This year we suggested a switch up from our usual at home extravaganza for Jack’s birthday.

We had heard from my friend Pam that Laser Tag was the coolest party her son had been to in a while.

The minimum age for Lasertag at WhirlyBall is 8 years old so this was the first time we had experienced something like this. But after we saw how much fun the kids had, I’m pretty sure it won’t be our last.

Instructions and suiting up for the big game.

Suited up and ready to go!

After Adam saw this shot, he marveled how you can put a gun in any 8 year old’s hands and they know exactly what to do. Quite a statement about our society.

There were two levels you could play on. The teams were split by vest color – Red vs Green. You shot the other color vest to gain points and when you got enough hits or got hit too much you had to go back to your base to recharge. Rounds were played in 6 minute intervals.

Because it was a party for ages 8 and up, we got a sitter for the other kids. But Ben was so upset we decided to bring him and let him hang out with us and wait. I saw them put a 4 year old in from another party so I don’t think they are super strict, but I was still worried about Ben getting upset in this sort of scenario and thought it best for him to sit out.

As it turns out, there was a bowling lane upstairs by the party room. Some of the adults and younger kids did that while waiting for Lasertag to finish.

One nice thing about this venue is that they have more then just pizza. They also have a full bar and full service restaurant so we were able to get some other pub grub like steak rangoon, wings and nachos.

And even though the party package came with a cake and cupcakes, we still were able to bring in our own cake. (You know it was going to be a deal breaker if Adam couldn’t design the cake!)

Can you spot the “9”?

Think Ben enjoyed the cake?

Later when we got home, I was happy that I wasn’t cleaning up spilled juice and cake crumbs off my floor, that our house was relatively clean and it was still early enough to open up Jack’s presents and enjoy some of them.

Jack thought Lasertag was awesome and wasn’t upset about not having a house party either.  We would definitely do it again.

My only tip for anyone considering a party as this venue I will tell you this, they may oversell your slot.

There was some miscommunication on their part about the fact that they booked another party during Jack’s time slot. They booked the same age group of kids and they all played nicely together but it was a little upsetting to find out, when I called to confirm 20 kids, that only the 15 original vests I put a down payment on would be available. That I would have to switch the kids out every 6 minutes so everyone could play. Again miraculously it worked out that each kid only had to sit out one 6 six minute period each. And the staff kindly gave us a free bowling lane to entertain those kids who were waiting. They also threw in a bunch of extra free food and drinks for their mistake. Most importantly, as the manager said, after you see all the kids smiling faces, you will be happy. And I was.

A few months ago we received a wedding invite from Adam’s cousin, Jackie. A wedding invite in Costa Rica!

We were torn, it was so expensive to take the kids and the thought of spending two full days traveling with them was harrowing. But we didn’t want to miss this momentous event either.

I mentioned it to my father and he very kindly told us we were crazy to even consider taking the kids. He insisted he come up and watch them so we could still attend.

And he even roped my sister Lara in for the cause.

Adam and I could hardly believe our good fortune!

A vacation for the two of us just two weeks after our 10 year anniversary. ON VALENTINES DAY. It was too good to be true!

Lara showed up as we were leaving so we actually met at the airport. The lack of overlap made Dad nervous, but I knew Lara could handle whatever was thrown her way.

“New Mom”, as Lara affectionately named herself.

And there was plenty of stuff thrown her way! Some of it her own doing.

Playing with Uncle Brent’s Marshmallow shooter guns.

Lara showed up with oodles of entertainment, including marshmallow shooters, home made by her husband, Brent.

And crafts! So many crafts!

Lara titled this one, “Getting ready to rob the candy store.”

Lara sent this one as well, titled “Nose Picking Fort.”

She even brought a balloon blower, a bunch of long balloons and a kit that shows you how to twist them into shapes like dogs and flowers.

But the entertainment didn’t stop there. They also took them to MacDonald’s and let them play in the playroom, spent an afternoon at the museum, and did a session at Pump It Up.

