The Thota Family

2011-09-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

How about a current post? I just wanted to say that I love my kids. I love that Krish wears his Spider Man costume every day all day. I love that he is playing soccer and growing up and does cute things like runs out during the middle of the game to get a drink and give his mom a hug. I love that Anisha is a snugly baby. I love that she goes around the house all day screaming "DAD". Even though sometimes it is hard - I love that my husband gets to work from home 2 days and week and that the kids can interact with him while he is working.

That's all folks. Just feeling very sentimental today!

Recent picture of Kumar

2011-07-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

This is a recent picture of Kumar since the Wilson's disease has affected his body. Without a liver transpant Kumar will die. So far we have raised just under $12,000! We are so grateful to those who have donated. Our goal is to raise $60,000 so that Kumar's liver transplant can take place. He is ready and is number 2 on the list of patients waiting to receive a liver. We had some good news this week. The non-profit organization has extended the donation date until this Saturday, the 23rd. If you have considered donating please don't miss this tax deductible option.

Donation Information:

Make your Tax Deductible Donations by a check or cash payable to Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Utah. Note in the memo portion: India Needs Funds -- Apollo Hospitals/ Liver Transplant. This program is open till July 23, 2011.

Please send your check to the Temple office at:
1142 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan Utah 84095 or you can simply hand deliver the contribution to Kamal or Amber Thota.

For more information visit:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-a-life-Liver-Transplantation/162250087176892?sk=wall

Liver Transplant Needed

2011-06-24T13:33:00.001-07:00

Save A Life!

Our cousin Kumar, 33, living in Hyderabad India, is suffering with a very rare genetic disease called “Wilson’s Disease”. Wilson's disease is an inherited disorder in which there is too much copper in the body's tissues. The excess copper damages the liver and slowly affects the brain and nervous system. His two elder brothers lost their lives to this same genetic disease.

In India there is no insurance coverage for a liver transplant and his family is left to come up with the amount of the transplant which costs around US $60,000 (25-30 lakh Indian rupees). His parents are left with little money as they have spent much helping with his other two deceased brother’s medical bill

We understand that we all have our own circumstances that may or may not allow us to donate so please do not feel obligated. This cause is very close to our hearts and that is why we have decided to try and help raise the money so that the liver transplant can take place. If this story touches your heart and you have the means please donate! Any amount big or small would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much, Kamal and Amber Thota

Donation Information:

The India Needs Fund of the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple of Utah strives to provide support for deserving charitable causes that particularly help persons of India origin affected by major catastrophes, calamities or illness. This fund is now being activated for a support of an urgent charitable cause through the Apollo Hospitals, Chennai Liver Transplant Unit.

Lakshmi Narayan Kumar who suffers from the rare genetic disorder "Wilsons Disease" caused by excess copper in the body will be a beneficiary of this project. A liver transplant is at this point the only way to save his life according to his doctors. Time is of essence at this point to help Kumar and his parents who have lost two other children to the same disease. Do not hesitate to contact Balaji or Kamal Thota for further details

Please give generously and save a life…. Any amount small or big goes to a worthy cause of saving young lives.

Please send your check to the Temple office at:
1142 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan Utah 84095 or hand the contribution to one of the following persons:
Balaji Sudabattula,
Kamal and Amber Thota
or Temple Office.

August Part Two 2011

2011-04-28T23:09:00.000-07:00

August came with it's ups and downs for our family. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer the end of July and started her chemo treatments shortly after. We got the last few photos of her with hair this month. Despite her being very sick we still managed to do a few fun things with her.

Hanging out at my sister's house. Me, my mom, and my mother-in-law

My parents, Kamal, me and Anisha

Us with Trina, Holly, Erick, and Tiffany

We took my mother-in-law to sin city while she was here. On the way we stopped in St.Geroge and spent a couple of days there. My parents were able to spend some time with us off and on during the trip which was nice. Here is Krish and my dad in the pool.

Anisha and Krish

Daddy and Krish at Tahitti Village in Vegas

Me and Krish

Kamal and his mom went and saw Michael Buble' while I watched our kids. I was a little jealous, but she LOVED the concert and that made it all worth it!

My parents took Krish back to St.Geroge so that we had a night in Vegas alone with Kamal's mom. We missed him, but it was a lot easier to take her around to the "highlights" without him with us. This is us at the garden at the Bellagio.

Watching the water show at the Bellagio.

Kamal and his mom at Cesars Palace. We had a lot of fun on our trip!

Krish had lots of playdoh sessions with Holly while she lived with us.

He also got a lot of cooking lessons from Grandma

Anisha 3 months -she was definitely the highlight of our summer!

