Brandylis and The Bear

The Last Supper..

2011-09-19T21:03:00.003-04:00

Oh Our final night of dining... I had by then gained 16 lbs during the Summer which will be very apparent in the photos, but who cares... Life is good.. I will lose it when the misery kicks it.. I couldn't WAIT to go to this particular restaurant as my husband raved about how great the food was after dining during a business dinner...

Tonight, OYSTER CATCHERS.

Click here for the Dinner Menu

Again, we arrived very late in the evening.. The Valet guy was very pleasant but something just seemed off. There was a very pungent fishy smell as I walked towards front door. "Fooo!!" I said to Trevor.. "Good grief I know it's a seafood restaurant but they needed to put a Glage Plug Ins or something at the entrance." AS we entered, we were not greeted in the lounge area but instead we had to peak to see whether someone was there (bad impression number 2).. We were then brought in and shown all the different types of oysters from around the globe in this huge glass case then we were seated. ( That was Impressive)
We were escorted to our table...
OH LORD THE GUESTS TO OUR RIGHT WERE LOUDDDDDDDDDDDD and DRUNKKKKKKK

It's time to change tables..

Lord, I could go on and on but I am getting agitated with all the negativity I have already typed so I will just give little tid bits.

My Favorites Again, but will it live up to Ocean Prime's oysters?

(smacking my tongue) Dab a little sauce here...

(Smacking lips) ....and a little bit there...and...

GULP

OHHH NOOO!!!... I need fish hook to get this from my throat...

Sighhh... It all went downhill from there..

Your Turn babes... Huh? What did you say? Your beer in your great, great, great grandmother's red glass that has been stored wrapped in white moth ball scented cheese cloth is WARM?!?!?!?! NOOO WAYY!!!! (rolling eyes)

Uhh.... Yeahh.... So how was your cold bread ?

While we wait for for our main course..

BRAISED NEW ZEALAND LAMB SHANK

(Crickets)

WHOLE ROASTED SNAPPER w/ lemon saffron aioli

(Crickets and flies)

I... HAVE.... NEVER... HAD..SUCH...A...HORRIBLE...MEAL...IN...MY....LIFE....

Trevor's Lamb Shank was clammy... pasty.. "NYACKY
My Fish... Uhmm.. My fish was dry, bitter and one of the vegetables had a rotten after taste...

CALLING CHEF RAMSEY!!!!

CALLING CHEF RAMSEY!!!!!!!

Do you know our bill came to over $140!!!! We didn't even eat half of what we ordered...

I wanted to scratch my eye balls out in disappointment and hunger so.. NOT DESSERT.. CHECK PLEASE!!!!

Best part of the night was just spending time with you my love...

Bloopers next page..

Here's to our Last Supper

Fall is sooo Yesterday.....

2011-09-16T07:32:00.000-04:00

Oh My Goshhh...... Oh My Goshhhhh...... I haven't even blogged about Fall.. The BEST time of the year in Tampa... but..... I couldn't WAIT to post about the yummy new mini candles for the HOLIDAY SEASON now available at Bath and Body Works ONLINE ONLY... (In stores October 3rd)...and they are

3 for $5 !!

Spiced Apple Toddy

Candies Sugar Plum

Merry Mistletoe

Dark Chocolate Mint

Gingerbread

Marshmallow Peppermint

Winter Night

Cranberry Pear Bellini

Winter

Little Yummies Next Page..

Clicking on the pictures will take you straight to the website.....

Load them Up!!! Load them Up!!!!.. My Shopping cart is full!!!

Simple... "It's Love"

2011-09-15T14:35:00.000-04:00

I wish God took video clips of people's lives and had a website where we could subscribe to view the courses of their lives.

I wonder at what point in a married couple's life that they experience that feeling of complete comfort with being in each other's company where nothing has to be said or implied.. It's no longer work.. It's just peace, solace, happiness...

Some things are not fair in life... Like when a couple who has been married to each other for over 60 years soon experience the loss and grief of one passing away... It should be in God's plan that they both leave this earth together...

I wonder if my husband and I will have the opportunity to look at our wrinkles together with whatever technological item that will be around that time.. But most importantly, I hope he will still want me to drop my dress and see my "boobies" at 79..

Thank you Bruce and Ester Huffman for showing us the purity of true love...

INVALUABLE Thanksgiving...

2011-09-12T12:53:00.003-04:00

......It's Friday evening after the good news of the tests results among other things I will mention later... Brio closes at 11:00 pm on Fridays.. We left our house at 10:15 pm for our 40 minutes drive... Had to call our girl "Heather" at the bar to place the order before the kitchen closed... Never ran so quickly in heels...

Wow.. We made it... I'm dizzy!!!

It was very romantic.. The two ladies seated behind me and another gentleman were the only other patrons at the restaurant.. The manager, Brian knows our story and always teases us when we arrive panting and nervous... But I must admit, there is something beautiful about being the last couple dining, with most of the employees gone... It felt like we had a private reservation.. The live music at The Pub next door was just the perfect accent to our little escapade... The kids were asleep, my mother was playing scrabble on the Ipad until we returned home which is always 1 1/2 hours later... Yup we don't need much..

Bracelet: Tiffanys here

Ring: Vintage Inspired "Forever 21"

Poor husband was exhaused, but hey, we may never get these opportunities again.. at least for a long, long time..

... a little better.. :-)

Nice Cold Brewsky.. my hubby's

Shoes: Zara as shown here

Dress: Zara

Very lovely evening, but it was time for the old folks to get home...

INVALUABLE Birthday Gift....

2011-09-12T05:05:00.003-04:00

Sooooo, to conclude my birthday celebration, there was one more important gift that I had to receive.. Remember in my earlier post here where I spoke of the importance of a regular pap smear, well it was time... I had to wait over a month for my appointment, but the time had come..
This year, I have been having the strangest of thoughts ..

