A Letter

Dear Mother Nature,

Hey old friend! It’s been a few months since I’ve last written, and I’d like to start out by thanking you so very much for calling it quits on that crazy winter we were having. Shortly after my last note to you, the snow stopped and the cold temperatures gave way to what I believe were some of the most beautiful days I’ve ever seen. I was thrilled when we finally got those Christmas lights off of our house (and I'm pretty sure the neighbors were happy about that, too.)

However, as a result of those beautiful weather days I mentioned above, I now have a new problem that I could use some of your help with. I know, I know. It seems I only come around when there is a “problem.” I do appreciate you so very much. Please know that I often sing your praises to the “Big Man” upstairs, and regularly thank him for all that you give to us.

But, my newest request is kind of a big one . . .


You see . . . with this gorgeous spring you are giving us, have come some absolutely horrific allergies. Yes, horrific... and I’m not even exaggerating. You see . . . my eyes look like two red bouncy balls - you know, the ones that my kids get from those vending machines in the grocery stores (you know, those vending machines that are so nasty and that I hate the thought of the girls even touching them?). Still, I have the red eyes. Now, it would be ok to have these red eyes if, perhaps, the new Twilight movie just came out. I could say I am really into the books & movies and wanted to be on Team Edward! However, the movie is not out yet. So, the red eyes are not fun! And I don’t think I’ve worn any make-up for weeks (which is, quite frankly, a horrific site on its own.) Oh, then there are the tears. Not tears of sadness. Not tears of joy. These are allergy TEARS. The kind of tears that causes people to ask you, "Are you ok? Are you crying?" when really it's just that darn garden hose that is attached to my eyeballs has been left on for weeks. Augh. Oh, and not to forget . . . the puffiness. Oh, yes, the puffiness. I look like I took a visit to one of LA's finest plastic surgeons, only instead of injecting botox in my lips, he missed and hit my eye lids instead. The other day, my dearest hubby (PG) looked across the kitchen table and said, “Oh, honey. I’m so sorry for you . . . you are a mess!” and he was right. So, M.N., lend a girl a hand, will you?

Now, I honest to goodness don’t mean to be ungrateful. My magnolia has never bloomed as beautifully as it did this year (I even wrote about it in my blog). And our grass is already looking like a lovely carpet suitable for a king. But, dear Mother Nature, I’m having a really hard time. . .
I would be oh-so thankful if you would possibly consider giving us a little break from the pollens and allergens in the air. I’m not sure what options you have . . . but I’m pretty desperate here.

As always, I thank you for your time and hope you will take into consideration all that I have written. You are so lovely, Mother Nature. But I could really use your help right now. . .

With Love,
Leanne

A Chaos Button! Yippie!

Can it be? Am I really approaching 200 posts?!? (HOLY COW! What could I have possibly talked about in 200 posts? Oh, yeah, I remember . . . )

To celebrate, I thought it was time to create a button for my blog . . . so, without further ado, I give you. . .

That's me. Whadya think? Or maybe this one . . .

Still me, of course, but what do you think? I'm having a hard time deciding. So, would you mind helping me out and giving me your opinion?

We'll call them Pink (for the first one) and Yellow (for the second).

Oh, what the heck, let's throw in a BLUE . . .

Pink, Yellow or Blue?

PLEASE leave me a comment and let me know what looks most like ME, to YOU. I appreciate your help!

It always ends with Love

Oh My Goodness . . .

Today, I've been a BAD Mom. How quickly we forget moments of "Peace in the ER" when the children are all back to normal - feeling (and acting) like their old selves . . . and testing testing testing a Mom who is feeling drained drained drained.

Today, I have lost whatever patience I may have had, and lost my temper a couple of times, too.

Today, I argued with a 6 year old. Yes . . . actually ARGUED with a 6 year old. Not just a little argument, either. This was a full blown "GO TO YOUR ROOM!!!" argument. Isn't that one of the top "DO NOT" Parenting Tips? DO NOT ARGUE WITH YOUR CHILD. YOU ARE THE PARENT. YOU are the authority in the home. Don't allow your child to argue with you (or something like that.)

But right now, as I yelled that I needed some quiet Mommy time (on the computer) to de-stress (and write this blog), as I needed some quiet Mommy time to cool off and let my temperature (and my blood pressure) come back to some measurable level . . . that very 6 year old who pressed ALL my buttons today, just came to my desk and very quietly handed me this note . . .


So, as I sat here thinking "What have I done wrong?" and trying to find the words to ask all my blog friends what I'm doing wrong . . . my child reminds me that a couple things are right.

I've taken some big deep breaths here, and feel much better. The very gift of motherhood that I felt so thankful for yesterday is still here. I am blessed. For the good, and the bad times.

And as the dear Scarlett O'Hara would say, "Tomorrow IS another day!"

Peace in the ER

Brilliant photographer and blogger, Tracey Clark, wrote a wonderful post today on "finding comfort and peace in the little things." (Strongly encourage you to visit her blog - she is inspiring, creative, and all things AMAZING rolled into one! Click her name for a link to her blog.)

