Category Archives: Family

They’re Growing So Fast!

26 Thursday Jan 2017

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Its been a little more than a week since my last post. My 3 year old will be joining a preschool in another week and its been kind of doing my head in. I had been wallowing in a sea of gloomy thoughts along the lines of how quickly my cheeky li’l monster was growing up. I desperately wish there was a way to slow down this growing-up business! As much as I am looking forward to seeing him mingle with kids his own age and hopefully hear him speak a language that makes sense to us, I am dreading the day when I will miss him speaking Minion. And a time when he wouldn’t even want to be seen around with me is also just around that infernal corner. All these impulsive hugs and cuddles that he’s always giving me will soon come to an end. And so will all the whispers, snuggles and giggles that we share alone at night.

So since I’ve been pondering over all the changes that will take place very soon, I have also been thinking about my 11 year old who turned 12 earlier this month. She’s going to be in her teens next year and I am already having a tough time talking to her. We’re at each other’s throats quite frequently these days and I really do not know how to handle it. Which brings me to wonder how my mum did it with my brother and I! We were horribly rebellious during our teenage years and she managed us all by herself because Dad was overseas.

Why can’t they just remain little for a while longer? I remember a time during my childhood days when I truly wished I didn’t have to grow up. If Neverland ever existed, I think I would have happily run off and made my home there. This could be a reason why a part of me is still and always will be, childish. I never wanted to grow up! Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional, they say.

So is all of this going to get any easier? Nope!

I guess I can cheer myself up with the fact that there is going to be a lot of “First Times” to look forward to with him. With both of them, in fact. But that’s about the only positive thing in all of this for me.

So I’d better just suck it up, put my game face on, add more lipstick and pretend all is well with the world. And if I need to cry, at least I have my yarns to cry into.

Catching up!

13 Sunday Nov 2016

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Hello, lovely people!

I hope you all have been well and enjoying life!

Its been an absolute eternity since my last post and I just thought I’d pop by and say hello.

Another month and we will soon be in a tizz over the X’mas festivities! I can already feel the joy bubbling up in my heart and I’m so looking forward to this beautiful season!

I’ve had a job change happening and I had been busy trying to wrap my mind around it. This is a first in my entire career while living in the same country. The first time I changed a job was when I left a country to move to this one 9 yrs ago! Trying to adjust to the changes and the new responsibilities is always quite a challenging task.

Which brings me again to why I’m so glad I took up crochet as a hobby! Cheers me up no end when I come home after a days work! Puts my mind at ease and I can always feel the tension ebb away.

And I’ve managed to catch up on a lot with my WIPs!

The Moogly CAL 2016 is in its final month and I think the last I posted about it was in June when I completed Block 12! My goodness! That really is a long time!

I have progressed pretty well with it and here are all the pictures of the rest of the blocks till Block 21 –

Block 13 – Southern Summertime Square
Block 14 – Wishing Well
Block 15 – Rising Sun
Block 16 – Joyful Afghan Square
Block 17 – Popcorn Lace
Block 18 – Lotus Flower Mandala
Block 19 – The Trail Square
Block 20 – Festival of Fall
Block 21 – Fans and Lace Square

Block 22 is a little tricky with some sewing involved and I think I will be using an alternate block instead. So that leaves just 2 more blocks this month and I’ll soon have a completed afghan to cozy in by December! Can’t wait!

My Sophie is still in its infancy. I have managed to complete only up to Part 7 and I had hoped to complete Part 8 before I post an update. Hope to get that sorted out before the year is up!

There was also a throw that I had been working on early in the year. And boy! Am I proud to say that its been done with and I’d even made a cushion cover to complement it! But that’s going to be for another post when I can really show it off 🙂

I did think of starting on some crocheted gifts for Christmas too, but decided I really did not want to take that road so late. I don’t think I can handle the stress of not completing them in time! So I’m gonna give it a miss this year. Sadly.

I bet you’re all done with your X’mas gifts, aren’t ya!

On the family front, my 2 year old quietly turned 3 earlier this month. We went for dinner to celebrate it. We even took him to a movie later that week 🙂 It was his first time to a theater and I laughed at the way he sat on his father’s lap, waiting solemnly for whatever it was that was going to take place. I forgot to click a picture, silly me! I always forget to take pictures of my children’s “first time” 😦 Once the lights dimmed and the movie started, he still maintained his silence. I kept glancing at him to see if he nodded off considering how late at night the show was. But he sat entranced the entire 3 hrs. Proved I needn’t worry about taking him to the movies next time 🙂

So that’s what’s been going on in my life so far!

