Christmas Scenes from the Living room 2007

Note the train under the tree :-)

The Found Nativity

In the past when storing things in the attic it had been discovered that the previous owners had left some things in the attic. One of those things was a nativity. Our nativity was nice, but some was built out of saguaro cactus skeleton and on its last legs. Also the figures in the found nativity were marked "Woolworth" and "Made in Japan". Add that to the fact that the wise men had color (when's the last time anyone saw THAT?) which according to the bible and where they came from would be about right, we decided that this would be our new nativity. The fireplace mantle is deep enough to hold it, and it also has an outlet so we can put the lights up for stars as we like to do.

The Lovely Princess

Ava has taken to dressing up in her nightgown (beautiful dress), tiara, and "jewels". Here are a few shots of her in all her regalness.

Circa 1971

Yesterday playing restaurant with Ava the following conversation occurred:
Me: "What a lovely restaurant you have here!"
Ava: " Thank you. It was built in 1971. I've worked here since 1975."
Now that is quite a feat for someone born in 2003. And a lot of dedication.

So sad to leave

We packed up (almost all) our belongings and set out the morning after Thanksgiving. We had intended to have corncakes at one of my favorite places, and actually found it quite easily from directions Matt gave us but they were closed. We were toast. We drove and drove and found nothing that looked like somewhere we would be able to feed the kids. So I began to despair but as PJ drove around (seriously he gets around so well in Chicago, it's like he's lived there!) I spotted a place that appeared cozy and open. So he found a parking spot (also quite an achievement in that city) and we went in. The place was called Nookies, and aside from the fact that they only accepted cash (there was an atm in the lobby) which irritated me for some reason, it looked great. And it was. There was a reasonable amount of business there, but the service was great and the food was really good too. All in all a good experience. After a few minutes of looking around it became apparent that we were in Lincoln Park. Really well dressed people, some of which looked really disinterested about anything, really. Without the hunger pangs I was able to notice some of the homes on the way back to the car. So beautiful. I love Lincoln Park. There's too much money there, so in addition to not being able to afford it it would not be somewhere I would find people of my own ilk as it were, but since I was a child there's always been something special about that area. After breakfast we headed down to Trader Joes (seriously that man has GPS in his head or something because he found it effortlessly) and purchased provisions. We are already on our last box of Joe's O's and our last container of apple juice, but there are other things (like the mega ginormous bottle of olive oil and the numerous bottles of salad dressing and of course soap) that will keep us going for quite a while. The day we left was quite beautiful if still quite cold, so I tried to squeeze in a few photos out the car window. I know, VERY professional. But still, you can maybe see what I see in this big beautiful city. (I have mentioned before on this blog that every time we go to Chicago I think I might want to live there and by the time we leave I think I will never ever think of living there again, but this time due to the holiday there was VERY little traffic, so the consideration remained. I am sure only until next time.)

James' First El Ride!

It was cold. And it had snowed. But we all knew that James likes trains. And we all knew that Ava liked the el. And we all watched for the Pink Line that ran outside the living room window. So after dinner we bundled the kids up and walked down to the Damen station. We used Matt's CTA card, and waited on the platform. It was Thanksgiving, and evening, and very cold so there was not a lot of activity. There was a very nice gentleman who worked for the CTA emptying the trash cans and we chatted with him for a minute under the heat lamps provided for train passengers, hoping he would find a moment of warmth on this cold Thanksgiving night. When the train arrived, Ava was excited, but James was apprehensive. He is still smallish for these things, and although he fussed only a little, I think during the whole experience he was feeling unsure. We rode 4 or 5 stops down, and got off to ride back. We realized after detraining that we had lost one of his mittens. (It occurs to me that the other one is still on the dashboard of the wagon.) We held his hand and waited for the train to come and take us back, again under the heatlamps. I laughed on the return trip as Jason and I were reminiscing about trips to Bullocks at the Fashion Square (where Dillards is now) where he would be buying Marithe and Francois Girbaut clothes, and one of the gentlemen on the platform on the first leg of the return trip was wearing MFG jeans. By first leg of the trip I mean to say that we got off the train a stop early accidentally. Instead of walking (it was snowy and icy) we opted to wait for the next train. It was fun overall, but will become much more fun next summer when James is a bit bigger and it is less chilly!

