Love the shirt!

Hey all- So excited for you Lyd. You deserve a break and some good fun with friends. Down to the wire here in NYC. Juggling lots of stuff rt now and my head is spinning. LOVE having Perry as a roommate. We have become pretty close. Lindsay Buehler moved back to CA today :-( So, that was sad. Nice fall weather here. Leave for Chicago on Sunday for three days and a little McDrewmy action. Hope to see Chaz and dad, too. Love to all. What's up Magoo?

T-2 Days

The shirts are so cute and I am gettting so excited.

Aggressive...

...is how I would describe my weekend. Three nights at Radio City got to the best of me and now I need a weekend from my weekend. The pic of Baker and Mary Rowe is so cute. The weather here is really great. Perry and I are having so much fun together. He has been running all over the place looking for an apartment. My office is throwing me a going away party on Thursday night so I will be looking forward to that. I cannot believe that Chicago is so soon. Dying to hear more about the survivor party.

Go Braves

Yesterday was Baker's first game as a Brave. So fun. Mary Rowe was desperate to get out there and play so the coach told her she could be an honorary member of the team. That seemed to satisfy her enough. Can't wait until we go to California on Thursday. Will definately post a picture of the T-Shirt when I pick it up on Wednesday. Lucille, Mom is going to die when you tell her about Survivor. She might just crash the party! Very fired up today because Dill got me a beautiful brown hobo bag to bring on my trip. I love it. It makes any outfit! I think I am going to break down and get a spray tan before I go. Why not. I did it last spring when Shannon was here and it took everything in me to not just walk around naked everywhere. Hah. Ok, maybe it didn't take everything in me!! Love to all.

chez shaw

Well i'm cooking up a storm over here. Sunday night dinner party once again. Tonight's menu, rosemary leg of lamb, slow-roasted tomoatos and sauteed mushrooms. Ha, Chaz you'd love it!

It's been a beautiful weekend. Yesterday we went to an art auction in Bolinas. Unfortunately, we apparently have good art taste because we were bidding against all the "collectors". Needless to say, we came home empty handed but we still had fun.

Before that, we went to Bodega Bay, which is over-rated. There's nothing there!! But the drive there was fantastic. We stopped at Tomales Bay Oyster Co and Hog Island Oyster for some fresh oysters. I couldn't believe how many people were there! We also stopped at some fun antique stores. I felt like I was on the show Bayarea Backroads.

Speaking of shows! Mom and Lyd, one of Justin's old campaign friends is on Survivor. His name is Yul Kwan and he's the super smart Korean one. The Las Vegas odds have him coming in third. We're going to a viewing party at his house to watch him as he watches how they portray him on TV. Can't wait!

Well I better get back to the kitchen! Gotta check on the tomatos!
Peace out hommies.
L

T-1 Week

Well, it is now time for my countdown to California. I am getting really excited. Just dropped off the t-shirts I am having made and they are so cute. I was going to get them for you guys too, but it ended up being a very expensive cute idea! Everyone is fired up and the forecast looks good for next weekend. I am bummed that Spencer and Lalah won't be there, but am going to ask sweet Clark if he can tour us around. Lucy's parents will be in town also so I will get to meet them. I have 4 kids here playing today and a upholstery cleaner cleaning Tigger's angry pee off the red couch. I don't when Tigger is going to realize that Satchmo is here to stay and his anger over it needs to subside!! I need a fricken pet therapist. Chaz, great to hear from you. I am so glad that you and Lena joined a club with child care. Ours has it too and it really gives Mother's a motivation to work out since it means you get a couple of hours away from the kids. Dill is in Houston for a few days so we are being really loud and messy since he isn't in his office. Baker's T-Ball season starts up again on Friday so he is really excited. He is on the BRAVES this season so that was a big coup. Will take plenty of picks. Miss everyone and love to all.

I am here

OK. I must admit to being the weak link here. Sorry. Where to start? Firstly, as I think you all know, we have decided to put off the move until the Spring. We just couldn't get it together. Too much going on. I am bummed that we will miss out on the house we had our eye on but I am sure we will find one we like in the Spring. The good news is that we have spent so much time and money getting the place ship-shape to sell that we love it. It looks great. Since we are sticking around, we decided to join East Bank Club. East Bank is really nice. They have great daycare so Lena can drop the kids off and workout. She looks great by the way. I just love the pool and jacuzzi. Yesterday, we had our "Green Card" interview. Think the movie. No "what is her favorite color," etc. My strategy was perfect. Bring the kids in and let them go crazy around the office during the interview and they would want us out of there asap. Anyway, Lena's application is approved and she is now a permanent resident. Glad to have that taken care of. On the business side, things are well. I was in SF the other day to meet with venture capitalists. We met with a firm in Palo Alto and also with Texas Pacific Group in SF. TPG is the largest private equity group in the world at 80 bln so it was quite a moment in my career. We believe it went well but we will see. I did get to see James and Clark and Lucy and also had dinner with Lucille and Justin. We had a great time. My two bosses just loved Lucille. They say you have exceptional beauty and poise. Of course, I agree. Dad's birthday is tomorrow. K&K are gone for their 25th anniversary and obviously Liz is not around so I want to make sure he has a nice bday. I plan on taking him out to dinner and though I would pay for a guide to take us fishing for salmon next week. Please remember to call everyone though I know you will. I love you all.

Holy Blogging, Batman!

Well, there you guys are! The weather here blows, rain, rain go away! But, I am going to see panic for the next three nights at radio city and I am so excited I cannot see straight. Don't know how I feel about everyone flying south for Thanksgiving b/c I know that I'll be in Chicago :-( Work is intense, basically working two jobs right now between Aquent and what Sean and I are starting up. Wish I had nice SF weather here! Today is Drew's birthday and I threw my phone in my purse and it pocket txted him about 37 times. Nice way to wake up on your birthday.... love to all. Chaz, where you at?!?

I still have paint in my hair

Lydia,
The big trip has been postponned. Clark's wedding mixed up the plan, but that's fine with me. We're hoping to get away and do something either after Christmas, during his spring break or maybe after Clark's wedding. So that leaves us with a free Thanksgiving. He has never been to the south and he likes to hang with Dill. So this is looking feasible. Keep your fingers crossed.

I'm off for a walk and then to book club, didn't read the book. It was too earthy. The weather has been gorgeous here - Indian Summer.

Love everybody.
L

Don't get me all excited Lucille!!!

Luc, we would be so excited if you guys could come. I said something to Mom when she was just here and she said you all were going on some big trip at Thanksgiving? I hope not. Would love to have you. Glad the painting is done. Lizzy, love the pictures from the Open. Caitlin is in town so we did a girls shopping trip today. On our way to Baker's tennis lesson in a few minutes. School is in full swing and the weather is starting to feel like fall. That with all of the college football, there just is no better place than the South this time of year.

Love to all.

Lucille...

You get best title on the blogger. I think that heading is really clever!

The procastinator's meeting has been postponned

Hi all-

Well, I spent the entire weekend painting my apartment (yes again, it might as well be the Golden Gate Bridge). But this time I love it! The place is really coming together. All we need now is some art and then it will be time to move on to the bedroom which is right now a white canvas. Can't wait!! I've got some fun, cheap ideas for that room - it will be time to get out the sewing machine Lydia.

