Last Day of School

Congrats to Tiger for graduating from the Toddler Community to the Casa and for Nishad on completing another year at their Montessori School! Next year will be Nishad's "official" pre-school year and Tiger's first year in the Casa. In celebration, after returning home on the last day of school, we had an impromptu splash session! Welcome, Summer Vaca!

Picnic Time

Being that the end of the school year is near, it was time to have our annual end of the year picnic with the J's! I picked up a pizza and Mama J made special rice-crispy bars (YUMMY!). Everyone needs a best friend...Nishad and J continue to be two peas in a pod. Next year J will be in Kindergarten! Little J will be starting up in school next year as well. He and Tiger will be in the Casa, though he like Nishad's buddy, is a full grade ahead of Tiger. Grades and age don't matter though when you find a kindred soul! The only thing that matters is memories to build on. We are proud of all 4 boys! Congrats, boys!

Mother's Day

It's hard not to think about where I was a year ago...I was almost to the point that I was paranoid about not getting sick this year. It was last year, at this very function that Nishad started to shiver and I took his temperature to find that it was 101.8! That night, I prayed over him-- as only a mother can. I asked that whatever he was fighting off be released into me as I was older, bigger and stronger than his little body. Regardless of what you believe, I believe that I just may have took that on. I would do it again in a heart-beat too. The following day I woke-up in extreme pain, vomiting and was alternating from a fever to the chills. Around 1p.m., I told Ashish that we should go to Urgent Care. My friend L, celebrating Mother's Day with her own three children, unselfishly dropped everything and came over to watch our boys. It was at Urgent Care that they sent us directly to the ER as my white count was at almost 27,000. Something was very wrong. Hours later, we would find out that I had pneumonia. I would go in 10 days later, on my last dose of meds, to see how things were progressing. Ironically, unknowingly, my sister (12 years my Senior) had a doctor appoint for her health as well back in Chicagoland on that very same day. I would get a thumbs up, and she would be sent to the hospital. She wouldn't leave the hospital. She died that night, 10 days after Mother's Day, 7 days from my Mother's Birthday-- the same age as my Mom when she passed away from breast cancer; 47. Though my sister wasn't in the best of health, they had no warning that she would pass away. They actually admitted her into the hospital to stabilize her glucose level. She had just come back from taking a group of people to Walt Disney World. Apparently, she was in poor condition prior to leaving as well as when she was there. Her death certificate says that the reason for passing were cirrhosis of the liver (non-alcoholic) and staph. Though I wasn't 100%, I knew I had to head back to Chicagoland to support my niece and be there to say goodbye to my sister. Though she and I didn't have the best relationship, I loved her and I know she loved me. I know in my heart, she has found my mother and has found peace. Like my Mom, she was gone too soon. There is an unsettling feeling that rests in your bones when you wrap your head around losing your Mom at 47, and your sister at the same age as well. I don't want to rush past the next 13 years, however, please forgive me if I REALLY celebrate 48.

Tiger giving me some love in his classroom.


Nishad proudly posing with me after we shared a strawberry short cake.

Nishad and his bestie. I'm so glad they found one another. J is a great kid and Nishad just adores him and his family-- as a matter of fact, so do we!

Happy Easter!

We made it back in time from the Dells for some Easter fun. You guessed it, we don't lie to our kids about the Easter Bunny just as we don't lie to them...period. It's all in fun and "make-believe" and what fun it is to pretend when you are 2 and 4 years old!

We decorated eggs, Daddy hide eggs on the front lawn early in the morning, and the boys opened baskets filled with Regina's candy in St Paul. This old-fashioned candy shoppe is only a few blocks away from my school. We love to support small, local businesses when possible. It's a great store, filled with some of the richest stuff on earth...

The boys spent the morning playing in the back yard in their sand-box. Oh, how great it is being able to utilize the back yard again! We do love our private lot...we're so fortunate that we were able to select a lot that doesn't back up to another backyard. It really does create a beautiful backyard experience. And...I am looking forward to many more experiences in our backyard ahead as it appears Spring IS finally here! Yes, we made it through another winter.

