Check out these adorable creations:

10:30 PM Don’t Be A Couch Potato: Milwaukee Bring your kids to the Betty Brinn for a little fun with Mr. Potato Head. This event is free with regular admission.

7:10 PM Brewers vs. Cubs

Saturday

Celebrate Earth Day with a Park Clean Up: Milwaukee Bradford Beach, Cudahy Park, Dretzka Park, Falk Park, Grant Park, Humbolt Park, Jackson Park, Lake Park, Lakefront Trails & Bluffs, Sheridan, Warnimont, South Shore Park, Washington Park, Whitnall Park/Potter’s Forest, and more!

10:30 AM Play & Learn Story Time at Washington Park: Milwaukee Learn how talking, singing, reading, playing and having fun together can impact your child to learn and grow in a positive way. Each program is designed as a fun family outing that incorporates development of early literacy skills through play, music and art. Help customers, arrange flowers, run the cash register and write up orders at the pretend flower shop.

11:00 AM Family Story Time: Grafton Story time introduces children to the public library and the joys of reading.  It focuses on early literacy skills and includes stories, music, movement and plays.  After story time, children will make a craft related to the day’s theme.

11:30 AM & 2:30 PM Discovery World Coffee Ground Mushrooms: Milwaukee Your kids will learn how to grow fresh, tasty mushrooms at home. Field & Forest Products of Peshtigo, WI will be on hand to share their 30 years of mushroom growing experience in a series of informative sessions. Sessions through out the day will provide you with everything you need to begin cultivating your own batch.

5:30 PM Kids Night Out at the Waukesha County Museum: Waukesha Do you have things to do without your kids tonight? Children 5-10 years old will enjoy a night at the Museum including art activities, games, experiments and more. Cost is $25.00 per child includes a pizza dinner. To register at 262-521-2859.

6:10 PM Brewers vs. Cubs

7:00 PM Milwaukee Admirals vs. Charlotte Checkers

Sunday

10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Just Between Friends Consignment Sale: West Allis Looking for great deal on kids clothing, toys and more? Check out this sale. Consignors bring their new and gently-used children’s and maternity merchandise to sell. Shoppers can then browse and purchase these items at great savings, usually far below retail prices.

12:00 PM Earth Day at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center: Milwaukee Enjoy canoeing, guided hikes, ponding, live animals, beach-combing and much more. From 1-2 you can get up close and personal with one of the Center’s raptor birds.  You must per-register for this event with the Audubon Center.  Call 414-352-2880 ext. 0 to register. FEE: Members: Child: $4 (ages 5 and up)Adult: $5; Non-Members: Child: $6 Adult $7

2:00 PM & 5:00 PM Scooby Doo Live! Musical Mysteries: Milwaukee Your kids will love watching these wacky characters solve a mystery, sing fantastic songs and perform outrageous antics at this live performance.

1:10 PM Brewers vs. Cubs

As my daughter has stated to make friends, I’ve started to reflect on what qualities she should be looking for in a friendship. Like you, I want my child have friends, but I want those friends to be quality ones. I want her to have strong support network as she embarks on her next journey in life.

Here is what I look for in my friends:

1. Trust

You need know that you can trust your friends completely. That if you tell them something, or if you experience something that they will be there for you. They are not the type that will steal your girlfriends or manipulate a situation for their own good. They won’t talk about you behind your back with you friends. They stick up for you, love you and support you no matter what.

2. Honesty & Good Intentions

Do you have an understanding of who the person is, what they believe and have they paint an accurate picture of their lives of you? Good friends understand each other, share with one another and talk honestly about their lives. While they may not share every last detail of their lives, you should feel like you know who the person is.

3. Give & Take

Good friends give as much as they take. We have all had those friendships where one person is giving far more then the other. When there is an imbalance, that friendship isn’t one that is mutually respected. Do yourself a favor, if you are feeling like you are constantly giving and getting nothing back, perhaps that isn’t as strong of a friendship as your originally thought.

