Fun Times, Sweet Things and Persian Dancing

Making cubbies and forts in the front room.

Sipping homemade strawberry ice cream through edible, chocolate coated "straws".

Persian dancing with friends.

What else is there?

Earth Hour

While Mehran was out fixing a computer and a feverish Ruhi fell fast asleep on the front room couch, Anisa, Bayan and I switched off the lights (admittedly I did forget for the first fifteen minutes) to coincide with Earth Hour, an Australian initiative to help reduce greenhouse emissions on a global level with cities around the world switching off for an hour. The kids thought it was great fun. Anisa delighted in being old enough and responsible enough to hold a candle, while Bayan delighted in repeatedly blowing them out after singing happy birthday to himself. We will have to do it again so Ruhi can enjoy it too. Who knows, maybe it will become a weekly tradition around here... it certainly is a good idea, and we love making and using candles...

The flash works really well on our camera. This was one of the first shots that I took, but was disappointed because it looked like we had all the lights on. I fiddled around with the settings and got this:movement presented a slight problem, but at least the lighting was right, between the two you get the idea...besides it looks kind of neat - freaky, but neat.

Two

Bayan turned two yesterday. A couple of days earlier I had woken up to find that I no longer had a baby boy, he has been replaced by a delightful, exuberant and joyful young man. Someone whose version of grace begins with "O God! Educate these children..."; who often says "please" and "thank you" (without being reminded); who will carry his plate into the kitchen after he has eaten; who can spot any airplane in the sky, no matter how fast or how far; who occasionally thinks he owns the world and everyone and everything in it; who is fiercely protective of his sisters and is always willing to help them (or hit them); who loves to cook and is becoming an excellent pastry chef; who can set up train tracks that I find confusing; who looks at things with a mechanical mind and who notices everything, even the things you think he couldn't have seen; who is kind and sweet; who knows what he wants and is both persistent and determined when it comes to having things his own way; who is inventive and versatile, like when Mehran confiscated the tool box from him, Bayan set to work attempting to unscrew the table with markers; who delights in animals, all things water related and any type of dessert; who adores buttons, machines and electrical appliances and who loves to discover how things work. He has begun to develop a sense of humor and has a lightheartedness about him that everyone enjoys. He is patient and contented and brings so much laughter and light to our lives that I don't know how we ever got along without him. He still loves to cuddle, hug and be carried or held and despite the fact that his growing up far too fast, that he is becoming his own little person and that there are moments when I look at him and see that he is no longer "little", he will always be my baby. Happy Birthday Bayan!

Meet Daniel

As you may recall last Valentines Day Mehran's uncle and Aunt welcomed the arrival of their son Daniel. Five weeks later (after the cold, the tummy bug and the strange spots) we finally had a chance to meet him. Very cute, very sweet and he is at that lovely newborn age where his eyes can still see angels. The girls were both perferctly smitten and spent ages just gazing at him and stroking his toes. I had a few cuddles, not many - as Bayan didn't fancy seeing me holding another baby and everytime I attempted would himself demand: "Hug! Hug!" He was very gentle with little Daniel and would worry and fuss every time he cried making sure that all adults present were aware that "baby crying" (in case we missed the piercing screams). He also offered tips on handling the baby to his mother ("nuzzy baby", while gently stroking his tummy) and advice on why Daniel was crying to anyone who would listen "baby honkey" (baby hungry). Personally, after watching Bayan with other younger children as well as Daniel, I think he would make an excellent big brother. Mehran refuses to comment. Can't imagine why.

Happy Naw-Ruz!

For the second year in a row we have managed to commemorate the Baha'i New Year with the ancient Persian tradition of the 'haft sin' (seven things representing life, health, wealth, renewal, rebirth, beauty, etc. that all begin with the Persian letter "s"). The kids came to the pet shop where the girls each got to choose a small fish. Ruhi chose a white and orange one which she named Maria (she is currently enamoured with "The Sound of Music" and I am delighted as we can now enjoy it together, again and again and again) while Anisa called the orange goldfish Platty (Platty the Second would be more accurate as our first Naw-Ruz fish Platty passed away later last year). She, the girls were adamant Platty was a girl - exactly how this was determined remains a mystery- but apparently the same criteria was applied again this year, was most loved and is still fondly remembered.) We also included eggs, candles and a picture of Abdu'l-Baha ( as is the custom in Baha'i households, although none of those things - nor the fish for that matter, begin with the letter 's'.) Beginning with 's' are the: sir-keh (vinegar), sabzi (the grassy item that Mehran's mom grew for us), sekkeh (coins), seer (garlic), sib (apple), sumak (a dried, ground up herb(?) used for flavoring kebab), and senjed (a dry fruit like thing that looks like an olive). The kids had a delightful time setting up the table and have been enjoying the fish immensely. I just hope we're not over feeding them. Bayan seems concerned that they are perpetually hungry and, in true Persian fashion, is constantly encouraging me to feed them, or is taking matters into his own hands and is attempting to feed them himself.

