Values, Issues...Raising Up Kids

Raising Up Kids. Hard. Big time.

Here are some of the recent issues we have dealt as a couple on some values we wanted to teach our kids.

"Dun ka sa laundry room kumain so your sister will not see you." As I told this to Liam a realization came to me and I discussed it with my hubby. I told hubby: "Mali ata yung sinasabi natin. Kasi pano kapag lumaki na siya. Baka maisip niya na para di siya guluhin or kulitin, magtatago na lang siya. Itatago niya na lang sa atin." And hubby got my point. It makes sense, right? We want them to grow up not hiding anything from us, and yet this simple act teaches him the opposite. So now, even if Sam asks for the same food and she might get upset if we don't give it to her, OK Lang. We will deal with Sam the way we should and not ask Liam anymore to hide. In the process, I think we get to teach both kids some values.

Another instance was when after seeing a couple of teenagers (15-18 years old, all male) doing the maintenance of the gardens and lawn in our compound I was so tempted to tell Liam: "Liam, you better study well or else you might end up like them." --> referring to the boys mowing. But I bit my tongue. I felt it wasn't a good thing to say.

First, I might be teaching him the wrong value of looking down on people who works as tradies and the like. We were in the car and I again shared this realization with hubby. Hubby thought that it was a good thing I didn't tell that to Liam. See here in Sydney, your educational attainment does not equate with your salary, unlike in Manila. Dito, lahat pantay pantay ang tingin at trato, nirerespeto ka anuman any trabaho mo. Hindi nila-lang ang tarbaho mo, which me and hubby would like our kids to imbibe. Sadly, unlike in Manila, if you are a basurero o mekaniko o driver o yung mga ganun na trabaho, or you don't work in an office, mababa ang tingin sa iyo. Dito Hindi. Kaya kung sinabi ko iyo sa anak ko, pinapasa ko yung mali na gawain sa Pinas. My hubby also mentioned that the kids I saw might just be doing part-time jobs. He has a point. I'm happy I stopped myself just in time.

What Other People Think.
I think it is but normal to consider or use the idea of what other people might think or might say when we act. But making it the sole reason for doing good and making the right choices, is not good. I was tempted again to tell Liam to act well because "what will mama and papa's friends say?" But I didn't. I felt it was a wrong reason. The reason we should always tell them why we expect them to behave is because it is the right thing to do, and not because we are afraid of what other people might say.

We were tempted to tell Liam that when for some weird reason he was always acting out, OA na nga kung minsan, when we were in Manila, meeting up with friends. Pa-baby most of the time. Hubby and I saw that it was not our Liam. He was not himself. Maybe he sensed that there were a lot of people ready to spoil him and his sister. Oh well, he is back to his usual jolly, independent and responsible self again. I am glad. But I am more glad that I didn't give him that reason for him to behave. I am still praying that he continues to make the right choices because it is the right thing to do.

All about Schools.
Since it will only be year before my little boy goes to the big school, I have been studying/reading/getting myself oriented with the educational system here. Of course, with the Catholic schools, I am very much aware of the practices and the newest innovations, since I teach there. For the state schools, I get to hear stories thru my niece, nephew and my SIL.I recently discovered the selective schools for years 7 to 10. The selective schools are like the Science high schools back in the Phils. I have also read about the OC, or Opportunity classes for Years 4-6. It is like the Magis or gifted classes in Ateneo Grade School, also for English and Maths. But not all state schools have OC available. There is actually one very near our place, Quakers Hill Public School.

Now this got me thinking. We are already settled that Liam will be joining his cousins at the Barnier School, which is only a 5 minute drive from our place. We think his adjustment will be much easier when his cousins are with him. And I will be more at peace knowing he has a Kuya and an Ate in school. And also, the set up will also be very convenient for me and my brother, as all our children go to one school if there is an errand to be done, either one of us can do it.

Anyways, that was until I learned that it is not offering OC to its students. As a parent you only want the best for your kids, education wise, I would also want the same. I want them to have an edge. Well, I have the option to let Liam start at Barnier and then transfer him to Quakers Hill PS if he passes the qualifying test for the OC. BUT, having spent 4 years already, I'm pretty sure that by that time he has already established his friends...so uprooting him from Barnier just as so he can go to Quakers Hill is unfair for him. I have to consider his emotions as well, right? It might also give him adjustment problems. So the question for me now is, what school will he go to? Might as well start him in Quakers Hill so there won't be any problems later on, right? But, what about the logistics? And it did enter my mind, does the school really matter?

I also went to a state school in Manila and all of my brothers and sisters. My hubby went to an exclusive boys school. Some of our friends also went to 'ordinary' schools. Oh yes, there is this prestige when people learn that you came from Science high schools...but is it enough to spell success? I don't think so. I know of so many people who graduated from Science high schools and modesty aside, I performed better than them. I know of so many people who finished in "ordinary schools" and yet they are also very successful in their chosen fields. So what then is the fuss? Well, to date my ground is: the school does not spell the success of an individual. Success still heavily depends on the individual. So I am okay with Liam just going to the ordinary state schools, especially during his primary school years. For his secondary school, at present, I am tempted to really let him go to a selective school (as in prepare him so he can pass the exams and meet all the requirements). I am not sure though if this is another case where I will eat my words when the time comes for Liam to go to the big school.

Oh well, we have a year to pray for it :)

Raising kids. Very hard. Big time.

Am I Missing the Point?

Remember the Bible story of Martha and Mary Magdalene? It was when Jesus visited their house and Mary was so busy running errands, while Martha just did nothing but listened to Jesus? Well, sometimes, when I get too preoccupied with house chores, (computer, facebooking, reading, and my deep need to blog, among other things as well), I feel that I'm like Mary in that story.

I sense that I am sacrificing the things that are more important. What are those? Spending quality time with my kids and hubby. Not just by doing errands for them, not just by being with them physically, but really being with them. Engaging with them. I feel guilty when Liam is at home and asks that we play games that he likes and I say no. It's just hard because in order to have order at home, I have to let some opportunities pass, like Mary in the story I most of the time see the other one million and things that needs to be done. I hope that when I grow old and look back, this is one aspect of my life which I won't regret doing.

Am I Blinded?

By my love for my children? I was given the chance to be at one side of the fence, being a teacher for over a decade now. Now, I am given the chance to see how it is to be at the other side of the fence, by being a parent to two kids.