4. Supportive

Are your friends your biggest fans? Your cheerleaders? Do the listen to your ideas, share experiences and cry with you? A good friend should do all that and more. Supportive through the good, the bad and the ugly…because let’s face it, life is all that and more at times. A good friend will stand with you in a time of need and love your whole heartily.

If someone in your life that you consider to be a good friend is judging you, causing problems with you or with your friends, best bet…give that friendship space. You will know very quickly if that friendship is as important to them as it is to you.

Remember friendships, like any relationship, are fluid. They grow and change as you grow and change. There is nothing better then realizing you are surrounded with quality friendships.

Were they jaded? Perhaps. They looked in all the wrong places. Did all the wrong tests. Called in all the wrong doctors. Instead of a Neurologist  they sent an Opthamologist. Instead of a scan of my neck and chest, the focused on my brain. But still, here I was, walking into the hospital hoping that this time they would finally get it right.

The difference? This time, I am in charge of my health, I am now armed with knowledge and I don’t trust what every doctor suggests. I am working with a team of doctors outside of this hospital and they have finally put the pieces together. They are the ones I have to thank for helping me through this horrific ordeal.

This time, I knew what I was there for and exactly what I needed. It was empowering in one regard, but still nerve racking. I was {and still am} extremely anxious as I work with new doctors. If so many specialists got it wrong, how can I trust that someone is finally going to get it right? How do I find strength to be positive through all this?

I have a Carotid Artery Dissection and all my symptoms make sense now. They make sense to every doctor I see. Everything that has happened to me, every test that has been run, finally show conclusive results. This is all good, but in all honesty, I am scared. 

Monday night, as I laid in an MRI machine for an hour, I couldn’t help but think that I am having a test done that should have been done months ago. That I am lucky nothing else has happened to me.

Today I met with my Neurologist and she discussed the plan moving forward. My case is urgent. I am at high risk for a stroke. I need to regulate my blood pressure, take it easy and wait until I hear from the specialist who will likely be performing surgery on me.

I have faith that everything will turn out okay. At this point I know I can handle whatever they throw at me. I just want this to be over.

Please continue to keep me and my family in your thoughts and prayers.

Love, Molly

It’s Diva Night in Tosa this Thursday {February 21st from 5:00 PM – 9:15 PM}

Enjoy a night of shopping, sipping wine and indulging in some of Tosa’s delicious cuisine.

Visit any 8 of the participating shops to receive a special stamp on your punch card. Then drop your completed punch card at Vino 100 by 9:10 PM to qualify for the free drawing at 9:15 PM.

Businesses Participating with Punch Cards, Raffle Items and Promotions: Bangles and Bags, Flower Lady, Vino 100, Refined Boutique, Swan Interiors, Blue Lapin, Urban Laundry Boutique, Oro di Oliva, Arte Wine and Painting Studio, B. Green, Paulina Esthetics Boutique, Be Spectacled, Magpie Jewelers, Twirly Birds, Salamander, Little Read Book, Niemann’s Candies, and The Ruby Tap.

Businesses Participating with Raffle Items and Promotions: Firefly Urban Bar & Grill, Pizzeria Piccola, Yo Mama, the Chancery, Hector’s, Leff’s Lucky Town, Baskin Robbins, and Noodles & Company.

I didn’t think we were going to go to this years show because as my husband put it: “Disney on Ice is a combination of my two favorite things ice dancing and Disney songs.” {insert sarcasm}

The girls had no idea we were going to the show until we were sitting in our seats and Mickey & Minnie hit the ice. You should have seen the looks on their faces. PRICELESS! {do this if you take your kids, it was so incredible to see their excitment}

I wasn’t sure if Alice (2) would be into the show, but she was standing on her seat waving to the characters, clapping along to the songs and laughing through the performance. We had seats in the 330 section and could see everything.

The Gang’s Here!

My husband and I decided our favorite part of the show was watching the girls. Alice loved anytime Mickey, Minnie and the Club House characters were on the ice. Claire was in awe of all the Princesses and their sparkly gowns. Mike, despite his distast for “ice dancing” has a whole new perspective on these things now.

