Not the bright idea I thought it was...

Being that the "claw," or my splint is a bit sightly and will be adorning my wrist for 4 weeks, I thought I would craft it up. Bedazzle it or whatever. So I went online and found a site that sells "Shrinkins." It's shrink wrap decor for casts, IV poles, walkers, wheelchairs ect. A fantastic idea from a Michigan mom. With many designs to consider, I opted for the leopard print. The bald eagle or kittens just weren't my thang. So I got the wrap in and spent an hour, maybe more, getting it all lined up and taped down per directions. I whipped out the hair dryer and got to shrinking. That is when I realized it was heating up the plastic splint and therefore causing it to lose shape fast. After sticking my hand in the freezer I was able to remold it back into place. So there was a reason Shrinkins didn't list splints on there. Still, it is a great idea and something to keep stashed in the back on the mind if ever needed for someone you know.

The Progressive Dinner-must stay on one's toes,er, feet.

It is a annual tradition on our street. We may only have a few houses on our row, but we have fabulous neighbors. Granted, they all seem to have four children per household so I think it makes for laid back people who don't easily frazzle while getting it all done. We were house/stop #1 and in charge of the apps and cocktails,then off to house #2 for dinner. Gina made an amazing lasagna that she swears is from the mag "Cooking Light." It is a must-have recipe and so I must get it from her to share!There was a Christmas trivia game with kids vs adults. Um, the adults lost. Then it was off to house #3 for dessert, gingerbread house decorating and some late night ice skating. Most of the homes here have winter rinks out back. How else do you enjoy a nice (cold)long winter? Luckily, our kiddos are a couple of years too young, so we aren't there YET. It's a lot of work to keep the ice clean...or so I am told. Well, speaking of ice, I hit a rough patch. Or shall I say, a slick patch, on the walk down to house #3. I did a great job catching myself on my hands as I have discovered that my UGGs are both ugly and of no use on ice. What was believed to be a possible strained ligament is in fact a fracture. I have had a horse fall on me and God knows what else and never broken a thing. I guess I am getting older, perhaps not wiser;)
1)Ready to get started.
2)And the correct answer is...
3)Our children were home asleep at this point (such party poopers;)), so the rest of the kids decorated this house to bring home for them.
4)The gimp and soo attractive.

Shout Out to the Hubby!

Now departing for the North Pole. Yes, you read that correctly!

Some 500 United Airline employees and other volunteers made sure some of the terminally and severely ill children from around the state of Illinois got to the North Pole this Christmas. We're talking Santa, Elves and many personalized toys for 134 children to enjoy at O'Hare. Welcome to: Operation North Pole!

Retired UA employee Barbara Dabler is the heart behind "Operation North Pole." This was the first year for ONP in Chicago. And the one day event is a year in constructing. Volunteers will gather next year to organize, create and wrap gifts while also securing sponsors to help.

And so here is my shout out to the hubby! My husband works his tail off for his clients and for the unions he represents. Can you tell I'm proud of him? United Airlines is one of them. So when they asked him to help get ONP off the ground (no pun intended), he didn't think twice about it.

If you're interested in meeting up during the year to help plan and organize for Operation North Pole, let me know. Barb and everyone else would love to have you and the children will love it even more!

The beards that saved our lives and helped many others...

