Classy Chaos

Our forever friends visited Chicago!

OHmommy — Mon, 20 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

We had our first visitors from Cleveland this weekend and our house was filled with laughter times four.

Is it just me, or are Lou (ChefsWidow's daughter) and Feenie twins?

These are the kind of friends that pick up, from where they left off last with no qualms or hesitation. Pure joy.

Forever friends that play together like they've never been apart. (Chefswidow vine video)

Friends that sit down at our table and immediately dive into conversations. "Josephine and Louisiana both have nine letters, so that pretty much makes us sisters. Almost like twin sisters, actually." One of many Lou-isms we had the privilege to hear.

Friends with titles like the "Best New Chef" by Food & Wine magazine and chef/owner of a ridiculously amazing restaurant that join in on our typical Sunday dinner fare of Polish food and enjoy it to the point where there are no leftovers. Marinated peppers, beet salad, sausage and a dozen mustards for the win.

Forever friends that make grand plans on how to make the world a better place - starting with nice people. The world needs more nice people and also the world needs a kickass summer camp on a "commune" where kids (and adults) can experience farm to table living.

Amelia, Jon & kiddos... you have a forever place in our hearts. Can't wait to see you in your neck of the woods soon!

Mornings with Dziadek

OHmommy — Thu, 16 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Remember Fridays with Feenie?

For two years she attended preschool and Fridays were her day off so would hang out with Grandma regularly. From chasing wild turkeys to baking - they did it all together. I'm so happy that they had a special bond and enjoyed each other's company often. I know that Grandma looked forward to Fridays just as much as Feenie did.

Now Feenie (as an afternoon kindergartner) has Dziadek in the mornings.

Taken with what I assume was a self timer, while fishing yesterday.

Just like with her time with Grandma, she begs for the next "playdate" with Dziadek. But unlike Grandma, that was easy going; Dziadek is a tad bit more stubborn and hard to please. I have vivid memories of his stern demeanor teaching me math that resulted in tears on my side. America has taught him well and today he should be the spokesperson for the saying, "Grandparenting is a second chance to get it right". When I was growing up he didn't have mornings open for fishing but now he actively seeks out opportunities to get together with his grandchildren.

The titles of his weekly "Morning with Feenie" playdates photo albums on Facebook make me smile.

Morning with moja piekna wnuczka Jozefinka (21 photos)

Zlapalismy Raccoon, zroblismy zdjecia i zawiezlismy do lasu.

I'm sure that the memories of Fridays with Feenie and Mornings with Dziadek will live on forever in everyone's hearts.

Home Improvements on Mother's Day FTW!

OHmommy — Tue, 14 May 2013 05:00:00 +0000

I know that I'm not the only one that "convinced" their husband to do some handywork on Mother's Day because my best friend's husband was doing yard work at the same time that my hubs was hanging photos. It should come to no surprise that my best friend and I also convinced a group of third-graders to pay for our amazing hypnotizing skills at sleep-away camp in 1986. We made a fortune and later paid for it by scrubbing toilets with tooth brushes.

Regardless. The framed photos that have been gathering dust for nine months...

are now hung. Well at least 20 out of the 40 framed photos were hung.

We had a good start until my husband called quits (introducing our children to new words) and I had to wash the floor, on my hands and knees, before company came over to get rid of all the evidence of last minute home improvement. Feeling like you are slacking in hanging beautiful family photos? No worries! I have not printed photos since Feenie's first birthday and now she is six, so we have a lot of work ahead of us.

I need to brush up on my third-grade-sleep-away-camp-amazing-hypnotizing-skills to get the job done before the next Mother's Day. Did you convince your husband to do some last minute home improvements on Mother's Day - or is it just my BFF and I that made our husbands work?

Kochana Mamusia

Administrator — Sun, 12 May 2013 01:25:00 +0000

"I'm not going to tell you all of my problems, if you are going to stay up all night and lecture me all day!" I told my mother when I was sixteen and then once again last week. "I'm your mother. It's my job to worry. Flood me with your problems." she said.

