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Holidays

Mothers Day Celebrations and Activities in Chicagoland, 2012

Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender: Posted on Thursday, April 12, 2012 4:44 PM

Mothers Day Celebrations and Activities in Chicagoland, 2012

Reserve & Lock-In a Great Interest Rate Today! Contact Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender

Mothers Day 2012 is Sunday, May 13th. Do you know how you're going to celebrate?

There are many opportunities all over the Chicagoland area for families to celebrate the wonderful mothers in their lives in a wide variety of ways. I'm including some info below that I found while doing some research of my own. Hope it proves helpful to you.

I think there's something here for almost every personality, pocketbook, and taste. So take a peek and find something you think will be perfect for your mom ... and then Enjoy!

Mothers Day 2012

in Chicagoland!

Mothers Day at Arlington Park Million Room

Several Packages for the

Mother's Day Brunch are Available

May 13, 2012

Several Dining Options available.

General admission & reserved seats remain available,

as of this writing, for Mother's Day.

Purchase can be made online at:

or by calling to: 847.870.RACE (7223)

Kids will enjoy the NEW Jr. Jockey Zone, FREE Pony Rides,

Petting Zoo, and Hands-On Activities

Lyons Township Dog Training Club

70th & 71st AKC Dog Obedience Trials

Saturday, May 12th

Sunday, May 13th

AKC-sanctioned dog obedience trials and rally trials

Location: Odeum Expo Center

1033 North Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL

Sunday: 7:00AM - 6:00PM

Saturday: 7:00AM - 6:00PM

Tickets Cost: FREE

Contact Information: 630-941-9292

Website: www.ltdtc.org

Motorcoach Parking: On-site, Free

Services for equal accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible,

Toilets with grab bars

Mothers Day Tea at The Drake's Palm Court

Mothers Day tea will include traditional afternoon tea service, a beauty bar where mom can get pampered, and a fashion show.

May 13th

Afternoon Tea: Seating’s from 11am to 5pm
Price is $36 per Adult and $18 per Child under 12
Harpist performs from 11am to 5p.m.
Beauty Bar available from 12noon to 5pm – Mario Tricoci
Fashion Show

Located at: 140 East Walton Place, Chicago, IL

Phone 312.787.2200

Shopping for a new home? Contact Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender

Have a Mom that

LOVES to Shop??

Head to:

SAVVY SECONDS & 1sts

4724 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL

A visit to this vintage clothing store will be a treat for any shopaholic mom! In addition to Dolce & Gabbana frocks and Diesel Jeans, Savvy Seconds & 1sts carries an array of accessories.

Hours are:

11 am - 7 pm Mon.-Sat.

11 am - 6 pm Sun.

Questions: 773. 728.8920

Spring Flower Show

Lincoln Park Conservatory

Last Day of Show

Lincoln Park Conservatory, 391 N. Stockton Dr., Chicago, IL

Hours: Daily, 9 am - 5 pm

Accessible Wheelchair Entrance(s)
Partially accessible

FREE!

Heartland Service Dog - "Wag-n-Wash"

May 6th

Fundraiser for Heartland Service Dogs

Held at:

I'll Be Doggone, 9620 Willow Lane, Mokena, IL

Hours: 11 am to 3 pm

Get your pet washed and dried so they're

all sweet-smelling and fluffy for mom.

Reservations for Appointment needed

Email: HeartlandSvcDog@yahoo.com

All dogs MUST have current rabies tags

$15.00 Donation per Dog Wash

Make It To Take It:

Mother's Day Brunch Family Class

at: Now We're Cookin'

1601 Payne St., Unit C, Evanston, IL

May 12th - 1:00 pm

Bring the kids and get ready to give mom the morning off.

We'll stir up a family-pleasing brunch menu that everyone can

contribute to and the added bonus: you take it home to

surprise Mom tomorrow! Add ice to the juice cocktail,

bake the Strata, and you have a glamorous, no-fuss meal.