August Part One 2011

2011-04-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun in August! The first of the month Kamal's sister Vani came to visit. We always love having her and missed her husband and son who weren't able to come this time. While she was here we went to the Parade of Homes, watched Krish swim, had a party with my family and Aunts and Uncles from my mom's side, got pedicures, went shopping, and most of all spent time just hanging out. It had been about 8 years since Kamal and his mom and sister were all in the same place at the same time so they really enjoyed just visiting and reminiscing.

Grandma and Krish preparing some speical dahl for Kamal's sister

Krish took swimining lessons the entire month of August this is him with his first class

He loved his lessons

Last day of his 1st class

Second class and teacher - he did a great job

Krish with his Vani Autamma

Kamal, Grandma, and Vani

This is the night we had the party with my family - forgot to take pictures til everyone left : (

Kamal's sister giving Anisha a bath

My sister-in-law with Anisha - they are both beautiful

We all got pedicures...

even Kaml ; )

Getting ready to say goodbye - the week ended way too soon!

July 2011

2011-02-03T19:07:00.000-08:00

We started off July by celebrating Grandma India's Birthday. Kamal's mom hadn't celebrated her birthday since she was a child. She was very surprised and touched that we remembered her special day!

Grandma with Krish and Anisha

Getting ready to blow out the candles

Krish feeding Grandma her cake : )

We always have a great time celebrating the 4th of July in Oakley!

This year we had an extra speical celebration because we were also celebrating my Aunt Bobby's 90th birthday.

We had a relay race in Aunt Bobby's huge yard! Here are the cousins getting ready for the race to begin.

Kamal on the slip-n-slide and my dad judging the slide - no cheating folks!

Go Natalie!!

After the relay we played water balloon volleyball. Kasia and Dad are pictured above.

This kids waiting for their turn to take a water ballon to the players.

Krish giving the girls a water balloon

After volleyball the kids got to hit a Scooby Doo pinata! It was a really fun day. It's always nice to spend time with our family!

Anisha was just a little exhausted after all of the excitement!

Nicole, Sarah, Anisha, andKrish. Notice our new patio furniture in the background.

Krish and Daddy chillin.

Anisha with Grandma Kamas on the 24th of July.

Anisha - 2 months old!

The kiddos

Krish just had to get a picture with his two favorite things - his sister and her binki!

Tub time

I love this baby!

She was a sweetie from day one...

and so far things haven't changed a bit : )

June 2010

2010-09-17T16:06:00.000-07:00

We are loving our new baby! She is such a sweetie and has been a joy to have in our home. We had a fun time giving Anisha her first bath. Krish is a great big brother and always wants to help.

Anisha has been one lucky girl - she gets to spend hours with her Grandma.

She also gets to spend a lot of time getting mauled by her big brother : )

Look at that hair!

The kiddos

Our friends gave Anisha a "Naming Party". It is an old Indian tradition. On the 21st day after the baby is born the dad writes their name in rice and then says the baby's name three times (up to this point no one is supposed to call the baby their name) and then everyone can start calling the baby their name. Anisha was the star of the night of course. My mother-in-law and I decorated a bassinet for Anisha to sit in during the party. She also wore 2 different outfits during the night - she is definitely a girl : ). It was great having our family and friends their to celebrate.

All of us with Grandma India

The girls and kids

Owen and Krish with Grandpa

Getting Anisha situated after we changed her outfit.

Anisha with her mom and dad and Grandma and Grandpa Kamas

I think all dads truly have a soft spot for their daughters.

I was telling one of my friends that I feel guilty because sometimes I have to spend more time with Anisha. She told me that even though it may be hard right now to remember that I have given Krish one of the greatest blessings - a sibling! That really stuck with me. Luckily it didn't take Krish too long to figure out that Anisha is pretty awesome.

My sister Holly is currently living with us and it has been fun having her here. Krish is loving having his Aunt Holly around to be his personal slave : )

Baby Anisha is here!

2010-06-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

Our little bundle of joy decided to surprise us and come three weeks and 2 days early. Needless to say, I thought I wasn't ready for her ( I cried when my water broke) but after it is all said and done I am so thankful that she is here! For me, being pregnant for the second time was so different than the first. I was totally unprepared for her. I didn't have a bag packed for the hospital and had no idea what I was going to do with Krish when my water broke at 3:30a.m. All I can say is thank goodness for family and friends. Trina was here about 10 minutes after I called her and we were on our way. My mom and family bought the essentials and more plus cleaned my entire house to get ready for her as well as my mother-in-law who is visiting us from India. Our neighbors/friends cooked for us and mowed our lawn. THANK YOU!!!!!

Although she was early she was plenty big weighing in at 7lbs. 7oz. and she is 20.5 inches long.

