Shriya:Paati, I think I know why Rama wanted to take Lakshmana and Sita with him to the forest
My Mom:Why?
Shriya: Rama was a prince and was used to having people help him, right? I think he took Sita with him so that she could cook for him and Lakshmana to do all the other work!!
Vaibhav: Also, Paati, I don't understand the bit where Lakshmana draws the line around Sita in the forest
My Mom: What's the confusion?
Vaibhav:Why could Lakshmana not take Sita along with him when he heard Rama shouting for help. I think it's silly to leave behind a girl all alone in a dangerous forest. If he had taken Sita with him, they could have both looked for Rama in different directions. And that way Sita could have also escaped from Ravana!!
Autumns here!!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Nobody like Paati!
"Paati, tell us another story",Paati, one last one..promise". And my mother will regale my little ones every night with story after story until I remind her that its way past their regular bedtime! Tenali Raman, Birbal, Ramayana, Gajendra Moksham have all been narrated. And my dancer mother, also a delightful storyteller, will add in sound effects, include her own side tales and enthrall the kids every night.
As I kissed the kids goodnight one day and left them in that darkened room with my mom, I was reminded of the days my brother and I would snuggle closer to our own paati and hear the very same stories mentioned above. It was a world where only the 3 of us existed.
Paati is indeed a special person and her stories even more so to every grandkid. The very same stories when retold by anyone else somehow does not have the same charm. Amma was not just helping me put the little ones to bed with her stories. She was creating such wonderful memories for them. I gently closed the door behind me and left the three of them to enjoy those precious moments in their own special world.
As I kissed the kids goodnight one day and left them in that darkened room with my mom, I was reminded of the days my brother and I would snuggle closer to our own paati and hear the very same stories mentioned above. It was a world where only the 3 of us existed.
Paati is indeed a special person and her stories even more so to every grandkid. The very same stories when retold by anyone else somehow does not have the same charm. Amma was not just helping me put the little ones to bed with her stories. She was creating such wonderful memories for them. I gently closed the door behind me and left the three of them to enjoy those precious moments in their own special world.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
My Sous Chefs
I'm not one of those moms who take great pride in a spotlessly clean kitchen. I'm easy with a splotch here or a spill elsewhere. And of course, that kind of attitude can come to a person only in S'pore where we're lucky to have stay-at-home help :-).
So, V&S's entry into the kitchen started quite early. When younger, they would be perched on my hip watching keenly as I threw in a dash of turmeric into the boiling sambhar. They smelled, they tasted and they played in the kitchen. A small ball of dough or a bowl of water kept them engaged for a good half hour by which time I managed the evening's meal.
We've always tried to keep our kitchen a fun place. We have bright yellow flowers in an even brighter yellow jug, music, Shriya's pink play kitchen, an entire wall dedicated to all the art and craft that the kids churn out every week.We even used to have a kid-sized table and chairs where they used to draw/colour and chat with me as I cooked.
And of course, we share our kitchen with Lord Ganesha, who gets to taste everything that is cooked.Shriya will promptly grab a bit of everything- be it an omelette or noodles- and place it right under Ganeshji's nose.
V&S are good helpers to have around the kitchen- they will very willingly peel a dozen eggs for the egg curry or mash a mound of potatos for the bhaji. They can cook a decent cheese omelete, make blueberry muffins with the help of Betty Crocker and fix their own sandwich and milk. Not Junior Master Chef surely,but not a bad a star either.
These days, of course, they cant be entertained with just a bowl of water or a piece of dough. So they dangle their legs and sit on the workspace near my cooking area and watch intently. I love to watch their eyes grow big as the various spices change colour, their noses wrinkling up as I give them a sniff of asafoetida, and mouths drooling when something they particularly like is cooking away.
You guys better keep the interest going...I am still hoping for that cooked breakfast treat on Mother's Day sometime soon!
So, V&S's entry into the kitchen started quite early. When younger, they would be perched on my hip watching keenly as I threw in a dash of turmeric into the boiling sambhar. They smelled, they tasted and they played in the kitchen. A small ball of dough or a bowl of water kept them engaged for a good half hour by which time I managed the evening's meal.
We've always tried to keep our kitchen a fun place. We have bright yellow flowers in an even brighter yellow jug, music, Shriya's pink play kitchen, an entire wall dedicated to all the art and craft that the kids churn out every week.We even used to have a kid-sized table and chairs where they used to draw/colour and chat with me as I cooked.
And of course, we share our kitchen with Lord Ganesha, who gets to taste everything that is cooked.Shriya will promptly grab a bit of everything- be it an omelette or noodles- and place it right under Ganeshji's nose.
V&S are good helpers to have around the kitchen- they will very willingly peel a dozen eggs for the egg curry or mash a mound of potatos for the bhaji. They can cook a decent cheese omelete, make blueberry muffins with the help of Betty Crocker and fix their own sandwich and milk. Not Junior Master Chef surely,but not a bad a star either.
