The List...#5 & #6

#5.  Pride & Prejudice

I love Jane Austen.  I love Pride & Prejudice.  I love everything about the 19th century, particularly in England.  I love historical fiction. 

I majored in English in college (or as we say it, at the University!) back in Australia, with a concentration on early and late 19th Century literature.  From an early age, I had a love for reading.  I remember crawling into bed with a torch (or flashlight), and had to go under the covers to continue reading after it was past my bedtime.  It was without surprise that I had to wear glasses at the young age of 7, because of my constant escapades with reading in very poorly lit environments!  But reading was my form of escapism.  I dived right into the world of fiction and adventure.  My first favorite author was Enid Blyton who was an English children's writer, and she wrote the 22-book series called "The Famous Five".  It is similar to the American version of the Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew.  I also read her entire collection of "The Secret Seven", and all the books of the "St. Claire's" series, which is about twin girls going off to boarding school in England.  As my love for reading grew, so did my love for writing.  I wanted to grow up to be a freelance journalist, possibly traveling the world and writing...my 2 great passions at that time.

When I was in secondary school (which is equivalent to junior high/high school), I was introduced to Jane Austen, and the wonderful world of Pride and Prejudice.  And there was no turning back after that!  I fell in love with everything Jane Austen!  I read and reread all her books.  While I enjoyed Sense and Sensibility, Emma, and Northanger Abbey, Pride and Prejudice captured my heart, and it became my favorite book of all times. 

I loved the spunkiness of Elizabeth, and secretly wished that I could be more like her - smart, witty, confident, self-assured, not really caring what other people thought of her, stayed true to herself and her convictions, fought for what is right and stood up for herself (loved it when she stood up to Lady Catherine de Burgh!  or Catherine de bleh!...as I used to call her!).

I'm such an Austen nerd that I made it a point to visit Chawton in Hampshire when I was in England.  In 2005, I was visiting my sister who lived in London at that time, and made a day trip out to the English countryside!  I was giddy with excitement on the bus to Chawton, and Jared was a good sport to accompany me on my crazy quest to find the birthplace of my favorite author.  The bus took us to the small town of Chawton, and we literally had to walk across the grassy knolls to get to Jane Austen's house.  Of course I had to pretend that I was an Austen character and was living out the day-to-day routine of having to walk from place-to-place if a carriage was not available.  It took everything in me to not steal anything from the Austen household!  I was mesmerized and in awe of being there (I think Jared was probably wondering if there was a nearby pub that had ESPN).  After spending some time there, we took another bus which took us to Winchester Cathedral where she was buried.  I had to pay my respects to her.

It was an amazing day for this Jane Austen fan!

     

Jane Austen's house

Jane's writing desk!

Anyway, this year, as a tribute to the 200th Anniversary of Pride & Prejudice (as well as it being on my 40 List!), I wanted to reread the book and re-watch all the movies that have been made about the book.  Needless to say, it was an enjoyable feat!  So, if I haven't already bored you, here's my account of the movies that I own and have seen umpteenth times:

My Pride & Prejudice movie collection!

Pride & Prejudice - BBC version with Colin Firth:

By far my favorite!  This version stays truest to the story of P&P.  The fact that it's a 6-hour mini series gives it liberty to work the details of the story into the movie, unlike the Hollywood versions who try to cram everything into 90 minutes or so, which doesn't give the book justice at all!

Pride & Prejudice - Hollywood version with Keira Knightley:

It was okay, though I really like Matthew McFadyen as Mr. Darcy.  While the movie stayed true to the story, the writers/producers took a lot of liberty with the script.  They added their own interpretation of what Austen wrote.  I've never been a big fan of Keira Knightley, so I thought they could have cast someone better.  But casting Tom Hollander as Mr. Collins was brilliant.  He was awkward, funny, and highly entertaining!

Lost in Austen:

This is fun modern-day-meets-19th-century-world-of-Elizabeth-and-Darcy movie.  It's about a woman who loves Pride and Prejudice and everything about it, and she somehow finds a portal that transports her to the Bennett household.  She and Elizabeth Bennett actually trade places (yes, Lizzy comes to live in modern day England, while Amanda becomes a guest in the Bennett household).  But the story is more about Amanda meeting all the characters of Pride and Prejudice, and how she tries to prevent certain plots from occurring because that would just ruin the whole story, like forcing Mr. Bingley to NOT fall in love with her because he needs to fall in love with Jane to remain true to the story.  For Downton Abbey fans, Hugh Bonneville (Sir Grantham) is Mr. Bingley.  And by far, this version has the creepiest Mr. Collins EVER!  Eek...he literally makes my skin crawl!  Overall, this movie is different, but entertaining!

