We had a great day that started out with an omelet breakfast, followed by lots of presents. They sure spoiled me! Leah planted some flowers at daycare and made me a sweet pin at preschool in a fancy decorated box!
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
Mother's Day 2014
My family made me feel so special this Mother's Day! I am so thankful for my sweet munchkins and so blessed to be their mom. Honestly, they make my job so easy and really are great kids. I don't know how I got so lucky with them! I live and breath for my babies and can't imagine my life without them. They are my everything! I hate that my mom is not able to share in this special time with me watching these kids grow. I learned everything I know from her and wish we all would have had more time with her. There is still not a day that goes by without me missing her and thinking of her. Mother's Day is especially tough since I am not able to share this special day with her. She was with us in spirit though.
We had a great day that started out with an omelet breakfast, followed by lots of presents. They sure spoiled me! Leah planted some flowers at daycare and made me a sweet pin at preschool in a fancy decorated box!
I also received a dozen roses, a gift card for a mani-pedi, new perfume, a pair of shoes and tickets to go see Beyonce' and Jay-Z! Everything was so thoughtful!
It was a beautiful day, so we decided to hit the zoo. It would be our first visit this year. It was pretty crowded but we still had a great time. We saw a lot animals, went to the dolphin show, rode the tram and went for a ride on the merry-go-round. The kids loved soaking up all the fresh air.
After spending a few hours at the zoo, we worked up an appetite for lunch. We didn't have any reservations for lunch but decided to take a chance at Kona Grill. Luckily, the patio was all open seating and we were able to find a spot right away. We enjoyed some sushi rolls (YUM) that were really good. After lunch, we made a stop at the cemetery to see my mom. We spent a little time there before heading home. Overall, it was a great Mother's Day with my family. It was all possible because of two sweet little children that call me Mom!
We had a great day that started out with an omelet breakfast, followed by lots of presents. They sure spoiled me! Leah planted some flowers at daycare and made me a sweet pin at preschool in a fancy decorated box!
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Sushi went missing!
Last Sunday we experienced such a helpless feeling when our dog Sushi went missing. It was a normal day and we were cleaning out the garage and had the door to the house propped open since we were going in and out so frequently. During this time, it has to be the point where Sushi wondered off (which she NEVER does). Too bad we didn't realize it when it happened. After cleaning up around the house we decided to head out and grab a bite to eat for lunch. We left the house for about two hours. We came home and put on a movie for the kids and just relaxed. After a bit, Rob asked the question of "Hey - where is Sushi?" It is not uncommon for her to hide upstairs in the closest to get in a nap. She often keeps to herself and we'll usually go a few hours without seeing her. Once we realized that it had been awhile since we saw her we started frantically searching the house. We were calling out her name, looking in every room. We went out in the backyard to see if maybe one of the kids let her outside. Nothing. We went around to the front of the house and rang the doorbell several times (since she ALWAYS barks at the sound of the bell). No barking came from our house.
At this point, we started to get really worried and were back-tracking in our mind of where she could be or how she could have gotten out. This is when we realized that it probably happened when we were cleaning and had the door open. We put the kids in the car and started driving around the neighborhood looking for Sushi. We had the windows open and were calling her name. Everyone on our street knows Sushi. We stopped and asked all of the kids if they had seen her. They all grew very concerned and were sad for us that we couldn't find her. We continued driving around for about two hours looking through every subdivison and park. I drove down the Frontage Road by our house but still came up empty handed. I posted her picture out on Facebook and asked all of my friends in the area to keep their eye open for her. Many of my friends shared my post on FB. I called Animal Control and the non-emergency police but nothing had turned up.
By then it was starting to get a little late. We didn't know what else to do. It was such a feeling of helplessness. I hated the thought of going to bed not knowing where Sushi was. Had someone found her? Was she wondering around the neighborhood alone? What if she got hit by a car? What if she got eaten by a coyote? Was she hungry? I was so sad. We went to bed but had a hard time sleeping that night. The next morning there was still no sign of Sushi. We both had to go to work. Rob tried calling Animal Control again, but nothing. Sushi was not wearing dog tags either. We usually don't put a collar on her at home because she has such horrible allergies and skin sensitivities. She usually scratches so bad, we normally keep it off. Sushi does have a micro-chip in her so I was hoping that would be a way for someone to return her to us. That morning I reached out to a few coworkers (who all live close by) to ask everyone to keep their eyes open for me. One one co-worker was so sweet and said she'd have her son walk the neighborhood after school to try and find her. Rob made a poster with Sushi's picture and was going to post it at Jewel and Wal-Mart after work.
