My Little Househelps

April 9 was the birthday of their Lola Melba. We're supposed to bring lasagna and buko salad as our contribution to the party which will be at their residence in Buhangin Davao City. Although it is a Philippine Holiday, Araw ng Kagitingan, I decided to baked the lasagna and prepare the salad before the kiddos wake up so that they will not be able to "help" me. Unfortunately, I waked up a little over 5am and ate Maisie usually wakes up at 5:30am. As a result, she volunteered to help me.

I know ate Maisie will keep badgering me if I don't have any work for her to do. I prefer her doing housework than watching television or sitting in front of the laptop watching shows on the YouTube. Making her help in the chores will also make her more responsible (I sure hope so). She washed her hands and I gave her the mozzarella cheese and grater. I was left (peacefully) cooking the red and white sauces. The time for layering the lasagna sheets and the sauces came and she again offered to spread the sauces and the cheese. And then we put the lasagna in the oven.

 While the lasagna is baking, I asked Ate to come with me to buy the coconut meat for our salad. Then Jaden woke up. So I have now the two kids in tow to buy the coconut meat. Outside the house, Ate suggested they ride the bike to where we will purchase the coconut meat. But it is too dangerous because it is along the national highway. Stubbornness awakens in the two kids. As a compromise, I told them we will tour the village using their bike and then purchase the coconut meat after.

The tour took us a full half hour. We had a few stops to look at the stray cat, neighborhood dogs, chickens, ducks, flowers and what have you. I do this in order for Jaden to familiarize and learn new things. It was fun bonding time for us and for me those are precious. They were not ready to surrender their bikes but I told them we will ride a tricycle and they were enthusiastic on riding a tricycle.

Actually the location of the coconut meat is not too far from our house. If I was alone, I would just walk to and from. But with kids around and we have to walk along the national road would be too risky.

Jaden wants also to help prepare the salad just like her ate. With ate holding a stainless spatula, we gave Jaden a plastic one so that they can do the mixing. The experience was fun but I was on the edge the whole preparation time. I was afraid that the ingredients will spill or that they will immediately taste salad mix or they will accidentally put dirt on the salad mix.

As my mantra with regards to my kids, everyday, every experience should be a bonding and a learning experience for us. I just hope this will add to the foundation of a good mother and daughter relationship.