Car DNA

I come from a "car family." My father use to race his 55-chevy at a Chicago track-- that is until he got in an accident an the radiator burst with steam coming out of it. My Mom, emotional and confused (she really didn't know much about cars at all- and just started driving after I was born) thought the car was on fire and demanded he choose "us" (the family) or the car. Though his car sat, seemingly playing musical chairs from garage to garage stall in storage-- his heart never stopped racing when he saw a hot rode, classic car or witnessed a race.

My earliest memories of my Dad always included cars. I'd hold my father's hand and stroll through the car show as he'd explain to me the different between the 1955, 1956 and 1957 chevy (all of which he would come to own and have a top car in the nation). He had lots of 'car buddies' but I was quick to decide in my mind, from an early age, that I would not date nor marry any "car brat." Perhaps, it was the way the boys at cars shows could only talk about cars that annoyed me. Or, perhaps it was the being submerged in a world, which I love BUT I understood early on, that this world did not hold women in the same regard as males.

Then I discovered "Cha-Cha" (Shirely) Muldowney! She was one of the top dragster drivers. I remember researching about her and asking my Dad about her and "Big Daddy" (Don Garlet). My Dad commented that he really helped her in her career. That there were a few other male drivers that stepped in and helped her or she wouldn't really be where she was at today. Even at 7 or 8 I wondered WHY gender made her different in this sport?

By 9, my Dad had his 55-chevy restored: candy apple blue and pearl white with chrome highlighting the perfect spots. In true fashion, these cars had no seat belts. It also wasn't a law to wear them...yet. I can recall many a times hanging my head out the window of the car, in the front seat as a kid, pretending I was Under Dog flying through the air to my next rescue.

While in the 55-chevy, I tasted my first dose of speed while being surrounded by metal and a American 'classic' design. I won't say how fast as by today standards, my father would judged as incredibly irresponsible. Our family calendar for the weekends was either "dance competition" or "showing the car." Often times we were double booked, but my Dad always put in the effort to see me perform when he could.

I was around 13 when my Mom got her 1966, red, mustang coupe. This was the first car I learned how to drive in...when I was 14 in the back parking lot of the Berwyn Plaza as well as the Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park (about 5 minutes from our house). Again, surely my Mom would be seen as incredibly irresponsible for this. But, I savor these memories with her. I seemed to be a natural. I remember her telling me how expressway driving was so much easier than residential streets. Brace yourself: she let me drive to visit my father in an outdoor car show 45-minutes away from our house on the Eisenhower Expressway (aka I-290). She only paniced when she was the police re-routing traffic because of the show being so crowded. As I put the car in park she said, "Don't tell your father about this." This of course meaning my trip behind the wheel. That car was sold by the time I was 15 (I'm not sure why) and I always wished that it wasn't...

Prior to my Mom getting sick, my Dad brought home a frame for a 57-chevy. She would comment about not being able to drive the 55-chevy because it was stick. So, my Dad brought her out to the side of the garage and announces to her, "Surprise!" To which she said, "What am I going to do with that? Make it a flower pot?" Hence, the cars name: "The Flower Pot." My Dad had this restored with the sole purpose of it being 'a ladies car' -- However, with a 'special engine' it's not very lady-like on the street. My friend Jessica and I went out with my Dad one night and felt the rush of...again, I'm not about to go into details about how fast, but the new sports car that began next to us at the line up, was literally left.in.the.dust. My Mom never got to see that car as she passed away before it was complete. However, I think there were many times when she was riding right along the side of my Dad-- keeping him out of trouble. My Dad, and his friends, are probably the only middle aged men to get their licenses collected by police getting a call for street-racing. Sure, there were younger twenty-somethings there too...but imagine the cops faces when they turned to my Dad's license and saw the DOB as 1944.

My dad gave me a 1965 fastback. My brother, also a car enthusiast who has a weakness for GTO's, had his own successful car upholstery business for many years. That ended when a semi-truck hit him while his pick-up truck was sitting at a red light. He didn't have a seat belt on and by instinct, crossed his hands over his chest as he saw the truck approach in the rear view mirror. Instead of his chest hitting the steering wheel, his arms took the full impact. Lucky as he was to be alive, I think a part of him did die on that day-- his creative outlet through the use of his hands. Surely, not everyone saw what he did as 'creative' -- I'm not even sure he acknowledged that, but the designs and colors and pieces he would create, were nothing short of creative. He found that after the accident, his hands would go numb while working... I remember going over, having lunch or sitting and watching my brother at his shop. I framed a whole series of car pictures for him to be displayed in the shop. I guess it was my way of balancing out the strategically challenged attire of the poster girls on the walls. I first sat in my mustang at his shop. With my Dad and Brother peeking in the window on each side I said, "How am I suppose to see out of this?" (Referring to the many blind spots in the car.) I remember my brothers smile as if it happened like yesterday. He looks directly at my Dad, "Do you remember...Ma said the same thing when she sat in her car for the first time."

