In case you missed the event...
...here are some of the questions!
Izzy and Sam question from Katlynn!
What drew you two together?
Sam "Have you seen this girl? One: she's fucking stunning. Plus, she took a chance on me. Remember when I walked into that bakery looking for a place to stay?"
Izzy "Well, yeah. You scared me so bad! Sam drew me in with those eyes. He has sad eyes, similar to a dogs. I knew he was struggling. I think people who've been through shit know when another person's had a rough go. I think deep inside me I knew he needed just one person to go to bat for him. I told myself I'd be his person."
Sam "Thanks for picking me, Isadora. I'm lucky to have found her in such a random place at such a random time in my life."
What drew you two together?
Sam "Have you seen this girl? One: she's fucking stunning. Plus, she took a chance on me. Remember when I walked into that bakery looking for a place to stay?"
Izzy "Well, yeah. You scared me so bad! Sam drew me in with those eyes. He has sad eyes, similar to a dogs. I knew he was struggling. I think people who've been through shit know when another person's had a rough go. I think deep inside me I knew he needed just one person to go to bat for him. I told myself I'd be his person."
Sam "Thanks for picking me, Isadora. I'm lucky to have found her in such a random place at such a random time in my life."
Izzy and Sam question from Amy!
Have you been graced with any pitter-pattering paws yet? Or adopted any more pets?
Izzy "LUCKY says hello! He's hanging outside with Killer, who's way down on the floor, behind the store. We haven't adopted any new bundles of four legs because our sweet baby is taking up all our time (and energy!). But we have so much room at the house, I definitely would adopt another!"
Sam "She's only saying that because I'm the one that has to run them around and fed them and bring them to the store. No more babies and no more dogs for a while!"
Izzy "He's so cute when he's angry!"
Have you been graced with any pitter-pattering paws yet? Or adopted any more pets?
Izzy "LUCKY says hello! He's hanging outside with Killer, who's way down on the floor, behind the store. We haven't adopted any new bundles of four legs because our sweet baby is taking up all our time (and energy!). But we have so much room at the house, I definitely would adopt another!"
Sam "She's only saying that because I'm the one that has to run them around and fed them and bring them to the store. No more babies and no more dogs for a while!"
Izzy "He's so cute when he's angry!"
Sam question from Karalee!
Sam will you find happiness again?
How could I say no with the life I have? Izzy is the best woman to have by my side. She's the mother of our sweet baby and she's so damn amazing with him. I've got Lucky and Killer, the weirdest most human dogs on the planet. I live in this house that's become my house. I run a store and really try hard to extend Lenny's legacy.
I truly believe I've been given a second or third or fourth or whatever chance in life and this time I'm not going to take it for granted. Each day is a blessing and it's also a struggle. I just want to be good for my family.
Sam will you find happiness again?
How could I say no with the life I have? Izzy is the best woman to have by my side. She's the mother of our sweet baby and she's so damn amazing with him. I've got Lucky and Killer, the weirdest most human dogs on the planet. I live in this house that's become my house. I run a store and really try hard to extend Lenny's legacy.
I truly believe I've been given a second or third or fourth or whatever chance in life and this time I'm not going to take it for granted. Each day is a blessing and it's also a struggle. I just want to be good for my family.
Izzy and Sam question from Sara!
How has life changed since we saw you both last?
Izzy "Well there's one more of us. We have a screaming baby boy who requires our attention all the freaking time. But he's the best baby!"
Sam "He really is. I take him to work with me almost every day and he's just starting to crawl. Every day he learned something new. It's insane! He loves peas and carrots, but hates banana. Only her kid could hate banana!"
Izzy "Hey! He hated the banana from the jar, too!"
Sam "Izzy's been cooking a lot and trying really hard to be super mom. I told her the kid won't know the difference, but you guys know how stubborn she is."
Izzy "Basically, life is just all about our son right now. But it's a fun thing. I love his stages. He's already grown so much and he's not even one yet."
How has life changed since we saw you both last?
Izzy "Well there's one more of us. We have a screaming baby boy who requires our attention all the freaking time. But he's the best baby!"