Bride & Prejudice:

Okay, true confession...watching this movie is one of my guilty pleasures!  It is the Bollywood version of Pride and Prejudice, and it is soooo fun to watch!  There's dancing and singing, and it is so colorful!  You have to overlook some of the cheesiness, but you'll definitely find this fun and entertaining!  The story is based in India, so just imagine the Bennett family as Indians, and the story does stay true to the plot.  I guarantee that you'll be smiling and singing along!  And Aishwarya Rai (who plays the Elizabeth character) is truly gorgeous!  Mr. Darcy (Martin Henderson) isn't too bad himself!

As I was looking on Amazon.com, I noticed that there is an older version of Pride and Prejudice starring Laurence Olivier and Ann Rutherford.  I will have to watch that soon!

If I haven't bored you yet, here's my fantasy cast of Pride and Prejudice:

Elizabeth Bennett - I'm still not sure...it's a huge role!  If Jennifer Gardner can pull off a British accent, maybe it could work.  But she's so sweet, unless she unleashes her Alias character!
Mr. Darcy - toss up between Matthew McFadyen (in the Hollywood version) or Hugh Jackman
Mr. Bingley - Eddie Redmayne (he played Marius from Les Mis)
Jane Bennett - Nicole Kidman or a blonde Jennifer Gardner
Mr. Bennett - Hugh Bonneville (from Downton Abbey)
Mrs. Bennett - Emma Thompson
Mr. Wickham - not sure...who's someone you'd love to hate?  Maybe Ryan Gosling?
Caroline Bingley - Mary from Downton Abbey (I forgot what her real name is)
Lady Catherine de Burgh - Maggie Smith (from Downton Abbey)

Mr. Collins - anyone weird and creepy, though I do like Tom Hollander from the Hollywood version, he's also in the Pirates of the Carribean), or Russell Crowe...haha!

 

And to show you what a freak I am, here are some of my Jane Austen/Pride & Prejudice collectables:

 

I bought this coffee mug and kitchen towel with the inscription of Mr. Darcy's profession of love to Elizabeth.

 

English Tea is my absolute favorite!

 

Books I bought when I was in Chawton.

Yes!  They even have a board book of P&P!  This is a counting book.  I believe the baby board book for Sense & Sensibility covers numbers and Emma covers shapes (or something like that!)

 

#6. Go to the movies by myself

I thought it would be weird, but it wasn't.  It was actually quite nice!  I mean, you don't talk to people during the movie anyway.  I actually walked out of there with a huge smile on my face...maybe because I finally did it, and the movie had a happy ending. 

I was on my personal retreat, and I thought it would be neat to go catch a movie by myself, just to break up the day.  I watched "Safe Haven", another movie based on a Nicholas Sparks book.  I didn't have any expectations, but it turned out to be pretty good.  I loved "The Notebook", and Jared liked "The Lucky One" (oops, I hope he doesn't kill me for disclosing this!).  I think "Safe Haven" is in between, but with a thriller twist. 

'Nuff said.  I did it!  And I'm proud of myself for doing it.  I may have to make this a regular thing!

Shanghai Girls...and a tribute.

 

It's been a while since I wrote a "book report", but I just finished Lisa See's novel "Shanghai Girls".  For those of you who know me, I love historical fiction.  But nothing intrigues me more than reading stories that are set in China or the Far East.  I love reading about different Chinese characters, walking with them through their hardships, their lives steep in culture and traditions, while at the same time, longing to be free of cultural expectations.

I devour these books because I feel there are elements of my Chinese heritage that I want to learn more about, and there are missing pieces in my family history that I've longed to put together.  As I read these novels, I'm intrigued and I'm connected, and I picture my grandmother and grandfather as characters in these stories.

Lisa See is such a gifted story-teller.  Her previous book "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" reminded me of my great-grandmother when she described Chinese women with bound feet, and she gave an intricate account of how a foot is bound.  It was so interesting (and painful!) to read about it, and it took me back to memories of my great-grandmother whom I had the honor and privilege to know for at least 10 years before she passed away.  I remember her small little feet, the way she would waddle, her quiet demeanor, and the love and adoration her children had for her.  At the same time, I remember thinking how blessed I am that I was born in the day and age where feet-binding was not an expectation.  As I think about it, I'm only 2 generations removed from the patriarchal, feet-binding era.  And when I think about the decisions that my grandparents made, particularly their escape from China under Japanese occupation, I would not be where I am today.  It gives me chills to think that I could've been born in China and how my life would be so different from what it is today.

The central theme to Lisa See's historical fiction is about relationships between women, usually mother-daughter, or sister-sister.  I love how she has given the Chinese women a voice during a time when male dominance prevailed.  Typically, you see how quiet, demure these Chinese women are.  But surely, they have opinions and feelings just like everyone else.  Girls from a young age were groomed to become wives, take orders from their husbands and mothers-in-law, and expected to produce sons to carry on their husband's family name.  Throughout the course of history, Chinese or otherwise, women are considered lower class than men.  Parents want sons, not daughters.  I know that unfathomable things are done to baby girls in China, even today (hence my holy discontent...but that's a story for another day!).  So, it's refreshing that Lisa See is verbalizing the thoughts and dreams of these Chinese women.  The relationships between the women are powerful.  Back in the day (and perhaps still today), being outwardly affectionate is not the norm nor acceptable.  But the evidence of a mother's love goes beyond words, as account after account of the sacrifices a mother would make for her daughters show the extent of her love.  Lisa See's ability to bring the reader into the world of her characters only benefits, because I get to feel, rejoice, cheer, empathize, and agonize right alongside these women, who may as well be representatives of my grandmother, great-grandmother, and other ancestors.  Their powerful relationships make sense since they only have each other to lean on for comfort and empathy as they go through similar experiences. 

