Please read this post by virtual farmgirl

The kids at our school are getting head injuries because of their blacktop playground. The whole school community volunteers time, funds and energy to get a new play area. This group is especially committed. virtual farmgirl’s post See this adorable video here!  Both of my kids are in this “sun”.  

Girl and the Goat Birthday

Last week was my birthday.  I made reservations three months ago for a table of 10 at my favorite Chicago restaurant…Girl and the Goat.  Not a newbie to the place, I knew what to expect, but I absolutely loved sharing the meal with some of my favorite people in the world.  It was so much fun.  We sat Chef side, I got photos with her (crush) and she signed my menu.  Highlights of the meal for me were, as usual, the vegetables.  I can’t believe how she can make such mouth bursting flavors.  I also loved the meats, but I would go back for the veggies.  Oh, and the chocolate cake with pate (don’t knock it till you try it) was incredible.

My favorites:

  •  sauteed green beans (fish sauce vinaigrette . cashews)
  •   pan fried shishito peppers (parmesan . sesame . miso)
  •   roasted cauliflower (pickled peppers . pine nuts . mint)

We also had:

  • kohlrabi salad . (fennel . evalon . toasted almonds . blueberries . ginger dressing)
  • roasted beets (green beans . white anchovy . avocado creme fraiche . bread crumb)
  • wood grilled broccoli (rogue smokey bleu . spiced crispies)
  • diver scallops (braised duck . marcona almond butter . green papaya . green almond nuoc cham
  • Wood Fired Walter’s Chicken (yuzu harissa, fried pickles, brussel slaw, grilled naan)
  • Crisp Braised Pork Shank (butternut-shiitake kimchee, buttermilk dressing)

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All Grown Up

I feel like I blinked and this school year started and finished before I opened my eyes.  Parents always tell you that your child will be 16 before you know it.  It really is so true.  The kids had a great school year.  The teachers were awesome and Irving consistently impresses me.  I took some photos on the way to school this morning.  Teared up a bit on the way.  I just can’t believe how fast it all goes.

Mother’s Day 2012

My husband outdid himself with the gift this year.  Not only that, we had a great day.  Started out by having made to order omelets at the neighbors house.  Stuffed to the gills, we then took the train into the city to enjoy the beautiful day at Millennium Park. Then headed to Little Italy for great food and drink.  Rounded out the day with cocktails and burgers on the deck.  Couldn’t ask for more.  Here are shots from the day.  All around AMAZING!  Happy Mother’s Day!!!!

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When Mr Hodge is away….the parents will play

Surprised the kids this morning when over the intercom it was my voice reading the daily announcements and not the principal’s. “Good morning kids, this is Jonah and Aida’s mom please stand for e pledge of allegiance…”. Reading the lunch menu and encouraging them to buy me petunia’s from the fundraiser for Mother’s Day was the the best. By the end, Jonah’s entire class along with Aida rushed to the office to ask me to do the announcements every day. Just made a memory.

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