The holidays are upon us and here's what I know....

The Arizona Mistaks are coming home for the holidays! HURRAH! Marc, Darby and Max are coming to stay with Bubbie and Papa on the 18th and staying until 1/2/09. They hope to see everyone while they are here. Call and come over.

The Karen, Michael and Matthew are going to Arizona to visit grandparents, Arlene and Irwin and Uncle Steve. Nancy and Alan are off to Mexico. Joel and Sue are just home from Spain. I think all the college kids are coming home and the Baron's are probably all going somewhere during part of the holiday. Maybe, they'll decide soon. Greg is going to Amsterdam for a few days with some college buddies, but he'll be home in time to cook some special treats for us all.

Because, those of us who are home are planning to spend 12/24 (otherwise known as xmas eve) in Oak Park with the Mistaks. They are expecting us at 4:30. We hope to see all who are not away somewhere warm, that evening.

Of course, Joe and I can't say for sure that we'll be there, still waiting for that all important call..... We'll keep you posted.

Kevin is a Star!

Last night was the holiday concert at Hersey High School where Bonnie and Jeff said they felt like they were at Orchestra Hall listening to the Chicago Symphony. It was that good. I hope someone taped the concert so we can all hear it. Wish I had a photo to add to this, Sue???
Congratulations Kevin!

Brett--the Singing Hoosier

The Holiday Concert is tomorrow night!!!!

The Singing Hoosiers shine as America's Premiere Collegiate Concert Show Choir. Averaging 115 members, the Singing Hoosiers feature collegiate performers from the world-renowned Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, as well as students with a variety of other majors, from business to chemistry to political science. They perform American popular music, jazz, and Broadway favorites with dazzling choreography, energy and style.

Annually, the Singing Hoosiers perform several concerts at home on the campus of IU Bloomington, including the Chimes of Christmas concert in December and the Spring Concert. The group also sings in opera and oratorio productions of the IU Jacobs School of Music and at Big Ten basketball games.

The Singing Hoosiers have appeared with such legendary entertainers as Bob Hope, Alan Sherman, Red Buttons, Tony Bennett, Duke Ellington, and Indiana's favorite son Hoagy Charmichael. They have also performed with opera legend Sylvia McNair and with several professional symphony orchestras, including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, Evansville Philharmonic, South Bend Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Pops.

Thanksgiving is upon us.

There are always so many things to be thankful for.

Personally, I am thankful that Joey(Whitey) is doing well, while we wait for the donor lungs to become available. We wait anxiously for the call and are always ready to go, night or day. We expect it is "the call" whenever the phone rings.

We are grateful to be surrounded by family and good friends and know that if and when we call on you for support, you'll be here for us. We appreciate knowing that, more than you can even imagine.

GOD BLESS US ALL!

Geni.com

I suppose by now most of you have heard from Geni.com. A third cousin from Boulder, CO contacted me last week, Charlotte Eisen, whose grandfather and my Bubbie Mappa were first cousins. Someone in her family and my Mom worked on our family tree about 30-40 years ago. She had all this information on her computer and found that she could import it to Geni.Com. So she did and it has taken off from there. We now have more than 1000 people in our family tree. Please take a look when you have time, I find it amazing. Add whatever you know and notice is missing, inlaw information is great.

The Pumpkin Patch

Bubbie and Papa took the boys to the Pumpkin Patch on Sunday morning. Such a fun time was had by all. Here's a few photos of the boys.

GIVING!

Sue and Kevin are doing the CROP Walk this weekend. Hopefully, they'll send us some photos for the blog.

It is a 6 mile walk to "support hunger" in our area. It's a great cause.

CROP Hunger Walks help children and families worldwide -- and right here in the U.S. -- to have food for today, while building for a better tomorrow. Each year some two million CROP Walkers, volunteers, and sponsors put their hearts and soles in motion, raising over $16 million per year to help end hunger and poverty around the world -- and in their own communities.

If you are interested in supporting them, you can make your check payable to CWS/CROP and send it to Sue.

