sixninos

2011-10-26T19:50:00.001-07:00

Kieran y Gabriel's Aikido Test

2011-10-23T10:54:00.000-07:00

Belen's Aikido Test

2011-10-23T10:41:00.001-07:00

Chase's Aikido Test

2011-10-23T10:40:00.001-07:00

The Garden

2011-06-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

The Chef

2011-06-10T17:26:00.000-07:00

Scarborough Affair

2011-05-18T19:32:00.000-07:00

Paging Doctor Singh

2011-04-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

Kieran discovered two bug bites that were itching him terribly at dinner. The doctor in the house decided to take charge to take care of her brother with soothing creams and many bandaids!

A Christmas Memory

2011-04-10T18:40:00.001-07:00

I found this wonderful picture of Belen and Grandpa.

Strawberry Fields...

2011-04-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

My little gardeners helped with our strawberry patch today. We have about 25 plants and five different varieties. Hopefully we can enjoy them this summer if we can keep the birds away....

Belen's India Fiesta! :-)

2011-03-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

Oh, what a party! Belen and her friends had a fabulous time exploring the wonderful world of India. Their imaginations took them to Delhi, where they rode elephants, they celebrated Diwali and finally enjoyed the joys of throwing colors for Holi! Ok--I almost burned out my Cuisinart by making colored powdered sugar, but it was worth it. It was the highlight of the party. The girls all took home "goodie bags" full of candy, bangles and bindis. One of Belen's friends comments that she was still playing with her sari a couple of weeks later.

Gabriel At The Science Fair

2011-03-10T19:05:00.000-08:00

This is the first year our elementary school held a science fair for fifth graders. Each student had to select their own experiment, provide a hypothesis, and show the results. Gabe chose to grow pea seedlings in various types of soil to prove which medium is most fertile.

Chase's Free Throw Skills

2011-02-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

During his team's fundraiser, Chase scored the most free throws of his team....and here's why.

Santa

2010-12-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

More car conversations......
Mom: Belen, shall we go see Santa tomorrow?
Belen: Yeah, but I haven't made my list.
Mom: We can do that when we get home and we'll go in the morning. Have you decided what you'd like him to bring?
Belen: Well, I think I shouldn't ask for too many things, because if I ask for too many things then Santa will have to bring the same amount of things for the boys.
Mom: That's a good point.
(pause)
Belen: Do you think Santa knows when my birthday is?
Mom: I don't think Santa keeps track of birthdays.
Belen: I think he went to Santa class, because he looks kinda smart.

Boy Crazy

2010-12-02T17:31:00.001-08:00

Driving home from aikido a conversation occured.....
Chase: Next time at aikido, Belen is going to tell Adrian he's her boyfriend.
Mom: No, she's not.
Chase/Gabriel (in unison): YES, SHE IS!! She does it all the time!! he he he
Belen: No, I don't! Only if they're handsome!

Belen's Halloween Party

2010-10-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

Halloween Treats

2010-10-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

Belen's First Day of School

2010-08-31T18:43:00.000-07:00

The Chocolate Girl

2010-08-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Crossroads Mall had a mini Indian festival with vendors and performances all day today. We fell into it by accident since Belen had a hair appt. but we did watch some of the performances and had mehndi applied to our hands. While it was drying Belen rode the carousel several times and I sat down to people watch. All the Indian women with their colorful saris, it was a joy. One woman, carrying a camera, asked her friends, "Who is that chocolate girl?" There was a dark little Indian girl walking by in a bright green lehenga. I watched the woman walk towards her and then turn in circles, looking perplexed for the parent of the little "chocolate girl". After asking everyone in reach, she looked at me, questionably....."Is she with you?" It was Belen she had been looking at, wanting to take her picture for some smile campaign. Of course Belen stepped up and gave her best.

Today's Harvest

2010-08-01T13:42:00.001-07:00

So I have a green thumb after all.....

2010-07-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Camping in Seabeck

2010-07-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

Sweet Philanthropy

2010-07-21T09:11:00.000-07:00

Belen lost her first tooth! And to make the event even sweeter, she promised her daddy (Poppi as she now calls him)she would give him any money the Tooth Fairy left because she thinks he needs it.

2010-07-17T18:44:00.000-07:00

Fourth of July In Boston

2010-07-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

Despite the heat wave, we did walk the city to see the Old State House, Paul Revere's house, and Harvard, of course. After that, all the kids wanted was the hotel and pool.