I drove my mustang EVERYWHERE! It had an alarm on it, so I made it my every day car. On occasion, I would "cruise" with my Dad and his friends. I'm such a visual person, that turning a corner, I couldn't help but look behind me and soak up the long line of classic cars behind me- all in a row.

Then there were the times that my 'rare' right front hub cap would fly off my car! One time it was during a left hand turn with my friend Kelly in the car. I kept driving and told her to look back-- if it hit anything we were going to keep going. If it didn't we'd go back! ha,ha. We went back, she ran out and got it and while trying to put it on again, we were circled by boy after boy....checkin' on the car, asking questions, blah, blah, blah. We were not exactly the nicest girls! If anyone asked for a ride and they 'weren't cute' we'd us an excuse that it was a 2-seater. Bummer! In reality, the 2+2 fastback folded down in the back...when it folded up, there were 2 additional seats. Oh, the joys of being 19!

Another time my hub cap came off was in the middle of a farm field on a remote road, somewhere in Kane County (surely all developments now back in IL). My friend John and I loved to drive at night, listening to tunes with the stars and the headlights for the car leading the way where the streets truly had no names. I pulled over at sunset to look for the hub cap. Somehow John hit the kill switch on the mustang and the car wouldn't start! This was one of the longest nights of our lives. We walked for miles upon miles, with NOTHING in sight. Around midnight we made it to a hole-in-wall bar that I will forever be thankful for. We used their pay phone (these were the days when you didn't have a cell phone!) to call my Dad. Then we had to explain where we were by asking the locals (as we didn't even know at this point!). It took him almost 2 hours to get us. We went back to the site of the car and he tinkered around with it and got it running. He was so mad, he made my friend John ride with him! While driving, with my father and my buddy John in back of me, a deer popped out in the middle of the road. Knowing that my mustang can not stop on a dime like "modern cars" I made the quick reaction to swerve around it or I would have hit it. We stopped to drop off John at his house and my Dad gave me a BIG hug and expressed how his heart dropped when he saw that deer in front of me. He said, "Most drivers would panic and slam on the breaks. But not you...you're so smart and have the experience to react quickly. I'm so proud of you and the way you know how to drive." As a parent -now- I think it is funny how it sometimes takes something like that after being really upset at your kids about ...whatever... to put things back in perspective.

The trips to Michigan to hang out at the Krecek's summer house, the Sawyer beach, the trips to Holland and Twin Lakes (where my Mom and Dad owned 10-acres), the trips to visit my bestie in Grad school down south...picking up my buddy Ian from the airport...driving out to visit my friend Bob...the open windows (there was no a/c) and volume on high and the stick of the leather seats on a hot day...

Though Ashish wasn't around for my 'performance' days (I was an elementary teacher candidate, while teaching dance and theatre), when I met him (just shy of 26 years old), I was still driving the mustang. The gear shaft always gave me problems on that car-- It wouldn't always want to start if it wasn't "just so" in park. While out with Ashish, I actually had to pop the hood of my car and hot wire it right before his eyes. ha,ha.

Having two boys, I've purposely tried to counter-balance stereotypical "boy toys" and topics with stereotypical female things. It's amazing to me, from an early age- with no encouragement from me- how Nishad can identify certain cars and express sheer-joy over them...and the speed associated with him. Last Halloween, Nishad wanted to be a race car driver. I admit, I got a little excited and went to an extreme of finding him the perfect outfit. Recently, at a local parade, BOTH of my boys were ga-ga over the antique cars on display. I hear them argue over what is a mustang, corvette, etc.

Last summer, I took the boys to their first car show. My Dad would call the small outdoor car shows, "hot dog shows." Ha,Ha. I'm not exactly sure why, but I think it had to do with the lack of seasoned judges, etc. It's definitely a different scene than a national regulated show, but I think there should be a place for ALL car enthusiasts to go- regardless. So, I guess by my Dad's terms, this was a hot dog show. (It just sounds funny!) Regardless, the boys had fun and Nishad found a favorite car.

I feel like a post after this needs a bit of clarification on some points. By all means, the purpose of this post is NOT to encourage people to:

1. not wear seat belts. It's proven- Buckling up saves lives! And, while you're at it, make sure your kids belts on propery secure on them too!

