Happy Birthday Mom/Grams!

Happy milestone bday (you fill in the age...I'm being nice...but just look at the pictures below for a hint. Sorry Mom!) When we were in Chicago for Thanksgiving, my Dad and I managed to pull of a surprise party for my mom. We had about 50 people at the club for cocktails, apps, an italian buffet dinner and lots of desserts. Although my mom knew about a "get-together" (because she's nosy!) she didn't know how large the party really was. I think it was a great success. Everyone had a great time (some more than others!!!...Dad!). I got to be the DD for my parents...what fun. No one deserves a big hoopla more than my wonderful mommy! Even Ty got to join in the festivities and was a hit at the party! Happy Birthday Mom...today is her real birthday!


Mom's fake surprise face:)
Some of the decor I put togetherTy really enjoying his mealB and his girlfriend, Therese Ty's gift for his GramsShots with the birthday girl The guys all sang to her and made her take shots
Mom enjoyed catching up with friends

Thanksgiving Break

We took a trip to Chicago for a long weekend (Tuesday - Sunday) for the holiday break. It was a jam-packed (as per usual) trip back home...but we wouldn't have it any other way! I was able to catch up with old friends on the biggest bar night of the year. I met up with Dana Falco and Crystal Pace for a drink, or five, while the grandparents watched the munchkin. Although I felt bad for Mike, the three of us chatted away about old times and laughed a lot! I am looking forward to the next time I can see those girls, they are good friends! On the day of Thanksgiving, I somehow convinced Mike to run the Bonfield Express 5K with me (the annual Turkey Day race in good ole DG). Additionally, I got to run and catch up with the Pillsbury...always a pleasure! She is my oldest friend and when we get together it's like no time has passed. What a blessing a friendship like that is! I love her to pieces! All three of us felt great after the run, and we were ready to eat and relax. I was excited to see how Tyler reacted to the first Thanksgiving he could really enjoy. Unfortunately, naptime came right around the food being completed, so Ty's meal was a bit delayed. He didn't really get into the holiday fixins that day but, for some reason, shoved his face full of turkey, stuffing, carrots and beans the following day. It was a great day of food, laughs and naps:) (although a nap when you have a 17 month old doesn't really exist...but I enjoyed watching everyone else nod off!!) I am now officially addicted to Top Chef, and spent my down time watching a Top Chef marathon (thanks a lot Brian!) and doing online Christmas shopping. We don't really do the whole "Black Friday" event so we just relaxed and did family time. It was truly something to be thankful for...watching my parents spending quality time with Tyler. He's changing so fast, so it's great when they get to see his new tricks, hear his new words, and participate in many firsts (they do happen pretty much everyday now!). Ty loves his Grams and Granddad!



Mike & I before the Thanksgiving 5K we ran

Jen with TyTyler entertaining his crowd at the Thanksgiving mealUncle Brian and Ty

Quality time with the Burkle GrandparentsGetting into trouble:)I still can't believe how big he is already...time flies!

Rivalry Saturday

OH-IO! Go Bucks...beat Michigan! And yes...Mike did actually put foam blocks in his jersey to make shoulder pads:)

Chi-town Baby

This past weekend we headed back to Chicago to see friends, family and attend an Ohio State football game. It was a jam-packed weekend. We got to see 3 new babies (Cole Graske, Aaron Laskey and Landon Cross) and we visited with one of Tyler's best friends, Hendrix Gustafson. It was lots of baby boys indeed. Ty also go to spend some quality time with his Grams and Granddad, who babysat Ty so Mike and I could have a couple of nights of adult fun.

Tyler introducing himself to his new buddy Cole

Friday night we helped our friend Jeremy Borsky celebrate his 30th at McGees, an old hangout of ours when we lived in the city. Friday was special because I also got some much-needed girltime with Amy, one of my best friends. We had a great time with all our friends. It was nice to let loose for an evening, forget our responsibilities, and live like Chicagoans again.

Laura Borsky, Melissa Frantz, me and Amy Achberger at McGees

Mike and I having some adult timeOn Saturday, bright and early (and with headaches in tow) we headed to the Ohio State v. Northwestern game, a tradition for our family. This year it was a much bigger crowd with the Frantz', Epps, Cooks, Borskys, Burkles and Schermans in attendance! :) Although it was a bit chilly and wet, the Bucks brought home a victory and, with the help of hot chocolate, we cheered them on with our friends! We did a little tailgating and got to take the L. It was a great time! After and impromptu shopping trip on State street, we got back to the warmth of the condo. On Saturday night, Mike and I realized how old we actually were, as we were still exhausted by the previous night's activities. We spent the night with takeout and the fabulous company of my brother and his girlfriend, Therese.

