Christmas is over and new year awaits!!

We are home now. We nearly spent a week at my brother's home in Bolingbrook. Brian and Jeannie opened their home to my entire family including my parents. Having a new child I know without a doubt this had to be somewhat stressful. Bryce was completly off schedule one night and didn't sleep well. The past 2 years up at their home has been wonderful. Jeannie comes from a HUGE family who gather on Christmas Eve to celebrate. As a child I remember celebrating with just my Aunt Tootie and Grandma Jordan our family not so big. I love watching all of Jeannie's sisters, nieces, nephews gather and have a great time together. Kylie enjoys hanging with all the kids. They have done wonders welcoming Brian's family into the mix as well. It was a wonderful week of memories, pictures, and surprises. Bryce has become one good shopper. He has great taste and got his Aunt Lisa a wonderful new COACH handbag...that is 2 in the past 3 months. I am not sure if I can handle it, but I will try.

So New Year's is now just a few days away and I found a great idea you might want the whole family to do. I am going to have My parents, Ron, and Kylie do it this weekend. Take a moment and write a letter to yourself for tomorrow!! On New Year's Eve,(OR BEFORE) write a letter to your future self.

You can list your favorite things (books, songs, ice-cream flavors, TV shows, foods, colors, animals, games) and make predictions (how tall will you be in a year?) What you might have accomplished in 2009, somewhere you might visit in 2009 etc. The list is endless what you might put into this letter to your future self. Pack away the letter with the holiday decorations so that they'll be out of sight but easy to find next year. You can open it up as you get yourself ready for the holiday season. So take some time out this week to do this...you will get a laugh next year and will look back on what you thought you would do as oppose to what really went on.

On Dec. 31, 2009, open the letter and see how much your tastes have changed -- or haven't!

Although Leona Jordan, of Moline, celebrated her 98th birthday last month, her young soul is dancing now that she's once again with her fun-loving husband, Bill, and her beloved sister, Tootie. She passed away Sunday, Dec. 21, 2008.

Even in sadness, we are truly happy knowing Leona is once again surrounded by the family and friends she missed so much later in life. Those left to cherish her free-spirited memory will be celebrating her wonderful long life as well as the spunk she displayed right up to the day she left us for a never ending life of joy and happiness.

Honoring her wish to be cremated, the family is planning a memorial gathering in the Spring and when a flowering tree to thank her for all the blessings she bestowed upon each of us will be planted near the Alzheimer's wing of the new Oak Glen Home in East Moline.

Leona T. Jordan was welcomed into this world Nov. 13, 1910, by her parents, George and Minnie Kinnie. She attended Rock Island High School and was employed for many years as an optometric assistant for Dr. Myers in Rock Island. Leona fell in love with Bill Jordan long before they married on June 10, 1934, but unselfishly chose to remain at home and care for her parents until they no longer needed her assistance. She was a member of the Church of Peace in Rock Island.

She is survived by her daughter, Carol Ann Waeyaert and her husband, Jerry, Arizona; twin sons, Don and wife, Tudy, Davenport, and Ron and wife, Judy, Coal Valley; 10 grandchildren; six great-children; and long-time "clunking around" friend, Julio Vega, Moline. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill in 1967; and sister, Tootie in 2002.

Online condolences may be made to www.schrodermortuary.com.

This is her obit that will be in the paper tomorrow morning. I thought it was beautifully wrote and I want to remember it forever and I included it in my blog. She was a good soul and a loving person to everyone.

She is gone...but will never be forgotten

I got the call today, the call that I knew I would be getting soon. Around 6pm tonight my Grandmother gave up and went to celebrate this Christmas with her husband, sister and brother and sister in law. Sure I cried but at the same time it is only fitting that she went because my parents are heading home tomorrow. They will be flying into Chicago and will be coming to the QCA on Friday. She knew..she didn't want to put anyone out and she knew that by leaving us now my parents could be here. So goodbye Grandma Jordan.....I love you and I know you know I did.

A Sad Day

Earlier today I received a phone call from my mother. Her brother Ron had called her to let her know it won't be long before my grandmother passes. As of right now she is holding on, although I am at peace that she lets go and is at peace. My grandmother turned 98 in November and she lived a full life. I have so many memories of her and would consider her such a good friend. Brian and I talked later in the day and we thought about how we spent every holiday with her and our Aunt Tootie. We laugh about it now but cherish every moment we were talking about. My grandmother in her current state isn't the grandmother we knew growing up. We appreciate her now more than ever.

As children we had her to ourselves. My Uncles were not in her life and her grandchildren from my uncles didn't find a place for her either. So Brian and I were blessed with spending the majority of our holidays with her. As young children we recall the countless presents under our tree when Christmas came around. Besides my mother making Christmas extra special she was the next best thing. I was spoiled the most. I spent weekends with her and dreaded heading back home on Sundays. She taught me how to play rummy and Yahtzee was her favorite. Kylie is getting Yahtzee for Christmas because it would have been something my grandmother would have gave her. As Brian and I got older we would always get a box of lifesaver's story book with money inside. Brian is getting a box from me this year and it was before I knew we would be losing her soon.

I am finding myself rambling and crying today. I am crying because I will miss her, miss the grandma I loved dearly and will always love. Miss the Grandmother I grew up with and pray for peace for her. Thanks Brian for calling and talking and letting me cry and listen to me. Thanks for allowing me not to feel guilty and for honoring her they way you did. We all will honor her this week as we get together and think of her. Grandma it is okay to go ..we will always have you in our heart. Love you more than you will ever know. ......Lisa

Long Time no write

I guess this month has blew past me. It simply didn't seem like there was enough time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. I hope that all of you have had a wonderful holiday season so far and will continue the next week. Kylie and I are heading up to my brother and sister in law's house on Sunday to spend a few days with them. My parents are heading from Arizona to our frozen tundra for the holiday season. Kylie can't wait. She has been counting down the days for the past 2 months. It is nice to see them 1/2 way through their 6 month getaway to warmer climate. I can't blame them.

