Quite a productive day! Covered health, some of base make and make-up. Almost all of the anti-ageing options are a given – no further discussions needed; they have to be added. But of course since everything adds up to the cost, cost-cutting has to be considered.
One thing we’re really thankful for. Yui didn’t fuss much and even looked like she’s having a very enjoyable time.
This year, Yui’s class made a (froggy) medal as their Father’s Day gift. Of course the Teachers did the string attachments and ears. But Yui pasted the eyes and nose and drew froggy’s cherry cheeks.
Yui has some message for Dad too!
And so Dad was happy to wear it.
When I went to pick Yui up at daycare, I was delighted yet baffled to see this taped on the wall right near the entrance to Yui’s classroom.
Then I got wind of the news – today was Market Day, in which the older classes “sold” goods that they helped prepare. And so the younger ones “shopped” around with bags that they helped design with stickers (look how tiny some stickers are! Very good practice for the little hands) and sketches.
Inside their bags, they also have a wallet but sans play coins for safety purposes.
So what did our daughter buy?
Negi/spring onion! She must have been fascinated with how long it was. Quite good artwork too. It does look like the real one.
When she actually got “reunited” with her bag of goodies after I took it off the wall, she exclaimed an exuberant “Ahhh!” when she took out the negi from her shopping bag.
She also “bought” a donut! She probably was curious as we haven’t given her a donut yet and have no plans to give her one in the near future.
And, Yui’s most “expensive purchase” – a wrist watch!
Fun day! Too bad Mom and Dad weren’t allowed to shop!
Like most babies/toddlers/kids, Yui likes Itsy, Bitsy Spider. Whenever she hears me or Scout (her programmed doggy stuffy) sing it, a smile lights up her face and she would sway from side to side.
And so I sing.
Itsy, Bitsy spider climbed up the water spout. Down came the rain and washed the spider out. Out came the sun, and dried up all the rain. So Itsy, Bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.
And then I froze. What a cruel song! How could people teach their kids that song?! With the rain washing out the spider (so mean!) and the Itsy, Bitsy spider climbing again (so masochistic!).
And then I froze again or better, unfroze. And smiled as it hit me that I had it wrong. And right then, I felt thankful to whoever did create this nursery rhyme. You were simply marvellous.
Yui, you may one day see one tall, giant “spout” and be curious enough to go explore it. By deciding to explore it, your Dad and I are already very happy that you didn’t think yourself too itsy, bitsy to be able climb up. You can conquer it! But remember dearie, something may happen to keep you away, to wash you away from your interests, from what you worked hard to climb for. It’s part of life’s cycle. Enjoy the lessons it brings and enjoy the ride. Pretty soon you can have a fresh start to pursue your spout again, this time stronger, cleaner, more determined. Climb up Yui
photo courtesy of PM Garcia
Our Osechi for this new year. The jubako (layered box) features cranes which symbolises a fruitful year.
The baby of the house has her own osechi as well (thank you for the thoughtfulness, Obaachan! 🙂 ) Featuring the Anpanman cartoon series characters that’s popular among children here in Japan.
As one would suppose, each of the dish included in Oseshi has its own meaning. Read here for the symbology of some of the dishes!
Akemashite Omedetou Gozaimasu!!
The year that was has some heartaches for me, where friendships are concerned, from the first month and right to the last month. But the inner struggles somehow gained me wisdom – that the friendships were blessings right at the time that they should be in my life. That probably the friendships weren’t meant to last. That I should be thankful that at some point in my life, I had their friendships and that those friendships blessed me (and hopefully them too). That probably, we have to move on, to be better persons. Someday our paths may cross again; and who knows those friendships might yet be rekindled. But until then, I would just have to be thankful for the time we’ve been together – be it in laughter and tears, joy and sorrow. And with these experiences, I am yet reminded again to cherish and nurture the relationships I have now.
And yes there are lots to be thankful for too! Me going back to work (and be being able to wholly take care of Yui for eight months! What career mom wouldn’t be thankful for that? It’s like getting the best of both worlds), Yui going to daycare, Yui celebrating her first year in the Philippines, Hubs’ overseas business trips and safe arrivals, us finding our perfect place paving the way for yet new beginnings, good health for us and our loved ones, good food to enjoy with love ones, and so much more other blessings besides. I welcome the new year with a grateful heart, Lord. 🙂
Now, the new year! The new year has lots of exciting NEWs for us. And with this is our fervent prayer that our decisions be guided by Him and that it be according to His plans for us and that these NEWs will see us with more love and laughter. We’re excited to receive the blessings you have in store for us this year, Lord! 🙂