Kamal was so great through the entire labor process. He was pretty calm once we reached the hospital - he ran a couple of stop lights on the way there though : )

Happy, grateful, thankful parents holding their new baby!

Between my very funny doctor, husband , and mom - let's just say there were many jokes being told during the delivery : )

I had a wonderful delivery nurse named Maggie. I am always thankful to have such nice nurses.

Luckily my husband, parents, and Doctor were all present at the delivery. If Anisha had decided to come even a few hours later my Doctor would have been gone on vacation. If she had decided to come a day later my husband would have been in New Jersey and my parents would have been in St. George. Basically she came at the perfect time otherwise it would have been me and Krish at the hospital - what a scary thought!!

Just after her bath at the hospital

Krish meeting his baby sister - too cute!!! I think he may have induced my labor - he just couldn't wait for her to get here and was often pulling at my stomach trying to get her out. He has been the best big brother. He really loves her and is so sweet with her. Krish tends to be a little moody, but so far he hasn't shown that side of himself to his sister. Even if he is annoyed with the rest of us he treats her great!!!

Me and Anisha. I know everyone says this, but there really is nothing like a brand new baby.

Krish brought this cute doll to the hospital to give to his sister - it was so cute - thanks Mom ; )

Just getting home from the hospital

Cute!

Kamal's mom got here a couple days after we came home from the hospital. This is her holding her new Grand baby. Also pictured is our good friend Kanti. She along with a couple of our other friends made us some yummy Indian food so that Kamal's mom could get settled and I could recover without worrying about cooking. It was so thoughtful of them - Thanks girls!!

Anisha with her cousin Erika - I have a feeling these two are going to be great friends.

Krish introducing Anisha to his cousin Owen.

Anisha really has been a great baby. She basically just sleeps and eats right now. This is a rare moment where we caught her eyes open.

For me it doesn't get any better than this...

and this...

I love these guys!!!!

If you didn't know gold is somewhat of a BIG deal in India. They have a tradition that on the 9th day after the baby is born you "decorate" them with gold. Kamal's mom and dad gave Anisha two gold bracelets and a gold necklace. This is Kamal's mom putting on Anisha's necklace.

Little princess!

Kamal and his mom with Anisha.

Maui - June 2009

2010-05-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am a little behind but I thought I would try and post a couple things before the baby comes. Last June Kamal and I were able to take an eight day trip to Maui for our five year anniversary. It was by far my FAVORITE vacation ever!!! We had such a wonderful time and I can't wait to go back.

This was just after we had arrived from the airport to our resort. We were so happy to finally be there. It was beautiful and the pictures really don't do it justice.

Our first walk along the beach.

My husband is somewhat of a workaholic - he was actually able to really relax on this trip which was so needed.

Our second day there we took the "Road to Hana" which we renamed "Road to Hell." No, it actually had some really pretty things along the way, but the drive itself was awful. The road curved like a snake the entire time so we were just a little car sick by the end of our day. The picture above is from the first place that we stopped. You had to hike in a little way and then you came to this waterfall. It was really pretty. If it hadn't have been the first stop we probably would have jumped into the water.

Making our way back down to our car.

Can't remember what this place was called, but it was so pretty and it had black sand at the beach.

We had to do a traditional Luau while we were there. I enjoyed it more than Kamal...

but he did like getting his picture taken with one of the dancers : )

Our first couple of nights there we stayed in a room where you could see the ocean, but it wasn't an ocean facing room. Luckily they had one come available while we were there so we were able to change rooms.

This was the view from our second room - AMAZING!!

My favorite part of our trip was snorkeling with Kamal. Kamal didn't grow up swimming so he has had to teach himself and take lessons as an adult. We went on a snorkeling trip while we were there and I kept reassuring Kamal that he was going to be fine and that we had enough floating gear on him that he would never sink. However, when he jumped into the water for the first time he panicked and I actually thought "my husband it going to drown right here in front of me" - luckily after a few minutes he was able to relax and he loved it!!! It was so fun holding hands and looking at all of the fish and coral. We had so much fun that we even went out by ourselves (without professionals to save us) a couple of more times.

Us on the snorkeling ship.

Snorkeling by ourselves.

The best part about going on trips without your kids is that you aren't so sad to come home because you know they are home waiting for you. We bought Krish this guitar in Maui and he is still playing with it today.

Baby oh Baby

2010-01-21T08:06:00.000-08:00

I thought I would do something CRAZY today and actually put something on this neglected blog of mine. I think most of you who check my blog already know this, but if not I wanted to let you know that we are expecting a baby GIRL on June 20th!!! We are excited, but still a little shocked that we are having a girl. I don't know why but I was positive it was a boy. Krish has been saying that he wants a sister so it looks like he got his wish!

