Thirteen Thursday

Tomorrow I leave for Southern California. My lifelong friend, Jennifer, just lost her husband 3 weeks ago on Sunday. This Thirteen Thursday is dedicated to her and her daughter, Madison.

Thirteen Reasons I'm excited about seeing Jennifer and Madison and going to Southern California.

1. Jennifer has been my friend since we were just wee

Toddlers and I'm excited to see her because it's been almost 2 years since we've last seen each other.

2. I am excited to see her so we can catch up on all that's been going on in our lives.

3. I'm excited to go see Jennifer because we can talk about David and what we loved about him and how he touched everyone he knew. He had between 900-1000 people at his funeral. That shows me what kind of life he lived. He was dedicated to God, his family and others.

4. I'm excited to see Madison again and help her celebrate her 3rd birthday on Saturday!!

5. I'm excited to go to Disneyland with them. I cannot wait to see Madison while we are there and I cannot wait to be there and see all the Christmas decorations.

6. I'm excited to be going out to California because I have family there that I will get to see.

7. I'm excited to go see Jennifer because I got Dr. Phil tickets and for anyone who knows me, you know I'm a HUGE fan of his. She is not as much of a fan, but she cannot wait to see how crazy I get while there. Sorry in advance if I embarass you. :-)

8. I'm excited to see Jennifer because we get to stay up late like when we were little and just talk, laugh and cry late into the night.

9. I'm excited to be somewhere warm while all my friends and family freeze here in Chicago!!

10. I'm excited to see my old neighborhood where I grew up.

11. I'm excited to be going on a trip with NO KIDS!! The kids are not too excited about that because they love going to California with me.

12. I'm thankful to have a husband that is so understanding about these things. Love you honey. Thanks for making it possible to go out and be there for Jenny.

13. I'm excited to be able to go out and be with Jennifer and Madison for so many reasons. I love them very much and know that Jennifer would do the same thing for me. I'm here for you girl. See ya Tomorrow. Bring the Kleenix.

We rocked out!!

I took Tricia and her friend, Katie to a concert tonight. I dragged Katie's Mom too. She had fun even if she tells you otherwise. We saw Last Tuesday, John Reuben, Sanctus Real and my favorite of the bunch SUPERCHIC[K]. There was a local band that opened up the whole concert, but I'm drawing a blank on their name. These are all Christian Bands.

Here are a few pictures:

Here is Tricia and Katie with me. They are all decked out in their

Superchic[k] stuff and ready to go.

This is the band Last Tuesday. They were pretty good. Kinda Punk/Alternative. The lead singer was so funny. He had on long johns with his boxers hanging out. They were a fun band.

Here is John Reuben taking it up a notch. I have always like John's Music. He is hip hop and very fun to work out too. He really knew how to get the crowd going.

Here is Steve the lead singer of Last Tuesday helping John Reuben out. He climbed up on the speakers and poised for me. I was by the stage just up in the balcony. He had multiple piercings and very cool glasses.

Here is the band Sanctus Real. I really, really liked them. If you are my husband and you are reading this any of their CD's would make really good Christmas gifts. Again a more alternative sound.

And finally the band we had waited for ALL NIGHT. SuperChic[k]. They are an incredible group with a great messages for girls. I love their music and have a lot of fun listening to it with the kids. I really love their message and I was really happy to see all the ladies in the audience. Don't worry guys you were well represented in the crowd . At one point John Reuben came out with a shirt on that said GIRL POWER!! It was too funny!! The blonde in the picture is the lead singer named Tricia and the dark haired on is named Melissa. Pretty cool, huh?

This was the last night of a 2 month tour, so it was really fun because everyone kept coming out for the other acts. It was a great night and one that I am glad that I got to share with the girls.

Another bonus for the night is that I danced and moved for 3 1/2 hours. Talk about your good workout. :-)

Gotta get to bed. I'm tired. Night!!

This blog has been interuppted by a SNOW DAY

The kids are thrilled because they woke up to tons of snow and no school. It's an official

SNOW DAY!!!

Keith left for South America just in time for the first snow fall of the year. He informs me via email that it is in the 80's and sunny. That's ok he can rub it in because I leave for Southern California on the 8th for a 10 day trip. Here are some pictures just snapped outside my back and front doors to show you how much snow we got and it's still snowing. I wanted to get pictures before the kids and I go and play. Enjoy especially if you live somewhere warm. :-)

Check out the car. That's going to be fun to dig out!!

This is our back patio door. Check out how high the snow is leaning on our door and in the background is our table covered in snow. We probably have about a foot of snow. I'm not complaining though because I have a lot of fun in the snow and love that my kids get to grow up seeing all 4 seasons. Well, five here in Chicago because of Construction season.

Look at that snow just hanging off of our roof. It's really cool and really out there. I know exactly what is going to happen too. I will walk out there tomorrow or Sunday when it warms up a little and it is going to fall on my head. It will be something fun to laugh about.

I would love to stay and chat, but the kids and I have some snow to go and play in. I'll take pictures and blog more tonight or tomorrow. Have a nice warm day.