Can't Explain It

Today was Sam's last day in her Beach Babies 2 swimming class. Her teacher Karen, was her teacher since she started at Beach Babies 1, when she was a few weeks away from turning 6 months old.

So much has happened in the last year and a half!

Sam is more confident now in the water and she loves it!

We gave our Christmas gift cum thank you gift to Karen today just before starting the with the lessons.

During the final activity, the  usual routine is to give each kid a high five as Karen says goodbye.

But today, for some weird reason, and much to my surprise, when Karen put her hand on air to give Sam her high-five, Sam didn't give her one. Instead, Sam reached out to Karen and gave her a cuddle and kissed  her cheek.

I was speechless.  Even Karen was too. Karen was very touched. I just told Karen that maybe Sam knew.

I was surpised and I actually can't explain it because I didn't tell Sam to give Karen a kiss and a cuddle. She decided to give it on her own!

Karen is a great swimming teacher! I hope all swimming teachers are like her.

Keeping our fingers crossed, we hope to get a spot on one of her Nippers class (good luck to us, she's that good that her classes are always the first to get full) next term, when Sammie swims already on her own.

Sam is Now Two!

Happy birthday my sweet darling :)

the very simple cake (vanilla strawberry sponge cake from Woolies) I brought to Yogies

Kuya, as usual, was more excited to play with the new toys!

all set for the birthday girl!

surprise, surprise! bagong gising! :)

turned down two calls today just as so I can do my Mama duties on this special day :)

ready to blow the candle on her birthday cake :)

her 2nd birthday gift from Papa, Mama and Kuya Liam

A happy day awaits our birthday girl :)

ready to "read" her birthday card :)

Keeping Up With The Times

I've been very busy the past few months and just last week, I realized, sobrang advanced na talaga ng mga bata at ng mga eskwelahan dito!

Ang daming bagay na akong nakikita dito at naikukumpara ko ito sa sistema sa Pinas. Malaki nga ang pagkakaiba.

Habang tumatagal, mas nakikita ko at naiitindihan ko kung bakit ganito ang sistema dito. Oo nga naman, may mga bagay na komplikado ituro, pero kung gagawin mo pang mas komplikado ang paraan ng pagtuturo mo, mahihirapan talaga ang mga bata.

Natuto ako. Tulad na lamang ng konsepto ng Area sa Math. Sa Pinas, hirap na hirap ang mga bata. Pero dito, as early as Kindy, nasisimulan na nila itong ituro ng hindi nalalaman ng mga bata na "Area" na pala ang pinag-aaralan nila! Galing!

Dito, hindi kailangang nakatayo ang mga guro habang nagtuturo. Very informal nga. Para sa akin, nababawasan ang pagiging takot ng mga bata sa guro nila na relaxed, malumanay ang boses, na parang nagkwekwento lang habang tinuturuan sila.

Isa sa mga napansin ko rin ay ang paggamit ng teknolohiya sa loob ng classroom. Sa loob ng classroon may mga iPad, Mac sa bawat bata, smartboards at iba pa. Nanood kami ng Youtube sa loob ng klase, we hve on-line apps and programme that the kids log on to, sa madaling sabi, ginagamit namin ang teknolohiya dito as a means to teach the kids. Sa tingin ko effective, kasi sumasabay na ang mga eskkwelahan dito sa kung ano ang klaseng mga estudyante meron sila. ngayon ay mga touch screen generation na. Ano naman ang papel ng mga guro? Parang facilitator of learning kami.

Naisip ko sa Pilipinas, sobrang late na ng mga bata dun. Oo may ipad,  mac at smartphones din siguro sila, pero ito ay para sa personal use naman, chalk at blackboard pa rin (manila paper sa state schools siguro at OHP projectors sa mas may mga kayang eskwelahan) malamang ang nakakarami. Naisip ko nga ang AGS. Ang mga klase ba doon ay gumagamit na ng smartboard or OHP projector pa rin? Do they use these gadgets to help them teach? Kung talk and chalk pa rin ang sistema sa Pinas, nakakalungkot, pero magpagiiwanan na talaga sila.

Sana maisip nila na sumabay na sa development ng technology and use it to their advantage, and not see it as a threa.

Sam is Turning Two

Dear Sammie,

Time flies indeed!

I can't believe you will already be two years old  in a few days' time.It  has now been two years, since your birth completed our family, having being given already a boy, oh how we prayed and wished that our second one will be a girl, and it was granted! :) Right from the start, you have been an answered prayer.

I am a proud mum because like your Kuya Liam, you seem to be an early achiever. You continue to amaze us with your little achievements. From the simple "Mama, Papa" to saying sentences now! You can count from 1-10 in order both in English and in Spanish (thanks to Dora!).

You and your Kuya may be similar in some ways but as each day passes, we are convinced that you are becoming a totally different individual, truly unique on your own.

You are one very clever girl. Ang bilis ng pick-up mo, anak. Natuwa and namangha ako nung nasa Gymbaroo tayo last week. We used a scarf at the first session, you seeing it and manipulating for less than five minutes. And come parachute time, you impressed me when you showed me that you remembered the scarf we used earlier. You didn't stop until you saw it. And come pack up time, the teacher only told the instructions once and you were able to follow it, putting the scarf on white basket and your nameplate on the brown one. Galing! :) Sa tingin ko, sa tingin ko lang ha, di ka uber talino, pero you are street-smart. You use your common sense.

Isa kang kikay. Sabi nila mana ka daw sa akin. Hmmm. Di naman masyado hehehe. HIndi naman ako super kikay anak :) Mahilig ka s mga ipit, pero ayaw mong gamitin kasi nasasaktan ka pag nilalagay ko, sensya na anak, mabigat yung kamay ni Mama wehehe. Mahilig ka rin sa mga kolerete. Yung bagong accessory ko, inangkin mo na! Talagang ayaw mo pang ipahiram sa akin! hehehe

Matalinong bata ka, hindi dahil sa anak kita, pero dahil sa mga ginagawa at pinapakita mo. Baka mas maaga ka pang magbasa kesa sa kuya mo. Nakikita ko na ikaw yung tipong gustong nacha-challenge! Kaya mong ipaglaban yung gusto mo. Ngayon pa lang nagtatalo na tayo sa isusuot mo na damit e! Talagang kapag may napili ka na, wala ng makapagpapabago ng isip mo. Di ka na namin mauto ng Papa mo! hehehe :) Barely at two, you already know what you want, especially with clothes and shoes. You know what shows you like to watch, books to read or borrow from the Lib and toys to play. No one can force you. I think that is a good trait anak.

May pagka-OC ka rin. Ngayon pa lang nakikita ko na hahaha. Di lang ako, witness ko si Tita Ellen. Nung minsan nasa bahay nila tayo, pag-gising mo, nakita mo na ang mga sapatos namin e nasa may bandang pintuan, tinanggal mo rin yung sapatos mo at binitbit papunta sa pintuan. Natameme kami pareho ni Tita Ellen mo, kasi walang nagsabi sa iyo na gawin iyon. Ganun ka din sa bahay. Pag nakita mong nakakalat ang sapatos ng Kuya at Papa, sasabihan mo na ilagay sa "Harry Potter"...naku salamat naman! hahaha :) Pati pagkatapos kumain, kahit hindi pa nahugasan, nagpa-pack away ka na! Aprub! hehehe

Kaya mo na rin kumain mag-isa. Oo, madalas, makalat pa rin, pero pasalamat na rin ako kasi independent ka na. Natuto na rin ako na hayaan kang magdungis at tsaka na lang ako maglilinis pagkatapos mong kumain. Nagugulat ang mga nakakakita sa iyo, katulad na lang nung Lunes na nakita ka ng Lolo Romy and Lola Nida. Bilib sila sa iyo anak!

