Dreams Do Come True (+Giveaway!)

This past weekend was a big one for me.  If you follow me on Instagram, you already saw that I spent Sunday night with my five main guys from childhood.  Those guys would be New Kids on the Block - and I'm here to tell you that it was just as amazing as my 10 year old self had wished it would be!

The majority of my elementary school years were consumed with NKOTB.  I had t-shirts, oversized buttons, a sleeping bag, countless posters, and of course all of the cassette tapes.  Joey was (is) my favorite - after all, he was one of my first crushes.  Every Friday night for a year straight, my best friend and I would have sleepovers and watch the videos of their concerts.  We'd dance and sing along with them, wishing and hoping that they would come to our hometown and we could see them.  They never did (or, my parents have a lot of explaining to do), so that dream eventually faded.

When my besties and I learned that they were coming to Chicago, we jumped at the chance to see them.  Even better, Nelly and TLC were opening - which was a complete college flashback and absolutely enjoyed.

After dancing and singing/yelling for three hours, my ears were ringing and I was exhausted but it was all so worth it.  My head was flooded with memories of my childhood and it reminded me of the days where my biggest concerns were getting my next perm or catching the ice cream truck in time.

I might have waited 25 years for this moment, but it was worth the wait!  Here is my main man, Joey, singing directly to me.  Isn't it obvious?

Now, on to your dreams!  Who doesn't dream of Target - more specifically, free giftcards to Target?  I've joined with six other amazing ladies to bring you a $70 Target gift card! Enter below and good luck!

 

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Multiply by Ten

Life is really great at a few things - one of which is pulling me in a million directions, all at the same time.  It's completely reasonable that I be in three different places at the same time, wearing four different hats.  Right?  Wrong.  I can't do it all.  I try most days, but then on some days, I want to give up and just focus on a few of my responsibilities.  I need to have ten of myself. 

Mom Me needs to play with my children all day, teach them new skills, and mold them in to great people.  Real Me is able to get them dressed and fed, and is able to read a book or two throughout the day.

Career Me needs to work 40+ hours a week, make outstanding goals for myself (and meet them), and make everyone happy here.  Real Me gets my work done, but doesn't have much time for new projects.

Chef Me should cook great, nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for my girls and husband.  Real Me is lucky to get the girls to eat fruit once a day (veggies do not go well), and we end up eating out 1-2 times a week, mostly because of showings and laziness.

Homemaker Me is getting the most attention these days.  Have you ever been in a house with a 5 and 2 year old?  Chaos.  It's up to me to keep it clean, picked up and tidy, because you never know when you'll get a showing request.  We have a cleaning lady once a month, but recently needed to step it up to every other week because I couldn't keep up.

Wife Me should take more care of my husband.  He's lucky if I ask how his day was, and this makes me sad.  He works hard for us and deserves more attention!  He also gets the brunt of my stress, and that's not fair.

Friend Me should be texting, emailing, visiting my girlfriends, just keeping in touch better.  I definitely feel like I haven't seen them as much, and that's partly on me.  They are the best friends, and understand my craziness lately, but I miss them!

Daughter Me needs to go home and visit my parents.  I haven't been there since Christmas!  That is unacceptable.  Thankfully, I have a wonderful family who understands everything that is going on right now.

Dog Mom Me (of course I couldn't leave out my buddy Charlie!).  He needs me too!  He gets so anxious in the car, and he has been having to leave a lot due to showings.  He needs me to cuddle more, walk him and play fetch more.  Real Me feeds him, lets him out and only cuddles while I sleep.

And, of course, let's not forget about Me.  I would love to take a bath, relax, read, craft, maybe go shopping.  Right now, all of these things feel selfish to me - it's hard to tell myself that "me time" is important.

I know I am not the first person to be busy, or stressed out by the million directions I feel I'm being pulled in.  How do you handle all of the hats you wear? Are there any really good tips for getting the most out of the few 24 hours we have each day?  I'm all ears - all 20 of them!

Favorite Things Party

Hi Friends!  Today I am guest posting over at The Rachael Way.  Come check out one of my favorite parties to host, a "Favorite Things Party"!

12 Gender Neutral Grab Bag Ideas

Every year, we have four different get togethers with friends and family that includes the fun party element of a grab bag.  We go in turns, opening a random gift, and "stealing" from each other.  That's eight different, gender neutral gifts around $25 each that need to purchased each year!  The goal is always to come up with something different from previous years and have a gift that everyone will want.