Last night I found peace in the strangest place. It wasn't our home. It wasn't a church. It wasn't a park or symphony hall. It was, of all places, an Emergency Room. Because for the first time in what seemed like weeks (but was really just a few hours) Ella slept . . . peacefully


A fever that we could not get a handle on, and a rash that started to take over much of her fair skin, caused great concern to me and resulted in a quick ride to the ER late last night. And sitting there as Ella finally found her rest, left me teary eyed and full of appreciation for this blessing I've been given called, "Motherhood."

I love being a Mom. I love being Katie and Ella's Mom. I am blessed beyond words for the gift of their lives. I still remember leaving the hospital with Katie after she was born. I remember pulling away with this newborn baby in my car and looking back thinking, "That's it? There's no exit interview or test to confirm I am capable of doing this? They just let me take her? Seriously?" But, that was it. And I haven't stop thanking God for them since that day.

Sitting in the ER with Ella last night made me think about all of those blessings all over again. She is feeling a little better today, although the fever is still there. I'm hoping a visit to our pediatrician will provide us with more answers and a concrete plan for getting our girl back to her "call the police" ways. Until then, I'm counting my blessings. All of them. I hope you have some blessings to count today, too.

I "heart" Troy . . . BIG TIME!

Last week my blog friend Linda at See Mom Smile wrote a great post called "A double standard I can live with . . . " (click on the post title to link to her blog.) I must admit, I enjoyed it so much . . . because I have . . . a celebrity crush.

Yes, I do. And Linda inspired me to share it with you. My crush is on . . . Troy from High School Musical. It's not right, I know. It's all wrong, I know. I'm twice his age, I know. But I would go to jail for him, I know. (Wait!! Did I say that outloud? Forgive me!)

I just think he's a cutie. I mean . . . it's not like I would go out and buy this pillow or anything . . .

It's not like I actually went to two Targets looking for it last year. I mean . . . it's not that bad, right?

Imagine my surprise when I ran into him . . .

We make a cute couple, don't you think?

Ok . . . you got me. It's not actually him. Was it his glistening glow that gave it away? Good thing Katie wasn't with me on our trip to Las Vegas last year. She would have been a bit embarassed to find her mom hugging a wax figure at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.

So, yes. I have a crush on Troy. And I don't mind talking about it. Admitting you have a problem is the first step in recovery, right?

Oh, and just in case TROY is reading this . . .

CALL ME! ; )

Looking for earache cures ... do you have any?

Hi friends - PG and I were up most of the night with that adorable babe I wrote about yesterday. Although this time there were no offers to call the policeman from either parties.

This time, we had an earache. (Well . . . Ella had the earache. Why is it that when our child is sick, I refer to whatever their ailment is with "we" instead of "she"? Must be that parental force that makes you want to take away whatever it is that is causing them pain and swallow it up for yourself. God . . . isn't it the worst thing in the whole entire world when your child is in pain? Seriously. . . not a good evening for her. Poor Baby.)

So, I'm looking for suggestions . . . what do you do when your child has an earache (and it's in the middle of the night and the pediatricians office does not open for another day?) I just spent about 10 minutes looking for remedies online. To my surprise, many involve garlic and onions. I want to ease her ear pain . . . not make dinner. (Can't get a handle on those garlic and onion methods.)

I'm thinking the ER might be in our future. Will keep you posted! And do me a favor and throw some "Good Ear" thoughts our way! Thanks!

WHAT did she just say????

Yesterday. . . I heard it all.

Seriously.

From the mouth of Ella.

You know Ella. My beautiful little Ella. . . . my darling little three year old. . .

I love this picture of her. She is just so lovely, isn't she? Yes, she is.

But . . . don't let that fool you. She is lovely . . . and she KNOWS IT. Ella is at that lovely age in toddlerhood of wanting WHAT SHE WANTS, WHEN she WANTS it. You know that age, right? Age 3.

Yesterday afternoon we went grocery shopping with my mom, Grandma C. Overall it was a fairly successful shopping trip (no outbursts or tantrums - no falling to the floor like a wet noodle - no fits or fights - so, yes, I would say it was a VERY successful shopping trip.) Because everyone behaved, we make a quick run through the Starbucks drive-thru for coffee, and chocolate milk for Ella, afterwards. All was good. The birds were singing. We were all happy.

Then . . . . WHAM . . . Ella finished her milk. To most of us, this would not be a big deal, right? I mean, most of us would accept that the milk was gone and that was all, right? Well . . . not to a 3 year old. As I drove, Ella decided she wanted juice.

"Mom, I want some juice."

"Oh, you just finished your milk, Ellie. And I don't have any juice here. So, sorry, honey. No juice."

"Mom, I want some juice."

"Ella, Mommy told you - I don't have any juice honey."

"But I want some juice!!"

"I don't have any juice, Ella. Mommy is driving the car. We do not have any juice in the car, Ella."

"I want some juice!!!"

"Ella, please . . ." and in my very BEST "Jo from the Supernanny" voice, "Stop this behavior right now. Mommy told you I do not have any juice. Now, ENOUGH!"