Sam "He really is. I take him to work with me almost every day and he's just starting to crawl. Every day he learned something new. It's insane! He loves peas and carrots, but hates banana. Only her kid could hate banana!"
Izzy "Hey! He hated the banana from the jar, too!"
Sam "Izzy's been cooking a lot and trying really hard to be super mom. I told her the kid won't know the difference, but you guys know how stubborn she is."
Izzy "Basically, life is just all about our son right now. But it's a fun thing. I love his stages. He's already grown so much and he's not even one yet."
Izzy and Sam question from Sara!
What is a typical date night for you guys?
Sam "I definitely prefer a date night in. The house has a big bonfire in the back and I just made a set of huge adirondack chairs. A perfect night to me is a cold iced tea, pizza with bacon and green peppers and onions, a bonfire, the sound of water in the distance, and Izzy on my lap wrapped up in a blanket."
Izzy "Damn, you make that sound so damn good. We do have date nights in a lot since having Len. But we've gone out to the Bar a few times. Last week we drove all the way to the city to see a movie, just to switch things up. Laying next to him every night is what I look forward to. Anything we do is just extra."
What is a typical date night for you guys?
Sam "I definitely prefer a date night in. The house has a big bonfire in the back and I just made a set of huge adirondack chairs. A perfect night to me is a cold iced tea, pizza with bacon and green peppers and onions, a bonfire, the sound of water in the distance, and Izzy on my lap wrapped up in a blanket."
Izzy "Damn, you make that sound so damn good. We do have date nights in a lot since having Len. But we've gone out to the Bar a few times. Last week we drove all the way to the city to see a movie, just to switch things up. Laying next to him every night is what I look forward to. Anything we do is just extra."
Izzy and Sam question from Katelynn!
Will Lenny Jr get a little sis anytime soon?
Sam "Hell no!"
Izzy " *laughs* I think what Sam here means is that not soon. To be honest, we don't even know if I could conceive again. It was a miracle the first time. The doctors said that there's always a chance and that 10% is a decent number. I don't know... I was an only child and I hated it."
Sam "I kind of hated being an only child, too."
Izzy "Really?"
Sam "Yeah. I mean, it sucked having to always play with friends and go out and when I was older, I didn't ever have someone I could talk to. Petey's the closest brother I had. I guess I just could want Len to have someone there if he didn't want to talk to us."
Izzy "Wow."
Sam "What?"
Izzy "I just didn't know you felt that way. I just assumed that you didn't want more kids. You're so good with Len and I felt bad that you might not want more."
Sam "I want more, babe. Just not right now, okay? Len's not even one."
Izzy "Haha. Okay. But I have to warn you. I already have baby fever."
Sam "Shit."
Will Lenny Jr get a little sis anytime soon?
Sam "Hell no!"
Izzy " *laughs* I think what Sam here means is that not soon. To be honest, we don't even know if I could conceive again. It was a miracle the first time. The doctors said that there's always a chance and that 10% is a decent number. I don't know... I was an only child and I hated it."
Sam "I kind of hated being an only child, too."
Izzy "Really?"
Sam "Yeah. I mean, it sucked having to always play with friends and go out and when I was older, I didn't ever have someone I could talk to. Petey's the closest brother I had. I guess I just could want Len to have someone there if he didn't want to talk to us."
Izzy "Wow."
Sam "What?"
Izzy "I just didn't know you felt that way. I just assumed that you didn't want more kids. You're so good with Len and I felt bad that you might not want more."
Sam "I want more, babe. Just not right now, okay? Len's not even one."
Izzy "Haha. Okay. But I have to warn you. I already have baby fever."
Sam "Shit."
Taylor Question from Karalee!!
Where is your favorite spot to write?
I used to LOVE to write at my desk. Then I got my new job and haven't had time to actually sit down and write in peace. I get home and I need to make dinner or walk the dog or my hubby wants to watch a show. So writing's had to take a weird backseat.
So now I will write anywhere. I have a cute notebook that I keep in my purse and any time I feel inspired, I'll whip the little guy out and jot down a few scribbled notes.
I don't think I have a favorite spot anymore, but I have a favorite book to write in! lol
Where is your favorite spot to write?
