Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Last Week of 8th Grade: Killing Time (Part 1)

The academics of eighth grade are over, and everyone knows it.  The teachers have turned in the grades already, and many of them started packing up their rooms last week.  There are, officially at least, five more school days to kill before graduation.  Let's just say not a whole lot of traditional learning is gonig to happen this week.

The eighth graders headed into the City today to "hone their map-reading skills."  They already did this once back in the fall, but there was agreement among the teachers that another trip could probably be justified.  Erin's group met up with a couple of other groups, and they all hung out...at Lincoln Park Zoo...at Water Tower Place...and yes, in Lake Michigan!
Here are Erin's favorite pics from the day (notice, there's no map in sight, anywhere!):
Erin's assessment of the day:  best.field.trip.ever.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Breakfast with the Boys at The Depot

Everyone who knows me knows how much I frequent The Depot American Diner.  Since it's Memorial Day and there's no school, Baird, Drew, and I headed down for breakfast this morning.  I snapped this pic of Drew hanging out at the counter, watching the food prep.
What a great start to the holiday!

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Sunday (Almost) Outdoor BBQ

We were planning to join the Kudo Clan for an outdoor BBQ this afternoon, but as the skies darkened and the heavens dumped Florida-like rains (complete with street flooding and slight seepage in the basement), our optisim for an outdoor event waned.  Finally the rain stopped, the waters receeded, and the grilling commenced.  M grilled up a feast of shish kabob, BBQ chicken and grilled veggies.  I contributed a salad and a couple of appetizers I'm working on for a future dinner party theme; Soo Ai brought strawberries; JW contributed ice cream treats for dessert.
Since it was too wet to play outside, we hung out in the house, bonding with the babies and playing Bananagrams.
Thanks, Kudo Clan, for a great evening!

Saturday, May 28, 2011

8th Grade Dance

Erin's entire day (it seemed) was spent getting ready for the eighth grade graduation dance.  She was up early this morning getting her damp hair French braided so it would be wavy tonight.  About 3:00 this afternoon, Erin headed over to MB's house to get ready...
...then MB's mom and I took the girls over to Aub's place...
...where they were joined by more friends...
...and the group grew til it was just shy of a flash mob...
...and the parents went into full papparizzi mode...
...and then a few of us coordinated a caravan to get everyone over to the school, where the girls waited patiently for their "dates" to arrive from Aub's house.
Erin and Lewis truly are just friends, and yet they were both just a little nervous as they headed thru the door.
Erin said they had a great time, but that her feet hurt a lot in heals (she's still recovering from her broken toe).  About 20 minutes after arrival, she kicked her shoes off and spent the rest of the night in bare feet.

The dance was over at 10:00, and we hosted a small after-party for Erin and four of her friends.  While they all thoroughly enjoyed the dance, they were eager to ditch their dress-up clothes as soon as they walked in our house!  As the girls made themselves comfy, they realized how hungry they were (most were too nervous and excited to eat before the dance), so I served them fruit, ribs and quesadillas.

Erin looked so beautiful and grown up tonight!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

It's All a Blur


Today was the Percy Julian Awards, and Erin was recognized for two accomplishments:  the Optimist Club award, and her participation on the cross country team that went to State.  This blurry picture of Julian principal Dr. Sharts congratulating Erin on her achievements seemed like a metaphor for Erin's middle school career - she's been so very busy these last few years, it's all somewhat of a blur to me!  Here are some of the things she's been involved in: 
AYSO Soccer
Strikers Soccer
Cross Country
Track and Field
Best Buddies
Yearbook
Virtual Classroom
Power Connection (church youth group)
Sunday School Worker, 4- and 5-year-olds
Awana Sparks Leader
Volunteer, Emergency Clothes Closet
"A" Honor Roll, all three years
Optimist Club Youth Award Achiever

In addition to all these activities, awards, and achievements, she attended so many birthday parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, and sleepovers, I've honestly lost count.  In all her spare time, she was babysitting.  Wow.  I'm tired just talking about her schedule and all her activities!

