The Heart Foundation

For the last few days the kids and I have been hitting the streets collecting for the Heart Foundations Door Knock Appeal. We have done this every year since Anisa was a baby and the kids love it. They look forward to doing it with much anticipation and always ask to knock on more doors. This year was no exception. I made more than a few apologies for the wild enthusiasm the children unleashed on a number of doors and door bells. Bayan's favourite part revolved around putting the little "sorry I missed you" cards in the mailboxes. I loved that we got to do service together for a very good cause.

Transition

Have you ever had that horrible, queasy, feeling in the pit of your stomach when you know that things need to change, when you are about to embark upon a large one, and yet the uncertainty of the unknown makes you wonder if what you are planning is really the right thing to do? Ruhi has not wanted to go to school for quite some time now. We have had issues with some of her classmates and there are a number of things that I am not happy about. While the teachers, especially this year, have been lovely and the school is good, when compared to others in the area, there is something lacking. It is a feeling. Mehran and I have been talking about moving for quite some time, especially me, and I have found a delightful little school near the area we are looking at, with smaller class sizes, friendly children (from what I've seen so far) and a much better feel to it.

It is all quite crazy as we are due to be heading overseas in six weeks. Anisa is officially due to start school in a week and rather than take both girls out of school we are thinking of swapping schools this coming term. At any rate the girls have already had a transition visit. I was concerned about how both of them would handle it, but especially Anisa, who has no desire to go to school at all. They both handled it very well. And the students were just wonderful. I still can not believe how wonderful and welcoming they all were. A couple of girls came up to Anisa and introduced themselves and said that they would be looking after her, they took her hand and brought her to sit with them and one of them even rubbed her back and told her that it would be OK, when they saw that she was nervous and unsure. A five year old for heavens sakes. How sweet and mature is that? The girls that came up to Ruhi also seemed very nice, although they were a bit older than she is and a very friendly and thoughtful little boy moved over and invited Ruhi to sit with him. In terms of atmosphere and potential I am very impressed. Whether I will still be impressed when the children are there remains to be seen, but I have high hopes, very high hopes. Now we just need to find a house.

The Food Bank

We finally arranged to have the donated food collected during Anisa's party dropped off at the food bank. Finally.

Bayan slept through the entire operation and woke up just in time to enjoy a small packet of biscuits courtesy of Sandy our food bank tour guide and donation manager. She explained all about what they do at the bank, how they operate and what they hope to accomplish. We got to see the warehouse where they store the supplies and we had a peek in their enormous refrigerators and freezers. That was the kids favourite part. They loved standing in the shadows watching their breath turn to smoke while ogling the palates of milk and meat. They drank in everything from the towering stacks of Pasta, to the 10 kilo bags of rice bubbles, to the crates of spaghetti sauce and instant potatoes. Sandy was wonderful with the children allowing them to look and touch and experience to their hearts content. She even allowed them to block off a portion of the warehouse, when they asked what a stretchy, gate-like, contraption was for.

The donation that we made was truly dwarfed against the colossal backdrop of toilet paper, powdered milk and biscuit packs, but she said that everything we brought would be going into a special bin (which, coincidentally, was nearly empty) and it was from these bins that the people who put together parcels for church groups or other charitable organizations most loved to choose from because it afforded choice and offered something different. That was nice to hear and also good to know.

In case you have ever wondered what happens to the excess food that stores can't sell or companies can't move that is near it's best before date, much of it is sent to places like the food bank. I am just happy to know that it isn't all thrown out.