As with most our Christmas season will be a little less this year. When Ron signed up for his position with Ecolab that had him traveling to Peoria daily we never imagined that gas prices would be nearly $4.00 a gallon most of the year. It took a big chunk out of our earnings. His gas was not covered by the company. He is now in another position with Ecolab that keeps him closer by but in a company labeled vehicle...so nice but now the gas prices around her are nearly 1.39 a gallon...go figure ...simply Wymer Luck...

The time got away from me that I didn't even send out holiday cards this year. So if you have been reading my blog for the past few months consider that the way I kept you up with what was going on in our lives. WOW I really am slacking.

So the Wymer's hope you have a wonderful holiday season and we hope that you have a great 2009!!

Below are pictures from our recent night out to celebrate a birthday and the holiday season with friends. Erica & Brian Williams, The Wymer's and Cosette and Ted Thoms

11 years and counting....with more to come.

December 2, 1997 I wished a stranger HAPPY BIRTHDAY online....11 years later it will be his 48th Birthday and now I call him my husband. Ron turns 48 on 12/2/08 and I am so glad he is part of my life. He is a wonderful husband and a great father to Kylie. He loves both of dearly and lets us know daily. 11 years ago I simply wished him Happy Birthday online and we began to chat and IM each other. We met at HOOTER's in Orland Park Illinois as he lived in the Chicagoland Area. We met on my best friend's 30th birthday and 1.5 years later we were married. I can't imagine my life without him. Can you believe I married a QUINCY BLUE DEVIL?? I am a die hard Rocky fan and bleed red and gold. He is slowly starting to wear the right colors now and I try to put him in them as much as I can.

So Happy Birthday Ron. I love you today more than I did then and I appreciate all you do for our family. Kylie and I hope you have a great birthday and that it is as special as you are to us. We LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!

Thanksgiving morning with Scott!!

How many of you knew I had a 18 year old step son?? I can bet not many and although that is sad because he lives 3 hours away and with difficulties with his mother when Ron and I started dating we still have managed to squeeze out a relationship of sort with him. Our relationship with his mother has improved. I hope I made her realize no matter what his father needs to be a strong influence in his life. The past 5 yeas things have become so much nicer, but because it happened when he was around 13 he also got busy on weekends and couldn't spend them with us. He is in his senior year of high school and works so it is nearly impossible for him to come up. Ironically his mother's sister lives in Rock Island so he was up here celebrating Thanksgiving with her family and spent the morning with us. We haven't seen him in almost a year. Ron has seen him while down south working but Kylie and I haven't seen him. We took the opportunity to take a few pictures together and I thought I would share them with you here. Again they sure do grow up fast!!

Whew it's over!!

Whew it's over!! Nope I am not refering to Thanksgiving. I mean the Black Friday morning. I am normally a big trooper about it all, but this morning was so different. My friend Teri Willert and I were up and gone by 4:06am. We headed to Wal=Mart first and couldn't locate what I was really looking for. We searched, asked and were lead around the store by associates who didn't know more than we did. Teri is not a seasonal BLACK FRIDAY shopper. She was a little wide eyed like a deer about it all. 5am hit and all chaos broke out. I would think that that they were giving away cash. Unfortunatly like myself everyone is trying to get gifts and save a little money with this economy and all. But within 10 minutes I was feeling a little confined within the walls of Wal-Mart with nowhere to go and I didn't enjoy the feeling. I couldn't get within 10ft of the electronic department to get a Wii game my daughter wanted. I gave up went and purchased the few things I did manage to grab and got out of there. We went to the next stop Menards / Target and that was worse and by this time I just wanted to give up and head home but Teri didn't get up at 3am for nothing and we went and actually did well and went fast. We had a great morning together, laughed way to hard and got a few deals. I am still not quite sure why I do it year after year, is it tradition, or do I enjoy being simply crazy one day of the year. I even heard that one Wal-mart associate in New York was mauled and killed this year......seriously is it all necessary that a human life was taken because of trying to get a $2.00 DVD. I hope all of you had fun and enjoyed the day. I think this year I wasn't on a mission except to enjoy being with my friend. Thanks Teri for going with me.

Our Lucky Day x 2!!

We are not a lucky family. Many believe we are...I think it is more Kylie is lucky than most. Today however we have been lucky twice over. First we were notified by email that Kylie came in 3rd place for the Walgreen's Halloween Costume contest. We were given a 100.00 credit to our Walgreens.com photo account. I am sure I will use every penny of it too. Now I just need to learn how to scrapbook for all these photos I will be able to get. BIG THANKS to all of you who voted for her on all these different computers. IT WORKED....well our luck didn't end there today. I get home and there is always boxes on our stairs for Ron for work, but today there was one addressed to me. This past year I have asked friends and family members to save Pepsi Points for Kylie. She has got some really neat stuff, beach towels, digital photo frame, Pj's and more. My friend Debbi got me a whole lot of points a few months ago and I took the time to put them all in and this is when Kylie got her PJ's. I had a few points left over and I entered into one of their sweepstakes thinking nothing of it and I hadn't heard anything. TODAY I WON AGAIN . I won a Ultra Series flIP video camcorder. There is a picture of Kylie holding it below. Can you believe it..all in the same day we won 2 amazing gift. I had actually thought my brother had sent me an early xmas present or something. I will be using it this Christmas and I am sure posting a few videos soon. So be watching....I hope my luck doesn't run out. HURRY DEBBI take me to the casino!!! LOL

Grown Up Christmas Wish

I added a new song to my playlist when you visit. 2 of my favorite holiday songs. The Grown Up Christmas Wish made me stop and think. What is my Grown Up Christmas Wish this year. So here are a few of my requests:

1. I wish to spend the holidays with my family. I am going to fulfill this one as Ron, Kylie and I are heading up to my brother's house for the holidays. My parents are flying home from Arizona and we all are going to celebrate my nephew's first Christmas. Nothing is more precious than spending time with family during the holidays. I have had too many friends who have lost their parents this year so I am going to cherish every waking minute of it. My daughter is in count down mode until she gets to see her Grandparents.

