68 Days!

It is only 68 days till the 5K race! I was running today, and thought... I AM NOT READY for the race. So I am steppin up the training. I have been really promoting this event, because, I want friends to support ME! But, today I went on to see what the race supports (Maybe I should have done that earlier?) Anyways, it is perfect! It supports a couple of different benefits. The Ann Arbor track and cross country (Joel's stompin turf) and also the Special Olympics. I am really looking forward to it. It is open to all 11-80 yrs old. I have every intention of being beat by the 11yrs olds! But if I get beat by an 80 year old... oh how embarrassing! It is at Kensington Park, and if you are feeling really ambitious, they are hosting a 15K as well, and it has won all sorts of awards for their 15K path. Me, maybe next year. Leave me a post if you are going to run or show up to cheer! Here is the link to registrar! Here is the link to help you train. YOU CAN DOOO IT!

Hancock Experience

We went to the top of the John Hancock building.

Like 95 stories high! At the top there is this great observatory/lounge. So once again, we sat, talked, posed, and DIDN'T EAT! This is where I fell in love... with NIKON! We ordered fancy, fruity, ridiculously expensive drinks. It was our BIRTHDAY! Anyways, I played with the Nikon D80, and loved every minute of it. The other two were a little annoyed, wanting to drink their fruity yumminess, but I insisted that I take 250 pictures before any sips were taken. Then we toasted! and observed this AMAZING city. It has everything... beaches, parks, pools, libraries, hot, cold, I love it there.

Chicago Cool Down!

These next pictures are of the coolest way to cool down! The city has these two structures that are about 100 feet high, an 100 feet apart. They have live faces on them. Water pours from the top, and then shoots out the mouth of the live face. There is about an inch of water for lots of splish splashin. It is almost like the local swimming pool! We splashed around for a few minutes, then we really missed out babies, so we had to go do something else. It was so fun to see the kids go crazy though!

Jumpin Bean! (Mirror Style)

I got a belated birthday present! J. Urbin, photographed our Chicago trip. Her business has been extremely busy, and I couldn't wait any longer for pictures, so I FORCED her, against her better judgment to GIMME the pictures, SOC (Straight out of Camera). HOLY CRUMB, there were over 500 pics... we were only there for 2 days... she didn't even take out her camera till the 2nd day. I didn't think I would post anymore Chicago trip stuff, but it was so fun, and when I looked at the pics SOC, I was laughing OUT LOUD! I had to do Chicago posts! It was so fun, how could I not post about it? Years from now, I will look at these pics, and still laugh, and still remember the trip. So, here we go. Sorting through over 500 pics of a truly talented photographer, is a dream come true for me! Anyone ever want to hand over their full flash cards... I would love it!

Anyways, we did all the fun Chicago things in 2 days. River Tour, Hancock Building, Buckingham Fountain, City Water Park?, Magic Mirror Bean, and of course EATING!

My first plethora of pictures is "Magical Jumping Mirror Bean". It is this HUGH Bean in the middle of the city! We were there forever! Taking wild crazy photos, watching wild people, jumping, talking, NO EATING THOUGH! It was amazing how long we were there. What the heck!?

This is only on here, because look at the people in the background, they thought I was such a freak! Yeah, they're right!!!
Get ready for some seriously GRACEFUL JUMPIN BEANS!

Great Geeky Sleeky Hair Care!

I know that if anyone reads this, they are going to think I am a total geek! Heck, even I think I am a HUGE GEEK!!! Whatever! I don't care! Sometimes I see things on Blogs that say, "Things I love" or "My favorite things". Everyone knows how bad I want to "fit in" in the blogging community, so here is my attempt. On occasion, I am sitting in a coffee shop, eating a scone, and I think... "I love this! This scone would go on the "Things I Love" list." Then I sit down to make a list, and all I can come up with is that dang orange scone! (From Panera Bread by the way!) I am starting my own thing, and I am telling you right NOW, I am a Freakin' GEEK! GET OVER IT!

So, here is my first item on my posts of things I love...