Soapmaking with Martha

After weeks of thwarted attempts to catch up with Martha and her family who are visiting again from Queensland, we finally succeeded. And after a late start, a perfectly delicious lunch and a pile of scrumptious almond muffins (which- by the way- I seriously need the recipe for) we got down to the business at hand. Soap making. This is the kind involving caustic soda, which I was a little nervous about using, especially after hearing all of the grissley safety precautions, but as there were no burnings, poisonings or explosions it was really a fun experience. The most catastrophic thing that happened during the whole process was entirely my fault as I inadvertently dumped the combined oils into the double boiler I was washing out from when we made the candles. I thought it was my pot of boiled water. Ooops! Thankfully the boiler was empty and the oils still appeared usable. It all seemed to work and gel together in the end. We are still waiting to see the final results, but in the meanwhile I have plans to try to make some soap myself during the school holidays, perhaps when the children are in bed.

After the soap was done we headed out into the big back garden and the kids collected some fresh lemons and oranges from the trees. Thanks for the fruit, the soap making tips and for the pleasure of your company Martha. We will have to do it again the next time you are in town.

From China

The children finally had a chance to try on their Chinese outfits that Nushan brought back from Iran. I know that probably sounds a little strange...Chinese outfits from Iran and all, but her Mom is living in China and was due to come here for a visit, but due to visa troubles and a sick sister she flew Nushan to Iran instead. These clothes were simply the gifts that she had intended to give the children when she arrived. Aren't they gorgeous? We had a tiny bit of trouble encouraging Bayan to hold still for any of the photos, but then aren't there always synchronization problems when you are attempting to take a group shot...especially one involving children? At any rate the outfits are darling, the children adore them and both Nushan and her mother are exceedingly generous and thoughtful. One of the many shots I took of Bayan, who was incredibly busy not holding still for the pictures. Here he is having a Jackie Chan moment with the sofa cushions. It's all about action.

Spring is in the Air

The days are warming up, the fruit trees are in full bloom and the nights are getting shorter. It is bright and beautiful. And we are enjoying the change in weather immensely. Look, I was even inspired to try some new Asian recipes. Tonight we are having Thai (or is it Vietnamese...) rolls filled with rice noodles, king prawns, grated carrots, cucumber slivers and fresh coriander. They are dipped in a delectable sauce and served with a couple of sides. Yum!

P.S. While I thought they were perfectly fabulous everyone else thought that they were perfectly hideous. Thank heavens for frozen spring rolls. Not nearly as nutritious but an excellent standby when new meals do not hit the spot.

Fairy Fun

It has been a busy, busy week. Last week-end we had Anisa'a birthday party, two weeks delayed but well worth the wait. With everyone feeling better and a beautiful, sunny day it was perfect for an indoor / outdoor fairy festival.

It was also perfect in that Nushan had arrived back home from Iran, a few days before and was on hand to help out with last minute preparations. The poor dear stayed up past midnight stringing butterflies and measuring glitter (oops - I mean fairy dust) while I finished organizing the party bags.

For the girls there were: stickers, the bracelets that Ruhi helped create, a lollipop, a balloon and some of the aforementioned fairy dust. The boys had the same except that instead of a bracelet they received a little magnifying glass, perfect for locating fairies, or assorted creepy crawlies, around the garden.

We began the games with a cloud race to the end of the rainbow. Participants were given cotton balls and straws and tried to be the first to get their "cloud" to touch the rainbow.

From the races we moved on to pass the parcel witch included a sheet of stickers for everyone and a fairy coloring in book with special fairy pencils.

At this point the kids were deployed to the back garden which Mehran was supposed to mow before the party. Alas the ( at best of times, extremely decrepit) lawnmower could not be coaxed into action. We decided to just go with the wild, overgrown, jungle of chaos as it would be far more interesting in terms of locating the hidden fairies (color copies that I cut out and laminated) that Nushan and her friend Saira had discreetly placed about the yard.

This worked really well. Some of the kids teamed up and pooled their finds in the hopes of winning the coveted position of participant with most fairies. In the end it was a quiet fairy with beautiful, turquoise wings who worked alone that won the prize: one of the fairy figurine treasures with a necklace tucked inside.

