I am 43 years old, the mother of three grade school children and I am a huge Adam Lambert fan. I must admit I'm a little embarassed - the last time I was so crazy over a performer was when I was in college and convinced that Adam Ant could pick me out of the concert crowd and was singing just for me. The Smiths are pretty fabulous too, but I found it a bit hard to crush on someone as tragically sad as Morrissay.
Adam Lambert just makes me swoon. His voice is amazing and full of emotion. I know I'm in the minority, but I love his rendition of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire. My husband loves it too - he just has to hum a few bars and his evening instantly gets a bit more interesting.
My children refer to Adam as my TV boyfriend and they are amazed that my interest in seeing Adam succeed has inspired me to attempt to text my vote on my vintage era cell phone. My children are even more amazed that I think Adam is an incredible role model.
We watch American Idol as a family. It's one of the few shows that appeals to all of us despite our broad range of ages and has enough drama and surprises to keep everyone engaged in the performances.
Every week we are impressed by Adam. Adam obviously works hard in selecting his songs and preparing his arrangements. He seems so detailed oriented that even the shape of the silhouette of his shoes is taken into account in his choreography.
Adam is humble and on more than one occassion he has complimented other performers and is quick to thank those who have helped make his performance possible. He is respectful in listening and taking into account the judges comments. Adam seems to have an attitude where he is willing to learn and grow without diminishing his faith in his own abilities or self confindence.
Most important, I feel that Adam embodies what I hope that each of my children find - a passion that they pursue with grace and confidence along with a sense of adventure and fun. All too often we are focused on the end product and forget to enjoy our talents. While it is important to be respectful of the opportunities that we have been given, it is also every bit as important to rember to have fun while we follow our dreams. I bet Adam can party like a rock star and yet I can't imagine him being self destructive or deliberately unkind to others.
So, I am sitting here redialing my phone voting for Adam in the American Idol finals as I type this blog entry. I will be at the American Idol concert when it comes to Tampa in July. If you happen to be at the same concert I'm sure you will notice that Adam will make eye contact and sing directly to one person. That would be me.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Confessions of an Adam Lambert fan
Thursday, January 8, 2009
momarazzi Behind the Scenes is the story of a soldier's wife and two children during his deployment to Iraq. Told with deep feeling, momarazzi beautifully captures the highs and lows of raising a young family while Daddy is away serving our country.
The compelling photographs that accompany the text bring home the reality that it is not only the members of our Armed Forces who sacrifice so much - but also their families who stay behind.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Falling in Love Again
I had been in the hospital for less than twenty four hours and even though my husband and I were getting ready to celebrate our eighth anniversary, I found myself falling in love with another man.
Bubba (a nickname that pays homage to living in the South) was scheduled to arrive on May 15th. Even though we were thrilled to welcome a new member to our growing family, Bubba is our third child and that morning my thoughts were consumed with our older two children. Were they driving my mother crazy with their constant fighting? Would they be jealous of their younger brother? Was the age gap going to be a problem? I definitely was not "living in the moment" as Oprah is so fond of saying.
Several hours of labor later, ending in an emergency c-section, there was a change in my thinking. Would my baby be ok? Was my advanced maternal age the reason behind my emergency c-section? Was my husband about to pass out from watching the c-section, bang his head against bulky medical equipment, and leave me a widow to raise three children on my own? I was still having trouble living in the moment.
Then, all hell broke loose as soon as I was wheeled into my hospital room. My mother was already there with big brother Spencer and big sister Gabriella waiting to welcome Bubba to the world. My mother-in-law arrived with cookies and flowers. The phone started ringing and friends started dropping by to visit. Bubba stoically submitted to being passed around like a hot potato. He was the recipient of many hugs, kisses and even licks from his older sister. Eventually it got late and the novelty began to wear off - after all, it was dinnertime.
I suddenly found myself alone for the first time that day. I looked down at the almost forgotten bundle sleeping in my lap. I noticed his long eyelashes and even longer toes. His perfectly formed seashell ears. Unlike his big brother and sister, Bubba was long and lean. He already showed signs of having a zen-like peaceful personality.
I would soon discover how wrong I was about Bubba's tolerance threshold, but, I was finally in the moment.
I could almost hear Elvis gently singing ... "but I can't help falling in love with you."
*This post was written as part of the online baby shower for my dear cyber friend Kristen of Motherhood Uncensored and Rebecca of Girl’s Gone Child! Wishing you many happy memories as you welcome new additions to your families! Be sure to check out both blogs for Kristen and Rebecca's humorous and often touching views on the highs and lows of motherhood. 
Monday, August 25, 2008
Atomic Diaper Relief
The Atomic Diaper. If you have experienced it and survived, you’ll understand why Herban Essentials Towelettes are a must have for every parent.