Father's Day 2009

2009-07-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

We had a jam packed Father's Day this year. We started the day off by going to a birthday party for one of our friends' daughter. They had face painting for the kids and Kirsh, of course, wanted a train painted on his face. We had some wonderful Indian food and a great time with our friends. After that we celebreated "Father's Day" at our house. It was fun to have everyone over and to spend some time here. We had some great hambergers grilled by ME! After dinner we played an intense game of volleyball. Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers in my life, my husband, my dad, and my father-in-law. I love you all very much!Kamal with his favortie part of being a dad - his son Krish! What a cute little train on your face Krish. Devin is always so good to play with his nephews. You can see by the look on Devin's face that this was a very intense game. : ) The players...Amber, Dad, Devin, Erick, Mark, and Kamal Eating dinner The yummy food!

Erick and Tiffany

Trina and Erika

Dad, Tiff, and Devin - all posing nicely for their picture.

May and June 2009

2009-07-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

We have had a lot of fun so far this summer. We have been trying to take advantage of the warm weather while we can. So far we have spent a lot of time swimming, going to "This is the Place" Park, spending lots of time with cousins and friends, I took a trip with my sisters' and my mom, and of course we had to hit Lagoon! Yea for summer!!!

Daddy and Krish swimming at the Little America

"This is the Place" Park

Krish on a horse for the first time ever.

Krish playing with the baby sheep

Krish, Ashley, and Jordan showing off the crafts that they made.

Aunt Natalie, Owen, and Krish at Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Sarah, Krish and Nicole

What is a summer without sidewalk chalk?

SISTER TRIP

We had a lot of fun this year on our "sister trip". Our first night in St. Geroge Natalie gave us pedicures and Holly used us to practice drawing blood and giving IV's. It was so funny - I wish I would have taken some pictures. The next day I spent most of the time in bed because I came down with the stomach flu, but I have to say it is easier to be sick on vacation than at home trying to take care of Krish. Our next couple of nights were spent in Las Vegas. All in all we had a great time. The only thing missing was Trina - she was too busy to come this year.

Holly, Amber, Mom, and Natalie

Amber and Holly

Tiffany, Holly, and Natalie

Tiff with her favorite dessert at the Bellagio Buffet.

Mom with her long hair ; )

Last night in Vegas - it's always hard to leave.

LAGOON

It seems like everytime we go to Lagoon it rains thus the hats and coats below.

Owen and Krish on the boat ride.

Devin and Krish on the carousal.

Eating ice cream in pioneer park.

Walking with Grandpa.

Krish and Owen

Spring Fun 2009

2009-07-19T16:02:00.000-07:00

Soccer

We had a lot of fun this year cheering for Devin while he played soccer. His team did very well and they made it all the way to the state semi-finals - go Devin!!

Best Goalie in the State!!

Typical Devin face. Two of Devin's biggest fans - Owen and Krish! Dad and Devin

Amber, Krish, and Kamal

The Zoo

Krish and I met one of my best friends and her family at the zoo. Krish had a lot of fun looking at the animals this year. As you will notice he is turning into quite the little poser for the camera.

That black thing in the background is a bear. Krish in front of the Zebras Krish and James

Devin's High School Graduation

For some reason I have a hard time realizing that Devin is growing up. In my mind I still think he is about 5 years old - no offense Devin. I can't believe that in a few short months he will be leaving us to serve a mission - where does the time go? We love you Devin!

Mom, Devin, and Dad

Devin singing with the Tapestry.

Devin after receiving his diploma.

Me, Devin, and Kamal.

Family Vacation

2009-04-29T08:47:00.001-07:00

I still need to catch up, but it's more fun to post current events. A couple of weeks ago we took a, much needed, family vacation to Las Vegas. We had a great time! We spent too much money, ate too much food, and didn't get quite enough sleep, but that sounds like a typical Vegas vacation to me. My sister Natalie was nice enough to come with us and be Krishs' "nanny" so that we could go out at night without him. My parents and Devin were in St. George so they drove down to Vegas and were able to spend some time with us.

Our first night in Vegas we took Devin out on the town. Kamal wanted to show him "the ropes" - scary! Devin was pretty excited since he hadn't been to Vegas for a really long time.

Me and Natalie getting ready to go out with the crazy guys above.

This was another night when Kamal and I were trying to sneak out.

We love you Krish...but sometimes we have to leave you home : )

The place we stayed had a sand beach that led into the swimming pool. We were so excited to take Krish here because we knew he would LOVE it - and he did!

He also really liked the hot tub - I wonder were he gets that from : )

Krish getting more sand and water. It wasn't the warmest day, but Krish didn't seem to mind.