I can't help but think about my beloved grandparents, and what they had to go through.  I know that they escaped from China (just like in the book), though I don't know how and what they must have seen or experienced in their escape.  I know that my grandmother was a young bride, and my grandfather a handsome sailor.  Perhaps it was a blessing that he had the means to transport them via sea and headed south to the British colonized island of Singapore, where their new life began.  I picture them bringing my great-grandmother along, as well as all of my grand aunts and uncles.  What a crazy, and probably dangerous undertaking! 

If they had stayed in China, and let's just say I was born there, I wonder if I would've been given up or left on the side of the road because I was born a girl?  I wonder if my feet would be bound?  I wonder if I would be married to a strange man who was arranged for me, and whom I would only meet on my wedding day?  I wonder if I would've been sterilized after my first child?  I wonder if I would be able to read or go to school?  I wonder if I would be separated from my family and live to serve my in-laws?  I wonder if I would come to know Jesus?

For this and so much more, I am so thankful to my grandparents for their sacrifice of leaving their homeland in search for a better life elsewhere.  The desire for freedom is innate in every person, and it was their desire for life and liberty that provided a better future for their children and future generations, me included.  I adored my grandparents!  They took care of my sister and I when we were little while my parents worked.  While they maintained a lot of their Chinese decorum, I saw playful sides of them too.  I saw how my grandfather served my grandmother (he did all the cleaning, ironing, and laundry!  That's so counter-cultural in their culture!).  My grandmother was a fabulous cook!  I treasure my many memories of her, especially when she brushed my hair, fanned me while I took my naps, protected me from my hot-tempered parents, loved me beyond measure.  I adored my grandfather, and remember him being so silly as he made my sister and I laugh.  He always sang songs and was incredibly goofy.  I remember him picking me up from school and we'd walk home hand-in-hand, and he'd let me play in the park and bought me ice-cream sandwiches almost every day.  My grandfather is the coolest because he took me to see "Grease" seven times in the movie theaters!!  Yes, 7.  And he didn't even speak English! 

Truly, the best part of me, I attribute it to them.  And I miss them dearly.  Though they are no longer alive, I hope that they are proud of me.  I think about them a lot, often when I'm the loneliest, and sometimes wish I could go back in time and be able to go over to their house because it was my safe haven.  I grieve over the fact that my children will never know them.  But as I start sharing my story and my childhood with Joshua, Jenna, and Becca, I pray that my children will see a glimpse of who my grandparents were and how much I loved them.  And no matter what, we are family, and a piece of my grandparents will always be with us.

I didn't intend to make this blog post about my grandparents, but I find it a fitting tribute to them as I review the book I've been reading.  In conclusion, Shanghai Girls is a story about 2 sisters who escape China during the time of the Japanese invasion.  It is about their struggle to adapt to life in America, while trying to remain true to who they are.  They bring with them emotional baggage and secrets from their homeland.  As readers, we cheer them on in their attempt to create a new life in the States, knowing the hell that they went through in China.  But their story doesn't end in this book.  Along comes the next generation as their daughter Joy tries to find her identity as a Chinese American. 

And I can't wait to read the sequel "Dreams of Joy"!

The List...#4

#4.  Take a ballroom dance lesson

Yes, I am a closet dancer wannabe.  I confess...I love watching So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars.  Even my children know this about me.  When Joshua catches me watching something on t.v., he always asks, "Mom, are you watching your dancing show again?". 

So, I thought it appropriate that learning how to dance would be on my 40 List!  I believe that God thought so too!  Because interestingly enough, I met a new couple that started attending our church a few months ago.  As I was talking to the wife, she shared with me that she's a dance instructor.  My ears perked up and she had my full attention!  I immediately bombarded her with questions, until she gave me her card (either to shut me up or to entice me to lessons...I'm thinking both!).  But I believe this was a divine appointment!

Bringing this subject matter of dance lessons to Jared was no easy feat.  While I pride myself with having somewhat decent rhythm, my husband does not.  He enjoys grooving to his own beat and style, which never fails to provide me with amusement and entertainment.  But the thought of actually learning ballroom dancing, he felt fear and trepidation.  But I had to remind him that "it takes two to tango" (like my dancing analogy?!), and I wasn't prepared to dance with anyone else.  I'm not proud of this, but I did stoop pretty low and...um...begged...and pleaded.  It's on my list!  He can't refuse me, right?

And being the good sport that he is, he didn't.

