys that look like Stefano are now parking your Porsche. If I could go back in time, I wouldn't be looking for the pretty boy either....we ALL know how that turned out.

Lauren-came out in true Western Barbie fashion. I can't help but look at Lauren and just see extremes. Either she does well with this Idol thing and gets signed or she is a truck stop waitress serving meatloaf with sawmill gravy. I just see no happy medium. It's all or nothing. I hope it's all because if she doesn't make it it will kill her mother who is vicariously living through Lauren with hair extensions, makeup and maybe Botox in hopes to morph into a clone of her 16 year old daughter...or get to sing with Steven Tyler also. Who knows.

My pick to go home is Jacob.

Baltimore, Pjs and Grandma’s Birthday!

2011-04-17T16:47:00.001-04:00

This is a picture dump post. I have a lot of pictures! Last weekend was the MD/VA POLP meet up (can I throw in another acronym)? Jenn organized a trip tot eh Baltimore National Aquarium. We had a blast. The kids really enjoyed the dolphin show. Preston was completely taken with seeing sharks that close up. And Paula is right-they have creepy eyes. It’s so great to meet up with everyone. We have become such a close knit family! Here are some pictures of the adorable kiddos!

This was the day-Preston and Peyton. They have become such good friends.

This was just a great picture-the flowers in full bloom in the Inner Harbor!

This past week was Week of the Young Child at school. Friday was pajama day. Nothing is cooler when you are five than pajama day. We got new Perry pjs, with a Perry sweatshirt! Very cool.

Preston also was the recipient of the following award-so perfect!

Today is my mother’s birthday. Preston was adorable picking out presents for her; pajamas, candles, stationary, earrings, etc. Then we took her out for brunch and made a home made cake. Happy Birthday to the best mom and grandmother.

American Idol-Top 8 Perform

2011-04-13T22:02:00.005-04:00

Housekeeping: The Pia Saga continues into this week. I must say, I was shocked that she got kicked off instead of say...Jacob. I understand she was a little Celine Dion-ish but she does have a pretty amazing voice and could be very marketable. She also still has hope. There is always the Daughtry factor. The major reason Pia was voted off and I agree with my friend Matt , is because the judge's are so syrupy sweet with their comments. There were times Simon was harsh. But he was usually right when it came to song choice. Now it's all, "You rock. You're so great. I love you." Even Randy has gone from, "Dude...dog....I wasn't really feeling it tonight from you...you know I love you but..." to "Dude....dog....you know what I love about you? THIS IS HOT!" It reminded me of a conversation I had with my friend Sammy. We were talking about how every parent thinks their child is super smart and bright. Sammy said, "Look, someone's got to be the dumb kid. Otherwise there would have been no valedictorian." So come on judges...someone's (ahem, Jacob) has to be the sucky one. Second, J-Lo was voted People's Most Beautiful Woman in the World. I very much wonder if she would have been crowned with this title if say...she wasn't the middle judge on American Idol? Not that she isn't gorgeous and I very much still want to be her a little bit, I just believe had she not been in the spotlight these past couple weeks the honor may have fallen to perhaps Kate Middleton? Just saying. Tonight was movie night. When I think movie songs, most of the song choices tonight would not have made my list. Off topic, I watched VH1's Top One Hit Wonders of the 90's and while I had most songs on my iPod, there were a few desperately missing, like "Life is a Highway", "I Like to Move It" and "Tootsie Roll." In similar vein, tonight there was a lacking of songs like "Up Where We Belong", "Fame" and "Against All Odds." Movie classics. For some reason, "Heavy Metal" (see infra) doesn't make my list.

Paul- Somewhere there is a guy who in the hair band hay day tailored suits for ultra skinny, doped up, rockers with perms who used Aqua Net. That guy is looking at Paul in tonight's reverse "Paradise City" suit and seeing dollar signs. He's thinking if this style takes off I am golden. He's pulling out his Skid Row cassettes and denim jacket with patches and hoping for a Warrant resurgence. I further wonder if Paul dropped yet another $4500 on this suit? And was it just me or did the Lita Ford wannabe on the sax sound like she was playing the intro to Saturday Night Live?

Lauren-So do you think tonight while Jimmy and Will I. Am basically bashed Miley Cyrus, she's sitting in her gabillion dollar mansion going, "Whatev. I was Hannah Freaking Montana. Who gives a flying damn if I can't sing? Doubt Lauren's face will ever be on a third graders' backpack." Lauren did sing the song well. I am also not going to lie that I was a tad jealous she was told by Steven that she moves him "beyond tears." I mean really think about that. Steven Tyler, the lead singer of Aerosmith, telling you that you move him...not to tears...but beyond that. Lucky girl.

Stefano- he picked a song by Boyz II Men from Boomerang. I absolutely hands down love Boomerang. I mean was there anything better than Eddie Murphy pretending to lose Kirby to pick up Mike Tyson's ex wife? (Maybe the only thing better was any line from Eddie Murphy in Coming to America). After the song I realized Randy was dressed tonight as if he could have been in the "Motownphilly" video with the tie and cardigan combo. They also said Stefano "slayed" the song. The chances of Stefano slaying that song were as likely as Eddie Murphy getting down with Eloise and her gnarly toes in Boomerang. "Marrrrrccccuuuusss."

Scotty-So remember on Friends when Rachel was drunk and left the "closure" message on Ross' answering machine (and throwing the cell phone into an ice bucket). Then Ross hears the message while she's trying to wrestle the phone back from him the next day and he says, "Over me? ....When were you....under me?" So when Scotty tonight said, "I'm going to go back to my country roots." I'm sitting on the couch with that Scooby Doo "Arruuu?" look thinking, "Dude when did you leave your country roots?" It's not as if last week he busted out a Craig Mack joint and tonight is back to country. I really do like Scotty a lot though and I think he may have this thing in the bag. Yesterday I dropped my car off for service and took the courtesy shuttle to work. Country station was on. You best believe Scotty's theme song was being played.....

Casey- First of all can we stop with the fog machine? Seriously? I'm not at my eighth grade dance doing the running man. Second, I love this song. But not when Casey sang it. I didn't know the title was "Nature Boy." It was featured in Moulin Rouge which is my sister's favorite movie and we've watched it over two dozen times. Is there a better line ever from a song, "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return?" No not really. Great song. Really wish Casey and his creepy camera faces he kept making didn't muck it up.

Haley-"Call Me" may not have been the best choice for Haley. And even though Steven loved her stained glass dress, I thought she should have been a little more 80's looking. But what got me was she was so much better than most of the others tonight, yet she got not so hot reviews. I'm not sure how Stefano slayed and Haley got trashed.

Jacob-Tonight he just hoped America liked his song. He didn't tell America that if he ended up in the bottom three we obviously did not look in the mirror. A bit more humbled tonight. Clay Aiken sang this song. He "slayed" that song when he did it. Jacob is so blah. Only to be followed by....