$50/family of 3, $10 each extra person

Menu

- Sparkling Juice Cocktail

- Strata with Asparagus and Goat Cheese

- Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits

Reservations are required. To Buy Tickets, Go To:

Brown Paper Tickets

Mother's Day Shop-A-Holic Expo

Date: May 12, 2012

Location: Hilton Garden Inn

28351 Dodge Drive, Warrenville, IL

Hours: 1pm-6pm

Admission Tickets: $5.00

Door Admission: $8.00.

Children Admission is FREE.

This is a Cash-n-Carry event.

Spa Services, Raffles, Candy Buffet Bar, Gift Bags,

Door Prizes,Vendors, Music

Kayak Chicago - Architectural Tour

Saturday, May 12th & Sunday, May 13th

Kayak down the Chicago River to gain views of our beautiful City of Chicago from a unique vantage point ... from the waterway!

See Trump International Hotel and Tower. The Wrigley Building. Listen to fascinating historical anecdotes regarding mobster Al Capone. You don't need to be a kayaking expert. Everyone's welcome.

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and your camera in a waterproof bag.

3 Hour Tour Beginning at Noon

Tour begins at: 1501 No. Magnolia Avenue

$65 per person

For further info, call: 630-336-7245

Don't Miss Out on the Current Great Interest Rates & Home Prices! Contact Gene Mundt for a FREE Mortgage Consultation

Barrington Mother's Day 5k Run/Walk

May 13th

Fundraiser for: The Gateway For Cancer Research

Registration & Packet Pick Up: 7:00-7:45 a.m.

Free 100 meter kid's dash @ 7:50 am

Register at:

http://www.allcommunityevents.com/mothersday_5k/mothers_day_5k_register.html

5k Starts: 8:00 am

Awards: 8:50 am

Course Open For 1 hour 20 minutes

Course is USATF certified. Awards presented to the top 3 participants, male and female overall, and top 3 in each age group.

Must be Present to Receive Award. Strollers allowed on course.

Water station available along the course with water and sports drink. Free Parking!

200 Spring Street, Barrington, IL

For additional info, Phone: 847.344.0861

E-MAIL: info@allcommunityevents.com

To Donate:

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/ticketing/index.jsp?c_id=cws

Family Farm Tours

Saturday, May 12th & Sunday, May 13th

The Children's Farm

12700 Southwest Highway, Palos Park, IL

During family farm tours, farm guides invite the public into each animal pen and are ready to supply information about the animals to inquiring visitors. Complimentary pony rides are offered for children.

Hours: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

No reservations needed

Cost: $4.50 per person

Children under 2 - Free

Additional Info: 708.361.3650

www.thecenterpalos.org/FamilyTours.html

Hope these suggestions prove helpful to

everyone in finding outings and ways

to celebrate the mothers in your life!

Best Wishes to all!

* Another great Mother's Day activity surrounds home buying! If you're in the market this Mother's Day holiday, for a new home ... or just wanting to refinance the one you have ... contact me. With over 35 years of mortgage experience and expertise, I can help you successfully finance a new home ... or save money on the monthly payments of your current home.

You can find me through any of the following:

Click Here to Contact Gene Mundt, Mortgage Lender

Direct: 815.277.4036

Cell/Text: 708.921.6331

Email: gmundt@thefederalsavingsbank.com

Let's Talk, via Skype: 630.219.1316

or Click Here 4 a: NO Cost NO Obligation

Mortgage Consultation

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Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day 2012 In Chicago and Chicagoland

Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President - Chicago Bancorp : Posted on Friday, January 27, 2012 7:29 PM

Ways to Celebrate

Valentine's Day 2012

in Chicago and Chicagoland

Valentine's Day is coming soon!

I thought it'd be fun to take a look at what the City of Chicago and Chicagoland area offered in the way of celebrations for this year's Valentine's Day holiday. Mortgage lenders need to do some "woo-ing" too, you know!

What I found, was an unbelievable amount of information to pour through and consider. There was definitely a bit of something to choose from for every taste and every pocketbook.

Whether you're hoping to head to the City of Chicago ... or celebrating in the Chicagoland suburbs. Wishing for some special "couple time" ... or hoping to include the kids ... the City of Chicago/Chicagoland area has Valentine's Day activities for you to choose from.