Not sure whether age has a part to do with it or perhaps just being in a different place... A little more centered... Perhaps it's is fear of going back to a time that seemed hopeless and without purpose... Perhaps it's the extra little gray hairs I had been seeing every morning when I wake up on my husband's beard and the crow's feet which appear when I give my biggest smile ever.....

perhaps it's the time I spent with my mom during the Summer vacation where I saw her stride begin to slow down... the fact that I had to order size 14 pants for my 8 year old... Perhaps all of the above ... and more...

I was so nervous... but why? I have done this before? This time was different.. This time it was more important than any other because for the first time since the birth of my first son, I am functioning and making decisions not under fear but under rational, because besides my kids, husband and mother, we have no family who could make those decisions for me.. I have always thought of the inevitable, but now it was time to act on it...

It's time to lift those puppies up!!!!

10 business days later, the results are in.... My phone rings.... Never a good sign.. Did they detect something? It was a totally unrelated call.. They wanted to know the quality of my visit.. Just as the nurse was about to hang up, I asked whether the results were in, and in a nonchalant voice she said " Oh yes, everything is good"... No cancer, no abnormalities.... Now I can proceed with my life.. but what exactly did they test for? I have always wanted to know... Funny enough, because of my age, they tested for more things than they typically have done in the past... I received a bill in the mail for the tests that were not covered by our insurance and luckily for me, it gave the breakdown..

Here is the Fascinating list.

Candida albicans fluconazole
Candida glabrata
Candida parapsilosis
Candida tropicalis
CAndida albicans
Prevotella Species
Ureaplasma Urealyticum
Neisseria Gonorrhoeae
Megashpaera species
Bacterial Vaginosis
Atopobium vaginae
Gardnerella vaginalis
Mycoplasma hominis
Mycoplasma genitalium
Mobiluncus mulieris
Trichomonas vaginalis
Clamydia trachomatis

..Goodness ME!!!.... They checked to see whether I had Transformers, Dinosaurs, Continents and Alcohol in there... hehehehe....Thankfully everything came out clear.. I was also encouraged to get a mammogram soon.. Not looking forward to it whatsoever, but I am just happy there isn't this 40 year age target.. I think doctors are realizing more and more that cancer does not have a specific age when it attacks.

LADIES!!!!!! Please get your yearly PAP SMEAR!!!!!

Summer Dreams Part 3 (Nostalgia.)

2011-09-09T06:49:00.003-04:00

... and so our little Summer escapades continue.. "Ma, are you still alive? You have to sleep Ma when the Logan finally falls asleep!.. I am not 17 anymore.. You don't have to wait up.."

So after our little evening rendezvous for my Birthday, we decided that we wanted to make another escape somewhere nearer as my mom got me so nervous after we returned.. You see, we could only leave the house after all three boys have fallen asleep.. There is no way my poor mother could handle them on her own, but apparently Mr. Brandon decided to wake up in the middle of his sleep to search for us. While my mom decided to have her momentary shut eye, he bursts into her room, all the lights blazing throughout the house, pulling her from her bed to come upstairs with him.. Logan is at this point latched onto her like a koala bear... Poor lady is in a panic because she has no idea what Brandon wanted.. This is just after our attempt to go the movies a couple of weeks earlier.. Our first movie getaway together in yearsssss!!!!!.... Here is what happened..

It's a half hour drive to the theater... literally 3 mins before arrival, we are at the last traffic light..

                                                            (Bringgg Bringggg)....
Me: Oh Lord baby it's home.. "Hello"
Home End:  "MEEEE MORRR.. MEEEEE MORRR... MEEE
                     MORRRR"...(Alarms Blazing)... LISAAAAAAAA!!!!!!....... BORDIEEEE.... THE
                     ALARM WENT OFFFFFF....
Me: Ma what happen?
Mom: Brandon woke up, he put every single light on in the house and he went through the laundry
           room and out the garage!!!!!!!
Me: Lord have mercy!!!! Ma where is he?
Mom: I don't know? I think he is in the house....
Me: Oh my God!!!! Ma hang up because the alarm company is going to call and the phone will cut..
        Don't answer they will call me because if you answer they will think you are a burglar and send
        the cops!!!!! .............
                                                           (CLICK).............

        Hello.. Ma you're there?,, MAN!!!.... I guess the word "cops" scared the crap out of her..

I turn over to Trevor.. Babes.. we have to go home..
Trevor: Mayyysyayyyyyyyy!!!! ( one of the three creole words my husband knows)...

We get home about 30-40 minutes later after having my husband drive around like a lost chicken trying to decide whether to return, since my mom felt so terrible and tried to convince us to go see the movie.... What are you nuts? How can I enjoy a movie after this fiasco? Do you know how much two movie tickets, one small popcorn, one Sprite, a bottle of water and nachos cost? I could feed an army at Brio for the cost..Anyhow, we finally arrive home only to find my mother laying/lying (still get those two words confused) on the floor at the top of the staircase with all the lights still blazing, heart racing, eyes wide open. She was using herself as a barricade for Brandon in case he tried to go back downstairs .. Why didn't she go on my bed which was the room just to the left of her? I don't know... So that was our glorious evening that night..

I was feeling a little Nostalgic, so while picking something to wear, I came across the very first pair of shoes my husband bought me on my first date... Yup... He fell in love with my feet before my big mouth back then, and on our first date, I had to pick up a couple items at the mall, so he tagged along with me.. Of course the shoe department is always a must and the perfect test for a man is to see how well he could hold up shopping with a woman.. Trust me.. he passed the test and more.. actually, more I think about it, he may have enjoyed it more than I did. hehehehe..

Our First stop.. Brass Tap in Wesley Chapel..

                                                                 We made it!!!!

Babes we have to hurry before the phone rings!!!

The Shoes.. Via Spiga..

Reviews on Brass Tap

Food was mediocre.. You can always tell when foods aren't prepared fresh and was simply reheated.. Very intense flavors, perhaps a little too overpowering, but I guess lessen learned is never order bar food at 11:00 pm when establishment was opened all day. Very likely you will get left overs..