All of us in the hot tub. We had so much fun and can't wait to go again.

INDIA

2009-03-14T22:45:00.000-07:00

Hello! Yes, I am still around. I thought since it has been a year since we visited India that I would finally get it posted on our blog. Just scroll down a little and you won't miss it. It is right after my Halloween post. Enjoy!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-11-09T14:02:00.001-08:00

I decided it was time I had a recent post on my blog. So here we go...We had a wonderful Halloween holiday this year. Krish was a cow - isn't he the cutest cow ever?!?

Sarah, Christian, and the "wider" side of Krish at our Trunk-or-Treat.

Sarah's mom watches Krish for me one day a week while I work. Krish has fallen in love with their entire family, but he especially loves Sarah - I think he likes her more than me : ).

Daddy and Krish.

We spent Halloween at my parent's house. My mom loves Halloween and always has her house decorated so cute. She always has yummy homemade chili, bread, and lots of candy, of course. Most of my family was there and needless to say we had a great night.

Grandpa and Krish

Uncle Devin and Krish Aunt Natalie and Krish

Grandma and Krish

Introducing Baby Erika!!! This is the newest member of our family. Erika is my sister Tiffany's daughter. She is so sweet and Krish can't seem to get enough of her.

Krish and Owen posing for some Halloween pictures.

TRIP TO INDIA 02/08 - 03/08

2008-11-09T13:58:00.002-08:00

Welcome to India! Well it has been a year since we took our trip and I am finally getting it posted on our blog. We had such a great time! It was a beautiful place full of beautiful people. The best parts about our trip were: #1 I was finally able to meet my in-laws, #2 they were able to meet Krish, and #3 after FIVE years Kamal was finally able to be back home with his family. Here are just a "few" of our pictures.

Our plane arrived in India pretty late so we were anxious to get up early the next morning to look around and see exactly where we were. The picutre above is on top of my in-law's new house. In the back of the picture you can see Golconda fort. This is a very historic place in Hyderabad. We were able to go and visit, but we didn't get very many good pictures. It was very interesting to learn about the histroy of Hyderabad.

This is my mother-in-law and my brother-in-law, Madhu, with Krish and Kamal. My mother-in-law (Kusuma-Kumari) is such a sweet lady. She treated me like her own daughter and although she only speaks a little bit of English we were able to communicate really well. One night Kamal went to a movie with some friends and when he came home he was shocked to find me and his mom in her room "talking." We had a great time together and I can't wait to spend more time with her. These boys came over everyday to play with Krish. Their parents were the "gate-keepers" of the community where Kamal's parents live. They were very cute with Krish and I was so glad he had some friends to play with. Krish actually had more visitors at the house than anyone else. He was pretty popular there.

This is my father-in-law (Chenna Rayadu) with Krish. My father-in-law also treated me really well and we got along great. He even told me, while I was there, that because I had married into the family I was now their daughter - it was very sweet. He told me a lot about the Indian culture and what some of their different traditions represented.

A few days into our trip we went over to visit some family friends. There was a time when Kamal's family and this family lived very near to each other. They become very close during that time and have stayed close ever since. They were very nice to us while we were there.

This is us at their house (my mother-in-law, my aunt, me, Kamal, my uncle, and my father-in-law).

We spent some time with Kamal's brother-in-law's family. Pictured above is his sister and mother. They were very gracious to us while we were there. We went over to their home a couple of times for dinner and they came over to my in-laws house as well. It was really fun getting to know them better.

We left Hyderabad for about a week and traveled to a few different places. We went to a place called Kadapa for Kumar's (family friend) wedding. Krish and I got a lot of attention while we were there. Picutured above is Kamal, me, Krish, and Madhu dressed in traditional Indian attire. I love this picture of Madhu - he looks like a bollywood star.

My mother-in-law, Kumar, me, Krish, and Kumar's mother.

Me and Krish after the wedding reception - we were SO tired. It took us about 11 hours to get to Kadapa and our driver drove like a crazy man.

The next morning we went to the actual wedding ceremony. Their traditional dresses are so pretty and it was fun to wear them.

My cute husband and son.

One of the best parts about going to Kadapa, was that most of my mother-in-law's side of the family was there. We were able to meet a lot of them and spend some time together. Pictured above is one of Kamal's cousins and her family. They were all so nice. The kids hung out with me and Krish during the afternoon in our hotel room. They were really sweet kids and were so polite.

This is Kamal's Grandmother. It was so great to meet her and to see Kamal interact with her after such a long time. Kamal was very much in his element on our trip and I felt like I got to know him in a whole new way.

I mentioned above that I got a lot of attention in Kadapa. I was asked for my autograph in this town as well as my phone number. Some of these girls pictured above followed me around all day at the wedding. I guess now I know what it feels like to be a celebrity : ) .

