Tori and Dean Blogs

I was sad about missing Stella's first birthday.

2009-08-05T02:00:00Z

I was really sad about missing Stella's first birthday, but I had made plans to visit some friends in London and Paris. And unless Tori reminded her later on, I was pretty sure that Stella would not remember that I was missing in action. Plus, I planned to make up for my absence with some fabulous European toddler fashions.

As I said before, I thought it was right thing for Tori to do to invite her mother to the party. But at the same time, I understand why Candy wouldn't be comfortable reconnecting with her daughter and grandchildren at an event which was going to be filmed. I'm just glad that the line of communication was opened and hoped that this event would trigger the reconciliation process.

It was really difficult to see Patsy leave. She is an invaluable part of the family and has such incredibly nurturing soul. Her presence puts Tori at ease, and Stella and Liam just love her. But I'm hoping we'll be seeing more of Patsy real soon. To be continued...

The entire day was spent with one eye on the entrance awaiting her arrival.

2009-08-05T02:00:00Z

To say that emotions were running high on the morning of Stella's first birthday party would be an understatement. After all, Tori really wore her heart on her sleeve when she sent the invitation over to her Mom and since the RSVP came back as a "Yes", we figured then she must be coming! The entire day was spent with one eye on the entrance awaiting her arrival, as we really didn't know whether she would come or not because of the unexpected RSVP. Well, as you all know now, she didn't come to the party. So you can guess who missed out?!

Stella's party was sensational (period!). A first class, stylish, ladybug themed first birthday party for the Princess Buggy. With everything from a "decorate your own cookie" station to a bug petting zoo, there were enough activities to last an entire weekend. Stella had a blast! Of course, Liam also had an amazing time. When they rolled out the gigantic ladybug cake, Dean let Liam speak into the microphone and what did he say... his favorite birthday word... "CAKE!". It always puts a big smile on our faces to watch Stella and Liam "go at" a birthday cake and smear the icing everywhere. Don't we all wish we could do that as adults too!

Watching Stella, Liam, Tori, Dean and all of our friends at the party really made us day dream about what it will be like to have our child's first birthday celebration. With any luck, Tori will offer to plan up a big celebration like the monkey and ladybug themed ones that she's quickly become so famous for. Perhaps we should nickname our child "giraffe" or "tiger", just to see what games, decorations and cakes Tori can dream up! (HA!)

Speaking of our adoption, we're moving full speed ahead in the process. With our adoption brochure in its final stages of layout, we're hoping to get the official birth mom search on its way very soon! After all, Tori did mention she has a feeling we'll have our baby by Christmas (or was that her... or maybe BOTH!)

Saying goodbye to Patsy was hard. We've shared so many great memories with her over the past few years and she's truly like a part of our family too! We're really hoping that when our baby arrives, whenever that may be, Patsy will be available to spend a few weeks with us in our home helping with the adjustment of having a newborn and to share her invaluable advice. It would be so great if everyone could have a Patsy!

If you're on Twitter, add us and share in our everyday lives:
Guncle Scout - @scoutmasterson
Guncle Bill - @billhornwohi

Thank you for watching and for leaving your blog comments week after week. We enjoy reading your thoughts!

Lot's of Love -

The "Guncles"
Bill & Scout

Patsy leaving was a heartbreaker.

2009-08-04T21:55:07Z

I still can't believe Stella is 1 !!! It was just yesterday she was born. Now she walks, talks and uses the potty!! Yes, I said uses the potty. She's a genius. . . A gorgeous little genius. She'll be driving by age 2. Patsy leaving was a heartbreaker. She has become such an important part of this family. It's like having a friend, sister, mom, and grandma all in one. We love her so much!!! We're going to have to make another baby real soon. We miss our Patsy.

Having uncle Dan, Elizabeth, and my sister and brother-in-law stay at the house with us reminded me of growing up. We always had a full house. Not enough room, but lots of fun and love. It made me really miss my mom, dad and sisters. We'll just have to keep throwing parties and having sleep overs to get our family fix.

Seeing my sister Dale and brother-in-law Stuart is always great !! I miss my family so much and any time we get to spend together is precious. Now I just have to get my sisters Dana and Dawn to visit. Maybe a big family reunion in L.A. would be a good idea.

As a husband, I have to support my wife's wishes to invite her mom to Stella's birthday party whether I like the idea or not. It's my job to protect my wife from getting hurt, and there has been a history of getting hurt when it comes to T's mom. I just have to be there for her no matter what.

