Pretty Crafty

Chicago Part 2

So the second day of our trip was again more business for the Hubby, the kids and I headed out to see LegoLand Discovery Centre in Schaumberg,IL.If you love Lego, you have to see one of these places.We had a lot of fun and it was a great way to spend the afternoon.

 

Everything in this place was made out of Lego, even the "pictures" on the wall.They had a really fun cafeteria where you could sit and eat or build Lego or climb/play.

 This little guy was Lego--what a fun job!

Evan met Indiana Jones (yup more Lego).

As per usual, after we left LegoLand there were a few Mommy friendly places (Anne Taylor,etc) to peruse on the way to the Car. After spending the day out and about, we picked up Scott and headed out to downtown Naperville. Such a cute and lively downtown area, with so many yummy dinner options.We ate at Ted's Montana Grill and it was a really good meal.The chain was started by Ted Turner and features alot of Bison.I had a delicious Bison Burger.

My favourite days were the two days we spent (together) exploring Chicago.I didn't expect myself to love the city as much as I did.It really is beautiful and the architecture is wonderful.Our first day,we took an architectural River Tour.Here are some pictures from our tour...

  

  

 

We also were adventurous (or really stupid) and went to the Taste of Chicago. The Taste is a huge festival where many of the City's Restaurants have a booth and you get some great food.Well I think they estimate 1 million plus people attend this Event.It was so busy and we really didn't get much of a taste, but we saw some amazing fireworks.

Here is the crowd, leaving the Taste of Chicago/Fireworks on July 3rd...

 

Since the crowds are so huge they shut down the streets downtown to traffic.So we were able to walk right down Michigan Avenue and be surrounded with all of the amazing skyscrapers.

Another cool place to visit was the Navy Pier Boardwalk, which we walked to from Millenium Park and it was a bit of a trek.But we had fun riding on the huge Ferris Wheel and their other rides.

 

 

We also drove around Winnetka and Evanston, played on the beach and at some nice parks.Evan made sure that his Club Penguin guy had fun too.

 

We snapped a few pictures at the Park, Evan is becoming a photographer too.

Penguin Friend with Mom and Dad.

 

Taylor was not forgotten and when we were in Chicago we went to American Girl Place. Lucy, joined our family and Taylor bought her first American Girl Doll (well Baby Doll).To tell you the truth, I am not a doll person and the place freaked me out a bit.Scott and I joked that it would be a scary place at night,maybe the dolls come alive.They had a cute option to take a picture of the girl and her doll.I purchased the magazine cover option and now we have a magazine with a picture of Taylor with her doll.They also put the photo on the big screen in the store,the kids got a kick out of that.

 

 

Then we went for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and I had the yummiest cheesecake ever--Chocolate Coconut Cheesecake.

Spotted this couple downtown with their suitcases...

 The American Gothic Couple, love these two.

There were so many great buildings and sights to see in this City. We would all love to return one day and the only disappointment was that I didn't see Harpo Studios. Oh well, next time.

 

Chicago in a few words and pictures...

So here goes my summary of our recent trip to the Land of Oprah, otherwise known as Chicago. This actually was a business trip for my Hubby, the kids and I tagged along.

This has to have been the most pleasurable and uneventful traveling experience with the kids.It could be that they are a wee bit older and we didn't lug the big car seats or that the flight was rather quick--compared to the usual trek to Florida. Anyways, it was smooth and that was nice.

Wasn't too sure what to expect when we hit Chicago and it's suburbs.I was again pleasantly surprised and it is now one of my fave States to visit. We stayed in Warrenville, which is under an hour outside of the city. It could have been a bit farther, but it really didn't take long to get to the City. The Suburbs were really nice and very "small town america" but with all the amenities. Hey, when I visit the good ol' USA, I need a Target to make me happy. Shopping of all sorts was plentiful and incredibly dangerous. Let's just say the kids and I had a blast at the huge Mall by the Hotel.

The first three days Scott was in meetings and working, so the kids and I kept busy. Whenever we do these trips, I try and make it an adventure each day. We wake up in the morning and see what we feel like and see where we can go. I had the car and Day One we headed to Brookfield Zoo, which was about 30 minutes away.

