Black Friday

So most people know that I really enjoy sleep. I used to be able to sleep until noon without a problem. So, it may be surprising that I was up at 4:40 am today to go shopping. 3 years ago was the first year I joined my brother, Sean, in his annual outing on Black Friday. That year I think we were at 7 stores before 7:30 am. There wasn't that many things I was looking for this year and I actually called him to say I was going back to bed - but then he told me that Reilly was with him - and I didn't want to miss her first year - so I got ready in less than 10 minutes and headed to Orland. (I tried to stop at Circuit City in Hodgkins but it is closing so they were not opening at 5 - too bad) I met up with Sean & Reilly at Macy's by about 5:20. They had already been to Kohl's and Carson's. I quickly made my purchases at Macy's and we headed back to Carson's because we had $10 coupons. Unfortunately we didn't find anything to use them on so we were off to Old Navy. They had long lines, but they moved fast. While we were there Sean went to Sports Authority and reported there were no lines - nice. Next stop was Target. We parked in Harrison's parking lot - good decision not to fight the poor drivers out this morning. Target was a success - and we could have bought the $299 26" flat panel TV - because the lady in the line next to us was only going to buy one of the two she had. The guy behind us took it - there was some good Christmas spririt there.
By this time Reilly was ready for Breakfast - it was after 7 and she had been up before 4. They dropped me off in the street (no way we were taking the van into the Circuit City/Wal-Mart parking lot - I went to Circuit City and they headed to Dunkin' Donuts. Unfortunately my trip was not successful but that is ok - still plenty of time.
Sean & Reilly then took me back to my car and I went to a few stores on my own before getting to the gym around 10. Not the best workout this morning - but at least I got there.
When I got home I was so excited to see that Pat, Reagan & Nola had gotten our Christmas tree up and was ready for ornaments. We had a great time putting them on and telling them about where we got each one and showing them pictures of both them and us. Nola was having more fun taking the ornaments off of the tree - and she really liked throwing all of the ball-shaped ornaments. WARNING - if we are coming to your house - you might want to take all ball-shaped ornaments off the tree!
While Nola napped Reagan helped me do the rest of the decorating. It was so fun to see the excitement in her eyes as we pulled out the stockings and the nativity sets. She was especially excited to see The Advent Book. We are looking forward to starting that on Sunday.
So we are now in the Christmas mood. We are listening to Christmas music and enjoying our decorations. I really love seeing all of our ornaments each year - even my angel bell that was given to me on my first Christmas. It has survived 32 Christmas seasons and I am hoping it is high enough and secure enough to survive this year with our very busy Nola!
We are off for a family night - most likely that will include Pompei - Reagan has already put in her request.
We are praying for a safe, healthy and happy Christmas season for everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving

Yesterday we celebrated a very Happy Thanksgiving. I started the day with day 18 of my Jillian Michael's Making the Cut workout and a 5K run. I was happy to have a great husband you got the girls up and fed and ready to be dressed when I got back. We headed to South Holland for Nola's nap and lunch with the Scanlon family. Reagan has not been taking enough naps so the ride down was a little rough, but amazingly, her attitude did a 180 when we arrived at grandma and grandpa's house. Nola did take a nap and we helped to get dinner on the table. It was an extra special day because it was also Leo's 4th Birthday! He was so excited to show us his 2 stuffed Tom's (from Tom & Jerry) and his new movies.
We had a delicious lunch - especially the sweet potatoes, vegetable casserole and baked apples. Nola enjoyed eating the butter off of the rolls and then trying to get grandpa's rolls. We had time to hang out after lunch and then back to the table for dessert. (Did I mention that Thanksgiving is Pat's favorite holiday because we get to eat so much?!) We sang Happy Birthday to Leo then Reagan enjoyed 2 or 3 (or 4) chocolate chip cookies while Nola enjoyed her bowl of Cool Whip.
It was then time to pack up the van and head to Elmhurst for our second stop of the day. Lucky for us, both Reagan and Nola took naps on the way (oh, and so did Pat) so it was a peaceful trip. We arrived just in time for dinner. Reagan ate some jello footballs and maybe a bite of a roll. Nola ate some turkey, her roll, and whatever else she could find.
We had a great time visiting with everyone and catching up on what is going on. Reagan and Nola were both very busy chasing Chester, the dog, around the house. Chester was quite tired after a little time with our girls.
Much to Reagan's excitement it was then time for dessert. She was thrilled with Aunt Maureen's brownies made with Oreos and a side of chocolate mousse. Funny how there doesn't seem to be many complaints when chocolate is being eaten.
We had a great time - and even got to pick our names for the Christmas grab bag. We got the girls in their pajamas and headed home.
They were both sound asleep by the time we got home and then it was time for me to review the sale papers.
We are so blessed and thankful to God for all He has provided for us. Who would have thought that Pat losing his job in October would turn out to be such a blessing - God's plan is obviously so much greater than ours!

Happy Halloween

Now that our internet is back up and running I can finally catch up on our posts. We had a great Halloween - the weather was perfect - in the mid 60's. We started off the day by heading to Ace to pick up pumpkins to carve. When we got back Reagan wanted to rake leaves, so we stayed in the front yard and made a few piles of leaves. Unfortunately Nola took a tumble down 2 of our front stairs and stratched up her head. While she napped Reagan and I carved the pumpkins (my first experience doing it without Pat's assistance). They turned out great - but Reagan put the 2 small ones on our front steps around 1 and when we left around 2 the squirrels had already started eating them!
We picked up Grandma Jane in the afternoon so Nola would be able to nap while Reagan and I went trick-or-treating. This year Reagan was Cinderella and Nola was a strawberry.
Reagan and I had a great time trick-or-treating with a bunch of friends from our block and the neighborhood. It was fun to watch the kids running for the first block or so and then barely making it up the stairs at the last few houses. Their buckets were heavy and the thought of walking up another set of stairs was not so enticing.
After we finished we picked up Grandma and Nola and headed over to Aunt MariPat and Uncle Bill's house to trick-or-treat and see cousins - especially Cassidy. The girls happily ate hot dogs and then got ready to go back out. Reagan and Cassidy just went to a couple houses in their neighborhood and then they were done.
We ended our night with pizza at Cori & Ed's. We had such a great time - Reagan playing with all of our cousins and Pat & I visiting with our cousins. It was such a fun day - we are already looking forward to next year!