Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! We are hosting both of our families today, over 40 people will be celebrating with us!!!! It will be a crazy, crowded, fun time. I am so thankful that both my mom and dad are both healthy and able to come celebrate with us !We are so blessed and thankful for family and friends, and all that we have.....wishing you all the same!!!

My Happy Monday!

We slowed down, snuggled up and had a great day yesterday...
Our only goal of the day was to give our sweet dog, Daisy a bath. Mission accomplished!! Hanna LOVES to help out when it comes to Daisy!

Look at that face!!

Squeaky clean!

Then we thought we would make some cookies. Hanna wanted to make up her own recipe and I was having a "yes" day...so why not? We made Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, Brown Sugar, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip cookies- and boy were they were good!! She loves to cook with me, which is nice, I don't remember doing that, much with my mom when I was younger.


And as if we weren't having a good enough day- we looked out and saw this.....

The first snow!!! It didn't stick at all, but it made us so happy. It is the simple things that make us really smile, I am so thankful for my happy girl, happy dog and Happy Monday!

Getting Involved!!

It is hard to believe that we have lived here for well over a year now, and with everyday that passes we try our best to get involved in our community. I am now taking that to a new level...I will be serving on the board for our neighborhood homeowners association! I am very excited, there is not a lot of neighborhood involvement now- but I intend on changing that!! I will be suggesting a directory, block party and an increase in our beautification efforts! I am excited to meet new neighbors and see what we can all accomplish. Stay tuned for updates....

Also, we are becoming bigger and bigger Colts fans! We even went to a Colts in Motion day last week, where Hanna got to meet some of the cheerleaders, take some fun pictures and get some cool stuff for Daddy. That was really fun!!




I am also feeling good these days about some projects I am trying to get done. My sister is finally moving out, after over a year...we are so proud of her and the exciting opportunities she will have with her own home. And I can't wait for the extra room. I believe we are trying to do a functional office/scrapbooking/guest room type of thing. This sounds complicated and I am sure it will take a while, but it will be so nice to have the room! I will be sure to do some before and after pictures!

Our trip to Disney World!!!

We are home,trick or treating and my birthday are now over and I can finally get to an update and downloading the pictures...and Jen really wants to see these:)!! Wow- we had such a wonderful time...I can't say enough, October is such a wonderful time to go! The weather was overcast, mostly cool, lines were short and it was such a blessing while traveling with Hanna to have those advantages.

We left very early in the morning and we were able to see the sunrise on the airplane, that was a true thing of beauty, we will not soon forget! Hanna loved the plane ride, colored and chit chatted with our flight attendant about things she was excited to do. We landed and used Disney's Magical Express to whisk us off to our hotel, no bags, no lines, wonderful! They delivered our bags to our room for us a few short hours later, Joe loved that;).


We stayed at the Disney All Star Movie Resort, it was so fun. A Fantasia pool, Herbie the Love Bug room and great food court. Hanna got a "1st visit" pin when we checked in- she was treated like a princess from the very beginning .....

We visited each park and left 3 days for the Magic Kingdom, which was a good decision, there was so much there she loved, it was time best spent. I underestimated how much she would want autographs and meet every character possible!!! She loved this, no matter how long the line, she wanted to meet everyone. So, we did just that.

We also had some wonderful surprises for her, such as Cinderella breakfast in the Royal Castle. We kept this a surprise from her until the very moment we walked in. The look on her face was priceless. And of course the experience This was amazing, all the trouble booking it was well worth it!!




The Princess Dinner at Akershus Banquet Hall in Epcot was also wonderful! The Princesses were so nice, stopping by each table and talking with us, This is were Hanna got to spend them most time with Sleeping Beauty- her FAVORITE!!


We also did a Winnie-the Pooh buffet at The Crystal Palace. The dining plan was such a great fit for us, I highly recommend it to any family considering it.We had our reservations, no waiting for a table and ate where and when we wanted. It was well worth the money, if only for the stress it takes away, but also, we found it to be a great value.

