Unexpected Comments

As a mom (and a parent) wouldn't you feel proud if just out of the blue, you get praises and comments for your kids?

The past two weeks, I did. Nakakataba ng puso.

Liam's real teacher in pre-school was away and a casual teacher came in. Dismissal time, I gave him 5 minutes to still play in the school's outdoor playground before heading home. When the bell rang, I asked him to wash his hands first because I saw him playing with soil and wood chips in the garden. So off he went. I followed him. The casual teacher, who I only saw that day, saw me following him. She then asked me if Liam is my son. I nodded and said "yes."

Then came this: " Your son is very good. He was being a leader inside the class. He was acting like a teacher inside the class and the rest followed him. When he stopped, everybody waited until he decided what they will do next. He was leading the class. He was very good."

I was speechless.

The following week, Liam's real teacher Donna told me during our little chat: "Liam was extra good today. He welcomed the new student in class, talking to him and making him feel welcome." Then Liam came and Donna said: "Right Liam? You've been making friends with your new classmate, Mohhamed?" Liam just smiled and bowed his head.

These uguarded moments and unexpected comments from his teachers (or sometimes strangers) are the ones that inspire me and his Papa to do better.

He still has his "topaks" especially when he doesn't get a good afternoon nap, but overall I think Liam is really a beautiful kid, inside and out.

Fifty Shades

Fifty Shades of Grey. Fifty Shades Darker. Fifty Shades Freed.

I am actually kinikilig as I am writing this.

 I enjoyed the book. Yes, it made the headlines and there was really a BIG fuss when it came out. Can't really blame them. Aside from the Sub-Dom it used as a theme, the way some parts were written, well, it was really very detailed. Yes, imagination at work.

But aside from the kinky parts that made it famous, I liked the book because it was plain and simple, a love story. For me, it was like a modern-day fairy tale! :D A simple, ordinary but intelligent and brave girl meeting the man of her dreams unexpectedly and falling for him and ending up with him, at all odds!

I enjoyed reading Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele's journey to self-discovery, to love and being loved, to faith, to honesty, to facing their demons and trying to overcome it. How they tried to show their love and care for one another in different ways. The very controlling Christian and the very stubborn Anastasia Steele and their episodes and encounters. The X part of the books made the book more exciting, but overall, their love story made me enjoy the book. I enjoyed it so much that I stayed up until 12midnight for several days, even if I had work the following day, just as so I can continue reading it (good thing I had the digital edition so even if lights were out I was able to read hehehe). There's too much too write but that basically sums it all up.

Yes it was a happy ending. Love prevails. Yay! :D

Lastly, I now know and understand why it was such a hit with women, especially those who have been in long relationships now (as wife or partner).  When things start to become monotonous or boring, you and your spouse can do something to spice things up! Personally, it had an effect on me. It brought me back to that year, our first year as husband and wife, when we were very excited exploring and discovering things about one another. I'll already stop here. hehehe :) But glad we had our first year all to ourselves :)

Buzz is, movie version is on its way. Oh I just hope whoever will be in-charge with the movie adaptation will stick with the book. They don't have to make so many changes just as so the movie will sell. It is already a hit on its own :)  I would love the movie to retain every detail that was written on the book (yeah, dream on!). I also hope that they will choose good actors and actresses to play the characters.

Excited (very!) and looking forward to seeing it on the big screen!

If Only

If only I could tell the entire story here. But I can't.

It's a story of how hubby has made me proud again! For the nth time! I have never been this proud of hubby.

I can't write it here because hubby requested me so, a humble man that he is.

Given the choice, I would have written the whole story here but I understand where he is coming from. Nothing is definite yet and baka nga maudlot.

More than that what I actually want to write is the affirmation that God is sending us, that He is in control and will take care of us.

Ok just to have an idea, it is about work. I will not write everything but only up to the part why I continue to admire hubby!

Last Friday he was summoned to his boss' boss office. He was surprised. He was more surprised when they told him why he was there. He was gobsmacked during the meeting but that meeting gave him the push and boosted his self-confidence more!

To make the long story short, whatever transpired inside that office and whatever they told him was a reflection of hubby's performance at work. That the quality of work he delivers doesn't go unnoticed! He has been in the company for only two years and doesn't even have a permanent status, and yet.....(sorry, can't!).

On our way to our prayer meeting last Friday, he was teasing me "see, ikaw lang walang bilib sa akin eh!" If only he knew! Well, on the more serious note this time, he said: "Si Lord talaga, when you ask something, He opens a lot of opportunities. Sabay-sabay pa."

We are very much okay even if things don't push through. We are okay with the recognition he got. We know that it will be best for us (we are constantly praying as to where He will lead us). But if ever it does, it will be one whole new adventure, not only for him, but for all four of us!