Me with Praneeth. He was one of Kamals' cousin's son. Very cute. Krish loved giving him hugs.

Krish was a little "star" in India. Random people would come up and pinch his cheeks and it seemed like everybody knew who he was which I know sounds strange, but I'm kinda serious. We went to a famous museum on our trip called "Salar Jung" As we would leave each room in the museum there would be a line of people waiting for us to pass so that they could pinch Krishs' cheeks. It was unreal.

After we went to Kadapa we traveled a couple more hours to the most famous temple in India called Tirupati and was built with pure gold. It has thousands of visitors daily. It was very beaufitul there. We got there very late at night and they told us that our time to view the temple would be at 3:45 - well I was thinking 3:45 p.m., but it was actually 3:45a.m. So, we basically took a nap and then got up to go and see the temple. It was very pretty! Out of respect you can donate some of your hair to the temple. Krish gave five locks of his hair and Kamal's father gave all of his hair, which is pretty common to do.

This is us after we visisted the temple. I wish I had better pictures of the grounds at the temple - it was very lush and green there.

I wanted to capture a picture of how busy the streets were, but this doesn't show it at all. Still you can see the little taxi's that they have there.

Sunflowers on our drive between cities.

At Nagarjuna Sagar

Krish had a lot of fun with his Uncle Madhu.

Grandma and Krish

Me and my mother-in-law

Krish feeding his Grandpa pomegranite seeds.

Krish and Kamal

Kamal and his cousin Ramurthy. They are very close and had a lot of fun hanging out after such a long time.

This is a picture of Charminar. A very historic landmark in India - Kamal promises to update the blog on it's history.

This is a picture of Suwana, Krish, and Grandma. Suwana was my in-law's cook. She was very cute with Krish and made us some wonderful Indian food.

Kamal with his sisters' in-laws: Santosh, Krish, Kamal, Mavayya, and Vasudha

Vasudha and Krish

One thing I miss about India is that every morning and afternoon we would have this wonderful hot drink called Bournvita. It was so good. This is the daily ritual of Kamal and his brother - drinking Bournvita and reading the paper.

Krish loved to play with his grandpa's cell phone. I had to get a picture of him doing it, because he spent a lot of time sitting in that corner plugging in and unplugging it.

Krish playing with his Grandma and Grandpa.

One thing I loved about Inida was how convienent everything was. If you wanted a drink or a snack you could pull over several places and there would be someone selling something. We pulled over one day to have some coconut juice.

This was us at another wedding. In India most people eat with their hands. I started doing this myself while I was there. It was easier to mix up the food and it did taste better without the slight taste of metal that gets in your mouth with silverware. You can see above there is a place to clean your hands after you are done eating.

Me and Krish at the wedding.

Madhu and Krish

We spent a lot of time around this table eating some of the best Indian food I have ever tasted. I don't know why, but I thought I might actually lose weight on this trip - I wrong. I think I gained 8 lbs. while we were there.

Krish playing with their laundry basket.

This is a picutre of my in-laws two grandkids - Krish and Varun. They love these guys so much!

India Continued

2008-11-09T13:58:00.001-08:00

Everything in India is decorated. See dump truck above.

Krish playing with some eggplant. He wasn't spoiled at all while we were there : ).

This is a picture of my in-law's home. It took them 2 years to build it. Up until this point they had always lived in some kind of apartment. They feel so blessed to finally have a place of their own.

I though their front was really pretty.

Well that’s a rap. This is a picture of my father-in-law blessing us before we left to come home. Our trip really was really wonderful! I could go on and on about it. We were sad to leave and hope that we can return to India soon or that my in-laws can come and stay with us.

Merry Christmas 2007

2008-09-22T14:46:00.001-07:00

Well this post did not go the way I had planned, but oh well. We are starting from the end of the Christmas fun and moving our way back to the beginning. We had a great and busy holiday season. Seems like the next one is just around the corner (really it is since I am a little slow at getting these posts started and finished). Anyway, here is our Christmas recap...

Christmas night at my parents house.

Krish enjoying his new scooter - too bad it broke and we had to take it back the next day.

Mom and Holly in their new Christmas attire

Kamal and Krish - Christmas morning

The three of us

Devin sporting his new Letterman's jacket.

Tiffany, Owen, and Krish

Natalie and Mark

On Christmas Eve Grandma Nona came over to open her Christmas presents with us. It was fun to see what she got and to spend some time with her.

On Christmas Eve we all open up one gift. These are my new shoes from Tiffany.

Kamal got some new pajama pants from someone (I think it was Natalie).

This was the pile of presents that Santa brought Krish.

