The Day It All Came Together - Family celebration day Saga continues

 The day of the event -I woke up with excitement, apprehension, and a sense of “hooray, finally the day is here.”

I went to the venue with two of my friends and a full car of stuff while the setup was going on. I learned another thing that day — you can write and design everything on paper, but it may not work that way on the actual day of the event.

I am so glad I reached early because I could reorganize some of the seating arrangements. We intentionally kept the center area free so kids could dance and gather there for the magic show.

I intentionally kept fewer chairs so people would mingle more, but families took out backup chairs from the storage and made space for themselves. A lot of families were meeting one another for the first time. One of my saree friends was at the registration table, and I joked that she met more people than I did in the entire hall.

Everybody had a name tag with the town they lived in and the age of their child.

I am sure many families left home not knowing what to expect from the day, how the day would unfold, or how their children would react to such a large crowd, but kudos to them — they all came.

We started with a very short welcome speech, some necessary precautions, bathroom information in case of emergencies, and then I invited two of my friends to speak. They gave very inspiring short speeches, and then a dad spoke. After that, I cut the cake surrounded by all the children around me. That was the most fascinating part — we all got to cut the cake together.

The magician came on board after that, followed by a smooth transition into dance. Two of my friends who teach dance volunteered their time and energy for us.

My son made a playlist, and we had 10 songs for nonstop dancing displayed on the screen. The kids, and even some grown-ups, only needed to follow what was being shown on the screen, so nobody was on their own. It was structured dancing, and that was the best part of the evening. Nobody needed to remember what to do — somebody was guiding them.

The day didn’t go exactly as planned, but it became something better — real, lived, and shared. And in that imperfect beauty, the event found its true meaning.

Between Chaos and Gratitude - Family Celebration Day saga

How different 24 hours can be. I went to bed with a sense of relief. Every part of my body was aching, I was exhausted beyond measure, my mind was replaying the whole day and telling me what went wrong, but the heart was happy—a different kind of joy, a satisfaction when you know whatever you’re doing is making a difference.

There will be so many stories and pictures how the event worked out: the parents’ version, the kids’ version, the performers’ version, and the volunteers’ version, and then Jaya’s version. I am too afraid to ask Mr. husband about his version.

Before I forget, I have to mention that he was there from end to finish, and that is the miracle in itself. I kept my promise, didn’t speak more than 10 lines, and he did so many things without even asking, no complaint. Only one thing he said later—find a venue on the ground floor, two sets of stairs are a little too much for helpers.

The day turned out to be a beautiful sunny day, women dressed up, kids happy and very patient photographers. The magician was amazing with kids, the face painters made the kids happy, and ending the day with the dance was such a promise to do it again.

I am grateful to people who went early in the morning with me to set up the hall, carried the day with me, brought water for me when I was all over the place, and stayed till the end to make sure things were in place.

I went back again when the cleaners were doing their magic. After seeing that, I was in a much better place—worth spending every penny.

I heard the food was wonderful. Next year I have to make sure I save some for myself or actually eat. Lesson learned, again—that’s progress.

We will work around the mistakes we made this year, find solutions for them, do more events, make them bigger, and make new mistakes.

It wasn’t a perfect day, but it was a meaningful one—and that feels like enough for now.

The morning 

Quiet Apprehension, Full Heart - Before the Doors Open Tomorrow

As I sit here on a Saturday evening and try to make a flow chart for my program, I also want to write a few sentences about what I want to say tomorrow. I know that whatever I write today, it will begin as an improv speech anyway, and as Mr. Husband said, I need to become softer on the microphone. It should not be the usual Jaya, and I promised him I will speak only 10 lines.

Things are coming together beautifully, but I also know tomorrow will carry its own kind of chaos.. The apprehension is quiet, not loud.

The more I think about it, the more I want people to feel welcome. I want to see children involved, and I want everyone to feel the warmth in the room. I don’t want to organize a conference, I want to create a belonging.

Having non-Indian guests is another thing to plan for. I want them to feel welcome. I don’t want them to feel isolated. I want them to meet families. I think I’m creating a cultural bridge with them. It’s my hope that they will understand our community better after tomorrow. And somewhere between all these logistics and emotions, people still ask the practical question Is the speech ready. what kind of saree I am wearing is the question of the day :) If you know me you know I will decide tomorrow morning. 

It made me wonder if I should write something down at all. Will I even remember those things once I’m on the stage?

This year  I’m in a much better place. There are a lot more families than in previous years. but I also have an army of volunteers. I am grateful for their help, they stepped up to support even though they are not part of this village. The admins of the group are more experienced. They understand my vision and the reason behind all my decisions. They know it matters a lot to me that instead of only thinking logically, they also see the bigger picture.

The mother volunteers in the group are amazing. I wonder how they will manage with their own children, but they are excited to volunteer that day. Looks like, for a few hours, they will become volunteers first and not just moms. Their husbands definitely have double responsibility tomorrow.

68 families, 10 volunteers and 9 guests- We are up to the hall capacity and there are 10 families in wait list, time to find a bigger place next year,

  

Invitation for *Family celebration day* May 10th Sunday 2.30 PM- 4.30 PM Holliston Town Hall

Hello,

Desi Moms Network is celebrating “The Village,” and we’d love to celebrate this with you.

What better day than Mother’s Day to honor the incredible moms who support, uplift, and cheer each other on? 

We invite you to see how 'The Village' provides the informal, cultural, and emotional scaffolding that helps these families thrive every day.

Please join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and connection.

