What Happened to Thanksgiving?

I totally missed Thanksgiving. I was sick from Wednesday night all the way until Sunday. I came home for work on Wednesday and did not leave my house until Monday morning when I went back to work. I had so many plans for my 4 days off from work, but nothing got done!
I completing missed Thanksgiving dinner, shopping, the movies, seeing family...EVERYTHING!
I am trying to talk my mom into doing a Thanksgiving Do Over.
But I am off of work now until Thursday so I plan on getting some things done, including Christmas shopping. I asked Brian to take a day off and shop with me. We will see how that goes!! Unless he is in the mood, he is not a very good shopping partner.

Xmas Edition Of Getting To Know Your Friends

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy (not forward) this entire email and paste into a new e-mail that you can send. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tis the Season to be NICE!
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper for kids, gift bags for adults
2. Real tree or Artificial? Real upstairs in front room, artificial downstairs in family room
3. When do you put up the tree? First weekend of December
4. When do you take the tree down? Whenever we get to it. Sometime before February!! =)
5. Do you like eggnog? Yes … eggnog, eggnog ice cream, eggnog shakes .. whatever!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? Barbie house and belly boopers
7. Hardest person to buy for? Maybe James. I don’t know. To me everyone except my kids and husband are hard to buy for!!
8. Easiest person to buy for? My Kids
9. Do you have a nativity scene? no
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Re-gifted picture from 30 years ago!!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story and White Christmas. I cannot pick just one!
13. When do you start shopping? I started a few days ago
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Of course NOT! Wink-wink!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Xmas cookies and eggnog!
16. Lights on the tree? yes
17. Favorite Christmas song? Anyone that Brian has not been singing all year! He loves to sing Xmas songs ALL YEAR!!!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home in morning then to both parents – busy day!
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? both
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Rude people in stores!
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Handmade ones from my mom.
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Swedish meatballs. I hope that they are still part of the menu!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Hardwood floors
Who is most likely to respond to this? ??
Who is least likely to respond to this? ??

8 Days and Counting

Only 8 days until Thanksgiving. This used to be one of my favorite holidays (next to the 4th of July). This year will be different.
Me, Brian and the girls always eat dinner at my grandma's house but this year we will be eating at my mom's. It will be different. The whole holiday season will be different this year!
I am not sure what to expect yet. Only time will tell.
Happy Turkey Day to All!

DD & Old Town

This weekend was great. Me and my friends stayed downtown at Stephanie's town house for a girls weekend. On Saturday we went to lunch and stopped at Sweet Mande B's to pick up some awesome cupcakes! Then we got mani's and pedi's. It was freezing and we are walking down the street with flip flops on! Crazy!
Then we headed out to see Dirty Dancing! We had a suite pass so we had some appetizers and drinks before the show.
It was a good show, but it was obvious that the guy who played Johnny was hired for his dancing skills vs his acting skills. But it was still a good show and we had great seats - 5th row center!
However, I was sitting behind a couple who were making out the whole time. And to make it worse, the girl then started to feed the guy gummy bears half way through the play!
After we went back to the town house for some drinks and dips.
Sunday morning we went to the Bongo Room for breakfast and then back to Sweet Mande B's for some more cupcakes!!
We ended the weekend with some shopping and a train ride home. And you guessed it. I sat behind a couple who were making out the whole ride home! What is with me sitting behind all of the people making out?!?!?!
But lots of fun to be had by all!!! And as always .. what happens in Old Town, Stays in Old Town!

Words to Live By

I received this email from a friend. I read it and thought how true it is! Funny, but True!

Quote for the day:
'Whatever you give a woman, she's going to multiply.

If you give her a house, she'll give you a home.

If you give her groceries, she'll give you a meal.

If you give her a smile, she'll give you her heart.

She multiplies and enlarges what is given to her.

So - if you give her crap, you will receive more shit than any one human being can handle.

Count Down to "DD" - 5 days!

