ides of march

ides of march

We all know that on March 15 (the ides of March) Julius Caesar met his maker, but this is about the

The Ides of March band.  This group of guys exudes consistency.  Led by Jim Peterik, they have been entertaining for over four decades, without breaking up and making comebacks.  Most of the members hail from Berwyn, true home-boys! Last week they were featured in the Chicago Tribune and a reporter researched through the Guiness Book of World Records and found no other band has stayed together this long without a glitch. 

I met two of the band members, the heart and soul, Larry Millas and Jim Peterik at Willowbrook Healthclub where Jim's adorable wife, Karen, instructed a body sculpting class a few evenings a week.  We bonded after class and have stayed connected.  Larry keeps me updated on their events and we like to hear them perform now and then.  They recently entertained folks at the Schaumburg festival and will again share their talents in River Forest on Saturday at 9:00pm.  On Sunday they will be honored for their continuous charitable contributions and memorable moments at 4:00 pm at the Morton West High School where the town will commemorate a street in their name - the Ides of March Way.  These are complimentary events and anyone can attend to celebrate this accomplishment. 

You may know some of their famous hits as Vehicle, which Jim Peterik wrote when he was a mere 14 year old boy, then it became a hit when he was 18.  The Search is Over was written for his wife, Karen.  You can listen to their tunes on youtube.  Jim wrote for numerous bands such as 38 Special and is also noted for another widely famous band - Survivor.  He is the one who wrote Eye of the Tiger as well.  They perform every Christmas Eve at the Holy Name Cathedral and tour everywhere to this day.  Larry and Jim continue their passion with music by producing many new and upcoming artists and their business continues to flourish. 

They do what they love.  Congratulations to you all and thanks, guys, for sharing your passion.  xo

crossroads

I had the opportunity to attend a fellowship service in Naperville to listen and support my friend as she shared her journey with her fellow church members.  The spiritual experience was quite different from my way of praising the Lord, but I am always open to finding new ways of praise.   I was enamored at the comfortable surroundings, candles lit on the stage, big screen with inspirational quotes, the live band offering emotional triggers and mostly the connection between those speaking and the audience.  My friend has undergone huge hurdles in her life, more than one can imagine, yet she found the courage to divulge her pain with friends, family and many strangers, in the hope that her healing process will inspire others to keep the faith.  I already knew what happened in her life and was with her during many hardships, but she said something that stuck with me.  The theme was about Trust.  She trusted in the fact that if she was a good person, led a clean, healthy lifestyle, helped others in need and followed the way of Christ, she would be blessed with happiness and shielded from extreme pain and suffering.  This did not pan out the way she thought.  Instead of whining about being a victim after falling down, she dusted herself off, got back up and is taking one step, one day at a time, to continue her journey, trusting that Christ has her back.

We all bring up the karma card when life treats us unkindly, or unjustly.  Perhaps we think that  we should not be hurt this way without someone else paying a price.   We search for reasons why our world has shattered.  After all, we think: I am good and giving, why am I being punished?   Everything is not a consequence of us.  Ego makes us feel victimized.  I have learned that whenever a person makes another feel less than their best, either by bullying them, using harsh and judgmental words or even through violence, we have to be strong and stand back, ask ourselves, why would this person want to make me feel so badly? We should discover the only reason is that they are hurting deep inside and all basic bad behavior is due to insecurity.  Bottom line.  People resort to conflict and arguments, and actually, conflict can be a good thing, when we know how to resolve it.  A healthy disagreement can lead to moving forward.  We are so unique and hold different thoughts and should be allowed to express ourselves without being judged or ridiculed. 

Parents should not have to endure the pain of watching their children be bullied without protecting them, but we also must remember that children are learning and sadly, they learn through their mistakes.  We cannot be the one to fight every battle, they have to learn how to do that.  We can support and guide them, but when children argue amongst themselves, they are learning to get along socially.  This has to be the hardest part of being a parent, but we do our children a disservice when we go overboard. 

