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 :)

The More Patient One

Parenting is hard. That is why I think:

Parenting is partnership.

I remember reading an article by Lucy Torres- Gomez way, way back in Manila that between the two of them, it's her hubby, Richard Gomez, who is the more patient and cooler one when it comes to dealing with their daughter, Juliana's misdemeanors.

Well, guess what, it's totally the same with us! (As if it is still a surprise?! LOL)

They say when you pray to God for patience, He doesn't make you one outright, but He gives you opportunities to be patient.

Raising kids is definitely one big opportunity to practice patience!

The past few days, I have found myself always raising my voice with Liam, especially if he doesn't do what I ask him to do, at once. In short, we have this power struggle at home. I don't know if I flare up easily because I'm the one with them (Liam and Sam) almost the entire day (and I'm already at my wits end) and I have to do a lot of other stuff at home aside from taking care of them.


It never ceases to amaze me when I see how Alvin does it with Liam, without any "threats" and a loud voice. I remember how Lucy described her hubby everytime I see Alvin too, patiently and very calmly explaining to Liam why we are asking him to do something); or, trying to process something (like giving up easily if he finds one task hard). Example, one of the reasons of our fights is the TV! Recently, he has been watching the TV longer and more frequently than before. So when I ask him to do something, he gets "mad" and throws on a temper tantrum because he doesn't want to get disturbed! Oh yes, he does follow me but he is nagdadabog. Of course, I would want as much as possible that he follows me without the face and the stomping of feet! (Is this my karma, Mama Lynn?)

Well, writing everything here will take time. But to make the long story short, I am thankful that Alvin decided to become involved in raising up our children, because there are some fathers there who think that providing for their family is their only responsibility.

I am the teacher and teachers are supposed to be patient with kids. But, between the two of us, Alvin is the more patient one (and I'm glad he is).

Sad and Happy

Today I was both sad and happy.

Sad. When I opened my FB account this morning, the first news that greeted me was that one of our AGS staff, had a stroke last night and was now in coma. It was her first stroke. After reading this, I was sad and a bit upset. Remember my previous blog -- If You Had the Choice? Well, it hit me again, the fear of suddenly dying and leaving your loved ones abruptly. This was her first stroke and based on the comments, apparently, the damage in her brain was so severe that the doctors decided not to operate on her anymore.

I think hubby sensed that I was a bit upset so he suggested that we hit the mall after we eat lunch. I agreed because Liam wanted to go out again. It's a non-working holiday today because of the Queen's birthday. Before we left the house, I checked my mail again, only to find out that Maryann, passed away this morning. :( Now, I'm sad, scared and depressed, big time!

On our way to Castle Towers, we had our family prayer time and it was a bit different this time. Thanks for the memories Ma'am Maan, eternal rest we pray for your soul.

Happy.

Not wanting to be a party pooper, I tried my best to cheer up. It did pay off :) After doing some shopping, for the 2nd day in a row, we went to the toy shops to look for a firetruck toy.

A little background: aside from cooking videos. Liam is also hooked in firemen/firetruck/Fireman Sam videos. Everytime he sees something that has something to do with the 3, he gets really excited :) He has been telling us that he wants a firetruck toy especially when he sees it at the catalogues, but he does not insist. Yesterday, when we attended mass, he was with his Papa and sister at the crying room. Alvin told me that while there, Liam saw his cousin holding a small firetruck toy. Liam just looked longingly at the toy but did not borrow it from his cousin or saying anything to his Papa. It was at that time that Alvin decided that he wanted to buy one for his son.

So today we looked for it, when we saw it, we were actually surprised by its price. So now, knowing my hubby, I knew he was at a crossroad. Will he buy it or not? Is it splurging or not? Again, when we ask Liam if he wants it, he just puts his hands inside his pocket and says: "I don't know." When we try to discourage him making some excuses like going to another shop, he nods his head and does not react violently. He says yes to whatever we say. I think it made his Papa want to buy the toy for him more. I was watching Alvin make the toughest decision, and was actually enjoying it. Well I guess, he loves his son too much not to give in. I told him that instead of me paying for the toy, he pays it with Liam so his son can see that it was actually his Papa that bought the toy for him. What Alvin could only say was "Liam's smile and reaction was priceless after I paid for the toy."

When we got home I heard Liam talking to himself, "I am so very happy today." He then started to play with his new toy that brought him to another place and time ;)
It was a joy to see him extremely happy.

P.S. This act made their father-son bond even stronger :) so i guess, we made the right decision :)