Soup & Bread

Last night I attended a fundraiser for an organization I have been involved with for many years. I didn't know much about this particular fundraiser before I went but it is very interesting and I wanted to share it with you:

Every Wednesday (in the winter) the Hideout hosts Soup & Bread. It was initiated by Martha, one of the barmaids, and has been building momentum for the last three years. Volunteers make soup and come to serve it at the Hideout. There is no charge, just a donation basket to put in what you can. The recipient of the money changes from time to time, but is primarily directed to the food bank.

At first, I really didn't understand why people were bringing their kids for dinner at the Hideout. I was a little perplexed by the mix of suits and street clothes; not the usual fundraiser blend. Then I got the picture. It's pretty amazing and, sadly, obviously needed in this community. One of the staffers said that there are some people and families that come every week for a hot meal.

Martha keeps a blog of the soup recipes the various chefs, staff, and volunteers bring in: Soup & Bread. There was some truly amazing soup last night. Next time I will have to make some myself. I'm thinking of that black bean chili, perfect for what's left of winter.

All I want for my birthday......

I'm told all Grandpa Steve wants for his birthday is a shout out to the Packers. This gift does not come cheaply, but I will swallow my pride. I tried out some Packer-speak to up the authenticity. Here goes nothing.....

Hey der, Grampa Steve, we are wishin' ya a Happy Bertday!

CONGRATS on winnin' d' Superbowl

and beatin' doze nasty Steelers.

She was a tough one, but yer boyz came out on top an' 'at.

Perfect Pony and Pigs

Finally Layla's hair is long enough for 'the perfect pony'. It actually works even better with pigtails. We have to thank her teachers for this as Jason and I are not very practiced at putting in teeny tiny pigtails.

The Pony

The Pigs

It's been awhile since I have posted. We came through the blizzard and then enjoyed a week of 50 degree days, so now we live in a salt-encrusted brown wonderland. Looking forward to sleet tomorrow! Ahhh, the midwest.

Layla is 19 months old today. Here are some of her favorite things:

- Reading Books, particularly One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish (aka 'yellow book') by Dr. Suess, Dr. Suess's ABC book, especially A is for Auntie Allie's Alligator (okay, it says Annie, but we changed it.), and Biscuit books (aka 'Bisset').
- Throwing all manner of balls. She said 'bassetball' this morning.
- Working on climbing the steps with less and less help from M&D
- Running, flipping, climbing, etc. (she's definitely more coordinated than me) and playing on the jungle gym and slides.
- Talking up a storm, including some colors (yellow and purple) and letters.
- Singing her favorite songs: Baa, Baa Black Sheep, Row, Row, Row your boat, and ABCs.
- Playing with her friends at home (we had a play date with Alice, Jane and Lucy last weekend) and at school (Addie, Addie, and Maddie among them).
- Coloring and other art projects.
- Giving hugs, kisses and hive fives.

All smiles sitting at the table with Mom and Dad for lunch.
Using the crumb catcher as her tray...

Jason and I have been busy at work the last few weeks. Jason started up baseball already with practices on Sundays. The lack of outdoor time is wearing on us and we are getting very excited for our trip in about a week to ARIZONA to see Grandma and Grandpa and hang with Cousin Jessie!

Snowpocalypse 2011

Demonstrating the art of the snow angel....and then trying to get up again.
That's always the hardest part.

Looks pretty good though.

Heading out to check out the snow and dig out the truck.

The path to the parking lot is just wide enough......

We survived the Blizzard of 2011, well this one at least. All threats of "thundersnow", 70mph winds and lots of snow came true and yet we made it through.

Jason and I were both able to leave work early yesterday and Layla and I got home at about 4:30. The snow started in earnest around 2:30 and the winds were howling. The driving was slow and visibility low, but we made it home safely.

Everything was shut down today and the snow eventually ceased around 11 a.m. and the sun came out. I think we ended up with about 18" of snow. The news this morning was reporting 16" at about 7 a.m. so I am guessing we got a couple more inches after that.

The worst of it was along the lake and you have probably heard or seen some footage of the hundreds of cars stranded along Lake Shore Drive. Some people were trapped in their cars overnight.

We took advantage of our snow day, making chocolate chip cookies, playing outside, and generally enjoying the time together.

Snow at the back of the parking lot was 6' tall.

This is just a cool snow drift next to the truck.
There was actually very little work in getting the truck out :)