Last week we went to the opening of the symphony - great people watching and it was even more entertaining to watch Justin listen to the symphony - he is really into it and bobs his head the whole time. I ran into Rich Peterson, which was so weird because I hadn't seen him in YEARS - probably about 19! I can't believe I recognized him. I also got to see Chaz recently because he was in town being a hot shot entrepreneur.

I met Clark & Lucy at fisherman's wharf for a drink last week and got to catch up with them. They are so excited for the wedding and are still really in love and cute.

What are everyone's holiday plans? I am trying to sort that out now so Justin and I don't fight about it later. If we super plan it, it tends to go pretty well. Lydia, I hear that Mom & Mike are coming to see you...can Justin & I come too?

Lizzie, are you floating on air? US Open and an official stellar boyfriend. Life is good. That has been the moto for you lately.

Alright, back to work. I am designing a fireplace - so fun! Lots of love,
Lucille

US OPEN

Enough said...

Lizzy....

and Drew sitting in a tree, K I S S I N G, first comes love, then comes marriage then comes a baby in a baby carriage!!!!!!!!!!

Houston, We Have a Boyfriend...

Well, Napa was a great success!!! I showed my friends a great time, the weather was amazing and I locked down a good guy to start hanging out with. Mom mentioned to me that I have seen all of my siblings in the last month. It's so great that we have been seeing so much of each other. Napa is now annual so watch out Mom and Mike! Lyd, you'll have a ball. I am pretty fired up about Clark's wedding. He was so cute when he was telling me details. Alex and Kristi are here this week. Can't wait for US OPEN on Saturday. Too fun. Rain in NYC. 22 days until my move... Love to all. What's up Chaz?

Long time no post

Hey, sorry I have not posted in so long. I loved your pictures Liz and am so jelous that you all got to hang out all weekend. So fun. Not real jelous of your weekend though Mom. Glad you do it though. Today was the first day of school. The kids were super excited so that was fun. Took them for burgers and milkshakes after at the loop to get the scoop etc. Starting to get so excited about my girl trip to the valley. So fun. Lizzy's pictures got me super excited. It is less than 3 weeks away so it is definately coming soon. After 8 years of hating our wedding rings, we got new ones today. I got 2 really pretty platanum bands that go on either side of my rings. It looks so pretty and makes it so I can wear silver, plat or gold. Kind of fun. Loving the US Open and can't wait for your report Liz. Chaz, where are you??? Season Premiere of "House" is tonight and I am so excited that I can hardly see straight. Love to all.

Lyd

T minus 1 day

Alright Lizzie, I'm so pumped for this weekend. I'm getting up at 7 tomorrow and I will hit the road. I am trying to somehow miss the traffic - the Bay Bridge closing is a real mess. Can't wait to pool it and veg out all weekend.

My boss is about to go to Africa for 1 month so we are trying to make a bunch of design decisions today before she goes so we can still be productive while she is away. She is going furniture and accessory shopping. So fun!

B Brooks and Henrik are going to be at Mom's on Monday. I'm really excited to see them. It's been a LONG time. Can't wait to see Elsabet.

I had dinner with a bunch of my girlfriends at a Moroccan place last night - so yummy.

Can't wait to see you Lizzie!! Love everybody!

T minus 1 day

Wow. Got back to NYC yesterday and have been running around like a mad woman. CANNOT believe that I leave for Napa at 5am tomorrow. So much to get done before then. All my guests are very excited as am I. Had a wonderful time in Atlanta. Mary Rowe is a little person and talks up a storm now- too cute. Rain in Gotham. Love to all.

Hi All

Wow Lizzie, you look great. Sounds like you had a fantastic week in Chicago. Lydia, I can't believe your life. You just go from one vacation to the next! Quite the summer. Justin started law school last Wednesday so we're going through some adjustments in the Shaw/Buell house. So far he's really loving it and I'm reading a bunch more while he studies. I've read two books since Wednesday! I bought some rollerblades and have been going to Golden Gate Park. The first day I tried to skate around my neighborhood, which was a disaster. You can't really skate in my neighborhood. Too many hills!! You either go 2 mph or 30! Pretty scary. I got my first solor interior design job. It's a friend of Justin's. I stopped by his place on Sunday and woh do I have work to do. All I'm going to say is he has a blue leather recliner couch. That should say it all. Nothing new is going on other than that. We had to go to another wedding this weekend - Justin's aunt, which was actually super cute - two 70 year olds getting married. Love everybody.

I am back

Hello everyone. I am so sorry to be off the blog for so long. I have been in the mountains for a week without internet access. Had a great time with Anna, Steve and their kids in Blowing Rock, NC. The weather was amazing. We went to the Tweetsy Railroad where the kids rode the train and cowboys and Indians jumped on and proceeded to have a shootout. Baker about died! I did a very un-pc thing and bought both kids cap guns there. I guess if they both become gansta's, it will be my fault. We also went to Grandfather Mountain and hiked and walked the swinging bridge. It is a suspended bridge 1 mile in the air that sways. Very scary, but fun. The kids loved it. Baker is quite the rock climber too. Mom comes tomorrow and Lizzy on Thursday. Still hoping that Michael can get a reasonable ticket to join the fun. Mom is going to Yoga with me on Friday. I think she will like it. The kids start school in a week and a half and are more than ready for it. Can't believe that Baker starts Kindergarten next year. Scary. Lizzy, love the pictures. You have lost weight and look great.

Tennis hos and golf pros

What a weekend in Chicago! The costume party was a blast and I won best dressed girl. Beautiful weather. Boated, found a new apartments, saw old friends, blah, blah. Warming up in the kitchen all week for the cook-off Saturday. More pics to come. Where is everyone!?!

Well, here are some pics. They are not very good, but it's all I have for now. The guy I am walking with is Cassidy. He was the groomsman I was partnered with and is Park's good friend from Boston. Upper left is a pic with old high school friends, Friedman and Joanna Galler. Can you believe the weather at the wedding? Blue sky.

Jam-Packed

Whew, do I gave a week planned. Perry is coming here this week with his girlfriend to look for a place and we are going to a concert in Central Park on Thursday. A friend's birthday on Wednesday night. We are going to watch A River Runs Through It on the Hudson river outdoor amphitheatre. My boss, Sean, is here this week and I have dinners tonight and tomorrow at some spots I have been dying to try out. Off to Chicago on Friday (the airport is sure to suck) and am really excited to find a new place. I have a 9:30 am appointment with a broker. After that, is my costume party at 5pm. I bought the cutest polo tennis dress and am going to do my hair Farah Fawcett style with a striped headband. Mr. Best Man is coming to the costume party with his brother which means I's be stavin' myself this week to squeeze my hiney in that tennis skirt! Countdown to Napa has begun and the troops are excited. Magoo, will you be joining in on the fun? Best to Lyd as she is off on her N.C. adventure.