"Grandma, call the Policeman. Tell him that Mommy is being mean to me!"

Seriously.

And that was it. "Call the Policeman. Tell him that Mommy is being mean." From my 3 year old.

Oh boy - we better look our for this one - nothing is going to stop her!!!! And don't worry - if something trys to stop her - she'll just call the Policeman. She's got it all figured out.

That's MY girl! ;)

Which TV Mom are YOU? Another Random Thinking Moment!

HELLO FRIENDS!!!!! So sorry I haven't been around the past few days. . . I've been knee deep in Eat Pray Love this week and have spent all of my free time absorbed in the pages of that book. Have you read it? Such a wonderful look at the authors search for peace . . . spiritual, emotional, physical, all of it. I am absolutely LOVING this book and have found myself reading it with a little notebook next to me so that I can jot down inspiring thoughts that come to my mind as I read it. SO fantastic.

And, of course, with these little inspiring thoughts . . . come some more of those darn "Random Thinking Moments". This time, my thought went from Eat Pray Love, the book, to Eat Pray Love, the MOVIE (which is due out in theaters this August.) In case you didn't know - the movie stars Julia Roberts (who I DO adore. I mean . . . what's NOT to love about Runaway Bride and Notting Hill and Pretty Woman?) Anyway, as I found myself thinking about Julia Roberts and this movie, my thought then drifted to my OWN story.

You know that story. The one that I want to write. About . . . me. I started to think about my life vs. the life of Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat Pray Love. I started to think that . . . quite honestly . . . I wouldn't have as exciting a story to tell as hers.

Then I started thinking about, once I write this not so exciting story . . . would it make a good movie? Well, since it's not so exciting, I don't know if it would make a good movie. Perhaps a TV show would be better.

Hmmm. . . there you go. A TV show. But, what kind of a TV show would it be? Well . . . I'm a Mom. So, I'm guessing it would be a good Mom kind of show. But, then . . . what kind of a Mom would I be?

So then, my mind travels to TV Moms. And which one I would be most like . . . if they made a TV show about my not so exciting story.

Am I Peg Bundy? While I LOVE her (and her hair), I don't think I'm quite the Peg Bundy Mom. June Cleaver? Well, while I applaud her excellent domestic skills, I'm definitely NOT her. How about Carol Brady? 6 KIDS???? HELL NO!!! (Sorry! It's just, I can barely handle the 2 that I have! Adding 4 more just about KILLS me!) Although, I do think I flipped my hair like hers last year!!!! So, the hair might have worked.What about the GREAT Marion Cunningham?? I LOVE her SPUNK! But, not me.Claire Huxtable? Is she not the BEST??? I don't think I am as clever as she in the come-backs! But how I wish I was! What about Caroline Ingalls? Now, this Mom just made EVERYTHING better. And she could handle it ALL! Nope . . . not me.

Well . . . I'm running out of options. The truth is . . . I think I know who I am. It's a little scary, and a tad embarassing. But, I guess I would have to be this mom . . .

No, that's not me . . . but close! ; ) It's Roseanne Conner. She's Real. Non-glamourous. Sometimes cranky. Runs a chaotic house. But . . . probably the closest Mom to me.

So . . . which TV Mom are YOU? I'd LOVE to know!!!

Katie: My "As Seen On TV" Junkie

So, these spring blooms have been kicking the allergies (for all of us in this house) into full gear. So NOT fun! And while Zyrtec D gave me some relief (for a day or two), today I found myself returning to the Red-Eyes Syndrome I like to call, "I just watched Steele Magnolias, Terms of Endearment and Bridges of Madison County Red-Eyes." BUMMER!

I'm not the only one in allergy hell lately. . . poor Katie Girl is, too. Yep, she is. It's bad enough for an adult to go through allergy nightmares, but extra rough for a 6 year old. She's a trooper, though. Getting by one day at a time.

The past two nights she woke from her sleep with little bouts of coughing fits. Not fun for her. Each night it seemed the only relief she could find would be on the couch in the family room, nebulizer in hand, and Tom and Jerry on the TV.

That's when I first realized that our Katie . . . is an "As Seen On TV" Junkie. Yep, she is. And boy oh boy, are we lucky she doesn't have a credit card!

I first realized this a couple nights ago, when she found herself facinated with this . . .

In her defense . . . what lover of all things good and yummy would not find this the perfect pan? I mean . . . check out that frosting covered top! Absolutely YUMMM!!!

Then, there was the blender/juicer/smoothie maker . . . the MAGIC BULLET!

She was particularly interested in this one because her daddy, our beloved PG, makes us smoothies all of the time, and she thought this would be the PERFECT addition to his smoothie making skills. What I enjoy most about Katie is that she can, in detail, describe the full function of these little "As Seen On TV" finds, and really SELL them to me. After listening to her tell me about them, I'm thisclose to pulling out the credit card and ordering 10 of them. THIS is a dangerous thing! (I've held back so far . . .but she is really that good!)

I knew her heart was in the right place, after a commercial for this beauty came on . . .