2. drive without a license/under age. Not only is it illegal, but it's just not safe. I'm merely sharing my experiences, but this doesn't mean that it was "right" or "okay" for my parents to do this.

Some things do naturally run through our DNA... I am proud to come from a "car family." I have many great memories that evolve around classic cars-- but more so, the people in my lives that just happened to share that "car DNA." My Dad and Mom and my brother too. Their friends that I came to know as well. I'll always remember the Havelka's, with their class police car and 1956 convertible that I was honored to take a ride in (back when I had long hair to flow in the wind!)...who came to be like an Aunt and Uncle to me. "Smitty," Brian B., The Hanna's, Vale and Al, Art and his wife,...and many other names that I perhaps can't recall, but are all images that cruise through my mind, every so often.

Despite the challenges (I am not as talented as my Dad or brother when it comes to upkeep or fixing cars) of holding on to this car, I am proud that it is still in "our family." If it's up to our boys- it will remain that way too! I'm also excited that I have now passed on a little bit of that "Verner" love for all things classic to my boys. When I finally do visit my childhood home to get my things out of the house- you can bet I'll be hunting to take my poodle skirt too! Yes, what is a car show if you can't get all dolled up like you are actually from the 1950's? Perhaps, another car show is in store this summer.

Friends are Family

I'm actually borrowing that line from my friend, Susie. So true. So true, Susie. Susie is one of those kind and loving...artistic and creative....fun and graciously spirited people that you just love to be in the company of. She surely is a gardener of the soul as every time I leave her, I feel like I've been graced upon just as sunshine must feel on the petals of a flower. She made my boys day by thinking of them and making them the crayons below. I plan on hanging this picture in our new house as a reminder to allow color into our world on a daily basis (in it's many forms) and how blessed I am to call her a chum. :)

Yes, Susie...friends ARE family. Nothing better than being in the embrace of those you love!

A nice smushy hug!

Indepence.

Our first holiday in our new city: Independence Day! How appropriate as we haven't felt this independent in years! Prior to moving 50 miles south, we were, well....to be candid...sponging off of other cities. Yes, we had super low taxes, but no amenities to show. I never realized how much we did that until we moved. Whether it was park facilities, splash pads, pools, events, community ed programs, even schools (although we do pay for private tuition for both of our children), business', clinics and hospitals... Looking back, we were always in the car headed somewhere~ And that somewhere, on average, was 30 minutes. Add snow. Well, you the picture. The thing is, you just condition yourself to "do it." Until you're out of the situation can you really reflect.

While we do continue to love our home in Otsego, life just seems so much simpler now. We realize how blessed we are to be able to still own it and purchase a 2nd house (especially, on one income all the while paying for private tuition for the boys). It is also reassuring to have a wonderful family renting there now, filling the walls with laughter and love.

By no means are we treating that house like a step-child. That was our first home. The home we brought our babies home to. The home I single-handily planted every bush, tree, flower, etc. That was the neighborhood I created and maintained a website for: friendlymeetingplace.com, organized a progressive luncheon as a neighborhood ice-breaker, had an open party invite for people in the neighborhood to attend a Halloween party at our house, hosted a cookie exchange in which fellow neighbors delivered cookies in order to reach out to new people in the neighborhood, as well as a neighborhood breakfast and ice cream social in the park as well as having helped out with National Night Out. That was the city that I proudly became active in by volunteering for the local festival, serving as a tri-chair for the bond and levy campaign, donating time and services with my photography business to organizations and causes and served as Chair for the park and rec. commission.

I can't forget all of the wonderful people I met (shout out to: S.Kre.,K.H.G., L.C., J.G., S.T., K.M., A.W. ) that I'm so lucky to be able to call my friends! This was the place where our boys had their first playdate and trick or treated among friends. We will always have fond memories there-- and who knows, perhaps in a few years we'll keep it solely for our "cabin." :) The creek in our yard occasionally does get high- perhaps some tubing action in future years? ha,ha.

Our move was based on what was personally best for our family. With the move in mind, our top priority~ being that we now had the opportunity to move virtually anywhere in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs, was the school district.

