Danke, Frau Schwarz (Thank You, Ms. Schwarz)

My six-year-old IC is sad. Since we found a home in another city, we have no choice but for the girls to transfer to another school, too. This is the third time in this school year that they have had to transfer schools; thus it is understandable that there would be some difficulties.

But because IC was able to adjust immediately in her last school transfer, we assumed it would be okay this third time, too. We were wrong. During our first visit to their new school, we brought the girls with us. IC wasnt happy. She noticed a lot of 'wrong things.' She decided that she would stay in her old school.

We explained to her that since we live in another city, we had to find a school nearer our new home. We told her that she would find new friends; and that she could always play with her old school friends, too. She wasnt convinced. The Sunday before their first day in the new school, she was already sad which ended up with tears. We consoled her by saying we would bring her to school and if she wants, we could wait outside until the last bell rings.

The first school day was ok, her classroom adviser was sick but Frau Schwarz has taken over the class. Frau Schwarz greeted her and led IC to her place. IC followed without a backward glance to us. My husband and I left without worries.

IC would work on her homeworks and would get up for class; but she would always cry during bedtimes and upon waking up 'I dont want to go to school.' She said she misses us. She said she's homesick. She says she's getting headaches. No amount of convincing works; we even tried bribing her. ( I know, I know!)

On the third day of school, Frau Schwarz called us up. IC's complaining of a bad headache and we should fetch her immediately. We fetch her and she started crying again. She wont go back to school. She wanted to return to her old school or else she would continue to have more headaches!

Then, when I was cuddling with her in bed; her teacher, Frau Schwarz, called up. She wanted to know if IC feels better. She said she would find a better place for IC to sit in the classroom. She said IC should get well fast because her classmates miss her, Frau Schwarz, too. Frau Schwarz needs her to be there in the classroom because she helps her teach her classmates during homework time.

My husband talked to Frau Schwarz and told her about IC. But only hearing that her teacher called up to check on her made IC feel better already. IC said, 'Mama, I feel better and I think I love Frau Schwarz.' I told her I am pretty sure her teacher loves her, too.

To Frau Schwarz: Thank you very much for taking time to call and inquire about IC. You made her feel better and you made us feel good that we have a caring teacher looking out for our girl.

This thank you goes to all Frau Schwarzes out there! May your loving tribe multiply :-D

My Nine-Year-Old's Noddle Salad Recipe

It is Nutrition Month at school and MC simply love what they do. She would come home with her grocery list and would personally make sure that she would have her things ready the day before.

She even urged her Papa to attend one of the cooking sessions. And what's more, she would prepare and cook the school recipes the day after they have tried them out.

Her favorite would be the Noodle Salad Recipe which she would prepare for us over and over again; we have also varied the recipe by adding more fruits. We all love it, and you might want to try it, too.

Ingredients:
3 tbs olive oild
3 tbs vinegar
a pinch of salt
some pepper
250 g sliced fresh strawberry
2 pcs sliced kiwi
2 pcs sliced banana
250 g cooked noodles
some chopped chives

Slice all fruits into bite size pieces and put into one big salad bowl. Add the cooked noodles, then the chopped chives. Put the first two ingredients in a mixing glass and mix well. Pour the oil and vinegar mixture into the salad bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Serve.

MC always make sure that we have all washed our hands before preparing the food in the kitchen. Plus, she would bring out all the ingredients and kitchen items; then line them up so that she could concentrate on her Noodle Salad.

I am also proud to note that MC is learning to enjoy the 'greens' and is ready to try other veggies because of the Nutrition Month. Next recipes, Baked Potato and Fruit Bowl.

Traditions for Valentine

And I thought Valentine's Day would pass just so... because of the chaos of transferring to a new house, of the kids facing another school transfer, of health challenges, etc..

But tradition is powerful.

I already secretly talked to the girls that we would prepare a special Valentine's dinner at home tonight. The girls would help prepare and cook everything. Excited whispers followed, especially when they confirmed over the radio that it is indeed, Valentine's Day.

After school, the girls were fetched by their papa. And I got my traditional Valentine's Day gifts. The girls proudly shoved a long-stemmed rose each to my face; while my husband presented another vase of orchid to add to our collection of special day orchids.

Well, I had a little surprise for them, too. I prepared and decorated our lunch table filled with heart-shaped gummi bears, roses and their favorite meals: squash bread slices, perfumed rice, spaghetti, goulasch and Schweizer art geschnetzeltes!

'Mama, I love the decors and the lunch was great,' said my six-year old. From my husband, I got a gentle kiss for my effort :-D

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

Birth Dates Take-Over

'Mama, since Opa and Oma (Grandma and Grandpa) are already in heaven; could we have their birthdays?, asked IC after an evening prayer.

It turned out that since her sister MC's birthday falls on the same month as the Oma (December), and IC's birthday's in April like the Opa, the girls have discussed and ended up with a scheme: They would take-over Oma and Opa's birthday so that it would not take a long time for them to wait for their respective birthdates.

I explained to them that they cannot simply take-over anybody's birthday or else they would turn 100 years old fast! Plus, birthdays are special. It is the celebration of someone's birth. It is a celebration of life.

And most important of all, they would have enough time to list down their birthday wishes; and would not have to hurry in preparing for their birthday parties.

Those words seemed to satisfy :-D