Wala ka pang two, toilet trained ka na! Galing! Kailangan namin tyagain ni Papa at maging pasensyoso sa mga oras na di umabot sa banyo, pero ok lang :) pwede ka ng di mag-nappy sa maghapon! Pero dahil segurista kami, pag nasa labas, nappy muna anak hehehe Pero galing mo, kasi kahit nasa labas tayo, nagsasabi ka na. Tuwa nga teachers mo sa Yogies, kasi wala ka pa ngang two. Samantalang yung ibang bata daw sa Yogies, 2 1/2 na nappy kids pa rin. Sa gabi rin, naka-nappy ka pa, pero pag check ko sa umaga, walang bakas na umihi ka habang tulog. Feeling ko kaya na rin na walang nappy sa gabi, pero di ko muna sasagarin and swerte ko hehehe.

Eto pa ang isa, kaya mo na matulog mag-isa sa kama! Ikaw na nga gumagamit ng kama ng Kuya Liam mo e! Pagkatapos mo magdede kay Mama, pwede ka na namin iwanan mag-isa at ikaw na mismo ang matutulog or magpapatulog sa sarili mo. Syempre, di naman yun araw araw. May mga araw na naglalambing ka sa Papa mo at gusto mo katabi mo siya hanggang makatulog ka. O minsan naman, ang type mo katabi muna, e ako. Yun lang, dapat maganda ang gising mo, kung hindi, ay sus, napakasungit mo.

May topak ka rin daw sabi ng tatay mo hehehe. Minsan nakakatawa ang mga trip mo lalo na pag naglalaro. Galing mo mamilit ng kalaro! "SLeep!" at kailangan nakahiga pa talaga kami! Minsan pag toxic si Mama, nakakainis, pero madalas, natutuwa ako kung paano ka maglaro. Isa ito sa mga pagkakaiba niyo ng Kuya mo. Minsan nakikita kita kung ano ano nilalagay at sinusuot, nakakatawa ang end-product, ang hitsura mo!!! Mamis-miss ko tong mga to pag-laki mo Sammie!

Mataray ka anak, lalo na kung di mo feel or di mo lubusang kakilala yung taong nagpapa-cute sa iyo. Tama yan anak hehehe :) Mahirap magtiwala ng basta basta sa panahon ngayon.

Malambing ka na bata. Ang sarap sarap ng pakiramdam ko kapag out of the blue, sasabihan mo ako ng "I Love You" or "Mahal Kita Mama." Nagsasabi ka rin ng "Thank You at Please."

Nakakagigil ka bulilit. Minsan nakakainis na gigil (kulit mo kasi, lalo na pag pangit ang gising, o topak) pero madalas, nakaktuwa ang gigil ko sa iyo! Sarap mo pisil-pisilin at halik-halikan! :) I'm sure di lang ako ang nanggigil sa iyo!

Ngayon ang favorite mo, Hi-5 at Dora, next year kaya, ano naman? Malalaman natin.
Ngayon, enjoy muna natin ang pagiging 2 years old mo!

Maligayang Kaarawan anak, mahal na mahal ka namin, Sammie!

Love,
Mama

many faces of my Sammie

a collection of your funny antics!

more faces captured in photos

will love you forever Mahal kong Sammie!

Time to Give Thanks

If you have been following my blog, you know that I don't wait for the year to end before I write my year-end review. This blog entry is actually late as compared to the ones I wrote the previous years. In less than two months, the year 2012 will be over and I feel it's now time for me to look back and see how my 2012 went. It is now time to give thanks.

2012 has been a great year. There were so many things I didn't expect to happen, but did happen. Most of which are things to be thankful for, many good things.

I went back to work this year. Although at first I had plenty of non-working days and I was already starting to get bored, thinking that this year will be similar to the previous years, I was proven wrong. God has provided me with a lot of opportunities to work this year. I had my first teaching block this year. From mid of Term 1 up until Term 4, I was very busy. All my fears laid to rest.

In addition, this year, I was able to overcome my struggles and insecurites when it came to dealing with my workmates. God sent His affirmation through the students under my care. All is well now.

This year, hubby and I became more active with our service. We were asked to facilitate in a Christian Life Program for married couples, and eventually became household head. It was a new chapter in our spiritual journey and we continue to experience His works through our other brothers and sisters he has entrusted us.

This year, Sam started to attend childcare. As expected, the first few weeks were difficult, not only for her but also for me. I had to be tough even if at times I was flooded with guilt for having to leave her in the childcare. Now, there are good days and some bad days, but overall, we able to manage and meet the challanges that go with our decision to leave her (and Liam) at Yogies when I go to work.

This year was financially good for our family. Hubby's contract was extended. He got another raise.  He was considered to take on a position in another country. I got plenty of work. We were able to help other people. We were able to send assistance to our families in Manila. We were able to enjoy extras, plenty of extras.

This year, we were able to purchase our second car, Mickie, my first car. She has been a great help for me since things got busy at work.

This year, we were able to travel as a family (travel -- fly) again. We were able to celebrate Easter at Gold Coast,  will travel to Singapore, and go home for a very short stay in Manila to attend my SIL's wedding. God truly provides. It's one of my many wishes which has been granted. More travel wishes on my list though hehehe.

This year, was a good year for us, health-wise. Touchwood, but no serious illness, sickness visited us and the kids this year.  Just minor discomforts and the usual colds and cough. No accidents whatsoever. Thanking God for always sending His guardian angels to protect us and the kids in our everyday travels and endeavors.

This year my family, after almost 8 years, will finally be complete to celebrate Christmas and New Year. My parents and siblings got their Tourist Visa and will be flying Down Under next month :)

This year has been a better year for me and hubby. Our marriage is better than ever. I remember writing about giving up late last year because of the many fights we had. We were able to address those issues. There are still "humps" every now and then, but they are all manageable. I give credit to hubby, who, not once did not even entertain to quit during the most difficult times.

This year, our family valued family time more. Even when tired and sometimes expensive, we managed to make our weekends more special by going out or by just making something extraordinary from the ordinary activities that we do.

This year, I saw how Sam and Liam have managed to achieve a lot of develomental milestones. Liam is all set to go to the big school. They have similarities but they have a lot of differences too. But at the end of the day, their closeness as siblings becomes better and better.

This year, I was able to read good books. Books that reminded me about my priorities. I plan to continue with this next year. This year, I allotted more time to reading, may it be a book, an e-book, magazine or newspaper. Feels good to feed your brain with information.

This year, I saw myself letting go some more of my oc-ness. The past few days, I was actually telling myself that I can't believe I'm not losing it even if our home was just a mess! I was able to reach that state where I was not in a hurry to clean up, I reached the state where I was loving the mess of our home! Believe me, it's an achievement for me.

The year 2012 has been a great year. There are a gazillion things I didn't write anymore, but overall I am very happy as to how 2012 came to be. I am thankful not only for these good things but also for the trials that we faced (and overcame) and were blessings in disguise.

I can only pray and hope that the year 2013 will be as good, if not, even better.

