From our home to yours...

We wish you a wonderful, peaceful holiday with those you love.  

Here is our annual video for 2011.

TOT

Ten on Tuesday..

1. We are in full on Holiday mode here. The kids are loving all the seasonal magic and every day is embraced in the joyous spirit.  Each morning Makenna Claire searches for Marty our Elf, and then helps Rylan discover where he has flown to.  She talks to him (but knows she can't touch him in fear of losing his magic) and tells him her secrets.  And when Rylan is doing something he isn't supposed to, Makenna is quick to tell him that Marty is watching him.  Ha ha...He's quite the buddy of the month.

2. Second up is the big ol' man himself...Santa Clause, whom we paid a visit to on Saturday morning. Mankenna had quite the extensive conversation with Santa.  "What were you talking about to Santa?"  I asked.  "I can't tell you..it's a secret!!!  You have to wait until Christmas morning when you see what he brings me."  ((Good thing mom and dad were within ear shot for all her Santa visits......two cats, two dogs.  Yep, that is still all she wants.))

3. Throughout the day you will hear MC sing all her preschool winter songs.  Morning, noon and night..."Dreidel..dreidel..dreidel...............  Icy toes, chilly nose, wintertime is here.......Jingle bells, jingle bells..."  She must practice, after all.  She can't wait for her winter performance and would like to invite everyone she knows..literally!  This little girl knows she will have the stage so come one, come all...

4. Last Saturday night, on a spur of the moment, we told the kids to get their Christmas pajamas and that we had a surprise for them.  Their ears perked up with anticipation but not sure if it was a good thing since it was clearly bed time.  Adorning their jams, we headed to the car and took off for hot chocolate and drove around looking at house lights.  Such an little thing but we had soo much fun!! Magic.

photo taken moments after telling them what we were about to do!

5. We are certainly enjoying our Christmas book collection much more this year.  Opening and reading a book each morning has turned out to be a wonderful ritual.  During the day, the kids can be spotted looking through the pages once again.  Come Dec. 26 when Marty has flown back to the North Pole and the book presents are done, they will be in withdrawal.  Although then we'll be making room for those new feline and canine friends, so all will be forgotten.

6.  Oopps..in my lack of blogging lately I forgot to post about our books.  On December 1st, Marty our elf joined our family and he and Santa brought a special stack of presents with a note.

7. Ok..now that's better.

8. Our little family just booked a photo session with the famous Erin Cobb.  WEEEEE..... To say I am thrilled beyond words and so excited, is an understatement.  I have been a huge follower of her career and have learned a lot from her as well.. I can't wait to meet her in person and see her magic first hand.  Images that will adorn our walls for many years, I am sure. Definitely an early birthday present for me.  I will need or want nothing else...

9. Our Christmas card is about to be put in the mail and there is an extra special treat inside!  We couldn't just send out a generic card, now could we???

10. I'm writing this post all the while eating trail mix straight out of a fresh bag and it reminds of being a kid, eating lucky charms.  Ooopss..good thing it's a big bag and I can just toss it up to hide the evidence. (Scott don't read #10..ok? ok. )

night. xoK

Ten on Tuesday

1. Yes it's been a bit since I have blogged and the first week of December is almost history.  We have been busy with everyday life and dealing with sicknesses (all of us have fallen, and currently Rylan is battling although the cough from 2/4 family members still resignates in our home..).  We had a wonderfully happy and joyous Thanksgiving and now the seasonal bright lights glimmer and shine throughout our home.  The gingerbread train is made, packages are wrapped and Frosty the Snowman movie is a frequent visitor on our TV screen. So although life has it's ups and downs, it is still very much good.

2. Makenna Claire is all about the countdown to the big Christma Day and wakes up eagerly every morning to see where Marty, our little spy elf has landed (Does an elf live on your shelf?).  She opens her daily present (a Christmas book) and adjusts the advent calendar.  Then our morning can begin.  The magic..that IS what it is all about.

3. We are going to register MC for kindergarten this week.  Really? It can't be time already.. I am so not ready for this...

