Cracking Nuts

I want to take this chance to thank everyone who came out for the Real Housewives Live Tour in Chicago. It was so much fun meeting all the viewers, taking pictures, and getting the opportunity to talk to all of you. I loved Chicago and it was so great to see how they loved this Jersey Girl right back! Thank you so much!

I have something to address that has been bothering me. On Sunday, 10/9, as the episode was airing, Teresa tweeted that, "Victoria's illness was devastating to all of us." I'm probably being too sensitive and protective of my daughter, but I would just like to clarify that Victoria had a benign brain tumor. I appreciate Teresa's concern, but I didn't want to misrepresent what she had as cancer or a sickness. It was a scary and difficult time, because her tumor affected her unexpectedly yet so severely. We consider ourselves very lucky and I want to thank all of you who have reached out with concern for my daughter. She is doing very well and we appreciate how much you care. Our thoughts and prayers always go out to those families with children who have not been as fortunate as we. We felt like we won the lottery and that experience has forever changed our lives.

It was wonderful to see Chris Laurita's brother Jamie come to talk to Ashley. I only met him once, but he is the kind of guy who leaves a lasting impression. He was terrific with Ashley and gave her such sound advice. It must be great to have such a cool uncle as a go-to person when you are growing up. Chris has proven to be a great dad to Ashley. She is so lucky to have two fathers who love her and want the best for her.
It was fantastic to watch Caroline on her radio show. Life experiences don't make you an expert on everything, but when you live through all the ups and downs (and God knows a mother certainly has to deal with her fair share) you come out with a pretty thorough education! What makes Caroline special is her ability to turn her life experiences into advice to help others.

As a mother, your children are your every joy. But then what? Caroline is exploring the "then what" and I have a feeling that wherever it takes her, she will be just fine. I wish her lots of luck.

What about my beautiful daughter Victoria at her prom party! I arranged to have my makeup consultant, Alyssa of Blush Makeup Studio, come over to do Victoria's makeup. She looked so beautiful, and Rich and I wanted it to be a special night for her. We live for these important moments with our children.

Victoria's date, Paulie, is a great kid and a family friend that we have known for years. Leave it to my Rich to find a way to try to crack some nuts!For those of you who were wondering about the restaurant and catering business that Rich and I were considering, know that I am still trying to figure it all out. For now, however, I am focusing on developing and making my desserts. Since I have been lucky enough to be a stay at home mom all these years, I just want to continue to cherish all the time I have with my kids. I know that all too soon they will be taking off for college.

The Gorga family photo captured such a beautiful moment. Just remember, though, as fast as the shutter clicks and the photo is snapped, so does life go by. Wouldn't it be great to be able to preserve that picture perfect image in real time? I think it reminds us all to treasure the moments that we do have together.

Knowing my Zio Giacinto as I do, I was so happy that the photo session afforded all of you the chance to see him as he truly is. Insisting that his daughter-in-law and son-in-law sit on either side of him at the dinner table is his way of embracing them as his own children.There you go…wouldn't it have been nice to end like this, BUT, just when you think it's safe to go back into the kitchen…what do you know, someone gets burned! I think things speak for themselves, but stay tuned for our reunion show when everything heats up! We go from the frying pan into the fire…OMG!

You won't want to miss it.
Until next week...

Lots of Love,
xoxo Kathy

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Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/kathywakile 

P.S. I want to thank some very special people that have helped me throughout this season:

Erez Boutique in Englewood, N.J.
Reve Boutique in Englewood N.J.
The Fig Leaf Boutique in Garfield, N.J.
Accessories from Pink Jewels in Livingston N.J.
Makeup by Alyssa Shackil at Blush Makeup Studio in Hawthorne,N.J.
Hair by Mina Terranova at L'Egance Salon in Totowa, N.J.