Eid Fitr 2012 Mubarak!

Can't believe it but we made it through this month of Ramadan. I think it was the most difficult one we ever did with 16 hours of no food or water. Even still, we did have some times for Sahari and Iftari. It really brought a lot of things to light for us.

Arya asked about why we don't eat in the beginning and we told him a little bit about it. Then after a few days he wanted to give us food in the day time. Then a couple early mornings he woke up and stayed on the couch till we ate sahari and went back to sleep with us. It was his first exposure to people fasting around him.

Along with 2 blackouts and a dead car battery in a gas station, Arya had a few adventures this month. It sort of disturbed him a bit and we found him talking about it more than usual, but after a while he understood why things happen sometimes. Life isn't perfect and when things happen, we just have make the best out of them.

We celebrated Eid Fitr by going to breakfast in the morning together at Panera Bread. It felt so good to eat again....God help those who are hungry and thirsty all the time. My heart truly goes out to them and the homeless.

Ramadan 2012

We have been observing the holy month of Ramadan (July 20th - Aug 18th, 2012).

During this time, Arya has become more aware of us fasting and learning about the Quran and what God asks of us.

It is a lengthy fast during this period as it is in the summer where there is the most day light. However, it is also a reminder of life and how precious everything we have is. Something as simple as food and water...which are so easy for us to have are not for so many others.

The same goes for shelter and all the other necessities we have around us. It is also a time of great thanks to the ONE who has always been there for us and given us so many gifts in this life so that we will Remember Him. We can strengthen our souls in this short time by practicing control and helping our will to face the difficulties this world may throw at us.

The Power of Prayer....

Within all of us is a yearning for the Higher Power. Whether we like it or not there will be a time when no person or thing can help us. It is then that our inner self cries out. Prayer is our innate ability. Just as animals have an innate ability to do a specific task. Such applies to us. It just happens. The only difference with us is we can choose not to do it. But that "voice" inside you wants it. So why resist? See what happens. Miracles do exist. And that which we do not know to be the Higher Power or God does hear our cries and our prayers.
Nothing in this life will stay perfect forever. Things happen all the time. Good things and bad things. If it comes to bad, why not have a Higher Power on our side rather than nothing? It is a question for all...

Ali's Birthday 2012

What an amazing month July is as it welcomes many of us into this world. I am thankful for the health and presence of the dear family members in our lives born in this month. Arya is almost a July baby so I think he counts too :)

For Ali's birthday we had a party the day before with the family and then celebrated his day the day after. The birthday boy turns 44 this year :)

We had khoresh Gormeh Sabzi that I made along with khoresh Geymeh.

Forgot to take a picture of it but it turned out good. Nobody complained :)

Later followed by a chocolate/chocolate mousse cake from Whole Foods. It was yummy! :)

Papa's 76th Birthday

Papa had his birthday today. It was nice to see him smiling and looking so handsome. We came a bit early and Nana was making Lamb kabobs. Yummy. They cooked together and gave us such a delicious dinner.



The kids played as usual and we talked a bit. Though it was short, it was sweet.
Here are some more pics of us on this day.







Arya got tired very early and we had to drag him home. My dear son, I hope you don't end up becoming a zombie like me. :)

This is the last picture of us with the yummy coffee birthday cake & ice cream.

Arya turns 4

Our dear Arya turned 4 June 29th.



He began the day with a couple gifts from us and then we went out for a day of activities. He played at Wacky Tacky (where there were bouncers and slides, balls and tunnels). Then we went to a surprise place that had all types of superhero and comic characters he liked. He was so excited to get home and play with his new toys.



After lunch and a very long time of play, he crashed really, really late as we promised him no curfew for his birthday.

The next day we went to ChuckeCheese for more fun. This was his cake.




Some pictures of the party. Everyone was scattered. It was a bit loud and crazy but I think the kids had a good time.

















God keep you healthy and safe my son. Tavalodet mobarak basheh azizam.

Arya starts Sparring for TaeKwonDo

So one of the things I was hesitant about was letting Arya Spar, which means "free-form" fighting with Rules in Martial Arts. The reason is I didn't want to encourage this, but the curriculum requires it and the good thing about this place we are going to is that it teaches kids when to and when not to fight. And who to fight with and who not to fight with. I like their way because it is clear that they want the kids to love and respect first and self defend themselves or someone else second. So here is our little guy all foamed up. He had fun getting into the gear but I don't think it was easy for him at first. I'm sure he'll get it sooner or later.

Yellow Black Belt

Arya has been awarded the next Belt for his TaeKwondo Class. He is now a Yellow-Black Belt for his group of Little Dragons.




We arrived at the Ceremony tonight around 5:45 or so and the place was decorated for their 5 year Anniversary. I brought brownies for their potluck in which we ate first. The kids then had to sit and wait to walk on the red carpet in front of everyone. It felt so much like graduation. This is Arya before they went outside.


The instructor "Sir" talked a bit then presented the belts then everyone had to wait until all the awards were given.



Took 3 hours total for this ceremony.
Arya fell asleep in my arms before it was over.


Then he woke up at home for another 2 then went to bed. :D
I think he was happy to receive it but too tired to enjoy it. Hopefully next time.
Here are the videos for tonight's event:
When we got there

Red Carpet walk to places

Arya getting his new belt