James and his ridiculous performance of "Heavy Metal." I don't really have much to say. He drives me batty with his wanting to be like Adam. I really at this point want Adam to return. James would not win in a sing off. Even though Adam's confidence drove me mad two seasons ago, his performance of "Mad World" would beat James any day.

My pick to go home: Stefano. (I'm going to keep picking him. It has to happen eventually).

From, “Why me?” to “Thankfully, me.”

2011-04-09T18:17:00.001-04:00

On April 7, 2011, Preston took his kindergarten entrance exam. This picture was taken before we left. This is a milestone for any child. After dropping him off at Montessori after his test I called my mother and cried. I wasn’t crying only because how is it possible that Preston is already going to kindergarten? I was crying because while waiting to take his test, I watched him walk up to children he didn’t know, sit down and start playing. He shared toys. I heard him say, “My name’s Preston.”

I have seen many blog posts lately regarding the “Why me” factor when it comes to our child’s dwarfism. I’m hoping as one of the older parents with one of the older children, that I maybe can make that question become less frequently asked, if not obsolete.

If you go back to the very beginning of my blog, I wrote about Preston’s journey. I wrote how when I told Marrah about Preston’s at that time, unknown diagnosis,she asked what she could do. Through tears I told her, “Just love my son.” And you know what? That’s the only thing I have asked of everyone. Just love my son (ok, I may also tell my mother he really truly does not need anymore summer clothes). Don’t get me wrong. I had my “why me” moments. I would secretly laugh when people in stores would tell me Preston was going to be a football player because he was a true bruiser baby: seriously-here he is at 6 1/2 months:

I maybe am also one of the lucky ones. Besides ear tubes (3 sets) and a tonsil/adenoid removal and the first two winter respiratory issues, Preston has not had many achon related issues. He hit his milestones pretty quick for an achon baby (sitting around 7.5-8 months and walking/running at 16). I also have never had any negativity surrounding us. No one has ever made a derogatory comment (at least that I’ve heard). I do get asked a lot how old he is; it is a rare occasion anyone asks a follow up question and I typically don’t feel the need to start educating everywhere we go. I’ve never labeled Preston. I hate the word dwarf. I call him Preston. He has dwarfism. As I’ve said before it is part of him, it is part of what makes him who he is, but it’s not a full on definition. If that were true I would go around saying, “Hi. I’m Kim, I’m average height.” Because of Preston’s size though and his GIANT personality we tend to get a lot of attention. The other thing he has going for him is he is an only child. He is used to being the KING at all times. We were in Friendly’s the other night after the kindergarten test and he was approached by two other classmates and then he turned around and befriended the kid behind him. I began talking to a couple across from us about him going to school and I mentioned he had dwarfism. The woman said to me, “I honestly thought he was just younger until I heard you say he was going into kindergarten.” Today on the soccer firled a grandmother approached me to tell me that Preston’s smile and his utter happiness while playing was a joy to watch. And then she added how cute he was. For good measure let’s throw another baby picture in shall we? 9 months:

So when did the why mes stop? Pretty quickly in my case. First of all I was a single mother getting a divorce when he was six months old. I had issues that far exceeded the fact he happened to be blessed with dwarfism. Second, when Preston was young I wish there were blogs and Facebook. Thankfully through the Yahoo POLP, I met Emily first. I then was in touch with two local families in New York. Then the blogs started and Facebook got popular and the POLP family grew. I cannot imagine my life without some of these women in it. I am literally hopping around in anticipation to see many tomorrow in Baltimore. Had I not been given Preston, these wonderful people would never have come into my life.

Third, I admire Preston. Preston has taught me. Preston has shown me that life is not always the “prefect” picture you expect. Preston has shown me that anything is possible-even playing soccer and being a good head and a half shorter than the others. Preston has shown me the good in the world-that people are people despite their differences. I can truly honestly tell you (and even my mother can attest to this, and she knows when I fib), that I don’t see height. I used to measure Preston religiously to see if he gained 1/4 of a centimeter. I now once every 6 months give him a height check if I notice his pants seem shorter.

I know his final height is projected to be on the top of the achon scale and therefore limb lengthening is still in my cards for him because he really will be in height purgatory. But I don’t think about that now. Because it may never happen. And I don’t care anymore if it does or doesn’t. I like Preston small. He told me he loves being tiny.

I think one of the reasons Preston is so positive is everyone that surrounds him has built his ego. Told him nothing is impossible. That’s why I was so angry at myself for trying to discourage soccer. Preston is truly Mr. Mayor everywhere he goes. The kids that are older in the after school program adore him and not one person has ever bullied him-in fact there are times Preston has been the aggressor.

My advice? You have to try to stop being sad. You were chosen for a reason. Your child may get teased. I’m average height. I was teased for having big hair and wearing blue eye shadow. I turned out ok. Your child may struggle a little bit to get what comes naturally for others. But on the flip side who says being tall is the answer? My brother is six foot five. He told me he always hated being the tallest. The tallest was the one singled out in school if there was a ruckus. You can’t undo the achon, you have to just accept it. It’s not going away. You may hear some hurtful, disgusting, things. Vent to your POLP family. What parent at some point won’t see their child get hurt? I was talking to Emily and she said something so awesome and I hope she doesn’t mind me sharing. She says when she catches someone looking at Seamus she is so proud he is hers. That sums up my feelings too. I couldn’t of said it better. I am so proud I am Preston’s mom. I’m not saying you’ll always think it’s fair, but what in life is fair? It’s going to be ok. It may be a hard hurdle, but I never woke up in the morning saying, “Ah, Monday. And Preston has dwarfism.” It just all starts fading away and at some point, you just never think about it.

So why did I cry after the kindergarten test? Because my wish came true. I just wanted people to love my son, accept my son, have my son accept himself. I saw that wish 100% that day. I can’t say anymore other than:

American Idol-Top 9 Perform

2011-04-06T21:29:00.006-04:00

Rock and Roll Night. A few housekeeping items: Was Randy wearing pleather? I once procured pleather. It was a baby pink pleather mini skirt. I bought it when I was a senior in high school. And then took it to Albany with me for college. Because that was truly an essential for a place where it's -45 in October. It didn't get much use. I would like it better if Randy traded in the pleather for a signature cardigan. Second, J-L0 was all "Jenny from the Block" tonight. The accent, the hands going; true New Yorker. And Steven...well we all know my thoughts on Steven. If by chance you are unsure, I second Karen's emotion from last week's blog entry.