Though times were very busy this month and I didn't get Easter/Spring cards out, it doesn't mean that we didn't think of you! I'm learning with being a Mom, wife, business owner and student that I must prioritize. Though I wish there are more hours in a day- there just are not. I'm also making a conscious decision to "de-stress" my days. Sometimes, though I love to do things for others and send out cards, it can create a lot of added pressure and stress on me when I'm attempting to juggle a million other things. I know that most people in my life fully understand, and would rather see my happy and healthy instead of receiving a card. I'm lucky to have your understanding... And, this means, you'll never know when you will get a card in the mail! ::::Slow down, calm down, trust the process...be peaceful. That's where I'm at right now.

Happy Easter!

Coco for coconut

With so much chocolate to be found on the days leading up to Easter, and the baskets that have chocolate over-flowing from them, I refused to make anything chocolate. Last year I made a carrot cake, but this year I decided to make something different with my own twist on it! A Coconut Cake complete with a light cream cheese-coconut frosting, filled with a stingy glazing of lemon curd. Of course, if you prefer not to make it, you can buy some "good" lemon curd for about $6-9 at Byerly's as well.

This cake reminded me of some of the cakes you could get back in Chicago at your neighborhood bakery. It can't get sweeter than that!

Patterns

Signs of one strategic baby and his clever brother!

Spring Break 10

I had to start off with a Beverly "signature" shot of the boys holding hands with their backs to me...

I completed my first tri-mester at St.

Catherine's University (straight A's on all assignments handed in for both classes, might I add) and the boys finished their last day of school...which meant, it was time to celebrate! The boys and I had 1 week off for Spring Break, which was a welcomed break.

Especially, with the wave of strep throat that swept our household. I had my first case of strep throat ever back in mid-February, only to get it again and then poor Nishad got it was well (apparently, there were a lot of cases in his school). In addition, we had Tiger at Urgent Care because he scratched his eye at school. They gave him ointment and he is fine now. We also had his 2 year wellness visit (albeit a little late) where his new pediatrician gave him a happy clean bill of health. She mentioned that Nishad was tall, but it just may be possible that Tiger will be even taller than Nishad (both our boys are going to over tower us- which is fine with me!). Oh, and we can't forget the doctor visit on behalf of Nishad's ear. Both my babies have never had an earache (knock-on-wood), so I thought in

stantly when Nishad complained of his ear, it unfortunately struck. However, after going to the doctor, we found out that he has impacted ear wax. Which, was frustrating as doctors in the past have told us "he's a waxy guy" and it's not an issue. Well, it became an issue. The hardened wax would enlarge when water seeped in which was very painful. This explains why he loves swim class, but didn't like to float on his back. So, all in all, we made about 6 trips in one month to the doctor's office or urgent care. I felt like we were on a first name basis.

The boys had a fantastic time in the Dells! At first, I thought of driving to Chicago, but because I would be by myself and it was an 8 hour trip, I decided to pass on that. I found an amazing water park/hotel that is wonderful because it is p-e-r-f-e-c-t for the ages that our boys are! The decore is a bit dated (as many things are in the Dells), but it's clean, at a great location and it has a great indoor (and outdoor) water park! The boys and I played miniature golf at Timerland which only cost us $7.50 because they were free. We went to Alligator Alley (a reptile museum) that cost $13.85 for admission (Tiger was free) and food for the gators with a 35% off coupon. I left there feeling sad for the reptiles. They are in cramped spaces and the water is pretty dirty. The boys did get to see reptiles up close, but you really didn't get a sense that the people that worked here really cared for these creatures. You could even buy a live rat or a mouse and watch it be killed/eaten by the reptiles. We bought stake to fed them- but that was still disturbing. I would pass on Alligator Alley. We played at the indoor Kalahari Amusement Park (it's open to the general public) which only had one ride the kids were tall enough to go on (I went on it as well) which was the Ferris wheel for $6.00. In addition we played some games for $10.00 and won some really cheap plastic toys. We visited a free zoo in Barbaboo which is only 10 miles out from the Dells. I don't recommend it. It's really small and they have a beer, goose (not kidding), a few white tailed deer, two monkeys, prairie dogs and a goat. Near the zoo is a circus world museum. We didn't venture that far out. If you wanted to "get away" from the Dells (as it can get quite chaotic), you could have a picnic lunch at Mirror Lake, which is on the way. When Ashish and I were dating, we rented a boat there- it was a lot of fun and quite beautiful. Of course, Moosejaw's was still "the" place to eat in our kids eyes! Where else can you have your food delivered to you via train?