Then around lunch time I received a phone call from my friend Melissa (who is also our daycare) to deliver the great news that Sushi had been found!!! It is such a small world and incredible on how she was found. Long story short, it turns out that a family who Melissa also watches found Sushi the day before and had taken her in for the night (not knowing it was our dog). Apparently, Sushi was clear on the other side of our neighborhood just walking down the sidewalk. This family found her and took her back to their house. Once they found her, they also brought her into the vet to see if she had a chip. When they took her in, they were told Sushi didn't have one. (We need to look into this because we have the paperwork from when she received it. I am wondering if it got dis-lodged or something). Anyways, that morning Melissa overhead the little boy talking to her daughter and he was telling her that they had found a bull dog the day before. (Sushi is a pug). They put two and two together and Melissa reached out to the Mom to find out more information on the dog that they found. Sure enough, it turned out to be Sushi! We were thrilled and so happy. All of the worrying had made me feel horrible, so it was such a relief. We made plans to reunite with Sushi after work and picked her up from Melissa's house. Leah was so happy. She didn't fully grasp the concept that we thought Sushi was gone. She had told that she was tired of Sushi playing this hide and seek game and just wished she would come out. It makes me feel so good knowing that Sushi was in a warm home, had been fed and well taken care of while she was away. We'll need to keep a closer eye on her now. It is out of her character to roam away from our house. We usually keep her off a leash and let her run around our front yard. I hope we never have to go through this again! I appreciate the effort everyone put in to help us find our Sushi!
At this point, we started to get really worried and were back-tracking in our mind of where she could be or how she could have gotten out. This is when we realized that it probably happened when we were cleaning and had the door open. We put the kids in the car and started driving around the neighborhood looking for Sushi. We had the windows open and were calling her name. Everyone on our street knows Sushi. We stopped and asked all of the kids if they had seen her. They all grew very concerned and were sad for us that we couldn't find her. We continued driving around for about two hours looking through every subdivison and park. I drove down the Frontage Road by our house but still came up empty handed. I posted her picture out on Facebook and asked all of my friends in the area to keep their eye open for her. Many of my friends shared my post on FB. I called Animal Control and the non-emergency police but nothing had turned up.
Then around lunch time I received a phone call from my friend Melissa (who is also our daycare) to deliver the great news that Sushi had been found!!! It is such a small world and incredible on how she was found. Long story short, it turns out that a family who Melissa also watches found Sushi the day before and had taken her in for the night (not knowing it was our dog). Apparently, Sushi was clear on the other side of our neighborhood just walking down the sidewalk. This family found her and took her back to their house. Once they found her, they also brought her into the vet to see if she had a chip. When they took her in, they were told Sushi didn't have one. (We need to look into this because we have the paperwork from when she received it. I am wondering if it got dis-lodged or something). Anyways, that morning Melissa overhead the little boy talking to her daughter and he was telling her that they had found a bull dog the day before. (Sushi is a pug). They put two and two together and Melissa reached out to the Mom to find out more information on the dog that they found. Sure enough, it turned out to be Sushi! We were thrilled and so happy. All of the worrying had made me feel horrible, so it was such a relief. We made plans to reunite with Sushi after work and picked her up from Melissa's house. Leah was so happy. She didn't fully grasp the concept that we thought Sushi was gone. She had told that she was tired of Sushi playing this hide and seek game and just wished she would come out. It makes me feel so good knowing that Sushi was in a warm home, had been fed and well taken care of while she was away. We'll need to keep a closer eye on her now. It is out of her character to roam away from our house. We usually keep her off a leash and let her run around our front yard. I hope we never have to go through this again! I appreciate the effort everyone put in to help us find our Sushi!
Saturday, April 19, 2014
GNO - Pinots Palette
Friday night we had a super fun girls night out at Pinot's Palette! It was something different to do and everyone enjoyed themselves! What I love about these types of places is that you don't have to have any artistic talent and your painting still comes out looking good!
Pinot's Palette opened late last year, but it was my first time there. I've done another wine/painting party before and this one was just as fun. The instructor walks you step by step on what to do. They have the music playing loud and you can sip on a cocktail. It's such a great concept. I'd do it again! Thanks Melissa, Kelly and Michelle for a fun night!