Jacob- Was going to sing "Let's Get it On." Instead, due to his moral convictions, he chose "Man in the Mirror." Thank goodness 50 Cent has not been inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame and it be suggested that Jacob sing "Magic Stick." Now you all know my deep deep love for Michael Jackson. But I find it funny Jacob does not want to sing a song about people "getting nasty" as he said, but he's totally cool with singing a song by a man who slept in beds with children. Just saying. And I love Michael. I really really do. But I still found that behavior odd. Anyway, that song is one of my favorites of all time and I'm not really a fan of anyone singing it but Michael. What really got my goat about Jacob was his comment that if he lands in the bottom 3 it's because America did not look at themselves in the mirror. I have no idea what that means. Is Jacob saying he's so good that America should vote and if they don't they are obviously mistaken and wrong? Perhaps Ryan should have given out 1-866-Idols-01 and called it a night.

Haley- My brother wants Haley to sing on his piano (according to him, no euphemism) and my friend Josh wants her to sing on his (perhaps a euphemism). I do not want her to sing on my piano (absolutely no euphemism), but I would like the name of her dental surgeon, because her teeth are gorgeous. How are they that white? I've done everything minus soaking my teeth in Clorox and they don't get that white. Amazing. She sang Janis Joplin's "Another Little Piece of my Heart" well, but I thought there was a tad too much growling. Kind of like the there was also a tad too much hair crimping. J-Lo, all caught up in the moment says, "You'll be around! You've shown them you'll be around for a minute!" Pretty sure a minute was not what Haley was going for. Pretty sure another eight weeks is the goal, but who am I?

Casey- Last week I said Casey should not have shaved the beard. My brother said he lost and therefore had to shave the beard. "Rule of the Beard" as he said. I respectfully disagree little brother. Actually Casey didn't lose, he was saved, turning his loss into a win-kind of like a reversed call in football after Coughlin challenges some rule no one knows and always wins. Hence he should have kept the beard. But the rule Casey is following is Rule of the Bass. Because you can't really go wrong lugging out the bass. The only low for me was Casey singing high on the final notes.

Lauren- Her version of "Natural Woman" I knew would be compared to Kelly Clarkson. Lauren really did a good job on the song though. It was her best performance in the past couple of weeks. Apparently did I catch Gwen Stefani was the fashion person pulling tonight together? I'm highly disappointed. Because Lauren's outfit was more akin to her either signing "Hazy Shade of Winter" or playing Patrick Dempsey's interest in Can't Buy Me Love. Then I noticed Christian Slater in the audience and said to myself. "Well he hasn't done anything in quite awhile." Only to be bashed over the head with at least five commercials for his new show coming up right after Idol. Of course.

James-He is just so irritating. I wish nothing more than Adam Lambert to come on stage and beat him up with an eyeliner pencil. If you wanted to take a risk on a slow rock song maybe 'Stairway to Heaven" would have been a better choice. I was so beyond bored with this performance. I'm beyond over James.

Scotty-I loved Will I Am breaking it down to Scotty and Scotty looking at him with that deer in headlights look. Also who let Scotty wear dual denim???? I mean come on! This kid is 16. 16! And he really has star potential. At 16 I had big issues too-my Sweet 16 candle lighting ceremony and my SO ex best friend going to homecoming with MY boyfriend. Scotty sings on Idol and attends red carpet events. I SO win. ;-)

Pia-Pia is just simply amazing...but for the Marisa Tomei "My Cousin Vinny"reject jumpsuit. Paired with the coiled necklace of course. What was that? Someone stop putting Pia in jumpsuits. They are not flattering. On anyone. Yes. I'm going there. Jumpsuits are AWFUL. They were awful in the 80's. They are awful brought back in 2011. Awful and no one looks good in them. It's a puffy blouse STITCHED to a pair of tapered leg pedal pushers. There is nothing good about this look. I should really tell all how I feel on this subject.

Stefano-First of all I hate the song, "When a Man Loves a Woman." Maybe because when Michael Bolton re-did the song it was played on every radio station ten times a day. Second, when Stefano looks into the camera and tries to be "hot" he reminds me of Joey Tribiani and I'm ready for a "How you doin'?" Third he's forgettable. There have been so many Idol hopefuls that sound like him. Every season has a Stefano. In fact I went back to old season blogs and I read about some of the contestants that I wouldn't recall if I tripped over them. The chances of Stefano becoming the Idol champ are about as great as Pres receiving the $19,714.07 in back support.

Paul-Jimmy wanted Paul to sing Johnny Cash as if he was...well..."messed up." You know Paul was like, "Dude! I can do that." And I'm pretty sure he did. I have to say he was pretty awesome tonight. I really wish he wouldn't wear skinny jeans. As adamant as I am about jumpsuits, I also feel very strongly about men in skinny jeans. Partially because I think they look weird, partially because I can't wear skinny jeans.

My pick to go home-Stefano.

Aunt Tinka’s Weekend, Art Show & Soccer!

2011-04-03T19:41:00.001-04:00

I was away for the Virginia Trial Lawyer’s Conference for a few days. Preston stayed with my parents. My mother attended his art show. Please excuse the outfit. He was very much dressed to the nines, but there was an incident, so he wore CUBBY CLOTHES to his art show. He was so proud of his work and has given me his Faberge egg for my office!!!

My sister flew down this weekend to run the Monument Avenue 10K. In this race, many of the runner dress up. She went as the Dark Angel. Here are her and Preston making their scary faces (with his Faberge egg).

They also attended Preston’s soccer game. Preston is into being the clown in addition to playing. Including telling everyone the wind blows him over, sitting in the goal, etc.

And here is the action!!!! A couple of good kicks and then he falls-which watching back he thinks is hilarious!

He literally has been attached to Katie the entire weekend. He is a little growth off of her leg!!

Then while eating an Italian ice he got “body” freeze instead of brain freeze.

Other pictures from the week:

The Lite Brite he did all by himself!

The 2011 Opening Day picture!

Good Luck Yanks!!!!

American Idol-Top 11...Again

2011-03-30T22:08:00.008-04:00

Because the judges used their save last week and we all witnessed the Oscar winning "Most Dramatic Performance by an Idol Contestant that Won't Win Anyway" by Casey, there were 11 people performing again. Since two go home tomorrow, I assume Idol bent the rules and will allow 11 on the tour instead of 10. Or if the bus is now smaller due to the shrinking economy and ridiculous gas prices, maybe only nine are going. In other housekeeping news, years ago on my Idol blog I outed myself for my "no longer a secret" Seacrest crush. This year I must say I have a crush on J-Lo. I have been discussing J.Lo with many of my friends and we all think she is looking much better than we've seen in a long time. I love that tonight her nail polish matched a dress I could never pull off. I am in love with her make up artist because her lipstick/gloss always looks amazing (obviously not done by the same artist who did Haley's make up a few weeks back). I also must say hair extensions are pretty amazing. Anyway, I'm slightly girl crushing on J. Lo. I even like her new song. But, "don't be fooled by the rocks" that she got... Anyway...Elton John night. So much to say. So much to say. Let's get to it.