Anticipation

On a trip to Chicago last year (I think it was) it didn't occur to me until I was almost there that I was going to have to drive over the Skyway. I have a thing with bridges since the honeymoon trip in Oregon and Washington (don't even get me started on being in a car there- it was one of the previously mentioned experiences where hurling myself from the car seemed like a good idea) and the Skyway has been daunting, but not an issue as my beautiful husband is usually more that willing to drive. But on said trip, I was talking to Jason (who called to check my eta) and when he asked where I was and I couldn't give an answer, he asked if I had gone over the Skyway yet. I about slammed on the brakes. Thinking better of it, I chose to nearly hyperventilate instead. We discussed the odds of the bridge collapsing, how they were slim to none, and we discussed my stellar ability to keep the car on the road in my own lane in worse than perfect conditions, and how today would be no different as we had near perfect weather. I hung up immediately to worry and ponder and before you knew it the bridge was in sight. I talked my self over the bridge (literally) and felt such a sigh of relief after being on solid ground. I promised that if I made it safely over the bridge I would not complain about whatever traffic happened to be on the Dan Ryan waiting for me. I would not care that the cars were not moving in the Express lane if we could just make it over the bridge. Which of course we did. And I kept my promise and did not complain about the inevitable traffic on the Dan Ryan. And since that trip, I remember the relief and sheer happiness when the skyline came into view. And since then I also do not feel the sheer disappointment of not getting the whole skyline in view if the weather is bad. It is just so nice to be there. So here are a few pictures of the feeling I get when coming into Chicago.

Gary Indiana Gary Indiana Gary Indiana

Keeping in mind that the weather was cloudy and quite gray, it occurred to me that the scenery in Gary was not all that different than we had experienced in the past. (Just kidding- we've been through when there was a faintness of blue sky hiding behind all the plumes of smoke coming from the unknown industrial behemoths lining the lake.) There is always wonder when driving through Gary- what kind of town it once was, the families that thrived with the employment provided by the steel mills and whatever else is (was) there, what kind of families live there now, how much unemployment there is, depression so close to such a beautiful city and amazing lake that provides so much. And what the town and it's industriousness did to the lake that sustained it. But before you can fathom these things any farther, the John Hancock and Sears Tower come into view, and it's a whole new world. I truly love Chicago, and am blessed to have such wonderful and welcoming friends there. Jason and Matt are family, they treat us truly like family, all of us. Ava is in love with Matt (as I understand many girls her age are apt to be) and they made us feel at home. Even though James had a bit of a hard time, I will not hesitate to go back. And not only because we left Kashi (Ava's cabbage patch doll) and the booster seat. We will go because it is always great to love and be loved. Like we are and do in Chicago.

Too many pictures from Chicargo

I have been overwhelmed with the task of updating the blog in addition to my motherly and wifely duties (not that I have been updating those with that much enthusiasm either) so we are going to skip ahead a bit. A few picture postings and a few musings, but not so much that I get too far behind. Here are a couple of photos of the onslaught of snow and sleet that hit us on the 30. It was before Valporaiso, where things got a bit better. We found a Burger King open there and grabbed some lunch. What a precursor to such a wonderful meal we had when we arrived! PJ was a champion and drove safely and well, and I did not once want to hurl myself from the car or pull a woolen cap over my eyes and pray for it to end. (I may be a little dramatic, but there have been a couple of times where I felt these were viable options!)

