Open House

Tonight was Nishad's Open House at his school. It was a chance for him to show us his classroom and school through his eyes. We just love Nishad's school and can't say enough about it. Everyone should be so inspired early on in life...and blessed with such amazing educators.

The first thing that he gravitated toward was the sewing. He recalled how Auntie Kelly and he made a puppy-dog. We meandered through the classroom and worked a bit with the sand paper letters, and toured the geography section. All the while, Tiger and Ashish played in the award winning outside environment.

After, we treated Nishad with dinner out. I also receive such compliments on the boys about how well-behaved they are when we are out. I took them to lunch at Panara Bread last week, and an elderly lady in her 70's came up to me and said that she couldn't help but notice how well-behaved the boys are, "How did you do that?" ...I am super-Mommy! ;) In reality though, I've been blessed with the most amazing kids from day 1. God must have known I was a newbie, so he had to send such blessings to teach me a lesson or two. :)

Mr. Clean

Eggstra Special

This was my first event as the Chair for park and rec. I have to say, I felt very good about how things went! I'm lucky to work with such a good group of people. Each of them bring something different to the table. Combined...what rock-stars! I gave everyone a 'gag' gift to get us started. We changed things up this year a bit. We actually had the Easter Bunny outside. What a hit with guests! I don't think the bunny was ever so popular! By being outside, it naturally encouraged children to gravitate towards the Bunny in a non-threatening environment. Parents also commented about how they liked the natural setting. Some kids simply waited in line to say, "Hello" to the Bunny, while others posed for a picture. I think it meant a lot to parents that they didn't feel obligated to purchase a picture as well. They could simply take their own. Coborn's Delivers certainly delivered!! They donated 500 water bottles for the event! Target donated 2 of the 4 bikes we gave away. Denny's donated three $10 gift certificates and 29 buy on get one free cards. We had some great volunteers as well. Plus!! As an extra bonus, there was no snow on the ground this year! Now that's something to be HOPPY about! My camera battery died half way through the event, so I didn't get many pictures. However, I was too busy being the body guard for the Bunny to shoot. ha,ha. I felt like I worked for Disney, "Please form a line and the Bunny will be happy to meet you! He's been busy laying all of these eggs for you to find!" All in all, there were about 1500 people in attendance this year. Pretty cool!

Ashish and the boys couldn't attend this year. Nishad had J's 4th birthday party to attend to from 10a.m. to 1p.m. in Plymouth. Ashish dropped him off and he and Tiger spent the day together. He took Tiger to a park in Plymouth and out to lunch. Tiger soaked up all the attention from Daddy. It's the first time the two of them had been out by themselves. This was the first time we've ever trusted anyone with Nishad without us. J's Mom said things went well- they all had a lot of fun! They are a wonderful family and I feel blessed that the path we took in life has enabled us to meet and connect. Tiger and Ashish made it back in time for the Pinata. Tiger even took a few swings at it. ha,ha! :)

Back to school next week for Nishad! What an amazing break- despite the snow. At least it melts within hours now and doesn't linger around. We have another busy week next week. I have two photo shoots scheduled in the evenings and a park and rec meeting. Have a great week!

Fairwell, Auntie K!

Auntie K headed back to Chicagoland today. Nishad asked why she went back to Chicago. I explained that her mommy missed her. He said, "That's okay, we can pick her up tomorrow then." We had a great time with Auntie K. We're so blessed to have such a loving, caring, active and amazing person in our life. We love you, Auntie K!

Nishad did some sewing activities with Auntie K. There was a puppy that he sewed. Auntie K was quick to point out that it was an activity for 5 to 6 year olds. Nishad has excellent fine motor skills - especially only for a 3 1/2 year old!

Speaking of which, Nishad will be fulfilling the 3-year cycle, with his last year being Kindergarten at his Montessori School. His Kindergarten year will be Tiger's first year of pre-school. Most of the kids in our actual neighborhood that we know of are older than him, so they will all be attending a year ahead as the Minnesota cut-off date is September 1st. We've also decided that we will open enroll him as we prefer to send him to a district closer to Ashish's work. He'll be entering 1st grade in the school year 2011/2012. That's not too far off! Amazing how time flies!

We were invited over to a friend's house in the afternoon for a lunch/play date- for all involved. Nishad was a little confused as her son's name is the same as a boy in his class (I didn't realize that until he filled me in on his thoughts in the car). I sure feel blessed with getting to know so many wonderful people lately. The boys played and I got to catch-up with a pal. She's originally from Michigan, so we relate on a lot of topics. Very neat.

After I head to swing by City Hall to set-up for our Egg Hunt!

