Someone He Admires.....

If you read my posting on Monday, you know that Nolan had to dress up like "someone he admires who doesn't make any money."

http://twinmom7.blogspot.com/2009/01/catholic-schools-week.html

This morning, his mother sent me a picture. I think his Uncle Bobby will be proud.

November Bridesmaids

Here's a couple of pictures of Kelli and Kristen, modeling the dress that eleven bridesmaids will wear on November 28th. All of the flowers and reception decorations will be white and sparkly.

Wedding Preparations

The dining room has become a "staging area" for our August and November weddings. Closets just aren't big enough. That's Chrissie's on the right and Katie's on the left - and that's the ONLY view you'll get until later this year.

Catholic Schools Week

This is Nolan Urbanski - 1st born grandchild - 7 years old and in the first grade at Corpus Christi Grade School in South Bend, Indiana.






This is Uncle Bobby. Former Marine and Iraqi War Veteran.

And this is the telephone conversation from over the weekend...

"Ummmmm, Uncle Bobby? Ummmmmm, next week is Catholic Schools week and can I borrow some of your Marine stuff? We have to dress up. Ummmmmm, we have to dress up like somebody we admire, but doesn't make any money".

At this point, his mother grabbed the phone and explained that it's supposed to be someone they admire that "isn't famous".

Out of the mouth of babes....

January 2003

Looking at these photos makes me feel old. It's been six years and yet it seems like just a short time ago - January 25, 2003. From the day his unit was activated, we had one short week to come to the realization that our son was heading off to war. One week to get his affairs in order - Power of Attorney, Last Will and Testament. On September 11, 2001, I knew in my soul that this day would come - but I was never prepared for the emotional toll it would take on all of our lives, and how I would come to lean on my family and friends more than ever. On this morning, all of the families met at the South Bend Armory to say "good-bye". TV stations were there, doing interviews.

Lots of photos were taken and lots of tears were shed. Our family did receive a short "reprieve". While most of the unit flew out on this day, the commanding officer and a select few remained behind for a few more days to make sure that all the heavy equipment was loaded correctly. This small group flew out on Monday morning. Chrissie had gone back to college and Kevin and Kelli had gone on to school (at Bobby's request). Bob and I, along with Carrie and Katie and Colleen went to the Armory on Monday morning to say "good-bye". Unlike Saturday - when it had been packed with news crews and families and Marines, on this morning, it was just us - two parents, three sisters and one soldier. I remember standing there for a few minutes, making small talk - no one wanting to make the first move. And then Bob pulled Bobby into his arms and hugged him. I remember all of us in one giant group hug, with tears flowing and prayers being said. And then he walked away.

I sat in my car and watched as the van pulled away to take him to the airport. I sat in my car and cried and then I got myself together and went to work and tried to keep my life as normal as possible for the next six months - until he walked back into our arms.

Growing Up Too Fast.....

Seventeen years ago, I was pregant with my 7th (and last) child. My friend, Mary Lou was pregnant with her 2nd. I gave birth to Kelli in February, and Michael was born in June. The two of them have grown up together. They learned to crawl, they walked, they road bikes, they went to DisneyWorld together, they graduated from grade school, and they got their driver's licenses this past summer. They are like an "unbiological" brother and sister team.

No matter who they have for a mid-winter date, Michael always comes over to our house and poses with Kelli - it's a tradition. And this year was no different. Even though Bob and I were in Chicago, Mary Lou and Michael came to our house - the kids posed, and Mary Lou took the photos.

From a mom's point of view....STOP GROWING.

The Windy City

Bob and I spent the weekend in Chicago. We drove into the city on Saturday, got checked into the Hotel Monaco (and had a beautiful room on the 11th floor), before taking off on foot. Yes, it was cold - but thankfully, we had a major collection of scarves and mittens and we were ready for whatever nature had to offer. First stop, a quick lunch - Chicago Dogs of course. After lunch, we thought we'd head to Millenium Park and the Ice Rink and the Bean - but the "cold" won out and we opted for an hour at Borders instead. I bought a couple of books, we grabbed an XL bag of the "mix" at Garret's Popcorn and then headed back to the hotel so that Bob could watch some college basketball and take a nap. (Some things don't change - even on a get-away weekend).

We had 5:30 reservations at Petterino's, so we left the hotel and started walking. You have to walk past the Oriental Theater to get to Petterino's and unfortunately, we timed it and got there just as the 2:00 matinee of WICKED was letting out. It was a "sea of humanity". We arrived a little early for our dinner reservation, and even though the restaurant was packed, they ushered us right in to our seats. Unlike most "nice" restaurants I've been to - where they try and "turn around the tables" as quickly as possible, our waiter informed us that this was our spot until we left for the theater. Dinner was fantastic and we were never rushed. We walked the 1/2 block to the Oriental at 7:30, posed for a couple of photos and then inside to a beautiful lobby. The theater was built in 1927 and has been completely restored - absolutely beautiful!!!

