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.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, December 12, 2011
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 :-)
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 :-)
Saturday, December 10, 2011
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 :-)
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 :-)
Thursday, December 8, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
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!
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!
Friday, December 2, 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.
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.
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