tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54261495805907980492024-02-07T22:41:57.225-06:00a hen and two chicksCaitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.comBlogger567125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-10225379673614300952012-05-02T10:34:00.000-05:002012-05-02T10:34:43.704-05:00What Brendan Had to Say on His Sixth Birthday<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrOGfIJXbZAr1iQq3Ks5XW08f8nlr5Hbxkwr4G5L3xfcl0EWI61jJg9IN3wtMEXHb-3dLGSNTkSEcgm7u4SEgHo56v9LieEYNaylRaHCQ1X_8mUn5UZZ9umKSo6pSCtqLRhWOWXp2F8I/s1600/Brendan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrOGfIJXbZAr1iQq3Ks5XW08f8nlr5Hbxkwr4G5L3xfcl0EWI61jJg9IN3wtMEXHb-3dLGSNTkSEcgm7u4SEgHo56v9LieEYNaylRaHCQ1X_8mUn5UZZ9umKSo6pSCtqLRhWOWXp2F8I/s320/Brendan.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My really big guy is . . . really big. He turns six today. But he has really looked and acted like a six year-old for years. He continues to be the sweetest, kindest, coolest and most handsome boy a momma could ask for. Here is what is on his mind this year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;">
<b> </b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;">
Favorites:</div>
<ul>
<li>Breakfast -- Pancakes</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Vegetable -- Corn</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Drink -- Juice</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Lunch - Pasta</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dinner - Bolognese</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Toy -- LEGOS</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> TV Show -- Electric Company</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Game --I would say bingo.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Book -- LEGO books </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Restaurant-Brick's Pizza</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Holiday - Christmas because you get presents</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Animal -- Bunnies.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Color - Gold. And the second is blue.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Thing to do at school - Free choice centers. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sport - Baseball </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you want for your birthday? </span>A couple of things. The LEGO Echo Base from Star Wars and the Millennium Falcon.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you love about each person in our family?</span> </div>
<ul>
<li> Dad: He plays baseball with me. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Mom: I love that you are really nice.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Eleanor: That she sometimes plays with me down in the basement.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Colin: Sometimes he lets me use his bug -- you know, that little thing that he rides around on.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Where would you like to go on vacation this year?</span> Pittsburgh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What are some of your wishes for this year?</span>I want to have fun and play with my friends in first grade and be in the same class as Sebastian.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What makes you happy? </span>LEGOS.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">How old is your mom?</span> 32 (thanks B man).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">How tall is your mom? </span>Ummmm. I am not sure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What is her favorite thing to do? </span>Play with us.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What does Dad do for a job?</span> He works at the Sears Tower.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What is your favorite thing about Dad? </span>He likes me a lot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What is Mom's favorite food? </span>Chicken and broccoli and beans.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you and Mom do together? </span>Go to the store.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What makes you sad?</span> When Colin is not nice and he hits me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What is Dad’s favorite food? </span>Casseroles (for the record, this could not be farther from the truth). <br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What does our family like to do together?</span> <br />
Have fun and celebrate. There is this commercial where this guy is sitting at a table and he says, "Let's celebrate." Me: Does that remind you of us? B: "Yep."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What going to be when you grow up?</span> Maybe a policeman.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Who are you going to marry?</span> I am not sure.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Anything else you want to talk about now that you are almost six?</span> The only thing I really want to tell you is I need to know how much dollars the ice rebel trooper set is. That is what I want to know. It is a set that comes with Hans Solo and the Tauton and I do not know how much it costs. Can we at LEGOs on the computer now?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Takeaway from this interview: Life for Brendan is pretty much about star wars LEGOs. If you are interested
in his answers from last year, you can find them <a href="http://ahenandtwochicks.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-he-had-to-say-on-his-fifth.html">here</a>. </div>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-65056321113802015532012-04-21T00:30:00.000-05:002012-04-21T09:33:50.647-05:00What she had to say on her 8th birthday<style>
<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} -->
</style> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cXI0TFNIgyiyUUTcvUTWfXYL0A3vYRNlsnOOZxDkRGReg6mKpzKAo_J2run3rEi5ulHHu3aEKNjoPhUyHqnVip-imzOOajEsKBWiFVWUrvAt_rylbbUTD25lPVrUEXyaMjqjUKCvmZU/s1600/IMG_4718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cXI0TFNIgyiyUUTcvUTWfXYL0A3vYRNlsnOOZxDkRGReg6mKpzKAo_J2run3rEi5ulHHu3aEKNjoPhUyHqnVip-imzOOajEsKBWiFVWUrvAt_rylbbUTD25lPVrUEXyaMjqjUKCvmZU/s320/IMG_4718.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I haven't blogged on A Hen and Two (now Three) Chicks once in 2012 (lots of reasons why -- too much to get into right now). But if this blog exists for one reason, it is the annual birthday interviews. The show must go on! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, Ellie is 8 years-old. She is as fabulous as always. Here is what she has on her mind this year. Keep at it, sweet girl!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-weight: bold;">
Favorites:</div>
<ul>
<li> Cereal- Life cereal</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Vegetable- Green beans and broccoli</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Drink- Lemonade </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Lunch - Mom's homemade mac and cheese and grilled cheese </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Dinner -Beef tenderloin with Dad's good sauce, green beans and mashed potatoes</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Toy-Right now, it is probably my Barbies</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> TV Show-Electric Company</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Game- Hide-and-seek</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Book-Pretty much all of the chapter books. Favorite? I like Ivy and Bean.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Restaurant- I like Milk and Honey. Why? Because it is close to our house and I like to go there and have grilled cheeses. But I don't like that they come with a pickle.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Holiday-I like Thanksgiving because I like the turkey. And I like my birthday.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> Animal or doll - I like all animals. I like my American Girl Doll Kanani and Gabby the Giraffe.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Animal - I like all animals. No favorite really.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Color - Turquoise.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Thing to do at school - Art projects.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Sport - I like all of the sports that I know how to do. </li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you want for your birthday? </span>I want to have a good birthday and hope that everyone has a fun time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">If you could change your name, what would you choose?</span> I like my name.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you love about each person in our family?</span> </div>
<ul>