 Getting back to crossroads.  This is an accurate word for how we must live our lives.  We all have choices to make and sometimes make the wrong decision and take the harder, more difficult road, or the easier path.  Many times the easier path today leads to a much more difficult path later.  I believe we are on earth today to experience life as best we can and make a little impact by following the example Christ offered us.  He never said it would be easy, but if we have love in our hearts, compassion in our actions and strive for a peaceful existence, we can find life is truly beautiful.  So many people are in suffering mode due to financial difficulties, illness and loss of loved ones.  We are not being punished, but merely living through hardships.  The best we can do is trust that our Lord will give us strength to endure these unwanted issues in our life.  We must not become too attached to lifestyles, people or things.  They are fleeting.  Live for the moment, today, the now.  Tomorrow may bring wondrous blessings.  The past has taught us how fragile we are, and how strong we can be. 

We can live by example.  If we want others to treat us with respect, treat them accordingly.  If we choose to be a victim, so be it.  We are only human and we make mistakes.  That is ok, but try to learn how to improve.  We must accept everyone for who they are.  We don't have to always agree, but try to get along.  It is harder to live with hate and grudges than with forgiveness and caring.  After a while, people will gravitate to the enlightened energy and want to be illuminated by your grace.  We want to be around people that make us feel good.  We have a choice, a crossroads, to continually be around those who we know will make us feel badly, or stay away.  We cannot change the behavior of others, or sway them to love us, but we can change ourselves and how we perceive.  We have the control and power to do this.  Let go of our egos that want to protect us from any harm and cause us to offend.  Let your shield be one of light and love.  Hold everyone, especially those you fear, in the light with love.  Bless them to their highest good.  Everyone has goodness in them.  We are all connected and Christ is always around to show us the road.  Let go and let God. 

When my son, Steven, played DJ at his high school every Saturday, I always requested this mantra song by Five for Fighting.  Build your masterpiece.  Start now. xo

World

Got a package full of wishes

A time machine, a magic wand

A globe made out of gold

No instructions or Commandments

Laws of gravity or

Indecisions to uphold

Printed on the box I see

Acme's Build-a-world-to-be

Take a chance, grab a piece

Help me to believe it

What kind of world do you want?

Think anything

Let's start at the start

Build a masterpiece

Be careful what you wish for

History starts now

Should there be people or peoples

Money, funny pedestals for fools who never pay

Raise your army, build your steeple

Don't be shy, the satellites can look the other way

Lose the earthquakes, keep the faults

Fill the oceans without the salt

Let every man own his own hand

What kind of world do you want?

Think anything

Let's start at the start

Build a masterpiece

Be careful what you wish for

History starts now

Sunlight's on the bridge

Sunlight's on the way

Tomorrow's calling

There's more to this life than Love

What kind of world do you want

What kind of world do you want

What kind of world do you want

Think anything

Let's start at the start

Build a masterpiece

History starts now

Be careful what you wish for

Start now

for danny

Happy 24th Birthday, Dan!

I vividly remember when I delivered you, our second son.  Both Mike and Steve were born on their due date and you were due September 12, but you wanted to come out a little earlier, so when it was time, I stayed in labor for only three hours.  As the sun was rising, Elton John's Daniel was on the radio and I knew you were a boy for that was the chosen name if you were a male.  You were born with so much black hair - I had to check twice that you were mine, for just 15 months earlier, Mike was born a baldy.  Since the cord was wrapped around your neck, they had to take care of business immediately, and after awhile I held my newborn beautiful boy in my arms.  Danny, you were such a good baby and slept through the night at six weeks old. 

As a young boy you were very active and quite often made somersaults and handstands all around the house.  We spent an enormous amount of time at the various parks so you and your brother could spend your energies on all the equipment.  Many fathers would remark at how agile you were at such a young age (about 3 or 4) and when we went to Florida you just dove in the big pool - deep section, no less - and scared all the people, for they did not know you were an avid swimmer and were all so amazed. 

Your favorite pastime was playing Mario Brothers on Nintendo and we had to limit your exposure, otherwise you would be on it 24/7.  Today you play Warcraft. We would giggle when you tried so hard to get to higher levels and through tears, you kept playing until accomplishing your goals.  Persistance, perseverence and tenacity are your strengths.

Another thing you loved to do was dress up, not only for Halloween, but while watching your favorite shows.  As soon as we put in the tape for a movie, say, Ghostbusters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (of course, you were Donatello) Superman, Batman, et al, you promptly left the room, only to emerge in full costume as various characters.  When they shot at the ghosts, so did you.  You always entertained us.

