I smoke, isn`t that terrible?

I did not like leaving them when they were little or big. You have to have priorities regarding what you will allow to take you away from your kid.

Do you know what a blessing it is to make movies that make people happy?

I talked to ex-wives of musicians of the `70s for research. They`re the funniest people in the world, yet there is this sad, beautiful thing in their eyes that says they`ve seen more than they could ever possibly tell you.

Somebody can become a celebrity for being stupid. That is what it`s turned into.

The sweetest moment was when the kids were done and when we finished with the kids. It was just so emotional. And I looked at Abby [Breslin, who plays five-year-old Sarah] and she was crying. I mean it was so difficult. We just hugged forever and I told them I loved them. And it was just... it really made the whole experience that much more special; to know that those kids took something from that experience.

The only things I`m competitive in are backgammon and poker.

I`m superstitious... but not like wear the same underwear for two weeks superstitious.

I gained 60 pounds, and I`m proud of it. Why do I need to watch my weight when I`m pregnant? I could eat whatever the hell I want to eat.

I don`t know if people really want to know how I feel about drugs. I`m not such a stickler. I believe you can choose to live your life any way you want.

I always wanted to be a mom.

[Frustrations about paparazzi photographing her and her son when he is present] It bothers me, it bothers my parents. Ryder doesn`t know what that is. He`s four years old. It`s aggressive, it`s bizarre and it makes him self-conscious. And kids should always be kids, they should never be self-conscious of what they`re doing. That should be illegal.

I went on countless auditions. I begged my parents until I finally was allowed to be in a theatrical play when I was 13. It was the most important thing in my life.

Never worry about bad press: All that matters is if they spell your name right.

I have never done a thriller, and it will just be really fun for me to heave and pant and run and climb and break windows and scream every once in a while.

I`m not afraid of heights. I rock climb. I can repel off the side of a building.

I`m not a big fan of romantic comedies, believe it or not.

When you`re nursing and you`re working 18-hour days, that`s pretty hard.

It was great. They were so professional and yet, still kids. Abigail [Breslin, who played Bo in Signs (2002)] was so adorable and so good. She cried at the drop of a hat. She was so focused. When she had to do what she had to do, she really worked hard at it. And Spencer [Breslin] was hysterical. And Hayden [Panettiere] is at that age that I remember so well-13-ish where you want to be an adult and want to be taken seriously, but people don`t treat you like it, so you overcompensate.

I auditioned on my own. I tried to make a mark for myself without anybody`s help, not even Mom`s.

Honesty will never break you.

You have people who can`t act and they get all these parts. Paris Hilton falls into her own category. She`s made a career out of it.

If it`s a big hit, fantastic. If it`s not, then it`s not. I don`t worry about my work.

[about being mistaken for other actresses] I was in this furniture store with Ryder [her son] and this woman, said, "I know who you are--Gwyneth Paltrow. And I was like, "Yeah". Gwyneth and I look nothing alike.

[about paparazzi photographing her and her son when he is present] It bothers me, it bothers my parents. Ryder doesn`t know what that is. He`s four years old. It`s aggressive, it`s bizarre and it makes him self-conscious. And kids should always be kids, they should never be self-conscious of what they`re doing. That should be illegal.

I`m Jewish and this was the first time I experienced real anti-Semitism. Paris was scary...there were synagogues bombed and there was anti-Semitic graffiti all over the place. I was very angry. This is something I am passionate about.

I`m not a big fan of romantic comedies, believe it or not... Well, I don`t run out to see them.

[on her co-stars in Raising Helen (2004)] It was great. They were so professional and yet, still kids. Abigail [Abigail Breslin who played Bo] was so adorable and so good. She cried at the drop of a hat. She was so focused. When she had to do what she had to do, she really worked hard at it. And Spencer Breslin was hysterical. And Hayden Panettiere is at that age that I remember so well--13-ish--where you want to be an adult and want to be taken seriously, but people don`t treat you like it, so you overcompensate.

[on making Raising Helen (2004)] The sweetest moment was when the kids were done and when we finished with the kids. It was just so emotional. And I looked at Abby [Abigail Breslin, who plays five-year-old Sarah] and she was crying. I mean it was so difficult. We just hugged forever and I told them I loved them. And it was just... it really made the whole experience that much more special; to know that those kids took something from that experience.

Everyday, I tell my husband, "Maybe we should cash in. I`ll make handmade lotion and you can write music and sell it on the Internet".

I`m a hippie at heart. I wear the clothes, and they`re the best. And the music is incredible, too.

I have zero problems when people say, "God, you look like your mother". I go, "Well, great! Thanks!"