Instead of suggesting it for her Grandma C (who had a knee replacement last year and has spent lots of time discussing her surgery with our Dr. Katie), Katie decided that we should purchase this for our neighbor, Gus. Gus, whose backyard is right up against ours, must be approaching 80 years of age (if not older). He is an avid gardener, and we've enjoyed is beautiful plants, flowers and veggies for over 6 years now. But we've all noticed how this spring Gus is not moving as well as previous years. Last night, Katie looked at me and said, "Mom . . . this scooter would really help Gus. We should buy it for him, and he could roll around in his backyard as he does his gardening." Of course, my mind went to the vision of Mr. Gus scooting around his lawn . . . and I laughed. But shortly after that I realized that my little Katie has such a good heart. She is concerned for Gus . . . truthfully and honestly . . . and this was her way to help me.

Yes, it was in that moment that I was reminded how good this girl is. And how, even when watching her "As Seen On TV" commercials, she thinks of those around her and tries to find ways to help them. And if that doesn't make a Mom happy at 2:23 AM, then I don't know what will!

Life is GOOD, a HAPPY Post & an AWARD!

Happy Monday Friends! And what a day it has been!

Not only did a dear blogfriend interview me this week, but she ALSO gave me an AWARD!!! Can you believe?!?!! My VERY FIRST AWARD in Blogsville. . . and it is so VERY touching . . . Who is this person who is making my dreams come true? Well, it's Leslie, of course, from "Words of Me Project". Leslie and I found each other last summer, and when I first visited her blog I had an instant connection to her. She has always inspired me and made me think. She motivates me and continues to bring all her friends and followers great messages of hope. Last week Leslie asked me if she could interview me for her blog. I've been on **Cloud 9** ever since! You can check out my interview here, and make sure you read some of her other posts. Leslie is a doll!

In addition to my interview, Leslie also presented me with a HAPPY Award!!! This Happy Award:

It's pretty great to receive such a lovely award from someone who makes YOU happy, you know? I'm a pretty lucky lady! Leslie received this award from Lacie over at Creative Attempts, and now my fun begins . . . because I get to give this award to five of MY blog friends that make me HAPPY!!! SO, I am PROUD to extend this HAPPY 101 reward to:

1. Peggy from "Small Steps to Giant Leaps"
2. Cindi from "So, That's Why"
3. Anna from "Frosted Petunia"
4. Betty from "Bossy Betty"
5. Heather from "Gerber Days"

Please stop by their blogs and say Hi! They are wonderfully inspiring and fun ladies who each make me smile each time I visit their places.

In addition to sharing the happiness with 5 blog friends . . . I also get to share 10 things that make me HAPPY!!! (ONLY 10??? That seems IMPOSSIBLE!!!) So, here goes . . . in no particular order . . .

1. Eskimo kisses with my daughter Kate
2. Having my face held in Ella's hands
3. That very first cup of coffee every day
4. Zyrtec D (seriously . . . are your allergies as awful as mine lately?)
5. Cheesecake
6. Scrapbooking ALL DAY LONG!
7. Chocolate Wine (YES, there IS such a thing . . . I'll blog about it later in the week)
8. Dates with my husband
9. GLEE!!!!
10. A clean house

That seems like such a lame list! But, it's the very first things that popped into my head . . . so I just went with it. Thanks so much, Leslie, for the award.

That’s all for today. Hope you find some happiness in YOUR day and if you do – please feel free to share it with me. Let’s spread the GOOD! It’s contagious!!!

Ummmm . . . I need a favor. . . .

So, I'm fairly certain that my sister thinks I'm nuts.

Yes, I'm pretty sure of it.

You see, in case the whole "living on this earth with me for the past 38 years" hasn't been enough to prove to her that I'm nuts, the "Million Dollar ideas", the "tapping Starbucks", and the "Talking to Strangers" certainly has done it. But, just when she might think I am getting my act together . . . I do something to support that I'm not.

That's what happened this week. You see, it all started with another one of those "random thinking moments", which frankly, are starting to get a little annoying. This one started after a particular difficult morning and make-up application before work on Monday. You see, I have that damn mirror. You know that mirror . . . the one that blows up your face, like, 1,000,000 X larger than it really is. (Which really . . . why I need a mirror that magnifies my face THIS BIG is just beyond me.) Anyway, Monday morning I decided to flip to the GIANORMOUS side and take a good look at my face.

AUGH.

Seriously. I don't know what I was expecting.

SO, after tweezing and plucking and pinching and taping (don't ask) . . . I thought I had corrected . . . at least without a physician and anesthesia . . . as much of the imperfections the dear Lord above had given me over the weekend. (Because, you see, I just did this SAME PROCESS last week.)

Anyway . . . that was that and I was on my way to work. NO harm done. Life was good. The birds were singing. The sun was shining. The sky was blue. I was singing along to my GLEE soundtrack and having a happy ride when I happened to look up in the rear view mirror of my car . . . and catch some HORRIFIC hair growing out of my chin, waving back at me.

Now, seriously. This is what I don't understand. How could I possibly BLOW UP MY FACE 1,000,000 X's the size it is . . . but MISS a hair on my chin???? How, Dear Lord, does that happen?