Even if both of them are still not in the big school, I get to deal with their teachers in their Sports classes or in their Gymbaroo/Kindermusik classes. And yes, sometimes, I see some issues that I would want to raise...either I find the teacher too lax, or not effective, and the like. But I stop myself because I know how it is when parents talk to teachers to air their opinions or rant. I wouldn't want to be like one, so I try to extend my patience and understand where the teacher is coming from. So far, there has been no need for me to really address some concerns about their teachers. It was only a matter of waiting and seeing the reasons behind my issues :-)

Another fear is for me "not to see'' something is wrong with them because I love them and they are my kids. Most often than not, I try to be always in check with reality...their behavior, their developmental milestones in a particular age, etc....as I have shared before, I have a lot of developmental checklists and I always check my kids if they are within range or if there is already a red flag up, I should get worried already. I always check myself because I remember the 5 stages of grieving, the first stage is always denial. I check if I'm seeing everything or I'm missing something because I am in denial. So far, there is nothing major to worry about. :-)

Just this morning when Sam got her shots and her 12-month check-up, the GP asked me if there was any concerns I wanted to raise. Of course I shared my worry of her still not walking (even if other parents already shared their stories with me about their children walking a bit late, the oldest of which was at 15months!). But the GP told me that I shouldn't worry about walking, I should worry about the language more. Thankfully, there is no problem in that area :-) I hope that if there is something I am missing, friends or family will be instrumental in letting me know :-)

One Fine Saturday Afternoon

In between two books, Samantha Sotto's Before Ever After and David Nicholls' One Day, I managed to get a quick power nap and blog :-) happy :-)

Finally pushed thru with our long overdue plan/project of opening a bank account for the kids. Hubby and I, of course with the kids, went to Rouse Hill today to open a SA account for each of them. We opened a Kids Rewards Savers Account with Westpac. It is for kids ages 0-11. We can't withdraw for them. They can only get the money when they turn 11. Its interest rate is 1.25% p.a. but they get a bonus interest of 4.5% p.a. if we put in $50 a month and they make no withdrawal. Not bad. At least now I can really put the money I intend to use for buying them additional (but unnecessary) clothes and toys :-)

Can't help but be amused with Sam's latest tricks! She's becoming more talkative, saying: bye-bye, look, Santa, papa, mama, bird. She can now associate words with the objects like head, feet, Christmas tree, shoes, ball, eat, go out, sleep, and NO. :-) She has monster Sam, she does the sign of the cross, she stands up now when I give her a bath, she knows what she likes and she does not like. Happy :-)

Next term will be quite busy for me and the kids. Mondays and Tuesdays, while Liam is at pre school, me and Sam will be having her swimming lessons on Mondays and her Gymbaroo sessions on Tuesdays. Another avenue for her to develop her skills :-) and to bond with me. Wednesdays will be for Liam's soccer lessons and Thursdays will be for his swimming lessons. I actually asked him to choose between soccer and piano lessons. He of course chose the soccer lessons. It is a bit expensive to send them to these activities, but what the heck, they are the main reasons why we migrated in the first place, so why not spend for them. It's for their own development, so we know the money is not put to waste.

School year is about to finish here, so for this Summer, I chanced upon the Summer Reading Program for kids ages 0-18 at the Black town libraries. Again, I think this is a good way to spend their summer vacation. After completing the program, they will be attending a presentation night and will be awarded with Certificates. I have to do this one with them though. But it's alright with me. It's just reading books with them. Who knows, it might instill in them the love for reading...keeping my fingers crossed :-) I already registered the two of them this morning and each of them have their own library cards now, how cool is that?!

I have finally started fixing my papers again to re-commence my teaching career. Nope, we really haven't decided yet when exactly next year I'll go back to teaching, but at least my papers are ready. Was finally able to fix it after receiving my certificates last Wednesday, during my graduation day :-) happy and a bit proud of myself for having to juggle my studies, career and family life :-) thank you, Lord :-) Now that I am done, it's Alvin's turn to study. No, he really doesn't have to go back to school especially that his Master's degree in the Phil's is recognized here as comparable to an Australian master's degree. But we thought that it would benefit him if he continues to improve on himself, so he has better chances of promotions/landing a better job/position. Good thing, hubby is OK with it :-) Like what they say, it's a very competitive world out there :-)

For over a week now, we have been experiencing a cold snap. Considering that it should be summer now here, down under. I am actually enjoying it because I get to feel Christmas more, just like in Manila :-) For a change, right? Only, the real Aussies are not happy with it because they are so excited already to go out in the sun!

Think I wrote longer than what I had planned :-) hehehe more on blogging next time, back to my reading :-)

Not Within My Standards

Closest friends and family know that I have a thing for details. I set some expectations not really for other people, but for me.

Guess what, I recently had an event and I was not VERY happy with my outputs. It was not within my standards.

What event was that? Sam's 1st birthday.

Well, at first I wanted to rate each supplier, but with the limited amount of time that I have to blog and the long stories I have to share, no pwede. I have to be practical. I am writing this so I can let go or release some steam off.

I am actually doing this while the kids are asleep hoping that I get to finish this before they wake up, or else, it will again become in installments. Anyway, back to my story.

There were just so many elements in that party that went wrong.
First, the cake. I already shared my story about Sam's cake and even up to now, I am frustrated about it. There are pictures to always remind me about that. Hay.

Second, the caterer. I was not really happy with the caterer. The thing was, before we left for Cebu, a week before Sam's birthday, Raquel of Tom's world was convincing me to try out their newest caterers. Not Benedict's, the one we got the chance to see and have food tasting (c/o my sister), but two new ones. I didn't close the deal yet because I wanted to see the menu first and the set up since we don't have any chances of seeing them in action beforehand. Raquel promised to email the June and pictures during the week we are in Cebue, but we got back from our week's stay and no email. Three days before the party, we went there to give additional payments and finally was able to see the set up through pictures. Raquel was really rooting for the new ones so we told her that yes, we are to choose one from the two she was suggesting, but told her, that we are relying on her on this. We didn't have the chance to taste their food so sa opinion niya kami nagre-rely na okay sila. Raquel gave us her assurance. What is wrong with Albas? Raquel mentioned that their serving was smaller now, because they had to reduce their prices. Albas does not also have 20% buffer allowance, which I found weird since I know it is an SOP with caterers. Anyways, come party time, yes, the food was enough, but was still not happy with the set up in the buffet table and the taste of the food in general. Parang cheapangga! Hay! Although the waiters were mabait, still it was not wihtin my standards.

The tarpaulin. This is actually a sensitive isuue since I asked my brothers-in-law to help me with this one. Hubby's youngest brother who works as a graphic design artist was the one in-charge with the main tarp. My other brother-in-law was in charge if tarp 2, Sam's birthday logo, which we will be using for photoshoots with guests. I was always in touch with Tarp 2 BIL, for instructions for both tarps. Initially, tarp 1 will follow the size of Liam's tarp 8 x 4 feet. But since the logo tarp will have a size of 10 x 6 feet, I asked Tarp2 BIL to relay to Tarp1 BIL to change the size of tarp 1 to 10 x 6 na rin, since it will be the main tarp. I reminded him and even asked him if tarp1 BIL already knows the change in size. Oo daw. The thing is, they are not talking directly to each other, The messages that I have for tarp1 BIL is coursed thru my parents-in-law. The result? Palpak! When we went to Tom's a few days before the party, I already got intrigued why we had 2 different sizes of tarp in the car. Good thing I checked on it when I was turning it over to Raquel. Hay, mas malaki si tarp 2 than tarp 1. Fuming mad already at that time. Hubby sensed it. He knows me. My FIL who was with us that day must have sensed it too. Alvin asked him why the size is smaller. FIL said that was the size of Liam's tarp. Hubby then asked me if his brother knew of the changes, of course I said yes, I informed them. His other brother said he was informed! Ay, nag-away kami ni Alvin that time! Buwisit na buwisit talaga ako! Of course no words came out, but our actions. Kainis!. There was no point doing it again because it was two days before the party and of course, we will just waste money. The thing was, I had to pressure na BIL tarp 1 since the first one BIL tarp1 made e safari yung theme. I have mentioned it na nga in my emails na Dora yung theme and how I wanted it to look like. If you know me, you know how I can BE SOOOO MAKULIT. Yung sfari pang boy di ba? Up until the week of the party, di ko pa nakikita yung revised theme. Pero not enough, palpak pa rin yung end result. Raquel told us na sila na lang gagawa ng paraan. Of course I did not take this sitting down. I texted BIL Tarp2, who assured me that his borther knew of the change in size. PA-guilty ba.


