Mom of the Year Award

I have been honoured with my first blog award from my Singaporean mate, Stylomom, who seems to think that I deserve it. I'm probably expected to give a speech a la the winners of academy awards, or like my blog-chum, KC. Hehe... But I digress. Issues of child-raising is a very sensitive matter to me. I strongly feel that what others think is not important. Only my children and the Almighty know how good or bad a mother I am.

It seems that the award comes with a set of rules which are:
1. Admit one thing you feel awful about (involving being a mom). Once you have written it down, you are no longer allowed to feel bad. Remember you are a good mom!

2. List 7 things you love about your kids, you love doing with your kids, or that your kids love about you.

3. Send this to 5 other moms of the year that deserve a reminder that they too are the best moms that they can be. Remember to send them a note letting them know you have selected them, and also add a link to your post that directs people back to the person who nominated you.

So, here I go.
Admit ONE thing you feel awful about.
Being strict.
Mama, can we go to the movies today? NO (no budget!)

Mummy, can I sleep with you tonight? NO (If I say yes to one, the others will deem me unfair. Er... how would 5 on a battered springy bed sound to you?)

Mum, can I buy this with my own money? NO (refraining from buying does not always have to do with money. It's also got to do with how much it could be a waste of!)

Mama, can we stay here for another night? (after 3 nights sleeping at friend's in Sheffield recently) NO (negotiations can go on and on for days. Besides, I already had the following day marked on my diary!)

Why do they always try their best at persuading me? Who do I consult when in doubt? Why do I always feel bad even though I have my very own rationale behind the constant NOs?

7 things I love about my kids/ I love doing with my kids/ kids love about me

1. I love their thoughtfulness. Sharing and considering others is something that often touches my heart. It doesn't matter if it's the last slice of apple on the plate, piece of chocolate from the bar, bit of crisps in the bag, or drop of sirap bandung in the jug; they would each make sure that everyone in the room has been asked for permission or consent, Would you like some more of this? They also share their thoughts and memories of their beloved daddy with me all the time...

2. I love their creativeness. A card, a paper model, a spy-gadget, a lego sculpture, a new recipe or a poem. At times, their work is gobsmackingly magnificient. Occasionally, it might be amazingly innovative. Other times, it could be hilariously fascinating. It's their effort that counts.

3. I love doing outdoor activities with the kids: swimming, playing football/ tennis/ badminton, flying kite, running, etc.

4. I love having them in my arms and showering them with kisses! And I hope I can continue doing this even when they're all grown up with kids of their own. :)

5. My kids love the craziness in me. Despite my firm stand, I'm always singing, dancing and fooling around with my Fantastic Four. Princess sometimes comments, You're like a little girl, Mama, but I don't care! LOL!

6. My kids love me for being clever. Every time they ask me a question, I'd provide them with an answer - when I don't know the answer, I give them an honest reply just like all teachers do. Upon quenching their thirst, they'd ask me further, how do you know, mum? How do you always know all the answers? So, it's natural then that they think their mom is a genius. Hehe... Aren't all mothers and children bias?

7. My kids love me for always surprising them with sweet-nothings. And when I say 'nothing', I mean 'nothing': a card, a second-hand item, a piece of chocolate, or even a bun or cookie with their initials on. Sometimes, I'd save up for something they've been eyeing on, get it at a bargain, and keep it until the day they deserve it arrives.

I know that all moms deserve this award but I can only choose 5 here, and they have to be bloggers. Hence, I'm awarding those whom I admire for the superb strength that makes them different and special.

1. Raden Galoh - a cancer fighter who has 2 handsome princes. She's their idol, for definite! (mine too!!)

2. Myheartbleeds - a widow with two sweethearts. It is obvious that she's a superwoman who braves through her days despite the blood flowing through her heart! (though I constantly pray that she'll heal soon)

3. Ms B - a single mom with an angel. It's not easy bringing up your off-spring all alone in a foreign country. Tell me about it!

4. Naz - a supermom who makes mouth-watering Sambal Hantu Syaitan and Lefser, and bakes vannkringle for her adorable children in a land she now calls home. A tough call. Norway? NO WAY for some!! :)

5. Simah - another super-duper mom in a foreign land (Turkey), who fixes kıymali ispanak and other tongue twister dishes for her delightful duo (and husband). How these women (Naz & Simah) master a third language is certainly a wonder to me!

Lastly, my gratitudes to Stylomom for the award, though it's only virtual!