Happy 22nd Birthday Joshy

22 yrs old today!

I can't believe my oldest son is 22 today! It was just yesterday when I gave birth to a HUGE baby! He weighed almost 9lbs. & came out looking like a 3 mo. old. He had a full head of black hair & could lift his head up out of the hospital bed to look curiously at all of the family & friends staring at him through the glass window.

My niece (a year and half at the time), was trying to see her new baby cousin, spotted the only one with a full head of hair & shouted, to her mothers horror, "LOOK AT THE BABY MONKEY MOMMY!"

Most mothers think their baby is beautiful no matter how ugly they really are. I on the other hand knew that my baby wasn't very cute & I also was upset that I didn't have a "newborn" for my first time giving birth. This kid was a miniature man!

As the nurse came to give the lady in the adjoining room her baby, I listened as she said, "What a beautiful baby!" Next she brought Joshy into me & said, "WOW, look at all that hair!" I remember thinking, "Even the nurse thinks he's ugly!"

Thank goodness he grew into all that hair & cheeks. But I should have been careful what I wished for, he ended up being the most beautiful little boy. The girls would go crazy for him from the time he started kindergarten all the way through school.

Joshy was an incredible athlete always faster, more agile and athletic than all of the other boys his age. He was a 4 yr. Letterman in track & still holds records at Edison H.S. He also received MVP award for breaking the Freshman rushing record for a single season. He unfortunately tore his ACL his Senior year & was unable to play.

He currently is finishing cosmetology school & working. I'm so grateful that I was blessed with Joshy as my son. He has been such a joy in my life!

Reading my card/book...I always write too much!

Hugging my boy...they never grow up in a mothers eyes.


Joshy & his girlfriend Charmaine...waiting for cake & watchin the X-Games.

Jullien & Elijah...CAKE NOW PLEASE!

Makin' a wish


I love you...Happy 22nd Birthday!

He Locked Me Out

Today I decided to go outside and sit in the sunshine to write my book. I usually try to do about 30 min. each day. This is hard for me because I'm definitely not a very disciplined person.

So my husband gets home, starts trying to joke around with me & I tell him to leave me alone so I can concentrate...book writing is serious business, LOL!

But really, it can be super annoying when you're trying to focus & everyone continues to distract you.

He headed into the house, locked the door & looked through the window at me, trying to be funny. I just ignored him & went back to my writing. About 15 min. later, my phone started to ring (which was in the house). I tried to get in & it was still locked. The boys had left & my husband had gone upstairs to take a shower.

There I sat, locked out of my house in the backyard.

I yelled for him...nothing. I opened the garage door, went around to the front, knocked, banged & yelled (I'm sure the neighbors thought the new people were having some crazy fight or something.)

By now, I had to go to the bathroom & I was MAD! I went back around & started screaming towards our upstairs bedroom window. He finally came down, laughed a little and said, "Oh sorry, I thought I unlocked it before I went up."

I said, "No you didn't...OOOOOOO just you wait! I'm going to lock you out on purpose and see how you like it!"

Then I stormed upstairs to change for my sons football passing league. I continued to give him the silent treatment till about half way through the game. Now, I just have to wait for the perfect opportunity! Yeah I'm like that, PAYBACKS...It's sooooo on! hahahha

Graduation, Wedding & Summer...Oh My!

We have exactly one week until the kids are out of school. But this summer is going to be very busy for the Petrarca household.

My stepson Dillon graduates on June 17th, with honors...we are so proud of him.

On July 16th, my stepdaughter Natascha is marrying the love of her life, Jeremy, whom she's been dating for the past 7yrs., so he is already family.

Then as we progress into summer, we have football (passing league, two-a-days & action picture taking) for Elijah.

Just when you think, "Wow, life is really changing as the kids get older, we'll finally slow down a little bit!" Then I realized, "There is always going to be something going on."

What was I thinking?

We have 6 kids!

But I wouldn't change a thing.

Random Stranger Conversation

I always found it strange how everyone would always come up and talk to my mom & older sister Stacy. Anytime we went anywhere, people would just start talking to them like they've known them for years. I would sit there in amazement. Afterwords I would ask them, "What's up with that...no one ever just comes up and talks to me?

I guess it kind of bugged me.

Do I look mean, snobby, unapproachable? I just didn't get it.

I've never been one to strike up a conversation first, but once someone talks to me, I'm fine & can go on & on with the best of them.

Imagine my surprise when TWO yep TWO random strangers sat by me at my sons track meet in Laguna Hills this weekend and started talking to me.

They were interesting. They were full of information, very open, telling me about their kids, their experiences coaching baseball (which I was able to have an in depth conversation about because my husband & I both coached our kids in baseball together) and coaching a Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Nebraska in the 70's. Which I found fascinating (I'm a football fanatic!)

I have to tell you that I really enjoyed the random conversations.

So I tried to figure out what made me more approachable that day?

Was it the funky, trendy plaid hat I wore. Did I look like someone who would be fun to talk to?