I begged them na ako na kang magpapa-print ng both tarps, ayaw. sila na lang daw because it wasn't ready yet when I needed it. To think I gave them the requirements MONTHS before. Nagawan sana ng paraan. At ayan, nakita ko na lang na mali yung size when my father in law picked us up that day when we are to turn over the tarps na. since family, di ko maaway ng derecho kahit gigil na gigil ka na! I asked Tom's kung pwede ipatong sa tarp nila yung main tarp. You should have seen my face on the day of the turn over! Kung hindinlang talaga family....buwiset! Lol

On the day of the party? The main tarp that was used was that of Tom's, yung generic lang. Yung main tarp, nasa wall nila sa side ng party room. And the logo tarp, not yet put up, kasi wala pang pagkakabitan. By that time by hook or by crook, Alvin made something na to make sure magamit young isang tarp. Hay.


On the day of the party, I was too tired to be mad na, kaya kahit dumating na din yung cake na palpak, sige na nga.Like during my wedding, I know not everything in the plan can be followed. Nag let go na rin ako, so I can enjoy the party.

Bottom line: mas better to pay than ask favors from family, para Kung palpak maaway ko. wehehe my BILs and I are ok ha, no fights whatsoever :)

Next, still better to get old, reliable suppliers.
It's hard to plan for a party like this whene you have a thousand and one things to do before the party. Kailangan hands on ulit ako, at ito lang young ginagawa ko. But it was hard for me since we were only on vacation and I only get to prepare for the party sa umaga before we go out again and do some other stuff--like doing errands, meeting up with friends, etc. I didn't have the luxury of time.

Am I making an excuse here? Well, I don't know. But I am the first to admit that what happened was really not within my standards.

Well, it is done. I don't know if my friends got to see the booboos and palpaks that day. I hope not! Ewan, maarte Lang siguro ako.

Ang dami pang issues hahaha, pero medyonsensitive because family ang involved -- like late comers, na pwde sana inagahan kasi tutulong sana mag set-up...mga tipong, ay why do you look so plain? Medyo magpustura naman ikaw, te hehehehe Well, family are the first to arrive and last to go, remember? wehehehe


Nag let go na ako on the day of the party. Good thing. Even if there were guests na nag-RSVP at nang Indian din, some were VERY late they skipped the entertainment and games part for the kids, we still got to celebrate and have fun. :)

If there is one good thing about it:

I think majority of the kids enjoyed the free ride-all-you can that went with the party package and the Austin playland for the little ones :) AND
Through Sam's party, we got to put a smile on the faces of 30 public school students of Nagkaisang Nayon Elememntray school for the school supplies they will be getting for Christmas (in lieu of gifts to Sam we requested guests to just bring school supplies for these kids) :)

Lessons learned :-)
Don't worry Sam, bababwi si mama on your 7th birthday! Ha!

The Year 2011: My Year End Review

In less than a month, the year 2011 will be over! And like what I have been doing the past years, I will again look back on how the year went. To recall the major blessings as a way of thanking our Lord; and recalling all the trials as a way of learning from them.

For me, the year 2011, has been a good year for us. It was in fact a better year than 2010.

It was a year when I finally had the chance to become a full-time wife and full time mother to two kids. A rare chance, opportunity, asked or wished by many. I learned a lot and I think, I grew as a person as well, from this opportunity.

I was able to finish my Certificate course, which I thought was impossible, even before I started with it.

It was a good year for Alvin was well, as he continued to do well in his work. The Lord giving us little assurances, through his boss and his other workmates that he has the potential to improve on his present work.

Liam continues to grow in different aspects and he is slowly graduating from the testing stage :-)

Sam turned one last month.

We were able to go on holidays in the Philippines, side trip to Cebue and celebrate Sam's birthday with family.

Generally, it was a good year for us and the kids too, health wise.

Financially, of course, it was good. It was better. Again, we don't have millions. But what we have is enough. We feel abundant because we appreciate what we have. We get to eat what we like and we get to buy what we like. Little extras we are very thankful for.

We had little trials every now and then, but the blessings of our Lord outnumber them. I can easily overlook at these trials.

Thank you Lord for the year 2011.

My family again, looks forward to what awaits us next year.

Hopefully, it will even be a better year for us...career-wise, financially, health wise, and of course, family wise.

Thank you 2011!

Sam's Birthday Cake by Mitchelle's Sweet Kiss

Cake - Mitchelle's Sweet Kiss
Peso Power - PhP 3000 (Buyanihan Deal), additional Php 1900 for add-ons and Delivery Charge
Rating: Not Happy

For my son's first birthday, I asked a former Co teacher to make his 2-layered fondant cake, two layers of which were real cakes. He really didn't tell me how much it cost, but I knew since it was a fondant cake, I knew it would cost more outside, I just ggave him PhP 6thousand as payment, I don't know if it's too cheap or it's too much. Here is the cake that he made for my son's birthday. I was very happy with the output. The colors were alive and the cake was huge. It did attract atention during Liam's party.



So as soon as I learned that I would be changing themes for Sam's birthday -- from Sesame St. to Dora, I immediately looked for cakes. I again considered my former co-teacher or Bakeshoppe of Shoppersville (in Katipunan, Quezon City).

But, I chanced upon this groupon site, Buyanihan, around March and the deal for the day was for me a good deal. I of course checked the expiry date and when I saw that the deal can still be used until December 2011, I thought of buying one for Sam's party. I asked hubby if I can purchase the deal and he agreed.


The catch is, they can customize the design of the cake that I want. I also got excited to get the cake tower, being one of the first 200 buyers (didn't choose the additional 24 cupcakes as we already have the ice cream cart and cotton candy cart) as shown on this photo:




I was also able to track down their newest creations thru their FB page, and it made me more excited. I told myself, I made the right decision. Hubby also agreed when he saw the outputs. But after a month, I couldn't see their FB page anymore! This got me worried and a bit paranoid. The only time I got to see their FB again was when I was in Manila! I don't know if the setting of FB has something to do with it.

There were days that I got paranoid, but thru a forum I was appeased by other clients who also bought the deal. The deal includes 48 cupcakes and a 9" inch round cake, with a choice of free additional 24 cupcakes or cake tower, if you are among the first 200 buyers. I was the 108th buyer and I opted to have the cake tower.

After all the cake designs I saw, I finally decided to combine 2 cake designs.




I emailed them the design and asked them for additional requests like:
A. Making the cake fondant -- additnal PHP650
B. Adding another layer, fondant again -- additional charge
C. Deliver the cake to the venue -additional charge

We didn't request for individual packaging anymore since we were OK to serve the cupcakes to the guests.

I called them September, two times, three weeks after I have emailed them my Order form and my design, but as of September 21, I still haven't heard from them. Two weeks before we left for Manila, still not acknowledgement of my e-mail, I called them and finally got the chance to talk with Rose. With this conversation, I was able to explain my requests and was told of the do-able things.

After the conversation, Rose promised to e-mail me for the additional costs of my requests. She also told me that she will call me 3 days before the party to refresh everything.