So last Monday night, we went to the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in South Barrington for our first (and probably only) lesson.  We met our friend and dance instructor, Amy, and she spent the next hour showing us the basics of the rumba, foxtrot, waltz, and (I can't remember the exact name...it reminded me of swing).  Undoubtedly, I had a blast!  You'll have to ask Jared yourself what he really thought.  (Here's a quick shout out to Fred Astaire Dance Studio.  Ask for Amy Ross.  She's awesome!)

I don't think I'll ever be a professional dancer.  But I love to dance.  I don't pretend to dance well, but I do love to move to music.  I love the emotions that music evokes.  I love reminiscing of my younger days when I used to see my mother and uncle dance (they won a few dance competitions back in the day).  And today, I love seeing my girls dance and twirl to music, enjoying the moment of pure abandon as they move and sway.  In those moments, I move and sway along with them as I worship and praise my God for the gift of my girls, and for the gift of dance!

Jared and me before we left for our dance lesson.

 

Shall we dance?

 

Becca loves to dance!

Below is a short video of her and Jared dancing. 

She loves to grab his hand, and wants him to dance with her all the time! 

I think this is going to be "wedding day worthy" material!

 

(oops...there were issues with uploading)

 

 

 

In need of grace

I'm having one of those days.  You know, the ones when all you want to do is crawl under your blanket and sleep.  The ones when you want to eat all the Tim Tams or any other form of cookies or delectable delights until you're overly stuffed.  The ones when you wish you could stay in bed all day and just watch reruns of Downton Abbey Seasons 1, 2 and 3!

I checked.  It's not the time of the month. 

Maybe it's just February.  And thankfully, this is the last day of the month!  It's cold and gloomy outside.  Oh, and did I mention that I'm averaging only a few hours of sleep a night?  And I've been battling this sinus congestion thing for a couple of weeks now. 

Becca was sick last week, and poor baby was so congested that sleeping was difficult for her.  Hence, she was waking up multiple times at night.  She then started getting up at 4:30am and wouldn't go back to sleep.  Now that she's better, you'd think she'd go back to her usual sleep routine.  Oh no!  Her new wake time is now between 4:30 and 5am.  And let me just tell you...I am NOT a morning person. 

And being 18 months, there's so much of the world to explore - cupboards to open, stairs to climb, contents in jars to dump out, milk to spill, dirt to eat, Legos to flush (yes, down the toilet!), walls to paint (with dirty fingers or whatever writing utensil is laying around).  Yes, all very cute.  But, in this moment, counting to 10 (or even 100) is not working much for me. 

My head and throat hurt, my eyes are burning from lack of sleep.  At the same time, I'm trying to help my first grader with his Chinese homework and I can't...it literally is becoming foreign to me (some days I regret my decision to send him to the Immersion Program!).  And, I'm trying to play Doc McStuffin with my preschooler and am not succeeding because I'm not "playing it right" (how do you play wrong?!).  All this time, I have to keep an eye on the said toddler explorer, and make sure she doesn't throw any more of my personal effects in the trash (I found some of my delicates in the garbage the other day!).  I'm just one hot mess!

I'm striving to whine less, complain less, look at the brighter, positive side of things.  But you couldn't tell from what I just wrote!  While I try to be a cup-half-full person, this "thing", this feeling of "blahness", tiredness, sickness, whatever it is, is kicking my butt!

This afternoon, while Becca napped, I was trying to lay down as well.  But Jenna wanted some  "cuddle time" with me (but who's kidding, I can't nap when I cuddle with Jenna.  She's a wiggly worm!).  At first, I said no because I wanted to nap.  Then this overwhelming sense of guilt enveloped me, and I thought I heard "you're a terrible mom for choosing napping over your daughter", "don't you want to spend quality time with her?  You keep telling others to cherish these moments, and you can't even do it, you hypocrite!", "she's growing up and you're going to regret not spending this time with her", and on and on these lies kept playing in my head.  Maybe it's the ibuprofen talking, but I am ashamed to admit - I did succumb and spent the next couple of hours with Jenna on my lap, while she poked and prodded me with her Doc McStuffin's doctor's equipment (darn you, Doc McStuffin!). 

While I'm sure the 2 hours meant the world to her, I know that at times, it is okay to say no.  I just need to keep those accusatory voices at bay.  And when I yelled at my kids today, and again, instantaneously was engulfed in guilt, I need to fight the lies of the "failed mom" that roams in my head.  Above all else, I need to find enough grace to give myself when I feel like an utter failure.  It's so much easier said than done. 

Hence in those moments of grasping for shreds of grace, that's when I appreciate my dear friend, Becky, who texted me today after I told her that I wanted to move far, far away, and she encouraged me with empathy and with words of "you are a rock star", even though I didn't feel like one!  I learned that in those times when I can't give myself grace, it's such a blessing to have others do it for me!

Okay, I'll stop my whining now...

Who else is looking forward to Spring?!