These days, of course, they cant be entertained with just a bowl of water or a piece of dough. So they dangle their legs and sit on the workspace near my cooking area and watch intently. I love to watch their eyes grow big as the various spices change colour, their noses wrinkling up as I give them a sniff of asafoetida, and mouths drooling when something they particularly like is cooking away.
You guys better keep the interest going...I am still hoping for that cooked breakfast treat on Mother's Day sometime soon!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Geronimo Stilton...ur one cool mouse!
Vaibhav has always loved to listen to someone read. And started reading by himself when he was around 5 as compared to his sister who could read beautifully even at 4!If there is that rare silence (that every mother dreads especially when the kids are still at home)and I'm wondering what the kids are upto, I can be sure to find Shriya curled up with a book and Vaibhav very rarely with one.
But ever since Geronimo Stilton got into Vaibhav's life, he's reading and reading and reading some more. He saves his money to buy the 10$+ a copy of the Geronimo series.I was curious and read one. And I could totally understand why he was hooked. The quirky editor-mouse always got entangled in some sort of mystery which he solved by accident. The pages have little illustrations and the lines are not necessarily in order. They could go up a mountain, get suddenly squiggly and go all around a block of cheese depending on what was being discussed.
I'm more than glad.....atleast all the money that he saves now goes into forming a collection of books instead of those ultra silly Animal Kaizer cards and GoGos.I pinch myself and stifle a grin everytime his friends and he start discussing plots and start exchanging the books they have not read!!
This complete change sounds a little too dramatic right? Especially for a bunch of sweaty boys who could not get enough of soccer and tennis!
Keeping fingers crossed.....I'm not sure if this is just a craze like the others or if its here to stay!
But ever since Geronimo Stilton got into Vaibhav's life, he's reading and reading and reading some more. He saves his money to buy the 10$+ a copy of the Geronimo series.I was curious and read one. And I could totally understand why he was hooked. The quirky editor-mouse always got entangled in some sort of mystery which he solved by accident. The pages have little illustrations and the lines are not necessarily in order. They could go up a mountain, get suddenly squiggly and go all around a block of cheese depending on what was being discussed.
I'm more than glad.....atleast all the money that he saves now goes into forming a collection of books instead of those ultra silly Animal Kaizer cards and GoGos.I pinch myself and stifle a grin everytime his friends and he start discussing plots and start exchanging the books they have not read!!
This complete change sounds a little too dramatic right? Especially for a bunch of sweaty boys who could not get enough of soccer and tennis!
Keeping fingers crossed.....I'm not sure if this is just a craze like the others or if its here to stay!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Best friend, Teacher, Playmate,Grandpa...all rolled into one!
My parents are visiting and the kids are having a blast. They can now play their favourite games anytime of the day, they can rush down for a round of TT whenever they please and can ask for any dish on a whim! They dont have to wait for amma to finish her office call and get off the computer. They have two willing, obliging and adoring stand ins who indulge them and revel in all their childish prattle.
Vaibhav, especially has bonded so strongly with my Dad that sometimes I wonder if he realizes that he's actually dealing with a 60 year old who has just undergone an operation! Dad and V are like two kids playing, arguing, teasing and petting. My dad can play endless rounds of Rat A Tat A Cat (the kids' all time favourite card game), return every tease and tickle, tirelessly match his every move at table tennis and discuss the pros and cons of the different GoGos (another current fave)almost on par with any of his 6 year old buddies.
My Dad's a born teacher. As a child, I've spent sevaral precious hours with him building my vocabulary and struggling over Algebra!And Vaibhav is his newest student.Mental sums, quizzes and spelling tests can be heard at all times of the day in our home...over a snack, while playing a game and even while taking a walk down to anywhere!
I guess having my Dad around adds a bit of thrill for Vaibhav when it comes to dealing with me!The best bit for V these days is that he does not have to take a simple No for an answer from his Mom. He will immediately go up to my Dad and say " You are her father, right, talk to her! Be strict with her Chanudu(their nickname for my Dad)!!
Vaibhav recently came up to me and requested that he and his Chanudu go on a vacation all by themselves." Friends need to spend time together, ma"! And after thinking about the non-possibility of his idea he asked, " Can Chanudu please stay for one year with me. I think if we go ona holiday he will decide to stay longer with us".
In Vaibhav's lingo, he's enjoying the longest sleepover and playdate with his best friend- my Dad!The buddies are having a great time. The fun starts the minute my little boy wakes up. And the fun, I'm sure, is only going to double when V's vacation begins next week.
Vaibhav, enjoy every minute with your Thatha. Learn from his experience, imbibe his wonderful qualities and most of all treasure every moment with him.