Herban Essentials had me hooked with their clever name. Whether you’re an urban, suburban or rural dweller, Herban Essentials Towelettes are like a little bit of aromatherapy heaven in a single serving size package. Made with the finest essential oils available, these delightful towelettes deliver a perfect dose of crisp, calming and uplifting scent to ease a harried Mom’s day.
Herban Essentials was founded by Deborah McCormick when she discovered a homeopathic and aromatherapeutic way to ease her flight anxiety. She teamed up with Stuart Manson, an essential oils aficionado, and together they created the Herban Essential Towelettes. After working together for a few years, Stuart married Deborah’s middle son. Herban Essentials has since grown to be a harmonious group of 10 employees spearheaded by a dynamic mother and daughter-in-law team. I love my mother-in-law, but I know I would need more than soothing essential oils to run a business together!
The multi-tasking Herban Essentials Towelettes can be used to calm and cleanse scrapes and burns, repel bugs and ease itching, dispel nausea, and stimulate creativity. You can even toss them in a pillow case to insure a peaceful night of slumber. I throw Herban Essentials Towelettes in the fridge and use them to cool off after a hot day or to soothe a fevered brow. However, my favorite way to use them is after changing an atomic diaper in a public restroom. After getting cleaned up, I whip out my Herban Essentials Towelette, do a last minute wipe down of baby and me, and I’m good to go in a cloud of serenity.
Herban Essentials Towelettes may seem a little extravagant, but you can’t put a price on post atomic diaper bliss!
Try the calming Lavender, the uplifting Peppermint or the crisp Lemon. If you are having a hard time deciding, Herban Essentials Towellettes are available in a mixed package. You can even get your favorite pooch a bit of aromatherapy action!
Available in packages with 20 individually wrapped towelettes at Itty Bitty Ladybug.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Itty Bitty Ladybug featured on Cool Mom Picks
We were thrilled when Kristen at Cool Mom Picks featured the Giddy Giddy Elephant Pouch! Cool Mom Picks is our favorite site to check out new and hip products for children. If you are even stumped looking for that perfect gift, click on over to Cool Mom Picks for their amazing selections. Thanks Kristen and Cool Mom Picks!
While searching for hair clips that weren't drenched in lace and ribbon, I happened upon the impossibility that is Giddy Giddy, and their totally cool felt creations that launched my daughter's infatuation with barrettes. So leave it to them to fuel her handbag addiction now too.
Mom and designer Teri Dimalanta has added ridiculously sweet pouches to her slew of irresistible wool felt clips. Each pouch is individually handcrafted from a variety of textiles and patterns, all of which include just a smidgen of pre-loved fabrics. I'm completely in love with the little red elephant bag (pictured), but would happily indulge my daughter with the owl.
You can find a wonderful selection of Giddy Giddy pouches, along with their brand new pony tail holders at the Itty Bitty Lady Bug. -Kristen
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Piper Whelan - Karito Kids New Addition
Meet Piper Whelan - she is the newest doll to be added to the award winning Karito Kids Collection. Piper is an 11 year old girl from Australia. She lives with her mother, father and little sister in Bondi Beach.
Piper is an avid surfer and life guard. Being outdoors so much, Piper begins to see the effect that humans have on our environment. Piper takes it upon herself to educate others about how they can make a difference until one day she notices that the sea life in Bondi Beach is slowly dying. Her story is about her eco mission to help save the ocean animals from pollution.
Karito Kids have won over 14 awards including the #1 Toy of the Year in 2007. Every Karito Kids doll and book comes with a passport that invites you to log onto www. karitokids.com and experience the joy of giving to other children around the world who are not as lucky as them. Karito Kids band contributes 3% of the MSRP to Plan USA, a children's charity with whom the company has partnered.
In addition to Piper, the current global gals include Wan Ling from China, Gia from Italy, Lulu from Kenya, Zoe from New York, and Pita from Mexico. Each character has a unique personality and a hard cover adventure mystery book that allows kids to recognize that for the most part, no matter where you live, all kids are the same.
My eight year old daughter and I have enjoyed getting to know the Karito Kids. I love that my daughter is learning about other countries and the importance of charity by reading the adventures of each Karito Kid. My daughter loves the fun, spunky personalities of all of the Karito Kids. The books bring to life the personality of each doll - all of which are a wonderful role model.
Click over to http://www.ittybittyladybug.com/ to read more about the Karito Kids and check out their cute accessories!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Kung Fu Panda - Movie Review
Last night I saw Kung Fu Panda with my 8 year old sister and 4 year old brother. Jack Black is one of my favorite actors and I think he did a great job as the voice of Po, the panda.
The movie was really funny. My whole family laughed a lot. Kung Fu Panda also has a really good message. Po, the panda, keeps trying even though it seems like he will never be good enough. In the end, his dreams come true and he is able to save his village.
I don't want to give away too much of the story. Kung Fu Panda is a fun movie that your whole family will enjoy!
Submitted by Spencer, age 10.
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