Thankful

One hour to go and I board the aeroplane, on the flight back home.

The past five days have been nothing short of amazing and I am so thankful for them. Thankful to the husband who gave me the green light to go on this holiday. Thankful to the sister and the boyfriend who were around that brought much convenience, great company, laughter and so-much-fun to our time. Thankful to the mother, who selflessly volunteered her help with the children in my absence. Thankful to my friends who made time to meet with me.

And finally, thankful for my sister - she who I can speak to, confide in, laugh with, shop with, eat with and be with. I know that I'm not the easiest person to get along with (sometimes) but I'll never ever hurt her or anyone intentionally and I really am glad that I have such an awesome relationship with her.

This holiday was such a luxury and I am so thankful that I was able to enjoy it.

I'm recharged and happy and looking forward to going home, to be a wife, a daughter and a mother.

Fruit

This is another fruit of my husband's labour. While I was rather taken aback by how much crawlies there were from this plant alone, it's still rather amazing that we reaped our first bitter gourd! My husband totally has green fingers (though we did have sunflower and other plants which...)

& they can look cuter - with props

Jake the scholar

Kate the clown

Last three days

In two day's time, I'm going to end a journey in my current work place.

I remember, more than two years ago, I was full of excitement, anticipation and hope when I first started. 

This journey has been mostly fun, made bearable with the support network I have gained through my tenure here. I leave on a super high, because of timing and honestly, I'm still so ingrained in the work that I nearly feel wistful that I'll not be here to follow this through. But I'll be back to stand at the finishing line and watch this in all its glory, so I'm still part of it all.

I'm thankful for all the experiences I have gained, lessons I have learnt, and most of all, the friends I have made.
 

Friends

Things I do when I'm off work

I had a couple of days off work last week and it was nice, being able to do my own things, doing things with the kids, and just having time.

Head to the market with everyone in tow and silence feed them with food. Someone's grumpy because he's finished with his biscuit and wants more.

Bring the daughter down to wait for her school bus. Someone's found a way to entertain herself when the bus was grossly late.

Capture the siblings loving each other. Such sights truly warm my heart.

Watch the son have breakfast like a boss.

Bring the daughter out for some solo time and treat me us to some dessert.

Head to the park for some evening play

Watch them enjoy themselves on the swings

Marvel at how the son is a mini person and no longer a wehwehbaby when he can hold his own on this horsey thingy

Have a girly sleepover (there are 5 in this pic) when the husband has his friends over till late.

To my mother

A family who loves, laughs, eats, plays and be silly together. Thank you, with all my heart, for being the superwoman that you are, for loving us and being so selfless in being the best mother anyone can ever wish for. Thank you for being so loving and generous as a grandmother, my kids are lucky and blessed and couldn't ask for more. We are how we are because of your mentorship, guidance and big heart. Happy birthday (in advance), Mommy dearest. Love forever & ever!

Kate at work

July 2012: Kate drew her first face

July 2013: The husband calls them "potatoes"

March 2013: her people have evolved to include arms & legs. Rather cute, I say!

I started getting her to write letters. Capital letters are easier somehow.

Writing "K"

So proud of her - the first time she wrote her name! #thrilled #proudparent