Update

So cute Lucille. Her room look turned out so shabby chic because of the bed and chest that I got at Lakewood and the soft stripes, that I think I am going to stick with the pretty white bedding i got with the shabby chic pillow etc. I would however, love the t-shirt!!!! As for Clark and Lucy. I do not think I am in the wedding. Mom made it seem like we weren't in the wedding because there were 3 of us and it would take up the whole wedding party for Lucy. Plus, Clark asked Chaz a few weeks ago and hasn't said anything to me. I would love to be, but don't think so. Have had a great week this week. I have being going to Yoga Mon, Wed and Fridays and really loving it. The Dills are here right now which is heaven. We are going to the Aquarium this afternoon, finally. Tomorrow, Martha, Mary Rowe and I are going to Lakewood to see if I can find a side table for MR's room. Lakewood is the monthly antique show in Atl. by the way. It is for trade only on Thursday, but the masses can come in for the weekend if you pay. Amazing stuff. 7 buildings of wonderful things. Dill is making a major dinner tomorrow night. Then on Sunday, I am going to Church with Martha and the kids and then Dill and David are making a big brunch. Finally, on Monday, I am going with Anna and the kids to her parents house in the mountains for a week. Dill and Steve will meet us up there for weekend. It will be so nice to cool down for a week. Bruce Hornsby was great on Wednesday. Very fun. It is an outdoor small venue so it was a perfect place. Dill made an amazing dinner so it was nice to eat a great dinner and listen to music. Lizzy, glad you are so well. Lucille, congrats on the grades. How did you do in the class with the crazy teacher? The one you had the come to jesus with? Love to all.

Here is an even better pic Lyd...
http://www.malabar.co.uk/largeimages.php?category_id=10&product_id=3079

http://www.malabar.co.uk/largeimages.php?category_id=10&product_id=3082

Wow Lizzie. Life is sounding pretty fantastic! Not too rough huh? So glad to hear it. I can't wait for your Napa weekend, should be a blast. I met up with Clark & Lucy last night at a Blue's Bar. Lucy looks great. Aparently, girls, we are supposed to get measured - pronto. So I am going to try to get to that this weekend. I am sipping champagne as we speak because I just got my grades for my two design classes and so far I'm a strait A student, so I'm thrilled! I'm looking forward to this weekend. We are going abalone diving down in Mendacino and then everybody is coming back to our place for an abalone cookout. I wish I had some of Lizzie and Dill's cooking skills, because I have no idea how to cook abalone. Any suggestions?? Speaking of Dill, I saw this great shirt yesterday that said, "What's the Dill Pickle" and it had this super cute print of dill on it. If you want it Lyd, I'll buy it for you. It's so cute and it's a great shape.
Lyd, here is the website that has a picture of the fabric I thought would be cute for MaryRowe since she loves purses so much.
http://www.malabar.co.uk/product_details.php?pattern_book_code=EMBRKNDWLD&patternbook_id=2951&category_id=10&product_id=3079&pid=7
and this one is so cute for Baker, the color is not as much yellow as it is cafe au lait.
http://www.malabar.co.uk/product_details.php?pattern_book_code=EMBRKNDWLD&patternbook_id=2951&category_id=10&product_id=3082&pid=7
Anyhoo. The fabric is ~ 120/yd so it's a little pricey, but maybe you could just do a decorative pillow on the bed or on a chair if there is one in the room and you could sew it yourself to save a little cha ching.
I hope everybody has a great weekend. I'm hoping to get some good pics from abalone diving that I'll post. Lots of love! L

Ain't Life Grand

Well, it's official: I am pumped to move back to Chi-town and the fun starts immediately. Next weekend I go to find a place and I am going to a "Tennis Hos and Golf Pros" costume party and the Cubs/ Cards game. Yeeehaaa. All my friends are fired up and I think I am going to call this guy I met at Fisher's wedding to see if he wants to meet up. Atl is around the corner and then I am off to Napa with the crew to cause trouble. It just keeps getting better. Tonight I am going to grab tasty mexican with Sophie Metz and Lindsay Buehler. I saw Lauren Bacall last night at BLT Steak and immediately txt messaged Chaz. This Saturday, Simone and I are going to have a champagne brunch at Pastis and layout by the pool. Things are really starting to shape up!

the time of my life

Well, fisher's wedding was this weekend and I cannot WAIT to post a picture. It was an absolute ball- just a blast! The weather was perfect, I loved my dress, I saw all my college friends, the band at the reception ROCKED, there were fireworks, I danced my behind off and snuggled with the best man. Fish looked gorgeous and everything was just perfect. I have been walking around with a huge smile on my face. In other news, I am slammed at the office and am trying to figure out how and when I can get to Chicago to find a place. Lyd, did you see Iron Chef America? They stole our idea! Dill and I would rock that! Love to all.

Are you there god, it's us, the Dills

Well, It feels like the end of summer officially. We did not wake up and tear out the door to the pool this morning, we went to church. Time to get back into the swing of things. Every time we go I always love it and wish I went more. Kind of like when you are dreading working out and then you do and feel great. Or probably not for you young ones yet, or Mom for that matter, but when you have been super busy or traveling and apart and haven't done "it" for a while and you finally do it and think, "wow this is really fun, I should do this every day"! Moral of the story, great start to my day today, going to church that is!!!

Dill just finished doing the stripes in Mary Rowe's room and they look incredible. I will post a picture later. Lucille, you will love it. We are setting up her bed later today and so she will finally be out of the crib. Feels crazy not to have a baby in the house. No crib, time to have another one. That is no announcement, just a thought.

Lizzy, how was the wedding? Can't wait to hear.

Love to all.

I am definitely a gemini

Well, the other personality of mine came into effect this afternoon. Woh. I had a little word with my "conceptual design" teacher and good lord did he take a beating. I let him have in front of the whole class and it felt SO GOOD. I've had some pent up issues with him and they certainly burst out today. Good thing I only have one class left. Ha. Sometimes I do surprise myself. Don't mess with the Magoo I guess. Thank god it's Friday.

shawbang

Lydia, I think that is a GREAT idea, good for you! I would definetly go to the Palmilla if I had the choice. You are going ot be one hot momma by the time you get to January! I went on a super hot date, wow. This guy is handsome. No juicy details, just a nice dinner and good converstaion. Hope to hear from him when I get back form the Cape. Speaking of, I am on the train now, just passed Providence. Just got word that my nemisis, Janna, will be at the wedding. As much as I would like to be a total bitch to her, I need to be an adult. She is someone I know from high school and man, oh man, does she suck. Counting down the days till i get to Atlanta. Excited about the extra day I picked up.

Well....

Lizzie, how was the date? Safe travels to the wedding today. I know it will be a blast. Excited for your move back to Chicago. Enjoy your remaining 6 weeks in NY. Dill and I are starting a major family health and fitness kick today. The only problem is that I can only do yoga or ride bikes because of my foot. Lizzy, I am joining Weight Watchers on Wednesday. I am doing the weigh in meetings with a friend, but will also have access to online stuff. We are each trying to lose 20 pounds by January and if we do or are on the right path, we are going to Canyon Ranch, sans kids for 5 days or to Palmilla in Cabo. Trying to decide. Wish me luck. The Dills are coming in a few days which will be great for me. A nice rest. Dill and I are going to see Bruce Hornsby at our small outdoor dinner ampitheater next week. I have actually seen him twice already. Once years ago I even saw him when he sat in to play keyboard at a Dead Show. I am sure this will be a very different experience and concert than that!!! Love to all. Chaz, any house news?

