From Chaos Comes Happiness

What a wonderful weekend we've had here in our Chaos home! Laughs, hugs, museums, snow, bowling, Starbucks, birthdays and more. My dearest sister-in-law, brother-in-law and nephew were in town (all the way from New York) and we've been going going going since their arrival.  Here are just a few of the highlights of life the past few days . . . It started with that beautiful snow I told you about on Thursday . . . and oh-boy . . . I loved it. Dear PG had to dust off the snow blower for the first time this season. Note to self . . . MUST buy a pair of boots!  Ella and Katie got to see exactly what it would be like to have a younger sibling. Katie loved it!  As for Ella . . . the verdict is still out.   We took a great trip to the Museum of Science and Industry . Here is Carlo with his Babbo. I adore my brother-in-law . . . he is a wonderful man and an amazing father.   Lots of f...

s   n   o   w  .   .   .   I took the long way home this morning, so that I could drive down my my favorite road.  Remember ? It is a serene spot in this chaotic life of mine, and it brings me peace each time I drive it. I love this road. I think it would be cool to start a blog with photos of this road . . . just photos. Each and every day . . . to see the seasons come and go. Hmmmm . . . maybe. In the winter . . . it is especially beautiful. As if The Big Man, himself, came down with palette knife in hand, and a big old tube of paint, and christened each branch with the most delicate edge of white. Whether you like the snow, or not, it's beautiful. And Chicago is making up for the lack of it . . . all in one day. They are calling for 6 to 8 inches. That's nothing . . . in my book. But whatever it is, it is already bringing a sense of calm to my psyche. And it's just what I need...

. . . . well . . . maybe . . . I just can't help myself!!! I'm a regular Cecil B DeMille, I tell ya! I'm a video making fool!!!! So, just one more video . . for those of you who haven't gotten enough. I swear, you'd think we never had snow here before. But I'm just have too much fun on my day off . . . and that's what it's all about, isn't it? What I am realizing with this video thingamajiggie is that I am a much 'breathier' talker than I ever thought I was. I mean, I'm like Marilyn Monroe herself (uh-oh, time for another photo . . . !!! I see the resemblance, don't you? :) Just heard from the school that they will be closed tomorrow as well. Looks like our family fun will continue for one more day! Yippie! I'll spare you any additional video footage though, I promise. All for now . . . need to warm up with a hot shower and cup of tea. Then maybe I'll start sorting through our photos (and try to get something...

We can't quite see the driveway, or the front walk way . . . . . . and it's STILL snowing! Remember way back when, when I said PG bought himself me a Flip camera for Christmas?  Well, I must admit, my friends,  I am enjoying it SO SO MUCH!!!! (Can't you tell?) I'm sure I'll be back with more video later. I just can't stop sharing the snow with you! Please accept my apologies ... and sorry for the breathiness of my voice - I just woke up and haven't had my coffee, or warmed up the vocal chords by yelling at the kids and hubby yet! ;) Happy Wednesday!

If you live in the U.S.A. and have watched any of the news the past few days, you would have heard of the massive snow storm that is making its way across our great land this week. Yes, we are buckling down for a Chicago blizzard, my friends. And expecting anywhere from 18 to 24 inches of that beautiful white magic to hit our town, starting this afternoon and continuing until tomorrow night. Yikes. I am most excited (if you can believe it) about this snow storm . . . well, I will be excited once I know that all of my family members have arrived safely to their homes this afternoon and are all accounted for . . . and I will be excited because my PG is IN TOWN (yippie!) and I love nothing more that to be stuck home with PG, Katie and Ella. That, my dear, is the very best ever! I have lots planned for us in our humble little home, as we watch with great anticipation for the flurries to arrive. And having PG in town, and not on a business trip, just about warms my heart to Carib...

Another great weekend of CREATING for me - this time, it was * * creating * * some fun adventures with my family (remember - CREATING, to me, is not just art or words. It's memories, too!) So, we decided to do something fun with the girls that we have never done before, and took them to the Museum of Science and Industry in downtown Chicago. I Love this Museum. It's amazing that I live near (just about 45 minutes south) this FANTASTIC CITY - yet I rarely enjoy it or take advantage of what it offers. PG and I have made it our goal to change that this year. And we have decided to take at least one day a month and bring the girls into the city - for FAMILY FUN! Today - Museum of Science and Industry. I haven't been to this museum in probably 15 years. So much of it has changed, but much of it was the same. Personally, my favorite part of the museum has always been the Colleen Moore Fairy Castle . I could get LOST in that room staring at that amazing doll house and dreaming. I...