It's was that time again. Yes, time to freak out over what gifts to give (aren't husbands and dads the hardest?) or what to make for Christmas dinner that won't kill everyone. But it was also time to run off some of that stress with the annual Santa Sleigh 5K in Arlington Heights. It raises funds to help eradicate polio worldwide. Yes, it does still exist. And there are still many survivors of polio living in the US. One Facebook friend of mine,Jo Anne Brooks, lost use of her hands from it. But you have to see the magnificent jewelry she makes with her feet! Polio is often times progressive and so she struggles to continue making such jems. Check her work out at www.jabjewels.com
This year, I recruited my dear friend Lisa Niewolny. This was her first 5k race and what an initiation! Last year there were snow covered streets. This year, below (way below) freezing temps. Thankfully we were donning our festive Santa suits (and beards)on top of MANY layers of Under Armour Cold Gear.We were actually sweating come the end of the road. Lisa's wonderful daughter Kennedy is Miss Pre-Teen Illinois Dream Girl and came out to brave the elements and cheer everyone along. Trooper! Families waited in their driveways as we all passed. Some even played Christmas music for us while others handed out high fives. So, now that it is all but a memory (plus or minus a few sore muscles), Lisa and I will make a yearly tradition of dressing in Santa Drag. Maybe we'll recruit you to come along...

1)Go figure...Lisa is the busiest gal I know.She was still able to take a call along the route.
2)One of the action shots we attempted along the way while singing the theme to "Rocky."
3)It was snowing Santas all over the dang place
4)The fairest of them all. Like mother, like daughter!
5) Yes,we are really doing this in spite of well-intentioned hubby's who thought we were crazy to head out in 20 degree weather.

Knowledge is power to live better

Okay, so it's not that great of a shot. It's the outside of WTTW. But it is what was on the INSIDE that counts. A close friend of mine (and Friday night date), Jennifer Naida, is a chapter founder for survivors of vasculitis and their families. As a nurse, she is well versed on many other health issues. That is why Mrs. Illinois International was asked to be at WTTW for a show with Paula Zahn. I was lucky to be her plus 1. They sat us in the front row while segments on women's health were taped. Topics ranged from new breast cancer screening recommendations to the biggest killer of women, which is heart disease. There was so much to learn and Andie McDowell was even at the station. She has to be 7 feet tall and is so gracious! But, back the picture because it is such an exciting one. We were not allowed to bring much with us and even that had to be checked in. The segments are due to air nationally sometime after the New Year. Thanks Jennifer!

www.vasculitisfoundation.org

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.

The Holidays Already?

It's that time again! Time to get started on holiday cards. Yes! I know, tt's not even Halloween. And although I normally push it off until the week before Christmas, this year I shall be on top of things. It is my New Year's resolution, before the New Year! Anyway, instead of ordering the same ole cards with a picture of my kiddos on the front, I discovered a MUCH better idea. They are the MOST adorable cards EVER designed by budding young artists who are also patients at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Anyone who knows me, understands my deep love for Children’s. They are one of the only places in the state of Illinois to provide heart transplants for babies and other such amazing procedures. The cards are part of, "Children's Expressions," and there are a ton of choices that can be personalized. What a wonderful idea!
The best part? Every purchase directly benefits the hospital’s "Family Services." The program helps support families coping with their child’s illness and stay at Childrens'.

Click here for the on-line store
www.childrensmemorial.org/store/cards/default.asp?catID=3
or call 1.877.901.4264.

No Rhyme No Reason

Let me preface this by telling you how my mother is my closest, my truly best friend and I have some WONDERFUL friends. We must talk three times a day (my parents live in a southern state) and usually about nothing in particular. She has an amazing moral compass and the most generous soul. We call her Mother Love for a reason. Anyway, earlier this year my family dealt with quite the heart stopping breast cancer scare. Her annual physical sparked off much more than a little concern from doctors. After the blood work, the scans, the surgery, my mom has been given the all clear and will get checked every six months now. Thank you, thank you, thank you!We know there are so many other families out there who have and are dealing with much more and they are in our thoughts and prayers. You always hear about how family history can tell you a lot about your risks for breast cancer.Not always.In our case, both grandmothers had early hysterectomies so we never knew if there was added risk for future generations. Plus, family history is not the only factor to consider. And so it was cause for me to get my first mammogram a month ago. Although I am not 40 years old, I did it anyway to get a baseline for years to come. As we know, prevention is the key to many illnesses and knowledge is the power we need to make good decisions. So please take a few minutes out for yourself and get checked. You can do it, a loved one can;) or visit your doctor.