Hot date with a Brit

Well, I have a date tonight with a guy that I met two weeks ago through my friend Andy. His name is Wayne and he is from London and just moved here. We have been trying to get together but both have been traveling. He is moving to the west village so I have offered to pick a place or two in the area to show him around. The fun begins at 7. I leave in the morning to go to Cape Cod for Fisher's wedding. My dress is silk so I am certain that I am going to be sweating through that sucker through out the whole ceremony. I had a nice meeting with Sean on Monday and will be returning to Chicago by mid-September and resume working in my old office until we begin this new venture in industrial design. Can't wait. I am SO pumped for the cook-off it's stupid. I think we should film it, write a cover letter and send with a bottle of Howell Mt to some senior marketing execs at food network. You never know what they would think/ do with! Wouldn't be a fun show to have on food network where ordinary people do iron chef at home and one of the iron chefs comes over and is a judge. If I see Batali again at the spotted pig tonight, I'll ask if he'd like to come down south... Love to all!

Hotter than...

Well, we are back and it is miserable! So hot that I don't want to go outside. Had a great trip back. Went straight to Cinncinnati the first night and then home from there. Definately driving again next year. Loved just sitting and knitting while Dill listening to the old Lone Rangers on CD and the kids watched DVDs. That is good new Millenium travelling for you! Miss everyone already. This was one of my favorite Michigan summers. So glad that Luc, Justin and Liz where able to come. Dill and Justin definately have a little Man Crush going on. Thanks for the pictures Luc, they were great. I am getting Mary Rowe's big girl bed set up in the next couple of days so let me know when you get a picture of the purse fabric. Lizzy, can't wait until the cookoff. Great ideas. Mom may come after going to Chicago to visit Oscar and Lucas. Rather fancy to say one of the judges went to Cor de bleu! (sp?) The Dills are coming in a few days for a week and then we leave for the mountains for a week with my friend Anna and her kids. It is a 6 hour drive, but no problem there since she has a shiny new mini van that has evey bell and whistle possible. Kids practically cry when you get to your final destination! I don't want one, but certainly won't turn down the offer to take a road trip in one! Love to all.

My set up last night was a huge success! I got two nervous emails from both of them today, both hinting at asking me to set up about another meeting. Too cute! Feeling very productive today. Love playing matchmaker : )

Summer Nights

Here's a picture from Simone's birthday party at Hudson Hotel. Been having lots of fun out here latley. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Michigan.

New Pics!

We got these pics from the surf camp - they emailed them to us. Justin was so pumped that he finally caught a wave backwards. He had been trying the whole week and finally got it on our last day in CR. The other one is me (the white one!) and the rest of the girls that were there (minus Lizzie - she was basking in the sun at the natural springs). It's been nice and hot in San Francisco. We watched the sunset at Baker beach last night for the first time ever. I never knew the sun set there! I thought San Francisco was sunset-less. We are having a dinner party tonight with Josh Wilson and this girl we are trying to set him up with. I hope he doesn't play shy like he normally does. As Lizzie told him when she was visiting me- he has so much game but he doesn't even know it. Lizzie, he needs another pep talk! I am getting really excited for Michigan next weekend - I can't wait to meet Lucas!!! I am also excited to show Justin what Michigan is all about and dinner at the Brown's is always delish. A visit to Chicago is definitely in order now that everyone will be organized in the North Shore. We will look into making a visit. We can come and help you paint one weekend or something Chazzie.

the house

i love that house chazzie. the back yard is spectacular! how nice to have a yard. I am sure oscar and lucas will love that. i can just see you all having a really nice life there. congratulations!!

Lucille

house

Chaz, the house is darling. Good luck with the sale. Looking forward to MI.

Update

Really looking forward to seeing most of you next week. We are busier than ever. We are desperately trying to get our place ready to show. I am pretty confident that it will sell at a decent price and without being on the market too long but anything can happen. I haven't bid on the house in Kenilworth yet but we are preparing to. For those of you who haven't seen it, go to: http://www.ksgmac.com/homes/Detail.cfm?PageNum_Search=4&State=IL&PropertyType=House%2CCondo&SearchType=MultiCity&QS=1&City=KENILWORTH&PriceLow=0&PriceHigh=1000000000&Submit.x=28&Submit.y=6. I have had a hell of time with this link. Hope it works this time. I'll keep everyone posted. It's too early at this point. Love you all.

What House?

Chaz, need an update!

Happy Birthday Pookie

Well, today is my pooknificent's 36th birthday so we are celebrating. Headed to Michigan tomorrow so I am writing you from Carbuffs where they are cleaning my disgusting car so we can start clean on the roadtrip. Looking forward to the Louisville Slugger factory tour tomorrow and to seeing the horse farms in Lexington. Mary Rowe loves horses so it should be fun. Michael warned me though to now let you kids liking horses too much because then they will start dreaming about Ponies for Christmas! Can't wait to see everyone next week. Chaz show us the house.

can't I just blend......?

Man, I wish I could keep my mouth shut. Good thing there is a high % that I've got another job to leap into b/c my Boston office hates me. Really have the 'us' and 'them' thing going on and would probably have little to no job security with out Sean around. Oh Well. Might as well take more time off! Here's to MI and Cape Cod!

Saltines and Ginger Ale

After a night and day of throwing up, Mary Rowe now seems to be feeling better so cross your fingers! Just watched Hustle and Flow, such an amazing movie. Loved it. Trying to get organized to leave Friday. We are driving to Michigan this year so we are gearing up for a Grizwald family outing of epic proportions. We are for some reason really looking forward to it. 16 hours isn't so bad!!?? Mom got me hooked on the show "House" when I was home. I think one of you watches it. Lizzy? I love it. Can't believe I had never seen it. Getting my hair cut again tomorrow, toes done etc. Luc, your short hair motivated me to go a bit shorter. My hair grows like weeds so I feel like it is already long again. Just finished reading "Under the Banner of Heaven" last night. The John Krakauer book on Mormom fanatisism and the history of Mormonism. Ask me anything. Interesting at first, but then got a little term papery. Sorry for such a scattered blog, but those are the basic updates. Love to all and cannot wait until next week. You all are such troopers for coming.

Get Well Mary Rowe!

Will someone send me the ofoto link

I want to see the pics too.

lucilleshaw@gmail.com

OFOTO

Lydia, you're kids are so cute it is rediculous. I forwarded your album to all my friends. Your hair looks amazing and your trip looks like a blast. I'm glad you had so much fun. It's hot, hot, hot here....

thanks...

...for the support everyone. I am very happy and excited about my decision.

Great Choice

I think this is a great thing for you Lizzy. You were terrific to live by yourself in NYC for a year, a wonderful life check-off that I know you will not regret. You will be happier near friends and family in the long run and I know they will be happy to have you back. So live up your last few months in NYC before you come back. We once again extended our stay here. We are really and truly going back on Monday night, since we have to leave for Michigan on friday. Otherwise I would stay longer!! Atlanta in the summertime is to be missed for sure. Love to all.

Lyd

Great News

I think that sounds like a fantastic plan for you. This new job sounds exciting! Congratulations! I think the next trip I'll make to see you is to Chicago so I can see your new place! I think your quality of life will be better there and you will have family close which is always nice.
I am so tired today - I think I got Justin's sickness. Feeling a little under the weather.

Hope all is well.

Lucille

Big (maybe not suprising) news

First off, I am officially at quota for pictures on the blogger. Lyd, feel free to chime in with any napa pics! Well, it may come as no suprise to you all (and some of you know already) but I will be moving back to Chicago October 1st. There is a lot that needs to happy between now and then but I have gotten the approval to transfer back and by January I will be leaving Aquent to start a new design firm with my current boss. This job will provide a great career opportunity in a creative field with financial incentives. So, for those of you that want to hit up NYC before that, come on out!

Last One, too cute.