Heck ... I even found a special and novel opportunity to "pop the big question" to your sweetie around this special holiday.

I decided to share with you a cross-section of the information I found while doing my own investigating. When possible, I included the websites and contact information available, so if you have additional questions or needs, you can contact the venues or businesses directly.

Hope the ideas and information found below help you in your quest to celebrate Valentine's Day in a special way with your special someone(s) ...

Enjoy ... and Happy Valentine's Day!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Valentine's Day 2012 Celebrations and Offers

in the City of Chicago and Chicagoland Area

Salon Evania …

Will Design Your Beautiful Valentine’s Exterior to Equal the Beauty You Find Within ...

What Valentine doesn't like to be pampered??

Pamper YOUR Valentine during the whole month of February at Salon Evania in Frankfort, IL.

Book any combo of Hair and Make-Up Application … and your Valentine receives a FREE Manicure to top-off their look! They’ll look spectacular when you step-out on the town to celebrate Valentine's Day together!

Salon Evania is located at:

13 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL

Telephone: 815.277.2420

Their Salon Hours:

Tuesday: 11am-8pm

Wednesday: 11am-8pm

Thursday: 11am-8pm

Friday: 9am-5pm

Saturday: 9am-5pm

Closed Sunday & Monday

Salon Evania Services include: Full Hair Services (cut, color, styling), Hair Removal, Make-Up, Bridal/Bridal Groups, Body Wraps, Extensions, Lashes, Nails. Skin Care, Hair Straightening

Noble Horse Chicago Carriage Rides

The Noble Horse Carriage Rides are a fun way to tour Chicago's North Michigan Avenue shopping district.

Boarding and Drop off is at Michigan Avenue and Chicago Avenue (800 North). Pick up and Drop off service to/from a nearby hotel/restaurant is available for an extra fee.

Carriage Ride Hours: Every day from 10:00 a.m - 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - midnight.

Carriage Ride Costs: $35 per 1/2 hour, $70 per hour, with up to 4 passengers. Extra charges apply for more than 4 passengers. Tip additional …

For Info, Phone: 312-266-7878

Chicago Odyssey Valentine Dinner Cruise

Odyssey Cruises are located at:

600 E. Grand Ave., Streeterville

Valentine's Cruise: February 10 : 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Boarding takes place at 6:30 p.m.

The cruise includes: Dinner service, live entertainment, a champagne toast and a single red rose per couple. A premium bar package is available for an additional $35.

Love Songs and Lights (FREE)

Now through February 19th

Enjoy the sights and lights of State Street and the sound of love songs when the Chicago Loop Alliance presents “Love Song and Lights” as part of Lightscape, a multisensory experience.

Visitors are encouraged to submit love songs dedicated to their loved ones through Twitter, text messaging, or the Lightscape website. The winning song will be chosen at random and will play with a romantic-themed colored light show.

Chocolate & Champagne Tour

Join Chicago Chocolate Tours for their annual “Chocolate and Champagne Tour!”

Enjoy an evening of chocolate, Champagne and chocolate-Champagne confections. Guests will learn about the history, myths and pleasures of both chocolate and Champagne, two fantastic combinations of art and nature.

Date: Friday, February 10 5:30 pm

Tickets are $50 per person.

To reserve your spot, call (312) 929-2939.

More Info at: http://www.chicagochocolatetours.com/events

Sex, Love & the Second City: A Romantic Dot Comedy presented by UP Comedy Club

Now through February 29

From legendary comedy theatre The Second City comes a play about relationships in the age of social networking. There are plenty of fish in the sea, but can we all live in eHarmony? Or are our lives too much of an open (Face)book? Find out more in this hilarious new show!

For more info, go to: http://upcomedyclub.com/show_right.cfm?id=121613

Ice Skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Open through Sunday, March 11, 2012, weather permitting. Free and open to the public.

Skate rental is available for $10.

The ice rink is located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison streets.

And if you’d rather do your skating closer to Heaven

Skating in the Sky – John Hancock Observatory

Now through April 8

Take in awe-inspiring views of the city and beyond while twirling on a surface made of synthetic ice at the world’s highest skating rink on the 94th floor of the John Hancock Observatory.

