Around here..

We are busy around here trying on summer clothes, making sure shoes and sun visors still fit, counting our sunscreen bottles and looking for those water socks because in just two days these Case's are heading South.  It's a road trip to Florida where we hope to spend a day in Orlando sunshine before boarding a big white ship for 7 day cruise to the Western Caribbean. And the best part?  We are meeting up with a slew of family members and friends so this ought to be a great trip!

But before I get back to all that packing, and finishing up our taxes before we leave, I will share a few layouts.  I have been a busy bee in the scrapping department and the creativity energy brings me much joy. Here's a few from Halloween for the kids albums.

MC's and Ry's first page layout

Rylan's second page layout

MC's second page layout

Now where are those water socks??

Because hasn't he been neglected for a bit?

And didn't we just celebrate his second birthday?

I'm one lucky momma.

Before and on February 21, 2012

So after a fun day at American Girl, and after some walking around Water Tower Place, my mom spotted a Claire's store.  For the last month, Makenna has insisted that when she turned five years old, she was going to get her ears pierced.  Having always told her she can pierce them when she was ready since they are her ears, I supported her frequent statement by saying, "ok".  So we mention it to Makenna to see if she is still interested in having them pierced. Now.  Today.  She jumped on it and before I knew it, we were in the seat to get it all done.
She wanted to sit on my lap.  Ok. Check
She picked out her earrings (her birth stone Amethyst, which just happen to be in her favorite color Purple. Check.
She got her ears cleaned. Check.
She got her ears marked for position.  Screeeeech...And that's when the brakes went on!

"I didn't come here to get my ears pierced," she told the lady.  "I just came here to get my ears cleaned."

What?  We couldn't keep but to bust out laughing.  "That's a new one!!" said the lady.

But of course we carried on, and her ears quickly were sparkling in new jewels.

On MC's actual birth day, we celebrated in a low key fashion. She awoke to a room full of balloons on her bedroom floor which enticed two little kiddos to much play.  Gaga and Pop pop soon arrived to take the birthday girl out for breakfast before the four of us went to preschool.  Since she was the star of the week, we stayed to see what pre-kindergarten is all about!

It was great to see Makenna lead interact with all her class mates and watch her describe her poster of pictures to her teachers and friends.  It's always a treat to be able to step back and get a glimpse of the world the way she see's it, especially during a time which I am not usually privy to.

After school we picked up Nana and headed for dinner. MC knew it was her choice so when I asked her where she would like to go, she quickly gave me a reply that somewhat surprised me.  "The train restaurant because it would make Rylan happy." Wow,  Makenna Claire, I love your heart.  We all had a fabulous time and she insisted on wearing her school birthday crown so everyone would know it was her birthday.  Yep, that's my girl..so thoughtful of others and one who loves to be the center of attention.

I will be back tomorrow to finish off her birthday celebration stories. xo, K

I think she had a good one!

Yep, she had fun.
Makenna's week long celebrations have come to a close and although I am sure she wishes it would continue because we all know how MC loved all the attention adorned on her, it is time to move forward.


Last Saturday we initiated her fifth birthday by having a small family party, Rainbow Style!  

I have to admit that I had so much fun with this theme and I enjoyed making all the decorations and coming up with food ideas..(with special help from pinterest, of course!).  The birthday girl requested Vegetable Stir Fry (one of her absolutely favorite meals...for reals) and we deserted on rainbow cake and rainbow sprinkled oreos/pretzels.  

And with that, she was five years old, even though her real birthday was still another few days away.
Thank you to everyone who sent her cards and gifts to make her feel special. She appreciated it greatly!
I'll be back with more fun memories of last week.

hello..

Hello 2012. 
We had a fantastic month of all things holiday.  So much so that I feel like I am still playing a bit catch up.
The Christmas tree is down, as is most of our holiday decorations but boxes still need to return to their home in the basement, thank you cards need to finished and there are still a few new toys that have yet to be opened.  I absolutely love everything about Christmas but I also love taking it all down and becoming a minimalist with our home decor for a bit.  Perhaps it's because the decorations take so much space, but there is a freshness that comes with returning to normal.  A new beginning in many ways as we leap into the new year.

I am working diligently to finish our 2011 Project 365 Album (working on December-yea!).  As soon as I process through all my photos taken over the holidays, I will share our stories.  So many stories as the magic of the season was multiplied x2.   Until then, our daily pictures for November is complete and can be viewed in the photo stream.

To wrap up 2011, I created a scrapbook page to document it in a glance.

May life be good to you and yours in 2012.
xo, kelly

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

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

1. The weather here has finally calmed down and we are now in the 80's and it feels awesome! I have been attending to the growing weeds in the yard, shrubs that needed some mending and a garage that has been screaming for a reorg! It's so great to be outside and not feel like we are melting...phew.. this has been a very hot summer!

2. We are also packing our bags for the Carolina's. We are all so very excited to spending a week in a half together and drive ourselves both crazy and silly with driving our troups, hours on end. An adventure awaits us, I am sure.