We have started the count down to Dirty Dancing! Me & my friends are starting to make our final plans. The emails have begun with pressing matters ... when do we leave to go downtown, where should be go out to eat, who is driving, what kinds of dips and drinks should everyone bring, what time should we get manis and pedis....
The planning is almost as much fun as the weekend!!

Room Mom & Sitting Man

Today I was the room mom for Kylie's class at school for her Halloween party. I had fun and I know that Kylie liked me being there. It was nice to see her at school and see how she interacted with her teachers and friends in class.

But by the end of the day my feet hurt!

I did get to rest for a little while before taking the kids trick or treating for 4 hours! But it was fun.

There is a guy in the neighborhood who dresses as a gorilla each year and walks around. He had his mask off and the kids were fine going up to him to trick or treat. He then put is mask on so we could take pictures of him with the kids and both kids started to scream and ran off. Abbie was stuck to my leg like glue! It might sound bad, but I laughed so hard! The guy said that it happens all of the time!

Plus there is a man who dresses up and just sits in a chair in his driveway with the candy bowl in his lap. He does not move or say a word. He just sits there!!! Brian and Tony Dewilde said that they would give me $20 if I went up and sat on his lap. I was tempted but it was a little too freaky!! But it was a good Halloween! Even if those punk kids stole our candy bowl again! Second year in a row! Why can't you just take the candy and LEAVE THE BOWL! THANKS BRIAN!!!!

Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner

Me, Steph, Lisa and Chris are going to see the Broadway play Dirty Dancing in November. We have awesome seats - 5th row center. Plus we got a suite pass so we will be able to have some drinks and appetizers before the show.

We are going to spend the weekend downtown at Steph's townhouse. We will have some mani's and pedi's, eat some dinner, have some drinks ... I cannot wait. My sister saw the play this past weekend and said that it was great!
I am so lucky to be able to have this time with my friends. I am lucky to have a great husband like I do! I know a lot of girls who are not as lucky as I am. Thanks Brian for being you!
Love you!

Robbin Williams

Last night me & Brian saw Robbin Williams at the Chicago Theatre. I bought the tickets for us for our anniversary. It was a packed house!
It was a good time. The weather was perfect downtown.
It is always nice to have a night out with my husband without kids. Maybe next time we can eat at Wildfire!

It's Offical ...

I had my lia sophia starter show on Friday and it has been submitted. I have received my advisor number and was able to set up my website. Check it out at www.liasophia.com/kruis
I am doing my first party at my sister in law Anne's on Friday. I then have a show for a work friend on Sunday and my sister Amanda on Tuesday. Plus I am doing a show for my manager next Friday. It will be 4 shows in 1 week. Very busy. But by the time that I am done with them, I will be an old pro!
I am getting a little nervous but excited. I just cannot wait to get everything that I ordered with my hostess bonuses for doing my show! I need it to build up my display for all of my shows!
Plus, the jewelry is so cute, I cannot wait to wear everything!

12 Years of Marriage & Still Going

Today is my and Brian's 12th wedding anniversary. We have known each other longer then we have not. Who would have known when we met at 15 years old in high School, we would be here almost 20 years later .. married for 12 years, house, 2 kids, 2 dogs...
I am sure that there were more then a few people in our lives that did not think that we would make it to this point, but we did!
AND WE ARE STILL GOING STRONG!!!!

The Votes Are In!!

It is official... I am a lia sophia advisor. I am having a party at my home next Friday and I have 4 parties lined up to start and 2 more that I need to get final dates for. I am very excited. Hopefully I make some $$. I should get my starter kit in the mail tomorrow. I can't wait to open it and check everything out!
You always hear about women that are millionaires from doing home shows. You never know, I could be one of them!
I was joking around with my sister-in-law Anne saying that I will show up at her party in a skirt suit, big puffy hair, tons of make up, fake nails and jewels everywhere!