Thank you God for 2012. Looking forward to your great plans for us this 2013 :)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Involved

Even before I got pregnant with Liam, I already told Alvin that when our child/children go to school, I want him to be involved with their schooling.

Working as a teacher, I knew and saw that most of the time, fathers just let the moms address their kids' concerns on schooling -- attending the PTC, programs, etc. and them just "financing" the schooling.

In two months' time, our eldest will already be going to the big school and I can say that I'm very thankful that my husband has been really involved.

The school principal mentioned that research shows that it's usually the father's perception and attitude on schooling and education that the kids look up to. So if they don't see their fathers involved, then chances are, they'd not be as interested and motivated with schooling.

When I told hubby about this and my idea that he reads to the kids instead of me reading stories at night, he was very much okay with it. This coming Monday, we will be attending the Parent Information evening and as I have requested, hubby will be going home early so we can both attend it. I want him to also know what the school his son is going to.

So far, hubby hasn't missed any of the kids' major school activities like Father's Day and Christmas Concerts. He goes out of his way to make sure that he will be there on these special days. I'm pretty sure our kids will always remember how their Papa has alloted time for them.

I am happy that hubby is one involved Papa. I am confident that he will continue to be one :)

Will I Have A Friend

I borrowed this book from the library two weeks ago. As soon as Alvin read it to Liam, he fell in love with the book.

Maybe because he saw himself in the main character.

Liam wanted to keep the book.

I told him he can't keep it because we had to return it to the library.

He got sad but didn't act up. He followed me.

He realy wanted the book.

And since the story was about a boy who was about to go to the big school, I decided to buy one for him.

I placed the order last week, and today, on the last day of his Kindy transition, the book was delivered.

I call it perfect timing :)

I reccommend this book to parents whose kids might be going to the big school or a new school. It somewhat verbalizes one of their fear and reassures them that they will find friends in school.

I hope that through this book, he will continue with his blossoming relationship with reading :

Kindy Transition

Liam attended his Kindy transition for three consecutive Fridays.

During the first meeting, he had plenty of questions prior our arrival to his big school. When we got there, he got excited when he saw other kids lining up getting their id. The kids were divided into five groups. He was assigned in the pink room. It was only for forty minutes and for the first week, the focus was on literacy.

While they practiced inside the rooms, the parents had a mini orientation in the Library. The Assistant Principal for Kindergarten explained their Literacy program.

After forty minutes I came back to pick him up. The first thing he told me when I met him? "Mama, I liked it!"

Whew! Indeed a sigh of relief!

He got more excited when we went straight to the Uniform shop to get his Summer uniform. We also got his Sport uniform, hat and library bag. Those alone cost $250!!!! We still need to buy him his school shoes, joggers, and jumpers.

For the second week, they had Maths. He was counting the days until it was Friday again. Like during the first week, he enjoyed their session. He was too eager to share that they talked about shapes that morning. No uniform shopping today.

Third week was the final day for their Kindy transition. They had Health as their theme and while they were in the classroom, the parents had coffee time. It was an opportunity to mingle and meet not only with the teachers and administrators but also with fellow Kindy parents. I got to ask and clarify issues with the Asst Principal without having to speak in the big crowd :) I got to meet two Filipino parents whose older kids also go to QHPS. I'm starting to establish my network.

After picking up the kids from their assigned classrooms, we headed off to the COLA area where the different school clubs presented a special number. Seeing different kids sing, dance and play musical instruments got my little boy more excited.

We skipped the morning tea with the other parents and headed home with a big smile on his face.
And talk about perfect timing, the book he requested for us to buy arrived today! :) We bought it for him as a reward and as a motivation :)

Overall, the programme helped him prepare and wait in anticipation for the start of the big school next year. The question now is, am I ready?

Here are some photos I took for the last three weeks.

first week was on Literacy



second week focus was on Maths

third and final week on health with Mrs. Macdonald here

Christmas is Here!

Christmas is definitely just around the corner. September and October passed by too quickly I didn't  realise, it's November already!

Well Kuya Liam has been very excited because he knows that Christmas time not only means presents, but also his birthday.

He kept on bugging me to put up our Christmas tree for weeks, but I was just too busy with work and catching up with house work and Sam's party.

I wanted to put it up mid November, but my little boy is one persistent kid. The result? We put it up last Monday and he was very, very happy!

The presents have been wrapped hehehe (I started wrapping presents as early as July! I didn't know then we will go home by December, buti na lang kung hindi cramming ako!) and are now under the tree.

A lot of decors are still waiting to be put up, but Christmas has arrived -- the feeling and the spirit of the season is definitely present in our home!

my Christmas tree :) it's not as fabulous but i'm very happy with my output this year.
finally got what i wanted

pinwheel for the garden and garland :)
 

hanging Santas

more Christmas decors

trying to be creative and using our old Christmas decors

Surprise!

Yesterday and today, my students surprised me by giving me cards and hand picked flowers.

As my friends said, these acts are an affirmation.

For me these acts were the boost I needed after losing a bit of my self confidence, when it came to teaching, in different schools and in another country.

Here are some of the things they gave.

One down, Two to Go

Finally, I can now move on.

Sammie celebrated her birthday in advance yesterday. Sorry, no photos to share as I was punong abala :( I'm just waiting for the copy of photos from my friends who took some pictures. Crossing my fingers, they'll give it to me soon.

Back to my blog. Big sigh of relief, it's over. I can now focus and move on to my other projects like our trip to Singapore and Manila, packing stuff, etc.

I can attend to some pending stuff at home and in our service.

I can now put up our Christmas tree since my Kuya has been bugging me to set it up since last week.

I can now finish my Christmas shopping and wrapping.

I can now catch up on my missed favourite TV series.

I can now finish my Cebu photobook project.

Thankfully, I will not be working four days a week now so less pressure and more time to accomplish them. I still did get some calls to work Monday and Tuesday, but I politely turned them down.

The birthday party was a success! It wasn't spectacular, spectacular ...but it was a good day to share Sammie's special day with family and friends. The kids, especially the birthday girl, really enjoyed the play land. We got positive feedbacks from our friends who are used to seeing plain and boring birthday parties here in Sydney. I had all the games done straight away, birthday candle blowing next, then eating time! Alvin and I, both agreed to finish everything so the kids can maximize the use of the area and the parents can relax.

We got help from some people especially in terms of picking up the food we ordered. Thank you, thank you!

At the end of the day, I wasn't as tired as I expected it to be. Alvin and I are finally learning when it comes to party planning and having the party itself :) We got what we wanted without spending too much. Well, actually, napa tsk tsk na lang si Alvin Thursday night when he learned about the running total of expenses hahaha So when he thanked me yesterday on our way home for organizing, I also thanked him for letting me go a little over the budget hehehe.

I actually enjoyed this one better than Sammie's first in Manila. Oh well. It's one horror story for me! :)

Sammie was even happier with all the presents she received, mostly which, are Dora themed :) Imagine receiving four different looking Dora dolls! :)

Just thankful, as always, it's over. Now, time to move on.

Working Full Time....Again

 

If you have been reading my previous posts, I have mentioned that come Term 4, I will be working full time again, for two weeks. Strictly speaking, for eight days.

I am now on my third year as a casual primary school teacher amd this year, I had the chance to do my first teaching block.

I was ecstatic when one school offered me this block. It was one big and great opportunity for me, not only financially but also career wise. So I really grabbed the opportunity even if it meant missing my usual Monday and Tuesday routine with Sam.

Today was my last day and throughout those two weeks I had a lot of realizations.

