Morris discovered the beauty of females at an early age.

Once he turned 4 years old, he started getting into "getting married", "what girls played with me today", and "which girls will be at the birthday party".

Lately he has become smitten with a friend of mine. 

I must say, he has great taste. She's a 5'10 beauty with a striking British accent. What 5 year old or 15, 25, 35, or 105 year old wouldn't be in love with her?!

But despite that, she's very charming, caring, outgoing, and personable. I'm almost positive it's her inner beauty that he's attracted to, right?

So, recently we saw her and here's our conversation:

Morris: Mom, do you think Gwendolyn wants to take a picture with me?

Me: Of course. I think she's been wanting to ask you for over a week.

Morris: Really? (note to self- 5 year olds don't appreciate or understand sarcasm). Can you ask her to take a picture with me? Pulheaze...

Me: Sure.

Morris: I want you to be in it too.

Me: (flattered) Ah, that's sweet honey.

Morris: Yeah, I'd be a little embarrassed if it were just me and her.

Me: (feeling like a seat filler) Ok.

Morris: Oh, and after the picture, can you tell me to give her a hug?

Me: (thinking my son is gonna be a little Romeo) No problem.

He was so embarrassed he couldn't even look up.

Look at his hands. He was really nervous.

I can't wait to see his Prom pictures. Stay tuned.

I don't know how many historic events will take place during my lifetime.

But, I feel so honored to have been a part of the Michael Jackson Memorial.

Although MJ's personal life has been controversial, it is just that, his personal life.

I didn't know Michael personally. Therefore, I have no right to judge him or make accusations or assumptions based on...???

I realize there is a lot we don't know about Michael Jackson the person.

But, I do know Michael's music.

I know every time I hear PYT or Wanna Be Starting Something, I have to get up and move.

I know when I was a little girl I ran home from school to see the Thriller video debut on MTV only to cover my eyes during most of it, because I didn't want to be the only one at school the next day that hadn't "seen" it.

I know many years later, when Morris was 3 he was so infatuated with the same Thriller video he would watch it up to 10 times a day as if it were his first time viewing it.

I know when Morris was 4, he had his entire preschool class saying, "FUCK IT" because he misinterpreted the lyrics to Beat It...

     "No, mommy. They say show them how fuck it, strong is your fight, it doesn't matter who's  wrong or right so beat it..."

I know Human Nature and Rock With You are two of the sexiest songs ever recorded.

I know Remember The Time is one of the best music videos ever made.

I know that songs like You Are Not Alone, Man In The Mirror, and Black Or White will be enjoyed (and probably remixed) many years from now.

And I know that the music of Michael Jackson transcended race, religion, gender, and generation.

This is the person I went to the Memorial to honor. A great musician and entertainer who has given us many memories. I went away from the Memorial having learned that he was also a human being with a heavy heart, shy side, and a father, son, brother and friend to many.

Being a part of the Memorial service was an experience I will always treasure and remember. I was only feet away from the greatest entertainer of my lifetime. It was an honor to celebrate his greatness with his family and close friends.

Many people have asked what it felt like to be there, inside the Memorial. I had no idea what to expect and was shocked by the amount of unspoken respect and admiration there was for Michael. You could see it in the way people dressed: folks were either dressed so "clean" as if they were attending their own grandmother's funeral, or their attire was emotionally connected to Michael- a MJ tshirt, a single glove, shades of black, red, and white. You could hear the respect in what was NOT said. Fans weren't screaming relentlessly during the ceremony as I had expected. There were even prolonged periods of silence where upon a crowd of thousands, time seemed to halt. There was no noise, only reflection and respect.

The mother in me was deeply moved by 3 particular parts:

1. Brooke Shield's speech-It was so genuine and personal. It gave me insight into the human that MJ was from someone that was very close to him. Knowing that she is a mom, I thought she could relate to how the Jacksons felt to lose their son. And her words seemed very comforting and uplifting.

2. Usher's performance- You could feel his raw emotion in the room. You could hear it in his voice when he sang and see it in his eyes when he removed his sunglasses. His body language even told his story of great sorrow and respect. Even though there were thousands of people there, it was like he was having a private moment with MJ. And as a father of 2 sons, I'm sure knowing the Jacksons lost a son, father, and brother resonnated with him.

3. The speech from Michael's daughter- It was heart wrenching to watch and imagine a child growing up without a parent. Having only seen a few public encounters of Michael with his children, her devotion and professed affection to her father is a testament of his good parenting and positive impact on them as a father.