These last three years went just faster than I had anticipated, and they really did fly by in a blur.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Going Underground

Ever since I first heard about the idea of underground dining, I've been intrigued.  I've thought that the mystery of an unknown guest list, coupled with the element of a surprise menu, would combine for a memorable evening.
Back in the dead of winter, the idea of incorporating an underground dining experience into Irving's annual silent auction was born.  It's Mel's last year at Irving, and she wanted to give back in a big way.  She decided to donate an underground dining experience for 50.  Those of us who quickly hit "reply" were lucky enough to get in.  We were told to save Friday, May 20th for the event, and that more information would be forthcoming.
I don't think I'm overstating at all when I say that this event has been the most anticipated Irving event in at least the past decade.  Speculation about the guest list, the venue, and the food was the talk of the parents for months.  I must admit I made it my mission to figure out as much of the guest list as I could.  I feel slightly smug that I had about a third of the list pegged down before tonight's event.
Mel truly outdid herself this evening, preparing and serving over 900 bite-sized portions of food that was as tasty as it was beautiful.  You can see Mel's view of the evening here; these are my favorite shots of the night:
Thanks, Mel, for putting your heart and soul into Irving for the past nine years!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Giving Thanks

After nine years of being on the Staff Appreciation Committee, I can honestly say that this year, we outdid ourselves.  Our theme was Giving Thanks, and we provided the Irving teachers and staff with Thanksgiving dinner in May.

We decided to do two very different things this year.  First, we solicited the entire Irving community to write letters of thanks to the teachers and staff.  Last night we sorted all those letters of appreciation, bundled them up, and today we passed them out as the parting party favor.  Our staff was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love shown to them not just by our committee, but by the students and other parents as well.

Next, we put a unique spin on decorating the tables.  Each year we've transformed the gym to match the theme of our event.  Honestly, as we were beginning to plan for this year's luncheon I thought, What can we do differently this year?  After all, how many ways are there, really, to re-arrange tables in the gym?  This is where the creative genius of the entire team comes into play.  For the first time ever, we teamed up in pairs and brought our own tableware, flatware and stemware.  We tied all the tables together with matching tablecloths and folded napkins.  The place was stunning.

At the planning meeting last month, Bharthi and I bonded over our mutual love of Fiestaware, so we put our plates together to create a classic Fiestaware look, mixing the colors for contrast.  Those who get Fiestaware, loved our table:


Here's a look at the rest of the tables, plus some fun candids from the day:







This was Mel's last year as our Intrepid Leader, and I can hardly believe it's been nine years since we were in front of Ms. Gullo's kindergarten door, and I turned her down when she asked me if I'd help her with the staff luncheon. I told her it was just cold cuts and pasta slapped down on a table for the teachers, and I didn't want to be a part of that.  "That's not what I have in mind," is what she said.  Her passion and enthusiasm hooked me, and I'm so glad I changed my "No" to a "Yes!"

At the end of the day, here's what Mel had to say to all of us:

Hey there-
Well we did it again! We hosted the heck out of a mighty fine thanksgiving for our hardworking teachers and staff yesterday! Irving school is sure lucky to have all of you and sharing your company for the past month has been a great pleasure. Please remember to pass along your receipts next week. Links to blogs and pictures are included below this message.

So...okay here it goes...the annual Staff Appreciation shout outs...
To our committee members turned staff...Anne and Jamie...thanks for flawlessly blurring the lines between school and home. We all loved waiting on you, but loved that you came to the cooking night even more!
To the first-timers...Jen O, Molly, Michele, Bharathi, Marta, Penny, Lori, Laura, and Carolyn...your blind trust did not go unnoticed and your willingness to tamp down any confusion about the event was much appreciated! Your wide-eyed wonder at how it all came together was one of the highlights of the day for me and your energy and enthusiasm bodes well for the future of this event and Irving school in general!

