Happy Thanksgiving...oink!

Three days late, I send out a wish for a Happy Thanksgiving. A late greeting because the swine flu had me on my back most of the week...oink!

As I lay in bed, I could hear the sound of laughter from two joyful kids echoing up the staircase. More than once a day, each kid would clinb the stairs to check on me. Katie would softly touch my forehead to see if I was still warm, while Conor preferred to pat my belly to ensure I was tucked in just so. I would hear them share conversation at the dinner table, giggle at one another in the bathtub, and sound softly to sleep each night. Their Daddy, leading them through each passing day with ease. I am so thankful for our two healthy kids and my one wonderful husband! While I knew what kind of man he would be the day we exchanged vows, he continues to amaze and impress me. I am ever so thankful!

When the illness finally did pass, we found some moments to enjoy with family.

Happy Thanksgiving to all near and far!

As crazy as it may sound, I am so thankful for the illness that forced me to my back, and gave me time to rest and realize I have a lot to be thankful for. This is a picture of Kate and Conor heading to see Santa. So excited!

Santa was at the Winterfest of Lights in Ocean City, MD. We headed out early to spend some time visiting with the Big Man. As you can see from this picture, Kate had a lot to tell him!

I love Christmas! When I was younger, I shared this love with my late Pa. So much so that when he passed, he left his prized Christmas tree to me. Every year since, I have made it tradition to erect his artificial tree, and attempt to replicate what he had made so special. However, with each year, I knew my Hubby loved the idea of having a REAL tree to decorate. So, this year, we headed to a Family Tree Farm to pick out one of our very own. This picture is of Kate and Conor watching their Daddy hacking down the "perfect" tree.

"How will you know when you have found the perfect one? she asked. You just know, I replied. It was smiles all around for our very first REAL Christmas tree. Let the Holidays begin....

Spreading cheer one floor at a time

Today was like so many others this past year. I quickly ended a conference call, grabbed my purse, squealed out of the driveway, and swooped Conor up from Ms Marci's for yet another Friday afternoon Doctor's appointment.

I remember when Katie was this age. It was the first time I thought to myself, "Being a Mom is so much fun". Yes, it had been wonderful, fulfilling, and so on...but it was the first time it was truely FUN. And, now two years later, I am getting to enjoy "eighteen months" all over again with our son. It's still so much FUN.

Eighteen months is the age where you can stroll with them down the sidewalk. Run out for errands and not have to worry about sippy cups or bottles because there is always a snack or beverage for purchase nearby. It's the age where they understand what makes you laugh, and begin to explore all the wonders of life...worms, leaves, trash. Ewww. Did I just say this was fun?

So, as we left the Docs office, we strolled down the hall, finger and hand towards the elevator. We stopped at the window to admire the view from the top floor, and left a few fingerprints before the doors of the elevator opened and Conor led me in. Once closed, his mouth dropped, eyes widened, both hands flew over his head, and then slammed down iluminating every floor button. "Oooooohhhh! he yelled with enthusiasm.

You know that scene in the movie "Elf" where Will Ferrell is in the elevator of the Empire State Building, and hits all the buttons admiring how they iluminate the shape of a Christmas tree.? For those of you who have never seen this incredibly comical movie, allow me to enlighten you...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOCCHKzyqnI

I couldn't help but share in his joy (and be a bit thankful)...

1. The building we were in only had three floors. Whew.
2. Someone had some forethought, placing the RED Emergency stop button way above his reach.
Yes, I just love this age...Ding...So FUN!

24 hours and counting...

It has been busy here in San Francisco, and as a result I was unable to make it to the Golden Gate or Fisherman's Wharf since Sunday. But, I was able to grab a few more pictures from the streets of San Francisco...

Like this sign. Now that is good marketing! And this car. Surely this driver doesn't have kids, or a dog, play golf, travel, have a yard... As fun as it has been, it's time to say good-bye to the double decker buses...The street cars... The fresh sushi...And fun art galleries...

It's time to say good-bye to San Francisco and come home.

Love and hugs, Mom.

Mommy's in San Francisco

My precious little ones.