Scotty-I cannot believe my sister-in-law really fast forwards the DVR through him. Chris-you must stop this madness! (And Chris I also can win some money in your NCAA pool if UConn gets in so make sure you are aware of my new address). The guy is very good. While taking notes on his performance I happened to stop looking at the TV and seriously the guys sounds 40 not 16. He sang "Country Comfort" and shouted out to his grandma. The sap in me immediately started tearing up. Tearing because it was so adorable and tearing because my mother, I promise, will never go to Hollywood to hear Preston sing on the Idol stage. I've said this before. Pres is awesome. Pres likes to sing. Pres sings much like I do. Deduction----Pres sucks at singing. Sorry mom. Here's hoping for a grandma shout out during law school graduation.

Naima-a "reggae swag" (her line, so not mine) version of "I'm Still Standing." I'm pretty confident she may not be standing after tomorrow night. Her idea to morph into Lauryn Hill and perform this song was not the best decision. Nor was her choice of outfit. That was such a "cruise" ship performance if I ever heard one. Terrible. I understand why Bobbi and Brooke were all over this and posting to my Wall before I started watching.

Paul- "Rocket Man" Paul pulled out his rose jacket again tonight. I suppose when one who was touring in a van that looks like it would only be driven by private investigators or pedophiles, goes and spends $4500 on a white suit with embroidered roses, you have to rock it more than once. Thankfully for Paul he's not that important or US Weekly would be all over this fashion faux pas ASAP. I always wondered how celebs do it. I mean I love my black 3/4 length cardigan. I may wear it multiple times a month. Thankfully I, much like my buddy Paul, am not famous, so I guess I can rock on with my repeated cardigan. The judges loved Paul. I personally thought tonight Paul sounded like James Blunt. If James Blunt was undergoing a hammertoe operation with just not enough anesthesia.

Pia- I'd love to see Pia duet with Lea Michel from Glee. I think Lea is much better, but Pia certainly can give a good run. She was told to try something other than a ballad, so she tried another ballad. She did say next week she'd rock it so I'm looking forward to seeing what that means. I'd also love to know what Jimmy meant when he said she needs to sing somewhere between Fergie and Axl Rose. Truly I have absolutely no idea what that means. And I love Fergie. And if you knew me when I was younger, you know I was a huge GN'R fan and I'm still confused.

Stefano-"Tiny Dancer" I know in an old Idol blog I mentioned the funniest episode of King of Queens was when Doug thought the lyrics were "Hold me close I'm Tony Danza." Ever since then I can never listen to this song without singing it that way. I also think it's kind of uncanny how much his dad really looks like Howie Mandell....and they both are kind of nerve grating in that lovable way..no?

Lauren-"Candle in the Wind" I like Lauren. I was such a huge fan of her in Hollywood, but I totally think she is terrible singing in front of any audience. She was faster than the piano and many of her notes fell flat. I am sure when the judges watch it back, not live, they will agree. I want her to be better because she has a great voice.

James-James was totally into the hair and make up glam session to help him look more like Adam Lambert. Then he performed and pulled out every trick in one performance to try to out do Adam. We had microphone stand tossing (grunge era), Stomping clapping with the audience (a' la Bruce Springsteen-yet James does not have the backside Bruce does), we had a semi crotch grab (a' la MJ) and we had some pyrotechnics setting the piano on fire. I mean at this point to rile James up they should have brought back Hulk Hogan from last week...maybe throw in Mr. T for good measure. He even walked down Ryan's "Beauty School Drop Out" staircase. (another old line pulled out of storage).

Thia-Props to my friend Carol who found Thia's necklace from last week. The necklace retails for $675. I was considering it. Mel told me she wouldn't be my friend if I spent $675 on a necklace that is such a conversation piece I'd probably wear it twice, three times tops. I still want it. Really bad. Something else that was really bad was Thia's performance of "Daniel." I fast forwarded through most of it. I did laugh at the lines prior to her performance, "Forget everything from when you were a little girl" and "When I was younger..." Um...you're 8 years old.

Casey -"Your Song" This is my favorite Elton song. I even love this song more because it was in one of my favorite movies, Moulin Rouge. I'm really over Casey. It was fun at first. I dug the bass. I dug the Seth Rogen-ness. Then he trimmed the beard. Dude-if you're on a win streak you don't trim the beard. I also can't get over the nauseating display of enthusiasm after being saved last week. Over...it.

Jacob- "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word." I have no words better than my dear friend Karen's Facebook status of the night after Jacob's performance, "It's amazing what tonight's episode has done to me. Listening to Jacob's beautiful voice makes me want to go to church and looking at Steven Tyler makes me want to...well...let us pray." I can't top that. I have nothing.

Haley- In an old Randy-ism he had not said this season, "You blew it out the box!" Haley was fantastic tonight. She was so into her performance she was able to sit on the piano James had just lit on fire a few minutes back. The only criticism I have for Haley is perhaps next week rethink wearing your "People of WalMart" flowered spandex to rehearsal. Just saying. My picks to go home: Naima and Casey.

Drum roll…Preston’s Bath and Room Revealed!

2011-03-27T14:03:00.001-04:00

The original floor plan of our house called for three bedrooms upstairs with a hall bath for the two smaller bedrooms. Since I have another bedroom on the first floor and Preston’s bed would barely fit into one of the rooms, I decided to have the wall knocked down to give him a large room (larger than mine) with the bathroom in his room. In keeping with the construction theme he had as an infant, I added to make it a transportation room. Mind you we put all the toys away for the pictures. He is very very neat, but he usually keeps a few stray trucks and cars on the carpet!

In his nursery he had truck curtain rods. Naturally Pottery Barn Kids no longer carry them, so the middle window just got a nickel plated rod from Target.

My grandmother who has passed on made that train rug for my brothers. I’m so happy that it is now in Preston’s room!

His furniture did not come with a nightstand. Thankfully Target had a great one (Target had a lot of great stuff-like those pictures hanging too-courtesy of Aunt Marrah’s housewarming gift)! In the drawer he keeps his “important papers” like his post card from Caty.

My mother bought him that other train rug by the larger dresser!

Close up of the bedding here. I am so in love with the quilt.

The bathroom is a Yankee inspired theme. It took forever to find a pinstriped shower curtain. There is also am amazing website called Everything’s Baseball. It’s where I found a ton of stuff.

Mel bought Preston that stepstool for his second birthday. It started the theme idea. I even found baseball knobs for the cabinets.

Paper Mache tissue box cover from Mary Kelley, glass nightlight that Preston picked out and I changed all the light switches to antique baseballs.

Yankee Stadium sign from Grandma and PaPa and a Thomas Kinkade painted old Yankee Stadium which has the Bronx County Courthouse in the back where I used to practice.

Over the toilet we hung the shelf with the mini baseball glove (my favorite), mini Yankee seat and ball and the cutest picture of baby Yankees looking at the All Star Greats!!! I also have old navy and white towels with a navy waste paper basket. Preston sure does love his new room and bathroom!!!