Peggy Notebeart Museum

Peggy Notebeart Museum

Pump it Up

When it snowed, Grandpa let the kids suit up and pummel him with snowballs.

Snow Day

I’m not sure after a visit like this, the kids will want us to come back!

And even though we missed them dearly, having a few days off was really quite enjoyable.

Even if the trip started a bit rocky.

We landed and got lost on bumpy Costa Rican roads. By the time we arrived it as 1am. Our well trained clocks woke up with the kids at 6am, even though they weren’t there.

Then we planned a eco walk. A 3 hour drive away.

More unpaved roads in Costa Rica.

When we arrived at the gates, the park was closed. So we drove a bumpy 2 hours back and finally figured out the right thing to do – take a nap.

First night in we joined the wedding party at the prenuptial dinner.

Before drinks.

After drinks.

Dinner on the beach with a group of charming adults did the trick. We were really on vacation!

The next day we vacationed right. A walk on the beach, a swim in the pool, and getting sunburned while reading books.

Paradise.

Even though we missed our eco walk, the resort we stayed at had plenty of wild life for us to spot.

In the evening we joined the main event. A beautiful beach wedding ceremony.

Introducing Jackie and Mark Harrison.

The final day we had brunch and headed back to reality.

We couldn’t have had such a wonderful time without our support team, Lara and my father. Thank you both – Adam and I are forever grateful!

Is it just because I used to live in South Florida, or is everyone on social media seeing the impact of Shaun T? Work out videos, protein shakes, food, and his apparel are everywhere.

I must admit, I’ve been curious.

I’ve seen a few old high school buddies turned Beachbody coaches flaunting their before/after pictures on Facebook and secretly wished I had the same results.

But how can a tired mother of four possibly make time to exercise and avoid all the sugary treats that permeate the house?

I didn’t think I could do it, even though I gave it a half hearted attempt. I’ve been drinking Shakeology, for at least a year now. It’s helped me keep my weight down, but I wouldn’t call it a great success.

I was still unhappy with my figure. I was still buying clothes based on what covered my belly, what wouldn’t make people ask me, “When are you due?”.

I really hate that question now.

I first learned about Shakeology from a friend’s nanny. She also referred me to lots of other stuff over the years, like the organic local veggie delivery I did for so long, Irv and Shelley’s Fresh Pick’s.

One day I saw that nanny, Megan, in the park and she was transformed. Just like my old high school buddies on Facebook! She too had become a Beachbody coach. You’d think I would have handed myself over to her right then and there but I still resisted.

Last week she caught me just at the right time, and I agreed to join her clean eating group.

I was given a list of food and recipes which I cooked up on Sunday. Monday morning I  took my first “before” picture, then reluctantly posted it to our private Facebook page.

Looking at those pictures was worth hours spent in a therapist office. It was a serious reality shock. Winter hides more than you realize.

Above, 5 preplanned meals. The egg was a replacement for 1/2 cup quinoa and coconut. I know quinoa is the new superfood, but I still think it tastes rank.

You eat the same thing every day for a week.

You also get your daily intake of water in.

And exercise every day.

Finally, you check in every day. If you screw up, 14 other people are there to judge you. For some reason, that really helps keep you in line.

I must say, I really enjoyed having my meals already planned for the week.

I can’t tell you how often I wander around the kitchen trying to calorie control my next feed. How often I emotionally eat, how often I mindlessly graze. I often eat leftover that I hate wasting even when I’m not hungry. And I’m addicted to sugar. Especially sugar and chocolate together.

But the thing I enjoyed most was doing something positive for myself, trying to fix something that had been bothering me for so long. Having the answer to your problems handed to you is really very helpful. All you have to do is follow the instructions. I was tired of thinking, of trying to mentally count calories in my head, of mentally debating each bite before I took it.

