Bits of my weekend: Vol. 31

5 06 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.

 


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Categories : Art, Family, weekend

Bits of my weekend: vol. 29

25 04 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.


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Categories : Family, friends, weekend

Bits of my weekend: Vol. 28

17 04 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!


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Categories : Family, food, Husband, weddings

Spring planting

11 04 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.


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Categories : Family, Husband

3 years gone in 30 seconds

9 03 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


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Categories : Family, Musings

8 years ago

18 02 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.


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Categories : Adoption, Coco, Family, friends, Husband, New Orleans, Quinn

How different life can be

13 02 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.


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Categories : Adoption, Family

Two weeks seems much longer

28 12 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.


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Categories : Adoption, Family, Quinn

remembering my dad

14 12 2010

Me at approximately 18 mos with my dad

My dad was hard on me when I was growing up and even to some extend as an adult – until he had Alzheimer’s.  Then as Al says, we saw the softer side of my dad. My mom always assures me that although he was tough on me  and wasn’t the most encouraging dad, he loved me.  I am always reassured of this when I look back at early photos of him with me.  Today marks the fifth year since his death.

I wonder if I will be able to relate to my dad better, now that I’m a parent?  I’m sure he’s looking down and smiling at this granddaughter.


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Categories : Family

Bits of my weekend: Vol 25

8 11 2010

My weekend actually began on Friday, because I took the day off.  I tried to accomplish a lot in one day.  The best part was having a girl’s luncheon with some of my friends who have adopted from China. Gwen and Kathy were eager to welcome me to the parenthood club and I learned quite a few things from them.  Click here for more thoughts on our journey to our daughter.

On Saturday, we took my niece Maddie to the Noah’s Ark Exhibit at the Skirball Center.  It’s a really fun interactive exhibit for young kids where all the animals are made out of recycled materials.

Maddie with a Zebra at "Noah's Ark" Exhibit

The "mane" is made out of brushes

Maddie played with the "vegetables" for over 30 minutes

Maddie played with the "vegetables" for over half an hour.

Too much vegetable play for Maddie

Sunday, I spent FIVE hours at the mall.  Pretty amazing for someone who doesn’t like to shop (I don’t count Target).  I accompanied a young lady (13 years) on a shopping spree.  We were granting her wish through the Make a Wish Foundation of Los Angeles.  We went through a lot of clothes and shoes and in the end, ran out of time to complete the shopping tour.  Never fear, she can go back to finish it with her family.

We closed out Sunday with a meal at a very traditional steakhouse in Westchester.  It’s an institution really.

It's probably been around since the 1960s. How do we know?

um, I think it's the photo of a very young Liberace and the owner on the wall that gives it away.

Thank you Steve and Hind for a great evening of laughter, friendship and food.


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Categories : Adoption, Family, friends, weekend

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