Obviously, MJ made a great impression on his family and close friends. We as fans never knew him on that level, and that's ok. It wasn't his job or responsibility to that. His job was an entertainer. A performer. And he excelled very well at it. It reminded me that we know Michael, The World's Greatest Entertainer, and that's how I want to remember him.

I will not judge someone I don't know. I can only continue to enjoy what he chose to share with me, and that's his music.

The King of Pop will reign forever on dance floors, ipods, and airwaves. At least in my house.

When it comes to hair it seems like I know what it feels like to have a girl. Morris was born with an insane head of hair.

By the time he was 1, he had a mushroom hairdo.

By the time he was 2, he was sporting a Kelly McGillis bob.

Now, at age 5, he has a curly ponytail longer than most females I know.

He uses more hair product than I do.

After trying out every brush on the health and beauty aisle, I finally made my life easier and got him a Mason Pearson brush. It was well worth the money. Curly hair looks really pretty, but it is such a pain to maintain.

So, when Bronson was born, I was perplexed that he didn't have the same mane as morris.

Then i got happy. A boy, with actual low maintanence boy hair.

We took Bronson for his first haircut and I got so excited to see him with his little boy hairdo.

They actually got to use clippers on him as opposed to numerous hair clips, gel, and 2 types of scissors.

It took less than 5 minutes!

He didn't even cry. He just had this "Whatchu Talkin About Willis?" look on his face the whole time.

So, I am enjoying Bronson's boy hairstyle. And I can't help but wonder if it will inspire Morris to cut his locks one day.....

What do you think?

Before the big haircut

AFTER!!! It's a boy!

The next day

I love to eat.

Potlucks excite me. Not buffets, because that food is usually old and gross.

When Morris graduated, the school announced we would be doing a potluck. I had to make sure I signed up early.

Although the cheapskate and lazy mom in me REALLY wanted to sign up for napkins, I went out on a limb and did cupcakes.

I don't come from a family of bakers. My parents were more of a store bought kind of sort. So, I was getting nervous about what to take. I really wanted to do something special, so I headed to one of my favorite cupcake sites. I was so happy when I saw her graduation cupcakes.  They seemed easy enough.

Here's how they came out.

SO...they don't look as fancy as Smiley's, but I think they did the trick.

This is classic Nora-I can never just stick with the recipe. I always deviate and just have to throw in my own touch.

I tried to pipe on "'09", as in Class of '09, but it ended up looking  like "bo" written backwards.

No worries, I gave these to the little siblings since most of them can't read.

SPECIAL NOTES:

*I always substitute applesauce for the vegetable oil, especially when I'm making them for kids. It not only makes them a tad healthy, it also makes them a little more moist.

*I used chocolate covered graham crackers, M&Ms (you could also do Skittles, but Morris liked the "M" on top), and Fruita Bu for the tassel. They're on top of Rolo's (because our school is nut free, except for a couple kooky parents...hee hee) Otherwise, use Reese's Cups.

*I was so nervous about these coming out decent and getting all the prep ingredients that I forgot to buy proper cupcake holders. But no one seemed to notice the Christmas cupcake holders I used.

Morris just graduated from PreK. 

I wasn't one of those weepy, sentimental crying moms. I was actually very happy for him.

It was an interesting 4 year journey.

He started the mommy and me program at 16 months (I had to get that kid out of the house!) and has been there ever since.

I've enjoyed watching his growth from one of the smallest/youngest boys in the class to one of the loudest and toughest in the bunch.

I am excited for him to experience school and the world without me helicoptering over him. I feel he has been taught the skills and values he needs, now it's time to let him make the right and wrong choices on his own.

Ironically, I think I will miss the warmth and comfort of his preschool more than he.

Living in Los Angeles, the city ruled by the beautiful people, Oscar nominees, and high rollers, I was nervous about finding a preschool environment that would accomodate my Southern beliefs and personality. I was looking for an intimate, fun loving place that believed learning is organic and done via play.

I was thrilled to find a great place that offered this and so much more.

I am proud to say that I know every child in Morris's class. 

I know what boys like super heros and which like Star Wars.

I know what girls like princesses and which like Barbie.

I know what boys like princesses and which girls like super heros.

I know every child, parent, and nanny by first name and what kind of car they drive.

I have been fortunate to be a part of such a wonderful,loving, and caring group of parents. They have served as wonderful resources and friends (I realized moms are like walking yellow pages-they know a resource for everything).

Being around great parents has helped to make me a better parent as well.

