My Son Can Now Read!

Yes, all my patience and hardwork has paid off  :-)

Liam can now read on his own. Simple words and simple sentences. He is still not a perfect reader, but he is getting there. I was able to record it but the file is too big for blogger. I was able to upload it though in my Facebook account  :-)

Of course, not everyone gave the thumbs up sign :p who cares? It doesn't matter :)

I just feel proud because it is a personal achievement for both me and my son. I feel a different kind of high seeing him now, comparing him and looking back at how he was when we were just starting. When I hear him read to me, struggle to read the words correctly, sound out each letter top come up with the word and overcome it --all music to my ears. Feel na feel ko ang pagiging nanay, dahil ako ang nagturo sa anak ko magbasa. Sorry, but I won't give credit to his teachers in pre-school and in childcare because formal reading is taught in the big schools. Early childhood education here are all play-based unlike in Manila. Weird, huh?

I know this is only the beginning and it's still a long way for my little boy.But as they say, the first step is usually the hardest, once you've made that, the rest is history.

Another milestone Kuya Liam, reading at the age of 4 years and 4 months :D Another proud moment for both me and your Papa! Great job, Kuya!!!

Looking forward to more reading bonding nights with you.  :-)

Happy 18th!

Times flies! There is really no stopping you (and your Kuya) from growing up!

18 months!

You have achieved a lot of developmental milestones and Papa and Mama are soooo proud of you!

Your latest trick? Super powers!!!! Shiiiing! (with your hands raised pretending like a super hero! That never fails to brighten up our day!!!!

You know how to tell if you have been pushed by Kuya Liam (uh-oh) hehehe

You know and say already a lot of words: spider, flower, fruit, nana (banana), amins (vitamins), tick-tock, no, push.... they are just too many anak, Mama can't remember them all in one sitting.

And just a few days ago, you officially said goodbye to your high chair as you joined me, Papa and Kuya Liam on the big table! You can now sit still and eat by yourself, with very minimal assistance. Bravo!!! Makalat nga lang hahaha But it's okay. Papa and Mama are starting to enjoy our eating time again because we don't have to feed you. You seem to be one independent kid too, just like your Kuya Liam!

Anak, bawasan mo lang ng konti, konti lang, yung tapang at taray mo! Mama might be in trouble! hehehe

Papa and Mama were talking last night and realized that you are no baby anymore! Nakikipaghabulan ka na sa amin, nakikipaglaro sa mga pinsan mo, mahilig makipag-taguan, magtaray, tumili, umaray, tumawa ng malakas, magpatawa! Bata ka na! :C or :D? Both.

We realized that we're done with the hardest past of rasing babies! Hooray!

Thanks for not giving us a hard time anak.

Thank you for adding laughter into our home!

We love you Sammie!

You will always be our bunso.

"Be Still, I'm in Control"

I feel that this is God's present message to me.

Earlier this week, Alvin told me that his manager already gave them a heads up as to when their contract will expire. They have until August. Guaranteed. So that leaves us with only 3 months. Scary, huh?

Scary!

Especially that my work is only on a casual basis. Alvin, as usual was  still cool and relaxed as his boss said that he would still enquire in the hr if his contract had chances of still being renewed (because of pending projects) so that he doesn't have to spend time and energy looking for a new job, if only in the end his contract will be renewed. Alvin feels and is confident that his will be.

Anyway, we're still not sure until he gets to sign the contract, right? In the same manner that it doesn't help that almost every week we see news of big companies, mostly in the construction field though, but still, closing and announcing bankruptcy. The economic instability of some European countries adds up to the possible reasons of my worries.

But it's weird, because in spite of all these news, I am not finding myself worrying. No anxiousness, no fear. I am actually surprised myself. I don't think about it. I get to have good sleep at night.

I guess I've already come to that state  where I know God is taking care of everything. Anything bad that might happen along the way is part of His greater and better plan for us and our family.

I am still Lord, for I know you are in control. You are in charge.

I am keeping the faith.

The Beauty in Death

Death.

It becomes so real when it comes to  take people who are dear to you. People who have been part of your journey.

But it is not all ugly.

There is beauty in death.

It teaches you lessons. It reminds you of the more important things. It makes you treasure the loved ones you have now. It makes you hold their hands tighter. Hug them longer. Tell them "I Love You" more often.

You try to live your life making the right choices. Choices that will really matter in the end.

Death.

A reminder that our life and the life of our loved-ones is really not forever.

Death.

Thank you Tito Nick, you have taught me to value my family better. To overlook weaknesses and selfishness. To choose to love and to be happy. To be strong and to choose to fight.

Thank you Raewen. You were taken too soon. I am still overwhelmed with your sudden loss.  You have taught me to value my children more. To overlook their imperfections. To overlook my tiredness. To choose to serve and to be more patient.

I know that you two are now in a much happier place.

Thank you for the lessons you have taught me.

Be at peace now, for you are now with HIM.

Uh-oh!

Sam is presently in the stage "me-mine." She doesn't want to share things let alone someone just going near to see her play.

Last week, Liam's pre-school had a post-Mother's day morning tea and while waiting for the program to start, she had time to do free play. Two boys attempted to go near her, but lo and behold, she would say "NO!" then attempts to slap the hand of the boys! Oh poor boys! Ang taray to the max! One of the boys actually already had a crying episode with Sam.

