Spring Break

I can remember when spring break used to be filled with sunshine, bikini's, a few cocktails and good times with good friends.
Now, I spend spring break loving up on my two girls creating memories with them. This week marks spring break for all the kiddos and today we ventured off to the Shedd Aquarium. We ventured off to the big city with the neighbors in their mini van and when we got there, it was an hour and a half long line to get into the entrance. Good thing I packed a bag FULL of snacks because I needed them! Once we got in, it was a madhouse. My neighbor joked that I should get a job there because everyone kept coming up to me asking questions about the Shedd. Then, as my dad would say...the "ROSES" effect happened. After all that waiting and trying to keep two kiddos under my belt, a lady walked up to me and handed me a ticket for all of the attractions - which cost $37.50! She said, here honey, I am not going to use this ticket, and I would really like for you to have it. What an angel she was to walk up to me out of a line full of people. I felt so lucky! So we got into the Shedd for free, or at least I did, because the kids were already free.
We saw turtles, lobster, fish, jellyfish, penguins, you name it, we saw it. Isabella even got her face painted with a mermaid. Both girls rocked out the entire day without a nap. Their gonna sleep like babies tonight.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

May you be poor in misfortunes,
and rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness,
from this day forward,
May good luck be your friend,
In whatever you do,
And may trouble be always,
A stranger to you.

May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day. May songbirds serenade your every step along the way. May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that’s always blue. And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.

May the sun shine all day long, everything go right and nothing wrong. May those you love bring love back to you, and may all the wishes you wish come true.

May the friendships you make be those which endure and all of your Grey clouds be small ones for sure.

A video from San Diego with Syd and Iz

What a GREAT 30th Birthday Party!

Started off with Isabella Marie coming down the stairs singing me HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Today I am 3 she tells me. Well, I certainly don't want to be 3 again, but I loved 23! That was my favorite age. Giselle just smiled at me all day. Baxie looked at me funny.
Then Soupy came over with breakfast, her SMILE and a beautiful card, a memory and a special gift. Followed by my father paying a visit with a very special, super yummy ice-cream cake! What a surprise! And such a TREAT. A beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky and LOTS of sunshine. While the girls were playing, I got to rip out 4 thorn bushes and burn lots of leaves. No more skinning up my legs in the summer as I water my plants.
Their nap time brought a chance for me to read a magazine in the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine. The birds singing. The flowers budding. Betty Jean was smiling down at me from up above. And I embraced every single minute of it.

To my surprise, Bob popped home in between meetings and brought sushi, a cake from the bakery, flowers, balloons and gifts! YUM! Homemade gifts from my super sweet sister, niece and brother in law and a card to melt my heart. A funny card from my mother & father and law and meg followed by a great gift.
Bob leaves for work again and the doorbell rings. An edible arrangement delivered from my friend Monica with balloons. I put the kids to bed and think AH, what a PERFECT day to turn 30. Perhaps I will take a jacuzzi and relax with a few bubbles and turn in for the night. Neighbor calls and comes over with a few other neighbors with sangria, cards and gifts. Whew! On Sunday, my brother and law and sister surprised me with a cake and presents. What a day I say! And I can't wait to see what 31 brings.
Today I went to work and was treated to lunch by my boss and co-workers, ice cream, cards and more gifts. How special I feel! Thank YOU ALL for making me feel like a million bucks. I certainly enjoy bringing a SMILE to all of your faces each and every moment I get - BUT YOU ALL HAVE ME GLOWING. And I couldn't be more THANKFUL. LOVE YOU. XOXOXOOX

Isabella goes to San Diego to see her cousin Sydney

A couple of weeks ago, Isabella and I jetted off to see her cousin Sydney and Aunt Dawn in San Diego. We all had so much fun together and decided we should get together more often. The girls got to go on a carriage ride with an Irishman, visit Lego land, eat chocolate cake at the top of the tower overlooking the city, visit USS Midway Aircraft carrier, have a jacuzzi party, take the ferry over to Hotel del Coronado, have a silly hat party, a bath party and SO much more!
Sydney and Isabella were SO CUTE together and Sydney treated Isabella as if she were her younger sister. Check out some of the photos.

Happy Valentine's To ALL of YOU. May HEARTS surround YOU and YOURS

One of my second favorite holidays. Next to St. Patrick's Day. I love Valentine's day because it symbolizes hearts, love, the color red, pink and so much more. And for all of you that know me, I can't get enough of HEARTS. Ever.
May you all enjoy this special week. Take time out of your day...to say... I LOVE YOU. Do something out of the ordinary for your special someone. Give LOTS of kisses and hugs. And do this all week! Not just on Valentine's day. Strut your stuff and act like there is no tomorrow. Appreciate one another, even though you may feel your life is in fast forward and you can't slow down. Whether it be work, home or daily stresses, take this time to take a break and appreciate all that you love.
One Sunday morning, we woke up and I asked the girls if they wanted to play dress up and they said YES. They were super excited. So we shot some photos. Even if it only lasted for about 15 minutes before they got tired, they seemed to have fun.
Enjoy the photos of the girls. We ALL LOVE YOU. And may you all have a great Valentine's week. XOXOXOXO

Tiny Dancer

For months, I have watched Isabella dance around the house. One day, I finally asked her, "Isabella, Do you want to take dance classes?" And she responded with a yes! Off to researching I went, only to find that most dance classes were during Monday - Friday at 4 p.m. Two times per week. Was not going to work for our schedule.
Then, Bob sent me a link of a place that was local and offers Saturday classes for a half an hour.
I signed Isabella up and she was required to wear a blue leotard with sequins on the back accompanied with footless pink tights. For her first class, she was totally STOKED. Before the class had begun, she went dancing around in front of the mirrors by herself. Turns out, there are 4 girls in her class. For the first 15 minutes, Isabella was very shy and to herself. The last remaining 15 minutes, she was a ROCKSTA. She really opened up to her classmates and teacher.
I am anxious to see how she progresses with each class. She seems to be very creative and fun, it just takes her a while to open up to others.
Here are few pics I snapped from the day of the class. They waved scarves, walked the beam, balanced in the line and so much more. There are quite a few competitive moms out there who are really pushing their daughters in dance.
In conclusion, I just want her to have fun. Get out of the house in the winter. Socialize. Let loose of some of her energy. Those mothers can step away from me because I just want to see Isabella have FUN....