Change in our Wednesday Routine

Our Wednesdays are changing. Abbie starts school this week. Since both of the kids are going to be in school on Wednesdays, there will be a change. Over the summer me & the girls were together all day on Wednesdays and tried to do fun things. But now it will be different.
I will have over 2 hours all to my self every Wednesday morning while the kids are in school. I loved having the whole day together, but it will be nice to have some time alone at home. I can get a lot of things done or just sit there and do nothing.
I am hardly ever home alone, but now I have have time to myself every week.
I will still have time with the girls in the afternoon, but will enjoy my 2 hour break every week!

Works Sucks!

I went back to work today from being off for a week. I took some time off because Kylie was starting school and I wanted to be home for it. Abbie starts next week! Once she starts, I will have 2 hours all to my self every Wednesday morning!! JOY!! I am ever home alone!
But, back to work sucking ... I went back today after being off. Work is piled on my desk, 11 voice mails on my phone and who knows how many emails. Then we have an all employee meeting for 2 HOURS!!! Give me a Break!
I like the people that I work with, at least most .. or some of them, but the work part I could do without!
It was just one of those days. I'm sure that everyone has them. But we do get to wear jeans tomorrow and all of next week. That makes things a little better.

To Lia or Not to Lia

I am considering becoming an advisor for Lia Sophia. But I just cannot decide. My mom said to do it for some extra Christmas. Brian said to go for it. My Aunt Tracy said don't do it.
I need to have so many parties to get started and I already have three (including mine). I could probably get a few more people to have a party.
What should I do??

My Baby is Getting So Big!

Tomorrow is Kylie's first day of Kindergarten. I am taking the bus with her to school to meet her teacher and see her room. School tomorrow is only 1 1/2 hours long. Then I will ride the bus home with her. It is nice that they let a parent ride the bus and go with them the first day.
I am fine with her going tomorrow, but it will be hard on Monday when I have to put her on the bus and watch it drive away down the street.
I took Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday off so I can get her on and off of the bus for her first few days. I feel bad that Wednesdays are the only days that I will be getting her on and off the bus. At least Brian will be there to get her on the bus and my mom will get her off of the bus.
Kylie has been very excited and very nervous all at the same time. I hope that she has fun and likes her teacher.
I can't believe that my baby is starting school. She is getting so big!!

Three Beauty Queens at Play

Last weekend there was a 40th Birthday party for Kathy Kruis. It was a good time.
Here is a picture of Me, my sister in law Anne, and Brian's cousin Karen.
We were thinking of names of movies that matched us ... mine was Dirty Dancing!! (at least I think that is what they were talking about then I busted in our their conversation and added that I was Dirty Dancing)
It was an outside party at Prestwick Country Club. I was a perfect night.
We had some drinks, some shots and ended the night with a dance party in the parking lot with Brian's Aunt Kelly. We really enjoyed our night out without kids!!
It is nice to blow off some steam every once in awhile.

The Front Gate

Last fall I found a new favorite store. It was the Front Gate in Crown Point IN. I changed the decor in my house and started to decorate with things from my new favorite store. The first time that I went was with my grandma and Aunt Tracy. I bought 2 old door shelves for my house and my grandma was so happy that I was finally decorating my house!

My grandma passed away about a month after my first trip to the Front Gate. I have since bought a total of 8 shelves/wall hangings. My grandma would be so proud of me.

I have some of her things on my shelves and they remind me of her every time that I look at them.

I went to the Front Gate yesterday for the last time. They are closing their doors in a few days.

New Laptop

I got a new laptop and I am SO HAPPY!

It will give my hours of entertainment!

Good Times in New Buffalo

We had a great time in New Buffalo. It was good to spend time with my girls and friends. I know that Kylie and Abbie had a great time. We were all so tired by the time that we got home on Wednesday.

The girls were very good, except when we were leaving the beach and they both wanted me to carry them and cried because the sand was so hot. We had been out in the sun all day and we all were very tired. The last thing that I could have done was carry both of them! Especially since I was also carrying a beach bag and chair. Well, they survived the hot sand and were even ok to swim in the pool afterward.