3. But before we can leave for vacation, Scott and I are racing on Sunday. This is where we will be in the wee hours of the morning http://www.bangslakemultisportfestival.com/  The weather looks absolutely perfect so I couldn't be more excited!  Ready to kick some pavement (and waves, in Scott's case)!

4. And it looks like our oldest is keeping up with her momma and daddy with much ambition and desire.  This morning while I was cleaning out the garage, she staged her own Duathlon.  "Momma..cheer for me as I go by, ok?"  She even handled the transition from one sport to the other with expertise.  "run, bike, run is what I am going to do!"  Rylan didn't need any prompting and knew just what to do...."woooo woooo!" he shouts.  Love it!  He saids the same thing every time he sees a photo of us at our races.  Just. 2. Cute!



5. Speaking of 2...lil Rylan is coming up on his second birthday.  How that is even possible, I am not really sure.  And it's in just 10 days.  Really??

6. Project 365, a snapshot picture of a day, is just about up to date.  Weeeeee!  So very excited...and now we go on vaca, so I'll be a couple weeks behind again.  LOL  But it's all good.  I love lOVE love this book..it's actually my very favorite out of all my scrapbooks because it covers everything from the big things to the little day to day moments that I want forever etched in my mind.  You can check out the photo stream by clicking on the right side to take you to the flickr page.

7-9 (HA!)  How about some scrappy love?  I did these layouts a bit ago, but never shared.  Here are some pages to update Scott's book. And they are paper layouts rather than the digital ones I have been doing.  How fun it's been to play with paper and embellishments again.

10. Signing off for a couple weeks.  Off to finish our week at home, before starting our fun adventure. Happy end of summer!!!

Ten on Tuesday


1. Yes it's Tuesday..and I am here.  I would like to re-introduce myself.....ha,ha..I keep on trying to be a better blogger, but life gets in the way and I have things like kids, house, classes, workouts..yada yada yada...  Going to try and get here more often though.  I'll be back before next Tues..pinky toe promise.

2.  Makenna Claire is officially done with Three year old Preschool and she is on summer vacation. WOOT!  It's amazing how much a little girl can change in a matter of nine..only 9...months.

Last year to now.....

3. She celebrated her end of the year with her classmates at a picnic park lunch.

Where all the kids were handed their special award. 

 Makenna received the "Future Teacher" Award.

Uhh...mmm..that's my kid..one with the strong outgoing personality wanting to help everyone and "advise" them on how to do it right.  

I had a good chuckle with that award!

They have her number..although, I think they figured that out in the beginning of the school year. 

Lots of hugs given to her teachers.  

And although this photo is not the best quality by any measure, it makes me smile. 

 If a photo can demonstrate her personality, this would be it.  Love it!

4. So now that school is out, we are in the full swing of SUMMER!
I am very excited about doing so many activities with the kids.  With Rylan in full on toddler mode and now that MC is 4 and listens pretty well, we are going to have tons of fun being out and about.  In full disclosure though, the kids and this momma do so much better when we are active. Days I try to stay home are usually full of frustrations and will power battles.

I am thinking about making a summer bucket list.  How fun would that be??  A few of my ideas so far..

-Pool visits.  Many. Pool. Trips.
-Visit a water park.
-Make home made playdough.
-Visit the zoo.  Often.
-Visit EVERY play park Bolingbrook has to offer.
-Fingerpaint outside.
-Dance in a sprinkler.
-Visit Lisle's Balloon Fest (I have wanted to do this for years!)
-Bike riding with Makenna

Hmmm..I think I may make this into a scrapbook layout.
What's on your summer to do list?

5. Two weekends ago, Scott and I raced again.  The Western Springs Tower Trot 10k and 5k have been on our calendar for years and it's always such a great well run race and lots of fun for everyone.  This year was a bit different because not only was Scott racing, so was I.  Scott ran the 10k and then ran the 5k with me as my pacer.  Seriously,  I am such a lucky girl.

Scott smoked the 10k with 7 minute miles and my goal for the 5k was to get under 30 minutes which would beat my personal best by a little under a minute.  And what did I do????  29:59...Boo YA!

I had a good laugh when I saw my race time posted, but hey, I did it!  :D

6. This weekend I am racing again in another Duathlon. And this time it looks like the weather is going to be beautiful.  Weeeeeee.... My friend Stacey and I are going to do great...I am sure of it!

7. This last weekend I had a haircut appointment.  Little did I know that Scott conspired with my mom to take me clothes shopping afterwards.  A girls day complete with new hair and a new closet full of clothes and lots of mom time made for an awesome Saturday.  It was wonderful.

8. And on Sunday, we had a low key day with a few hours spent a few hours at the Bolingbrook Airport where they were showcasing their planes.

9. Ahh.....so many things to do in this season of sunshine.

10. Welcome Summer..how we L.O.V.E. you.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Rylan's vocabulary is expanding every day.  Words are popping out of his mouth all the time. You know... the ones that stop us and say, "did he just say what I think he just said?" Wasn't I surprised when I asked him "how are you Rylan?".. and he saids, "good!"   And just as shocked when he asked for "ap-pple" and  "iiice ceam".