Some of our favorite things were: The Fantasmic water and fireworks show at Hollywood Studio's- really- this was simply amazing!! The Spectromagic Parade at Magic Kingdom, Story Time with Belle at Magic Kingdom, Lion King Show at Animal Kingdom. Soarin', a flying ride at Epcot, Turtle Talk with Crush, where he talked to Hanna!! There are too many to list...:)

This was truly the best trip we have ever taken, I feel so blessed that we were able to take her at such a magical age. Joe was never able to go as a child and he was so excited that this is something she will cherish forever. So, here are some of my favorite
pictures.....

Hollywood Studio's

The whole family(even PB) and Chip & Dale

I really like this one!

Hanan signed Mickey's autograph book:)

At Epcot

Ariel's Grotto

Joe really likes Donald- I love this one!

She loves her Minnie Mouse Ears!

Fantasmic Show!

And the Winner is......

Hanna got THIRD PLACE!!!!! All her hard work paid off and she was so thrilled to get third place in her pumpkin decorating contest. She received a certificate, ribbon and a $5 gift card to Metropolis Mall. She spent it at- no surprise here- Claire's, her very favorite store. She got two new pair of earrings. She picked butterflies and pearls (to match mommy- how sweet is that?!) It was such a great time!






So, now I am ready for bed, as we head off to Disney World at 5:30AM tomorrow! Look for a new post about the happiest place on earth in a week or so:)

Hanna's first contest!

We were visiting our local library the other day, when our librarian told Hanna about a pumpkin decorating contest!! She had just gotten a pumpkin on our preschool field trip and begged me to enter the competition...she couldn't wait to get started! So, Hanna made the perfect "Hanna " type pupmkin...and is now entry # 3 and can't wait until the judging party on Saturday. Wish us luck!

How about a big fat update?!

I am such a slacker! Well, I think I am recovered enough from my busy weekend- to dish!!

This weekend we celebrated a very special wedding! My childhood friend and fellow Woodsie married her Notre Dame man Bob ;). A beautiful wedding at St. Ben's (where Joe and I got married) was followed by a super fun reception at The Woods. We saw so many friends that we miss often. Hanna and Molly were inseparable as always and Joe, Hanna and I danced the night away- it was just one of those weddings where everyone was just genuinely happy to be there. Congratulations Gail and Bob!


Look at all of these Woodsie's!


My, how we have grown- these were 2 of my best friends at SMWC- Leah (in the white) and Jen (in the black). Look at us now?!

After the wedding we stayed in town at the in-laws. Sunday, after a nice breakfast out with Joe's parents, Hanna's friend Aiden had his birthday party at one of our favorite places: Pumpkin Works. When we lived in town we took Hanna here every year for Pumpkins, hay rides and fun....



Ha- what else have we been up to- we went on our first camping trip a few weeks ago, I had never been, we did the whole shebang- tent, cooked over a fire & went fishing- wow, I wish I went camping when I was a kid! Here are a few pictures...


We have also, had birthday parties galore, the preschool carnival, Heritage Festival days and lots of soccer....
There is always so much going on here, but we are surrounded by love and friends and do the best we can everyday! We are so excited for our trip to Disney World in just a few short days!! This is a special place for Joe & I, we went there on our honeymoon and now to get to take our daughter there is just so exciting. We have a few surprises up our sleeve to help make it magical for her; and Joe and I are looking forward to some much needed family and relaxing time. The next few days will be spent packing, wish me luck!!

*Also, things with my dad are up and down. He is improving in many ways and lagging back in others. He suffered a mini stroke last week that was quite a shock, he was doing so well. But he is back on track, the damage will most likely fade in a few weeks. His goal is walking on his own to come to our house for Thanksgiving. Please keep him in your prayers!!

My beloved Sr. Sue....

"The effect of one good-hearted person is incalculable." Oscar Arias

As some of you may know our beloved Sr. Sue Pietrus passed away over the weekend, due to pancreatic cancer. She was only diagnosed a few short months ago. She was the director of the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods Chorale and Madrigals and a friend! She was an inspiration, such a leader and she will be severely missed. Please pray for the family and friends of Sr. Sue at this time of loss, for strength and understanding.