  

This was an awesome Zoo and we didn't even get to see it all. It was very family oriented and the kids had a blast.Here are some friends we made along the way...

 

 

 

 

I initially thought this raccoon was deceased, but he was alive and just really comfy. The Lion above was actually roaring and that was really cool to hear. The kids then discovered these rocks for jumping on and thankfully didn't fall in.

  

So that was our first day and the weather was perfect.The whole trip the weather was perfect, just warm enough that you didn't need your coat.Could have been a bit brighter but it was really great. So on our way home we had a bit of a navigational issue and ended up heading somewhere other than our Hotel. I sensed the problem and we stopped at a Gas Station in this really cute small town and got directions.I now look back on this as fate stepping in and leading me a different direction.If it weren't for me missing my exit, I would have never found this...

 

Okay, now I know you are all thinking I have lost my mind.But let me tell you this was like finding the Holy Grail and I have been lookin' a long time.I have been tortured for years with the commercials featuring yummy drinks with mountains of crushed ice.I have talked to people that L-O-V-E this place and have never been to a State that had Sonic (not that I know of, and I usually check).For me, my drink of choice was the Cherry Limeade and it was love at first sip.I am a bit of a Fountain Drink freak, since I love the fountain stuff more than anything in a bottle.I am also an ice freak, it has to be crushed.Now this place has brought crushed ice to a whole new level and it is unexplainable.Then add in the Limeade AND Cherry and there it is---Deliciousness:) I actually scared the kids, since we were stopped at an intersection and I spotted the restaurant.I let out a loud squeal and pulled into the driveway, I think the kids thought I was crazy.

So that is Day One and I think I will put the rest of the trip in another post since this one is pretty large already. Stay tuned...

Naked Wall solution?

As you go up the stairs to the second floor of our house, we have a huge nekkid wall. No there are not nude photos on display, the wall itself is bare. I have contemplated several fixes and just don't have the cojones to carry them out.

Any marvelous ideas would be appreciated and even better just come on over and tackle the dang project;)

I really like the wall below in Carrie Bradshaw's apartment. I like the random collage with all the different frames. I think we will be ready to move before I can assemble a collection worthy of such a collage. Arrggghh, and the wall remains bare.

 

(yes, in my universe it all comes back to SITC)

Neglected.

I will post the update in my head covering our trip to Chicago. Coles Notes version--we went, we loved it and I came home sick. But I will elaborate and share some snapshots, just not right now. Be back soon!

Hello and Goodbye

for a week anyways...can't help but thinking that while I am away the calendar will work it's magic and I will be another year older. How old you ask?

 

Yup, the big 3-3. Now for those of you older than I am, you are no doubt rolling your eyes. Now while I enjoy the experience that each new year provides, I could do without the additional grey hair, wee wrinkle,etc. I can't help but think I am close to 35 and this means one step closer to 40. How did I get here, when in my mind I am still in my early 20's? Oh well, time to pull up the big girl pants and deal.

I am going to start a new tradition though and will start a life list with 33 entries. Each birthday, I am going to re-visit the list and hopefully check off an item or two. Each birthday will also bring more items to add to the list I am sure.

Stacey's To-Do List:

1. travel to europe. not picky on the destination--would like to complete the Paris trip though.
2. completely finish a short story and be happy with it.
3. consistently document my children's lives and my love for them. pictures and more importantly words.
4. get another tattoo.
5. watch a taping of the oprah show and meet her afterwards. yes, it will happen one day.
6. drive with my children and husband across Canada.
7. name a shade of O.P.I nail polish
8. live in NYC
9. skydive
10. watch a nascar race (be there in person)
11. visit the Coronation Street Studios
12. live without regret

 

New Show on H.B.O

Okay, technically I think it has been on for a Season already and season two is just starting. The show I am talking about is True Blood and you can see it on H.B.O. I have been watching it on Shaw Digital Cable and have become addicted. Now, it is about Vampires and if that turns you off then don't bother. I will admit I have never been a Vampire fan and have not even read/watched the Twilight stuff. I stumbled across a summary of the first season of True Blood on HBO and was intrigued.

