2009 Collage

Still lots to be thankful for in 2009...

(Trying) to focus on all the good.

Doggie Vaca

Before we left for our Christmas Vacation, I stressed over where Seven and Romie would go. It's a lot to ask someone to watch two dogs at once, and most of the people that we would ask were all leaving for Christmas too. We looked into boarding, but I wasn't happy with that because they would be sitting in kennels 24/7 while we were gone. UNTIL... I found the perfect solution! The Trump Hotel for doggies (aka The Lodge)!

It was perfect! Seven and Romie got to room together in a Junior Suite. They had their own beds with doggie bedding and a flat screen TV to watch The Animal Planet on, and their own private lanai! In addition to that, they had three 30 minute play times each day in the courtyard with the other dogs. They fed them gourmet dog food, and got nightly treats. On their last day they went to the spa for a head to toe grooming. I don't know about you, but it sounds so good that I'd stay there! The Lodge also encouraged me to call and check in on them as much as I wanted. So... I called a few times to get the full report. :)

They were so excited to see me when I picked them up. I wish they could tell me all about their stay, because I'm sure it was fun!

A White Christmas

As our trip through Illinois continued, we drove about 4 hours outside of Chicago to Josh's hometown. We had good weather for our drive, but soon after we arrived it started to snow!

We decided to take advantage of the snow and go sledding, so we all bundled up and hit the hills! I realize that I look ridiculous here; I'm wearing my aunt's face mask that she uses for running. The mask is lightweight, but keeps you really warm and stays in place! I loved it, and highly recommend one to any of you who live in the cold country!

Weee!

The whole gang on Christmas!

At Christmas Eve service, I didn't even know this picture was being taken, but I think it kind of captures how I was feeling that night... During the service I was really missing my babies. I was having lots of random thoughts and emotions, and battling with understanding Why ME? Why US? Why Heidi, Lily, Paige, and Rylan?

Wishing they were with us today and hoping for a better 2010.

Chicago Trip!

Hi Bloggers, I've missed you! I've been gone for the past week visiting with family and site seeing all over Illinois. The first couple of days of our trip, we stayed in Chicago. Josh's cousin, Gina lives there and was a great tour guide! We had a blast there, and tried to fit in as much as we could.

We enjoyed some tasty martinis at the Signature Room the first night we were there. The Signature Room is located at the top of the Hancock Building. We snagged a table that was right by the floor to ceiling windows. Not a bad view from 96 floors up, huh?

The next day, we went all around the city by foot, trolley, and bus. Here we are trying to defrost a little before venturing out to the very end of Navy Pier.

As expected, it was cold and windy. The temperature wasn't all that bad (IF you were totally bundled up) until that nasty wind kicked up; then it felt COLD! Despite the howling winds and snow, we had fun looking at ourselves in the crazy mirrors on the Pier. Boy, I've got some long legs!

Here is Josh and I at the end of the Pier having a little snow ball fight.

Next, we hit up the Christkindle Market to get some authentic German brats and beer for lunch.

After a little rest, and more time to thaw out, Gina, Josh and I went to Wildfire for some amazing steaks! Our friends, Mike and Allison first took us here two years ago, so we decided to go back. The food was so yummy! To make the experience even better, Josh scored us a complementary desert for mentioning that we were going to Wildfire earlier in the day on Twitter!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

and the winners are...

Thank you so much for participating in my giveaway! It was so nice to hear from some of my followers who don't typically leave comments. I love reading all of your kind words. I am so honored that so many of you think that I am an inspiration. That really encourages me to continue doing what I am doing, and to be strong! I am hopeful that next year will bring good things, and I look forward to sharing it with you all!

I used Random Number to select the winners, and THEY ARE...

Giveaway #1

The hand painted tile from Warden Graphics goes to...

Larry and Kara Wright

Giveaway #2

The $50 Gift Certificate to Bead Creations International goes to..

Seth and Christie

Giveaway #3

The embRACE headbands and towel goes to...