American Idol-Top 11

2011-03-23T23:09:00.001-04:00

Motown Night. And big night. Because the one voted off tomorrow cannot go on the tour. Recall that only the top 10 go. Apparently there is not room for the other three that made it to the top on the tour bus. Sucks to be them. So a lot of pressure to “bring it” tonight. First a few housekeeping items: I cannot stand the faux 20/20-esque interview at the beginning with Ryan asking questions to the judges as if they are off the cuff and they all answer, ‘Why yes Ryan…see…” So put on. So rehearsed. If we cut that out along with the trying-to-be-candid-but-not-succeeding, Coca Cola promotions, the show would be 30 minutes shorter. Second, J Lo’s pink sequined dress rivaled the one I wore to my junior prom. This sparked my Facebook status desperately pleading with the St. Anthony/Harborfields girl who remember the store in the Walt Whitman Mall circa 1994-1996 that sold dresses next to the Wall (remember that record store) and Lerner before it was NY&Co. We have narrowed it down to Pzazz. What a fun trip ladies tonight down memory lane!!!! Anyway J-Lo wore my dress with her Smurfette eye shadow which was just horrendous.

Casey-“Heard it Through the Grapevine.” I cannot seriously ever listen to this song ever since the late 80’s explosion of the California Raisins. I loved the California Raisins so much my mother bought me candles (from Wicks n’ Sticks, also in said Walt Whitman Mall) that were shaped like California Raisins. Anyway, Casey slicked down his hair and in a way he reminded me a little of Milton from Office Space. I laughed when he warbled “lose my mind” at the end of the song like Axl Rose warbled “knees” in “Welcome to the Jungle.”

Thia-This performance sparked an idea. I think there should be an Idol store. If you like a particular article of clothing the contestant is wearing or in my case with Thia tonight, her necklace with matching bracelet and earrings; one should be able to find out where to purchase the same stuff. It annoys me when I love something and cannot find it. When George W. Bush won a second term, Jenna Bush had A-MAZ-ING green pumps on that to this day I would pay good money to find. (I spent one full day scouring the Internet to no avail). So if anyone knows where I can get Thia’s jewelry…She sang “Heatwave.” She maybe heard this song in her grandparents’ car. Considering she is like 12, her parents aren’t even listening to songs that old. I think she sounded really good tonight. Rock on Thia. Rock on.

Jacob-I liked Jacob tonight. Even though his jacket didn’t fit. It’s as if he went to one of those shwa shwa restaurants and forgot a jacket and they take you back to a little room with some wool burnt umber colored suit jackets that smell of mothballs and give you one so you look appropriate (yet now ridiculous in an ill fitting garment). He really sang his song, ‘You’re All I Need” really really well.

Lauren-Loving the flat iron. She sang, “Keep Me Hanging On.” I hope she can hang on, because she wasn’t all that great. Not to mention that dress made her look like a pregnant zebra. Epic fail on that one. Too bad Pzazz is out of business.

Stefano-Gordon Ramsey ripped his mom’s pasta. That was kind of mean. Poor Stefano’s mom. Yet the ripping from Gordon was less painful than her son having the audacity to sing my all time, hands down FAVORITE Lionel song. My obsession with Lionel is long lived.I don’t know how to convey it. My brother once borrowed Mel’s mother’s cassette tape and endlessly listened to “Dancing on the Ceiling” that day about 254 times. We taught Pres to dance to “All Night Long.” And I know Mel joins me in some loving of “Say You, Say Me.” (the part when it gets really fast….then slows down….because “you are a shining star”). Katie and I love “Hello.” In fact, just this morning my sister texted me and wrote, “Just texting to say hello-Lionel style.” We sing this song at the top of our lungs (and our mom still loves us). Lionel with his soul glow hair. And so when I saw this picture on Facebook and that Katie posted to my wall tonight I literally died laughing.

That just may be the funniest thing I have ever seen. And Stefano took the song and in his love for J Lo totally Marc Anthony'-ied it and blew it. As my mother said after his performance, “Good bye.”

Haley-How much did her crimped hair probably rebel that flat iron job? She looked great and I have to say she sang “You Really Got a Hold on Me” very well. I am sad that she still may go because I don’t think she has the following that some of the others have, but she deserved the praise tonight.

Scotty-So Scotty made a pretty sweet shot from the balcony of the mansion into the basketball net. Perhaps if Scotty played for Louisville they would have won and my bracket would not be in the pathetic shamble it is. (MOREHEAD freaking STATE? REALLY?) Just saying. His country version of “For Once in my Life” was really good. I mean a country guy signing Motown is pretty hard. Props to Scotty.

Pia-My friend Brooke is right-her arm movements are constant. J.Lo read my thoughts calling her a Celine Dion type singer. Except much prettier. And she’s from Queens. So she wins.

Paul-According to my brother’s comment last week, Paul is in a band. Apparently his band sucks…according to my brother. Randy also read my thoughts with calling him Rod Stewart. Literally my notes said, “Rod Stewart mixed in with his James Blunt tonight.” I even though he was trying to be a bit Paul Simon. And yes I take notes…

Naima-I saw one verse of Naima. Because those National Weather Service tests you hear on the radio, actually came across my television during the performance. Apparently there is to be deadly lightening in my area….as opposed to that other type of lighting that won’t harm you if you happen to be struck. I did catch the end of her song and her dance. I loved her dancing. It surprised me since recall two weeks ago she did that awful Elaine dance. She was really entertaining!

James-Why does no one else see that this is such an Adam Lambert wannabe? Why am I still using the term wannabe? Anyone have a good synonym for that?

I think Haley and Lauren are in trouble. Until next week……

Our Week in Review

2011-03-20T11:34:00.001-04:00

I have a new computer at home and of course my camera is not connecting to the Zoom Browser program, so I’ve been blogging at my parents’ so as to have pictures. Grrrrr. I can fix computers pretty well-no truly I can. I’ve fixed “unmountable boot volume” with blue screens and I’ve dealt with the latest Windows Internet issue and fixed it but cannot get the darn camera to read. Last Sunday Preston and I went to Sunday Park-a park on the reservoir. This is about as close as we get to water here. We had a great afternoon together on the playground, sitting on the docks and hiking. He even got to see a tree that a beaver had gnawed down to make a dam. It was such a great afternoon.

This week was St. Patrick’s Day. Preston was so enthralled by the story of the leprechaun. He was hoping the leprechaun would not sneak into our house a wreck his building he made with his Trio blocks. I assured him that under no circumstances was a mischievous little leprechaun getting in my home and messing it up. To that my son’s response was, “but mom-the leprechaun is so small and fast as lightening!” He didn’t mess up our house, but causes a little ruckus at school-putting sand and green water in the toilets and tipping over some tables. Even the trap his class built was no match for that little guy!

Yesterday was the second soccer game. Pres gets tired by the second half of the game. Partly because I think the shin guards impede his running. He told me he likes soccer but thinks he’ll do baseball next year. He still tries his best and that’s all that counts!