After 6 days I took my after picture. I didn’t notice much change but I weighted in 2 pounds less and 1/2 inch off my waist.

I’d say it was a roaring success.

So much so that’s I’ve decided to join Megan’s 21 day fix group starting February 15.

Are you sick of the way you look and feel? Want to join me? It’s much more fun with a friend…

As the sole food shopper for 6 people, I am obsessed with supermarkets. I visit one 3 or 4 times a week. The average supermarket stocks around 40,000 items but I for some reason I still need to visit 3 or 4 different supermarkets to get just what I want.

One store only has the greek yogurt I like, another one stocks the cereal the kids like, and a third the tea that Adam likes. And don’t even get me started on Trader Joe’s.

Still I have to say I’m really enjoying the new trend I see evolving in the supermarket industry.

Last week at Costco I was handed this flyer on my way out…

Seeing this flyer made me squeal internally with glee.

After my sister gave me The China Study, I started to get quite obsessed with the food we eat. Next I moved onto The Omnivore’s Dilemma, which was a real eye opener.

After reading these two books I was scared to go back to the supermarket. I switched to Whole Foods for a while exclusively. It was safe there. Safe, but expensive.

In their mission statement they explain, “Among other criteria, we draw a line when it comes to hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors, preservatives and sweeteners.”

I would not have to look at the back of every label and cross reference my iPhone every time I put something in my cart.

But things are changing. I am more aware of what is okay and what is not, and increasingly so is the general public.

And supermarkets have noticed. Costco isn’t the only one. Aldi is changing too. Once known for it’s competitive prices, they are overhauling themselves to be the picture of health and organics. Other supermarkets have started “natural and organic” sections.

Trader Joes also does not allow artificial flavors, preservatives, dyes, MSG, GMOs, or trans-fats.

Besides the change to current supermarkets we are also seeing an influx of Whole Foods Supermarket look alikes: Fresh Thyme, Plum Market, Mrs. Green’s to name a few.

You can even get your fresh, organic, local produce delivered if you want nowadays! I used Irv and Shelley’s for a while and was very happy with them.

And though I am happy for all the new competition in the marketplace, I can’t help wonder, how Whole Foods compete with all this new competition?

Will they become the next Gorbachev? Did their cutting edge concept revolutionize the way we think so much that they have created their own competition? Or will they continue to find the next food trend, continue to be a food industry leader?

I hope so. I’d hate to see the very company that helped change us all for the better be hurt by their own impact.

But even if it lessens their market footprint, the end result will be good for all of us.

Marco Island, Florida 10 years ago with 200 of our closets friends and family.

Adam and I celebrated out 10 year anniversary last night.

I always knew we’d make it to 10 years. But I had no idea the journey would look like this!

Yes, there were a lot of surprises over the years, changing jobs, changing houses, changing rooms within houses, and the biggest surprise of having 4 boys, all of them only 5 years apart in age.

Even our date nights have changed. Ten years ago we might have booked a fancy dinner to mark the occasion, perhaps one of those chi-chi molecular gastronomy places. Maybe we’d try one of the supper clubs so exclusive you need tickets months in advance. Or even pick one of the growing michelin star restaurants sprouting up in Chicago.

Instead our 10 year anniversary date night started at the gym. In an effort to get back the bodies we had in the picture above, our new routine is to workout first then, eat something later.

Ten years and 4 kids wreaks havoc on a person’s body.

We chose RPM Steak for dinner. It’s one of the restaurants started by Bill and Giuliana Rancid in partnership with the younger generation of Melmans (of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group).

We even used a gift card that I instructed my mother to get us for a Christmas present for dinner. Because we are old and married like that. Thanks Mom!

Cheers to 10 years!

As we sat in our booth overlooking the hip scene at this River North hot spot, I noticed the young girls in their low cut dresses and high heeled boots.

“Ten years ago I was one of those girls.” I thought to myself.

