Books and roses

Friday's Fave Five: Valentine Edition
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Celebrating valentine's day without a romantic date is nothing new to me. What's relatively new is having Ceejay as my valentine date for two years now. It keeps getting better and this year it's even all that I wanted it to be and more. My faves this week are all about this year's love day.

How to be a Gentleman 101
The idea is to begin lessons on giving gifts to ladies other than Mommy or Grandma Philippines and Grandma Thailand. We hadd it simple but sweet: roses for my friend Chett. I was thrilled that Cj followed instructions and Chett was happy to receive the roses.

Red roses and a long, blue & white dress
I thought the blooms were riotous and I enjoyed looking at them. I also finally wore the dress I almost forgot existed in my wardrobe. Bought a year ago, it was lucky to have served its purpose on hearts day.

Little preferences for the day
The original plan was lunch at Fuji and then dessert at Cafe de Tu, but since Chett took along her niece, Gyanna who wanted chips, and Cj wanted the same, we went to Mos instead. What's important was we allowed the kids their choice. No Mommyish law to eat vegetables. Complete sanction to eat what they wanted.

A bookish valentine
We took five escalators up people-watching at the same time, past the Lamborghini and Porsche galleries towards Kinokuniya, a large bookstore inside Siam Paragon. Grand time amidst literature!

Bubbly laughter
Chett and I left Gyanna and Cj alone for a bit while we looked around for some light dinner before going home. About five steps away, I saw Gyanna covering her face with her hands and then flashing Cj a wide grin saying, 'hah!" I loved what I observed: they were both laughing. Gyanna is a sweet, adorable girl. Her vivacious personality worked well with Cj's shyness. This was my happiest moment.

Susanne hosts

See more faves at Living to Tell the Story

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Mommy Moments: Roses and books
Please scroll up for Friday's Fave Five

On Valentine's eve I took Ceejay out buying roses. I told him that one was for Mommy and the three were for Auntie Chett. I was teaching him how he, as a soon-to-be-young man is supposed to act during love day. I heard myself saying flowers, Ceej are given by gentlemen to lovely ladies. While watching me remove the thorns he rehearsed, for Mommy... for Auntie Chett.

The notorious Bangkok traffic got even more intense on valentine's day with the Chinese new year celebrations. But we braved the jam and I didn't mind that it took almost forever to reach Siam Paragon. I was so glad Ceejay wasn't shy this time and actually handed the roses to Chett. On Facebook Chett commented, "made my day...."

Then we proceeded to our favorite haunt: Kinokuniya

Books, roses and a little guy learning how to treat women nicely: this was my idea of a fabulous valentine.

Chris hosts

See little valentines at The Mommy Journey