Date: Sunday, May 10

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Location: Holliston Town Hall

703 Washington St, Holliston, MA 01746

Please let us know if you’re able to join us—we hope you can make it!

Warmly,

Jaya Pandey and the Team

No matter how tomorrow goes, I already know one thing for sure — this community has grown into something much bigger than me. A place where families feel seen, welcomed, and less alone And maybe that is the most beautiful part of all.

My post on Friday 

 Mothers day in BJ's, when I went to order the cake 

Anand got me these Tulips last week

Guest Writer - Anand - Comicon Saga - part 2 Springfield

As promised here comes another story - Anand wrote this blog today. 

  Written by him acting as mom :)

———————————————————————————————

"Next Stop: MGM Springfield, MA. Four-star hotel, now hosting a Western Mass Comic Con." — some commuter rail, subway, ferry, or bus announcer

What, two conventions in April before summer? I've always wondered what has gotten into Anand, but I'll never know, since he will not tell me. I did mention Comic Con being a rarity in our family, but that's starting to change this year. Now when it comes to writing about his adventures, making blogposts, or documenting our every day lives, Anand knows the drill. He wants me to write about his adventures, he has to use his own words, which he does anyway…while pretending to be me. Yet, he still wants me to keep posting his stories on my blog and never start his own, despite writing far better than me. Three weeks ago, Anand went to his first ever Anime Convention in Boston, MA both April 3rd and 4th, and he enjoyed both days. Now, he's on his fifth stop in his "Open World Expansion Tour," and third convention adventure: a Comic Con in Springfield, MA.

Anand purchased tickets to Western Mass Comic Con on December 12th, 2025. Funny as it sounds, Anand was unsure about attending this convention. 75 miles from where we live, too far for Dad to drive him, but Anand knew what his top goal of 2026 was: opening up his world, even if it means going to cities that don't have a lot of sightseeing. Hopefully Anand doesn't try picking another convention in Massachusetts that isn't the same distance as Springfield. He made a decision to attend Comic Con in Springfield…on one condition: bringing me along for the ride. He attends the convention, Dad and I explore Springfield together, then we meet up at his favorite restaurant, Wahlburgers, which was close by. That may have encouraged Anand to attend Comic-Con, but while I did tag along for the ride, I couldn't meet him at Wahlburgers. There wasn't much to explore in Springfield, and what could I do for two hours? Nothing. Being in Springfield for two hours is like going with Anand to a mall of his choice for 90 minutes or more, which is his thing. This is why Anand always goes to Mr. Husband and never me! I would either say "No," or ask too many questions. The tickets for the Comic-Con in Springfield weren't as expensive as Boston Anime Con or Fan Expo Boston, but then again, Springfield doesn't have a lot to explore.

A few months ago, Anand took a ferry from Boston to Hingham Shipyard, walked around for 90 minutes, stopped at a restroom for a change of clothes, and ate at the Wahlburgers headquarters. I called Cheryl, the wonderful manager at the Fenway Wahlburgers, to tell her that Anand would be going to the Hingham Wahlburgers, and the staff there was incredible. Originally, Anand thought he and Dad would go, but we went as a whole family. We dropped Anand outside the MGM Resort, then we explored the Berkshires.

Like always, Anand got a lot of pics with people in costume. He wore his anime costume, the same one he wore for Anime Con, knowing he'd wear it again. After getting some pics with other people in costume, Anand walked to the Springfield Wahlburgers after telling me and Dad. And they were amazing! I think Anand was surprised I'd stop by with Mr. Husband to say hi to the staff. I have to thank them for taking such good care of Anand! After he ate, Anand went back to Comic-Con until he texted us to pick him up.

I cannot believe the milestones that Anand has been achieving so far! Taking the train, ferry, and the subway, attending concerts and conventions all by himself, being my +1 at Desi Moms events, even trying new cuisines and attending sports bars! This man is really going places. Sooner or later, I'm going to have Anand help me with my blogposts, especially those where I don't mention him. I'll have some breathing room for now—oh, wait. Anand has more stories to send to me. And not to mention—right. His newest video game he pre-ordered. A few weeks from now. 

Wahlberg brothers have no idea They have a fan in Pandey household.

My Facebook post today 

one of my fav sight today

Apex Bowling - Building Our Village – One Lane at a Time

Desi Mom’s Network as a group went to Apex Bowling. About 20 families got together, hung out, and had fun.

We reserved the whole VIP lane area, so there was nobody but our families. A total of 48 players across 8 lanes, mostly children, with moms and dads hanging out together.

From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm and welcoming. Everything was well organized, and the team made our families feel comfortable. Our servers who managed everything with patience and a constant smile—it really made a difference to the experience.

As one mother pointed out, there were so many kids trying this for the first time. So many families felt comfortable coming out to a group event with their children because they knew this is one place they all belong.

They felt at ease, knowing their children would not be judged for their behavior.

It was not all smooth—there were screams and meltdowns—but the collective joy, laughter, fun, smiles, and new experiences outweighed those moments.

Families connected. Dads introduced themselves to one another. Moms felt rejuvenated—talking, smiling, and taking pictures together.

More than anything, they belonged. They shared advice, offered helping hands, exchanged phone numbers, and promised to meet again soon.

The feedback coming in says it all—“wonderful time,” “great space,” “felt like a village,” “kids had so much fun,” “so special to see first-time experiences.” That is exactly why we do this.

Summer is around the corner. It will be easier for families to come out of their shells—both literally and figuratively—and open up their world a little more, one family at a time, one step at a time.

Thank you to everyone who came, trusted the space and made this so special 💛