More Eliot Mooney

Guess what?! See more of Eliot & the Mooney's on Oprah this Friday. Set your DVR.

Happy First Birthday Archer!

Mr. Adorable turns one today! Join with me in wishing Archer a Happy First Birthday!

He sure has grown big over the past 12 months. His smile can make a granite heart melt. He's full of laughter, singing, and he constantly talks. He's taking a couple steps here, a couple steps there and soon enough he'll be running around chasing after Connor. He is a complete joy!

Happy Birthday buddy!

Something that Makes Me Happy

...Polishing off the final Post-It Note and getting to pick a new color. Fresh package + fresh color = satisfaction guaranteed.

99 Balloons

Today Eliot's story will be told on Oprah. Please set your DVR's or if you're in Chicago, you can watch it at 11:00 tonight.

Two years ago today Eliot went to be with Jesus. You can watch his story below. It's a beautiful story of one strong little boy and two loving and courageous parents.

Harvest Scent

Saturday I went with Alyson and JC to Ulta. It was their friends and family sale. 20 % off of everything you'd ever want when it comes to hair product, perfume, appliances, make up, nail polish, etc. We were in heaven! I'm wandering around the store with my big green puffy coat slung over my purse (yes, it was frigid and windy - slight tears rolling down my cheeks as I write this. Goodbye summer!) holding my shampoo and conditioner. I see rows of Yankee candles and have to go over there to smell them!

I'm a sucker for fall and Christmas smelling candles. Well, fall and Christmas smelling anything: Fireplaces, pumpkin chai tea, gingerbread, apple cider, evergreen trees...I'm practically drooling for the holidays (she says as she slings a handful of M&M's in her mouth thanks to a co-worker. How dare she bring in Halloween candy!). Stay on target, Katy! So I see the "harvest" candle in front of me. I go to pick up the candle and remove the lid so I can breathe deeply the scent of fall harvest. The lid won't pop off. So I lift it up towards me to get a better grip and next thing I know...SHATTERED! Fall Harvest shattered all over the floor of the Ulta! Horror! I wanted to run away, but instead I just let out a mournful and pitiful, "Shhiiiiiiuuuuuuuuuuut." And right then you think, "I knew better than to do that!" I actually had a flash of the candle dropping just before I picked it up. Do I have a sixth sense or was this a case of a self-fulfilled prophesy?

I put on my big girl pants and told a nice young woman what I had done. We took the death march over to the scene of the crime. She with her broom, me with my red face. I asked to pay for it and she said not to worry about it because it happens all the time. Thank God! The candle was $22. Eek!

Just another day in the life of being me. Clumsy, cookie-craving me.

You Have to Email Him!

Kelly and I had lunch together on Thursday. As we walked to the corner so she could catch a cab, we noticed a man look at us and then he smiled and said, "Hello." We did the courteous exchange and then continued on our way. Then out of the corner of my eye I see him cross the street, turn around and smile at us again. Huh. "Kelly, someone is totally checking us out. I'm not sure which one of us. It could be either or both. Probably both, I mean OBVIOUSLY!"

So we hug goodbye and I wait for the light to change so I can cross the street and walk back to my office. But wait, the man appeared again on the opposite corner. So I walked by, turned and he said, "How you doin'." I smiled as I kept walking and murmured a quiet, "Fine, thanks!" Then I hear, "Wait, excuse me. Excuse me. I just...I want to give you my card. Will you take my card? You are just so beautiful. I had to come back around just to see you (slightly creepy, but flattering. They often go hand in hand.) Beautiful." "Oh, thanks. You're really kind." Notice, this is when I start getting flustered and turn into a 12 year old girl with braces. "What is your name? I'm _____. I would love to give you my card." Blah blah blah. I really don't remember what happened next other than saying "thank you" and making my way back to work.

All the girls at the office are mad at me because I won't email the guy. He's a sports writer for a Chicago newspaper. I know, he sounds ideal and they keep saying things like, "But what a fun story! You could tell people at your wedding rehearsal dinner how you met!" GEESH! Slow down! My word. I don't feel too comfortable emailing the guy. I know it could make for a very interesting story. I'm reminded once again of something wise and truthful my dear brother, Patrick, once spoke - "Single people are entertainment for married people." You ain't kiddin'!

I do want to give props to the man because he's much more courageous than most.

Skinny Pants

You know your pants are too tight when you can see the outline of your thong in the back. Thank God for long sweaters.

The Mooney Family

Congratulations to Matt & Ginny Mooney! Their daughter, Hazel Emerson, was born yesterday. You may have followed their son, Eliot's story last year. Please read his story if you have not already. This is a truly blessed day for the Mooney family!

Rachel Zoe Project

I have been OBSESSED with this show. I won't even say it's a guilty pleasure. It's just a pleasure. I love fashion and I especially love the Hollywood glitz and glamour around Oscar Season. I may be an actress but I'm more likely to watch the red carpet show and turn it off before the awards begin. I would DIE to get to dress up like that one day. Sigh.

I'm sad the season is over. I now imitate Rachel Zoe with almost everything I say. I also want a big bad gold panther ring and over-sized sunglasses. I can hardly help myself.

I Love Shoes

I just made two shoe purchases on Zappos. I've thought long and hard about it and feel good about my choices. So this winter I will be sporting the following shoes:

Saucony Originals Courageous in Gray. They remind me of the New Balance 990's but at a far cheaper price.

Mizuno Wave-Inspire for running. I hope they really do inspire me to get out there and run. Maybe they'll even magically make my legs move fast and far! They were even on sale!

I just had second breakfast. I'm looking forward to elevenses.

Radio

I, Katy Orender, was interviewed this past Sunday by WGN Radio host, Dean Richards. They wanted to interview someone who coordinated the Walk. They had a remote trailer at our Walk site. It was fun and exciting! Of course I was nervous. I often get the "jeopardy" syndrome which basically means that I know the answer to everything until someone asks me and I have to answer under pressure.

When asked about our mission I said, "Well, our mission is simple. It's um, um...(so simple I'm forgetting) um..." Thankfully I was quick to come up with, "um, to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research." I think I also used the words "cure" and "research" a bazillion times. But quickly I warmed up and bantered about the Cubs, spandex and donating on our website. Whew!

Enjoy some pics!

Autumnal

Today I am wearing a turtleneck and the most adorable plaid bomber jacket. Fall is here. Last night I switched out my closet. It felt good to get it done. But I have to admit that I'm dreading winter - even though I love the clothes.

(this picture is from when I bought it this summer. See, I was thinking ahead!)

I Love You

Yesterday I was a little out of it. I ended a business phone call with, "okay. Thanks. Love you. Bye." My co-worker yells over the cube wall, "Um, Katy, I think you just said 'I love you.'" I don't think its the first or the last time that will happen.

God help me! The walk I organize for work takes place this Sunday. That's why I've been M.I.A. I've actually had to work! I had to work so hard last week that I cried. I've been stressed and even lost a few pounds (no complaints here!). So pray for sunny, dry weather this weekend. It rained last year. I can handle it again, but it's much more fun with no rain.

The play is over :( boo hiss. But the family did make it in town this past weekend to see the play. It was fabulous fun! Miss the cast and miss my family.