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

Christmas Party at Aaliyah's School

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,

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.

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.

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

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.

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