You were only around 10 when you began pursuing roller blading and went all over the area to find places to do this, learning all the different transportation lines that would take you and P.J. to your destination.  You even competed in Janesville, travelling to various tournaments in other states.  How many trips did we make to Skate Shack? 

A little later, you were a student with your family in the American Taekwondo Association and became a 1st Degree Black Belt with us all.  We competed in various tournaments and you have loads of trophies to prove your expertise.  Your nickname in high school was Bulldog.  Enough said.

You never were one to show off and did not like taking pictures so I had to catch you in the moments.  Everytime I asked to see your pretty eyes, you closed them.  There was never a dull moment with you, dear son.  Once you went to the pond at the end of our subdivision and were gone for hours and as I went to retrieve you I saw you walking down Green Valley Road with a huge garbage can loaded with toads and snakes you collected from the pond as well as a huge snake wrapped around your neck.  Another time you carried a gigantic snapping turtle all the way home.  He could have snapped your arm in half, but you were on a mission. 

Danny, you are an excellent drummer, having taken lessons at ProAm for eight years, and again in Junior High School, where you performed many percussion instruments much to our amazement.  How many paradiddles have you done in your life already? 

As you became a teenager, you joined with the Harmony of Lies band and gave us such a thrill to be your groupies and follow you to all the places you played - North Beach, Double Door, outdoor festivals, Mike's birthday party at Arabian Farms, just to name a few.  We have the CD you made and play it often in remembrance.  Your band practiced at our home for a long time, twice a week for over a year, and we enjoyed every minute.  Thanks for letting us share your moments.

As a middle child, you are more open with your friends than family and we diligently tried not to make you feel left out or ignored.  Sitting on the dock fishing in Michigan captures your pensiveness, the quiet serenity and way you keep things private.  You did not want your peers to know how intelligent you really were in school (but your teachers and parents knew better) and were very bored until you found the challenge you require in DePaul University, where you are spreading your wings, getting ready to fly and conquer your world.  You are a perfectionist, but lighten up a little.

This is my all-time favorite picture of you, with your brother, Mike.  As unique as all three sons are, you are deeply bonded.  You are blessed to have brothers of the heart in Cody, Rudy, Casey, as well as many others, but family is family.  You may not recognize the strength yet, but someday you will see how important it is.  Until then, continue to feel our love and know we always have your back.  Cherish these days as you begin your journey in the world.  Laugh with Darcy, live at home as long as you need (chuckle here) and love, and let us love you back.

Celebrate your new year and make big plans.  These are busy times, finishing college, bartending for a buck, maintaining relationships.  Dream big, keep playing your beloved DWs, and most of all, be happy.  You deserve goodness and greatness.  Be your best.  We love you. xo

Daniel, you're the star

in the weight of the sky...

We'll celebrate with you on Friday.

september morn

september 11

Happy first day of September! This morning the air smelled a little like fall from the fresh rains.  I am sure the thirsty gardens are delighted with their quenching drink from Mother Nature last night.  September is the month we have our last flings, whether it be weekend warrior trips, visits to the farmers markets, tending our glorious gardens and mentally preparing for another season.  Look for signs of the changes in the colors of the trees.  Embrace the moments that take your breath away.  Summer will be back, but just for today, enjoy whatever comes your way.  Always remember our fallen heroes from the greatest tragedy in our generation.

chicken kabobs

Everytime we see this certain commercial for healthy eating it portrays chicken kabobs and everytime Wayne comments on how we should make them.  So we did. 