Pinot's Palette opened late last year, but it was my first time there. I've done another wine/painting party before and this one was just as fun. The instructor walks you step by step on what to do. They have the music playing loud and you can sip on a cocktail. It's such a great concept. I'd do it again! Thanks Melissa, Kelly and Michelle for a fun night!
Friday, April 18, 2014
Lake Geneva (over Spring Break)
A few weeks ago, (I am getting caught up on some of my blogs!), we went to Lake Geneva. It was during spring break when daycare was closed. I of course, had bought a Groupon for our stay at Grand Geneva. Grand Geneva is on the same property as Timber Ridge, which we have gone to in the past and loved it there. It is where they have the indoor water park. Timber Ridge is quite a bit more expensive, so when I saw the Groupon for Grand Geneva, I thought that would be the way to go since you can use the amenities of both resorts. (Essentially, the whole reason we wanted to come was to take the kids to the indoor water park).
We drove out to Lake Geneva on a Thursday and would be staying for two nights. Leah was super excited to head out to the 'dippy dip' as she calls it! When we checked in (at Grand Geneva), we were completely disappointed to learn that Timber Ridge was booked solid so we would NOT be able to use the water park! What!?? This was the whole reason we came! We were told we could add our name to a waiting list with the 'possibility' of maybe being able to get in the next day. I was so bummed. Rob tried to make the best of the situation and suggested we check out the pool that they did have at Grand Geneva. At this point, Leah didn't seem to care and just wanted to go into a pool! We went to our room and got our suits and towels and walked to the indoor pool. Holy disappointment (again). It was a rinky dink small pool that was flooded with approximately 50 kids! (Everyone that couldn't get into Timber Ridge was at this little pool). Big kids were jumping in and splashing water all over the place. It was pretty chaotic. I was in such a bad mood! We ended up taking the kids in the water and stayed in one tiny section. Leah actually had fun, which helped improve my mood. We only stayed about 45 minutes (because it's really not a good time when you can barely move in the water).
We went back to our room to change and get ready for dinner. We were in the mood for pizza and drove over to Gino's East for some deep dish! Yum! This for now was the highlight of our trip! The pizza was good and we enjoyed a nice family dinner. After we were done, it was cold and rainy so we were not able to walk around downtown Lake Geneva. We headed back to the hotel. We put on the kids jammies and got ready for bed. Mase was going to sleep in a pack and play, so I was a bit nervous how he would do that night (also considering we were all going to be in the same room). He is such a light sleeper and tosses and turns (in his sleep) all night. I thought he was going to have a hard time sleeping, but I was shocked when he slept soundly through the whole night and didn't wake up until 8:00 am the next day. We were all awake before him and the noise didn't even seem to phase him! Once he woke up, we went to the restaurant in the resort for breakfast. The kids had chocolate chip pancakes and we had omelets. Breakfast was pretty good. After we wrapped up, I convinced Rob to go check in with the front desk to see if there was any availability for water park at Timber Ridge. We had just the right timing, because a handful of extra bracelets had just been dropped off at the front desk! I was SO excited (because I had no idea what we would have done the rest of the day if we hadn't gotten in). I knew L&M were going to have a great time.
We hurried back to our room so we could change and head over to Timber Ridge. Even though they are on the same property, it is not walking distance to get there (unless maybe it was summer). When we got there, it was not too crowded (yet) and there were a few open tables left where we are able park our stuff. We left our belongings and hit the water! We played in the kid area for a while and Leah had a blast going down the small slides. Mason enjoyed playing around in the water. Later we went over the deep(er) water. Leah wears floaties and does great! She can swim herself around and be pretty independent. Mason, we had to hold even though he was wearing a life jacket. There was a much bigger slide in this area. Leah immediately wanted to try it out. (She was too little the last time we were here to go down it). She loved it and no joke, probably went down it at least 50 more times. The slide would land in deep water and she had a blast going under. We went through the lazy river a few times and just overall enjoyed our time there! We spent a few hours playing and decided we were done (although Leah would beg to differ).
Originally, we were supposed to stay another night, but we made the decision to come home a little early. If it was summer and there was more to do there, we probably would have stayed. We left around 1:00 pm and drove home. We decided once we got home we would go do something fun. We took the kids bowling! It was still a good time away!