First, I cannot work full time again, in the next two or three years. Full time as I define it here is working five days a week, from Term 1 to Term 4. Why, you ask? Because of the following reasons: it's unfair for Sammie. When Sam was Liam's age two years ago, I was only working part time, that's why natutukan ko siya. Modesty aside, I think it has done wonders for my son. So I plan to do the same with Sam.

Next, I've observed that Sam became more clingy when I left her at childcare for four consecutive days. When I leave her, my heart breaks when she cries. When I pick her up, she doesn't let go off me until she's already asleep at night.  As a result of her being so clingy, I've become impatient and grumpy, since I cannot do other house chores.

Lastly, I'm breaking our usual mama-Sammie dates every Monday and Tuesday for her swimming and Gymbaroo lessons. It's our bonding time and I plan to respect that.

Now back to my other reasons. I can't leave early at work because I have to finish some pending tasks. I also have to go to work early to prepare for the day's plan and activities. Again, family time being sacrificed.

It's physically tiring, not only in school but also at home. At school it's work and 29 students. At home, it's the house chores and my two children.

It's not all bad. Like what I've mentioned, working again everyday, was an affirmation that I'm really cut for teaching.

Luckily, the class I handled was a lovely class. There were bad days but overall they were okay :)
I'm proud to say that I did well as a class teacher. I still have the magic when it comes to class management.

Of course, I ended my stint with a bang. I'm pretty sure other casuals don't usually do what I just did, but it's just the way I am especially at work. I went and  did the extra mile even if the teacher I was replacing didn't ask me too.

Here is one of the many extras I did even when not asked to --fix the bulletin board with the kids' outputs. It took a lot if my time, but it's just me at work :)

Overall, it was a great experience. Yes it was tiring and challenging, but at the end if the day, I'm just thankful, as always :)

Religion outputs

Science outputs - collage

Creative arts - visual arts, paper tearing art

Telling time for Maths

Area for Maths

Literacy outputs: lifecycle of an anpple and butterfly

A Time for Everything

I told you I will have the time for all the things that I plan to do, one of which is to write another blog entry ;)

This week has been quite busy since I worked for four days. I had to let go of some things in favour of the more important ones. I had my first two-week teaching block and I can say that it was an affirmation that indeed, I am cut for teaching.

Monday was a bit chaotic but I got to get back on track as soon as I figured out and settled the things that needed to be settled. It was a chance for me to see that I haven't lost my magic inside the classroom ;) One week down, one more to go.

****

Sammie has been a bit clingy to me the past two days. I have been leaving her for two extra days at Yogies. I know that it was a change from our usual routine of swimming lessons every Mondays  and Gymbaroo lessons every Tuesdays. I thank her for her understanding. She has grown over the past weeks and has achieved a lot of developmental milestones. Her vocabulary continues to improve, she can now answer us in complete sentences and even give remarks like "hurry up mama."  Her present addiction is watching Hi5 and Despicable Me.

*****

Liam started with his Kindy transition classes today, Friday. He was had some apprehensions at the beginning, asking me a lot of questions, but he was okay with me leaving him at the room with the other kids. When I came back to pick him up, the first thing that he told me:"Mama, I like this!" Happy that he seems to enjoy going to school. Speaking of which, his reading has greatly improved over the weeks. His Math skills as well has improved a lot. He can now add single digit numbers without regrouping. He started with his tennis lessons again and his coach has started teaching him to do service. He needs to work double time on his service hehehe.

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Funny how you can overlook the mess at home and choose the mess you will fix if you are really busy with more pressing things like, work and catching up with the kids.
.

*****

Weeee! I called my mom this afternoon and she told me that the results of their visa application will be delivered today. Need I say more? I'm so happy and excited because our family will be complete after almost 8 years!,,, happy, very happy Christmas!

*****

Sammie's party is all ready to go! Thankful that I finished most of the preps over the school holidays. Food has been ordered and plan has been given to the venue coordinator ;) now we wait :)

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All is set too with our holidays. I haven't started packing clothes but with the IT and tickets, all have already been purchased. I'd allot more time with this after Sammie's party ;)

There are still so many things to write about but I have to save it for now because it might take me forever to finish!

****

Happy weekend everyone!

So Many Things

I'm making a quick blog entry this morning while waiting for Hi5 to finish and start another work day for me.

There has been a lot of events and things to write about but so little time. I want to write about our weekends and my first week as a full time teacher (for two weeks).

I want to finish reading my book A Thousand Splendid Suns and catch up on reading parenting magazines.

Hay. Hehehe :) I'm choosing not to stress. I know that I'll have all the time soon to do all those things.

Happy day everyone!

Catching Up!

It's the school holidays and the kids are in Yogies so I get to finally catch up on my blogging!

Pardon me because it might be a long post. I just decided to put everything here than make or write separate blog entries for each of the stories I want to share :)

We are already on the last quarter of the year and yes, it is becoming busier by the day!

While on school holidays and I have my niece and nephew to help me out in taking care of Sam, I decided to start preparing for her birthday party. I know it's still a month away, but since I'm already booked by the first three weeks of Term 4, I decided now is the best time to do it. As I have mentioned it before, I don't work well with pressure hehehe :)

Here are the things that are keeping me busy the past few days:

I made the lolly bags, prepared the birthday banner, bought the balloon pack, bought the lollies, made my own pinata (I find the ready made too expensive!), did and put the thank you tags for the party favours and bought the plates, cuttlery etc. needed for the party. I'm still thinking if I will be making  personalized name tags for the kids...haven't decided at this point, although I already bought the materials :)



sorry upside down! lollies for the big kids' lolly bags
(the little ones will have a separate one c/o the venue)

additional lollies for the pinata

my DIY pinata, saving me $15 bucks!

labels of the girls' party favours



the props -- birthday candles, sparklers, trumpets, face paint, tattoos,
 birthday banners, balloon pack, medals, lolly bags

I have already updated the guest list as some of our guests have sent their "regrets" of not being able to join us. I still need to place the food orders, I'm giving myself until a week before because I have given our guests until 14 October to confirm their attendance. That way, I won't be ordering too much food.

I still need to ask and think of people who can help me out with the face paint, putting on tattoo, giving of prizes, and of course documentation. I can already ask my two nieces to give the party favours for the kids after the party. This is the hardest part of having a party, the small details -- they are driving me nuts hehehe. I am stopping myself because I originally planned to have a VERY SIMPLE one, so I'm not going to stress myself with this (fingers crossed!).

That is the big event for next month. Although prior to that, most of our weekends have been booked with other kids' parties, not to mention that we will have the annual family day of BAT by the 13th of October, again at Luna Park.

Another thing that is keeping me busy is our next travel as a family!

Yes, I can now spill the beans as we decided not to surprise hubby's family anymore!

all ready to fly again as a family! weeee!

My sister-in-law is tying the knot soon and we decided that we will all go home to be there with her on her special day. Weddings are very special occasions where we think, the whole family, as much as possible, should be complete. On our original plan, it is only Alvin who is to go home. We wanted to bring Liam with him, but I'm not 100% at peace with the idea. Besides, Liam had important events here, Moving Up Day (Pre-school grduation) and Kindy transition and of course, we had to think of the expenses. We had to be practical as well, right?