Now to catch up on all your blogs..

Until next time..Take care, lovelies!

New Crafty Supplies and a WIP

11 Thursday Feb 2016

Posted by in Crafts, Crochet, Family, Life In Kuwait

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The better half went to Vegas for 2 weeks to attend a trade fair. Came back with a few lovely crafty things that he got from Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores.

One of it was not really a surprise because I had told him specifically to get it. Its a Martha Stewart Knit and Weave Loom set that I wanted to learn to do. I had seen it on one of the video posts on Facebook (by Petals to Picots, I think it was) and wanted to give it a try.

My 11 yr old saw the video too and said she would learn to do it instead. She even went ahead and assigned us roles : I would stick to crochet and she would learn to weave. Was I glad she showed an interest 🙂 ! She had wanted to learn to crochet too; but she couldn’t get her fingers and hook to behave the way they were supposed to. So gave up on it.

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We still haven’t taken the loom out of the packaging. She’s got her finals coming up in 2 weeks and once that is done with, we’ll jump to it. Until then, its stashed out of our way so we don’t get enticed.

Other crafty things in the bag were 2 varieties of Pom-Pom makers, bunch of fancy and cute buttons, a coloring book by Leisure Arts (I soooo love them; I could sit for hours with it and forget there are needy humans in the house.), a scrap-book kit and 2 sets of paint-by-numbers for my 11 yr old (she’s only just begun learning to paint with water-colors).

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Really pleased with them all. These are sure to bring us some mother-daughter quality time together :). The 2 yr old can just watch us and kick up a fuss for not including him.

This evening after work, we saw another beautiful sunset. Drove past the beach to admire it more. We sat in the car for a while watching it, listened to some old Indian music, talked about nothing in particular and got lost in our day-dreams 🙂

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Later at home we had a game of Snakes and Ladders. Its been ages since we played a game together. We didn’t have the actual board with us. So my 11 yr old drew one and made chits with numbers from 1-6 to choose from 😀 . We played 2 rounds and she won both.

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And lastly, I’ve been working on a small new project since 2 days – The Mantilla Doily. Making it in a solid color.

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I decided to spend time on smaller, pretty projects; especially the ones that I had saved on Pinterest since I’ve already got a large one – the Moogly CAL afghan – in the works. Will put up the completed pic of the doily once done. I have more of them lined up to make 🙂

So that’s that for this week! Looking forward to reading all about yours too 🙂 !

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fading Childhood..

07 Thursday Jan 2016

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Wow! Its already a week since we entered a new year!

My 10 yr old turned 11 on the 4th. Her final year as a child, I guess. No more child discounts next year 🙂

We went out for dinner to Fridays at the 360 Mall to celebrate. Just the 4 of us. Its her favorite mall, for reasons known to her alone. But we like it too. They’ve got some lovely settings in there. I feel its one of the very few aesthetically-done malls we have here. Click the name to check out the pictures for yourselves.

After dinner, we strolled around. It’s been ages since we visited this particular mall. They had some famous landmarks from around the world installed . It was supposedly on from the 17th of Dec till the 6th of Jan. We didn’t get to see all of it, though. And if you followed them on Instagram (I personally hate that app), you could end up being one of the lucky few who gets to win tickets to these destinations. So, we were just in time to see a few structures like these before they were removed –

 

The Big Ben was featured on their poster too. But we didn’t see it anywhere.

And there was a pretty half-wall with some plants growing out of it. Attached to it at the bottom was an infinity pool sort of granite block. Not sure how the water stays on it since its not a hollowed out block. Maybe its got holes in it. Anyhow, it looked pretty with the lights all around.

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Spent some time around their fountain too.

Finally got home around 11.

All of us then cuddled up on the bed with wishful thoughts. It quickly turned into a poignant moment.

We didn’t want any sadness creeping in, but it did. She was sad her birthday ended. I felt sad too. And so did the better half.

Sad that she grew up so fast. Realized that she soon won’t be a little girl anymore. Wished we spent more time with her. Wished we spent lesser time quarreling and arguing over silly things. We talked about how much we rush about getting busy with unimportant things instead of taking the time to make some moments special. And then when special things did happen, we just let it pass us by without a second thought. Later wishing we could go back to it and savor it more. We vowed to never let it happen again. Vowed to never have regrets.

She’ll soon enter her teenage years. She’s already starting to get moody. A lot! And I pray that we will all be able to handle it well.

We will survive.

