Chicago ~ Shopping with the girls

Last Saturday a small group of friends decided to go on a girls only shopping trip to Chicago. We all had to make purchases at the American Girl Store for Christmas, so instead of paying the high shipping, we decided to go and get away for the day! ALL of us really needed this time away. We all have kids, who we all love dearly, but us moms need a break too!

We began our day at 5 am. I don't think we stopped laughing until 2 am when we got home! It was the best time I have had away from home in a long time! (even though we didn't get to see Oprah) We had some great pizza for lunch..I can't remember the name of the place, (Kristin, you have to help me out here) but it was great. We also found the best popcorn. I guess people will line up for blocks to get this stuff, and Oprah loves it too, so it must be the best!! We did some shopping all around. We even went to a scrapbook place that was off the beaten path. I kept looking at Jennie with a very concerned look on my face, and of course she kept assuring me that we were ok! I just get a little scared when there are places with boards over the windows and Michael Jackson is walking down the road. Ok so not really Michael Jackson, but Kristin said it was him! TOO SCARY!!

At the end of the day we finally made it to the American Girl store. We all made our purchases and were very happy that we made this our last stop! Jennie bought enough to start her our store out of her house! We had a lot of bags!!

We decided to eat at the Cheesecake Factory, which was delicious! Thanks to Kristin and her mom for the extra money for drinks!! Here is the story behind Kristin's mom "Raising her Right". We went to the restaurant to get a table. She put her name in downstairs, I put my name upstairs. Which ever one called our name first, that's where we were going to eat. Well, after waiting about 45 minutes, we were told our table upstairs was just about ready. Well, we still had our other pager for downstairs. Kristin said she was not going to waste it and give it back to the hostess she was going to give it to the next person who walked in the door. So she did. The man and his wife thanked her and went downstairs. (they probably had a 10 minute wait compared to a 70 minute wait like everyone else) We got to our table and got "settled" in when this guy walks up and says to Kristin...."You are Kristin?" I think we all about died, because we didn't know how this guy knew Kristin. The we realized it was the guy she gave the pager to. (we forgot we told him the reservation was under Kristin). He thanked her and pulled out his wallet...He threw money on the table and said buy drinks on me! It was so amazing! He was so thankful what Kristin had done (and so were we). So here is a picture of Kristin with her Money!! What a great way to end a perfect day!

I didn't take a lot of pictures, I think I was too busy people watching and looking for weirdos. Mya--this is the only picture I have of you, well it was of you and Jennie in a cab, but Jennie looks like a cartoon character, and I don't think she would like to me post that picture..it was great meeting you. You were so much fun!

Oh, One more thing. Kristin gets money for being a great person and giving a man her reservation....Mya and I on the other hand, give a lady 65 cents only to have the same lady ask us for 65 cents again later down the road. We thought we were really helping someone out...that was our good deed for the day, but I really think it was a scam!!

Thanks girls for a great time! I can't wait to do it again! This time we will find OPRAH!!

Halloween 2008

Halloween this year was wonderful! We had great weather and had a great time! The kids and I went to Toys R Us for a pre Halloween parade. It was ok..I expected more...but Ryan enjoyed walking around Toys R Us in his costume!

The kids were very excited to go trick or treating! I think Ryan had been practicing for a week, and he was even teaching Madison what to say! She had it down! We were ready to go.

We decided to go to my brother Mike's neighborhood. Jason and Austin also joined us. Ryan loved having his cousin trick or treating with him. Poor Madison couldn't keep up with the boys. My mom and dad also joined us on our adventure! The kids were very excited to have Grammie and Papa go trick or treating with them! I think we only went trick or treating for about an hour and the kids got tons of candy. (which Mike has been taking to work each day)

Ryan's Halloween Party

Today was Ryan's first Halloween party at school! He was so excited all week. (I think I was just as excited as he was) I was so impressed with all of his singing! I love watching all the little ones sing and dance. We loved every minute of it! Mrs. Simon and Miss Bell really did a great job and I give them so much credit. Having 18 3 year olds all in one room and all under control is very impressive!

Ryan was so excited to see Daddy, Grammie and Papa at his party. I guess Me and Madison are the ones who drop him off and pick him up everyday, so we are pretty boring, but when Daddy, Grammie, and Papa come...LOOK OUT!! Gotta love him!!

As I look at the video and the pictures I took today, I have to admit I got a little teary eyed because I am seeing him grow up to be a very independent little boy! Mrs. Simon stopped Mike and I on the way out today and said, "He doesn't look like the little boy who walked in here in September, does he?" And he doesn't, he has grown so much in the last 2 months! In September he was the little boy who didn't want to go to school, didn't want me to leave, and would cry when I would leave. Now he wants to go to school, he doesn't care that I leave (he still requires a big hug and a big kiss before I leave), and he does not have any tears when I leave! What a difference 2 months and a great teacher make!! (now let's hope Mrs. Simon is around for when Madison goes to school, fingers crossed!!)

Halloween Gifts from Grammie

Ok, I don't EVER remember getting gifts for Halloween. Especially what my mom got the kids. We went to Sam's club the other night and the kids fell in love with these animals. Ryan loved the dinosaur and Madison loved the horsey. They are extremely cute but for Halloween??? What happened to candy, and Mom did you now read my last post?!? Just because both the kids cried and said they wanted one, she got it for them! They are really cute and the kids do really love them. But now I have to find room for these too! Geeze, I thought Christmas was just around the corner! If this is what they get for Halloween, I wonder what they will get for Thanksgiving??????

WARNING: ADULT CONTENT BELOW

This next picture Ryan did all by himself! I was on the computer and he kept saying... "we are all together mom" I just said "uh huh Ryan, that's great". He kept saying it and saying it, so I finally turn around and see this.........

I about died! I couldn't believe it! I was laughing so hard...of course I had to grab the camera and take a few pictures! Of course, this is all innocent to him, but to most adults, well, um..you have to admit, it's pretty damn funny! I wonder where he gets this stuff from! It must be his dad!!

Thanks again Grammie for the very friendly animals!! I just hope we don't have babies, because I DO NOT have anymore room in my house!!

Dear Santa.....

I know it's getting time when you are going to be getting a ton of wish lists from many kids. Well, when you get Ryan and Madison's list please consider these photos before full filling their wishes.

These kids have just about every toy Fisher Price makes. Believe it or not, Ryan is always complaining about never having any toys to play with. The kids could start their own band with all the instruments they have. (I must say Madison is pretty good on the piano) Remember Santa, this is only the stuff we have upstairs. Our basement and our garage is full of toys! I don't know why you would bring all these toys for Ryan and Madison each year! It just amazes me! So this year please downsize everything! Maybe a couple cars for Ryan and a couple dolls for Madison. So when you get their list or when they sit on your lap and tell you what they want, just remember these pictures!