Monday, May 12, 2014

Blessings of Mother's Day Celebration

All the kids came home ! It was a day meant to please mom's heart. In between tornado warnings, thunderstorms and rain - good weather let us enjoy these great moments.

Jyoti, Jeff and family bring sunshine with them.








Ravi came a day earlier and we celebrated with him on Saturday. 
 Sunday early morning he left for school.
His hug and love was there the whole time.

Thanks to my Biji and all the others who mothered me while I was growing up,
Jyoti and I thrive being moms.
Happy Mothers Day to all Moms.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Amit and Jean's Wedding Shower

(Old News)
Amit and Jean are in love.
Newsflash 
He proposed and she said YES (ofcourse)!
So on April 14, 2012, the family got together for a big 'Wedding Shower'.
Jean's family came over from far and near to be part of the celebration.
On the right is the priest who will marry Amit and Jean
On the left is the priest's wife who was also invited and welcomed warmly.
It was a big gathering of near and dear ones.
Outside the weather raged and thundered, but inside it was warm and cozy.
What are a few tornado warnings and I- 80 closings when two hearts decide to become one.
It was a wonderful time for sisters to get together
For Dad to show off daughters
For dear aunt to surprise the niece
And dear mother to revel in the new found daughter
(and keep an eye on them नज़र न लग जाये) 
Anup looked very happy with his new daughter
and went around, proudly introducing her, to everyone.  I think Ram Bishu approves. 
The two love birds looked happy as can be.
There was plenty of food
Even though some dishes never made it due to bad weather.
The desserts tried to make up for any missing dishes.
Sarbani: "Have you ever had Indian food?"
"Umm. I'm trying it now"
We sat around eating
and eating
and eating
and...(you get the idea!)
"I think I had too many of those mango lassis" 
Everyone wanted a picture with the chief guests.
Suraj and Ravi are Amit's childhood 'hide and seek' partners.
Hey.. where is Jean
Here she is; with new fans.
Indian and Newly Indian beauties - Both American ofcourse.
Old friends spent long times together 
New acquaintances were made 
Sarees were compared
This one won the award 
Jean looked soooo... pretty.  We all lost our hearts to her.
Amit was obviously smitten 
 So was the dad
And the mom
Like I said, "नज़र न लगे जी"
(Evil eye - You stay away)
 This handsome stud is Apu - The brother. He brightened up the gathering.
 "Love your outfit"
Yours too poonam
Speaking of outfits - Look at these two - Roli and Stacey. 
 Everyone was photographed
 And happily posed
 Some more happily than others. Amit - you are their hero.
 It was good time for family
And friends.
 There were many return trips to the food table
 Some re-returns too
But who is counting!!
 Amit presented a rose to his rose
फूल लेकर फूल आय
हम फूल कर यू कहें
फूल तो तुम खुद हो प्यारे
हम फूल का क्या करें
"You are the rose in my eyes.
What do I need roses for!"
That is what Jean said. We think !!!

 They spent plenty of time chasing each other
When they finally sat down for a minute
Big brother cornered them for some Q&A's
  Do you remember the first place you two went for a date?
 Uh Ooh !  Two different answers.  I guess they had two first dates!
 What is Amit's favorite color?
 What is Jean's least favorite food?
Bananas!
 Yes! We know.
What is the silliest thing Amit has done.
 Hey! this is getting interesting
 Should I tell Amit?
What is the sweetest thing Jean has done?
Umm...Let me think.
 We demand an answer
We are waiting Bro!
Well OK.   I guess it will have to be when she said "Yes"
That's my boy!
Four for Amit. Three for Jean
What is your most prized posession?
Hmm.  Husker tickets? Meeting coach Osborne?
 No ! No ! Just kidding
"Its Jean ofcourse!"
"Did you hear that" 
Posession !!(a collective groan)
You need a few lessons from mom, Amit.
Grilling over.
They happily posed some more for us. 
Sometimes alone  
Sometimes with others 
There was another round of picture taking 
The bride to be was in great demand 
And she was a good sport
Never tiring. Both of them indeed.
(Wait till you face a hundred flashes at the wedding!) 
But with family it is all worth it.
We all just hung around, enjoying being together
Solving world problems
(Ram, Shashi and Ram)
Making new connections 
Forging new bonds 
Joking
And reliving fun times.  (No analysing Dr. Roy)
Discovering new interests that bridge generation gaps 
And building new family ties. 
Anup is a proud dad, and looked the part 
Sarbani could hardly stay away from Jean.
Apu was the quintessential big brother, joining in mom and dad's pride,
And keeping a protective hand over little brother's happiness.

Anup, Sarbani, Apu and Amit,
We all wish you the best.
You are a loving and integral part of our big family here
And we celebrate your happiness as ours. 

You make a very cute couple Amit and Jean.
See you at the wedding.