FOr any who may not have seen, below is a copy of the obituary in the Tribune Star:
Sister Sue Pietrus, 57, died at 3:50 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008 at Mother Theodore Hall, St. Mary-of-the-Woods. She was born on May 30, 1951 in Chicago to Raymond and Florence Wielkopolan Pietrus and was baptized Susan Anne. Sister entered the Congregation of the Sisters of Providence on Aug. 29, 1975, professed First Vows Aug. 15, 1978 and Final Vows Aug. 19, 1984. She earned a bachelors degree from St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, a masters degree from University of Illinois and a doctorate from University of Southern California. Of her 33 years as a Sister of Providence, she ministered in music education for 28 years, teaching at Marywood High School in Orange California for three years and then joining the faculty of St. Mary-of-the-Woods College in 1980 where she remained until her death. Among her duties there was being the director of the Madrigals and the Chorale. Sister is survived by her father and a sister, Nancy Barr of Darien, Ill. She is preceded in death by her mother. The wake is on Tuesday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception with the Wake Service at 4:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial is on Wednesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Daniel R. Hopcus presiding. Burial is in the cemetery of the Sisters of Providence. The Callahan-DeBaun Funeral Home assisted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of Providence, 1 Sisters of Providence, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. 47876 or to St. Mary-of-the-Woods College.

Seriously...Fall?!

So, So long since an update! Ugh!! I am so tired of being so busy, I am vowing to start saying no more and prioritize the time I do have more effectively! So hear you go, a long over due update....

Hanna has started her last year of preschool! She started a couple of weeks ago and is loving her new friends and our new location- yay! Here are a few pictures from the first day of school..she is getting bigger everyday!!!! At her check up she was still 90th percentile for her height..isn't that crazy?

My big girl at 5!!

Hanna, Addison, Mrs. Bartley and Duncan

We also started soccer last week. I was so happy that Hanna wanted to play again! We gave her the choice and she was really excited. I love having her in soccer, it is something in her life that is not so "girly" :) She remembered a lot from the spring and is doing really well. I am pretty sure this is something she will stick with for many years.

My dad is doing WONDERFUL!

After being released from the ICU he was transferred to a specialty hospital where they worked intensely with him to get him off all breathing treatments. He is awake, talking, eating, and now he is being moved to the next rehabilitation facility tomorrow! He will hopefully be back with my mom soon. We took her to go see him a couple of weekends ago and they were like teenagers;) She did pretty well with the trip. Her anxiety was not a problem until we had to leave...but all in all it was a great trip.

More good news... my sister, Amy, who moved with us and has lived with us for a year now- (ugh) is buying her own house!

This is such a wonderful step for her and her future. She is planting some roots & growing up. The best part, it is just a short walk away in a neighboring subdivision. Hanna will be able to ride her bike there when she is older. It will be so wonderful for our relationship!


This weekend will be another busy one...after the soccer game on Saturday,we will back home helping our friend Ron replace his roof and are going to 3 birthday parties and karaoke too!

We are all really looking forward to fall here, there is so much coming up! A dear friends wedding, the Covered Bridge Festival and DISNEY WORLD! It will be here before we know it...what was I saying about time- ha...someday!

Hanna's 5th Birthday..... and Update.

Sorry for the lack of updates, things have been very hectic- my dad is still in the ICU and things change daily it seems. He is having many issues- including lung and kidney problems, but has recently started dialysis and today he had to get a tracheotomy to alleviate the ventilator. His vitals for the most apart are stable- but it is still a very slow and unsure path. Please continue to pray for him- I just know this can not be his time. Thank you for everyone's support during this time.
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This past week my baby turned 5! FIVE, oh my- it just sounds so old! I can't believe it- this year we had such a great time with our big girl.
On her actual birthday Daddy surprised her and took the day off work, we went to Splash Island and had a blast.


Afterwards we went out to dinner at her favorite place Red Robin, they sang to her- she loved that!

We did something very special after dinner. She took such a big step---she asked if, at 5, she could get her ears pierced!!! We ventured to Claire's and she did so well.


For her party she chose a Cinderella theme this year in honor of our upcoming trip to Disney World. So, we had a royal celebration complete with a court of princess' and knights! Decorated Tiara's, swords and shields, pinned the tiara on Cinderella and had a pinata... I think this was her favorite party yet!





With the party over, we are getting ready for some school things, spending time with my Dad and heading home to see Joe's family this weekend. But I am so excited to say that our August ans September are hardly booked at all- that is such great news for us!!!!