2. I hope to still see the excitement of the season on my daughter's face. Although earlier this year she let Ron and I know that she is on to the Santa thing we are making sure she still believes. Our home will be decorated with BELIEVE all over. We are also making sure she knows the true meaning of this season. Although times are bad and money is tight we are making sure she knows it is better to give than to recieve. We are adopting a family that is worse off than ourselves and we will do all we can to make sure they know people care. We are also making sure she knows the REAL meaning of Christmas.

3. My final wish is for you. If you are reading this than that means you have impacted my life in a meaningful way. I wish for you all that this season means and that your memories will last a life time. Cherish these times. Although we often worry about what to serve, what to buy and when we should all get it done take time to reflect, remember and create. ENJOY and BELIEVE! Also take a moment to listen to the song I have on this blog.....

BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING

I LOVE BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING. It started many years ago as a teenager and I would get up early with my mom and go shopping. Then we would have breakfast and spend some fun quality time together. Well I never stopped. She has stopped in the past few years but I still call her early in the AM to help me find the deals in Arizona if I missed them here in Rock Island. She is a good sport about it and I can tell she still loves it. About 4 years ago I had a reporter follow me during my BLACK FRIDAY madness. He met me at 4:45 in the AM at Walmart in Moline and he couldn't believe his eyes as he had never done this before in his life but was required to report about it. I am including the article that was in the QC TIMES on the next day here for you to read. Most of you who are following my blog didn't know me then.

Bargains draw early shoppers in a hurry

David Heitz reporter

There's the Super Bowl, the World Series, the Final Four and the day after Thanksgiving.Every sport has its big event. And Friday was the day when Quad-Citians made malls, business districts and department stores their arenas for the venerable sport of shopping.People like Lisa Wymer of Rock Island and her bubbly group of friends are sale-seeking MVPs. The women were coached by their mothers during the heyday of the blue light special. They tote color-coded shopping lists, store maps, cell phones and walkie-talkies. They are department store divas.One would never guess the clock reads 5:30 a.m. as the bright-eyed group arrives at the Moline Wal-Mart and reports to their posts. One guards the front door, cell phone at her cheek, ready to direct the others as they arrive for the big blitz. Another assumes the bag-a-bargain position, ready to maneuver a 20-inch television with built-in DVD player into a cart."Go, go, go!" Wymer cheered as store employees pulled the tarp off a pallet of televisions at 6 a.m. sharp and dozens of shoppers moved in to devour the display."Come on, grab it, let's go," Heather Gray of Rock Island urged her sister-in-law, Sue Scudder, as she became pinned against a cart in the madness."I'm trying, but I'm stuck," Scudder replied as she dumped the $139.92 bargain in the basket.Wymer said Friday's chaotic shopping season kickoff paled in comparison with other years."It's not as bad because everybody has opened at the same time, so everybody's everywhere. They used to stagger their opening times," she said of the big retailers. Indeed, these serious shoppers carefully planned their day for that very reason. Wymer and her friends pored over store advertisements Thursday after stuffing themselves with turkey. They prioritized which stores to mob first and tried to stick to their shopping lists."I grab and go," Wymer said.The group of about a half-dozen women ran into several friends as they scoured the aisles for Barbies, laser tag and other best buys. Always good team players, they assisted other shoppers in their quests, doling out directions, pointing out the best sales and literally lending a hand when needed."Can somebody help me?" asked a woman who had her entire torso inside a bin filled with Winnie the Pooh plush toys and Tigger, too. She couldn't reach one of the lovable bears, which shoppers quickly bagged for $10.There were some disappointments along the way. "I'm out of luck," a defeated Wymer said upon learning the store had sold out of Leap Pad books."Me, too," said Scudder, unwilling to wait an hour for an inexpensive portable DVD player to go on sale.After about a half-hour, the group headed for the checkouts, which moved briskly. Wymer, who makes extra money by selling rocks that she decorates, spent $157.57. Scudder said she plans to spend about $1,000 total on holiday gifts this year.As Wymer wheeled her TV/DVD player out to the car, she began to wonder how she'd get the big box in her trunk. "Oh, crap," she said. "I can't fit it in the car."Like a seasoned professional, she calmly took the unit out of the box. "It's OK," she said. "This is coming from Santa and Santa doesn't wrap." It was still dark outside as the group headed down John Deere Road. Upon approaching a four-car pileup outside Target on 7th Street in Moline, Wymer began to fret that other shoppers would gobble up her bargains if she lost time in a traffic jam. As if painting the grin on the Wal-Mart smiley face, she made a U-turn and hit the gas in search of a detour."It's a science, I tell ya," said Rebecca Brown of Silvis, Ill. "We have to get there for the Hot Wheels. My daughter likes Hot Wheels better than Barbies."Wymer defended her lead foot. "People think store traffic the day after Thanksgiving is such a scary thing, but it's not. It's fun!" she said.She waited near the front door at Target as Brown ran off in search of a box of miniature playground balls for $3. An unsuspecting woman wheeled up with her cart and asked, "I have to go to the restroom, can you watch this for me?" "Bleep-bleep!" came the signal from the walkie-talkie. It was Brown, unable to find the playground balls. "Well, there's a lady who just dropped her cart off and asked me to watch it while she goes to the bathroom," Wymer reported. "And she's got some in there."Brown managed to find a set of the balls on her own without asking the stranger for help. Still, Wymer noted that modern devices such as cell phones can be useful when shopping. "Back in the day, we had to stick together. We couldn't split up," she said.As she gawked at the sea of shoppers, Wymer took note of mistakes some others were making. "You shouldn't wear a coat when shopping," she said. "You do it without coats and purses. Those things weigh you down."She also mused about the number of male customers. "I'm seeing more men than I normally do. And they're not, like, angry. They're doing OK," she added.Next stop: Menard's, where there seemed to be a sales clerk offering help in every aisle. Wymer and Brown picked through bins of blankets and stuck their noses in $1.97 scented candles before quickly heading to Gordman's."Oh, my gosh, look at this spot!" Brown exclaimed as Wymer pulled into the second parking space from the door.Wymer lauded Gordman's while meandering the aisles. "They do Tommy (Hilfiger), they do Polo, they do everything here. It's name-brand, but $5 to $10 cheaper than most places," she said.After a quick zip through Toys "R" Us, the original group from Wal-Mart met for breakfast at the jam-packed International House of Pancakes in Moline. They whipped out their cell phones and used the calculators on them to tally their totals and double-check their receipts.Gray had index cards with each of her children's names on them. On the cards, she kept a running total of how many presents she had purchased and how much money she had spent on each child.As the group polished off their plates, reloaded with fuel for shopping, someone suggested that a nap sounded good."Not me," Gray said. "I'm going to SouthPark.""Me neither," Wymer said. "Kmart's next on my list."