I don't really know, all I do know is...people are interesting. Maybe I should try to step outside of my comfort zone & talk to people first.

So my question to all of you is...

~Do people approach you and strike up conversations?
~What's the most interesting story a stranger has ever told you?

Can't wait to hear!

18 TODAY IN NEW YORK...

Photo: Jon Malinowski

Today is my son Jullien's 18th birthday. I already blogged about his almost 18th birthday, which we celebrated early knowing that he would be in New York again on the actual day. I miss him so much, but I'm proud of him and excited that he is able to travel and see the world.

I never would have pictured him having a career in modeling. He was my only son who HATED to have his picture taken. He would hide and when I'd find him, he refused to smile. Most of the pictures I have are with him scowling.

Life's a funny thing!

My son, the ultimate athlete. The all-star on every team, in every sport. His will and determination to be the best is like nothing I've ever seen before. He is fearless. A quality that I admire so much. I think too many of us let fear control our lives. Jullien has taken this opportunity and ran with it. At 18 years old, he has so much ahead of him...he has learned the importance of seizing the moment. I love him and am so grateful that I was blessed with such an AMAZING son.

JULLIEN=Character, integrity, sense of humor, loving, compassionate, determined, loyal, and trustworthy. I couldn't be prouder of the man you've become.

Manuel de la Cruz Show-New York Fashion Week S/S 10

Copperwheat Fashion Show-New York Fashion Week S/S 10

Photo Shoots


Photo: Jon Malinowski

Dazed & Confused Magazine-Photo: Terry Tsiolis


Photo: Eric Mas

Photo: Jon Malinowski

DILEMMAS MAGAZINE- Aug. 2009 Edition

Mon Ari/Book Homme Fashion Show-New York Fashion Week S/S 10

Backstage at Fashion Show

New York Fashion Week S/S 10

Photo: Jon Malinowski

DOUBLE CLICK ON SCANNED PICTURES TO SEE LARGE VIEW


Edison Football-Voted 1st Team All Sunset League Linebacker


Edison Basketball Team

NJB Basketball

HVLL Major Angels

Edison Volleyball Team

Jullien Surfing

HAWAII Championship Pop Warner Football Game

Huntington Valley Championship Major All-Star Team
(almost made it to Little League World Series)

Baby JuJu

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY JUJU!! I LOVE YOU!

Another Win For Edison High School

We are on a roll! Last week the freshmen team for Edison H.S. won a hard battle against Esperanza 16-14. Elijah scored both of the touchdowns...which was very cool because it was his first this season. I told him, "You waited till it really counted!" That was our first official league game.

ELIJAH HERRERA #9- TOUCHDOWN #1

TOUCHDOWN #2





Juking & Out Running to the End Zone
He is having such an awesome season. He's spent his whole life on that field watching his older brothers play. It's so nice to see him finally out there showing HIS stuff! He also plays outside linebacker and is doing incredible on defense too. I'm so proud of him!



We just got back from their second league game against Newport Harbor H.S. We killed them 56-22. We put our second string in when it was 50-8. We had a complete team win...everyone played well. Elijah got another TD and caught several passes and had a great punt return juking about five guys.

I'll post some pics after I upload them. I LOVE Football season!!

SIDE NOTE: Our Varsity team is ranked #1 in CA and one report has us at 4th in the Nation...GO EDISON!!

Lazy Weekend Ramblings

Why does it always seem like you need a vacation from your vacation? I spent most of the weekend sleeping. I felt guilty on Saturday because I did absolutely nothing...I didn't even unpack my suitcase. Finally about 7:30 p.m. we went out for sushi and a movie for our date night. The 10:00 o'clock movie was the best because there was no one in the theater at all. We saw, "A Perfect Getaway," which wasn't the best movie, but it did have a twist. If you are looking for a super funny rental you have to see, "I LOVE YOU MAN". We saw this in the theater a while back and I was laughing out loud the entire time (which I never usually do). It is a crack up...MUST SEE!

Sunday we went to church, went downtown had some pizza with the kids, checked out the surf to see if anyone wanted to go out (it was small and mushy) so we came home and slept again. I think I'm sub-consciously gearing up for school to start. Not to mention Hell Week starting tomorrow for Adam & Elijah. Which means tons of running around and early mornings for two a day practices. I also decided to seriously try to get in bed by midnight instead of 2 or 3 a.m. every day. Even if I have to lay there for an hour awake, I'm just going to make sure I'm off the computer by then (if any of you notice my posts are after midnight, PLEASE feel free to call me out!)

One more thing...I'm tired of feeling gross. I've been pretty lucky most of my life and never really had to work out or watch my weight. I've noticed lately that I'm really putting on the lbs. I think that my late nights (along with my 1:00 a.m. bowl of cereal) is packing it on me. I got on my mini stair stepper tonight with arm weights and did some floor exercises. I'm going to be more consistent...I don't feel good about myself at this weight so I'm making an honest effort to drop some lbs.