This is my favorite hair care product ever! I have tried A LOT of products that range in price from $.98/bottle to $35.00/bottle (I am so glad Joel doesn't ever read my blog!) This is the only product that makes my HAIR SOOOOO Happy!!! The first time I tried it was two weeks ago. My AWESOMEST sister-in-law Alie, got this set for me for my birthday. Honestly, I didn't know if I should be offended or not. Then she told me what a great thing it was, and everyone in her family uses it, and I will love it. I said, sure, great, thanks... on with life... So a few days later, I saw it sitting there on the bathroom shelf, waiting till the current bottle of same old, same old poo was all gone. Joel didn't like the current product because it smelled too "girly", so he put it in the shower to try out. He probably used it on his legs, and arms too, such a GUY! Then I tried it! I have been in love ever since! Instead of having to blow dry my hair right when I get out of the shower, I can let it air dry, and my hair dries so soft, straight, and silky smooth! I have never had that before! It is great! I am not sure where she got it, so as my personal shopper, Alie, would you share the secret? And the next time you are in the market for a new and FABulous poo, give it a try. Your hair will thank you!

"Taste" Chicago!

Every year for two weeks the city hosts a Festival just about FOOD!!!! I desperately try to save up the calories for that day I get to visit. It is great for those of us who love food, but ya gotta love lots of people as well! Of course Chicago is known for the pizza, blues, hot dogs, baseball, ect. But, The Taste of Chicago has hundreds of local restaurants all in 5 city blocks! The admission is free, but you pay $8.00 for 12 tickets. It is located in Grant Park which is also in the Financial District. Besides the food being the best, the people watching is great too. You see all walks of life, business men on lunch break, SAHM's, nannies, MISSIONARIES!!!, old, young, BIG, and little! Each restaurant has a "Sample Menu" where you can purchase a taste of something ranging from 2-10 tickets! Mostly you just get a "Taste" of something, but you can also get a HUGE something. Here are some pics of the fabulous food. I may need a TUMS after the post! It gives me heartburn just by looking at this food!!!!


Chicago does GUACAMOLE!


Chicago does frozen chocolate bananas!


Chicago does Smokin BBQ Ribs!


Chicago does Pad Thai! A couple of different ways actually!


Sittin, restin, pickin, poppin Tums!


I have been waiting for pictures from my girls, so I could post some on here, and I can't wait any longer! You are BOTH in big trouble! This post is super lame! But it is in my drafts box, and screwing up the chi in my life!

Calling RALPH to the porcelain telephone!

We all made it through the Cedar Point trip! It was a blast, even though... well, I am not 16 anymore!

We left for our trip Thursday when the dads came home from work. We drove for about 10 minutes, then needed to stop for dinner, and while we were in the area, a Super Hero movie!

Then alas... on our way out of dodge! Because we were going to stay the night in a hotel for only about 8 hours, we didn't want to spend a ton of money on a room. We stayed in the Travelodge 10 minutes from the park. Against my better judgment, and the HORRIBLE reviews! Joel and I got to our room, while Mr. and Mrs. Smith went to theirs. There was a knock at the door, where Mr & Mrs asked, "Is your room cleaned?" Theirs was not! No sheets on the bed, dirty towels, etc. Se we called the front desk, and they had keys to a new room, a suite room! HOT TUB, and Mirrors on the ceiling! (Bount chicka bount bount!!!) Come to find out, they had a night of laughing hysterically at themselves in the circus mirror!

The next morning we headed out, taking the scenic Lake Erie route there. I love the Great Lakes! Our God is truly amazing, and when I see the HUGE lakes, I am reminded how amazing He really is!

In the park, ready, set, GO!!! 1st ride- The Cork Screw!!! Never one of my favorite rides, but good way to start the morning! It was great to see The Smiths, and their 10 year old excitement! It was followed by slight disappointment when The Dragster was not open. No race cars going up 420 feet today! Bummer, or alright with me?


Next up-The Magnum. Has been my favorite ride, since it opened, well, the year after it opened. The year it opened, my dad brided me with ANYTHING in the whole park, for me to go on it. I refused. The next year, I was trying to impress a boy, so I HAD to go! This year, when we got in line to go on it, I saw a 12 year old girl crying, and her dad, pushing her to go! Ahhh, the memories. After The Magnum, we all felt great. Short lines, great weather. Life was fantastic!