Needless to say the TV that was bought that year is still in Kylie's playroom and works perfect. So the reason I am writing is because it is that time of year again. Are you heading out on the Day After Thanksgiving?? I will be up and ready by 4am...want to join me??

I am spoiled by my brother!!

I am not someone who has the name brand top of the line things in life. However, they are nice and treating yourself to some of the nicer things in life is just that a treat. My brother has always been one who has spoiled me in the gift giving department. I don't wear much jewerly but I do wear daily a gold bracelet he gave me when I was 25 for Christmas. A few years later My friends all had their 1st and 2nd piece of Tiffany Jewerly and I just never could come to purchase such an expensive piece for myself. He knew this and in fact he was downtown with me during a girls weekend to have lunch and saw all my girlfriends with their new bracelets. So a few weeks after that on Christmas morning I opened my first little blue box from Brian. I cried. To me it meant the world to me and he couldn't understand why I was so emotional. Although he knew it was me and knew that emotions are my trait, my thing. LOL

So this weekend we were up there so Kylie could attend the Illinois Math and Science Academy on Saturday and he walked around the corner carrying a HUGE COACH bag and he gave it to me. I received my very first (Very expensive) COACH handbag. Jeannie my sister in law is a big fan and I have made a few comments on her handbag collection but never in a million years did I believe I would ever carry a REAL one. I do have a knock off. My husband always says if you spend 100.00 for a handbag you better still have 80.00 inside. HA HA right?? I am struggling to carry it knowing how expensive these are and might I add it is gorgeous and in the perfect color. So if you see me in the next few days carrying it I am sure it will be half empty. It is slightly bigger than ones I am used to carrying but will find things to put inside. Thanks Brian and Jeannie for my wonderful 40th Birthday gift.

Look here isn't it pretty??

A night out with the Girls!!

I am very lucky!! I have several groups of friends in my life. Denkmann Parents, high school friends, Jr. Board of RI friends, grade school friends and friends I have met in other areas of my life. Last night 2 of my friends Cosette Thoms and Erica Williams took me out to eat to celebrate my birthday to GRAZE in Davenport. It was fabulous. We thought we would be there for dinner and drinks but it turned out to be almost 3 hours of nothing but talking and laughing with good friends.

First let me say if you haven't experienced GRAZE yet you should. I have been there now a few times and try something new each time and love it. Chef Peter Harmon also known as the food guru was there and he sat with us and chatted. Visit his website at http://www.foodguru.com/ to learn more about his different restaurants. He took all 3 of our names and contact information and listened to some of our unique ideas. He is actually going to use a few of them. Won't that be fun to see them implemented. We started out all with Martini's as they are known for them. We ordered 3 different menu items to sample or GRAZE on and we had a great dinner that led to Erica and Cosette having dessert martini's. Chef Peter went and got behind the bar to prepare his newest one the Pumpkin Martini...it was awesome. We all shared that one. I really encourage all of you to gather up friends and head over there. Chicken Lips yummy!!

Erica , Cosette and I were all on the Fundraising Committee for the Jr. Board of RI's Mardi Gras Gala last year. We formed our friendship from our many nights hoarding over our prize packages. I had known Erica from years past but Cosette became a new friend. We had an awesome team and have continued to stay in touch since last year. Now we are making sure that we gather at least once a month for a night out for dinner. We all are mother's of only one child and all of us have girls. I had such a relaxing night with them filled with much laughter. I just want to say Thanks to these girls for being those "NEW" friends in my life that I cherish. Below are some pictures of our evening together.

Cosette enjoying her dessert Martini's

Key Lime Pie and Pumpkin

Chef Peter Harman and Me



















Cosette building her lettuce wrap
















My martini for the night
Sex on the Beach...YUM
















Cosette and Erica
Naughty School girl with a blow pop for Cosette
Lemondrop Martini for Erica

Thanks girls can't wait till next month!!

VOTE It is our right!!

