Norooz 1396!

There's a special feeling when Spring comes every season. With the sound of the birds chirping, the gentle breezes, the pretty flowers blooming everywhere, and the sweet smell of the air and occasional rain ...You can find a sense of renewal.



I really believe Norooz is that for me. A time for renewal. Renewing the spirit, renewing the mind, renewing the old and becoming the new. Refreshing oneself and healing oneself to be better than the year before.



It is a blessing to have the opportunity when we are reminded of things. Especially such a beautiful reminder...
The reminder that whatever has faded can find color again, whatever was cold can become warm, whatever was worn can be fixed up and used again.

Thank You God for our daily reminders and beautiful seasons that show us Your Glory, Your splendor, Your Goodness.

Our Norooz Table this year was decorated by Nana's blue tablecloth and flowers along with some of the things I had before. 

Thanks to her hard work to make us the best food to eat together...




The kids got to enjoy fun times and gifts





And we gathered again for pictures pictures and more pictures.

Ali and Marjan's 15 year Anniversary

Has it really been that long? Goodness 15 years has already passed since we have been married.



I'd like to pay a tribute to being married this long and celebrate the fun parts of marriage .....


The 15 Perks of a Marriage
-----------------------------------
1. Relaxing the dress code
2. Relaxing the makeup code
3. Relaxing the fart code
4. Relaxing the bathroom code
5. Laughing with a partner
6. Crying with a partner
7. Yelling with a partner
8. Relaxing the driving code
9. Relaxing the language code
10. Custom critiquing
11. Eating more noono panir
12. Getting fatter with a partner
13. Daily crying on the scale with a partner
14. Comparing pains in unfamiliar places
15. Daily more gray hairs contests




And the best part...being a family :)

Azita and Joseph visit

It had been many years since we had seen Azita joon in Sacramento, but we were so happy when she told us she would like to come with Joseph to see us.

Arya had a chance to get to know her Ameh and Joseph which turns out to be a gamer (a plus in Arya's book) :)

They were with us a short 3 days but it was memorable and a true treat to be with them.

Arya got a new Xbox One with a few games and he was excited to learn.

We went sight seeing around the town a little bit and had a chance to chill and Joseph showed us his amazing and impressive photography skills :) 

Nana, Papa, Kamran, Tina Jamil & Jasmine also came by. 

They left us with their warmth and kindness. And we will treasure it always.

44 and 64

Another year has rolled around. Nana and I are celebrating the "4's".
Thankful to make it to another year and see what there is to see.
I wish for the best of everything for everyone.



My little sweetheart waiting patiently to dig into this gluten free gorgeous cake.

2017 Begins

The year of anticipation, change, and so many things to come. In some ways I feel like I wish we had breezed through it already, but I know that's only a dream.




When I saw this picture posted on facebook the other day..somehow it felt like my soul.
I crave peace and tranquility and deep thought, yet I know the future as chaotic as it seems must be for my heart to get there. I pray for a day that we can all be in peace and happiness despite all the craziness we must face.



Amazingly my dear cat can feel me when my nerves are on edge. And her warmth and humming brings my jitters to a smooth rhythm.

Our New Years gathering was fun and the kids enjoyed family time.



Arya loves Jasmine and she can see it in his eyes. She has a beautiful soul. God bless her and always keep her in the best of His care. I am so thankful for all the joy she brings us.




The next day was followed by treating our stomachs to a fun filled lunch of ribs. Thankfully I didn't overdo it.

The boys on the other hand...well you know how it is :)

End of 2016

December had been a long month mostly due to cold/flu season and hoping for relief from the sicknesses. Also, even as it is so beautiful outside, something about winter always seems to make me more tired or lazy. Is it just me?

Arya was very happy to start the 2 weeks off and got used to it. :) I think when we go to school these times off are like gold! You can watch tv, play video games, go on the computer..etc, etc. And not have to have any structured routine. We start it off traditionally though by attempting to make a gingerbread house which always ends up falling apart. Next year I am hoping to get those premade ones to just decorate. The sticky stuff just doesn't work for us!




Lots of fun times to lay around, watch youtube and be silly!





And of course there's family time and eating.











Oh the eating...



All in all it was a nice break for Arya and we ended 2016 happy
and thankful.

Arya lost his first tooth!

After many many many many days / weeks/ years of waiting. It finally happened. Our baby lost his first baby tooth. And he amazingly took it out while wiggling it so much. :)
He was the happiest today I have ever seen! :) Too cute for words MA.