Least expected..

Thytus and Nixon had to prepare for an elocution activity at school.

I helped them outlined their speech, and edited based on their preference / comfort..

Since we were constrained for time.. having attended two functions in the weekend, the boys were having difficulty trying to remember the lines.. Nevertheless, they practiced hard... and I didn't let them go easily. I pestered them on every available minute to practice their lines... even on our journey for the functions!

The night before, after more practice, they managed..

When they came back from school, Thytus excited told me how his speech went.. He was proud of himself.. I felt happy and proud for him.. and at the same time, I shared his sense of accomplishment - after helping with the speech and practice *wink*

Nixon came up to me a said, "Thank you for the speech, amma." *melt*

I least expected the "thank you" but definitely loved the appreciation! And, this is not the first time he has thanked me for helping him with his school work..

Although they expressed themselves differently, I fondly felt their appreciation for my work in assisting them...

Leave no stone unturned...

... if you want to clean the clutter of toys in the house!

Found these cars ploughing though the snow in my freezer!

One car was even parked properly in its parking lot (box of an ice tray)!

Do I have to worry?

That I don't have time to care for myself?

No time to watch my favourite movies.
No time to cut my nails.
No time to go to the saloon.
No time to have along bath.
No time to eat my meal slowly.
No time to sleep in a little longer on weekends.
And the list goes on...

That all I do is to think of the boys?

Making sure they have healthy snacks/lunch for school.
Making sure they complete their homworks everyday.
Making sure they are ready for their test.
Making sure they have enough play time.
Making sure they have enough (and not too much) TV time.
And the list goes on...

I don't think so!

I was complaining of wrist pain. (I have had similar pain in the wrist and was wearing a wrist band.) Nixon asked me "why don't wear the wrist band like the last time?" I admitted to him, "I don't know where I kept it!"

"I know where it is."
"No, the black one on the table upstairs is for the elbow, not the wrist."

But he insisted he knew what I I needed for my wrist and knew where it was.. He went upstairs and came back with the right wrist band! *relieved* He saved my wrist.

I told him that I will wear it in the morning, as it was really painful and didn't want to compress my nerves too much.

....

I was preparing their snack and lunch this morning when he came to me.. with the wrist band.

"Put it on" he said.
"No, I will put it after bath. If would get dirty/wet as I am still working in the kitchen..."
"But your wrist is pain. You should be wearing it. You can take it out before you take your bath" he insisted.

I told him its ok.. as I was going to finish anyway. I told him that now he has found it for me, I won't forget to wear it.

He reluctantly left. But left the wrist band next to my phone so I won't forget. *sigh* I am so blessed!

I was really touched by concern and care... I called him while he was on the way to school, and told him, "I didn't forget the wrist band. Thanks to you!"

He smiled...

He beat me to it!

The boys and I worked on Mother's Day crafts.. using stones. A different theme each year *wink*

Started of with the Mother's Day message for the ladies in the house...
Some with flower and butterfly, some other with smiley face :)

Went on to create a special Mother's Day message for small Ammachi *wink*

The art work got grander and grander.. finishing with the Mother's Day rock for ammachi.
Thytus liked the message on the stone.. Hmmm, that means...

So, all the time we were working on the stone, apps was watching. Little did I realize that I would have a Mother's Day rock for myself!

When I had stepped away, he worked with my art and craft supplies to create this beautiful rock! He explained using all of my ladybird supplies, that they all represent the boys and him :) Hahaha.. couldn't be mad with him for using my precious art and craft supplies.. since he sat down to create something for me :)

From the man himself.. love it!

He made plans...

... for me on my business trip.

I am currently on a business trip in Bangkok, Thailand. When I called home to speak to the boys... 

Nixon told me to visit the Floating Market.. and get him something that he forgot to get when he visited Bangkok with his grandparents and anna last November!

Cute fellow!

Little did he know that he brought me a smile.. cheering me up while I am missing all of them!

I had to steal!