It is now up the US citizens to make their choice today. I have not missed an election in the 22 years that I have had the privilege to vote, not even a local race. I pride myself on that accomplishment. I hope everyone exercised their right to vote today. It wasn't as bad as the media made it sound, I got through my line in 30 minutes not too bad after the horror stories of 2 hours etc that I had been hearing. I, however, wasn't able to do it before taking Kylie to school and I know how much she wanted to go with me to help me vote. She has followed the race and has her own opinion. She is anxious to find out the results. I do not think they will be made available before she hits the bed tonight so she will have to wait till tomorrow. We all might have to wait till tomorrow.

So if you haven't hit the polls yet I hope you get a chance to do so before they close!!

It's Official

As I am writing this it is 12:01am on November 1st. I survived my 40th Birthday. Kylie is tucked in bed...Ron just went to get into bed and I figured for the next few moments I would sit here in silence and write.

I had an amazing day. I can't tell you how much love I felt today. I love getting random phone calls from people who I only hear from once a year. We had our 4th Annual get together for Halloween. Did the weiner roast thing, all the kids went trick or treating and ended sitting around the fire with friends who I used to do it with almost every weekend when I was 20 something.

I had friends come visit me at work, received countless cards that brought smiles to my face, was taken out to lunch by my boss and his mother, got some amazing gift from some thoughtful friends and pure joy in seeing my nephew celebrate his first halloween in the costume I got him. THANKS FOR THE PICTURE BRIAN!!

HOWEVER...none of that pales in comparison than having Kylie waking up this morning running into my arms giving me a squeeze, handing me her card and telling me Happy Birthday Mommy. I have the best mom in the world and I love you more than anyone!! Who can top that??? No money in the world can pay for that love. We jumped back into my bed and we snuggled for a few minutes and she said a few more things that will forever be etched into my mind. I have an amazing little girl that makes me want to do and be all that I can to her.

BUT...the shocker was receiving a phone call at 7:34 am from my brother!! Now some of you might think this isn't special....those of you who think that don't know my brother. We usually receive his phone call around 9:30pm when he settles down and 'REMEMBERS" but I am telling you that bright eyed little boy has brought a change to this man. I know I am razzing him but it was nice to hear from him this morning...I had to give it to my dad as he is usually the first person to call me on my birthday. He got a kick out of that.

So THANK YOU ALL for sharing in my journey to 40!! It has been amazing. I have appreciated the comments and I loved all my well wishes for my birthday. I have wonderful people who I surround myself with and I feel very blessed to call all of you my friends.

So what do you think...should I keep the blog going??? Let me know your thoughts

Like I mentioned in a post before I got my creative side from my mother. She was always doing crafts. So as all of you know I made Kylie's costume this year. She won most creative at her school costume contest but tonight we went before hundreds of kids. She won Most Original in her age group and then she won BEST IN SHOW as well. It was nice walking around down in the district hearing all the wonderful comments on her costume. She even had strangers ask if they could take their picture with them and then the ultimate comment was made by someone I didn't know. From a distant I heard "Hey there is Waeyaert's granddaughter" For years I was always refered to as "Jerry's daughter" and Dad and I laugh about it now. So now it is Kylie's turn. Below are some pictures of her tonight getting her two awards and her BAGS of prizes. She had fun. Her friend Makayla and our neighbor won too in her age group as Most Original as she was a s'more. We sure did have fun together tonight.









Kylie holding her 2 ribbons and Daddy trying to hold up
all her prizes!!





















Kylie standing next to the RI Fire Truck
HI PAPA

Random Augie students who wanted

to take their picture with Kylie.

There were 3 camera's pointed at them!!

My final day of being 30 Something!!

One of the people who have been following and actually the only one making comments on my blog wanted me to do the hardest thing for me and wanted me to get a Tattoo. So on my last day of being 30 Something I ventured down to the newest TATTOO parlor in the district of Rock Island. Very nice and clean and I was greated by a nice guy who had them everywhere. So Holly I got my tattoo today as you asked.....HOWEVER, I didn't get the real thing...I know you will and are disappointed but this one is really cool and glows in the dark. I will probably get scared of it tonight in my sleep. Maybe when I turn 50 I will attempt the needle. Thanks Holly for being such a grand new friend.

My Mom's Turn!!

My mom was struggling with what she wanted me to do. She claims she couldn't think of anything. My mom the creative one couldn't think of anything??? How could that be? So this week a letter arrived via snail mail. It said that she was enclosing a check for $40.00 a dollar for every year of my life and my challenge was to cash the check and spend every penny on me. Couldn't buy anything for Kylie, Ron or for the household. It had to spent on me. Believe it or not this is difficult for me to do. In fact, I held on to the check for 4 days just thinking of what to do with it. I normally don't purchase things for myself. I can do with what I have. So yesterday I went to a store I enjoy and bought myself a couple of tops to wear. I had a coupon that if I spent $25.00 I could save $15.00. So I spent 28.00 and had another 25% off coupon and my total was only $10.40. Both tops were on deep discount. So again I couldn't even spend my $40.00 and have a remaining $30.00 to handle my challenge. I know a few of you are laughing at me...but I am not a shopper for myself. I called my mom to report my outing and she went through a bevy of different things...do you need socks, underwear...typical mom to be asking if I need any of those basics. So Mom thanks for thinking of me. I will attempt to spend the remaining $30.00 before Friday. I have always enjoyed shopping with mom, we do the garage sales, Target and the Mall together. Only fitting that her challenge has me shopping. THANKS MOM!!

PS My Dad will be going in for surgery on my 40th Birthday Friday. He fell and hurt his knee again. Although I know he will be fine it still makes a person a bit uneasy to have their family member in surgery for anything. Please keep in your thoughts on Friday.

Kylie wins most Creative!!