More Adventurous Photos of Lizzie!

The best tanning spot ever

Heaven

About to go on week 4 of our California visit and are terribly sad to leave on Wednesday. We have had the most fun and relaxing time ever. Dill ended up extending his stay so he was able to be here for 3 weeks. He just left yesterday. Lizzie, you have some serious competition. We are going to have to have an Iron Chef Dill/Shaw competition. Dill made the best Indian food here. Yummy. You all definately need a cookoff. Excited to watch the World Cup today, Wimbledon and Nascar. Well rounded sports agenda! Then eat and swim. Miss you all.

Sailboat+beer+sun= relaxation

Sorry, dad, no poles on board for this cruise in the Pacific.... Kate and I had a blast on this 36 ft sailboat we rented for the day off Playa Coco.

Extended Vacation

Hello All- Some serious blogging while I've been out. Chaz, I can't wait to see you this weekend. You obviously need to bring me up to speed on things in your world. Lyd, I hope you are enjoying CA. I have returned a native (Tica) of Costa Rica. My tan is deep and dark and I love it. I spent the first half of my trip with Magoo where I got schooled by waves at surf camp and spent the last 7 days with my high school and college partner in crime, Kate. I traveled all over the pacific coast. We rented sailboats, went wakeboarding, snorkeled, stayed a night at a spa on the base of an active volcano, bathed in hot springs and on and on. Needless to say, I am rested and things seem a little more clear to me now. I needed a break to get energized and I am very happy to be back at work and in the office now. This weekend is Simone's birthday and it should be fun. I leave on Sat for a 5 day trip (work/fun) to Chicago. I am just dying to see Kris, Dad and Chaz and boys. Love to all of you.

Worth the wait again Chaz!

It is all about quality not quantity Chaz! Love your update. All sounds so great. Do you think you will put an offer on the house in Kenilworth? We are having a blast here. Lucille and Justin just got here so we are making fajitas tonight then we are headed to the parade tomorrow and yes, the fair. Marine World and the Calistoga Fair within a week. I expect my mother of the year award any day now. Mom introduced us to a great couple yesterday. We went over and swam with them and Baker played with their kids. They are coming over again on Wednesday. Looks like Dill is extending his stay to be here the entire 3 weeks, so we are very fired up about that. Lizzie, I am dying for your blog rendition of surf camp in Costa Rica!! Do not disappoint!!!

Lenaandboys Update

Hi all. Sorry I have been remiss with my blogging obligations. Notice the title. This is our new family email address, lenaandboys@yahoo.com. Thought that was cute. Everyone is finally getting settled. We have been very busy. We had to do a run to IKEA for groceries and to eat in the restaurant. $12 to feed a family and darn I love those meatballs. I am also proud to say that we are now members of Costco. I don't quite yet see the bargain though. I got outta the place for $350 plus $50 for the membership. Like Lena's father always says, you can still go broke shopping at sales. Yesterday was our anniversary. We had planned to play golf but had our babysitter fall through. Subsequent beach plans fell through due to weather so we looked at houses all day in the suburbs. Actually saw a house in Kenilworth that we love and- what's more- might even be able to afford. Anyway, by the afternoon, the weather was a little better so we took the kids to the waterpark. Oscar is absolutely fearless to the point where it worries me. He will launch himself into the deepend and he doesn't even know how to swim. He was screaming because I wouldn't let him do the water slides because he was too small. He loved the little ones. I am talking about the huge ones that even Lena was scared on. Anyway, we are in no hurry but it looks like we might move to the suburbs. We are looking at houses in Hinsdale tomorrow. Oi Vey. Costco, suburbs...What's next? A mini van? All this on top of my greying, thinning hair. Oh and then this, revelation: I realized yesterday that I am now middle aged. It happened when I saw these cute teenage girls at the water park and I realized that rather than looking at them as girls I would hit on if I were single, I was thinking about them as a father might. Might sound strange but that was it. Last night we had a nice dinner at home. We started with a bottle of Dom Perignon 1986 that was a wedding gift. I grilled lamb chops (my fav), asparagus and pineapple and then we had a nice zin too. It was great. Lucas is doing great as well. He has a little problem with collic that is testing my patience to say the least but he'll get over it. I have spent a lot of time recently trying to find a nanny. We are looking for help on Mondays and Wednesdays. On Tuesdays and Thursday, I am hoping Oscar will go to the new daycare center I have applied to for him. It is supposed to be one of the best in the city. Today, is a quite day at work and I am leaving at 1:15. We are headed to Target this afternoon (what a surprise!). Tonight are the city fireworks but it is raining so I am not optimistic. It gets dark so late that it would be a lot on the kids anyway. Tomorrow we are headed to Pat's in Hinsdale. We are looking at houses as I said and going to a parade. After that, we are watching the World Cup and having a bbq. I love you all. Happy 4th.

Tan, Rested and Read

I don't know what it is about this place, but it makes me read, rest and tan like no other. We are having a great time out here. Lot's of tennis, swimming and hanging out. We even took the kids to Marine World yesterday. Major brownie points for that one. I have been on a serious reading kick while here. Just finished my 3rd. All good summer reads. PS I love You, Something Borrowed, and Something Blue. I recommend all. Especially the last 2 for you Lizzy. So I hope you all are surfing like Champions and have seriously tan backs! Can't wait to hear. I am sure you are having a blast. Mom and I went and saw the Break Up the other night in town. So cute. She says she loves Vince Vaugn, but has not seen Swingers, so I am making her rent it while I am here. I am quite excited because I am coming back Sept. 21st-24th with 4 friends from Atlanta to celebrate my 35th b-day. No husbands or kids. Should be so fun. Can't wait. Clark is too cute for words. He is already gearing up for his 1 year anniversary in a couple of weeks. Miss you guys and love to all. Chaz, give us the Lucas update!!!

Lizzie - Costa Rica

Okay Lizzie. I am OFFICALLY pumped for this trip to pura vida land. I spent the day in Bolinas today surfing and I forgot just how fun it is. This trip is going to be a blast. We were all laughing so much today and talking about everything we're going to do while we are there. A lot of surfing, maybe deep sea fishing, snorkeling, paragliding?? One night, we are going to head to dinner at Marie's friends house who lives there so I hope you can make. That will be our authentic Costa Rica night. I can't wait to see these sunsets I've heard so much about it and I'm also so exciting to get better at surfing. I talked to some surfers today and they told me to practice laying on my stomach and jumping straight to my feet, just so we'll have that down before we get there. It's going to be so hard to concentrate on work this week! Especially this Friday! I just dropped Justin off at the airport. He is so excited for Cuba, it's been a dream of his to go there. I hope he stays safe! Lydia, I can't wait for our little slumber party! Love everybody. Life is good!

