I'm Thankful for....

Some people may say that the best part of waking up is Folger's in their cup. But, I am thankful for the view out my back window in the morning. I spent the day with the Tarantinos, my mom and brother Terry. As I looked around the table, I realized how fortunate I am and how many things I have to be thankful for.
I'm thankful for my Alyssa and Jared, who with their unique personalities, bring such joy to my life. I'm thankful for Mike, who supports me with my crazy ideas. I'm thankful to my parents, who taught me so much with their generous, kind, and forgiving style. I'm thankful for my family who is always there for me to laugh, cry, give advice or support me. I'm thankful for Mike's family who welcomed me into their family and always made me feel more than an "in'law." I'm thankful for my friends, who have enriched my life in so many ways, and have helped to make me who I am today.

Beautiful Summer Flowers

As I look at all the shades of brown out my back window, I can't help but to remember the warm, soothing colors of summer. These beautiful flowers were in a pond outside DeGrandchamps in South Haven. We visit DeGrandchamps every year to pick and eat blueberries. Our trip is not complete until we visit the store, where we sample blueberry mustard, butter and jams. They also have some pretty amazing fudge. Yum!!

Royal Twisters

The Royal Twisters Got a New Leotard

Alyssa and her gymnastics team will be heading to state on December 7th. It is such a nice group of girls who help and support each other while having fun. Their picture is in the paper and can be found at the following link.



http://www.triblocal.com/Orland_Park/Detail_View/view.html?type=stories&action=detail&sub_id=37039


Such good friends


Wow! What shiny butts they have!!

Veteran's Day

Thank you to my father, brothers, nephews, and cousins who served in the armed forces to give us the freedom we enjoy. I also enjoyed my day off yesterday thanks to these veterans. I felt a little guilty because I did nothing to earn the time off but fortunately it did pass.

Mangia Mangia

Alyssa, Valerie (Alyssa's bestie) and I enjoyed dinner at Mangia Mangia. The atmosphere and the company were great, but the food wasn't so good. We couldn't finish our meals, so we took the leftovers with us. Val's ended up leaking all over her phone. So now anytime she uses her phone, she smells garlic. Yum!

What are you doing?

A few weeks ago, my friend Sue called and asked me what I was doing on a certain date. Sue is my friend from college and we just don't see each other as much as I would like as she lives in McHenry. So I'm thinking she going to suggest that we get together for dinner or some other fun activity. Not quite, Sue was checking to see if I was available to babysit her twin three year old boys. Too late, I already responded "I don't have any plans." I'm wondering if I can back out by saying that I need to alphabetize my spice rack or some other worthwhile activity. Instead, I bite the bullet, and head out to McHenry. What an enjoyable day we had. We went apple picking. As soon as we got to the orchard, I did the math. Two of them and one of me. Oh boy. Fortunately, the boys didn't realize that they outnumbered me. The boys were fantastic and stayed together. They sure did enjoy eating the apples.

After apple picking we enjoyed time at the park at the orchard.

We also went on the merry-go-round and the train. The train was the cheapest baby-sitter around. It gave me 2 minutes and 30 seconds to go the restroom.

Finally, it was time to head home for dinner. The boys enjoyed dinner and then played while I cleaned up. I figured I would need to allow at least an hour to get the boys ready for bed. Again, I was wrong. The boys split; one to get washed up and one to get dressed. Then they switched. They got ready so quick we had time to play before bedtime. When it was time to clean up for bed- they did. Bedtime routine included them climbing into bed, raising their sweet faces for kisses, and lights out. That's it I am sending my kids to Camp Stocker for some training! By the way, I haven't answered one of Sue's calls since I babysat! Just kidding.

Fall Traditions

In addition to our annual apple picking, our family always enjoys a trip to Bengston's pumpkin farm. Again we have been taking Alyssa since she was about two and Jared went as a newborn. I was a little taken back by the price this year (50 for all of us- without the pumpkin, kettle korn, snacks, etc.) and almost suggested that we don't go. In the end, I was glad we made the memories.

Halloween

What a perfect day for Halloween. It seemed like the warm weather brought out even more trick-or-treaters. My kids went as a zombie and a football player. I remember the days when they were fairy princesses and pumpkins. Boy the time sure does fly.

Angel Gianna

Gianna and her sister Val

This Saturday, Gianna was laid to rest. We will miss her gentle kind ways. She has touched our lives and enriched it. I am gratefully to have known her and that my children were blessed by knowing her. I am in awe of the strength and love her family has demonstrated in this terrible time. May they continue to have strength, family and friends to get them through their pain.