<li> Dad: I like that he teaches me sports and that he makes good dinners.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Mom: That you are nice and you send me to school to I can learn and because you also make good dinners.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Brendan: I like to play with Brendan and if I get bored, I always get to play with Brendan and Colin.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Colin: He is funny and when he is calm, I like to play games with him. Colin also says funny things.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Where would you like to go on vacation this year?</span> Maybe Paris.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What are some of your wishes for this year?</span> I hope that we will see lots of doggies. And that we get to play outside a lot and go to the pool and that there is nice weather.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What makes you happy?</span> My family and my friends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What is your favorite things about Mom? </span>I like that sometime she is funny and that she gives me ideas for things and helps me with things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">How old is your mom?</span> 35 -- almost 36 (<span style="font-style: italic;">time to stop asking this question</span>)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">How tall is your mom? </span>I don't know. Really tall. Maybe like 2 1/2 Ellies tall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What is her favorite thing to do?</span> Play with our family and have fun with people and not do too much work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What does Dad do for a job?</span> I think he is a lawyer. I think it means that he helps people with problems and I think they are called cases and he has to solve them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What is your favorite thing about Dad? </span>I like that he teaches me how to do things and if I need help with something, he will teach it to me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What is Mom's favorite food? </span>You like lots of foods. I am going to guess that your favorite is maybe pizza.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you and Mom do together? </span> Sometimes if we go somewhere to do errands and we go shopping together and get people things.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What makes you sad?</span> When people aren't nice to me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What is Dad’s favorite food?</span> French onion soup.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What does our family like to do together?</span> We like to go places and have fun.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">What going to be when you grow up?</span> Maybe a teacher or a lot of other things. I am not sure.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Who are you going to marry?</span> I don't know.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Anything else you want to talk about now that you are almost eight?</span> I want a dog. I might want my ears pierced. I am not sure. It is almost my First Communion. I am going to be in third grade. And we are redesigning my room. In third grade, I am going to get a desk and a folder bag and it has all kinds of stuff that you work on in it. I am wondering what third grade teacher I am going to have.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Birthday to my sweet (and super big) girl. If you are interested in her answers from years past, you can find trace back through the annual posts starting <a href="http://ahenandtwochicks.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-she-had-to-say-on-her-7th-birthday.html">here</a>.</div>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-72480402681105004322011-12-27T19:57:00.000-06:002012-01-02T22:18:49.300-06:00What Colin Had to Say on His 3rd Birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHAV4AXeG53Z9eXc2VqFhZzbFZ1oGiP87s4QDW4kxMDL0rztmoEL23beGsJY7JinO-rr4zPNdViFSdaUbdau8o7-VLOW23ZGMS9z6EAPYWXC9RkkRzXBPq51qu3_-oDZyksNZQfp69mU/s1600/IMG_4500.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirHAV4AXeG53Z9eXc2VqFhZzbFZ1oGiP87s4QDW4kxMDL0rztmoEL23beGsJY7JinO-rr4zPNdViFSdaUbdau8o7-VLOW23ZGMS9z6EAPYWXC9RkkRzXBPq51qu3_-oDZyksNZQfp69mU/s400/IMG_4500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693254873914961170" border="0" /></a><br /> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-font-charset:78; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-font-charset:78; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" >Time for my favorite blog posts of the year -- the birthday interview! This is the first time that I've done a birthday interview with Colin. The process was . . . interesting. In truth, this interview took place in three different parts because he would quickly lose interest and he also insisted on asking me some questions as well (like "What color is my new backpack?" or "What should you make me for lunch today?"). It was slow-going.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" >Anyway, here is what my babe had to say on his third (so big!) birthday!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Favorites:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cereal:</span> <span style=""> </span>Life cereal<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Vegetable:</span> Carrots<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Drink:</span> Juice<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Toy: </span>Truck<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TV Show: </span>Mickey Mouse Club House<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Game:</span><span style=""> </span>My football guys game from Santa. I put them in my new backpack to bring to Auntie LaLa’s (my Aunt Patti) House.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Book:</span> Millie Moo<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Dinner: </span>Soup. Vegetable soup.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lunch: </span>Mac and cheese<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Breakfast:</span> Waffles<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Holiday:</span> Presents!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Animal: </span>Rhinos! Don’t laugh Dad!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Stuffed Animal:</span> My two bunnies and I go to sleep every time.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Color: </span>Blue<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thing to do at school:</span> Play a lot and have milk a lot.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sport:</span> Football<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What do you want for your birthday?</span> Have ice cream cake<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">If you could change your name, what would you choose?</span> No, I want to be Colin still. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where would you like to go on vacation this year?</span> To a football field.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are some of your wishes for this year? </span>More Christmas.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What makes you happy?</span> My two bunnies.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What makes you sad?</span> Lions in a cave.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How old is your Mom? </span>3<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">How tall is your Mom?</span> Like this tall (showing with hands). Like a hundred pounds.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is her favorite thing to do?</span> Do baseball.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What does Dad do for a job?</span> He goes to work at the Sears Tower.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is your mom's favorite food?</span> <span style=""> </span>Broccoli and chicken.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What is Dad’s favorite food?</span> <span style=""> </span>Sauce.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What does our family like to do together?</span> Go get our Christmas tree.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What going to be when you grow up?</span> <span style=""> </span>I going to be a football player for the Steelers.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Who are you going to marry?</span> <span style=""> </span>Mommy.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" ><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Anything else you want to talk about?</span> Napkins. Groceries. And batteries.<span style=""> </span>Hockey Jerseys.<span style=""> </span>Also football guys.<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:100%;" > </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Times;font-size:10pt;" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Well, it’s been good talking to you. I hope you have a good year being three.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> Okay, thanks Mom.</span><br /></span></p>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-43395347208351750662011-10-30T21:07:00.002-05:002011-10-30T21:08:07.145-05:00An Early Boo From Us to You<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf5U_v1vPjePEHGgQmFFxFv6mx0hZZntt0xegru_FrxqpmcQ24_jTRQ7qXOriAf99wbs59119Ihcyev1DRxHGBWUiqNqzhw7n8eYdgd4NZ8Z9SQpwaZocFtHTsC-QywUI7ClMWlqIgGg/s1600/IMG_4142.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZf5U_v1vPjePEHGgQmFFxFv6mx0hZZntt0xegru_FrxqpmcQ24_jTRQ7qXOriAf99wbs59119Ihcyev1DRxHGBWUiqNqzhw7n8eYdgd4NZ8Z9SQpwaZocFtHTsC-QywUI7ClMWlqIgGg/s400/IMG_4142.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669472240496419570" border="0" /></a><br />Big day tomorrow . . . .<br /></div>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-22742751749637165592011-10-19T10:19:00.004-05:002011-10-19T10:27:11.912-05:00The Apple of My Eye<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jvbkn1RSk1Grg_CDDRYptqMwaGyxNrbbSqfb_jCWGu0mzhT4lc-aocPZocqUhvH-tKAuRqKO6PF-NvDt-XBg3s8-LHIt-fDzm0HrCpwSvuOYv1Ihng6i822VbdaleJ8gDwucX8qazBs/s1600/IMG_2052.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jvbkn1RSk1Grg_CDDRYptqMwaGyxNrbbSqfb_jCWGu0mzhT4lc-aocPZocqUhvH-tKAuRqKO6PF-NvDt-XBg3s8-LHIt-fDzm0HrCpwSvuOYv1Ihng6i822VbdaleJ8gDwucX8qazBs/s400/IMG_2052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5665225041335953906" border="0" /></a><br />We have a lovely, little apple tree right in the middle of our city backyard. When I laid eyes on this 80+ year-old tree, my mind ran wild with the possibilities. I was smitten from the start.<br /><br />Our little tree produces fruit every other year. It is fascinating, messy and overwhelming all at the same time. Watching the progression from spring until fall is truly amazing. Cleaning up the dozens and dozens of apples that fall to the ground each day is not as amazing (although every squirrel in Wicker Park is helping to do their part by carrying away half-chewed apples to save as a snack for later).<br /><br />The picking and apple sauce making have become family rituals. And I love it when one of my littles says to me, "Mom, will you make me an apple pie?" How could I say no?<br /><br />In a week or two, most of the apples will be gone. We're doing our best to make use of as many as we can (and giving away apples to anyone who is interested).<br /><br />I already can't wait for spring of 2013 when I see the pink buds appear and we can do this all over again.Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-14821913173182130732011-09-18T08:59:00.004-05:002011-09-18T09:03:19.505-05:00Let's Go Bears!