Down the hole

I was sick yesterday -- and I mean REALLY sick. I had the stomach flu which kept me in the bathroom over the toilet for most of the day. I tried not to let the kids see me during one of my many puking episodes. Ethan did happen to walk in the bathroom and say to me...

Ethan: "Are you looking for my poo poo?"

Me: "No"

Ethan: " It already went down the hole."

Me: "Good to know..."

That conversation was the best part of my day...

Christmas Activities

We have had a busy December. I have been really busy with work and Ryan has been busy finishing up his schoolwork for a NICE long winter break. We tried to fit in lots of Christmas crafts and activities. Be ready for an explosion of photos!

Polar Express to Chicago

We told the kids the metra was the Polar Express

Making Wrapping Paper

The snow does not seem to stop....

Waiting for Polar Express

Making Gingerbread Houses

we made the house 2 weeks ago and lots of candies are now missing...hmmm

friends Amy & Lucy

Holden & Karrie

Decorating the House...

BIG Christmas Tree @ Macy's

Santa @ Macy's

he was the sweetest Santa. he spent a couple minutes with each of them.

Christmas Sunday

Holland said she felt like a princess

Christmas in Chicago

German Market in Chicago

if you have met Holland, you see this on a regular basis!

REAL Christmas Tree

It has been years since we bought a REAL Christmas tree. This year we decided to drive to a farm up north and cut down our own. It is our new family tradition...

waiting for the Thatchers....

Wagon ride to tree farm

Twins and Kalem playing in the snow

The most perfect tree we could find. Most of the trees were so short and missing lots of branches. Oh well!

It was a pain to cut down, I wouldn't really know because Ryan and Trevor were doing the real work. All I know is it was freezing and the hot chocolate and donuts waiting for us at the barn was comforting.

who cares if it is a little sparse on top.

Once it was all decorated, it turned out so pretty! We love our little Christmas Tree.

Thanksgiving in Galena

(our turkey was finished in 3 hours flat!)

We started a new Thanksgiving tradition this year. Our little family of four met up with the Thatchers for a weekend away in Galena, Il. It was the perfect setting: cabin in the woods, roaring fire, lots of delicious food, late night chit, chat & card games.

Thankful for my Walker Baby

(Happy Birthday, Sarah!)

I headed to breakfast with a few friends this morning. It was a great start to the morning; a little chit chat and some yummy food. We were all laughing about how much we love the food at Walker Bros. Pancake House and how we all left with "Walker babies"... you know BIG BELLIES! Now my tummy is all stretch out for Thanksgiving (sigh). With Thanksgiving approaching, I am thankful for so many things.

After I left, I felt so blessed to have so many good friends here in Chicago. I am thankful for my friends who are scattered all over the world!

SMOOCH!

Don't you love this song?

When I was little, I remember Christmas music did not begin playing on the radio until Thanksgiving Day. However, the kids and I have been listening to it for a week now. I can't believe Christmas music is already on the radio. It is just me, or did it come early this year? I feel bad for Thanksgiving - it is almost forgotten between Halloween and Christmas.

Anyway, I recently heard a Christmas song on the radio that took me back to 1985. I clearly remember one of my sisters lip syncing to it during one of our "star search" re-enactments. I won't mention any names, but you know who you are.

Giving it up....

I am giving it up Diet Coke. Yes, you heard me right!

Since drinking it regularly I have pick up a several bad habits. Not only do I drink that liquid Satan everyday, I have to eat it with cookies, ding dongs, and peanut M&M's. I have put on about 5 diet coke pounds. Zero calories my butt! It is truly liquid Satan. That aspartame is really bad for you body too.

From what I have read, that stuff is poison! Apparently the FDA has received more complaints about aspartame than any other ingredient to date. AND when it is paired with carbs, it causes your brain to slow down its production of serotonin. A healthy level of serotonin is needed to be happy and well balanced. According to this book, drinking diet soda can make you fat, sick, and unhappy. You are probablywondering where I go this info. Well, I read about it in this book.

So, if you see me with a Diet Coke, please do not say anything. I am probably having a really bad day and needed to drink some liquid Satan.

Do you think you could live without the juice? Or have you given it up and have some tips?

Halloween every day...

We celebrated Halloween, like, ten times this year. Here are the photos for all to enjoy!

Church Halloween Party

Halloween Baking

(click here for the best sugar cookie recipe)

Pre-School Halloween Day

Halloween Pumpkin Carving

Trick or Treating in Village Square

(Buzz and Lightning McQueen's driver discussing the upcoming election)

The Real Halloween

(we forgot to put on Holland's shoes; no wonder she was walking around the neighborhood so slow)

Halloween Breakfast

How many times did you put a costume on your kid this year?