Thursday before the party, 17 November, she did call and we had a good talk. I told her about my excitement about the cake and how, like Liam's should be the center of attention during the party. Well, I expected too much :(

I was really not happy with the result. I am not even happy with the cake tower they used! Parang tutumba! Poor quality. Compare with the picture they showed for the deal. And the cupcakes were small. The fondant cake? Yes, she did use the colors I requested but it looked pale, not vibrant , as it should be! Parang the colors were not alive because of too much white powder...parang espasol na yung dating.

Here is their output. Compare it with the design I emailed them. Even the strips of colors on the second layer were not cut evenly! Sus! And look at Dora, the cake topper...sad. Just sad.

Cake:




Cupcakes:





The taste? Not exceptionally good.


I am no Masterchef, but hey I can see (as well as any ordinary person) if the cake looks good. And with the looks, if the cake tastes great. But with Sam's cake, I was really not happy.


This was one hard lesson learned. I can't undo it anymore because I only got to see the output on the day itself. Lessn? Still better to spend and go for the old reliable suppliers!

Adding insult to what we had for Sam's cake, I decided to order Liam's cake for his super duper advanced birthday celebration with family based in Manila in Shoppersville Bakeshoppe. And look at the output:



It was a 3D Firetruck Cake and everything was edible!

Liam was very happy and so was I!

Oh well. No one to blame but me. Should have not expected much especially that I got it from a promo.

All About Clothes!

I spent my me-time today unpacking while ironing our clothes. How cool is that? :) I took the chance to hopefully finish fixing our stuff while the kids had their afternoon nap :)

Well, I am still not done unpacking. Nope, we didn't bring home tons of things from our short stay in Manila. Unpacking, on my terms is: sorting, fixing and putting of new clothes to their proper places. This means I had to make room for the newer clothes, remove the old ones and hand them down to the newest bubs in town :)

While doing all of these and ironing our clothes, I realized: my kids just have so MUCH clothes already! I mean at ages 3 and 1, they already have their own cabinets plus 1 tallboy which they share. They even have enough supply of clothes until they turn 6 (for Liam) and 3 (for Sam), for all seasons, at that! But wait, we didn't buy all of it, okay? Most of it, yes. But there is a handful of hand-me-downs and gifts as well :) There is just too much clothes! I can choose not to buy them new clothes in the next 2-3 years! I am running out of cabinets! Getting a new one is not part of my solution.

And boy are they lucky! I remember that I had my first pair of jeans when I was already in high school and it was a hand-me-down. The first pair of jeans that I really owned was California Paddocks which I earned after landing at the Top 3 of my class. And my kids? Well, almost all their clothes are branded already. Guess, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Oshkosh, Old Navy, and even Lascoste! I had my first Lacoste polo shirt when I was already working! Yeah, no one to blame but me :( At this age they are not aware of the value of the clothes they are wearing, we are not actually telling them, because they might ask for it all the time and we won't be able to sustain it hehehehe. And realizing that Liam will only get to wear these only on occasions and weekends once he starts going to the big school (because he has to wear a uniform, right?), is nakakapanghinayang.

So this weird idea came into my mind while I was ironing our clothes. The next time I am tempted to buy them new clothes I would still get the money but I'd put the money some place else. We plan to open an account for the two of them by next week and so that is one place where I can put the money OR I can put it on our travel fund, so it will be easier for the family's plan to travel to materialize ;) OR we can use the money to help out others :)

So there, this is my newest project and hopefully hubby will be happy with it :)

Break Time!

I am taking a short break from all the unpacking and the sorting and the cleaning and the doing of the housechores. Whew! Like what my friend Vera mentioned this is one part, one hard part, of coming back home after a vacation, going back to the established routine. Not to mention doing all the backlogs :-)

Oh well, I am taking my sweet time. I have not even put up any Christmas decors! I am actually thinking if I still have to put them up, because I already know, I will also be the one who will put them all down. Hehehe Good thing before flying to Manila, I have already shopped and wrapped our Christmas presents for our Sydney based friends :-) because at the back of my mind, I was already expecting this :-)

It was our first time to go back as balikbayans and from this experience, I have learned a few lessons:
A. It is hard, no, make that, very hard, to go on long trips with a small bub in tow. With Sam being breastfed, and no hired help or yaya to take care of her, it was still us who took care of both of them even if we met friends and went out. There was help from family, but only during weekends. Liam also didn't want to be left with the care of Lolo or Lola, so Alvin and I took turns of staying home with them if we needed to do an errand like going to the LTO, CAP, or going to the spa. And they were with us every time we met up with friends. Maybe, when they are both older, it would not be as hard :-)

B. The next time I book a flight, I would choose a night flight so the kids would be sleeping most of the time. And when I choose a flight going back home, I will not choose a Sunday. It was almost eleven pm when we got here in Sydney. No more shops to eat as they were already closed. Good thing my brother already left in our refrigerator, the cooked food I asked them to buy for us last Saturday so were able to eat something. By the time we were settled it was almost twelve no in and all of us had something scheduled on Monday! It will back to work for hubby, back to school for Liam and back to swimming school for me and Sam! I didn't have the chance to re-charge or get things organized before going back to our usual routines! So next time, no more Sunday flights for us!

C. The i-remit Visa card was not as hassle free as I thought it would be. When i make transactions and the reader recognizes it as a debit card, it lets me choose either the sa or chk account which when I both tried didn't work. I had to talk it out to the cashier to use it as a credit card or to use a different card reader. Sometimes they tried out of politeness, but others didn't. So what is the use of having a debit card? I ended up carrying big amounts of cash fearing that if I use the debit card it will not again work. Hay.

These are just the major lessons I have learned. I will be blogging about the realizations and stories of our trip next time :-)

Back to work for me :-)

All in the Name of Vanity!

I am not a virgin anymore, to sugaring that is.

I saw this spa a couple of days ago that offers sugaring-- the use of sugar, instead of wax to remove hair from different body parts. I got intrigued and told it to hubby. Hubby was OK with it, and he did encourage me to try it out.

So today, I tried it. I really don't use wax to remove hair on my legs and in the bikini area. If I don't shave it, I usually use Veet cream. I am actually happy with Veet because it is really soft in the skin and the new hair that grows is not coarse. Anyways, I was also afraid to use wax because of the TV shows I got to watch before. I mean just seeing the faces of the hosts after they strip off the paper, ooooh!

Well, before I said yes, I asked for some more explanation on sugaring. I asked the attendants to explain the procedure, the material which will be used and what I should expect. They know what they were doing. They gave me a handful of explantions and even gave me tips after learning that it will be my first time.

I chose to have it on the bikini area first and like the attendants told me, if I think I can handle the pain, then I can easily upgrade it to a Brazilian.

Wahahaha...end result? Nakakapanghina!

Good thing the attendant was very patient with me, laughing with me during the times that...oh wow...hahahahaha...
She even guided me and took it slow when I asked for a break every now and then so I can regain my composure. I thought I can upgrade it to a Brazilian but when she was doing it near the sensitive area....ha! No more upgrades for me!!!!

Well, it was a wonderful experience, it was something that gave me a good laugh...it was painful but the pain does not linger hehehehe

Will I do it again? Probably.

I just feel crazy having decided to try it out all for the name of vanity (and all for the name of romance wahahahaha) :-)

Happy 1st Birthday, Sam!

Thank you, Lord for the gift of twelve months!

Thank you, Lord for the gift of a beautiful, happy and healthy daughter...