The third ride was, The Gemini. This ride has been around way longer then I have. It is a sissy ride compared to The Magnum. No problem, right? Um... problem... I got off this ride, ready to "toss my cookies". I was with three people who were all having a great time, and I didn't want to spoil anything. I just kept going, like I would be fine. No big deal.

The fourth ride (and final in my book, for a few hours) was The Mean Streak. It was literally MEAN! After the longest and tallest wooden roller coaster, my insides needed a break! The Mister and I went for a much needed lunch break. Mr and Mrs Smith kept pushing on. They went right for The Millennium (A$25 Million ride!). Joel and I rode that one in 2005, so we didn't need to go again.

After lunch we waited to see the Smiths come off what happened to be their favorite ride. They loved it, and thought that I was right... you look down when you are at the top, and everyone looks like little dots!

I was feeling a little better, so we took a ride, standing position, on The Mantis. Standing didn't make me feel any better then sitting. It was all the same no matter how I was tossed around. So, Joel and I hit the arcades, the sky cap, the baby swings, the train, and then a shady grassy spot for a little nap! In the meantime, The Smiths went right for The Power Tower.

We met up once again, chatted about how the rest of the day should play out. Then in the corner of my eye, I saw it... at 120MPH and 420 feet in the air, not a bird, not a plane, not a super hero, a RACE CAR! It was empty, but being tested!!! So we rushed over to the frightful, and dare devil ridden, THE DRAGSTER. Let me first tell you, Joel was really looking forward to going on this ride. We saw it the last time we were here, and weren't able to ride, because it was too windy. So we talked about riding this for quite some time. Then he saw it going up, and down, and he opted to take pictures, rather then ride. Isn't he sweet? Girly, but sweet! The ride is only 17 seconds long, so I thought, I would do it. It can't be that bad right? Joel took a video of the ride in action. He then took several pictures of me before the take off, during, and after. After I rode, he videoed Mr and Mrs Smith before the take off. Right before they left, the battery in the camera died, and he missed it. It is quite hilarious to see them in the waiting tank. The way it works, is you hear the hydraulics start to pump, you hear the gate fall, then you wait. There is a traffic light, that goes from Red light, to Green Light. This ride goes from 0-120 MPH in 3 seconds. It is unlike anything you can experience anywhere else.

I am glad I did it, but like The Millennium, never again, would be soon enough. After that, the day was pretty complete. Mrs Smith could have gone all night, and the next day too, but thankfully, the rest of us were all pooped!

About these two love birds. Since I have known them, all of 1 year, I have thought that they are the ultimate power couple. They are so great as husband and wife. So supportive of one another, and generous to each other. It was so fun to spend the day watching them lovingly gaze. Their sweetness had nothing to do with the fact, that I puked on the way back to their house, then again on the way to our house, and one last time when we got home. I am glad I could at least enjoy the day!

Getting to the POINT!

In case this is my last blog post! Tonight, our Smith friends, and us (minus 4 kids) are going to Sandusky, OH. and tomorrow morning we are going to ...

The last time I was there, was the year before Nora was born. When I was a teenager, I would be up all night anticipating the day of fabulous fun! The last time I was there, I thought, I AM TOO OLD FOR THIS CRAP! I guess this time we are anxious because The Smiths are so fun to hang out with, and they have never been there. So seeing their excitement is going to be worth the whole trip! Last time I checked, this park had the most roller coasters in one park, then any other park in the world. It is always competing to be the biggest, fastest, tallest, longest, longest lines, and most expensive park ever! The "Millennium Force" was the last biggest Joel and I were on. I remember getting on, thinking, this could be it. I am going to be on the news! As we were inching towards the top, I thought, "Wow, we must be almost there... OH MY!!! Not even close, look down... I can't see anything, my vision is clouded by... CLOUDS!" It was quite the thrill, and honestly, I can't believe I am doing it again. But of course this year, they are even bigger! The "Dragster" is supposed to be great, but the last time we were there, they couldn't open it, because there was a light wind, and when you have that tall of a ride, it is dangerous to ride when there is even a teenie blow of wind. What happens if someone sneezes? Maybe we will sit that ride out. Then again, what fun would that be?

