Keeping it simple

I am learning to keep things simpler this year...and still have fun. I realise when I throw parties to keep is simple and fun...I used to spend money and lots of time on my kids party. But this year i kept the numbers smaller, focussed on what is fun for the birthday child and his friends, kept decor simple, and the food great and balanced as possible. My son still claimed he had the best time of his life....Even when it comes to meals I am trying to keep it simple. One pot meal, simple sandwiches...Over the weekend for lunch I made some srambled eggs with salad..and the kids seem to enjoy them, and throw in some fruits. or it's sandwiches or simple roast and salad. Even for entertainment over weekends and holidays we are trying to keep it simple. Visiting a friend, going to the park, visiting cousins or spending time at home with some games and craft. And I realise there is something soothing and calming in keeping it simple.I am still learning there are many areas in my life where I can keep it simpler...

My kids are growing up way too fast!

Arjoonha started school yesterday, he is in year one, 7 year old big boy! I cant believe it,still remember him being the cutest baby so gentle and easy to care for. Now here he is wearing his school uniform and going to the big school! i felt so anxious and nervous for him. How if he is bullied, how if he gets an ogre for a teacher, how if he is a very poor student and comes out last in class, how if he is depressed and despises school..how if he does not enjoy school the way I did a long time ago! I brought him to school, and was with him for awhile, he seems quiet but at ease, and soon i left and he seemed alright! I felt better seeing him all cool about it and not making a fuss...and i thought okay this is not too bad after all...the world is not as bad out there as i imagined it to be! Bhaarath my 2nd son is going to preschool in january and it's a whole lot of changes for us. Both boys in school. I will miss them just being crazy and young and not worrying about schoolwork! But they grow, and learn, and hurt and laugh and cry and smile and hopefully they will grow up to be courageous, kind and God fearing!

17 May 2007...I believe in Miracles.

Bhaarath during his 1st week and now...

My second son, Bhaarata may not have grown in my tummy, but he grew in my heart and my soul. He was truly a gift from God! We took the eventful journey to receive him, my husband, my oldest son and I. It was such a nerve wrecking moment as I already loved him when we decided to take that journey. I remember the nurse bringing him down and he was wearing this yellow t-shirt and cute socks and a pair of white special shoes for his special feet. I did not want to carry him until I was certain that he was going to be mine, as I cant imagine holding him and not having him. My husband held him first and fell in love with him, Arjoonha decided at 4 years old that he is the baby brother for him. I was the last to carry him, and I was trying my best not to cry but then again emotions got the better of me. What was worst was we were not able to take him home that day. When we left it was heartbreaking as I was leaving my son behind. It was such a long night...The next morning we went back and we received him, and this time I carried him, and held him tight, and said a quick good bye and dashed into the car and felt strange having this little boy on my lap. He was very quiet and I was kissing his head all the time, to assure him that all will be okay. I was not sure if I could love another as I love my Arjoonha. But as I held him I know I have nothing to worry as I felt all the love and more. When we reached home it was all so surreal. He just lied down and slept on our couch. That night I kept on checking the baby court to see if he was for real and really there in the room with us. I saw him sleeping soundly, my husband and I kept on carrying him throught the night. And I loved him from that first moment and I love him even more now...

Arjoonha's 6th Birthday Party!

Pictures from Arjoonha's birthday party. The cake was made by a dear friend!

Tooth Fairy's Visit!

The tooth fairy visited my 5 year old yesterday! My son, Arjoonha lost his first tooth the night before. We were woken up early Monday morning by Arjoonha who was so excited that when he checked under his pillow. The Tooth Fairy in exchange of his tooth, left him an hotwheels car a card and 10 bucks. He was all so excited that the Tooth Fairy knows exactly what he wants! He is hoping more tooth to drop to enjoy further rewards! But I told him it only happens to the first one! But the joke is our maid, Awi from Indonesia was equally excited as she thought Tooth Fairy is for real, and said solemnly that it never visits her village in Indonesia! I had a hard time controlling my laughter!

Old Friends, New Friends

Arjoonha my oldest boy makes friends easily. Nothing makes him happier then playing with friends other then watching TV. My youngest one Bharath tags along happily. We live in an apartment and the only common place to play is in the swimming pool or the little play area around it. So my children spends many a day basking in the pool. Arjoonha has a group of friends he plays with and for some reason he chooses friends who are much older then him. His partners in crime are Ruby, JR and Joon Joon. He is going to miss them much once we move to our new place next month,and I am sure they will miss him too. I sure do hope he will make good friends in our new place. Speaking about friends, 2 very old friends from my primary school has managed to get in touch with me via facebook. How cool is that. And we have not met for like 25 years! We are meeting for lunch tomorrow and I am so excited! Must take lots of photos!

Arjoonha's Sports Day 2008-Qdees

Prize giving: Trophy and spiderman toy!


The march past



Arjoonha with Ms Chow



We were at Arjoonha's sports day today. When he was a 6 month old baby he developed a pigmentation condition which leaves small dark patches like those marks left by chicken pox all over his face and body. Whenever someone meets him for the first time they will ask about these spots. So when he first heard of sports day at 4 years old, he thought it was to celebrate the 'Spots'. He came home excitedly to tell us that there will be a 'Spots' day. Now that he is 5 and all grown up he knows better. So we were out from 8-12noon today. Bhaarath was excited to tag along and to to see his big brother sporting. It can be pretty hillarious to see antics of the 'Kiasuness' of parents these days. They tried to squeeze through to take pictures, or shout across for their kids to smile. One father who was standing beside me was calling out to his 6 year old daughter. "Rachel, Rachel, Rachel smile,smile...put your cap on properly,stand straight, smile, smile." The poor girl was looking around embarrassed with her father's antics.And then there was another mother, who kept on going to the area where parents are not allowed to wipe the sweat of her 5 year old son, continuously". I can almost imagine the boy growing up to be all nerdy and soft!. But there are also some composed and nice parents, who let their children sweat a little, or just let them be kids. I chose them to speak to and hang around with. After all this is sports day and a little sweat and dirt wouldn't kill anyone.

Birthdays and Birthdays

The Kids had a blast of a time at their Birthday parties. It was a success. The adults were busy trying to catch up with each other in between keeping an eye on their over active kids. It was made more speacial with my mother in law who is having a huge difficulty in walking managed to come by too. My good friends, were all there. These girls have been there for almost everything that I do. The birthday coordinators at Kidz sports and gym were great. A big thanks to Omar ! I had a migraine at the end of the day..but it was indeed rewarding to see the joy on the childrens faces and also when Arjoonha exclaimed this is the greatest party every.