Now before I go on, I must share with you something I discovered on the Shaw Digi-cable system. If you go to the Shaw on Demand section and click on Movie Central tab, you will find a series of Cable Channels listed. One tab is for HBO and contains several HBO shows. You can watch the entire season of the show and it is at no extra charge. Hope that made sense. I love it because I can watch a whole season at once.

Anyways, back to True Blood. It is a weird show but kind of enjoyable all at the same time. Allan Ball is involved and maybe that is why I like it?

Better get back to housework before it is time to leave for work. Have a great weekend!

Supreme Frustration

I thought I had experienced frustration before, then I helped my Mom deal with the BC Cancer Agency and then I experienced a new level of frustration. My Mom has been waiting for weeks for a form to make it's way from a Dept. in North Vancouver to the BC Cancer Centre in Abbotsford Hospital. After weeks of waiting and hearing that "someone" was looking into it, I decided to visit the Cancer Centre at the Abbotsford Hospital. I went in and spoke with Reception and explained my problem. The Desk Clerk told me that my Mom was in their system but they were waiting for a pathology report. This report was holding up the referral to the Oncologist and therefore holding up her radiation treatment. I asked them if I could speak with someone and was told that the people I would need to speak with were in an Office somewhere and couldn't be accessed. Helpful, eh? Not one to give up so easy, I went into the hospital and did some wandering and received some great advice. A Clerk in Day Surgery told me to contact my Mom's Doctor and get the Pathology report myself and make sure the proper department receives it that day, instead of the 2-3 days it was going to take. My Dad advised me that we would be able to get the pathology report directly from the Hospital's Information Services Dept. So off my Mom and I went back to the Hospital and retrieved the pathology report. Do you want to know the ludicrous part of this whole scenario? When we were getting the report, we noticed that the Office that provides records and the BC Cancer Agency New Patients Office are directly BESIDE one another. So essentially, the person that needs the pathology report and the person that can provide the pathology report are RIGHT BESIDE one another! That I think is just a small part of the problem with this system. We are dealing with Cancer, which is a time sensitive matter and the whole system is a bureaucratic mess. So very frustrating, but I do have a good thing to report. My Mom got a call today and she has an appt. with the Oncologist to organize treatment tomorrow. So I guess persistence pays off in this case. My word of advice to anyone dealing with this, manage your own health care. If you are relying on the overworked members of the health care system to look after your care, you may slip through the cracks. I truly think we need to take charge and make sure we are being looked after.

 

This will be our view in a week's time...up in the air flying to Chicago. It will be nice to have a change of routine and a change of scenery for a week. Looking forward to exploring some new sights and doing some Scrapbook Store research. It will be nice to be in a Hotel and not responsible for feeding my tribe.

When I get back things will be switching to hyper drive as we get closer to moving the Store and go to CHA--to buy lots of goodies for the Store.

School is almost out and the munchkins will be home 24/7. Scary and wonderful all at the same time.

Discovered a yummy not-bad-for-you drink. I have been trying to stay away from pop,etc. So I have been filling a big glass with ice, almost full with water and a bit of cranberry juice and lime slices. I may be delusional but it is good and reminds me of a Vodka and Cranberry--yeah, I may be delusional.

Totally Random

 Seems like each day is blurring into the next. Lots of stuff to get done and a short window to get it all done.

 

Looks like we are headed to the Windy City for a quick vacation. Well, the kids and I will be vacationing and the hubby will be mostly working. But I am sure we will find some time for family fun. I have never been to Chicago so I am looking forward to it. The kids are excited too, they just love travelling and do quite well. I know at their age I was not so well-travelled. I love being able to show them new sights and have new experiences with them. Since the Store is the priority, this will be our summer getaway.

 

I stole this picture from Deanna's Blog, this is the new retail space we will be moving into. We will be in there and open for business Sept. 1st. Check out the Clipper Blog for updates on the new Store. We are very excited to get started on this new adventure. It is an emotional time because we are all saying goodbye to Clipper Street as it has been and moving into new territory. So thankful to many people for being given this opportunity.

I cannot believe it is almost the end of the school year!! In September, I will have a Grade One Boy in the house. I will also have a year two preschooler in the house which is so hard to believe. It just seems like yesterday Evan was in preschool and Taylor was still on the bottle. So this all means they are growing up and I am getting OLD!