Thank you, Lord for Andrea Samantha!

Another Feather On My Cap ;)

Surprise!

Yes, I too, am surprised that I get to write a blog on our supposedly holidays here in Manila.

Blame it on the rain...and the fact that we live sooooo far from everything LOL :)

Well, kidding aside, I think reality has set in. I still can't leave my two kids and do the things/errands I have planned to do. And yes, the weather really didn't cooperate as it has been pouring the past 3 days already!

But first, some stories first on our flight back here in Manila.

If you have been following my blog you already know by now that I took the challenge of flying to Manila with 2 kids. Well, to date, that is my biggest achievement! Yes, I did, all by myself! hehehe well, not really :)

When we got to the airport hubby saw the parents of an acquaintance (a common friend is one his Beta Ep brods in UP) passing by us so he told me that we might be on the same flight. And luckily we did. While waiting for our turn to check in, he introduced himself and us and informally entrusted us to them. But the thing was, they were seated so far from us. Anyways, from check-in up until boarding, everything was manageable. We got good seats as well. Well, that is aside from the fact that our flight was delayed by more than an hour.

I was expecting for the worst, but surprisingly I managed. I was able to prove that I can still keep my cool when things were not going my way -- like Liam pooing while on flight. Yes, I managed that and to go to the toilet with Sam with me. I guess expecting for the worst did a lot of help, not to mention a lot of prayers and mind conditioning.

But I guess the credit really goes out to my two adorable and well-behaved kids. Many people have already told me that my kids are "mabait" especially Liam. Well, this experience was the one that really convinced me that yes, they are truly good children.

I will not write it but there were people who really went out of their way to commend them (and me **blush**) for their behavior all throughout the trip. As one passenger said: "I just want to tell you that your son is amazing! I mean how can you manage with two kids and not have a hard time?" She commended Liam twice. First during the first half of the trip and the next when we were about to land: "I mean how can he endure an 8-hour flight without giving you a hard time. Amazing. Simply amazing." I was a proud mum. Yes, Liam just sat on his seat, buckled up and only standing up twice. One when he needed to wee and the other one when he needed to poo. That's it. Thank goodness they didn't go after their Papa who feels sea sick when traveling hehehe :)

Sam was behaved as well. But she did give me a little hard time during the last hour and a half of our trip. I tried everything to soothe her but she was just restless (not crying). I knew she was sleepy already because at that time it was already 9:30 PM Sydney time.

By this time my battery levels were going low but thankfully I managed. It was challenging when I was filling out the Disembarkation cards while carrying Sam attending to my hand-carry luggage (which was about 7 kg!) and keeping an eye on Liam. That was the hardest part of trip for me. But help came at the right time and the right place. When it was time to get my checked-in luggage and the pram from the luggage conveyor, Tito and Tita (couple we met at the airport) were with me so they were able to help me out :)

No problems whatsoever with Immigration and Customs. Thank God.

I felt tired and my paranoia was at its peak when we went out the airport with my Papa and brother picking us up. But after one week, I guess my paranoia has lessened already :)

I am proud of myself. I am more proud of my children.

P.S. After experiencing a night flight and a day flight, I was able to compare and realize that when you have kids with you when you travel, very young kids like my kids, it's better to take a night flight than a day flight.

More kwentos next time!

Bits' Tidbits

Yesterday before Liam took his afternoon nap, he told me: "Mama, I love you. I did not say it for a long, long time because I was busy, busy, busy."

Last week, when I brought him to school, I asked him to kiss me. I was ready to kiss him on the lips when he said: "No mama, cheeks only. I'm a big boy now" :(

Last night, before he slept, I asked him, are you going to say "I Love you to mama?" He said: "yes, I will say it everyday!i,'ll stop being busy."

Liam gets his Papa's perfume and puts a lot to himself, saying he put perfume so he'll be bango. One time he didn't pick his papa's Tommy. He looked at his other options. He first grabbed his papa's Hugo boss then later on changed his mind saying, I'll use this today --> his papa's ck, then tomorrow I'll use the other one --> referring to the Hugo boss. Hmmm, should I already keep his papa's perfumes? Ang bata mo pa anak, porma ka na hehehe

When we go to church on Saturdays he asks us why we have to go. "Church is boring Mama" hmmm, now that is one challenging question and remark! Being a bright kid I know I can't trick you on this one. I know you'll sense if mum is just making a lame excuse. I don't want to say but I'm really tempted to say, because I said so, or because you have to. But I know that is not the right response. You really are one of a kind!

One day when you needed to poo, on your way to the toilet, you went back and asked if you can read a magazine while pooing?! I wonder where you got that idea! Lol :-) happy it only happened once hehehehe

Over at lunch we asked you who do you look like, you said let me think about it, after a minute or two, you said, I look like the two of you --> me and his papa! Good answer, good answer, safe answer!

The other day, I accidentally hurt my finger while cooking. When you saw it, you told me, next time mama, be careful when you're using the knife so you don't hurt yourself. Such a sweetie sweetheart :-)

Oh Bits, you continue to make me and your papa laugh. You continue to make us smile. You continue to make us see how blessed we are :-)

letting go, letting God

The reason why my family and I will be going to Manila is to have our first real holiday with family and friends.

Bags are packed and almost ready to go.

But the nega or the pessismist in me is again trying to ruin our vacation, even if we haven't even set foot in Manila.

I worry about the news back in Manila that I have been hearing and watching and reading.

I worry about the possibility of something bad happening to my family, my kids especially, while we're there.

I worry that I might miss something important because of the so many things we have planned to do while in Manila.

I feel sad that most of my friends whom I've already emailed and texted and asked if they want to meet up haven't responded yet. It's more of naiinis na kasi ako yung uuwi, ako pa yung nag-aayos at nangungulit. Ah ewan. HeheheJust thinking that maybe they have more urgent matters to attend to. But then again, I don't get to see them often. Oh well :-) Well, I think this is a lesson for me not to put my hopes up. I am expecting for the worst. The thing is, I already did my part :-) Sabi nga nila pag gusto may paraan, pag ayaw maraming dahilan.

Now as to the worrying part, I have lifted it all up to Him. I am letting go, I am letting God.

I am ready to enjoy this well-deserved vacation.

Yipee!

11 months :)

Today, our daughter turns 11 months old :)

Time flies.

At eleven months,

she is a talker. babbles a lot but says: "hi (ha), bye (ba --> with matching wave of hands), wow, thanks (ta)" already and uses them correctly.
she can identify and ask which parent she prefers or if she wants her "Oya".
she calls Papa if she wants hubby.
she calls Mama if she wants me.
she loves her Kuya.
crawls up to him after school telling him she wants to play with him.
she loves to kiss Liam and sleep beside him.
she knows her cousins.
she likes kissing and playing with them

her two lower central teeth have erupted.

she does "monkey crawls" gliding along our seats or tables until she gets to where she wants to go.
she uses her walker (vacuum type not the one with the seat in the middle) without any help to cruise inside the house.
she likes to crawl up the stairs.
she loves going to the book shelf and get hold of a book.
she likes to do pretend reading.

she likes knows how to wave when told Hi or bye.
she knows align.
she knows how to clap hands and dance when told to.
she knows how to do beautiful eyes and flying kiss when asked to.
she knows how to kiss you on the cheeks when asked to.

she slipped one time and bit her lip accidentally :(
she fell off the bed once, today! off all days!

she loves the water. she loves swimming! she's not afraid of being submerged :)

she is an eater! thank God she's not a picky eater! she has a sweet tooth ;)
still breastfed at 11 months. plan to do so until she also turns 2 :)

she is a bunso. looking for our reaction before doing something cheeky (like going up the stairs or turning off the tv)...and when we say the magic word "no" she will give you that very pitiful face with matching (fake) crying.

she likes to play with her water. making bubbles out of them.

she stays awake even when very sleepy, especially when there is a "happening" hehe that is without being cranky.
she stays ok after having her needles (vaccinations), no fever, whatsoever :) Thank You, Lord!
she can still get scared to faces she's not familiar with.
she is malambing, makulit, bibo.

