Beach Bums

I'm seriously considering this career change---to become a beach bum!
Today we were at the beach all day! WE went to a hotel and had a few poolside drinks, joined in on a few pool activities and back to the beach.We shopped some more, dinner and more shopping. LOL. We did have a wine tasting today...bought a few bottles for home. great winery, yummy wine!
Fun day. I am super duper tired. The most exciting part of the day was seeing a baby shark that was caught near where we were swimming!!!! Mel was bit by a crab, thats as bad as Lisa, Dee and David swimming into a stingray!!!!!!! CrAzY!!!!! Fun day. I'm tired so this is going to be short. Nite nite. Tomorrow is the last "full day". Beach again. Can't get enough.

A little bit of everything

This morning the kids and their daddies went fishing on the pier. It was an amazing experience. They say a school of dolphins, stingrays and a few jellyfish! Nascar Speedway here we come! The kids wanted to ride the go carts so that what we did! ALL DAY! t was blazin' hot but the kids had a blast! We stopped for Mexican food (withdrawals were happening). The we stopped at a huge beachwear store for some shoippping and went home. Lilo and I went looking for crabs again. We found one! And a shrimp. LOL...little bugger, they are fast!!! It was a great day!

Let's go Shooopppinggg!!

Today Jr went home...back to work. We went shopping. We shopped all day, swam, shopped, kinda just hung out. I bought the cutest purse!! We picked up dinner and hung low. It was a recovery day. We had pedicures. We did take the kids to "Main Street". Arielle and Briyanna got their hair wrapped. We did a little shopping down there. It was a great day. We took the kids for a night walk on the beach looking for crabs. We found a bunch!! The kids were so excited!!! What an experience!

Good times

Today we woke up and went to the water park. The kids are fish, I swear.
They LOVE the water. We headed out and spent the day there. That night, the guys went to the bar on the pier for Jr's lat nite and the girls headed out to the beach for a moonlit walk. It was A BLAST! Moms go Wild. Hahahaha...sitting in the ocean fully clothed...Tiffany and David....army crawls....lol. good times! We ended up jumping the fence and into the pool at 3 am after the ocean!!! It was by far the best nite we had here!!!!!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads!!! The beach in MB is amazing...warm waters, tons of seashells, soft sand...unbelievable sights. It is great. We had a great time chilling in the waters while the men went fishing on a private charter for father's day. This was Lilo's 1st father's day without his dad so that was a little tough. I wanted to have something planned to keep his mind off things. That evening, we went to a seafood calabash named Crabby Mike's lol...it was great. Fresh seafood. yum! We hung out for a bit plotting the rest of the week. It was great. The night ended with a great walk on the beach with zero light, just the lights from the hotels, the stars, and the moon.

Happy 8th Birthday Arielle!!!!!

Happy Birthday my Arielle! We we were exhausted from the drive, we knocked out at 7 pm. Arielle was so excited all night she didn't go to bed until 1 am....we got up at 2 am to open presents...lol. I decorated th hotel room and she gets to celebrate her birthday in two states!!! West Virginia and South Carolina! We left West Virgina at 4 am and off to Myrtle Beach with the church bus...lol. We met at the gas station and drove to MB. I made signs for the cars (and bus) that read, "Myrtle Beach or Bust!". It was too funny!!!! When we arrived in MB, Arielle had a yummy chocoalte cake and rainbow cupcakes. We decorated and had a small party with her cousins. She glowed! It was a wonderful birthday for my wonderful daughter!!

On the road...

So we made it to West Virgina!!! Yippppeeeeeee! Small town to waste time before check-in...swimming tonight...coon pizza lol....
Getting ready for Arielley's 8th Birthday in the morning!!!!!
A few drinks by the pool and allowing my eyelashes to hug each other!!!!

Road Trip!

So tonight is the night...driving to West Virginia and onto Myrtle
Beach!!!! So much to do. Tani picked up Diesel. I feel so sad!!!
Sad to leave my Diesel and my fat cat!! Well for now, packing and loading up the car!!!! Leaving @ 4am!

Almost time...

I just love how some people feel the need to inform me of things I give two cares about. I feel really special knowing that people have to go out of their way to try and get to me. Unreal. Seriously, grow up.