Circus

Join the Circus like you wanted to when you were a kid! Off we went to the Shrine Circus on the ground of the State Fair. Who knew the Circus would last so long? It started at 10:30a.m. and we finally walked out at 1p.m.! We had perfect seats and the boys, Kelly and I enjoyed it.

MOA with a twist of Guthrie

Nishad's best friend's Mom works at MOA. Since J's birthday is actually on April 1st (no joke!) J's Mom invited us to spend J's special day with him at the park at MOA. The night before, we thought it would be fun to go and pick out some balloons to give to J in celebration of his 4th birthday! The next day, we were rushing out the door and we forgot the balloons! This, after listening to the lady in the balloon shop go on and on about Nishad's eye (yes, he has another bump that we are treating- poor guy). I finally had to tell her to stop as he already feels self-conscious enough, please don't draw additional attention to it and make him feel worse. I called J's Mom and said we may be running late as we were going back for the 'surprise' for J!

We finally reached MOA when I opened the back door to get the stroller out- and you can just guess what happened! We had our own little celebration for J right there in the parking lot as we watched the balloons float away up, up and away...until they were no longer visible. Nishad looked at Kelly and I with such disappointment. We stopped off and picked J up two birthday suckers on the way to meet him. All was well again.

Nishad and J had so much fun riding all the rides together. They are so cute together! Watching them gave me a case of the smiles and giggles! It meant so much that J wanted to spend his actual birthday with us! This was the second time that in a week that we were able to hang out with them. J's mom had everything set so that the boys could ride everything for free- a perk for working at MOA, I'd say! It was time to say goodbye and hello to lunch and then nap times. We had a great time though!

Kelly and I had to rest up as we had tickets to see "By the Bog of Cats" at the Guthrie in the evening. It was great to get out like old times and really tear into a play. The best part was analyzing it with her. It really made me feel like I wanted to get my hands dirty and direct it! Overall, it was a good play. However, for a show that is closing in 4 days, it wasn't as polished as we expected. There was a beautiful view on the 9th floor. We took some neat pictures. We got home really late. I don't think I recall my head hitting the pillow- I just passed out!

Origami with a side of Children's Museum

Sound the trumpets and belt out a "C" note busting with vibrato; Auntie Kelly flew in to MSP from MDW today! She gave her job notice at the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC a month back and it was finally time for her to ship out. Her Mom and Brother drove to NYC to help her move. She headed back to Chicagoland to stay with her Mom. In 6-weeks she'll be off again to MA to create and design costumes for the summer Shakespeare Theatre Company there. She's already received a phone interview from Dayton University and now...they are going to fly her out for a face to face interview. Of course, all expenses paid (isn't that the only way to travel?). I have a feeling when they see her and get to know her, they won't let her escape back on to the plane! Good things are headed her way. Meanwhile, a visit to our house was certainly in order!

Being that Auntie K loves sushi, after she landed we headed off to Origami in Minneapolis for lunch. De.lic.ious! Nishad enjoyed using the chop sticks. Kelly had the biggest bowl of noodles I've ever seen. Tiger had fun with noodles. I enjoyed the salmon/cream cheese/cucumber roll.

After we headed to the Minneapolis Children's Museum to get our sillies out. Arun had fun in the Aunt hole and sliding head first down the slide repeatedly. Nishad enjoyed the stamp work in the art center and "construction zone." I thought Kelly would get up and show all the kiddies how to rock like a rock star, but she was tired by that point (like the rest of us)! We couldn't leave without a trip to Candyland for some popcorn~ That perked everyone up again!

The Three J's

The three J's paid us a visit today! J and Nishad are the best of friends. The go to school together. He's going to be 4 this Saturday! Of course, Nishad is really looking forward to his birthday party! His younger brother turned 2 a few months back, so Arun had a little buddy to pal around with as well! Us Mommy's gel well together. Everytime I see her, I can't wait to hang out again...

Many laughs, "construction zone" sounds and moonpies later, we took a walk to the dairy farm a few blocks away from where we live. Every Monday should be like this one! What an awesome way to begin the week.

SPRING!

Birds are singing, the sun is shining, babies abound...it must be Spring!! Finally! There is something that about the arrival of Spring that awakens the spirit. It's a renewal of hope and a sign of relief that we made it through the winter- all in the same breathe. Stirrings, rustlings, an itching to get out, explore and bask in the wonders of the outdoors. There are so many things for Tiger to discover this year. So many things for Nishad to experience. I can't wait to see Spring through their eyes! Nishad is still talking about our bountiful garden from last year. It was a highlight of our summer activities, for sure! He loves to garden, as do I. Judging from the house plant that Tiger has already had his hand in, surely he has a green thumb as well. Due to the success of my vegetable and herb garden last year, I plan on expanding and growing a few more variety of things. My "rock star" plans of the front yard and backyard are finally starting to fall into place. This March 25th, we'll have lived here for 4 years. everything in good time. I'm pretty proud that I planted and designed the lay out for everything in the front and back with the exception of the sod. Such in life, and art...my garden shall continue to evolve.