Leaving for this latest trip was hard. While travel has become common in recent years, for some reason this trip brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. Perhaps it is because I am 3K miles away from you. Perhaps it is because this, Katie, is "Parents Week" at dance, and Daddy has to record your class in my absence. Perhaps it is simply because I love you and leaving, if even for business, doesn't seem fair. Especially, Conor, when you do this...

So, Mommy decided that while she can't physically pack (I mean take) you along, I would tell you about the places I visit. This is my last trip of the year, but know that from now on, I will bring the places I visit to you.

With that...let me introduce you to San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco is in Northern, CA. Up the coast a ways from the place your Mommy and Daddy met, fell in love, and got married. It is a colorful, busy, city with many, many hills. Hills so steep your Uncle B-Rad wouldn't even attempt them with his longboard.

Hill so steep, that in some places, stairs have been built into the sidewalk.

Mommy arrived late last night, and as a result slept in the time change this morning. I was hoping to endulge myself in some sushi for lunch, as San Francisco is known for it's fresh fish. However, most sushi bars didn't open until 5pm, so Mommy settled on her second choice and love...Mexican. Better yet...burritos.

The people of San Francisco seem friendly, sending their hellos and wishes for a good day.

Some, so joyful, they even share a song or two loudly with the people in the streets.

While walking around the city, I noticed many of the older men prefer to wear their hair longer (although some more incognito than others).

The Hotel Mommy is staying at is very nice. I even have a "Mommy Bed" to keep me warm.

As a courtesy, the Hotel I am staying at welcomes the furriest of pets, and provides them water upon arrival, free of charge.

Interesting, considering I will be billed for my stay and $3.50 for each bottle of water I choose to consume. Sheesh.

After work concluded this evening, Mommy found a nice little place, and satisfied her craving for sushi. It was yummy!

Hungry for exercise, I then walked a few blocks towards Fisherman's Wharf, up to Nob Hill, and found a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge at night. The Golden Gate Bridge has the seventh longest main span in the World, and while it appears Red in color, it is actually Orange. I hope to break away from work at some point this week to bring you a picture of the Bridge in daylight. It is so spectacular, Mommy still remembers visiting it when she was a little girl.

Mommy then walked down to Union Square, and found herself amidst many, many shops. Since you both know I am not the best shopper (where are you friends when I need you?), I instead found the Street Car Depot. Conor, you would have loved watching the street cars pass. They moved slowly along the tracks just like your trains, and gave a soft dinner bell ring when passing each intersection. While the two of you have never known "Mr. Rogers" or "Three's Company", trust me when I tell you seeing the street cars brought memories of watching these shows as a kid.

It was a beautiful night to be out exploring the city. But, my favorite part was talking to you two on the phone. I love you both dearly. Be good for your Daddy.

I love you. Hugs and Kisses.

Mommy

No place like home

This post isn't funny. Just recorded to remind myself that as hard as it is to leave sometimes, I always cherish the homecoming. Each time I am reminded of the blessings I have been given in life, and know I am a lucky girl.

One cold, Fall evening, after a busy week in Chicago, one WAHM was anxious to get home to her family. I landed at the airport, walked swiftly to my car, and followed the dark interstate one hour towards home. They really do need to consider lighting on the Interstate (see below).

When I arrived, I dropped my belongings at the door and headed upstairs to get a peak of my little angels before snuggling in bed myself. First, I went to my youngest. He was on his stomach, knees tucked under his belly, breathing in a soft rhythm. As I pulled the covers up over his rear to tuck him in, he let out a small sigh. I whispered an "I love you" and quielty walked out of the room. Just like my trip three weeks ago, I felt he looked bigger.

Next, I went to Kate. When I saw her covers pulled back and empty, I knew immediately where she was. I headed down to the end of the hallway towards our bedroom, and found this...

She had made her way into our bed, and was sprawled out next to her Daddy...sound asleep. I couldn't resist capturing the moment.

I lifted her from her slumber, relocated her to her room, pulled the covers up tight, and left a kiss on her cheek. I then climbed into bed taking her place next to Daddy.

It's so good to be home.