Silly Shadows

How often have we seen a grown-up jumping in a muddy puddle? Or occupied following a trail of ants? Or wondering endlessly as rainbow arches in the sky? Hardly. Perhaps if they are parents or carers, out with the kids.

But, the sight of children amusing themselves with the apparent trivialities of everyday life is most common. They are the little people who see magic in a caterpillar turning into a butterfly and are charmed by a kitten chasing its tail. They are naturally curious and observant, with an ability to delight themselves with seemingly simple things. No wonder, my kids are so captivated by the sleight of light, the shadows.

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Kid-Made Mother's Day Gift - Personalized Canvas & Easel Craft

Sometimes, kids get creative themselves! This is one where my tot wrote these words on her own when asked to write something about mommy. She did such a great job writing the characters out and making cute little silhouettes that it became a great card for mother's day.

I decided to convert it into a memento for Mother's day by creating a canvas and easel with her artwork.

An easy scribbled craft for the very special mommies!

Happy Mother's Day

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DIY Mother's Day 3D Flower Card

Easy and colorful Mother's Day card Idea. Perfect Mother's Day craft project for preschool and kindergarten.

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Hi 5! Happy Birthday Big Boy

My older son recently turned 5! Another year just fleeted past right in front of my eyes and what a year it was! Over the top of my head, there are some quick milestones he achieved during the time. He mini graduated from nursery to school, started taking swimming and football lessons and learnt riding his bike without support. But, it is the subtle accomplishments that made him much more endearing. From giving flattering compliments to being a kind host at play dates, from teaching supermarket-shopping to his rather temper-throwing toddler brother to tricking him into doing his bid, he is maturing fast into the ways of the world.

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How I renewed Indian Passport in US within 10 days?

I recently got my Indian passport renewed in the United States. It took 10 days for the entire process to complete. Hurray!

Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS) is the authorized service provider for the Embassy of India across the USA for the Indian Passport services. You need to apply on the CKGS website and follow the due process. Later, during the process, you will be directed to the Government of India website to fill your online passport form and then return back to CKGS to complete the application.

Here is the link to CKGS Indian Passport Application Center: https://passport.in.ckgs.us/

On the CKGS page, click on the “Passport Application Get Started” box, (Or you can use this direct link here: https://passport.in.ckgs.us/get-started) and it will start your passport application. Make sure to keep the document listed on the page handy before you start filling out the forms.

I selected Normal application type and state I live in. The centre is automatically populated based on the state you live in. Clicking on PROCEED extends the form and asked to select the services.

I selected reissue of passport since the passport is going to expire. Also, selected two miscellaneous services - 1) change of address and 2) addition of spouse name. And filled out the applicant details, submission details, and contact information.

There are two options to submit your application.

1. Walk-in to the consulate office
2. Shipping through courier service

We have had a successful experience using courier service option for my daughter's OCI card, so I was pretty comfortable sending the documents through courier this time as well. I decided to go for prepaid FedEx shipping service for both sides.

Here is the list of documents I submitted for passport renewal:

• Original Indian Passport 
• Photographs (3) - 2"x2" & white background 
• CKGS Online Payment Receipt 
• Online NRI Passport Application Form 
• Nationality Verification Form 
• Passport copy of first five and last two pages. 
• US legal Status 
• US Address Proof 
• Indian Address Proof 
• Affidavit for change of appearance/signature form  (Sample affidavit at the end of the post)
• Annexure E 

Since I requested to add spouse name in my passport, I submitted two additional documents though they didn’t ask for them.

• Marriage certificate 
• Copy of first & last page of spouse’s passport 

Here are the dates for your reference:

Aug 28: Sent the application with documents through FedEx express mail
Aug 29: Application ‘Received’ by CKGS but ‘Not Verified’
Aug 29: Application Verification is ‘Complete’. Processing of your application will continue”
Aug 29: Application ‘Under Process at CKGS’
Aug 29: Application in transit to the Indian Consulate.
Aug 30: Application is “AT EMBASSY”. Application is ‘Under Process’ at Consulate for decision making.
Sep 05: Application ‘Reviewed’ by Consulate and ‘In Transit’ to CKGS Application Centre
Sep 05: Passport ‘Received’ at the CKGS application centre and is at the ‘Sorting Facility’ where it is being processed for delivery
Sep 06: Passport picked up by FedEx
Sep 07: Received my new passport

USEFUL RESOURCES

Link to track the passport renewal application online https://passport.in.ckgs.us/trackandtrace/

Sample Online NRI Passport Application Form: https://passport.in.ckgs.us/resources/pdf/sample-passport-application-form.pdf

Sample Affidavit For Change Of Appearance And Signature For Indian Passport Renewal


Hope you find it useful!!

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