Traditionally you leave the haft sin for thirteen days and on the thirteenth day there is a ceremonial throwing of the sabzi into a river, our 'grass', as the girls tenderly referred to the sabzi, lasted seven days before becoming chicken feed. So much for tradition, anyway by the second morning Mehran had absconded with the coins and Bayan had managed to break one of the eggs (despite the 'hard-boiled' test - I was sure it was cooked), feed Maria (Ruhi's fish) some of the dried seasoning for kabab and blow approximately half of the sumac into the vinegar bowl, where the once translucent "white" vinegar has transformed into a most becoming shade of pink.

On Naw-Ruz day we went to a picnic in a park near the city and the kids had a great time playing on the playgrounds, enjoying friends and having their hands professionally painted. Mehran and I got to catch up with friends that we haven't seen in quite some time, which was really nice and to top it all off we went out to dinner with the kids. It was only to a local cafe, but it is something that we rarely do and the children behaved splendidly, which was a bonus because the last time we went there Anisa used the booth wall to practice her gymnastics and Bayan used his newly discovered grasping skills to slide the seafood platter off the table and onto his head. Mercifully it wasn't hot, so Mehran and I, like the highly evolved primates that we are, managed to salvage what we could and, instead of enjoying dinner on a plate, simply picked our crumbed calamari out of Bayan's hair. Mehran was delighted because (this time) there were no culinary mishaps and we were all perfectly civilized. We hope everyone else out there celebrating Naw-Ruz had an equally delightful day!

Ruhi's Post

I've drawed a picture of Dora the Explorer. I've drawed a picture of Dora, Boots, Benny, Diego, Alicia, Baby Jaguar,Isa, Tiko, and Swiper. By Ruhi

Ruhi wrote this post all by herself. She even took the pictures to put on the blog and waited patiently for them to (finally!) upload.

A Simple Act

of kindness. On the Monday after Ruhi's birthday party (3rd of March) we made a special visit to a local hospital. We loaded the pram (stroller) with presents and the girls happily carried what we couldn't fit. In the paediatric ward we met a number of lovely nurses who were very touched by what the kids (specifically Ruhi) were doing. The play coordinator was most impressed and grateful and, to show her appreciation, organized for the Starlight Foundation volunteers (who happened to arrive while we were there) to blow up some special balloon flowers and animals and to do some "body art" for the kids. Notice how intently Anisa is studying this...filing tips away for future use, no doubt.

Ruhi received a glittery love heart and sparkly butterfly.
Anisa requested a fancy flower and a shimmering dolphin.
Most special of all was that the day we brought in the presents also happened to be the birthday of one of the girls in the ward. She had been in the hospital for quite some time and hadn't received any visitors or gifts yet that morning. The nurses were trying to think of ways to keep her entertained and occupied and even let Ruhi choose a couple of gifts to give to her, something (they said) they normally wouldn't have done. Ruhi had the chance to really see how what she was doing impacted other people and what her generous act meant to those who really needed a little something special that day. "Janie" was very happy and thanked Ruhi again and again. She even, despite the tubes and wheelchair, managed to give Ruhi a big hug.

I think that is the best gift you can get on your birthday (I hope that, one day, the kids will see it that way too - because they still like presents, but then who doesn't?) the bounty of watching how a simple act of kindness can mean so very much to someone else. I love the idea that the kids can use their special day, the day they came into the world as a means for making that same world a little better and a little brighter for someone less fortunate than they are.

Seven

We had the pleasure of Ruhi's company all day yesterday, which was nice because she would have been at school, had she not woken up with bitty red spots all over her body. We visited the doctor just to make sure that it was nothing nasty or highly infectious as Anisa and Bayan also began developing spots shortly after Ruhi's appeared. Now (nearly a week later) the spots have all but disappeared and we are still not sure what they were.

Ruhi had been looking much forward to turning seven and to experiencing all the wonders that the world holds for a child exactly that age. I am not entirely sure how different they will be from a child who is exactly six but we will, no doubt, discover many of them together. In the meantime I find that I have been blessed with a daughter who is very much concerned about doing the right thing, who is patient and kind, who listens to reason and is every bit a thoughtful and sensitive soul. She is cautious, quiet and enthusiastic all at the same time. She is notoriously generous, a child who, after a field trip to a bakery - where every child was given a delectable, frosted, finger bun with sprinkles no less - saved her bun (despite the fact that classmates were gorging themselves on the ride back to school) to share with her sister. Even now, whilst wanting (and rightly so) to keep certain things separate and special and just for herself, she still shares her good fortune with others. And I am repeatedly astounded and humbled by her considerate nature.

