Disney Princesses...

I can't help but post this today: Marina has a new fascination in life...Thanks to Grandma Brody, Marina has recently been exposed to the dreamy and glittery-pink world of Disney Princesses! Grandma bought her a big snow globe that is surrounded by the princesses and that contains a spinning Cinderella inside the sparkly, light up globe. Marina loves to twist the knob and listen to the enchanting music. Well, today we were naming each of the princesses one by one, and here's how it came out of Marina's mouth: "Cindow-edda....Jasmine....and Snow Wipe!" Hmm...somehow that last princess has been associated with our daily diaper changes. I just had to laugh! And it makes me remember my neice, Jaylynn, at that age... except Jaylynn gave that poor princess the unfortunate name, "Ho White!"

Hiccups!

Today, Reese ran up to me and said, "Mommy, there's something in my mouth!" I tried to find what he was talking about...maybe a hair or a leftover piece of toast?? I didn't see anything, so I asked him to show me where it was. He just opened his mouth wider and repeated, "There's something in my mouth!" Suddenly, he let out a hiccup, and his eyes looked at me with distress, as if to tell me, "See, there it is!" I couldn't stop laughing! "Reese, that's a hiccup! Let's get you some water." Too too funny!

Random Memory

This is a very random post...I don't really have anything interesting to say, but I wanted to get something new up. So here's a random memory: This past October we spent a weekend up at the Wisconsin Dells with Ryan's family (Brody's and Dahms'). We stayed at the Kalahari which is an indoor water resort. It was so fun to swim, try out the waterslides, and hang out together. We spent an afternoon out at the horseriding trails. The dads took the kids riding while the moms took the girls shopping at the boutiques and antique stores downtown. The only girl that actually preferred the horseback riding was Marina! She is obsessed with ponies. (Or as she calls them...'tonies'). So, she hopped right up there with daddy, and was visibly shaking with excitement! LOL! It was so cute.

Glamorous Mother's Guide to Eating Out...

I came across this article today...
Hmmm....very interesting! It sets me straight on some 'healthy eating' myths....

http://food.yahoo.com/blog/hungrygirl/16617/fast-food-shocks-swaps

I guess I can't order that tuna sub anymore.
::sigh::

Life With Brothers...

Playing house takes on a whole new meaning when you grow up with brothers!

Sisters' Night Out!

My baby sister, Marilee, is turning one year older in a couple days. So, Jenae and I decided to take her to her favorite steakhouse last night to celebrate. I love my Mare-i-nee-nee. Of us 4 sisters, she has the most nurturing spirit of all. For example, as a child, she would pile every single stuffed animal onto her bed at night, so that none of them would feel left out while she slept. LOL. And she would always be the one to snuggle and cuddle and share her cookies. So, it's no surprise that she works full time as a pet groomer. Shampooing and caring for fluffy little pets. She's also very creative and artistic. I remember her having the best ideas when we would play Barbies as kids. She would use stuff around the house to make into 'Barbie's' things. Like, kitchen sponges would become Barbie's bed matress, and Cheerios would become Skipper's donut. Her creative nature makes it no surprise that she's now a graphic arts major. And I love her fashion statements! You never know what she'll wear next...Goth, punk, trendy...a new piercing, a new hair color, a cool homemade pair of pants that could easily be sold in a boutique! Yes, that's my Mare! So unique. So jam packed with personality. She loves pixie fairies and mystical creatures. She loves sappy romances and cheesy inside jokes. She's the best! I find it so funny that people tell us we are twins! People say that Marilee and I have the same exact facial expressions. It's almost creepy. lol. We both love chocolate. We both love PB&J sandwiches. We both love scrambled eggs with cheese on top and thick, colorful socks and crackling fireplaces. And we both raise our eyebrows and shrug our shoulders with a shy grin the same exact way! Too funny! I love you Marilee! I love how you are so sweet. But as soon as anyone offends a family member or a friend, your claws come out and you are ready to attack and protect! So, Mare, this one's for you: "Jaaaaaa-aaaaa" (inside joke)

A Tragic Event

Well, if you've heard the latest news...there was yet ANOTHER school shooting/suicide yesterday. This time it was very close to home! In fact just minutes from where we live. Northern Illinois University...about 40 miles outside of Chicago. It always comes as a bitter shock when you hear about these horrible events.....but it certainly takes on quite a different meaning when it occurs this close to home! I know people who currently attend that school. And I used to visit friends there, back in my college days. It's just all so sad. So, please pray for our community. And please pray for the families who had placed their hopes and pride into their college-aged kids, only to be told yesterday that their child was instantly ripped from this earth. It's so devastating! I want to encourage those I encounter to hold your loved ones tight today. Tell them you love them. Because yesterday's horrid events were yet ANOTHER reminder that life is oh so short!