Letting Go

I asked for a Mom's Devotional Bible for Christmas, and got it, so I've been using it for my quiet time.  While I still receive online devotions on a daily basis through Today's Christian Woman and Family Life, there's just something about flipping through the physical pages of the bible and reading the Word (I guess that's why I haven't really explored getting a Kindle or any kind of eBook devices.  I just like holding a book and turning actual pages!). 

The daily devotions in the Mom's bible is concise, so it wouldn't require a lot of time.  There's a passage that you have to look up to read (again, I enjoy flipping the pages!), accompanied with additional scripture readings if you have extra time.  This is followed by a brief devotional or lesson.  Even though they are short, all the lessons pack a punch, and I love how it pertains to life as moms.  Hence, the very reason why I wanted to get this bible - it's applicable, relevant, inspirational, encouraging, and even in the margins of scripture, you'll see a little "heart" symbol next to a particular verse.  The heart signifies that this verse is a reference to mothers, grandmothers (and mother-in-laws, too!).  I appreciate how the devotional readings are in sequential order, meaning it's going through the bible starting with Genesis.  And I love how even stories in the Old Testament have life lessons for us today. 

Anyway, I didn't plan on being so descriptive about the Mom's Devotional Bible, but really wanted to share with you last Thursday's lesson on "Letting Go".

The passage for the day was from Exodus 2 - the birth of Moses and how his mother had to "let him go" down the river in the woven basket, in order to save his life.  I love the beginning sentences of the devotional:

"It's been said that a mother is not to lean on, but to make leaning unnecessary.  It's also been said that a mother's lap is the best place from which to launch life."

The devotion goes on to say that...

" Letting go is a heart-attitude that begins at birth.  It begins with recognizing that children are a gift from God.  They are merely loaned to the parents for upbringing and nurturing in the Lord.  The process requires a daily choice to relinquish a child to God's care, God's instruction, God's control."  (p.60, Mom's Devotional Bible, Zondervan)

As I read this devotional, my heart ached a little...okay, a lot!  Most of you know that I'm a pretty sentimental person.  I treasure little keepsakes from my children, tuck away meaningful letters or notes from friends, scrapbook significant moments, and enjoy creating memories with my family.  But these moments that are given to us are so fleeting.  And while I tell myself to enjoy them, which I do, I have to confess that there's a part of me that is anxious.  Anxious that time is moving too fast, anxious that my kids are growing up and I'm not "there" to capture the moments, anxious that I would miss out on things, anxious that I'm not doing enough for them as a mom in this growing stage of life, anxious that I'm going to mess them up and already have, anxious that they will forget these fleeting moments.  I know these are silly thoughts, but they are real thoughts that creep into my mind, and cause my heart to tremble sometimes.

Then reading this devotion of letting go, if I'm honest with myself, this will be one of the hardest things that I will have to do.  I don't see myself as someone physically hovering over my kids.  You can ask any of my mommy-friends when we go to play areas, half the time I don't even know where my kids are!  (okay, don't report me to DCFS please!)  The challenge will come, and has already occurred, when I have to let go emotionally and sometimes physically too.  If you've read my previous posts about the first day of school, you'll see why I have such a hard time.

I can't explain it, but I'm sure I'm not the only one, right?  It's a heart language between mothers (and fathers, or any parental figures) that can't be articulated.  Or at least, I can't.  Yes, it could be that I'm sentimental and want to hold on to the precious moments and stages of life.  Maybe if humans could develop at the same rate as turtles, then childhood wouldn't fly by so fast! (BTW, the American Box turtle lives a minimum of 100 years)

Or maybe it's because I enjoy being a nurturer, teacher, and am not ready to finish this "job". 

Or maybe it's a control issue...

Because relinquishing the last donut in the box, is a lot easier than relinquishing your children.  I'm still amazed and somewhat baffled that the God of the universe would bestow such an important responsibility as parenting to us, to me.  I've heard from so many people, personally and in the media, that they wished that children would come with an instruction manual.  But they don't.  And yet, God still chooses us to care for His beloved babies.  He has called me to be mom to Joshua, Jenna, and Becca.  And He has called you to be mom to your precious little ones too.  And with this calling comes great responsibility, even though this is the hardest job I've ever had to do, it is the best one!  And it is a priviledge.  For a few more decades, I'll get the opportunity to teach, nurture, love, and point my children to the one true God who really is the one who gave them to me in the first place.  I get to influence their decisions, encourage their growth, mold their minds, assist in the navigation of their paths, teach them life lessons, point them to true beauty, show them the real meaning of love, and attempt to shield them from harm. 

After all these investments, the thought of letting go is hard.  But it is something that needs to be done...sooner or later.  I'm given this one life with my children, and I want to make it count.  I want to be a responsible steward of the little ones whom God has entrusted to me.  It is my responsibility to raise them, and when the time comes, to let them go.  And in letting them go, I give them back to God and then need to trust that God will take care of them.  Someone said "Let go, and let God."  True, but it's probably easier said than done.  I know that I don't have to cross this bridge for a while, but I feel like every day is a practice day for when it actually happens.  Saying goodbye to Joshua in the mornings as he goes to school takes on new meaning, especially after the Newtown incident.  Nevertheless, I need to trust that he is in God's care...come what may.

