It's not even Halloween yet, but

It's that time again! Time to get started on holiday cards. Yes! I know. It is not even Halloween. And although I normally push it off until the week before Christmas, this year I shall be on top of things. It is my New Year's resolution, before the New Year! Anyway, instead of ordering the same ole cards with a picture of my kiddos on the front, I discovered a MUCH better idea. They are the MOST adorable cards EVER designed by budding young artists who are also patients at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. It called "Children's Expressions," and there are a ton of choices and they can be personalized. What a wonderful idea!

The best part? Every purchase directly benefits the hospital’s "Family Services." The program helps support families coping with their child’s illness and stay at Childrens'.

Click here for the on-line storehttp://www.childrensmemorial.org/store/cards/default.asp?catID=3 or call 1.877.901.4264.

Rebel with cause

So, I have never been one of those rebellious types. I never drank in high school. Never got a tatoo. Never dyed my hair an unnatural color (well, I would like to think my blonde looks natural)...until this week. Salons all across the country are offering a way to bring out your inner rebel and fight breast cancer. For 10 bucks you too can have some pink hair extensions. I got two. You can only image the stares I must get when dropping off my son at nursery school. Ha Ha! Last year salons raised a half a million dollars. Now, about that tatoo...;)

It's what's for breakfast!

This morning we went over to support our local firefighters through their annual breakfast. It was a good excuse to get out of making something at home while helping fund the many good deeds of our firefighters. They do a stand-up job while on emergency calls, but they ALSO do alot of educating in the schools. They put on the fire garb and tell the children vital things like IF there is ever a fire that is what they will look like; masks and oxygen tanks. So don't be scared and run from them when they are trying to get you to safety. Smart thinkin'.

Think Pink

October is Breast Cancer awareness month although every month is a great time to do what we can to help fight the disease from all angles. Consider it an assault of sorts.
Help honor survivors, their families and those who are on the scientific front lines of fighting breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer with five mile walks all across the country (164 events) and Illinois. Many of us are stepping out Oct. 18th! This is the tenth year for the events here in the Land of Lincoln.
Funds raised help educate us all about reducing cancer risk and will help with lifesaving research and support programs. To find dates and places near you, check out http://www.makingstridesillinois.com/

What ya got for me?

If you have spent anytime on this blog, you may have read about my love for CASA. Court Appointed Special Advocates for children do just that; advocate for children who have been removed from homes due to abuse or neglect. Many of these stories are brutal and almost unbearable to hear. Once such case involved three young sisters. Their mom was in prison for drugs, dad was MIA and they lived with their grandma until she passed.They were then placed in a foster home. The youngest sister (a toddler) is in a hospital fighting grave cancer. Heartbreaking. The CASA helps ensure the children get the services and help they need. Some of these generous foster families need a little extra help along the way to make sure the kids are cared for in all ways. It could be a crib, a name of a service agency or even help at the hospital. My long winded point is these children, who are all of OUR children, need our help. So I thank people like Jules Ross. Although she is not part of CASA, she did take time to load up her truck and drop off a ton of wonderful toys, clothes and other items for children who could use them where they live. A stroller, a dollhouse , a winter coat...all are needed and loved by these young ones and those who now care for them. So thank you!

So long Summer!

We say goodbye to a summer we barely had time to enjoy. The plan was for me to camp out overnight with Johnny. That meant figuring out how to pitch the tent and then get that big ole blow up mattress to fit inside of it. I packed along brownies and magazines and made sure the Iphone was charged up. All that work and we ended up sleeping back at home in our own beds. Well, we tried. We did get to enjoy the cookout and fireworks at the club. They also had an outdoor movie and make your own smores for us.

On the Road Again~

This is my truck, otherwise known as The BEAST. She is mammouth. Today it was packed to the brim with baby loot.It was like Christmas in August. These things which include a high chair, crib, bathtub, bassinet and bedding are on their way to a foster family who desperately needs them for the little ones they are now caring for. The items are a result of people who have been so generous in giving their unused items to THE CASA Closet. Right now the closet is empty of items for children from 5-12 years old. School is starting this week. Many of these children who have been removed from homes due to abuse and neglect are now in foster homes or group homes and do not have much to wear. So if you happen to have some things your ever growing children can no longer wear or use, please let me know!