<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanVYbEtSXV8oiBJXTWC7lvUx3DWZTJbZrzjeQMrP5EYfGQFWNZgO9zjcYYaSt6yL_ZG-T2P0yNEMi-yww678al7udm6tMdgfT5RTtF90p2B-GbkxPtYJZ7hz42-DXcU47QLbS9ZM2aLM/s1600/IMG_3810.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhanVYbEtSXV8oiBJXTWC7lvUx3DWZTJbZrzjeQMrP5EYfGQFWNZgO9zjcYYaSt6yL_ZG-T2P0yNEMi-yww678al7udm6tMdgfT5RTtF90p2B-GbkxPtYJZ7hz42-DXcU47QLbS9ZM2aLM/s400/IMG_3810.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653699224351108930" border="0" /></a><br />There is a crazy amount of jersey wearing, tackling and (attempted) punting going on in my yard these days.<br /><br />And when they aren't playing football, they seem to be watching football.<br /><br />So Go Bears.<br />And Steelers.<br />And the Wolverines.<br />And the Fighting Irish too.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">{so much football}</span><br /></div>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-27695226345216415702011-09-15T21:06:00.005-05:002011-09-15T21:34:52.204-05:00Attention: Moms Interested in Making Some Extra Money<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvWI-yQ2IxhBGDGweva2rerTbEAT_oTVqtRMlUkExcLedYJd7ULkLyA0XYQ3HU7YCNoaSCy_5vQgP3nmLrsmiUfkHglXH-BUycvTr4Uj3PhKHveIV7D0rigwyuPZ5hUwo6IWsSUI-N6I/s1600/fgbadge.png"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvWI-yQ2IxhBGDGweva2rerTbEAT_oTVqtRMlUkExcLedYJd7ULkLyA0XYQ3HU7YCNoaSCy_5vQgP3nmLrsmiUfkHglXH-BUycvTr4Uj3PhKHveIV7D0rigwyuPZ5hUwo6IWsSUI-N6I/s400/fgbadge.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652775287157811250" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:arial;">Over the summer, I told you about a unique, local company called</span><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://ahenandtwochicks.blogspot.com/2011/07/focuscope-wants-moms-like-you.html"> Focuscope</a><span style="font-family:arial;">. This company is looking for moms who want to share their opinions in exchange for a very fair compensation. Your thoughts and ideas in exchange for money. That simple. </span><br /></span><div style="text-align: left; font-family:arial;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);font-size:100%;color:navy;" ><br />There is one upcoming opportunity in particular that I want to tell you about. <a href="http://www.focuscope.com/">Focuscope Market Research</a> is looking for Moms with children under 13 years of age to participate in a research survey on the topic of children’s entertainment. This project is taking place at their Chicago and Oak Park offices. The compensation is $125.00 for a 2 hour focus group (not bad for two hours of your time). Prescreening is required in order to qualify. And don't worry, absolutely no sales are involved in this experience. Focuscope just wants to hear your opinions.<br /><br />Interested? Please call <a href="tel:708-386-5086" value="+17083865086" target="_blank">708-386-5086</a> and ask to speak with Daisy in order to learn more</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">. And Don't delay -- the deadline to apply for this opportunity is September 23rd. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Cross-posted on <a href="http://www.chicagonow.com/weewindy">Wee Windy City</a>. </span><br /></span></div>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-52278161163625256962011-08-29T21:30:00.003-05:002011-08-29T22:02:10.516-05:00Back to School for my BIG KIDS!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj3gtfgQGv69E2suTZf9bGeejMJMw9NcMEq1KNwkoWhU8IG_iy-Hbqz0aRlrWzYm0oAZJSHeN1oXgIlB_DxtxgbfNJHnqp0MRCHv5lv3szaAruT4i03FAS7vSGgcwyuosBPVrsB-tVB4/s1600/IMG_3793.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSj3gtfgQGv69E2suTZf9bGeejMJMw9NcMEq1KNwkoWhU8IG_iy-Hbqz0aRlrWzYm0oAZJSHeN1oXgIlB_DxtxgbfNJHnqp0MRCHv5lv3szaAruT4i03FAS7vSGgcwyuosBPVrsB-tVB4/s400/IMG_3793.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646471239419059282" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPi6dtTD3HslL-lzQ9iwkyZ6vKVtySOUy53RpZDDSGq8oRksF-lLsn5x0oo0RC0NbNzBLRbAveF2oDS1jFSSBeOuXGSU05Ndl53Kc3BgPRIKK8gM15NvNK6JvpmLwxfvJ5tterjueIU5w/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPi6dtTD3HslL-lzQ9iwkyZ6vKVtySOUy53RpZDDSGq8oRksF-lLsn5x0oo0RC0NbNzBLRbAveF2oDS1jFSSBeOuXGSU05Ndl53Kc3BgPRIKK8gM15NvNK6JvpmLwxfvJ5tterjueIU5w/s400/IMG_3797.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646471237126555554" border="0" /></a>
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmQp6AUokoEinoZ_q80p9nTl19p3_jbQebEWj0ZhnE0BQMEU63hKn6ureELRed8keh8PiwWQSYf-UQRKr6iAo2FSIGWtReAFccEc3SuiQm_p5QlI9lMaoiD6oarE0JaBWPTzv4uAF724/s1600/IMG_3802.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmQp6AUokoEinoZ_q80p9nTl19p3_jbQebEWj0ZhnE0BQMEU63hKn6ureELRed8keh8PiwWQSYf-UQRKr6iAo2FSIGWtReAFccEc3SuiQm_p5QlI9lMaoiD6oarE0JaBWPTzv4uAF724/s400/IMG_3802.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646471228998725570" border="0" /></a>It's that time of year again.
<br />
<br />Ellie has been at this for awhile now. You can take a little trip down back-to-school memory lane by <a href="http://ahenandtwochicks.blogspot.com/2010/08/first-day-of-first-grade.html">clicking here</a> (she was soooo small when I sent her off to preschool!).
<br />
<br />Of course, Brendan has already <a href="http://ahenandtwochicks.blogspot.com/2010/09/preschool-pro.html">been to school before as well</a>.
<br />
<br />But this is the first time that they are heading off to school together. And it is pretty cool.
<br />
<br />As for Colin, he insisted on bringing his little backpack along as well. However, he was fine to say goodbye to the big kids and head to Target with me to pick up a new baseball bat.
<br />
<br />Next year, little man.
<br />
<br />Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-8426683077212877992011-08-14T20:36:00.002-05:002011-08-14T20:46:32.136-05:00Spicy Little Things<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7GIxNT8yjzBNnYK3lMYD2w5PJ9Gmvo7F4e1YLRdoIpb2Ot6OPQTISwCcm0HkZSsCsJ7_fVk1pxvi0kHn5etnW4LV7aWnm2tlEWWmRGXBsdQK-jeEVG-QMlyhRHODuz0Qb_SbquScGp0/s1600/IMG_2045.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7GIxNT8yjzBNnYK3lMYD2w5PJ9Gmvo7F4e1YLRdoIpb2Ot6OPQTISwCcm0HkZSsCsJ7_fVk1pxvi0kHn5etnW4LV7aWnm2tlEWWmRGXBsdQK-jeEVG-QMlyhRHODuz0Qb_SbquScGp0/s400/IMG_2045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5640890829561629138" border="0" /></a>I've had a bumper pepper crop this year. I am picking poblanos, serranos and jalapenos daily.
<br />
<br />We eat our fair share of peppers, but we can't keep up (and I can't bear to let all these lovely peppers that I've been cultivating go to waste).
<br />
<br />In an effort to preserve some of these tasty little guys, I came across <a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2009/04/pickled-peppers/">a really simple recipe for brining peppers</a> and decided to give it a try.
<br />
<br />They are in the fridge right now -- getting all sweet and salty (and of course, hot).
<br />
<br />I have lots of plans for these preserved peppers (only a small portion of them will come to fruition I am sure).
<br />
<br />I'll report back in a week or so with the tasty (or not-so-tasty results). And let me know if you like peppers -- I've got plenty to share!
<br />
<br />Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-28567620735808131572011-08-08T17:08:00.005-05:002011-08-10T21:58:37.220-05:00Keep on Canning (plus a giveaway)!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56B3_LodPcLfSDJNMsIKWdAuRhU2L-ACURHqkzavX2qX_1QRmo56MaB-ejfPE3cjR2-pgutzefpovX3J2_x3twomgFvlXa3fb5tLnfJJuqESW0L52Qsapmr7F9QXgkTtoPHXTxApwOgI/s1600/cb0f09e4631441b79165f017e8d1f131_7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh56B3_LodPcLfSDJNMsIKWdAuRhU2L-ACURHqkzavX2qX_1QRmo56MaB-ejfPE3cjR2-pgutzefpovX3J2_x3twomgFvlXa3fb5tLnfJJuqESW0L52Qsapmr7F9QXgkTtoPHXTxApwOgI/s400/cb0f09e4631441b79165f017e8d1f131_7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5638610604662147346" border="0" /></a>A few summers ago, I got it in my head that I should start making jam. So I did. I bought a flat of raspberries from Seedling at the Green City Market, a few boxes of pectin, some jars and then I made some raspberry jam.
<br />
<br />This jam was so tasty that I decided to give away all of the jars that I had made and then make some more.
<br />
<br />This raspberry jam ritual has become a fun part of summer for our family. I make jam. I give my jam away to people who seem interested. They eat up all of of their jam and return the empty jars to me (I assume in the hopes that I will fill them up with jam again).
<br />
<br />In case I haven't made it clear yet, I really, really like to make raspberry jam. But that is the extent of my canning experience. I am stuck on raspberry jam.
<br />
<br />This summer, I plan to expand my horizons. When I learned that August 13 is <a href="http://www.freshpreserving.com/community/events/can-it-forward.aspx">National Can-It-Forward Day</a>, I felt inspired to take my canning to the next level -- tomatoes! I am going to can salsa, sauce and just plain old tomatoes.
<br />
<br />Jarden Home Brands, makers of the classic Ball and Mason jars, has teamed up with Canning Across America to sponsor Can-It-Forward Day (this day-long celebration will feature home canning parties, local events and online instructional canning videos and cooking demos).
<br />
<br />If all of this talk about canning (and yummy, yummy jam) has you thinking about giving canning a try, I have a fabulous opportunity to share with you. The truth is that canning requires just a few simple tools (but you do need to carefully follow the instructions in order to ensure that your food is properly preserved). The maker of Ball jars makes a Canning Discovery Kit that gives first-timers easy-to-follow recipes and the basic tools to get started. Ball sent me one of these kits to try and I've really enjoyed the contents (again, see photo of raspberry jam above).
<br />
<br />Ball has generously offered me one Canning Discovery Kit to give away to one of you. All you need to do is leave a comment on this post (be sure to leave your name and contact info so I can find you if you win!). You get another entry if you share this post via Twitter or Facebook (just leave a comment letting me know that you did that too). All comments must be received by Wednesday, August 17 at midnight. I will select a winner using random.org and contact that lucky individual next week.