Think Pink!

October is Breast Cancer awareness month, although every month is a great time to do what we can to help fight the disease from all angles. Consider it an assault of sorts.

Help honor survivors, their families and those who are on the scientific front lines of fighting breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer with five mile walks all across the country (164 events) and Illinois. Many of us are stepping out Oct. 18th! This is the tenth year for the events here in the Land of Lincoln.

Funds raised help educate us all about reducing cancer risks and will help with lifesaving research and support programs. To find dates and places near you, check out www.makingstridesillinois.com

Bring it on!

If you have spent anytime on this blog, you may have read about my love for CASA. Court Appointed Special Advocates for children do just that; advocate for children who have been removed from homes due to abuse or neglect. Many of these stories are brutal and almost unbearable to hear. Once such case involved three young sisters. Their mom was in prison for drugs, dad was MIA and they lived with their grandma until she passed.They were then placed in a foster home. The youngest sister (a toddler) is in a hospital fighting grave cancer. Heartbreaking. The CASA helps ensure the children get the services and help they need. Some of these generous foster families need a little extra help along the way to make sure the kids are cared for in all ways. It could be a crib, a name of a service agency or even help at the hospital. My long winded point is these children, who are all of OUR children, need our help. So I thank people like Jules Ross. Although she is not part of CASA, she did take time to load up her truck and drop off a ton of wonderful toys, clothes and other items for children who could use them where they live. A stroller, a dollhouse , a winter coat...all are needed and loved by these young ones and those who now care for them. So thank you!

This is my truck, otherwise known as The BEAST. She is mammouth. Today it was packed to the brim with baby loot.It was like Christmas in August. These things which include a high chair, crib, bathtub, bassinet and bedding are on their way to a foster family who desperately needs them for the little ones they are now caring for. The items are a result of people who have been so generous in giving their no longer needed items to THE CASA Closet. Right now the closet is empty of items for children from 5-12 years old. School is starting this week. Many of these children who have been removed from homes due to abuse and neglect are now in foster homes or group homes and do not have much to wear. So if you happen to have some things your ever growing children can no longer wear or use, please let me know!

The Peapod Project and Heartlight

It was 66 degrees and sunny and felt just like football weather today and I expected to see fall colors in the trees. It's August! Not Yet! Jennifer Naida, Johnny and I walked along the Diversey Harbor. It was part of the run/walk for the Peapod Project for Childrens Memorial. The project was started after a Chicago couple lost their baby shortly after she was born. The nurses saved their daughter's little hat and blanket. They gave them the mementos which they found so important. So now they are making sure families who lose their babies, children or teenagers have resources to help and keepsake boxes. Love this idea! Jennifer and I both have friends who have gone through similar ordeals. Photographs, lockets of hair, anything can be so precious to have.

Can we have the envelope please?

I was one of five judges who helped select the new Miss Teen Long Island and Miss Long Island USA. My dear friend Lori Thomas Donaudy is an outstanding director. She was on time, efficient and detailed. We as judges, were not to discuss the delegates or speak with them outside of interview. Their friends and families ect were also not to approach us until after the competition. Serious stuff! We were not even aware of who was returning or a former runner-up. So until the new queens were announced, I didn't know if I was on the same track with the other judges. These ladies competing were all top notch. I just had to judge based on my point of view only. Turns out we judges were all in sync for such a tight race. The New Miss Teen Long Island is Leanne Pinard. She is making great strides concerning food allergies and restaurants. Even latex gloves or balloons can be deadly for her and many others. The new Miss Long Island, Jamie Bellittieri,looks so much like Ali Landry (Miss USA 1996) on stage. She spent four years wrestling on the BOYS' team in honor of her late brother. Both ladies will do great things this year and they are so fortunate to have Lori quide them along the way. Good luck to you ladies and the others at Miss Teen NY and Miss New York USA! And on a side note, I was thrilled to meet the other judges including the stunning Stephanie Tsarsi. She was Mrs. NY America 05 and 1st Runner-up at Mrs. America. I remember watching her on TV so it was fun to get to know her a bit in person.
1)Jamie, Lori and Leanne
2)Judge Stacy Shands (Ms. Universal Outstanding Woman of Achievement 2009), Dir Lori, myself, and Stephanie Tsarsi (Mrs. NY Amer 05/1st RU Mrs. America)

Come join us November 7th!