Well I leave for Myrtle Beach in the am! I still have packing and cleaning to do. The kids are SO excited. They are going to have a blast! I am going to miss my fat cat and Diesel. The cat knows we're leaving. I'm so sad. Diesel has no idea. I'm gonna miss that little shit. He is a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e! What a lover! Or should I say licker? LOL!

Well back to work. Lots to get done! Won't be back to work until June 30th!! Yippppeeeeeeee!

Myrtle Beach or BUST!

So four days until Myrtle Beach! The kids are SO excited. I still need to pack! This will be the first trip since Diesel. He is doing so well so I'm a little worried! Pack, shop, clean, ugh. I so cannot wait to sit on the beach and soak up the sun! Chicago summer has been terrible! Vitamin D deficit!

So back to work for now. Excitement of vacation will kick in...for now, motivation!

Sunny day

So I am on day #2 of my very first short week...
Hooray! Fridays off!! The sun is shining...I just love it!!!

Why do some people have to hate? Why do they have to be the way they are? Geez. It's nuts. I'm telling you, life is way too short for drama. I'm not into that, I guess that explains it!

Planning Myrtle beach! I can't believe we leave in a month from today!!! And a month from tomorrow, my baby girl will be 8!!! Where does the time go?

Mother's Mass

Today was the Mother's Mass at Providence. It was very nice. Arick and I had a nice ride home and a nice quick (LOL) lunch. He thanked me for coming. I was so happy I did. 1 year of high school down. Why does life happen so fast?

Meet Diesel!

So today we went looking for a shed, and came home with a puppy.

Diesel. He is a 10-week old Victorian Bulldog. Just adorable. What a character! The kids couldn't be more excited! Arielle is so cute with him! Her lap is small enough to fit him perfectly!

He is fascinated with the cat...the cat is pissed. He creeps past Diesel when he's sleeping to try and get a "sniff". LOL... its a riot.

It is amazing to see how much joy a puppy can bring to a family!

Half-way done!

It is Wednesday. Yah!

I am having lunch with my honey, I had 9 hours + of sleep (whoo hoo), I am going to the Sox game tomorrow with my favorite people in the whole wide world, AND the week is almost over!

I just LOVE it! The weekend was insane. Starting out Thursday night with Arielle's lip infection and ending with Arick's birthday. We had a great time all weekend, the weather was amazing, and family is great! I was so happy to see the twins on Sunday! Amazing creatures! Have a Happy Hump Day! Until next time...

Happy Birthday Arick!

Sweet 15. Wow. I cannot believe my baby boy is 15. 

Gosh I love that boy so much.

I cannot believe he is almost done with freshman year...that he'll be driving soon...that in 3 years, he will be going away to college. I am so proud of Arick. He is such a great kid. You deserve the best! Happy Birthday love!

Happy Birthday and Happy Communion!

Happy 18th Birthday Megan!

Wow. I can't believe you are 18...it is unreal how fast life goes by.

Arielle also makes her 1st Communion today. How sweet. She looks like an angel.

It is sunny and the day will be perfect!

Happy special day to both!!

Superstars!

The Bulls won last night!!!!! AND better yet, my boys were on TV twice! The game ROCKED! 3 overtimes!!!!! Best game since Jordan played for the Bulls! I am so happy for them! Arick said they were SO close!!!! He told me it was the best present ever! Priceless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Da Bulls!

Arick and Lilo are going to the Bulls Game tonight! He was delighted-LOL -when we gave him the tickets last night!!! I video recorded his reaction! I taped the tickets to the bottom of an Eastern Conference basketball. OMG, I am so happy for him! Great seats!!!! A few rows from the floor! They are leaving right after school so they can watch them warm up! He is going to FLIP!!!!!!

Home Sweet Home

We're back. Sunny Arizona is yesterday. When we left yesterday, it was 90 and sunny only to arrive in lovely Chicago to a whopping 40 and rainy! UGH! Back to work, back to school.

The kids had a blast! They swam like fish, and soaked up rays. We did alot of things we have never done before. It was really nice. Dad had a nice time too. He enjoyed Lilo and Arick's goofy personality.

I have a ton of photos.

We went to the Pima state fair, visited San Xavier, one of the oldest (still active) churches standing. Beautiful. I heard it being compared to the Sistine Chapel. Wow. Now that's amazing.

