Just because he's so cute!

Today was one of those days you wish would stick around a while. Balmy, in the 80's, with a steady breeze. Perfect for our son to enjoy the entire day outdoors. That included putting his golf clubs to use and then getting hosed down by his dad. He loved it!!!

A Retreat for More Than Deserving Mothers.

For me, becoming a mother is the most remarkable gift I have been given. Thanks honey! Yes, it is a lot of hard work, but it is the most rewarding kind. Today, I met 40 mothers who everyday must deal with some of the biggest challenges a parent should never have to face. They have children who are seriously ill. I admire these women for their strength, their stamina, and their courage. And for many mothers, we put themselves last on the list of to do's. So today these amazing moms were the top priority. Everyone was treated to laughter yoga, facials, manis and pedis, hairstyling, meditation and much more! I talked with one mom who has 8 children. Whoa! Her youngest, a five year old, was diagnosed with soft tissue cancer at 18 months. This mom was so thrilled after a pedicure (her first) because she can now walk pain free. Just a little relief can make a huge difference.

I must send a huge thank you to the following: Chai Lifeline (an outstanding org) www.chailifeline.org/midwest, Teddie Kossof Salon www.teddiekossof.com, Derma Physique www.northshorebody.com, and Brenda Bendel Salon www.brenda-bendel.com Everyone who volunteered their time and services today helped give these ladies a much deserved break and a chance to recharge.
1)Chai Lifeline's Leslie Powell-Finkel
2)Derma Physique owner and friend Juliana Taimoorazy
3)Juliana and Teddie Kossof
4)Some of the retreat masterminds before it all got started
4)Mini-massages to ease away the stress.

Another Reason It's Great to be Mrs. Illinois United States!

This weekend I will help with an event which will pamper the mothers of seriously ill children. Thank you Chai Lifeline! They are a not-for profit organization which provides support services to seriously ill children and their families.

These mothers rarely have or think to take the time or energy to do anything for themselves—and it is much needed. Their days often consist of long hospitalizations where they don’t even see the light of day, endless doctors’ visits, and numerous therapy appointments for their suffering children.

The day long retreat will take place at the Teddie Kossof Salon and involves the wonderful Derma Physique Wellness and Medical Spa, and the Brenda Bendel Salon and Make-Up Studio along with others.

The Spring Cleaning That Took a Year

One of the rites of Spring is to clean...or so I am told. This year I got down and dirty by cleaning out my closets. For me, clothes are memories. I saved a prom dress and the purple suit I wore to the interview for my first reporting job. I even keep clothing I've worn while covering memorable events from the McVeigh execution to travelling with Al Gore. Snapshots from my life I can't give up even if they were fashion mishaps! So I spent the day clearing out alot of this last year. Twelve bags of clothing in the end! Over the last year I have worked SO hard to get in my best condition. Several sizes later, I found a closet full of clothes I hope will never fit again. It is so rewarding to pull items off hangers and know there was no way I could even have it tailored to fit. This is all clothing I don't need as a reminder. Everyday I get out there and run I know how far I have come. So,with the help of my husband, we packed it all into the truck and brought everything to the Junior League of the Northshore. The clothes will help women who are carving out better lives for themselves.