Bushra's Dholki #1

I didn't think it would happen so soon, but it is. My baby sister is getting married. Yesterday was her first "dholki." We spent the whole night singing and dancing. Even though it rained the whole time I was taking these pictures, they came out pretty darn good. It could be my photography skills or Bushra's photogenic face; I'm betting its the former. 

Snow Days

I'm back! Yes, its been a while but the important thing is I have returned. 

I would have posted something last week but I have been trying to teach myself html so I can put pictures side-by-side and guess what? I FIGURED IT OUT! Not all the way, the spacing is still a bit weird but its something.

Okay, recap. I have been dying to go to the National Galley of Art's Drawing Salon:

Join us for sketching and conversation in the galleries. Led by practicing artists and museum educators, this series of workshops integrates art history and studio art practices.

No I can't draw or paint but I love the idea of being a good painter so why not try something new? The worst part is the seated is limited. I have gone there twice and have been unsuccessful both times. BUT not to worry, I haven't given up just yet. The next one is Sunday and Eisha and I will attempt our journey once again; Sunday is Cezanne's Landscapes. 

Other than my unsuccessful attempt to the Art Galley, we have had a beautiful winter. I like snow and yes even with all the snow we've had, I am still not over it. We had a snow "storm" last week. Wait, two weeks ago. February 13 to be exact. I believe all the cool kids were calling it the "Polar Vortex." In Woodbridge Winterland, we got about 10 inches. This was Inaayah's first big snow so she was super excited about it. The only bad part about the snow was cleaning the drive-way. I don't know how Bushra and I shoveled it, but we did and the pain in my back and shoulders reminded me of it the next three/four days. If you couldn't tell, we also made the sexiest snowman known to man kind. You welcome. 

Musah's and Mahnoor's Birthday

The month of January is a busy month for the Khan family; too many birthdays. Musah's, then Mahnoor's, then Sadiah's (thought technically she isn't a Khan) and then Samreen's. 

This year it was Musah's first birthday and Mahnoor's fourth birthday. Aww they grow up so fast don't they. Sam has been super creative recently so she made these cute shirts for both of them. This Saturday is their birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese. Lets wait and see how the craziness will unravel.

November/December Recap

So its been a while, I realize that. I had finals for three weeks and then a two week winter "vacation." Lets be real, that wasn't really a vacation. I worked the whole time and did nothing. I did watch a lot of TV. I definitely overdosed on the Hallmark channel. Yes, I watch those sappy Christmas movies, they're amazing.

So the whole month of November was spent studying for finals; even spent Thanksgiving studying. I took 17 credits in the Fall so I would only have to take 13 in the Spring. While studying for finals I thought I had made the worst decision of my life by taking 6 classes, but after I got my grades, I'm thinking maybe it wasn't such a bad idea. I guess I excel under pressure because I kicked ass on my finals. It sucks that my GPA isn't going anywhere, but I am pretty proud of myself. 

Other than preparing myself for the next three miserable weeks of finals, it was also Asmara's birthday. I have been meaning to blog about her birthday for days weeks now but just never got around to it. Asmara is my favorite because, in addition to a million other things, she is like my second mommy. She makes the yummiest things (including my fav lasagna), is literally one of the smartest people I know, literally the smartest person, I can ask her about anything and a kick ass couponer. I mean she makes those people on TV look bad she's that good! 

I am so lucky to have you in my life. Happy Birthday Paco. Love you. 

December was spent taking finals and watching lots and lots of TV. It was also Abu's 59th birthday. I have to blog about Abu, maybe I'll save that for Fathers Day. Sadiah got engaged. Oh lawd. My bff. Where does the time go? Lastly, this may have been the first year I spent not staying up until midnight to watch the New Years ball drop. I got knocked out around 10. When did I get so old?

I guess thats everything I didn't blog about. My plans of going to different places has failed yet again. Maybe 2014 will be different.

Inayaah's Ears Piercing

Today we took Inayaah to get her ears pierced. I have been wanting to go forever now, but Asu used the "six-month" excuse. 

Inayaah was so happy to be at the mall. A lot happier than Asu was; Asu was freaking out. Motherhood softens you up like crazy. 

Look at those cute little eyes.

Here she is sitting on Noshi Mama's lap, getting ready.

Ta-da! 

There is a picture in between these 2 pictures that I took but I didn't post because she looked so sad. I mean really sad but how adorable does she look with her new earrings? 

Happy Birthday Squish

Ah the busy month of November. So. Many. Birthdays. 

Last week it was Eisha's, aka Squish, birthday and guess what? I completely forgot. I mean completely, just had no clue. I knew it was coming up because I ordered something online for her but I forgot it was on the 14th. I'm glad her mom called and left me a message because otherwise there wouldn't have been an 8 PM call. Forgetting is a big deal in our family. I mean we're the kind of people that like to compete to see who the first wisher is at midnight. It gets pretty heated. 12:01 is too late. 

Back to the topic, ah Squish's birthday. Yes. My dorky, book worm, socially awkward, super creative Squish is all grown up (I believe 19). Where does the time go?

Before I forget Squish, let me take this time to remind you that you called me your "BFF" Friday night. This is incase you ever forget. You won't now. Its now on the internet. 

Anyhow, Happy Birthday Squish. Even though you are turning into a beautiful and smart young lady, to me you will always be the dork with the crooked teeth, and I mean some crazy looking teeth, and weird book obsessions. 

I just hope each passing year, you'll stop being so lazy (people, I got my birthday gift a year after my birthday). Love you.

And yes, of all the pictures I took, I'm using this one :)

Happy Birthday Asu

You know the best part about having 5 sisters? Having 5 sisters. Growing up I didn't need many friends because I had 5 around-the-clock-i-can-never-escape-them friends. Sure we didn't get along all the time (we still don't) but I know they love and care for me unconditionally, no matter what I do. 

“Sister. She is your mirror, shining back at you with a world of possibilities. She is your witness, who sees you at your worst and best, and loves you anyway. She is your partner in crime, your midnight companion, someone who knows when you are smiling, even in the dark. She is your teacher, your defense attorney, your personal press agent, even your shrink." 

People always ask me who my favorite sister is, but the truth of the matter is they're all my favorite, for one reason of another. 

Even though we are 8 years apart, Asu is my favorite because, in addition to a million other things, she has a really big heart. I mean a really big heart. She always gives, gives and gives, but doesn't ask anything in return. She is loving and caring and funny and humble and smart and gorgeous. She is there for me when I need her and she's there for me when I don't. If you look up "older sister" in the dictionary, you'll see her picture (in addition to my 4 other sisters, of course); she is the ultimate older sister. 

I am so lucky to have you in my life. Happy Birthday Asu. Love you.