My daughter requested Saturday babysitting as they want to exercise and do errands. I said yes.
She suggested we go out for breakfast at our favorite hole in the wall diner, frequented by locals. There’s a charm to this diner, high quality breakfasts at workman’s prices. Portions are huge so one breakfast becomes lunch later. It works, as my grandchildren are fed well, as we are, too. I brought my additions to the pancakes: blueberries and valrhona chocolate chips and it was delicious.
It was challenging as our toddler did not want to sit still. We managed our quick bites and off we went home.
We picked up granddaughter’s paints, canvas and palette from her place. I set her up in the backyard.
After, she painted a stunning landscape, ‘Black Moon and its Reflections on the Water’, and signed her work.
She washed her palette, and the bowl she used. I helped her tidying up the rest.
I asked if she wanted her lunch and ice cream bar. After eating and conversing about school starting I shared a tactic about public speaking. I said to zero in a person’s generous eyes. “You mean like my brother’s?” I said yes and imagine all listening to you is your little brother.
She gave me a hug, thanking me for her day with me.
Her brother #maharlika2023la is still taking a nap. He was running prior and had a tandem ride of 6 miles with his grandpa. It is incredible to see them both grandpa and grandson tackle one hill coming back home, while we drove a few miles back to be on the safe side.
My granddaughter asked me to pray for them as she was worried seeing them on the tandem bike, both with helmets. I told her I am worried too but by praying, which I did, a Hail Mary, releases my worries to the heavens.
After, we thanked the heavenly powers for protecting my hubby and grandson and us, as well. I showed her how to just pray by talking to Mama Mary and the Holy Spirit. Grandma, she asked, what’s the meaning of Amen?
My granola station found a new use, #maharlika2023la‘s dance stage. He is favoring my granola over the banana. What a messy house we have right now, yet full of exploration, handprints, crumbs and toys all over. My 81yo husband said he is now entering his second childhood so he can litter and play as he wish with such joy! #priceless
“Agua,” he said. I was ready. He took a sip in my Stanley cup, now his. This cup was a gift from my hubby. It is now #maharlika2023la as he drinks from a straw.
Did he feel our loving care? I believe so, he slept for 3 hours.
When he woke up, he was hungry. I made egg/cheese quesadilla for him. He ate 2 slices, small at that, and pointed to the last of the banana bread and fresh cherries. He got them.
After, I doused him with water and changed his diaper. He is now busy playing.
He was teasing me. He played hide and seek even as I announced, “Change diaper, please,” he kept running away from me and kept smiling as he did. After 3 times, he stopped and cooperated.
When his sister #princess2015la came, I made gyoza for her. But, first, she gave me her painting that she did at camp.
I whispered:”You know why your paintings are good – because you are loving and kind. You don’t hurt anyone.” She smiled.
And then, she fed her brother some gyoza. I whispered that she is a great big sister to him. She smiled.
His brother was about to sleep but as she approached the door, he got down and greeted her enthusiastically, that he forgot he was sleepy.
When his dad came to pick them up, he loudly said, “Hi!” Same with his sister, he warmly welcomed her. When he left, he waved goodbye and gave me a flying kiss. I was so tired, but his smiles gave me such satisfaction.
#princess2015la likes #lumpiangshanghai, it is her all-time favorite. I tried handing one to #maharlika2023la and he loved it. He kept dipping it into the sauce. Down to last three and I said, “Ever the last pieces.” Guess what happened?
Her brother, barely 15 months old immediately understood the conversation and took two lumpias, enough for his little hand to hold.
Okay, last lumpia left. I was about to close the container and give to #princess2015la. He started whining, he wanted the last lumpia. Oh my gulay. They are Filipino-American-Mexicans and they both love #lumpiangshanghai.
I am feeling enormous mountain of sadness. My younger sister, R passed away few days ago. I was thinking of my grandchildren and children.
Then, out of the blue, my beautiful daughter called, “Mom what are you doing? Are you free? Can the kids come over?” Of course, I said, for some strange reason, I drove myself home, right away such that when she called, I was already home.
Gosh, the Universe is with me and suddenly, white and apple green butterflies flew in my backyard. Thanks, Mom and Dad for comforting me. I am immensely grateful.