On the first day of Spring, it snowed here in the morning. Just a grazing- enough of a joke for Mother Nature to pull on us all to remind us that there are things you can control, and other this that you can merely control your reaction to. Which is what Arun and I did from the front window. We chuckled and giggled...we knew the snow wouldn't last for long with the temperatures approaching 40-degrees. Ha,Ha! As a matter of fact, we already were grilling.

I love the lot that our house is on. During the Spring we can see all the baby birdies, ducklings, watch the mink and the beaver in the creek and hear all the great sounds to go with it. Soon, Nishad and Arun will be chasing stray frogs from the creek. In the Summer, our yard is screened by trees which adds a wonderful element of privacy. This was something that really attracted us to this house. In the Autumn, we witness all the changing colors reflected in the creek. In the winter, it appears as powder sugar coats the trees that line the creek. Just beautiful...and I'm not a fan of winter, so that says a lot!

We bought Nishad a new big boy bike this past week! He passed his little toddler bike down to his baby brother (who is ecstatic about it!). His new bike is a construction zone bike (what other bike is there for a boy to have?!) complete with a dump truck helmet. He's pretty proud of his bike. This Spring was the right time to make the transition too. Now over 44-inches tall, his legs needed the room to pedal.

We seem to be just clearing the woods of a nasty run in with the stomach flu. I was so happy that the boys had such a healthy winter~ and then it got them at the end. At least, to this day they haven't had any earaches...I've heard some pretty awful stories about that this winter. My heart goes out to any baby that is sick. Nishad's fever was pretty high. Thank G-d that he is now 'back to himself'...I'll keep him home from school as a precaution. He'll go back on Tuesday.

We have quite the busy week ahead of us. I'm not sure I feel rested enough to dive into it! I'm coordinating a staff appreciation luncheon at Nishad's school that I am very excited about. There are some phenomenal teachers/people at Nishad's school. What better way to say "thank you" to those who enrich our children's lives so much? I made flower invitations for the teachers in the color of lilac and sage. Each teacher will be take with them a little envelope of wild flower seeds to plant so they can continue to bloom during the summer and remind them of how much they are appreciated. I think it will be fun, and I'm enjoying getting to know some other parents through this adventure.

Arun also has his 16 month appointment (a month late...oops!). Ashish is taking the morning off and we'll drop Nishad off to school, go to Arun's appointment and then have breakfast together and hang out for a bit...just with Arun. I also have a photography booking this week that I am looking forward to! I just created the most gorgeous baby announcement for Rocco! He's ADORABLE! I also created a promotional postcard for Chicago Makeup Professionals to be used at the Chicago Bridal EXPO. It looks pretty awesome! I think they'll get lots of inquires. This Friday marks the last day of school for Nishad before Spring Break! We found out some wonderful news last week!! Kelly is coming to visit us on the 31st through April 3rd! We always look forward to visits from Auntie K!

The Egg Hunt is quickly approaching as well. We have set-up on the evening of the 3rd, and the hunt is on Saturday. Which, after being the chair for 3 months now (3 meetings), I think I'm finally starting to settle into the role and feel a bit more comfortable with Ronald's Rules. It felt odd at first because I'm the first chair that had to be so 'structured' and on top of everything, we are now moved to the chambers. So, I really have no one before me to learn from or use as an example. I do feel support from my peers and I know that they understand. I do feel like our meetings are going well and we are getting more done. I also feel like everyone is heard now or has the opportunity to take the floor. I was pretty nervous my first couple of times! Though one side of me did want to just belt out a high note or two...haha.

Nishad actually has his best friend's 4th birthday party to attend on Saturday, so he, Ashish and Arun won't be at the Egg Hunt. We'll have our own in our back yard! You can bet you'll get pictures too!

Shopping with Nishad

Some of the reasons why I love shopping with Nishad~ He always makes the trip eventful!

November, after Thanksgiving: While grocery shopping in Byerly's a lady smiled and said, "Oh, what cute boys!" I smiled and said, "Thank you." She then asked, "Did you have turkey for Thanksgiving?" I smiled and said, "Actually, they don't eat turkey. They are vegetarians." At which point Nishad quickly chimes in, l-o-u-d-l-y, "We ate LOBSTER! BIG, BIG LOBSTER with BIG CLAWS!" Again, I smiled hoping Nishad would then stop with the lobster claw movements that went along with his words... Then lady smiled back and said, "Lobster isn't quite vegetarian." I said, "You're right." ha,ha.