How Did It Get There?

Some of us from CASA of Lake County spent the better part of Thursday night painting picture frames and then the rest of the night getting the black paint off of everything else we didn't mean to paint as well! It was so much fun to just sit and paint while catching up with each other and the work everyone is doing as advocates. We are getting ready for the annual ball "Here's Looking at You CASA Kids!" CASAblanca VI is in November and there's no time to waste getting ready.

These frames will become just part of the centerpieces for the tables. There are some great items and opportunities for auction along with a few other surprises. Be an Everyday Hero, Speak Up for a Child.

The Peapod Project and Childrens Memorial

It was 66 degrees and sunny and felt just like football weather today. I expected to see fall colors in the trees. It's August people! Not Yet! It was perfect for Jennifer Naida, Johnny and I to walk along the Diversey Harbor. It was part of the run/walk for the Peapod Project for Childrens Memorial. The project was started after a Chicago couple lost their baby shortly after she was born. The nurses saved their daughter's little hat and blanket. They gave them the mementos which have become so important. So now they are making sure other families who lose their babies, children or teenagers have resources to help and keepsake boxes. Love this idea! Jennifer and I both have friends who have gone through similar ordeals. Photographs, lockets of hair, anything can be so precious.

You're Invited!

And help make sure abused and neglected children have a voice that is heard. We'd love to see ya there!

Want Some Candy Little Ones?

A group of us from CASA Lake County were part of the Lake Forest Days Parade today. It is an annual tradition for Lake Forest and the Lake Forest American Legion Post 264. We came armed with a few wagons full of candy.It was apparently not enough for the thousands of parade fans. At one point I thought my son was in the middle of a mosh pit (how old school is THAT term?)when about a dozen kids descended upon his wagon. Of course later down the road (or route), a really cute group of "older" girls made up for it. He was MORE than happy to hand out candy to them!

It's Ladies Night, or Ladies Day at Arlington.

As it should be EVERYDAY! Today we hit Arlington Park. It is a place my husband has been part of for many years now and where we had our second date. It is also where they held an all day event for Susan G. Komen this weekend. It is the largest foundation in the world for breast cancer education and funding. We had a tee ball game earlier that day, but we were able to make it out there in time to check out the event tent and some of the most amazing Derby Worthy hats (designed by a local Skokie woman too!) a gal could dream of. It was shopping for a good cause and I picked up a couple of lucky horse shoes for people close to me who have and are battling breast cancer. Take it down ladies!! While there, a fabulous photographer asked to take some shots and I wound up on his big ol website! Bob Milkovich is a magician;)
1) Elaine from Chapeau Creations. 2) Shots from the day and website.

Don't Rain on This Parade!

So here in Chicago, it has been a summer without a summer. Of course I write that now and tomarrow we will get slammed with a month long heat wave;) So this 4th of July was a bit Spring-like with rain and all. But that rain did not stop us...oh no! Our son was very intent on waving to each and every person along the parade route. You can see from his face, just how serious a job it was for him. I couldn't help but laugh. Plus, he is in love with fire trucks and they were all along the trip, so he kept looking back to see one truck behind us and almost kept taking out people around us with his bike. Later, it was his first time to stay up extra late to see the fireworks. I stayed at home with Ali who slept right through all the rucus. I would love to sit in on his dreams tonight! A thank you goes out to everyone who has and is and will be putting their lives on the line for the rest of us so we may have the chance to vote, to voice our opinions freely, to gripe about the weather and to pursue our own states of happiness. 1)Handsome Daddy reviewing the parade protocol2)Ali, all laid back. Don't you want the same kind of set up?3)He is taking it Soo seriously and is SOO professional with the wave!Future politician? We can only hope.

The Post Baby Gift About a Year in the Making...

