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July 28th: Though the day did not start quite well, it ended very well with lots of fun activities shared with family and friends. The University of Phoenix 2007 graduation was held in Cannon Center, Downtown Memphis. Kids were so excited that Daddy was graduating. They kept asking what graduation means and finally understood that Dad is done with all his homeworks. When daddy’s name was called kids especially Suhani kept shouting ‘Naanna, Naanna’, which we all repeated. Took few pictures and headed back home.

The best part of the day was when I saw Dp’s face glowing like a 1000watt bulb when he got his surprise gift THE iPhone. He kept saying that he loves me so much and I am the World’s best wife ….what not and what not ….and what not (of course these compliments lasted for more than I expected - 2 complete days). I see the same on glow on Shivani’s face when she gets to have a sleepover with her best buddy Shreya or gets a makeup stuff. Sometimes I do get a compliment from her saying that she likes me more than her princess makeup set.

I planned a small party at our house with our close family and friends that evening. All men were so excited and started congratulating Dp. No! not for completing his MBA but for his iPhone. Men started grilling corn and chicken while few of us were making Pav Bhaji, Vada, Idli. The day before we made Dahi vada. With sambhar and coconut chutney we relished the items. Dp made Mojitos with straw berries for everyone which was a big hit and was really very refreshing. It was just like a big ‘Jathara’ with a nice loud music everyone enjoying good and company.

We then played a quiz for 40ish min prepared by me. Then most of us practiced steps for Macerena and had fun dancing. We then played Action Charades where everybody showed their talent. Then DP and Shivani cut the cake which Rukmini got, then relished Chaitu’s tasteful devilous dessert. Atlast we called it day that late night and Sai stayed back, just to play with iPhone the next day.

When ever I have trouble making kids eat healthy food, I would say if you eat such and such, your hair will grow long; as both of my daughters dream about having long flowing hair just like their favourite princesses. So one day Suhani wanted to paint Shivani’s nails. While the oldest was not much interested, Suhani was promising a reward for her act, saying “Akka, if you get your nails painted your HAND will grow long”

I read a book named “Old Mother Hubbard and her wonderful dog” by James Marshall to kids. This books teaches different occupations like baker, fruit seller, cobbler, seamstress, undertaker, butcher, hatter,tailor, fish monger etc. After reading the book, I started asking Shivani who does what. She answered almost everything right execpt for one. When I asked her what a Tailor does, she replied -  Person who cuts TAILS

Suhani was eating toasted bread with butter. She wanted more butter and started digging butter from the tub using a plastic fork. More than eating she was having fun playing with it. Finally her mission was accomplished - broke the fork into 2 pieces, butter on her dress/floor, making a big mess . So my BP shot up high and shouted at Suhani. I said to Suhani “Look, what you have done, you have no more fork to eat butter” She replied back optimistically “but now we have 2 pieces of fork”

The other day during summer 90F+, Suhani was wearing a sweater on a halter neck top. So Chaitu asked her why she was wearing that and Suhani answered back saying it was cold but also she wanted to explain it practically so she removed her sweater and said “Chaitu pinni! Look how cold I am, did you see how cold I am” putting her sweater back on.

One more, Kids wanted to stay in Chaitu pinni and Sai babai’s house for a second sleepover, that too on a Sunday night, for which I did not agree. Shivani started sobbing, wyning and started begging that she wanted to stay overnight. Suhani with happy mood was consoling her saying” Akka, ask Chaitu pinni whether you can stay, I already asked Pinni and she said yes”. Suhani being a three year old just took a short cut.

Suhani fell down on the rough pathway at swimming pool and scratched herself on the knees within few seconds both knees started bleeding and looking at that her tone took a peak. Just after my warning to kids not to run on rough surfaces Shivani slipped and fell too. Same reaction but suddenly Shivani stopped crying saying that - I don’t care it’s just boo-boo. So Suhani copied & pasted - I don’t care it’s just boo-boo. I praised them alot saying that WOW you girls are so brave, courageous, gave hi-five etc. Then both got excited and kept saying that they don’t care repeatedly. Then I started feeling little uncomfortable and thought may be they will start using this word for everything. So I explained to them that they should only use - I don’t care - only for boo-boos for all others such as for people, animals, other things they SHOULD care.