one of my favorite photos of my mom and me. pure happiness.
Happy mother’s day, 媽媽.
Happy Mother’s Day
13 Sunday May 2012
Category Archives: Family
Bits of my weekend: vol. 32
26 Monday Mar 2012
Imagine my surprise when I just realized that it’s been almost 9 months since my last post? Huh – I think to myself, because I’ve posting to Quinn’s site at least twice a week.
So what have we been up to? Well things actually haven’t changed much. Food is always a highlight, but now it’s usually kid-friendly.
Pasta! Mange!
Vegan cupcakes at $4.75 each from Babycakes. Was it worth it? Only if - I didn't know how to bake. But I make vegan, gluten-free cupcakes without soy. But QT enjoyed the frosting and chocolate chips!
yummy in my tummy!
And a trip to the museum
I love these devices they used for the Mid-Century design exhibit.
Someone else loved it too. I had to persuade QT to continue through the exhibit.
And how about some arts and crafts?
Dressed as "princess" and ready to watercolor.
Her first rainbow and signed too.
a dog in clay
a great weekend.
Bits of my weekend: Vol. 31
05 Sunday Jun 2011
We’re starting to see our garden produce vegetables which is exciting.
I've never grown broccoli before and didn't really realize how many stalks could grow on one plant.
everyone had to take look.
We also went to the Culver City Art Walk. This year’s experience was a little different. We didn’t wander around like last time.
several people were interested in Al's fish sculptures
I really love how the single fish turned out. Al's brother did a great job.
Rhonda Voo had some "delicious displays"
do you think the members of KISS would like these?
Jeff used found objects to create this. The vaccum cleaner was rescued from a dumpster.
the end.
Bits of my weekend: vol. 29
25 Monday Apr 2011
The Marina is always filled with people enjoying the water. This weekend was no different.
QT observed every seagull she saw
It's always great to see family. Ally's pops was in town to join us for Easter.
Our friend Bobby celebrated his 60th with a wonderful party and a spectactular cake.
His rock/wife, Barbara, threw another amazing party
The only problem with the photo is the other brother is behind the camera.
can't have an Easter celebration without a hunt for eggs
It was a great see family this weekend.
Bits of my weekend: Vol. 28
17 Sunday Apr 2011
We decided to celebrate our anniversary by trying a new restaurant. We set our sights on
NY pizza dough or at least descendants of
Alas, we forgot to check hours of operation and didn’t discover it only serves dinner until we got there.
as luck would have it, Umani Burger was across the street
Umani is all about tasty everything. And even their ice tea had a little something extra.
a hint of coconut. it was refreshing!
Al loved it.
We had some great portabello mushroom burgers, sweet potato fries and truffle beet salad.
the ice cream sandwich was pretty yummy too.
I believe we’ve had a chocolate dessert at every wedding anniversary celebration. How could we not, when we choose to serve chocolate wedding cake.
chocolate ganache cake with one layer of raspberry cream. photo by Suzi of Q Weddings
there were barely crumbs left of our wedding cake. photo by Suzi of Q Weddings
post-party at the Prince O' Whales. photo by Suzi of Q Weddings.
This year’s anniversary celebration was extra sweet because we shared with a giggling two-year old.
who like mom and dad, appreciates chocolate!
Spring planting
11 Monday Apr 2011
I love spring planting. The anticipation of waiting for a little bud or a little vegetable peeking through is something I look forward to. This year I’m excited that we’ll get to share this with our daughter. I’m hoping she’ll be old enough to share in the wonder.
watering isn't my thing, lucky for me - Al is willing to do it
can't wait to eat some fresh basil
First buds due in about 45 days. Hoping by Memorial Day, we’ll have something to eat from the garden.
3 years gone in 30 seconds
09 Wednesday Mar 2011
I’ve been growing my hair long so that I could donate it to Locks of Love. I realize that I am fast approaching the age where long hair looks ridiculous and makes me seem desperate to stay youthful looking when in fact make me look like an old hag.
Obviously the new addition to our family and the desire to get ready for work in 60 seconds (okay it takes more like 15 minutes in total) also prompted me to cut my hair.
10.5 inches worth
I remember for a long time that my hair represented something powerful for me. From an early age, short hair wasn’t something I enjoyed. Maybe it’s because people thought I was a boy at the age of 7 with short hair.
Now I realize, it something that can come and go as life goes on. I was worried that QT wouldn’t recognize me when I picked her up from “school.” There was no hesitation from her and she saw me across the playground. So I’m just happy to cut my hair for a good cause and give myself more time to hang out with the QT in the mornings.
my little buddy still recognized me
8 years ago
18 Friday Feb 2011
I met a guy wearing a pork pie hat reading the sports section of the LA Times at Starbucks. Who knew it where it would lead to but here are some highlights:
My first of seven trips to New Orleans. My first and last Brennan's Hurricane
My first crawfish boil and meeting with a Quinn
The first of many amazing vacations with that guy wearing the hat
A ring. And the incident when the diamond fell out - but was found in the bath tub by Al.
Our intimate wedding
A trip of a lifetime to Paris and Al's homeland, Italy
Brought the best dog in the world, Coco, into our family
My first trip to Brooklyn and Sheephead Bay, Al's hometown
took niece, Jessica, to the Kid Choice awards.
said goodbye to my dad
torn down a few walls in my house
transformed our living space
Celebrated my in-laws 50th anniversary
reminded ourselves how beautiful our national parks can be.
Loved my husband even more for embracing my mother and bringing her into our home
Missed my brother-in-law's wedding
But sent nine dozen mini-cupcakes
Welcomed two Sperrazzo kids (James was in his mommy's tummy when we got married)
welcomed twins, Kayde and Kayle into the family
said goodbye to Coco
Traveled to China for a trip of a lifetime to welcome, Quinn, our daughter into our family.
Celebrated all the wonders of my life with this great guy
Additionally celebrated many birthdays, friend’s weddings and births. Met so many new friends through Al. Had lots of amazing meals and laughter. I can’t wait to see what life has in store for us! Learn more about some of the cupcakes I’ve baked and my daughter Quinn by click on the links.
How different life can be
13 Sunday Feb 2011
Two months ago, we met our daughter Quinn for the first time. I can honestly say that our lives are very different – but in a positive way. There really is nothing like a giggle or grin from your child. It’s like a drug, you just want more.
Two weeks seems much longer
28 Tuesday Dec 2010
Two weeks ago we officially adopted our daughter Quinn in China.
Signing the paperwork in Nanjiing, China
A week ago, we went to the American Consulate for an oath ceremony
We took the oath on Quinn's behalf. And she became a U.S.citizen on Dec. 24, 2010 when our plane touch down in the U.S.
It’s mind boggling that only two weeks have past. We’ve actually been a family for 15 days; we met on Dec. 13.
Here is Quinn today, during our daily dancing session.
We love this kid so much. I guess until you are a parent, you cannot comprehend how quickly and deeply you can fall in love with a little being.
