Chicago!

Chicago and I love each other! I love the big city and miss it so much. It has so much to offer that it's hard not to miss! A couple of weeks ago, I flew out without children to visit Jenny. We had an amazing time! I won't bore you with all the details, but I will tell you that we did very little and enjoyed every minute of it! We dined at the Melting Pot...so much fun, people watched in the Water Tower, looked at the Macy's Christmas windows...not very impressive this year, bought ornaments at the Christkingle (know that I didn't spell that right) market, and best yet had massages at my favorite spa Spacio!
If there is one thing that you do for yourself in this new year, please take the time to take care of yourself. I know that most of us (especially the moms) too often put ourselves on the list but never really get to it. This weekend in Chicago for myself was a perfect example. I came back refreshed and ready to take on the holiday season!

Little Signs

Many of you know that the four year anniversary of my mother's death was a couple of weeks ago. The days leading up to "the day" are an emotional roller coaster to say the least. This year has been no exception. Troy does an amazing job at trying to know when to step in and take over! Normally, we do something very Christmas-y and decorate and live in the moment with our family. However, this year I was in Chicago sans family. I went to visit my good friend Jenny for an extended weekend trip. It was a great choice for me!
Anyway, Friday morning found me standing in front of the church where Bren went to pre-K and where my good friend Karyn was guiding the children's choir for school Mass. I was unsure about how I felt. I have not yet confronted the feelings I have toward Him regarding my mother's passing. I felt a little uneasy walking in church on the day she was taken from me. Karyn and I had arranged to meet there before heading for hot chocolate/coffee at one of my favorite little places in Lincoln Square...I digress. I walked in for no other reason than it was freezing outside and I really was looking forward to seeing Karyn.
We had coffee and she talked me into coming back to church for the Blue Nativity program for the school. It was an amazing program! BUT the real moment for me was when the dozen or so performers sang a John Denver song! Those of you who knew my mom, know the obession she had with this man. A huge smile spread across my face and my heart leapt with joy! Was it just conincedence, or was someone trying to tell me that it's ok?! I'm not sure, but it turned out to be a pretty amazing day!

Feelings...

Just feeling so very sad lately...

Snow!!

Last night it finally snowed enough for the kids to play this morning. Now, when I say this morning, I really mean I let them head out around 7am, BEFORE the sun had a chance to make a huge appearance! They loved it! Brenden quickly made the first snow angel of the year and proceeded to get out his dump truck. Annie just ran around smiling and falling in to the snow. Even our dog Basil got into it, running and jumping around! It was fabulous! I had to make them come in to eat breakfast and lunch! Annie actually stayed out for quite a long time too.

Not only did that brighten my day, but I made baby blankets AND my new washer and dryer were delivered!!! What a day!