Mom & Nana's Bdays

Mom and Nana celebrate 39 and 69 wonderful years being alive in this world. My dear Arya took this picture of us last week.



If I try to think about the very first memory I have, it is seeing my beautiful mom. And it is amazing that our birthdays fall next to each other. I have always enjoyed being by your side and blowing out the candles with you azizam.



Arya and Jamil read a lot of books and played on Tina's Ipad (Harold and the Purple Crayon). Seems like they really enjoyed it together



Then it was opening presents time.





Then time to snuggle and watch some tv and chitchat :)
I love Papa's smile in this picture :)

Tae Kwon Do

Due to some constraints with the Kung Fu place, we changed Arya to Tae Kwon Do instead. We found Robinson's Taekwondo (by our house) to be a lot better and with the goals we had in mind in the first place.



I have another link to the right with videos of his progress. Today was the first official day in class and I think it was great. He learned how to do push-ups, sit-ups, jump turns and kicks. Also listening and stance. It is amazing how one place is so different than another when it comes to these schools. So glad we chose this one instead.

Memorable Pics

So I wake up early in the morning ready for work and I'm about to grab a chair when I see this:



It's not real but reacting to this at 6:30am in the morning is truly memorable. Good thing everyone was asleep.

Next we come to this picture...



This was taken at my parents house and Arya wanted something springy to jump on...thus this air mattress will have to take the beating.

My next favorite pic is this one...



My sweet pea is helping me put away the utensils when I was putting the rest of the dishes away. (He got bored half way through it, but hey any help is worth a lot to me! :)

Next pic is Arya's favorite food of all time. Mac and Cheese. Classic. And when all else fails ...



At Nana & Papa's house in the cozy chair. Looks like a big boy watching his favorite show already. Don't grow up too fast now Arya jooooon!



And last but not least the kiss of all kisses...



Enough for a little heaven...

Arya's begins Kung Fu

We began Arya with a play class a few months ago but noticed his challenges weren't met. He was also not being able to interact with other kids as much as we liked. Since he is at home all day we wanted him to do something more worth while. So after doing research we found this place to be the best suited for his needs. Eastern Ways Martial Arts - Kung Fu. They teach Choy Li Fut Kung Fu. Here is some info about it: Info It is an ancient form of Kung Fu, and this place has instructors with direct lineage which get their training also from China. So hopefully it will be beneficial. The only downside to this place is that it's not like all the other commercial karate places. Parents cannot sit and watch their kids practice. They have a rule against that because they want the kids to have more focus into what they are learning and not attention to what the parents are doing. Good for them but sad for us because I really want to see. But I do sneak around the corner and hopefully they won't say anything while we watch.



This is Arya after his first 1/2 hour of private training and taking a break before the group class begins.

I am going to put a couple videos and a direct link with a lot more on the right of the blog named "Kung Fu" if you want to see more.

Here is a view of his private lesson:



Here is a view of his group class today.



So proud of you my son, you did amazing for your first day. I know it was too much to take in but you did great and I know it will only get better. I Love you so much.

2012 is here

The new year has begun and so far 2012 has been sweet. The weather seems summerish with the tinge of cold but the sun's warmth covers the icy breezes as they come.



Arya has been busy with activities and I have been busy with work and getting taxes ready. I will update shortly with the activities Arya has been doing shortly.

But before that I want to say that I hope 2012 will be a great year for everyone and most of all for those whose 2011 wasn't that great. It was a tough year for a lot of people, that is for sure. May the hardship bring a bit of light and simplicity in the years to come.

Christmas with love

Growing up in this country, I have always felt this time of year to be the most heartwarming. And even though our traditions are a bit different, our faith does believe in the birth of Christ and giving to others. So I think it is ok to
celebrate Christmas and enjoy all the love that it brings.



We got Arya a few gifts and told him Santa brought them. Not sure how long he'll believe in that but he seemed excited in the morning. :)



It has also been extremely cold so we have to bundle up wherever we go.



We went to Kami & Tina's this year for Kami's 35th birthday (which is really tomorrow) but for the kids to exchange gifts and for us to visit. Arya really liked their tree and admired all the ornaments on it.



Kami's birthday cake was like a present with a blue bow on it. Cute.
And here is my little cake monster.



And now eating nicely :)



The real fun is playing with toys!!!! I don't think they stopped the entire time we were there! :) The best part about that is falling asleep on time! :)



And here is the one with all of us together.

December at home

The holidays always bring a warmth even when it's cold outside. We decided on a white tree this year. For some reason it stood out besides all the rest and Arya really liked it. So we brought it home.
Every time I look at it when it's lit up it just brightens my mood and makes me think about the Light in our lives.





We have been sick again thanks to the parents who bring their sick kids to play with Arya but what can a person do? Kids are kids and germs spread with them. So aside from taking care of my baby I had to prevent myself from really getting sick. This would have been the second time in 1 month! Ali and I bought this stuff Yin Chao Cold Stop a while back and more than ever I believe in it now. It really stopped it just before it was about to start! Luckily! And even though I can't really do much with the allergies, the cold was kicked out the door!













During our caged days however here is Arya playing and being mischievious.
He has been doing good going to the bathroom on his own and it is a BIG accomplishment! Yay! Just had to mention that. :) And now we are working on eating all kinds of food by himself. For the most part if he is not distracted he can do it.