Kylie had her annual fall festival at school tonight. She and I have been busy working on her costume all week long. We asked friends to save Toilet Paper rolls for us to help. She enjoys looking on the computer to find an original costume she found a good one this year. I finished it up this afternoon and she went to her Spookin Fun Night she won her age division as the most creative costume. I am including pictures of her, some of the winners and a picture of her dad dressed up...can you guess what he is?? I hope all of you have fun this holiday season...it is our first time dressing up as a family...I might add that it has been very fun so far.

I sometimes forward on those quizzes that let you get to know someone better. I figured since I have this means of communication with all of you I would do this one I have never saw before here. Lisa Kerchner sent it to me and it is an original one.

My grandpa once: If you can answe this question you are one up on me. I never had a grandpa in my life. Both of them had passed before I was born.

Never in my life have I: smoked a cigarette. Can't stand them and my parents did it way too long. I am so glad the state of Illinois is smoke free in public places.

When I was younger, I: was fortunate enough to go on some great family vacations. Something that I appreciate now more than I probably did then.

High school was: 4 years of fun and friends...I did a little learning too.

When I'm nervous: I speak fast

The last time I really cried was: Friday night at my friends Dad's visitation

If I were to get married right now: I would marry the same person I am married to right now but I would make sure we took a honeymoon. Something we haven't done and it will be 10 years this coming April.

My hair is: cut by my friend Sarah at her Salon DaVarah in Moline.

When I was 5: I was in first grade. I started school being only 4.

Last Christmas: Awesome spent it with Mom and Dad being home and them being told they were going to be new grandparents.

When I turn my head left: I see outside a window and see my neighbors The Padavich's

When I turn my head right: I see the only tree in my backyard that survived our summer storm.

My life is not complete without: My Family and friends

By this time next year: I hope to be a smaller person

I have a hard time understanding: Why some people don't get involved in their childs school or in the community in which they live. I also do not understand parents who get their children to school late almost everyday and will make up excuses not to take school seriously.

Take my advice: Turn the TV for the next few days before the election. If you haven't educated yourself yet on who you will vote for the next few days are not going to matter.

My ideal breakfast is: a bagel and Orange juice while reading the paper.

My friends are: a major part of my life, people I depend on, turn to and enjoy being around.

If you spend the night at my house: You wouldn't get much sleep. Up late and Up early.

The world could do without: Violance

The most recent thing I've bought myself is: 2 shirts in Chicago

I shouldn't have been: naive about certian things in my life.

Once, at a bar/club: I had to leave to take my friend Andy to the hospital after someone blind sided him.

Last night: I spent some time at a visitation, took snacks to their house afterwards and came home to eat dinner with my family. Not my ideal night.

If I didn't have any obligations tomorrow: Clean, take a bath and do whatever I wanted.

In the last 6 months: I became an Aunt, took a back seat in some of my involvement and enjoyed my daughter.

If I ever go back to school: I would get my teaching certificate I am so close now.

I bet you didn't know: That while I was in 6th grade I saved the lives of some children while being a cross walk guard

I am: a happy person.

I read: The newspapers daily, facebook profiles, emails and magazines. I also read with my daughter who by the way is more advance than me.

Every birthday: I take my daughter trick or treating and put my birthday on the back burner for her to have a good time.

I regret: Not finishing college and quitting swimming

Friends!!

I have spoke a lot about my relationship with my friends over the years. You depend so much on them while growing up. I have been lucky to retain a lot of my friends from high school and even a few from elementary school. Many of who are reading, or at least I am hoping are reading this blog. I have helped connect friends back together through my reunion updates as well. However, recently I have logged on to facebook and have found so many people who I haven't seen or have spoken with in 20+ years. They are able to put up pictures of themselves and family members. It has been so exciting to wake up in the morning to see what new news I can find out. Who has posted pictures while I have been sleeping. My farthest friend is in Sweden and my closest friend is across the street from me but now together via facebook. Some are newly joined and are addicted. It sure has been fun seeing friends. Check it out and join...then invite me to be your friend.

Ron and I were watching Intervention the other night. It was a special. They were interviewing the director of investigations for Pinellas-Pasco County Medical Examiner's Office who was looking at a box full of percription drugs. The name flashed on the screen as William Pellan. I told Ron to back up the DVR as it looked like one of my friends from Elementary School named Billy Pellan. Ron laughed and said you even know someone on a show called Intervention. So I looked him up on the internet, found his email and said I was hoping he was the same Bill Pellan from Rock Island. Here was his reply:

Hello Lisa,

Yes, same Bill Pellan. How about that, 5 seconds of video and I get recognized by someone from my home town!!

William A. Pellan
Director of Investigations
District Six Medical Examiner Office
Serving Pasco & Pinellas Counties
www.co.pinellas.fl.us/forensics
(727) 582-6800

We have been busy trading emails for a few days. Any of you Denkmann Alumni out there remember him too?? He lived only a few blocks from me and we played together often. I called him Billy back then but like my brother he has adopted his more formal name later in life. Yep NO MORE B.J. it is now Brian!!! Unless you ask the Boyd Kids or the Brown Kids they all call him B.J.

It is funny how when life takes us a different path that we find our circle of friends change. It is part of life. I do miss a lot of my friendships that are no longer in my life like they used to be. I was one of those people who had more friends who were of the male gender than female. 2 of my closest friends during and after high school were guys. Both of them got married and have a family of their own. I am glad we can still be in contact via emails or running into them, and sometimes a phone call here and there. I miss both of them. Again I have surrounded myself with people with all different talents, backgrounds and personalities and I am proud to call them all friends. So this weekend find a friend and do something fun with him or her and spend some time together. We all need friends.

Kylie gives Back!