Anyway, to make the long story short, God in His goodness put everything in place, Liam's graduation and Kindy transition will be happening before our the wedding so no conflicts whatsoever, including providing for the funds that we will be needing for the tripS. Yes, we will be stopping over Singapore first before heading to Manila. We will be staying there for four days :) Another bonding activity for the family and another opprtunity to expose our children to another culture. Lucky (very lucky) kids! (Kami ng tatay nila malaki na ng makasakay ng eroplano!)

God has been providing and we can't thank Him enough for allowing us to live comfortably and enjoy plenty of extras (more on this later). We haven't left for our trip but we already incurred expenses like passport renewals (for me and Liam) and flights (SQ flights are not that cheap and we didn't get the ones on sale because we had to consider the chances of possibly rebooking the flights just in case, touchwood, something happens). I'm excited to fly SQ this time because even if you pay more than the other airlines, your travel will really be very comfortable and relaxing. Additonal expenses are of course the hotel bookings (hotel booking has been confirmed, just waiting for the costings from our travel agent), the pocket money we will be spending both in Singapore and in Manila, the entrance fees that we will be paying for the sites we will be visiting in Singapore. Not to mention the wedding gift we will be giving to the newly weds and the early Christmas presents we will be giving to hubby's other siblings.

The funny thing though is we will only be staying in Manila for 7 days. That already includes our  flights to and from Sydney! hehehe Most of our friends are saying, sayang naman ang ginastos sa pamasahe, but we can't stay long since Alvin cannot take a long leave from work and my parents and two younger siblings are scheduled to fly down under to celebrate the holidays with us. This is the first time, in years that my family will be complete, so extending our stay in Manila is non-negotiable.

Anyway, ganoon talaga, ipipikit mo na lang ang mga mata sa gastos para mapasaya ang mga mahal mo. I was actually very excited to see the faces of my in-laws when they see us arrive at the airport if we decided to keep it as a secret to the very end. Natakot lang ako, baka wala kami tulugan when we keep it as a secret hahaha. We just told them about the good news last week and boy, the smile on my MIL and FIL's faces? Priceless :) Joy radiated on their faces. I know they are very happy and excited to see and spend time with their grandkids again after almost a year :)

(My SIL and my parents knew we were all coming home, they had to because we will be part of the entourage. Trying to keep this one a low profile because we don't think we can meet up with friends as much as we would like to. Alvin's relatives from the US are also flying to Manila so I'm already expecting a lot of time catching up with them).

God is good. If this blog can be an instrument to sort of evangelize other people, then so be it. Last Sunday hubby and I were talking of how we felt so "maluwag" ...since I started working. Hubby's salary is more than enough to meet our daily needs and our "luho" every now and then. But me working again made us feel the difference. Some people learning that we will be going to Singapore and Manila are saying that we should grab the opportunity to shop because it's much cheaper there. It made me think, I don't have to go to another country just to shop because, God in His goodness, has allowed me and my family to buy the things we want (and need) here in Sydney. This includes maintaining our two other savings account, the kids' savings account and swiping everything on the credit card bills every month.

I remember our humble beginnings here in Sydney -- hubby doing manual labor, me helping re-pack hairnets  he brings home from work and be paid 10cents  for each pack, and comparing what we are now, I can't help but get teary-eyed. I get teary-eyed because my heart is just overflowing with gladness and thanksgiving, BIG TIME. And so when I see someone who looks like a new migrant (folders, papers on bag, holding a map)...I can't help but remember that three years ago, hubby might have looked like that person...I say a silent prayer for that person, that he will also be blessed in the same way we have been blessed. When I started working as a teacher again, I was extremely surprised with all the calls that I got this year! I mean, the past years, there were days when I didn't get any calls! This year, the calls just kept coming, not that I'm complaining, but I was and am amazed! I was also given my very first 2-week teaching block starting next term. This opportunity made me decide not to push thru with my enrollment. God has been giving me the signals, I'm just too stubborn, ignoring them, still doubting. But when this offer came? It's like one BIG SIGN from God,  flashing in front of me saying: I WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU! BELIEVE! HAVE FAITH! Not keeping all the blessings to ourselves, we try in our own small way to help others in need.

Hubby didn't get the job he applied for (the one which was 15minutes from our place) but we are okay. We after all prayed for humility to accept whatever He wills for us and for Alvin, during the time that we were also praying for him to get the job. So if He says no, then, we know that something better is in store for us :) Keeping the faith.

I'm already a self-confessed Facebook addict, but there are days when I feel it's starting to get boring. Recently, I have discovered new apps which takes my time away from Facebook. It's Instragram, Goodreads and Pinterest.

I am loving Goodreads because I get to have ideas from fellow friends who are book lovers, what books I can read. I have made it my own book club. I get to have ideas about good books and I get to share my ideas of good books that I have read. It reignited my love for reading :) I just finished reading The Time Keeper of Mitch Albom and now I am currently reading Days Like These. The book I am currently reading is a memoir of a cancer patient. Gave me a chance to see what they have to go through just to get Cancer free. I feel it is a good book to read after the Time Keeper. There were "lessons" in Albom's book that were proven in the life of author of Days Like These.

The other one which is keeping me busy is Pinterest. I get to see plenty of nice, cute, brilliant photos! Not only that, it also gives me plenty of ideas about anything under the sun -- weddings, photos, parties, fashion, schooling, home decorating, home keeping and a lot more! Try it :)

Weee! Natapos din. I hope you had fun reading my stories. I hope to be able to update you, time permitting, but if not, you know very well the reasons ;D

Save Up!

Alvin showed me the ad last night from the Target catalogue.

I knew it will be a good buy because both my kids love to paint or draw (not to mention that it will be less messy, saving me time from cleaning up their mess after every painting session).

Anyway, I was stopping myself because Liam is already very observant and might think that they can have everything they want in a whim. He might even have the illusion that we are rich!

I have to do something!

This will then be Liam's first lesson about saving up for something you like. I will give him one dollar everyday in return for something until we reach the amount needed. I chose doing some house chores first, like cleaning up and brushing the carpet.

Aside from saying no when they point to something they like when we're at the shops, hopefully, this exercise will be effective as well in teaching him the value of hard earned money.

Eating My Words

I remember mentioning that for my daughter's 2nd birthday, I wanted a simple celebration.

Oh well, I'm a woman, so I am excused to change my mind ;P

The date that we initially wanted has been booked already. The date right after her birthday was non-negotiable for hubby, since it coincided with service (and most of our guests will be coming from the CFC community). End result? We are celebrating Sam's birthday, 3 weeks early of her real birthday hehehe

Of course I panicked! I was taking my sweet time and then suddenly I was only left with 4 weeks to prepare! (Not to mention that I have been bombarded with work the past few weeks).

Not wasting any time, I started to attend to the things needed for the party :)

Venue: Check!

We will be having it at:

Kids Play Land at Castle Hill

The play land will be for our baby/toddler guests (0-5 years old).

What to do with the older ones?

We will be hiring a separate court for them to play different kinds of sports (soccer, cricket, bastketball). Hubby was okay with this (extra payment of course! to my surprise he said okay!)

Aside form the huge play area, the adults entrance being free, the thing that convinced me and hubby to choose this as our venue: we can bring our own food, no corkage! wee!

Theme: Sports

I do not believe that Sports can only be used by boys as theme for their parties :)

Invites: Do - It - Yourself

The venue offers free invites upon booking, but I wanted to make my own :)

(Sorry, can't put it here as some private info are on the invites ;))

I'm done doing the FB event page and I'm done sending out the invites, which means guest list has been already finalized.