4. Makenna Claire's Santa wish list has been consistent for the last month.  Two dogs, and two cats. Pretend ones that is, and very thankfully!  I guess having a real dog to care for and Nana's pups and kitties aren't enough for this animal loving, caring little girl.  Good thing Santa has already wrapped this and put it in his sleigh for delivery.

5. His sister is growing up and so is this little guy.  They both have very independent, self driven spirits.

6.  Meet Ned.. he is the newest member of our house thanks to the wonderfully creative gift giving friends, The Bogges. A Muppet WhatNot, hand selected and developed by Scott himself, Ned is thoroughly enjoying the craziness of our household and comes out for many special appearances.

7. Have you seen The new Muppets movie yet?  We have, and Ned joined us too.  (Very cute and good movie BTW)

8.

9. This is too cute not to share.  I am one lucky momma!  ( it is taped during our nighttime lullabies so the video is dark)

10. We hope you are enjoying  all the magic the month of December holds.  Be back soon! xo, K

Thanks Instagram!

TOT birthday style

Happy, Happy Birthday to you Scott!

 Today it's your special day and we can't wait to spend it with you!  I hope you have a wonderful day full of fun things and a magical year ahead of you.  You are amazing and I am so very lucky to have you by my side.  But before I get carried away, here are 10 things (among many other things) that I treasure in you, babe.

1. You make my coffee for me each and every morning.

2. You are supportive in all my (and sometimes crazy) endeavors..

3. You are just the most amazing father and care for our children so lovingly and deeply.  The way they interact with you and admire you shows it all.

4. You make your health and fitness a priority.

5. You are out there smashing all your athletic goals, taking yourself to new places all the time.

6.  You take care of your friends and family in any way you see possible.

7.  You are a wonderful cook (I am forever so grateful you love to cook!) and a knowledgeable wine connoisseur which has led to my love of good wine.

8.  You help out with things in the house, without any hesitation.

9.  You are all I have ever wished for in a husband and then some.  I am one lucky, lucky girl!!!

10.  You are my soulmate, my best friend, my superhero and my everything.  Thank you for the gift of you and all the blessings you bring to me and all those around you everyday!  Thank you for being a wonderful husband,  even in those moments where I am not so deserving, and for being the great father to our two beautiful children.  My wish for you at this special birthday is that all your desires and wishes come true, one by one, throughout the year.  However, I think you already have a plan for all of them, and you already know what to do to achieve those successes so I am so grateful to be part of your life journey of the next 364 days and then some.  I love you babe...and Happy Birthday!  All my love today and forever...to the moon and back...xo

hello..

Random tidbits on this Monday

Yes, we did it!  The Half Marathon was eight days ago and Scott and I crossed the finish line on a very windy blustery day!  Scott PR'd (personal record time) at 1:34 (woot woot!) and I guess I can say I also PR'd since it was my first (ha!).   Pictures to come soon.

Immediately after running the race, we learned that our  Grandma Rosie, Gammy to the kids, passed away.  After 93 years of life, she certainly led a long and pretty healthy life and is now reunited with Grandpa so we are sure her heart is complete again.  We sure will miss her laugh, her sense of humor, her willingness to always help clean the dishes after a family meal...we will certainly miss her and she will always hold a special place in each of our hearts.

Colds swept through our home last week and now Scott seems to have gotten the bug.  :(  Poor guy might be a little under the weather for his birthday this week (boo..) but we'll do our best to brighten his day.

My Picture a Day album is all up to date (woot!) so take a look at the Flickr stream when you have a few minutes.  It wasn't easy catching up back from August but I am always so grateful for the project.  We all love looking back at all those precious little moments captured forever.

And I have a handful of scrapbook layouts that are finally making their way to our scrapbooks. Always makes me happy!

I'll be back tomorrow with a very special post for the special birthday guy in my life!

Have a great start to your week!  xo, K

TOT...

Ten on Tuesday
My top 10 favorite memories of Halloween 2011..

1. Both kids loved their costumes and adored wearing them for a total of three full days.

3. Rylan saying "happy halloweeeeeeeeeen!" It was one of those times where Scott and I looked at one another, and said..."did he just say what I thought he said."  Yep...he did!

