Pride Parade

For the first full day of Erin's visit we went to the Gay Pride Parade which is 3 blocks from mom's house.


Erin has never been and she was curious. She was also scared that Gage would see something and ask a lot of questions for the rest of the week.

What she didn't know was that the Pride Parade is the second most attended parade in Chicago, only to be beaten by the Bud Bilican Back to School Parade.

But what I think really impressed her and has her as a parade-goer for years to come is that the parade starts at 11am and that's when you stand on the street and start drinking. (Unless of course you are lucky enough to be invited to one of those awesome pre-parade parties and then you start much earlier)


We have been going to the parade for the last 4 years and it never fails to impress. This year was no exception. We always take our kids and they LOVE it. They saw our new Governor, the Chicago Police Superintendent, The State Treasurer, and quite a few local news personalities whom they recognized.

At one point, the Cook County Sheriff, Tom Dart, was shaking every one's hand. I love him and you can read about why here. When he got to Erin and me he looked down in our cups and said "Man, you guys got beer!!"

Erin did not have to worry about Gage seeing anything he might question, he didn't see anything. The boy slept through the whole parade!!!! But my girls walked away from it with beads, a Chicago Public Library bag, fans, temporary tattoos, a sheriff's badge, and magnets.

One funny thing was that when we were walking down to the parade, Gage asked if Batman was going to be there. We laughed and said "Maybe" Well, wouldn't you know who showed up while Gage was sleeping.

Johnny Depp Monday!

What will you be doing on Wednesday?

Six Word Saturday!

Just getting prepared for little sis.

If you would like to join 6 Word Saturday go see Cate

I Am So Excited, I Might Bust!!!

Erin and Gage (Aka Tomato and Visa) are coming tomorrow!!!! Other than a very short birthday party on Sunday and an WIA orientation on Thursday morning, I get to spend the rest of the time with them!!!

We are going to have so much fun together!!!! I am really looking forward to it. And you guys can look forward to the pictures and the stories. Because, let me tell you, when Erin and I get together, there is never a dull moment.

We once had a friend's husband tell us that he can handle each of us individually, but when we're together, he locks himself in the house.

Stay tuned, and if you see us on the news, come and bail us out. PLEASE???!!?!?

We Beat The Heat Another Way.

The temperatures soared to the high 90's today and I didn't think my skin could take another day at the pool. By 8:30 this morning, the girls were already "bored" and I figured I was in trouble.

What can we do that would entertain and be air conditioned? Think...think...think...I GOT IT!!!

We will build us some bears!!!

The girls each picked out their "shell" and we stood in line to bring it to life.

Emerson filled hers first.

Then it was Vivi's turn.

They each made a wish on a heart and stuffed inside their animals.

Next it was time to give them a bath that consisted of air.

Then a brush.

On to the clothing and accessories. After all, they can't go home naked!!!

The girls went to the computers to name their new friends and Mommy went to flip for the bill. ($56!!! I know, right?")

Here is the gang! Emerson got a bear that she named Colin. He has a Cubs shirt and a pair of glasses. Vivienne got a cat that she named Mittens. She has a lamb t-shirt and a pink backpack. She even got a few bows for her ears and tail.

After that, we stopped off at A&W and everyone enjoyed some lunch.

Wednesday's Haiku To You!

To combat the heat

We headed to my mom's pool

Had fun, but I'm burnt.

Johnny Depp Monday!

Happy Father's Day!

Here is a pin-up for all you dads out there.

And here is a story about Matt.

When I was pregnant with Vivi I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes. Of course, as hard as I tried, it couldn't be controlled with diet, so I had to have insulin injections 3 times a day.

One day, we were walking up to the hospital for another test and we already knew that it was a girl. Here's how the conversation went.

Me: "I know you wanted a boy, but I don't know if I can go through this again"

Matt: "I'm a dad of girls. I don't need to have a boy, I get to be surrounded by beautiful women for the rest of my life."