And help make sure abused and neglected children have a voice that is heard. We'd love to see ya there!

It's what's for dinner!

In honor of Byron and Judi's last two weeks before their little man arrives, we all met up for "The Last Supper." Although it was at our house, Byron and Judi brought the food and Nancy and Chris helped make sure it was cooked. What a fun night for the kids. Johnny keeps asking when his friends will come back.
1)Johnny and his buddies. Pirate's Booty and Shrek? It can't get any better!
2)Nancy's on top of the lobster while I take some lessons.
3)Ahhh, babies!!!

Welcome to ChiTown!

This past week women came from all over to Skokie, Illinois to compete in the International system. Deanna's (Mrs. AL) trip to Chicago was a chance for us to catch up and for me to spend some more time with a favorite little man of mine named Carter. He is otherwise known as Rocky for his fight to survive in spite of...well, everything after he was born at 23 weeks. I also got good at applying eyelashes on someone else. Deanna was a good victim! One of my dearest friends and former roommate, Michelle, came in from TN and her lifelong friend (and my new one) Gerri, came in from OH. My house was full of estrogen people and I loved it!You should have seen the three of us rushing to get ready in the master bath! Curlers, hair dryers, ect all going at once. It was no wonder we blew a fuse. But wherever is that fuse box? Thanks to Gerri, we found it and got the bathroom up and running again!
Here are some pics from the weekend.
1)With Tim Kretschmann
2)Michelle and I with Deanna
3)With Jennifer Naida who is TINY as a minute!
4)3 Amigos. or Amigas? I barely passed spanish.Can you tell?
5)Chell and I. So sassy...and old;)

Congrats Juanita!

Jaunita Ingram and I have been friends for a few years now. She is beautiful and whip-it smart. Her husband , Kynon, and their daughter, Kinsley, are mirror images of her graciousness. As an attorney she is also a mom and a community leader in Indianapolis. So it was not a surprise to me when she recently won Mrs. U.S. Beauties. I expect to see her as Mrs. Indiana America and with all she is and all she does, she could just go all the way! Jennifer Naida and I also had the chance to meet up with the much adored Bea Gill who I have only known through others. WIll we see here again at NC America? We should hope. Lovely lady she is! Job well done my friends!

It's Ladies Night..or Ladies Day!

As it should be EVERYDAY! Today we hit Arlington Park. It is a place my husband has been part of for many years now and where we had our second date. It is also where they held an all day event for Susan G. Komen this weekend. It is the largest foundation in the world for breast cancer education and funding. We had a tee ball game earlier that day, but we were able to make it out there in time to check out the event tent and some of the most amazing hats (designed by a local woman too!) a gal could dream of. It was shopping for a good cause and I picked up a couple of lucky horse shoes for people close to me who have and are battling breast cancer. Take it down ladies!! While there, a fabulous photographer asked to take some shots and I wound up on his big ol website! Bob Milkovich is a magician;)

1) Elaine from Chapeau Creations.
2) Shots from the day and website.

Baby Time!

Here is a shout out to a couple who will no doubt be amazing parents! What a lucky little boy! Byron Harlan and Judi will not only have a beautiful boy, he will be a tall one as they are no slouches. Nancy Pender threw a great shower for them.
1)Bryon, known by everyone as, "The People's Anchor"
2)Some gifts to welcome Baby Boy Harlan.