So, I started thinking (as I attempted to pull the hair from my chin with my fingers. Because, you know, I can do it, right? And no, that man in the truck looking at me at the stop light DOESN'T understand what I am doing because he CAN walk around with a hair on his chin and no one will look at him like a carnival show.)

Sorry . . . I digress. This is where my sister comes into the story. The next opportunity I have with my sister, I need to have a conversation with her. You see, I need to know that she has my back (or, my chin, to be exact.) So, Wednesday morning as she is sitting at my kitchen table, I ever so gently approach the subject.

"I need a favor," I say.

"OK, what is it?" she answers. Because, you know, she's used to me needing favors.

"If I am ever in a coma . . . I need to know that you will make sure that they tweeze my chin so my kids don't see me with a hairy chin," I tell her.

"You're crazy," she says, therefore confirming my suspicion afterall.

"Seriously, I need to know that you've got my back and you'll make sure someone plucks my chin, if I'm ever in a coma." I'm really stressing this point to her now. You see, I've thought about this. I need to know if she's IN or if she's OUT. Because, if she's OUT, I have to find someone who will be IN.

"Ok. I'll make sure you don't have hair on your chin," she tells me.

And there you have it. My sister thinks I'm nuts. And you know, I'm ok with that. Because I know that part of me is a little crazy. But that's what makes me me. And I'm pretty grateful I have her. Because she'll take care of me always . . . even in a coma. And it's good to know that someone has your back, or in this case, your chin, when you need them.

And now that I've shared my secret with all of you . . . don't be too scared if I tell you "I need a favor." Chances are, it won't be as crazy as this one. Or . . . may maybe it will. ; )

R.I.P. Ugly Betty

For 4 years I've watched you . . . and have enjoyed every minute.

Yes, you were unrealistic. Yes, sometimes your storylines left little to be desired. But you ALWAYS made me smile. I loved your style - the bright vivid colors of the clothing, set and characters. I loved the silliness! And I loved how week after week I could sit down and let all my worries fade away as you entertained me. I didn't have to be reminded of real life.

When watching you, I'd drift into your little Betty World and

would always leave with a happy heart.

The moment those big mean network people moved you to another night, you never had a chance. I knew our future would be shortlived. I held on, praying for some sort of miracle to save us. But, it never came.

Tonight, you will become another "oldie but goodie."

Tonight, I thank you for the joy you have given.

A toast . . . to Bushy Brows and Betty!

May you never be plucked again!!

Simply . . beautiful!

So, my Magnolia is blooming, in all its glory. this week! I just snapped a few pictures of it today. Unfortunately the sun decided to hide behind a cloud right when I pulled the camera out. Tomorrow I am determined to grab some shots with BLUE SKY and SUN! But, in the meantime, here are a couple to share. . .

My photography skills are not what I want them to be. It's ok. I know it. I am the only person who can have a camera with a stablizer on it, but still manage to take pictures that are BLURRY. Maybe it's all the Margarita's!!! kidding! ; )

Anyway, I thought it would be a good time to revisit my "2010 TaDa List" and see how I am doing. You remember that list, don't you? (Click here to see the original post). I decided to call it My 2010 Ta Da List (and not a "To Do" list), because Ta Da sounds like it is more an announcement or goal of GREAT MAGNITUDE with GREAT ENTHUSIAM! And, if you remember, I was SO motivated . . . on January 1, 2010, anyway.

Here's a recap of my 2010 Ta Da List, with my progress following in red:

1. Make more time for PG and I. (Hey, this one has actually been going pretty well. And we have planned a date for this coming Saturday night - we are going to see the movie Date Night and have dinner out. So, so far - I'm doing pretty good with this goal this year.)
2. Ride my exercise bike at least 4 times a week. (Ummmm . . . Next.)
3. Illustrate my "Cupcake Story". (Well . . . I started, but am no where near done. So, it's April 13th. Time to take another look at this one.)
4. Take a Big Picture Scrapbooking class. (I did take a class . . . yea! I didn't finish the project. BUT, I AM working on it, so that's a good thing!)
5. Send cards and letters via US Postal Service - to keep those people in jobs. (Well, I have sent a few. Not as many as I'd like. But, another good thing to re-focus on.)
6. Remember BIRTHDAYS. (Ummmmm . . . HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVERYONE! . . . . there. That should cover me for a little while.)
7. Attend a Womens Retreat or CREATIVE Retreat this year. (Nope. Still have to do that.)
8. Pray more and spend more time teaching my daughters about Faith. (Check. I actually have been doing that ALOT more this year. So I guess if I'm going to follow through on any of these "TaDa's", then this is a good on to follow through with.)
9. Learn more about photography and take better pictures. (Nope. Have done nothing to help with this one. Another perfect time to re-focus.)
10. Write that book. (Well . . . does this blog count?)

SO, there we have it. My 2010 Ta Da's as of April 13th, 2010. Not so bad. Not super good, but not so bad either. Lots to focus on, but no better time than the present to take a look and review where I'm at and where I'm going.

How are YOU doing with YOUR Ta Da's this year? I'd love to know.