4.  Makenna Claire,  I mean Annie, leading (imagine that) her class parade, shouting out in excitement when she saw Nana, Rylan and myself and belting out her pumpkin songs during her halloween "school concert," with her voice being the most animated and heard of the entire class.

5. Little MC playing the part of Annie to a tea.  I loved hearing one of the preschool moms tell me that I better watch out because my daughter "belongs on stage!" I think her singing talents shined, as well as her leading all the girls to bow at the end of their performance might have provoked that comment.

6. At first Rylan thought all the candy he was getting was meant to go right into his mouth.  By the time Halloween day came (since we started our celebrations three days prior), he understood to put the candy in his pumpkin but he was very clear to all around us that it was his... "mine."

7. Rylan enjoyed trick or treating and although he couldn't say trick or treat, he remembered to say "tank you" just about every time. (and the suckers were his favorite..I think he consumed more lollipops in one day than he did in the last six months)

8. Makenna was most thrilled when she met up with her neighbor friends to do a little coop T&T.  She loves all her peeps!

9. MC insisted that we all dress up and got soo very excited when we adorned our costumes. When Grace Farrell and Daddy Warbucks made their entrance, she said "oh wow...leaping lizards!!!!"

9. And although Daddy Warbucks wasn't too enthralled with wearing that latex cap  his bald head, he did it because it made Annie so very happy!  Now that is LOVE!

and played the part very well in this photo!

10. It was a wonderful weekend full of all things Halloween and we all had such an awesome time. Another great memory in the banks of our minds.  I know I have said it before, but wow it's so much fun to celebrate holidays and special days living in the eyes of a child.

And now, Happy November...what are you thankful for today?

Tomorrow, tomorrow, it's only a day away...Tomorrow..

 Tomorrow is here!
Happy Halloween from the Case children, or shall we say Annie and her dog Sandy.

We hope you have a day full of treats and not many tricks!

TOT...

TEN ON TUESDAY


1. Makenna Claire is counting down the days until the Halloween festivities begin.  Starting on Friday, we have four days of spooky events to attend, so I think she will get her fill!  :)


2. Oooohhh..I think I need to update our blog banner.


3. And update our family picture soon.  Rylan is just a newbie in our last one, so that would be two years old.  Oopps..


4. I followed up last week and made some pumpkin love.  I made these pumpkin bars and they were delicious.  I did make a few of my usual changes (applesauce for oil, and using whole wheat flour) and it worked out just fine, once again.


5. Last night I made these chicken breasts from a recipe I found on pinterest. Love that site (and have lost many of minutes carousing it) and this recipe was very good.  Will make it again, for sure.


6. And tonight & tomorrow, with Daddy being out of town, it's leftovers one night and pizza the next.  ha ha..it's all a balance, right?
(pizza party was tonight!) 


7. This weekend was an awesome running weekend for Scott and I.  On Saturday morning, I ran a first...13.2 miles as a training run for the Half Marathon.  I felt great and sped up for the last 6.5 miles...woot!  I'm so excited and feel even more confidant that I will go into the race as strong as I can be.


8. And Sunday morning Scott kicked some booty at the Oak Park Frank Loyld Wright 10k run.  Seriously, he outdid himself again and set yet another PR (personal record). Running 6.3 miles in 42:41 ..averaging 6:53 min/mile.  That's seriously hauling some arse.. Woot WOOT for you babe!!  Oh my goodness, are you a speedy....

The troops before the race..

Digging deep

Finishing gloriously

9. Scott had a running pal for the race..our great friend Alex.  The two of them stayed together throughout the run (amazing..), pushing one another.  SO Awesome..

Congratulations to both of you for setting new PR's!!


10. Little Rylan isn't enjoying bedtime these last few nights leaving this momma so very tired once he finally falls asleep.  May this phase go quick and we can get back to our normal routine------ok, Ry?? 

Sometimes...

I am so grateful my camera is near by to capture spontaneous moments like this.

Have a great weekend!

tot...TEN ON TUESDAY

 1. Little miss MC is all this and more! Sometimes the best photos come naturally, letting her be in her own element, do her thing, and do what she does well.  We were literally walking out the door and she grabbed her coat, sunglasses and her favorite scarf (which is knitted by her fav nana) and said......