Stella's 1st Birthday.

2009-08-03T21:52:56Z

When I was planning Stella's 1st birthday party I couldn't believe my little lady was turning 1! It seriously flew by in the blink of an eye. It seemed just like yesterday that they were placing a wailing Stella Doreen in my arms and I was amazed at her beauty and fire! I could tell she was gonna be a strong willed lady who would give us a run for our money. I beamed at my beautiful daughter. I had a daughter! And, I've been thinking that same thing everyday for a year! My daughter. My beautiful daughter. And, finally it was upon us... Her 1st birthday.

Planning a ladybug party was a no brainer theme. We call Liam "Monkey" and so he had a monkey themed party. We call Stella "Ladybug" aka Buggy so I knew ladybug would be the theme of the big day. I went all out planning it. It would be a ladybug english country tea party theme. I also designed a special ladybug dress from my clothing line, Little Maven. A one of a kind Stella ladybug dress. The best is that our families from both sides flew in for the big day. My Uncle Danny came in which was huge for me. I don't have many close family members and it's important to me that Liam and Stella grow up knowing they have family that love them. On Dean's side, his sister Dale flew in from Canada. It was the first time under one roof that the kids had family representatives from my side and Dean's side of the family! It was truly amazing. So much love. In my opinion, you can never be spoiled with too much love.

The party turned out to be a huge success. Everyone had a great time and celebrated the first year of our shining star Stella. She's such a beautiful girl inside and out and has a heart of gold. She's always smiling. Her highlights of the day were watching with her big bro Liam, seeing The Jumpitz perform, and throwing herself completely into her cake. Literally! She rolled around in her Hansen's ladybug cake! Afterward, covered head to toe in cake , I walked her around announcing: HERE COMES THE CAKE MONSTER! So cute. We had to hose her down afterwards.

I loved having all our family stay with us and I was really sad when they left after the party. And even sadder that the one year mark meant another family member would be leaving. I knew Patsy had to go home to her own family but I wasn't prepared to lose the woman who had in so many ways become my mom and had taught me to be the mother I had always dreamt of being. That day she left, I felt like part of my heart was being ripped out. FYI, I'm crying right now just blogging about it. She means the world to our family and I wish she could just live with us forever!

But at the end of the day I am a blessed woman! I have a loving husband and amazing children. I have created the family I used to dream about . A family based on listening and supporting each other and just spending time togethe. A family based on complete and unconditional love. I wish that love for everyone!

I feel bittersweet.

2009-08-03T21:50:06Z

I feel bittersweet about leaving. It's good to be going home to see my family but sad to be leaving the babies and Tori and Dean. Now that I won't be Stella's baby nurse, I plan to do a lot of stuff around my house: gardening, putting up drapes, etc. You now? All the things that needed to be done that I wasn't able to get to while in LA.

I am going to miss everything though. I am going to miss California, the kids, the nice people that I met while working there, and most of all I'm going to miss my second family (Tori and Dean).

But it's time for me to take care of myself now. I'm working with the doctors and am moving closer to getting my surgery.

Love you all,
Patsy

Tori did the right thing

2009-07-29T22:01:59Z

I think Tori did the right thing by inviting her mother to Stella's birthday. That said, I don't think a party (on camera) would be the best setting for mother and daughter to reunite. I firmly believe that the reconciliation process should be a private one.

Despite a few hitches at the beginning, I think the Little Maven fashion show turned out really well. I was a bit panicked in the morning when I got to the house and everything was in a state of disarray. When we found out that the backdrop would not make it in time, I really started to get nervous. Fortunately, we had some existing marketing collateral and the team was able to really pull it together to turn out an incredibly fun and chic fashion show.

I do think that Tori needs to reconsider the number of projects she attempts to juggle at once. Even though she's a natural producer and great multi-tasker, she needs to remember that having too much on her plate could ultimately affect the quality of her output, not to mention wear her down to the bone.

Racing Like a Pro

2009-07-29T02:00:00Z

Going back to the track after taking even the smallest amount of time off is a little scary. Racing is something you need to do a lot in order to get faster. Just like any sport, the more you practice, the better you get. I was nervous, but a few laps out on the track and I was back in a groove, not going super fast but feeling comfortable. It's like riding a bike . . . I know, bad pun.