Nothing is definite yet. Right now, he gave me an assignment to research more on (sorry can't!) We are, after all, still keeping our options open. If this one pushes through though, it will be one whole new ballgame! I'm scared because it will be another adjustment for all four of us, but we will just cross the bridge when we get there.

Right now, I just want to share how hubby makes me proud.

For the longest time, I have had issues on being called Mrs. Balintec (especially that I am a teacher). Admit it, it's not that pleasant to the ears, right?

But now? Your guess is as good as mine.

Way to go Papa, you continue to make me and your kids proud!

A Good Cry

Ever experienced wanting to have a good cry for no reason at all?

I have these episodes every now and then and I all blame in on the hormones! I actually feel better after having that "good cry."

Last night, I found myself getting a bit emotional. Watching Yang and Owen (Grey's Anatomy) get hurt and try to resolve their indifferences made me a bit teary-eyed. Wala lang, I just feel for them. The point wherein you know that it's already (or nearing) the end. Time to face the monsters and to be true to one another, even if it hurts, BIG TIME. Kainis lang, bitin. Looking forward to watching the next episode :D

Next, the story of Tom and Lynette of Desperate Housewives. Last night's episode, Lynette finally signed their divorce papers, thinking that Tom has given up on them. The scene when she signed it, when she left Tom and cried herself out in the car. Hah! Seeing Tom not being sure if he really wants to end things with Lynette and what he said to his current girlfriend: "I will always take care of Lynette because she is the mother of my children (before walking out)" -- did it for me! I was crying last night! (I already know that they will eventually get back together, but I still allowed myself to emphatize with them during their "moments" last night.)

I am a sucker for happy endings. I can feel for the characters last night. I felt I was feeling their pain. I felt I was in their shoes! Kaloka ba? I just know that feeling and it sucks big time. Probably the reason why I cried? Maybe :p

I am just happy I had that chance to have another "good cry." It's liberating in a way hehehe :D

Surprise

The past few days my son has been requesting pancakes for breakfast. We kept on turning him down because we wanted to finish the loaves of bread and scones which were near their best before dates. Last night, I promised him that I'd cook pancakes if mama didn't have work. He was very excited.

I was already solved with the idea that I will have a free day today until my mobile rang before 9 pm. Of course my son got a bit disappointed.

Alvin has a plant visit today in Central Coast and he had to leave early. It was a blessing in disguise because I got to wake up early as well. I had plenty of time in my hands that I decided to surprise Liam and cook pancake for breakfast. And since he already knows how to read, I wrote an I love you note for him and Sam, beside his pancake, which I put on his favourite saucer.

This surprise is enough to send happy hormones to my system!

I hope Liam will be delighted.

Got to go. Time to wake up my little boy  :-)

Pardon Me

I was trying to look for an old blog entry when I came across some which had plenty of grammatical errors! I also had a fair share of spelling errors!

Que horror!

Pardon me for the errors!

Reading it again (after many months) made me aware of the errors I have committed. Most of the time, I was missing some words. It's probably because my mind was thinking too fast when I wrote/typed, that my hands can't keep up hehehehe Thinking that I have already written the word, when in fact I have missed it totally.

Editing is not for me. Probably the reason why it took me soooo long to finally finish my Masteral thesis. I just hate going through each page again and again and looking for possible errors. I am just plain LAZY. Sabi nga ni Alvin, when it comes to checking or editing, nawawala pagka-OC ko hehehe

I'm just conscious because when I come across some blog entries which have grammatical errors (some naman kasi super obvious na!) tumataas ang kilay ko.

Maybe I'm afraid na malait especially that I come from the academe.

May tawag dito, karma. Hehehehe :)

So now, before I post my blog, I will have to give it one or two days so I can re-read and re-check for any possible errors. Hopefully, it will allow me to have error-free blog entries :) But if I still miss, pardon me for the errors ;)

Building Memories

We had our usual household prayer meeting last night and for our discussion, Alvin and I decided to show them the presentation: Interview with God.

This was not the first time I watched the presentation because it was used in one of our faculty prayer sessions at the Ateneo Grade School. The presentation is simple and yet for me, it was very powerful. That I think, is the reason why after more than ten years, I still remember it.

Going back to my story, for our sharing and discussion, we asked our members what part of the presentation struck them the most. We all agreed that there were so many things that you can actually use for reflection, but among all of it, the one that stood out in our reflection last night was the one saying: You worry too much about the future that you forget about the present, therefore, you don't get to live in the present nor the future.

Our other brothers and sisters gave very good sharing and their personal insights, we were all learning from each other. As parents to two very young kids, we can't help but get worried about too much. I think that is very much understandable. But the recent deaths of friends became instrumental for a change of heart for me. We spend too much time and energy building for our future, not realizing the reality of life being so temporary. That this day might just be our last day.

