Monthly Archives: August 2008

Fast Times in August

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After a whirlwind of excitement, I’m finally back to tend to my ‘garden.’

The weekend seemingly evaporated before our eyes- as most weekends do. We’ve not had the air conditioning on in days…an all too familiar reminder that a change of season is about to take place. Days are definitely shorter. As I watch my annuals begin to dwindle away, I feel positive that we did so much this summer, but sad that summer days will soon be a thing of the past.
I face Autumn with mixed emotions. Both my boys were born in Autumn, my birthday is in the Autumn and our anniversary is in the Autumn. My baby Nishad will start pre-school this Autumn. Autumn is actually my favorite season- and most magical, thanks to our boys. If only Autumn could convince Winter not to rear his ugly head.
Monday we had wonderful guests that visited us while on a 18 day vacation of the upper mid-west; Claire, Francesca and Kieth stayed with us. Claire first danced into my heart when she was a little older than Nishad. I still can picture her, like it was yesterday- a pink tu-tu, slippers and her hair in a pony tail with such big eyes looking up at me in an angelic voice, “Hi, Miss Beverly.” She was a student in my pre-ballet class and quickly advanced to Ballet I. Claire also read the poem, “If Roses Grow in Heaven” at our wedding. She and her Mom were at my baby shower too. When I told Nishad that they were coming to visit he replied, “I don’t think I’ve seen them in a long time.” He was right! It’s been about 3 years since I’ve seen them. Claire is growing into quite the beautiful, intelligent and talented young lady filled with grace and courtesy (Montessori child that she is!). Claire is 9, a gymnast, plays the piano and loves to take photographs (she showed me 500 of her pictures she took while in South Dakota, North Dakota, Sioux Falls and Montana). Nishad loved having a gymnastics buddy. Keith serenaded us with his guitar- amazing! Francesca warmed my heart with her laughter and smile.
They are such an inspirational family. They have a beautiful repore with Claire. Nishad *loved* being carried around my Francesca. Arun even went to Keith to be held while Mom took pictures at the Zoo. Seeing them made me miss where I grew-up. There is something so familiar about certain people that you can instantly relate with- I think people from Chicagoland are like that. Very genuine. Keith even gave me his sour kraut recipe. He told me that he lives next to “Josie”- the lady that owns Josie’s restaurant that you can order dumplings from online. He said that if he opened a restaurant next door to Josie’s, he’d put her out of business. I believe him! At one point, Kieth, Fran, Claire and I were all talking about kolacky, rye bread and houska. I laughed and said, “See, Honey! There are more of us out there that are like this!” Though I knew they have to get back home, I was sad to see them leave.
Roses Grow in Heaven
If roses grow in Heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my Mother’s arms
And tell her they are from me.
Tell her I love her and I miss her,
And when she turns to smile,
Place a kiss upon her cheek.
And hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day.
But there’s an ache in my heart
As I’m missing her today.
Yesterday, we received a letter from Nishad’s teacher, Brenda. Looking at the school calendar, we are going to have quite the packed social year as there seems to be a lot of family gatherings, speakers, coffees and festivals! Exciting! A whole new community. The first is for a parent to attend on the 26th. The same day we have an ice cream social where Nishad will meet other children, we’ll meet other families and the staff. Under the advice of his teacher, we went out and bought Nishad a pair of Croc’s to be used as his inside shoes. We have to buy a plant for the first day of school so he can find a spot for it in the classroom. His teacher said this will give them a sense of ownership of the classroom from the start, divert their attention from the separation of their parents and…the classroom gets beautiful new flowers each year! There are so many things to sign-up and volunteer for as parents. We look forward to doing our part an parents and taking an active role in Nishad’s education.
Last night was one of the longest park and rec. meetings I’ve been to in some time. I think it was also one of the better meetings although, at times, it seemed a bit heated, it was productive. It’s great to have new people on board, and to have opinions and to be able to back-up your belief in those opinions.
Ashish worked from home today- he’s gone from manager to taking over a directors job. Boy has he been busy lately! The contractors also started siding our house today. I worked on some stuff for my business today, as well as a flyer/save the date, that I volunteer my time creating for our park and rec. events. Pumpkin Patch day will be here before I know it!
I’m learning to be more assertive with my business. I don’t take anything personal, but I must admit, a few people have placed me in odd positions in which I’ve had to be blunt after repeatedly being questioned. It’s not fair that I would charge someone else for something and not another. Plus there is the issue of time. Time is so important.
As business owner, one has to accept that some people may not like your decisions. I need to be true to myself, my business and ethics. I am so excited to be able to offer something unique, personal, custom and creative- a fresh alternative. Flash a smile and create a memory! That’s my business plug! 🙂
Ashish is wonderful at supporting me- as are a few of my good friends. I actually was signed on another photo session! I’ll be taking ‘action’ pictures of a dance troupe on September 15th. Then they scheduled me for portraits as well. I’m really looking forward to that! Right now it’s nice as I can pick and choose what I really have time for, as our kids our are first priority. I try not to do any design work while they are up during the day as I’m a stay at home mom for a reason…to be with them, teach them and spend this precious time with them.
I feel I’m a bit blue today…The thought of Nishad going to school, a very good school in which he’s ready to thrive in, also makes brings me to the reality that my little boy is growing…and soon, he won’t be with me ALL day long. Funny, there were times when I thought that after we filled out his application and heard about his acceptance letter I would be doing the Hallelujah dance. I’m still excited for him. I’m just not dancing over not seeing him…albeit three hours a day…but he IS my baby. Hard to let go.