 "Look at me mom...don't I look  pretty?"  

 "Yes you do Makenna..and you are one stylin fashionista of a little girl. I think I need to grab my camera."

And with a click, click, click..the moment is captured, and forever on film.  MC doing her thing, without any coaching or bribing.  And I have to say they are going to be a favorite capture for some time to come.  She is quite the star in her right and it comes so naturally for this little girl.

I hope her confidence and self esteem will always be this strong. And on days where it may stumble, I can always show her these photographs to remind her just what an incredible, amazing girl she is.


2. We visited a local pumpkin farm on Saturday morning.  The 25-35 mph winds made for a bit of chilly day but the kids loved it all the same.

But sheesh...the cost of pumpkin farm visits is ridiculous!  $36 for us to get in the door, and that is with a coupon and with Rylan being free!, and we still had to pay for the pony ride and of course, a few snacks.  I remember it being a bit different when I was younger (now don't I sound old??)

3. In preparation for the half marathon, I ran my first 10k on Sunday with a debut time of 1:03 for the 6.3 miles.  Despite the constant rain, my family stood outside cheering for me, rooting for me along the course.  Now, that's love!  

With less than 3 weeks until the big day, I am so excited to put all this training to bed for a bit.  (Hee hee..although I know I will be eagerly wanting to throw myself into something else.)


4. And Sunday night, we stopped by Oberweis where I couldn't resist their taffy apple shake.  Seriously delicious! However, I am confident that all 700 calories burned that morning were consumed in that glass..but it was well worth it!


5. Yesterday MC wanted a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch.  When I realized we didn't have bread (oops!) , I told her we couldn't do a sandwich. "That's ok mom, we can have an apple and carrots and dip them in peanut butter."  Wow..she's a smart cookie!  "You're right Makenna."  and that's when I also introduced her to ants on a log (which she loved!) , and we both had a new answer to the lack of bread in our pantry!


6.  It's hard to believe Halloween is right around the corner.  The kids costumes are ready and they are so excited.  We are trying to teach Rylan to say "trick or treat."  Not sure that is going to happen, but he has the "tank yoooou" down pat.


7. Throughout the day Rylan will be heard calling me.  "momma?"  I usually respond, "yes Ry?" to which he often saids..."ummmm" followed by silence.  


Each time it makes me pause because I know he just wants to make sure I am close and I have his attention and I know these days will be over in a flash.  From the #can'thejuststaylittlefile.


8. NU Football season has started for the Cases.  The kids surprisingly really enjoy the games and we are again headed down to Evanston again this Saturday night for the Homecoming game..after of course I run 13 miles which gets me back to #3 :)


9. I think I need to make something pumpkin tomorrow.  Pumpkin bars perhaps?  hmmmm.... I am getting hungry just thinking about them.  A pumpkin smoothie for breakfast perhaps??


10. Here's some closing cuteness for you!  Happy Tuesday..

a few weeks ago..

During our Michigan weekend, we made our annual trek to a local farm to pick apples.
Honey Crisp apples...freshly picked off the tree...yes please!  And for only 1.29 a pound.  Extra special!

We all had a great time and ate the fruit of our labor while doing so (of course, right!?).

The kids and I have been to one pumpkin farm this year, but we still need to do one with Daddy.  Maybe this weekend... So many fun things to do during this short season.

Happy Fall!

Ten on Tuesday..

5 facts about Rylan right now....

1. He is fighting naps. Big. Time.  In fact he hasn't napped in five days and hasn't really melted in the afternoon, until about 6 pm when he is beyond tired.  Unless we are in a moving vehicle, then he has no problem catching some zzz'ss. I'm not sure if I am ready for this..  And he is proficient at getting out of his crib, unharmed.  Toddler bed in his near future?? I'm afraid so.

2. He loves his trains, cars, playing with his sister, and doing everything..and I mean everything...he see's the bigger kids do.

3. Yes, this momma is still waiting and won't be surprised if a trip to the E.R. is somewhere in the future.

4. He doesn't like to wear a wet diaper, so he simply just removes it and goes about playing.

5. Upon waking up in the morning, he has to get dressed right away. And he has to have some say so in what he wears for the day. Shirts with characters such as trains, bears, cars etc.. certainly take a priority.