"The Italian Stallion"

This story, makes me laugh every time I think of it! In December 2002, my friend, lets call her "Jennifer", and her sister "Jessica" and her friend, "Jen" and I, all went to Chicago. This was way before we had kids, and were even married. So we were living the single life in the big city for four days. We stayed at a beautiful hotel on the "Magnificent Mile" called "Inter Continental". the only thing I remember about this hotel, besides the beautiful lobby, was the doorman. His name was Giovanni! All four of us crazy, giddy girls, had a little thing for "Giovanni". Now, "Jennifer" who is never afraid to say what is on her mind, said, "Oh Giovanni! Is that Italian!? You Italian Stallion!" Giovanni was flattered, and gave us some good choices for places to see while in the city. Every time we came back to the hotel, the Italian Stallion was happy to see us! He was the talk of the entire trip. So much, that a year later, "Jennifer" and "Jessica" took their mom to Chicago, stayed in the same hotel, and of course, flirted with Giovanni again! When she came home from that trip, I heard all about how he remembered her beautiful eyes. One day about a year later, I received a call from "Jennifer" saying, "Giovanni is on TV!!! There was a commercial on coming to see Chicago, and at the very end, the doorman tipped his hat, and it was THE ITALIAN STALLION!!!" Wow, we have hit BIG TIME! We know a real true celebrity!!! Right! OK... so now that 5 years have passed, and we all have kids, and are all married, Giovanni somehow still comes up in conversation. So here is where the fun starts... In Chicago last week, me, "Jennifer", and "Katie". "Katie" has heard "Jennifer" talk about Giovanni over that last few months. Of course we are in the city, "Jennifer" insists that we at least walk by to see if he still works there. She asks one door man, "Is Giovanni here?" He tells us he isn't, and when he gets in. So that night, on our way to dinner, we pass Inter Continental of course, and there he is... her real life, Italian Stallion. Very innocently she approached him, says, "Hello". He looks at her a little blankly, she looks back blankly at his name tag. She looks at his face, it is him. That is Giovanni, why does his name tag say "Hussain"?

"Jennifer": You are Giovanni, why does your tag say Hussain?
Italian Stallion: No, I am Hussain.
"J": Yeah, but you were Giovanni?
I.S.: Oh, I lost that name tag. I am really Hussain.
"J": You're not from Italy?
I.S.: No, I am from Iraq.

Her dreams have been crushed! Not only is he not from Italy, he is much shorter, and much older then he was the last time she saw him. After we picked up our much saddened friend, we laughed about it the entire night! And even on the way home. We called "Jessica" and "Jen", and told all about our devastation. We got pictures though! And we will always remember the "Iraqi Short Old Stallion, or Camel". And will always wonder, "why was he Giovanni the first and second time "Jennifer" saw him? If you work at "INTERCONNTINENTIAL" do you have to change your heritage, and become a different international character?" We will just have to always wonder!




The names in this story have been changed to protect the innocent and broken hearted. The story has been altered to add dramatic appeal, (not really, "Jennifer" does that all on her own!)

Amazing People!

My mom has told me, I have a way of attracting GOOD friends. Since I was young, I always was drawn to the people that were really honest and true people. Joel gives me crap, because I am always making more friends. My social cup is never full. I don't have a lot of friends, but the ones I do have, I feel very close to. I value my relationships, new and old. I love that no two people are exactly the same, and what I lack in my life, I can find in my friends. The last two days I spent time with two amazing people. One who I have known for 12 years, and the other I have known for 6 months. We spent 4 hours in the car at 5:30 in the morning talking the entire time. Then we spent the next 40 hours laughing, smiling, posing, reminiscing, learning, and feasting (literally, and figuratively speaking). The last 4 hours home was a little quieter, but never uncomfortable. Never before have I felt so comfortable saying what was on my mind, politics, religion, spirituality, anything! The Lord has blessed my life in so many ways! I have never considered friends to be a gift from God, more like, one of life's great perks! I have now reevaluated, and know that our Heavenly Father knows us. I believe he places those people in our paths because he loves us. He desires for us to be happy. Besides missing my baby like crazy, this was 100% a perfect trip. Thank you guys for your amazingness! I think I should say one more time... I LOVE YOU! =)



The blog is about to see a CHICAGO FRENZY!!! I'm a little worried! Are you ready?