I was just thinking, baka when she grows up, I might get into trouble, especially with the parents of other kids. Sobrang tapang! I know here in Sydney, it will be an asset. Can't help but think, kung anong bait ng kuya yun naman ang kabaligtaran ni Sam. She's not salbahe, but I think she is a little cheeky! :-)

Uh-oh! :-)  I think we need a different kind of approach with Sammie hehe :-)

By the way, she has plenty of new words: she can say spider, water, juice, rice, car, flower, amins for vitamins, bread, bacon, what, is :-)

She can carry a tune and looks like she's into music as well :-)  Thanks to the Wiggles and to her Gymbaroo classes :-)

Way to go, Sammie!

Very proud of you!

Love you!

Getting There

We are just thankful that God has sent us people with wisdom that can help us arrive at a decision.

We were at crossroads the past few days but thanks to these people, we are getting there.

Of course, we believe that they are God sent as we continue to ask for the gift of discernment for this present concern.

We'll get there. Getting there.

Looking Forward

I am an excited mum :D

Next year, my little big Kuya will already be going to the big school! Yes, there is no stopping them from growing up!

Anyways, as of this writing we have two choices.

One: Barnier Public School.  I got the application form yesterday and submitted it today.

According to the school secretary, he is already accepted, officially enrolled, since we are within the area of the school. Yipee!

Hubby and I are considering this school as our top choice.  Barnier Public School  is a Technology school. It is only a few blocks away from our place. It's beside the present pre-school of Liam. It is the same school where his Kuya Lance and Ate Anika go to. In other words, it will be very convenient.

We think that technology is really here for good. It is the thing of the present and the future. There is no way we can stop technology from being a part of our daily lives. So I guess, it will benefit him to be familiar and to learn thru technology.

I am more at peace knowing that he has older cousins attending the same school.

What about his RE classes? They have Scripture classes every Tuesday :D

Now, option 2: Quakers Hill Public School.

Kuya Lance will be taking the placement test for Opportunity classes for Year 5. If he passes, he will transfer to Quakers Hill Public School. We are not in the local area so I think we will be in the waiting list.

Why are we considering this school? We also plan to have Liam try out in the Opportunity classes when he reaches Year 5. But we are considering the social implications if he starts in Barnier and transfer him later on in Quakers Hill Public School (if he gets accepted in the OC Programme). By that time, I'm pretty sure he has already established his friends in Barnier. Hubby and I are thinking, if accepted, we will push thru with Liam's enrollment in QHPS as well. Might as well let him start in QHPS than transfer him later in Year 5. That way we have addressed the social implications of him establishing a new set of friends and adjusting to the school all over.

I am still not familiar with QHPS. It is not a technology school but from the feedback and the school ranking, it is performing really well. It will not be very convenient for though because it is still a ten-minute drive from our place. And I have to study the other details like OOSH or Day Care Centres available near the school.

The school-choosing thing is the serious part. Now for the fun part!


Now, what am I looking forward to? Why all the excitement?

As you very well now, I am a primary school teacher here. Working on a casual basis, I was given the chance to handle different year levels, from Kindy to Year 6, in different schools. Just last week, I handled a Kindy class. And I just can't help but ask myself and imagine what kind of student Liam will be.

Will he be like me? I am no nerd and I don't consider myself bright. I am just diligent and hardworking. I plan and organize things ahead of time. I follow the teacher and I do not like breaking the rules. No fun, huh? hehehehe Hindi ako kalat at makupad, medyo OA nga lang sa aga mag-prepare at mag-aral lalo na pag may exams. I am one chatterbox. I panic when I miss deadlines! Ehem, I am an academic achiever from elementary up until college (okay, even in my Masters :p)

Will he be like his Papa? He is not a nerd as well, but he is naturally intelligent. He is the type na hindi mag-aaral kahit ang dami-dami ng dapat aralin. He will just start studying the day before the exams and still manage to get good grades. He is Mr. Cool, not worrying even if he misses a deadline. He has problems in planning and organizing stuff. Medyo kalat, sorry Papa :D He is the silent achiever.

Will he be like some of the students that I have met over the year? Madaldal pero nakakagawa at may natatapos. Mr. Tulala or Mr. Dead-ma?, "Mr. I Can't Do This!" (I hope not!)? Tahimik, makupad at walang natatapos? Makupad? Kalat? Kalimotero? Maayos at mabilis?

Exciting, huh? :D

I promised myself that I will not be a stage mum, but it doesn't mean that I will not get involved in my son's studies.

Like in my previous post, I will still continue to give him his fare share of stress (ooops) when it comes to studying. I plan to establish his study habits as early as now so we will not be having any troubles when he gets older. I will continue to give him supplementary exercises so he is always one step ahead. (So he will not have a hard time adjusting when he gets to Secondary School where all students start to get stressed because of HSC!)

But secondary school will be a totally different story.

One step at a time.

I still have to wait though for the official letter from the school in the post (probably next term) informing us of his acceptance and the next steps that we need to do.

I can see that Liam is excited as well. He just doesn't know that I am more excited!

Can't wait :D