Mama, please play with us

My husband and I were out most days the last week.

Though the kids were kept busy with their playmates and home activities; they noticed our absences. And MC asked, ' you know what mama, it's been a long time since you played with us. When can you play with us again?'

Though I expected that they would miss our presence, the question jolted me. I know that we are being busy as we are working on something for our future; but I also know that we should not ignore the present. The kids needed us now.

Right there and then I decided to stay home. I devoted that whole day playing with the kids. I realized I missed playing with them, too.

Despite being busy, there should always be a time to play with the kids. Dont wait for tomorrow, there is always time, even a short one, now.

And here's how I manage with my 'short but sweet' playtimes:

1. Mornings I wake them up a little earlier and cuddle with them and tickle them.
2. While combing their hair, we play a game of pretend.
3. On the road I call them and play short puzzle games.
4. Evenings we go for short walks or a quick visit to the playground.
5. If I am too tired, we would simply draw together or read together.

Of course, big playdates and longer play hours are reserved during weekends and holidays.

What is a Christening?

I became a happy godmother last month. I brought the whole family with me during the celebration.

The kids, witnessing the ceremony for the first time (MC was there during IC's christening but she was only two years old at that time); was so excited.

Number one because they got to play with the baby. They were even allowed to carry the baby which made them prouder.

Number two because as I've said, it is their first time to watch and be a part of a christening.

On our way to the christening, they asked the inevitable: What is a christening?

I told them it is a church rite in which a child is baptized by sprinkling water on their head to become a member of the church and the time to give the child a Christian name. I told them the child would be wearing a white dress showing that they are pure. And the child would have godparents who would help take care of them and guide them as they grow up.

I dont know if they understood as they simply nodded on my explanation. But they were fully concentrated on the ceremony the whole time. And in the end they told me 'mama, you got it right; everything was done as you said.' ;D

Harvest Time is Play Time

The garden is inviting us with its colorful offers. The fruits are ripe. The trees are thick with treasures. The kids are have their baskets. They are wearing their 'get dirty' clothes. They are ready to harvest, ready to play.
But first, they stuffed themselves before their baskets. 'We needed to eat to have enough strenght to help,' said MC.
They relaxed on the apple tree, still bare; and took turns picking cherries while pretending to be monkeys.
Made themselves more beautiful using cherry earrings.

Used the ladder to get higher and higher, wanting more cherries on their baskets and trying to reach the sky.
And they played hide and seek in between bushes of berries, punctuating their runs with bites here and there.

At the end of the day, they're tired yet happy and proudly showing off their collection.