This year I thought I'd share some of my favorite grab bag ideas, in case you found yourself in a similar situation.  There are different groups of people, of course, so feel free to adapt any of these to your next group get together!  (Friends that are coming over Saturday - I may be using one of these for my bag, so be surprised!)

Wine Bag
Of course, a nice bottle of wine would make almost anyone happy.  But don't stop there - pair it with some fun wine charms or a pretty bottle stopper.  I am loving this set from Pier 1:

Gourmet Chocolate
A bag full of chocolate?  Yes please.  Fill it up with truffles from a local sweets shop, a bag of Ghiradelli, or Franco mints from Macy's.  And if a guy picks your bag that doesn't like chocolate (and it doesn't get stolen), I guarantee he has a lady or mother in his life that would love it!


Dog Lover 
Pair some yummy, healthy treats with a cute "dog lover" picture frame or ornament.  This is a hot bag at my Mom's house, as we all have furry pets!

Lotto Tickets
Ok, this is probably my favorite bag to pick.  I love the thrill of scratch off tickets, but never buy them for myself.  Even if the person doesn't win anything, it's fun to play!


Water Bottle
Get a great reusable bottle, like a Tervis or a Lifeworks (below).  Fill it up with tea bags, or Crystal Light packets!

On Amazon

Electronics
Most everyone has a phone that plays music.  How about a portable, wireless speaker?  Or one that plugs in to an iPhone?  We had this for a grab bag item last year it was stolen three times!

 Recipe Bag
Pair your favorite recipe with all of the dry ingredients.  Throw in some fun measuring cups or spoons!  I am loving these from World Market:

 

 Mini Liquor Bag
Grab a bunch of those little airplane sized liquor bottles and pair them with some fun whiskey, martini or plain drinking glasses.  Bonus points if you add a few mixers as well.


Sports Themed
If you are all (or most of you) fans of one sports team, buy anything related.  A winter cap, flag, car decal, socks, etc.  At my Mom's and my Dad's house, there is always at least one Iowa Hawkeyes item.

Games
This is fun to receive and can be used the same night.  Pick your favorite group game - Cards Against Humanity (depending on your group!), Scattergories, Phase 10, etc.  Add some candy or popcorn to make a night out of it.

Coffee Lovers
How about a Keurig cup holder organizer?  It's definitely something I would love to have, but would never buy for myself.  (Fun fact - my Mom did this one year and it stolen the max number of times!)  Add some k-cups and you are good to go!

Target

For the Kitchen
How about some fun spices/rubs and grilling tools?  I don't cook very well (especially grilling!), but would happily put these in my cabinet for my husband to use.  Penzey's has a lot of great blends!
 
So there you have it - twelve gender neutral grab bag ideas.  What grab bags have you put together?  Today I'm also wishing you a lot of time with friends and family this holiday season.  Above the gifts, grab bags, yummy holiday drinks, time is really the most precious gift.  And don't forget the real reason for the season!

Linking up with The Grits Blog and Tay Meets World for #Blogmas2014, and Anne for Wednesday Wishes.

  

Family, Friends and the Hawkeyes

I told you Friday that I was going to Iowa to tailgate, watch the Hawks, and relive my college days.  I did just that... and more.  As promised, I did make it back for Monday, even if I am feeling quite old today.

Tim's best friend and his wife went with us and we made the best of our weekend together!  Saturday started early, as all Iowa tailgating days do.  We bundled up, made hot chocolate with Bailey's, and remembered life as teenagers as my Dad drove us to our tailgating destination. 

In case you don't know, we played Wisconsin.  Tim is the oldest of twenty three grandchildren.  23.  Including spouses, seven of us are Hawkeyes and five are Badgers - so far.  It's a family rivalry and we love to give each other a hard time.  Some of us met for the day, and it was so much fun.  I love spending time with our families - there is so much love, fun and memories made each time.

Today I'm thankful for my parents - who drove us to Iowa City, watched the girls all day, and then made the trip back to pick us up later that night.  I'm grateful for Tim and his family and all of the love there.  I'm grateful for friends that feel like family.  Most of all, I'm thankful that both Tim and I chose to go to school at Iowa.  If we hadn't, we never would have met - and none of this past weekend would have happened.