<br />Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-42843511438913282052011-07-27T11:47:00.001-05:002011-07-31T18:54:38.803-05:00Swim, Jump, Sun. Repeat.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrLt024tPRWbOASNOJdtRQUanxVDkX1_lrHxxG4Vgu7ExJi9C1nmQsYYlz4husPUQWCFRPIxzLMiJJFIRHXIz9WttdIeQHOMBp04LcaE95sxchkz6skhrEiH81B1-6MaVatLtEM2aWIk/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrLt024tPRWbOASNOJdtRQUanxVDkX1_lrHxxG4Vgu7ExJi9C1nmQsYYlz4husPUQWCFRPIxzLMiJJFIRHXIz9WttdIeQHOMBp04LcaE95sxchkz6skhrEiH81B1-6MaVatLtEM2aWIk/s320/IMG_3702.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635568307909748354" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn0GomZpXZhhY7xymC-YEzbIQ-jTiWYQBLV1VPBJnR8ctcXOK-FrqTTJaTZmBXlBUrkV5AHOCzH__Ws73K0jB5283-yhy4K4jZSymzcsltNUH4KssJSXMmq_AwiNT-VOKe-q7fps7Hsk/s1600/IMG_3697.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXn0GomZpXZhhY7xymC-YEzbIQ-jTiWYQBLV1VPBJnR8ctcXOK-FrqTTJaTZmBXlBUrkV5AHOCzH__Ws73K0jB5283-yhy4K4jZSymzcsltNUH4KssJSXMmq_AwiNT-VOKe-q7fps7Hsk/s320/IMG_3697.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635567863280142978" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMtMCoYyAfiHfZDWkSA7NKfNxlKrNgSzCik1pHS1ZNWPlDszVNp17r1OR46eppGSRdLyUixf1e2d6ULfrkoguaPQWU8CvX5hTe7lyBW7SoBJwjdtLSXT7B_bfJiaH6MTwWlcJfRBCFtA/s1600/IMG_3695.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEMtMCoYyAfiHfZDWkSA7NKfNxlKrNgSzCik1pHS1ZNWPlDszVNp17r1OR46eppGSRdLyUixf1e2d6ULfrkoguaPQWU8CvX5hTe7lyBW7SoBJwjdtLSXT7B_bfJiaH6MTwWlcJfRBCFtA/s320/IMG_3695.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635567727731278098" border="0" /></a><br />This is what we've been up to for the past few weeks.<br />Hope you are having a much fun as we are.<br /></div>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-24662537508427843242011-07-07T21:07:00.006-05:002011-07-07T21:30:50.500-05:00Focuscope Wants Moms Like You<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:128; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:fixed; mso-font-signature:1 134676480 16 0 131072 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} p.content, li.content, div.content {mso-style-name:content; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-margin-top-alt:auto; margin-right:0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Times; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style> <p class="content"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Moms are really smart, resourceful people. They have to be. When you are responsible for the day-to-day details for all of the little people in your life, you have to be on your game! </span></p> <p class="content"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Moms are schedulers, shoppers, medics, coaches, teachers, cooks, maids and more. Moms know how to multitask, make ends meet and keep everybody in the family happy – and they do it every single day. </span></p> <p class="content"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Focuscope Inc. , a local, family-owned market research company, knows how valuable moms and their opinions are. Focuscope Inc. is looking for Chicago-area moms to add to its database for future paid opportunities (that’s right – real, cash money in your pocket).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="content"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"">Members of the Focsuscope database are eligible to participate in various research projects, including focus groups, taste tests, product testing, and in-home studies. Focuscope, Inc <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>has three locations: Oak Park, Chicago, and Oak Brook.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">To become part of the database, all you need to do is complete an online form.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Once you’ve completed the application process, you can expect to be contacted by Focuscope at some point in the future to determine if you are a good fit for specific projects.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you are chosen for a project, you will be compensated for your time (the compensation varies from project to project).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If you aren’t chosen for a particular project, your name remains on the database and you will be contacted again for future opportunities. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a name="faq01"></a><a name="faq03"></a><b><span style="font-family:Times;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman""> </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Does this sound like something you might be interested in (after all, you too are a smart mama)? Simply <a href="https://www.focuscope.com/forms/joinDB.htm">fill out this form</a> to apply to become part of the Focuscope database or you can click on the Focuscope badge on the right-hand sidebar to learn more about the company. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; font-style: italic;">Disclosure: Focuscope is a new sponsor here on A Hen and Two (now Three) Chicks. </span>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-28838266756579683702011-06-28T22:02:00.004-05:002011-06-28T22:09:31.423-05:00In Defense of Boredom<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvxwz08eyWj3A2yH5L8KFC3rCJlVRlUmvQoel-ezYwU0-ySdjRr4utBvCEoPa-X5wLfOQciw7YbNFofbsQLcPYQcBU0bdWHWVMjZCnlPIOzny2HKRrBQjLyd3tpfZWx3WJZ-jHZCqtTI/s1600/happy-feet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvxwz08eyWj3A2yH5L8KFC3rCJlVRlUmvQoel-ezYwU0-ySdjRr4utBvCEoPa-X5wLfOQciw7YbNFofbsQLcPYQcBU0bdWHWVMjZCnlPIOzny2HKRrBQjLyd3tpfZWx3WJZ-jHZCqtTI/s320/happy-feet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623472989618294738" border="0" /></a><br />By now, I imagine that you and your little people are fully into the swing of summer. I know that we are (ice cream cones two nights in a row, kids up until 9:30 every night because it is so bright out, swimming every single day).<br /><br />I can't believe that the 4th of July is nearly here. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sometimes summer seems to move so darn fast.</span> With that in mind, I wanted to tell you about a story that I wrote in the June issue of Chicago Parent Magazine. It is called In <a href="http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/chicago-parent/2011-june/features/why-being-bored-isn%27t-so-bad">Defense of Boredom: The Case for Underscheduling Your Kids This Summer. </a><br /><br />I wrote this as mostly as a reminder to myself to take advantage of all of the opportunities that summer presents to take things a little bit slower. I hope you'll <a href="http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/chicago-parent/2011-june/features/why-being-bored-isn%27t-so-bad">have a look</a>.Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-28787004929872499032011-06-22T22:59:00.007-05:002011-06-24T21:32:26.749-05:00Our Lil' Sluggers<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe9mKqcfADIpI1WEa7j7efdFY-BFHc_epiqser1xHqBh3-4p0SFHs77LPsLlsnt4JAbggdB7Ihsc6snyRh-XCyaxnpqRMgIiGxKLhId11-IAZElE0OEvMd-dwB8VVESr5AC-Kem0wrIY/s1600/IMG_3558.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAe9mKqcfADIpI1WEa7j7efdFY-BFHc_epiqser1xHqBh3-4p0SFHs77LPsLlsnt4JAbggdB7Ihsc6snyRh-XCyaxnpqRMgIiGxKLhId11-IAZElE0OEvMd-dwB8VVESr5AC-Kem0wrIY/s400/IMG_3558.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621979621683156930" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IRU-FcPIZowu-M_ZopEJIhEd1lEObWS2imDLfKcksdqorTPKP7fBbiVlZ9iZ3lOfVf2GQ148YZ8bLY32VB1BZxT_arIAx6cCfDtueWAyUTF3G27haq7kNXCwNtQRPSobXqaHOKvYAvs/s1600/IMG_3563.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IRU-FcPIZowu-M_ZopEJIhEd1lEObWS2imDLfKcksdqorTPKP7fBbiVlZ9iZ3lOfVf2GQ148YZ8bLY32VB1BZxT_arIAx6cCfDtueWAyUTF3G27haq7kNXCwNtQRPSobXqaHOKvYAvs/s400/IMG_3563.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621979486795658274" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOYqX3OnBov-UcgENyuDUXvq0kB_NOmUtBPyi00S1ewT7P8Y9D1DaIxNpivep_FdHgTGj58bk4b4GaOl1pKZsVAYzRyi03egtIHIt-uSFC-0QiTzAN4WeHPPPGMZYW8lTTZMINys-dw4/s1600/IMG_3540.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDOYqX3OnBov-UcgENyuDUXvq0kB_NOmUtBPyi00S1ewT7P8Y9D1DaIxNpivep_FdHgTGj58bk4b4GaOl1pKZsVAYzRyi03egtIHIt-uSFC-0QiTzAN4WeHPPPGMZYW8lTTZMINys-dw4/s400/IMG_3540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621979341920604162" border="0" /></a>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-1417852195780699322011-06-15T19:17:00.003-05:002011-06-15T19:49:04.814-05:00Fun with Flubber!