So now...
-we've changed our address on our license
-have new library cards!
-started to fill out official paperwork for when Nishad transitions into public school for first grade (Fall, 2012)
-feel a bit spoiled without having to drive any further than 10 minutes to EVERYTHING under the sun (bonus: major reduction in our green carbon print!)
-are amazed at the plethora of beautiful parks, events and activities that promote a healthy and sound "family" life-style all within our own backyard
-are a little gitty about never having to choose between a few places to eat (now we can't decide ate which amazing-- and organic-- place to dine)
-can not get over having our own library and aquatic center
-love the peace of mind that a solid school district defined by excellence brings to my core
-enjoy the fact that grocery shopping is no longer an event (Whole Foods is 10 minutes away, Trader Jo's 8 minutes away, Byerly's is 5 minutes away!)
-are beyond thrilled to have a community ed program that is built off importing strong schools/organizations/instructors to teach classes (for example, Martha Burn's Swim School [same tier as Foss Swim School] handles all swim instruction offered, through a community ed price)

We really didn't know what to expect at our first "community event." However, the night prior, while driving home on Vernon, we saw a bunch of lawn chairs that people placed to 'mark' off their spots of the Independence Day parade. Suddenly, my expectations for this little community parade rose a lot!

The following morning, we found a arrived at the parade route to 'hunt' for a spot. We did find one, but it was PACKED! Some of the Edina veterans and police officers explained to us how the kids get to collect candy, but to make sure we 'supervise' them as their are cars, etc. in the parade. Got it. With so many parades banning candy and free stuff, I thought it was neat that they still allow it.

Growing up in a city in the suburbs of Chicago, we LOVED a parade ~ and they were often quite political. I really missed not having this experience in the city I lived in...I was so excited that our children now got to experience it. They loved it!

I also LOVED that Nishad stood up for every American flag that passed us in the parade. This happened after a veteran singled him out by waving and yelling to him to come by him (he is pictured below, in the back looking at the camera). He gave Nishad the flag he was waving. How beautiful and inspiring that someone that has given so much already, continues to give more... This was a moment when I wish I had my good camera (I shoot 95% of my pics these days with my iphone-- I know, I know...slackin!). After, I explained who the man was to Nishad-- even at 5, I believe he "got it" and understood what it meant. The parade and all the groups were great...

But please never forget...This is the 'land of the free' because of the brave.

More Tiger

"Live Art" by Tiger. He has such a brilliant, artistic mind.

Must be the dancer in me- I just loved seeing his bare piglets.

Taking a nice sniff of the "flower" he picked for me.
Marveling at the ants on the bark of the tree.

Little Feet. :)

Kissing the "precious flower."

A swingin' time.

Date with Tiger

Oh those little bare feet that I could kiss a million times and never grow tired of it...Dusty bare feet from running in the pebbles at the park...Yet, they are still delicious!

While Nishad was in fish camp from 9am to 3p.m. for one week, Tiger and I were able to hang out together. While we missed Nishad, I really appreciated the one-on-one time that I got to share with him. One of my favorite things to do is to go to a park and just marvel at my kiddos behind the lens of my camera. To me, this has the same effect of meditation in a yoga class. :) No "fancy" outfits...no photo editing, or software- just raw pics of my kiddo being himself. What's not to love?!

Yes, Tiger gave himself a haircut. He brought me the glue after and asked me to "glue it back." ha,ha. :)

Crocks inspired bridge? Or bridge inspired Crocks?

To Tiger and I, it will always be a flower.

Heart like a Wheel.

Heart like a wheel: 6 years, 2 kids, 1 out of state move and 1 in state move later, she runs again! She has been safely tucked away in the third stall of our Otsego house all these years, put on the back burner as so many other things in life take priority. However, after we leased out our house to our tenants, we were motivated not to have 'her' towed out, but driven out. That plan didn't go so well as the fuel line was blocked after all these years of sitting. So, 'she' (yes, she) was towed to a shop in St. Paul, placed in trusted- very capable hands. $1400 later, I took my first drive in her in years. Nishad's last remarks, "Push the medal to the petal, but be careful Momma!" I was 19 years old when my Dad gave her to me. He restored it for me-- fastbacks are pretty hard to come by. I see lots of coupes, but fastbacks...and this being the first mustang that came out on the line right from Deerborn, Michigan melts my heart with thoughts of what it means to be American and take part in this special collectors club of car enthusiasts. There is something so awesomely cool about driving a car that is 46 years old! It has withstood the test of time...a much different destiny for the majority of the cars on the road today. So much for "fix or repair daily"... This car has such memories boxed up inside of it. Some of my favorite include my friends Kelly and Jessica... It's funny when I think about about all the times that I would drive EVERYWHERE in this car, without a cell phone. To Michigan, Southern Illinois, etc... and today...well, I don't leave my house without my phone to go to the local park. Windows down, shades on, tunes on...life was good~ And, with a certainly little 3 and 5 year old and the love of my life in the passenger seat....life has never been better. Thank you, Ashish, for knowing that this car is pricessless...and for not letting 'her' die. Yes, with my Dad owning several classic chevy's (a 1955 that is a national award winner), I come from a 'car family'-- and I'm proud of it! This seems to be something in my boys DNA as well. :)

By the way, "Heart Like a Wheel" is actually a movie I saw about Shirley "Cha-Cha" Muldowney-- a female drag racer. I wanted to race like Cha-Cha.