Being in Iowa City reminded me just how old I am - but we still managed to have a great time.  I finished the day with a Marco's grilled cheese, and for that, I will never be too old!

Linking up with Emily.

Currently... Round Two

It's been awhile since I've done a Currently post.  Whenever another blogger posts one of these, they are the first I read.  I love getting a small glimpse in to their lives.  Creepy?  Maybe, but it makes me feel like I really know them.

Reading: The Storyteller by Jodi Piccoult.  I love all of her books, and this one has not disappointed.  I need to kick up my reading if I'm going to get through all 20 books on my 101 in 1001 list!

Writing: In my last Currently post, I said I was working on a series.  This is still true - I just hit some major writer's block.  I also write every day for work, so I have a lot of writing going on!

Listening: To Sunday Night Football - not by choice.  Football rules our home on Sundays.

Thinking: About Christmas, more specifically, Christmas shopping.  I love giving gifts and already have my lists made.

Wishing: It wasn't getting cold.  I thrive on extreme temperatures - really hot or really cold.  This in between business is not my favorite.  Snow already!

Hoping: That we have a great time at the pumpkin patch this weekend.  Ever since E was a baby, it's been a tradition to go with my sister and her now husband.  I hope the girls cooperate and we have a good time!

Loving:  That my husband bought cowboy boots this week while in Texas for work!  He usually goes once a month, and has been talking about getting some for years.  He finally came home this time with some.  And I'm loving it.

Wanting: Still wanting a house.  And a Diet Coke.  But since I can't have either, I'd love some ankle boots.  I'm still on the hunt for the perfect pair.

Needing:  E to feel better.  A trip to Urgent Care Saturday gave us chest xrays, a little girl that wouldn't wear the required face mask, two hours of waiting, and finally some cough medicine and an antibiotic.  I also need A to not catch this yuck!

Eating/Drinking: Tim is making a frozen Home Run Inn pizza - if you've never had it, you are missing out.  I'm drinking water with my Lemon essential oil.

Today is Grateful Heart Monday.  Today I'm grateful for good friends.  Tim was gone for work and my good friend stayed with A so I could take E to get checked out.  She stayed for three hours - with her own daughter - so I wouldn't have to take A and risk her getting sick at Urgent Care.  I've said it before, and I'll say it always - good friends are one of life's biggest blessings.

What are you grateful for?

Nashville Livin'

This past weekend, four of my besties and I were lucky enough to spend three days on a fabulous Girls Weekend.  Our husbands were left with the children and we took off.  We do a short weekend every year, but this was the first that we all were able to go.  And it did not disappoint!

We left early Friday morning, because somewhere along the planning process we decided it would be a good idea to drive.  Not that it wasn't - any roadtrip without screaming children is fine by me - but it was a long drive.  It provided for a lot of fun conversations though!  At our first gas stop, this happened:

 

A large bottle of Costco vodka.  Shattered.  Very tragic - but don't worry, it was quickly replaced.  Once we got there we checked in to the amazing condo we rented.  I found it on HouseAway, and it did not disappoint. 

 

source

 

Upon check in, we were given lists of restaurants and bars to check out, including National Underground, which had "the best burgers in town.", and we were told was owned by the owner of the condo we were renting.  We added it to our mental list of places to check out.

 

Friday night we drove to Martin's BBQ for dinner, suggested by Samantha.  It did not disappoint!  I had a beef brisket sandwich, mac and cheese and hushpuppies.  #yumdoesntdescribeit

 

After that, we had tickets to the Grand Ole Opry.  It poured on us, and by the time we got inside we were drenched.  But, #yolo, so off to our seats we went.  We originally went because Lady Antebellum was there.  I've said before that I'm not a fan of country music, so basically I agreed to go because my friends wanted to.  And because they served booze.  Well imagine to my surprise when I actually enjoyed the music, and even cried during one of the songs!  My perspective has changed.  I now like country music.



 

After the show, we went out.  We hit up Honky Tonk and stayed there for the night.  So much fun!  I love how every bar has live music.  

Saturday morning we nursed our headaches a little, bought some umbrellas, hit up The Frothy Monkey for breakfast and headed out for our Bike Tavern tour.  This was so much fun!  It's basically a bar with bikes all around it.  You bike around town, drink, and stop at bars.  We had a blast but were sore for the rest of the trip.  Definitely worth it though!