Food:

I already have the menu and where to order them. I just need to confirm number of guests before I place the order four days before the party.

We will just be serving light snacks. No mess, no fuss, no dramas. Easy to eat, easy to clean :)

Tokens:

I just bought huge bubble sticks for the girls and rescue pack for the boys.

Not thinking of giving them lollies this time :)

And this time, only the kids get a token after the party ;)

Decors:

The venue will have their own but I plan to just add one big balloon for the birthday girl :)

Program/Extras:

The venue in itself can already entertain our little guests, but since we have one whole court all to ourselves, and to put a bit of structure to the party, I plan to put sticker tattoos for the kids, prepare 3-4 parlor games for the biggies and the little ones (I bought medals for the winners of each game, to follow our sports theme..of course this is aside from the prizes), pinata, and of course the candle-blowing...just before everyone eats :)

Thankful that I can squeeze in the party preps :)

Hopefully, all will be well :)

Here are some photos of the stuff I have been slowly buying for Sam's 2nd birthday party :)

pin the tail of the donkey...one of the games fot the little ones

sorry it's upside down!
when I saw these badges, I thought, no need to buy a statement shirt for Sam, she can just wear the badges ;)

the medals I will be giving for the winners of the games

 

the tattoos which the kids can choose from :)
 

thejumbo  bubble stick and rescue car sets for tokens

There are some more crazy ideas in my head, but I'm still thinking if I will do it or I can do it :) Time will tell :)

Will update you again soon :)

Busy, But Not Complaining

Whoa!

My last blog entry was 24 August...is this for real?

Well, things got a little crazy at work and at home.

I am just thankful though that even if I was dead busy, no one in the family, especially the kids (touchwood), are not getting sick.

Major to-do's are slowly being ticked off from my list.

Sam's party venue has been booked. We had to move her birthday party a little earlier because the venue has already been booked, and the weekend immediately after her birthday, well, we have a CFC activity and most of our guests will be coming from the community.  Hubby said that it was non-negotiable as well.

I was able to do my First Aid/CPR refresher course.

I was able to get our new passports and had visa evidencing (finally, my visa is under my married name! hindi na ako mahaharang sa airport!)

Other major things have been ticked off as well, but I still cannot write it here ;p

Soon.

If I don't get work tomorrow, I will update you about Sam's birthday :)

Again, I've been busy and will be busier, but I am and I will not complain :)

A Crazy World

Do you remember that movie entitled, "Mean Girls" ?

Or have you recently watched, read or encountered something about kids being mean to other kids, or kids bullying other kids?

Last weekend, during the BESA gathering a Nette just shared some sad news about teenagers, taking their own life, four of which used the train tracks as the medium of their suicide.

It did not help that last week, there were two special features shown in the primetime news about teenagers, again, taking their own life, because of cyber bullying.

And this week, after working for three straight days, I saw with my very own eyes, how the threat of bullying (or meanness) and its effect to kids, is very real.

Example, last Tuesday while doing lunch duty, I saw a Yr 3 girl crying. I approached her and asked her what was wrong, she told me that "____ and _____ are my only real friends here in school, and now, they just told me that they don't want me as a friend anymore."

I could have easily told her to don't mind them or to stop crying, because that is just so petty! Knowing myself, I could have easily felt so annoyed with the reason she gave me. But the recent news and as a parent whose eldest child already goes to pre-school, I can't help but feel sorry for the kid. How can other kids be so mean?  I am an adult. It may look and sound petty for me, but for that poor child, it was one big rejection! It was one big blow for her!

No wonder, kids nowadays do all crazy stuff just as so they can get accepted. And when rejected, they feel it's already the end of the world. Sadly, for some, it was indeed the end of their world.

It's sad and scary for me.

A few nights ago, Alvin and I were actually discussing why bullying is just rampant nowadays. Maybe because teachers can't discipline kids nowadays like during our time? Maybe because of some factors like family or culture?  Technology is not helping too! We are worried, but more than that, we are praying, that both our kids will be spared from such meanness.

Even if we want to protect our kids and be with them 24/7, that is impossible.

Alvin and I know that we can only do so much. All we can do is to continue to help them and teach them values in life -- confidence, self-love, self-respect, respect for others, resiliency, to  always choose to be happy and of course, to have faith.

It's really a scary and crazy world out there. We hope and pray that by the time both our kids are ready to conquer it, we have prepared them well.





Looking at both of them now, we are very thankful that both of them have happy dispositions.

Happy, again!

This week has been extra special for me. It was a week where I felt God's abundant blessings overflowing once again!

No, I still haven't won the lotto jackpot but my heart is just overflowing with gladness and thanksgiving.

Alvin doing well with his interview.

Alvin and I both fetching the kids from Yogies.

Alvin and I giving the kids a bath.

Simple joys like eating out for dinner as a family.

Walking hand in hand, all four of us, as we walked back to the car park.

My kids having a happy disposition and sharing us their special stories for the day as we drove back home.

Sam singing the Dora songs and showing her musicality while in the car.

Liam and I, and our salingkit, Sam, joining us as we tried to do some school work.

Liam, for his age of 4 years and 7 months old, is already reading very well simple sentences correctly. :-) 

Another call for work.

A lot of lessons and realizations about how I am to prepare for next school year. Schools to be crossed out, schools to be ticked.

Class management techniques.

Positive feedback from workmates.

I am just happy.

I am just thankful.

Happy weekend everyone!

Random Thoughts 2012

Hala, naglilista na naman ako! Masama ito hehehe :)

Ano na naman nililista ko?

Una, mga "events" na hindi pwede makalimutan mula Setyembre hanggang Disyembre. Grabe, jam-packed na naman ang schedule namin!  E parang full-time pa naman na ako mula next week. Fully booked ika nga. Buti na lang may break, school holidays na naman mid-September.

Come September, ra, ra, ra na! :)

******

Di ko alam kung over na ako, baka nga. Kasi si Liam enrolled na ng swimming at tennis. Pero when he turns 5, I will start sending him to Music school too. Piano lessons. Si Sam naman, next year, she will start with Kindermusik, tapos, she might start with Physie (or another sport or dance) alongside her swimming lessons. When she's a bit older, she will also start with music lessons. Piano too? I don't know.

I know over stimulation is also bad that is why I'm stopping myself too. Baka they might get exhausted na and mas lalong mawalan ng gana.

Sorry mga anak, just wanted to make sure that we have done everything on our part to hone the talents and skills He has given you.

******

I'm supposed to be reading my First Aid book in preparation for my First Aid Refresher Course. But I'm too tamad! I know! I should do this while the kids are not here! Oh well, just giving myself a break!

Pero on second thought, sige, magbabasa na ako! :)

Our Sammie is Back!

Whew! Yes, definitely a sign of relief!

Our sweet, bubbly and happy Sammie is back! (touchwood!)

Hubby and I were both relieved to see Sam back to her usual bubbly, happy and malambing self.

Maybe, she was really indeed in pain because she was teething.

I oberved that her upper canine is about to come out and her lower left molar.

I am just relieved! :)

Pinakaba mo kami anak! hehehe

For My Mama's Retirement

Hi Mama, one of your co-teacher actually e-mailed me and asked me if I can prepare something for you for their tribute to retirees. I know this is long overdue since I was not able to prepare something for your 60th. Anyway, I tried to read it myself but it's just too long and the file will be too big for me to send it thru e-mail. So I asked if it's possible that one of your co-teachers to just read my message on my behalf.

