Weekends often hold a special charm for me and my family. It's our family day where memories are made, time to slow down and recharge.
Even simple moments at home or outside were making memories together. Weekends are our family day and happy time.
Yesterday, Saturday was one of those simple days. Aya and I took a simple trip to town for shopping. School will start soon and she's moving up to 5th grader. It's a reminder how quickly she’s growing. Everything about her is more important to me. And as her mom, I will guide and protect her always.
In the morning we woke up and had our breakfast. We talk and plan to buy clothes, pants, other school things and also a gift for her friend. She will attend Elias' birthday party. Aya is so excited about it.
Watching her eat and talk so confidently feels like a big milestone. And now I'm chatting like a little grown up. Those memories bring her to school and pick her after and head home. Holding her small hand tightly while walking and crossing the street, yet here she is now. Telling me while we're eating, "Mama, I will choose my style ok."
We need to get ready before 10:50 am for our bus going to the town. Before the arrival of the bus, we were at the bus stop and waiting.
The morning air was sunny and the streets were lively. Seeing my daughter and I love what she wears. It's so simple, just shorts and shirts. It's not too catchy but a simple wear that makes her look more stand out.
It really caught my attention and I told her, "Aya you're so beautiful." And I took out my phone and captured a photo of her while waiting for the bus.
Aya she's growing up and a young lady blossoming. And every photo reminds me of her journey. Spreading her wings and a young lady of mine is ready to step into her own choices. The bus finally arrived and we took a half hour ride to town.
Its just Aya and I went to town. My husband doesn't like to come with us, especially waiting for hours choosing this and going to another shop. In short he doesn't like shopping at all.
I'm happy that we are together and have our mom and daughter bonding. I'm also excited to shop with her but also nervous about what choices of style she likes.
Finally we arrived at our last bus stop and walked a short walk going to the shop.
Aya’s excitement was obvious and her eyes sparkling as she looked at the stores and displays. And I was looking for a sale. And yes there are sales.
We went to the first shop but she didn't click with anything there. And of course I will follow her then to our third shop, where she found the clothes. She tried different clothes and pants. She's so happy, saying to me "Mama, I want to try this and that too ." "Mama, can you buy this for me?"
Don't forget the perfume. 😅
She was full of life and I noticed how she likes her own sense of style.
As she tried on outfits, I saw that they were beautiful but seemed not appropriate for her age. Aya looked at herself in the mirror with pride, but my motherhood protective instincts kicked in.
I smiled and talked to her, "Aya, it's good to be simple. " As a mom, I explained to her that there’s a saying: "The simpler the better." I told her, "Look at the clothes your wearing now. They ate simple, but you look so beautiful. You don't need to be in a hurry because others wear those clothes.
Be simple and elegant, Aya and too much is not always good.
She listened and I knew she wanted to express herself in her style. As her mom, she doesn't need to chase trends or look older to be beautiful. And I wanted my daughter to feel beautiful just as she is- Because she's really beautiful. With her skin color that people like it and they need to go to the tanning salon or beach to achieve the brown skin color.
And it’s all about carrying herself with confidence and the way she reflects who she is truly.
I reminded her, “Even if people say, ‘Oh, you look good or your style is beautiful but sometimes behind your back, they may say negative things about you. That's why I keep it simple.
As we continued shopping, she began choosing more comfortable pants and simple tops that suited her age.
It was great to see my Aya be so understanding. Her willingness to listen and guidance was heartwarming.
For our last shopping trip, she choose a gift for her friend Elia's upcoming birthday.
She found the perfect birthday gift for her Elia. After she chose a birthday gift and with our bags full of clothes and presents, we headed to the bus stop.
I took photo at home what's her bday gift.
My heart was full and it's more than just errands.
Even this simple shopping thing with her makes my heart full. It's more than just a simple shopping, we're sharing values, guiding my daughter in her choices and seeing my daughter blossom into a young lady.
On the bus ride home and I saw her smile and it made me so thankful for these little things.
Our bonding was a way that I can still teach and remind her of the beauty of simplicity. Our Saturday may seem ordinary but for me this one was extraordinary.
Our day was full of love, laughter and shopping for her clothes. Not just about clothes, it's more about lessons in life.
My Aya may be growing up and I'm helping her grow into a young woman who has values in life. Not just what she wears but who she truly is.
