Mother Hens Unite!

This was definately a "Girls' Weekend!" I was so lucky to be invited to help chaperone the ladies competing in Miss Illinois USA and Miss IL Teen USA. These contestants were all so wonderful and gracious. Talk about a well oiled machine! The state organization was...so well organized. Beverly Turkowski is a coordinator for the chaperones. Bev, Patty Sikich, Robin Khayat, Emily Sill, Erin Klaus and Jennifer Naida were fantastic teammates. And in the end, after the three days and nights of running by everyone involved, there are now two queens who will have an amazing year ahead of them. Miss Teen Illinois USA 2010 is Alexis Atkins. And congratulations to Miss Illinois USA 2010, Ashley Bradarich. Sorry there aren't more photos. We were seriously soo busy, I forgot to take any! Thanks Jen and Emily.
1)Rehearsals at the Hyatt at McCormick Place
2)Teen group shot
3)Post-pageant:Jennifer Naida (Mrs. IL International 2010) with me.
4)Post-pageant:Emily Sill (Mrs. IL Galaxy 2009) with me.

Just Cuz...

My kiddos are unique unto themselves, as are all children. I'm never quite sure what the day will hold with them. But I always know it will be something worth capturing on film. In this case, Ali decided her Lipton noodle soup was served better on her head. And so, she ate the rest of her lunch like this as she loves accessories. As for Johnny, he figured out a new use for this chip clip. Don't even get me started on how Ali has recently decided to potty train herself at a year and a half. Miss Independant has also gotten VERY good at saying "More please," and "No, I want that." God help me. They are growing up far too fast. Make it stop!!!

All dressed up and NOWHERE to go!

My almost four year old son, Johnny, was so excited for Halloween this year. For months he has been waiting to gear up as a race car driver. What can I say? The boy still has a thing for anything with wheels! And given how he drives his Jeep, he is also a talented driver. Who knew a preschooler could parallel park and come THIS close to running his sister over before squealing to a halt? I can tell you that talent did not come from me! My husband? Yes. Alas, the week arrived as did H1N1 apparently. Luckily, he managed to get through it with only a mean case of croup. Same for Ali. It was like having a house full of newborns. I don't know how I would have survived it without my husband to help. Got to love it when Maria, the grocery store clerk, tells me I look tired. They were still getting over the funk on Saturday. Nothing like trick or treating around the house at the various doors inside. Whether it be a bedroom door, a bathroom door, the garage door (you get it)they were stuck inside and knocking on doors for treats. But hey! Candy is candy. And my daughter has a real knack for chocolate hunting. That's something she definately got from me. Hope you had a safe and sweet Halloween.
1)The only shot we could get with Ali wearing the Piglet hood. Such the diva about her hair.
2)The babes in all their glory.
3)The Halloween tree with creepy ornaments I have been collecting for the kiddos.