Confessions of a Domestic Goddess in Training: Illinois

Monday, July 27, 2015

Illinois

Roscoe, IL - you were a gift to us;

Best neighbor, friends, ward, scenery, cheese curds (for real) - our one year with you wasn't long enough. We miss you.

It was lovely to return and bask in your presence a few months ago.

The Beloved and I drove down the quiet streets and passed our old home - I tactfully invited myself into my friend Kim's residence, our old neighbor, so I could explore her home, reaching out for the many memories our families shared together there. We tried to peek in the windows of our old home but that's stalker-ish, especially at 11 o'clock at night.

We said goodbye to our old neighborhood and beloved neighbor and then drove to the church ward building in Beloit, WI.

That landmark was almost the hardest.

Our family practically had lived there. So many hours were spent congregating with our fellow ward members in this place of worship. It was a meeting house that was used to its full extent; for Sunday meetings, Family home evenings, group date nights, basketball games, youth activities, etc. A place of peace to gather with your fellow saints. It was used and loved but respected as a house of God. It was more than a building to us.

Out to dinner at the Backyard Grill with my dear friend Kim (r) and our other close friend Laurie (l)

Kim's kids who we love - Erin and Brett

That's right - cheese curds sold in the grocery store. We miss this.

Chicago
Our love for Chicago doesn't run half as deep but it was fun to be alone with The Beloved - one long vacation date. The Beloved was there on a business trip and I decided to hop along for the ride after my gracious parents agreed to watch our offspring. Which is quite an undertaking. For real. The Beloved and I have been serious about multiplying and replenishing this earth. :) I love my parents and appreciate their sacrifice.
The Beloved and I mostly walked around, enjoying the sites by foot, doing whatever came to mind. No planning. Just going - if we so desired - maybe simply resting. As long as we're not scheduled, that's a vacation to us. Unless it involves a NBA basketball game - then there needs to be a little planning involved.
We attended a Bulls Game and the atmosphere was one I loved. If only it had been 1997 or 98 when The Bulls played the Jazz for the championship. I was a huge Bulls Fan when I was growing up. I would pull a hard wooden dining room chair up to the TV/VCR in the kitchen and watch a NBA double header almost every Sunday after church. Not the best way to keep the Sabbath Day holy but I used to relish in these special four hour moments. :)
But.... the 2015 game was pretty great - I can't complain. The Bulls came through with a win and I completely enjoyed the Special Olympics half time basketball scrimmage as well.
It made my heart smile.
Plus I figured I'm still healthy and sane even if I closed my eyes once in awhile, picturing my boys - Jordan, Pippen, Rodman, Kukoc, and Kerr (even substituting in Harper but not Longley because blah!) - ruling the court instead of the current players performing down there. :)
And p.s. Can I just say that I'm a fan of Golden State because of their outstanding coach, Steve Kerr? So happy with the Championship this year.

I may be in Heaven.

Woo Woo!

Special Olympics Game

Chicago

Here's a picture of some of our cute kids we arrived back home to.

But they were well taken care of by Buckabu and Papa in our absence. The Beloved and I were gone over Easter and here are some memories my children's sweet grandparents made possible.

Pinata Time