Nishad went through a phase about a month back where he thought it was hysterical when he called people "hot-dogs." Yes, up and down the isle as people would say "Hello" to him, he would reply back, "Hi, there Hot Dog!" I take the approach of, "Nishad, when someone says hi to you, all you need to say is hello back to be polite." Ashish on the other hand, takes a different approach. When we were shopping and Nishad called a clerk a hot-dog, Ashish quickly replied, "Oh he LOVES hot-dogs. He likes them a lot!" ha,ha. Ok, Daddy!

Nishad makes his 'own' list for the grocery store. Imagine my surprise when I go to add something in the cart on 'my' list only to find out that it's not on his list, so we don't need it after all. However, things on his list, aren't on my list either!

When we are shopping, and Nishad wants to check something out....like toys. He'll try to pull me in by saying, "Mommy, we should go investigate in the isle over there. I'm curious what is there." It usually then turns out to always be..."MOMMY it's a humongous semi-truck!! I don't have a humongous semi-truck." Which is followed up by me saying, "But you have a HUGE amount of toys at home."

Though I do love to put both kids in the cart when we shop, lately Nishad has just wanted to walk. Which is fine. However, last week his "freedom" of the cart led to an interesting experience. We were checking out at Byerly's, which has a drive up service for groceries (so much easier with kids! I love to order online and avoid the store all together when I can.) I handed Nishad the two numbers that the clerk gave us to pick up or groceries as I was getting Tiger's coat back on him. We went to the car and suddenly, there were three numbers, not two. So, I said, "Nishad, which were the numbers I gave you?" Which he said, "These Mommy." (As he hands me the first two and holds on to one.) Sometime on the way out he picked up another number on the way out of the store. I didn't actually look at the numbers, so I had no idea which numbers were ours and which was the decoy. ha,ha. Luckily, two the three numbers were there. We went home with all the groceries we paid for.

As we walk past the toy section, there are books sitting on a shelf. "Oh, Mommy! Books are NOT toys. It must be Wacky Wednesday!"

As we walk past a lading stocking the shelves. "Mommy!! What is that lady doing with all of those cans?" I reply by telling him that she works at the store stocking the shelves with food for us to buy. Approaching the lady, he says, "What's her name?" I say, "I don't know Nishad." At which she turns around and says, "Julie." At which Nishad slides down in the cart and gets all red. haha.. That made him quiet...until we were about 5 feet away when he exclaims, "Mommy! Go Back! She is putting the cans out for us!" Everyone in the store heard that we needed cans...cans of a product that we don't even eat.

Picking up wipes in Target, Nishad turns to Arun and says, "Arun, we have to get some wipes because you have so many poops."

C&C

Conferences and Como!


With the weather in the mid-40's we headed off to Nishad's parent-teacher conference. We think so highly of Nishad's school and adore his teachers. It was fun to touch base with his teacher and listen about Nishad's work cycle. He's a hard worker. He's good friends with everyone- especially, Joseph! Which, doesn't surprise us at all. Before long, Tiger will be attending too!

Ashish and I have been tossing around the idea of me going back to school once Tiger and Nishad are in school- maybe, I'll get my Montessori Training Certification? Or, the possibility of doing next Autumn and being creative with scheduling as so when I'm at school, Ashish will be with the boys.

After we said bye-bye to Daddy as he headed off to work and we headed off to the Como Zoo and Conservatory! Nishad has been looking forward to this. Last night, while reading "Put Me In the Zoo" he declared that when he is older, he's going to live in a zoo! We had a great time meandering in and out of the animal houses. Tiger enjoyed walking and stretching his legs as well. Before long, it was time for lunch...at the zoo. After we headed to the conservatory for a splash of color and warmth. It was so hot, we had to take our coats off. Before long, we were thinking about how nice the cool air will feel once we were outside of the 85-degree tropical temperatures. It only took about 5-minutes outside for us to then think about being back in the tropical temperatures!

Hari Krisha

The new favorite song in our house: Hari Krishna. Nishad is so funny. Ashish was driving him to school last week playing the tune. All of a sudden Ashish heard Nishad belt out from the backseat, "DADDY! He said HAIRY KRISTA! This song is about Krista!" ha,ha! He's such a hoot! He has so many funny and witty one liners- I need to start writting them down already.
Here's Arun doing his thang! haha. Nishad is also quite the natural gymnast- break dancer - singer - actor - extraordinaire! I do have glimpses of him on video (and a few lucky people have actually witnessed him live)...but nothing like he does off camera, just for the sheer joy of dancing!