Chicago!

There's nothing like visiting Chicago! What a city! Mike and I spend a weekend in Chicago to celebrate my birthday. The weather was beautiful for the end of September. We walked Michigan Avenue, had a drink on the top floor of the John Hancock building, OMG what a view. Saturday night we had dinner on Rush Street followed by a venture to a blue's bar, the Underground Wonder Bar. I was fortunate enough to play the tambourine on stage with the band for a song!! How cool is that!

Cassie's High School Grad Party

The family gathered at Rick and Joyce's house to celebrate Cassie' High School Graduation. It's always nice to have the entire family together.

We missed mom at the party, but took our traditional family photo of "brothers and sisters".

Visits from Aunts and Uncles make the day special.

It's great to see the kids having fun with their cousins even though they're all grown up!

Whadda party!

I want to thank all my wonderful friends who stopped by last Thursday for my Silpada party. Man, we had fun, eh?!? And Mike was a great help too! Who's having the next party??? :)

Celebrating Father's Day with Mike

Mike, Kayla, Kyle and I celebrated Father's Day by going to Port Washington Beach.

We had lunch at the beach and collected colored glass that had been polished from the sand and waves.

Boston Trip

Mike and I had the opportunity to spend a few days in and around the Boston area a couple of weeks ago. What a FANTASTIC trip! From start to finish.

I loved the streets of Boston. The old charm feel.

Cape Cod was BEAUTIFUL. White, soft, sandy beaches.....it felt sooo good between my toes.

I'm sharing just a few photos here..but if you want to see the whole trip...click on Mike's name below.

Michelle - Match Maker

This is Michelle. She has the biggest heart, works hard and volunteers often! We met in 2001 in Leadership Menomonee Falls (a personal and professional development group) and we still volunteer together on the Board.
On August 5th, 2008, I attended the Board of Govenors meeting. Michelle couldn't stop smiling at me...I couldn't help but wonder what she was up to. After the meeting, she asked if I would be interested in meeting her and Charlie's (Michelle's hubby) best friend, Mike. I thought, "sure, who knows..." Later that day, she emailed me Mike's blog address (click on the follower Mike in the column to the right to see his blog) I looked at the blog and instantly called Michelle. I said, "He's cute" and she said, "I know"!
I am forever grateful to Michelle for introducing Mike and me! What a great friend!!

Celebrating Mari's Birthday

We often get together to Jazzercise "after Jazzercise". Here we are celebrating Mari's Birthday at Farley's.
Here is Jan giving Mari her gift, sent all the way from California, wine country. Guess what she got!



This is "Meatball" demonstrating a very special Jazz move as Jessie looks on. Nice job Meatball.



Mari, Kathy, Jane, and L.A. (little Ann) and Jan in the back.







Lita, top dog at Merton Jazzercise....a special place to be!

Jazzercise

After actively Jazzercising for six years, I decided to become a certified Jazzercise instructor in Fall of 2008. Jazzercise is an exercise program to music. It combines aerobic dance and strength training to music. Certification was a lot of hard work, but the support I received from my fellow 'Jazzercisors" has been overwhelming!

Mari with an "I" was the first person I met at Jazzercise. She instantly made me feel welcome and the rest is history! Lita's awesome workouts and the friends I made make it fun to workout.
I taught class this past Sunday, May 31st, and we celebrated Mari's birthday following class.

Mari is featured working hard prior to class. Thanks Mari for keeping us on track!

Mom, Brothers and Sisters

I love my family! We are real people who have survived our own personal challenges and successes. I am so proud to be related to each one indivdually. Our individual characteristics make us special.

The top photo shows me, mom, Mary Jo and Kathy. Remember to click on the photo to make it bigger :).

The bottom photo is Mary Jo, Bob, me and Rick.

Jake and Josh, my boys

This is a photo taken in August of 2008. Jake is on my right and Josh on my left. Hard to believe they are grown. Jake is 21 and Josh is 20. I am so proud of both of them. And they are so good looking too!!

My Signifcant Other :)

The small photo is me and Mike at my sister Kathy's house on Christmas Eve 2008.

This is Mike. He's a WONDERFUL man. I love everything about him! Here he is playing the bass guitar, one of his many hobbies.