3 lbs. chicken breasts, cut into cubes

2 red peppers

6 little onions

tomatoes, cherry or roma

mushrooms

broccoli spears

4 cloves garlic, minced

hot cooked rice

1/2 bottle veri veri teriyaki marinade

1 cup sweet/sour sauce

1/2 cup orange or pineapple juice

best marinade

Combine last 3 items in a bowl for marinade, add minced garlic.  Rinse chicken breasts and cube, then put in a large ziploc bag.  Pour 1/3 of marinade mix into bag, seal tightly and turn to coat, refrigerate until ready to prepare kabobs.  Cut peppers into 2 inch pieces and onions into wedges, or half if smaller.  Cut broccoli down to base and separate heads individually. Place mushrooms, onions, broccoli, peppers in another ziploc bag, pour just a small amount of marinade in bag and turn to coat.  Place in fridge until ready to assemble. 

small grain brown rice

Prepare rice as directed.  I make a variety such as cheddar broccoli and long grain but today I tried small grain brown rice, which has a risotto texture and very tasty.  When ready to grill, drain chicken, discarding marinade.  On metal skewers, alternate meat with onions, peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, tomatoes.  Brush kabobs with reserved marinade.  Grill, uncovered, until chicken is no longer pink. Dip in marinade sauce to keep moist.  Serve with rice. 

easy peasy biscuits

I shared this recipe a few days ago and tried using the bigger biscuits for variety. 

Wake me up, when September ends...xo

an ode to angels

the softness of sarah

Angel of God, my guardian dear

To whom God's love, commit me here.

Ever this day, be at my side

To light and guard

To rule and guide. Amen.

the strength of sarah

an angel walks beside us

Angels live forever far beyond our days on earth,

 and every soul receives an angel guardian at birth.

Invisible, these angels never leave us, day or night. 

They know our fears and whisper, "Things are going to be all right." 

They give us strength and purpose, keep our hope and courage strong. 

They fill our minds with wisdom and our spirits with a song. 

And when the time in this world comes to reach our journey's end,

our angel walks beside us like a kind, familiar friend. 

And as we leave behind the only place we've ever known,

we see our angel's smile at last and hear

"You're home...you're home."

the serenity of sarah

Let brotherly love continue. 

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers:

for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 

Hebrews 13: 1-2

the sorrow of sarah

Angel in Biblical Hebrew is mal'ak, and the Greek word aggelos, meaning messenger.  Angels are sent by God to bring the truth, especially the big truths, to specific people in critical situations.  God's message can be a warning, or be a comfort in times of danger or fear.  There is more going on than the careless eye can see, so God's messenger points it out.  Since God is way too much for us to take, the messenger is sent in God's stead, like a diplomatic envoy.  Angels are not here to be meddling fix its, but rather our helpers in responding to the truth.  Angels guide us in the way God wants us to go in a specific situation.  We can just blow them off, but people usually find themselves responding instantly with some amount of trust, comfort or awe.  Angels can celebrate and have joy, and presumably have other emotions as well.  They don't negotiate unless God tells them to.  By sticking to God's given task instead of asserting themselves, they are good examples of humility.

the legion of our angels

Angels are among the unseen in "All that is seen and unseen."  They don't decay or die since they are spiritual beings.  They exist to praise God and to bear the message and task for which God sends them, including to us humans.  They can think and hold conversations and they have their own identity.  They appear to all people of all religions, and those with no religion, when God wants them to listen.

Christ and our guardians

While Scriptures give no definite figures, we are told that the number of angels is very great (Daniel 7:10, Matthew 26:53, Hebrews 12:22)  It appears that all angels were created at one time.  No new angels are being added to the number. 

Angel

Sarah McLachlan

Spend all your time waiting for that second chance

For the break that will make it OK

There's always some reason to feel not good enough

And it's hard at the end of the day

I need some distraction

or a beautiful release

Memories seep from my veins

Let me be empty and weightless

and maybe

I'll find some peace tonight

In the arms of the Angel

far away from here

From this dark, cold hotel room,

and the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage

of your silent reveirie

You're in the arms of the Angel;

may you find some comfort here

So tired of the straight line,

and everywhere you turn

There's vultures and thieves at your back

The storm keeps on twisting,

you keep on building the lies

That you make up for all that you lack

It don't make no difference,

escaping one last time

It's easier to believe

in this sweet madness,

oh, this glorious sadness

That brings me to my knees

In the arms of the Angel

far away from here

From this dark, cold hotel room,

and the endlessness that you fear

You are pulled from the wreckage

of your silent reveirie

In the arms of the Angel;

may you find some comfort here

You're in the arms of the Angel;

may you find some comfort here.