Well that's it for my lazy weekend ramblings....thanks for listening, I feel much better already!

Back On My Feet

I was finally able to go back to work today...I guess that's a good thing?! You don't realize how sick of being sick I am! I hope this is my last one for a long time. Elijah was able to go to football practice too.

Now that I'm up its back to the crazy summer schedules. I just got back from picking Elijah up from practice (with his bike), and then went and picked up Josh from work (with his bike), it was pretty tricky trying to squeeze two beach cruiser's in the back of my car. After a few minutes of yelling at the boys to BE CAREFUL...didn't want the spokes broken or my car scratched up, it was off to pick up some food.

I called ahead to order the Pizza Hut Meaty Marinara Pasta (love it!), and when I got there it was supposed to be ready. Of course they couldn't find my order so we sat there for 25 min. I don't know what is going on lately but every time I go to a fast food place lately I end up having to wait FOREVER...guess my patience is being tested and I'm not passing.

Finally get home, ready to relax...nope, my ENTIRE house wreaks of ammonia (DOG PEE!) I swear it was so strong it burned my nose hair! Back out to the store to get carpet cleaner, powder, air freshener...and it still smells.

HAPPY MONDAY TO ME! Hope yours was better.

Family Day-San Diego Chargers vs. Indianapolis Colts

My husband's favorite football team is the Indianapolis Colts, and one of our friends has season tickets for the San Diego Chargers...they gave us four tickets to the game last Sunday. We took the two little guys (I know, I know, they're not little anymore, but we still see them that way). We got there about an hour early, ate some lunch and hung out in the parking lot throwing the football around. It was pretty cold out for us, probably in the low 60's...brrrrrrr...it's rough weather for us So Cal people, hahahha. So we bundled up in our heavy winter coats and headed in.

Now, I like the Chargers, Green Bay is my FAV team, but now that Favre is with the Jets, I like them too. It doesn't matter though, any team my husband likes I automatically root against just to get him riled up. We sat in a pretty rowdy section...especially for those people dressed in Colts gear. Anthony doesn't have anything so we were pretty safe. But I did rat him out to the people sitting behind us. They said, "What's up with all these stupid Colts fans?" Then looked at us and said, "You're Charger fans right?" I shot back, "OH, I AM, but he is a BIG Colts fan!" Anthony looked at me and said, "Way to throw me under the bus honey!" Everyone just laughed and the game started. People were throwing things at the people down below in the Colts jerseys as they stood up and antagonize everyone. The beer was flowing, with every new cup the crowd grew angier, louder and meaner.

I have a confession to make, I have a pretty bad temper and smart mouth. I can be very confrontational if I'm pushed. Since becoming a Christian and really trying to be a better person, I've been able to keep it under control...until this short, little weasle decided to cause trouble. Here's how it went down: We were in line to get something to drink when this guy pushes his way right next to me. The line starts moving and I can tell he is trying to cut. So I make sure I stay right up on the guy in front of me and position myself to box him out. He shouts, "Hey, I was here first...the line's back there." I said, "No you weren't and yeah the line is back there so get back where you're supposed to be." "NO I was here you get behind me." "No you weren't freak" (yes my mouth tends to have a mind of it's own once I let it loose). He yells, "I'm not a freak, you need to get behind me." I said, "Okay you little weasle, what kind of a guy cuts in front of a girl and then tries to cause a scene? You're a freakin whack job!" "No I'm not...I was here!"

By this time Anthony came walking up and the guy looked at him. He has now stepped in front of me. I said, "Pretty sad when you cut in front of someone just to get a beer one person sooner, you're an idiot!" I guess you can say I was really ticked off because I usually never would have let him win. Anthony just looks at me and said, "Let it go, he's drunk and I am going to end up hitting him and get kicked out of here."

So I make a motion like I'm slapping the back of his head and then walk away to watch the monitor of the game while Anthony stays in line. I walk back over and now the idiot is complaining that the line is moving too slow. "How long does it take to get beer...I've been standing here for an hour!" The mouth suddenly shoots back, before I can stop it, "Yeah moron, maybe you should cut in front of those guys too so you can get to the front even sooner." He didn't say another word. Definitely not one of my finest moments, but I hate to let people get away with pushing other people around (I feel like if I confront them, maybe they'll think twice before they do it again).

Fast forward to the end of the game...the cops are arresting people left and right. One guy wearing a plastic hat shaped like the head of a colt had about three beers thrown at him all at the same time, drenching him...the cops came and took more people away. I look up to see who they are arresting now, only to see the little weasle getting yanked out of his seat by two cops, hands behind his back and handcuffed. As he walked down the stairs, head hung low, stumbling, I started clapping and screaming "Yeah...get the little weasle out of here!" I looked at Anthony and said, "See, it wasn't just me being crazy, that moron was bugging everyone!"

Oh the game...it was exciting too, even though we lost in the last few seconds when Vinaterri (however you spell it) kicked a 52 yard field goal...WHAT A GAME!