I used to LOVE to write at my desk. Then I got my new job and haven't had time to actually sit down and write in peace. I get home and I need to make dinner or walk the dog or my hubby wants to watch a show. So writing's had to take a weird backseat.
So now I will write anywhere. I have a cute notebook that I keep in my purse and any time I feel inspired, I'll whip the little guy out and jot down a few scribbled notes.
I don't think I have a favorite spot anymore, but I have a favorite book to write in! lol
Sam question from Katelynn!
After all you've been through did you ever think you would become a dad? What was your first thought when you found out Izzy was pregnant?
I never thought in my life I'd have a child. When I left the east coast and ran from my past, I thought I might die. I didn't care about myself or my life. I was in such a dark place that my entire judgement and wellbeing was clouded.
The longer I stayed in Sterling the more my eyes began to see. I started to want the normal things in life; a house, a wife, a kid, a future. I saw a future for the first time in a really really long time.
When Izzy told me she was pregnant, I think I shut down at first. My instinct was the run. It was to pretend this wasn't happening. That little evil voice in my head immediately returned and started telling me I wasn't worth anything and I couldn't be a good dad or husband or even person to her and that she deserved better.
But I talked with some people, got my head on right, and worked towards being good enough. Every day I try to be better. I try to be enough for LJ and Izzy. They're my everything.
After all you've been through did you ever think you would become a dad? What was your first thought when you found out Izzy was pregnant?
I never thought in my life I'd have a child. When I left the east coast and ran from my past, I thought I might die. I didn't care about myself or my life. I was in such a dark place that my entire judgement and wellbeing was clouded.
The longer I stayed in Sterling the more my eyes began to see. I started to want the normal things in life; a house, a wife, a kid, a future. I saw a future for the first time in a really really long time.
When Izzy told me she was pregnant, I think I shut down at first. My instinct was the run. It was to pretend this wasn't happening. That little evil voice in my head immediately returned and started telling me I wasn't worth anything and I couldn't be a good dad or husband or even person to her and that she deserved better.
But I talked with some people, got my head on right, and worked towards being good enough. Every day I try to be better. I try to be enough for LJ and Izzy. They're my everything.
Sam and Izzy question from Katelynn!
You guys both have a past with drug addictions do you think that makes your bond stronger?
Izzy "I said before that he had this vibe to him that he was broken and hurting. I don't know that a person who didn't struggle would've been able to identify that. Whether it's a bond based in our addictions or just from having a rough past, it definitely was what made me take extra time with him."
Sam "She doesn't take my shit and I know that someone else might. Truthfully, that was an issue between me and Nat. She didn't understand that I was sort of using her for my addictions or that I was lying to her. Izzy knows the tricks of an addict and it helps me to know there's someone to talk to if I need it. She's a lot farther along in her recovery than me."
You guys both have a past with drug addictions do you think that makes your bond stronger?
Izzy "I said before that he had this vibe to him that he was broken and hurting. I don't know that a person who didn't struggle would've been able to identify that. Whether it's a bond based in our addictions or just from having a rough past, it definitely was what made me take extra time with him."
Sam "She doesn't take my shit and I know that someone else might. Truthfully, that was an issue between me and Nat. She didn't understand that I was sort of using her for my addictions or that I was lying to her. Izzy knows the tricks of an addict and it helps me to know there's someone to talk to if I need it. She's a lot farther along in her recovery than me."
Sam question from Sara!
Do you have any kid show theme songs stuck in your head on a daily basis?
LJ is still really young so he doesn't watch too much TV. But a lot of the time we'll put on CDs or a show on in the background just to fill the space and give him some music. He seems to really like Curious George and monkeys in general so we sing those songs often.
He also LOVES raffi!
Do you have any kid show theme songs stuck in your head on a daily basis?
LJ is still really young so he doesn't watch too much TV. But a lot of the time we'll put on CDs or a show on in the background just to fill the space and give him some music. He seems to really like Curious George and monkeys in general so we sing those songs often.
He also LOVES raffi!
Izzy question from Katelynn!
What do you love most about being a mother?
This may seem like a weird answer, but I love having him depend on me. I feel like I have a purpose in life. I know before that I did. I had my grandpa and Sam and they both love me. I had the bakery to run and things to do. But when I had LJ my life just became so much more significant.
