Third Annual Academy Awards Party

The past few years, Stacy and I have hosted an Oscar dinner party for our friends. Formal attire is encouraged, which is also a great way to re-use those old bridesmaid gowns! The menu this year was: Spinach salad, rolls, bacon-wrapped green beans, twice-baked potatoes and pot roast. For dessert, we braved our first attempt at cheesecake and I think it was a success. Stacy found this great recipe online so we bought some springform pans and tried it.

The guests filled out a ballot and prizes were awarded to those who got the most right. Shanna was the big winner this year with Erika taking second place. We had a third prize that was given to the "Best Dressed" guest, which was decided by an anonymous vote of those present. And the winner was... Cheris Larson - way to go, Cheris!

Here's a slideshow of pictures taken that night. Enjoy!

My Valentine's Day Date

Valentine's Day... the dreaded holiday for singles is always a challenge for me. Each year, however, I end up making something fun come of it.



2005 - Double date with Ben & Jerry. Erika's idea to eat some ice cream and watch movies with hot men in them.

2006 - Same Ben & Jerry concept, though we added Stacy to our soiree.

2007 - Dinner at Monical's followed by "Music and Lyrics" at the Palace theater with the girls.


2008 - Pizza and Trains with Grant Zimmerman! :) Mark and Rita wanted a night out and I have Thursday nights open, so it was a deal. I had so much fun! Grant is getting so big and more aware of things. He was also very excited to play with Miss Julie. As soon as I walked in the door, he rushed to greet me with a little bag of heart-shaped brownies that he had "helped" Rita make for me. I had barely taken my coat off when he instructed Mom and Dad to leave. We had some serious train tracks to build!

Super Bowl Party

I hosted some of my Journey friends to a super bowl party. I am not so much a football fan, but it was a great excuse to get the group together to hang out. I had planned to use both TV's... one for those interested in the game and one for those who weren't. However, everyone congregated in the basement, both football and non-football fans alike. Maybe because that's where all the food was... :) Here's a slideshow from the party.

"Wicked" Trip

Last weekend, I took a trip to Chicago with some of the girls to see "Wicked". We took the train up from Bloomington which was a fun adventure! It actually is much cheaper and less stressful than driving. $24 round trip... can't beat that! The only drawback of the train is that you are tied to their schedule and there are often delays. We had a great time in the city. The show was incredible... it was my third time to see it! We walked down to Giordano's for some pizza before the return trip to Bloomington.

Holidays 2007

Christmas 2007 ~
This year was the first time to celebrate the holidays in my parents' new house. It was also the first holiday where Jen is married. It all worked out well though, because Eric's extended family celebrates on Christmas Day where ours is on Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Eve, we went to church at Minooka Bible then came back to have dinner with extended family. Mom made dinner then we had the annual gift exchange. Everyone brings a $30 gift that could be for anybody and then we play the game where you can steal back and forth. The first year we tried this game, my aunt Lisa brought a victorian-looking Santa dressed in leopard print pants. He became the joke of the party and keeps returning year after year. And it never fails a guy ends up with him!

On Christmas Day, Jen and Eric came over after opening gifts at the Danielson's. We did our immediate family exchange. Jen and Eric then took off to his extended family gathering, so Mom and I watched a movie. It was a good, relaxing day with family.

New Years Eve 2007 ~
This year I spent New Year's Eve with my Journey friends. John Julien hosted the party at his house. Wii bowling was a hit!