I Heart Jane Austin's Book Club

You all have to see the new movie "Jane Austin's Book Club"!!!!! I just saw it Friday night with a bunch of my girlfriends and loved it!!! I didn't go in with a ton of expectations, but I loved it so much I want to see it again right away and then go out and buy it when it comes out. Some of my friends and I are going to start reading the classics as well. We are starting w/ Emma. I'm excited. So go and see it!!!

Allegra Dancing

Well here is a little video of my sweet baby grooving out. She loves to dance and gets her inspiration from her big bro. Don't worry, Gianluca will have one coming very soon, but his is a bit more complicated. The funny thing about this is that Allegra doesn't use a pacifier. She just found one today and started sucking on it. Why didn't she do that a year ago???? Just remember to click the pause button on "My music" down on the right hand side so you don't have two songs playing at once. Enjoy!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

My B-Day

Yes, my big day has come and gone and I'm officially 28! How does time fly so quickly! I seriously feel like I am still in high school... well, except feeling like I've been hit w/ a MAC truck every morning because of my kids that sleep so great! Joel was a huge sweet heart and gave me a surprise party on Sunday. I thought something was up as Joel suddenly wanted to clean and vacuum the house, which he normally is very laid back about. My friends Kristen & Matt, Betsy & Seth, Mary & Kent, Jen & Mike, and Nicole & Sean all snuck into my house and surprised me while I was in the kitchen with Gianluca. It was overwhelming and exciting at the same time. I think that is the first time I've blushed in awhile.
Of course a few minutes into the party, crying emerges from the Dude's bedroom and low and behold Cameron (Betsy's son) is bleeding from his head. The culprit... Gianluca of course. I asked him after the party why he threw the toy and he said "Cam threw a toy at me so I threw one at him." AAAAHHHHHH BOYS ARE CRAZY!!! I told him "Hello, it's never okay to through a toy or anything at anyone... unless it's a pillow." But after all of that settled down, we ate lots of chips and B-day cake (which all of the kids helped me blow out the candles) and had a good time. THANKS JOEL FOR BEING SO THOUGHTFUL AND A GREAT HUBBY!!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!
Monday (my actual B-Day) I didn't do much of anything except go crazy w/ an overly grumpy 3 year old. I did manage to take the kids to Kohl's and buy a cute b-day outfit. But other than that, not much. I did end up going out with my great friends Kristin and Betsy to P.F. Changs and had dinner. I was also tempted w/ a free apple martini, but w/stood temptation and asked the nice waiter for a coke instead. It was so fun to let lose w/ my girlfriends. They have made the move here so great! I don't know what I'd do w/out you guys!!!!
My great friend Mary and I will also be going out to dinner soon as my b-day present from her. She is terrific and just jumps in and helps. She is my long lost Idaho friend and I am soooo happy we met up here in Texas after all these years!
P.S. Joel is going through one of his growing out his beard stages and yes it is extremely annoying!!! But I love him anyways!

My Angels

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Here is a little montage of my sweet kids. Even though they drive me crazy at times, I am totally crazy about them. My life has true meaning being a mom. It's amazing. Joel and I feel very lucky to have these little monsters with us!!! P.S. Before you watch this, you need to scroll down on your right hand side where "My Music" is and click the pause button where "Headlock" is playing. That way you can hear the music that I put with my montage.

Passionate about Music

Hey there,
I am very excited that I got up my music play list, thanks to my friend Katie who helped me figure it out. I actually really like a different genre's of music; country, pop, r&b, jazz, alternative, opera, classical, you name it, I probably like it... Except Heavy Medal and hard core rap. So I was in a very mellow mood when I put this play list together, but I must say that I have always loved this type of music. Imogen Heap is my latest discovery and I think she is incredibly talented. I discovered her by watching "So You Think You Can Dance" as she was one of the songs to a dance Mia Michael's choreographed. It turns out she also sings in a group called Frou Frou which I have listened to for the past two years. So I would recommend both of these if you are into music. I will try to switch up my music every now and then. If you have any music suggestions, let me know. I always like to check out new stuff!
Take care!

Sweet Girl

I think Allegra is getting the shaft as far as introducing her goes. She is just a joy to have around. Very sweet and happy. I think the Lord knew, I would never consider having another child if she were as... let's say-- "energetic" as her brother. Don't get any ideas, I am not thinking of having another kid right now. We are pretty happy with the two we have. Allegra loves her brother. As long as he's in sight she's pretty content, unless he is pummeling her with a toy or trying to jump over her. She's getting to be a real Daddy's girl and doesn't mind slapping him around on an every day basis as she thinks he's pretty hilarious! She's 14 months now and content to just crawl, all though she has been pushing around her walker toy a lot lately. Hopefully she'll be walking by the time we go home for Thanksgiving.

Dynamo Soccer Game

Joel and Gianluca went to their first professional soccer game Saturday night. It was the Houston Dynamo Team. Gianluca's major concern was getting a drink, hot dog and candy. He was very excited to have some male bonding time with daddy. Joel said he was cheering for the team and saying "Goooaaaal!" and loving every minute of it. I'm pretty sure that Joel had a blast too. He has his soccer buddy for life!

First Day of Preschool

That's right, Gianluca has officially finished his first week of preschool and loves it! On the first day I had to take him into his classroom and he told me "that's okay mom, just drop me off." like he was a 10 year old embarrassed of me or something! This kid thinks he's way older than three. His favorite part of school so far is painting and playing in the sand box. Allegra is a little devastated when I drop him off. She cries when the teacher gets him out of the car and she realizes she isn't going too. But I am happy that he has this opportunity. It's only two day's a week for three hours each day. As a side note, the Dude isn't really a Thomas the Train fan, he's more into pirates, but that's the only backpack we had. It was a gift.