FRAZIER CHRISTMAS PARTY Every year we get together at the Oakley Town Hall for our annual Christmas party. This is the only time we officially get together with both families so it is always nice to see everyone and see how the kids of changed. Pictured above is Nona, Aunt Bobby, and Blake. Amber and Krish

Mac, Marshall, Jeanette, and Aunt Kay

Krish, Amber, Dad, and Mom

Kamal and Krish

Our happy little family.

GUSTIN FAMILY CHRISTMAS PARTY We also have an annual Christmas party with my Mom's side of the family. This year we went to the Chuck-a-ramma. I haven't been there in years and I was pleasantly surprised with the food. We had a great night. Pictured above is Owen, Kenlee, and Roxy.

Krish, Amber, and Kamal

Camille, Aunt Cindy, and Carli

The "Aunts" that make it all happen - Connie, Christy, Cindy, and Cassie.

Happy Birthday Baby Krish - Month 12

2008-07-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Krish really enjoyed his birthday. We spent the first part of his day at home eating cake and opening presents. Later we took him out for dinner. He loved it when the servers came over and sang to him. We had a birthday party for him with my family the day after his birthday. The actual day of his birthday was spent with his Mom, Dad, and Aunt Trina.

Krish trying his cake

Krish's birthday cake

Happy Birthday

Getting ready to blow out the candle

Krish and his Daddy cutting the cake

Yummy

Krish after eating his cake

Bag full of presents!!

Krish opening his globe, drum set, and letter board

Krish in his new birthday clothes at the restaurant. Happy Birthday Baby Krish! We love you more than you will ever know.

Month Number Eleven

2008-01-25T12:21:00.001-08:00

Well we got home from India about a week and a half ago and I am finally making the time to get a new post on here. I know you are all wanting to read about our trip, but from the way things have been going it is probably going to be about 4 months until I get our trip posted - just kidding : ). Anyways, during the first part of November we celebrated Diwali. Diwali is an Indian Holiday that celebrates light overcoming darkness. You could compare the celebration to our Christmas as far as the magnitude of the Holiday. I decorated the house, we bought each other some gifts, and then went out for Indian food. It was a good night, other than the fact that both Kamal and I felt like crap and neglected to tell each other until we were at dinner trying to force ourselves to eat all of the delicious food that we ordered.

Kamal and Krish in front of our garage.

Me and Krish

Me and Krish enjoying the roses that Kamal gave me. Looks like Krish was enjoying the roses a little too much...if you look closely he is trying to eat them.

Our little family

During the middle of the month we went and visited Kamal's sister and her family in New Jersey. We always have such a great time when we get together with them. This was Krish's first plane ride and considering his age (11 months) he did alright.

This is us on the plane. I look a little annoyed in this picture - probably because I was. Krish really didn't do "alright" on the plane. He was actually pretty bad.

Vamshi, Vani, and Varun in front of their new highlander.

Ramesh ( a close family friend) and Krish

Vamshi, Vani, Krish, and Varun.

Krish and Vani

Krish had so much fun with his Aunt Vani. She made him homemade baby food that he loved and she pretty much gave him whatever he wanted.

We went to an outlet mall in New York while we were there. They had some really nice stores and we did a lot of shopping. Kamal and his sister are all about the deals. Even is they don't need it, they just can't help but buy it because they love the fact that they got a "deal".

Varun was so cute with Krish. He pretty much pushed his stroller the entire day at the mall. What a great cousin.

Varun was so excited when he found out we were having a baby. Up until we had Krish he didn't have any younger cousins and therefore was always the one being picked on. Looks like Varun is making sure Krish knows who is in charge.

We had a really great time during our visit and wish we lived closer. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful in-laws.

This was the only picture from Thanksgiving that I took. This is my Grandma Nona playing the piano.

Happy Birthday Holly!!! We celebrated Holly's birthday over Thanksgiving this year, because we knew we wouldn't see her until right before Christmas. Holly lives in St. George and is a busy student preparing to become a nurse. We love and miss you Holly!

Month Ten - Happy Halloween!

2008-01-24T12:21:00.000-08:00

Owen and Krish playing a game of cards?!?

This is a picture from Devin's birthday party. I have to say that Devin is the best brother a girl could ever have. He is such a great example and is always doing what is right. Happy Birthday Devin. We love you!

Looks like Krish is following in his mother's footsteps - eating spray butter straight from the bottle. Yummy! : )

Krish discovering the stairs - yikes!

This is us at Kamal's work on Halloween. If you notice Krish is crying in this picture. He was pretty scared of his Dad's costume.

Krish was such a cute lion.

This is kind of blurry, but I wanted to show off the back side of Krish's costume.