Everyone got along very good and we will probably plan another mom and kid trip soon.

Me..dramatic??

The other night I kept telling Kylie to get ready for her shower. She was not listening and kept playing. I asked her several times and she still didn't get ready.
I then told her that if she did not get ready for her shower, she would go straight to bed.
Her response...."Mom, stop being so Dramatic!"

Next week in New Buffalo

Me and my friend are planning another getaway to New Buffalo, but this time we are bringing the kids. Kylie and Abbie are very excited. They cannot wait to play with all of the kids. There will be 4 adults and at least 7 kids. Good times!
We are trying to make the final plans now. We are going from Tuesday to Wednesday.
Chris and Steph will already be there for the week and me and Lisa will go early on Tuesday. We are going to hit the outlet mall on the way there. Shh.. Chris and Steph don't know!!
There is a restaurant that has a buffalo chicken pizza and it totally ROCKS!! We are going to order a few pizzas for take-out and I can't wait to get my EAT ON!
Kylie became friends with Chris' son Kevin in pre-school and can't wait to see him. She wants to bring a movie for them to watch and asked if I think if he will like Cinderella. She's so cute!
I am looking forward to it, but I did tell my friends, that next time will be girls only!

Mommy/Daughter Day

I am off on Wednesdays and usually spend the day with my 2 girls. One of our favorite things to do is go to the Pancake House for breakfast.
Of course, that is what we did today. Then we went to a local community pool with my sister Amanda and niece Mairead.
We had a good time and the weather was perfect. The girls want to go back soon. We will probably plan another Mommy/Daughter Wednesday at the pool.
I love our Wednesdays together. It is one of my favorite times of the week.

Girl's Weekend - New Buffalo

I love getting away and hanging out with my friends. This weekend we went to Chris's place in New Buffalo. Me & Chris went there Friday evening and went to the casino. Sorry to say, no big wins.
Lisa met us early on Saturday and we went to the outlet mall. There were some great deals and you know that we hit the COACH store!
Stephanie met us later and we hung out at the pool. We were talking & having some cocktails, then went out for dinner. We came back and talked some more.
Sunday morning me, Chris and Steph had massages, went out to lunch and then back to the pool. It was a nice, relaxing weekend. Kind of a mini vacation.
It is always great to catch up with old friends.

Jersey Boys

At work we each won/earned a free ticket to Jersey Boys. Someone was unable to go and they picked my name in a drawing to bring someone. I originally asked my mom, but she could not go and Brian did not want to take the day off of work. My mom suggested that I ask my sister Amanda or my Aunt Tracy. So, I asked my sister. Sorry Trace!!
I was joking with the people at work, saying that my mom said that I could not go unless I brought my little sister with me.
Amanda met me at work and we took a limo bus from my work to downtown. We all had lunch at the Italian Village and chowed on bread dipped in Olive Oil and Parmesan cheese (I love that stuff!!).
Then we walked across the street to the theater to see the show.
It was a nice day. Even if I had to drag my little sister along!

4th of July

I love the 4th of July.
I am so moved each year when I watch the fireworks. Just looking around at everyone sitting in the field ... families, friends, loved ones. It is such a great thing to have so may people all together in one place, everyone happy and having a good time. I love sitting there with my family, watching the fireworks without any worries. We are very lucky to live in a safe place and to have the freedom that we have.
Isn't that what the 4th of July is all about anyways?

Just another manic Monday

Mondays are always busy for me. Work is always busy and no one feels like being there. Then I need to rush home from work and pick up the kids. I then come home and get Kylie ready for Dance Class. I take her to class, come home again and then need to leave to pick her up again in about an hour. All this while bringing Abbie with me. I finally get home to stay at about 5:30 and need to think about what's for dinner.
This is how I feel by 6:00 pm Monday night.

I love you Mommy..

My daughter Kylie just told me "I love you Mommy, even if you are just like your mother".
What is that supposed to mean???