She is confident and courageous and will try new things in her own deliberate way, even when they are scary for her, like swinging from a Tarzan rope into the deep end of the local swimming pool. She is patient with my parenting inadequacies and in her ever observant way, quietly watches and asses the world.

She adores anything related to horses or ponies and absolutely loves to sing. She has the uncanny ability to hear the tone (is that what it's called?) in music and to copy it precisely. She also has a lovely voice, a great memory (she is now correcting some of my Persian letters) and is developing into quite an artist. I can hardly wait to see what amazing new talents and interests her seventh year will bring.

We are making aprons. This is the design that Ruhi drew, using fabric markers, on the front of hers. I love how she has accessorized the cat with a neck tie, skirt, and chef's hat. Look at what amazing detail she has done for the face. The eyes are incredible!

Highlights

Sunday:

After we returned home from children's classes post party exhaustion set in, despite adamant assurances to the contrary: "I am NOT tired!" (Que spontaneous sobbing.) Only minutes after her impassioned declaration I return to the room to find this:

Note the attire. She woke up two hours later and was a much happier person for it. Meanwhile Ruhi got a little shut eye herself.

And Bayan, who slept through the party, attempted to Hi-5 the camera.

My own post party exhaustion enticed me to leave the mountain of dishes (and I do mean mountain) until morning. Something I soon learned to regret. Upon waking we discovered a geyser blasting the bushes in front of the bay window. As you may be aware Australia, well certain parts anyway, is experiencing a severe drought. Consequently the brick pavers at the front of the house have been doing all sorts of interesting things (for years), so really it was only a matter of time before the main water pipe leading into the house moved enough to crack. At some stage between 9:30 Saturday night and 9:30 Sunday morning the crack developed into a proper hole which lead to the geyser and also to a pool of water bubbling around the foundation.

We were only without water for a little over 24 hours. It is amazing how we can take for granted the simple act of turning on a tap. We are all overjoyed, especially Mehran, to be able to shower and flush toilets again.

Monday:

The plumber arrived before 9 am to tend the geyser. He was most amiable, took no more than 10 minutes and only charged $60.00, which left me with just enough to cover the girls' horse riding lesson in the afternoon.

We also made a special trip to the hospital, but that deserves it's own post.

Tuesday:

After my friend Sue dropped her son at school and I had dropped off Ruhi we took our remaining children: Anisa, Bayan and Sue's youngest daughter Amelia "ethnic" shopping near the city. Sue wanted to see the Persian shop, and buy some tea, dried figs and other unusual delicacies. The "Greek Shop", which isn't actually it's name, only what Mehran and I refer to it as, is a massive warehouse selling every imaginable Mediterranean culinary necessity and, as we soon discovered, Eastern European ones too. We discovered a mayonnaise (and yes, I realise that I am discussing mayonnaise in my highlights of the week - but wait till you hear...) with half the fat, (more on that later) less sugar and some other dietary bonuses when compared to the other brand that Sue and I both buy. It was also far less expensive. We selected a jar, made our other purchases, including a lovely spinach and ricotta ravioli and a massive tin (3.4 kilos) of tomato sauce, and headed home for lunch: veggie sandwiches with the fat reduced mayonnaise -of which we had high hopes. Unfortunately, we got more than we bargained for. The lid nearly blasted off as soon as a slight pressure and twist were applied. The brown sludge on the inside of the lid was the next indicator that something was amiss. Now, I know this sounds ridiculous, but as I attempted to close the lid (we intended to return the jar) the mayo wouldn't let me. I know, I know but you see it applied pressure to my pressure. More wary, as I now feared there may have been something alive in there, we left the jar on the counter wrapped in a plastic bag. As we ate our lunch (with the fat filled mayo) the mayo (on the counter) continued to expand upwards until the lid was at a right angle to the jar. Isn't this perfectly fascinating? Aren't you thrilled and grateful to be reading about mayonnaise? Don't despair. I am almost done. Sue's husband, a chemical engineer, said it has something to do with dysfunctional vinegar and a bad batch of yeast. Personally I think there may have been some poltergeist involved as well. The funny thing was that I didn't even consider taking a photo until after I threw it away (we never did get it back to the shop.)