We drove out to Lake Geneva on a Thursday and would be staying for two nights. Leah was super excited to head out to the 'dippy dip' as she calls it! When we checked in (at Grand Geneva), we were completely disappointed to learn that Timber Ridge was booked solid so we would NOT be able to use the water park! What!?? This was the whole reason we came! We were told we could add our name to a waiting list with the 'possibility' of maybe being able to get in the next day. I was so bummed. Rob tried to make the best of the situation and suggested we check out the pool that they did have at Grand Geneva. At this point, Leah didn't seem to care and just wanted to go into a pool! We went to our room and got our suits and towels and walked to the indoor pool. Holy disappointment (again). It was a rinky dink small pool that was flooded with approximately 50 kids! (Everyone that couldn't get into Timber Ridge was at this little pool). Big kids were jumping in and splashing water all over the place. It was pretty chaotic. I was in such a bad mood! We ended up taking the kids in the water and stayed in one tiny section. Leah actually had fun, which helped improve my mood. We only stayed about 45 minutes (because it's really not a good time when you can barely move in the water).
We went back to our room to change and get ready for dinner. We were in the mood for pizza and drove over to Gino's East for some deep dish! Yum! This for now was the highlight of our trip! The pizza was good and we enjoyed a nice family dinner. After we were done, it was cold and rainy so we were not able to walk around downtown Lake Geneva. We headed back to the hotel. We put on the kids jammies and got ready for bed. Mase was going to sleep in a pack and play, so I was a bit nervous how he would do that night (also considering we were all going to be in the same room). He is such a light sleeper and tosses and turns (in his sleep) all night. I thought he was going to have a hard time sleeping, but I was shocked when he slept soundly through the whole night and didn't wake up until 8:00 am the next day. We were all awake before him and the noise didn't even seem to phase him! Once he woke up, we went to the restaurant in the resort for breakfast. The kids had chocolate chip pancakes and we had omelets. Breakfast was pretty good. After we wrapped up, I convinced Rob to go check in with the front desk to see if there was any availability for water park at Timber Ridge. We had just the right timing, because a handful of extra bracelets had just been dropped off at the front desk! I was SO excited (because I had no idea what we would have done the rest of the day if we hadn't gotten in). I knew L&M were going to have a great time.
We hurried back to our room so we could change and head over to Timber Ridge. Even though they are on the same property, it is not walking distance to get there (unless maybe it was summer). When we got there, it was not too crowded (yet) and there were a few open tables left where we are able park our stuff. We left our belongings and hit the water! We played in the kid area for a while and Leah had a blast going down the small slides. Mason enjoyed playing around in the water. Later we went over the deep(er) water. Leah wears floaties and does great! She can swim herself around and be pretty independent. Mason, we had to hold even though he was wearing a life jacket. There was a much bigger slide in this area. Leah immediately wanted to try it out. (She was too little the last time we were here to go down it). She loved it and no joke, probably went down it at least 50 more times. The slide would land in deep water and she had a blast going under. We went through the lazy river a few times and just overall enjoyed our time there! We spent a few hours playing and decided we were done (although Leah would beg to differ).
Taking a break!
Originally, we were supposed to stay another night, but we made the decision to come home a little early. If it was summer and there was more to do there, we probably would have stayed. We left around 1:00 pm and drove home. We decided once we got home we would go do something fun. We took the kids bowling! It was still a good time away!
Easter Pics
On Sunday, I had an appointment scheduled for a spring mini session with Jennifer Marie Photography. It's been a while since I've gotten pictures of the kids so I was excited to get them dressed up in the spring clothes and capture some good pics. Well....that didn't quite happen. Mr. Mase was an uncooperative little guy. Prior to leaving, he was all smiles but the moment we got there he froze up. He wanted me to hold him and did not want to get his pictures taken. No smiles. Not one!! I'd sit him down and he would get up. It was very frustrating. Leah did great and I was so proud of her! Of course as soon as we got in the car, Mason smiled for me. Argh! We are doing family pictures next month, so hopefully I have better luck!
Leah and Mase before leaving to go to the photo shoot.
Such a happy guy.....before the appt.
Little stinker AFTER the appointment. He was SO uncooperative.
Here is what we were able to get........there are a few of Leah that I love!