There is a photographer a few friends had gone to in the past. He made them all look the best they have ever looked. Well, I wanted some of that, especially when I was about 8 months along and hopped up on those roids. After Ali arrived, I knew it would take a lot of blood , sweat and tears to get anywhere close to my old clothes again. In fact, I knew they may just remain part of the distant past. Whatever. Bigger things, right? Still, I told my husband that when I got back to the old me (only better;) ) I wanted to shoot with Clay Spann. So a dear friend of mine and I flew down to Dothan, Alabama. We did it. We got glammed up and photographed. And I have pictures that look better than I will EVER look. But someday, when I have great grandkids, I can whip out some of these shots and they will hopefully marvel at the person from back when we only had things like IPhones to communicate. Lighting and Make-up are everything!

Looking For Something to Do?

Rock-A-Bye the River. It's a new event this year to help raise money for billboards across the state which will educate those who pass about the Safe Haven Laws. It's a fun way to get the job done and all thanks to the hours of effort by volunteers and board members like Dawn, Kellie,Penny and Angie. You guys rock-literally!

Where Did the Past Year Go?

Technically, maybe a one-year old is a toddler to some, but Ali will always be MY baby. She is an angel and our family is so blessed she is one of us. We did a sort of Birthdayfest. We celebrate her actual Birth Day with the traditional Ice Cream cake courtesy Baskin Robbins and then on Saturday we had some of the kids on the street over for lots 'O sugary cupcakes and whatnot. She is proof of how fast a year flies when you are busy living!1)Wonder what the kids are thinking?2)Her little princess hat, which she hated!3)The cupcake...bring on the cupcake!4)Ready for summer WHEN it arrives thanks to this gift.

A March of Dime in the Rain

It was the annual March for Babies this weekend. All over the country walks took place to help raise both awareness and funds for the March of Dimes. This year I walked in honor of my dear friend's son. He was born at almost 24 weeks at a pound and half. The day of the walk was his original due date and he is now over 6 pounds and thriving. My baby girl, Ali, and I were set to walk as "Team Rocky," but Mother Nature had her mind set on sending us frigid rain and thunderstorms. She didn't disappoint. So at the last minute I recruited my three year old son Johnny and we walked the 4 plus miles. Well, I pushed him in the jogger as he ate the handed out Luna Bars under the rain cover. He loved the action and the Lou Malnati's pizza that was waiting for us at the end of the race. I have a sneaky feeling he will be asking to go to more of these events with me now;)

Come and Get It!!

Well the issue is now out on newsstands and finding its way to mailboxes here in Chicago. It was an honor to be profiled in Sheridan Road magazine. They interviewed me about the juggling one does as a mom, journalist and volunteer. And I found they also profiled make-up mogul Bobbi Brown who is from the area. The best part? The picture I now have with my two babies. As I learned around Christmas, getting a shot with two young children can be quite the balancing act itself so I am glad to have the picture

Made with Love

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Did you know approximately 3 million reports of child abuse are made a year in the United States? It is estimated that the actual number of incidents of abuse and neglect is THREE TIMES more than what is reported. The Chicago Police Department makes sure baby blankets are on hand at more than a dozen of the city's shelters for those who are able to flee. And so this week, many of us got together to spend part of the day making baby blankets for those children. They are so easy to make, even I, the crafty novice found my creative genius.

Pajama Jam 09!

We were able to attend "Pajama Jam," which is a fundraiser for John's nursery school. It was held at the Kohl's Childrens' Museum and was the perfect setting for all the children to run around. And we all wore PJ's-what a great excuse to not get dressed! Johnny slept like a champ afterward!

A Night to Dream:The Cove School

Saturday night was date night. John and I went to the Gala of Dreams for The Cove school. They are an amazing a school for children who have various learning challenges. It is an intensive program catering to each student's needs and they serve more than 50 school districts in Illinois. Even though attendance was down ten percent this year, they were still able to raise 20-percent more this time.

