My Eldest the Artist

North

I was reading the paper yesterday online and I noticed a story about someone being shot in North Mpls. I immediately opened up the story to see what happened and how close to home it was. Not close but in the middle of the day which was not good.
While I was disturbed by the story of a young man dying - I was upset initially because North Minneapolis was in the headline. This spring there was more violence in South Minneapolis and I don't remember that being in the headline. I remember I had to open up the story and find the address before I knew where it had happened.
North Minneapolis is a big place. It is a diverse place. But we have been pegged as the violent part of Minneapolis and that just isn't true. Yes. We have violence. But did you know that we have all sorts of community building activities as well?  We have Holiday on 44th, movies on the parkway, concerts in the part, ice cream socials, active block clubs, a large community garage sale, great schools, lots of parks, and many more fun family friendly activities through out the year.
When someone asks where I live and I say North Minneapolis, I would get a kick out of the response. {Really?} Then I would say - I love my neighborhood. There are a bunch of households that go on vacation together in Ely, we have an active block club that puts on a great National Night Out, and we are helpful and friendly to each other.
So my point is - challenge your assumptions. There are people in North Minneapolis that live and work with you every day. We deserve to be treated with respect. I understand the media sensationalizing the stories of the violence to sell more advertising but I don't like it.

Friday

Friday has new meaning for me.

All of a sudden, I can't leave early on a Friday and take off to points beyond. I haven't been tied to a school schedule in many moons. I won't detail exactly how  long it has been just to keep the illusion alive.

School has gone well - I think. I can't believe how hard it is to get something coherent out of a kid. Well... I can believe it - I wish it were easier.  Recess and music are her favorite parts still. I can't wait to meet this awesome music teacher. I guess she already has an ex-friend. Someone doesn't want to be her friend anymore. That was quick but inevitable.

I think I am ready for my glass of wine and then off to bed.
T.G.I.F.

In other news...

I completely forgot that my youngest has taken up a new hobby.
Bike riding.
He is good!
We acquired this bike from a friend this summer and between home and daycare- he flys around on the bike like a fiend.

I wonder if his training wheels will be off before his sisters...

First Day of Kindergarten

Here is a pretty cute picture of my two munchkins from this morning.
They both had pretty good days where they were.
I am excited to watch both of them blossom in their new situations.

I thought after we got home that they would hug and be happy to see each other.
Nope.
One screamed at the other and then the hitting started.
Oh well.
Maybe that will happen when the elder goes to college.
A Mom can dream.