Trump Tower

Well. . . we had big plans of staying here (the Trump Tower hotel in Chicago) this weekend. We were going to watch Diane's baby while she and Colin were at meetings for the auto show. Since the kids are sick, we were not able to go. Sorry, Diane. :( We were very excited about that opportunity, but like Jake says, "God has a plan for everything!" Maybe another time.

Favorites on Fridays . . . Like Oprah's "O" List, But Not Really

Favorite "Before Bed" Ritual: Stridex on the Feet!My sister learned this little trick on Oprah, which I never have time to watch. Thanks, Diane, for sharing!!

Step1. Take one Stridex Pad and wipe your heel with it. There is alpha hydroxy acid in the pad and it helps to take the hard, dead skin off of your foot. Use one pad for each foot.
Step2. Smooth on a thick layer of lotion or Vaseline on each heel. If you use lotion you will need to get a very thick type of lotion that is more like cream, to get the most benefit.
Step3. To help keep in the moisture, put socks on your feet.
Step4. Be patient as it will take about a week of doing this every night before you will see results. Your feet will be noticeably improved if not all together healed or should I say "heeled".

My Three (sick) Blessings

Tonight I am thankful for my three little blessings. Jake has the stomach flu and I think that Caroline and Luke might be getting strep throat. We'll see tomorrow. I will enjoy having them all home with me even if they are sick.

Make a Joyful Noise!

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord."

Psalm 100:1I am so excited because we just got our first piano tonight! My mom's cousin, Cheri, gave us hers. John rented a big truck and got two friends to help him get it. (thanks John!) I am just so excited about how much noise (I mean music) is going to fill this house for so many years to come. I am going to start teaching the kids how to play right away. We had a piano in our house growing up and I have always felt like something was missing since I "moved out". There have been so many times when playing the piano would have been just the right medicine for me. Thank you, Cheri!

Time with Caleb

The other day, we had the privilege of watching Caleb, my sister's baby. We had so much fun with him. The kids absolutely adore him. He is one year old now and is FULL of energy.

Here are some pictures of the last couple of times we watched Caleb.


Bottle time! Jake helped me out in the morning by giving Caleb his bottle while I was trying to get Caroline ready for school.
Luke was also a big helper. It's funny because I always think Luke is so small until Caleb comes around and then Luke seems so tall and grown up! He loved introducing Goldfish to Caleb! (he loved them!)

Buddies



Caleb and Caroline have a special relationship. Caroline is completely nurturing around him and he just lights up when he sees her. She patiently follows him around the house to make sure he is safe.




The kids love teaching him new things, like how to build a tower.













One time they brought snow in the house so Caleb could feel it and play with it. They worked very hard at keeping it out of his mouth. :)

We sure love you, Caleb!!

We love you, too, Auntie Diane and Uncle Colin. . . you're doing a great job with Caleb!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Tonight we had our traditional Valentine's supper. The menu included pizza, heart shaped Jello Jigglers and fondue. My favorite part of Valentine's Day is when we go around and tell each other what we love about each other.

After dinner, we set up a tent in the family room and watched a movie. The kids were going to sleep in it, but it didn't work out. . . too much wiggling! :) They are more comfortable in their own beds.

Favorites on Fridays . . . Like Oprah's "O" List, But Not Really

Favorite Hot Beverage: Tazo Decaf Chai Tea

This is definitely my favorite thing to drink, especially on a cold and dreary day. It reminds me of Christmas. I have to get the decaf kind because I am allergic to caffeine. I like to put a little milk in it. (chai latte!) You can order it at Starbucks, but they don't have decaf and it costs about ten times the price of making it at home. :) Enjoy! (thanks, Lenore for introducing it to me!)