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBfBuiH1Wir66xl_nbIEBs20drqY7j1QmjtC5COG-7g-NiXdQY6Oj8ukxWe3ZvwhfDuDNPAGUrtqlQmZKCbsDU1x9wviEDcG1mzi1NKA4V2WGea58B7t1BIFo6Kyj7X6419p82Qk2gFY/s1600/IMG_3196.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBfBuiH1Wir66xl_nbIEBs20drqY7j1QmjtC5COG-7g-NiXdQY6Oj8ukxWe3ZvwhfDuDNPAGUrtqlQmZKCbsDU1x9wviEDcG1mzi1NKA4V2WGea58B7t1BIFo6Kyj7X6419p82Qk2gFY/s400/IMG_3196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618613020915460626" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsi9Pap6e-88H_NSu6cJSmX5c9XTh2LOSSF8CJ22USeQf4nnAZ10sHDylOejChx0e8YfWhnwA92v74XgigzCPQA50Koolfj1z13TlHT7g5r9WP6x5fV9ptajDR8SLwPBtvb87TI5Hfd4/s1600/IMG_3165.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMsi9Pap6e-88H_NSu6cJSmX5c9XTh2LOSSF8CJ22USeQf4nnAZ10sHDylOejChx0e8YfWhnwA92v74XgigzCPQA50Koolfj1z13TlHT7g5r9WP6x5fV9ptajDR8SLwPBtvb87TI5Hfd4/s400/IMG_3165.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618613013439119666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVO0JDUWd80yrvr8SahIL89y70XcCKm2gJMUSCXhbl3TG9j6Iz0c2qrGrn_-y0yh7wkCPg7guT7PJufL10gf-_BYG59I9OPB72d1M9ubLsHX2f8IvClvcu1BWNWNPLae1_E1s7OwbuhYQ/s1600/IMG_3174.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVO0JDUWd80yrvr8SahIL89y70XcCKm2gJMUSCXhbl3TG9j6Iz0c2qrGrn_-y0yh7wkCPg7guT7PJufL10gf-_BYG59I9OPB72d1M9ubLsHX2f8IvClvcu1BWNWNPLae1_E1s7OwbuhYQ/s400/IMG_3174.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5618613008623277842" border="0" /></a><br />There will be a day this summer when you think to yourself, "What the heck are we going to do today? I am totally out of ideas." And that should be the day that you make flubber.<br /><br />This was one of our all-time favorite craft projects. It is a hit with both little and big kids. You too will find the whole process sort of fascinating. Bottom line: flubber is super cool.<br /><br />Here are <a href="http://www.chicagoparent.com/crafts/how-to-make-and-have-fun-with-flubber">my instructions for making flubber from my June craft story in Chicago Parent Magazine</a> in case you want to give it a try sometime.Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-51732924460163909282011-05-27T11:29:00.004-05:002011-05-27T11:39:48.729-05:00Float Your Boat!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPk2gnB8EfjPCrW6oQmNsxuzU07leoSzyPeNj1-ZBBj9P0BH9AWiizMl3gwCbu3Aq2ScMjgcE_Mu6vxrvc0WxoiLmjEBSGksaVzWk1Q7RXIHjjOwSmudt7w85QY6qxAzUZBLvMyBi5Fgo/s1600/IMG_2732.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPk2gnB8EfjPCrW6oQmNsxuzU07leoSzyPeNj1-ZBBj9P0BH9AWiizMl3gwCbu3Aq2ScMjgcE_Mu6vxrvc0WxoiLmjEBSGksaVzWk1Q7RXIHjjOwSmudt7w85QY6qxAzUZBLvMyBi5Fgo/s400/IMG_2732.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611436445066260370" border="0" /></a><br />When I looked out my kitchen window at the puddles that remain in my backyard after yesterday's deluge, I remembered that I forgot to share my<a href="http://www.chicagoparent.com/crafts/paper-boats"> "make your own paper boat" craft with you from the May issue of Chicago Parent Magazine</a>.<br /><br />This is a super easy and straightforward craft. And all you need is some paper and tape so it's perfect for those "what the heck should we do now" moments.<br /><br />Happy sailing!Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-43504960776925144242011-05-02T06:41:00.001-05:002011-05-02T06:41:00.146-05:00What He Had to Say on His Fifth Birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUq4uLtQeyolIxXHHXu8WjoNKjRMw4u6Il49F1LDqPu9COnpJYn2iV6uQyakFu2VW6h6dteqdH6NOTSKXqQJJuHAB_I6JoK9cKHe8tWZOVZtFkVlIaC3hlwiTkeRLbJqA3hsZzl3vdl4/s1600/025__MG_6811-thumb-572xauto-322954.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHUq4uLtQeyolIxXHHXu8WjoNKjRMw4u6Il49F1LDqPu9COnpJYn2iV6uQyakFu2VW6h6dteqdH6NOTSKXqQJJuHAB_I6JoK9cKHe8tWZOVZtFkVlIaC3hlwiTkeRLbJqA3hsZzl3vdl4/s400/025__MG_6811-thumb-572xauto-322954.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601930518245814258" border="0" /></a>Brendan didn't have a lot of interest in my birthday interview this year. And who can blame him. When you are ridiculously handsome and sweet, who's got time to sit around while your Mom asks you dumb questions? But I managed to get a few tidbits out of him any way.<br /><br />Happy Birthday big man.<br /><br />Favorites:<br /><ul><li>Cereal- Cheerios</li></ul><ul><li>Vegetable- Red peppers</li></ul><ul><li>Drink- Milk</li></ul><ul><li>Toy- LEGOS</li></ul><ul><li>TV Show- Wild Kratts</li></ul><ul><li>Game- Hi-Ho-Cheerio</li></ul><ul><li>Book- The Jungle Book</li></ul><ul><li>Dinner – Pizza and pesto</li></ul><ul><li>Lunch – Buttered noodles</li></ul><ul><li>Breakfast - pancakes</li></ul><ul><li>Holiday- Christmas and Easter</li></ul><ul><li>Animal – Tigers and lions and giraffes</li></ul><ul><li>Color – red, blue, orange and yellow</li></ul><ul><li>Things to do at school – "Make maps and books like the bird book and the mammal book."<br /><br /></li><li>Sport – baseball, football, and hockey<br /></li></ul><br />What do you want for your birthday? "LEGOS! LEGOS! and tractors and trailers like my Grandma got me. Also some workers."<br /><br />What do you love about each person in our family?<br /><ul><li>Daddy – Because he is nice like when he takes us to Arizona.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Mommy – Cuddling with you.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Ellie - She lets me play with her. She helped my build my LEGO police helicopter.<br /></li></ul><ul><li>Colin – He lets my ride his bug.<br /></li></ul><br />Where would you like to go on vacation this year? Pittsburgh.<br /><br />What are some of your wishes for this year? "Maybe I will lose a tooth. I think I am going to like kindergarten because I am going to get to do homework."<br /><br />What makes you happy? "Ellie because when I hurt myself she gives me her stuffed animal to sleep with."<br /><br />What makes you sad? "Nothing."<br /><br />How old is your Mom? "15" (thanks, buddy)<br /><br />How tall is your Mom? Showing with hands "This tall."<br /><br />What is her favorite thing to do? "Spending your time with me."<br /><br />What does Dad do for a job? "Work."<br /><br />What is Dad’s favorite food? "Pizza."<br /><br />What does our family like to do together? "Play baseball."<br /><br />What going to be when you grow up? "A guy who is silly and laughs like a clown."<br /><br />Who are you going to marry? "I don't know. I am going to live by myself with two Huskie dogs."<br /><br />What was the best part of your bowling party today? "Opening my presents."<div><br /><br /></div>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-14274116196055435282011-04-28T19:52:00.004-05:002011-04-28T19:55:37.729-05:00Totally toothless in Chicago<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygO-ILSBxsglWmIm6_gN_Q4p61G-zgB28Ji_BAsOjTgsyJV4UEtXWNppuqlCtqHooIjR_MoavWG9LeZBaeuuQG4VmJ-SkvhKpFEtr6PuM2HM2BZRxD-H_iyVn2d9DD8B5SU5MFVUhPlM/s1600/IMG_3343.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygO-ILSBxsglWmIm6_gN_Q4p61G-zgB28Ji_BAsOjTgsyJV4UEtXWNppuqlCtqHooIjR_MoavWG9LeZBaeuuQG4VmJ-SkvhKpFEtr6PuM2HM2BZRxD-H_iyVn2d9DD8B5SU5MFVUhPlM/s400/IMG_3343.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600802125048515650" border="0" /></a><br />Ellie lost both of her two front teeth this week -- one at Easter brunch (to the total horror of her two year-old cousin who could not believe her eyes) and the other came out tonight when she gave it a little pull.<br /><br />Ellie is delighted at the prospect of being visited by the tooth fairy twice in one week (who wouldn't be?)<br /><br />When I tucked her in tonight, she said, "No apples in my lunch tomorrow, okay Mom?"<br /><br />No apples for awhile Ellie Bellie.<br /></div>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-84382170817623297352011-04-21T06:38:00.001-05:002011-04-21T07:09:22.921-05:00What She Had to Say on her 7th Birthday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeeduWFMB3SRioZadUcF_HngOBHkYiKxd1_9w3xMWVslYRlFHbx-DXZHgZ4P5v2FeEAXwU6us-42fw3pJVVCUdAxQsgMZKdicrJRxcpVKSH7zHA-A08BXQx8sFdO9g4-nERjwFWSqOEo/s1600/027__MG_8053-thumb-autox379-322955.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 252px; height: 379px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHeeduWFMB3SRioZadUcF_HngOBHkYiKxd1_9w3xMWVslYRlFHbx-DXZHgZ4P5v2FeEAXwU6us-42fw3pJVVCUdAxQsgMZKdicrJRxcpVKSH7zHA-A08BXQx8sFdO9g4-nERjwFWSqOEo/s400/027__MG_8053-thumb-autox379-322955.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597349184719290514" border="0" /></a><br />Time for my favorite blog posts of the year -- the birthday interviews! As always, Ellie had lots of interesting things to say. As always, I think she is the most fabulous little girl a mom could ask for. Happy 7th Birthday to you, Ellie!