Henry's First Birthday

November 15: We traveled to Jack & Jessica's for the weekend to celebrate Henry's first birthday.  My sister did an amazing job!  Not only was she hosting a lot of our family, but hosted the party at her house.  Everything was so cute... I had so much fun taking pictures for her to capture Henry's big day!

Cousins AND Buds!

The "Babies"

All the Cousins

Smash Cake

Cake Time!!

Operation Shoebox

November 5th:  My MOPS group has a shoebox packing party each year.  It takes place the first week of November--last year, on my birthday; this year the day after.  It's a fun way to get ready for the upcoming holidays and a great reminder to be Thankful for all that we have.  It's so fun to see all the kids that are so excited to color pictures, write letters, and pack shoeboxes. 

Kinnick's letter says (from bottom to top):  "This is to remind you of Jesus"

Roseland Good News Daycare

November 1:  I am now realizing that I have never really blogged about Ms. Pearl's (I will have to dedicate another post to more info about this awesome ministry!)  Roseland Good News Daycare (aka--Ms. Pearl's) is kind of a big part of our lives.  For the last 3 years the kids and I have traveled to the South side of Chicago nearly every Thursday to volunteer at this awesome ministry.  Ms. Pearl works with high school and college moms--many whom are single and raising a family on their own.  When the dads want to be involved she works with them too!  She calls herself "The No-Excuse Daycare".  She provides diapers, formula, car seats, strollers, clothing, anything moms might need to provide for their kids.  Daycare is free (most all moms qualify for child care assistance from the state but the daycare is primarily supported by individuals and churches).  Good News Daycare has been open for over 20 years and Ms. Pearl has always had the dream of opening her very own daycare center.  Up to this point she has operated out of 2 different houses as a "home daycare" and out of 2 different rental spaces as a daycare center.  For the last 2 years she has been in the basement of a local church.  In May of 2013 Ms. Pearl was awarded a 500,000 building grant by the state of IL.  The building was completed this year with a grand-opening ceremony on Nov. 1.  The daycare received it's operating license and officially opened its doors for business on November 24, just days before Thanksgiving. 

 

This new center, built in the exact location of the original "Good News Daycare" building is in the Roseland Community of Chicago.  Roseland has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous and run-down communities in all of Chicago.  New construction is virtually unheard of in this community.  Ms. Pearl stands as a true and living testament to God's faithfulness.  She is a real example of obedience and humility.  She takes no credit whatsoever but whole heartedly points this community to God.  She has unwavering faith that HE will not forsake the children of this community.  Roseland Good News Daycare stands as beacon of hope.  I truly believe that God has placed a bubble of protection over this ministry as hundreds of volunteers come and go each year.  I am proud and honored to be a part of this truly life-changing ministry.  Good News Daycare is making a difference each day in the lives of women, children, and the community itself! 

    

Trick-Or-Treat

October 31:  This year for Halloween Sadie & Kinnick got to wear their costumes to school. Their parties were first thing in the morning.  I got to help with Kinnick's party.  The weather was very cold--with snow flurries (it was a continual joke that all the little "Elsa's" brought the snow for Halloween this year!) 

 

Marc came home early so we could trick-or-treat with the kids and pass out candy.  Even thought it was cold, we all ventured out for at least an hour.  We invited Sarah & Eli over to hang out with us.  Eli helped Marc pass out candy while Sarah and I took the kids around.  When we were all chilled and ready to quit, Sadie wanted to go more so she did some extra trick-or-treating with our next door neighbors.  We came home to Chicken Sicilian Soup (with Halloween noodles!) and Oreo hot chocolate.  We ate Halloween candy and watched "The Nightmare Before Christmas" in front of a fire. 

Family Gift--A new movie & glow necklaces for trick-or-treating!

Ready for School!

Me with my little Captain America--Classroom Party

Ready for Trick-or-Treating!

The Movie Star

Captain America

Love-A lot-Bear

Baby Captain

Our Neighbor Ben was Captain America also!

Carver quit early and spent time helping Dad pass out candy.

Great Grandma Gorsch

October 26-27:  This year we said good-bye to a very special lady!  I'm so glad our kids got to know and enjoy spending some time with their Great-Grandma Lu.  Marc's grandma Gorsch was the poster child for feisty!  She always made us laugh and made us feel special.  We traveled to Iowa for two days to celebrate her life with a visitation and funeral service.  The kids had fun spending time with their Grandparents, Aunt NeeNee, and Uncle Nathan. They loved swimming and spending the night in a hotel.  

Gorsch Family Dinner at Pagliai's Pizza

We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather...

Trunk or Treat

October 25th:  I'm so glad we took the kids to this "trunk-or-treat" at the YMCA the Saturday before Halloween.  It was an absolutely gorgeous 60 something degree day.  It was perfect weather (especially compared to what we had in store for Halloween day!)  The kids enjoyed collecting candy, getting tattoos, having popcorn, and jumping on the bouncy houses.  Carver had his first introduction to candy collecting and he was a BIG fan! 

 



His reaction when we took his candy bag away!

Mother Son Fall Ball

October 23: For the last two years Marc has had the privilege of taking Sadie to a dance at her school.  This year, it was my turn!  I got to take my favorite Kindergartener to the Mother-Son Fall Ball at his school.  We had such a fun date night.  Marc prepped Kinnick for his first date by helping pick out his outfit, reminding him to open the doors, and even giving him money to pay for our dinner.  We went to Subway before the dance (a favorite for both of us!)  It was fun getting this one-on-one time with him.  At the dance, he quickly found his buddies--including our next door neighbor Ben.  It was so fun watching them dance all night.  I also enjoyed some dances with my handsome little man. 

 

Kinnick's Teacher--Mrs. Martinez

Ben & Kinnick