Lucille

Banjo's and Graphite Pencils

I start school this week! I went to the art store today and got the supplies I need. I can't wait to put them to use! Justin is going nuts this week. As a die hard minimalist, he decided to get a scanner and scan all of our paperwork so we don't have to have a filing cabinet anymore. You've got to get creative in these tiny SF apartments. He also decided that he wants to relearn how to the play the banjo. SO FUNNY to watch. I'm just glad it's not the drums. Lydia, I want to see pics of the new do! Sounds faboo! Justin goes to Cuba tommorrow and I'm just counting down the days until Costa Rica. Areba Areba! I also can't wait for Lydia's long visit. Can't wait to see the kiddos. It's been hot hot hot here and everybody's running around in sundresses while we can. I've been thinking about cutting all my hair off too. I need a change. That's the story around these parts. Tomorrow is a Bolinas beach day. Hope there's no fog. Love L

Hot Mama

Well. Lots to report. First, my first legitimate hairstyle since highschool. I decided after years of sporting a style that of a college girl late for class, aka "the ponytail", I decided to get a no do. So, I got my haircut to my chin with layers and it is soooo cute. Love it. It was 5 inches, so my head feels so light now that it is gone. Dill loves it. Both kids even noticed when I picked them up from camp. I actually got it cut at pigtails and crewcuts where the kids get cuts. I thankfully did not have to sit in the airplane or fire engine seat, but I did have to endure Elmo on the TV in front of me. And yes, I did accept the Dum Dum lolipop!! T-one week until we head home for 3 weeks. Dill is coming for a full 2 weeks of it so I am psyched. Lots of tennis and pooltime on the agenda, nothing else. Yippie. Have a couple of parties to go to this weekend, and will spend the days at the pool. Dill left for NY today so he is psyched to see Lizzy. In his absence I have sweet Mary Rowe in the bed with me and Baker on the floor. A slumber party at the Dills. So fun. Oh, I now have both Tigger and Satchmo on the bed too. Its really a party now. Am very excited at the possible news of Clark getting married in the fall. We need to all get together so what better event than a wedding. Sweet Clark and Lucy, yippie. So excited to hear about your trip to Costa Rica. Please come back with all of your limbs! Rented Rumor Has It from Netflix, and actually enjoyed it. Thought it was going to be ridiculous, but it entertained me. Very hooked on Netflix. Love to all.

Lyd

Man-o-Man

Here is a picture of the group of girls that gathered in Boston last weekend for Fish's bachelorette party. It was a fun-filled night-limos, piano bars and ice cream sundes at 2am. It's been a really busy week and it's only Wednesday. Dill is my suprise visitor and will be staying with me tomorrow night. Dying to see Lyd's hair. Can't wait for Costa Rica.

My boyfriend's back!

It is so weird. I have tons of time to spend with Justin. I get home at night and he's there. On the weekends, we eat breakfast together. I am loving it. It really was like I was single again in terms of how much free time I had when he was working on the campaign. I'm SO glad it's all over. This weekend, we went to a VERY religious wedding for some college friends of Justin. I saw Matt Heil there who is engaged. It was really pretty except everybody was asking when we were getting married and it started to get really annoying. We are having a huge presenation today. My boss just called and told me to go by Safeway and buy the best bottle of chardonnay I can find. She is super stressed out and this client is impossible to please. What can you do? Lyd, I want to hear how the garage sale went and the rest of your vacation in Atlanta. So fun. Lizzie, the countdown begins! Can't wait!

love, L

garage sale

So?

The US OPEN

Yours truly just scored amazing seats to the men's semi and women's final matches to the US OPEN in September. I am SO excited. I would love to see Roddick or Federer. Have a good weekend.

Crazy Sculptor

Here is one of the sculptures that I referenced below. They were whimsical and funky.

Garage Sale

Yes, it is true. I am having a garage sale on Saturday. I have been threatening to do this for 10 years, and the day of reckoning has come. It will be a festive sale. Music, fun etc. Lots of great items. In fact, I just might re-buy some of my own stuff. Amazing how one can get satisfaction from selling a purse they bought for $500 for $5. Go figure. Time to purge though. Have had an awesome week. Our theme has been "Vacation in Atlanta." Yesterday we took the train downtown and visited all of my friends at Turner, went to Cenntenial Park and played in the Fountain and had lunch. Today, we went to this amazing exhibit at the Botanical Gardens of this french sculptor. The kids loved running through the gardens. Tomorrow we are going to see the movie CARS. Baker has been waiting for a year for it to come out. We are also going to go to the Geogia Tech vs. College of Charleston baseball game. Tech will go to the college world series if they win. All gaps will be filled in with pooltime. Only 2 more weeks until California. Can't wait. Love to all .

snaggletooth

Wait! Forgot to document my recent celebrity sighting. Ethan "Snaggletooth" Hawk at Al Gore's movie.

My first mouse

I am VERY sad to report that I have my very first rodent (to my knowledge). I came home from Dallas to discover that my plastic spatula (what was still dirty on my stove) had been gnawed on while I was away. This realization prompted a call to my friend Sarah to come over and look under and in every crevice of my apartment before I would get off from on top of the couch. I do not take well to rodents. They give me serious chills. Bring on spiders and bugs but a rodent or snake will make me faint. I am back with some nice Texas sunshine on my skin. I met a cute guy which is interesting because I can met a guy in 12 hours on business but not in 3 months where I live! Go figure. My friend sarah Friedman from high school moved 2 BLOCKS AWAY! Wow, this is beyond huge. We go to the gym together, get coffee, watch movies- it's great to have a neighbor! Her fridge is also one of those mini fridges so I made her a set of keys to my place and she keeps her food at my house and we cook dinner together almost every night. you guys HAVE to try dr. praeger's spinach patties. Holy crap are they good! Have a good week. off to Boston on Saturday for Fishers bachelorette party. The theme is mexican fiesta. Yeeeepa, yeeeepa

New Career

Well, i should be a recruiter for weight watchers. Fisher and I signed up together and then I got 4 girls in my office to join, too! Next, hopefully, is Lydia. I think it is really great and helps you understand foods very simply. I have 22 points for a whole day. A bagel and cream cheese is 10 points whereas an apple and yogurt for breakfast is 3. Plus, you earn points when you work out (6 for a 45 minute spinning class!) Anyway, I'm all over it and should be semi- bikini ready by the end of the month. I am off to 95 degree Dallas on sunday for some serious pool time. I am taking the CMO and SVP of marketing for Frito Lay to dinner with our account director down there. Very excited to meet them. Simone and I were going to rent bikes tomorrow but it is going to rain so I think we are going to go to the new Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Anniston movie instead. Tonight, my friend Andy is coming over. He wants me to teach him how to cook and tonight is his first lesson. I am going to do roasted vegetables, goat cheese souffles and a small crab cake (12 points, yikes!) My recent celebrity sighting was Liev Schreiber. He is REALLY cute in person and was walking with a bag of tennis racquets!!! You may now him as Naomi Watt's boy-toy. love to all

Ditto

To all of Lizzy's good wishes and more. Have a great time with your friends tonight and take pictures of your apt. with that pathetic old fashioned camera of yours!!! That is what you need for your birthday!!!!! Love to all.

Happy Birthday Magoo!!!

I hope you have a great birthday today, Lucille! I think that this is your year! So far, it seems, you are off to a great start with a fun job, awesome boyfriend, a city you love and a family that loves you very much. Can't wait for Costa Rica!!!!

East Coast Girl

Well, I gotta tell you, Cape Cod is where it's at. Man, that is the life. i could get into that. Reminds me so much of Michigan living but with awesome Seafood and salt water. My weekend consisted of Pearl Jam, BBQ's, James Blunt concert (jealous Lyd?), sailing, walking, blah, blah, blah. It was great. The weather here is to die for. My goal this week is to work out 6 days. I am also off to Texas on Sunday for a golf outing. I booked a 6am flight so I could get there early enough to lay out at my hotel pool before my 6pm dinner. I should be poolside by 10:15, muuuahahahahaha. Can't wait for Costa Rica. Need to get myself a passport. Rager at mom's sounds good. Looking forward to my labor day rager myself. Love to all.

