Looking Back at 2009

This has been another fabulous year in Chicago. In January, we had our first experience sledding. We received a lot of strange looks, but we didn't care. I am hoping to do it again this year.

We bought an amazing camera/video recorder from Circuit City. The girls decided to dabble in some acting and made some comical videos to put on You Tube. They are great: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50lrW-utX5k, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23APQuo3Vt8, and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqja8JoMwKo.

In May I decided to leave my job and spend more time with my daughters. I was worried about the loss of income at first, but everything has worked out. We have been blessed. I have been able to spend more time with my family and even explore my passion for writing, photography, and videography.

We attended the Chicago Bears Expo again this year. This year Brian Urlacher was there and my husband, Rich, was able to get his autograph on his shoulder pads. In November 2008, Rich wore those shoulder pads in Devin Hester's Berry Chill commercial where Rich played Urlacher. So as you can expect, this was an exciting day. I have written an article about the event: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1763322/one_city_one_team_one_day_with_da_bears.html as well as created a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgopCu-JvJw. You can also check out the Berry Chill commercial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBeobWHQ5Uk.

We visited family in Tennessee for Memorial Day weekend and met up with some family members that we had not seen in a few years. We even made a couple of videos to document our trip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_EXwOjLqgw and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_2nq24mbt8.

On June 28^th, we attended Taste of Chicago. Rich participated in a running competition, we watched an amazing cooking show, saw the newly rebuilt Buckingham Fountain, and enjoyed food from various restaurants.

For the Fourth of July, we visited family in Indiana. This was the first time we took the Amtrak anywhere and the first time we visited Indianapolis, so it was quit an adventure. We had never met my husband's brother, wife, and children before, but felt welcomed in their home. They introduced us to Guitar Hero and we bought it as soon as we got back home. It is one of our favorite family games.

July was an exciting and busy month for us. My daughters and I spent Tuesdays and Thursdays helping out Literacy Chicago preparing for their move. It was an amazing experience and opened our eyes to more ways we could help others. We even created a website documenting what we did and what we intend to do in the future: http://sf4america.webs.com. I also wrote an article about our experience: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2066651/our_experience_volunteering_for_the.html.

In August, we went to Chicago Bears Family Day and watched the players practice. We enjoyed football food and came home with nice sunburns. Our new camera was in the shop, so we did not get very good photos at this event.

Labor Day we went to visit family in Tennessee again. This time we meet new people! My sister had a new baby girl and we met more of Rich's family members. We also met up with some old friends at Montgomery Bell. It was a wonderful visit.

After we returned from Tennessee, we were contacted by the local newspaper about our willingness to volunteer around the neighborhood. http://blogs.southtownstar.com/oaklawn/2009/09/need_a_hand_theyll_help.html Unfortunately, the publicity did not help us find more people. I guess everyone around here is as blessed as we are and do not need any help.

At the end of September, we found out about a park in our neighborhood that had exercise equipment and a walking track. We spent many evenings there and a few early mornings as well. It was nice seeing the changing of the trees and all the wildlife running around.

The girls and I went on our first joint homeschool field trip in October to the Shedd Aquarium. It was great meeting others and seeing all the wonderful things the Shedd had to offer. You can read about and see pictures of our day at http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Shedd-Aquarium.

November was an exciting month for my daughters; especially Courtney. We decided not to go to the Magnificent Light Festival this year; instead we visited Tennessee the weekend before Thanksgiving to celebrate the holidays. We also skipped Chicago's Thanksgiving Day parade when we returned home. Instead we saved all of our energy to rock out at the Hawthorne Heights concert. This was the first official concert our daughters had been to and Courtney's all-time favorite band. The concert was at Reggie's Rock Club and we had a blast! You can read all about our night at http://hubpages.com/hub/Hawthorne-Heights-Concert and watch these two videos we made http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9yKDfxWXVA and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wemsvp8tMM0. Please note that this was an all age show, but some people may be offended by what they hear or read.

After the spectacular month of November, I did not think life could get any better. I was wrong. December was amazing and it's not even over yet! Rich and I celebrated our 16^th anniversary on the 3^rd and he enjoyed some much needed time off from work. On December 11^th Courtney and I each won a pair of tickets to the Breaking Benjamin concert at Chicago's House of Blues. It was ALL I wanted for Christmas and we won them! The concert was on the following Monday and we could not find anyone to take the extra ticket. We got there early, but the guest lists were not available until after the doors opened. Luckily, we waited inside and not outside so we didn't mind. We didn't get front row like we did at Hawthorne Height's concert, but it was a great show. In addition to Breaking Benjamin, we saw Sick Puppies and Janus. Now if only I can get tickets to the Breaking Benjamin/Three Days Grace concert in January.

It is three days before Christmas and I am happy to say that my children will not be disappointed on Christmas morning. We have been extremely blessed and I am grateful. In looking back over this year, I can honestly say that I truly love my life!