I made him. When he cries, he wants Sam or I. Especially when he's this young, he depends on me for everything. It's so overwhelming and I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. But knowing that I have a son in this world has made me so much more prominent. I feel needed.
What do you love most about being a mother?
This may seem like a weird answer, but I love having him depend on me. I feel like I have a purpose in life. I know before that I did. I had my grandpa and Sam and they both love me. I had the bakery to run and things to do. But when I had LJ my life just became so much more significant.
I made him. When he cries, he wants Sam or I. Especially when he's this young, he depends on me for everything. It's so overwhelming and I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. But knowing that I have a son in this world has made me so much more prominent. I feel needed.
Sam question from Katelynn!
Have you visited your home town?
Okay, so I haven't, but I'm not running, I swear! Izzy had LJ and my life has been such a whirlwind since then. We have a trip planned next summer to stay with Petey when things die down a bit.
When Izzy gave birth, he came down to visit with Cindy. It was really sweet of him, to still care after all the shit I've put him through. He traveled for business and stopped here about three weeks ago, too. I think he just likes to check in and make sure Karina's okay, too.
But I'm not avoiding going back. I swear!
Have you visited your home town?
Okay, so I haven't, but I'm not running, I swear! Izzy had LJ and my life has been such a whirlwind since then. We have a trip planned next summer to stay with Petey when things die down a bit.
When Izzy gave birth, he came down to visit with Cindy. It was really sweet of him, to still care after all the shit I've put him through. He traveled for business and stopped here about three weeks ago, too. I think he just likes to check in and make sure Karina's okay, too.
But I'm not avoiding going back. I swear!
Izzy and Sam question from Amy!
OK, back to babies (of 2 & 4 legged variety)... How did Lucky & Killer react to the new addition? Were there jealousy issues or were they the protective type from the get go?
Izzy "Oh my gosh! So, funny story. We went to the hospital when I was going into labor and left the two businesses and the dogs with Karina. She's been such a big help. So I have LJ and we come home. Killer freaked out at the new smell so badly that Karina had to bring him out side to cool down. I didn't think he'd hurt the baby, but he was yipping so loud that it was waking LJ up. I already didn't sleep a wink!"
Sam "My girl Lucky on the other hand was a pro. We do tummy time with the baby on the floor and the first time, we were sort of worried, unsure how they'd react. Lucky curled up right beside LJ and put his head on the ground beside him. LJ can punch, chew, grab at Lucky, and she just lets him! LJ already owns the damn girl."
Izzy "But Killer's warmed up to LJ. He won't be all snuggly, but the second someone new gets close to LJ or LJ starts to cry, his ears perk up and he trots over. He loves him deep down!"
OK, back to babies (of 2 & 4 legged variety)... How did Lucky & Killer react to the new addition? Were there jealousy issues or were they the protective type from the get go?
Izzy "Oh my gosh! So, funny story. We went to the hospital when I was going into labor and left the two businesses and the dogs with Karina. She's been such a big help. So I have LJ and we come home. Killer freaked out at the new smell so badly that Karina had to bring him out side to cool down. I didn't think he'd hurt the baby, but he was yipping so loud that it was waking LJ up. I already didn't sleep a wink!"
Sam "My girl Lucky on the other hand was a pro. We do tummy time with the baby on the floor and the first time, we were sort of worried, unsure how they'd react. Lucky curled up right beside LJ and put his head on the ground beside him. LJ can punch, chew, grab at Lucky, and she just lets him! LJ already owns the damn girl."
Izzy "But Killer's warmed up to LJ. He won't be all snuggly, but the second someone new gets close to LJ or LJ starts to cry, his ears perk up and he trots over. He loves him deep down!"
Izzy question from Sara!
What is the funniest thing you have experienced since becoming a mom?
Well LJ is just started to crawl and he does the funniest thing when his favorite song comes on. It's called Baby Beluga. It's not even an upbeat song, but LJ will stop moving, freeze completely in his spot and look towards the music player in the kitchen where we usually play it. Then he'll crawl towards it, no matter how far. Sometimes the song will end and we have to restart it before he fits! Then he just sits up like a big boy and plants a huge smile on his face and bobs his head. He doesn't dance or sing or anything. Just sits on his ass and bobs his head! It's the weirdest funniest thing!