Happy New Year--L'Shona Tova to all

We had a very lovely "break the fast" at Nancy and Alan's tonight. Unfortunately, we were missing some of the family. Arlene has a cold, Barry was working, Greg was working, Jen and the boys were with her Grandma. And the only out of towner who was in town was James. It was good to see him and then he flew off to D.C to spend the weekend with Rachel. Isn't Young Love Grand?

I need some news! Please email and let me know what's happening that you'd like to share with all of us.

I've joined facebook and have found some of you there, but not as many as I thought I might. Why not join? It's kind of fun.

Sunflowers

We grew Sunflowers this summer. The stalks are about 10 feet tall. These were the first and also the best flowers from the stalks. The rest were just OK. But these lasted over a week in the house. What fun!

I can't believe it's time to go back to school!

I hear that Matthew starts school this Thursday, 3rd grade. Sam starts kindergarten next Tuesday, Marlee heads back to Vermont tomorrow for her sophmore year at UV, Brett is off to IU on Saturday to his Senior year, James is off to be a Junior at UofI, Kevin a HS Senior, Jack to 8th grade and Lily to 4th grade next week. Can it be? How did they all grow up so fast? At least we still have 2 little guys, Myles in preschool and Max in every activity a 20 month old little guy can be in. I saw Brett and Marlee last weekend and so here's their photos of the day. Send me some new shots of the rest of the kids and I'll add them to the next post.

2008 Little League Champ--Matthew Mittelmark

Matthew's team, the Patriots, took 1st place in the Buffalo Grove Travel Team Tournament. "Double M" was the starting pitcher
for the Championship game and struck out 5 out of 6 batters.
Note from Matthew...............
I was the starting pitcher in 26 of 27 games and our record was 23 wins and 4 losses. GO PATRIOTS!

GREAT JOB JEN! WE SALUTE YOU!

Here’s a couple photos from the 25th mile and the lunch stop on the first day of the walk. Jennifer's Colorado 2 day Avon walk for Breast Cancer took place at the beginning of July. Jennifer and her friend Kirsten walked 26.5 miles the first day and 13.5 the second. Jen raised a hefty sum of money in memory of her Mom--Lynn Winer.

Photos from Ave's Party

Avery's 60th B'day

After much pressure, Ronna convinced Avery to have a small party to celebrate his birthday. So she invited us to dinner at Bravo in the Glen. A great time was had by all, as you will see from the photos. In attendance were Ave and Ronna, Barbara and Craig (Ronna's sister and brother-in-law) Bonnie and Jeff, Arlene and Irwin, Joey and Me, Joe and Robin (Avery's best friend since Kindergarten).

James surgery was successful!

James had surgery again yesterday to replace the stent in his leg. All went well and he will be coming home today!
It's great to be young and strong and able to withstand the trauma his body has been through. Thank GOD!

DO YOU HAVE ANY NEWS?

I haven't heard any news lately. What's up? Do you have anything you'd like me to publish to the blog?

Be sure to send me any info and I'll spread the news. Send news to my email: ardis1929@comcast.net

Any trips planned?
How's summer going?

Our weather has been great so far this summer. So many stellar days. I just love it.

next 4th of July--2009

Rhonda and Doug announced that since next year the 4th is on a Saturday, they plan to have the famous Marion Indiana Edmond's Gala weekend event and we are all invited. Mark your calendar to save the date.

Matthew's ALL STAR GAME

Matthew's All Star Game was great. He pitched well, he got a base hit. I heard it was a long and exciting game. I wished we could have stayed longer, we missed seeing the end.

4th of July

We all had fun at Arlene and Irwin's on the 4th. I got a few good shots.

The Arizona Mistaks are here with us in Northbrook!

What a treat to have my kids and grandchildren all together in one place. Here are a few shots, of course I can't ever get a photo of them all together, but I'll show a few. I'll have to get one of Darby and of Sam to share next time.

Myles Mistak as Tigger

I thought this was a cute photo of Myles. He and I were just playing together downstairs in his playroom. He loves to dress up in costumes. Sam was a school.

Now that I've figured out how to put photos in the blog, you'll be seeing more.

We had a "dress rehearsal"

"Whitey" (Joe) received a call on Wednesday night and we just about flew to Loyola Medical Center where he was prepped for the surgery and about the time the nurse was going to start the IV medication, the harvesting surgeon called from the hospital where he was to say the donor lungs were not perfect and he was scrapping the transplant for that night.