Belen's Favorite Book

2010-06-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

We've been waiting for her to read--no pressure! Last week I picked up this book and she read almost the entire book,to my surprise. This is her third time, and of course she gets silly for the camera.

Gabriel's Concert Extended....

2010-06-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry, the videographer's arms got tired so we missed some of the Beatles songs...

Gabriel's 2010 Concert

2010-06-06T19:39:00.000-07:00

Belen Counts in French

2010-05-24T20:51:00.000-07:00

She can count to at least 20, but her silly bug is preventing anything further than 10.

Everything You Need To Know About Metamorphosis

2010-05-24T20:40:00.000-07:00

Who Does What

2010-05-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

The kids were debating over the monthly chores and Gabriel decided to write them on the white board. Belen of course had to add her wishes on the board as well (it's the one with the heart, in case you didn't figure that out). We did not give her any coaching on spelling.

Disneyland 2010

2010-05-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

This is the only photo of Chase where I could get some cooperation. Gabriel is next...don't expect any pictures of him for the next three years.

The Happiest Place On Earth?

2010-05-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

Only if you're under twelve. Luckily this month there's a wine tasting event.....That's healing the blisters on my feet. It's an old family remedy.

Easter III

2010-04-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

Easter II

2010-04-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

Easter Hunt In Action

2010-04-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T15:25:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny got smart this year an gave quarters instead of the plethora of sweets that he normally brings. There's been some debate today about the Easter Bunny being a he or she. We decided it was transgender.

Bollywood Bound

2010-03-08T15:16:00.000-08:00

The lovely lehenga that Abuela and Grandpa brought back from India has one little girl headed for the star studded stage.....

Happy Birthday Belen!

2010-03-05T15:07:00.000-08:00

Belen was lucky enough to celebrate her fifth birthday with both sets of grandparents this year! She received wonderful gifts. Several horsies she wanted, a guitar, a beautiful lehenga and aquamarine from India, and lots of hugs and kisses from her adoring fans.

Belen Lost Her First Tooth!...and she's rich

2010-02-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

Intervention

2010-02-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

We (myself especially) have been begging Kieran for weeks to get some sort of haircut, trim, etc. Tonight I tried bribes, manipulation and all other methods a mother knows, but he refuses. I'll remind you, he's not had a cut since this past summer in Spain.....

Therefore; I have no other option but to stage an intervention. We will meet in person, via Skype, or telephone at a future time to convince this young man what's best for his future...

The rules for the intervention:
1. Plan it out
2. Seek additional help, i.e.; clergy or counselor
3. Make him realize he does have a problem
3. Let him know it's not his fault
4. Provide unconditional love

Aikido, kudasai!

2010-01-30T16:49:00.000-08:00

Test day for all the kids. I was afaid I might run out of disk space on the camera. We watched one young man get his lower brown belt so the boys have their work cut out from them on the next test. They need to become very disciplined.

Jon's video du jour

2010-01-28T19:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, we think this video is hysterical. We look forward to more of Johnny's creativity! Click on the link from his Facebook page.

Facebook | Jon Garrett orange is the new black...

A Niece Pleads for Caviar

2009-12-20T19:29:00.000-08:00

Breaking News from BNN

2009-12-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

Belen gives a tour of the kitchen upgrades. Unrehearsed, in her own words. We're thinking a Gumar is something from India. Perhaps Grandpa can enlighten us?

A Week In Cape Cod

2009-08-31T17:26:00.000-07:00

The uncles took Belen to pick the lobsters, but she wanted no part in touching them. She'd rather spend time on the beach, building castles and flying kites. During our travels, she refused to let anyone pack, unpack or carry her suitcase through the airport! A continuation of the family of travellers.....

How Many?......

2009-08-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

...Uncles (and Dad) does it take to blow up a kiddie pool?

Summer Vacation in Oregon

2009-08-20T18:46:00.000-07:00

The Oregon folk set off for a week in the country. We encountered many new things; wild turkeys, salamanders, crawdads, scorpions and Grandpa's redneck swimming pool--a horse trough. Record temperatures forced us to spend most of our time in the A/C.

Our Spanish Friend

2009-07-15T17:53:00.000-07:00

Cloti spent almost a month with us is summer. We cooked, hiked, whale watched and spent time at the beach....Come back and visit, Cloti!

