Thursday, December 22, 2011

Locked Out

Ayaan and Aaliyah
Oh! what a crazy day it was. One that I'll remember for a long time to come. I was locked outside my house with two wailing children inside. We just have one door for entry and exit. I couldn't get in and the children couldn't unlock the door. It was around 2pm in the afternoon. Hubby was at work and the owner who lives upstairs, wasn't home either.  I tried to keep my calm hoping that either of my kids will unlock the door from the inside. The smart and swift Ayaan, who had locked the door in the first place or the not as smart, yet older Aaliyah. Neither of them could get the door to

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Potluck at Strongstart

Ayaan and I were at the StrongStart play group program at Mitchell Elementary school. We had signed up for the holiday potluck. Usually, only the kids sit together and have a snack on a regular program day. Since today was a holiday potluck,

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Letter and Identity

The "Thinking of You Letter" for Aaliyah's Star of the Week Monday Activity was much appreciated by her teacher. When I went to pick up Aaliyah after school, the teacher came up to me and told me that she found the letter very sweet and touching. The letter was able to convey to her and her class that Aaliyah was born in America and that was the reason why she spoke so much about America. The family picture that she took has been posted on the class bulletin board. It was funny how two of her classmates saw me and proudly announced that they knew who I was. I asked them  and they replied "You are Aaliyah's Mom". That was a sweet confirmation.
I have gotten used to this new identity of being called "Aaliyah's Mom" a long time ago when Aaliyah was in preschool. It seemed odd at first. It was like I didn't have a name anymore. Well that was then. Now whenever I accompany Aaliyah, I introduce myself as "Aaliyah's Mom". Oh wait a minute. Now that Ayaan has started preschool, my other new identity is "Ayaan's Mom". I guess since my world revolves around these two amazing little children, it is but natural for me to take pride in my new identities.

Monday, December 12, 2011

Star of the Week

Aaliyah is the Star of the week- "l'e`toile de la semaine." As the star of the week she will have special privileges in the classroom such as being first in line ups, sitting in a special chair during circle time, choosing her favorite song to sing in the morning, helping the teacher ring the bell etc. She is pretty excited about it. She woke up early all by herself and dressed up quickly-things that are quite different from her ordinary daily routine. She wore a new T-shirt that she had chosen when we went to Bellingham, USA for shopping this past weekend. She felt special alright.She was cheerful and happy. Hope her day goes well. Her teacher will be reading the "Thinking of You" letter that I wrote yesterday. I can't wait for Aaliyah to get back from school so I can hear the star speak about her day.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Thinking of You Letter

I have homework from Aaliyah's teacher. I was reading through the instructions that Aaliyah's Kindergarten teacher sent home for next week's star of the week. Each day she has different activities lined up. For Monday, the teacher wants a "thinking of you letter" from the parent(s).  The letter could be in the form of a story, a poem, a collection of pictures with details or simply a list of

Friday, December 9, 2011

Jeweled Pencil Holder

Jeweled Pencil Holder
Aaliyah and I made this over the weekend. I always wanted to put the empty cans (left over from tomato paste, soups, diced fruit etc.) into good use. I thought of making a pencil holder for Aaliyah's desk. I did all the paper cutting and Aaliyah did all the gluing. The rainbow was from one of her numerous art works that I found crumpled on the floor under her desk. Its giving the can a colorful touch and she loves rainbows. She plans on taking the pencil holder to school next week for her show and tell. She is very proud of her creation and has transferred all her pencils, scissors, etc. from her Tinker Bell pencil holder to this one. Easy and fun craft with your kids.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Sunday Brunch at Calgary Sweets

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday. Hubby and I woke up early while the kids were still asleep. I decided that I would quickly hit the local fabric store while Hubby watches the kids. The fabric store was having a member exclusive sale and I wanted to shop in peace because the last time I took the kids, the experience was more like shopping at a grocery store than at a hobby store. By the time I got ready, both the kids were up and there was a change in plans. We decided that we would eat first and