So, although we were disappointed, we know he'll get another chance (sooner rather than later) and we are prepared, I know I can drive in that state of heightened adrenalin, and we know exactly what to expect when we get there----we'll get through this and he will come home and be well!!!!! If you Pray, pray for us!!!

The next time, I will not call and excite everyone saying we are on our way, I'll call when I know the surgery is actually going to happen.

I didn't know it could NOT happen.

Good News

1. James is home from the hospital and doing very well. We hope to see him up and around really soon.

2. Matthew is on the Little League All Start Team for his division from Buffalo Grove. I know a some people who are very proud of him. On his team, he pitches; sometimes catches and I can't remember the other position he plays. Let me know, please.

3. Bonnie and Jeff are leaving for NY tomorrow for their friend Naomi's grandson's Bar Mitzvah and some other fun stuff. They'll be back on Tuesday night. Hope they have a grand time.

Good Job Kevin

Kevin left today to help build houses in Appalacia with the church group as he did last summer. He'll be gone for about a week. What a great service project. Makes us all proud of his accomplishments. I've done Habitat for Humanity in Waukegan a couple of times and it really is amazing.

James is doing well!

James is now in a regular room, so cards and letters will be appreciated. You can address them to:
JAMES FINKLE
UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO HOSPITAL
5841 S. MARYLAND
ROOM TS310
CHICAGO, IL 60637
I don't have a phone #, but I'm sure you can get it from 1800free411.

Camp Chi and Lake Delton

Marlee and Brett are both working at Camp Chi this summer. What you've seen in the news is true. Lake Delton is no more. It's just a mud hole. No water skiing or motor boating this summer at camp; too sad.

James surgery was successful!

Hurrah! James came through his surgery with flying colors. Sounds like it was a long day, but all is well. He is doing very well. I'll add more as soon as I hear more news about how soon he will be a regular room and when he can come home.

Prom night

Last night was Kevin's Prom. Sue sent me a great shot of him with his girlfriend Jess, unfortunately, I seem to be unable to post it to this blog. I'll try email.

Getting Healthy Again

James will be admitted to University of Chicago hospital on June 12 to repair his aortic graft.
Sending GOOD THOUGHTS for a speedy recovery. Let us know how we can help. I understand, he's expected to be in the hospital for about 10 days. I'll keep you updated on his progress. Cards and letters will be appreciated.

Joe (Whitey) has finally been placed on the Lung Transplant List, so now we wait for the call. You are all unofficially on my "Support list" and I appreciate appreciate knowing that, more than you can even imagine. Thanks in advance.

Trips

Marlee is on her way to Israel! She departed from the Newark airport this afternoon. She is attending a Birthright Israel trip for college students with the Chicago Community trip provider, Shorashim. What is unique about the Shorashim trip provider is that for the entire 10 day trip, the participants are accompanied by young Israeli soldiers (men and women) who act as their security and tour guides. The Birthright Israel trip is an amazing opportunity for any post HS Jewish youth between the ages of 19-26.

Greg, Jennifer and the boys are off to Minoqua, WI for the weekend. That should be a perfect weekend for them. A cabin in the woods, I hope it's warm enough to enjoy the lake.

What's up with us?

Since this is the first posting, I don't have much to share. I'm waiting to hear what everyone is going to be up to this summer, if summer every arrives. Be sure to write and tell me what the whole family would like to know.

Here's a few things I know.
Greg and Jen are having a fundraiser
WHEN: Thursday, May 29th @ 7:05 pm
Rooftop access at 6:35 pm
WHERE: 1032 Waveland
(enter on Kenmore)
HOW MUCH: $150, includes unlimited
hot food, cold beer/wine, and $25
to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
Donate more by adding to your
check or cash payment
WHO: All are invited, groups welcome
Rooftop capacity is 100, get your
name on the list today!
CONTACT: Jennifer Mistak,
jennifer@sachemco.com

Marc, Darby and Max are coming for a visit June 20. We hope to have a BBQ so they get to see everyone. Hope we can come up with a date that everyone can come.