Last night I was wearing flat boots, a comfy sweater and pants. No cleavage, no shape wear. I didn’t even bother to blow dry my hair after the gym.

I realized how much 10 years changes a person.

And, as hard as it is to let go of being the eye candy in the room, getting older with a kind, thoughtful, charming husband is so much better.

The restaurant had some throw backs to old school steakhouses, stuff that those cleavage, high heeled girls have only seen in movies. Adam and I remember them fondly as kids. We ordered Adam’s father’s favorite dessert and enjoyed it unabashed.

Baked Alaska for dessert. Because we are old and married like that.

So besides my closet we are changing up just about every bedroom in this house.

After many run ins, we realized it was time for Jack and Ben to get divorced.

It’s time for Jack to have a bit more space and privacy. I think Ben will like it better too, once he adjusts. Plus Adam made a huge effort to make his room really cool.

It was a catalyst for a month long reorganization bonanza.

And in the end it made us realize just how bad we had let things get. We keep saying we don’t have enough space but the truth is we have plenty of unused space! We just never clean, pair down and reorganize. For years Adam would ask me for nail clippers and I could never find any. After this clean up we 12 pairs.

Adam and I moved to the basement spare bedroom. Jack took over our bedroom. Ben moved into the twins room. And the twins moved into Jack and Ben’s old room.

You got all that?

After emptying our closet, we filled it with Jack stuff.

Our closet was crammed with so much crap, half the clothes and shoes I hadn’t worn in years, all shoved together in a messy ball on shelves. Great tops lost for years behind these wads of clothes all because I never bothered to spend the time thinning and merchandising it.

Jack, by contrast, could barely fill a quarter of the closet.

It was a lesson in the joy of simplicity. How wonderful to have so much space to see and find your clothes easily! Jack saw it differently. He looked the new closet and suggested we buy him some new clothes. Ha!

We bought him a new desk so he could start doing his homework in his room. It’s almost impossible most evenings to help both the older boys with their homework, cook dinner and tend to the twins all at the same time.

A quiet place to work will be a godsend. The homework is getting harder and requires more concentration. He really needs this.

Jack’s Bedroom Before (Our old room)

Jack’s Bedroom After

Jack’s Bedroom Before

Jack’s Bedroom After

The desk comes with remote and led lights that light up different colors and flash.

Next Ben took over the twins room.

Ben’s Room Before

Ben’s Room After

Ben got a loft bed with desk underneath. He also got the same led remote controlled lights. We also used the castle tent that was wasting away in a closet for an enclosed sitting area. Inside is a big bean bag.

We put the cribs by the alley since it’s really hard to donate them. I put an ad on Craigslist with their location and pictures. They were gone in a few hours.

The other side of Ben’s room has a bookshelf and shelves for toys.

Ben’s Closet Before

Ben’s Closet After

Finally the twins moved over to Jack and Ben’s room. It has all the same furniture but is much bigger than their old room. Instead of cribs they will have full beds to sleep in.

Twins New Room

Our New Bedroom

Adam and I made up our room just like our room upstairs, surprisingly the space is bigger, and quieter. And as a bonus, this morning Jack and Ben woke up and hung out together in Jack’s room instead of waking us up!

And the metamorphosis continues, this week we tackle the books. Six boxes of adult books are waiting for pick up by Pilsen Community Books. Now it’s time to tackle the kids books. All extra books will be donated to Jack’s public school.

We are changing things up in the house, moving around to keep up with the kids changing needs. Tomorrow I’ll post pictures of the full move, but for today I just want to talk about my closet. Surprisingly it was much more than just sorting, it was a visceral experience that made me really think about where I am in life and the kind of person I want to be.

In order to move around and make more room for the kids, Adam and I are moving to the basement spare bedroom.

It’s perfect except for it’s small closet. I suggested we put up a few racks into the old storage unit but as usual Adam had a bigger, better plan.