Later Tuesday I took the kids next door for a play date and I had an informal beading lesson where I helped to create a necklace, a bracelet and headband. I'll get a more detailed photo when the camera has batteries.

Anisa also helped make the head band and I think I am going to have to learn how to make these properly as Anisa now lives in her jewellery, removing them only to sleep and bathe. As you can see she has moved on from her usual form of body art and is now coloring her nails with marker (where does she get that from?) and enjoys having her face painted (that part I get.)

Wednesday & Thursday

Work. Enough said.

Friday:

The daughter of a Baha'i friend is going to be living with us for awhile. Her father has remarried and is moving to China for a year or so. We have been in chaos trying to rearrange the house and rooms. She will have the front room, ensuite and closet and we'll be in the back; the girls room will remain unchanged; the formal lounge will now double as a play room; the nursery will be in our room and the computer room will be where the nursery was. Currently it's chaos.

And these are the photos I can bear to show you.

Somewhere in the midst of all this Mehran got his blood work back from the doctor. He is now on folate and vitamin D. He has high triglycerides, high cholesterol and seriously needs to loose weight - something he has known for awhile. He is pretty freaked out. It is scary and I have been making him live off of vegetables and meat with rye bread and some yogurt. He is exercising more frequently and has even just bought another piece of exercise equipment. I'll let you know how we go. In the meantime what exactly are triglycerides and how do you lower them? Mom?

"Bumbles!"

Ruhi's Party

I awoke this morning to find that Mehran was AWOL (in the highly crucial preparatory hours before the party - to say the very least I was not a happy person) that my face painter was sick and that due to unforeseen structural problems with the cake I was slightly further behind schedule than I had anticipated. While I rapidly attempted to construct a makeshift circus tent under the veranda Anisa and Bayan were enthusiastically sabotaging my efforts. With billowing sheets of material waving in the wind, who could blame them? It must have been brilliant fun, though it did unpleasant things to my stress levels. Ruhi helped fill little baggies with pinata goodies (stickers, an eraser shaped like dice, a balloon, a lollipop, etc.) and Anisa helped fill the bean bags with old rice and an even older batch of barley that we never got around to using.

I was still multitasking (chopping veggies, stirring dip and organizing odds and ends) when the first guests arrived. In the end it didn't go exactly as planned, but everyone seemed to have a good enough time. (Mom and Michael thanks for the prayers. I am sure that's what made all the difference. In fact, Mehran showed up only moments after- I estimate- that the prayerful onslaught began.) The menu was very simple consisting of: various crackers, corn chips and salsa, chopped veggies with homemade dip, fresh fruit, chopped sausages and cheeses and as a special treat my lovely friend Celeste brought her cotton candy machine and the poor woman spent the majority if the party filling orders for the candy. She is so selfless and wonderful. THANK YOU Celeste! Meanwhile her equally fabulous husband came in very handy by repeatedly repairing the pinata so that everyone could have a turn. Usually, if done correctly, it takes ages to break them open, and believe me I know. The one we used for this party was surprisingly easy to smash, even the gentle taps from the younger kids appeared to significantly weaken it. (While I am at it, I should also include a hearty thanks to dear Afsaneh and her talented daughters who helped with face painting and photographs. Kheili Mamnoon.)

Aside from the pinata the other games we played were:

Pass the parcel, as Australian game (I believe) where a small gift is wrapped up and then a little something (often a chocolate or candy, although I used baby erasers in the shape of ice creams and popsicles) is added and the present and goodie are wrapped up in layers of newspaper with one layer for each child at the party. The present is passed around in a circle while music plays in the background, when the music stops the child who is holding it opens a layer takes out a prize and passes it on. Everyone should get a goodie and one lucky person will get a little present.

Bean bag Toss, the kids and I (it was a family effort really, because Mehran cut the holes) made a juggling clown with three holes that the kids had to try to get their personalized bean bags through.

A fishing game where the kids, using a makeshift rod ( literally a bamboo stick tethered with twine to one of Bayan's trains), had to fish for bubbles.

And a guessing game where I filled three jars (small, medium and large) with three different things: chocolate covered raisins, coconut covered fruit balls and yogurt covered fruit) and the kids had to guess how many there were. The children who guessed most accurately took the jars home.

We also did face painting, the kids designed their own party bags and then - of course - the cake.

Which Ruhi absolutely loved despite the fact that by the time we were ready to blow out the candles it was beginning to look more like the Leaning Tower of Pisa than a carousel, but it did not collapse and it tasted good, so I am more than a little grateful. Beyond that people were very generous and we have a pile of gifts that we shall take to the hospital on Monday. I am so proud of Ruhi for wanting to do this. Have I said that before? She is a very special little girl.