I would be naive to think every school experience will be as positive and nurturing as the PreK years have been for me. The teachers have been so knowledgeable and non-judgemental. They made me feel like my every question and concern were really sound and reasonable (although I'm sure they have heard it a thousand times over!). I appreciate the love and time they put into Morris and treated him as an individual. They allowed him to grow and learn at his own pace.

First day of preschool

Last day of preschool

WHY I LOVE MORRIS'S PRESCHOOL:

1. He comes home wearing only underwear (sometimes they're not even his).

2. He is "allowed" to color trees purple and orange, and the grass can be red and yellow.

3. Potty words are allowed...in the bathroom.

4. The teachers are called by first name (no formalities here).

5. Playing in the mud, rain, dirt, and paint is not only allowed, but encouraged.

6. The emphasis is on learning through play; Morris doesn't even know what a ditto is.

7. Parents are encouraged to bring in recyclable items to be used as art. Once, Morris brought home a sculpture made entirely of wine corks (LACMA, here we come).

8. My son is a kind, loving, independent thinker because his first 4 years of learning have been filled with tolerance, acceptance, nurturing, and play.

BRING ON HARVARD. MORRIS IS READY FOR ANYTHING!

No one can deny the musical talent of Michael Jackson.

He will forever be a music icon. 

A legend.

It is all well deserved.

His musical abilities have inspired many, young and old.

How many artists can say during their career they have sold 8 tracks, cassettes, vinyl records, cds, mp3s, VHS, dvds, AND digital downloads?

Morris discovered the music of Michael Jackson when he was 3 years old.

He saw the Thriller video and was hooked.

You're probably questioning the parenting of someone whose 3 year old was watching Thriller. I can't even watch it, but Morris has had a fascination with scary things since he was 3. He wanted to dress up as Michael Jackson from the Thriller video for Halloween that year. I searched far and wide for one of those Thriller jackets, but couldn't find one.

So, Morris moved on to Plan B. He dressed up as the Thriller werewolf for Halloween.

Let's see, 1st Halloween, he was a strawberry. 

2nd Halloween, he was Elmo.

Third Halloween, werewolf from the Thriller video? WTH?

You can imagine the curious stares we got at the costume stores inquiring for a werewolf costume for a 3 year old. I ended up ordering one online. It was really big. Surprise surprise...they don't make werewolf costumes for toddlers.

The legacy and music of Michael Jackson will continue to live on for many generations.

Perhaps one day Morris will have children and he will tell them how at age 3 he dressed up as a werewolf from the Thriller video, and they will say, "Hot Grandmama is pretty cool."

When I heard sweet harts was opening in my neighborhood, I was overjoyed.

It's a self-serve frozen yogurt, baked goodies and candy store rolled into one. 

It's owned by Melissa Joan Hart, of Sabrina The Teenage Witch fame.

I knew I would be a tough sale because I LOVE anything that has a higher content of sugar and fat than protein and fiber.

To ensure I was being fair in my review, I made TWO trips there.

On my first trip, I took both boys. Upon walking in, I was in awe of the decor: luxurious damask wallpaper, glowing chandeliers, and amazing lucite tables with replica candy inside. Absolutely stunning. Not to mention nostalgia candy to fend off any candy craving.

My euphoria quickly hastened however as Bronson needed to be in a high chair: ASAP. No high chairs to be found. Urg. Not good. I was able to distract him with samplings from the self-serve frozen yogurt. But, felt glaring stares from the unfriendly staff. Wait a minute, isn't this place targeted towards kids? They sure aren't giving off very Disney-esque vibes.

The yogurt was average, nothing special. There were a few toppings, but not as many as the froyo place down the street.

We ate and left. Unimpressed. 

I was really disappointed. I wanted to like the place. It had all the makings of a perfect spot for me to enjoy as well as the kids. A few weeks later, we tried again, but just Morris and I. 

I was pleased to see they had one high chair this time.

I noticed 4 employees standing behind the counter as we parked. The store was empty, so I was certain we would get their undivided attention. I knew this trip would be much better.

WRONG.

We were greeted with an unenthusiastic and rehearsed, "Welcome to sweet harts." I don't even think they made eye contact. What's wrong with these people? They are surrounded by Bottlecaps, Tootsie Rolls, Band-Aid bubble gum, froyo, cupcakes, cake...the list goes on and on. They should be be bouncing off the walls with joy and happiness.

We stood at the gelato case neglected for a few minutes while the FOUR employees finished an intense discussion (probably about American Idol or something else Earth shattering). Morris and I both got gelato. I got strawberry cheesecake, he got mango. He seemed pleased with his. Mine tasted worse than spoiled goat milk. It had freezer burn and tasted old. 