It was too tempting.
I was standing just right there..
Looking at my watch,
thinking, "should I, or shouldn't I?"
again, "should I, or shouldn't I?"

Just then,
I heard a soft sound.. Ahhh!
I heard some movement.. Oppps!!

That's it.
I had to do it.
Nothing stops me now!

I jumped into bed..
right next to him..
... and stole a cuddle *sigh*

PS: I had a few minutes to spare before I take my bath and head to work. Watching Dylan sleep, I was so tempted to sleep beside him.. feel his warmth, and may be steal a hug (but without waking him). He loves to sleep with his legs falling over my waist.. just to make sure that I am there. While I was thinking whether should I or shouldn't I, since it was just a minute or two to spare, I heard him move and sounded like he was going to get up. Great excuse for me *wink* I jumped into bed! He was comforted that there was somebody beside him, and went back to sleep..

Sealed with a kiss

Yeap, received two love letters, sealed with a kiss!

The boys left for Bangkok with amma and appa for a 5 days 4 night holiday. The moment Nixon knew he is booked for a holiday and will be away from home for a few days in November, he wrote us a letter in September itself (self initiated!).

He let me have a sneak preview of the letter and said he will give it to us on the day of departure. I was touched by his letter...

Nixon's letter to both of us

Having known that Nixon has written a letter for us, Thytus wanted to write one too. Just a couple of days before his trio, he managed to write and decorate the letter. Hmmm, considering that the contents of the letter is similar to Nixon's letter, I think he got his inspiration from his brother ;)

The front cover of the letter (made to look like an envelope)

Thytus's letter to both of us

I guess he meant ILU for I Love You (the code we share)
and spelt it wrongly as EULOU!

After seeing a colourful letter by Thytus, Nixon was a little sad.. that his was just a simple letter with words. Nevertheless, I assured him that his letter was very special and thoughtful as he had written it all by himself...

Thank you for the sweet and caring letters Thytus and Nixon. 
Love you both so much too *muaks* *I.L.U*
Have fun in Bangkok!     

Missing them...

I miss my mum’s chatty calls…
I miss my dad’s caring talks…
I miss Nixon’s “what should I do now” calls…
I miss Thytus’s “you know, amma” talks..

PS: They are currently away for a holiday in Bangkok..

He loved it!

After the birthday dinner, on the way home in the car, Dylan came up to me, slowly tapped my shoulder and said, "amma, the cake is very nice.." *melt* and casually went back to his seat.

It was a simple gesture, but it meant a thousand words to me!

All gone within a minute!
All the edible Angry Birds, piglets, planks and stones were made out of chocolates
- KitKat, MnMs, chocolate crispies, hazelnut chocolates, etc.

I'm gonna get a love letter

I got a sneak preview of the love letter that I will be getting in November!

Thytus took a paper of the seat pocket and tried to pass it to me. "Amma, Nixon wants to give you this."

Nixon immediately grabbed it off his hand and took it away. "This is my note. I want to give it later. Not now!" he screamed angrily.

"It's okay. You can give me later. You want to put it in my lunch box like I do for you is it?"
(I put in little comics, love /encouragement notes, jokes or riddles in their lunch box everyday and assumed he wanted me to have the same treat :)

"No ma.. Never mind, you can see it now.."

I was a little taken aback when I saw the tittle.. "Bye ma, bye pa" Huh?!

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But when I had read the note.. it was the sweetest ever.

... to be continued.

A day for them

On Mother's Day...

"Amma, when is Father's Day?" Aaron asked me.
"It's on the 3rd Sunday in June.." I replied, and continued "Mother's Day is always on the 2nd Sunday of May."

"Then when is Brother's Day?" he asked.

*silence*

I did take a moment to answer him. To his disappointment, I told him that there is no Brother's Day, but there is Children's Day. But I told him that there should be a day for brother's too!

It's so sweet that he wants to celebrate his brotherly love with his brothers!

He's hiding something from me...

I was talking with him on the phone when he asked me, "Is appa there?"
I said, "no, I am at work.."
"Ohhh, then never mind" he said.
I asked him "why?"
"It's a secret! I will only tell appa..." he replied firmly.