 

 

New Aquatic Pals

27 Friday Nov 2015

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I’ve been seriously neglecting my blog. Life has been really hectic and the only free time I get is spent on trying to complete my afghan (still a really, really long way to go) and a few crochet-y gifts for X’mas.

This week we got ourselves 3 new aquatic pets.

My 10 yr old has been pestering us for a pet and her request for a puppy or a bird had been repeatedly turned down. As much as we would have loved to get her a dog, it was impractical. If I were a stay-at-home-mom, we would definitely have got one. But since I’m not and we don’t really have the time for one (and I personally felt birds would be a noisy affair), we got her fish. 3 of them. Which was perfect for us too (less hassle 🙂 ).

Here they are – 1 Siamese fighting fish and 2 gold fish.

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She has been given the responsibility of feeding them and so far she’s been doing a good job.

Today we had some gorgeous weather and took a trip to the beach. Collected the little shells that you can see at the bottom of the goldfish bowl.

The 2 year old took a dip in the sea for the first time! He had always been afraid to go near the water, not wanting to even look at it every time we stopped by the beach. He never liked walking barefoot on the sand either. But today he did both of those! Become brave, I suppose 🙂

That’s the end of one busy but grand week.

Can’t wait to finish my X’mas WIPs soon and show them off to you too 🙂

Goodnight, Lovely People!

 

 

 

Dearest Daughter

13 Tuesday Oct 2015

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“…you are my rainbow to keep. My eyes will always be watching you; never will I lose sight of you.”
― Vesna Bailey

Its been a horribly hectic 2 weeks!

My 10 yr old has finished her mid-term exams today and we are finally, FINALLY free of the stress that determinedly tags along with us every time an exam is in the horizon. Which is twice a year.

There was a moment where I thought she would have a nervous breakdown when I heard her weeping in the bath 3 days ago! The poor thing! Its a race against time for them just to get to the finish. The amount of revisions I’ve helped her through these 2 weeks is mind-boggling, not to mention the nerve-racking stress we’ve both endured! I already feel her childhood has been ruined by this constant pressure of having to excel and reach everyone’s expectations including mine. “When do I get time to do fun things??” she always asks.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I have resolved to never “get” her to study. But it seems to be ingrained in me to always put in a “study” word even during our normal conversations. And no matter how much I try not to, the “study” word just slips in unnoticed! And not before long we find ourselves in the middle of shouting matches resulting in her storming off with loud mutterings that ends with wishing she didn’t have me as her mum.

Which then inevitably, ALWAYS make me ponder, “Why can’t I just let her be. As her mum, I already know what works for her. So why do I always go and say the wrong thing!!”

And now that we’re done with the mid-terms, I have resolved to let her study when she wants to. I know that resolution might never come to pass, but I am still going to make every effort not to force. Yet Again.

So after work, when I see her this evening, I plan to spend it entirely with her. Go for a walk together. Just the two of us. We haven’t spent time alone with each other ever since her brother came along 2 yrs ago. I need to tell her how sorry I am for not easing her burden. For adding more to it. Let her know how amazing she is and how lucky I am to be her mum.

That should do for now, I hope.

Reflections

04 Saturday Jul 2015

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Its been a hectic week, both at work and at home, and following a short break of “staying at home during weekends” because of the very unpleasant incident that took place 2 weeks ago here in Kuwait, we ventured out yesterday evening.

Aft20150703_212749er dinner at a small joint that served one of the best chicken tikkas, we went to the beach opposite our church.

I had never, ever been to this part of the beach considering Kuwait has a coastline of approx. 200 km with a lot of beach areas to choose from. The evening was very warm and the beach was quiet and peaceful. Quiet, mostly because it is the Holy month of Ramadan and the majority of the people were breaking their fasts at home with their family and loved ones. So we had the whole area to ourselves apart from the few cats strolling and lazing about, occasionally being screamed at and chased by my 2 cheeky monsters.

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We sat on one of the benches savoring the solitude, talking about the week that passed and planning our one-month holiday that’s due in just another 10 days. How quickly the days have flown by. We then sat and watched the tide go out and come in. Watched the twinkling lights of the boats that are far at sea. Watched the reflections of the city lights shimmering in the still waters.

A sense of calm came over me and all the stress from the week that passed just melted. I was so glad we got out and came here. Felt more at peace with myself and the world and a lot more refreshed to begin a brand new week.

Wishing you all a great week too!

Once Upon A Summer Camp

14 Sunday Jun 2015

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Summer is here, schools are closed for 3 months and the normal 9 am – 1 pm activity-filled summer camps will soon be up and running!

For the first time ever, my 10 year old went on a 3 day camping trip last Thursday. One that was different from the others because it involved sleeping over.