One of the driving forces (beside my hubs) that got me through this tough year has been my mother with her constant advice, love and attention. "How is this tough? You have a loving family. A house. Incredible children. An amazing husband. There are people in this world without that."

"But, Mama. I never imagined starting all over again in my mid 30's."

"I did and I was fine."

Touche. My mother in her 30's convinced my father that life outside of Communism was better and with the $300 my father made scraping metal in Austria for months, it was just enough money to start a new life in the USA with the help of Catholic Charities for plane tickets.

I can not imagine taking my children overseas to live in a foreign country with $300 in my pocket. It makes our "life changing" trip from Cleveland to Chicago seem pathetic. Almost laughable. Not even comparable. And that, my mother's confidence for a better life, was one of my biggest driving forces to do the same for us. Thank you, Mamusia. Our lives are a million times better off then they were a year ago.

We've come a long way, and I would have never made it through, without you around.

Happy Mother's Day, Mamusia. My Mama.

The post where Michael Ruhlman made my Mother's Day.

Administrator — Fri, 10 May 2013 04:15:00 +0000

I sent out a tweet: "Mother's Day 2013 = swim meet at 7am."

And.... Michael Ruhlman made my day:

Awwww. So sweet! Mother's Day is just another busy day of the year for me - one that comes with hand-made necklaces and carefully crafted pottery and a chance for our family to cheer on Lola as she makes her way to regionals (and maybe one day nationals). Can't imagine being anywhere else then with those whom I love most.

Happy Mother's day, friends.

Hanging out in the alley

OHmommy — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

When we moved into our Chicago house last summer, everyone in our 'hood was on vacation and my kiddos had the alleyway to themselves. I coined the kiddos as "monkeys in the alleyway" because it was such a new concept for them and they hung out there all summer waiting for some action. They just couldn't get enough of owning the alleyway and having the freedom to do whatever. Like this...

We thought that this (a totally free-from-traffic alleyway) would be the ultimate slice of childhood heaven to do everything a child wanted to do without a constant adult presence (an adult whom was within reach but far enough for some independence). What child wouldn't want to own their own alley? But boy, we were wrong. The warm spring weather, these past few days, brought in hoards of children from both sides of the street, all meeting in the middle - the alleyway. The after-school scene in the alleyway is like out of a movie from the 50's. Children play until they hear their mother whistle "Dinner time. Come home."

It's so surreal. It's so weird.

I've happily witnessed (sans camera & iphone photo evidence) my kiddos begging for just "one more minute" and "please just one more minute!" so they could finish their alleyway shenanigans with their friends from the 'hood after THREE HOURS of play.

Life in the alleyway is pretty cool.

Very First Geocaching experience

Administrator — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 04:19:00 +0000

We went geocaching this weekend and we are hooked. Much thanks to Kristen's blog post that fueled our desire to get out and explore.

You need a phone with a GPS.

When I showed the kiddos the map of all the "geocaching" in our hood and beyond, they were all like HOLY SMOKES THERE ARE TWO MILLION CACHES to find all over the world! Let's go to China!

We started close to home. This was our very first geocaching experience.

We walked over the bridge, following the compass.

And under the bridge.

We walked for, what the kiddos said seemed like hours.

Nothing like a HELLO from a Metra conductor.

We searched high and low.

And were told via GPS that we were close. So close!

Finally! Found!

Tricky. Container was camouflaged.

We signed in.

Best family activity ever. Ever! Ever!! Ever!!! It's like a hide-and-seek but only for those who are really into seeking. We are hooked! Have you tried geocaching before? The kiddos are begging for another full day and according to the map there are nearly 100 hidden within walking/biking distance to our house. Wow.

Stylish shoe for outdoor events. #CrocStyle

Administrator — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 02:38:00 +0000

The sun finally came out after what seemed like weeks of rain in Chicago.

I celebrated and finalized some exciting spring/summer plans and quickly realized that all of the events take place outdoors (Yay!) and some were day-long festivals (Yay! Yay!) and some were formal evening soirees (Yay! Yay! Yay!). I typically live in flip flops during the day and heels at night; however, all of our plans included grass. As in a grassy field. Which complicates footwear.