Brian & Therese trying to stay warm at the game

Our crew after the Bucks beat the Wildcats Sunday we went to visit with 12 day old Landon Cross, Ryan and Kristie's new little boy. He's just gorgeous! Marina and Corey were also kind enough to include us in their fabulous breakfast casserole and let Hendrix and Tyler play for a while. I miss my friends so very much so I savor any quality time I can spend with them and their families! It was a very busy, but an extremely enjoyable weekend. We can't wait to come back to do it all again soon! We send our love and thanks to all who hosted us this weekend! It's weird to come back to a place you call "home" and not have a "home" to go to. Chicago will always be home to me, especially with friends and family like you all there!

Mike and new dad Ryan showing off Landon Austin

Ty trying to wrestle 5 month old Hendrix

Halloween '08

This Halloween was much more fun for Ty, and us, than last year. At 16 months, he enjoyed the costume, the other kids, the trick or treating at daycare, and the tiny bit of sweets mommy allowed him to consume. We went to our neighbors house for a trick or treating "preparty" and ended up staying all night. Our cul-de-sac has this tradition of putting signs out in front of their driveways telling trick or treaters that the meca of candy was at another location. Those adults who aren't on the trick or treating path with their kiddos stay back to throw back a few and hand out candy together. It was so much more fun to all hand out candy together, and the kids that showed up at the house were shocked to find out that they got to take something from EVERY bucket...candy heaven indeed! :) Although Mike and I had to run around policing Tyler much of the time, as he's a hurricane at this age grabbing everything in sight, we had a great time getting to know all our neighbors. We just love our street and can't wait for more get-togethers. They are a ton of fun and there are tons of kids for Ty to play with, and some built-in babysitters as well (jackpot!). It also helped that the party was just across the street and our fabulous long-range monitor works at that distance...so we got to have adult time (and a few cocktails and laughs) as well. All in all, considering I'm not the biggest fan of this weird "holiday" we call Halloween, it was a very enjoyable night.

Carving pumpkins. Ty had an attention span for 1 of our 3 pumpkins...guess that's pretty good for a 16 month old toddler :)

We kept it simple and carved a letter T on Ty's pumpkinEnjoying pizza at our neighbor's Halloween partyTy and his new neighborhood friend, Gavin Sweetness #34 and Superman, two "super"men (in my opinion!)

Who needs to fly...Ty's taking to the road

Simple Pleasures

The pictures really speak for themselves. Tyler is always keeping us laughing and can be entertained by the smallest item. Oh...when life was that simple :) Tyler is a blessing, as he helps us remember the small things and laugh often!

Building with blocks...then destroying the towers and throwing blocks everywhere. We literally have these foam blocks in every room of our house, and I clean them up a million times a day. He's obsessed!

Tyler spent a good 20 minutes sticking newspaper on his sweaty feet, on purpose, and walking around with it...laughing hysterically! He was bummed when the newspaper wouldn't stick any longer.The other night at dinner, Tyler decided that a sandwich on his head would be hilarious. Although we shouldn't laugh, we couldn't control our laughter. Fueled by our chuckles...Tyler continued to "feed" his head. It was definitely a bath night that evening:)

When we were in Columbus for the marathon, we stayed in a very nice room at a Holiday Inn. Tyler had an amazing time jumping on the bed and climbing on the millions of gigantic pillows provided to us. He also enjoyed running up and down the hallway in his diaper, hiding in doorways, and laughing hysterically. Of course...we were laughing too!

Boo Bash

On Thursday, our daycare facility had their annual Halloween party, "Boo Bash". Mike and I decided to check it out so we got Tyler dressed in his Halloween costume and went to celebrate. The Boo Bash had games set up in every room, a pasta dinner and a bounce house. Although Ty didn't last more than 45 minutes, we did check out a few games, play outside and fill our bellies with pasta. Tyler even got to see his teachers all dressed up. We had a great time. We don't even think Ty was aware he had a costume on:) We were glad to get some use out of his clearly very expensive (sarcasm) Target costume!

Tyler taking a lesson from an older toddler on how to net a duck

Picking a prize after completing a gameMommy and her SUPERman! It's a bird...it's a plane...no it's just a sprinting Tyler! :)

Marathon Completed!

For those of you who haven't heard...I did complete the Columbus Marathon on Sunday. Although I missed Boston qualifying time by a mere stinking 3 minutes and 31 seconds (argh!) I did get my PR (by 10 minutes), crossing the finish line in 3hours, 43minutes and 31seconds. I was feeling great and on track at mile 20 to cross in 3 hours and 31 minutes (under Boston qualifying of 3:40) I hit a wall and had to slow down for the last 6! I am very proud of myself, however, for finishing strong...even when I felt like I had NOTHING LEFT! I guess I'll have to strive for Boston next time....which means there will have to be a next time...#8 here I come!

Marathon Countdown

It's been 3 years since I've run 26.2...and in 2 days (on Sunday 10/19) I'll be hoofin' it through the streets of Columbus, Ohio in route to my 7th marathon finish (hopefully!). I'm more nervous this time than I've been for others because it's been so long and...lets face it...training can't really be my first priority these days. I'm just hoping to finish with a strong time and compete with my old times from previous runs. Please think of me! I need all the good vibes I can get!