Next Stop.. World of Beer.. ( Uhh huhhh We're on a Roll)

Here is an excerpt from their website

"In 2007, two friends and aspiring businessmen from Pensacola, Florida, Scott Zepp and Matt LaFon, opened the doors of their bar and retail establishment, World of Beer, to the public. Located in the community of Westchase in Tampa, FL, the concept was warmly embraced by the community. In fact, the interest in this unique concept was so profound that inquiries about how others could open a World of Beer in their neighborhood came in sooner and more frequently than Matt and Scott had anticipated. After much thought, they decided that the most effective way to bring their experience and concept to other communities was to grow the business through franchising."

"Expand your horizons with over 500 different bottles of beer from more than 40 countries, as well as premium wines and fine cigars. Every bottle is also available for retail sale, so you can take your favorites home with you"

You could read more about this fascinating place here

They serve no food.. On brewskies so you better not come on an empty stomach.. This place is a ~~alcoholic's~~ beer enthusias' dream... But, they don't have Piton.. Ohh come on folks.. You gotta get the Piton.. So "our people" need to speak to "those people" to get some "La Bien Ste. Lucie.. Piton... Y Bon" in the refrigerators of all World of Beers..

Time's up.. Homeward Bound...

Jacket :Zara

Black top: Gap body

Jeans: Seven for all Mankind

Shoes: Via Spiga

Bag: Big Buddha

Summer Dreams (Part 2)

2011-09-07T20:04:00.000-04:00

....So the Birthday celebration continued, and to continue the trend on focussing on myself, I decided to have, for the first time, a birthday party just for us..
The Family..
I didn't want the stress of overly cleaning..
The anxiety of making sure all the delicacies are presented perfectly...
The fear that people aren't enjoying themselves or if one of the kids poop to be fearful of the embarrassment of the smell..
Brandon having a tantrum because of the presence of too many people or him in isolation from the chaos..
I wanted to Dance Dance Dance... (Why don't people dance at parties here?)
I just wanted to have fun, fun, fun...

This year Father's day fell on my birthday, so it was like Christmas morning.. I had purchased a couple toys and supplies for the kids to keep them preoccupied during the Summer which we also wrapped. My first two sons have always loved the thrill of a birthday party... Dylan always believes he is going to get a "Surprise" as he calls it which are DVD's.. and Brandon is thrilled with confetti, streamers and balloons.... Logan is happy with cake... and Trevor, well he is my biggest kid.. he is just happy that there is a FOODDDDD!!!!! hahahaha.. Poor guy...
.. I didn't want much for my Birthday this year as I had to wait another 2 weeks for my most important Birthday Gift ( Upcoming post).... I wanted it to be whimsical, colorful and just all round Happy... How do you think it ended up.. You be the judge..

Me: "Babes, I just bought this cup today"

Trevor: "You don't have to tell me that... I was so disappointed when you entered with the cup"

Daddy's turn!!

Come on Brandy!!! DAnce Baby .. Dance....

Break it Down.. Break it Down Logi Bear!!!

Me and my MOMMYYYYY!!!!!

....... Poor shoes got so filthy by the end of the day....

Hi Baby!!!!

WAIT!!!!.. Whose cake is it?

Are those my Spanx? Oh well... hehehehe

...and for The Wiggles fans, I memorized and practiced hard all week the moves for Eagle Rock.. That was soooo much fun.. Poor Dylan was mortified... hehehe..

My quirky, coo coo, Happy family!!!... We come in a set..
Take it all or leave it..

Finally.... ZARA.. finally......

2011-09-06T13:51:00.000-04:00

So excited about this!!!!!!...

Ok.....I was first introduced to Zara several years ago on one of our many trips to Orlando with the children, but at the time I was not really interested in purchasing beautiful pieces as I rarely left the house to go places where I could adorn my tired self with such elegant pieces... Come on... Could you imagine me with classic pumps buying Almond Milk and diapers at Publix? Please.... However, when we moved up to the Tampa area about 3 to 4 years ago, while strolling through the International Plaza, I happened to be brave enough to walk in to browse at their items.. Beautiful.. Timeless.... Classic pieces....and the price!!!... Really... Beautiful sequined blouses under $40!!!! Shirts under $20!!!!!... Timeless Jackets under $100!!!!.. Oh Lord!!!!!! and their Large and Extra large FIT ME!!!!!!

BUT

Whenever I would jump in my car for my 40 minute drive to purchase a bag or pair of shoes I was salivating over online the night prior, but the time I got there, it was sold out!!!! Sniff Sniff... That was about $20 gas for nothing.. Way way way...

WHY DON'T YOU GUYS OFFER ONLINE SHOPPING??????

.......UNTIL NOW......

As of tomorrow, SEPTEMBER 7th, 2011..... You could shop online at ZARA... I am soooooo excited!!!!!! All those delicious bags and shoes that they only receive one or two of per store at a time, I could purchase at the comfort of my home and so could you... Yippie Yah Yo!!!!!

Here are a couple accessories I have purchase within the last six months... Clothes you will see throughout other posts...

HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!

Thank you ZARAAAAA!!!!!!!

time for Bloopers

So I said to Logan... "Logi, could you please help Mommy put the stuff on the mirror?"... Here is my son's display..

Lord That hair.... SIGHHHH

When he was done he said

"I DID IT!!!!!!!"..

Hahahahaha... Ohhhh Logi Bear....

Summer Dreams...

2011-09-02T13:44:00.002-04:00

Hello There Strangers!!!

How long has it been? Pretty much feels like an eternity.. I never predicted Summer would have come and gone and I would have created perhaps 2 or so posts.. It's times like these that we truly find the humor in the saying "When we Plan..God laughs".. This was an EYE OPENING 3 months for me... My mom was here for the entire duration.. MY plan or should I say hope was that she could perhaps watch the kids while I get many things I have been dying to accomplish done, but this life of mine is not for the faint of heart... My mom has been suffering from Macular Degeneration for the past 10 years which is rapidly deteriorating but she has sight in one eye right now which is what she is holding on to. Pretty sad for a woman who has always been so active and creative all her life.. but I will speak of my mom in a separate post in the near future..

The beginning of the Summer was rough. It began abruptly for the first two boys and they were not at all happy being at home.. No matter what I tried to engage them in, they were always bored ( sounds familiar?)...Until my Birthday...

