New Year's Resolutions?

1) Party less.
2) Become rich and famous, minus the famous part.
3) Learn how to dunk.
4) Start playing the piano again.
5) Continue being totally awesome.

Exposed!

I kind of always hoped I was adopted, just to keep things interesting. Also, I thought it would really help me make sense of a few details of my life. It looks like I was always a pretty fashionable little dude. My real brothers on the other hand look pretty lame. My real father has some sort of helmet thing attached to his head that he's trying to pass off as a hairdo. I'm not sure if I'm a fan of that. After finding a picture of my real parents and siblings I've come to decide it's better to pretend that I am indeed a child of Al and Barb. I'll take Al over this creepy looking dude any day of the week.

Marty

What we'll miss most about Brab's house this Holiday Season ...

1. Barb's cute XMAS shoes.
2. The Santa tree.
3. The raffle.
4. "31."
5. Shrimp platter/turkey wraps/figgy pudding.
6. Not being able to ask, "Do you have any Chow Chow?"
7. Al C. being persuaded/coerced into taking multiple Tequila shots by you-know-who.
8. Itsy bitsy/teensy weensy slices of cheesecake or one of the other million desserts.
9. Triple-crusted Jell-O (Yeah that's what I was going to bring).
10. Making wooden Christmas ornaments.
11. Cute decorations/wrapping paper/ornaments.
12. The possibility of yet another after party list for the Blog.

Marathon Shopping

Never again, I've been shunned.
I did finish Christmas shopping in one day though.
11 hours to be exact. HA!
Love you Jan, Barb & Mama.
:)

Cookie = Smile

Hola familia,

On December 22nd the Willow Chicago choir is going to Cook County Prison to serve/minister Christ's love to the incarcerated. The contact at Cook County has asked us to send out a smoke signal for cookie making/candy help. They are in need! At the event their desire is to bless each and every inmate with a gift of cookies and candy to warm their hearts and let them know they are loved. Hopefuly all 550 of the incarcerated plus officers will participate in this Christmas event. Here's where we come in! We're planning to make bags one night at Laura's this coming week (details to follow) and we'll bring the completed bags to church with us on December 21, 2008.

Here's what we'll do: 1. Place 4 large cookies (approximately the size of a standard chocolate chip cookie) in a zippered sandwich bag plus 5 hard candies. 2. We can include any kind of cookie we wish. 3. On a note card or sticky note we'll write a personal message of hope with our favorite scripture verse and put it in the bag (here's where I'd like to get the kids involved too!)

To those of us who call Willow Chicago our home or for those of us who would just like to help serve others for Christmas, this is an excellent opportunity to extend the love of God. I'd really like the kids to help, I think they would enjoy it and this would be a great example we'd be setting for them.

Thanks in advance. I'll post what night we'll be at Laura's!

Love,

Alexis

Buy your gift cards from St. Pascal- we get reimbursement for tuition

If you can't see these well enough, i can email you a file. If you fill out these order forms by monday, along with a check, we will get the gift cards, by Thursday. Great way to take care of some of your Christmas shopping.

Loose Leaf Tea Loft

Hey family. I just thought I'd tell you about a nice new place in Chicago.

Although many of my friends are lazy, somewhat ugly, and losers (better luck next time Lex) some of them are actually motivated enough to go out and do cool things. My buddy Conor opened a very nice tea shop that all of you should check out when you get a chance. They have a really awesome selection of tea and a very nice setup. It's on a corner just north of Irving Park on Lincoln (4229 N Lincoln). All of you old ladies (Alexis you're included) can meet up and do what do you best. Gossip.

If this isn't your cup of...tea...I would appreciate it if you would tell any of your friends that might be interested. Thanks a lot.

Marty

For more info: http://www.looseleaftealoft.com/home

CHRISTMAS CONCERT at St Pascal's

The St. Pascal annual Christmas Concert will be held on Thursday, December 11 at 7:00PM in the Church. Sophia & possibly Andrew (he's not sure) will be singing. It will last till 9PM, hope to see you all there... come early for good seats.

Thanks from Andrew!

Thank you for joining us for Andrew's Birthday party, he loved your company and all the gifts. Hope you all had fun!

Barack's Banner

Thanksgiving Day Treasures

Hi, Everyone - Here are just a few highlights from the best Thanksgiving ever!!  All I can say  is our familia is awesome!!

1. Jan getting the credit for the "awesome" crab dip.
2. Adam, Josh and Daniel thinking the crab dip was a new item to the menu.  (It's been around for at least 10 years.) 
3. Irma & Tony's tardiness due to "making the cake".
4. Football game with the new stars of the family, Jake & Andrew.
5. For some reason the traditional dishes brought by everyone tasted really, really good this year.  (Extra dashes of love added.)
6. "Thankful For" sharing time.
7. Lexi's tears.
8. Sandra and her video camera.
9. Lexi's recipe for the delicious, moist turkey.
10. Teeny's bangs.
11. Maya feasting in the garbage bag.
12. The "Mafia" newbies (Barb, Jan and Sharla).  (Shar - are you sure you never played before?)
13. Antoinette's "boob" obsession...still.
14. Indiana Mike's "45".
15. "31"
16. Mo-nee-kah.
17. Lil Tony spraining the same ankle twice during the football game.
18. JoJo's senior stories. ;)
19. Jake, Andrew & Company (Sophia, Ariel, Bowen, Paulie) playing "football-dodge ball" in the basement.
20. The women finally winning a game against the men.
21. Grandpa being proud, happy and nostalgic about the family get-together -- in his own special way.)
22. The last guest(s) leaving at 1200 midnight -- and Al didn't even flicker the lights!!
23. 30 adults, 8 kids and 2 dogs -- need I say more. 

I can't wait until next year!! Love you all!!!!!