DH had to work all weekend, so I was at home with the kids. Quite a number of nice things and pleasant interactions took place. This is just so that I remember the good stuff in years to come.

1. DH went out to get bread, SS went with him. DH got the kids a snack each, and one for me too, but SS was the one to remind DH what MY favorite snack is.

2. DH told SD that they had to do some schoolwork on Sat - reading. He wasn't specific and so I gave them the actual work to do. There was no complaining, there was enthusiasm, there was effort. The kids learnt stuff and they were proud and happy about it.

3. SD did rather good at the reading and I praised her significantly. In her exuberance at her success, she volunteered to help bathe baby... AND (this is the most shocking part) volunteered to take the bag of dirty diapers down to the trash can outside!!! :jawdrop:

4. Last week was SS's birthday. Turned out that the book I got him, he already got the same book from his aunt during the week. But both he and sis were so nice about telling me, not wanting to disappoint me. Then SS had a wonderful idea. The book is a sort of journal, for him to write stuff about himself, so he said he now has one for mom's side and one for things that happen on dad's side. Then they both started filling things out and had a genuinely good time using the book.

5. They walked with me to the produce store, fought over getting to push the baby's stroller, agreed upon one pushing to go and one pushing to come back. SD wanted me to get her gummy worms and I told her "no", that she can get fruit instead, and not one complaint. They both chose a fruit each that they wanted.

6. SD asked what would happen if dad got a promotion and had to move far away, when would they see us. I told her - spring break, summer, Christmas holidays probably - but they don't have to worry about that because we're not moving anywhere. I told them I'm more worried that they will move far (to BM's boyfriend's state). SS said "Well that's a big secret." (LOL) SD said she doesn't want to move and mom's bf will probably have to move to our state.

7. They both asked about visiting my home country. They can't wait. They have to do because unfortunately we cannot afford it right now.

8. They complimented my cooking many times, ate all their food, went for seconds. They helped keep an eye on baby while I cooked.

9. On Sun, DH came home earlier than expected but was extremely tired. The kids did math with me, while DH fell asleep on cushions on the floor with baby. I gave extra work for anyone saying "I can't", they had a good laugh at themselves and took the extra work in stride.

10. SD smiled at me while she washed up a glass and her brother's blue, curly straw, which she now borrows. "I still can't believe you threw my (yellow, curly) straw away," she said, still smiling.

11. They heard a song that they love on the radio, just as we were nearing their mom's place. When we pulled up, DH turned up the volume and everyone sang and danced in the car until the song was done. They hugged dad, hugged baby and hugged me before heading upstairs and then waved through the blinds.