I find it comforting to know that Moses' mother's act of letting go came full circle, because she was reunited with him when the Pharoah's daughter entrusted her to be Moses' nurse-maid.  Similarly, I know that it will come full circle for me too.  For I know that there will always be a piece of me with my children wherever they go in life.  Letting go is temporary.  But because of our mutual love for Christ, I know there is eternity waiting for us! 

 

I love my babies!  And love it when they want to read together, especially in their pajamas!

 

The List...#3

#3.  Celebrate my birthday with a girls' weekend!

Okay, I know these first 3 things on my list are about my birthday.  But I really wanted to ring in my new decade with the people I love the most.  And every girl needs her posse of girlfriends.  I don't know where I'd be without mine!

So a year ago, I had a conversation with my good friend, Jolinda, about going to Cabo for my 40th birthday.  She was all on-board!  And I even have a friend who has a condo in Cabo, and she was willing to let me use it.  Unfortunately, as the time got closer, it didn't work out that we could go.  Boo!  Maybe another year...

Since I couldn't go to Mexico and enjoy the warm weather there, God blessed me with a gorgeous weekend in Chicago!  On Friday, January 11th, we checked into the Palmer House in downtown Chicago.  But first, we visited my friend, Amy, who just recently moved to the city.  Her apartment was AH-MAZING!  She was so kind to let us park our car in her parking garage, and this saved us a lot of money! 

After our tour of her beautiful apartment and apartment building, she graciously drove us to the Palmer House.  We were able to get an early check-in - another praise!  Our bedroom was divine, and definitely girly - yay!  We had our spa appointments later that afternoon, so we had time to go get some lunch.  Thanks to Amy's suggestion, we walked to Pizano's, which is a pizza place owned by the Malnati Family (as in Lou Malnati...yum!).  Can I just say that it was so nice to be able to order my own favorite kind of pizza!?  Rather than the usual just cheese, or wanting to order something different only to be met with whining and pouting!

The Palmer House

 

Our room!
 

My bed 

 

The elevator waiting area on our floor

 

Pizano's Pizza

 

After lunch, we walked back to the hotel and got ready for our afternoon of pampering at the spa!  If you read my previous blog post, you know that I already had an amazing spa day the Friday before in Lake Geneva.  So, I'm feeling extra special and super excited that I get to do it again!  I had a 50-minute massage, which almost put me to sleep, followed by a spa pedicure.  I know, who gets a pedicure in the winter time, right?  But I love it!  The last time I had a pedicure was when Becca was born, and it was at the hospital (here's my shout out to Good Shepherd...the most awesome place to have a baby...and yes, they give you a mani/pedi after you deliver, AND a prime rib dinner!).  After the pedicure, we were ushered in to the "relaxation room".  It was a room with comfy couches, tea/coffee station, magazines to read, a place to just hang out until your nails are done or when you're done relaxing...whichever comes first!

Jolinda and I getting our pedicures!

 

View from where I was sitting

 

My cute, painted toes!

 

We had a couple of hours after our spa before we had dinner.  We made reservations at Flat Top Grill.  I've never been there before, and it's kind of like Stir Crazy.  Again, we walked there (yeah, we're cheap...we didn't want to have to drive anywhere and have to pay for parking!).  We had a great time eating and talking.  Remember how I mentioned that God's gift to me was a great weekend in Chicago?  Keep in mind we're talking January.  It's usually bitterly cold or snowing.  After dinner that night, we were able to go for a walk!  It was a ridiculously gorgeous night out!  We walked to Macy's to look at the windows, we walked along State Street and looked at the lights.  And what do girls love to do the most?  (well, at least my girls do)  We love to get coffee and sit and chat for hours.  You'd think we'd be able to find a Starbucks in downtown Chicago, cos there's literally one at every corner.  But they weird thing is, all the Starbucks' were closed! 

Me and my BFFs, Jen & Jolinda, walking around State Street

 

Coffee in the lobby

(I have another picture that I wanted to post.  Both Jen and Jolinda were my bridesmaids, and I wanted to include a picture of the 3 of us 10 years ago at my wedding.  But, I can't find my wedding pictures!!)

So we headed back to the hotel and had our $6 coffee in the lobby.  I think we paid for the ambiance, which was great!  We ended our day in typical girl fashion - we watched a chick flick in bed...uh, just to clarify, we were in separate beds!

We slept in Saturday morning - hooray!  That's 2 Saturdays in a row!  We took a leisurely walk along Michigan Avenue, and were trying to find Hannah Bretzel's, a place that we'd been to when we went on the Chicago Chocolate Tour a couple of years ago.  But we couldn't find it, and ended up at The Water Tower Place.  We had our brunch there, and walked around for a little bit.

