Dear Brody Lovers,

I miss you! Let's be friends again.... Like we use to.... when we'd chat a few times a week. When I would have NEVER skipped out on letting you know about Brody's first steps.... or his latest visit to the retirement home.... or how he spent his First first day of Autumn.... Let's rekindle our love! Soon, my wonderfuls, soon....

p.s. no one could ever take your place :)

xoxo
crystal

Bebes Who Lunch

My favorite duo dined this holiday weekend and they were as cute and funny as ever. I think they recognize each other and are starting to accept this arranged bro-mance! The best friends have grown sooo much and it's funny to watch them around the same stages in life at the same time. Kanaa and I both had to push our plates far away as they quickly grabbed for the food as soon as it arrived. LOL.... funny little men.... And these guys don't stand for happy meals.... Only the finest..... Ahhhhh I just love them..... obsessed times a million!

Oh, and how rude of me..... HAPPY LABOR DAY!!!

Brody Joseph fancies the Bookstore!

Like mother like son...

"Excuse me, ma'am, where'd you get those lashes"?

Happy dreary, rainy, sleep-in Monday!

Hope you all had a dreamy weekend! This weekend was really exciting for me as I had fantastic plans of dinner and theater (the Color Purple.... I know I'm like two years behind). With this HOT evening planned I wanted to be nothing less than a doll! So I set out to purchase faux lashes! While walking through Belk the pushy make-up gal at the Benefits counter insisted I come over and try their new cheek stain because Beyonce and Madonna were wearing it. Needless to say, I went right over.... While I was there, the pushy sales gal insisted I also try their "fake lash in a bottle" mascara. Sooooooooo glad I did!! It's totally my new favorite! One of my closest friends thought my lashes were fake. And the beau.......... well, he didn't notice at all. BUT, trust me, this is a must have.

Scene from the musical with Shug Avery in the juke joint

there would be no need for this post if we only had this guys lashes!

Back 2 School

So, I was told it's not cool to carry your lunch to school anymore....... YEAH RIGHT!!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy to Me!!!!!!!!

So, everyone knows Brody Joseph's Auntie, Yolanda, luvs luvs luvs Sephora! And she should..... great store! Anyway, today BroJo and I visited South Park and decided to stop by Sephora to check out the latest in cosmetics... When we approached the counter to make our purchase, the super cute sales rep asked, "Do you have a rewards card with us"? Hmmmmm, I thought to myself. I don't have one but I bet I know who does.... "Yes ma'am," I said, thinking I'd get some sort of discount. "OK, What is your name," said the super cute rep. "Yolanda..... Yolanda Broadie.... Y-O-L-A-N-D-A." Needless to say, she IS a member. However, members don't get discounts :(

"Yolanda, you have a birthday on Monday!"

"Yep"

"We have a gift for you!!!!"

"Umm Hmm" (fighting the laugh)

I'm now the proud owner of....not one.....but THREE lip glosses!! Turns out, identity theft does not get you a discount at Sephora, but it does get you a birthday gift!!!

Hi my lovelies!

So, I don't think I need to make an announcement, but...... I don't have an infant anymore!! Brody Joseph is such an independent MAN now! And he gets sweeter and sweeter every single day!! Can you even believe he's 10 months+ already!!? I can't! I'm knee deep in 1st birthday party plans and loving every single minute of it! As you read in the previous post, those coos and yaaas are starting to form audible sounds that actually make sense to me. The only thing is, Brody Joseph does things in his own timing. You should dare not ask him to, "Say Byeeee, Brody" He'll look at you as if you have two heads. Oh but when he feeeeellllss like it, he'll part those sweet lips and actually speak the words! I just love it! As his personality becomes more and more defined, I enjoy him more and more..... and so does the Trader Joe shoppers, Panera Bread eaters, church members, fellow strollers and anyone else in his path....

Hey Hey Hey!

I love you guys....... REALLY!! Mean it!!!!

So my schedule is super jammed packed lately and I haven't been able to update! :( But I miss you.... and I miss sharing..... and there's sooooo much to share.... and so much to hear about..... Anyway, I had to let you guys know (so that you can mark your calendar) Brody Joseph spoke his first word today!!!!!! Can't wait to give the details! But as I fight to keep my eyes open from an overworked hectic day..... I'll have to save the juicy details for later.

Smoochies

Forgot to mention.....