Chicago Children's Museum
Last Saturday we didn’t have any plans and it was supposed to be a pretty nice day. I had purchased a Groupon for the Chicago Children’s Museum that was going to expire soon. We decided to pack up the kids and head out to Navy Pier to visit the museum. We definitely picked the wrong day to hit the city. It was crowded everywhere. Navy Pier was also ridiculous! Apparently, there was also a US Final Cheer Competition taking place there that day too. There were thousands of little girls with bright makeup and big bows everywhere! Luckily, as we made our way through Navy Pier and to the Chicago Children’s Museum, it definitely died down. The children’s museum was pretty empty, which was perfect for us! I’ve never been so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
Leah and Mason had a great time. There were several fun areas for them to go and explore. Mason really liked the bubble area and Leah loved the “Kid’s Town.” She did not want to leave! We spent about 3 hours at the museum and by then everyone was getting hungry.
Leah and Mason had a great time. There were several fun areas for them to go and explore. Mason really liked the bubble area and Leah loved the “Kid’s Town.” She did not want to leave! We spent about 3 hours at the museum and by then everyone was getting hungry.
Mason having fun working in the wood shop
Bowling!
Catching little fishy's in the stream
Sweet Girl
Leah is 3 feet 6 inches tall!
Mase driving the CTA bus!
It was way too crowded to stay at Navy Pier for lunch so we
headed back towards home. I had another
(expiring soon) Groupon for Mago’s in the Promenade so we stopped there for a
yummy Mexican lunch!Thanks Groupon for a fun day!
MIA.....on the blog!
Oh my goodness.....how has it been over two months since I've posted on my little corner of the web?!? I can't believe how quickly time is moving! I certainly would love to post more often, but when I actually get a
free minute to sit down, the blog hasn't made it to the top of my
priority list. I've started a handful of posts, but then have gotten
distracted and never finished them. Going forward, I am going to try and
be a little better at updating my little online space!
I've been pretty busy at work and at home. Work has been hectic. With my new role, I now spend part of my time working from our office in the city, so splitting my time has been a little challenging! The kids also keep me on my toes. It's been a long time since I've posted updates on Leah and Mason! Both of them are doing great! My little man is getting so big! I've been such a busy mom that his 18 month check-up slipped right past me (he is 21 months old now). Whoops! I scheduled the appointment for next week. So, at this point I have no idea what any of his stats are, but I can tell you he is growing like a weed. He makes me laugh with his sweet personality. He has a HUGE vocabulary and probably says well over 200 words, if not more. He repeats or attempts to repeat everything you say. He puts words together in sentences and loves to sing! We were in the car the other day and he belted out "Hey Brother" (the Avicci song) when it came on the radio. It sounded more like Ayyyyyyye Brudda. It was so cute and made me smile. He loves Despicable Me and Frozen. Mason and Leah are the best of friends. When Mason wakes up in the morning, the first thing he usually asks for is his big sis Leah. They play together so good - I love it! Leah has been doing well too! She is almost finished with her first year of preschool! Wow - that went fast. Next year, she'll start going three days a week. Before you know it, she'll be starting kindergarten!
I've been pretty busy at work and at home. Work has been hectic. With my new role, I now spend part of my time working from our office in the city, so splitting my time has been a little challenging! The kids also keep me on my toes. It's been a long time since I've posted updates on Leah and Mason! Both of them are doing great! My little man is getting so big! I've been such a busy mom that his 18 month check-up slipped right past me (he is 21 months old now). Whoops! I scheduled the appointment for next week. So, at this point I have no idea what any of his stats are, but I can tell you he is growing like a weed. He makes me laugh with his sweet personality. He has a HUGE vocabulary and probably says well over 200 words, if not more. He repeats or attempts to repeat everything you say. He puts words together in sentences and loves to sing! We were in the car the other day and he belted out "Hey Brother" (the Avicci song) when it came on the radio. It sounded more like Ayyyyyyye Brudda. It was so cute and made me smile. He loves Despicable Me and Frozen. Mason and Leah are the best of friends. When Mason wakes up in the morning, the first thing he usually asks for is his big sis Leah. They play together so good - I love it! Leah has been doing well too! She is almost finished with her first year of preschool! Wow - that went fast. Next year, she'll start going three days a week. Before you know it, she'll be starting kindergarten!
Best Friends!
Love when they hold hands on their own!
Brother and Sister Love!
Mason took his first selfie!
Princess Leah!
My funny tacos!
She is so sweet!
Playing outside in his jammies!
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