School is Out!

Two of my favorite people at one of our favorite places: Como Zoo!

Tiger will pretty much ride anything Nishad goes on. I can not believe I will have a kiddo in K next Fall!

Mother's Day

My Mother's favorite flower: The Bleeding Heart.

At the annual Mother's Day Brunch held at the boys Montessori school. Here is Nishad and I, pictured with a buddy of his that we've known since Tiger's days in the toddler community. We're so glad he continues to be in our boys lives as he moved up to Nishad's class this year.

My little Tiger-- dig in! Strawberries are his FAVE! They are always yummy!

A self portrait of Tiger and I. Gotta love an iphone.

Me and my Honey. It was because of Nishad that I found out how much I more I was capable of loving...

Special thanks to their wonderful school for hosting this event annually. This was my 3rd Mother's Day Brunch here-- it only gets better each year!

May Day!

The May Day parade was something that I've wanted to go to since moving to Minnesota. However, it just never panned out-- and it was quite a drive. However!! Living only 15 minutes away...this was the year to make our presence a reality! It was FREEZING and we were not exactly dressed for Mother Nature's cold shoulder (their were actually flakes floating in the air!), but it was one of the most creative and passionate parades I've ever seen! One of our faves was a monkey that came up to us. Instead of passing out candy, he was passing out nanners. This is a place that you are free to speak your political mind. In other places, where people would be arrested for Anti-War demonstrations, they'll be applauded here. Even Minnesota companies-- that destroy the environment and planet will be vilified here. There are tons of organizations and non-profits- even the Mayor marches. It's organized by the Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre - so of course, it's visually amazing! Regardless, of what part lines you're on or what you believe, if you come with an open mind and view it with a child-like perspective...you'll enjoy! We'll be sure to be back next May! Hopefully, the weather will cooperate!

Cabin in the City

When you come to a fork in the road, often times, one path is a safe, familiar route and the other is fueled by taking a risk. We took a risk.

We rented out our home in Otsego and found a rental in Edina to live in while we search for our "cabin in the city!" While most people purchase their second homes up north, Otsego was as far north as we wanted to own property. So, we went closer to the city- an outter ring suburb of the Twin Cities.

Back in January we started touring schools and interviewing principals after we narrowed our list from our research down to two districts: Edina and Wayzata (Plymouth, Medina, etc.). If we were not move, our number was reason for the move was the school district. Everything else came secondary. Edina offered everything we had dreamt of and more. Our back-up plan? If our house didn't rent to the right family, we'd continue to live in Otsego and for 1st grade, we would continue to send our children to a private school. With two private schools in mind, we'd be paying $10K for each of our boys per year-- which in reality, is pretty much what we pay now for their Montessori School. We'd simply have to make the commute-- continue spending $600-800 a month on gas.

After 6 applications submitted in the first four days our house was on the market, we singled out what we believe to be the perfect family for our house in Otsego. We found a place to rent, while looking for a second house. We're currently living in 1300 square feet, and paying about the same as our mortage in Otsego. We had a POD being stored full of half our house. While renting is different than what we are use to- it's only temporary and a means to a longer solution. To be honest, we are embracing all the time we suddenly because we don't have to maintain a house. Our quality of life has changed dramatically for the better. We are suddenly in a city that has everything within 5 minutes of us. We have tons of parks, trails, mature landscape, top-notch schools and community education programs. The people here are also so amazing- they are so invovled in the process of the city and the school (it's a partnership). The boys love living much closer to the Montessori School (Nishad will complete his K year at the Montessori School and then we'll transition him to public). We have plans to get Tiger in to the French Immersion School. We've seen a few houses- but nothing that made us want to make an offer. We've got some time...which is a good thing!

Move in weekend, there was a pit-fall...I had gotten strep and bronchitis! The following week after living here, Ashish left for a convention in Boston and the week after California. So-- that was a little stressful on our household. But, I think things are leveling out...and feeling "normal." The boys did amazing with the transition. Better than me, I think! They have to share a bedroom now, which at first Nishad wasn't crazy about (Tiger was THRILLED!). However, I think it has brought them even closer. They both had input on how they wanted to decorate their rooms and the placement of things. Nishad is enveloped with sports, so he wanted a sports room. Tiger, on the other hand, saw some "Cat in the Hat" decorations that called to his inner cat.