<br /><br />Favorites:<br /><br />Cereal: Three Sister's Graham Cereal<br /><br />Vegetable: broccoli<br /><br />Drink: water<br /><br />Toy: American Girl Dolls<br /><br />TV Show: Wild Kratts<br /><br />Game: Hide-and-seek<br /><br />Book: "The Puppy Place Series. My favorite so far is Buddy. It's like the best one ever."<br /><br />Dinner: "I have three: Mommy's homemade mac and cheese; Dad's steak with Bernaise sauce and the skirt steak with that butter sauce, mashed potatoes and green beans."<br /><br />Lunch: Mac and cheese<br /><br />Breakfast: Waffles<br /><br />Holiday: "Is your birthday a holiday? No. Actually Christmas."<br /><br />Animal: Puppy Dog!<br /><br />Doll: "I need to pick three. Kit, Ruthie and Bitty Baby -- I call her Lulu. I have two babies named Lulu. I am reading a book with a character named Lulu in it . She likes horses."<br /><br />Color: blue and green<br /><br />Thing to do at school: "Recess and there is some subjects that I like as well. Art, dance, technology, library, and I think that's it. Oh, and music."<br /><br />Sport: ice skating<br /><br />What do you want for your birthday? "American Girl Dolls stuff, Pet Shop Stuff, Critters for my doll house and maybe some new clothe."s<br /><br />If you could change your name, what would you choose? "Ava. Because then I would be one of the first people in line."<br /><br />What do you love about each person in our family?<br /><ul><li>I love Dad because he takes us on trips.</li></ul><ul><li>I love my Mom because she signs us up for good things that we like.</li></ul><ul><li>Brendan: He is funny!</li></ul><ul><li>Colin – That he is also funny.</li></ul>Where would you like to go on vacation this year? "To horseyland. Where is that? In the middle of the world."<br /><br />What are some of your wishes for this year? "Well, I hope that Alex and me have lots of playdates and we start that Puppy Place town we are going to do. I started the idea and Alex added things into it. He decided to buy this area of property and I thought it would be good to buy this whole street. Then I decided that this should be near Disneyland so that people would be like, 'This is a great area. It is so close to Disneyland.' So I decided that is where the area should be. This might happen when we are a little bit older or maybe an adult will help us. I think we are going to call it Puppy Place Street, but I don't know yet."<br /><br />What makes you happy? "My family, My friends, my teachers."<br /><br />What makes you sad? "When someone is mean to me or I do something wrong."<br /><br />How old is your Mom? 34<br /><br />How tall is your Mom? "Pretty tall, but not as tall as Dad."<br /><br />What is her favorite thing to do? "Play with our family."<br /><br />What does Dad do for a job? "He works at the Sear's Tower."<br /><br />What is your mom's favorite food? "I don't know."<br /><br />What is Dad’s favorite food? Fish.<br /><br />What does our family like to do together? "Play outside and have fun together."<br /><br />What going to be when you grow up? "A mommy. I am also going to be a teacher, ballet teacher, and I think that's it."<br /><br />Who are you going to marry? "Joey. I don't know."<br /><br />Anything else you want to talk about? "Well, that I hope that Lily* is able to come to my birthday party and celebrate it with me and that everyone has a good time and that I have a good birthday."<br /><br />* Those of you who know Ellie probably know that this is the name of her imaginary friend who lives in California. But she also has a real friend named Lily and that is who she is talking about here.<br /><br />If you are interested in what she had to say in years past, <a href="http://ahenandtwochicks.blogspot.com/2010/04/what-she-had-to-say-on-her-sixth.html">you can find it here</a>.Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-53473718492213954152011-04-18T11:33:00.005-05:002011-04-18T11:40:47.900-05:00Time to make the Easter Eggs!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV99EvO90pxmrI1DV-tJC5i9ie3TGESQWf31Mw2Ozb15uGXsOtld8dx9KpBcBny1xnGB_4w090EOc15NSl_jLKyp_FOv16roOIXpb4C7IacPpRbe2_GRHgTtqLFEQzDPNVsmKpQdN53w/s1600/IMG_2626.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV99EvO90pxmrI1DV-tJC5i9ie3TGESQWf31Mw2Ozb15uGXsOtld8dx9KpBcBny1xnGB_4w090EOc15NSl_jLKyp_FOv16roOIXpb4C7IacPpRbe2_GRHgTtqLFEQzDPNVsmKpQdN53w/s400/IMG_2626.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596964071385508610" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFHlsbzWtiMI229D7_kh4RhHvsLILnJ2KTMjp5x_2io0exUNmOwjtqptAHUkyafoK4yA9Q7gmW0cDDoeCvAZK6rF_7dmVFYiLBanvlOl8ekEVVKizeUfhlwIoEBykrIkz6R4IA0Fjfvw/s1600/IMG_2635.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFHlsbzWtiMI229D7_kh4RhHvsLILnJ2KTMjp5x_2io0exUNmOwjtqptAHUkyafoK4yA9Q7gmW0cDDoeCvAZK6rF_7dmVFYiLBanvlOl8ekEVVKizeUfhlwIoEBykrIkz6R4IA0Fjfvw/s400/IMG_2635.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596964063105474306" border="0" /></a><br />Looking for a fun alternative to store-bought dyes? <a href="http://www.chicagoparent.com/crafts/tie-dyed-easter-eggs">Read more about using bleeding tissue paper in my craft story in the April issue of Chicago Parent Magazine</a>.<br /><br /><br /></div>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-83249497603605102382011-04-09T14:36:00.005-05:002011-04-10T14:40:15.005-05:00Switchin' Up Friday Night<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoEZOOOgd3d5AW87-kvD74tPS62mbBWf9pOT3n3RdmriXSAR0hlbf1mibWE9MZk4t5pXpY93ED8jZ-AvAu188Z3iNO5xslKLNdte2_SYdhUvAdIoxWhxgz5_gjAmB00gpjfaRZLy51aU/s1600/DSCF7518.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZoEZOOOgd3d5AW87-kvD74tPS62mbBWf9pOT3n3RdmriXSAR0hlbf1mibWE9MZk4t5pXpY93ED8jZ-AvAu188Z3iNO5xslKLNdte2_SYdhUvAdIoxWhxgz5_gjAmB00gpjfaRZLy51aU/s200/DSCF7518.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594036067432648386" border="0" /></a><br />By the time Friday night rolls around each week, I am one tired mama.<br /><br />Friday nights at our house usually consist of take out or a lame dinner (because mama loses her cooking inspiration as the week moves along), super overtired kids who end up crashing into bed around 7:30, and the same conversation about how we wish there were better movie choices on On Demand or that we would manage our Netflix queue in a more organized fashion.<br /><br />We are invariable in bed (or falling asleep on the couch) by 10:30.<br /><br />Exciting stuff. Sometime routines like this can start to feel -- quite routine.<br /><br />We were recently offered the opportunity to switch up our Friday night routine and try something new. So we did. Cottonelle Brand (yes, the makers of toilet paper) arranged for a swanky date night for us. A car service (so fancy!) picked me up at our house around 5:45 and then we swung into the loop to grab David from work.<br /><br />Next, we were off to <a href="http://www.grahamelliot.com/">Graham Elliot</a> for a fabulous meal. Want to hear about our meal? Okay, I'll tell you. <br /><br />I started off with an Elliot Spritzer ("pineau de charantes, haus-alpez orchard apricot, organge bitters, cremant d'alsace"). I honestly don't know what any of those things are, but I can highly recommend the cocktail. David had something called the Scarlet Letter made with gin. It was apparently tasty, but it certainly wasn't as sparkly and pretty as my beverage.<br /><br />As we looked over the menu, we munched on the most amazing popcorn I've ever had (Parmesean cheese, truffle oil, fresh chives). We decided to order a la carte instead of doing one of the tasting menus because we wanted to try a bunch of different dishes. We each eat half of our plate -- and then we switch. This way, we get to try six different dishes. Maybe not the most polite fine dining behavior, but . . . whatever.<br /><br />For our cold course, I have the fluke tartare and David had the game birds. Both were delish. For the hot course, David had a sweetbread empanada and I had the chicken noodle dish -- a deconstructed version of chicken noodle soup. This was one of the tastier things I had the pleasure of eating in my whole life. The dish consists of "thyme tagliatelle, celery x5, carrot marshmallow, and hen veloute." So the dish contained a orange puffy marshmallow, crumbled carrot "cereal," a little piece of chicken wrapped in the homemade noodle and various other components that I couldn't identify. The waiter then poured the "hen veloute" -- which is a fancy word for the most delicious chicken gravy I've ever had in in my life into the bowl. I would eat this dish every day if I could. Despite the very unconventional presentation, this was delightful comfort food.