What is the funniest thing you have experienced since becoming a mom?
Well LJ is just started to crawl and he does the funniest thing when his favorite song comes on. It's called Baby Beluga. It's not even an upbeat song, but LJ will stop moving, freeze completely in his spot and look towards the music player in the kitchen where we usually play it. Then he'll crawl towards it, no matter how far. Sometimes the song will end and we have to restart it before he fits! Then he just sits up like a big boy and plants a huge smile on his face and bobs his head. He doesn't dance or sing or anything. Just sits on his ass and bobs his head! It's the weirdest funniest thing!
Taylor Question from Karalee!
What inspires you to write?
Everything, to be honest! I take a lot of things from my real life and bring snippets into my writing. I love to people watch. Sometimes I'll bring my lunch to work and park myself on a bench and just sit and watch for an hour. I love songs and TV shows. A picture can inspire me. A mood. If I feel really crappy, I'll translate that energy into my writing (it's probably how A Reliant Love came to be!).
Everything around me affects me. I'm very transparent and I feel a lot. That's why my characters feel a lot.They're a reflection of me. But it really depends on the day. So don't piss me off, because someone in my novels may just die
What inspires you to write?
Everything, to be honest! I take a lot of things from my real life and bring snippets into my writing. I love to people watch. Sometimes I'll bring my lunch to work and park myself on a bench and just sit and watch for an hour. I love songs and TV shows. A picture can inspire me. A mood. If I feel really crappy, I'll translate that energy into my writing (it's probably how A Reliant Love came to be!).
Everything around me affects me. I'm very transparent and I feel a lot. That's why my characters feel a lot.They're a reflection of me. But it really depends on the day. So don't piss me off, because someone in my novels may just die
Izzy question from Katelynn!
What was your reaction when you found out you were really actually pregnant after being told you couldn't conceive ?!
Well, first I didn't believe it. I had known since I was sixteen that I couldn't have kids and while it sucked, I had just started to accept it. Killer was my baby for so long! And then the doctor was like, "no really, you're pregnant" I just broke down. I cried so fucking hard because I knew this was what I always wanted.
I was driving home that day and scared because I had to tell Sam. I knew that Sam was going to be an amazing father because he's an amazing man, but I also knew that he didn't think so. I just had to trust that I knew Sam for the person he was and look forward to our new future with something (and someone) I never thought I'd get to have!
What was your reaction when you found out you were really actually pregnant after being told you couldn't conceive ?!
Well, first I didn't believe it. I had known since I was sixteen that I couldn't have kids and while it sucked, I had just started to accept it. Killer was my baby for so long! And then the doctor was like, "no really, you're pregnant" I just broke down. I cried so fucking hard because I knew this was what I always wanted.
I was driving home that day and scared because I had to tell Sam. I knew that Sam was going to be an amazing father because he's an amazing man, but I also knew that he didn't think so. I just had to trust that I knew Sam for the person he was and look forward to our new future with something (and someone) I never thought I'd get to have!
Izzy and Sam question from Sara!
If you could give one piece of advice to a new couple what would it be?
Izzy "Trust your partner because without trust, your relationship won't last long."
Sam "Find someone who makes you want to be better, because from there, you can always go up."
If you could give one piece of advice to a new couple what would it be?
Izzy "Trust your partner because without trust, your relationship won't last long."
Sam "Find someone who makes you want to be better, because from there, you can always go up."
Sam question from Katelynn!
If you guys did have another baby and it was a girl do you think you would name her after Nat?
I don't know, to be honest. I love the name Nathalie, but at the same time, it's hard for me to remember some of those days. I was in such a bad place, and using drugs, and truthfully, I treated Nat pretty shitty. Our entire relationship was toxic, because of me.
I guess, I just wouldn't want to look at my daughter and be reminded of those bad times. And in no way am I saying that Nat is bad. She was fucking amazing and beautiful and would've been an outstanding woman. It just my daughter.
Now that I have a son, I know how important it is. I'm not saying I wouldn't name her after Nat. I just don't think I'm at peace with how things ended with Nat and how things were between us. So right now, I just don't think I would.