Thanks to the friends from Ashish's work that helped us move & to all those that offered to help- even by watching the kiddos!

Where there is a will, there is a way!

It's official! After living here for almost 7 years, we decided to take the step forward to re-locate closer to Ashish's work and the boys school. Our house went on the market for rent or sale as of March 1st! See the video clip here by clicking this link! It was taken off the market as of March 7th! We had three potential "sale" showings and 6 rental showings-- all of which applied to rent except for one.

Don't get me wrong, we L-O-V-E our house, the layout, the yard (even a our special neighbors we are blessed to call friends)...but we are currently spending $600-800/month on gas. We also really like the boys school. Nishad has been attending this same private school since he was 2 1/2 years old. Tiger has been going since he was 22 months old. Both, attending in holistic tradition of 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. Our boys each will have had around 40K of tuition spent on them before they enter first grade. We don't think of it as an investment in the school, but rather as an investment in our boys. Next year we will have two separate pick up times because of Nishad's K year. There is no way I can keep a sane household with 2 pick-ups, each 30 miles away. Something had to happen...

The boys education/school and family time is something that Ashish and I will not compromise on. We feel very strongly about education and refuse to subject them to anything less than an exceptional experience. Of course, on one income (being that I don't "work" outside the home-- though I am more busy now than I ever was "working") we have made a lot of sacrifices-- ALL worth it in the name of our boys education. I'd do everything again in a heartbeat. Our decision has less to do about what others think and everything to do about what is the right decision for our family. So, with that in mind we are in a unique position that we feel blessed to be in. We decided to pin-point the exact school we would like our boys to go to, and then zero in on purchasing a 2nd home in that location. Our other option would be to continue private school until we moved into the identified boundary of the school. Luckily, after an over-whelming response in rent applications, we were able to screen, and hand select what we feel is to be a wonderful family to lease our home. Everything has come together so very quickly!

We started touring schools and interviewing principals at potential schools in the Wayzata District and Edina School District about 2 weeks ago. It was my understanding that even in the 'best' school districts, not all schools are created equally. This held to be very true with Wayzata-- However, it was not the case with Edina.

Ashish and I visited every school together. I viewed these schools as someone who has an education background, potential community member and most importantly...a parent. It took me 15 tours to find the right pre-school, why should elementary school be any less? If you're a parent that is starting your search for your child's school, or you simply want to see how your school rates, click here.

EDINDA. "A Community Commitment to public education can make anything possible." There is not a school that you can go wrong with in Edina. They seriously are on par with many schools in the private sector- if not surpass them. This of course is why you can buy a shoebox size house with two bedrooms between 275K-480K (even in todays market!). Their schools are top notch and as our agent validated, it is simply what justifies and maintains the home prices. Another BIG plus is that they don't bus their kids to other neighborhood schools. In addition, ONLY Edina residents can attend their schools. They truly are the last of the small community/neighborhood schools.

Again, you can't go wrong with any of the Edina schools. However, if I had to pick a favorite it would have to be Highlands! The great small community feel upon pulling up to the school, warmed my heart. Classrooms are free of clutter and there are huge windows that allow for lots of natural light into the classrooms. They have an edible garden that kids tend to year round (even during the summer). They harvest veggies and fruit and bring them into the school to eat. They start everything from seedlings and maintain it. They were also awarded a huge grant to develop an outdoor science learning lab/environment. Spanish begins at 3rd grade, with the option to begin at 1st in a enrichment program. Highlands is a K-5 school with 550 students. They have a Continuous Progress Program (CP) and Discovery Program. The CP program is a looping program with multi-aged classrooms. The discovery program is where children have the same teacher for 1-2 grade, 3-4 grades, and 5th. They are big on cooperative learning, choice theory and conflict resolution. The school is an IT Directors (a-hem) dream. Yet they balance all the gadgets and gizmo's with the arts. They have the vision and led by example. With some of the most AMAZING principals I've ever encountered, and a staff that is a breath of fresh air and a strong parent base, we can actually envision Nishad walking through the front door NOW. We loved that Highlands was so confident with their school and students that we had a student led tour piror to meeting with the principal. It definitely added to our visit to listen to the perspective of an actual student. When Edina states, "Defining Excellence," they mean it.