From here the guests dispersed for free play. Most alternated between imaginative games near the cubby house, to waiting in line for their face to be painted, to watching the fairy floss (cotton candy) as it spun to life and then devouring the delectable treat.

Here is Anisa after getting her face painted. She is holding her fairy floss (sadly the only picture I got of it).Anyway a big "Thank You!" goes out to Celeste and Thirza who, respectively, spent ages creating the cotton candy and face painting children. May you both live for a thousand lifetimes and feast upon the fruits of paradise. Truly. Thanks ever so much!
A table was set up outside and piled high with all sorts of snacks, everything from chips and salsa, to veggie platters (thanks Shiva, you chop vegetables like nobodies business) with crackers and dips, from mini sausages and organic muffins, to chocolate chip cookies and platters of watermelon and strawberries. We also made a batch of cupcake pops.

And then there was the cake. Which suffered the usual setbacks as I tried to construct the perfect culinary masterpiece without the proper tools, or skills. Oh well. The girls had a dandy time helping decorate it and it was quickly devoured. And those are the main things.

On top of all the games and fun and snacks, people were very generous and piles of food was collected for the Food Bank. Thanks everyone! It was lots of fun.

A Day in the Life

From the moment I began blogging I have wanted to include a quote as part of my banner, but sadly I (still) lack the ability to do so. The end of the quote goes something like this: Childhood is but for a day. Ere you are aware it will be gone with all its gifts forever. It is on certain days (like today) that it really pays to keep that thought in the forefront of my mind.

And so...

While I organized breakfast for the girls Bayan quietly sat on the carpet cutting up his organic muffin with safety scissors.

While I plucked crumbs from the carpet he happily massaged his milk into the fine fibre mesh of the mini trampoline.

While I scrubbed the elastic mat and tried to clean the floor Bayan ambushed my stacks of folded washing and Anisa took the opportunity to dress and accessorize the gym equipment.

While I refolded the clothes and tried to disentangle her jacket from the electrical strider Bayan collected eggs from the refrigerator.

While I cleaned the evidence form his most recent escapade Anisa tried to find her fairy dress-up. In the process all sorts of costumes were flung near and far, including a Hawaiian hula skirt which landed in the middle of the kitchen. That is also where I landed after wildly slip-sliding across it.

While I picked myself up and dusted myself off Anisa collected the costumes.

While I tried to put Bayan in the car seat (currently not his most favourite place) he screamed and struggled and wriggled and cried.

While I drove to the markets Anisa kept up a steady stream of happy chatter while Bayan howled in the background.

While the children tried to decide which trolley to take I tried not to loose my sanity.

While Anisa and I collected pears Bayan ambushed an apple display.

While I scrounged around and haphazardly replaced the fruits Bayan discovered the candy barrels.

While I negotiated the return of the lollies Anisa negotiated a reasonable exchange.

While I attempted to locate the ginger and bean sprouts Anisa began her own little version of Riverdance. This can only mean one thing: find the nearest toilet. Fast!

While I helped Anisa reach the soap and wash her hands Bayan inadvertently set off the dryer. The sudden blast of air and loud whooshing sound frightened the dickens out of him.

While I held and attempted to comfort Bayan I also paid for the shopping, loaded the car and organized snacks for the drive home.

While I put the groceries away Bayan discovered a shovel and a patch of dirt. Anisa discovered a caterpillar. I discovered I had forgotten to buy two crucial ingredients.

While I spoke to the Kindy teacher after picking Ruhi up from school, Anisa fell down and skinned her knee.

While I said good-bye, inspected the damage and reassured her it would soon heal and would be much better after a band-aid and some calandula cream she yelled and cried and writhed in pain.

While I speed walked home with Bayan in the front of the pram (stroller), Anisa perched on the side and Ruhi zipping along on her scooter, Anisa howled and sobbed and carried on. By the time the house was in view her screeches made you think she was being prepped for ritualistic sacrifice and there was a chorus of neighbourhood canines accompanying her mournful cries.

