Two Good Days

Wow, it seems like a long time since I've posted, but really it hasn't been.  I fully intended on posting yesterday, but Blogger was all screwy and wouldn't let anyone on until this afternoon.  You should have read some of the comments from angry bloggers.  Bloggers aren't kidding around.  It made me laugh to read some of the posts on the forums.  I figured that my blog wasn't so important or "time sensitive" (as written by one angry blogger) to warrant getting angry over.  But I have to admit, it's good to be back.

Yesterday was a good day.  We got a lot accomplished and also had some fun time.  It was SOOOO hot and although we intended on walking to the park, that didn't happen.  We would hang out outside for just a few minutes and Rosie and I both would get overheated.  I figured the trip to the park might do us in.  I was able to get a few cute shots of Monroe, though.  It isn't very often that she somewhat cooperates when the camera is around, so I was very happy.

 Isn't she the sweetest?

 This is my favorite...she's just so cute.

 This is one of Mark's looks.

My little baby is a big girl now! 

We met Mark for lunch at this little Italian place in Bolingbrook.  It was hands down the most amazing Italian food I have eaten.  It was so good.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.  I loved the pasta and the very authentic tasting sauces and dishes. They make their pasta fresh daily and it is very easy to tell, because it is incredible!!! Although it's a bit far away, I would be happy to make that drive anytime.  It is called Clara's if anyone is interested.

In the afternoon, we read books and took a nap.  Here is a little video of our time together.

This is a video of Monroe pestering her baby sister already.  She loves blowing raspberries on my big ole' belly.   Little one was moving all around during this.  They are already bonding:)  

When daddy got home, we went outside to play while he mowed the lawn.  She LOVES the lawnmower.  She always has.  She would run after him and squeal with delight when he came close.  He finally decided to see if she would help him and she was more than happy to offer her services.  She took it very seriously.  Here's a pic:

Earning her keep and loving it.  

Today was a great day, as well.  We went over to Nicole and Ezra's for a little play date.  Nicole had set up the pools and we hoped they would have a blast playing.  Well, Rosie would have nothing to do with the water, although she looked great in her bathing suit.  Ezra played in the water for a little bit, so it was worth it.  I'm actually pretty glad that Rosie wasn't totally into the pool because like five minutes after we gave up, a cold front rolled in and the temperature dropped from 85 to 55 degrees...no joke.  We had a lovely lunch and then Melissa and the boys came by.  It was so good to see them all.  We all had a good time until it was obvious that it was time for naps all around.  

Tonight, I tried my hand at a vegan recipe I found online--Vegan Stroganoff.  I had very high hopes for this, and planned on posting the recipe for all to make...until I tried it.  Mark said he loved it, but I think that is because all he had to eat today was raw carrots and celery (he's having a very hard time doing vegan in our cafeteria).  I think used tires would have tasted good to him, poor guy.  I'm not saying it was horrible, but it's not on my list to make again anytime soon.  There is a TON left over, so let me know if you want  some. :)

In someone else's news, one of my volunteers told me something exciting this week that has made me super envious.  She was invited to the last taping of Oprah's show!!!!  Isn't that crazy?!  Her sister makes all of the reservations for high profile guests at the Omni hotel and got two tickets.  Her sister said that Oprah booked 700 rooms for that week.  I guess she is flying in all of Gayle's family, as well as many others.  I bet my volunteer is totally going to get something amazing.  It's going to be at the United Center so there will be thousands of people there.  It's all hush hush at this point, so she doesn't know who the guests are or anything, but I think it's going to be pretty amazing.  I can't wait to find out.  She assured me she would call me and tell me how it all went.

In Rosie news, she cut her finger this afternoon and it was bleeding pretty bad.  We can't figure out how it happened, but you could tell it hurt her.  We doctored it all up and finished with a band-aid.  Now, she holds it up at all times like she's getting ready to sing "This Little Light of Mine".  It was pretty entertaining to watch her try and eat with that little finger always in the air.

Oh, I almost forgot!  The greatest thing ever happened today.  Nicole called and let me know that she had found something special for Monroe and the little one.  She knew I was looking for a little table and chairs for Monroe's room.  Well, her neighbor was throwing out the most adorable one ever and she grabbed it for me!  I LOVE it!  It will be perfect to paint and I am thinking of maybe decoupaging the top like I did with my desk drawers in this post.  I have no I idea, though.  So many possibilities!  I'll post pics of the table/chairs tomorrow when I have better light.

Stephen and Michelle come on Sunday!  I can't wait for them to arrive.  I know we are going to have so much fun.  They have already given us a list of things they want to eat when they are here...Chicago-style pizza, Chicago-style hotdog, and our favorite Indian place.  I can't wait!

I better go and spend some quality time with my sweet loved ones.  They are cuddling on the couch together and it's just way too tempting.  Have a wonderful and relaxing night!  Love to you!