"How could you have secrets from me?" feeling a little taken aback..
"No, its not like that. It's about my plans for Mother's Day.. and that's why I can't tell you." he pacified me.
Arrgghh! I made him tell... *regret*
"Ohhh.. ok." feeling better knowing that he had a valid reason to hide it from me *BIG grin*
"By the way, can you wake up at 11am on Sunday?" he asks me..
"How can I? You have Sunday school.. I have to prepare your breakfast.." I told him.
"Arghh! *silence* You think I can not go to Sunday school this week?" trying his luck..
"You'll have to ask your father this.." being not sure what to tell him.. since he seems like he has a plan for me on Mother's Day..

Even if he is unable to proceed with his plans.. I am already sooooo touch! Thytus, you are just toooo sweet! I love you baby...

In a quandry

... whenever I travel.

My business travels have affected the boys when they were little (less than 2 years old). Now as they grow older, I believed they will able to handle my absence better.
Usually, my business trips last a week.. but the most recent trip to US was for about 3 weeks! before, during and after that trip, I didn't see any issues from them. Phew!

After the 3-weeks US trip just 2 months ago, I told them that I will be away for another 2 weeks in Geneva. Aaron and Dylan were oblivious to my long absence.. considering that they are too young to note the number of days involved. On the other hand, I didn’t think that it would be any issue with Thytus and Nixon since they are bigger now. Nevertheless, since two weeks before my trip, both them took turns to ask me when would I be leaving..and kept telling me that they would be missing me. I didn’t take it literally... assuming that they are emotionally robust at the age of 8 (in 2 months) and 7 (in two months)... and fondly reciprocated that I would miss them too..

However, I was brought to shock on my journey to the airport when Nixon was tearing all the way! Thytus just sat in car being really quite throughout the journey...

The initial plan was to just drop me off since it was already 9.30pm and that I only had enough time to check in and walk to the gate. But after seeing the boys in that condition, I told apps that I will bring Thytus and Nixon with me to check in and will bring them out when I am done, while he waits in the car with Dylan and Aaron.. (Aaron was already sleeping.)

The boys were in luck that my flight got delayed by 1/2 hour. So after check-in, I suggested to apps that we have dinner before they said good bye.. and apps agreed.

But still, we couldn’t avoid the fact that I will be boarding soon... can't I? As I hugged to say goodbye, I was so afraid that the boys would get emotional again. I embraced Thytus lightly.. assuming he wasn’t into hugs (since he is too shy to say ILU (our code for I love you) or give me a peck in school (unlike Nixon), but will do it at home).. but in return, I got a real long hug! *sigh* Nixon looked better after the extra time with me.. after kissing all of them bye, I headed to the gate.

I checked with apps on how the boys were after I left.. and he said that Nixon was tearing all the way home again...

I was wrong to think that the boys were growing up and wouldn't be missing me... *sigh* It's gonna make it more difficult for me to leave them on each of my future travels.

We want to talk

On one of my dinners with appa and amma, the boys insisted to sit on another separate cubicle.. saying that they had something to talk about. We didn't think they would last long sitting by themselves.. and let them go ahead.

Brothers, having a chat over dinner

I was watching them enjoy their dinner, and even chatting with each other, oblivious to the fact that I was watching them. Loved the moment!

Lovely minutes with him

I have a few minutes to spare...

I see him sleeping,
curled and cute.
I sneak up next to him,
sharing his comforter.
I feel the breath,
so warm and gentle.
He didn’t realize that I am here! *sigh*

I inched closer to him.
His fingers gently brushing my nose.
My arm wrapped around his warm body.

I know he can feel my breath,
I know he can feel my warmth,
I know he can feel me...

coz'
I feel the fingers moving,
gently brushing my nose.
I feel his body moving,
Getting comfy in my cuddle.
Aaah, he knows I’m here!

As much as I am tempted,
to stay with him,
to sleep next to him,
to feel him.