Blossom Time festival in Ohio. (Watching hot air balloons in a field.)

An outdoor wedding in Seattle. (Ceremony/Reception in nature.)

Four concerts at Ravinia in Chicago (Huge outdoor grassy venue.)

My go-to shoe for all of these fun outdoor plans? The Huarache Mini Wedge. I like to think of them as a grown-up version of a flip-flop because they are just as comfortable (moreso actually because of the Crocs cushioning) but have a little wedge heel for some lift. I especially love them in the bronze/espresso color since they pair well with my earth toned wardrobe.

c/o Crocs.

Also? They remind me of the 80's jelly sandals I so adored as a child and that makes me smile. I'm ready to hit the outdoors and celebrate the warmer weather with friends and family. Yay for spring and summer finally arriving in the Midwest!

SOLD!

Administrator — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 02:43:00 +0000

You guys?

Sold!

It only took twelve extremely grueling months of paying double mortgages (we got multiple offers early on & finally sold during a bidding war - such.a.headache) without ever seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I'm sure the husband and I will look back at this time in our life and laugh that it was when our children discovered Ramen Noodles and developed dramatic eye rolls every-time they heard "When we sell our house in Ohio, we can..."

Jesus and Mary and Joseph, oooffff. Sold! The new owners signed the property transfer this morning and it's officially theirs.

I hope the new owners take photos of their children in-front of it, like we did, to see them grow throughout the seasons. It was supposed to be our "forever house" - the house that love built and the housee we thought we would welcome our grandchildren in. The house that our out-of-town family gathered to play kickball, on special occasions. The house that we filled with good friends every single year just to fill it with more laughter then already existed, in what we dubbed as the "kool-aid" house. We never ever planned on leaving it. It was such a good house to us. Good-bye sweet house. Tonight we celebrate a new chapter in our lives - moving onwards and trekking forward with those we love. It's a good life.

Sold!

Overheard. Sisters.

Administrator — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 04:02:00 +0000

"What I meant to say was that, I like your style but I have my own style."

"But, Feenie. Every tween, like me, loves comfy pants and tank tops."

"But I'm not like everyone else."

"And that's totally okay, Feenie! I was just trying to help."

"Thanks! But I hate matching with you."

"What is your style?"

"Anything that is opposite of yours!"

Working for my family business. Listen to your mother.

OHmommy — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Conversations with my mother:

"I'm so sorry, I'm going to be late to work. I'm snuggling with Feenie!"

"Okay. Snuggle away and get into the office as soon as possible."

"I'm at work, but I can't get anything done because Feenie is secretly trying on EVERY new scarf in the store and I have to refold them all while tending to customers and the Internet and our six locations!!!"

"Tell Feenie to work."

"Okay!"

"Feenie scanned two items on the register and told the customer that she's done for the day."

"What did she say?"

"She said: 'I'm done, it's making my brain busy!" (as in dizzy - but no one will correct her; because it's so cute).

"Remind her how committed her older brother is."

"I did! But she's wondering when lunch is. Ha!"

I'm proud to announce that our family-owned business (every single person in our family is part of the business) is sponsoring the incredible Listen To Your Mother production in Chicago. Buy tickets, shop at local family owned businesses - to keep both legacies alive. And please... listen to your mother.

Change of scenery.

OHmommy — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

It's been nearly a year since I announced we were relocating to Chicago. As the matriarch of the family, I haven't had a good night sleep in (at least) eighteen months because I'm constantly worried about my family's well being - which explains my twitter/facebook absence. However, the place where our family feels the most comfy-cozy in, is when we are surrounded by nature. It's what we adored about Cleveland and what we miss because it was in our backyard and "toadally" taught us to appreciate nature.

I've re-introduced the concept of being a tourist in your town, to get us all acquainted with our new natural surroundings. The winter was hard on us as it lasted forever; but, this weekend (Hurray for Spring weather!) we got out and made it our mission to not use our car at all.

A morning walk to the beach? Don't mind if we do!

