While the Cat is Away...

John had to head to Vegas to speak at a large convention for a couple days. The kids miss him when he is gone, so I try to make it as distracting as possible. Therefore, we headed over to Villa Olivia for tubing as finally we had enough snow to cover the ground. The year before Ali was old enough to go. But, the rules changed...apparently. So, after all the anticipation and the 45 min drive to get there, I discovered said rules had changed. Ali needed to be 4. Well, she will be in about six months. Crap. With the children looking up at me, I found myself lying. This is something I am terrible at doing. So, normally, I just don't. I am a firm believer in the truth and in karma. Still, it was going to be a very disappointing 45 minute ride home. So...I lied. When they asked how old she was, I said three. And then I saw the look from the lady behind the register. "Um...but she will be four in a month (or three or six)." Ali is extremely tall for her age so...after pleading with a higher up...we got through. And it was worth the gray hairs I sprouted that night. We followed it up the next night with their first trip to Ron of Japan and a movie. They have been dead set on going to a movie in PJ's. So, we got them dressed in their bedtime duds and went to watch, "Hugo." Then home, to bed. The next day, Daddy was coming home.

Almost There!

A week way from the big gala! I hope you will join us or bid online for some of the dozens of prizes. Today we gathered and packaged up the vast array of prizes we are putting up for bid during the CASABlanca Gala next weekend. This year, though, you can bid via cell phones. Just go the the CASA Lake County website and link through the gala information. Or, better yet, come do your bidding in person!

There She Is...2012

Tonight several of us gathered at Jennifer's home to watch Miss America like we did the year before. There was a lot to celebrate that night before the show even got underway. And by the end of the evening, Miss Illinois had made the top ten and Miss Wisconsin became the new Miss America.

A Hundred and WHAT?

104.1. Even Motrin and a luke warm bath only got her down to 103.6. Dare I tell the hubby who tends to freak out a bit over such things? Well, I am a terrible liar, so yes.
The doctors' office had us bring Ali in to check her. Fine...and then two days later-an ear infection. That's how my girl rolls. But she is such a good patient. Still sings and wants to just sleep and snuggle with you. There is something about feeling like your child needs you as part of the cure. Still, I would much rather she feel like her normal spunky self.

A Little Work is Good for the Soul and CASA

The late morning was spent at the CASA offices in Vernon Hills. We called businesses who support the efforts of child advocates, while reaching out to other potential business partners. The annual gala draws closer and every donation means another opportunity to help an abused or neglected child. It is vital we raise as much as we can because Illinois does not fund CASA as 47 of the other states do. I know, I sound like a preacher, but CASA volunteers save incredible amounts of money for the juvenile courts, DCFS and dozens of other agencies who work with cases where children need to be rescued from unsafe homes. So, a little help for us to train new volunteers goes a much longer way for everyone. The afternoon was cut short when Ali spiked a nice high fever. So it was time to head home and figure out why.

Heading South in Search of Some Sun

Normally I seem to jinx the Florida weather. Last year, right after Christmas, there was frost on the ground each morning. Not great for kids looking to swim. However, this year, it was warm and sunny. Hate to rub it in, but hey! My cold streak is over! Lisa, Patrick along with our nieces and nephews were also in Naples. We beached ourselves on the shore and slept in late. Then it was time to head home after the New Year. Happy 2012! May this year be filled with happiness and surprises.