LOVE... new loves!

Just home from my Chicago trip. MUCH LOVE!

Keepin It Real

Joel said to me the other day, "Your blog is always happy, and positive. Don't you think people will stop believing you, and think you can't be happy and positive ALL THE TIME?"

So, I got to thinking, and thought, there are some things in our lives that may not be the most uplifting. I looked around other blogs, and didn't see a lot of posts on negative, and unhappy things. There are some out there, and I even enjoy reading some of them. Here are a few things in my life, that I have to "Keep it real".

DISCLAIMER: Overly super happy people, quit reading now. This post will not be held responsible for any negative thoughts by the reader, of the author or the individuals involved in the posts.

I have not worn eye make-up in two weeks. Which is a HUGE deal for me. I usually don't wear a lot of make up, but my eyes are the one thing that must have some color, and definition. Nope... not since the 15th of June. Just keepin it real!

The good news is, I got my first allergy shot today, and it wasn't so bad. I am 1/37 of the way there! (Sorry Joel, is that too positive?)

At the beginning of the month, when I thought, "I can take a Claritin, they don't make you drowsey...." I zonked out! Nora played tea party while I sawed a few logs! Sorry, baby girl! When I woke up, this is what I saw!

What you don't see, is the three stickers all over my face. I still to this day, don't know where these stickers came from, and cannot figure out how she got her clothes off. Just keepin it real!

The dishes in my dishwasher have been clean since Sunday!
The whites in my dryer have been clean since last Wednesday!
I have three cases of craft "crap" that is waiting to be crafted!
I also have 1 box of stuff to ebay, that Joel and I have wanted to ebay since... May... of 2007!

Just keepin it real people. My intent to blog is never to show the person who I want to be. It shows the people WE ARE!

Not a marathon, but a 5K...

One week while about to die in beach body boot camp, Alie said to me, "You and I are going to train for and run a marathon". HAAAAHAAAA!!! That was even funnier then the 8 thousand pilates push ups we had to do! I guess my brother said that she couldn't convince me to do it. Which he is 100% right! Then I tried to convince Joel to go with her. Joel is a high school and college track star! so this is something I thought he would be geeked about. Apparently he isn't a "distance" runner. (Sure... he just didn't want to get beat by his sister-in-law.) So as of last night, I am training for a 5K race. I know... it is not any big deal at all. What is it like 3 miles? But for me, I am not a runner. If you know me at all, you know I am quite the opposite. I am a walker, and a SLOW one! Anyways, I thought it would be a good personal goal, and something that I can focus one, and train for. So on September 27th, come see me fulfill my lifetime dream of running a 5K at the Kennsington Metro Park!!!! If these ladies can do, I can .... Right? Eeeeek!

Custom Dresses!

Our Disney trip is fast approaching! OK, well, not that fast. In 92 days. Either way, we are getting a little anxious. Last week Alie and I were checking out the "Going out of business sale" at the Disney store at the 12 Oakes Mall. There weren't any cute princess dresses, but there were some cute tights! Nora and Marley both got these purple and white striped footless tights. Which is what inspired me to make matching dresses. My friend Jenni, used to be a Home Ec. teacher. She is sew bucco talanted! She made Nora a dress a few weeks ago, and so I asked her if she would help me make another one for Nora and her cousin. That is what we did yesterday. It was really fun, and our creative juices were flowing! She is inspired by Matilda Jane. Here is Nora in her new dress. Thanks Jenni! You are so super talented! I love you to bits!!!!


Next weekend Nora is modeling for a "Secret Workshop" put on by the talented Cheryl Muir. And I am hoping she can wear the dress, and the tights! I will let you know how it goes, and of course post pics!!!