Owen was curious George - what a cutie!

Uncle Devin and Krish.

I didn't realize how much more fun Halloween would be with children. We had such a great day!

My baby is turning one...

2007-12-22T22:42:00.000-08:00

I wanted to have my blog updated by the time Krish turned one, but I failed. Everything was supposed to be in sequential order...but who cares. I am having a moment of reflection and need to get these feelings OUT! Krish turns one tomorrow and I am having a hard time with it. This year has gone by too fast. I just want to stop time and enjoy this moment a little bit longer. I love being a Mother and I know that may sound cheesy, but it's the truth. I feel so blessed to be Krishs' mom. He brings such a comforting spirit to our home. If Kamal and I are ever having a hard time we just have to look at him and we know that everything will be alright. Krish has been such a happy baby. The past few months he has started to love music and loves to dance to it. He also loves playing with his baby laptop as well as Kamal's real laptop; he is a little Kamal already. I love my "baby Krish," as I often call him. He has brought more joy to my life than I could ever express. Happy Birthday Krish! Luv, Mommy

Krish just after being born.

Krish's first day at home. 12 months later

Another recent picture.

Sister Trip!!!

2007-12-22T13:21:00.001-08:00

This is my first post without any pictures of Krish. Every fall we go on our annual Sister Trip. It is SO much fun! We all look forward to it just about as much as we look forward to Christmas.

Holly and Natalie hanging out at the trailer.

This isn't the best picture, but I had to put it in for the memory. We stayed at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas. They have a new ride at the pool and we were the only ones brave enough to not only go on the ride, but also brave the freezing water. Way to go girls : )!

We always go to one buffet is Las Vegas and don't worry... we get our money's worth. This year we were there for at least 2 hours. Needless to say I gained about 5 lbs. on this trip.

Holly, Tiffany, and Trina.

We always have to get our "Belagio" picture.

Tiffany and Trina

What a bunch of cute girls; Holly, Trina, Amber, Mom, Tiffany, and Natalie. Love you all!

Month Number Nine

2007-12-21T22:13:00.001-08:00

So I am back to my original goal of getting this blog up to date. This is the month of September.

Krish playing with his toys.

We spent a day a Sugarhouse park with some friends. This is a picture of Kamal and his daddy.

Vamsee, Kamal, Amber, Krish, Naveen, Autumn, and Naveen's Parents.

Vamsee, Amber, and Avanthi

Daddy and Krish Kamal, Krish, and Amber

Krish trying to put all of his fingers in his mouth : )

This is me and Kamal at Autumn and Naveen's wedding. Kamal was one of the groomsman.

Kamal and Krish

Amber, Krish, and Kamal. We look a little tired. It was a fun long day.

The month of August

2007-12-21T19:47:00.000-08:00

Mom and Krish

Daddy and Krish having fun.

It used to be a Sunday tradition that Kamal and Krish would read the paper together. Now Kamal reads it on line. These are a couple pictures of Krish mimicking his daddy.

This isn't a great picture of me, but I wanted to show off my beautiful flowers. I'm glad the lady that owned this house before we did planted them : ).

I met my friends Heather and Allison at the Zoo. This is a picture of our kids; Krish, Jordan, Bryce, and Mason.

Usually Kamal pretends he is asleep for pictures like this, but this time they are both actually sleeping - pretty cute!

Krish and his cousin Owen

This month Krish discovered apples - he absolutely loves them.

Krish, Kamal, and Owen in our backyard.

Kamal and I had this t-shirt made for Krish when we were in Vegas. The saying was so perfect for him.

Krish and Mom being very cool.

Krish and his Dad also being very cool : ).

Happy Independence Day India. I had this cake made for Kamal. I was very happy with the way it turned out. If you can't tell the cake is a replica of the Indian flag.

Happy Birthday Owen, Tiffany, and Grandma!

Month Seven

2007-12-16T09:49:00.000-08:00

My goal was to have our blog updated by the time Krish turned one. I have a week to go and six months to catch up on - yikes! Each month Krish has been such a joy. Krish got his first 4 teeth during this month...yes they all came at the same time. We also got his "seventh" month pictures taken. I was a little bit of a slacker and missed getting his sixth month pictures.

The Smith Gang

Happy Father's Day Dad, Erick, and Kamal.

Happy 1st Father's Day Kamal. You are a wonderful Father and Krish and I love you very much!

Kirsh holding our hands. Baby Krish

This is my favorite picture of Kirsh, so far. I love the way it captures his chubby checks.

Family Photo Krish and Amber on the fourth of July.

I had to throw this picture in of Kamal's car. We decided that it was time to get rid of the Infinity. It was quite the traumatic experience for someone...I won't mention any names.