I had to leave him...
to sleep by himself,
to enjoy his slumber,
as I had to go to work! *argghhh*

It's ok,
I’ll see ya tonight, baby! *wink*




Am I having quadruplets?

Not born on the same day,
Not born on the same date,
Not born on the same year...
But I feel like I have quadruplets!

Be it clothings,
be it toys.
Be it books,
be it food.

Number one likes something,
Number two will like it,
Number three will like it too,
Number four just wants it!

So, something, anything or everything must always come in fours.

Saluting all

A woman, renewing her driver's license was asked by the woman at Registry to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

“What I mean is,” explained the woman at Registry, “do you have a job or are you just a ...?”

“Of course I have a job,” snapped the woman. “I'm a Mum.”

“We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,” said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'City Registrar.'

“What is your occupation?” she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. “I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.”

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

“Might I ask,” said the clerk with new interest, “just what you do in your field?”

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, “I have a continuing program of research,(what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.”

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6-month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.

I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum.' Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make Grandmothers 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations' And Great Grandmothers 'Executive Senior Research Associates?

I think so!

I also think it makes Aunts Associate Research Assistants.'

(source - www)
-------------------------

Amma,


You have not only completed your masters, you even have double Masters! As the 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations' :) you are the inspiration that has made me the person that I am today. The best part is that you have done a great job as a mother & grandmother while you have a career.


Happy mother's day amma.. *big hug*

Joys of Motherhood

I was touched...

Thytus, Nixon and I went to the cinema to watch Toy Story 3. Since they are always feeling very very cold, I brought their jackets as well as two of my shawls. One for me, and another for any of them if they felt too cold.

Half way through the movie, I saw that Nixon was feeling uncomfortable.. and I gave him one of my shawl to use, while I took the other. After some time, I sense that Thytus might feel comfortable with my shawl, I gave him my shawl..

“Who’s one is this?” he asked.
“Mine” I told him.
“You are not cold?” he asked in concern.
“No, you can use it” I reaffirmed him.

I'm lucky!

After having suffered a fractured toe, the orthopedic claimed that the pain that I am still feeling is because of the scarred tissue in the area. After a long week, I felt pain on the upper area of my foot. I asked Nixon if he could massage my foot, and he readily massaged it well.. without any refusal or sulking!

I'm blessed!

The boys set up the small table and placed the stools around it for our simple dinner in the living room since the boys wanted to watch TV. As Dylan was crying out and wanted me to be next to him, I asked Thytus and Nixon to get some toys for him from the toy room upstairs. After serving the food into the boys bowls, I asked Aaron to eat first, but he refused, “Wait for anna to come first.” *touched sigh*

Just before they mouthed the food, I reminded Aaron that it was hot.. and thus, be extra careful. He turned to his brothers, one by one, and said “Anna, its hot. Don’t eat yet..” *melt*

I’ll always be there

I casually asked Thytus.. “This Friday is ur sports day. Are parents supposed to come?”

“Parents wanna come also can come.. Parents don’t wanna come also can don’t come” he said.. and continued, “But I want you to come!”

I'm back, my babies!

The boys followed apps to fetch me from the airport at 7.00 a.m. They were still in the pyjama; Thytus and Aaron wide awake, while Nixon sleeps in the backseat.

Thytus
He screams excitedly as he sees me load my bags into the car.. *touched*

(Inside the car)
Did you miss amma?
Yes...
How much did you miss me?
One thousand trillion and sixty six! *sigh* He knows this is a LOT!

Aaron
Did you miss amma?
*give a cute little smile*
Did you look for me?
*again, give that cute little smile*
I couldn't help but just hug this little fellow! *sigh*

Nixon
He didn't get up until I woke him up when we got near the house. He gets up sleepily and asks,
Where is my present? *aiiks!*

Dylan
Was missing me, I was told. Since I am still BF'ding, he gestured to look for my B. Somehow, apps and MIL managed. We were worried that he may miss me as much as Thytus did when I left him at 7 months. *phew*