We go through life trying not to end up like our parents. As hard as we might try we end up doing something or saying something that we have heard in our past. For instance my mother was the PTA president at Denkmann when Brian and I were there. She was a room mom and volunteered her time in so many different aspects of our lives. I am walking the same path. Now my daughter came to me a few weeks ago and I am finding she too has a big heart to give back of herself. She is the Secretary of Denkmann's Student Council and she is taking it very seriously too. They are currently accepting donations of can goods and or money to purchase food for the upcoming Student Food Drive to fill our local food pantry. So she chose to go this year as a non perishable food item and instead of trick or treating for candy she is going door to door to ask for a non perishable food items, and can goods. She is so excited to see if neighbors participate. So if you are reading this and live near 28th Avenue have a few spare cans near your door next Friday night. If you want to contibute to her efforts give me a call and we will stop by and pick them up!! You will have to wait to see her costume. Thanks for all the Toliet Paper rolls.....her costume and me thank you!!!

Busy Few Days!!

Wow I didn't realize after returning back to work this week how little time I have for anything when I am running here and there. Has anyone really missed not reading my blog? I don't think so. So it was back to school and back to work week here. No more taking lazy mornings to get ready to do fun things with Kylie. It is up and back on schedule. I sure do love Kylie's fall break.

So it is official I am giving up on one of my tasks. I am not programmed to learn or master the art of juggling. I have tried it all, the tricks with starting with kleenex to get it down and moving up to small balls. Just not working. Alli it was a good run but I am sorry to report I failed you. My boss Rod said he had a fool proof solution...but I guess I am the fool. I simply can't get it. I will keep trying but darn it isn't easy. Anyone else have ideas?

Well most of the month has blown by already. I have only 8 more days until the big 40. My friend who turned 40 last week lost his father this week. I am not prepared to begin losing our parents. I am very lucky to have healthy parents right now and I hope they continue to take of themselves. Makes me appreciate them so much more. Kylie is friends with my friend's son and they actually had a conversation in my back seat about death. I think both of them understand the concept now and Kylie cried a bit. She wanted me to reassure her that Grandma and Grandpa are okay and that she will see them again soon. My brother and I only had the opportunity to have one grandmother throughout our lives. My father's parents and my mother's dad had passed before either of us were born. My grandmother turns 98 in a few weeks. Brian and I discussed our memories of Grandma the other day. We sure did cherish the time we spent with her and those are etched in our minds. I hope my parents and Kylie will make all those memories together too.

So with 8 days to go and finding it hard to get some of the "adventures" done I do need some fun simple ones to complete my journey. If you have one let me know. I can't afford the hot air balloon ride that a lot of you mentioned, and I don't have time to run back up to Chicago. So please think of something locally and I do enjoy sharing my adventure with Kylie so make it fun. Thanks again for coming along on this journey with me. It has been so much fun.

Halloween Costume Design begins!!

I try to make Kylie's Halloween costume every year. I am proud to say she has NEVER worn a costume that was bought except her first Halloween when she was in a jumper. Kylie and I spent this weekend looking for a creative new Halloween costume for her to wear and for me to make. This coming Saturday night is her Spookin Fun Night at school. The past 3 years she has won a prize. She isn't about that this year she just wants to be funny and unique. So all day today I have been busy constructing her 2008 edition of Halloween. We need a little help. If you are reading this blog I would ask that you help me save toliet paper rolls as I need about 50 of them and so far I have only 10. Please simply call me and I will come get them. So today was spent working in the morning and then I began working on her costume. I hope all of you are looking forward to dressing up this year. Ron and I are dressing up for the first time together. I think this is the year to do it. My birthday is usually spent trick or treating with Kylie these past 10 years so we are having fun this year. My 40th falls on a Friday. We will be having our annual hot dog roast and bon fire here at the house and trick or treating all together. It should be fun.I am including a few of her past costumes below. Aren't they fun??

Kylie won Funniest Costume in 2006

Kylie 2007 Most Original Costume

Our good friends

Alli & Dan

Haskill.

The Making of a pumpkin....all by hand

So when I set out to do this whole daily adventure or trying something new thing I got an email from Beth Ducey wanting me to learn how to make Stain Glass window ornaments. Let me preface this by saying that Beth is the most artistic and talented people I know. She is a master designer of trees at the Festival of Trees and she is the one who got us to do our own tree for Denkmann and gave us all the tips. So we arranged to meet today to learn the skill of stain glass. She thought me making a pumpkin would be appropriate. I agreed. At 1pm she brought all her supplies to my house and I learned how to cut, break glass and create something. Believe me I would have never had the vision she had to make this work. Below are pictures from my afternoon. Thank you Beth for stepping up and giving me a task that I would have NEVER tried any other time. Your friendship, although new, has been rewarding.
My finished product

The Beginning with justGlass

A return to where it all started!!

HOOTER'S !!

This is where our story begins. Ron and I met at Hooter's in Orland Park IL. on January 24, 1998. It has been almost 11 years ago. So tonight Ron planned a night out and took Kylie and I back to Hooter's this time in Davenport for dinner. It was Kylie's first trip there...like she needed to be there any time before now. She tried her first Hooter wing and she loved it. We were seated and guess what our table number was....40!! How ironic right....I thought so. Only fitting that during my 40th adventure I return to the restaurant that brought us together to be seated at the table number 40. We had a good laugh. Finished Dinner and went outside. My daughter who reads EVERYTHING she can read in sight began to read the marquee. Here is how it read "The rooster always gets the better piece of chicken" She laughed at it but didn't really get it. I was praying she wasn't going to ask for me to explain it. Ron and I got a good laugh though.

