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.

Happy Father's day!

Lucky me, lucky me! I come from a long line of good Dads. And so my dad was given a good example of how to be; kind, compassionate and a person with integrity and morals. And that gave me the example of what I should look for in a husband and a father to my children. I should say OUR children! I found that with my husband John. For he too, came from a long line of good dads. And so we salute you men who brave the dirty diapers and the late night feedings. You keep it cool when all blankety-blank is breaking loose and you set the standard. For those who perhaps were not so lucky, may you be that better person.
1)Cooking up trouble for Dad.

Looking for a little summer fun?

Rock-A-Bye the River. It's a new event this year to help raise money for billboards across the state which will educate those who pass about the Safe Haven Laws. It's a fun way to get the job done and all thanks to the hours of effort by volunteers and board members like Dawn, Kellie,Penny and Angie. You guys rock-literally!

I Took on the Challenge and Made Some Friends!

Well, let me start by letting you know that I managed the stairs just fine! I also managed to be 1st runner-up. The weekend FLEW by. It was so well organized and the ladies were so warm and gracious. In fact several of us are now on Facebook with each other. And afterward I was so surprised to take home a ton of gifts on top of the weekend! My son now totes the Caboodle around with his Matchbox Cars inside.

Thank you to my generous husband and all our friends and family who came from the burbs and from all over the country to be there. It is humbling as I think we had five different states covered. It was so incredible as I could see all of them in the audience. Some stopped by the next day so we could all just hang out and catch up which may have been one of my favorite parts. I will say I am very happy with how it all turned out and I feel I did the best I could at that point in time, but there is always room to improve. This was a great part of the journey I am on and now on to some other plans in the works. I can't wait to see where it takes me.

To Lisa Niewlony, you have been a dear friend and I hope you know what a legacy you leave as Mrs. Illinois 2008. Those are some BIG and beautiful heels to fill. You are one of a kind who defines integrity. Our new Mrs. Illinois, Anji Meidel, must still be pinching herself as she has worked hard and long for this. To finally hear her name called must be a moment she will never forget! Make us proud as I know you will over this next year.