One World One Dream

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Today was an opportunity for Nishad to get acquainted with the Olympic Games, but most importantly for Nishad to learn that the message during the activities is one of friendship and peace. People playing and working together in peace and friendship makes for a better and beautiful world.

As we watched the Opening Ceremonies, we made sure to cheer for countries with smaller representation- not just the popular ones. I feel that it’s the people from those smaller, poor countries, that really bring forth the Olympic spirit as they are there representing their country, against all odds. Despite the annoyingly bias and ‘political’ commentary the hosts, it was an impressive show.

There were so many highlights and how could there not be on a 300 million dollar masterpiece? I have to admit that one of my favorite parts was the dancers who seemingly used their body’s as an extension of a pen. As they danced, Chinese calligraphy ‘magically’ appeared and trailed behind them. I also found it very moving when they had the boy from the earth quake zone walk in the parade. They certainly did the Olympics proud. I’ve almost forgiven our NBC for upsetting my hubby by not broadcasting the ceremony live.

Our celebration began this afternoon. In preparation of the games we learned about China, made a Chinese lantern to decorate our dinner table and created a panda bear stick puppet. This weekend we’ll continue on with our Olympic theme by creating a torch, flags and playing some Olympic, tot-size games.

For dinner, I made a better-than-take-out Chinese dinner! On the menu was Ma Po Tofu and Shrimp with Lobster Sauce. FANTABULOUS! Below are the recipes- You simply must try them. Your taste buds will jump up and down and give you a “perfect 10!”

Ma Po Tofu (Auntie D’s recipe)
Ingredients
1 (1-pound) package reduced-fat firm tofu, cut into 6 slices
1/2 cup vegetable broth1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 to 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (such as Lee Kum Kee)
1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger (recommend mincing)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup chopped green onions
Preparation
Place tofu slices on several layers of paper towels; cover with additional paper towels. Place a dinner plate on top of covered tofu; let stand 30 minutes. Remove plate; discard paper towels. Cut tofu slices into 1/2-inch cubes.Combine broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili garlic sauce, stirring with a whisk.
Heat a large nonstick skillet with 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add green beans; saute 8-10 minutes or until cooked and crisp. Add ginger and garlic; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add tofu; cook 7-8 minutes or until golden, stirring frequently. Add broth mixture to pan. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute or until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
Sprinkle with onions.

Shrimp with Lobster Sauce
This is the recipe for shrimp with lobster sauce (without the black beans) that is often featured at Chinese take-outs and restaurants.
Ingredients:
Fresh shrimp, deveined and butterflied, 10 – 15 per person
4 to 8 spring onion (green onions, scallions), chopped
2 large garlic cloves, chopped or minced
2 cups of chicken stock (*I substituted vegetable broth)
4 tablespoons of sweet white wine, such as sweet Glen Ellen White Zinfandel
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 teaspoons sugar
2 1/2 tablespoons of Cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water
4 egg whites, beaten with 1/4 cup of water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil for stir-frying
Preparation:Rinse the shrimp in warm water and pat dry. Rinse the spring onions, drain and chop. Chop or mince the garlic cloves. Combine the chicken stock, white wine, soy sauce, and sugar and set aside. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch into 1/2 cup water. Whisk the egg whites into 1/4 cup water and set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok, large pot, or frying pan or skillet on medium high to high heat. Stir fry the garlic and spring onions for about 30 seconds to a minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.Add the shrimp and stir fry for 2 minutes.Add the chicken broth mixture, bring to a boil and boil about 1 minute.Re-stir the cornstarch and water mixture and stir it into broth. Immediately afterward, slowly pour in the egg whites, breaking them up by gently stirring them with a fork (stirring them twice across and then twice across again in a tic tack toe pattern). Be careful not to over stir the egg whites. The dish is ready when the sauce begins to boil and thicken.

Nutritional Breakdown (based on 3 servings, with 30 shrimp total: Each serving includes: Calories 250, 14 g Carbohydrates, 19 g Protein, 10 g Fat, (1 g Saturated Fat, 6 g Monounsaturated Fat) 91 mg Cholesterol, 1 g Fibre, 2005 mg Sodium, 338 mg Potassium. Note: To reduce the sodium, use store bought low sodium chicken broth

Apples of my Eye

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As easy as pie- or apple cake as it is in house this evening. My darling husband moonlighted as a pastry chef this evening with his talented and innovative assistant, Nishad. I went out for mere 45- minutes and when I returned, the aroma of something good baking in the oven lured me in, nose first. My guys made their very own apple cake!