During construction

I wish I would have taken more pictures, because the storage unit started out packed to the gills with stuff. Adam spent two solid weeks cleaning it. Donating old things that have been collecting dust for years and throwing out/shredding years of old paperwork we didn’t need. I think he found stuff old bills from 1985 in there!

The shear mass of junk was astounding.

And it didn’t end there. After the closet was finished, I culled through 10 years of stuff before switching my closets.

I have to say, it was quite an emotional rollercoaster to clean out my closet. Keepsake clothes and jewelry that ex-boyfriends gave me were confidently donated. When I put my closet together 10 years ago, I still clung to their memories. They still felt so much a part of me. Now those times in my life seem like a distance speck in the horizon. And I can leave them there confidently, happy to let them fade without any physical reminders.

I also found a bunch of old clothes from my days in Asia. Suits I worked in, and great pants I used to party in.

It was pure elation.

Followed immediately by pure depression.

I couldn’t fit almost anything over my hips, spread from childbirth.  But if anything made it past there, my jiggly belly, pock-marked with stretch marks was to big to fasten around.

I decided to throw them out on the spot, along with my version of what Adam calls his “Brazilian Jeans”. He has a pair of jeans he wore before he met me that he bought in Brazil. Anytime he would do a major race or have the flu he’d try them on. I have a similar pair from Shanghai. I threw them out. No use clinging to the body I had 15 years ago. I didn’t want those pants staring at me every time I opened my beautiful new closet, reminding my of how my body has changed irrevocably. I only wanted clothes in there that made me happy and feel beautiful.

Later I found out when Adam was switching his closet he also threw out his Brazilian Jeans. Guess we are both tumbling down the same path together.

More culling and donating.

We decided to use Elfa shelving from the Container Store. I figure if this closet ever becomes a storage unit again, we can change it easily with their flexible layout.

I’m really enjoying seeing everything displayed in a roomy environment. I have so much space I have an entire spare drawer I don’t know what to do with!

This picture doesn’t include all the closet, I’m still missing my dress rack which didn’t fit into the picture. I love how it’s a straight shot, no chance of clothes getting stuck in an awkward corner for the next ten years!

Stay tuned for the big move tomorrow!!!

For all of my mother’s friend’s who read my blog as well as my high school buddies, my mom was flocked this week.

The second sign says “Project Life” from Boca High.

Apparently someone comes by and asks her who she would like to flock next.

If you could pick anyone, who would you pick to flock???

One of the many perks of living in a big city is the sheer diversity of it.

So many nooks and crannies to explore!

Yesterday we checked out the Swedish American Museum.

They have a children’s area on the third floor that was a perfect way to entertain the kids on a freezing winter afternoon.

Rowing to America? Or just picking your nose…

Planting the garden. Jack sowed Ben.

Milking the cows.

Ivar Pearson’s house (decorated Swedish American Educator).

Swedish houses back in the day.

Did you know Buzz Aldren was Swedish American?

It was cute and different, and we learned a few things as well!

The suggested donation price for a family is $10 and the children’s floor is open from 1-4pm most days.

I can actually see how people with lots of kids come to the conclusion to homeschool.

Not that I would do it, because I think there is so much more to learn socially and emotionally in a regular school setting.

But it has occurred to me on during our many days of quarantine over this cold winter that I’m kind of starting to resemble a pre-school at home.

Now that I’ve reorganized my house a bit, it seems like there are natural centers.

Lego center for fine and gross motor skills as well as executive function.

Education through technology. They are creating with Minecraft.

Storytime.

Sam learning the alphabet while Aaron practices matching shapes.

Fine Motor skills and creativity with Playdoh. Ben has made Darth Vader, complete with red light saber.

Responsibility and organization. Learning to keep a clean house is an invaluable skill!

Multi sensory experiences.

Other centers that get set up as the kids need. Usually as a distraction from fighting or boredom.

Last week the twins didn’t leave the house all week! They didn’t seem to mind, there is more than enough stuff to keep them busy.