Brody Joseph 93 and I were invited to a 999999963 special dinner party this week by our absolute favorite retirement village! You can only imagine the excitement. Anyway, the dinner was just lovely (as expected). Much to my surprise 'guess who' was recognized 999999999 for being the youngest volunteer! I was sooooo proud of the little butterfly! 958888Congratulations Little Man! I just luuuuuvvvvvvvv you!9

The Villages' regional director, activities director, and director

The lad and I

By the way: Brody keyed all of the numbers

Note to self: Blog during nap time...

The Tragedy of the Elizabeth Taylor book....

So, I've been the proud owner of the Elizabeth Taylor collector's edition book for the past, ummmm, I don't even remember how many years. I caught it on sale at Barnes and Noble back when I was in undergrad. Brody Lovers, that was some years back (you'd better be gasping in disbelief as you thought it was just last year). Anyway, Elizabeth (I want to call her Lizzy) and I have gotten along fine through the years. She lived on my bookshelf until she decided to adorn my coffee table. Every now and then a guest would peruse her pages and Lizzy enjoyed that. A simple life she had. Until yesterday.... Lizzy met her fate.... Brody Joseph.

I sat on the couch. Laptop.... well.... in lap. Brody Joseph happily playing in his walker. Everything normal until the piercing sound of ripped paper filled the air. The culprit... Brody Joseph - smiling. The victim...Elizabeth Taylor - decapitated.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Autumn

Ok, not really but, gosh, I'm so excited about the fall!! The nip in the air, apple cider, the brightly dressed trees, football season, Brody Joseph's b-day.... and most importantly.... THE WARDROBE! Yes, I know it's only July but you know how fast these months go by. So, I'm inspired! Not only to create my own chic look (squeal with excitement) but the fall look of a toddler boy! Now, we all know shopping for little boys is much harder than shopping for little girls. Especially little boys like Brody Joseph. But, with a vision and a little determination, we can make it happen! I pulled a few looks to help us get started.... whatcha think???

There’s No Place Like Home

You know how every once in a while you smell a certain fragrance or taste a certain flavor that wraps you up and whisks you away to yesteryear. It takes you back to the time and place you were when that taste or fragrance was prevalent. I LOVE THAT! Well I took a yummy trip back with a visit with Auntie Thelma, Brody Joseph’s great great auntie. We listened to several wonderful tales and shared countless laughs. With a mind as sharp as a tack and a memory twice and good as mine, Auntie Thelma shared eighty year old stories and even reminded me of things about myself I had so conveniently forgotten. I can’t quite put the feeling into words but it was very similar to towels straight from the dryer on a winter’s night. It feels like home to me.

I just love my Auntie Thelma and her fabulous cheek bones!

I Just Can't Live Without You! Part 1

Butterflies!!!

How are ya? So, I know it's been over a week, but my notebook (aka lifeline) came down with a nasty NASTY cold and was hospitalized for a few days. Needless to say, we're back up and running and ready to blog. So, I compiled a short list of items necessary in a chic Mommy's life. Of course we don't have the time nor gigabytes to list them all but hope these help!

Chic Mommy Must-Haves

1. A hands-free baby carrier

I just love these! Of course Brody Joseph would just stare at me if I tried to put him in it now... but, it was great while it lasted...

2. A quality at home spa set

Just in case two weeks turns to four turns to eight.... your toes shouldn't have to suffer... neither should the person sleeping beside you!



3. A knock-out dish everyone loves!

You'll find yourself invited to more and more brunches, play-dates, meet and greets, etc... find something quick, easy, and Goooood you can perfect and whip together at the drop of a dime!

4. Magic Eraser

You'll understand this one when you notice the sweet potato hand print on your living room wall!

5. A sexy yet forgiving dress

Michael Kors

6. At least one good-looking lounge out-fit...

so that you can go from home to the grocery store to the bank to Michaels....

7. At least one indulgence

Mine would be an asiago cheese bagel, cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers... YUM!

Pool Phobia..... OVER!!!

Awww, my little man tackled his pool fear today!!! He said, "Pool, I'm not afraid of you," and had a fabulous, splashy time... I'm so proud of him... Oh, and I honestly don't think I stopped smiling this weekend! FABULOUS FOURTH!

Brody just getting into the pool trying to feel it out.... Aiden, an old pro

Starting to warm up..... cuties!

Splish Splash! Aiden: "Not in my eyes, Brody."


"Ok, we're leaving."