Sorry Folks, only open till 7ish

Found on 22nd Street past Chinatown on the way to Jason and Matt's place. I am terribly sorry for the slacking in the blogging. Not sure how I have gotten myself so busy, but it seems that's so. I have fallen quite a bit behind, but will slowly try to recover, starting with the photos from Chicargo.

We interrupt our Chicago posting for a sleepy chicken picture

Thanskgiving in Chicargo

Jason and Matt were making a meal for Thanksgiving and invited us. As it's been since July since we've seen them, we decided to go. It was less than 48 hours, but what a trip it was~! I'll do the trip in a few posts to share the photos, which were mostly taken from the car window. First, we hit snow half way there. And not just any snow- LOTS of freezing rain and snow that made the road slippery. I am always grateful to PJ for driving on trips like this, and never complaining, especially when there is weather. It was coming down for a while, and after about a half an hour subsided a bit, but surprisingly enough there was enough snow on the ground and low enough temperatures that it stuck! And continued to stick as you will see later. So here is the road on the way into Chicargo. (I still call it Chicargo- that is the name Ava gave it in her second year of life and it's one of those words that stuck!)

Baby You're a Star

Ava's preschool has this thing where each child is the Star of the Week for one week of the year. They are allowed to bring in a posterboard decorated to their taste, and something for show and tell, and a favorite book to read to the class, and hopefully a snack to share as well. Serendipitously, Ava's week fell into the week that Tom and Debbie were here. We got her posterboard decorated with pictures of her family, and of Lionel Fred and Belly of course, and she colored and used stickers as well. It was quite lovely. That Tuesday of her week, we dropped her and her posterboard off, and it was decided that Tom and Deb would join her Wednesday with a snack, and we would all (even James!) go on Thursday to help out with their Thanksgiving celebration where they would eat and make some crafts. I thought it would be lovely to make Gram's sugar cookie recipe for Ava's snack on Wed, so off we went. We got some shortening (!!) at the Pio Market (my new favorite, really) and prepared them. Ava was able to stay up late that night making them as it took some time for them to firm up. I had put them together before going off to my dental appt (fillings?!) at noonish, and after dinner, we were still having trouble rolling them. So into the freezer they went for 20 minutes or so, which did the trick. We put our aprons on, greased the cookie sheets, and went to work. Or I should say our Ava went to work. That sweet girl not only rolled those cookies, she cut them out (I have one cookie cutter and it's a star!) and placed them on the cookie sheets with minimal help. She was so excited to decorate them that only half had icing- she wanted to put some kind of decoration, the sprinkles, on right away. They turned out quite good and there was enough for everyone in her class. Apparently, she even had eaten exactly half a cookie and took the remaining half in to the preschool directress, stating that she really wanted to share her cookie. Mrs. L said Ava was sooo serious, and had done an excellent job at leaving half the cookie. It was the cutest thing how earnest she was, and her little teeth marks rounding out the lovely cookie she had so carefully prepared. What a girl! She brought in Peter Pan to read, I think, and they went over her posterboard so she could tell everyone about her family and pets. She had a great time. The next day we all went in, and we took turns watching James as he seriously enjoyed himself at her class. I helped the kids make Indian headdresses made of construction paper, which was in addition to the pilgrim hats, the pasta necklaces, and the bingo game that Tom called. It was quite fun! I was so glad, as I think was Ava and Tom and Debbie that they were here for her special week. It really made her feel more special. And she really couldn't be more special, she is that great!