My fave picture of the weekend!

At our second stop, our guide was telling us some bars to check out.  He mentioned the National Underground - remember that from above?  Imagine our surprise when he told us that Gavin DeGraw owned it.  I blurted out - "That's weird, we were told the owner of our unit owns it!".  Then it all clicked.... we were staying in Gavin DeGraw's condo.  #starstruck.  (We knew this to be true because we investigated when we got back - the person I had been corresponding with is related to him!)

Saturday night we went to dinner at Puckett's, which was right across the street from where we were staying.  I had the best cocktail - a spiked peach tea, along with fried green tomatoes as an appetizer.  My entree was Piggy Mac - pulled pork topped with gouda mac and cheese and roasted peppers.  A-ma-zing.

Sunday we left for Louisville to break up the trip home.  We shopped at the outlets, went out for a great dinner (Martini's Italian Grille) and saw Gone Girl.

We had the best time - doing all of the things we like best.  Eating, drinking, shopping, movies, and just being together.  I officially need a food and booze detox, but I am incredibly grateful for these girls and so lucky to have them.  I wish we could do this more often!  Until next year, ladies!  (Suggestions on where to go welcomed!)

Linking up with Emily for Grateful Heart Monday and Anne for Wednesday Wishes.

Are You Ready For This?

Another week over - I feel like time is flying by me.  Which was good this week because by the time you are reading this, I am on my way to Nashville with my besties! 

As always, this week didn't disappoint with good posts.  The more blogs I find - mostly from this link up - the more I find myself saving each week!

"But You Don't Look Sick: An Open Letter" by Seriously, Sarah?  Sarah has been open and honest with her readers about medical conditions that she faces every day.  Her transparency about her day to day struggles is something that I admire and respect.  Sarah writes this letter to all of us - in regards to anyone living with medical conditions. 

"A Piece of Chicago in Nashville" by The Nashvillian.  My two worlds this week collide with Ashley's post!  I'd have to say that one of the biggest things I'd miss from Chicago (besides friends and family) would be our delicious pizza.  It's rare to find (good) Chicago pizza outside of here!  Plus, the photos of her trying to wiggle her ears are hilarious and cute at the same time!

"Walmart in China" by The Rachael Way.  Oh, the memories this post brought back.  I lived in Japan for a summer while I was a teenager and would often be confused at the English translation of things.  I also vividly remember my host family taking me to the grocery store and I would only shop in the "America Aisle".  Oreos and Pringles made up my diet that summer.

"End the Mommy Wars" by Dancin' with a Dolly.  Jenny hits the nail on the head.  No mother has it "easy", regardless if she works full time, part time, stays home, works from home, or does a combination of any of those things.  It's time to just support one another!

"Going Natural: Bath, Hair and Skin Care" by Notes from a Newlywed and "Go Natural: Beauty, Skin and Hair" by the Florkens.  I've said it before, but I'm really trying to change the way our family uses products.  I want to provide them the best possible products without dangerous ingredients, so I really really love this series. 

I hope you link up with me for #bloggerlove!  If you do, please include at least one post from a blogger other than yourself.  If you tweet, tag me so I can retweet!

Don't forget - all ad spots are 50% off until Monday with code NASHVILLE!  See them here.

An InLinkz Link-up

A Little Help From My Friends

Last week, it felt like everything that could go wrong, did.  All of a sudden I needed a new nanny, I had to work after Tim got home every night, I lost a 23 page document I had written for work, a loved one went through a tough time, all on top of normal every day stresses.

Thankfully, my wonderful friends were there for me.

source

My nanny issues have been temporarily solved by my good friend Jess!  She has a friend, whom I have met before, that is a stay at home mom.  She came over last week and agreed to stay with my girls twice a week.  A-ma-zing.  I'm forever indebted to Jess and my new, temporary nanny!

I wasn't able to recover the document I lost, but since I spent so much time on it, I am finding myself remembering pieces of it.  That's better than nothing, right?  I have to find the good in every situation, so although small, at least I remember some of the document.

Through it all, my friends were there for me.  Texts to see how I was doing, driving me out to dinner so I could enjoy cocktails, staying with the girls so I could attend a very important meeting, and retail therapy all lifted my spirits. 