Getting my race license was incredible. I worked so hard for it, and went through an emotional roller coaster in the process. In the end, I persevered and got a lot of support from my wife, family and friends. I was also really proud of myself; I just started racing in November, and now I have my license. Look out AMA, here I come.

I was mixed on planning Stella's party. The more we got into it, it just started becoming bigger and bigger. It was much bigger than Liam's first bday, and I thought his was huge and over the top. I just hope she remembers some of it when she's older.

Tori's children's line fashion show was the BEST!! The clothes and the kids looked amazing. There was a hiccup with the late arrival of the backdrop, but once those beautiful little rug rats started strutting their stuff down the runway, it didn't matter. They stole the show!! It was a hit. Thank god for M&M's.

Now it was in her hands.

2009-07-28T16:00:00Z

Bill and I felt this week's blog would be most appropriately written by me, Guncle Scout, since I was closer to the situation at hand... the big birthday invite delivery.

Tori and Dean had been discussing for quite some time about "CandyGram's" invite to Stella's 1st birthday party. Should they invite her or not? She is Stella's grandma and family, although she's never met Stella. Would she even come? After all, she didn't come to Liam's 1st birthday party. Regardless of what you've read online, in magazines or have heard "reported" on entertainment news shows, you can't believe everything that you read or that someone says is the "truth."

There's nothing Bill and I wanted more than to see Candy at Stella's birthday. A beautiful memory of a day spent with grandma for Stella to cherish when looking back at her photos years later. Also, I know that nothing would make Tori happier than seeing her mom sharing the momentous day with her kids. So, when Tori mentioned her mom's invite and that she was nervous about her mom actually receiving it, I felt that the only way to truly know it arrived was to take it over to "The Manor" personally. On the drive over to make the delivery, I became extremely nervous wondering what possible scenarios could arise. Who would answer the buzzer or would they just not answer at all? Would someone tell me to go away? Would she come out and greet me herself... and if so... what would I say? The nervous energy rose as I drove down and approached the house.

Upon arriving and meeting the extremely nice security guard, passing off the invite was a triumph. I could rest easy. Now it was in her hands. What will "CandyGram" decide?

Then the RSVP came in... "YES"!!!!

Daddy's Back!!!

2009-07-22T15:24:55Z

I was totally shocked when I walked into the garage and saw that Tori made arrangements to get my race bike back. I was prepared to walk away from riding and racing. Once I make up my mind about something there's no turning back. But!! Having my wife encourage me and support me finishing something I started is the best feeling in the world. Daddy's Back!!!

The organic garden is fun. My mom used to grow tomatoes when I was a kid, so it brings back a lot of great memories.

I adore my new tattoo. Tim Hendricks did such an amazing job!! He's the best. The tiger is me, the koi fish are Liam, Stella and T. The peonies are for wealth and prosperity. I want to keep getting more!! Luckily I'm a big guy. Lots of canvas to work with.

Bill and Scout's wedding was beautiful. They are so in love, and really do complete each other. It was great having their parents at the wedding. They're so sweet, and we were able to get our family fix in with them.

I have to say, Tori falling in her dress was one of the most elegant, funniest falls I have ever seen!! It cracked me up. I also love seeing T laugh so hard she cries. It makes me feel good to see her happy. Even if it was at her expense.

Getting the Guncles thongs for something borrowed, something new and something blue, I thought was so fitting. Billy and Scouty have the same warped sense of humor I do, and I knew they would get a kick out of it. I really didn't think they would wear them. Bless their hearts they did. Just don't ask me how I know!!

It was a truly magical weekend!

2009-07-22T15:16:43Z

Spa day with Jenny and Tori was fun, relaxing and nostalgic. The three of us rarely get to spend time together, so it was a really nice for us to catch-up while participating in one of our favorite pastimes -- getting pedicures. Tori had just gotten back from doing press in NY for her book, so the focus of our conversation turned to her mother. Not a big surprise. I honestly believe that until some resolution or closure is achieved, these conversations will continue to recur indefinitely.

I was so excited that Bill and Scout decided to have a commitment ceremony. It would've been great if our supposedly "liberal" state recognized their union as well, but in the end, they didn't need a law to validate the deep love they share. They asked me to say a few words at dinner and I was incredibly honored, but a little bit nervous as well. I spoke from the heart when I told them how incredible it has been watching their relationship evolve over the past seven years. The ceremony, dinner and party were all incredibly fun and chic! It was also great spending time with their families. It was a truly magical weekend!

The Guncles are true soul mates.