This year I turned the big 3-5 and for almost a year I thought that I would have this swanky cocktail party at a lovely restaurant.. but as the time quickly approached, I realized that I wasn't quite prepared, so last minute, Trevor and I decided to go out to dinner, we would have reserved a couple seats for friends and it would be simple and intimate.. Well, everyone I called told me they couldn't make it which was actually a shocker considering I have always had parties and people had always come.. and whether it be me and/or Trevor always try to show up when invited.. Was this a joke? Was there a surprise brewing? Perhaps when I showed up they would be there... Well, my mom was able to hold on for dear life and watch the kids for a couple of hours while my husband and I prepared to go out to what was supposed to be my "adult" celebration.. During the car ride, I uttered to him "Is there going to be anyone?" he said "No baby, I am so sorry.. but I have a surprise for you, I got you the license plate you always dreamed of having for a community where you lived"....My heart dropped and it was at that moment... at THAT particular moment, I realized that this Summer, I was going to focus and invest my time once and for all on the two most important relationships in my life.. My relationship with Myself and My Husband and that's where the adventure began.. Here is part ONE of my "Birthday Gratitude Celebration".. at Brio..

Belt: Zara

Necklace: Forever 21

Lipstick: Revlon Coral

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Nail Polish: SEPHORA by OPI Nail Colour Fiercely Fabulous

What makes an evening Romantic?

2011-06-06T02:00:00.000-04:00

.... Beer $4.00

...Coffee alcoholic drink $6.00

... One Fish and Chips $13.00

The manager splitting the one Fish and Chips in the kitchen presenting it as two individual meals...

and....

Cute...

...Spending another quality evening with my husband after a week from what felt like torture...

..... Priceless

BLOOPERS NEXT PAGE......

"Babes can I get a photo on the vehicle?"

HEEE SALOP!!!!

Let's try again...

EEEGAS!!!!!!

"My pants are stuck to the hood... I can't move!!!!!"

"Profitay La Bon Sayzon"

Boo!!!!....and boo-hoo!!!

2011-06-03T10:48:00.001-04:00

.....I have spent the last few hours in the bathroom, it can't be food poisoning... ate the scraps from the kids' plates yesterday and everything was fresh.. Perhaps it could be nerves and anxiety. It's day three of the kids being home and I haven't even gotten a chance to recharge my brain cells long enough to give the experience a grade..
I am curled up under my white strawberry stained down comforter that Logan decided bring his plate of strawberries on while I waited on him to finish eat..... ummmm... during which the sleep monster paid me an unexpected visit... "dropsee" ..... Logan decided to slap the crap out of me, and when I flew up out of the sleep with a scream, it made him laugh to the point that all the yucky, goowy, saliva soaked strawberries in his mouth were scattered all over the bed... Oh Lord... Oh Well.. It kinda looks like an Ikat design.. lol.. You gotta pick your battles.
So I have been looking for what I may want for my birthday, since my husband is not too skilled at picking the right gift.... he is however PHENOMENAL with words and cards... Personally, the best gift is from my kids... Something they have created, but since I am also the girl who loves to be surrounded by pretty things and I still haven't gotten those wood floors that I so desperately want but can't afford throughout the entire house, I will settle for accessories this year. I typically email him a list of a couple items from different companies and ask him to pick one or two items, so it will definitely be something I like but the surprise will be with what he choses..

Alexander Mc. Queen has items on SALE?!?!?!?! .....

Wowwww...... How can a piece so morbid be so cute?!?!?!?!

...which brings me to this....

Alexander McQueen is dead... This lad made skulls look so Funky and Fierce but he ended up taking his own life.. here I am looking at those pieces to wear but for some strange reason it may end up being more appropriate to be worn if I don't do something that is long over due...

....I have not been to the OBGYN ever since I gave birth two years ago... I have figured out that my fear is not finding out whether I may or may not have cervical cancer, but who the hell is going to care for my kids if I were to ever have to receive treatment for any ailment whatsoever...

I recently received a lecture from a friend who was so surprised to find out that I have never been to a spa for a massage and told me to tell my husband that if I don't get one before my birthday, he will have to answer to her... So for my birthday this year, I think the best gift that I could ask for are two gift certificates... One is for "Time" so I could finally receive a full body massage, since I heard thatit is life changing.... sigh.... and the other is for "Pap Smear"..... crickets......... Yup a bloody pap smear....could end up being the worst birthday gift or the best birthday gift but for sure the most important birthday gift....Fun Fun Fun (rolling my eyes).... I see symbolisms in everything and what is eerie about the above pieces from Alexander Mc. Queen is that they all are so "beautiful" with symbols of "death" on them just like so many of us "beautiful" women who may be wearing them everyday who may be plaqued with a silent "death" inside us..... I would rather wear the Boo!!! than have my family Boo-Hoo!!

                      Please ladies, get your regular Pap Smear....

What Dreams May Come....

2011-06-01T17:41:00.001-04:00

It's June 1st.... We are halfway through 2011 and it's a fabulous time to reflect on what we have accomplished for the first 6 months of the year....

See how my tiny closet is coming along? 5 ft. 7 inches by 4 ft 10 inches.... You're probably wondering why this was considered an accomplishment, but it was such a huge deal for me... Being the only female in the house with absolutely nothing belonging to ME (since everyone has taken ownership... even my breasts), this is the only little space that I call my own, and in my earlier post HERE, it is a symbol of clarity, worthiness, mental allignment etc.... I was having a hard time finding a place for my shoes until I found this bookshelf from Ikea... Thank goodness... The white chests I purchased from Target and they hold my regular everyday items of clothing... I simply nailed a couple nails for some of my necklaces, found a little craft box for my rings, the pink stacked boxes hold my makeup and cosmetic brushes and the green holder has my bracelets (it once belonged to Logan).... I just elevated the racks so they could hold two rows of clothing one above the other ( Will show after it's completed)... Will see how that goes..