Chongay

Chongay
"Chongay" is a dessert that is made during the month of Muharram along with "Doodh ka sharbat" and Khubooli. It is one of Nasir's favorite dessert. His Mom, my Mother-in Law makes the best Chongays ever. She uses pure desi ghee (clarified butter) in her preparation and the end product is

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

10 Months and still Honeymooning

 
Its been 10 months since we moved out from California, USA to British Columbia, Canada. 10 months is a pretty long time to get used to a new city and a new country. However, I still feel that I have not quite gotten used to my new surroundings. I feel like I am still on a long holiday and everything seems so comfortable, beautiful and yet, super hazy. If you've ever been on a honeymoon, you probably would understand what I'm talking about.  

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Chilli Pepper House

Every once in a while you feel like having Chinese food. Hot and spicy noodles and fried rice with juicy tender crispy chicken in fresh and light gravy. Absolutely delicious! If I'm home, I cook up my own chow mein noodles and satisfy my Chinese food craving. If we are out and about, then

Thursday, November 24, 2011

I'm Thankful for my Broom and my Mop

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States of America. A country which was home to me for the last 10 years. So I have 10 wonderful Thanksgiving dinners to be thankful for. Here in Richmond, Canada, its just another cold, cloudy, kinda rainy, Thursday. And I'm thankful. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, here is my list of what I'm thankful for:
  1. The people in my life-my friends and my family near and far. As for the people who've left this world for the world above, I am thankful for the good times and the wonderful memories

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

On Losing my Father

I lost my Father on July 29th, 2011. It's been almost 4 months since his death and ever since his death, there hasn't been a single day that I  did not miss him. Every day in the Mommyhood, there have been some quiet moments, some moments of pain, some moments of lost thought and a few moments of guilt. Hidden somewhere within these quiet, painful, thoughtful and guilty moments are the moments of pride and joy, the good times that strengthened the father daughter relationship and one big lesson-life goes on. Life does go on, the memories however, stay.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

First Day at Preschool

Ayaan started preschool yesterday. I finally took the leap and enrolled him in the Kinderfun program at Cambie Community Center. This preschool is walking distance from my home and close to Aaliyah's elementary school. I can walk them to their schools if the weather is nice or if I don't have a car for any day.  Spending the last 10 months with him in my new role as a stay at home Mommy, did bring us very close to each other and letting him out of my sight for a whole two and a half hours was hard for me, or so I thought.

Ayaan was so excited to go to his own school. He was the happiest baby on the block. He got dressed quickly and listened to whatever I asked him to do.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Preschool Time

Ayaan and I were at the Cambie Community Center's Preschool today to observe and participate in their KinderFun playgroup session. I went there with my head filled with doubts of whether Ayaan will fit in. Within the first few minutes, I was certain that he will.

There were about 12 kids (including Ayaan), 2 teachers and 1 parent helper. They started with circle time where they sang a welcome song to introduce each other. I thought it was cute.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Red Poppies on Remembrance Day

Today is Remembrance day. A day to remember the members of the armed forces who were killed during World War I. We remember the dead "lest we forget." People throughout Richmond and probably across Canada are wearing red poppy pins on their left lapels. Keeping the memory of the dead, close to their heart.


 Being a new Canadian immigrant, I wondered why the red poppies? I found out that the red poppies symbolize the blood spilled on the battle fields where poppies grew in abundance. The poppies are mentioned in a poem "In Flanders Fields" written in 1919 during the WWI by Lt. Col. John McCrae.  That's why the red poppies. Its a very touching poem and I thought I would share it here. So, here it goes.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Better TV Watchers

My latest and greatest favorite show is Bade Acche Lagte Hain ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bade_Achhe_Lagte_Hain ). I just love this show on Sony channel. I started watching it when I was in India and was hooked right from the word go. This show is such a welcome change from the run of the mill Saas Bahu shows that abound Indian television. Its a story about a couple with extremely opposite personalities and how they end up marrying. Their married life is quite interesting I must say and can't wait till I bring myself up to speed with all the episodes on YouTube that I missed last month. I am addicted to it and honestly I feel I should put a tap on my addiction.

