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.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Sam is Now Two!
Happy birthday my sweet darling :)
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| the very simple cake (vanilla strawberry sponge cake from Woolies) I brought to Yogies |
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| Kuya, as usual, was more excited to play with the new toys! |
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| all set for the birthday girl! |
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| surprise, surprise! bagong gising! :) |
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| turned down two calls today just as so I can do my Mama duties on this special day :) |
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| ready to blow the candle on her birthday cake :) |
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| her 2nd birthday gift from Papa, Mama and Kuya Liam |
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| A happy day awaits our birthday girl :) |
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| ready to "read" her birthday card :) |
Monday, November 19, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, November 16, 2012
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
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
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| many faces of my Sammie |
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| a collection of your funny antics! |
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| more faces captured in photos |
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| will love you forever Mahal kong Sammie! |
Monday, November 5, 2012
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!
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!
Sunday, November 4, 2012
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 :)
Saturday, November 3, 2012
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 :
Friday, November 2, 2012
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.
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.
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| first week was on Literacy |
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| second week focus was on Maths |
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| 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!
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!
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| my Christmas tree :) it's not as fabulous but i'm very happy with my output this year. finally got what i wanted |
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| pinwheel for the garden and garland :) |
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| hanging Santas |
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| more Christmas decors |
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| trying to be creative and using our old Christmas decors |
Thursday, November 1, 2012
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.
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