Andie and Darling to her Papa.
Sweetheart and Sam to her Mama.
Baby Sam to her Kuya Liam.

Thank you Lord for our daughter's milestones for the past 11 months
and thank you for our daughter,
Samantha.

Saying Sorry

This is not the first time you'll hear that instead of us, parents, teaching our kids values, it's the other way around.

Parents would usually list down a number of things their children teach them, without any effort or without really intending to -- patience, loving unconditionally, faithfulness, etc. Yes, I am also in the process of learning and re-learning all of these, thanks to my two beautiful children.

Aside from these, I have my own set of stories to share, because I found myself doing and learning things that I found very difficult doing, and it was only through my children that I was able to do it.But one story that I really can't pass is:

Saying "Sorry"

I'd be the first one to admit that between me and hubby, hubby is usually the first one to break the ice or say sorry every time we have an argument or a petty fight. I don't know. it's just difficult for me to blurt out this single word. Even after we have patched things up, it still usually takes 2-3 days before I say sorry to him, even if I was the one who started the fight or even if I was the guilty one. Anyway, that is slowly changing after I've seen myself with Liam. There were instances, actually a lot of them, where he needed to say sorry, but was just too proud or stubborn to say it. I got alarmed. I knew in those instances that I needed to do some concrete steps if I wanted my son to learn how to say sorry. And I knew it should start with me. I needed to model the behaviour to him.

After struggling for a few months, I guess I've reached my goal of teaching him to say sorry :-) There was a big change! He even says sorry again, for the silly thing he did before he goes to bed, even if he has said sorry to me already as soon as I reprimanded him. This is of course after achieving my own goal of saying sorry to people I've wronged, including Sam and Liam or when I did something silly.

Funny thing, this time when I forget to say sorry, Liam is the one who reminds me to say it, and mind you, he won't stop asking me to say sorry, until I have!

This is just one of the many lessons my children are teaching me. There are still plenty of stories to share, but I'll just take it and write it, one story at a time :-)

At the end of the day, it's again the challenge of becoming a parent, and the blessings that goes with it :-)

good news, bad news, all news

It has been a while since I posted my last entry... social life was a bit active for the past weekend and things were a bit crazy at home :-)

Finally, hubby's ticket is here! Finally got it after A VERY LONG wait! I was starting to get stressed and had my hands fulls emailing the people who could help us with the dilemma :-)

Bags are ready to go! Well, except for the last few things I still can't keep and can only be put the night before our flight :-) Hubby still needs to double check his bags though :-)

To-do lists - √... although I still update it every time I remember something :-)

To date, we have already spent 4k for our flight and we have not even left Sydney!!! JI was actually surprised with the running total we have been spending, considering majority of the expenses for Sam's birthday are still not included there. Well, I think this realization helped me set my mind, alalay NA sa gastos :-)

Liam is thankfully, done with the terrible 3's stage! I can't help but observe him and how he has been the past few weeks...he's back to his usual self! Yipee! Glad to have survived that stage!

Liam is the leader of his tropa in school hehehe can't help but see this every time I pick him up in school :-) whatever he does or tells his friends in school, they follow! Mr congeniality? I just hope he does not abuse it and hopefully he'll not turn into a bully :-)

Sam is growing fast, faster than we have been expecting! :-) she now wears size 1, actually the size 1 just fits her, no allowance. So I ended up letting her use the clothes I asked my Kuya to buy her from the US. She is more comfortable wearing a size 2 now :-)

She now calls her Kuya, "oya" which I know means Kuya :-)

Sam can now stand on her own, without holding to anything or anyone, for 5 seconds.

She can now walk gliding thru our different furniture at home :-)

She has added some cutie stuff to her bag of tricks - like beautiful eyes, give, kissing, having special kind of play for mama and for her Papa.

She loves calling her Papa! She's starting to become one Papa's girl hehehe :-)

She's quick in picking up things just by observing :-)

Got to go, more news next time :-)

Long Weekend Day 3 - Role Playing

The sun came out already, but was still not in the mood to get out.

Good thing Liam's cousins came in the afternoon and we all played X-box Kinect :)

So, what did we do in the morning? Liam and his Papa played pretend. This time Liam was the Papa and hubby was the Kuya. I told hubby that when Liam and I play Dads and Moms, I get to have a glimpse of what Liam thinks of his Papa, but I did not tell hubby what those were. I wanted him to see for himself. So I think this game that they were playing was a good one.

Every now and then I smile alone when I hear some of the things Papa Liam was saying to Kuya Alvin. hehehe And I also smile when Kuya Alvin does the tricks or the antics or the sometimes silly things to Papa Liam. (I think it was a good opportunity for Liam to realize how hard it is to become a parent and it was also a good opportunity for Alvin to re-asses himself as a father to Liam)

Overall, I think my two boys enjoyed their game. It was a very simple game and yet they had the chance to see and feel how it is to be the other. Maybe they should do this more often.

As for me, I still need to wait for 2 more years for Sam and I to play something like this :) Oh, I can already imagine how she'll be acting once she becomes Mama Sam and I Baby Pot :)

Long Weekend Day 2 - "me time"

The heavens poured. Oh how they poured! And the wind blew, hard.

As if the universe conspired against me that day...

Oh, it was one of those days when hubby and I had a "silent" argument. Hehehe

Not wanting to make things worse, I decided to have my "me-time" that day. And it brought me to the shops. Well, actually, inside the movie house :-)



Yes, I watched the movie, "crazy, stupid, love", all by myself!

I actually made a mental note to watch the movie after reading my friend's blog about it. I was ready with my tissue paper and my hanky in those situations that were a bit dramatic, but guess what, I didn't cry that much with the movie. I guess some of the scenes really can't happen in real life, particularly towards the end of the movie where Steve Carell interrupts his son's Salutatory speech, so he can give his own.

I really didn't zero in on the character of Julianne Moore, but more that of Steve Carell's. I did get to have realizations while watching the movie. Realizations about marriage, family and having kids. Maybe next time, I can ask hubby to watch it with me :)

Overall, it was a funny film and it did meet its objective of entertaining me :)

Thinking about it now, maybe I shouldn't feel guilty everytime hubby asks me to watch a movie or go out by myself to re-charge, because this 2-hour break I had from home, really re-charged me! :)

Long Weekend Day 1- Museum of Fire

One of the very few long weekends that we have here in Sydney.

We didn't make any plans as the weather forecast for our 3-day weekend was rainy.

But this morning, the sun came out and we grabbed the opprtunity to go out while the sun was out, although a bit cloudy, praying that it will stay like that until we get home.

So, where to?