Located 1,000 feet off the ground, the rink will be open for skating daily from 9am–11pm.

Last skating ticket is sold at 10pm.

Valentine's Day Couples Cooking Class

Charlie Baggs in the Belden Stratford

2300 N. Lincoln Park West - Lincoln Park

February 11th: 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Sip complimentary prosecco with your partner as you watch an introductory cooking demo, prepare an international array of gourmet small plates with hands-on instruction and then sample the fruits--so to speak--of your labor.

Winter Dance (FREE)

February 11: Dance lesson 5–6pm, open dancing 6–8pm

Enjoy dance lessons at this indoor dance party in an indoor heated tent before heading out to see Luminous Field, the outdoor site-specific art installation by Luftwerk.

Dancing is preceded by a one-hour lesson led by professional instructors from the American Tango Institute.

Admission isfree, food and beverages by Park Grill will be available for purchase.

Then head over to:

Luminous Field Lights Up Millennium Park

(FREE)

February 10–20: Fridays & Saturdays 6-10pm,

Sunday-Thursday 6-9pm

Come see Millennium Park transformed into a digital canvas of light and geometrical form with its first-ever site-specific video and sound installation by the Chicago-based artistic ensemble Luftwerk. Created specifically for Millennium Park, the installation will illuminate Cloud Gate – known by many Chicagoans as “The Bean” – and its surrounding AT&T Plaza with dramatic images and colors set to music composed by Owen Clayton Condon, of the local avant-garde classical ensemble, Third Coast Percussion.

Say “I Do” in Millenium Park

February 11th and 12th

Couples in love can get engaged to each other on the ice, and enjoy a Chicago Winter Dance celebratory package, including 5 minutes of exclusive ice time for the marriage proposal, complimentary skate rental, and either dinner at the Park Grill or champagne and dessert at the Park Grill lounge.

For more information about the Chicago Winter Dance engagement packages, contact: lauren.rosenberg@cityofchicago.org or call: 312.744.7094.

North Central College's Madden Theatre at the Fine Arts Center

Sun., Feb. 12th

6:00 PM

171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, IL

Music: Cabaret star Sally Mayes showcases her classic and seductive vocals in her show "Valentine".

Tickets: $30 and $25.

For More Info: Visit: northcentralcollege.edu/show

or call the box office at: 630-637-SHOW (7469).

WINTER ON THE GREEN

Feb 12, 2012

Time: 1-3PM

Breidert Green - Oak & Kansas Streets, Frankfort, IL

Bring your Valentine sweetheart to taste a variety of chocolate fondue delicacies! Visit members of Frankfort Boy Scout Troop 270 while they demonstrate a winter campout and sample their hot cobbler made in Dutch ovens!

For More Info: 815-469-2177

Or: http://www.genemundt.com/blog/2012/01/05/Winter-on-the-Green-to-be-Held-in-Frankfort-IL-on-Sundays-January-8th-to-February-12th-2012.aspx

Wine & Wildlife: Animal Attractions at Lincoln Park Zoo

February 14th

Times: 5:30–7 p.m. or 7:30–9 p.m.

For participants ages 21 and older only!

For Directions: http://www.lpzoo.org/plan-your-visit/hours-location-directions

$45 ($40 for Zoo members)

Those who are wild at heart can woo their loved ones at the zoo on Valentine’s Day. This adults-only event will take place inside Regenstein African Journey, with champagne and chocolates being served as participants get the inside scoop on the risqué side of animal courtship—the wild lives of wildlife.

We Heart Hopping - The Western Suburban Quilt Shop Hop

Dates: Feb. 9, 2012 - Feb. 12, 2012

Times: Thurs. 10 am-8 pm, Fri. & Sat. 10 am-5pm,

Sun. Noon-4pm

Location: Roberts Sewing Center, 2011 S. Weber Rd,

Crest Hill, IL 60403

Visit 7 of your favorite quilt shops in the western suburbs, each hosting it's own Valentine Hop! Stop in at all 7 and you're eligible to win one of 22 great prizes. Hoppers must pick up a "passport" and get stamps from each shop to participate in the grand prize give-away.