That's what a great dad he is!!

Happy Father's Day MattyFlower!!!!

Six Word Saturday!

My Summer days are blending together.

If you want to join 6 Word Saturday, go see Cate.

Going, Going, GONE!!

I sold the defibrillator!!!! I put it on Ebay with little hope that I would actually sell it. I low-balled it and put the starting price at $500. (As you know, it cost $1200) For about a week there were no bids, but there were questions about it. I answered them the best I could and then the day before yesterday, someone bid $650. That got the ball rolling. Then at the last minutes of the auction, the winner came in with $900.90. I was so excited, I did the "happy money dance"!! I think the little news story on the Today show yesterday helped. They talked about how everyone needs one in their house.

I took it to the UPS store this morning and shipped it off to the buyer in Boise, Idaho. I truly hope he enjoys it, but never EVER has to use it.

I can't tell you what a relief it is to have sold it. Now, I can go buy that new living room furniture I've been eyeing. That's only $659, so I'll have a little left over. I feel like Clean House!

In other news, I made a spinach quiche tonight for dinner.

Doesn't it look yummy?

But when I came out of the kitchen, this is what I saw.

Oh well, I'm glad Matt likes quiche.

Wednesday Haiku To You!

I know I'm biased

But Em looks really good in hats

Isn't she beautiful?

Johnny Depp Monday!!

Conversations With Emerson

Tonight, I made dinner and we watched High School Musical 3. I made something new, and I wasn't sure how it was going to be received, but it was a big hit. (I will post a picture and the recipes below)

When I signed into my blog, Emerson came up behind me and this is how the conversation went.

Em: "You have 66 followers?"

Me: "Yep"

Em: " You should have 1oo!"

Me: "I'm trying Em."

Em: "I bet Johnny Depp reads your blog and he posts a Becky Monday every week."

Me: "Oh yeah?"

Em: "And every Thursday, he posts Emerson Thursdays"

Me: "Oh, really?"

Em: "Yep, he finds us amusing. But not Daddy, he only post about him once a year." "You know what it's called?"

Me: "I can't imagine."

Em: "Once a year Matt!"

Me (quietly): "That's what I call him too." (went right over her head and she went to go watch the Naked Brother's Band)

On to dinner! Tonight I made cold cucumber soup and grilled cheese with pears. (Instead of using tarragon, I used dill in the soup)

Fancy, right?

It was pretty easy, and the whole fam loved it. Even Vivi, who rarely steers away from mac and cheese.

Enjoy!!!

Family Adventure

Last night the weather cooperated and we were able to take the girls to the Drive-in. The girls and I got into our pajamas and loaded the car with pillows and blankets. Matt grabbed 2 folding chairs, and off we went.

Our first stop was Menard's. They are the only store that I am able to find Nestle's Buncha Crunch. As strange as that is because Menard's is a hardware store, I can't find them anywhere but regular movie theaters and the drive-in doesn't have them. I NEED to eat them with my popcorn.

We got to the drive-in and we were a little sad that we couldn't park in our regular spot anymore. Lola is considered a small SUV and we had to park by the red or yellow poles so we didn't block any one's view.

We backed into our spot, put the seats down, set the girls up in the hatchback, put the chairs out in front, and enjoyed the movie "Up". I would have pictures of us, but we forget that Matt took the batteries out of the camera to put in the Wii remote.

The movie was excellent! I did start to cry in about 6 different parts, but it was really great.

Because of this movie, Emerson wants to start an Adventure Book for the summer. We are going to work on that today along with more Extreme Makeover. The weather is pretty nasty today.

One more thing, I got word yesterday that Tomato will be here 2 WEEKS FROM TODAY!!!! I am so excited to see her and my nephew, Gage!!! (What I'm really excited about is that she promised to practice her Massage Therapy training on me)

Tell Me...

