As we rang in the New Year this year, I asked everyone in my family to think about a list of places they want to visit in 2010. Sometimes I feel like time just flutters away and we get to the end of a year without doing so many of the things we had planned on just because we either forgot about them or just couldn't squeeze them in. But this year I am determined for it to be different around here. We will set goals and meet them! So here are our top 10 places...
1. Starved Rock
My son Shawn wants to visit Starved Rock because they told him at school that a bunch of Indians starved up there and he really wants to see it in person. I am not sure if he has some idea that there will be a bunch of dead Indians there or not but it is close, and doable so it is on the list.
2. Brookfield Zoo
This was Ella's contribution to the list. It was one of the items that got talked about last year but never seemed to materialize. This year...it's on!
3. Camping
Tim's contribution (of course). You all know that my kind of camping is at the Holiday Inn. Hmmm...I will have to think hard on this one.
4. Pheasant Run...Again!
Since our summer trip to this resort ended in Shawn's hospitalization, the kids want to try it again...to make better memories. I agree...we will be headed there for a weekend soon.
5. Iron River
We missed going to visit my cousins in northern Michigan last year...I miss you guys!!
6. The beach...any beach...
A few summers ago we rented a house on Lake Michigan in Michigan and it was fabulous. The kids really want to go back again.
7. Disney World
Working on this one...I want to get there before the Princess Magic is gone for my daughter.
8. Museums
All of them...my children would like to live at the Field Museum. They really want to visit the Planetarium which we have never been to before and to go back to the Aquarium again.
9. Big Blue Lake
We don't go up for a week any more but a weekend would be nice. Terry...Debbie...want to join us for a weekend away?? Big Blue is calling...
10. Galena
This is a Mom wish again. I would like to do a spring weekend there alone with my husband. Of course I need some babysitters for this...anyone...hello...
Now I know that this list may not seem too exciting to many of you out there. There are no exotic locations on here but with 3 small children this is pretty ambitious for us. Now they are published...out there in blog land so of course I have to get it done!
In addition to the trip list...I have also been making a more personal list of things to achieve this year. And since I know you really want to know what I have planned...here goes...
1. Finish this house darn it! All those little unfinished projects...wrap it up already.
2. Build a garage...a big one...really big!
3. Complete phase 2 of our rennovation project which involves opening up the existing garage to our living/dining room and getting my long awaited fireplace...(hear that Jason??).
4. Get organized...once and for all.
5. Start working again...business is calling and I have to start answering the phone already.
6. Be nicer to Brad...LOL.
7. Pick a school and get registered...yes people...I am going back!
8. Rub my husband's feet, back and any other part he requests...frequently and without complaint.
9. Get my health under control...which I have a pretty good start on now with a diagnosis finally. And get in shape as well.
10. Most importantly of all...spend even more time with friends and family...more dinners, nights out, camp fires, hot tubbing, and parties...so come on over...the water's warm!
For a while now I have been collecting "H"s. You know...like my husband's nickname..."H". I have had them packed away because I couldn't figure out what to do with them. But now, thanks to our recent kitchen reno, I have finally found a home for all those letters. The two pics above show just a few of the seriously large collection. When I finish putting them all up I will post a picture of the wall. So far...so good. The painting is also hanging in that stairway and is larger than it looks...like 5' tall. I love the wall color and how all the other colors pop from that.
And since someone asked me recently, yes...I am back to producing children's clothing under my Cricket label...guess who that's named after??? Here is an outfit I created for Shawn's teacher as she is about to have a baby soon. All of my denim jackets are repurposed which is good for everyone. The accessories are crocheted...like the hat here. And I have some funky new ideas for 2010 that I hope will be as well received as the products from 2009. I even have a new label...
So there you have it...all my lists for 2010. Just keepin it real around here at the studio. Now I am accountable...we will see how I do when I am writing this same post again next year. Sadly...it will be here before you know it so I better go get busy.
Happy New Year everyone...
The Cricket was so excited for her family party. 
She was super excited about the presents.
And the beautiful flower brought by her "Godfather"...
The guitar cake (number 2) was made by Mom...
...and she couldn't wait to blow out those candles and dig in!
I only got a few candids at the party because I was so busy...
Tom #1
Tom #2
Tom #3
In this family you have to be careful when you wear this shirt...since we all have them...you could show up somewhere and match everyone else...just sayin'
I love this photo of Uncle Bill...
She was so excited to see Matt and Sara
Check out the complete birthday outfit...she is on the tutu a day program!
And this guy...OMG...I wasn't sure I would survive his cuteness. I had a brief, fleeting moment of weakness where I thought for sure I would have to make more babies...but it passed...whew!
These guys...
And her new best buddy...
Someone shot this photo of me...(yeah...thanks)
Oh My!! Kristy...gross!
Hey Eugene...how are ya?
Me and Kelly...in the moment...up close and personal...