2009-07-22T15:04:16Z

This episode was VERY important to me. The Guncles committed to each other in a fabu ceremony planned by yours truly. Gosh I LOVE throwing a party but when it's a ceremony honoring the love shared by two important people in your life it's a true blessing.

Bill and Scout aka The Guncles are true soul mates. Whether the state of California will acknowledge that or not it is a fact! A fact that no court can judge. They are madly in love and deserved to in front of their family and friends pledge their love to each other forever. They are husband and husband in my mind. Love doesn't know boundaries. Love doesn't know rulings. Love is blind and nonjudgmental. Love is pure and forever! And, it was important to them because they want a family. They are in the adoption process and the commitment ceremony was a step towards the future of the beautiful family they deserve and I know will one day have! I hope soon! They'll be amazing parents!

They asked Liam to be the ring bearer. They are truly family to my kids. I was so honored they asked Liam to not only help to decide the flavor of their reception cake but walk their rings down the aisle to them. What an honor bestowed upon my little man!

The ceremony/reception couldn't have been chicer! It went off without a hitch... Ok, few hiccups along the way but the end product was nothing short of beautiful and amazing! We had a great time and I loved that the kids got so much attention from The Guncles' moms! Made my day! They are amazing children and I relish in the moments when others see that and dote on them. Especially family! Family is so important. And, you realize that even more at gatherings from the heart!

Stella's Applenana Mangado Surprise!

2009-07-21T22:25:02Z

STELLA'S APPLENANA
MANGADO SURPRISE!
Ingredients:
1 apple
1/2 mango
1 banana
1/2 an avocado

Prep:
Peel all above.
Steam apple in small amount of water. Save water when done.
Cut banana into slices.
cut mango into small pieces.
Cut apple into small pieces.
Cut avocado into small slices.

In blender:
Puree all with little water. Be careful. The consistency stays thick enough so add little drops of water at a time until you achieve a thick, smooth consistency. You don't want it too thick but you don't want it too watery either. It's a meal not a smoothie!

Add more or less of above fruit depending on taste. Moms have the best instinct and know what their babes will love!!

Refrigerate and freeze leftovers!

Enjoy! Tori xoxo

Thank you, Tori!

2009-07-21T22:14:29Z

Tori and Dean gave us the most amazing gift by throwing us a beautiful commitment ceremony. It was beyond anything we ever imagined!

Although we've been together for well over 7 years, as you all know thanks to "Prop 8," we have no legal right to be legally married in the state of California. With our adoption birth mom search well under way, we felt it was still very important to be able to share a commitment for one another with our close friends and family. When Tori suggested the ceremony be held near Palm Springs, we immediately knew this was definitely what we needed. Not only could we have an amazing, meaningful event, but also a mini-vacation with our loved ones!

Tori spent endless hours in planning the big event. She is the most gracious person and it didn't matter if she had just spent the past 14 hours working on her own businesses, being with the family, or on set - she doesn't rest until the work she planned for the day is complete. We'd be laying in bed and just about to fall asleep when emails would roll in with her thoughts on the types of flowers we could have on the table, what cheeses would be offered at the arrival night wine and cheese party, and what fun things could be waiting for our guests in an "arrival bag" (yes, of course Tori had planned gift bags for the guests... have you met her?!) When the ideas start flowing through her mind there is no stopping her. Her planning and work speaks for itself... wasn't it GORGEOUS!!!!

One of Liam's most favorite things in life (at age 2) is CAKE! At the very sight of any type of party, the very first thing he says is simply "Cake, Cake!!" So to be able to take a young cake expert along with us to select our ceremony cake was a no brainer. Well, let's just say Liam had a blast at Hotcakes Bakes Bakery. Matter of fact, by the time we got through about half of the selected tasting cakes, Liam had already helped himself to joining some of the bakers behind the counter to see what else he could get his hands on! We chose Liam's favorite Chocolate Peanut Butter along with a scrumptious Red Velvet layer as well. And in true Tori fashion, the cake turned out to be enormous!