Participating shops are: Roberts Sewing Center (Crest Hill), Thimbles (Lockport), Pieceful Heart Fabrics (Lisle), Prairie Shop Quilts (Batavia), Prairie Stitches Quilt Shoppe (Oswego), Quilt Basket (Downers Grove), and Quiltfabric.com (Willowbrook).

For More Info, Phone: 815-729-1600

Or Visit the Roberts Sewing Center Website: http://www.robertssewingcenter.com/

Have little ones and family/friends you want to include in some of the celebrations??

Head to: Key Lime Cove Indoor Waterpark Resort in Gurnee, IL

Key Lime Cove offers 65,000 square feet of water thrills. There’s no need to worry about cold, rain, or snow as it’s always a balmy 82 degrees here and the sun shines endlessly, so don't forget to pack your swimwear because you're definitely going to want to get wet!

There’s plenty of water thrills and fun for kids of all ages here. We’ve got Wild Rides which are guaranteed to get your pulse pounding, lazy floats down the river for those who are looking forward to Takin’ it easy, and a play pond kiddie pool for the Lil’ Limers who need some extra special attention in a fun, safe and secure environment.

The Lost Paradise Waterpark is open:

Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m

For More Information, go to: http://www.keylimecove.com/water-park/index.cfm

Valentine's Day Jump - Pump It Up with the Kids

Friday, February 10, 2012

Start Time: 6:00 PM End Time: 8:00 PM

Located at: 4995 Varisty Drive, Lisle, IL

Tel: 630-310-5700

Bring the family for a jumpin' good time! Enjoy jumping, climbing on the new Rock Wall, the glow party going in Arena B.

You can add Dinner $10 for a 12 inch pizza and a 2 liter drink.

More Info at: 630-310-5700 to register

Or E-mail: piulislemanager@gmail.com

Website: http://www.pumpitupparty.com/

Family Valentine Dance - Chicago Women's Park and Garden

Friday, February 10, 2012

Start Time: 4:00 PM End Time: 6:00 PM

Price: $10

Family fun dance with a Valentine theme - ALL AGES

Located at: 1801 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL

Telephone: 312-328-0821

More Info at: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/family-valentine-dance/

Downers Grove Ice Festival: Love is in the Air

Friday, February 10th - 6:30 pm thru

Sunday, February 12, 3:00 pm

Downtown Downers Grove: Main & Curtiss Street

Admission is $4.00 (Proceeds benefit Noah's Hope)

Unique ice sculptures will line the streets of the downtown.

There will be live carving demonstration on Friday evening at 6:30 pm ... and also on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm. The live demonstrations will take place throughout Downtown Downers Grove.

There will also be: a Ronald McDonald Magic Show, Pancake Breakfast, tasty street vendor, a special movie of E.T. at Tivoli Theatre.

For More Info, go to: http://www.downtowndg.org …http://www.downtowndg.org/icewebtemp.pdf ...

Or contact: Downers Grove Downtown Management Corporation at 630-725-0991.

Clifford Valentine Party - Fox Valley Park District

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Start Time: 12:00 PM End Time: 1:30 PM

150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora, IL

Celebrate Valentine's Day in a big way -Clifford style! The big red dog is the guest of honor for this celebration that will feature crafts and games for everyone.

Hot dogs, chips and punch will be served.

Advance Arrangements Required. Call park to register.

Registration closes Thursday, Feb. 9

Minimum Age: 3 yrs.

Pricing: Residents: $5 Non Residents: $8

Tel: 630-859-8606

Valentine Pictures & Pony Rides - Sponsored by Plainfield Park District

Date: 2/12/2012

Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Where: Normantown Trails Equestrian Center, Plainfield, IL (Just south of 119 Street)

Pony Rides $10

Pictures $3

Make Peter Pan your sweetheart and take a picture with him for Valentine’s Day! Peter will be festively dressed for the event and will pose for as many pictures as you can take in 3 minutes.