We had 3 options:

Option 1: Darling Harbour and check out the new kids' playground.
Option 2: Wiseman's Ferry in the Hawksbury River
Option 3: Check out East Gardens
Option 4: Go to Penrith.

I didn't want Option 1, Alvin didn't like Options 2 and 3. I was hesitant abot Option 4, but still checked out the Penrith Valley website. In the end, what made us choose Option 4?

This: The Museum of Fire

Liam, being a Fireman Sam fanatic (a fireman fanatic that is), I knew as soon as I checked the website that he will be very happy to go to that place. We didn't tell him where we were headed until we reached the place.




We took the train going to Penrith because the place was just opposite the train station in Penrith.



On our way to our Platform:





While waiting for our train, we took some shots. Does Sam look like her Papa or does she look like me?





And true enough, when we got there, smile was written all over the face of my little boy!
Arriving at the Penrith Station, we walked for about 5 minutes to reach the Museum.



The Museum building from afar:


More pictures!









It was a kid-friendly place with many activities for the kids to enjoy :)










My happy little boy posing some more:








But the thing that really made my son's day was his chance to become a fire fighter, with a hat and coat (but we made him not wear the coat as it was a bit dirty already hehehe) and drive a real firetruck! :) He was behind the wheels for more than 30 minutes and kept on asking for a 5-minute extension and really didn't want to leave!

Here are some of Liam's photos:









So he will remember this trip, we decided to buy a ref magnet -- a small firetruck.

We capped the day by eating lunch at Westfield Penrith which was just opposite the train station (the other side that is).

Ours maybe a very simple trip but I'm pretty sure it made my little boy very happy and I know that it was one experience he will never forget. Seeing him happy, made us happy as well, and I think, that is all that matters :)

P.S.
Before he slept that night, he told us this: "Mama, Papa, I had fun today. Thank you for going to Penrith."

Quiet Times

I miss my quiet times.

It's not really the me-time that I miss, but the quietness and the stillness of everything around me. The peace that I experience within me.

I miss the DAILY early walks that I have on my way to work back in Manila, where I can talk to Him and tell Him everything and anything. Those were long talks Lord and I was very much attuned with what You were saying because everything was quiet. I knew that I was in a state of grace. It was the best way to start my day!

I miss the long travel hours from my home to work that allowed me to think of how my day has been, the blessings and the answered prayers.

I miss talking to Him, just doing that, and not be bothered by a thousand and one thing needed to be done for the day.

I miss connecting with Him. I miss just being with Him.

Lord, in the daily grinds of my life, You are the first one to go. I know I am abusing the fact that I know that You are just always there, waiting for me to make time for You. But the thing is, do I ever make time for You? I say I miss talking to You, and yet I prioritize other things than sparing a minute or two to talk with You. I am sorry.

I have been bombarded with a lot of things-to-do and I have a lot of things going in my head, everyday. I can't pause. I can't stop.

I want to re-connect with You. I realize now how much I've missed You, on how I missed our quiet times together.

In the busyness of my life, allow me to have that peace and stillness, so I can be with You again.

Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels

I believe that angels exist.

Yesterday up until tomorrow, the Ateneo Grade School will be celebrating its annual fair, which coincides with the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels (although, officially, it is celebrated every October 2). And I can't help but join them with the celebrations :-)

Being a SAHM, I am left with the huge task of taking care of the kids and doing majority of the chores at home. As I try to balance the two, it is impossible for e to be beside my children every time, all the time, especially with Sam.

When I try to do some errands at home, I sometimes leave her inside their room with her Kuya or sometimes alone, with the security gate closed. Sometimes, when I need to do something urgent upstairs, I leave them downstairs. Sometimes, when I need to do other chores at home, I leave Sam alone on the bed, as she takes her morning nap or afternoon nap, of course with the baby monitor on. Sometimes, when I take a bath in the morning, I leave the two of them on the bed, while they are still asleep. Before I leave them and while I am not beside them, I entrust them to their guardian angels. I even ask my own guardian angel to help watch over my kids.

So far, no major accident has happened to my two bulilits (knock on wood), and I will boldly credit their guardian angels for this. This week alone, I caught Sam almost at the edge of the bed just at the right time! As in one more movement, she will fall off the bed already! But thanks to my guardian angel who reminds me to check on her the moment I hear something from the baby monitor, I was at the right place at right time. This is aside from the instances where I found her chewing a small toy of his Kuya and me catching her up on our stairs. Guardian angels are truly life savers!

Who says guardian angels are only for kids? This is one part of my faith that I wil gladly share, teach and instill in the mind of my kids.

Happy Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels!

X-box Kinect

Hubby, or make that Liam's Christmas, came a bit early as well, with hubby and I finally deciding to buy the X-box Kinect last week.



It was a long and hard decision especially for me, since I grew up having negative notions about gadgets like this. Aside from not having enough funds to buy one, and update the gadgets to what was in, my Papa and Mama, taught all five of us, their kids, that these gadgets were not good for our studies. They were distractions. We did have a taste of these gadgets every now and then thru our cousins who were rich enough to buy them-- game and watch, Atari, Family Computers, PS, PS2, PS3 and the like where things that did not interest me. These things I believe take away talking time within the family, and makes kids (and parents playing) couch potatoes, and yes, I do believe that they are distractions. Well, fate seemed to play a bit of a game with me as I ended up marrying one who was a games/console fanatic!

After hubby and I got married, I already laid down the rules that he can't bring in at home his PS. His Play Station was left with his brothers at their home. Even when we migrated here and Liam was born already, NO - to- game gadgets/consoles rule still stood. But early this year, Liam requested us to have a DS for his Christmas gift. I wasn't buying. My rule was, my children will only have these gadgets if they will be given as gifts from family or friends.

Now, why the change of heart? Thanks to one of my friends, Cheche, who first wrote it on her blog. During the time that I read her entry, hubby and were in the deciding stage whether to give Liam a DS or a Wii for Christmas. I really didn't like the DS because of the kids I got to meet in malls or the ones I rode with in trains and buses. Imagine all of them so busy with their DS and not even looking to talk with the parents or where they are headed, to the point that they have bumped into something or someone already. I am not exaggerating. I really did see kids like what I have mentioned. So, NO for DS. For the Wii, well, let's say it has the tendency to make Liam a couch potato. So why the Kinect? Well, the thing that really convinced me (aside from the stories of my friend Cheche and her assurances) was the fact that you don't need the remote control (ok, now that we have it, you still need the remote to set it up), but when it cmae to playing the games, you had to do the actions yourself!

After seeing my two boys play the first time, I am convinced that we did the right decision. I even join in the fun now! We have the Kinect Sports games and believe me, after playing for only 10 minutes, I was sweating! It served as our family bonding and exercise as well :)

Here is one example:



There was not much movement here, but when we play the Track and Field Game which has 4 events -- Sprint, Javelin Throw, Dicus Throwing and the hmmm I forgot the last one hehehe, you'll really sweat it out!

Another good thing about it is that we get to teach Liam some other values like, accepting defeat gracefully (which we're having a hard time as of this writing hehehe), giving your best, patience and perseverance.