TIMBER!!!

2009-06-21T11:10:00.000-07:00

Along with painting, I've been chopping down trees.

Belen Gets Her Yellow Belt

2009-06-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

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Gabriel's First Choir Performance

2009-06-21T10:38:00.000-07:00

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Taking Donations...

2009-06-20T18:46:00.001-07:00

...to send the girl to China to learn acrobatics. Payments accepted via Paypal, money order or cash.

La Belle Maison

2009-06-19T21:48:00.000-07:00

plus au moins...

A Weekend Hike

2009-06-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

Belen led us all through a 3 mile hike along very steep hills and valleys--as you might expect, she was steadfast, determined, and unstoppable!

Everyone had to rest to keep up with her...

Except Kieran...

Happy Birthday!

2009-05-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Feliz Cumpleaños Abuela! Que sea un dia delicioso y encantador. Pensamos en ti y te hechamos de menos. Y que cumplas muchos, muchos mas!

Con mucho cariño,

Abrazos

Kieran, Chase, Gabriel y Belén

The Greatest Day This Year!

2009-04-29T18:47:00.000-07:00

If only I had a bottle of champagne and caviar to celebrate.........

After a year and a half, Sebastian's car has been removed from our driveway!!!!!

Egg Hunt

2009-04-11T17:55:00.001-07:00

Belen went to her first community egg hunt today. Since we don't have the boys this year we thought it cruel to have her hunt eggs by herself so we found a park near the house so she could collect eggs with strangers :-). We were surprised that she wasn't scared of the Easter Bunny, and she let us take a photo!

Lady of the Flies

2009-04-09T17:23:00.000-07:00

No commentary needed.....

Chess Master

2009-03-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Belen played her first chess game today. After watching Mommy and Chase play, Belen demanded a turn! I won't describe that unsavory scene. While we we were doing some chores, she decided to set up the chess board--almost perfectly! Only two pieces were misplaced.

Number Four

2009-03-09T17:32:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated birthday celebration for Belen's fourth birthday happened today! Every other day for the past year she has been asking, "How many days until my birthday?" This year with Gabriel's help our song was a bit more on key! I hope. The cake was a masterpiece of Dora created by Mommy! ha. It was more like a painting by Salvador Dali.

Chase Scores

2009-03-08T17:18:00.000-07:00

He made the first basket during the final game for the Pilots. His team made it to the second round tournament through the Bellevue Boys and Girls Club. This is the third year Chase's classmates have played together and the team is coming together quite well. They only won a single game last year ;_( . All the games this year we're pretty close in score and the boys were excited to be winning. We all went to his final game and Belen sat on the sidelines to cheer the boys on!

Do Ra Me Fa So La Ti Do!

2009-02-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

Today Gabriel received news that he had been accepted to the NW Boys' Choir! During his first audition he sang God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman, a song he learned during our family Christmas performance. He received a call back and was one of 7 boys selected from 35 auditioning.

This means serious business! Four hours of practice per week, performing with the Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera, etc. He'll be learning sight reading, solfege, harmonizing and everything under the sun!

We look forward to posting performances and photos!

Calling All Spanish Speakers...

2009-01-03T18:24:00.000-08:00

At my request (and Anil's promise to me for bearing a little girl), I request when you visit that you speak Spanish to Belen. She has shown great interest in learning the language. I will try, too!

Abrazos!

Groping the Dalai Lama! ?

2009-01-01T20:41:00.002-08:00

This was the highlight of my year! Who knew ? The country girl from Oregon, who would meet Anil and become the worldly woman she is today (ha, ha). Anil has lived a life most of us only dream of, and thanks to his talent made this opportunity for us......This is a more descriptive account of our day.

We arrived at the Hyatt in Seattle before the final day of the SOC event ( I have never seen Anil so elated as the final day, which he organized). We had no idea what to expect, but we walked over after greeting Roshi Joan at the Sheraton . Somehow Anil was not on the list, but because of his prominence we got the "go ahead". Luckily we didn't have to slip someone a Benjamin :-)

When we arrived in the meeting room it was filled with a hundred or more volunteers--another three or four meeting rooms were filled as well. The photo-op was for the most most "distinctive" of the group. There were hundreds of volunteers, if not thousands, who worked during the event.