When I was taking up my Masters at the Ateneo, one of my professors, Fr. James O' Donnel, S.J. said that teaching is not a profession. It is a vocation. And in this vocation, many are called, but only few are chosen.

 I have only been teaching for ten years and yet sometimes, I have seen myself at a point were I wanted to quit, not because I lack the love for teaching, but because of the challenges that goes with this vocation.

Being a teacher for more than thirty years is one great big achievement and you should be very proud of yourself.  You have been teaching longer than I can remember and althroughout those years of teaching, I can say that you have proven in your own way, that you are one of the chosen few. You really did not pursue to earn a Master's degree or a PhD and put your career at the back seat in favor of us, your family. Through your ways, you have shown us that we are your top priority and for that we are forever grateful. Even if your colleagues were already advancing in their careers, you did not show any sign of insecurity because you know that we your children are your trophies. We, your children, probably would not have excelled and became successful if you made your career your number 1 priority. But not pursuing these degrees does not make you a poor teacher. I believe that being an excellent teacher does not only imply having several degrees under your belt, having numerous teaching awards, handling the top sections or even being the head of the department. Ang sabi nga nila, ang sukatan ng isang magaling na guro ay hindi ang mga plake o tropeo, kung hindi, kung naging matagumpay ba ang mga estudyante mo sa buhay nila. Success here is not defined as having a 5 to 6 digit salary per month, but the kind of individuals or persons your students became after you becoming their teacher.


Mama you didn't only teach your students World History or Economics. I am sure, that just like with us, she you have taught all your students more valuable lessons in life, than knowing the life Napoleon Bonaparte or the  World War 2 or the Law of Supply and Demand. You taught your students to have faith. When things are starting to get tough, cling on to Him, and He will surely take care of you. You  taught your students to have hope. That even the sad and trying days will have an end. You taught your students, through your examples, that you can reach out to others and help even in a very small way. You might have even broken some rules just as so you can help your students. And I believe this is what makes you different from the rest. You are a person with a big heart. You are  not only a teacher to your students, but you were also a mother to most of them. I know, that one way or another, you have inspired them and you have touched their hearts. You have made them better individuals.

 To my Mama, I would like to thank you for choosing to respond to this vocation. You have been an inspiration. I know that your former students, wherever they maybe, will always remember you in their hearts with glee!

I know that your former and present co-teachers can atest too as to how big your heart is! I bet that your presence will surely be missed in the department.

   
Now that you are retired, we continue to pray for good health and long life for you. I know that even if you have stopped working as a teacher, you will always be a teacher at heart and you will continue to touch the hearts and lives of other people, in any way you can. We look forward to seeing you soon here in Sydney.

I love you Mama!

   
Love,


Your Jeana Pot

A Sign of Things to Come?

Sam got sick two weeks ago.

She became very cranky and became very clingy. She had a very bad case of mood swings.

Stretched my patience because she was sick.

It's been almost two weeks now since I noticed the change. Her Papa also noticed it.

I don't know if it's still part of teething, but she is unbearable when she has tantrums!

As in, she says "no", she cries A LOT for TOO LONG not only at home but outside as well, she is clingy, she is cranky, she is supladita, she is naglulupasay sa sahig when she doesn't get what she wants, she changes her mind too quickly.

I'm going nuts! Alvin and I are so close to losing it! hehehe We tried everything!

Well, I guess she is now in that stage where she is testing boundaries. She is testing us and she is testing the power of "iyal at karga." So we are back at that stage where we have to be firm and consistent!

I'm just not used to these things because Liam didn't give us a hard time, really. Not to compare or anything.

Well, I guess it's true, no two kids are ever alike. And we can't have it all. I thought we were that lucky! hehehe

She is nearing her 2nd birthday, the terrible 2's and 3's stage ...if this is a sign of things to come,uh- oh.... I better prepare myself! Lord, bless me!

@-@

To Make Some People Happy

Something's cooking but I cannot elaborate what it is.

It is another wish or prayer granted. :D

Here are some clues:blog.lucky kids.God providing.

Ipipikit na lang namin ang mga mata namin ni Alvin sa lahat ng GASTOS para makapagpaligaya ng mga mahal namin sa buhay :)

Hindi ko alam kung kakayanin namin dahil maliban dito ay marami din kami na naka-line up na ibang proyekto at mga to-buy pa.

But God is assuring us that He will take care of everything, so, go!

I've been busy the past few weeks not only because of the kids but also because of work. The good news is, I will be busier the next few weeks :)

Respecting Their Feelings

Yesterday, after Sam's swimming lessons, I decided to go to the library which was in the same centre since I didn't have much to do back at home.

After five minutes and reading two books to Sam, I thought it was time to go. When I decided to go home, Sam was just starting to get interested. In other words, she felt she wanted to stay longer in the library to explore.

E makulit ang nanay. I was thinking I didn't bring my library card so no use staying. I carried her against her will. She didn't try but she was saying, "no, no, no Mama. Inside" while pointing to the library as we headed out to the parking lot.

When I put her on her car seat, dun na siya nag-wala. As in, she wasy crying the whole ten minutes from the place up until we reached home.

I didn't lose it, but I felt bad. Naalala ko yung isang article that I read in Attachment Parenting, about parents should learn how to respect their children's emotions.

Para sa atin kasing mga matatanda, since tayo ang matanda, dapat tayo ang masusunod. We forget about what our kids might have felt or might be feeling during the time of the ordeal. Believe it or not, there has been a big improvement when I learned and did the "giving time" approach to Liam. Seldom do I get mad now at Liam or seldom do we argue or him crying because I give him time to finish the activity he is involved with or he is stucked with. I give him allowance, I patiently wait for him to settle and when he is ready to move on. I read that it is one way of respecting them, and true enough, it worked.

So yesterday, I felt that I didn't do it with Sam. She wasn't ready yet. I should have let her stay and respected her time and emotions.

Tayo ngang mga matatanda ayaw ng naiistorbo pag may ginagawa, di ba? Our kids are no different. We just take them for granted because we think everything is okay. And we get mad when there is a violent reaction -- tantrums, etc., on their part. What we do not know is they can already feel different emotions di lang nila kaya pang sabihin ng derecho sa atin.

I promised myself to do better next time. I promised that like what I do with Liam, I will also be more sensible and respectful of the emotions of my little girl.

:D

Blessings Overflowing

God is such a great God!

 Hubby and I had a dilemma about hubby's work and his present job applications last Friday. We thought that it was impossible to sort it all out by Tuesday of this week. Well guess what? It was all sorted out by yesterday, Monday!

I can't discuss everything here, but to make the long story short, hubby will transfer to another department in two weeks time. His contract was extended for another year! And his application with another company is still in place. Fingers crossed and keeping the faith, we hope that like what happened this weekend and yesterday, all will fall into place and he will be in the company which He thinks is best for Alvin and for our family :D

Truly, what may be impossible to us, is very much possible with God!

"The Gift of Grandparents"

Yesterday at work, the school had an assembly to celebrate Grandparents' Day. The Year 1 students led the assembly as they prepared songs, prayers, and a simple yet touching program for their grandparents.

One part of the program included the kids reading their simple essays: descriptions of their grandparents, why they love their grandparents, what they do with their grandparents. I cannot help but remember my two Lolas, Lola Sabel and Mamay. (My siblings and I were not fortunate enough to meet our two Lolos since they both passed away at an early age).