My mother bought me stools for my counters yesterday. While in the store Preston was not amused by the customers who did not clean up in the curtain section, so he did. I’m thinking of hiring him out for the summer. He’ll work for $5 an hour. Any takers? ;-)

And lastly a cute picture of my little dude waiting for our pizza last night!

I think I jinxed myself last night in the car. I was thinking of how it’s spring and we had a great winter with no significant illnesses. Sure enough, wouldn’t you know he woke up at 2 am with his diagnosis of a “food ache.” Or my diagnosis of 24 hour bug. Awesome. He’s in great spirits though so we’ll just take it easy today!

American Idol-Top 12

2011-03-16T22:48:00.002-04:00

This is my favorite theme ever. The hopefuls sing from the year they were born. To overshadow how this theme could be depressing (seeing that some were born when I was a high school junior), I get to research the top songs of each year and pick the song (or this year, songs) that I would have chosen for each hopeful.

Naima- 1984. What she sang: “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” What she should have sung": “Let’s Here it for the Boy.” Naima’s issue this week was how to take this Tina song and make is 2011. What happened though was, she didn’t make it to 2011. She stopped in about 1990, with the bad En Vogue background beat and hideous outfit choice. Had she thrown in some fluorescent paint splattered pants, graffiti-ed walls and an “eye patch” she would have had herself a TLC video.

Paul- 1984. What he sang: “Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues.” What he should have sung: “Break My Stride,” “Infatuation” or “Magic.” Being that Paul really has a unique voice, the Elton song was not really working for him. It worked about as well as his mom’s 1984 blouse and Mrs. Keaton hairdo she was sporting in the intros. I was not sure I was seeing that “star quality” Jennifer was seeing-perhaps because he makes Paul also makes me dizzy with all the constant moving around.

Thia- 1995. Seriously? 1995? What she sang: “Colors of the Wind.” What she should have sung: “No More I Love Yous.” Her song choice was played at my then boyfriend’s senior prom as the slow song.I felt so OLD! She has a good voice, but I agreed with the judges that I was bored out of my skull. She said she didn’t have a lot to choose from in 1995. Oh honey-how could you overlook such chart toppers as “Tootsie Roll” and “Cotton Eyed Joe?”

James-Before James, Ryan apologized for putting Kate Hudson in the bleacher seats. As a Yankee fan that watched that beotch take up prime seating during the World Series in 2009 I was pretty happy to see her in those nosebleed seats. Anyway. James. 1989. What he sang: “I’ll Be There for You.” What he should have sung: “18 and Life” or “Patience.” There’s something about someone singing Bon Jovi. They’re not Bon Jovi. That’s the main problem. The other issue I had was him starting in the middle of the song. That irked me. It’s like when you turn on your car and you hear a song you like but then you realize it’s got about 30 seconds left and you do one of those Seinfeld-esque sighs because you’re just not going to get to rock out fully it on your drive.

Haley-1990. The year that brought you “Ice Ice Baby,” “U Can’t Touch This” and every girl’s fave song, Nelson’s “Love and Affection.” What she sang: “I’m Your Baby Tonight.” What she should have sung: Nothing. Ok. Ok. Fine. “Nothing Compares to You.” I feel Haley has a better slow song type voice. Off topic: Haley’s mom’s perms were pretty awful. Haley may still have a perm. I’m not thinking that’s her natural hair. It’s like Mariah’s in the “Someday” video. Perms were just not a good look. I had one. It was so bad I try to block it out, but I still see the Berlin wall that were my bangs. Anyway, poor Haley also had grandma lipstick (or maybe from 1991- Wet n’ Wild lipstick) on her teeth, chin and cheek and only Ryan was kind enough to point it out. Poor girl.

Stefano-1989. Stefano totally dissed on 1989. I mean the year of “Bust a Move.” And lyrics like, “Your best friend Harry, has a brother Larry, in five days from now he’s gonna marry.” And why was Young MC asked to be the best man? Why not Harry? I digress. He thought he had nothing to choose from and let me tell you Stefano, “Funky Cold Medina” would have been better than your boring song choice of “If You Don’t Know me by Now.” Last week he rocked Fresh Prince’s high tops, this week he was dressed like Carlton. He should have sung: “Look Away” by Chicago or “Waiting for a Star to Fall.” Dissing on 1989.So wrong.

Pia-1988. The year where you were able to pick a vacation destination based on the Beach Boys Cocktail song. What she sang: “Where Do Broken Hearts Go.” What she should have sung, “The Flame” or “Could’ve Been.” Listening to her and her parents talk makes me homesick. Those aren’t accents to me. Her earrings and voice were amazing. Her jumpsuit-not so much.

Scotty-1993. What he sang, “Can’t Trust You With my Heart.” What he should have sung: “Rump Shaker.” Joking. “Bed of Roses.” I think in this instance, even though he is not Jon Bon Jovi, his voice would have been cool on that particular song.

Karen-1989 What she sang: “Love Will Lead you Back.” What she should have sung: “If I Could Turn Back Time” or “Like a Prayer.” What she wished she could have sang: a J-Lo or Selena song if they were chart topping it in 1989. Steven brought in the best phrase tonight. He told her he likes her, “ethnic what-it-is-ness.” That was an original.

Casey- 1991 DRUMS PLEASE! (You’re totally singing “Summertime” now right)? From the year that brought you “Rico Sauve,” Marky Mark and the hippest acronym “O.P.P.” Casey sang, “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” What he should have sung: “Right Here Right Now.” When this song came out and the Seattle scene exploded faster than Brad and Emily’s engagement, there was no Musiclyric.com or what have you. (or cell phones…or caller ID…) I had no earthly idea what Kurt Cobain was saying, but it was the most raved about song and the video was played on a loop on MTV (when MTV had music). I went to Record World in the Walt Whitman Mall and bought my cassette and the CD (in it’s long non-Earth friendly cardboard box) with the naked baby swimming after a dollar and played it over and over until “my mosquito” sounded cool and not strange. Somewhere during this performance tonight, Kurt rolled over in his grave. I love me some Casey, but seriously Seth Rogen cannot do a good Kurt Cobain impression.

Lauren-1994. What she sang “I’m the Only One.” What she should have sung, “Stay” by Lisa Loeb or “Come to my Window.” I think that was a stronger Melissa Ethridge song. This was also the year Nate Dogg (R.I.P. was calling for the REGULATORS)!

Jacob- 1987. It would have been cool if Jacob sang, “Jacob’s Ladder.” But alas, he sung “Alone.” Not the greatest choice. From the year we were fighting for our right to party, living on prayer and walking like an Egyptian (so as not to disturb Luka on the second floor), Jacob could have sung, “When Smokey Sings” or think about this one “Head to Toe.” I think he could have covered Lisa Lisa.

Going home? Haley.