We scouted our group and waited for instructions. We prepped, combed, talked, gathered, ungathered, and merged into the what we thought we be the perfect photo.....and then we waited, and we waited, and waited. ( We edited out the others in our group for our blog)

Finally, the Secret Service arrived and explained how things would go....

Very quick. Gather closely. Smile. And no groping the Dalai Lama! Gotcha!

The doors opened several minutes later. We watched and listened to the photos and the oh's and ah's of the other groups. Next was our group....

Anil and I are were in front so the HH stepped between us. HH moved his hand towards me, and I naturally grabbed it. And a second later, as the photographers were snapping photos, was MORTIFED that I was GROPING the Dalai Lama! There are several photos of me looking wide eyed and horrified, that I had done such a thing,.....but is was all very natural and the Dalai Lama did not seem offended. I hope!

2009-01-01T20:41:00.001-08:00

Anil, Stephenie and the Dalai Lama

2009-01-01T20:27:00.000-08:00

A look back at the Seeds of Compassion event. Anil and Stephenie get a quick photo op to meet and greet the Dalai Lama. Despite very specific instructions to the contrary by Secret Service agents, Stephenie cannot resist groping His Holiness...

Navidad en las nieves de Seattle

2008-12-25T13:04:00.000-08:00

que feliz nos sentimos todos juntos, como podeis ver. Y fuera estaba nevando desde las siete de la manana. Me gustaria que todos estuvieramos juntos, pero esto va a llegar tan pronto que es casi como estar aqui. Este ano la coleccion esta completa, y yo no puedo pedir mas. Aunque Belen tenga un cosido en la frente. Feliz Navidad y 2009

The Child of Frankenstein

2008-12-24T14:50:00.000-08:00

Belen had her first set of stitches! Five in total. While climbing on a bar stool she tipped over and the stool came crashing down with her and landed on her forehead. I've never seen that much blood spurting out of a wound. I became nauseous looking at it. Luckily Mariluz was here and stopped the bleeding with some witches ointment (that was an inside joke). Since we were having a paella party last night Uncle Rajeev and Uncle Simon escorted us to the ER. Anil, Uncle Ajit, Grandma and Grandpa entertained our guests for the three hours we were away.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

2008-12-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

Puget Sound is covered in a blanket of snow. The worst I've seen since moving here. Our house measured 8 inches! Luckily we didn't lose power--which is what happened in '93. We are preparing for the second blast this weekend. Rain, snow, freezing temperatures, and high winds. We have lots of candles and fire wood.

The kids enjoyed three extra days off from school, sledding down the hill and building snowman and snow forts.

Gingerbread Village

2008-12-13T15:50:00.000-08:00

What a task! At 40, I've never made a gingerbread house. Instead of making one for myself I decided everyone would make a gingerbread house. With our busy schedules it took almost two weeks to prepare and bake FIVE gingerbread house. We had a lot of fun and have decided each year do to a theme. Chase wanted to make Native American houses (long house, tipi, etc.) because he has been studying Native American culture this year in school. Now that I've figured out the basics I think we can move on to more elaborate architecture!

We visited the gingerbread at the Sheraton to view our competition.

Belen Sings the Raccoon Blues

2008-11-15T16:48:00.000-08:00

Click the link to see Belen and her daddy performing this summer at "Singh Theatre"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOBSt1O2TEU

Birthday Boy

2008-11-15T14:27:00.000-08:00

Chase turns 10 this month!!! As part of the celebration we took the boys to a rock climbing club for a small party and sleepover.

He Defends His Title!

2008-11-14T19:57:00.000-08:00

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Kieran wins his second pizza eating contest at Lake Stevens' Aquafest. Click on the link to see his victory.

Fall Leaves

2008-11-11T18:26:00.001-08:00

We Have Eggs

2008-11-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

Finally! Our chickens are worth their weight.....

Ok, so they've become more like pets--which I was afraid of (no chicken for dinner tonight). This weekend after returning from shopping one actually ran up to the car wanting some attention. I was confused because I don't know how to pet a chicken so I started rubbing it on the neck, like a cat. Wait! It's not a cat, I thought. How do you pet a chicken?

Stephenie

US Citizen

2008-11-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

After 35 years, 10 months and 11 days...Anil has finally become a US citizen--on election day! Ok so he can't vote today, but now I can breathe a sigh of relief knowing he can't be deported and leave me alone to manage all these kids!

