celebrating cultural creativity

Instilling cultural traditions in our kids is not only a great way to tell stories, but it also helps them see that they are a part of a much bigger picture... where the world around them suddenly extends across oceans and people...  all drumming to a different beat than the daily routine they are use to.

A fun way to teach and engage our kids about some of the cultural differences is by participating in a multi-cultural event. Many local cities and schools host these - and in a few short hours, they are stamping their passports and being transported to faraway places through food, music, dance, and art - all creative expressions that uniquely define our nationalities...

We were lucky that our elementary school hosted one, and thrilled that Ava had the opportunity to share with her friends, a little about herself and her heritage... even going up on stage to say, "Salam. Khush ahmaden!" {Hello and welcome!}

National flags were waving high... parents adorned the tables with foods and recipes passed down to them... and music filled the air including dance lessons on how to "hula." 

Japanese calligraphy...

and henna tattoos that lasted... well... a little longer than we imagined... but they were beautiful!




I wish I had more photos to share - but I was wrapped up in the festivities of the evening. Mom came too, and made one of my most favorite Afghan dishes to share - Bolognee with green chutney and yogurt!

 

Back-to-School 2012!

Well... hello! It's been almost a year since my last post. And I'm shaking my head. So often I tell myself, "I have to blog about that!" But then the days and nights escape me (and they still do). Time hasn't slowed down at all - we just preoccupy ourselves with different things. There is so much I missed sharing here, but I'm sure those stories and photos will make their way here eventually.

At the start of school last year, we began a huge home remodel (we're still at it - more on that later). Still - there are two things that have certainly changed. A lot. The kids.

In fact, Noah started Kindergarten... and after his first week, he declared, "school is soo long."

Yes, dear Noah. It is. Way too long. 

Their new homeschool room is near completion... and I say "near" because there were several months in between "life" where there wasn't any construction going on. Right now, we're focusing on building a routine and meeting new friends. And pausing just enough to remind ourselves - how quickly - all of it moves. 

Here's to a new year! I'm looking forward to reconnecting with you :)

first day of kindergarten

Thanks so much for all the thoughts and prayers everyone. The big day arrived, and as expected, I couldn't compose myself entirely... I knew I was going to cry, and I did. Aaron did much better- His face just turned red... had watery eyes.... we just couldn't believe her first day of school was here!

The outfit I wanted to dress her in got moved to tomorrow since today is gym class... so we went for comfort and all of her hair pulled back. Aaron and I were so nervous, bumping into each other, getting ready ourselves, remembering to breathe... that we didn't prepare a special fun breakfast like we had imagined. Or say a special family prayer.... the time, even though we woke up at 5am, didn't help. There was just so much going on....

Ava started her morning with excitement, saying over and over again, "I can't believe I'm going to school!" She made a card for her teacher...



Then we headed out the door -





Noah was such a terrific sport. Feeling the excitement for his sister, and so happy for her. He didn't ask when and if he was going to go to school. He just observed everything as we approached the school, where the yard was filled with parents, grandparents and kids of all ages...



Outside of her classroom - the most unbelievably - unexpected thing happened to us. As Ava handed her teacher an apple, her card and hugged her, Aaron leaned over to me and whispered, "the camera isn't working"....  Of all the days!?! My little trusty camera that's captured Ava and Noah's childhoods, weathered sand and rain on countless trips, and even sustained photography lessons with Ava - went kaput. Reloading the battery, helped take these last shots, before it quit again... My time was running out. The bell rang. Aaron and I were the only parents in the room. I just had to look into Ava's eyes - one more time. And let her know how happy and excited and proud I am for her to get to this day.



And maybe cry a little before letting go...



Looking back as I was standing in the doorway - I snapped this picture with my iphone. She was off... ready to get started, and be a kindergartner. She didn't look up. It was time. I headed straight for the exit for air.



Aaron and I held Noah's hands while walking back to the car. Noah said, "I think Ava's going to have a lot of fun." Aaron and I looked at each other, and knew how right Noah was... At home, we surprised Noah with a gift - a snap circuit board and doodle book for us to do today.



When I troubleshooted my camera it dawned on me that today's occasion is the best reason to upgrade for the camera on my wish list. Aaron had tried to purchase the Canon 5d Mark II for anniversaries, birthdays, and Eid gifts in the past, but for the sheer reason of cost, I would graciously decline.

Today is Ava's first day of school - to me, that's a good enough reason to make the investment now {and the fact that my SLR gave up}.  I emailed a few friends for camera store suggestions - and both agreed Arlington Camera was the place to go. After making sure they had one in stock, we drove 40 minutes to pick it up. 3 hours later, we were driving back home with a new camera {and a rented battery since it takes 24hrs to charge the new battery} and then headed straight to the school to pick her up and snap the first moment she walked out the door...



Perhaps the distraction of the camera situation was part of the Big plan because it made the day fly like colors. I didn't have the time, nor the energy to dwell on Ava not being with us today {although when I left the camera store and looked into the backseat of the car and saw her empty car seat, I let out a small sigh}. Oh.. life is so funny like this, isn't it?





And so are the kids - who wave through life's changes - in their own way...