And all at once the crowd began to sing.....

I know this is a day late, but I had a very busy weekend, so please forgive.

I will start with this. I didn't eat all that great BUT I am slowly losing the 10 pounds I put on. I took off 2 pounds this week. I just have to remember to keep going and tracking my food.

Friday was one of those magical days that remind you just how strong the bond is between mother and daughter. Lexi and I went to see Miracle on State Street in Chicago. I took her out of school a little early so we could make the train on time. And I am so glad I did. We got to Chicago 3 hours before the concert started. Lex had never been downtown and when we hit ground lever the city overwhelmed her. She became giddy and light. She wanted to see it, explore it, feel it all. So we headed over to Millennium Park. She was in awe of the art work. The two towers with the faces on them were way to cool. But it was the bean that made her giddy. She was so excited by everything she was running to get to the next thing.

We were going to hit Buckingham Fountain, but decided we were both cold and hungry. I know that Chicago is filled with good places to eat and experience. But we decided not to eat anything that would upset our stomachs. So we went with an old standby. McDonalds. I know not a great choice, but I know that it wont make my stomach hurt. Having no gall bladder makes things like pizza and pasta make me sick.


We left there and decided to explore more. We found a comic book store and stopped in. It is everything I expected from a comic book store. Including two people discussing what makes different comics dramatic. I couldn't follow, but it was interesting to listen to.

We made our way to Macy's after that. This is one of those moments that makes your eyes well up with tears. As we walked through I saw the make up counter and asked for them to do Lexis make up. After all this was Lexis day. Stephanie, our make up artist, did a wonderful job. She explained everything she was doing and Lex listened with interest. I of course was taking a million pics. I didn't know it was possible for her to be more beautiful that she already did. But my baby glowed.

We finally made our way to the theater. We were one of the first in line and Lex wanted in more than anything. When we finally got in we got her a Kelly Clarkson shirt and then headed to our seats. The theater was amazing. I had been there before but it never fails to amaze. When the lights dimmed and Christine Perri came on I thought Lex was going to lose her mind. Most of the people around us were my age and maybe a little older. Lex was the youngest and most enthusiastic person around and I could see on the faces of everyone around me that they enjoyed her enthusiasm. Some of us probably remembered our first concert and how we felt. She and I sang along to everything. When Kelly Clarkson came on it was the highlight for Lexi. She stood through most of her set. Jumping and singing and dancing. I watched her with tears and smiles. Of course I joined her.


The Frey was just awesome! They did one of my favorite songs and Lex hugged me. We spent most of the song singing to each other and hugging. I couldn't help but actually cry at that point. I was so happy and close to my girl. Right now I am tearing up.

Lex slept the whole train ride home, 1hour and 45 minutes of her leaning on me. I felt like I did when she was little. That I held her up and supported her and that she needed me and I needed her.

I think she told me thank you at least 2 dozen times. She told me how magical the night was and how happy she was that we got to spend it together. I don't think she truly knows how magical it truly was.

Saturday Lex and I  went to a play with my family. Then I dropped her off at a friends. Dave and I went out to dinner and then to a one of Austins friends house. We found out that her car broke down and she is struggling to get to work and to pay for the repairs. She is one of those people that is so strong and would never ask a favor of anyone. So Dave and his friend figured out what was wrong with the car. Unfortunately they couldn't fix it. BUT they did know someone who could.

Sunday I rearranged my bed room. What sucks now is that all the stuff I took out of my room I have to sort through and put back or throw out. I hate the part of rearranging.

So I am going to say a prayer and then get back to moving this stuff around.

Dear God, Thank You for today. Thank You for the one on one time I got to spend with Alexis. Thank You for reminding me just how special she is and how amazing and loving she is. Thank You for the love of my family. I am so blessed to have so many caring people in my life. Thank you for the Cub Scouts. They have taught me so much. The kindness and concern they show for others touches me deeply and I am glad that Austin has the chance to be involved and the I get to be a leader. Thank You for reminding me to be humble. I have so much when others had so little. Thank You for opening my heart. Please keep Diane Stone and hers in your thoughts. She is so strong. Please help the community to open their arms and make sure that the kids have a good Christmas and that they cabinets are filled as is their hearts. In Your name we pray. Amen