Happy Early Thanksgiving Late

We had out of town guests here for the Thanksgiving Holiday that were leaving prior to Thanksgiving proper, so it was determined that we would make the dinner on Saturday. That way there would be leftovers and football for the next day, and it would be relaxing prior to their return on Monday. So we purchased an Amish turkey from Jamisons down the street, and planned our menu. We cooked several dishes from the America's Test Kitchen cookbook (an invaluable resource!) and it all turned out so good. Deb brought roasters from Grams kitchen, for which I was truly grateful, and we got our 10 lb bird all thawed and ready to go. I was so busy that I didn't stop to think of taking any photos! We stuffed the bird with onions, lemons, and rosemary. (It was decided after the Chicago bird that the bag was the way to go, so next year, PJ I will do it!) We made store bought (Mrs. Smith's) dutch apple and pumpkin pies, mashed sweet potatoes with orange zest and maple syrup (ATK), glazed carrots, (ATK), skillet green beans (ATK), cresent rolls, 2 stuffings (Pepperidge Farms divided in two, both with sauteed celery and onion, and one with turkey liver, the other with chopped oysters), and cranberry sauce (ATK) with a splash of Triple Sec (I didn't have Grand Marnier). So super yummy! In addition to all that, Tom and Deb had taken the kids to the Concordia Thrift store up the street and acquired an electric ice cream machine. We made vanilla, and although it was a bit of work (no doubt doubly so as it was the first time we had made it) it turned out great. So my next run to the library will include being on the lookout for an ice cream maker cookbook. Mmmm. We have a few friends who are really going through a hard time, and it reinforces all that we have to be thankful for. We are truly grateful for our family and friends, and we wish the best for you all. Happy Thanksgiving!

Fire!

It was decided that since it was going to be in the mid to low 30's on the Saturday prior to Thanksgiving (the day we made our meal) that it would add substantially to the ambiance if we had a fire in the fireplace. It was awesome. PJ got some wood from some friends of ours that don't use it due to their curious little one, and we brought home enough, that when used in conjunction with the few pieces of birch that were left here when we bought the house, we had a lovely fire most of the afternoon and into the night. PJ has skillz, and I didn't realize how good his fire building skillz are. He hasn't had much opportunity to put them to use as the house in South Bend had a gas log. But nonetheless, skillz he has and here is my sweet husband next to his roaring fire. Notre Dame won their game, and the Lawrence Welk show was even a little better by firelight. Who knew?

Chairs

3 Heywood Wakefield type chairs spotted at a garage sale driving home from the gym: $10.00
Modernish fabric gotten for 40% off at the fancy fabric store: $25.69
New Dining Room Decor: Priceless

Goodnight.

It's late, kids. There will be more soon. Fire, cookies, and furniture. No, we did not eat cookies while burning furniture. But all three elements will be seen soon. If there's no rain, there may even be trees, reindeer, and an abundance of illumination. And don't forget Chicago. I loooove Chicago. In my dreams we live there. Then we go and I am glad that we don't. But will post some pics of why I love it so.

Further Evidence that my son is completely adorable

Watching Lawrence Welk on Such a Saturday Night.

PJ and I were both way off (he said '79, I said '77, and it was '73!!!) but nevertheless the music, dancing, costumes and showmanship did not disappoint. James sat and enjoyed the entertainment while his sister danced around the house trying to keep up with Bobby and Sissy. I heart Larry.

Jail Version 2.0

Now that jail has gone out of my life, (for now?), we have jail's cousin living at the top of the stairs. Any kind of confinement can be good for Mom's mental state when we have such a curious boy about. Notice the arm of a fleeing girl in one of the pictures. Not sure what kind of hijinx she is up to. One can never be sure.

First Evidence of Snow, November 6 2007

Chilly Weather

One evening as PJ arrived home from work, I stated that I wanted to take the dogs for a walk. James was coming down the stairs at the time, unbeknownst to us, and PJ said "James will want to go." We believe he heard the "go", for he hustled the rest of the way down the stairs, marched to the hall closet, pointed to the coats, and made his little excited noise. How could we leave him? So we bundled up and off we went. This is just evidence of his bundled cuteness.

The Burning Bush is Finally Burning

The Big Reveal, or Thank You Kresent!