When we were considering places to live in the Chicago-area, we wanted our new-to-us home to be close to the lake, close to transportation, and have an awesome public school district. The kiddos were all older and over the big-backyard and huge basement stage that our beautiful Cleveland house delivered - we wanted to be close to everything so that we could explore. We hit the jackpot in Chicago!

A mere couple minute bike ride = Lakeside.

Two minutes south? Old school swings on a bluff, overlooking the lake.

Three minutes north? A fantastic creative playground!

Right in the middle? Perfection!

It's a new lifestyle for us - we didn't use the car at all on Sunday. Biked to church, the coffee shop and to the lake. As much as we really miss our old landscape in Ohio, we are exploring and enjoying our new habitat. Every weekend feels like a vacation, as long as we keep playing "tourists" in our 'hood. Fun times!

Words from a neglected third-child

OHmommy — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

We toured several "open houses" of middle schools in Chicago for our eldest this week. It was just Jay and us - making sure we explored all the options in the big city. On one of the tours we saw a familar face and welcomed the conversation.

So nice to see you!

I know. There are so many people here!

Where's your son?

He's at lacrosse pratice.

Oh. So he's not coming to the open house?

No. You know... he's the third kid, so.

After my initial shock of not-bringing-your-child-to-an-open-house wore off, I rememerbed my own third child. Many people assume that the last kiddo is spoiled, and perhaps they are, but in my own experience they sometimes get the shaft.

Feenie, the third kiddo, finally got a human non-dachshund playdate today! I've been so busy at work and totally dropped the ball on her social circle. She hasn't had a friend over in forever; but, she schooled me this evening.

Words from a neglected (third-child) kindergartener....

Do you want me to live longer?

Of course!

Call my friends and ask them to come over.

Huh?

I laugh a lot when my friends are here.

Okay, but how does that make you live longer?

You said you live one second longer when you laugh for one second. Well, I laugh for a lot of seconds when my friends are here.

Spring Break 2013 - the one, where they all got along

OHmommy — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Just for comparison, this photo was taken way back in 2008 (right before Jay collapsed in a wheelchair) when I silently vowed never again to travel with children. Because Jesus, Mary and Joseph it was so much work and the hubs & I needed a vacay after our vacation. There are things that you don't plan for like illnesses and time changes that royally mess up an idyllic family getaway.

2008...

2013...

I'm glad I stuck with traveling, just like Feenie stuck with her dramatic arm motions.

The kiddos grew up on roadtrips between Cleveland and Chicago, so a measly three-hour drive was nothing compared to our trip up to Wisconsin Dells. Half way there, we stopped to stretch our legs and the girls were all like "Let's keep going, we aren't getting out!"

But the husband's and son's appetite were no challenge for the girl's sauciness. So, when in Rome...

We've traveled to the Appalachian foothills of Ohio, Paris, Poland, Germany, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Florida, DC, NYC, and I know that I am missing a few locations, in the last eleven years of parenting - but, the point is that it does get easier. Much easier. Whether it's a road-trip or a transatlantic flight, one day while traveling you look at kiddos and realize that it was all worth the troubles.

On our latest vacay, I kept saying "We should take more vacations! You guys are awesome."

Instead of vowing never again to travel with the kiddos.

We've hit a huge HIGH. The kiddos actually worked as a team this year - the goal... to get Feenie accumulated to waterslides. Apparently years ago, on our Disney vacation, when Feenie was three-years-old, I "forced" her on a thrill ride and she still has nightmares about it. She doesn't remember being lost in Disney but she remembers not liking the family-friendly-ride Thunder Mountain. Boom! Her brother made it his mission to get Feenie on some thrill rides and he was successful.

Feenie had bragging rights, for the rest of our vacation. She made sure to tell every lifeguard she crossed paths with that she rode the Rippling Rhino waterslide.

The kiddos slept in until nine in the morning every day on our vacay and were little angels throughout our stay, so we are thinking a bigger trip (like maybe Lithuania/Poland this summer) will be a piece of cake, just like our trip to the waterpark. It's been a long time since we really traveled and there's so much to see.

God bless Apolonia!