If you guys did have another baby and it was a girl do you think you would name her after Nat?
I don't know, to be honest. I love the name Nathalie, but at the same time, it's hard for me to remember some of those days. I was in such a bad place, and using drugs, and truthfully, I treated Nat pretty shitty. Our entire relationship was toxic, because of me.
I guess, I just wouldn't want to look at my daughter and be reminded of those bad times. And in no way am I saying that Nat is bad. She was fucking amazing and beautiful and would've been an outstanding woman. It just my daughter.
Now that I have a son, I know how important it is. I'm not saying I wouldn't name her after Nat. I just don't think I'm at peace with how things ended with Nat and how things were between us. So right now, I just don't think I would.
Sam question from Taylor!
Have Pete and the others been back since the last time they left? And do you keep in contact more often than before?
Yes! Pete was here for the birth of LJ. Well, not the actual birth, but he flew down when he found out Iz was in labor and stayed for three or four days. He was here a few weeks ago when he was traveling, too.
He calls me all the freaking time. I swear, he's more like a dad to me, just checking in. He asks for LJ pictures constantly, claiming his god father duties require it! I'm lucky to have him as a best friend again.
Have Pete and the others been back since the last time they left? And do you keep in contact more often than before?
Yes! Pete was here for the birth of LJ. Well, not the actual birth, but he flew down when he found out Iz was in labor and stayed for three or four days. He was here a few weeks ago when he was traveling, too.
He calls me all the freaking time. I swear, he's more like a dad to me, just checking in. He asks for LJ pictures constantly, claiming his god father duties require it! I'm lucky to have him as a best friend again.
Sam question from Jessica!
Do you plan on going back to visit Nathalie's grave? See your friends?
Eventually, I will. I would like to bring her flowers, talk about her letter, and stuff like that. I just haven't had a spare second and I don't want to leave with LJ so young. We do have a trip out to see Petey this summer. I'll probably go then.
And I see Petey still! He visited a few times. Karina lives upstairs above the store so I see her more than I probably would like. She's that little sister that never leaves you the hell alone.
I have no interests in seeing anyone else, though.
Do you plan on going back to visit Nathalie's grave? See your friends?
Eventually, I will. I would like to bring her flowers, talk about her letter, and stuff like that. I just haven't had a spare second and I don't want to leave with LJ so young. We do have a trip out to see Petey this summer. I'll probably go then.
And I see Petey still! He visited a few times. Karina lives upstairs above the store so I see her more than I probably would like. She's that little sister that never leaves you the hell alone.
I have no interests in seeing anyone else, though.
Sam and Izzy question from Katelynn!
How is Karina doing there? Has she found love?
Izzy "I'll get this one, since Sam doesn't girl talk with her. She's not looking for love right now. You know her relationship with Frank was terrible and he hurt her. It wasn't the first time she's been hurt. She doesn't want to jump into any relationships and I don't blame her.
She needs to find herself first. She's always been in a relationship. She's never had a second to just look at herself and say this is Karina. She's working with me and Sam and she loves babysitting LJ.
She's happy, I know that."
How is Karina doing there? Has she found love?
Izzy "I'll get this one, since Sam doesn't girl talk with her. She's not looking for love right now. You know her relationship with Frank was terrible and he hurt her. It wasn't the first time she's been hurt. She doesn't want to jump into any relationships and I don't blame her.
She needs to find herself first. She's always been in a relationship. She's never had a second to just look at herself and say this is Karina. She's working with me and Sam and she loves babysitting LJ.
She's happy, I know that."
Sam question from Katlynn!
What has kept you from relapsing? Anything in particular that stands out?
My family. I live every day to provide a better life for them. Without Izzy, I don't know that I would've ever gotten clean in the first place. Then when I found out about LJ, I wanted to run and hide and be scared. But I realized that I loved them and they we were worth the constant struggle to stay clean.
What has kept you from relapsing? Anything in particular that stands out?
My family. I live every day to provide a better life for them. Without Izzy, I don't know that I would've ever gotten clean in the first place. Then when I found out about LJ, I wanted to run and hide and be scared. But I realized that I loved them and they we were worth the constant struggle to stay clean.