Is there anything more annoying than to having to listen to your neighbor mow his infernal lawn while you try to enjoy a big bowl of Spagettios with franks while watching a marathon of Degrassi The Next Generation?

If there is, I haven't found it.

Have You Seen The July Issue of Vanity Fair?????

See the stuff I do when I don't have things like work to occupy my mind?

Wednesday's Haiku To You!

Something on Em's list

was to build something with wood.


A born carpenter!

It Absolutely Should Be A National Holiday!!

Today is Johnny Depp's Birthday!!

You know, it is a really good thing that I don't have a job right now. Because now I can celebrate today the second best way. WATCHING EVERY JOHNNY DEPP MOVIE EVER + ALL THE 21 JUMPSTREETS I HAVE ON DVD!!

The very best way, of course, would be to spend it with him in Puerto Rico on his houseboat. But, alas, he hasn't called yet. Even though I am all packed to go. (Not that I had to pack much since I plan to not wear much.) Maybe next year.

In honor of my Johnny's birthday, I have 2 videos for everyone. (2 because I couldn't decide on 1)





So, I have feelers out all over the city. I have called in every favor to make sure that if there is some sort of premiere party here in Chicago for Public Enemies, I get to go. Wish me luck!

How are you spending Johnny Depp's Birthday?

Johnny Depp Monday!

Movie: From Hell (2001)

Tune in tomorrow for a very special Johnny Depp day.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Taken last year at Disney World, I am much thinner now.

One of my first memories in the whole world happened on this day quite a few years ago. It was the day my Grandfather Lefty took me to the diner so I can get silver dollar pancakes. It was there that he told me that my new baby sister was born.

My parents refused my 2 year old request in naming her. I wanted either Grover or Tomato, they chose Erin. But that never stopped me from calling her Tomato.

Tomato, I want to wish you a Happy Birthday! You are my sister and my best friend. The fun started that day you were born. We have had some really great times and there is still fun to be had. Have a wonderful day and I hope to see you soon.

Here is our song.

Calling All People Who Know People Who May Need This

Back in November, I had a lot of FSA money that I had to get rid of or I would lose it to the Federal Government. After going on a shopping spree at Walgreens and then buying new glasses and contact lenses, I still had a boat load to get rid of. I went online and I bought a Phillips Heart Start At Home Defibrillator for work. It cost $1500 and there were talks that I was going to get paid back for it, but that never happened.

Fast forward to today. I had emailed one of my bosses (the one that didn't fire me) and asked for it back. We met for lunch today and he handed it over. I tried to return it, but they won't take it back because it's been over 30 days.

Now, I'm trying to sell it so I may be able to get new living room furniture. The suggested retail price is $1995.00 and I paid $1500 in November. On Drugstore.com they are currently selling them for $1279.99 and I am asking for $800. (I'll even pay to ship it!!!) Here is a picture of it and some details about it. It's brand new, never been taken out of the box.

Used to treat victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), who are not responsive and not breathing normally. If in doubt apply the pads. Treats the most common cause of SCA by delivering a shock to the heart. Use HeartStart and CPR, as needed, until emergency professionals arrive.

Easy To Use - Guides you with interactive voice prompts
Safe - Delivers a shock only if needed
Reliable - Runs daily self-tests for readiness
Important: With sudden cardiac arrest, every minute counts. Make sure your HeartStart Home Defibrillator is set up and ready for use in an emergency.

Contents:
"Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator (an automated external defibrillator or AED)"
Red carry case with 911/EMS card
Adult SMART Pads cartridge (lasts 2 years)
Battery (lasts 4 years)
Training video
5-year warranty

So, if you or someone you know has been eyeing one of these and didn't want to pay over $1000 for it, this is your lucky day. It is perfect for any home or office. If you are interested or know someone who is, you can leave a comment or you can email me at the address on my profile page.

Wednesday Haiku For You!!

We are making lists

Of things we've wanted to try

For a great summer!