For this Grateful Heart Monday, I am more than grateful for my friends - all of which are more like family.  These girls have seen me at worst and celebrated with me at my finest.  They get me.  And for that I will be forever grateful.

This upcoming weekend is perfect timing - as five of us are off to Nashville!  Girls Weekend without kids or husbands.  I can't even wait to shop, sleep in, go out, and maybe learn a country song or two. ;)

Lemons = Wine

Lately I've been dealing with a lot of "life" things.  I have been busy with work, kids, travel, life in general.  At a few points over the last couple of weeks, I found myself feeling completely overwhelmed.  That's when I start to look for the "one good thing" going on, and that's how I found this gem:

One of the things I've been dealing with is finding a new, temporary nanny.  One day, our current nanny told us she was pregnant - which was awesome, but a surprise.  The next day?  She's on bed rest, leaving us in a pinch because Tim's parents work full time, my parents are in Iowa, and we don't have a back up nanny.  (Side note - I tried to use this as another example for why we should move to Iowa, to be closer to my parents and have free daycare, but it didn't work.  Free daycare.).  We love our nanny, but have been forced to begin interviewing for a temporary and ongoing back up nanny.  So, I turned to care.com, which is how we found our first nanny.  I posted the job on Sunday and so far have had 27 responses.  Sounds great, right?  Wrong.

Of those, I only responded to four.  Only four people that I would consider interviewing and doing extensive background checks on, and then maybe consider hiring.  Of those four, two decided that they couldn't do temporary work, so I am down to two.  But first, I have some advice for those who replied and got a "Thanks, but no thanks" response.

*If you reply only with "Can I bring my three children?", don't bother responding.  First I would have to review your resume, meet you, love you, and then I would maybe consider it.

*Do not send me a paragraph that is one big run-on sentence. 

*Spell check your inquiry before hitting send!  And while you are at it, don't end every sentence with an exclamation point!!

*If your response includes notes like "There is one mark on my background check", why are you even applying to work with children?  Thanks for your honesty, but no thanks.

*I honestly got one reply that said "If you can't guarantee me $25/hr and at least 30 hours a week, I won't be a good match for you."  Well, did you read my post?  Temporary.  Part time.  Pay is negotiable, but I found it a little aggressive to say that upfront.

This week I'm wishing that this process is resolved soon.  I pray that I'm guided in the right direction.  I know that everything happens for a reason, but this is really stressing me out.  It's a hard enough decision to hire someone and trust them with your babies, but when you are sort of forced in to it, it seems worse.  I wish that we meet the perfect person, that the girls will love her, and we can move on.  And in the meantime, I wish that my Mom and friend Diane know how much they mean to me when they drop everything and drive four hours to help next week (Mom), or leave their own babies to help so I can go to work for a very important meeting (Diane). 

Linking up with Anne for Wednesday Wishes.  What are you wishing for?

I Have a Grateful Heart

I hope everyone had a great long weekend!  I sure did - golfing on Friday, Hawkeye win on Saturday, boating on Sunday and family time today. Let's rewind a bit with some details.

Golfing.  If you read my post last Monday, you'll remember that I agreed to go golfing with my husband and another couple Friday.  First time golfer here = stress about what to wear, let alone how to hit the ball.  It was night golf, which basically means that the tees are lit up with glowsticks, the balls are lit up, and the golfer wears glowsticks.  Let's just say that I probably won't ever be golfing again.  I might try it sometime during the day, but it's safe to assume that my favorite part was the drink cart.  It also allowed for me to cross something off of my 101 in 1001  list.  (For those of you who helped with what I should wear - I ended up with black shorts, a collared shirt and a Nike pullover.)

Hawkeyes!  My besties, kids and husbands gathered for the first Iowa game.  We had lots of food, (some of us) had good beverages, and relived our glory days.  Seriously, tailgating takes on a different meaning when you are in your thirties with small children around.  But, the Hawks won and it was the perfect day. 

Boating.  My husband's grandparents own a lake house just over an hour from here, so we gathered up another couple and went up there for the day on Sunday.  E and A love riding on the boat, so we spent a lot of time on the water.  It was another perfect day for weather and a fun way to say goodbye to summer.  Because it's a family home, a lot of my husband's family was there too.  We got to spend time with friends and family - and it doesn't hurt that they all wanted to play with the girls, so we got to take a solo boat ride too! 

