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

Art: Tiger Style.

Jump for Art!
"The Show"

"A story with every picture."

And there was music too!

Last night, while Nishad was at his class, Tiger was very, very quiet upstairs. When I checked on him he was was using tape to carefully place his masterpieces on his bedroom walls. He told me to wait and when he was done we would invite me to the art show. This was one ticket for a show that will forever remain priceless in my heart.
Ashish says it's two bears hugging. I think it's an eagle...

Modern Abstract. I hope he parts with it.



shhhh...Artist at work.

Joys of dot paints. I'm hoping it wasn't me he painted.

Keeping It Real

"How is it possible for the child's imagination to be developed by that which is in truth the fruit of the adult's imagination? We alone imagine, not they; they merely believe." -Maria Montessori

Recently, Nishad lost two of his baby teeth. As I held his first tooth in my hand, I smiled and reflected about the excitement when, not-so-long ago, this very tooth was the first tooth in our baby's mouth. Despite knowing that we weren't about to indulge in fictitious stories about a "Tooth Fairy," I was unprepared when it first happened. I was scrambling as to how to mark the milestone.

Like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny, we choose to tell our boys the truth. The Tooth Fairy would be no different. Surely, this doesn't resonate well with some parents and isn't about to win us any popularity points. I'll never forget another Mother telling me about how another child ruined the 'magic' of Santa Claus for her child. "Why do THEY have to ruin the fun?" I guess I can re-phrase that with, "Why do the Kumar Family have to ruin the fun?"

We completely respect others choice in rearing their children how they wish—this is just a personal choice for our family. Not intended to be "preachy" but rather a mere glimpse or perspective of one family that is doing the best they can at "keeping it real." (As you make a mental note not to invite us to any 2011 holiday cookie exchanges.) I say this as the kid who, like all of my friends, believed in Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy. Did my parents damage me for life? No. Was there a bit of shock to my world when I learned the truth that the very people I grew to grow and trust lied to me in the name of "fun?" Definitely. Are there times when a parent feels they have to lie to the children? Surely… but for us, it wouldn't be over commercial concepts and ideas aimed at profiting. Are our holidays less stressful? Yes. The emphasis isn't on the gifts because we've minimized the commercial expectations of the season.

Prior to Nishad being born, I worked with a few amazing AMI Directresses that each had over 30 years of experience. I was lucky to engage in conversation with them and a hand full of other Montessorians in regard to the holidays and "fantasy" in general. Though, I was influenced by their Montessori perspective, experiences and readings on the subject, I must admit that it wasn't the only reason why we decided to choose this path for our children. So here are some personal reasons, from the flip side of parenting without fantasy, in 0-6 years:

• 
  
  It destroys a perfect opportunity to give your children the best kind of example – the unconditional love of a parent. If your child is completely convinced that Santa Claus, based on how good you've been, will dole out presents at his own discretion, there's an alternative motivation for acting right. Instead, we love our kids for who they are.
  


• 
  
  While we embrace world religions, we are Christian. Why do we call this holiday "Christmas?" Because it's the time that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. And this goes hand-in-hand with my observation about showing the unconditional love of a parent. You don't need Santa Claus to make your wishes come true. You have a father and/or mother who care enough about you to do everything we can to make your life the best that it can be.
  


• 
  
  Belief in Santa Claus does nothing to "enhance" a child's Christmas experience. We still enjoy light-gazing and decorate. A child can enjoy the experience without having to believe it's real. With that being said, we took the boys to a holiday party where Santa was. Nishad looked at me, lifted an eyebrow and said softly, "Mama that old man dressed in the red clothes must think its Halloween again!" Of course, a part of me was relieved that he said it softy to me so that I didn't have 50 other parents chasing me down outside as we made a b-line to the car because we "ruined their child's holiday."
  

As adults, we use the words imagination and fantasy interchangeably. However, they are not the same thing. I came across an article written by Pilar Bewley, an AMI primary teacher in Italy. Here are some highlights:

• 
  
  "We are all aware that creativity stems from a well-developed imagination. You have to imagine something before you can create it, right? We also rightly assume that the capacity to imagine is formed in early childhood (a time when children are read fantasy stories and are encouraged to participate in pretend-play). And yet, you won't find a single fairy tale, doll, or talking animal in a Montessori Children's House classroom."
  


• 
  
  "Fantasy can be a great tool for escape and entertainment for those of us who have a strong grip on reality. However, young children (before the age of 5 or 6) are not able to differentiate between fantasy and reality; a phenomenon that has dire repercussions on their ability to learn and problem-solve."
  
  


• 
  
  "Young children can certainly use their imagination, but their main focus is the reality around them. However, around the age of six, the child begins to question how everything around him works. He's no longer content with learning through his senses: feeling, seeing, tasting a fruit, and finding out its name, for example. He wants to know where it came from and how it was made!"
  


• 
  
  Dr. Montessori explains. "Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to touch his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core." Furthermore, "Pretending is largely assimilation of reality to one's own thoughts, rather than adjustment of one's own ideas to fit reality," writes Dr. Angeline Stoll Lillard in Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius.
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

So what did we end up doing to mark the milestone of losing a tooth? We traveled around the world and discover the surprising things children do when they lose a tooth.
There is a wonderful book by
Selby Beeler, Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth Traditions from Around the World we used as a guide. In addition, we have a string with 20 white beads (originally) on it which are symbolic to 20 baby teeth. For each tooth lost, Nishad (and eventually Arun) remove a bead, and we place it in a journal and document the occasion with the details surrounding it along with a picture.

So now that our secret is out, we hope we're not on your naughty list.

Mama-Mia!

I guarantee if you eat the box, it would taste better than the ingredients provided in this kit for the pizza. We (Ok, I) will go to any extreme to find that 'perfect' Chicago-style pizza. Needless to say, after 7 years, I still haven't found the answer. It certainly wasn't in this cardboard box. This box has some amazing graphics on it though...look how fun and exciting it appears to be! It's almost as though the pizza itself with jump out of the box and have a taste party along side of you. It says that you can make a Chicago-style pizza or New York style pizza...yup, servin' up a tall order and I proved to be the sucker for it. After all, it's made by Elmer's...the GLUE company! If I would have read that prior to buying it, I can assure you it wouldn't have been in my cart. However, it did include some fun science experiments that took me back to my days of teaching. Tiger, our little chef, was THRILLED to open this on Christmas. He would do ALL the cooking if we let him. I found this on the web from $9.99 on Amazon to $19.99 on GlammaToys.com. I paid $6.00 for it and felt cheated.

Waiting for the balloon to rise- to indicate our yeast was ready. This was not the most exciting part for Tiger...but it was a good lesson in patience.