A Shout Out

This is just me climbing on a soap box for anyone who'll listen-or read. As a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for children who have been abused or neglected, I spend a bit of time at the Lake County Juvenile court building. Usually, I head there about once a month. As advocates, we are appointed only one case at a time and we stay with it until the child or children are in a permanent home. The case workers handle many more. The person I work with has the max of 18 cases which involve many more children. She, the guardian ad litems and judges must be efficient and detailed. I am in awe by their work. Everyone I have worked with and watch wants the best for the children. They really do put their hearts into their jobs. Would it be better if cases could be handled faster and more easily so these children didn't have to linger in limbo while matters are handled? Absolutely. That is up to the established laws. But those who work inside those juvenile courts, such as Lake County, are doing what they can to help the best they can. Want to help also? Become a CASA or even buy our new handy dandy cook book. We have concocted recipes that are all SO easy, you can make them with your kids. I mean, even I can make them which is why several of them are in there! $15 for one, $25 for two. Here are 3 ways to get them while they're hot! www.casalakecounty.com Call 847-808-9154 or email pfrazin@casalakecounty.com

A Milestone of a Year in the Making!

As much as I have been eyeing the coming of the New Year, I must say 2009 did bring many great surprises and even a miracle or two. Well, maybe several. And for those miracles, I thank 2009.

Carter Linz turns one today. He is the son of my dear friend Deanna and her husband Andy. His start in life was at only 23 weeks and give or take a few days. He was so small he was weighed a mere 820 ounces. But in his case, every single day mattered as did the prayers of all of Deanna and Andy's family and friends. Here was a baby boy who doctors said would not make it through the night on several occasions. But D never gave up her belief she was given this miracle who would survive it all, every single time. There were many times we would talk during the first few months and there was nothing that could be said to ease all they were enduring.I'll admit, I don't think I cried so much in my life as she travelled through such emotional torture. You would never wish it on anyone. There were often times we would talk about anything that could offer a distraction, so we got very good at talking about everything else under the sun. Don't worry. We have all the major world issues handled;) She would be at the hospital around the clock and up all hours as every minute and every breath was truly critical. I have no idea how she made it through as she was already one of the strongest people I know. I believe her late mother and father had much to do with him pulling through those fatal diagnosis, but I also believe she willed Carter through those times and that everyone who surrounds them are also reason for why today he turns one year old. What a milestone you three (and the fur babies) have to celebrate! Carter, you are always a reminder that we should never give up or give in because anything is possible.







1)Birthday Boy!
2)Deanna, Andy and Carter
3)This was Andy's wedding ring on Carter
4)Such a fighter, he was deemed,"Rocky."
5)Meeting miracle man, Carter, for the first time at 4 months old when he weighed in at 4 lbs. A huge accomplishment!

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