Now, understand, I'm a gelato fan. I go to various gelato places to taste and compare all the fancy displays with the elaborate fresh fruit and toppings displayed on top. The sweet hart gelato wasn't good to the palette, and it wasn't pleasing to the eye. Hard to imagine, since the store decor was so fabulous. 

I hate to be a killjoy, but this place just didn't do it for my taste buds. They have a great luxurious atmosphere, but the food and customer service simply don't measure up. And when I'm eating something so pleasing as sweets, I not only want it to taste good, but I also want to feel welcome.

I know this is LA where many people are impressed because somewhere is either owned by a celebrity or frequented by celebrities. Neither impresses me. When I go somewhere to eat food, I'm impressed if it tastes good. Perhaps if they eliminate the gelato from the glass case and try selling some sweaters and jeans, I would like it better. The store is beautiful, but that's about it for me.

Before I had kids, my favorite local getaway was Bacara. It's classic Santa Barbara style elegance with a touch of simplicity. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, staff attentive, and spa amazing.

It's only an hour and a half drive from LA. It's a fast drive though because you pass the wonderful Camarillo Outlets, the Chik Fil-A in Oxnard, and the Pacific Ocean along the 101. It's definitely worth the car ride.

Then came Morris. I still loved Santa Barbara, but felt Bacara would not be the perfect choice to tote along my potty mouth toddler. Plan B for local getaway: Four Seasons The Biltmore at Santa Barbara.

Understated elegance, but kid friendly. There were so many other kids at the pool that I didn't feel the need to "shh" Morris every 5 minutes of Marco Polo. There were loads of Hot Mamas at the pool too. They seemed to enjoy taking vacations and having fun, but didn't want to leave the kids at home. We were definitely on the same page.

Next comes Bronson, so time to seek out yet another hotel to rest comfortably with 2 kids. Morris's PreK year culminated with a class trip to Santa Barbara, and the hotel suggested by previous moms was the The Fess Parker Doubletree. I wasn't sure what to expect because I had never stayed at a Doubletree before. They won me over at check-in with the walnut chocolate chip cookie. The service and accommodations were great. The hotel layout was easy to navigate and they (smartly) scattered Morris's classmates around the property. The Doubletree boasts the largest outdoor heated pool in Santa Barbara and the kids put in many hours there, and probably set a record for clearing out hotel guests from the pool area.

Santa Barbara is such a great local getaway. There are some really great real estate deals now too. I thumbed the classifieds and was pleased that estates normally going for 30 million, were a steal at 20 million. Hmmmmmm......

Morris's obsession with nonsense words has not waned.

And doesn't seem to be letting up. 

The nonsense vocab is multiplying. He's recently picked up: Idiot, Doofus, and Dope.

And, I must admit it's getting a little out of hand and somewhat embarrasing. 

It probably doesn't help that they are staples in my vocablulary.

Silver lining: it could be worse, right? (insert validation here________________).

Sometimes though I really sit back and admire the proper use of the words and correct context. I mean, I've always been one to look for the silver lining in situations.

The other day we were checking out at the grocery store:

Me: I can't believe how slow this line is. Urg.

Morris: What's taking so long? This is annoying. (can't you tell he's my son?)

Me: Well, apparently it's our lucky day. (quietly)We got behind the one person in the state of California that has not realized banks have a new invention called a debit card and insists on writing a check (my dad holds this title for the state of Georgia). Oh great, and now she can't find her driver's license amongst all her Super Lotto quick pick tickets. 

Morris: Mom! It's all your fault. Why did you get in this dumb line?! (his inner Gemini is warming up and he starts getting louder)

Me: Sorry honey.

Morris: YOU'RE AN IDIOT!!!!!!

WHOA! Freeze frame.....super slow motion....it's like the re-enactment of the Matrix bullet scene.  All eyes are on me and the prehistoric check writer has stopped filling in the date and raises her eyebrow at me.

Check writer: Does your son always talk to you like that?

Me: Oh, trust me honey, he wasn't talking to ME.

Was he?

This morning Morris woke up and wanted to watch Ace Ventura 2-When Nature Calls. You know I'm not a huge fan of tv in the morning, but I let him because:

A. It's Saturday

B. I got to sleep in.

C. I didn't have to get up and play wii, legos, or superheroes.

D. We don't even have a tv in our house. 5 year olds should use their free time to write sonnets and compose concertos.

E. Answers A, B, and C. Duh. I'd like to thank Jim Carey for babysitting Morris this morning so I could type this blog entry.