We went to the Titan Missile Museum. It was just deactivated in the 80's. Total history here. Wehad an amazing dinner at a great Mexican restaurant, we went up 8,000 feet to Mt. Lemmon. That was awesome. It was 99 at 4,000 feet and once we got to 8,000 it was 67. We had lunch at about 5,000 feet. We visited the town of Summerhaven. Stopped in a shop for fudge. There Arick found a bag of very inflated marshmallows because of the pressure.

Lilo and Dad took a ski lift to the very tip of the mountain. Snow was still very present. Very cool. In the meantime, I was trying to obtain a wireless connection in order to check in online to get my boarding passes. LOL. It was a great time.

All good things must come to an end, and another begin! Arielle's Communion is coming up, along with Megan's 18th birthday and my baby boy's 15th! 

Busy. Busy. Busy. 

Will post pics soon.

Tuesday Time

Well t is Tuesday, and tomorrow we leave for Arizona...sunny Arizona! Whoo Hoo!

I am terrible...got through Easter, now on to packing...did I say I was leaving tomorrow...and still have to pack! Argggghhhh! That's ok...I'll be up all nite packing. I'll sleep in the sun..haha..like my cat! Well Easter was wonderful. Beautiful weather, lovely company. We had a great time. Arielle still enjoys every bit of it! For now.... off I go!

This is Spring?

Well Happy Monday! At least its a 4 day work week, whoo-hoo!!
Yesterday, my Arick bowled in a state tournament in Champaign, IL that consisted of 3 squads (9 games total): team, doubles and singles. In the team, Arick had a 246, a 245, and a 185!
Arick took second place for singles. Boy was he worn out last night!
It was a great time and I am so very proud of him! Arielle kept herself quite busy all day. She was so good, coloring, drawing and building tents in the bowling alley.

We left at 4:30 a.am. to head out and did not pull into the garage until 9 p.m. last night. It was a very long day but worth every minute! On our way there it was raining, turned to sunshine and then rain again. It was storming on our way home. We even saw a rainbow and we weren't in Hawaii! Drove until Peotone and the thunderstorm turned into a blizzard. It was insane! ONLY IN CHICAGO!

This morning we awoke to about 3 inches of snow. UNREAL. 9 days until Arizona...and counting.

Welcome Spring!

Well today is the first day of spring. Hip hip hooray!
Goodbye winter!!!
My kids are off school today and me being busy at work because I leave half-day get a phone call from Arick to check edline (where his grades are posted). He's like just check I want you to see...MY ARICK MADE HONOR ROLL!!! I am so very proud of him! He worked his but off this quarter! What a glorious day!
Many reasons to be happy:
• Arick is on Honor Roll!!!!!!!
• The sun is shining
• I am leaving work early (Dr. appt but its still not work!)
• It's Friday
• Lilo sold the silver Grand Prix
• We are going to Arizona in 3 1/2 weeks!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Even tho I am not the least bit Irish, everyone's Irish today!
Green is the new black! Plus it compliments my eyes! LOL!
This is another wonderfully warm day! I booked our airfare for Arizona! The kids are so excited! I cannot wait to lounge by the pool ALL DAY!
Gosh, How relaxing!

Enjoy the day!
Drink lots of green beer!

Just another Manic Monday

Well it's just another manic Monday
I wish it were Sunday
'Cause that's my funday
My I don't have to runday
It's just another manic Monday...
(you know you're singing it!)
The Bangles rock!

The weekend was amazing...
Went out Saturday for Jessica's 21st. Had a blast as usual!
Arick watched Arielle under the condition that we were to go
bowling on Sunday.
We did. Had a ton of fun...

Enjoy the weather!!

Thursday. Blah.

I feel a little better this afternoon.
Man I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.
It's not like I have one but if I did, I wouldn't.
I have attached a photo. Too freaking cute.
I love my honey.
He makes me smile.

I'm so glad its Friday tomorrow!
Whoo-Hoo!!

Home again

Well I am working from home today . . . it has its good and its bad. I feel like crap so I guess that's the bad. I have a headache the size of China and I have drank more coffee today than I do in a week. But other than that, things are going well. It is so cold outside I can't stand it. I think its colder in the house because my Mr. McFrugal husband turns the thermostat down when I'm not looking. It's like we're playing tag with the thermostat! As long as we save money, I'll freeze!
Where is Spring??!!