Today was spent with my fam, mostly outside soaking up some of the rays of the year.  I loved having the long weekend with everyone but am ready to get back to work tomorrow.  Today I am so grateful for time.  When I look back at the weekend, I'm grateful that my time was spent the best way possible - with family and friends.  I hope you all had a great weekend too - what was your highlight?

It's My Party

Today is my actual birthday, but I celebrated over the weekend.  Friday night I had dinner and drinks with some of my best girlfriends - all of the girls I wrote about here.  We ate way too much, discussed our celeb crushes (mine is Ian Somerhalder, anyone else?!) and began planning our next girls trip.  Win win win in my book!

Saturday was hard to beat.  For Christmas, "the girls" had gotten me a gift certificate to a hotel and spa in Geneva, IL - The Herrington Inn.  I've been craving some one on one time with my husband for awhile now.  This was the perfect opportunity!  I left early and headed to the spa.  I started with a Swedish massage and it was probably one of the best I've ever had.  The therapish focused exactly in the areas I told her about, and I definitely fell asleep at least twice.  After waking up, it was time for my first facial.  I still can't decide if I'm a fan or not - but there was one moment when my face was wrapped in hot towels as a treatment set.  She left the room and I absolutely fell asleep again.  Either I was extremely tired (yes) or very relaxed (also true). 

The Herrington Inn, via Google

After my three (or more) naps courtesy of the spa, I got ready and went off for a solo shopping trip.  This alone would have made my entire month!  I had time to browse, go in to any store I wanted, and try things on in silence.  Perfection!

As if all of this wasn't enough, I have to share my dinner experience.  If you live in the Chicago area, or are ever in the Western suburbs - you have to go to Bien Trucha in Geneva.  I ate so much delicious food that I could barely walk out, and I'm not kidding.  But let's back up a bit.

We knew that they didn't take reservations and had been told that in order to eat there at all on a Saturday, we should get in line by 4:45 to put our name on a list when they open at 5.  So we did - and still had about 20 people in front of us!  (I also need to go ahead and apologize for the iPhone pics... didn't plan that out very well.)

 

Luckily, once they opened we were in the first wave of tables to be seated.  We ordered some delicious drinks - cucumber margarita to be exact - and the "Guacamole of the Day".  It's always traditional guac with fresh fruit - Saturday was watermelon.  Delish!

 

 

We ate so much food, but I only thought to take a few pictures.  Bacon wrapped shrimp, pork tacos, roasted corn, shrimp tacos, mexican rice.  All menu items are in small plate form, and so so delicious.

 

 

While walking back to the hotel, we passed a bar that advertised "200 Craft Beers".  As if we weren't full enough already, we thought that sounded like a good idea.  We ended up staying a few hours because they had a live band.  It was so fun and amazing knowing that we didn't need to get home for a babysitter.  (The girls stayed with my in-laws).

 

We got to sleep in yesterday morning!  And just lay in bed.  We were laughing because we honestly don't know the last time that happened.  Normally, when we wake up its because one of the girls is awake so we have to hit the floor running.

 

It was a perfect weekend and I'm so thankful to have been able to spend that time with my husband.  We really, really needed it.  And - I was able to cross off "get a facial" and "have a staycation" from my 101 in 1001 list.

 

It's Monday - which means I link up with Emily from Ember Grey for Grateful Heart Mondays.  Today I am grateful for time to laugh with my friends.  For time with my husband without any distractions.  This birthday will definitely be remembered as one of the best yet - and the actual day has just begun!

 



 

BFF's

Friends are special, you all know that.  My friends are no different.  I'm so lucky to have four best friends.  It all began in college - you know, where most great stories begin.

I was moving in to my dorm on a Saturday morning when a girl, draped in a grey blanket, came stumbling in to my room.  "Please tell me you have some Tylenol", she said.  She was clearly feeling the night before and I was her only chance at feeling better.  Luckily, I did have some, and we were instantly best friends.

A few weeks later, while at a party, I hurt my knee and had to wear my leg in a brace for 6 weeks. (I'm seeing a trend here - after all, University of Iowa was named one of top party schools.  No shame here).  I no longer could hop up in to my loft bed.  Katie remembered "the girl down the hall" had a ladder, and maybe I could ask to borrow it.  Hobbling in to Lindsay's room was the beginning of our incredible friendship.