6. He is losing his babyness every day..bye bye baby chubs (although he still has those cheeks! yea!), and hello little boy.


5 facts about Makenna Claire right now....

1. She loves crafting, coloring, making things and creating.  (be still this momma's heart)  Her imagination runs wild and she can fantasize everything and anything from nothing.

2.  She is all about wearing dresses, boots, hair ribbons and bows.  Girly girl through and through.  On special occasions, necklaces and bracelets are a must as well.

3. She wants to pick out her own outfit (and does a pretty well job matching things!), brush her own hair and teeth, and pick out her hair pretty for the day, after deciding what her hair style is going to be.  (yes, she is that opinionated!)

4. Wants to be a Dr. when she grows up, to help people or animals. Has a special admiration and adoration towards all animals.

5. Loves writing and spelling words.  If she doesn't understand a specific word in a book or something you say, she will stop and ask you what that word means.  She practices writing her letters daily and is constantly sounding out the letters she is learning at preschool. Writing the letter 'K' in her name was the hardest struggle for her, but she has mastered it and is so proud. "momma...look at my K!". She 'writes' letters to her friend Hannah on a frequent basis, asking for sleepovers when they are big.  (and Hannah in returns 'writes' her back)  It's rather cute!

6. She loves her friends and her family, spending time with them makes her day!

7. She Is growing right before our eyes and such a little person of her own. (and yes..I know this doesn't equal 10, I just couldn't stop...)

Happy Tuesday!

Ten on Tuesday

1. We are seriously having the most beautiful weather this week here in Chicagoland. Low 70's and sunny....yes, please!  The kids and I have been soaking up all the outside time we can manage.  I think a trip to the Morton Arboretum and the Zoo are in our near future.

2. A few weekends ago we spent our four day Fall Get Away at our Rental House with our family.  It's been a tradition for years, and with each passing year, we always want to go back.  There's nothing like spending time with those you love, relaxing and just doing whatever.  Our planned century ride ended up being only 28 miles due to a very soggy, wet day (the only rainy day out of the weekend).  So we met our SAG wagon (thanks mom and Phil) at the rest stop and called it a day. Back to our house to eat and drink the wine we bought at the cellar the day before.  Still a very good day.

3. We also had a chance to visit a local Apple Orchard and we are still eating all of our hand picked Honeycrisp apples.  Yummo!  I think I need to make some apple goodies as well.

4. The Monday of our Michigan weekend is always spent outside, hanging out, playing with the kids, drinking lots of wine and grazing the day a way.  We don't head home until the evening and this year was no exception.  I have a zillion great pictures from this day, but here is one of my favorites.  L.O.V.E.

Uncle Brad and Rylan playing catch football

The deep concentration (the tongue).
The sunglasses upside down. (typical).
The muddy knees.

5. Guess who has mastered the art of climbing out of the crib?

6. And who has said bye bye to the pacifier?
Actually, this was so very easy!  In Michigan, I laid down with him on his floor mattress  and  I forgot to give it to him.  Ooopps!  However, he fell asleep without a problem soooo  they were all confiscated upon our return home.  Easy peasy..

7. I am working steadily on those pictures of the day.  No worries..I just need to upload them to the gallery. Soon...

8. Half Marathon is next month!  Wowsers... I am so ready and Scott is going to just fly, I know it.. We have a few long double digit runs done (woot 12 miles!) and we have three more long runs to do...12, 13 and 14 milers, then it'll be race day!  I am really looking forward to accomplishing this huge goal for me..although I know I have already done so much to be happy about! Honestly, I still have difficulty grasping the idea that I am a runner.  Never would of thought in a million years...

9. In putting up our halloween decorations, and looking for cute pictures to add to our decor, I came across a few of these.  Be still my heart..they do grow way too fast!

10.  Today is a very popular day for birthdays it seems since I know 3 people celebrating on this day!  Wowsers..but a big shout out to our Gaga of the family...Happy Birthday Mom/Gaga! Makenna Claire is super excited to wish you a happy day.