I love Chicago!

Near the Tribune Building

I wanted to go to the Disney Store, just for fun.  So, on our way back, that's what we did.  Didn't buy anything - I just like to pretend that I'm back at Disney!  Then, we walked back to the hotel and got ready for the next exciting event of the weekend - Afternoon Tea!!

My good friends, Ruth and Amy, joined us for tea (I was so bummed that my friend, Leslie, couldn't join us!).  Our server took us to the second floor and our table was right by the balcony, and we could look down into the lobby area.  It was pretty neat!  Again, the ambiance was great, and the food was delectable!  We were also able to witness two separate weddings that were taking place.  It was beautiful - one of the weddings was like out of the movies.  Gorgeous outfits, amazing traditions with lots of fanfare.

Amy, Jolinda, Ruth, and me

Our yummy Afternoon treats



The lobby of the Palmer House

The entrance to the ballroom

 

This was one of the weddings we saw...it was a Jewish man marrying an Indian woman.  Lovely procession and traditions!

We spent 2 hours talking and having "tea".  I have to say that this whole weekend, I just felt so blessed to be surrounded by women who know me, have been with me through the different stages of my life, and have been my constant encouragement and support through the years.  These women have known me even before I was married, before kids, and before the unfolding of God's plan in my life over the last 10 years or so.  Good and bad, they've stuck by me, prayed with me, cried with me, and lifted me with words of love, affirmation, and prayer.  They see me - the me without the façade; the me without any labels.  And as true friends always do...they love me, warts and all.

MY GIRLS!

To these amazing women, I'm eternally grateful for the role you've played in my life.  You are blessings from God, and you're my sisters, both this side of heaven and the next.  I love you all!

"A friend loves at all times." (Proverbs 17:17)

The List...#1 & #2 of 40

As I mentioned in my previous post, I created a list of 40 things that I would like to do in my 40th year.  I'm not sure if I'll get to all of them, but I hope so!  Honestly, I don't have all 40 yet, but I'm excited that my "fun and fabulous forty" has begun!  So, here goes...

#1. Have a phenomenal day with Jared and the kids on my birthday.

And I did!  I had the best birthday ever with my awesome family!  The day started off great with Jared and the kids allowing me to sleep in (till 8am!!  Whoo hoo!!).  They made me breakfast in bed, and they gave me their gifts...a Les Mis CD and a DVD with a collection of 8 British movies (very Downton Abbeysque!). 

My gifts!  And you can see my breakfast-in-bed tray in the background too!

We then got ready for the day, and packed the kids in the minivan and headed downtown to Navy Pier.  I've always loved downtown Chicago.  I guess growing up in major cities has left a mark on me.  What do they say?  You can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl.  I love the vibrancy, the eclectic blends of culture, the exploration of new things/places, the explosion of colors, the endless possibilities of things to do in the city. 

Before heading out to Chicago, I HAD to make a quick stop at Caribou Coffee, where I was able to redeem a free birthday coffee (whoo hoo again!).  We then drove down to Navy Pier and spent most of our day there.  We arrived pretty close to lunch time, so we bought McDonald's for the kids.  Jared and I were not hungry and so we waited to have lunch till later.  We have the DuPage Children's Museum membership, which gives us free admission to the Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier.  It's one of our favorite places to go as a family.  If you've never been there, there is a spectacular view of the city in the "Water Works" area.  Needless to say, we all had a lot of fun.

There are these amazing stained glass displays at Navy Pier.

 

At the Children's Museum...the kids love to climb!

 

Trying to build a house!

Around 2:30pm, we left the museum and went to Bubba Gump Shrimp Restaurant for Jared and my lunch.  I've never been there, and have always wanted to go.  So, today seemed like the perfect opportunity.  Jared and I shared the gumbo, jambalaya, and the drink of the day which they called a Merry Margarita.  I don't particularly like margaritas, but this one looked intriguing.  We kept the kids busy with a basket of fries and games on our iPhones!

Gumbo and Jambalaya!

 

Merry Margarita!

It was an impromptu decision to go to the John Hancock building.  I've always loved going to the Signature Lounge for afternoon tea or coffee.  So, I mentioned to Jared that if we were able to find on-street parking fairly close to the building, then we should go to the Signature Lounge.  And oh my goodness!  We had a stellar parking spot, less than a block away from the building!  So, we went all the way to the 96th floor, had our coffee and oohed-and-aahed at the amazing view of the city and suburbs beyond.  We went at the perfect time because all the lights came up and lit up the city streets.  It was gorgeous! 

At the Signature Lounge

 

The city lights just came on!

