Ali's 48th Birthday

My hubby bubby turns 48 this year. It has been quite a ride. And thankfully this year, he seems very content and happy and in peace, Praise God.







Arya and I couldn't wait to wake up early and give him his presents. We helped wrap them and I love his input when I ask him what in the world to buy. I am getting worst every year.



Thankfully, we got things he could use and hopefully he will enjoy them...clothes, and exercise stuff and a few chargers for the iphone buddy. Kamran / Tina got him outdoor bluetooth speakers. Fun fun fun!!!



Arya loves photo bombing these days! And other crazy matches with his baba :)




The gang joined us for lunch and we welcomed Anahita, Daniel and Sahar later that afternoon. It was a fun day and the weekend was filled with baby bubbly moments :)



Ah the googoo and gaga's. The fun times of being a new parent. I remember those days and all the hard times. It truly takes a committed soul. I feel so old now.

We made Sushi !

Wanted to do something daring and Arya was up for it. So we decided to get together and make Sushi! Sticky rice, crab, carrots, cucumber, avocado, cream cheese, smoked salmon, and nori.
Lot of variations and interesting rolls :)



But let me tell you, it did take a lot of time preparing and it definitely was a lot of work cleaning up.





The best part was eating and man were we stuffed afterwards.

I think it was worth it. If we went out I'm sure we would have spent 100 bucks for what we total spent $15. :) Need to truly do this again!

Papa's 80th Birthday

Our dear Papa bear turns 80 this year. Thank God for blessing us with his wisdom, his presence and his being in our lives.



This year has been going by fairly fast. And summer is the time for birthdays! Arya, then Papa then Ali and Jamil. And somewhere in between will be Jasmine, God willing.



This year, Papa got a few books and movies and a little moola to have some fun with.



Amazing how we see the world every 10 years. And how much we can attain or lose based on what we do, and how we think and learn.



I truly hope that each and every one of us will make the very best of every moment and enjoy everything that God has given us with open arms and open hearts.

Arya turns 8!

Dear sweet Arya turns 8 today. We thank God for every day you are in our life, our dear son.



Arya could not sleep the night before and ended up falling asleep after midnight in anticipation for what he would get for his birthday.



Well, these are all the things we bought him and he just didn't know which one to start with first. The day was pretty fun and he got to enjoy it very much, thank God.



The family came later as it is Ramadan still and everyone was hungry and tired.



I made the double 8 cake with chocolate caramel and whip cream...it was decadent :) and gluten free (yay)



 And later on the weekend we got to celebrate it with his best buddy Sophie.

Father's Day 2016

Every year that Father's Day comes to us, I reminisce about my childhood and think about my dad in my time.



Now, I smile, when I see Ali being in that role with our dear love Arya.



There is no greater gift. And certainly it should never be taken for granted. I love watching Arya spending time with his Nana & Papa. They are precious to have in our life.



The men in our life are true blessings. Thank You God for allowing us females to have them as our companions. I can never contemplate the way You design, as such You are the best Designer.



Thank You for allowing us to have such dear ones to spend time with and not be alone. God, please keep them in your care, always.



Happy Father's Day...

Goodbye 2nd grade

It is with a bittersweet feeling that we enter summer as 2nd grade comes to an end. The crazy start of this year ended being the best of all with the best teacher and class Arya could imagine.
Mrs. Miller became Arya's 2nd grade teacher after Mrs. Allen had to resign.



She was very sweet and able and did such a great job for Arya's class. All the kids loved her and the aide Ms. Fera. These 2 made a great team. And the kids truly felt the happiness and fun from there.



I am thankful I had the chance to volunteer / chaperone the field trip events.



And watch the kids learn amazing things and grow with each other. And of course be nerds together! hehe.

Ramadan Kareem 2016

Another blessed year brings the month of Ramadan. How truly amazing is this month with all it's hardship and what it gives in return....



One may think it to be silly to not eat or drink so that we can strengthen our will power.
But, it is so much more than that.

In the Quran, God tells us:

[2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation.

Salvation from what? From our sins.
If you believe in God and the Hereafter, you know that if you do good in this life you will be rewarded in the Hereafter.

None of us are angels, and in our daily lives we do things, think things, even not do things that can hurt our eternal destiny.

So what better than to follow God's guidance and attain mercy in any way we can to redeem ourselves?

For once a year to schedule our eating and attain salvation?!?! I'm there! So many people do that for losing weight, so why can't we do it to save our souls?

It also humbles you. I have found that by not eating or drinking I am reminded of those who do not have food for days at  a time. Or starving. I want to give more, do more, be better of a person.
I find more time to commemorate my Creator and appreciate all the gifts He has given us. A nice place to live, food, comfortable bedding, convenience of clean water, so on and so forth.
Our daily routine can sometimes dismiss all these things we take for granted.
Thus, it also allows us to re-look at our behaviors in how we act when we are deprived of something...Do we easily get angry? Do we put forth our own egos to satisfy ourselves or do we care for others first? Do we sit lazily while others strive? These are all questions to ponder upon and reflect....and better ourselves, our souls and our lives.