Houston Weekend

Well, Mom and I had quite a weekend. We headed to Tejas and went to visit our relatives, Halle and Thurman Clark in Victoria. These two are quite the couple. They are hysterical and tell jokes and laugh all day. Their house is on 750 acres with a river, lake and lots of cows and oak trees. Their home was decorated by the same interior designer as granny's house so you really felt granny's presence. I saw pictures of granny was she was in her 20s and she was so thin and beautiful. We went to a wedding that night which was over the top and at the wedding we met a lot of granny's old friends, including valerie smith's sister who was so beautiful. My friend Carter who got married looked beautiful and it was so fun (sortof) to see my old Vanderbilt friends. We went back to Houston the next day and mom and I did a little damage at the galleria and at DSW shoe warehouse! Yikes! But we never shop so we felt like we deserved it. We also stopped by granny's grave which was really nice. This week, I am planning my birthday dinner. Everybody is coming over and I'm cooking up something delish I hope. This next weekend, a bunch of my friends are heading up to mom and mike's house for a pool/tennis/bbq weekend. So excited!! Should be a great group of peeps.
Hope everybody had a great memorial day weekend. Love all. Lucas is so precious!!!

Ugghhhhh

What is worse than getting up at 5:30 to sweat in 105 degrees you ask? That would be waking up at 5:30 and arriving at the yoga studio only to find out that they are closed for Memorial Day Weekend!!!!!!!! I was even in my new outfit. Oh well. My friend and I just ended up going on a 6 mile walk that was really pleasant since it was so early.

Its 10 pm and I only have 8 hours before....

I sweat like a little banchi at hot yoga at yes, 6 am tomorrow. By the way, I just finished a tennis match an hour ago. Do I look like Madonna yet???! The great news is that the style this season is right up my alley. Romantic flowy items, empire waist, just the hippie loose look. Love it. Haven't written in a while, sorry. Lucille, you know I love your fabric. Monkeys rock!! We had a really busy weekend last weekend and unfortunately I was reminded that Jello shots make my head hurt! I swear I just recovered from a party last Saturday. Have a fun party weekend this week as well. The kids got out of school yesterday so we have just been at the pool nonstop. Love it. It is ironic that now that I run all over the place at the pool and never just lay there that I now, for the first time in my life, have an even all over tan. Go figure. No more strip down the side for me. Looking forward to our very long trip to the Valley this summer. June 21st-July 9th. So fun. Baker is really into tennis right now so he can't wait to play every day at Bitsy's. Lucas is beautiful Chaz. He reminds me of Baker as a baby. So happy for you guys. Love to all.

Hump Day

Wow, Magoo, that IS diferent and I just love your ideas for the pillows. I am sure that your apartment will look awesome next time I come to town. I am off for Pearl Jam early tomorrow morning but before I do that I am getting a bikini wax, going to the gym for an hour tonight and going to Raoul's for dinner in SoHo with Lindsay. Counting the minutes until I am beaching it at the Cape with Fisher. Have a nice long weekend!

I found it!!!

After weeks of looking for the perfect fabric for my living room, I've found it! I want to make four pillows for my couch soI am going to get 3 yards of this fabric and then use certain parts to make pillows. One pillow will be the strawberry in the middle, another will be one of the monkeys, the third the lion's head (which is not that dark of brown, the photo just looks that way, it's more wheat colored) and the fourth will be the leaf to the right of the strawberry. It is really not normal how excited I am about this fabric. Damn this design stuff is so fun!!! I hope it will look good. This weekend, we went to the MoMA and got a sculpture thing that hangs over the fireplace on invisable string and it is red like the color of the red in this fabric. Anyhoo, I'm having a bunch of friends over for my birthday next week so I want to get it done in time! Once again, the Shaw Sweat House is back in business.

Chazzie, please can we see pics of Lucas? I know things are crazy but I'm dying to see his cute little face! Love everybody!

Monday

Well, busy week here. I have Lindsay and her friend (yes, 3 people and 450 square feet) until Thursday and my boss is in town. Lots of work and play. The weather is awesome. Only 4 days to go and I am off to Boston for grunge music and Cape Cod. Had a good day yesterday and went to the museum of Modern Art (MOMA) and really enjoyed it. I liked the photography and design floor much more than the paintings. After that, we went to the Spotted Pig which is this really cool restaurant and sat next to Helena Christianson (sp). Have a good week.

That's my boy

Dill picked up Baker from school yesterday and took him to the Braves game. His first one. This is Baker on TV that I paused on Tivo and took a picture of. They were in the 2nd row behind home plate. He loved it. As for me, for some reason I went to a hot yoga class this morning at 6 am. The room is 105 degrees. I thought I was going to suffacate, but am going again on Monday. Love to all. Pictures please Chazzie!!

More Shaw's

Thanks for the call, Chaz. I am so excited for you and I hope you and your growing family are doing well in Sweden.

Congratulations Chaz & Lena

I LOVE the name Lucas Charles. I can't wait to meet him. I hope Lena is doing well. Please take photos and send them along. I love you both and wish you all the best and am so glad that you are all back together again.

L

Good Luck Tomorrow

Chaz and Lena!! Can't wait to hear the news.

Songs we sing

Luc, I highly recommend that you get your hands on a Matt Costa CD. Perfect summer music. Sounds like everyone had a very active weekend. I am having a blast with Mike. We ran all over the city restaurant crawling and tomorrow I am taking a couple people to the tasting and Lindsay Buehler is going too. The weather here stinks- the kind of weather that blows your umbrella inside out and you walk inside soaking wet. Chaz, I sat next the Swedish Royal family at Fredrick's. Kinda funny to see the Queen of Sweden dancing to Nelly. They were surrounded with whatever their equivalent of the secret service is. Pretty interesting. Hope everyone has a good week.

I can't wait to be a mother...

Then I can slave out my children for a day just like our mom. Today I hoed, weeded, watered, dug, scrubbed, organized, swept, planted...it just goes on and on. I also saw a snake, a scorpion, a mouse with maggots in it and lots of lizards that I thought were snakes every time. I fear I may have become a city girl. But we still managed to have fun and the yard looks much better.

Now I'm making brownies and will head back to the city tonight. It was 80 degrees and gorgeous today. Got some great sun. Hope everybody had a great weekend!

L

$27,000 big ones

Well, I won $27,000 fake dollars tonight at the blackjack tables. Wish it was real!!! The casino party was a blast. Happy Mother's Day.

Worth the wait

I will say, your blogs are always worth the wait Chazzie. I am so excited for you all and can't wait to hear the news. Be safe. Have a great time with Mike this weekend Lizy and Luc have fun in the valley. We have our big walk in the morning and then our last t-ball game as well. Then tomorrow night is our pool opening party with a Casino Night theme. Should be fun.

Hot date this weekend....

with Mike Beatty (a.k.a. Mr. New York)! Mike gets in on Saturday morning and he has planned a high-class weekend and I am going to wear a fun dress! The man knows his restaurants! We are going to some really nice NYC staples including the oyster bar in Grand Central Station, Gotham Bar and Grille and drinks at Balthazar! I have to tell you, I am really excited to see a familiar face. Unfortunately, it is supposed to rain all weekend which is a big drag. I have officially sent the big invite for Labor Day weekend in Napa with about 8 friends. It should be really, really fun! My friend Simone and I just bought our tickets and Critter, Becker and Steve are coming Magoo! It will be wild. Tuesday night is the wine tasting at Mike's hotel and I am taking Simone and Lindsay Buehler and then we are going to dinner. My trainer is kicking my butt! Love to all!