 

Family pic

We still had about an hour to spare before our meter was up, so we decided to walk across the street to The Water Tower Place.  I've always wanted to go to the American Girl Place, so I took Jenna with me, and we were both enthralled!  Jenna kept pointing out to dolls and exclaimed "Oh, that's me!".  I guess you can pick out dolls that look like you!  It was a pretty amazing place...with a hair salon for the dolls, and a "hospital"??, and I guess you can make reservations for "tea time" at an actual cafe there.  Whoever thought of all this is making a butt-load of money!  But I don't think could bring myself to buy my girls a doll that costs over a hundred dollars.  That's just insane.   Maybe I can find one on ebay or craigslist.  But I can see how this could be a fun experience for mothers and daughters.  While Jenna and I did our AGP thing, Jared took Joshua and Becca to the Lego Store.  So, everyone was happy.

At the American Girl Place

We finally left the city around 5:30.  I am so amazed and proud of my 3 kids for doing so great that day.  They adapted well to going from one place to another.  No one had any meltdowns.  Whining was at a minimum.  I don't remember them fighting or arguing (I think this was God's birthday gift to me!).  And I think they all genuinely had a good time!  This gives me hope for if and when we ever go to Disney! 

We had such a great time, and I think I love the energy of the city the most.  It definitely is like being at Disney.  You go,go, go!  But at the end of the day, there's nothing like the desire of slumber and rest.  Likewise, with the outpouring of energy as we went from Navy Pier to John Hancock to the Water Tower Place, there was a satisfying welcome of heading home at the end of the day!  And as we were driving home, I was feeling incredibly blessed and happy to be able to spend my 40th birthday with my most beloved and treasured people.  My heart was full and content.

Josh and Jenna helping me blow out my birthday candles.

#2. Birthday weekend away with Jared

My wonderful husband took me to Lake Geneva for the weekend to celebrate my birthday.  Lake Geneva is one of my favorite places!  It's far enough from home to consider it a vacation, but close enough that it doesn't take forever to get to.  It really is a great get-away destination for us.  Jared bought a Groupon (yes, I've trained him well in the fine art of Grouponing!), and was able to get a good deal for a weekend at the Geneva Ridge Resort. 

The view from our window

We left Friday morning.  We first dropped the kids off in Elmhurst with Jared's parents, and then we headed to Wisconsin.  Our first stop was actually to the Outlet Mall in Pleasant Prairie.  Both Jared and I LOVE outlet mall shopping!  And since I hadn't bought any new clothes for myself in 2 years, I was giddy with excitement when I walked into the LOFT store.  Needless to say, Jared left me there while he shopped the rest of the outlet!  I bought a couple of new tops and accessories, and so I think I'm all set for the rest of the year. 

We arrived at the Geneva Ridge Resort (which is actually right on Lake Como, a few minutes west of Lake Geneva) just in time for my spa appointment.  This was Jared's birthday present to me...an afternoon at the spa, and it was glorious!  I had a spa package which included a herbal bath, a wrap, a facial (all of which I've never done before!), scalp massage and a Swedish massage to cap it all off.  Seriously, I could've just taken a nap right there and then.  I felt so relaxed that I floated up to our room.  I didn't want to do anything else but go to bed.

Saturday was an AWESOME day!  I slept in till 8am...whoo hoo!  8:30 for Jared.  While I love my kids, it is such a treat to not have to wake up to tend to little human beings who depend on you.  After a leisurely shower, which is a treat in itself, Jared and I drove into downtown Lake Geneva to a breakfast restaurant called "Simple Café".  I am telling all my friends about this place!  The food is divine!  This will be one of our "must go to" places at Lake Geneva from here on out.

Eggs Benedict with chorizos

 

Apple Crumble French Toast

 

My most favorite thing to do whenever we're at Lake Geneva is to go to the library and spend a few hours reading.  I know it sounds boring, but for someone who can't seem to find the time or place to rest, this is MY place of rest.  At the library, there's a reading area that overlooks the lake, and it is so peaceful, and the view is gorgeous, especially in the winter time.  In the summer time, there are benches right outside where you can sit and look out at the water too.  No matter what the season, when I'm at the library, I can always connect with God there.  I can always find that peace that I need, and I'll read, and journal, and worship.  And before I know it, hours have gone by, and my heart is full, and my tank, filled.

The view of the lake from my favorite reading spot in the library

 

After our reading time at the library, we went to the movies to watch Les Mis.  Jared hadn't seen it, and this was my second time.  I cried like a baby...again!  I don't think I can handle watching it again till a little later.  It's so good, but emotionally draining.  We've been listening to the CD pretty much every day!

Our perfect day had a perfect end - we watched the Packers defeat the Vikings in the playoffs!!

Sunday morning was pretty much the same as our Saturday.  Since the library was closed, we went to Caribou Coffee instead, and did our reading there.  We also did some antique shopping, and then headed out of town.  We retrieved our kids and hurried home so that we could put them to bed and watch the highly anticipated Season 3 of Downton Abbey.  What a great way to end the weekend!

I'm so blessed, and so thankful for a wonderful weekend away with my husband.  Jared and I had great conversations, and just appreciated the time we had to connect with each other and to connect with God.  Jared knows me so well, and since quality time is my love language, I indeed felt deeply loved this weekend!  This is by far the best birthday ever!