Christmas Season

The outside of our condo. Hope everyone is getting in the Christmas spirit! I have been wrapping gifts and just started cooking and baking for our family party here the 20th. Older son decorated the outside.

Younger son is in the red jacket on the left. Mame

These videos were taken at rehearsal.

Mame, "That's How Young I Feel"

Younger son is the only one in a sweater. "That's How Young I Feel"

Mame,opening Act 2

Mame,opening Act 2

Mame

Younger son performed in an other musical with the drama group at the beginning of the month. He played the older Patrick. The first act when younger Patrick was on, younger son was part of the ensemble dancing and singing. The second act he was older Patrick, Mame's only living relative. They did three shows. He had lots of family and friends in the audience. Here are some pictures of the rehearsal and shows. It has been so much fun being involved in community theater!

Pioneer Women's Book Tour 2009

Thanks Ree for coming to Chicago! This has been quite an experience! I left my house about 5:15am to get in line at Barnes & Noble a little before 7am. I was a somewhat hesitant only because I am TERRIBLE with directions. Luckily if I did not take the expressway and added a little more travel time it turns out Skokie is only two turns from door to door! That I can do :) I am So glad I went. I met the nicest people standing in line. Bill and Alisa from Naperville and Debbie from Rockford were the first three after me in line and we got to spend a couple of hours together. The made the wait go a little quicker. I drove home and about 2pm my niece and I headed out again. My niece has no aversion to expressways so we got there a little faster. While waiting for Ree to sign books we sat around and talked for a few hours with fellow PW blog readers and some bloggers. It was a very friendly group. I can't wait to check out some websites like
onpicnichill
susansnippets.blogspot.com
talesfromthecoopkeeper
and Marcy if you would send me a link to redbootsnruts I would love to link it, but I can't find it.

The highlight of the day of course was meeting Ree herself. She remembered my name from blogging comments which really made my day! She is just a lovely person. We all know her so well from her blogging and feel like she is our friend after following her so long reading about her and her family. As you sat down she makes you feel the same way. I sat down with her and we could have been having a cup of coffee at the ranch. Marlboro Man was nice to pose for pictures and sign books. Even their boys signed books! They were too cute, ok handsome :)

I only have one question left for you Ree, what is next for you and when are you coming back to Chicago?

Thank you for putting Chicago on your tour!

Meeting Pioneer Women Tonight!

I've been away for a while from blogging, but the excitement of seeing Pioneer Women today at the book signing has me back :) I couldn't sleep. It's 4am and I am leaving at 5am to stand in line to get a number so my niece and I can stand in line again tonight. Pioneer Women and from what I have read Marlboro Man and her two boys will be there tonight. Our two permanent flat travelers are coming with too. Skokie is about an hour and a half away from us. So wish me luck getting back before I need to be at work. It will be close! I will have my camera and bringing PW our family cookbook along with 5 of her cookbooks to sign. So check back tomorrow for pictures.

Happy 21st!

My first born turned 21 on Sunday. We had a party with family and friends over at my parents house. Lots of fun and a big cake :) My children are surely a blessing. Twenty one years flew by. I know it won't be long until he is out on his own, but for now I am still enjoying every minute he still lives with us. I couldn't be prouder in what he has already accomplished in the first 21 years. I can't wait to see what lies ahead for him. He are a few pictures from Sunday. Happy Birthday!