I can very much relate to the kids who said: "I love my Nanna because she likes reading stories to me...she buys me things/toys...she plays with me...she cooks for me..." As some of them were reading their outputs you can see the smile on their grandparents' faces. Some of them were even teary-eyed.

As I was growing up, I remember praying fervently that God give my parents long life so they can see me settle down. I think that prayer has been granted. After I got married, my prayer changed. I prayed that God will allow my parents to see the birth and enjoy their grandkids. Again, I think, that prayer has been answered.

I consider my kids lucky because they had the chance to meet and enjoy the company of  both their Lolos and Lolas. My kids know their Lolos and Lolas even if we are miles apart from one another. Thanks to technology, we try to bridge the gap and physical absence through Skype, phone calls, and thru Facebook. It's like they are having a long-distance love-affair with them. Of course, they also get to catch-up with one another when they come here for a short vacation or vice-versa.

I remember watching one current affair show which featured the importance of the presence of grandparents to their grandkids. Truly, there are some lessons in life that only grandparents can teach their grandkids. Their wisdom is really different from that of us, the parents.The way they spoil their grandkids is different from how we do it, in the same way that the effects on the grandkids are different.

The Grandparents' Day celebration made me wish that there could be more opportunities for my kids (and their cousins ) to spend more time with their Lolos and Lolas, TOGETHER. Not only thru Skype, not only by talking to them on the phone, or thru uploaded pictures and videos. To really spend time together, playing with one another, telling stories, shopping for them (hehehe Lola Lynn!), teaching them lessons about life.

The distance between us probably made me appreciate them more. It would have been probably different if we are still based in Manila, and they are just a stone's throw away from us.

The assembly ended with a short message from the Assistant Principal. She mentioned about the part in Christiam marriage rites where it says: "may you live long enough to see your children's children," -- this for me is indeed a beautiful blessing. This for me, makes grandparents a "gift." And I couldn't agree more when she tried to define what "grandparent" is by taking the meaning of "grand" first from the dictionary-- dignified, noble, admirable, sublime, magnificent, wonderful, worthy of respect. Truly, these words define what grandparents are.

The Gift of Grandparents. A very good read.

 I thank the Lord for granting my prayers -- for allowing my parents ( and Alvin's too) to see their children's children.

I hope that in the future, Alvin and I will also be "rewarded" for being a parent.

Tidbits 2012

I fetched my nephew from his OC test this morning. I got myself a small cup of coffee from the gasoline station across the exam venue. I just drank 2/3 of the coffee, now I'm shaking! I really can't drink too much coffee! I forgot all about the effects on me, of having to drink "too much" coffee. Kwenk!

****

While waiting, I can't help but notice: walang mas yadong pu ti na na gaabang sa anak nila na kumuha ng eks amen. Puros la  hat o karamihan ay mgamigrante, ga ling samga bansa mula sa Asya. Dami nga mga boomi. Mangilan-ngilan lang ta lagaang nakita kong puti. Naalala ko tuloy yung madalas nagiging problema ngmga p utisaA merika. Nauubusan na daw sila ng trabaho sa ibang bansa dahil halos lahat ay napupunta na sa mga migrante. E yung nakita ko kaninang umaga ay isa lamang repleksyon kung bakit gaoon ang nang yayari. Parasilang masya dong kam pante na...ayaw ni lang kunin ang mga opor tunidadtulad na lamang ng papasukin ang anak nila sa mga eskwelahan na may mga prog ramang tulad ng OC. Tuloy, angmga nakakakuha ng mga  maga gandang opor tunidad ayang "iba" na tinu turingnila.

***

One of my FB friends, who is also based here in OZ left a comment when I uploaded a Math manipulative, which I plan to use with Liam in teaching him addition and subtraction. She said that she is loving the "laid-back" style of education here in OZ. It's hard enough to raise three kids so she will not stress herself even more by teaching or tutoring them.

Yes, raising kids overseas remains to be a challenge and I agree with her on that aspect. But personally, I am not for the "laid-back" style of education here in Oz. I sometimes feel, it is too laid-back.

Dito kasi ang paniniwala ng mga guro sa mababang paaralan, "bawal ma-istress ang mga bata." Wala naman akong problema doon, pero pansin ko, talagang wala na silang istress. Naiipon lahat ng istress pagdating nila ng haiskul. Ayaw ko naman mangyari iyon sa mga anak ko. Naging palaisipan din sa akin ang kanyang komento. Bakit nga ba gusto kong turuan ng mas marami ang anak ko at bakit hindi ko na lang hayaan ang mga guro nila na turuan sila?

Una: pride na kung pride,pero ayaw kodumating sa pun to namay kaibigan ako mula Maynila na may anak na pareho ng lebel ng aking mga anak at sabihin na: "ang dali-dali naman pala mag-aral dito sa ibang bansa." Para ngsa sarili ko, gusto ko na kung anoang lebel ng isang nasa ika-4 na bai tang sa pinas, ganoon din ang alam ng anak ko dito. Ako na guro dito, masasabi ko natsi kenang Matematika di to hanggang sa ika-6 na baitang. Enung ako ay nag tuturo ng Matematika sa ika-6 na baitang sapinas, mayroon nakami ngalgebra. Sa ma daling sabi,ayokong mapagiwanan ang mga anak ko.

Pangalawa: dahil sa na kita ko kaninang umaga, mas lalo akong nanindigan na tuturuan ko ng ekstra ang mga anak ko. Sa to toong mundo, talagang may kompetisyon. "dog-eat-dog" ika nga. Kami ngayon ng tatay nila ay ma palad dahil maganda ang aming mga trabaho. Mas maganda pa kasya samga ilang orig na taga dito. Ilang taon mula ngayon, ang mga anak namin ang magiging mga lokalng bansang ito, at maari, maymga dumadayo pa rin mula sa iab't-ibang bansa. Ayaw kong mapag iwanan sila o ma lampasan sila ng mga dadayo at ang lala bas, sila na ang di makakakuha ng mga magagandang oportunidad. Baka kung hahayaan ko lang  at wala akong gagawin, baka maging kampante na sila, at mas maganda pa ang mga maging trabaho ng mga "iba" na darating mula sa ibang bansa, katulad ng nakita ko kanina.

Ayaw ko lang na maging tamad sila, naka asasa gob yerno, gusto ko na lumaki sila na may inaasam asam, may mga pangarap na gustong tuparin and makam tan. Ayaw ko silang magseytle o ang maging panuntunan sa buhay ay: ok lang, ok na ito.

Kaya OA na kung OA, pero isa lamang akong magulang na ang tanging hangad ay maging matagumpay ang kanyang mga anak.

***

Alvin didn't make it to the last cut of the final interview for one job application he had. :( So we're hoping that the interview he had yesterday will yield good results. I'm excited about this because the company is based in a nearby sub-urb, only 15 minutes away from home! Imagine, if he gets accepted here, he can leave home late, and arrive early! hay!!!!! After almost 2 years of leaving home early and arriving home late hehehe But I'm not complaining now. BAT has been very good to him. The only thing though, of course, he will get a paycut with this new company. Okay with us, as long as it's for a permanent position already. Keeping the faith!

***

I've submitted Liam's enrollment forms at QHPS this morning. Although we haven't pulled out his name from Barnier Public School yet. But to date, we are leaning towards QHPS. It all boils down to the school's mission and vision. We as parents are now reflecting on the mission and vision of the school and see which one we prefer our kids to be after they go to that school ;) Still praying for guidance :)