2. Last week was a busy for us.  Two theater experiences, one seeing Rylan's beloved Elmo, a visit to the Morton Arboretum on a very hot 90 degree day (thank goodness for all the water play stations!) and Makenna's Ballet/ Tap Recital.  We also had our friend Robert from Hong Kong stay with us for the week while him and Scott made client visits all week long.

3. This week will be a bit quieter I think.  It's great to be busy but sometimes we need to let go of the peddle a bit and that is what we are going to do.  But now it's house stuff, packing and getting ready for our next adventure.

4.  Galena is this Saturday.  I am getting so excited, hoping for nice weather and looking forward to going away for the weekend.  Scott has been sick with a bad sinus infection for several weeks so hopefully he will recover so he can race as well.  I'm sure he'll be good to go and still knock me out of water time wise..but that's ok!  Let's go get those hills babe!!

5. Makenna enjoyed her dance recital immensely.  I was one of the lucky momma's to watch the girls back stage and I have to say, they were pretty awesome!  And once on stage, they rocked their routine.  MC soaked in all the girl time and the moments afterwards, excitedly greeted with such joy by our family.

6. him and me...he and i...mr and mrs...just like pb and j...together.. life is sweet.
(and this is captured thanks to the pocketbooth app on our iphones. )

7. Uncle Brad and DeChantel are in paradise so their little 5 pound pup is staying at the Jayhan and Case casa's.  She's in her own paradise, of sort.  HA!

8. And when all the love gets to be too much, she does have a place to put her feet, snuggle in and catch a few moments of peace.

Ruff life, isn't it?!  

9. While I am typing, MC is watching Max and Ruby goes to the Dr.  and this is what I overhear on the show.

"having a heartbeat is very important if you want to stay healthy."

Yep, no joke, & wherever you are and whatever you do,  that would be the understatement of the day year.  

10.  Anyone overdue for a hair stylin appointment?  Yes?!....Phone # is SOO-CUUTE.

 Ten on Tuesday

a few Makenna-isms to start..

1. MC "Momma..is it sometimes hard to be a mommy?"
    me... "yes, at times it is makenna.  Why?"
    MC " It's sometimes hard to be a big sister too."

(and it must of been on her mind that day since she asked Daddy the same thing that night)

2. MC adores having Daddy tuck her into bed each night.   One of the songs M request from Daddy is "it had to be you.."
Scott was telling me that when he sings it to her, she sings along.
Daddy..."it had to be you.."
M.........."it had to be me.."

seriously cute...

3. This morning Makenna woke up, got herself dressed in her usual skirt, tights and short sleeved shirt, brushed her hair and put in a headband and ran into my room with much gusto saying.. "i'm ready to go to school now!"  Do you think she was excited to return to school after spring break???

4. She then proceeded to go into Rylan's room and entertain him while I woke up.  (love her!) They both really enjoy each other these days which is really cool to see.  Sure they have their moments, but their playful time together definitely outnumbers those typical sibling clashes.

5. Scott left for hot, sunny Arizona last Friday for a business conference and will return late Thursday night.  The kids are doing great this time around, and although they both ask about Daddy daily, they have been really good.  Thanks kiddos!!  oxxo ( but hurry on home Daddy...)

6.  We had a fun spring break.  We did a lot of things locally and spent lots of time playing together at home. Here are just a few of our adventures.

7.  I think technology has changed the way we do things. The way we get information.  The way we process information.  I started this blog long before blogging became trendy..just as a way for people we love to watch our family grow, see a bit of our life in words and pictures.  And I believe that still is the intention and purpose of our family blog.

However, many other people have chosen to keep a blog with a slightly different purpose but still sharing a bit of themselves.  There are now great blogs with in depth information educating their readers on anything from cooking to photography to organization, and I think this is pretty cool.  In fact, I think blog reading has replaced a lot of my magazine reading and find myself turning to the internet and blogs for recipes or  information on a specific topic.

And as with everything, I find that I weave in and out of blogs for one reason or another so I am always looking for new inspiration.  I always appreciate when I am led to a fabulous blog by someone else so here are a few that I have been enjoying lately.

http://www.kellehampton.com/2011/04/weekend-uh-bentures.html (love her outlook on life)

http://erincobb.com/ThePigBear/?p=5054 ( love her photography..so natural, so real)

http://thecreativemama.com/

http://www.ourbestbites.com/ (yum!  I have tried a few of their recipes and oh so good!)

and a few that I have just been turned on to...

http://thishomemadelife.com/

http://deliciouslyorganic.net/

8.  Even though this photo is blurry..i love it!  So them right now...

hello my heart!

9. and so is this!

10.  And...Somebody is learning the important life lessons from his sister.

And now I am so exhausted, I must go to bed.  Nighty night..
xoxo, kelly