Navidad en las nieves de Seattle

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

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

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

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

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


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

Birthday Boy

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!

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

Fall Leaves

We Have Eggs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Summer With My Grandparents

America's Favorite Sport

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

Caviar

Sharing some caviar with Uncle (r)Ajeev

Chickadees

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.