WAYZATA. After touring virtually all the schools in this district (which Wayzata, Medina, Medicine Lake, Corcoran, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Minnetonka and Orono all filter into this district), we feel that there is one stand out school: Greenwood Elementary! While this district is really starting to feel the affects of a population explosion (many places are only accepting open enrollment on a very limited means-- open enrollment is part of the reason why this district became a strong district), Greenwood is holding strong. The school is open with lots of natural light, clean, free of distracting clutter in classrooms with a phenomenal staff (one REALLY, REALLY phenomenal one that I'm lucky to call my friend) and great principal. Another school with a lot of parent involvement (we ran into a fellow Montessori Parent that open enrolled their 1st grader here- small world!). They have the most impressive computer labs, and up to date teaching tools... Lots of interaction and laughter...and such a laid back atmosphere! You get the impression that everyone loves to hang out here-- parents, staff and students alike. While other school boundaries in Plymouth have began busing neighborhood kids to different schools due to space restraints, Greenwood hasn't. In fact, there are builders that are putting up houses directly in Greenwood's boundary because the school is an obvious and unique prize. Homes are a lot more affordable in the Wayzata district, which is attractive to many people. We would easily be able to purchase a house similar to ours in this boundary. That alone is motivation, right?

DECISIONS. We're lucky though. We're lucky to be blessed to be able to make such decisions. A lot of changes are headed our way. We'll probably rent until we find "the house." We're okay with that too. We're excited to test out a new neighborhood and see if it's a fit. Or, at least be closer to the boys school for the year before we move into a house. I can't help but feel that someone "up there" has had a special hand in watching out for us and helping things happen. What a ride it will be! T-minus 6 weeks!!

Life.Is.Sweet!

Pinch me!

Things have been exceptionally great since I've made a conscious decision to block off time for "us" -- whether that be the boys and I, Ashish and I or everyone together! By not allowing those rare free days to get swallowed up with commitments on the calender, we've freed up our ability to be spontaneous! That has worked wonders.

We were averaging 1-2 play date a week last year and though we love our friends, it just became too much with me going to school full time now. (School is a HUGE chunk of time as it's not only class time, but homework and projects.) Now, we average 1 to 2 play dates a month. If it's a high volume birthday party month, we may just skip the idea of any play dates so life is less complicating. After all, our boys DO go to school Monday thru Friday for three hours a day...so they are getting plenty socializing in already.

I'm also learning to be a bit more selfish about my time. Do I miss my friends I use to see more regularly- you betcha! It doesn't mean that I don't still adore them. But I know if they are really my friend they understand that I've got a lot on my plate with school, daily pick-ups in Plymouth, the boys, my photography-stuff, health and all the responsibilities of being a Mommy without any 'family' to provide back-up support. Of course, of course, THEY are themselves a HUGE amount of support and have always offered to help where they can with our boys. That's greatly appreciated...but I want to be able to "do it all." I guess I kind of take pride in that. At least for now.

I've also enjoyed doing things on my own again...I find it gives me the time alone to allow my creative energy to circulate. In turn, I am not only a better Mommy, a better wife...but a better ME! I like ME and while I was getting SO stressed this past Autumn and at many times didn't like who I was...I've seemed to evolve and learn a bit more about what works for the health and sanity of me. I need my space, I need my time, I like to see friends and hang out but not at the expense of not having family time--down time--...Make sense? For now, it does for me!

I am a "happy person." I have been since I was born. It's just my nature. However, I've also learned that being a happy person doesn't mean you HAVE to ALWAYS keep up that over the top happy image. You can be happy without blowing horns, beating on drums and doing a flip every time you see someone (after all, I'm not a dog!) or are excited about something. You can genuinely feel happy for someone without doing a back bend to show them how happy you are for them. While I am sure that some people think I'm not happy because I'm being more authentic to my feelings and moods, I assure you...live hasn't been this good in some time.

Winter Blahs

After such a healthy Fall, and seemingly healthy winter...IT got US! Whatever IT is it vacated the boys body (thankfully!) but alas, I'm always the longest to recover. On my behalf though, I did get it after the other two were on their way to recovering. I think that I was just so worn down. With school, homework, trying to keep up the house and take care of the boys (which now have swimming, gymnastics and little sportsers), on top of being up the entire night with Tiger...on top of Ashish coming home consistently late the last few weeks...my resistance was just low. I pushed through my Friday night class, dreading every minute my body wasn't under the covers. Saturday and Sunday were spent at home, recovering. I really can't wait to get back to my dance classes and perhaps add an element of exercise on another day for the week. But first things fist-- feeling better.