While I fumbled with the keys and desperately tried to unlock the door Anisa continued to howl and screech, Bayan joined in and Ruhi began an incessant mantra of: "Mum I'm hungry. I'm hungry Mum. I'm huuungry..." in a whining, nagging tone that instantly sent me over the edge.

So, while the children stared in stunned silence (finally!) I screamed like a banchee from the depths of my soul.

While I apologized for loosing my cool and my momentary lack of propriety the children reiterated their requests for cuddles, band-aids and food. Sigh.

While I prepared dinner Anisa secretly painted a page from Ruhi's new painting book.

While I attempted to be the ever-patient voice of reason and justice, Anisa went to her room in tears.

While I spoke to Anisa, Bayan was stirring the paint brushes in the fish bowl.

While I wondered what that strange sound was and rushed to investigate, Bayan tipped the bowl over and a small tsunami soaked the carpet, table and chairs (the fish were fine).

While I mopped up the carpet, wrung out the towels and dried off all the items caught by the rogue wave, a very saturated Bayan demanded a bath.

While I ran his bath and finished making dinner Anisa dismantled the front couches to make a fort and somewhere in her epic adventure wound up putting a foot through the soft, underside of the sofa. SIGH! It now has a large rip and I have an eye twitch.

While we were eating dinner Bayan gagged on a corn kernel and vomited into my hand (I was trying to spare the upholstery, you see). While I was sanitizing my fingers Mehran and the girls left the table. I can't imagine why.

When the financial planner (thankfully also a close family friend) arrived and while he was going over our finances Ruhi sang the Lazytown soundtrack at the top of her lungs, Anisa danced wildly around the room and Bayan stealthily stole his refreshments.

While the children got ready for bed with endless requests for milk, water, snacks, stories and cuddles I looked forward to that brief moment when I could look in on their sleeping faces and could see them for who they are. Right now. For even with the arguments, the frustrations and the difficulties they are amazing individuals and today, once gone, is gone forever. They are growing up so fast and while I would love a quieter, less harried day tomorrow I would not trade today for anything in the world. Except maybe the screaming like a banchee part...that was most unfortunate.

My Special Helpers

Ruhi has been a champion helper lately, especially in terms of all things party related. She helped make the bracelets that we are adding to goodie bags as favors, she helped plan the menu, helped fold tissue paper into flowers and has helped look after Bayan during crucial moments when his involvement would inevitably mean some serious setbacks.

Anisa got involved in wrapping up the stickers that went into every layer of the pass the parcel and took charge of dispensing the chocolate ladybugs that we hid in the center of each flower. Naturally.

Rainbows

Ever so long ago, as Ruhi reminded me, I used to make the girls rainbow fruit platters for breakfast. This primarily took place during those luxurious, halcyon, days when we weren't racing out the door to get to school on time. We are still racing out the door but this morning we cruised into the slow lane and made a pit stop to indulge in the aforementioned fruit platters. The rainbows were gobbled up and we even made it to school just before the bell went. Talk about timing.

In keeping with the apparent theme of the day Anisa helped paint a large rainbow and sky to be used as the finish line for a cloud racing game at her birthday party this weekend. Ruhi helped add some clouds when she came home from school. Notice how some are smaller. I am told this is perspective, because some are farther away than others. Indeed.

It's true what they say...

the best things in life are free. After school the children unanimously agreed that we needed to take an impromptu trip to the beach. Woo-hoo!

I had an absolutely luxurious afternoon, just sitting on the rocks with the children at my feet building sand castles together while listening to their happy chatter and watching the waves rolling onto the shore. After weeks spent indoors dealing with sickness, humidifiers and antibiotics it was so unspeakably glorious to be outdoors, to simply sit and have the sun on your face, the wind in your hair, the waves at your feet and the sand in your hands. I find it wonderful that something so simple can make you feel so completely alive.