This song is from the City of Angels soundtrack.  I probably played it during my massage sessions thousands of times for my clients and it always soothes and comforts.  Our angels are everywhere; we just need to believe and ask for their guidance.  We can emulate their unconditional comfort and support to everyone we encounter everyday.  My personal guardians are Metatron and Sarah.  I encourage you to find your angel and spread your wings.  Listen closely as they whisper in your ear.  Embrace their assistance.  Hold them in the light with love and bless them. xo

end of august

frittata

We enjoyed a delightful weekend with the family.  I can't believe it was the last one in August.  This has been a fantastic summer and I will treasure the memories made this season.  My ipod played Yanni's End of August today, perfectly capturing my mood.  Wayne trimmed and cleared the hedges at the Sawyer home while I painted the border in back so our project is winding down.  Once the tenant moves out we only have one more level to gussy up.  That place is really coming along nicely and I look forward to bringing Uncle Steve there to see all the improvements.  On Sunday, we had a nice breakfast at Egg Harbor Cafe in Downers Grove with Mike and Margarita.  I always get the Sir Dugan frittata and add avocado; my favorite.  I wonder who Sir Dugan is...They really spruced up the downtown with new condos and a cute grocery store called The Lemon Tree.  Downers Grove was under construction for many years and lost many businesses and patrons but it finally came around and looks fantastic.  

randy jackson and jimmy fallon doing bruce

We grilled a dozen pub burgers for the family and enjoyed their company all day.  Mike washed three cars while he was here and Margarita and I read our books in the garden together.  I helped Darcy pack some things for her first day at Lewis and we watched most of The Runaways with Steve for a bit.  Then he got called out to rescue his buddy for the rest of the day. He has a big heart, as do all the boys.  Thumper had another tick so we performed emergency aid while she shivered.  Now she is in heat so she will be overly affectionate and whiny the next two weeks.  I made a pretty fruit salad including watermelon, orange, strawberries and blackberries.  Top it off with a little granola and this is a great treat to have while watching the Emmy Awards.  I was so impressed with the opening number.  Very Bruce Springsteen meets Glee. 

emmy awards opening act glee style

Today I will attempt to make a couple of new recipes found on Laura's Best Recipe link.  The main meal is Chicken Chile Tortilla Soup and for dessert Blueberry Scones.  I prepared her Cranberry Scones in the past and they were delicious, so I am looking forward to trying this one. 

Chicken Chile Tortilla Soup

3 large ripe tomatoes

6 cups chicken broth

6 TBSP olive oil

1 white onion, chopped

6 garlic cloves

2 cascabel chiles, wiped then stemmed and seeded - toasted

2 large pasilla chiles, wiped then stemmed and seeded - toasted

1 chipolte chile w/ TBSP adobe sauce

1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted

6 6-inch corn tortillas

1 medium Haas avocado, ripe but still firm

1 cup queso fresco, shredded or cut into small cubes

3 cups shredded cooked chicken

roasted corn - removed from the cob

4 jalapenos, roasted and sliced

1 lime, sliced into wedges for garnish

cilantro leaves for garnish

1 ripe tomato, chopped for garnish

sea salt  and pepper

Cook the chicken in a crock pot until tender and save the broth for recipe.

Preheat oven to broil.  Remove cores from the tomatoes and lightly score the skin.  Place on broil pan and broil (rotating often) until the tomatoes are nicely roasted (blackened skins) about 25-30 minutes.  Remove from the oven and allow to cool.  Turn oven temperature to 350.

 Heat the chicken broth in a medium sauce pan to a simmer.  Place chiles in a bowl, cover and pour some of the heated chicken broth over the chiles to allow them to reconstitute - about 25-30 minutes.  After they are soft, tomatoes should now be cool.

Cut tomatoes into quarters.  Place them along with the chiles, cumin seeds and the broth used for soaking and the garlic in a blender until just coursely chopped.  If necessary, add a touch more broth and continue to blend until smooth.  Using a strainer, strain tomato mixture into the sauce pan with broth.  Season with salt and pepper and allow to simmer (never boil) for about 20 minutes.  Taste for seasoning and heat.

Make tortilla strips.  Place tortillas in a stack and slice into triangles.  Cut each remaining stack of triangles into 1/4 inch strips.  Place all strips in a baking sheet and lightly drizzle with olive oil and dust with salt.  Gently toss strips until they are covered lightly with oil.  Spread the strips on a baking sheet so they are not overlapping and bake until crispy and golden - about 10-15 minutes.  Stir lightly during baking for even baking on all strips.