Soccer Mom to Mom’s Sanctuary

2011-03-12T22:57:00.001-05:00

Preston started soccer. I never thought Preston would play soccer. No one in my family ever played the sport. Being from Long Island, more kids tended to play baseball or softball. So I have ventured into new territory-as did my mother who took Pres to his first practice with shin guards over the pants. How did we know? I was going to sign him up for T-ball. We went to sign up on the wrong day. The night before I was to sign him up the following conversation took place at the dinner table.

Pres: I don’t want to play baseball.

Me: (dumbfounded) But why?

Pres: I’m not going to hit the ball that far. I want to play soccer.

Me: Honey, some of the kids will have longer legs and they will run faster.

Pres: Ok. I’ll play baseball (sigh)

PAUSE for approximately 10 seconds.

Pres: You know what mom? I CAN run fast. I am a really fast kid. I can run. I’m playing soccer.

It was in that moment that I learned a lesson from my five year old. That nothing is impossible. That you can do anything you want-it may be slightly harder, but you can do it. I wasn’t trying to discourage. I just felt that with his legs being shorter (because he is right, he’s fast) he’d have a harder time keeping up. Today was the first game. He had the world’s biggest smile on his face. He played hard and laughed and cheered. The only pitfall was he was hit in the nether regions once by the ball. He did get tired by the last quarter. Here are some pics:

Next week I’m snack mommy. We also started the morning at Lowe’s. In honor of March Madness, the kids made a basketball hoop. We met up with Lisa and her son again today!

I also want to share pics of my room. I still need artwork for my walls and I’m thinking a small chair for in between my two windows. Katie and Charlie painted the room and bathroom. I have a great garden tub in my bathroom too! In my apartment in New York, Preston only had a half bath. While living with my mom and dad Preston and I shared the Jack and Jill bath. It is so nice taking a bath with no bath toys!!! I am so in love with my room!

American Idol-Top 13

2011-03-09T22:43:00.001-05:00

I truly thought that the exit of Simon would be the death of this show. Who would have expected the exact opposite? I absolutely LOVE this season so far. People who have not been faithful watchers have returned. To those that have followed my blog the past three seasons know how devastated I am over the exit of Kara as well. We have had the emergence of the new judges. Steven Tyler, who is still a fine piece of ass, despite as one of my friends on Facebook has claimed, “he is 136 years old.” The emergence of Steven also means a lot more Aerosmith getting air time on XM’s 90s on 9-an added bonus to hear “Love in an Elevator” on the way to work. Jennifer Lopez looks amazing. Seriously? What is her secret? She’s super hot. One of Mel’s fellow bridesmaids Lauren and I truly need to hire her make up artist for the wedding. My dog Randy is the veteran, even though his cardigan tonight looked like seagulls crapped all over him. Since there are 13 contestants let’s get right into it:

1) Lauren-She was my favorite coming into tonight but her performance really fell flat. I’d never heard that Shania song, but the way Lauren sang it I could easily picture her singing at a State Fair on a stage in between the blue ribbon pie off tent and the pig races. Shout out to my girl Cat for saying she looks like a young Candace Cameron! That is spot on!

2) Casey-I mean is there anything cooler than bizzarro Seth Rogen singing the theme from The Wonder Years? I think not. I also love that Casey is sporting the overgrown beard as if it is Week 12 of the NFL season and he is afraid if he shaves he’ll jinx the winning streak of his team. Love this guy. He is a true performer. Besides I have a ton of respect for a musician who brings a bass on stage to perform during Hollywood Week.

3) Ashton-I truly believe listening to a cat get slaughtered would have been less painful than listening to Ashton butcher Diana Ross. Tonight was another time when I thought I was watching a different show because the judges were all about her, even saying she’s “growing as a singer.” Growing how exactly? In suckiness quotient?

4) Paul- I like the sound of this guy’s voice. It’s a tad James Blunt-ish. On a totally unrelated to singing note, it is rumored that Paul spent $4500 on his Axl Rose “Paradise City” inspired white leather suit he wore during Hollywood week. I can think of something way better to spend $4500 (plus $500) on…like a Birkin bag. Jeez Paul. Priorities.

5) Pia-Wins for hottest shoes of the night. If anyone can tell me whose they were, please dish because they will be the ones I wear to Mel’s wedding. I am so excited she sang “All By Myself.” That is one of those songs I sing…all by myself…in the car…loudly. I sing all by myself because the aforementioned cat slaughtering and Ashton’s performance would be more pleasant to listen to than moi.

6) James- I want to like James. Because on Facebook loves James. (I stalk you all to see what you say in re Idol by the way). I think he has a great voice. There is just something about him that makes me not love him. My friend Karen is so in love with him I can feel that energy from her home in Maine. To me he is an un-glammed Adam Lambert. But yet not as good. I have to say I did love the George Michael inspired cross earring he was “Faith”fully rocking. Especially on Ash Wednesday.

7) Haley-I loved her earrings and her dress. My brother Chris just texted me from Arizona that he has a thing for Haley. Not sure if my sister in law knows this-or if she cares. I didn’t think she was boring. It was a nice enough performance. Her hair was a little too “prom-ish” however. I’d post a picture of the hair I had at prom, but that would require me scanning a picture and that’s just too much at this EST hour. I don’t think she’ll stick around because I feel her personality is akin to a dish rag.

8) Jacob-Jacob’s Idol is R. Kelly. Because clearly a person indicted for a sex scandal involving underage girls is the way to go in terms of looking up to someone. I personally think Jacob is not good. He may be “bouncing on 24’s” out of this competition in a few weeks.

9) Thia Megia- We all laughed when Adam Sandler said, “Her name’s gonna be Julia Goolia?” because it was that ridiculous. Thia is like a character from a Miley Cyrus-esque Disney show. Certainly no one in their right mind is going to a Thia Megia concert right? She has a pretty voice, I’ll give her that, but she doesn’t strike me as Idol. And where in Heaven’s name is this girl sounding like Michael Jackson. My friend Matt stated and I will quote because it’s that good, “That was horrid. Somewhere Michael Jackson rolled over in his grave and yacked.” Followed up by my friend Tara’s, “I think that was the last time we will hear Thia Megia.” The only thing that made me quickly forget Thia’s performance was the commercial I did not fast forward through for Bradley Cooper’s new movie. Because Bradley Cooper just may be the hottest man alive.

10) Stefano-Came out rocking the Fresh Prince of Bel Air high-tops and the Danny Zucco inspired jacket. Took Stevie’s song and added a nice ‘Pump up the Jam Beat” or for my fellow New Yorkers-he “KTU’ed” the song. KTU is one of those hyper dance stations with djs named Goomba Johnny who take any song and turn it into a club masterpiece. Seriously. They can take ‘Imagine” and pump it up.

11) Karen-Selina still has a stalker. Do you think Karen was giving Jennifer the eye like, “Bitch, I can sing this better than you.” And Jennifer kind of let her know that she was a bit “off” on some of her notes. You know Jen’s thinking, ‘Bitch, I sing it better AND I was in the movie.”