Our neighbor, Kris, who has only been kind and nurturing toward us gave Nishad a Tastefully Simple Nana’s Apple Cake to make. He was so excited that he carried the box through the house for a few days as if to remind me that we need to bake it. This was the first time he and Dad baked together, without Mom. He must have been in 7th heaven with his Daddy at his side. There is no doubt that he loves me, but his Daddy is the apple of his eye- no pun intended! 🙂

This morning we took a bike ride. Back in June I purchased a bike trailor for the boys to ride in along with a new bike for myself with some of the proceeds from the garage sale I had (Yes, we were clearing out baby stuff). I really needed an adult bike- after having kids, things have changed… I described it to a few people as an old-lady bike. There’s no frills about it- and I love it! I guess it’s good that I went for the bike ride earlier being that there is cake in the house now!

Arun is really ready to walk. He loves to kneel on one knee and suddenly jolt up forward in the air as though he’s trying to spring to his feet. He cruises just about anywhere and everywhere. One of his favorite places to stand is at the patio window, looking out at the deck.

Nishad has been expectational and so loving toward Arun this week. He’s always made sure we include the baby in our prayers or if we mention we are going somewhere, “And baby Arun too!” However, he’s really starting to display his love for Baby Arun physically…in such sweet, precious moments.

Picnic at Daddy’s Work

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We started the day with grins and giggles! Off to the park in our wagon we went. Both boys didn’t want to get off the swings. We’re lucky to have a neighborhood park literally a stones throw away from our house. Only one of the perks and reasons why we chose this house and lot.

By 10:30AM we were on the road! Destination surprise picnic style lunch with Daddy at his work! After calling Daddy we learned that his entire day was packed with meetings and he only had a time frame from 11:30AM-noon open. Perfect! The boys and I made a stop at Noodles and Company and hand picked lunch. There is a park trail, pond and golf course adjacent to Daddy’s work so we found a nice shady, grassy spot and had a beautiful picnic. We kept seeing all these employees coming out on their walks, run and bike rides..and here we were having a great dose of family-time in the middle of the work day.

We made a stop to a store after, and then headed back for home. It was already a bit beyond nap time. However, the nice thing about being a stay-at-home Mommy is that you can be flexible and let your kids take the lead. Sometimes, I admit, it feels like you are a slave to nap times, but it’s all relative. For the rest of the week, we are going to try to take it easy and hang out as a family. Life gets way too busy! In only 2 1/2 weeks, Nishad starts at his Montessori school!

Nishad, my garden assistant, was helping me harvest all the ripe veggies this evening. We picked out first zucchini! Hurray! We’ve had so many cucs, and the cherry tomatoes are so good that a lot of them don’t even make it in the house between Nishad and I. Nishad and I also spotted our first WATERMELONS growing! They are bigger than a golf ball now and a dark forest green. I think I may have to expand my garden sooner than next year. The watermelon and the cantaloupes are REALLY spreading out, so I’ll need to make additional room. Spread the love out…that’s right!

National Night Out

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Pictures speak volumes. That is one reason why I enjoy taking pictures and opened a business- to preserve these precious moments that document not only the event, but the emotion.
We decked out Nishad’s little bike in red, white and blue and headed to the park for National Night Out! This was the 3rd Annual National Night Out that our neighborhood has had. We have two great neighbors that continue to organize and coordinate the event. We’re so lucky to have the neighbors we do. I designed the neighborhood flyer (good practice for my business and builds my portfolio!). A week earlier a bunch of us set out to paint the town in flyers– well, our subdivision at least!
There was an amazing turn-out this year. Hard to believe it started from being hosted in a garage with a hand full of neighbors. It was great to see people that we’ve not seen in a while and meet new neighbors.
NNO started with a kiddie parade. What a hoot! It was a hit! It ended with the park sprinkler system going off too! How’s that for an ending? Then I ran the crawl, hop and run races. The babies were too cute! The sat there a bit confused and then suddenly one little one took off! Arun was happy hangin‘ out with Vada on the grass, until they both realized they were on grass. Then they were all about being picked up! Next up was the toddler “hopping” race. All hopped well. Nishad was practicing today- my little Honey-Bunny! His friend Jaxson was there too (Vada’s brother). As a matter of fact, when we were walking up to the park we could here Jaxson yell “MOM! Nishad is coming!” That instantly put a familiar smile on Nishad’s face. We just love Jaxson’s spirit and enthusiasm! After I made the kids run around to a tree and them tossed candy in the air. It’s raining C-A-N-D-Y! I have to say, they were ALL so polite and well-mannered. I heard so many thank yous! Great kids. Next came the water balloon toss, which was a hit too! It seemed to be more of a splash pad at the park though! Pop, pop, pop!! I think the kids enjoyed getting wet the best! Last, but not least by any means, was the ever so popular fire-truck and Sheriff visit! Nishad takes on a different persona when he thinks he becomes a “fireman.” He even grins differently! He was so happy and excited to see real fireman and fire-trucks.
Nishad and I hung out and chatted with a few lady neighbors until 9PM at the park. It was a nice way to cap of a great event. This would be the perfect neighborhood and place to live and retire if it didn’t get so cold! It’s nice to have such good people live so close, that care.