There is nothing like watching your children experience the world. So, in conclusion  go to the show when it come to your area. Your whole family will enjoy it!

It’s a Small World Night Parade. This was so cool!

Disney On Ice: Milwaukee Bring your family to the US Cellular Arena for the magic of Disney on Ice. Your kids will enjoy this colorful, song filled show as they watch their favorite character’s dance past them on the ice. This is the 100 year celebration and is sure to be full of surprises.

Garden Train Show at the Mitchell Park Domes: Milwaukee Your entire family will enjoy a break from the snow exploring the jungle, desert and floral domes. We went to this last weekend and my girls loved it! G-scale trains wind their way though a beautiful spring decorated dome. This years theme is the  circus train. Admission is $6.50 for adults, $5 for kids under the age of 18.

Winter Festival: Cedarburg (Saturday & Sunday) This year’s theme is Animal Safari and includes a pancake breakfast, local artisians and crafters, family activities, a scavenger hunt, ice carving, great food from local vendors, camel rides, a petting zoo, wine tasting, craft making, a chili cook-off and more. Most event are free.

Friday

10:00 AM Story Time at the Sussex Library: Sussex Come for this special toddler friendly story time and playgroup. Your kids will enjoy this 1/2 hour of story, songs and play.

 11:00 AM Story Time at Yo Mama: Wauwatosa MeetUp Join us for a fun-filled morning at Yo Mama. This story time features a craft, frozen yogurt and a chance to meet other mom’s from the area. Hope to see you there!

7:00 PM Milwaukee Admirals Game: Milwaukee Come for the game and see special guest Donald Driver.

Saturday

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Milwaukee County Farmers Market: West Allis Shop local and support farmers all winter long at this indoor farmers market. Parking and admission are free.

10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Lego Club at the Brookfield Library: Brookfield Your kids will love this hands on playgroup at the Brookfield Library.

10:30 AM Story Time in the Galleries: Milwaukee This story time is held at the Milwaukee Art Museum and free with admission. Your children will hear a story that relates to art and then make a craft to bring home.

12:00 PM Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Pittsburg: Milwaukee Bradley Center Tickets range from $25-$35

3:00 PM Comedy Sports for Kids: Milwaukee Your kids will enjoy this family-friendly, kid-oriented improvisational comedy. Suggested for children 8 years and older. Tickets cost $7.50.

5:30 – 8:30 PM Kid’s Night Out at the Waukesha County Museum: Waukesha Children ages 5-10 will enjoy a night of Carnival fun and a pizza dinner. This drop off event is for kids only and features: art activities, games, experiments and more. Parents can also use this time to have a little fun themselves by going out to dinner, shopping, or running a few errands. $25/Child

7:00 – 9:00 PM Glow Skate: Milwaukee The Wilson Ice Arena turns off it’s light tonight for a special Glow Skate night. $5/skater includes glow necklace, skate rental (if needed), & door prize entry. Children age 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Parents, caregivers or others who choose not to skate may watch the event free of charge.

7:00 PM Food & Froth: Milwaukee Date Night! Enjoy a night at the Milwaukee Public Museum sampling over 200 local and world-wide beers.

Sunday

12:00 – 4:00 PM Winter Blast: Bayview Come for a Hawaiian themed community party featuring a Hawaiian shirt contest, hula hoop and limbo contests, spam carving and face-painting. A tiki photo booth will be available for you and your friends and family to take memorable tiki-themed photos. Live music, delicious food from local restaurants, face-painting, contests, and booths from numerous community and neighborhood groups are just a part of what to expect at Winter Blast.

1:00 – 4:00 PM Science Saturday: Milwaukee Your family will enjoy learning about animals in winter at the Riverside Urban Ecology Center this weekend. Stop in and discover the world of science through self-led interactive activities and crafts.

Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Show atWisconsin State Fair Grounds: West Allis More than 700 booths feature providers of thousands of home improvement products and services including kitchens, decks, cabinets, windows, bathrooms, siding, landscaping, media rooms, wall coverings, lower levels, roofing, fireplaces, and much more.

Garden Train Show at the Mitchell Park Domes: Milwaukee Your entire family will enjoy a break from the snow exploring the jungle, desert and floral domes. We went to this last weekend and my girls loved it! G-scale trains wind their way though a beautiful spring decorated dome. This years theme is the  circus train. Admission is $6.50 for adults, $5 for kids under the age of 18.

Night Time Sledding with Milwaukee County Parks: Milwaukee Area Parks The following parks offer lit hills, perfect for a night of sledding with you family: Currie, 3535 N. Mayfair Rd., Humboldt, 3000 S. Howell Ave., Pulaski (Milwaukee), 2677 S. 16 St., Whitnall, 5879 S. 92 St., & Enjoy Concessions in the Whitnall Clubhouse too!

Friday, Feb 8

1:30 PM Palmero’s Pizza Tour: Milwaukee Come learn how pizza’s are made in Milwaukee’s only Pizza Factory and more!

6:00 – 10:00 PM Kid’s Night Out with Brookfield Dance Academy: Brookfield Enjoy a night out with your husband, while your kids have a night out of their own. Ages 5-12 years old can attend for just $18 per child. Dinner is provided for your children for an addition $5.00. Everyone is welcome!

6:00 – 9:00 PM Betty Brinn Little Sweetheart Dance: Milwaukee Come dance the night away with your little sweetheart! This Valentine’s Day party at the Betty Brinn features dancing, playing, holiday crafts and silent auction and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Saturday, Feb 9

8:00 AM – 12:00 PM Milwaukee County Farmers Market: West Allis Shop local and support farmers all winter long at this indoor farmers market. Parking and admission are free.

10:00 – 11:30 AM Introduction to Cross Country Skiing: Milwaukee Learn how to cross country ski at the Washington Park Urban Ecology Center. They provide the skis and hot chocolate. Registration is required. Cost: $9, Children under 12 $7

10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Stories in the Tipi: Milwaukee After a morning of sledding and outdoor fun, bring your family to the Riverside Park Urban Ecology Center to warm up around a fire and read stories in their rooftop tipi.

10:00 AM -4:00 PM Greendale Annual Winter Event: Historic Downtown Greendale This family friendly event is Hawaiian Themed and full of fun. Featuring a chili cook-off, hawaiian dancers, ice carving, ice skating, kids activities and drinks with fruit in them. Bring on the warm weather and sunshine!

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Cudahy Family Library Local Artisan Craft Fair: Cudahy Handmade crafts by local vendors ~ support local artisans and the Library!

11:00 AM Valentine’s Day Story time at Barnes & Nobel: Milwaukee Locations Bring your children for story time at the Bayshore, Mayfair or Brookfield Barnes & Nobel this weekend for a special story time featuring crafts and treats.

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Valentine Ice Cream Social: Milwaukee MEETUP EVENT Bring your family to the Betty Brinn to jump, play and explore during their Valentine’s Day celebration. Featuring a make your own sunday bar, sweet stops and more. This event is free with regular admission.

1:00 PM Marquette vs. DePaul: Milwaukee

7:00 PM Brewcity Bruisers: Milwaukee You family will love this night of roller durby as the Brew City Bruiser 2013 Bout #2.

7:00 PM Milwaukee Panthers vs. Wright State: Milwaukee

7:30 PM Milwaukee Bucks vs. Detroit Pistons: Milwaukee

Sunday, Feb 10

9:00 AM Garden Train Show at the Mitchell Park Domes: Milwaukee 

1:00 – 4:00 PM Science Sunday at the Urban Ecology Center: Riverside Park Milwaukee Your kids will enjoy learning about science through self -lead interactive activities and crafts. Theme: Animals in Winter

3:00 PM Milwaukee Admirals vs. Peoria Rivermen: Milwaukee