OHmommy — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

I was so anxious to have a date night with my husband.

Instead of properly walking my children into my parent's house for a sleepover, greeting all the family (that have been gathered there around-the-clock since Apolonia fell ill) and popping my head in for a quick hug - I kissed my little hoodlums good-night and flew out the door for a night out downtown.

"They'll be fine!" I reassured my husband.

We partied like we did in 1999. Warm tap beer in plastic cups, celebrating Marquette's win on Saturday night at a MU bar in Chicago. Along with my college roommate Kelly and my baby brother Mike. It felt like we were all back in Milwaukee for the night. We. Are. Marquette!

The hubs and I woke up, just like we did in college, without kids and with massive headaches. But unlike college, my maternal instincts sprang into action before dawn and after a forced-upon-bath-to-relax-while-the-kids-were-away I grabbed the phone at eight, while Jeff wasn't looking, and called my mother to check in.

"The kids are fine. Dziadek just took them to church. But I don't think Apolonia is breathing."

"What do you mean?"

"She was breathing just minutes ago, your children say good-bye on their way to church. She was breathing. But. Now. She's not.... Can you come over?"

The loving in-home hospice care confirmed that Apolonia passed away, just minutes after I arrived.

Apolonia always said that her three years in America were like "heaven on earth" and she didn't wanted to be disappointed with the real heaven. I hope she's not; but, it will be hard to beat, that's for sure. Apolonia was treated like a princess by our family and rightfully so. She got her hair curled weekly, a monthly pedicure, she took over my parent's master bedroom and my aunt's too, saw four generations of family for weekly Sunday night dinners, was escorted to church every Sunday and first Friday of the month, and so many other countless gestures that make me wonder if I will be treated the same when I am 90.

Our family gathered at my parent's house all day long reminiscing about our treasured time with Apolonia in America. There was laughter, tears, hysterical stories, dancing, lots of praying and an impromptu fashion show. Did you know that Apolonia left everything behind in Poland except for her go-to-church-wardrobe? Her clothes were non-negotiable as were her beloved shoes.

The kiddos, oh the kiddos! They were angels for a change. They sensed that it wasn't an average Sunday and leapt into action making sure everyone was well fed and hydrated. Jay and Lola took apart my parent's pantry and created a menu. Half in English and half in Polish and all kinds of cuteness. They took orders all evening long and joked that "tips were appreciated". Ha!

We celebrated Apolonia for hours, upon hours.

I know that Apolonia was smiling down on us. Bringing her to America, closer to family, was the biggest/greatest life lesson to everyone in our family. God bless Apolonia!

A super cool "tween" birthday party!

OHmommy — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

Last week Lola celebrated her ninth birthday but the weeks leading up to it were stressful. She wanted the perfect party and every idea I presented her with, she shot down. "You live in one of the biggest cities in the world, surely you can find one birthday venue!" I reminded her each time she nodded her head "no" to an idea. One night, as I laid next to her during our bedtime snuggles, we talked. "I want something more grown-up. Something that a tween would do. What do tweens do?"

Hang out!

So we started discussing different ways girlfriends hang out and gave her party an official name. The GNO birthday party! We'd meet at a restaurant for dinner, shop together and see a movie. After sending out her invite, just one week before the big day, every single friend invited (all the girls in her class, swim team buddies & family friends) replied YES and were over the moon excited to go on their very first GNO. Lola's "tween" party was the main topic of conversation at school and I'm so happy that we only had a couple of days in between the invitation being sent out to the actual day; because, Oh.My.God the countdown to her GNO was brutal. Lola even blogged about it herself.

I researched menus and found that the California Pizza Kitchen had kids' meals for Happy Meal prices and desserts for an extra dollar. We had parents drop off their girls at the restaurant and I wrote down their cell phone numbers so that I could text them (FOUR HOURS LATER) when the movie part of the GNO was over.

The GNO birthday celebration started with dinner.

I had a million markers and a handful of nametags to decorate - to break the ice, since some of the girls have never met each other before. We played games to get to know each other better while waiting for our food. Lola blew out her candles, on her ninth birthday, surrounded by all her favorite girlfriends.