We Made It!

Airfare from Chicago to New York for four = thousands of miles + $100

Rental Car = $150

1 night at the Hilton Garden Inn = $160

Being able to spend time with this little birthday boy = PRICELESS

Introducing the Birthday Boy himself

(and the newest 1 year old in Staten Island)

CARLO GIANNI!

Our SURPRISE weekend to celebrate his birthday was a HUGE success!!!! We arrived at the restaurant at around 12:30pm, and the minute my sister-in-law saw PG, she burst into tears. Our arrival was met with such happiness, that I new in that very second this was so important to her. I'm so glad we did it. The remainder of the weekend was spent laughing, hugging, tickling, kissing and having an all out LOVEFEST over this little guy.

I forgot how amazing 1 year olds are - how they explore everything and how they observe and take it all in. I forgot what the patter of hands and knees crawling around the floor sound like. Or how it's really the only time you don't mind having another human being drool on you. Even though Ella is only 3 years old, I forgot how BIG she really is, and how little a one year old is.

And even though I get to talk to his Mommy often, I forgot how much better it is to see your family face to face.

We had a fantastic time this past weekend. We laughed alot. Cried a little. Almost missed our return flight home (that's another story). And most of all . . . we had an adventure that Ellie and Katie will remember forever. That's a pretty great life! Can't wait to tell you more about it later! Missed you all . . . now I'm going to read some of YOUR blogs! Talk to you soon!

Shhhhhh . . . it's a secret!

And I only feel safe sharing it with you today, because the person I am hiding this secret from will be seeing me in about 10 minutes (from when I will schedule this post!) OOoooooo . . . . don't you LOVE secrets?

I've been hiding a BIG one.

As you are reading this . . . I am heading to Brooklyn, New York (all the way from the Windy City) to SURPRISE my Godson and his Mommy and Daddy, at his 1st Birthday Party!!!! OOOoooooo! Isn't it FANTASTIC?!??!??!

You see . . . a couple years ago, these very same people (my Godson's Mommy and Daddy) came all the way to Chicago to attend my Ella's 1st birthday . . . and THEY surprised ME. So, this year . . . I am returning the favor!!! They asked us a while ago if we thought we'd be able to make the trip to NY (by the way . . . I LOVE NEW YORK!!!), however, and in all honesty . . . we did not thing we could swing it (finances, you know.) So, on a wish and a prayer . . . last week my PG worked some * * MIRACLES * * with miles and points . . . and arranged our airfare, rental and hotel for 1 night in the BIG APPLE! WAHOOOOO!!!!

We arrive at 11:50 AM and will head directly to the restaurant where my Godson Carlo, and his family and friends, will be celebrating his 1st Birthday. We'll yell "SURPRISE!!!!" and hug and cry. And then . . . I will give Carlo and his Mommy and Daddy something special I've been working on.

A very special gift.

Baby Carlo's grandfather was John (we'll call him Grandpa John). Grandpa John was my husband's step-father (and my father-in-law.) Grandpa John was a WONDERFUL man, who left this world way too soon (at the age of 63 . . . and 3 years BEFORE Baby Carlo joined us.) Grandpa John not only left a wonderful legacy for all of us . . . he also left us his OWN baby shoes.

Can you believe it?

So, around the time dear Baby Carlo joined us, my dear mother-in-law told me about these baby shoes of Grandpa John's. I asked her if she would mind if I put together a little gift for dear Baby Carlo with his Grandpa John's shoes, and she said yes.

So, here is the special gift I will Baby Carlo (and his Mommy and Daddy).

I'm so proud of how this gift came out. I called upon my dearest from Peggy for help . . . and with just a couple thoughts of what I wanted it to say, Peggy wrote the absolutely PERFECT poem to accompany the shoes (check out Peggy's Blog "Small Steps to Giant Leaps"). Peg is a gifted and talented soul (not to mention one fantastic human being) who knew EXACTLY what I wanted to say, and helped put the words together for me. The poem reads (and get out your hankie):

These shoes belong to Grandpa John, when he was very small.
They took him many places, and he'd explored them all.

And with the thousands of steps he took in each little tiny shoe
the walk of an honorable man began, who lived a life of truth.

Soon you'll be walking big and tall, and playing in the park.
You'll jump through puddles, run and climb, from morning until dark.

And while these shoes are a symbol of the the thousands of steps you'll take,
they are also a remnder that the path you walk is from decisions that you make.

Know your guardian angel, Grandpa John, will be with you wherever you go.
He'll always be watching over you, protecting you as you grow.


A very special THANKS to Peggy, for her heart-warming words. I can't wait to give this to Maria, Angelo and Baby Carlo! Think of me, friends! I'll share my adventure with you when I return next week!! And in the meantime . . . remember . . . Shhhhhh . . . it's a secret!!!! ; )

What kind of tree are you?

Today I had another one of those “random thinking moments”. They are happening frequently this week because I am, once again, fighting some sort of cold and my head is foggy and full of ick. When that happens, I have a hard time focusing on my tasks at hand and am so easily distracted. The brain starts to venture off in a number of directions and I just can’t help it.