To the old timers...Stephanie, Tee, and Nancy...having you hang around for 9 years inspired me to keep pushing forward with this event and having your voices there to help usher in new volunteers has been exceptionally valuable over the years. It is hard to believe this all started outside the kindergarten doors! Thank you for your loyalty and years of friendship.
To the new powerhouses...Talley, Gloria G, Gloria C...you three are the reason I know this event will continue on for years to come. Your creative energy, organization, ability to delegate, and willingness to take on big projects have impressed me to no end and I am honored to have witnessed your devotion to our school. You are a force to be reckoned with.
To Ron Martin...for returning and sharing his considerable talents with us again...To David Jordan...for cooking his butt off for me since 2006...and to both of you for heading up the carving stations yesterday; you were the perfect way to start off a memorable meal.

To Libby for being smart enough to use this committee as an outlet and escape this year and to Julie for managing my expectations with grace and honestly and allowing us to celebrate the exciting and courageous changes she has made in her life in the past couple of years. You are two of the most extraordinary women I know! If you ever need anything I am an email or phone call away.
To the turkey cookers, ham handlers, bakers, letter writers, and challah roll makers of the world...our lunch would not have been the same without you.

• Midge and Gina courageously offered to cook up the star attraction for our lunch and did incredibly well under pressure.

• Lisa, your challah is the hallmark of the family table and the fact you were baking until 2am for our teachers shows unparalleled devotion. Irving will miss you next year.

• Jen, your four step green beans were as good as they should have been! And thanks for following the dress code ;o)!

• Chloe, you lead the single most impressive cooking task assignment I've seen. Leading the ladies through apple pie making in the dining room was a favorite moment of the year for me!

• Karin, I love that you brought your mom this year and the committee will forever be better off because of your suggestions about becoming more eco-friendly over the years! You helped shift this event in a better direction. Thanks!

• Liz, thank you for supporting Talley and making time to share with us in the midst of book fair insanity. You are an Irving school hero!

To Jane (aka Treasure Island)...for being one of my favorite keepsakes of all.

To Rashmi...for attaching her jury duty summons to an email...moments like that make me feel drunk with power and I love that! The seriousness of your devotion to this committee is most admirable.
And one more shout out to Talley Hann for agreeing to take charge of this event next year. Who is planning to ditch her? NO-ONE! Time to pass the bracelet...and a glass of wine.

On a personal note, I want to thank each of you for being a part of ending something that has been exceptionally special to me. I left feeling as appreciated as our staff members and I cannot express how that feels.
Love,
Mel

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Modern-Day Quilting Bee - 2011

I've mentioned before how I think our Staff Appreciation Committee's work night on the eve of the annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon resembles a quilting bee, and tonight that vibe was alive and well.  This sign greeted each of us as we entered Mel's house and took on a project:

Once again, Mel's house was jam-packed with hard-working ladies focused on prep work.  Her house looked something like this:  chopping, slicing and dicing in the kitchen as stuffing came together; peeling, coring and slicing apples, along with rolling out dough in the dining room as homemade apple pies were assembled; art and craft projects galore spread all over the living room as retro-looking garland was strung, thank-you letters were sorted and alphabetized as the party favors were organized, and 160 napkins were folded on the coffee table.

Yes, we were busy, but truly, many hands make light work, and a good time was had by all.

Here's what we're looking forward to tomorrow:

Give Thanks:   The Menu

Cream of Pumpkin Soup with Cinnamon Crouton
Traditional Brined Turkey
Fig and Orange Glazed Ham
Wild Rice, Sweet Potato, and Cranberry Stuffed Onion with Orange Balsamic Sauce
Sausage, Apple and Dried Cranberry Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Cranberries with Pears and Fresh Ginger
Arugula Salad with Pepita Brittle, Blue Cheese, and Orange
Fresh and Updated Green Bean Casserole
Roasted Beets with Dill Dressing
Corn Maque Choux
Skillet Cornbread & Challah Rolls
White Chocolate Cheesecake with Blueberry Swirl
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Apple Pie
Sparkling Cider
Coffee