12) Scotty-When I hear Scotty sing I like to close my eyes and pretend it’s not some 16 year old singing, but some hot cowboy Brett Michaels look alike, leaning against a rusty pick up truck with a guitar and a three legged dog at his heels. You have to hand it to this kid, that is some amazing voice. Even if you are not a country fan you have to give him props.

13) Naima- Watching Naima dance was like watching a combination of myself trying to Zumba and Elaine Benis’ dance from Seinfeld. It was that awful. I did not think the Rhianna song was a good idea. It did not fit Naima’s voice. She did much better in Hollywood Week.

My picks to go: It’s a toss up between Thia, Ashton and Haley.

I’d LOVE your thoughts!

It’s Up to You New York, New York

2011-03-08T19:27:00.001-05:00

This past weekend was one of our 24 hour turnaround trips to NY. Saturday we were up and rolling by 5:30. We were off to Aunt Melski’s for a luncheon. I had yet to see Mel’s engagement ring (*gorgeous), was going to meet Tara and Teri, two other bridesmaids and their kids (*also gorgeous) and tried on my bridesmaid dress (*totally in love with)! After lunch we took the kids to the park to play. Preston was totally enamored with Jackson and Matison. He was so protective of Jackson, he held his hand around the entire pond. So incredibly cute. Pictures at the wedding with be cuteness overload!

Later that day I took Preston to Little Vinny’s. This was a pizzeria that I frequented many a times in high school. The pizza is still ridiculously amazing! I took these pictures of Pres with my BlackBerry.

Then it was off to Aunt Tinka and Uncle Steve’s. On Sunday morning they started the morning with the cartoon movie of Transformers. Steve and I could not stop laughing since the opening scene stated the year was 2005. Pretty ambitious in 1986 thinking robots in disguise would be inheriting Earth. I include this picture because my sister looks hot in her snowflake pants and tie dye Billy Joel shirt which may be from 1986.

Tinka and Steve took Pres to Chuck E. Cheese while I went to NYC to have breakfast (*read real bagels) with my friend Josh. Then later in the day a family brunch at Maureen’s Kitchen!

And last-we waited 30 minutes for gas in New Jersey. One because it was $3.25 and two because they pump it for me and three it was raining. So I figured let’s whip out the camera!

Idol blog starts tomorrow!!!!

Pictures and Dancing

2011-03-02T22:07:00.001-05:00

Katie came down this weekend. Which was great timing since Friday morning Pres got his third set of ear tubes. The doctor gave me his old set to show him. They are so tiny! He had a slight hole in his right ear drum. He was not a happy camper with the anesthesia and cried for a solid two and half hours. The cries were half pain and half, “Get these new tubes out! I hate them!” After a nap though he was good to go. We picked up PaPa and Tinka from the airport and it was off to Yamato for dinner. Preston and Tinka shared a love for Cadbury crème eggs afterwards:

Saturday morning my mother and I had the fun task of waiting for Fios to set up my phone and internet (grrrrr) [thankful for DirecTV] so Tinka and PaPa took Pres to Lowe’s Build and Grow. They built a racecar!

Above is Tinka and Preston doing “SCIENCE!” If you recall Katie taught him the chart topping, “She Blinded Me with Science!” Later on Pres and Tinka played with all his cars.

Sunday it was off to the mall to buy Preston all his soccer gear. It’s kind of funny because I’m so not a soccer mom and as much as I LOVE sports, I hate soccer. So standing in Dick’s like well….I have no idea about shin guards and apparently there are different sized soccer balls. Whatever. All I know is his cleats are pretty darn cute and he did amazing today at his first practice according to Grandma!

While waiting for Katie to pick out running shoes Preston wanted to take pictures together.

Don;t you just want to eat him? And no weekend is complete without a dance a thon! Pres totally joined in on the action and showing us his amazing achon double-jointed moves: ENJOY!

February Slacker

2011-02-25T14:48:00.001-05:00

First I must share a picture I took Valentine’s weekend of pres and my dad reading the paper. Katie and I call my dad, “weekend dad” when he reads the paper. He totally zones out, ignoring perhaps even a nuclear war, in order to absorb the metro section. In fact we nicknamed this because if you try to talk to my dad he gives you an obligatory “Uh huh.” It was great as a teenager: “Dad. Yeah going out. Taking the car…buying some beer…sleeping at X’s house because their parents aren’t home and the guy I like will be there.” So Katie and I termed him weekend dad. Because if you keep pestering him while he reads the paper, then he gets all flustered and it’s comical. He did it to Pres once. Pres called him out. He said, “PaPa. Why do you say ‘uh huh’ to me? Are you not listening?” Here is weekend dad and Pres:

Here is my little funny Valentine:

I was away last weekend in New Orleans for a business seminar. I absolutely love these seminars. I had such a great time. I would also love to return to the Big Easy to see some of the touristy sites as well. While I was gone, Grandma and PaPa got to spend four days with Pres (thanks Mom and Dad)! While away, my parents took Preston on an Amtrak ride. One stop from Richmond to Ashland. Once in Ashland there is a huge train store. I now have three more tremendous Thomas track boxes and stantions for bridges in my guest room. I love these pics of Pres and my mom. I was looking through them quick and did a double take. At first I thought it was me and I thought, “When did we take this picture?”

And just some other random pictures: Katie is on her way down for the weekend. And who’s excited for Idol blogging???? Whoo hoo!

Valentine Weekend

2011-02-13T14:18:00.001-05:00

This weekend my friend told me about a program run by Lowes called Build and Grow. It’s every other Saturday morning and it’s free. The kids all get their own goggles and an apron and they build a project. Lowes provides hammers and nails and the wood is already pre-nailed. This week’s project was a heart music box. Lisa has a four year old so we met up for breakfast and then took the kids over to Lowes. What an awesome time we had. Here’s my little Tim Allen:

He decided to give Grandma the music box. I told him to keep it a secret until this afternoon. We got to my mother’s and Preston said the following, “Grandma, I made you something but it’s a surprise….it’s a music box.” My mother responds, “Pres, don’t tell me. It’s ok, I don’t know what it looks like.” Preston: “It’s a heart.” We went today to pick her out a pair of earrings to put in the box. He kept picking out necklaces. My mother only wears her cross. I think I’ve seen her change necklaces twice in my lifetime. So I tell Preston that Grandma doesn’t wear necklaces, to which he retorted, “Yes she does. She wears the church one!” I really don’t even know how to respond to this kid anymore.

This morning we baked Valentine cookies and cupcakes. Notice his black teeth from eating the sugar lips and hearts he was supposed to be putting on the cupcakes!

And no Valentine’s Day is complete without a big bag of goodies from Grandma and PaPa!

Happy Hearts Day!!!! We are off to make his Valentine’s for school and then I am hosting my friend for dinner and the Grammys and gossip!