Court Appointed Special Avocates=CASA

For the longest time I have wanted to be a child advocate. It requires a long term commitment and so I waited until we were finished having babies and I felt I had life settled-somewhat. I decided to be a CASA for Lake County. As CASA's, we act as the extra set of eyes and ears for the Juvenile Court Judges. We handle individual cases in juvenile court which involve victims of child abuse and neglect. As we all know, the court systems and the caseworkers are simply overloaded. With such a time crunch, details or real life can get lost in the paperwork. CASAs are unbiased and are able to spend much more time with a child. We are able to talk with teachers, therapists, doctors,family ect about how the child is doing and what may be in their best interest. As a judge said to us this week, they only get a snapshot sometimes of a child's needs and we are able to serve them by giving the clear picture and make recommendations based on those findings. It was a wonderful six week training that made me want to be part of the organization even more and the others in our classes are outstanding! I cannot say enough about everyone involved, be it CASA, the Judges, attorneys and caseworkers. Believe me when I tell you how much they all care and work to keep the child the focus. This is when we were sworn in by the Judges Lessman and Judge Waites. Top notch ladies!

Very Ooo La La!

Today a crew from Sheridan Road Magazine came to the house. They are a gorgeous glossy magazine focusing on life along the North shore. They are doing a profile on me and took pictures of me with the kiddos. So needless to say, our house is in tip top shape...for now. I have been a cleaning fool! If you could have seen me ten minutes before they arrived. Rollers in my hair while I attempted eyeliner, meanwhile my son was trying to help me put on my heels...on the wrong feet;) Now THAT is the shot they needed! With the training I am part of right now, my Papa's passing and everything else going on, it has been a steady effort. Now, time to put on a pair of sweats and relax for a moment. Where are Ben and Jerry? The issue should be out in March. This was a picture after the shoot with everyone from the magazine who were so much fun to work with.

I Will Survive, Hey! Hey!

It was one of many songs on the IPOD which gave out on the way downtown for the Kohl's Step up for Kids. How is that for timing? So I sang it in my head instead. We climbed the Aon Building for Childrens' Memorial Hospital. I "thought," I trained well for the 1600 plus steps. They say if you can run a 5k you can do this. They obviously meant "If you can SPRINT a 5k, you can do this." My heart was in overdrive, but I did it. The volunteers were great and cheered us on in the stairwells while handing out water. Children from the hospital decorated the walls of the 80 floor stairwell for us also. Anyone who knows me, will tell you I am an open book who will give you the truth when asked. So...I did stop at floor 40 and wonder why I thought this would be a "fun," Sunday morning. And when I did reach the 80th floor and I entered the ballroom, I did think I may lose it. No, I am actually very surprised I didn't lose it. I think my time was 27 minutes and yes, I did get passed by a couple of kids. But I did it and I raised about a thousand dollars. My climb though, was dedicated to the very early debut (23 weeks) of a friend's little boy who is quite the fighter. He is proof there are miracles. And now,a few days later, I remember the climb as being kind of fun.Would that be the oxygen deprivation? So next year I will train by doing some serious sprints so those kids won't catch me next time.1)Up the escalators and to the stairwells I go.2)I brought this miracle along

The Big Show.

We took John to his first big show. Disney's Fantasy on Ice or something along those lines. We had front row seats, which meant we sat on the ice which was pretty cool and a bit cold. But we live in Chicago, so we are used to it this winter. He loved the start of it. You can't get much better than Mater and Lighting McQueen!

Farewell to a true gentleman.

My grandfather, otherwise known as Papa, fell ill this last week. He passed quickly and peacefully. Still, the loss is hard and something I am not good with. I guess there aren't too many of us who are good at it. He was a decorated Air Force pilot during WWII. He was known for his BBQ, gentle ways and for setting my mom up with his son. Good choice! His wife of 65 years and my Grandma Lar passed from Parkinsons while I was on bedrest about 7 months ago.I was able to go an say goodbye to them both this time. I just know those two are back together and carrying on again. And there are times when I feel like they are here, checking in on those great grand babies of theirs. Every time a light flickers or a toy makes a random noise...I wonder. I know, strange. But I like to think my children have two amazing guardian angels up there watching over them. I know this picture of the three of us is very old, but I also know my Grandma Lar loved it.