Vaibhav, especially has bonded so strongly with my Dad that sometimes I wonder if he realizes that he's actually dealing with a 60 year old who has just undergone an operation! Dad and V are like two kids playing, arguing, teasing and petting. My dad can play endless rounds of Rat A Tat A Cat (the kids' all time favourite card game), return every tease and tickle, tirelessly match his every move at table tennis and discuss the pros and cons of the different GoGos (another current fave)almost on par with any of his 6 year old buddies.
My Dad's a born teacher. As a child, I've spent sevaral precious hours with him building my vocabulary and struggling over Algebra!And Vaibhav is his newest student.Mental sums, quizzes and spelling tests can be heard at all times of the day in our home...over a snack, while playing a game and even while taking a walk down to anywhere!
I guess having my Dad around adds a bit of thrill for Vaibhav when it comes to dealing with me!The best bit for V these days is that he does not have to take a simple No for an answer from his Mom. He will immediately go up to my Dad and say " You are her father, right, talk to her! Be strict with her Chanudu(their nickname for my Dad)!!
Vaibhav recently came up to me and requested that he and his Chanudu go on a vacation all by themselves." Friends need to spend time together, ma"! And after thinking about the non-possibility of his idea he asked, " Can Chanudu please stay for one year with me. I think if we go ona holiday he will decide to stay longer with us".
In Vaibhav's lingo, he's enjoying the longest sleepover and playdate with his best friend- my Dad!The buddies are having a great time. The fun starts the minute my little boy wakes up. And the fun, I'm sure, is only going to double when V's vacation begins next week.
Vaibhav, enjoy every minute with your Thatha. Learn from his experience, imbibe his wonderful qualities and most of all treasure every moment with him.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Religious or not, festivals we will not miss!
The Navratri countdown has begun. We've sent out all our golu invitations. Still figuring out dates and times to visit our friends' golus. Just anticipating the festivities and getting into the mood adds to the excitement!
But then last month has been quite a celebration too. Krishnashtami and Ganesh Chathurthi have always been special to us in the family. The kids love hearing stories of Krishna and Ganesha (or maybe because I only know stories with these 2 characters in it)and were keen to help bring in their birthdays.
To V&S, Krishna is the naughty little boy who loves butter and is always upto some prank and Ganesha is the clever, chubby boy who loves to eat and torment his little brother.And it was exactly in this spirit that our celebrations followed. We spoke about our little heroes as we had fun making the kuzhakattais and footprints. Shriya gave her favourite idols (see prev posts) a special shampoo bath. Vaibhav gave me a hand with the modaks (my very first time as well!!).Shriya wrote out a big and squiggly Happy Birthday outside our door with rice flour paste. Our Filipino housekeeper joined in and told us stories about similar festivals and sweets in her country.
There was no formal pooja or shlokha recitation. But the celebrations heralded the rest of the festive period for us in the most beautiful way. Eagerly looking forward to set up the golu with my imps.
But then last month has been quite a celebration too. Krishnashtami and Ganesh Chathurthi have always been special to us in the family. The kids love hearing stories of Krishna and Ganesha (or maybe because I only know stories with these 2 characters in it)and were keen to help bring in their birthdays.
To V&S, Krishna is the naughty little boy who loves butter and is always upto some prank and Ganesha is the clever, chubby boy who loves to eat and torment his little brother.And it was exactly in this spirit that our celebrations followed. We spoke about our little heroes as we had fun making the kuzhakattais and footprints. Shriya gave her favourite idols (see prev posts) a special shampoo bath. Vaibhav gave me a hand with the modaks (my very first time as well!!).Shriya wrote out a big and squiggly Happy Birthday outside our door with rice flour paste. Our Filipino housekeeper joined in and told us stories about similar festivals and sweets in her country.
There was no formal pooja or shlokha recitation. But the celebrations heralded the rest of the festive period for us in the most beautiful way. Eagerly looking forward to set up the golu with my imps.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Beyond boring beauties!
Shriya is perched on my lap and we are reading a story from the brand new Usborne’s Stories for Girls (that I’d absolutely enjoyed purchasing). It has 20 lovely tales, all very appealing to the girlie heart. I was excited just holding that juicy fat pink hard covered book and couldn’t wait to read all 20 at one go.
After a while, I heard a groan. In all my excitement, I kinda missed that groan. And then she did it again. I stopped and asked what the matter was. We were at the very first story: The twelve dancing princesses. Shriya asked me “ Why are all these princesses always dancing or marrying? Won’t they get bored of doing the same thing?"
I challenged her and asked what they should be doing instead. And she goes “ See amma, when I’m a princess, I won’t just dance and marry any prince. I will do all that only in the weekends and during playtime. The rest of the time I want to be a doctor. I’m going to be a Doctor Princess!!!”
Three cheers to my little heroine!!
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