So, I started thinking about Sandra Bullock. (I am, of course, on TEAM SANDRA!) Then I started thinking about her Barbara Walters special on Oscar night, and how she must feel after saying such kind things about her husband during that interview, only to find that he wasn’t being very kind behind her back. Then I started thinking about other celebrities that Barbara Walters has interviewed. Then I started thinking about “couples” that Barbara has interviewed, and I imagined whether I would want to be interviewed on my own or seated next to PG (yes . . . this is how my mind works.) I came to the conclusion that I would rather be interviewed with PG, because he really is a great guy. I decided that he and I together would give Barbara Walters a really great interview. Then (no . . . I’m not done yet. . . ), I imagine what questions Barbara, eh-hem, Ms. Walters, would ask us, and I think of how we might reply. “Where do you see yourselves in 10 years?” , “Does he still make you laugh?”, and the ever famous question asked of Katharine Hepburn, “What kind of tree would you be?”

My mind then traveled outside, to my front yard, and our Magnolia tree. I decide that my answer would be, “Ms. Walters . . . I am a Magnolia.” But not a southern magnolia (although I LOVE the movie Steele Magnolia), with large waxy leaves and big flowers. I would be a northern Magnolia, just like the one I have in my front lawn. My in-laws gave this tree to us the summer we built our home, and it was the most wonderful housewarming present we received. We quickly planted it right in the middle of our front lawn, and I have spent the past 9 years watching it grow and the flowers bloom and fall and bloom and fall. We are just about to start another spring bloom, and during the next week this tree with be at its finest. I decided that I am most like a Magnolia because I, too, have moments when I am most beautiful and simply radiant, flowering for the sun. But then a big gust of wind comes, and I fall. However I always, day after day, (or year after year) get myself back up. So, yes, Ms. Walters. I am proud to be a Magnolia. And there, my mind returns to my day. Today. Here and now. As a young child calls for “Mommy” and the dryer buzzer goes off.

So, what kind of tree would YOU be?

A Random Thinking Moment

My dear friend, Cindi, wrote a post today that seemed familiar to a thought I had just the other day. You can read Cindi's post at her blog, "So, That's Why", here. Cindi shares that she received a strange email from Linked, advising her to connect with someone she may know. That someone was a dear friend of hers who passed away last year. It's a chilling message, isn't it? For something like that to just happen.

Reading her post reminded me of one of those "Random Thinking" moments that I fell into the other day. You know those moments, when your mind just goes from one subject to the other rather quickly, with little similarities from thought to thought that somehow connects together like a large spider web.

I can't even remember how the whole thought started . . . but I know that by the end of it, I was thinking about my wedding reception.

I started to think about the people who have passed away since that night, and how, if I could do it over, I would spend that night sitting with those people and talking to them longer. (Isn't that strange? Why I would choose that particular night to focus on these individuals?) I don't know what it is, but I wish I could be at a table there again, the happiest day of my life (at that point) and see my Auntie Alice, my Auntie Sylvia, Phil's Grandma, my Grandma, my Dad sitting with me. I would just love to see them. Feel them. Hear them. It's so strange.

Call me cooky, but I am a firm believer that our loved ones send us messages when they are gone. It's what I need to believe in order to get a handle on the whole finality of death. I commented on Cindi's blog that perhaps the email she received was somehow her friend letting her know that he was still here. I think my Dad and Grandma send me little signals to let me know I'm not alone. What do you think? Have you ever received a sign? I'd love to know . . .

I'm sleeeeeepy. . .

Have you ever had one of those mornings, when you look at the clock and discover that it is only 8:40 AM, yet you feel like you've just been through a 20 mile marathon? What's worse - is that the kids are on Spring Break, so it's not like you've been busy with school stuff. Although, you are dressed (hey, that's a good thing!), and you do have your hair and make-up done (two more good things!)!

But, you still feel like you've been dragged through the mud. All you've really done so far is woken up, taken a shower, dressed, done the hair and make-up, gotten the kids up, fed, dressed, out the door with Grandma, and you've gone to work. Which, really, is NOT that big of a deal. What's really worse . . . is that WINE isn't even involved with your sluggishness. Seriously. Bummer.

Still, I feel like I've just finished the Tour de France, and I've never even been to France. Bummer.

My Problem? I was up too late . . . on the computer (adding rainbows to my blog and writing about funerals) . . . I was up late watching Ugly Betty on the DVR (I still can't believe they are canceling that show) . . . I was up late reading a Scrapbook magazine . . .I was up late, doing things I probably shouldn't have been doing. I should have been sleeping. . . . but I wasn't.

Why is it that I only have time to myself between the hours of 9PM to 1AM? Am I being selfish to wish for hours in the day light to surf the net? (Does anyone call it "surf the net" anymore?) Or to dream of actually watching Ugly Betty when it is actually ON? (Actually . . . do I really want to sit through the commercials? I think not.)

But, last night . . . I was up late.

Did I have to do that? Nope.

Was it fun? Yep.

Am I paying for it today? Hell, yeah.

Will I do it again? Probably.