I feel so bad that my Arick was first cut from volleyball try-outs yesterday. He was bummed.
So was I. But after he calmed down and thought about it, he told me he will work harder for next year. That's my boy! NEVER GIVE UP! Sports aren't everything. he said some of those kids should not have made it. I told him life is not fair. This is just the beginning. Sometimes, its not what you know, its WHO YOU KNOW. I told him you gave it your best and I am super proud of him and that's all you need to know. You never want to see your kids sad. That's what hugs are for!

So for now, have a chilly afternoon.
Peace.

I'm Back!

Yes, it's been almost a month since my last post. It is ridiculous how fast time is going by!
I had surgery almost a week ago and I feel great! So much has happened this past month. It's crazy how life takes twists and turns. That's how I stay on my toes! Well I am feeling amazing today! Arick has volleyball tryouts this afternoon (Go Arick!). I know her will do well. That boy is great at anything! I have like one more week and I can get back to exercising (yay!). I miss it SO much!
So for now...Welcome back me. I promise to post more often!

It's Hump day!

Hump Day means we are half-way through the week. Dirty minds!
Well I haven't posted in a while! Valentine's Day weekend was fantabulous.
On Thursday, Arielle and I went to a Mommy and Me party at the rec center. We made bracelets, decorated cookies...she had a blast! On Friday, I got a manicure and a haircut. Arick went bowling with a friend and Arielle went to a show with Meg. They saw "Confessions of a Shopaholic". My sister said that is my movie...I wonder why she thinks that. LOL.
Lilo and I had a dinner date at Frankie's now labeled as one of my fav restaurants. I had the tilapia..amazing and Lilo had the some kinda tenderloin. They were both specials. I truly recommend this restaurant. My absolute favorite part of this restaurant is the YUMMY Italian candy on the way out. Which they moved the bowl near the hostess stand! I still managed to grab a handful! Lilo was busted so he grabbed two. And they are micro sized. LOL.

On Saturday, the usual madness with bowling, dance...
I got a facial. AWESOME!
Then we went out to a bar in Crown Point. We had a great time!

Well the week is almost over! Happy Hump Day!!

The Day After

Well today is the day after Lisa's funeral. Wrong. It is just wrong.
I am still so saddened that she was taken from this earth. The thought of those kids without a mother makes me ill. The funeral was touching. Tom read the eulogy. There was not a dry eye in the church. I was touched at how many people attended. Both frinds and family, along with many of the Providence community. It just doesn't feel right. Hope. Have to have hope. Strength. You have to be strong to go on. Love. The memories will keep her alive. Arick was very upset. I decided to keep him home from school to be there for his friend. It hits so close to home. All of his friends and moms were there supporting each other, ironically, Sam's mom was not. You shelter your children from as much pain as you can, and then the most important thing in the world to them is taken . . . then what? Hope, faith, strength and love.

Sad news

This blog brings sad news. Tom called me saturday morning to inform me that Lisa's long battle with cancer ended early Saturday morning. She is survived by 2 children, ages 10 and 14. I cried. I cried this morning thinking of how unfair her death is. No one should have to die this way. Why do the good people have to leave this earth? Why are the good people ripped away from their families, and the families are left to weep? WHY? I am so angry! Angry there is not a cure for cancer ... angry at the fact that Lisa was such a good mother to her children and she will never be able to see Brian graduate, see Sam go to prom, see the first girlfriends, experience weddings, grandchildren. It is so unfair! Why?

Life is so short. You don't know when you are going to die. Death is such a slap in the face to make you open your eyes and see the beauty in life around ... to not take advantage of the little things in life ... like pulling over to let the family of ducks cross the street and smile, or stop with your kids at a park on a beautiful cloud-filled day, and try and make out animal shapes in the clouds. Little things. Smiles, hugs, kisses, holding hands, little love notes. Little things.

I will end this post with the lyrics to the song I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womak:
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out
Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
(Time is a real and constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who)
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)

(Tell me who)
I hope you dance
(Wants to look back on their youth and wonder)
(Where those years have gone)

Late Arrival

I had all good intentions this morning. I woke up early, had everything ironed, lunches made...
even left the house early to take Arick to school. Ugh. I didn't know it was going to be THAT bad!
It started out down the street when I slid into a curb with my tire...thankfully. Lilo would have killed me if I would have scratched the rim! Then we continue on and pick up Sam (Arick's friend we carpool with). We get onto I-80 at Harlem Ave. STOPPED. Grrrreeeeeaaaattt! And that is Tony the Tiger Great! It took us 35 mins. to get from harlem Ave. to LaGrange Ave. when it usually takes 2 mins. TOPS! We get off and take 30. All the while we see two spin outs, 3 cars in ditches, an abulance, and a fire truck. No where in sight during my 2 hr and 45 min commute did I see ONE city snow plow. WOW. No wonder it was a nightmare! Thankfully I get to work relaxed, warm but unharmed. Remind me again why I LOVE Chicago so much??!!