Well fed and ready, the GNO birthday party was eager to shop.

I called Lush beforehand and made sure they were ready for us. Instead of booking a party I asked if they could give us some demonstrations and mini-hand-massages at a scheduled time. I assured them that I would be purchasing each girl a bath fizz as their goodie bag. Even though they didn't have enough of the $3.95 fizz in store, the manager left to find some in their warehouse so that every girl would have the same thing to take home.

Lush did an amazing job! The girls sampled a variety of products and were pampered.

The walk to the theatre was the highlight of my night because I witnessed girlfriends capturing the true spirit of a GNO. Huddled together in a rage of giggles over nothing but everything - they were in their element. The laughter was contagious.

Lola's most favorite moment was just "hanging out".

I have no idea how I'm going to top this party next year. Minimal planning, no cleaning, fun goodie bags, total price tag cheaper then a manufactured party at a bouncy house and a memory that will last forever. Their very first GNO.

Spring #CrocsStyle

Administrator — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 02:15:00 +0000

The weather forecast for Chicago is not looking so good this week. Just above freezing temperatures through the weekend. Ugh! It's mid-March and all I want is some sun and a change of seasons. I'm done with winter boots, sweaters and outerwear. I'm looking forward to debuting spring with colors. Bright colors are the latest rage for spring and I am the first to admit that they frighten me. My closet is full of earth tones. So I'm starting this season with a subtle hint of color....

Can you believe these are Crocs?

These are the new A-Leigh Wedge in "surf blue". Although I could not wear them out and about because there's still snow on the ground here, I did wear them all throughout the house and they instantly replaced my house slippers. My husband was very pleased! The nearly 3 inch heel gave me the lift that I so adore to make my legs look long (again - husband was a fan!). In all honesty, I haven't worn my house slippers since these arrived. So. Comfy! Not to mention very stylish. I can't wait to pair them up with some cropped pants and fun blouse. I'm ready for spring!

I'm thrilled to announce that I will be giving away EIGHT PAIRS OF SHOES this Tuesday at a Twitter party. We will be talking about spring fashion all night long. Please check out The Stylish Housewife for details on how to RSVP to the twitter par-tay. This Tuesday at 6pm PST and 9pm EST. Hope to chat with you!

Not even Apolonia in Arabic would disagree.

Administrator — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 03:28:00 +0000

First and foremost, thank you dear friends for your comments/tweets/messages about Apolonia. We had another "Sunday Night Family Dinner" (what seems like the 50th in a row but our family still treats it like the first SNF dinner - love!) however Apolonia is not doing so good. It's possible that she suffered a stroke or learned Arabic over night. Either way we don't understand anything she says and my parents are going to heaven after what I witnessed this evening. The most important thing is that she sat in a wheel chair at the dinner table and everyone witnessed the love that goes into caring for family.

How do you transition from that, to a fabulously busy weekend with the kiddos?

I guess it's the theme of spending quality time together. As my children age, they are becoming much more fun to hang out with. It's like mini-sized BFFs and I got three of them for life!

Last weekend we went to a new Polish restaurant in the Chicago suburb of Niles with ten friends (everyone tried something new - it was yummy) and attended the New Trier Winter Carnival where four floors of the massive high school were filled with carnival games put on by the senior class. All proceeds went to Habitat for Humanity. "There's no way we can have a better weekend, Mama!"

Enter "Just Dance 4" this weekend. We are quite possibly absolutely the last family on this planet to enter the gaming world but Jesus, Mary and Joseph this game knocked out our weekly board-game/movie night and kept the kiddos up well past their bedtime. Kudos to Lola who suggested it after a slumber party. We dusted off our old unused wii and danced. All. Night. Long.

On Saturday we went to a Celtic mass and had a church procession to the school gym where there was Guinness on tap to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. My BFF and her family joined us for the festivities. Needless to say, we were one of the last families to leave. The kiddos love a good par-tay!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FTlYwHBm4o

Since we went to church on Saturday we "sprang forward" to the Shedd on Sunday morning. I posted a pic on Facebook of the kiddos in-front of the aquarium and three seconds later my baby brother texted me. "Can I join you guys?"