Ashish joined us on Thursday! Friday morning we went on the Duck ride, which was $40 for Ashish and I (the kids were free). They told the same jokes they were telling since I was a kid. ha! One thing I took note of was how built up everything has become. I recall being a kid and being on the Ducks on the Wisconsin River and it felt like you were the only ones out there. Not anymore. Cabins and houses are built up against the river and there is a lot of traffic on the river. We also visited Deer Park on it's opening day. It was $40 for all of us, plus $2. per bag of food for the deers and goats.

We experienced our first 80-degree day while in the Dells! We came back refreshed, ready for Easter and a good home cooked meal (as eating out does start to get old after awhile).

Tiger

Spring in Feb

Seriously...who couldn't use a little "Spring" in the middle of winter? Tiger and I feasted with our eyes upon the vibrant colors! The air was fragrant with the sweetest of lilies and azaleas. It gave me a sense of hope that Spring...new beginnings...was soon on it's way. Well, at least in another 4 months for those of us that live in Minnesota. If only there were 6 weeks of winter left! Mr. Groundhog, perhaps that is true for the rest of the country. However, it's not true here. It's not that it's been a particularly cold winter, but it's been a long winter. Our first snow was October 13th. Things can always be worse- and as I've learned, much, much colder. So, I shall remove myself from my soap box. What a great treat the Como Conservatory blesses us with! Tiger and I enjoyed some one-on-one time here today for lunch, a visit to the animals and lots of hugs and kisses!

A fairy landed just in time for me to snap a picture.

A little curtsy before the Queen.

Little Gymnast

Happy as can be with a spring in his step- Nishad loves gymnastics. He's already swinging around on the bars (spotted) and completes his pass on the high beam unassisted. He's set to go, enrolled in the next session until Spring. It certainly keeps him busy, and us on our toes. He likes swim class as well, which, regardless, living in a state that as so much water, it's necessary that he learn. So, it's a good thing that he enjoys it. In the last few weeks, he's shown a desire to learn to ice skate so he can play hockey. He's not even started his "official" pre-school year, and he's busy, busy, busy!

Merry Theatre!

We met up with the J's in Minneapolis and kicked off the winter break with Zenon Dance Company's, "A Mother goose Nutcracker." Positioned right in the front row, the boys got to see all the action and muscle flexing up close. They set all of Tchaikovsky's music to "modern" choreography, with the introduction of each song being told to a fairy tail. A very creative and a very talented, professional company made this an experience that we look forward to attending again next year! I love when company's engage children and give them the opportunity to appreciate the arts from an early age.

I recall the first theatre performance Nishad saw-- he was only 18 months old. Nervous mother was I, "Will he sit through the show?"..."What if he cries?"..."What if he begins to speak during the performance?" He did none of that- he watched with eyes as big as half dollars. I prepared him prior to the show though, so he knew what to expect. The Flint Hill Children's Festival held in Saint Paul, Minnesota (which will be held June 1-6 this year) offers a great opportunity to expose your child to various arts and theatre performances. Made possible through sponsorship through Target, international theatre performances are offered to the general public at $5 a ticket. The tickets do sell out fast (I purchased out tickets for Eric Carle's, "The Very Quiet Cricket" last year almost 2 months in advance).

It's important for kids to attend different types of performances as well-- not "just" children's theatre. Given children's theatre IS a great start-- especially, if you want to test the waters with your little one. In addition, you want to be respectful of other patrons, and be selective with your topics-- this may not be the time to introduce your 3 year old to "Cabaret."