Now, I totally understand how hard it is for children not to watch their favorite cartoons/princess movies etc.  Whenever I realize that they have been watching TV for way too long, and despite my warning they would not budge,

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Mommy Glance

The one final look at your children before they step out of the door, that's "Mommy Glance." I missed giving my daughter that final look, that final glance and she ended up with untended hair on Bakrid day.Sure, kids look good just the way they are. But for a Mommy who loves making hair bows, having a kid go without one is mortifying.

On that busy Bakrid morning, I woke up early to get ready for the Eid. The kids were still sleeping. It was freezing outside. The temperature was -3 degrees C. It is hard for us grown-ups to get out of our warm and cozy comforter, they were just kids. With much coaxing, they finally woke up. Hubby gave them a quick bath and we both took one kid each to dress. He got the easy one I got the toughie.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Little Blue Dress

Finally got Aaliyah's dress completed. She had two dresses with the same pattern that barely fit her now. She still tries to wear them though. Whenever she wore those dresses, she was sure to receive compliments. So, here is my take on those dresses.
Little Blue Dress

Thursday, November 3, 2011

About Me

So, here I am. An old Mommy in a new, beautiful  neighborhood exploring life in my "Mommyhood." I am a Mommy to a  darling daughter Aaliyah and a high spirited son Ayaan. With these two around, there is never a dull moment. They are always up to something new. Together, they pretty much rule my life. Whatever I do, has to revolve around them. Whether it the food I am cooking or the places I am going, it is always about them. There was however, a time when it was all about me.

I was born and raised in Andhra Pradesh, India, went to California, USA for higher studies, went back to India and got married to a loving and supportive Husband (Nasir), returned to the US, worked  in the non-profit industry for about 6 years, had two beautiful babies along the way and when my work visa was about to expire, we moved out here to Canada in search of a better, stable life.

The transition from a working mother to a stay at home mother was initially difficult. It was totally my decision to stay at home and spend some quality time with the kids. However, there were times when I questioned my own decision. While I enjoyed the extra time that I was able to spend with the kids, yet the routine, the feeling of touching people's lives, making a difference and being constantly appreciated is what I missed most. My biggest complaint was the house work. No matter how much I do, there never seemed to be an end. When you go to work you put in your 8 hours of work from 9-5 and are done for the day. It never seemed like I would ever be done with the housework. It is like a never ending chore especially with kids. I so needed a break from this never ending chore.

I started spending time on Facebook and just online browsing. I was specifically intrigued by the various websites devoted to crafts and sewing and stumbled upon blogger and its different blogs. What piqued my interest was how well some of these blogs also updated their readers with the happenings in the lives of their children. Now flash forward 10, maybe 15 years and imagine having those same children stumble upon their Mom's blog. Read about how they were as kids, the troubles and challenges of everyday parenting etc. Writing, reflecting, saving memories and escaping housework? Wow! I found this whole idea simply irresistible.

Setting a blogger account was easier than I thought. Within a few simple clicks,  I had a blog. I did have to put some thought into a decent blog title and "Mommyhood Musings" sounded perfect. My thoughts and observations on my life as a Mommy in a new neighborhood. I love new challenges and blogging seems like a good one for now.

I now have a place to share my thoughts.  A place where I can reflect on my life with my two wonderful little kids. A place for my creativity whether it is sewing, dabbling in crafts or simply writing. And when my children grow up and I become a Grandma,  when the house will look spotlessly clean everyday, when I will have nothing better to do, I will sit back, relax, make myself a nice cup of tea and browse through my life in the "Mommyhood."

Saturday, October 15, 2011