Pony rides will also be available. Rides are 10 minutes in length and helmets will be provided.

Bring your camera as NTEC will not be providing a photographer or photos for this event.

Please call ahead to book your pony ride time as those with reservations will be served first.

For Info on the Plainfield Park Dist.’s Normantown Trails Equestrian Center: http://www.plainfieldparkdistrict.com /par-Normantown.asp

Valentine's Day American Girl

Held at the Rec Center

Geneva Park District

3507 Kaneville Road, Geneva, IL

Enjoy decorating a special Valentine's Day outfit with accessories for your favorite doll.

Minimum Age: 3 yrs. Maximum Age: 12 yrs.

Advance Arrangements: Children ages 3-5 require parent

Pricing Notes: $37 for residents $57 for non-residents

More Info: http://www.genevaparks.org/contact.php

Some Additional Inexpensive, but Wonderful Ways to Say “I Love You”

Valentine’s Day Crafts at your local library:

Simply making a Valentine’s Day card and spending some one-on-one time together communicates big love to the littlest people in your life.

Most area libraries, offer some sort of card-making project to help small hands craft cards that say {or illustrate} “I love you.” Worthy of noting, the mess from glitter and crafting won’t be in your kitchen.

And if you’re still looking for more Valentine’s Day ideas … don’t miss:

TribLocal Tweets: All about Valentine’s Day

Wednesday, February 1

Time: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.

TribLocal staff and blogger Johanna Cook, aka Momma Cuisine, will be hosting a chat about all things Valentine’s Day. From candy to dinner for two, she’ll be offering up tips for how to treat your sweetie, or your loved ones.

To participate in the hour-long chat, follow @TribLocal, TribLocal community producers and @MommaCuisine from 7 to 8 p.m. on February 1st.

Make sure to use #TribLocal in your tweets.

For more info Contact: TribLocal, 312-731-5460

Or: triblocaltips@tribune.com

* Love yourself enough this Valentine's Day to check your credit ... and get pre-qualified for home buying. Interest Rates are at historical lows ... and housing prices are down too. And that makes this Valentine's Day a great time to think about buying a home.

Contact me now ... for yourFREE Mortgage And CreditConsultation. I'll be glad to hear from you and have the opportunity to earn your trust ... and your mortgage business.

I can be reached at any of the following:

Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331

Email: gene@chicagobancorp.com

Website: www.genemundt.com

Skype: 630.219.1316

Click Here 4 a: No Cost NO Obligation Mortgage Consultation

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A Holiday Gift For You, My Friends ... From Me!

Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President - Chicago Bancorp: Posted on Friday, December 23, 2011 1:05 PM

A Holiday Gift For You, My Friends ...

From Me!

Each year, Marilyn and I put together a new mix of Holiday music for friends and family. We try to come up with a new "theme" of music for the year's blend of tunes, offering music that is familiar and songs less heard. We've enjoyed re-discovering and sharing music that we enjoyed as kids .... and discovering new tunes, as well.

This year's compilation of tunes was our 6th. We gave out over 80 copies of our CD, that included 20 songs revolving around "Holiday Memories".

Both of our families were (and remain) music nuts. Each of us has vivid memories of Christmas and Holiday music in our homes. Each home had its favorite albums and performers. My father was a Big Band fan, so we heard lots of melodies served-up by that era's biggest stars. We also heard many of the 50's and 60's stylists ... Perry Como, Eddy Arnold, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Rosemary Clooney, Andy Williams.

And while Marilyn also heard these musicians, her mom was their church's choir director. Her mom's love of that music and classical music shone through and filled the air, as well. Her childhood home was filled with the sounds of George Beverly Shea, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker, Mantovani, lots of brass quartets, and more. Add the favorites and influences of each of our siblings ... and we have a wide choice of music from which to choose our new CD each year.

Even our kids have gotten involved and are making suggestions for additions to each new CD. That's how we were introduced to the song I include below. It's become one of our favorites and was included on our CD mix a couple of years back.

It's performed by Harry Connick, Jr. ... and I send it your way as my "gift" to you this Holiday Season. I hope you enjoy it as much as our family does.

