E-I-E-I-O

On one of the hottest days this season, we loaded up and headed out to the historic Kelly Farm, in Elk River. Times may have changed, but they've been doing things the same for the past 100 years. We really enjoyed spending time with D and S again. The boys get along so well together. We had a picnic, complete with a pig and cow that tried to steal our lunches (the animals roam freely on the farm!).

Daddy's Day!

Happy Daddy's Day! This year Mommy had a shoot on Father's Day, so we all headed to the Minneapolis Art Institute, took in some culture and my assistants helped me capture some funky pics of Chicks on Sticks! After we headed to Fish Lake. We've really been soaking up the beaches this summer, but we've also taken advantage of swimming at home...as it's been quite hot and humid.

Sandbox

Nails, Hammers, Wood and Sand paper...mark, set, go!

Nishad's school has an award winning outdoor environment, which includes a huge sand area. So, being that I know he was missing it, I got creative and built him one for our house! I was so proud of myself that I was able to bypass all the flowers, trees and shrubs at Home Depot. (Have I mentioned how I am rather fond of Home Depot?)

Nishad loves his sandbox- I think even more so because Ashish and I made it for him! Hours of play already...the perfect size for our two little builders.

Stress Free Friday

The perfect way to end the week and start the weekend...a picnic style play date! My friend came over with her little guy- dressed adorably in his red wings jersey (he was very quick to tell me all about the playoffs for Stanley Cup). The boys played so well together. So well, she and I had a nice time catching up. After we played at the house, we hung out at the park and then came back and had ice cream. When they left, the boys actually walked themselves up to their beds to nap. Ha! Every play date should be as fun and stress free!

Tigers, Zebras and Photogs!

I packed up the kids and headed to pick up our friend after she got off work today at 1PM. Our mission was to explore with our cameras with the boys in tow at Como. I wasn't too sure how they would do, being that normally, they are napping by then. Nishad was a little confused when we pulled up to his school. ha,ha. I think he thought vacation was over!

The boys were such troopers! And, occasionally, they even were our little models. (Of course!) My favorite shoots came from the most colorful flamingos- YES! Flamingo's in Minnesota...

FMSC

When you think about what our body really needs to sustain life, it's hard not to feel like we live in a gluttonous society. In a day and age of abundant grocery stores, gourmet recipes and "Food Network" we often forget about all those that do without. I simply think about the amount of food we toss in our household alone, on a daily basis and cringe. Food is so readily available- our children have forgotten what tables are for. Now it's common to "eat on the go." Sure, have a snack in the car. Eat standing up. When food is available, or offered, do we eat it because we are hungry? Or do we eat it because it's there? One of my pet peeves is eating in front of a tv. You're not consciously aware of what you are consuming. I was guilty of this growing-up, however, I'm glad to break that cycle with my kiddos.

I had the opportunity to volunteer with my friend, MB, and her friends and family last night at Feed My Starving Children. Ashish went before, so I was excited to go this time. Such pressure to seal bags- all for a great cause though! It's only for adults, so the kiddos stayed home with Daddy.

MB also shared the most exciting news with me complete with a picture!! Baby Kalegeta (which means "the Lord's word") will be coming from from Africa in August!! He's just gorgeous! Already 1 month old and destine to be in MB's arms. I can't wait to meet him. For now I must get on the ball with helping MB prepare in any way that I can. Adoption is one of the most unselfish things you can do. What an amazing couple.

Best Buddies

Now that school is out, it's time to mark the occasion with some summer fun at Elm Creek with the three J's! We meet at the playground. The boys loved the big slide and being able to have such a large perimeter to explore. Hopefully, in the coming weeks, it will warm up so we can take a dip in the water at the beach too!

Mama J and I need a play date of our own as we spend the majority of the time chasing our boys-- we take turns following the younger two or the older two (as they are always going in opposite directions it seems!). After we had a picnic and took a nature walk. We can't wait until next week!! We look forward to our weekly dose of J's!

Summer Vacation!