My Mom is doing well, we are hoping to hear about radiation soon and once that is done it is time for chemo. Both my parents will be getting chemo together, this is just crazy. I still cannot believe we are dealing with this, but they are doing ok. Once treatment starts we will get a better picture of the future. Although I think it is all estimated guesses if you ask me.

Tomorrow is Sports Day so it is time to get the kids to bed. I am volunteering and really hoping it isn't too hot. Looking forward to seeing the kids in action.

Note to Bloggers...

If you want to create an uproar in the comments section, discuss animal rights:) Thank you to those that left comments regarding my last post.

A couple of things I would like to mention regarding animal rights (in my opinion). I am not a vegetarian and don't expect everyone to be. In all honesty, I love a good steak as much as the next Steak lover. Do I hope the cows I am eating were humanely escorted to my plate--you bet. Do I think that we need to eat dogs? For the average person, I would say no. I am educated enough to know that there are parts of the world that do eat dog. Heck, there are parts of the world that eat much more than that. That happens for various reasons, economic situations, culture,etc,etc. I am not one to pass judgment. Does it bother me on occasion that I am eating a cute little bovine--yes it does. But that is just me and I don't ever propose that anyone else give up their meat eating freedom. Another reason I don't enjoy meat as often as I used to. Can we say hormones and other medications? Besides that, it doesn't always agree with my digestive system, know what I'm saying? Do I think that God has anything to do with whether I eat meat or not? Nope. I think as human beings have evolved so did their diets. I think it is small minded to think that everything in this world came about for our use. Sorry, I cannot subscribe to that course of thought. I am not a subscriber to the whole God-factor, but that is another discussion for another day.

Do I think people should have pets? Sure, my lovely little feline Cuddles feels the same way too. Do I think those that abuse animals should be punished and punished good--you bet. Since animals are living creatures they do deserve respect. Am I concerned about the local zoo in my area--you bet. When animals deaths are suspect, then I think it is society's job to investigate. Do I think all of the pets and zoo dwellers should be set free? Nope. The poor wild animals being displaced by the latest subdivision do not need the competition for food and shelter.

Am I naive enough to think that PETA does not have an agenda all it's own? No I am not. Every organization has an agenda, that is why they organized in the first place. To further that agenda and gain support from the public or their target audience. Do I think that the PETA agenda is extreme--you bet. But it sure prompt's a discussion doesn't it?

Do I think that people need to wear fur? No I don't. I think there are some spectacular synthetic materials out there and we don't need to wear an animals fur, skin,etc. But again, that is just me. Do i go around flinging blood on those fur coats--no I don't. Again freedom of choice and freedom of thought allows me to think this way.

I did not share the link of the video I watched. Perhaps, the video was doctored and edited to the nth degree. Can we say that all of the issues brought forth by PETA are to be dismissed? No, i don't believe we can. That would be ignorant of us all. Is there abuse of animals during the course of processing certain products? I think we would be burying our head in the sand, if we denied this possibility.

Well enough animal rights discussion for now. I must stop typing and fix my family some dinner. Will it be a vegan affair? Probably not.

Sheer Horror

I just finished watching the most brutal and horrific video illustrating an instance of animal cruelty. I received a forwarded chain email from a co-worker. Inside the email, was a link provided by PETA. In High school, I wrote a paper on animal cruelty and for quite a time after gave vegetarianism a try. But this video has shocked and saddened me. Part of me hopes it is a set-up and something that an organization created to get support. Another part of me knows it is probably something that happens  in certain parts of the world.

You might be asking yourself why would you watch the video? I don't know, I am one of those people that if they are told not to look, feel that much more compelled to look. A problem with authority perhaps?

The video showcases an animal fur farm in China. On this farm animals are separated from their skin/fur while still alive. According to the clip it is because it results in a more perfect cut. I have never been a person that has owned a fur coat and never will. I only wish each and every person that buys fur would be made to watch this video.

I sense another stint of vegetarianism coming on. Yes, it was that grotesque:(

Stepping off soap box now.

P.S Someone left this link in the comments http://animalwelfarecruelty.pbworks.com/ Another side to the story perhaps? As usual, nothing is ever black and white.