Assembly:  Slice avocados into equal slices.  Place 2-3 slices in the bottom of a soup bowl.  Place equal parts chicken, queso fresco, corn and tomato and tortilla chips in the bowl, then gently ladle the broth into the bowls and serve.  Optional:  roast jalapenos until soft and skin is slightly blackened - slice and serve a few slices into each bowl.  Garnish with fresh cilantro. 

Blueberry Scones with Lemony Glaze

by Chef David Lawrence

for the scones

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting board

5 teaspoons sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

zest of 2 lemons

9 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced and very cold

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

2 large eggs

1/3 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing tops

for the glaze

1/2 cp freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 cups confectioners sugar, sifted

1 lemon,  zest finely grated

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Preheat the oven to 400.  Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.  In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and lemon zest.  Add the butter and work it into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter or by pressing it between your fingers until the mixture resembles course meal and the butter is about the size of peas.  Using your fingers, gently toss the blueberries with the flour mixture.  Place in refrigerator to keep the butter cold while whisking together the cream and the eggs.

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pout in the eggs and cream.  Using the tines of a fork and working from the outside of the flour mixture, gently start incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet being careful not to smash the blueberries.  The key is not to overwork the dough, just bring it together.  It will be crumbly, but that is exactly what makes it a moist and tender scone.

Lightly dust your work surface with flour and turn the dough out into it.  Gently knead the dough and pat it out into a 6-inch rectangle.  Using a knife or a pastry bench scraper, cut the dough into 4 equal squares.  Cut each square in half on the diagonal to make 8 triangles.  Carefully transfer the scones to the prepared sheet pans.  Brush tops with remaining cream.

Bake until lightly golden brown and firm to the touch, about 15 to 18 minutes.  Meanwhile, make the glaze by mixing the lemon juice and confectioners sugar together in a microwave-safe bowl (Purex glass measuring cup) Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon zest and butter.  Nuke it for 30 seconds on high.  Whisk the glaze to smooth out any lumps.  Cool the scones slightly on a wire rack then drizzle artfully over the top of the warm scones. 

Variation:  To make Cinnamon Chocolate Scones, substitute 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in place of the lemon zest and 1 1/2 cups chopped bittersweet chocolate chunks for the fresh blueberries.

Life is beautiful...

and so are you! xo

nesting

flower soon to be zucchini

Boy does today feel like Friday!  It's the first day in over a month I did not leave my home to go anywhere - just stayed home and cleaned.  I have been keeping up with the gardens and rearranging things here and there.  Yesterday I removed this four foot tall weed that looked so cool but then it attacked me - I felt like a ton of needles pierced my arm and paid no mind until later when I noticed my whole arm was loaded with cuts.  What is that all about?   I trimmed all the seasonal foilage and removed the brown and deadened leaves so things look fresh for a little while longer.  I am slowly planting a few mums.  Out of the dozen I planted last year, only one came back.  My aunt told me to plant them in spring, so I'll wait until then.  Meantime, I need to plant a few just for the season.   I can feel a certain silence around the area as all the kids and teachers are back at school.  The air is cooler so we know what that means.  My beloved summer is winding down. :(

baby from mongolia

Early in the day I stopped by my dear friend, Mary, and admired her renovations at the home in Hinsdale, very similar to her homes in Michigan.  We caught up on our families and I continued my journey to see Big Daddy and Bo, then met Wayne for lunch at La Notte Due in Berwyn.  Afterward we strolled hand-in-hand around the neighborhood admiring some of the unique homes.  Later we watched a movie called Babies where four infants from around the world were followed by the writers for the first year of their life or until they began walking.  It was quite interesting and I enjoyed hearing all the cute newborn sounds again.  The funny thing I noticed was how I admired the two babies from Mangolia and Africa more than the modernized Japanese and American babies.  They just seemed to connect with our world more naturally.  It makes me want to pull out the DVDs of our boys and recapture those precious moments. 

I hope you all have a pleasant day enjoying this perfect weather here in the Midwest. 

Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take ~

 but by the moments that take your breath away.  xo