Hello again

Well it's another Monday. ugh.
Arick just called and was super duper excite to tell me that a varsity volleyball coach approached him and asked if he was trying out for volleyball! WOW! I am so excited for him! This past weekend, Claudia got married. We took the kids to a small getaway at a hotel overnight for pizza and swimming. They had a blast. I am attaching a few photos of my two little fish!

Arick and Arielle stop to smile

Sledding!

My lil' man!

Princess Arielle

Arick and Arielle being silly

I took the kids sledding on our day off last Monday (January 19).
They had a blast! It started out crazy because my wonderful (and I sincerely mean that)
husband cleaned the garage a few weeks ago and put the sleds away . . . in the garge attic.
Now the attic is like 15 feet high and I am deathly afraid of heights. So I tried. I got the 10 foot ladder down, I climbed up, then down. Forget it. Let's go buy one. Dick's Sporting Goods . . . no sleds. Target . . . no sleds. OK. Let's make attempt number two. I got the 10 foot ladder down, I climbed up, then grabbed a swifter and pulled the sleds down. Hooray!

We ended up having a BLAST. I have added a few photos and video clips. I haven't laughed this hard in a while!

Natural Highs

I got this e-mail this morning and every single one of these are so true!
Here are 44 natural highs in life.

1. Falling in love.
2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.
3. A hot shower.
4. No lines at the supermarket.
5. A special glance.
6. Getting mail.
7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.
8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.
9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.
10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.
11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).
12. A bubble bath.
13. Giggling.
14. A good conversation.
15. The beach.
16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.
17. Laughing at yourself.
18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you
19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.
20. Running through sprinklers.
21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all.
22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.
23. Laughing at an inside joke with FRIENDS
24. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.
25. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.
26. Your first kiss (the very first).
27. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.
28. Playing with a new puppy.
29. Having someone play with your hair.
30. Sweet dreams.
31. Hot chocolate.
32. Road trips with friends.
33. Swinging on swings.
34. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.
35. Making chocolate chip cookies.
36. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.
37. Holding hands with someone you care about.
38. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.
39. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.
40. Watching the sunrise.
41. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.
42. Knowing that somebody misses you
43. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.
44. Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

Snow Day!

Well it is here. Arick got a snow day and poor Arielle did not. It is like -12º outside . . . could be worse, we could live in Anadyr, Russia where it is -27º with wind chills that feel like it is -53º.

I did learn a few new words today.
• Snotsicles (n.)
self explanatory definition. Ewwww.
and my favorite,
• Warm (adj.)
when the outside temp rises above 85º
(Its been too long)

Well it's cold but it's also January in Chicago. It's a dry cold. Not the dry heat you get in Arizona (Hi Dad!), but a dry cold for whatever that means. Thank God for remote start...lol.

This is the weather to make a big pot of soup...start a fire and CUDDLE!

For now, stay safe and warm and have a blustery afternoon!

Snowy Day

I am writing to you on a very wintery day. My children wished for a snow day but didn't dance hard enough. It is beautiful. The light, fluffy snow covering everything! I LOVE the snow sans the cold weather. I wish I could come up with a concept to have snow on a 95 degree day! I will post pics from this wintery mess!

My Arick has finals this week. He has studied so much. I am so proud of him.
My lil' Arielle; however, has yet to get the concept of studying down. She has a Science test today and we went over all the study sheets last night. She told me' "I can't. I just can't do it." She can. And she will.

Ahhh, children. The most joyous creatures on the face of this planet. I adore my babies.

I will end this blog with a quote to my children:
"Shoot for the moon . . . even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."

The start of blogging

I read an article in the Chicago Tribune yesterday that touched my heart. It was about a lady and her war against cancer. She blogged every day about her difficult journey. She inspired me. I thought that starting my own blog would be a good way to talk, scream, bitch, or share any good/bad news that I have or wish to share. That is one of my New Year's Resolutions...to reduce stress. haha...This blog is to share any experiences that I have had that may touch your heart. Welcome to my blog.