It's so nice to be back... That hiatus was soul changing... I am more and more baffled by the person I am and who I am becoming... My passions, my patience, my dreams, my frustrations and most importantly my priorities... It's actually pretty frightening when you begin to realize at what point in your life that you change and begin putting things into perspective and morphing into who you really want to be, and who you were put on this earth to be... Wayyyy back when I was on Facebook regularly, I remember posting something about being so lucky to be "here" because out of the millions of sperm, that ONE.. "Me"... won the race when I was always told by my mom that I was not planned... How lucky am I? I believe unplanned kids are equally special to planned kids because I think we are God's foresight.. What a miraculous foresight we are.. Many of you who know my story of my 2 sons with autism also know that our "Logi Bear" was one of God's Miraculous Foresights...
The month that I was on hiatus, I allowed myself to absorb everything that he has to offer, what he has and continues to bring to our lives, the surprises that every day brings with what he does or says... How he interacts with his older brothers who most often ignore him and doesn't really know how to deal with what seems "abnormal" to them... To my husband and I, we equally feel a sense of abnormality when MOST of what we have ever known as parents are pandemonium, chaos and quirkiness... This is all so new...
During my hiatus, I also had to convince myself that I was worthy enough of that joy... Oh What A JOY it is and I am bottling it all up.. Wanna buy some? hehehehe.
Here is something we haven't experienced since our soon to be 9 year old was 2 years old and subsequently lost when his signs of autism increased... Sitting appropriately at a table eating with a utensil... Here is our "Logi Bear" having his final snack before bedtime in our room..

Doesn't he look like one a little Bear? hehehe....He was offering me a piece of bread..

Hehehehe.. Silly Boy

Yup, I have a child who eats fruit...

Look at that Eye Contact..... No words...

God bless those little hands that they will always be used for good.....

.... The kids are officially home for the Summer vacation..actually, it started yesterday with Brandon returning home within one hour of arriving at school because of a temperature.. It takes so much energy on a morning to get the two boys prepared for school so I decided to keep Dylan home today.... An abrupt end to my half days of solitude, but I have been preparing for about a month.. Luckily, I had already purchased all their supplies from The Dollar Tree so what's left is to create a routine for them during the day... It's going to be tough....

My mom is here for a little while, just ran back upstairs from checking to see whether she is still breathing... She told me if she had what I have to deal with everyday, she would have ran away already.. Poor lady.. This is day one Ma.. hehehe.... Strap up your boots and and wear your girdle.. It's going to be Mr. Toad's Wild Ride...
My husband and I were able to sneak out on Friday evening, although it couldn't happen until after all the kids were asleep.. We left the house at 10:20 pm drove 40 mins to our destination.... and we were back home by 12:20 am.. (You could do the calculation of how long we stayed out).. WE were tired, but very grateful and satisfied with the time we captured.. Truly quality time.. We have become an old couple.. This year will be 10 years we're together but we feel like we will be celebrating of 50th wedding anniversary.. Our kids make our life so weary, but we love each other dearly.. God truly wrote our book differently than we expected but it's good.. the Canadian boy falls in love with the St. Lucian girl and lives happily ever after.....:-)

...So, I guess the book continues...

Pardon My Bad Manners..

2011-05-03T22:53:00.000-04:00

...What day is it? Gees!!!... I haven't created a post in a while.....
Donald Trump was crushed at the Correspondent's Dinner,
Royal Wedding,
Mariah's babies are finally here,
Bin Laden was found and killed....

SCREEECCCCCCHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
What in the name of all that is good is this?
I don't like making fun of people but my eyes couldn't blink because I was in shock.. Serena... honey... ok... So um.. I don't really think that your invitation for the Royal Wedding was lost in the mail sweetheart..
Here is my take:

"Ode to Black Swan who fell in bleach/ Royal Wedding I am the Bride and a Guest all in one...

Good grief... I could have been creating 2 posts a day with all the stuff that has been going on.... Something is definitely going on with me but for once it's good stress. Ever since I started this year with my thoughts directed in a positive direction, I have felt very anxious.. My brain is working overtime.. My possibilities are endless.. I can't sleep, (can still eat). To top it off, Summer vacation is right around the corner... Heart palpitations are an understatement.. Camp or no camp? ... Finding help is difficult in our situation.. but I kinda have a feeling it will be o.k. because I am going to take some time off to clear my head, focus, medidate and quiet my surroundings for a while, so that break will include blogging.. (sniff sniff) I need to tie up some loose ends here for a bit and then I will be back fresh faced and bushy tailed... Ok my darlings?... So see you all soon... please be safe... Too-da-loo!!

..Let the Pen Flowwww......

2011-04-28T07:48:00.000-04:00

.....are kids still taught to write in Script at school? We called it Cursive and I think it is so elegant and distinguished but did you know that there are different types of Cursive handwriting?

Roman Cursive

English Cursive

Cursive Russian

Cursive Chinese

Click here to learn what differenciates the 4.

photos courtesy of Horchow

All That Glitters isn't Gold..... Part 1

2011-04-27T14:39:00.001-04:00

Day: Saturday evening

Occasion: Friend's 40th Surprise Birthday Gathering

Time to arrive: 9:00 pm

What happened before and after I left the house? ..Stay tuned for a future post...

Dress: American Eagle

Shoes: Gianni Bini

Necklaces: Express, Forever 21

Bag: Zara

Ring: Nordstroms

Watch: Anne Klein

New Summer Pillows: HOME GOODS

..and the winner is!!!!...."A Beautiful Mind"

2011-04-26T22:06:00.001-04:00

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!. I am dying of laughter at the number of hits I received for this contest compared to the number of people who answered... Was it that hard? Come on guys!!!!
Anyhow, now to the answer and the results...

After viewing Oprah's Friday episode with Chris Rock, he mentioned something that stunned me... I have always thought of this guy as a genius at his craft.. Despite his potty mouth, he is quick, witty and extremely intelligent with his content.. He makes you think of things outside the box and of course it helps that he makes the funniest faces... This made me want to know how many more famous, brilliant people accomplished the same thing, so I did some research and was surprised... What was it?

They all received their GED!!!!!

....although I mentioned that the contest would be voided if less than 50 people participated? I thought that I would give the prize to the ONE AND ONLY person who was brave enough to answer... hahahahaha

and the winner is!!!

