5 Grandma Favorites!

5 Grandma Favorites!

1. Grandma always has a positive attitude.  My mom has to be one of the most optimistic people I know.  She looks for the good in things and tries to have a good time no matter what.  She's so fun and cheery.

2. Grandma is always willing to babysit.  Chad and I are so thankful for my parents in regards to how much they take care of Jordan.  We know that if we ever need (or want) a babysitter they are always there.  

3. Grandma goes along with my crazy projects.  In my 28 years I have come up with some crazy projects, from last-minute Halloween costumes to sewing purses, she is always there willing to help me as much as she can.  

4. Grandma cheers me on when I run.  Runs are usually early in the morning, and sometimes in cold weather.  My mom is always ready to be out there watching me run.  Today, she was asking me what she needs to do so she can start running.  Love it!

5. Grandma always thinks about other people.  It's easy to overlook this, but my mom is a very caring and thoughtful person.  We joke about how she will ask me questions about what Chad likes when Chad is sitting right next to me...but really, she's just trying to do things for Chad.  In the mornings when/if I talk to her on the way to work, she always remembers to tell me to have a good day.  It's these little things that are so easy to miss, but that make her such a thoughtful person.  

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Happy Birthday Mom/Grandma!!!

Last week we celebrated my mom's birthday with dinner and sundaes at my parents house.  Our whole family came to celebrate.  August is a month of celebrations for us.  It's always fun to have the family together.  Jordan had fun playing with his cousin, Alex, and helping Grandma blow out the candles on her cake!

Jacquie did a great job stamping her wrapping paper!  Doesn't it look nice?  I think the hit of the party was when my mom opened her new H20 mop...and loved it!  She was really excited because she has been looking for this forever.  So far it works great and she says it's awesome!

Momzillas

Most Recently Read Book:

Momzillas

By Jill Kargman

Momzillas was a fun and easy read.  It is set in New York, a place where I really don't have any experience and it's about moms who worry about getting their kids into preschool when they are still in the womb.  I could relate to some parts of this story but mostly it was just reading about the main character's new life in New York.  It was fun but doesn't make my must-read-for-moms list.  

5 Mundelein Favorites!

5 Mundelein Favorites!

1. Barefoot Bay.  On the way home from Barefoot Bay yesteday we realized how much we really like Mundelein.  This year we bought season passes for our park district's water park and we have loved being able to go over there any time we want.  It's a beautiful park.

2. Fremont Public Library.  The library has to be my favorite part of Mundelein.  It is a fairly new facility and they have tons of adult and young adult books.  They have lots of activities and a fun summer program.  Jordan did Baby Jam this summer where he got to go sing and dance with lots of other kids.  Love it!

3. St. Mary's of the Annunciation.  We have been members at St. Mary's almost since we moved here and it's a beautiful church.  We just celebrated the pork and corn roast with them which is always fun.  I just feel really welcome there.

4. Super Target.  This is the one place in Mundelein we are probably at most, second only to home, of course.  We like having Target so close.  We get everything we need there.  When we take Jordan we buy popcorn and let him snack on popcorn while we shop.  It's fun!

5. Patty.  Patty is our daycare provider and we love her!  I am so glad that we are able to take Jordan to Patty.  Jordan is going to be excited to go back to Patty's house in a few weeks where he can play with all the other kids there.

5 1/2. Our House.   I'm going to add this one just because I realized how much we do love our house.  I love our little neighborhood.  It's exactly 1 mile around, which is perfect for when I run.  It's nice a quiet.  I love our vaulted ceiling and all the windows, this morning I was looking out our window and the sun was peeking through the leaves of the trees outside.  It was really pretty.  We will be sad to move someday. 

5 Twilight Favorites!

5 Twilight Favorites!

1. Edward!  I'm sorry, but how can you not like Edward?  He is Bella's beloved vampire.  He is completely passionate.  He is strong and opinionated.  He sparkles!!!!

2. Vampires in general.  Edward is a vampire, but he also has his family of vampires: Carlisle, Esme, Alice, Jasper, Rosalie, and Emmett.  They are such a great family and watch out for each other.  I love how these books are just normal fiction stories but with vampires.  It really makes me feel like vampires maybe do exist!

3. Forks.  I had never heard of Forks, Washington before I read this series.  Now, I hope I can visit some day!  I looked at pictures online, the "green" there is just absolutely beautiful.  Plus, they now have all sorts of fun and cheesy touristy things to do there now that Twilight is based there.  Love it!

4. True love.  I'm a sucker for love stories.  I love love stories that go on for four books!  I am so happy to see Bella and Edward in love and living happily ever after.  

5. Bella.  Now that I really reflect upon all four books in this series, I really do like Bella, the main main character.  Her nickname is "Danger Magnet" because she always seems to get into trouble and needs saving (usually by Edward, how convenient).  I like that Bella has some strong opinions throughout the book and stands up for herself as much as she can against Edward.  She isn't afraid (well, sometimes, depending on the vampires) to hang out with vampires or werewolves.  She is brave and she looks out for her family and those she loves throughout the whole series, but especially at the end.  Gotta love strong women!  

**Please notice that Jacob is not on this list.  I am not really a Jacob fan.  Although, he did grow on me in Breaking Dawn, the final book.  Sorry, Jake!