Karate

Hayden has passed another test in karate and is now a brown stripe belt. He has really done well and seems to enjoy the sport. They teach self esteem and confidence as well as self defence. We are really proud of him!

Blizzard of 2011

I have lived long enough to see most of the worst snow storms in the history of Chicago. While this one does not top the list in inches, it sure does in the danger, winds, blizzard conditions and snow piles. I had never heard Thunder snow before nor seen lightning during a snow storm. It sounded like a train coming down the street! I have added a few pictures from our house, our kids house, and from some of our friends.

 This is in Rockford where a friend lives

 This is the kids house....amazing that they were sledding off thier front porch!

Family Photos

For me, the best part of the Holidays is to have the whole family together.That didn't happen this year and it is never quite the same. Here is part of our family on Christmas Eve and then a photo of brother Scott and his wife Autumn from thier New Years Eve in Las Vegas.

Happy New Year - Auld Lang Syne by Sissel (Live).wmv

Christmas 2010 cards

Here are my efforts for this Christmas. As you card maker's know, it sometimes takes awhile to come up with an idea and then dig out what you are looking for. Next year I have made a New Years pledge to start this project earlier so I am not rushing at the last minute trying to get them done. It is fun to make them and each one is made with love and care.

This was a CASE from on of Carol Sutters scenes.

Botanic Gardens Winter Wonderland Express

Take a magical adventure to a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and holiday beauty at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Miniature trains winds over bridges, under trestles, past waterfalls, and through more than 80 mini-replicas of Chicago's favorite landmarks. This unique blend of artistic wizardry, fanciful design, magnificent horticulture, and of course, the whizzing, whistling miniature trains. Paul Busse, designer of the Model Railroad Garden, created this amazing exhibition exclusively for the Garden's holiday celebration. What a fantasic display of Chicago history, buildings and attractions. It only runs from Thanksgiving to New Years and well worth the time to go see this. Train enthusiasts will love it! There is a train in every display and several running overhead on thissel branch bridges. Its amazing to see!

Thru the eyes of a child

If you ever have a problem seeing the good or beauty in something, try to view it thru the eyes of a child. Their innocence, wonder and joy makes everything right in the world. These are our grandsons, Hayden and Jaxson and I think says it all about the wonder of the Holiday Season.