I have a great husband. He is thoughtful and very loving to both Kylie and I. He is quiet to most people until you get to know him. As you can expect when Ron and I met I carried the conversation. I can be known to be a talker.....are you laughing yet? So I do believe the only reason we even began our relationship was that I was loving the College Basketball on the screen and was talking his ear off at Hooter's.
We came home and I got online and my brother was online and he must have had his camera out today as he spent it with Jeannie and Bryce. He sent me some really good pictures of my nephew and I thought you might enjoy a good laugh and smile by looking at them. Once again you can not look at these pictures and not smile. He brings pure joy to my life. My only regret is that he lives so far from me. It is my job to make sure he knows Aunt Lisa as much as he knows his Aunts who live up there by him. I want to be a part of his life too. Enjoy these pictures and I hope they made you smile. Tomorrow I am learning a new skill.....to be continued.

LOOK AT ME I FOUND MY FEET!!

I AM A HAPPY BABY!!

AM I CUTE OR WHAT??

DADDY AND SON!!

SNAKE ........Are you serious????

If you know me you know one of my biggest fears are those of SNAKES!! I don't like them, don't enjoy looking at them and don't enjoy being near one at all. I do not visit the reptile house at the zoo. I simply pass and Kylie and Ron venture inside. So a few years ago Adam Brown got a snake and brought it downstairs not knowing my fear, to say that I threw a fit would be an understatement. So his challege to me was to hold his snake. We have missed each other in this atempt to do so but I figured if this was going to be a true month long adventure that I would have to overcome this great fear and hold a snake. While at the Gurnee Mills mall we were eating at Rainforest Cafe when the girls noticed across the mall this lady holding a snake at the Serpent Safari America's finest Reptile Zoo. I thought this was as good as ever to take the time to hold the snake and take a picture. In order to do so I had to pay the $7.95 for them to take the picture then my friend Jill could take a picture with my camera to catch the moment to share. I used breathing techniques to lower my anxiety and as they reached for the snake out of her cage I started crying. The tears just began and I had to calm down. I sat down and had to bow my head for her to place it around my neck. I was worried about this 6ft python's head. She said it was necessary for me to hold it out....all I thought was "Are you kidding me??" It was cold and nothing like I thought it would be to touch. I was a mess. The zoo attendant and Jill took a few pictures and I begged to have it removed from my neck. It all happened within seconds but it felt like forever. Adam I DID IT!! Although not graceful, and the pictures are horrible, I do feel good about somewhat getting over it. Do not expect me to allow Kylie to get one for a pet and you will still not see me in the reptile house at the zoo. There is something to be said about overcoming a fear.

Below are the photos Jill took. I tried to smile but these faces are so true to my feelings. Jill was crying because she was laughing so hard from me breaking down. She said she had never seen me act that way. GREAT!! Notice my right hand not holding the snake...I did as little as possible to touch it. I hope these pictures made you laugh a bit...I wasn't laughing.

A Few Days Away!!

Kylie is on Fall Break from school and I took 2 weeks off..well not really I have been working but in partial days to keep on top of things. I love this time of the year, cool crisp weather, changing tree colors..simply beautiful. Kylie and I escaped a few days with Jill Simmer and her 3 girls. My boss (her husband) is up in Canada hunting for 10 days so this was our time. We went to the newly opened Key Lime Cove Resort in Gurnee. We had a very nice time and the place was amazing. Since we went during the week there was hardly any traffice because everyone was in school. Many schools have not adopted the year round schedule yet. So they were filming their promotional commercial and our girls were asked to be filmed for the commercial as the Giant Pinapple bucket splashed gallons of water on them. They had to take about 10 takes and take up a few moments of their free time. We signed releases to allow them to be filmed and POOF they may now be featured on their commerical. The girls loved following the director. So my challenge during our stay was to relax, enjoy the pure joy of watching Kylie spend 7 hours having the time of her life in the waterpark, to go down a few slides, enjoy the friendship of Jill and to get away. All were accomplished. I went down a few slides, took many trips on the lazy river, sat poolside and imagined myself on a sunny beach in Florida, and laughed so hard with Jill that I nearly had an accident and had to run for the bathroom. Kathie Bekel asked me to take time for myself during my journey to 40! In all ways this little getaway was for myself. I had no computer, cell phone on but really wasn't near it at all to answer and it although it included 5 other people..I was able to relax. Below are some pictures of our stay at Key Lime Cove Resort. If you havne't heard about it look it up. Great place to head out on your own adventure, across the street from Great America, and close to a lot of good shopping...that will be in my next blog!!
The Hurricane Vortex Waterslide. Kylie's favorite plus doesn't it look like it is red and gold for RIHS??

Okay sorry about this being turned but this is Jill coming down one of the slides. She couldn't stay seated and this was the result of her nearly drowning and me running to the bathroom from laughed. Seriously it was sooooooo funny.

Kylie +Water= Many hours of fun. Had to close the place down in order to get her out of the water.

Jill and I taking some ME time in the hot tub.

Resort Room $149.00

Dinner $35.00

Spending time playing like a Kid before 40=

PRICELESS

Yep she is my inspiration, my heart!!

Kylie thought these were the neatest thing
ever. She asked me what the price of gas was
when I was her age.....I told her about 60 cents
She wanted to know if it will ever be that cheap again? Oh we can only hope Kylie.









Lazy river with Kylie...what a great time



















Can you tell she had a great time look at that smile.










If I could rent my boss Rod for $3.00 I would
he would be handy around the house...LOL





Kylie played deal or no deal video game to win tickets. She is a gambler and played it to the end and her case had the ultimate 100 tickets...LOL















Jill Simmer- What a bonus to go to work for someone I have known all my life but to develop an awesome friendship with his entire family. You are my bonus to working for Rod. You are a wonderful mother who will do anything for her children who has had a difficult year but who has come through stronger and better because of it. You know I am there for you if you EVER need anything. Keep smiling and laughing and instilling in your children only the best morals and values. You will always be a forever friend.