Surrounded By Love

Looking Regal in Toilet Paper Roll Crowns

A Gift From God, otherwise known as my sister-in-law helps oversee a group of thirteen kindergartners and Viv.

A Moment with My Girl

The Loves of Her Life

Ella,
You turned six this last Friday.  It seems like every year I ask myself, how did we get here already?  When you woke up, you looked in the mirror, convinced you had grown taller and that your hair had grown an inch.  Later that night, you celebrated with the grandparents, your cousins and your Tito and Tita.  I really don't think you could be loved any more.  The house certainly felt cozy with laughter, story-telling and a lopsided chocolate cake.  The next day we celebrated with thirteen classmates at your old dance studio.  You made sure to take your sister under your wing.  You didn't hesitate sharing the birthday-girl-spotlight with her as you held hands under the parachute.  And as your friends sang to you, you beamed, sharing glances with me as I tried to take your photo.  I had to put the camera down because the look in your eye and your smile needed to be met with my own and not the lens.  Ella, you radiate kindness.  It is something intrinsic to your being.  I really, really wish I could claim responsibility.  As we sat in a darkened theater a few weeks back, watching "Frozen", I glanced over at you as the credits rolled, your tears streaming down your cheeks.  I realized how emotionally mature you are and tears started streaming down mine.  By six, your father and I are starting to figure out what we're doing, but thank goodness for your patience because we are still making a majority of it up as we go along.  You make me wish I paid more attention in science class and so thankful for the internet.  Are there white wolves?  What is honeycomb made of?  Is there more than one moon?  Why does the moon change size?  You will throw your head back in laughter and seek out any opportunity for excitement.  With you, life will never be boring.  You have a sister that loves you so much.  She was so proud that she could keep your birthday present a secret...as was not the case with your Christmas present.  Happy Birthday my beautiful girl.  I can't wait to see what this year holds for you.
Love,
Mom   
 

Portrait of a Six Year Old

Who needs their eyes open?  Viv gets intuitive with her swing. 

The package arrived on the porch sometime early last week.  Jerry was so excited to present Ella with her first set of golf clubs.  Waiting until the 24th (her birthday) was clearly out of the question.  They were purchased used on ebay, came with a pink bag and pink balls and were the perfect size for Ella.  I think I may have heard him "squee" with delight upon opening.  Ella immediately took to the gift; learning how to hoist the bag on to her shoulders and choose her club.  She and Jerry began setting up a make-shift putting green in our living room within minutes.  Later that night, a second putting green was crafted, right next to her bed.  I could hear the ping of the tin can as balls would roll in, well past her bedtime.  She is even sleeping with her golf balls.  I'm certain the Christmas Unicorn Pillow Pet is seething with jealousy.  But in all seriousness, I'm so excited for Ella and Jerry.  I can imagine in the years to come such a strong bond forming in the golf cart; this experience they can share together.  Viv seemed much more interested in climbing into the golf ball baskets...but who knows, in time the three of them may even talk me into being their fourth.     

Waving to the cars on Lake Shore Drive.

Lake Michigan Tundra

Snowglobe

Skidding snowballs across ice.

A long and not so peaceful walk back to the car.

Up until Sunday, I had never seen the lakefront in the dead of winter.  I've always been inspired by the beautiful photographs taken of icy waves or a frozen current against the sand.  Being a firm believer in the "no such thing as poor weather, just poor clothing choices", we bundled up and headed to the lake.  Much of January has been spent inside and I could tell these girls needed to get out and roll around in some snow...and so did their mother.  We traipsed across the North Avenue bridge, slid down snow mounds, sunk into sand with our snow boots, explored the waters edge and watched snowballs slide across smooth sheets of Lake Michigan ice.  All was good until we had to turn around and walk back to the car.  Arguments broke out and on several occasions there was flat out refusal to move an inch more.  That was, until lunch out was promised.  We ended this trek at Edzo's in Lincoln Park.  Some argue it is the best burger in Chicago.  Jerry's interest was certainly piqued.  I could tell all my hair-brained ideas had been forgiven by the time his burger arrived.  And somewhere I read Edzo's milkshakes won them third place nationally.  Viv and Ella certainly approved.  Regardless of the rankings we were all happy to peel off our layers, relax in our snow pants and enjoy lunch.  And for the record, I would do it all again in a heartbeat.  The lakefront in winter is certainly fascinating. 

She's counting the days!

Viv's Family Portrait

Oh Viv,
What did I ever do to you?
Love,
Mom

I'm pretty sure that by posting this recipe, I won't be charged with sharing state secrets.  We obtained this recipe from Jerry's cousin, Armil.  Actually, I'm surprised he parted with this recipe with such ease.  This is a favorite in our household and something I will always associate with the Biag side of the family.  We serve the skewers with a green salad and rice.  This dish is simply called "meat on a stick"...because, well, it is.  However, it is so much more.  I promise.

"First thing...soak your sticks in water.  The sticks won't burn off as quickly when your grilling.

1 lb of  thinly sliced meat (I prefer pork since it soaks the marinate the best, but beef is great, too.  I've never tried it on chicken)

1/3 cup Thai sweet chili sauce (any brand), but Mae Ploy is the one I often use

2 tbs brown sugar

salt and pepper your preference

1/4 cup soy sauce 

1 lemon squeezed

sometimes I add chili flake and/or hot chili oil (depending on preference)

main ingredient:  7up or sprite, but 7up is preferred...i pour this last.  I use about half a can, but not all. The meat should not be drowning in the soda, but just enough for the meat to absorb a good amount.

Let the marinate sit overnight before you place the meat on the sticks or minimum 4 hours (i'm not really sure what the minimum time is, but I know the meat tastes better the longer they marinate).

Grill to your preference. 

FYI 1 lb of meat is never enough...get 3 lbs min if you're feeding people."

With the Gerona Crew and Thrilled to be Photographed

Will, Viv, El, Sadie, Jackson and Elsa

The Official Countdown

Marveling at Dad's Whack-A-Mole Abilities

I'm not quite sure how we are going to be able to get the girls off of their perpetual holiday high.  We rung in the new year with our neighbors in Wisconsin.  A log cabin, board games and overnight bags packed with sweatpants were all that was needed.