<br /><br />Then we were on to the main course (more food!). David ordered the black bass with smoked leeks, salted marcona, tomato marmalade, and creme fraiche. Super yummy. I had waygu beef with trumpet mushrooms, roquefort custard, salsify frites, and arugula puree.<br /><br />The food was fabulous. My date was charming and handsome. It was a delightful Friday night. The experience reminded me of how important it is to take a break from our busy, daily routine and try something new. I am always so glad that we made the effort (and I am reminded of how much I like to hang out with my husband).<br /><br />Cottonelle, the folks behind my "Friday night switch" are holding a sweepstakes now through may 1st. Each day, you can win a new prize that might help you switch things in in your own routines. Prizes include digital cameras, couples massages and manicures for a year. Check out <a href="http://www.cottonelleultraswitch.com">www.CottonelleUltraSwitch.com</a> to enter to win and learn more about how this fun giveaway works.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Disclosure: Cottonelle Brand provided us with complimentary car service and two American Express Gift Cards (one for dinner and the other for pizza and snacks for the kids and babysitter). We also received a 12-pack of Cottonelle Ultra bath tissue (which I have yet to open, but seems like nice, soft toilet paper).</span>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-62147133235011845572011-03-28T21:11:00.002-05:002011-03-28T21:18:48.284-05:00My Happy Place<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnSol_d8TV3JfaOwDhPpwlvf-EowvoEQXJnY-hkbu3oEGnRfQLvRZq4QLndbSdg2R2u2Lp9yKpRL5kTVcXbbv1fS7mehz5unksu57uv31YmvYcwcSIck_rQNYQZYaSXWmGvT34KmxvgA/s1600/P1000218.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnSol_d8TV3JfaOwDhPpwlvf-EowvoEQXJnY-hkbu3oEGnRfQLvRZq4QLndbSdg2R2u2Lp9yKpRL5kTVcXbbv1fS7mehz5unksu57uv31YmvYcwcSIck_rQNYQZYaSXWmGvT34KmxvgA/s400/P1000218.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589318911186881554" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You know how you are supposed to have a "happy place" -- a place where you can mentally transport yourself when a nurse is about to draw blood or a someone launches into a painfully boring story?<br /><br />This beach on Sanibel Island is my happy place. It is spectacularly beautiful and serene. <br /><br />I have been happily sitting on this sand and splashing in the surf here for over 10 years now.<br /><br />First, just David and I would visit this beach -- along with his family.<br /><br />Over the years, we've added three more beach-goers -- making my happy place even . . . happier.<br /></div></div>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-12283481119634042322011-03-16T10:23:00.000-05:002011-03-16T21:00:01.551-05:00Hi There Park. It's So Good to See You Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlWtbcq0txPXP0bkb2hr8bRSib1V4OJWjLIt8mNCCmA9E3yckvF_VfBhnXNmoIAWBpRParw0pqj0SPO10TBtevSs_w8m7k3Ir3JzyUfsIc6bo5LzbTrby4rhG_weRIvtUJWGPzVdhaSg/s1600/IMG_2679.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlWtbcq0txPXP0bkb2hr8bRSib1V4OJWjLIt8mNCCmA9E3yckvF_VfBhnXNmoIAWBpRParw0pqj0SPO10TBtevSs_w8m7k3Ir3JzyUfsIc6bo5LzbTrby4rhG_weRIvtUJWGPzVdhaSg/s400/IMG_2679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584847129354425778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCazXMDHwcbcjTj80gMzV-uChjzXlnsyZEpO-34q-YDLh9eP7MeGBfu3pHdBeewpSSa3TO7mD1LRJSfzmzyyKLnwOq6zWmBQoU8iI9B4PXcvUdc75zwV7Z8KQkDM2tqZJUmtn2AzmH4Y/s1600/IMG_2670.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCazXMDHwcbcjTj80gMzV-uChjzXlnsyZEpO-34q-YDLh9eP7MeGBfu3pHdBeewpSSa3TO7mD1LRJSfzmzyyKLnwOq6zWmBQoU8iI9B4PXcvUdc75zwV7Z8KQkDM2tqZJUmtn2AzmH4Y/s400/IMG_2670.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584847125348595362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmkVllhrVhjKNoy9rQ9YBhYKJfAanHmYn3HfpEqgU43ib8QmIw9EuZMKd2CJymIDbY18Pc2g5jbxagF6k-R82ri5DNj4zZi0ONjf667fSwND6xStuyqR1ynyDYvwMjtooVjXOfKQCtlQ/s1600/IMG_2659.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmkVllhrVhjKNoy9rQ9YBhYKJfAanHmYn3HfpEqgU43ib8QmIw9EuZMKd2CJymIDbY18Pc2g5jbxagF6k-R82ri5DNj4zZi0ONjf667fSwND6xStuyqR1ynyDYvwMjtooVjXOfKQCtlQ/s400/IMG_2659.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584847113563316226" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Thank goodness for the warmth, the sun, the hour and a half or so spent outdoors after school.<br /><br />We have missed you so very much.<br /></div>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-46355851504779770242011-03-10T13:27:00.005-06:002011-03-10T14:03:28.736-06:00Use Your Noodle!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35cysNeSL9gESGwvJag29m0hTX88v-SrXL06B_AVE9FwcilUoynGU-RRgm1jNcaQ1qzi7fiSWq47ETVadQtzvY29PsjgSXhCR6MGD7EEulQaYCLQh3HwZPSi_NtuHpE9bZdtXjW1HDmM/s1600/IMG_2526.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35cysNeSL9gESGwvJag29m0hTX88v-SrXL06B_AVE9FwcilUoynGU-RRgm1jNcaQ1qzi7fiSWq47ETVadQtzvY29PsjgSXhCR6MGD7EEulQaYCLQh3HwZPSi_NtuHpE9bZdtXjW1HDmM/s400/IMG_2526.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582538891653653282" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0G9IHKx7osI3dBRsxxv6nl11ao1acoFM5eY7qDYuZkRtkYqlkvTG3Qu-ZrnlQiv9M-Ia9m82dALCSiykThkdshfzEERXFHgonbwDMdr8WjTs0z-MKPF-mHZlbCZj3dLmBxij9rxw8MB0/s1600/IMG_2523.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0G9IHKx7osI3dBRsxxv6nl11ao1acoFM5eY7qDYuZkRtkYqlkvTG3Qu-ZrnlQiv9M-Ia9m82dALCSiykThkdshfzEERXFHgonbwDMdr8WjTs0z-MKPF-mHZlbCZj3dLmBxij9rxw8MB0/s400/IMG_2523.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582538625118223746" border="0" /></a><br />We eat a fair amount of pasta at our house. I like to serve it with a homemade pesto or a veal ragu or even just a simple tomato sauce (last night's dinner). However, sometimes I give in to the request for plain buttered noodles. I'm not thrilled about it, but I do it in the name of keeping the peace.<br /><br />When I an whipping up some buttered noodles for someone's lunch, I often don't cook the whole box of pasta -- and then my cabinets ends up being cluttered with quarter-full boxes of pasta of various shapes and cooking times. So that's no good.<br /><br />Those nearly empty boxes of pasta were the inspiration for my craft column in <a href="http://www.chicagoparent.com/crafts">Chicago Parent </a>this month. With the help of my handy glue gun, we built this "noodle choo choo train" with pasta shapes that we already had at home. Who knows what you can make with what you have in your cabinet?Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5426149580590798049.post-56275588165152354252011-02-22T11:16:00.006-06:002011-02-22T21:42:37.145-06:00The K. Grace Experience: Flexible, Convenient Babysitting in Chicago -- Part Four<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qv_vLfueR-1XRmwhsA08yiDbzxidjpqWV31Ri8w1SvLUrNtRuYqdlk0CYQOeR_VUihjN7CoPtuYpojIu58BodLSffvZZOJLUatqAoLgBI1V5AwFNaXaztF9Bs-w75JGJfNIeahPokXk/s1600/Online+Awareness+Campaign+Draft+1-1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 345px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qv_vLfueR-1XRmwhsA08yiDbzxidjpqWV31Ri8w1SvLUrNtRuYqdlk0CYQOeR_VUihjN7CoPtuYpojIu58BodLSffvZZOJLUatqAoLgBI1V5AwFNaXaztF9Bs-w75JGJfNIeahPokXk/s400/Online+Awareness+Campaign+Draft+1-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576724755122399506" border="0" /></a><br />Sara and I hope that we have given you a good feel for the client experience at <a href="http://www.kgracechildcare.com/">K. Grace Childcare</a>, but we recognize that a few questions may remain. Based on the feedback we've gotten from readers, we thought that we would create our very own "FAQ" (Frequently Asked Questions) post to try and tie up any loose ends.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(1) How much does K. Grace cost?</span><br /><br />Once your application is accepted, fees are collected on a monthly basis based on hours used in that calendar month. After the first three months*, the fees are as follows:<br /><br />1-25 hour placement (in a given calendar month): $55<br />25-100 hour placement (in a given calendar month): $100<br />101-140 hour placement (in a given calendar month): $125<br />140-400 hour placement (in a given calendar month): $200<br /><br />* For the first three months that you are a client, an additional $100 per month fee applies.