So, I thought this would be a good time to re-visit and re-evaluate my priorities and focus.
1. My relationship with Ashish
2. My boys
3. My health (Get to that Zumba class! Get to that Dance class! Lay off the sugar!)
4. Consistently healthy meals that are prepared, NOT assembled.
5. Schoolwork.
6. Keep it simple (Block off down-time on the sched!)
7. Soak up and enjoy the "simple" things
8. Deligate more
8. Practice Peace.
10. Read more.

Tiger's BF

Share.The.Love

Nishad and I (along with Amy and S) tagged along as Tiger and his BF had their 2nd playdate. I say "their" play date, but we all had a wonderful time. Amy and I have been meaning to get together (kid prompted!) since the beginning of the year. But with the fact that I have school/h.w., in addition to the fact that Amy is also a full-time SAHM with a little one- not to mention everything else that life tosses ones way including holidays and and the fact that a chunk of playtime is already invested in our boys attending school M-F for three hours (not including commute times) a day it just didn't happen until the new year. I think Tiger would agree when I say, "Well worth the wait!"

The first time I saw these two really together (besides pick-up- which happens in the blink of an eye, honestly) was at Charlie's birthday party. The two sat next to one another and when Tiger wanted to get his BF's attention he didn't say his name, speak in a loud voice, poke or nudge him, etc. He simply brushed his hand across his friend back which prompted his friend to turn and make eye contact. They both smiled so lovingly at one another and then Tiger told him about the "color" he liked (they were at an art studio). It's so sweet to see a reciprocal friendship bloom, not out of need, convenience or necessity, but out of the sheer joy of being true friends.

We've heard about a few different friends in Tiger's Casa. However, when he speaks of his BF, it usually ends followed by either of these three things: 1. "I love him." 2. "He doesn't hit me." (A good characteristic of a friend, I think!) 3. "My best."


We headed to Como Zoo and Conservatory after pick-up. It's about 25-minutes from the boys school. We brown bagged our lunches and briefly ate in front of the fountain (we were gently told that there is no food allowed in the actual gardens, but you can eat in the main section). After visiting the gardens we even made it outside to the primate building to monkey around a bit.

What I loved so much was that this, like our last play date, was really low-key. In the picture above, Amy and I feverishly searched for change so the boys could "make a wish" at the fountain. I never carry cash anymore-- thank goodness we had both actually had change.

The boys curiously explored with a skip in their step, the look of wonder on their face and joy in their hearts. I'm so blessed Tiger introduced us to his BF and his family!

Flower Arranging

Flower Arranging
~For Kids at Home~

 One of my favorite things to watch children do in a Montessori classroom is flowering arranging. Not only do these children tend to have mathematical and spacial intelligence, but I think of them as the peacemakers of the classroom. In the dead of winter, who couldn't use a little burst of color...(and peace for that matter, as everyone seems to get a case of the grumps from the winter weather by now).
I've incorporated this Montessori concept into my home. Since Nishad was about 12 months old, he's been flower arranging. I usually don't purchase any flowers in the summer as I already have an abundance of fresh cut flowers from my own garden. (The boys love to go and hand pick them!) However, in the winter, I purchase flowers weekly. I come home, divided them in two bunches and give each of my boys a bunch. They look forward to this activity and often prompt me in the store to pick up flowers.

SUPPLIES
1. Flowers. I know this is an obvious supply. However, stay clear of stems with thorns or stems that are too hard for your child to cut.
2. Mini-Vases. I have multiple small vases that I've collected through the years, some at craft stores and some at big box stores. Each vase is usually between $1 to $3. I've never had one break, but know when you purchase it that as with anything glass, your child make break it. The idea of using real glass as opposed to plastic is that they learn that it is a "precious" material- and that you value them enough to give them the actual material to use. This is, "careful work."
3. Small pitcher and funnel. The small glass pitcher is for the child to go to the sink and fill up water for the vases. The funnel is for the child to place on the mouth of the vase to filter the water into. However, depending on the age of your child you may want to fill up the water for him or her yourself.
4. Child size scissors. This is so that your child can measure the height of the flower against the vase and cut it to the height they would like it to be in the vase. Be sure to teach them to pinch off all of the leaves prior to inserting the stem into the vase.
5. Child size apron. This is really optional, but if you prefer your child not get their clothes wet (there is always a potential spill) it may be something you want to include, along with a little sponge for quick, self-clean-up.
Surely, your child will find the perfect spot for their arrangement adding a burst of color and a little note of peace in your household.

burst.of.color