STACY.!!!!!!!!!

YIPPIE!!!!!!!

Thank you participating Stace!!! HAhahaha... Hope to see photos of you in your LOVELY makeup....

A Beautiful Mind....

2011-04-25T09:07:00.000-04:00

                                                           I love hiccups in life...

....I think of them as pressing the pause button while listening to song you love because of the beat, to research the lyrics, then pressing play, now reading the lyrics along with the song.... It is then that you truly discover whether the song has more substance than just the beat. The next time you listen to that song the emotion you once had may either change or perhaps remain the same...

Sometimes we think most intellects have gone through the traditional path to arrive where we think are their pinnacles of success... but as much as there has been a debate between the mind and the brain, I personally believe that the mind is like the family member who isn't invited to brain's Thanksgiving dinner in Beverly Hills but instead, is sent a bowl of the left overs to him in the slums of California, unbeknownced to the rest of the family. The family secret is the "mind" was able to purchase the house for the "brain" in Beverly Hills while sacrificing itself and remaining in the slums..
Ever so often we do not press the pause button to give our minds the opportunity to help us achieve the goals that we so desperately want to attain. We do not have confidence in ourselves because our "brain" isn't working at the same speed as everyone else or our "hiccups" seem beyond the unexplained..... AND the reason many people insult our intelligence.....(pause, one eye brow raised)... is because they have a perception of us only through what they view on the outside.. The question is are we on the path towards taking steps to simply shock the hell out of them but most importantly, are we working on our self confidence where we are willing to shock OURSELVES.....

Here are a couple successful celebrities who truly allowed their minds to take power over their brains.....

Do you know what they have in common?



                                                       It's GAME TIMEEEEE!!!!!!!



                                                                     *Peter Jennings



                                                                   *Bill Cosby

*John Travolta

* Chris Rock

*Frank Sinatra

*Vidal Sassoon

Once again it's GAME TIME on Brandylis and The Bear...

Question: What do the above geniuses in their own right and mind have in common?

Rules: Post your answer as a comment (not on my Facebook page)... and as before, I will disable the the comments to be viewed until after the contest. If there are multiple responces with the correct answer, I will put the names in a hat and allow Logi Bear to pick one.. hehehehe.. Yep.. the old fashioned way.. There is a catch... if there are less that 25 reponces, the contest will be voided. So you better get your friends and family on board to comment. If they don't know how to comment, teach them.. Deadline is tomorrow, April 4th, at 10:00.pm. Eastern time..

So what are you WINNING?

This beautiful makeup set by LORAC valued at $150 !!

The Newest Fragrance "Into The Wild" from Bath and Body Works

Men, you can also participate for a chance to win for the women in your life.(sister, girlfriend, wife, mother etc)

...and remember..... A Mind is terrible thing to waste.... Explore your talents and abilities before they are taken away..

Having a "FAB" weekend?...

2011-04-23T07:56:00.002-04:00

...Simply FAB-ulous darlings

Lily of The Valley Faberge Egg Lela Rose

Lanvin

....Have a Blessed Easter Weekend

The REAL Housewives of Tampa Bay

2011-04-22T08:11:00.002-04:00

What a week!!!... It's Thursday Night and my last post was on Monday... I am so disappointed with myself and I am so sorry but it was truly beyond my control.. My computer crashed and I had to purchase a new one.. I was so dejected since I have been having a good "Savings" record, but as my mom always says, God provides the money when it is needed. Secondly, our wireless Internet connection apparently developed a glitch after our last power outage and would continuously shut off in the middle of trying to create a post and doing my work.. so frustrating... However, I think I was more frustrated when the upsides of this week occurred and I couldn't share on the spot.. It was like getting a diarrhea alert while travelling on a bus .. lol..

Anyhow, if you haven't already started playing the video above, do click now as I want it to be the interlude for this post.

I attended my first ever Autism Support Group dinner this week and boy was it surreal. For 8 years plus I have been on this journey and have never once attended or participated in any support group meetings or intervention except one time after Dylan was diagnosed and soon after Brandon was newly diagnosed, I began cutting myself because that pain was so unbearable. The lady who was assigned to my case through the early steps program demanded that I speak to someone or else my kids could possible be taken away.. KIDS TAKEN AWAY FROM ME ? WHAT???? Look I have never ran to a shrink's office so quickly. Truth be told, I ended up having the therapist spill the beans about her life to me.. I remember entering the office and immediately after introducing myself, I told her "Look..I am going to save you time here and make this very easy for you.. I am a mom with two beautiful children who were diagnosed with autism within just a little over one year apart. I feel very alone.. I don't know what the hell this thing is.. Whether I am the cause of it or whether there is a cure for it. I just know that I am tired and I don't even think I want to be married anymore. They play in their poop and spread it everywhere.. My husband is never home and when he is, he is in another world of his own, I have no family here... no friends.. I have lost many friends... I can't go anywhere.. I am not sleeping because the kids don't sleep... I am in a pain that I have never ever experienced in my life and it's not a tangible pain... It's an internal pain in your heart and it circulates throughout my body but you can't take a pill to diminish the intensity, instead I feel that it's either push a spear into my heart for the pain to stop or I cut myself to feel... to truly FEEL something tangible and see the blood will put a label on this pain and give it its own voice... I think I have to go to my homeland for a while away from what feels like a house of horror and I will hopefully return renewed..."
The poor woman couldn't get a word in and this was just the introduction. By the end she was in tears, I was able to make her look at her life differently by putting things into perspective and I went along my jolly way...

Last year I met one the most amazing women name Patricia Sengul who also has three boys, two of whom are on the autism spectrum just like myself, so for that alone, we have plenty in common. She had encouraged me for several months to attend those monthly autism support groups but I was just not really prepared to go and rehash all those horrible memories that I had worked so hard to put behind me, so I never really made arrangements with my husband to perhaps clear his calendar in advance to watch the kids, but this year, as my journey began with this promise to put myself on my TO-DO list, it has allowed me to physically release that burden and pain into the universe... God has captured it, recycled it and I believe he has sent the recycled product back to me that I can use it as an instrument in other people's lives and also my life in a positive light... Since releasing it, I have now been able to re start my life's journey and incredibly and perhaps frighteningly, so much other stuff is surfacing... MANY good.. with the occasional hiccups.