I had forgotten that the 2 weekends between Halloween and the arrival of T and D were spent doing the tile! We had looked and looked for tile. We brought home samples from 3 different tile stores, and none were quite right. Then of course PJ comes home with a tile from Home Depot that has every color we want in it. And as a bonus, there is a matching strip that, if used in conjunction with a 6x6 tile above and below, would mean minimal cutting. So we went for it!!! PJ started one weekend, and got all the tile up. The guy at the one tile store told him to seal before and after grouting, so he completed that as well. (We have yet to apply the second coat with the grout.) The following weekend, he applied the grout, and I actually got involved. We busted it out in a couple of hours, not including touchups. (We used a cake decorating tool to work on touch ups. It worked!) Cleanup, on the other hand, took a lot longer. I called that a process. Grout was everywhere. But now it is quite beautiful, and I have moved on to finding a paint color. PJ's Aunt Kresent was responsible for the tile, and a big thank you to you for that. I cannot tell you how nice it is to have a reasonably lovely kitchen. We have been in the house for nearly a year, and after the trouble with the Richlite, then finally settling on the laminate, it is so very nice to be in a kitchen that is a lovely environment to work in. Especially as winter is well on it's way, and I really like to spend a good amount of time in the kitchen in the winter cooking and baking. And now, what a nice place to be in!

Halloween

The Roussels came for dinner and the guys took the 3 kids out trick or treating. Katie and I hung out and gave out candy, and after a while she went down to her brothers house where the boys had the kids. There were tons of trick or treaters. People driving up and dropping their kids off, kids not in costumes, kids not having any manners at all. It was sad. But also there were the kids who were very industrious. Homemade costumes. Inexpensive clever costumes. So it was also awesome. We ran out of candy, which is a first. I turned the lights out at 15 minutes before the official "over" time, and PJ and the kids came home very shortly afterwards. Ava wanted to be a mermaid, and following PJ's request/suggestion that we only do homemade costumes, I set out to make her a mermaid. However, it was apparent that the way I had planned to do it probably wasn't going to work (in retrospect it would have, and probably would have been easier, but not as great and I wouldn't have overcome the sewing machine fear). So off to the fabric store for pattern and fabric and accouterments I went. I did not totally follow the pattern, and definitely made mistakes, but was overall very pleased, and most importantly so was Ava. We did have some "seaweed" she opted not to wear, which kind of took away from it, but I think it worked. For James, we couldn't figure out what to put him in, and I knew that we had Ava's costume from two years before of a bunny rabbit that I purchased at Old Navy. I was concerned that the pink on the belly and ears would cause folks to find my beautiful boy quite feminine, so I balked, but as we had no alternative he was a bunny in the end. However, PJ came up with the idea to cover the pink belly with a shirt, and what better shirt than the tie dye that Kathy had recently sent? Marybeth was a monkey, quite adorable, and the three looked awesome. James was not sure what to make of it all. The only thing he knew was that Steve had to attend. PJ said that once they got going he was totally into it and having a blast. Even saying his version of Thank You! The kids came back all sugared up yet exhausted, and with quite a bit of loot. We are still getting through it, although the M and M's have long been finished. I know what to stuff stockings with this year!

Holy Cow it's been a while!

I really have no excuses. Just taking a bit of a break. So let's get down to what's been going on the last few weeks! First off, there was Halloween. After that, I can't even remember! Deb and Tom just left yesterday after a week of visiting (poor things almost got fogged in!) and Ava had a busy week at school that week as well. We made a turkey dinner, and had a lovely time during their visit. Tomorrow there is the big lighting of all the Christmas stuff downtown, and if it isn't raining we will attend and have pictures. Then Thursday we are off to Chicago to spend the holiday with Jason and Matt. Back on Friday after Trader Joes, and then I think we are off to the official start of the holiday season. Yikes! I will continue the crocheting, and maybe try another sewing project. Ava liked the robe I had on last night- kind of a robe/nightgown combo. So will see what I might come up with at the fabric store. Just found out we have a Hobby Lobby too- will have to see if that has a better selection and better prices. Anyhow, heres what we have been up to!