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