So I attended my first ever Autism Support Dinner.. First of all, any excuse for me to wear heels and makeup, I am there.. I arrived at the restaurant and didn't quite know what to expect.. Would it be a small group? Do we have a private room where they lock us up so we could cry our eye balls out and say F*&K as loudly as we possible can without getting arrested? Would everyone be cordial? Am I overdressed? Am I going to be the craziest one of the group? Would they have to tell me to shut up? Well about 4 of us were seated in the middle of the restaurant (btw..we were are PF Chang's), I was in my element, (most of the time I am) and was very excited to see what the night had in store for us.. as the minutes went by more beautiful women continued to enter and be seated at our table.. I kept thinking OMG they all look like me!!! Confident, Charming, Beautiful women.... They didn't come in walking with slouchy postures, crazy hair, smeared makeup, dirty clothes... THEY ALL LOOKED LIKE ME...Now!!!! (there is a reason I used those terms in the aforementioned and will explain later in another post so stay tuned)
About 1 hour later, our group for the night was formed but hastey me wanted to know the protocol so I kinda tried to silence the pockets of conversation to get everyone's name and ask what we we were supposed to do. In a nutshell, someone said "Vent".. hehehe.. We all kinda gravitated to the women nearest to us and I listened to the different stories in amazement... They were my stories... Many of the women had met at previous meetings so I was one of the few newbies.. It was eerie, like walking into a new school during the middle of the school year but what touched me was that all those women were in different stages in their grief, anger, frustration, fear, acceptance, solace, joy, celebrations.. Some of them recently received the devastating news, and it was so incredible to hear the strength in their warrior mom voice. We were hungry to hear about each other's stories.. share what we are doing and have been doing... speak candidly in our own language which we alone understand and know that it will be embraced and we will not be made to feel diminutive...
I... WAS... HOME....
After my boys were diagnosed I have always felt like I live on another planet within planet earth.. I reside in this lovely community with lovely homes and well manicured lawns, but my house sits on a land owned by extra terrestrial and the minute you step foot into my house, I am on the planet " Coo Coo Nest".. Then when I articulated that, another mom said OMG..OMG.. That's me too.. she even started a blog "Embracing Holland" because she feels she is living in Holland while everyone else may be in neighboring countries.. It was truly a night to remember and I am still on a high from the brife experience.. I thank God on this Holy Week , that he allowed me the opportunity to meet such incredible women... It may just be what I have been searching for...
*I would also like to thank the M.A.S.D.A's group for organizing those monthly dinners.. It is such a beautiful change from a typical group therapy setting where everyone sits on metal folding chairs in a circle.
*I would like to thank Patricia Sengul for always being so persistent inviting me and not giving up..

*..and to all those lovely, beautiful moms I met on Monday night, I am honored and blessed to be a part of this group of strong mothers who love their children as much as I love mine.. It was such a pleasure to listen to your stories of strength and hope and I respect and love you all. I hope we can continue to encourage each other...

Thank Goodness..
I was not the craziest in the bunch...hehehehe.. love her!!

TRISH!!!!! Hahahaha

Miss Sheryn in the middle, I think she is a distant relative.. hehehehe

Oh... We all put autism bows in our hair made by one of the moms

Waiter!!!!.. Someone doesn't need another drink..hahahaha

Aren't we a beautiful bunch?.. God Bless us all..

Please click on those links Embracing Holland and Autism and Salvation and follow those amazing blogs or two mom's journies through the world of autism.. We all need the encouragement.. oh and please comment under the posts.. We love comments and feed back and for more information about our support group dinners visit M.A.S.D.A on Facebook. We're a crazy bunch but it's all in the name of love..

Love-arella..Pretty-rella.... BAKERELLA...

2011-04-18T02:04:00.001-04:00

It's the time of the year where I am already looking for the boys' school attire for Fall semester.. Well actually I have already purchased their shirts and they were delivered on Saturday.. Yippie... So left are pants, socks, shoes and undies. This has to be taken care of before school ends for Summer as it is impossible to do anything but care for the boys. Thankfully, I was so happy to learn that there is a Summer Camp for kids with disabilities where I am considering sending Dylan. Brandon isn't quite emotionally ready yet so he will be home with me and Logan.. As of now, the chains in my head are still moving and hopefully God will help me decide what will be the best decision..                                                                  BUTTTTTTTT
When I think of Summer, I also think of birthdays and with birthdays come birthday parties.... so I am now on the quest to figure out what I will do this year. I have two birthdays that will fall during the Summer, one is right behind and another two that are one day apart... Ouchhh...    I have been surfing and researching and that is when I came across the most delectable little treats EVER and perhaps one of the best talents. I wonder whether she made those treats from my post Too Cute to Eat ? Nevertheless, hope your sweet tooth is flossed and your cutesy machine is powered up... Even Grumpies will smile..

Feast your eyes on the wonderful creations of Bakerella..

How adorable for a Christmas party

Some of the Disney and Pixar gang...

The Sesame Street Gang

In time for Easter

One of my favorites.. Beautiful job Bakerella!!!

Photos courtesy of http://www.bakerella.com/

                                                            Simply Marvelous !!!

.....and you could learn to make those lovely creations and many, many, more because she released her book with step my step tutorials and recipes.. Click her book below to purchase.. You could also visit her website to get updated posts and photos on her newest projects here

...Have fun!!!

I have Confidence.......

2011-04-16T19:41:00.001-04:00

Wasn't it a marvelous day today? If you are not in Florida, I hope you had and equally beautiful day...It was 80 Plus degrees outside.. There was a beautiful breeze... Not one tantrum with any of the kids and Logi Bear dunked his first basketball..