I managed to snap one quick photo of the stage curtain - showing a map of OZ. Once the production started, no photos were allowed.

It was midnight by the time we made our way back to the hotel. We were cold and hungry - and I was so happy we'd decided to stay and not attempt to drive home at that hour. Sunday morning, we woke to bright sunshine and a beautiful view of the Sears Tower from our window. But don't let the sunshine fool you - the wind was blowing and it was COLD!

We enjoyed a late breakfast adjacent to our hotel, at the Southwater Kitchen and then grabbed our car from the valet and headed home. An absolutely PERFECT weekend!!!

What Does "COLD" Feel Like?

I've lived here for 22 years. We get used to severe cold weather in the winter months. We get used to "lake effect" snow. We currently have 17" of snow on our patio table. We've had more than that in years past. But, I do have to say that when I woke up this morning and turned on WNDU and looked in the lower right hand corner of the screen, I had to blink and move in closer. That couldn't say -19 could it?

Yep, that's exactly what it said. -19 degrees with a windchill of -30 degrees. The newscaster demonstrated how cold this is by taking a cup of boiling water outside and tossing it into the air. It immediately turned to snow. Schools have been cancelled - too much risk of frostbite for kids waiting at bus stops. Today's temperature is a record for South Bend - dating back to 1976. They're telling us that we'll be back to normal by next week - back into the 20's. That will seem balmy, compared to today.

Somebody PLEASE Remind Me......

Why I choose to live here.....

WICKED, Petterino's and Hotel Monaco

Only three more days of sub-zero windchills and blizzards and trying to fight my way to the office. Then I'll get to face the sub-zero windchills and snow of downtown Chicago. But, at least it will be the weekend and I'll be with Bob and we'll get to enjoy a wonderful dinner, the theater and the Hotel Monaco. Throw in a bag of popcorn from Garrett's and my weekend will be complete!

http://www.garrettpopcorn.com/

As for dinner, that will be at Petterino's. I've been there before and it was wonderful and I'm excited to share it with Bob.

After dinner, we'll be seeing WICKED at the Oriental Theater. This theater has housed an open-run of WICKED for the past three years. That run ends on January 25th.

I love staying in downtown Chicago. The hotels are old and classic and the decor is beautiful - and right now, many of them are offering great "winter rates". Here's a sampling of the Hotel Monaco. Of course, our view will include a LOT of snow and ice.

I Do....Love You

My Design Team assignment for February. It sure does help that I have TONS of "LOVE" subject matter with two engaged daughters. Most of the product shown is by Cloud 9 Designs.

Guitar Hero

Our son Kevin and soon to be son-in-law Brock might think they hold the record in this family for most points scored in Guitar Hero - but they haven't come up against the latest challenge. Watch out guys - this one's got something to prove.

Ten Days.....

I've waited two years to see it and now I've only got ten days to go. Bob and I are going to see WICKED in Chicago next weekend. Kelli and Ben are going to see it the very next day. I figured I needed to see it ONCE before Kelli saw it for the second time!!

The Linebacker

The Linebacker is a bar - located just east of the Notre Dame campus. It's nothing fancy, but it is a favorite hangout for students and locals - including all of my kids and their friends. Drinks are cheap and the DJ is good.

Saturday night, Bob and I went out to dinner with Katie and Colleen, to celebrate their birthday. After dinner, we made a stop at Bar Louie for drinks, and met up with more of their friends. From Bar Louie, the group seemed destined to find their way to The Linebacker and wouldn't take "no" for an answer from Bob and I. So we went - and sure enough, we were the two oldest people in the bar. But I have to admit, it was so much fun! My kids have the BEST friends and we had lots of laughs. Here we are with three of our daughters, one son-in-law, and two soon to be son-in-laws. Maybe one of these days, we'll find our way back to The Linebacker.

In Love.....and Happy!

As a parent, we can't choose who our daughters fall in love with. In that aspect, we've been blessed with the choices our daughters have made. We spent some time last night with three of our daughters, along with one husband and two fiances - and what a fun time we had!!!

Yesterday, Katie and Santiago spent some time on the Notre Dame campus with our family photographer friend, Jenny Hoke - for an engagement shoot. Katie was so excited last night, talking about the photos and how cold it was and how she couldn't wait to see the photos. And this morning, Jenny has a few of the photos already posted. I know that Katie will be thrilled!!!! Here's a few to share....

Welcome!

Welcome 2009!!

By this time next year - four of my five daughters will be married.

Hopefully, I'll weigh 20 pounds less than I do today.

Looking forward to a great year, filled with love and family and friends!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!