Both boys attend the Minnesota Orchestra (Tiger and Nishad recently attended the 2 1/2 hour long "Hansel and Gretel" performance, which was beautiful.) When Tiger wants to switch from seat to seat, or my lap to Ashish's and there is an occasional look, I just keep in mind that "we paid as much as anyone else for our seats." And, in this case, it is a children's show. A nice bonus of attending a children's performance is that prior to the show, the lobby is filled with instruments for the kids to try out and learn about.

I do recall when a friend and I took both of the boys to a performance at the Minneapolis Children's Theatre to see "Bert and Ernie Say Goodnight." Her son said something and a man in the back of us "shushed" her son. I turned my head and gave him a look-- seriously, this isn't Les Mis and YOU sir at AT a children's theatre. No "sush" rule applies here in this theatre. Be sure to sign up for updates via e-mail. They have lots of "buy one get one" deals or half off tickets. You'll also learn about special events and classes offered.

note: Photo by City Pages

Red, White and Blue

Though they all came into the court room as citizens from different countries, they all left as citizens from the same country...the United States of America. Though A entered this country a little over 10 years ago, his journey to this moment in time, began long before then. It isn't surprising that he would become a citizen, as one of the characteristics that defines successful Americans is a "hard worker." Another characteristic, "determined."

Born in a hut, on a stormy night, the first born son, his name would mean "blessing." There were no doctors, scales or a way to document this event. His last name came from a teacher who named him, as he didn't have one. It would be years later when his brother would enroll in school that they would learn of the family name, "Kathwal." Accelerated through school, at a grade level higher than what he should have been, he graduated with a degree in computer science. He was offered a full scholarship to get his masters, but his parents refused to let him as they needed him to provide for "the family" and pay for his younger siblings education. He and his brother would work side by side, without anyone ever knowing that they were brothers, as they both had different last names. He speaks of times when he use to lead his Grandfather's buffalo's on his farm, the times when he would avoid getting powder in his face on Holi, and how they would sing Christmas carols. Yes, Christmas carols. Though his mother was Hindu, his father was converted into Christianity. He would speak of the times when his Dad would sleep all the time and play cards. He would convey how he and his brother would go with his Mom to the market to carry all the bags back. Rice was a staple in their diet.

With the first pay check he made, he surprised his mother and bought her a beautiful silk sari. One of the first things that she showed me when I met her in October of 2003 was a big diamond nose ring that she said Ashish also bought her. When his father said she was sick and he wasn't going to take care of her, he went and got his mother and brought her here to seek medical treatment. He was always a good son to the lady who gave him life.

He came to this country with $500, one suitcase and a job offer. A job that he interviewed for back in India. He didn't know anyone here or have any "connections." Yet, he and I, found one another. We grew up on opposite sides of the world, we had vastly different up bringing and childhoods...but here we are, together, married now for 6 years...together for 8 years.

In many ways, he is an inspiration...he started from the ground up and built all he has single handedly--well, with my help some years down the road (ha,ha). Educated and open minded, he respected his "traditions" but didn't let culture bind him or stunt his growth. When his parents wanted him to get an arranged marriage, he didn't--stating that he was going to marry me. I can only imagine the strength it took to stand up for what you believe in and go against generations of "traditions."

The road he has traveled has not been paved with gold...there have been some speed bumps. However, here he stands...in my eyes, no pedestal could do him justice. He is mine and I am his- without the limitation of this life, but rather "forever." What can I say? I simply can not resist him- so handsome, so smart...what a perfect combination.

Congrats, to a most well-deserving man! This is something you did on your own, without any suggestion of mine...You now have a voice in the country that you in, have a family, own a house at, paid taxes to....though you've been here for almost 11 years, "WELCOME!" It was an honor to witness something that we "born" into this country take for granted so easily. It was especially touching to see the people stand that were becoming citizens from Iraq and Afghanistan. All in all, a very moving experience...an experience that reminded me to be a proud American. How proud we were to sit there and witness such a special day.