Christmas Eve

As per tradition, we spent Christmas Eve in Hinsdale at my sister-in-law and brother-in-law's home that is a perfect setting for a family holiday. This year there is even more to celebrate. My niece Margaret is marrying her long time beau, Philip. And my nephew John Kelly (many Johns in our family) is marrying his long time love Kelly. Yes, Kelly, as in Kelly Kelly, but she is now a full fledged Doctor so she will likely keep her maiden name. Anyway....my SIL Lisa knows how to entertain and BIL Patrick is so much fun for as well. If only it were Christmas Eve every night. Then again, I am wiped out with all the shopping and wrapping. Our kids adored their cousins and even were given some Harrods bears from London. Then it was time to pack up and head back home for Santa's arrival.

It's That Time Again...YIPPEEE!!!

"It's the most wonderful time of the year..." Time for our street's progressive dinner on the eve of Christmas Eve. 6 houses and 31 of us strolling between homes for apps, dinner and dessert. After we hosted the apps and cocktails as a kickoff, everyone walked down the street for dinner. There, we had a great dinner while the kids were busy down stairs with ping pong, dancing and gingerbread house decorating. Then, time for another home for Irish coffees and dessert and more gingerbread houses. Every year the kids normally skate outside on one of the houses' rinks, but it has been such a balmy Winter (dare I risk writing that?) we have no ice for skating. Next year!

In the Midst of an Olympic Medalist

This weekend Legacy and I were a part of a clinic by Olympic Gold Medalist Chris Kappler. He has a few other medals as well. He spent the time working with us on just about everything. I find riding is much like golf. There is no perfect game, nor perfect ride. It can be a perfectionist's nightmare at times. Thank God I am not one as I would lose my mind at this point;) It was a great opportunity to meet and work with Chris and in the end, he was very complimentary of Legs as he liked him a lot. That is the world as you can only be as good as your horse. But of course, he is my child....a bit large at 1300 pounds, but my child. Thanks to Laura Sterns and Country Ridge Stables for a great clinic.

Portable North Pole. Got to love technology, I think...

What a great site! Portable North Pole allows you to enter in information about a person (or child) that is sent to Santa and his elves. They will then email a message back to that specific person (or child) and let them know if they have been naughty or nice (you can choose.)Ali and Johnny both found emails from Santa. And although they both were on the nice list, I have heard from others, they have opted for naughty to help snap their kids back in line, ha!

My Annual Decorating Efforts

I am not a decorator. I openly admit that. There are so many talented people out there who can literally transform a room from blah to ta-dah! Not me. Given we have several fireplaces (yes, the builder must have had a thing for them), you would think I would have the ability to atleast handle the mantels. Wrong. Then Christmas arrives and I find the urge to attempt to do something creative. And so for a brief time each year, our home is transformed with lights and ornaments and basic loveliness. And so I share some of it with you as I am quite proud of my efforts. But now what to do for the other 11 months of the year? Any tips or suggestions are welcome.

My New Favorite Movie

From the Christmas pageant to a gathering of Country Ridge riders at Laura Stern's home. We got together to watch the movie "Buck." What an incredible documentary about a young boy who suffered terrible abuse at the hands of his father, but through his foster family, was able to survive and change much of the horse world's thinking when it comes to training. Back in the day, horses would be broken, literally broken, to become rideable. But as Buck teaches, you must have respect from horses(or people)but that respect does not need to come through fear or intimidation. He feels a horse is a mirror to a rider's soul and what their issues may or may not be.His lessons during his clinics are lessons in life about how we all need to treat others. He played an enormous part in the outcome of "The Horse Whisperer," with Robert Redford which is another fantastic movie. My hope is more people will give this indy film a try as it is shot beautifully and winning awards. So much so, I want to go put on some cowboy boots and jeans and head out to Montana for a bit. And I'm not even kidding.

A Pageant of a Different, but Greater Kind

This afternoon the children and I met with Jennifer Naida at the Glenview Community Church for their Christmas pageant. It was outstanding in so many ways and the little angels were so precious. The costuming, the choreography and efforts were so evident along with the message of the pageant itself. Jennifer used to help orchestrate the show and she was absolutely correct; it is one of the best out there to see which is why it was standing room only. Just beautiful!

Ten Pounds All in the Name of CASA.

Several of us gathered at the Westin Northshore to take part in a tasting for the upcoming CASABlanca gala in February for CASA of Lake County. Okay, twist my arm. It was just horrible having to try out dozens of appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts(and some wine). The worst part was deciding what to serve at the benefit as they were each so good. After all that food, we were all stuffed, but I was still able to then meet up with some of of my favorite ladies from Illinois International who chaperone Miss Illinois and Miss Illinois Teen USA. It was impossible to eat anything at that point for fear of exploding, but what a great time with Jennifer, Beverly, Sharon, Sarah and Robin. Love you all!
1)Sushi. I am not normally a fan, but all of it was so worth stepping out of my comfort zone.
2)How cute is this mini mug of tomato soup with a mini grilled cheese in the shape of a heart?