It is one hi-tech gadget as it has facial recognition, access to your FB account, photos and videos taken while you play the game, etc. It's only been two weekends and for those two weekends (no Xbox on school days), we have been spending some time playing as a family, which I think is the best part of having one :D

Sam's Swimming Lessons

When I still didn't have my own kids, I got to watch a show back in Manila that feautured infant swimming. I was scared for the kids! Seeing their teachers throw them up high into the air, then down they go to the pool! Oh, those poor babies! Some parents were worried, but the teacher explained that swimming is "innate" for infants since they have been used to swimming inside their mum's tummy for 9 months. But they said that the older kids get, the higher the tendency for them to forget this "innate" skill. I remembered that explanation.

Hubby and I made a mutual decision to enroll Sam as well for Swimming lessons, as soon as she turns 6 months old. It wasn't really a hard decision for the two of us. Like Liam, we wanted to expose her to Sports and swimming is not only a sport, it is a life-saving skill as well.


The earliest that you can enroll your kids here is when they turn 6 months. Sam started last May, a few weeks before she turned 6 months. We did the class together. At first I was scared to submerge her under the water, but her teacher, Karen, was very good and allowed us to do things at our own pace.

The class is not only a bonding session for the two of us, but it also serves as a social activity for Sam to be with kids her age. There is also circle time which allows us to sing songs. The songs that we sing during her classes are her favorites! Sometimes, when we go out and she gets a bit cranky at the car, the only thing that can soothe her are our swimming songs (which I have to sing).

Now after two terms, Sam is loving the water. Well actually, she really didn't have crying spells (shrieking episodes) when we were in the pool. Even if the water was too cold for her, or she gets to drink pool water sometimes, or when she's afraid, she didn't shriek or shouted. My cuddle was enough to soothe her. And for a time, I also let her lead me to our pacing. When I felt she wasn't up to submerging, I didn't force her. Karen was of great help as well. She automatically kicks now as soon as we go into the pool. I submerge her now and she knows the trick so she won't drink water. She can now swim by herself in very short distances. I am proud of what she has achieved.

Next term, she is progressing to Beach Babies 2, which is the level for 12 months to 2 year-old kids. Again, when she starts next term (October 11), she is a few weeks away from the actual starting age.

Here are some photos of Sam in one of her swimming lessons. (Note: This was actually taken at the first session this term 3, where hubby and I decided to change her schedule so she and Liam can go to their classes at the same day and time, and for hubby to see her as well. But after this session, I decided to go back to her old teacher and old schedule. I felt Karen was better hehehe and I guess, it was the best thing for Sam ;))













Here is the letter and her 1st Swimming certificate, for progressing to Beach Babies 2 :)

Treasure Chests

Check it out yourself!I found great treasures from websites which I think are very helpful for parents like me! :-)

These websites are actually Australian-based, but I think, any parent on any part of the world, can still use the resources and apply them in their own homes. I am so happy that here, the government is really funding family support projects like these. I believe that at present, we have a parenting revolution happening, which is a very good thing. Moms and Dads, like me and hubby, are going the extra mile, working together, changing old parenting styles and practices, and becoming more involved and informed, so we can raise our kids well! Kids nowadays are very lucky! :-)

Website 1: www.early words.info

I started using this website as soon as I saw it on the GP's clinic when we got here for Liam's first check up. I found the website simple but very helpful as it gives you tips on what you can do with your children from birth to early childhood to assisst them in their language development and later on their reading and speaking skills. They also give books whichwe can read to our kids, on specific ages, the books being age-appropriate for our kids, from birth onwards. Now that I have my Sam, I'm using it again :-)


Website 3: www.raising children.net.au

Before I was discharged from the hospital after giving birth with Sam, they gave me a copy of the info-DVD from this website. It was an interactive DVD, and true enough, it was very comprehensive. I still haven't finished watching the DVD as my kids are still young. Maybe when they grow older, I'll watch it again, so me and hubby will be informed. Now, back to the website. I saw it on the DVD that they gave me and I checked it out. It was one treasure chest! There are so much tools parents can use here, one link leading you to another, about raising kids from birth until teens! The website is not about the developmental milestones of each stage, but more. Right now, I'm a frequent visitor of the Babies and Toddlers tab :-) But just a litlle warning, you might get overwhelmed with what you'll find and what you'll get! Check it out yourself! :-)

Website 4: www.families.nsw.gov.au

This is my newest discovery! I just saw a flyer yesterday when Liam and I had our shots for our travel vaccinations, again at the GP's office. And what another great find! I checked the website early this morning, while the kids were still asleep and taraaan....another treasure chest! I am still overwhelmed with the things they have to offer. I am actually interested to check out the Triple P seminars, which I am sure hubby will agree to attend to, if our schedules allows us to. I am thinking of checking out the groups, but at present, with all the things I have in my hands (holidays, etc), it is still a remote possibility. Maybe when we get back from the holidays. The good thing about these groups and seminars, they are free! You just have to make an effort to go :-) The benefits you'll get I'm sure will be more than enough :-) Try clicking the Parents' Resources and you'll find A LOT :D

There is actually another website that I checked, this time about early childhood education. But the webiste does not contain the resources. What I did was to e-mail them and asked if they can mail the resources to me so I can use it with my son. After two days, I got a response from them informing me that the package has been sent already. They gave it to me all for free! I will be writing anothr blog entry of the tips I got from the materials next time :D It was useful, I think I can see some of the effects with Liam ;)

So there you go, my treasure chests. As I have said, parenting is one very challenging task, so if these can lighten up our "work" with raising our children, then I'd be glad to check them out :D Happy reading!

Electronic Waste

Last weekend, the Blacktown City Council had it's yearly free electronic waste disposal. See here, you just can't throw in your bin all your trash. There is a big fine that awaits you when you include electronic wastes or chemical wastes in your rubbish bin, collected weekly. There is a proper avenue for its disposal, which is environmentally friendly, and it usually comes with a fee. So every year, we look forward to these two special days that allow us to dispose of our electronic and chemical wastes, properly, for free!

I was very happy to finally get ridd off the old/dead batteries I have been collecting the past months (from Liam's toys). I thought that these were the only ones that we have at home, only to realize later that we still have some electronic gadgets just stored in their boxes and kept in our cupboards.

What gadgets am I talking about? These:





My Palm Pilot, hubby's Clie, hubby's old Nokia phone and Samsung Phone, with all their chargers, usb cables etc.! All except the old Nokia phone are still functioning. Natabunan lang sila ng mga mas bago at mas hi-tech na gadgets. Did we dispose them? Sadly, but no. Oh, I forgot the steam iron that we bought in Manila before we left. We only used it once and now it's just a dust accumulator inside our cabinet.

For one, hubby hasn't formatted these gadgets and they still contain important details and information. Second, hubby has this habit of storing things, kasi nanghihinayang, just like my MIL, even if he was able to live without using it for 6 months (or longer). As for me, as soon as he formats the gadgets, I am so ok to dispose them already, because I am allergic to clutter. Ayaw ko ng tambak. But hubby? Good luck. Don't get me wrong, I do store things, but I think it is already my duty to de-clutter our home, or else, our cabinets and cupboards will all be full alreadt. I asked him once and he told me that we can just bring/send them to Manila. Ok with me. But, ang sa akin lang, sino naman ang gagamit noon? Tatambak na naman sa bahay nila, until it gets broken? My point is, at least here, it will be disposed of properly. But if it sent back to Manila, no one uses it and it gets broken, sa basura rin ang tuloy di ba?

Oh well, it will be 11 more months before the next scheduled electronic waste disposal. In those 11 months, I will just make sure to force him to format the gadgets and from there, I'll do what is best for the gadgets. Evil grin :D