Krista

Kara, Christie, and Krista, please go to my contact page by clicking HERE to email me your mailing address. Thanks!

Giveaway Time!!

Do you know what today is?

It's my Blogger-versary! One year ago today, Josh finally convinced me to start my own blog. I was really anti-blogging before and thought - Who would want to read about me?? At the time I was about 12 weeks pregnant with the quads, and I decided to use my blog as a way to inform everyone we knew about the happenings of the pregnancy and preparing for the babies. Needless to say, this past year did not pan out the way we had hoped, but this blog has still been a huge blessing for me. I think someone looking from the outside in may ask - How does writing a blog help, and how do your blog followers become such a big support system in your life? Well, it's true. I don't know where I'd be today if it weren't for my blog and all of my wonderful followers and supporters.

The blogging world has helped me realize throughout this past year, that I am not alone. I have been sent countless letters, comments, and gifts from my followers that all mean SO much to Josh and I. One anonymous follower recently wrote me this:

Hi Lauren:

"I am one of your blog followers. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your husband and think of you all often. You don't know me... I was in a baby class with you at TGH in January. I have been checking in on you to see how you have been. I just wanted to let you know that people who don't even know you have been affected by your story and we think of you often. We will be thinking of you this holiday season and will send you all of the positive thoughts we can."

--Anonymous

I don't know who she is, but that meant so much to me. This is just one of the examples of the love, support, and encouragement that I get from my blog on a daily basis. So, I just wanted to let you know (my readers) how thankful I am that you care. I never realized how important the support network of the blogging world is. I have met so many nice people and families, and have been touched by your generosity and support! As a little thank you from me to you, I have arranged for some AWESOME giveaways!

Today also happens to be my day to host Tina's 25 Days of Giveaways, so I am taking care of both in this one big post! OK... now on to the fun stuff!!!

***1***

The first of 3 giveaways is a hand painted tile from Warden Graphics. I was recently sent one and I LOVE it. I have a picture of it here. You can check out her work at: http://www.wardengraphics.com/. This will make a great gift for someone special in your life!

***2***

Next, is a $50 gift certificate from Bead Creations International! They make amazing custom design necklaces that are perfect to get your children's names, your husband's name, your name or monogram on. Really, whatever you want! I got this one earlier this year with my babies' names on it. It lets me keep their memory close to me and it looks great too. Visit their website to pick out what you'd like: http://www.beadcreationsinternational.com/

***3***

I am also giving away a pack of embRACE Activewear headbands and the matching towel! I was recently introduced to embRACE at a party I attended, and I loved the idea. They are all really comfortable headbands that stay in place while you workout and they look great! I own a black sequin one and a fun floral one. I wear them all the time, not only just to Pilates! Check out all of the fabric options and styles here: http://www.embraceactivewear.com

*****

All you need to do to be part of the giveaway is just leave me a comment and tell me what item (or items) you're interested in winning and your favorite thing about them. If you are an anonymous follower or don't have a profile, please leave me your email address in your comment or click here to email me your contact info. I will draw the winners at random on Monday night!!!!

*****

Again, thank you all for being "here" for me, and HAPPY BLOGGER-VERSARY!!

You've gotta see this!

Look at what Lauren B. gave to me?!? It is the absolute perfect Christmas ornament to remember by babies by! I was stunned when she gave me this. I couldn't of thought of anything more perfect!! Lauren actually made this, and if you look closely, you can see what thought and detail she put into it.

The first three (Heidi, Lily and Paige) have little bows on their heads. And what really got me was that Paige even has her little hand in her mouth like she always did in all of her pictures. The back reads, "Our Green Beans" and has their initials. Oh my gosh, talk about PERFECT!

Wow, I am just amazed at it and will cherish it forever! Lauren, I can't even say thank you enough.

*********************************************

The BIG Giveaway is on December 20th!!

Don't miss it!