Stephenie

Like Father, Like Daughter

2008-10-25T16:45:00.002-07:00

During our viewing of the latest political commentary, CNN was giving a breakdown of each candidates' lead by state. On the TV screen were the states, pictures and the lead percentages of that state.

Belen ran to the screen in excitement and pointed to each photo, "Look Mommy. One Rock Obama, two Rock Obamas, three Rock Obamas, four Rock Obamas, FIVE Rock Obamas, and one John McCain!"

"Yes, you're right!"

As the segment continued they showed a video of Barack saying 'We have to fight.'

Belen responded, in shock, "Rock Obama says we have to fight! We don't fight, do we Mommy."

I explained as best I could to a three year old and she continued with her opinions of each candidate. I wish I could have recorded it because it would have been the perfect ad for the Obama campaign. She was very articulate in her opinion and ended with, "We like Rock Obama, not John McCain! Rock Obama's NO John McCain, right Mommy!

Next she'll be cursing Fox News right along with her daddy!

Halloween Party

2008-10-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

Today I took Belen to a party at.......SOFIA'S! She was so excited to dress up and play with her friend. I was afraid she wouldn't let me leave her alone, but after a few mintues she told me, "You have to leave now Mommy." My baby's growing up!

Happy Halloween

2008-10-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

Belen baked and decorated Halloween cupcakes today. While we were shopping for our items a lady stood next to us looking for Halloween decorations. Belen started a conversation with her, explaining she would be baking cupcakes today. The conversation went on as the lady explained how she would be spending her day and commented how much children enjoy Halloween. Belen responded, "Yeah, and some parents do, too!"

Hawaii 2008

2008-08-29T16:46:00.000-07:00

Despite Belen's dislocated elbow and having to call security for two missing boys, we had a good time. And I got a special treat flying in first class with Rajeev on my b-day, while Anil took care of the kids!

In Lieu Of Flowers Please Send Chicken Feed

2008-07-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

May 2008-June 2008

We have fond memories of our friend "Korma" who died today during our outing to the zoo. Chase led the eulogy and offered kind words for our dear chicken whom we found on the hill in three pieces. Kieran lightened our hearts with his sense of humor, as usual , with his comment, "May you rest in pieces".

So You Think You Can Dance?

2008-07-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

Summer With My Grandparents

2008-07-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

America's Favorite Sport

2008-06-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

She must have learned this at school because Anil and I are not baseball fans.

Caviar

2008-06-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

Sharing some caviar with Uncle (r)Ajeev

Chickadees

2008-06-05T16:50:00.001-07:00

I wish I could say I bought these chicks for the fresh eggs and the positive impact on the environment--but after doing some research, I discovered that they eat weeds. We have a lot of weeds! Plus I thought it would be easier to convince Anil to get chickens rather than a goat, which I found out we can also have in Bellevue. The darker chicks will lay blue and green eggs, while the yellow ones lay brown ones.

Our Kitchen Helper

2008-06-05T16:40:00.000-07:00

Belen decided one day to unload and load the dishwasher all by herself. Surprisingly most everything came out clean!

The Coop

2008-06-05T16:30:00.000-07:00

Anil was opposed to building this, specially as one of his friends told him he might end up sleeping in it... I made sure it's big enough :-)

Sunny Day

2008-04-27T08:50:00.000-07:00

We spent the day in the yard and Belen was content walking through the shrubs, throwing dirt and digging holes. We planted flowers around the trees and she enjoyed "tucking them in" to their new bed.

Belen Counting

2008-04-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Colored Eggs

2008-03-23T10:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter 2008!

2008-03-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

Belen Enjoys Her Day

2008-03-09T17:14:00.001-07:00

Belen Turns 3 Today!!!

2008-03-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

Magic Penny

2008-02-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

Playing Outside

2008-02-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

Dancing Queen

2008-02-09T16:08:00.000-08:00

More Toes

2008-02-05T19:57:00.000-08:00

This evening I dressed Belen for bedtime. I put socks on her feet so she wouldn't get cold. I explained and she asked me, "My piggies?"
"Yes, your piggies need to stay warm."
She began counting the toes on her right foot and ended at fourteen!
"You don't have fourteen toes, you only have five," I said.

"I have fourteen!"
"I don't think so."
"Let me show you."
She took off her right sock and counted her piggies and correctly counted five.
"See you only have five!", I said.
"Oh....well we need to get some more!"

Sweet and Sour

2008-02-01T17:43:00.000-08:00