Diane and Katie went to high school together, and although she didn't live in our dorm, we saw her a lot.  She and I ended up being roommates for the remainder of college.  All of my college memories include her, and all of them are great stories for another day!

Cara, the "baby" of our group, is two years younger so we didn't meet her until we were Juniors.  She pledged Katie's sorority and instantly became a part of "us".

We are all very fortunate to live in the Chicago area.  We get together monthly for Dinner Club - where we eat, drink, reminisce and talk about life.  Between us we have 30 years of marriage and 8 kids.  We've been together for 14 years.  I wouldn't know what to do without them and am so incredibly grateful to have each in my life.

Today I am linking up with Emily from Ember Grey for Grateful Heart Monday.  What are you grateful for today?

To Share or Not to Share

I saw a special on Dateline one night about a "family" that was catfishing an entire online community.  Their children were sick, the mother was pregnant, and sadly passed away in a car accident.  People all over the country were wearing support bracelets, posting on their behalf, praying for them and genuinally cared for this family that did not exist.  Red flags started sprouting up, and a simple google image search led one supporter to the real blog - a mommy blog in South Africa!  This catfisher stole her photos and led thousands of people to believe that it was her family - turns out she was a teenager in the Midwest (Indiana, Ohio maybe?).  How would you feel if you were that blogger in South Africa?  Betrayal, violated, scared, among many, many more.

When I started this blog, my husband and I decided that I shouldn't post any pictures of the girls, or really use their names, because "what if bad people get ahold of their information?" Isn't that every parents worse nightmare?

I blog to share my stories, connect with others and have a history of my own saved somewhere.  A huge part of my life are my children.  What kind of story am I sharing if you don't know their names or have faces to the stories? 

Who wants to see this when reading a story about my family?  No one, thats who.

It's not just my babies.  If I want to post pictures of my friends or family - do I need to tell them first?  What if they say they don't want to be online?

Social media has changed the way we share information.  I post pictures to personal Facebook and  Instagram accounts - both of which are private.  But I know some people that won't have pictures of their children anywhere, and I can see that side of it as well.  I am having this internal struggle between "share it all!" and "why are you even writing about them?" and I cannot figure out which way to go. 

For my readers that are also bloggers, how do you handle this?  Did you have this struggle?  What was the ultimate deciding factor?  I'm guessing that I am thinking too much about this, but I can't help but to feel a little protective of my family and friends.  For my readers that aren't bloggers - I'd love your perspective as well.  Help me out!  (It's ok to also tell me that I am looking too far in to this... nothing new there!)

 

Wednesday Wishes - Strength

My friend Anne over at Love the Here and Now asked if I was interested in co-hosting her Wednesday Wishes link up this week.  This is a new link up where you can share your wishes for the day, week, month, year, however long you feel and about whatever you are wishing for!  I jumped at the chance because I love the idea of this.  Your wishes can be serious, funny, simple or complex.  You can really take this link up anywhere you'd like! 

Last week I wished for a great trip to Indianapolis, quality time with family, time to read Gone Girl, and a good day for the mothers in my life.  I'm happy to report that all of these wishes came true.  There is one other thing I wished for, and that was for strength and courage for some events going on in my loved ones' lives.  This wish is ongoing and is the only thing I need this week.  I usually like to keep this blog upbeat and a fun place to be, but today I need to be true to myself and wish for some serious things:

- Strength, courage and quick healing for a good friend who is kicking cancer's ass right now.  I wish I could take it away, but I cant, so instead I wish for her to stay strong and positive.  (You got this!)

- Good results for loved ones going through IVF.  It just has to work, and I wish so badly for it to turn in to some beautiful babies for us to love on.

- Strength and healing for another person that was just diagnosed with cancer.  Treatment plans haven't been made yet, but I wish for something quick and effective, and for her to be strong.

Love this verse.

I am all about finding the good in each situation, so I need to focus on some positives.  There is a lot to be joyful about as well - such as new babies, time with family, weddings and engagements.  For these I wish a lifetime of happiness and health.

What are you wishing for this week?  Grab the button, link up with us and share!  Don't forget to check out other wishers while you are at it!

An InLinkz Link-up

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