Animals, rides, flowers and a picnic lunch...what better way to kick off summer vacation?! I am ecstatic to have my baby, Nishad, back in the mornings with me!

Nishad and Tiger loved seeing the lions and bunders so close- and outside! We even ran into Nishad's best friend, Joseph! Joseph and Nishad were just destine to be pals.

After a perfect day at Como, we took a long bike ride when Daddy got home. Nishad lasted the first 2 miles before joining Tiger in the trailer. Ashish rode home while carrying Nishad's bike. YAY FOR DADDY!! :)

Giraffouette

Every so often, when the opportunity and mood is right, I enjoy shooting a silhouette. This is of one of our friends at Como Zoo.

Debbie J. Verner, 47

As I felt the holly water on my toes the Priest blessed the casket with, I held my niece a little tighter. Standing there, in the isle of Ascension Church, before my sisters casket, poll bearers before us, reality of the situation sank deep within my soul. In sync, as in a dance, my niece and unveiled a cloth that was to cover her casket. I don't recall much of the service, but I do recall belting out my best notes just for my sister because I know she always liked my voice. The previous night, at her wake, in closing, I read the poem (pictured) and said a few words on behalf of my niece and family. I reminded everyone of the symbolism of the Caterpillar and the butterfly. I tried to assure everyone that Debbie is fine now. She is with her Mom. This I know in my heart. However, we need to make sure my niece is fine- out of respect for my sister. My niece is now an adult. She's 24 years old. I was 17 when my Mom passed away. Regardless of your age, it's hard. My sister was also the same age as my Mom when she passed. Though my sister didn't have breast cancer. We are awaiting the autopsy report.

In a sense, my sister gave me a gift. I was able to become so much closer with my Auntie Judy. I was able to reconnect with family and friends. I didn't have time to grieve before the wake and funeral because I was busy helping my niece. On the day of the wake and funeral, I felt it wasn't my time to grieve...it was my niece's and I needed to show her support. Now that I'm back in Minnesota, with my family, I can breathe again. I wish I could have stayed a bit longer in Chicago, however, as a Mommy and Wife, I have to put my boys above all. They need me, as I need them... I know all too well that grief comes in waves, like the moon and the stars. You never really "get over" it. What we can do is live and embrace the positive...happier times...the memory that lives within our heart.

Despite my differences with my sister, I loved her. I always did. The last time I was in Ascension Church was actually with her and my niece for Christmas mass...before moving to Minnesota. I remember she was trying to make me laugh about something...and we were right in front. We traveled a block in snow to get there...the weather was much different this day.

Bebee Lake

With everything that we've gone through, we needed a mental day to just "be." The boys were first through the entire ordeal of me being in the ER, having pneumonia, and now the passing of my sister. Before I headed off to Chicago, we decided to take a day and spend some good, quality time together...at Bebee Lake. The boys had so much fun playing in the water and building sand castles. Ashish and I, for the first time in a long time, soaked in the joys of parenting and being parents. We are so blessed.

1st Date

God, do I love this man... Everytime I think about him, I still get goosebumps. I have this quote in our bedroom that reads, "Just one life time won't be enough for us." So very true! There are times when I wish I would have grew-up with him. Though I do like my occassional space, I couldn't imagine life without him. It still amazes me that we found one another, given that we grew up half way across the world from one another.

This was our first date since before Nishad was born! Ashish and I went to see Andre Rieu at the Target Center in Minneapolis. There were 6 oncors!! We haven't been on so late in eons! We "waltzed" in at 11:30PM...

Two very special people made this possible. MD and J came over and hung out with the kids. We originally met MB through Nishad's school. She quickly became near and dear to us, through conversations with Nishad. The following day, Nishad was all a buzz with stories of MB and her hubby. "Mommy, MB was trying to ride Tiger's bike!" and "Oh, Mommy...I have to make a picture for J. He throws the ball into the sky." We will always be thankful for this special time to reconnect as love-birds do. I look forward to returning the favor to MB and J when their baby comes home from Africa.

Now, more than ever, we needed this special couple time to remind us of what is "real."