Do I regret staying up late last night? Hmmmm . . . nah. Not at all. Life is short. And the midst of my late night computer/dvr/magazine escapade, I somehow connected with some cool people (including the girl inside of me), and that was yet another good thing.

Thanks for the late night, Friends.

I'm off to bed early tonight. ; )

Would you ever go to a funeral in a red dress?

Last week, my friend Jorie brought something up that I felt I had to explore a little. We talked in my friend Kathleen's kitchen (over a glass of Cabernet and lots of laughter, mind you). All of a sudden Jorie said, "Do you ever wonder who would actually come to your funeral?" My immediate reaction was like . . . um, no . . . that's kind of . . . morbid. But then, as she elaborated on her thought, I have to tell you - I was kind of hooked. "Don't you ever think about who would actually come? Like if the people who really say they are your friends are your friends and come to both the wake and the funeral?" she said, "Or, what if they only really 'stop by' the wake for, like, a 1/2 hour."

I told her that maybe we should put together a little mailing to everyone in our address books, right now. It could say something like:

Dear Friend,

Please don't think I'm crazy. I really was just wondering if would you be so kind as to choose the very best reply for you today. Please know that I am NOT offended, in any way, to the answer you might select. And this in no way will change how I feel for you. However, would you please let me know, in the event of my passing, if you think you would . . .

a) come to my wake only

b) come to my funeral only

c) come to both AND bring cookies for the refreshment room at the funeral home

d) be a little too busy to come

e) come to both (and wear a red dress)

I had to throw that last one in . . . it is a quote from what I think is one of the best movies of all time. . . Moonstruck. It's the moment when Johnny Cammareri breaks off his engagement to Loretta Castorini (before Loretta has an opportunity to break off the engagement herself, because she's in love with Ronny, Johnny's brother.) Anyway . . . you know the scene:

Johnny Cammareri: In time you will see that this is the best thing.
Loretta Castorini: In time you'll drop dead and I'll come to your funeral in a red dress!

God, I LOVE that movie!

Anyway, I'm thinking if I mail out the questionnaire and provided a self-addressed stamped envelope for returns, I might get a few people to reply. However, I'm think others might think I've absolutely lost my mind (this time). But gotta tell ya, Jorie, you really made me stop and think. I'm not sure who would come . . . but I'll tell you one thing . . . I think I'm going to request a DVD of Moonstruck to be playing in the back of the room, where ever it may be. And girlfriends. . . may you ALL wear red!!!

I am gaga for Glee!!!

So, last week I ran into my friend, Mary, who asked me if I've purchased the two soundtracks for Glee. I hadn't, and she very enthusiatically told me, "YOU MUST!!!" I knew that I definitely needed some new music in my life (I feel like I've been out of touch with music lately), so during my very next shopping trip to Target, I found myself strolling through the music section looking for Glee.


Let me tell you . . . . .

I really, really do. I've told you before about my own Glee experiences (click here to be reminded), but I have to tell you . . . having these 2 CD's is just about the most excitement I've had driving in my car in a long time (wait . . .that didn't sound right) But, SERIOUSLY!!! I have become that dorky 30-something Mom who JAMS her music SO LOUD in her mini-van that people are staring. I honestly pulled into the Michael's parking lot today (oh, even MORE dorky . . . 30-something Mom in a mini-van jamming to music while pulling into a CRAFT STORE parking lot!! WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ME??) Anyway, I pulled into the Michael's parking lot and stayed in my car until their version of Van Halen's "JUMP" was over. What makes it even worse, is that I was NEVER (even in the mid-80's and during my mall hair days) was a Van Halen fan. But there I was, JAMMING with GLEE and JUMP!!!!

Then there are the Broadway tunes, like, "Maybe this time" and "Defying Gravity" that just make me SO HAPPY . . . they bring me right back to my theater days and I find myself singing along with the CD at the top of my lungs. I swear, I wish American Idol would raise their contestant age limit to 40!!! I'd BE THERE!!!!

SO, I have to really thank MARY (Thanks Mar!!!!) for recommending I buy these two CD's. They are WONDERFUL . . . . they make me MOVE . . . and leave me feel so HAPPY!!!!

PLEASE join me in my Dorky Mom Jamming in her Car Campaign . . . go out and buy one of the CD's and play it in your car REAL LOUD! Even if you don't watch the show - I know you'll love the music. And think of me . . . . I guarantee it will make you SMILE!!!!

Easter Fun - Part 2

Well, it's hard to believe that Easter is just days away! We are thick in the planning stages of Easter weekend - and I just wanted to share a few more of our Egg-straordinary eggs with you! Here are some of our celebrity eggs from Easters past:

Our then newly impeached Governor of Illinois. . . Rod Blagojevich (Or Egg-ojevich!!! Hee hee!)

Circa, 2009

Groucho Marx

Circa, 2009

And . . . our family . . . PG, Me, Katie and Ella . . . Circa, 2009

Yes, all this Egg decorating is right up our alley!!! We'll be gathering at my mother-in-laws on Saturday for this years Eggstravaganza. . . and I can't wait to see what we come up with this year.