<br /><br />Additional fees also apply for last minute placements, overnight placements, and cancellation fees. And if you don’t use any hours in a month (say, like if you take an extended vacation or your mother-in-law comes to town and becomes your live-in babysitter), then you aren’t charged anything at all for that month. So you just end up paying for the service hours that you actually use.<br /><br />Is this service cheap? No, but it’s true what they say: you really do get what you pay for. K. Grace is licensed by the city and state, fully insured and bonded, and all staff are licensed employment counselors. And of course, they put every sitter through an intensive screening process. The fees that K. Grace charges its clients covers the costs of providing first-rate childcare to Chicago families.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(2) What do the sitters think about this process?</span><br /><br />K. Grace obviously wouldn't exist were it not for the extremely well-qualified babysitters they employ. Here is what some of the K. Grace sitters have to say about their experiences.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote>K. Grace's thorough interview process not only let me know that I would be<br />joining true professional childcare providers but also made me feel proud<br />because I knew my accomplishments in the childcare field were valued. The<br />mutual respect and high standards make K. Grace a great fit for me.<br />As someone who came to K. Grace for a second income, I more often find<br />myself making time (in my already full schedule) because of the families I<br />get to work with as opposed to a financial goal. The families are truly<br />great and each experience has been wonderful! - Susie Fogle<br /></blockquote><blockquote>K Grace's interview process was the most rigorous of any other job I've had.<br />There is clearly great care in choosing sitters for jobs as each job I have<br />been assigned to through K Grace has been a perfect fit! If I were a parent<br />looking for a babysitter, I would not hesitate to call K Grace.<br />- Jami Garton</blockquote><blockquote>When going through the hiring process for K Grace, I was amazed at how<br />thorough it is. With two online applications, a group interview, an<br />individual interview, a background check, and quizzes, I have to admit that<br />I thought it was all a bit much. However, after having gone through it all,<br />I can't help but think, if I were a parent, I would want all my sitters to<br />have to go through the same process! It serves as K Grace's promise to<br />their families that they aren't willing to settle for anything but the best.<br />I would go through it all again in a heartbeat!<br />- Jenn Walton</blockquote><blockquote>I chose K Grace because it does what I feel are the hard parts--scheduling,<br />organizing, putting together important information, etc-- and lets me do all<br />the fun stuff! What more could a sitter ask for? I feel so supported by<br />the management; it was clear to me on the first interview (and very clear<br />after the third) that I was going to be part of a very, very capable team.<br />It was as if the staff at K Grace went to the produce section in the grocery<br />store and looked at EVERY SINGLE apple twice before deciding on the best twoor three. The questions I answered were carefully chosen, very conscientious, and each time I was asked back, my confidence in myself grew because I knew that K Grace thought I was special enough for a group of equally special kids.<br />- Leah Ellenbogen</blockquote><br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(3) How can my family get to know the babysitters beforehand?</span><br /><br />Let’s be honest – leaving your kid with someone that you don’t know very well can be stressful for everyone involved. K. Grace always wants to do whatever it can to make this introduction process go as smoothly as possible. When the new K. Grace website launches this spring, clients will receive emails from new sitters along with a photo so that your kids know who to expect when the door bell rings. K. Grace can also arrange “play dates” (with plenty of advance notice) so that your kids can spend some time with a new sitter before the first official babysitting date.<br /><br />As with all areas of the K. Grace experience, the management encourages you to bring any questions or concerns to their attention. They want to do whatever they can to ensure a happy experience for you, your kids and your sitter.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(4) What can I expect when I work with a “team” of sitters?</span><br /><br />For families who are accustomed to relying on only one or two regular babysitters, the idea of working with a “team of sitters” might be kind of intimidating. As I mentioned in last week’s post, K. Grace goes through great lengths to match your family with sitters that are right for you. They are taking into account all of the information in your detailed application – plus all of their knowledge about each individual sitter and making the best possible matches.<br /><br />If you have a reoccurring needs (like every Tuesday afternoon), then you can pretty much expect to have the same sitter each week. If you have a one-time request, K. Grace checks with all of your previous sitters (according to how you have ranked them) before moving on to a new sitter. So as your “team” grows, the chances of having a new sitter decreases.<br /><br />Plus, because K. Grace sitters follow certain protocols and procedures, you can expect a level of consistent quality from each and every sitter. As a client, I can tell you that my experience with K. Grace has encouraged me to think about my childcare needs on a more long-term basis. For example, K. Grace encourages clients to request their placements for a given month at one time whenever possible. This kind of advance notice allows for a great chance that the same sitter will be available to cover more of your family’s requests.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">(5) How is this service different from just finding good babysitters on my own?</span><br /><br />I have found that K. Grace not only saves me time finding sitters and then booking them for particular dates, but I’ve also realized that I could never do the type of thorough screening that they do on my own. I don’t have the time or resources for background checks, interviews and training sessions with every single potential sitter. I can’t really imagine myself asking each sitter for proof of their CPR certification. K. Grace does all of this for each and every client.<br /><br />I’ve also come to really value the fact that I can always count on the K. Grace sitters (as opposed to running the risk that my own sitter might get sick or cancel). When K. Grace says that you will have sitter for a certain time and date, you can rest assured that a sitter will be there -- on time and ready to take excellent care of your kiddos.<br /><br />Did we answer your question? If not, please feel free to email Kayme, the owner of K. Grace Childcare at info@kgracechildcare.com. Trust me, she will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have (she is super friendly and a parent of two herself).<br /><br />Does this personalized and detail-oriented childcare service sound like something that might make be a helpful addition to your family life? Want to try it out? K. Grace is offering you the chance to win a $160 voucher towards placement services (which is fantastic -- because you will have the chance to use a few different K. Grace sitters and really get a feel for the experience over time). Note that, in order to provide the best level of service to their clients, certain geographic limitations apply and the winner is responsible for compensating the babysitter for her/his time).<br /><br />There are two ways you can enter to win: (1) leave a comment on this post (be sure to include your contact information so we can reach you if you win! and (2) <a href="http://www.facebook.com/kgracechildcare">Become a fan of K. Grace childcare on Facebook</a>. So 2 total entries per person. All entries must be received by midnight CST on Monday, February 28, 2011. We will contact all of the winners from all of the giveaways next week.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Disclosure: I am working with K. Grace to help spread the word about their services and I am being compensated for my time.</span>Caitlin Murray Gileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17422718589955962494noreply@blogger.com10