Start Spreading the News....

My sister lives in New York.  She is a junior high music teacher.  She and her husband have a precious, adorable daughter.  I was honored to be asked to be her godmother.  They also have an adorable dog.  My parents and my brother and his family live in the Chicago area.  I live in the Milwaukee area.  I hate that my sister is so far away in New York.  But, being that she is a teacher we are so lucky.  She has several vacations and breaks throughout the year, and we are able to see her often.  She has a winter break in February (this year it was the 21st through the 25th).  She and her daughter and their dog were going to drive to Chicago for a few days!! :)  But, then we were worried about possible weather situations.  My parents happened to be in Florida at the time, and it was discussed that they might get me a plane ticket and send me! :)  I looked at flights and a round trip (mind you it was only 2 weeks prior) and the cost was only $250.00.  I looked the next day and tickets were $160!! :)  I called my mom and she decided that seh was going to go with me!

So, last Saturday, the 19th, we flew to NY! :)  When my sister and her family flies to Chicago, my niece always starts running the minute she sees my Mom, yelling "GAGA!!!!!"  Everyone stops and smiles and laughs!!!  It is absolutely precious.  As we were getting off the plane I was telling my Mom that my niece was going to do the same thing here!  She said no, she's getting older.  Let me tell you this....it was TOO PRECIOUS!!!  Jumping up and down when we had just come into view!!

We spent the weekend there and had a blast.  On Saturday night we went to Applebee's for dinner.  It was close to my sister's b-day (3/2) and I told my niece that we were going to have the restaurant sing to her Mommy.  She was so excited.  Too cute.

Sunday we took her to see a live stage version Disney's Camp Rock at a local  theatre.  So cute.

One thing that my niece is currently obsessed with is Justin Bieber.  I can't tell you how many times I played the song and brought the video up for her on Youtube on my Iphone.  She LOVED it.  I have to download it to a cd and send it too her! !:)

I enjoyed having nightly slumber parties with her and just being with her.  She is such a special little girl and has my heart constantly in her hands.  I'd love to share her photo with you, but my sister prefers I don't post it online and I'm sure you all understand!! :)  Just picture the cutest, most adorable angel on earth!!

We also saw my Aunt Sue (who is my godmother and I told my niece that she is the one who taught me what being a godmother is all about!! :)  I call my godmother my fairy godmother and my niece does the same to me.

I can't wait until this summer when I can have more sleepovers with my sweet fairy goddaughter!!!

Till next time!! :)

Cindy

ONCE A BELLE, ALWAYS A BELLE

 

Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN is my alma mater.  I graduated from Saint Mary’s in 1996.  I spend the best four years of my life here, and I would go back tomorrow if I could.

Most people are aware of Saint Mary’s through their association with the University of Notre Dame.  In fact, Notre Dame used to be the “mens” and Saint Mary’s was the “girls.”  In 1972, the two schools were to merge.  Saint Mary’s, not wanting to loose their identity, withdrew from the planned merger.  Notre Dame admitted its first class including women that fall.

From www.saintmarys.edu:

            Saint Mary's College ranks among the top 100 “Best National Liberal Arts Colleges” in the U.S.News & World Report 2011 College Guide. Saint Mary's has six nationally accredited academic programs: social work, art, music, teacher education, chemistry, and nursing. 

We’ve practiced our core values of learning, community, faith, spirituality, and justice for over 160 years. The College continues to grow and prosper, with approximately 20,000 living alumnae. Saint Mary’s tradition of empowering women with excellent academic programs and spiritual support began with our founding in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross.

Again, as taken from the website:

“Saint Mary's College Mission Statement”

Saint Mary’s College is a Catholic, residential, women’s college in the liberal arts tradition. A pioneer in the education of women, the College is an academic community where women develop their talents and prepare to make a difference in the world. Founded by the Sisters of the Holy Cross in 1844, Saint Mary’s promotes a life of intellectual vigor, aesthetic appreciation, religious sensibility, and social responsibility. All members of the College remain faithful to this mission and continually assess their response to the complex needs and challenges of the contemporary world.

Saint Mary’s is home to me.  It’s where I met many wonderful women, some who are still in my life today.  It grounded me deeper in my faith and made me into the woman I am today.  I will treasure the time I spent at Saint Mary’s for the rest of my life.

“ONCE A BELLE, ALWAYS A BELLE!”

(ALMOST) Wordless Wednesday

Chicago - What do you want to do?

Ladies:

There are so many fun things to do in Chicago!  I don't know what you all are interested in doing.  I know that we've planned for a long weekend.  What do you all want to do?  When is everyone planning on arriving?  As of right now, I plan on taking that Friday off.  So, if anyone is flying in, I"m more than happy to do some airport pick ups.

Do you want to go and get massages?  Do you want to shop?  (shoes- :)) GO to the Shedd Aquarium?  Natural History Museum?  Let me know!  If you love italian food, there is an INCREDIBLE place in Chicago called Rosebud (www.rosebudrestaurants.com)  It's the Taylor Street location.  It's old school italian, Sinatra and his crew used to hang out there all the time. You almost expect to see Tony Soprano walk through the door.  For church on Sunday, if you are interested in going, there is Old St. Patricks.  AWESOME church.

These are all some ideas.

Let me know what you think!

Our Trip To Chicago - HOTELS!! :)

Hey Girls!:)  Here are a couple of ideas for hotels for our trip this upcoming May!  They are all in the same area, within walking distance of many major attractions.  I've tried to find some with all the ammenties that some of us had talked about! :)  I found these on hotels.com, but I think we should book through each individual hotel.  Let me know what you think!

1.) Inn of Chicago (http://www.ascendcollection.com/hotel-chicago-illinois-IL383) 
2.)  Hilton Garden Inn  (http://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml;jsessionid=XMIYNU0FCVW3KCSGBIVMVCQ?ctyhocn=CHIDNGI)
3.) The Courtyard by Marriott  (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chimm-courtyard-chicago-downtown-magnificent-mile/ )
4.)  Comfort Inn & Suites (http://www.chicagocomfortinn.com/)  (free continental breakfast each morning)  I like this place  :)
5.)  Double Tree Hotel Chicago (http://www.doubletreemagmile.com/)


There are so many more.  I went to hotels.com and put in Chicago and selected magnificent mile.  Take a look and let me know what you think.  I would be perfectly happy at any of these places.  I've stayed at Comfrot Inn & Suites before, and like them too! :)

WOW. 2011!

First of all, I want to start off by saying Happy New Year.  It's been an amazing year.  I have a lot of news and updates to talk about, and I'm going to get started on that tomorrow.  It's been a crazy year for me, made some new friends (The NEW NDNATION), took a few trips, and see some big changes coming my way for the new year.  I'll work on a Review of 2010, and post it tomorrow.  Thank you all for caring about me and thinking of me.  :)  God Bless, and GO IRISH! (How many days until College Football Season starts again?????

ALWAYS REMEMBER, NEVER FORGET.