The day of the ceremony arrived so quickly and before we knew it, we were standing in front of 60 of our closest friends and family on the beautiful grounds of the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells, C.A. We're sure those of you who have gone through a day like this will agree that it goes by so quickly it almost feels like a dream. (We're also very glad we can enjoy it again with all of you watching it on the show!) It was so amazing to have our family in from the East Coast - moms, Papa Horn, Dan, aunts and cousins. We've never been all together under one roof and it was just a really fun time! Reverend Susan Russell was kind enough to drive down from Los Angeles to officiate our ceremony, as well as our new friend Lisa Nemzo, who performed her song "Falling" during the ceremony (her album has just been released and you must check it out! This song in particular brings tears to our eyes every time we hear it!) Also, we will forever cherish the memory of Liam bringing us the rings. So sweet!! If Stella had been just a bit older and able to walk, we would have loved to have her be a part of the ceremony as well.

The reception dinner was simply divine. Just seeing the table and how beautiful it looked along with our family and friends sitting there made our hearts melt. The feeling is something we will never forget! With a special "ice bar" set up by IS Vodka, we all enjoyed special drinks named for our event and among them was "The Dirty Scoutini" (which seemed to get our guests up and dancing.) Having Lady Bunny fly in from NY to DJ was so cool. We've admired her for years and having her be our "mistress" of music was truly amazing! As guests left for the evening, they were given a send off gift of a special Votivo candle with a message card attached: "Thanks for celebrating - A donation to Lambda Legal has been made in your honor. Sweet Dreams, Bill and Scout." (Lamdba Legal is the organization fighting for our marriage equality rights. The perfect touch to the perfect day.)

Our mothers are very comical together. They enjoy being around each other so much, that you'd think they're childhood friends. They're both amazing with kids and we knew that they'd be over the moon about spending the weekend with Liam and Stella. Also, it's good for them to practice up on the Grandma duties for when our baby arrives! Liam and Stella will always be in the hearts of "Grandma Jackie" and "Grandma Mary Alice." Maybe even someday the kids can go and visit the "Grandma's" on the east coast!

It's always great to hear wonderful things about the ceremony weekend. We think it'll be something our family and friends will talk about for years to come. Thank you to everyone who traveled great distances to share our special day with us. We love you. Also, thank you to all of those involved in making it a magical time and a very special thanks to Tori and Dean. We love you very much!

Perhaps Tori will start an event planning business some day. Business #437!

Share The Guncles everyday lives via Twitter: @scoutmasterson @billhornwohi

Lots of Love -
The "Guncles"
Bill & Scout

I'm not sure how I feel about the open letter.

2009-07-15T20:18:36Z

With the releases of Stories from Candyland and Mommywood so close to one another, I knew Tori was going to have a really tough week in NY doing press for her book. Questions would be solely focused on her relationship with her mother instead of the experiences she has chosen to share. I knew the situation would stir up a lot of emotions and I wanted to be there for her, so I decided to fly out and support my best friend. When I actually saw the book for the first time, I was filled with pride. Her transition to motherhood has been such an incredible evolution to witness. Seeing and reading the book just reinforced that for me.

I'm not really sure how I feel about Candy's open letter to Tori. Maybe Candy feels that's the only way she can be heard since she and Tori have had such a difficult time communicating and connecting. I believe the only way they can reach any sort of understanding and begin to resolve their issues is through talking and listening to each other. But this needs to be done in private. Communication through the press is bound to be misconstrued and have negative results. Hopefully, they'll be able to work it out one day.

The Mommywood premiere was a family affair.

2009-07-15T20:14:36Z

Getting the new piano was a dream come true. I've always wanted a Baldwin piano. It also brought back memories of piano lessons and listening to my mom play.

I was so proud of T at the Mommywood premiere!! She's an amazing lady and her accomplishments are inspirational. Liam and Stella were just so damn cute on the Green Carpet. It was a perfect night, and I was a proud Papa and Hubby.

The US Weekly luncheon was a lot of fun. I thought the questions and interview went really well, and there were no trashy questions. We have a great relationship with US Weekly. The food was really good as well. It was a nice break in our busy schedule.

Spending time with our kids, in Central Park or our own backyard, is priceless. We could be hanging out in a phone booth and I'd be happy. We're so busy and kids grow so fast; any time you get with them you must take and cherish.

My reaction to Tori's morning sickness came with two thoughts, "Oh my god!!! Here we go again!!" and, "Oh ya!!! T's going to give me another beautiful baby!! The trifecta is in place!"

I totally expected Tori's reaction to me selling my bikes, but I knew if I told her before hand, she would talk me out of it. She would never force me to give something up that I had such a passion for. After thinking long and hard about it, I made the decision. It wasn't easy, and I didn't like it, but it was the right thing to do. I love my wife, and want to make her happy.