                 It's Spring.... It's Spring .... It's ..... Stillll..... Springggggggg!!!!!!! ( COUGH COUGH)

So I asked my husband to do a photo shoot of me in my Spring (Dun Dun ) Dress... I told him that I would be twirling so he could capture some LOVELY ORGANIC PHOTOS... You know how celebrities have the lighting, fan, water, and music playing in the background... Well... I was on a 25 cent budget so I had to sing " The Hills are Alive" in my head to get me in the mood... Now those of you who know me know that The Sound of Music is one of my favortie movies of all time..... So....Mother Mercy...  Here is how it came out..... Hope you have a laugh at my expense. Uhhh Uhhhmmm

What will this day be like? I wonder.

What will my future be? I wonder.

It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be freeeeeeee

My heart should be wildly rejoicing

Oh, what's the matter with me?

I've always longed for adventure
To do the things I've never dared
And here I'm facing adventure
Then why am I so scared

A captain with seven children ( I have 3)
What's so fearsome about that?

Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries
If I don't I just know I'll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking
I am seeking the courage I lack

The courage to serve them with reliance
Face my mistakes without defiance
Show them I'm worthy
And while I show them
I'll show me

So, let them bring on all their problems
I'll do better than my best
I have confidence they'll put me to the test
But I'll make them see I have confidence in me

Somehow I will impress them
I will be firm but kind
And all those children (Heaven bless them!)
They will look up to me

And mind me with each step I am more certainEverything will turn out fine
I have confidence the world can all be mine
They'll have to agree I have confidence in me

I have confidence in sunshine
I have confidence in rain
I have confidence that spring will come again
Besides which you see I have confidence in me

Strength doesn't lie in numbers
Strength doesn't lie in wealth
Strength lies in nights of peaceful slumbers
When you wake up -- Wake Up!

It tells me all I trust I lead my heart to
All I trust becomes my own
I have confidence in confidence alone
(Oh help!)

I have confidence in confidence alone
Besides which you see I have confidence in

MMMMMe!!!!!

Soooooo....... what do you think?...... Will Vogue give me a call?........ Uhhhh.... Maybe I could get coffee for Anna Wontour?.... Right?....... (Crickets.... Crickets... Flies.....)

Ohhhh... Kayyyyy... Hey I felt pretty... shucks... hehehehe

Shhhh.....

2011-04-14T12:21:00.000-04:00

Satellite in my eyes

Like a diamond in the sky

How I wonder

Satellite Strung from the Moon

And the World your Balloon

Peeping Tom from the Mother Station

Winter's cold...Spring Erases

And the calm away by the storm is chasing

Everything good needs replacing

Look Up...

.... Look down...

..All around... Hey Satellite

Satellite.. Headlines read.. Someone's secret you've seen

Eyes and Ears have been..

Satellite dish in my yard...

Tell me more.. Tell me more

Who's the king of your Satellite Castle...

Zulily and SAVE!!!

2011-04-13T10:15:00.002-04:00

Zulily

I just took a peek inside what's new at Zulily and if you don't register today with those prices and gorgeous products, you need a thump on your head.. Why didn't I know about those websites when I was with child?
It's easy and it's free ro register!! Click the photo below, register, start browsing and save. High end quality goodies and ridiculous prices... Come on Grandmas and Grandpas.. Aunties and Uncles... Mommies and Daddies....

You can also register Here

My Bitter Sweet Symphony....

2011-04-13T04:28:00.001-04:00

When I came up with the idea of having a Baby Week here on my blog I had envisioned beautiful, organized fun posts everyday but it has now turned into an emotional journey for me which is not as fun anymore. The mistake I made was to incorporate my personal journey which has been very treacherous into my posts and viewing all those photos of yesteryear brings a flood of mixed emotions..

As many of you know, this blog started off because I wanted to get out of my sometimes stagnant role of being JUST a mom and finally taking care of myself, indulging in things that I like, but strangely enough, it always come back to being a mom... What can I say? It truly is a significant part of my life.. I have learned to live my life as authentic as I possibly can and that sometimes means taking a halt when I feel like things may be a little off balance, regrouping then returning...

I am also going through the "self healing' process of freeing from self blame of autism and because I am feeling so much better about our situation with our boys, I have also found myself trying to push too hard and too fast as if I was told a secret that the world was coming to an end by the end of this year. However, what I fail to understand is that 8 years of sadness can not be over come in one year.. I have to slow down, be less of a "Mary Katherine Gallagher" and more of a "Maya Angelou"...(hope you caught that analogy) ...hehehe.. So occasionally I may take little breaks from the baby depot and speak of other cool stuff then return to the baby talk.....Please be patient with me....Hey.. it should quite frankly take nine months to finish "Baby Week" ..right..hahaha.. Ok.. now that I have gotten this off my chest, I could proceed....

GASP!!!! I can't believe I forgot to mention this.... one of the first things that you should do after you have confirmed you are pregnant and given a possible due date by your doctor, the minute you get home and the shock begins to wear out, you should create an account on one or if you have OCD all of those websites like I did.. :-)

Would you like to receive some great free samples, offers, and coupons for your new bundle of joy?

If you are a new Parent, Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle or friend, register with Planning Family for some great stuff for the baby!

PlanningFamily.com

At Planning Family you will find free baby samples, free baby magazines, baby formula coupons, health information and more.

*Baby Center

*Parents

*Baby Zone

*Parents Connect

It's FREE to register!!!!

You get weekly updates on your pregnancy, what you should or may be experiencing, interactive videos, support groups, blogs, FREE STUFF!!!! etc..

Also, for free formula and HUGE formula coupons, register at

*Enfamil
*Similac
*Gerber

Cute little Alligators..

2011-04-12T00:25:00.001-04:00

My Logi Bear (Logan) is outgrowing his 2nd pair of Crocs..

Brandy (Brandon) is now wearing Dylan's outgrown pair..

and
Dy-Dy ( Dylan) needs a new pair..

It should be illegal for adults to wear bright colored Crocs (Sorry Chef Batali)

.... but they are the cutest on kids... Best Shoe invention for kids EVER. ( I am a Reef girl though). They rarely, if ever wear out, don't pop, are quick to slip on, great in water, cleans easily...
I went to purchase for the boys and found the most adorable new styles..

Boys

Girls

Too cute!!