You need Flash Player in order to view this.

Harry Connick, Jr. - When My Heart Finds Christmas

Best Wishes to you and yours for Good Health, Happiness, Love, and Prosperity throughout the New Year!

Gene

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Don't Trip-Up Your Home Buying Plans This Holiday Season ... Spend and Give Wisely!

Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President - Chicago Bancorp: Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 12:36 PM

Don't Trip-Up Your Home Buying Plans This Holiday Season ...

Spend and Give Wisely!

"Tis the Season ...

The above words typically refer to the "Holidays" ... joy, love, laughter, family, giving, sharing ... all the meaningful and good things in life.

But they also can mean ...

Tis the Season of huge sales. Tis the Season to buy loved-one and friends' gifts. Tis the Season of massive appliance and car sales. Tis the Season to charge items.

Tis also the Season that you will hear those fateful (and somewhat frightful) words, "Would you like to open a charge account? You'll save another 10% on your purchase."

Tis the Season! Yeah right!

Temptation is everywhere. And all too often during the Holiday Season, shoppers succumb. For those Holiday shoppers presently in the process of buying a home ... Oooooooooeeeeeee! They could also be the words of warning!

Buy! Charge! Be tempted too much ... and you'll find that you've tripped-up your credit scores and completely derailed the home purchase your dreaming of. That your mortgage process has become much longer, more involved, and ... probably messy too. Remember, your credit is re-run just prior to your home closing. If your credit scores have changed or dipped too low, the mortgage approval can be rescinded.

Tripping-up your credit and derailing your dream of a new home purchase is very easy to do and can be done in the blink-of-an-eye. Especially during the Holidays. Depending on your credit scores at the time, it can be accomplished with just one unwise purchase or credit charge. ONE!

What was done so quickly and easilyisn'tso easy to un-do. Credit isn't improved or mended as quickly or easily as it's damaged. It takes time and much effort to regain valuable credit scores. That could mean the sellers will not wait for you to improve your credit scores so you can continue the purchase. That could mean you lose the home your hoping for. That could mean underwriters and lenders will not approve your mortgage ... at least until your credit scores are raised once again.

So, while you're standing at that check-out this Holiday Season ... consider long-and-hard all of the above very seriously, should you be in the process of buying a home. Or should you be in mortgage processing to complete the purchase. Or you are considering a home purchase within the next year.

Don't trip-up your chances during the temptation of the Holidays. Don't trip-up your dreams of a home. Don't trip-up your credit. Have a safe and Happy Holiday Season on wise and sound financial footing ... and be able to enjoy the New Year in your new home.

* Protect yourself from "tripping-up" during your quest for a new home or mortgage financing. Contact me today. I've got 35 years of experience and expertise with which to help you land successfully "on your feet" during your mortgage process. I can also assist you with your credit concerns and questions.

Contact me through any of the following methods. I'll be happy to hear from you:

Direct: 815.277.4036 Cell/Text: 708.921.6331

Email: gene@chicagobancorp.com

Website: www.genemundt.com

Skype: 630.219.1316

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Wishing All a Very Happy Thanksgiving!

Gene Mundt, Sr. Vice President - Chicago Bancorp: Posted on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 1:09 PM

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

I was planning on writing and posting this sentiment a bit later today ... but my schedule just went a bit topsy-turvy about an hour ago.

You see, my wife and I received a call from our oldest son, Tom and his wife, Jenny. Seems our little grandson has decided to make his entrance into the world today and his mom and dad are on their way to the maternity ward of Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago at this very moment. His grandma and I will be joining them there shortly to await his much-anticipated arrival.

But before we go, I wanted to write my wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving to you ... all my friends and referral partners. I am so very thankful for your existence in my life.

May you have a wonderful, peaceful, and restful holiday ... enjoying it as you will most enjoy and treasure.

I know that Marilyn and I will have extra to feel blessed and thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday. Please keep our new baby, his mommy and daddy, and entire family in your thoughts and prayers. It will be greatly appreciated.

Once again, Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours ...

Gene

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Wishing All a Very Happy Thanksgiving!