Where we live, opportunities like this are perpetually zilch. Mainly because the weather is absolutely unfavorable almost all year round. Its either too hot and dusty or too cold and windy. There’s rarely an in-between. But of course, that doesn’t stop many of the local die-hards from having their own fun in the sun. But we’re not one of them 🙂 . We wait for the weather to turn friendly before we really venture out.

So when we got to hear about this trip, I was really excited for her to be doing this although it was her first and longest time away from us.

It brought back a lot of my own childhood memories. The thrill of being away from parents, having fun with friends, learning and doing new things together etc. I was really hoping she would enjoy it as much as I did as a child.

The camp was mainly for 9 – 17 year olds and was also more of an educational workshop aimed at personality development and leadership training in kids apart from a whole load of other activities.

I did worry though, about whether she would be able to take care of herself and do her own things. But I decided that its time I stopped babying her. I really wanted her to learn to be independent and to stop being so touchy-feely. To learn to be more bolder and stronger. So we decided she would go.

Thursday came, but I just couldn’t see the excitement in her. Unfortunately, she didn’t have any of her own friends going, but I thought this could help her venture out and make new ones. We dropped her off and came back home.

On Saturday, we went to pick her up from the camp-site.

There was a closing ceremony marking the end of the camp and the leader gave us – the parents – an insight about what the 3 days was all about. And boy! Were we enlightened!

The workshops and activities were more like survival training. Their day started at 5 a.m. They slept the night away on rug-covered floors. They were given simple and healthy food only to satisfy their hunger with nothing fancy about it. Definitely nothing choosy either. For thirst, the options were water, buttermilk or the maximum luxury of a lemonade. No fizzy drinks. Absolutely not! They had to clean up after meals and wash their own dishes. Loads of activities like yoga, swimming, arts and other creative stuff. They were let out in the desert, given compasses and made to find their own way back to the camp (supervised from a far distance, of course 🙂 ).

They learned to get out of their comfort zones and do things that they would NEVER do under normal circumstances. Watching the orderly kids, the messy ones learned to be a little more organized. The rowdier ones learned to be a little more sober. The frivolous and thoughtless ones a little more caring. The selfish, a little more sharing. They learned to not be picky about what they ate. About where they slept.

Mostly, they learned to empathize. Were taught to understand the hardships a lot of unfortunate people and children in our world go through. They learned a little to not take things for granted. Learned to adjust and compromise a little more.

And I?

I learned that evening, the effects of over-indulging our kids. Of not letting them experience or see that life is not just a bed of roses. That there is a tough and unrelenting world out there that my babies would one-day have to find their way in.

We drove back home in thoughtful silence. Along with my 10 year old, a little older and a little wiser.

Little Joys

29 Friday May 2015

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I’ve been worried a little about my son NOT speaking a word. He is 18 months and 26 days today.

When he was born, I had subscribed to a couple of baby blogs because I was afraid I had lost touch (I have a 10 year old as well and 10 yrs is a loooong time between babies 🙂 ) and to keep myself updated on baby-care and what to expect and what to be concerned about etc etc. One blog gave a monthly update on a baby’s average monthly progress.

When Tristan turned one, we were sloooowly trying to get him to say a few words including Mama & Papa. With no success.

We talk to him everyday, involve him in all that we do.

I had also read that we need not try and make them say any particular words like Mama and Papa. Babies already know who Mama and Papa are. Just talk full sentences to them and they’ll soon pick up words.

So I left it at that.

When he turned 18 months, I got this update from 1 blog :

“Now that your child has mastered some key words, she’ll soon figure out that saying those words REALLY LOUDLY is a surefire way to get your attention. Some toddlers can even make simple two-word sentences such as “No more” or “All done.” And, as your child becomes more self-aware, she may start referring to herself by name: “Claire go,” for example.”

I thought, “Wait, what? Mastered key words??? When?? I haven’t heard these key words!! I haven’t heard even 1 word! He’s still getting our attention by shouting and then taking us by our hand to show us what he wants!!”

And that set my worry on again. 2 weeks ago, I had taken both kids to the doc for their regular check-up and I voiced my concern. Doc told me to not worry and that some kids start talking only at 3 yrs (Wow!) and to continue interacting and talking to him.

So again, I left it at that.

Yesterday, I was on the couch watching TV. And Tristan walks up to me, plants himself on my lap and rests his cheek on my chest. And after a little while, he shyly gazed up at me and quietly said – Mama.

Oooohhh.. Pure instant joy!!!

Wondering what and when his next words will be 🙂