On My Way

Hi Guys. Sorry I have been remiss. I have just been swamped at work and in getting ready to leave. I leave in the morning. Can't wait. I thought I would enjoy this temporary bachelorhood but the truth is I just miss my family. Every day I come home and the house is empty. Oscar's toys are about and I can't not look at all the family pictures and I start to get sad. Not that I took it for granted but I now know how much I enjoy coming home to Oscar and Lena every day. We are almost there though and while it was obviously not an ideal situation, we had to do what we had to do. Lena is doing well and Oscar is doing great. He loves his school and has really learned a lot. He is quite a talker. Of course, he only speaks Swedish. I am going to have to learn more if I want to communicate with him at all though once we get back to the States, I am sure that will change. We have a great girl that has been helping us out a lot too. It is one of our best friend's sisters and she is so cute. She just adores Oscar. Work is going great. We actually might have gotten Citigroup as a client- the biggest bank in the world. Not bad for a little shop like ours. We also appeared in Crain's today and were in the Sun Times last week. I have been doing a lot of work around the house. We painted some rooms and rearranged the kids room. Boy, Lucille, I sure could use you. I will contact everyone as soon as we have any news. As it stands now, we check in for delivery on Tuesday and will probably be in the hospital until Thursday or Friday. I will stay another week after that and return on Memorial Day. Then it is back to Chicago for 3 weeks by myself. Then, I go back for Midsommar and another week at the island we went to after our wedding which is my favorite place to go now. It is like Nantucket in the old days. No cars are allowed. We will be there for the Volvo Cup (one of the greatest sailing races in the world each year) as well as a concert that Pella and his band are doing. It should be great but that is a long ways away. We have much to do before then. I love you all. XOXO. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms here.

Finally, it's Thursday

Well, very busy week in Chicago. I saw Lindsay, Alex, Dad, Carrie and all my work buddies. Costa Rica is really coming around and I just realized that I need to get a passport! Micheal comes this weekend and I can't wait. Only two weeks until Pearl Jam and Cape Cod. Yippie. Love the hat, Lyd. Hope all is well.

The Hat

Just finished this hat for Baker last night. Cute. Need cold weather though. Love to all.

Costa Rica is in a month and 16 days

yippee! i'm getting really pumped for this trip. we went surfing this weekend for the first time in months and it felt great. i forgot how much i love it. this weekend was jam packed - two wedding showers, a birthday, a beach day, a house party and a two year anniversary. I had to buy so many cards at Hallmark, it was overwhelming. But it was fun. Gorgeous weather. Although, the whole concept of wedding showers is a little bizarre to me. It's so awkward to just show up and watch people open presents. I just don't get it, but I'm sure one day I'll be really into it. Lydia, you would have loved EVERYTHING she registered for. Shabby Chic galore. This weekend, mom is coming to the city to go to the decorator's showcase. Lizzie, love the cinco picture, you look great! I finally have a little tan going after two weekends at the beach. Feeling a little cuter. Can't wait for 'what about brian' on TV tonight - so good! Love everybody.

You can thank me later Lizzy!

Because I just sent in your application for the Bachelor and they are casting now!! Keep your fingers crossed. I sent the picture that was just you with the guy cut out that you sent. Yippie. Dill is in Denver and it is rainy here so I am entertaining myself with your television future! Great weekend of T-Ball and hanging out. The painter starts on Wednesday, finally. He keeps moving it back. Our pool opens tomorrow which is soooo frightening. Baker is fired up since his swim team starts up in 2 weeks. It was fun talking to you yesterday Luc. Wish I could have visited Shabby Chic with you. Could definately do some damage there. Especially since I am knee deep in decorating Mary Rowe's room. We should really change are blog name from Shawbang to Shawsisters. That is my threat to the rest of you who are not participating. I want an update!!! You know who you are...mom, chaz and clark!!!!

Party like it's 2002

Well, I revisited my college partying roots this weekend. Carrie came for the weekend and we had a ball, but I feel quite brain dead. Went bike riding in central Park again, took the south street seaport ferry around the statue of liberty, hung out at the Hoboken art fest, etc, etc. The goodie bag from the "Beauty Awards" is really out of control. My bathroom in crawling with products. I leave for Chicago today and I am getting my haircut this afternoon. Have not decided whether or not to go short or just trim but i DO know that I need some serious highlights. I get home on Wednesday night and then I will look forward to Mike's visit on Saturday. I am going to take Simone to the wine tasting and she is VERY fired up. Cinco De Mayo was a bust but usually anything I am really excited for tends to fizzle. Have a good week!

I want a goody bag too!!

Ok, I would be totally over the top jelous of both of your respective goody bags this week if we had not gotten a care package from Lizzy of the most unbelievable peanut butter ever. I love the white chocolate pb, Baker and MR the dark chocolate pb and Dill the Cinnamon/Raisin pb. Yummy. Thanks Liz. Our painter starts on Monday so we are just trying to get things done with weekend. Still a little nutty in the yard right now. Have a T-Ball game tomorrow. Dinner with friends on Sunday and then on Tuesday, our pool opens. Yippppieee. Cannot wait. School gets out here in 2 weeks so summer is here.

Happy Cinco de Mayo

da da da da da da da da da! la cucharacha la cucharacha......

Hello Bloggers

Back in new York after a nice 5 (busy) days in Chicago. It felt REALLY nice to be home and was able to spend some time with Kristi and Chaz. I found out that Alex is doing a semester abroad in Paris so I am going to visit her for her birthday (ours are 7 days apart) and hang in Europe with her for 5 days. Pretty excited about that one. Carrie comes this weekend and I am VERY excited for Cinco De Mayo tomorrow. Also, I am going to the "Cosmetic Executive Women" beauty awards at the Walfdorf for work tomorrow. We work with all the cosmetic companies here (L'oreal, maybelline, etc...) so we are going to cheer on our clients. Here's the kicker, the goodie bag is supposed to be AWESOME. Can't wait to check it out. Nothing beats a free bag of beauty products.

The Beach

Wow Lydia. What a weekend! I hope Dill survived! The gardening sounds like a lot of fun. You sound busy. Hope the event you had at your house went well. Yesterday I spent the entire day on the beach soaking up the sun. I actually got a little bit of a tan! It felt so good to be out there. I plan to do the exact same thing this weekend. Unfortunately, Justin's guy lost the battle this weekend - the delegate's endorsement went to Phil Angelides instead. Big bummer but our guy is still up 13 points in the polls. Lizzie, I think Justin might be able to Costa Rica. It's looking possible. Yippee!! I'm excited for us to all hang out together. I had a really bizarre dinner last night with Sabrina and her friend who is writing a book called Calendar Girl and it is about her year of sleeping with a different guy every month and all of the stories that go with it. Her stories are hysterical and she was telling all of us these stories (about Mr. March, Mr. May) at the dinner table at Justin's mom's house!!!! I couldn't believe it, but woh, it was funny.
Work is great, although I'm currently overwhelmed by trim, fringe and tassels. I can't believe how many options there are! It's incredible. Off to dinner...love everybody!