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our christmas cards

This past Saturday morning I woke up early (reluctantly after a late night out for my neighbor's birthday) to stuff, stamp, and seal all of our Christmas cards. My goal was to have them all complete before noon so that I could get them in the mail and on their way to our friends and family. I made a big mistake of not double checking the number of people on our contact list before ordering the cards, because I didn't quite get enough. I could have easily used another 25, but oh well, there is always next year.

As you can see, we picked our favorite family picture from our recent photo shoot for this year's card. I love how they turned out and all, but I can't help to think of what is missing every time I look at them... We're just not complete. I wish Heidi, Lily, Paige and Rylan were in our family photo too...

snickerdoodles!

Guess what I did tonight? I made six dozen Snickerdoodles! I packaged all the cookies into cute Christmas tins to use as neighborhood gifts. They are SO yummy, so I had to share the recipe with you! I just have one warning for you when you make these, and that is don't sample the dough, because you won't be able to stop! I am on a serious sugar high right now! I'm going to have to take a little jog in the morning to work off all the excess calories, but it was well worth it!

Enjoy!

don't break a leg!

Thank God hanging Christmas lights this year did not end up with this...

That's right folks! People really DO break their legs while hanging Christmas lights!

Three years ago, Josh attempted to hang Christmas lights at our house, and had a bad fall off the ladder. When this happened, I was at the opposite end of the house sweeping in the garage. I faintly heard the word "LAUREN!!" and my heart sunk! I immediately ran to go find Josh. I found him lying in extreme pain, holding his leg. At first we thought it was foot, so I grabbed the largest pot we had and filled it with ice water. Josh's foot wouldn't even fit in the pot, and trying to ice it only caused him more pain. Without much more delay, I drove him straight to the hospital. It was a bumpy and painful ride, but we eventually got there. We were surprised to learn that he had actually broken his leg! It was appropriately called a "green"stick fracture.

Luckily for us (especially Josh) this year's Christmas light hanging did not result in a trip to the hospital!

We kept things pretty low-key and just resused the lights we had left over from previous years and decorated the palm tree! That's it. I would like to go all out, Griswold-style, but maybe next year.

I hope everyone has a safe Christmas!

christmas portraits

Last Sunday Josh and I got to do a little photo shoot with my friend, and very talented photographer, Jen Bravo. We decided to take some shots with the pups in our neighborhood to use for our Christmas cards. ALL of the pictures turned out great, and we even got a few good shots of all four of us! I had a hard time picking just one for our Christmas cards.

Thanks again Jen and Jay, we had a lot of fun!

Here are just a few of my favs:

P.S. I added some links in the "Our Story" paragraph on the right. When Babies A, B, C, and D are mentioned, it will link you directly to each of their special posts. Their names above their pictures will also take you there. I like looking back to those posts and reading about them. Check it out some time!

holiday wine party

As many of you know, I had a holiday themed Wine Party last night! It was tons of fun! Everyone brought a bottle of red wine of their choice, and I supplied the cheese and other appetizers. To make it a little different from my last wine party, I researched all about what wines go with what cheeses and created little cheat sheets for my guests to know what cheeses were best to sample with the wine they were drinking. I was surprised to learn that Publix carried all of the special world cheeses that I was looking for.

I got Gouda, Gruyere, Sharp Cheddar, Munster, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Camembert, and Brie. Mmm- mmm good! Some of my favorite combos were Merlot or Zinfandel with Parmigiano and Gouda.

Allison and Holly both brought over some yummy appetizers. This is Holly's Cream Cheese and Pesto Bread. It was delish!

I made this festive centerpiece out of some things I had around the house, and decorative grapes from the good ole' dollar store. I took a glass vase, added a flameless candle, and stuffed it full of grapes. Cute, huh?

ALSO, courtesy of the dollar store, I got these awesome wine glasses! Yes, just $1 each! They are huge, all glass, and really sturdy! The could easily be sold at Pottery Barn for $10 each! What a deal.

And here are all of the cheeses laid out with their labels!

Just some of the girls...

All the empty bottles collected on the counter as the party was dying down. I think it was a success!

Until next time girls!!