Me on NBC

So in a pretty unexpected turn of events, I have somehow signed on to be on the NBC Chicago Sunday Morning News Show during the 9:00 hour this coming Sunday. Gulp.

What could I possibly be doing on the local news, you ask? Good question. I am going on to promote Being Savvy: Chicago by talking about "Dinner Table Destinations: China and the Olympics." The segment is about using the Summer Olympic games in Beijing as an opportunity to talk to your little ones about Chinese culture and customs as well as the tradition of the Olympic games. I am going to be talking about kid-friendly recipes, activities and crafts.

I am sure that, regardless of how the experience goes, I will have lots to tell you on Monday.

Wish me luck.

Lending Mom a Helping Hand

You won't believe who has been giving me some help with the kids lately? Thomas the Train. Let me say right off the bat that I don't exactly understand the Thomas the Train fascination that my kids seem to have. But, who am I to judge -- I like a lot of weird things too.

I had the chance to check out a new Thomas the Train computer game called "Special Delivery." I couldn't pass the opportunity up because I knew that Ellie and Brendan would love to try it out.

Boy, was I right. Ellie is able to navigate the whole game entirely by herself (frankly she is pretty good at the parts that I found slightly confusing). I don't mean to sound like an old person, but I can't believe how good young kids are with computers. Brendan stares at the screen while Ellie plays, captivated by the impressive graphics and shouting "There's Thomas" every time he appears.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am not advocating plopping kids down in front of the computer to play games for hours. But as all busy Moms know, sometimes kids need to play independently while you make dinner, clean up, work, etc. And I think that a half an hour playing a computer game that teaches spacial and math skills beats watching some totally mindless cartoon.

So thanks Thomas. We are glad to have you.

Hey Mom, I'm in Here

I felt my baby move for the first time yesterday.

I felt a distinct thump, thump. Not a wiggle or squiggle or rumble or rolling feeling. No, I got a very clear "Hello there" thump.

I like that my new little guy is demanding a small share of the attention already.

Hello right back to you baby.

Three Crazy People in My Backyard

Backyard fun with Daddy.

Things That Make My Heart Go Pitter Patter

If you head down to the Green City Market this Saturday morning, you can shop the market with Alice Waters as she chooses items for the menu for a benefit she is having in honor of Michelle Obama on Monday. Apparently, you just get to follow her around (presumably at a distance that doesn't make her feel like she is being stalked).

So you get to see Alice in action, plus she will sign books for you (my copy of The Art of Simple Food is already tattered and worn from use). As a bonus, maybe you could figure out how one gets herself invited to benefits in honor of Michelle Obama.

I don't mean to expose the true depths of my dorkiness . . . but does this sound like Saturday morning bliss or what?

Unfortunately, I am not going to be there because I am pretty sure that Alice doesn't want two little people following her around, sampling from every single pint of raspberries and blueberries they pass by while loudly demanding another butter and sugar crepe. Maybe next time.

Shellin' Peas

This is a perfect job for little hands. Now, if only I could get anyone to actually eat them!

Walking With Dinosaurs

I have a giveaway going on at Being Savvy: Chicago that I want to tell you about (because it is pretty amazing).

Walking with Dinosaurs is a live a show coming to the United Center from August 7th through the 17th. The show features life-size dinos. Pretty cool. I have FOUR TICKETS to give away to see the show. Check out the post and enter by sending me an email at beingsavvychicago@savvysource.com.

If you don't win the tickets, I also have information on how to buy discounted tickets. Check it out and good luck!