Um? Yeah!

Thrilled to show their uncle their favorite place in Chicago.

There's nothing better then spending quality time with those you love. Not even Apolonia, in her sad frame of mind, speaking Arabic, could disagree with that.

Apolonia

Administrator — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 05:31:00 +0000

This is a story of love. A story I knew I needed to organize correctly online ever since I watched my mother cry this morning. No matter how old you are, watching your mother cry tears, is traumatic.

Apolonia and Stanislaw lost their only son in 2007. He was 60.

In 2008 we visited Apolonia and Stanislaw at their home, 10 Rocky Lane in Poland.

Stanislaw Karwowski, Apolonia's husband, was laid to rest in 2009.

My mother had an instinct that Apolonia was lonely in 2010.

Apolonia came to America, in a fur coat, greeted by her three daughters.

We realized that she coined America as a land "just like Eden".

She shopped for stilettos in America and was disappointed. 2011!

My kiddos figured out how to say "Candy" in Polish & made a connection.

And than my son realized how important religion was to Apolonia.

Apolonia got a Green Card!

Life went on normal, for months.

My parents had to travel, so we "babysat" Apolonia.

Feenie turned six and Apolonia was at the par-tay.

My mother found Apolonia, half conscious yesterday morning. Apolonia fell out of her bed sometime in the middle of the night and required six stitches. Blood. Everywhere. She ate a piece of tissue paper for breakfast instead of a cookie. She hasn't been herself ever since.

I witnessed my mom cry. My aunt was in a haze all day. Oh, Apolonia! "It would have been easier on you guys to leave her in Poland." a family friend confessed after realizing that Apolonia now needed 24/7 care. Easier? Probably. But we've all grown so much from Apolonia's love and attention. Since her arrival in America (in her late eighties) she's given us an entirely new perspective on life. It's not time to abandon her. It's time to gather the troops and help Apolonia any way we can.

"A society will be judged on the basis of how it treats its weakest members and among the most vulnerable are surely the unborn and the dying,"
~Pope John Paul II

Best winter commute home ever!

Administrator — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 03:29:00 +0000

Half way into my morning commute to work I realized that I sent my kindergartner to school without proper snow boots. Normally not a big deal; but, we were expecting a huge snow storm in Chicago and nearly ninety-five percent of our student body walks home. Kids need boots. Sure enough by the time I parked my car, on the other side of the city, it started to snow quite hard. It snowed throughout the entire day and my afternoon commute home was horrible-terrible-no-good twice as long.

I arrived in our alleyway just two minutes before pick-up, a couple blocks away, and had several options.

1. Run into the house, unlock the door, pray I found matching boots and run to school.

2. Walk to school and carry Feenie on my back all the way home.

3. Walk to school and have Feenie walk back home ruining her shoes.

4. Pretend I forgot about school pick-up and catch up on Dance Moms.

5. Take the sled in my trunk (from last weekend), use a satin bow from a birthday gift and tow her home.

Obviously number five would make me The Coolest Mom Ever so as I jogged through six inches of snow in my boots the four blocks to school, I used my girl scout knot knowledge and successfully tied the satin bow to the sled. Feenie's eyes lit up when she saw me at the school pick-up line, only four minutes late, with a sled in hand. Her teachers giggled when they saw her excitement. She broke an Olympic long jump record and leapt in the sled, on our journey home.

"Really?"

"Really!"

"LET'S GO!!!"

Huffing and puffing one block later, her big brother found us on our commute home and took over.

Through intersections they went.

All the way home.

You guys? As I was snapping away for future photobooks documenting a fun winter commute home, I over-heard their personal conversation.

"See those two birds flying in the sky?"

"I see them!"

"They are just like you and me."

"How?"

"One leading the other."

"Just like you and me, right now."

"Yes. Just like you and me!"

And I easily let go of my heroic measures to become The Coolest Mom Ever because this officially was the best winter commute home! I could not ask for anything more. Nothing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luxJUnOB3mQ