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2011 New Year

Funky Greetings New Year's Card

Shutterfly has elegant holiday invitations for your party.

View the entire collection of cards.

Sisters . . .

Sisters don't need words. They have perfected a language of snarls and smiles and frowns and winks - expressions of shocked surprise and incredulity and disbelief. Sniffs and snorts and gasps and sighs - that can undermine any tale you're telling.
-- Pam Brown

The last month has been an emotionally and physically challenging for all my sisters so I dedicate this post to them.  When our mum passed away something happened to our bond, we become closer . . . much closer.  I love my sister's dearly, there is such a special relationship that God has given me with each one.  I would not want to go through life without my phone chains . . .the laughter and the crying is better shared with sisters. The greatest thing to me is that I see that bond developing between Alysha & Jaya - they will be there for each other in thick and thin.  Jaya idolizes her sister, when watching a movie she likes to cuddle up to her so she is touching her.  We have gone in at night for the final tuck in and literally found Jaya sleeping on top of Alysha's back . . . Alysha who is not a cuddler tells her sister, "let me fall asleep then you can cuddle me."  Woe to their husbands!  Alysha cares for her sister like only an older sister can, she answers her questions, reminds her of her ABC's and makes sure she brushes her teeth!  She will make a great mom one day : )  So as I sit here, more grateful than words can say for each of my sister's and the gifts they bring to my life, I am also grateful that my daughter's will enjoy the same crying together and laughing together moments that I have.

Thanks Girls for all you have brought to my life!  I love you!

To the outside world we all grow old.  But not to brothers and sisters.  We know each other as we always were.  We know each other's hearts.  We share private family jokes.  We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys.  We live outside the touch of time.  ~Clara Ortega

Puri Dream Center

Yesterday the girls and I made a last minute trip with Peter and Dr. Faiz to a dream center. It was an extremely hot day as you will tell in the one photo of me below! My English blood does not allow me to look remotely good in hot weather rather I look like a cherry tomato with hair stuck to my forehead. Anyway . . . I digress. We had a lovely day hanging out with the kids. The girls were a little overwhelmed at first as the kids wanted to be around them. But it wasn't long before Jaya was showing them how to play the drums and Alysha was learning Bollywood dance moves. It was fun to see them. It was also interesting because at one point I lost Jaya and she literally was lost in the crowd of beautiful brown faces! I am so used to being able to pick them out easily that I didn't realized how spoiled I had become.

The kids at the children's home are amazing and immediately grab at your heart. This particular home is on the beach so many of the children have lost fathers's to fishing accidents then their mother's can no longer take care of them. They go to a Christian school which is literally acorss the street and many of them were top of their class for grades! What a wonderful testimony to God!

We also went to the beach but unfortunately those photos are on my other camera! I will post them later. Enjoy . . .

The "its about time" Post

So much has happened that I really should blog more!  Today we all went outside and played soccer with some kids from the neighborhood.  It was so much fun. It's amazing how a ball and some cookies can bridge a language barrier.

The girls are officially on school holiday for the next 6 weeks and are very excited about it.  Peter has been travelling and have posted some awesome photos on facebook so if you get a chance go check them out!

I thought I might make this a light hearted look at the things that we have learned in our first months here:

1.  If you lock your gate, someone will come in to use your water and leave it open . . .below is what happens . . .

Yep, he saw our green grass and thought  Mmmmm Yummy!

2.  There is an "Indian Way" to drink water out of a bottle.  You pour it into your mouth without letting the bottle touch your lips.  Peter and Alysha have mastered it, Jaya and I still end up wearing more than we get in our mouths.

3.  The concept behind tiling the entire bathroom, putting in one drain and having the showerhead stick out of the wall is really quite a good idea.  However in reality we have soaked more toilet rolls than I care to mention!  You can't store anything IN the bathroom because it will get wet.  Also the squeegee is an incredible invention since it is what we have to clean the walls and floor with after every shower.  Sorry no photos for that one . . .  : )

4.  The mangoes here are absolutely delicious!  Apparently we were waiting for the "Mango Rain" which happened about 10 days ago.  The heaviest rain I have ever seen but so amazing to sit inside and listen too.  The result is we have these amazing little fruits that seem to call my name whenever I am in the kitchen.

5.  If there is a Hindu guy wearing a cotton diaper standing at your gate, banging on a drum and tamborine and chanting.  It is probably best not to stare . . . he will only stay longer.

Well that's enough randomness for now . .  here are some photo's and video of Jaya's birthday.  Enjoy!

For those who can't read big sister scribble, the card says . . .  Hi Jaya, I'm excited Happy 4th Birthday!  I am glad you are my sister but you are loud on the bus . . that's okay - I love you and you are funny and fun.  Too cute.

Access Denied!

Hello - well it is that time, we have decided to make our blog private for many different reasons.  My sister and I were discussing it and thought it would just be best.  Soooo, please message me or email me your address if you would like to have access.

We will be switching to private with in the next week or two.

Thanks so much for reading!

I hope everyone has a great Easter weekend.

Jaya riding a hand pushed carousel - she was excited,can you tell?
15 Rupees for 20 rotations ; )  About 35 cents . . .

Below is the driver we have used quite a bit lately and the office chef, Anoop

Alysha outside the Mayfair

The kids in the neighborhood enjoying the camera . . .

Jalebi - an Indian dessert that we tried last night, similar to a
funnel cake only drenched in a heavy syrup.