Last night's prayer meeting also became an avenue for me to explain to hubby why sometimes I want us to discuss the "what ifs" ... the "what if I am or he is taken already, abruptly (touchwood)."

Bottomline, hubby and I, decided that starting today, we will try to build more memories with our children. We will not wait for long weekends for us to make beautiful and happy memories.  I cannot say that we will not be worried anymore, but we are placing our trust in Him. After all, He only has good things prepared for us. We want to make sure that (touchwood) when we are taken too soon from our children, we have made enough memories of us (with them and good memories at that!) for them to have and cherish, until they grow up.

When worrying does catch up on us, I will remember my favorite Gospel reading: Mathew 6: 24-35. It does wonders for me. It affirms me that all will be well and removes all the worries.

P.S. Tomorrow, we will continue making memories with our kids. Instead of eating out, we decided to bring our lunch out to the park. We will have barbie and  a very simple family picnic :) Liam will be bringing his scooter. Hoping that the sunny weather forecast tomorrow will be accurate so we can enjoy our family time again :)

Bow and Arrow

My boy obviously is now into super heroes, especially after watching the Avengers with his Papa.

He is very much smitten with the bow and arrow that Hawkeye uses. He asked me for the longest time to make him one.

I did. My output made from recycled materials is far from being perfect, but it was enough to put a priceless smile on my son's face.

Happiness!  :-)

Vivid Sydney 2012

A show of lights.

A product of creativity.

Bonding time with family.

Great weather.

Best way to start the long weekend.

Updates on the Big School

Last Thursday, I and Liam had an interview with the Deputy Principal of Quakers Hill Public School. The interview went well. Liam was a bit shy and always looked at me before he answered the questions, but he did pretty well for a first-timer. It was a very informal one. I also had the chance to ask questions.

After the very short interview, the Deputy Principal toured us around the campus. It's like giving me a personal parents' orientation!

She gave me a welcome pack already so I can read and know more about the school. Although at this point, we are still on the waitlist. The committee which will decide on the number and who among those waitlisted will be given the opportunity to enroll for next school year. The school will keep in touch and I was informed that we will be hearing from them latest September.

Before the interview, I was already settled and somewhat decided that we will just let Liam go to Barnier. After the interview, I am now convinced that Quakers Hill Public School might just be the school for our little boy. My issues on technology and their programmes for advanced kids are just one of the many reasons why I am reconsidering. They have before and after school care within the school, they have many extra-curricular activities being offered to kids, they have Scripture classes as well. Even Liam changed his mind after our trip.

The waiting (and the harder part) part now begins. I will keep you posted when I receive (hopefully, the good news) the letter from the school.

We are still discerning for it, but we might just take it as a sign, if ever we are considered in that school :D

Got It!

After a very tiring day at work, something good came up. Another answered prayer :D

The results of my assessment in AEI - NOOSR were mailed today and both applications yielded positive results. Both my Bachelor and Master's degree were considered comparable to an Australian Bachelor and Master's degree. Weeeee! :D

I actually applied for an assessment since I am planning (with hubby's blessing, of course) to go back to school and pursue another Master's degree that will allow me to practice teaching here, full-time. Once I do my application with my chosen University, I will be needing these results to apply for advanced standing. Advanced standing allows me to be exempted from taking up subjects in the course I have chosen to pursue, that I have already taken before in my other degrees. This will hopefully shorten the length of time for me to finish this additional degree. I will be formally applying this August for Term1 of next year. I have decided to choose the University that offers it on-line. It is much more family-friendly and more convenient. I am starting on Term 1 so I can apply for the government assistance that will help us finance my studies. It is just too expensive if I am to be a full-paying student.

The past days though, I have found myself thinking if I am up for the challenge. You see the past few weeks (months), I have been really busy with casual work. Not a week passes that I don't get calls for substitution. I am tired but I am thankful. This will be another story. I am just probably preparing myself for this big challenge. But for now, I will just celebrate for another concern was ticked off from the list :D

Winter Plans

Aldi currently has a promotion with snow gears. I asked Alvin if I can buy for me and the kids. Didn't bother buying one for him because he already has. He bought his when he was sent to Japan for work purposes. He gave the go signal so I bought one for me, Liam and Sam.

We don't have any concrete plans of going to the Snowy Mountains this winter, but I just thought of investing and preparing just in case we have the spur of the moment decision to have a go. Better buy now while it's on sale hehehe

I decided to buy snowtrack suits for both Liam and Sam so I don't have to buy them separate jackets and pants. It would be very bulky and expensive. I made sure there is enough allowance for the kids' suits just in case they don't get to use it this year. As for me, I bought a snowtrack jacket. I still fit in the kids sizes so I got to save ten bucks as compared if I got one from the adult sizes. Still have to buy pants though.

I'm just excited to think of the possibility of having another family holiday and to experience snow for the first time.

Let's wait and see  :-)