A Different Kind of Preparation

Advent as they say is a time to prepare. It is more than the gifts and the festivities.

I was struck and happy when I saw this ad on the local papers: "Go to church on Christmas. Bring back the "masS" in Christmas." I know it shouldn't just be a one day affair and the emphasis is on the "Christ" but in a society where there are more non-believers, and letting them go back to church even for one day, is a start.

I am happy to say that this year, I am having  a different kind of preparation for Christmas.

When our parish was assigned to a Filipino Parish Priest, I was happy! Very happy! I looked forward to the changes he will be making in our parish. True enough, the changes he made were patterned to the practices we have back in Manila.

Fast forward, I was elated to see that for the first time, we will be having Novena Dawn Masses or "Simbang Gabi" in our parish during the Advent season. I was happy because it will lessen the homesickness but I was up for the challenge. You see, even in Manila,  I am not really a fan of Simbang Gabi, I was trying to complete it so I can have a wish hehehe.  I tried in vain to complete the masses, but was not successful. When I was younger I always ended up sleeping during the homily. When I was much older, I ended up sleeping in, and being too lazy to stand up.

Well, this year, I still cannot complete it as I forgot to set the alarm clock on Monday, the first day, totally forgetting about it! But since the second day, I haven't missed one.

On Tuesday morning, on the way to church, I was praying and asking why am I doing this? Was it to prove something, was it for a special concern? I don't know. I was clueless. But that day God spoke through the homily. Fr. Ruben's homily was all about the reasons for attending the novena masses! The mass ended that day with me still asking myself, what is my reason for waking up at 4am, with only 4-5 hours of sleep, just to attend the mass? The homily that day helped me in finding the answers.

The answers came one day at a time. Everyday, the mass was celebrated by different Filipino priests based in Sydney. Each day, different homilies were given. Different insights, different points for reflection. It was a learning experience. You will feel the grace.

It was also another opportunity for me and Alvin to go to Confession after a looooong (years!) time! We had the opportunity last Thursday night and it felt good. For me, it was something that made my preparation complete.

As Fr. Raning said this morning, we were in a spiritual journey. I couldn't agree more. It was the best way to start my day (for a change, it's not FB or Insta) :-)

I am looking forward to the rest of the dawn masses and praying that it will now become a yearly practice in our parish so my kids can also learn one of the Filipino Christmas traditions. I am also looking forward to Lent and see how we are going to have our spiritual journey.

But for the mean time please let me savor the richness of this experience and share with you God's abundant blessings for the season.

May you and your family have a blessed Christmas and may you put "Christ" back into Christmas :-)

What's Your Stand, (on) iPad?

Writers they say are able to write when they are inspired. I found myself inspired not only because I officially started my summer break but also with the responses I got from the blog entry I posted yesterday.

I wanted to ask this question, what is your stand on the kids' use of the iPads (and all gadgets) at home?

I am asking as a parent.

I find myself a bit torn.

As an educator, I was able to attend a lot of seminars and conferences that have dealt with the (over)exposure of kids to technology. I remember attending one back in Manila that even stated that kids younger than 2 years old should not be exposed to TV or it will have an effect on their development, mostly of which are negative. If cannot be avoided, the maximum time allotted for them is max 1 hour per day. I made a mental note on that.

Fast forward, I have two very young kids now and I was not able to practice that "no TV rule until the age of 2" for the simple reason that I have found the TV as my only "help" at home when hubby is at work. In that span of almost six years I came across a LOT of articles and studies that again remind parents about the negative effects of allowing the kids to use technology at such an early age.

There were a LOT of negative effects mentioned in these articles but the one that stood out because I was slowly seeing it with my kids was this: if exposed to these gadgets, the kids will not be able to learn how to delay their gratification.

When not in school or sometimes when he gets home, Kuya asks me this: "What can I do Mum?" I already know where that is headed. Everytime he says "I'm bored" or asks that question he is in a way asking if he can use the iPad. When I tell him that he can't use it, that is when he goes crazy and cranky!

Sam on the other hand has the tendency not to follow us or totally ignore us when she's glued to the iPad or tablet. She gets into trouble with us because of these gadgets!

The said events and the video I saw on FB about how technology has become a part of everything and everyone and everyday living are the BIG movers on why I felt I needed to slowly change things at home especially when it came to the use of technology.

I am actually getting alarmed.

Old school.

Perhaps.

But I was telling Liam, when I was a kid, I didn't have gadgets or game and watch, or the likes. The nothingness allowed me to develop my creativity. I didn't have the newest toys in the market but I became creative and innovative in creating my own toys or to simply enjoy being a kid -- enjoy playing with friends or read books. I think the gadgets are hindering the creativity among my kids. Parang wala na, hihinto na buhay nila kapag walang gadget na hawak. 

BUT, their environment and the society has changed already. Their generation is different from my generation. At the back of my mind I am worried that if I limit or hinder their exposure to technology, they might end up na mapagiwanan. Let's face it, with their generation, technology is a way of life. Wala ng hindi ginagamitan ng technology. So me hindering them from using and exploring it might also hinder their chances of making them fully equipped and knowledgeable of what is "needed" for their future.

Hay.

What about you?

What is your stand on this?

No Gadget Time

Alvin and I had a quarrel early last week which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Through that no-talk situation, the "no-gadget time" was born.

What is no gadget time?

Kuya Liam was the one who thought of that term.

Our no-gadget time usually happens after we finish off cleaning in the kitchen at night. It is the time when everyone in the family will be in the Masters' bedroom -- with no iPads, no mobiles, no TV, no tablets, no toys for the kids as well. We are there with one another enjoying each other's presence!  There are no specific or planned activities to be done during that time, everything is spontaneous. We sometimes play tackle (wrestling with the kids) or sometimes play pretend or simply ask one another of how our day went. Simpleng kulitan, kilitian, lambingan, konting pikunan but most of the time we laugh our hearts out.

We then read two story books to the kids. Kuya Liam, Papa and Mama take turns in reading a book to the family. When we're done with it, we conclude our no-gadget time by praying the rosary.

I have seen how the kids have appreciated our efforts to put down our mobile phones or turn off the TV during that period of time. It's actually the same with them. We have been doing it for just a week and yet Alvin and I have seen the  effects with our two kids and with ourselves. The kids are happier when they go to sleep and they are happier when they wake up in the morning. It is also much easier now to ask them to limit their use of the gadgets because they have seen me and their Papa do it as well.

Believe me when I say that giving up FB time was hard for me. In the same way that it was hard for Alvin to put down his phone or iPad when he gets home from work. But I think it worked because everyone saw how each one did their share and make this time "sacred time."

The kids do their share by reminding us about it, announcing "It's no-gadget time na!" The kids also call our attention when we try to sneak and take a short peek at our mobile phones! You bet we'll be in trouble with them!

I am hoping that we can sustain this no-gadget time and pray that it will actually create positive effects to our (growing) kids.

I actually wrote this to share it with friends, especially those with growing kids, who might be missing a lot because of the simple fact that we spend more time with our gadgets now than with the people around us, whom we claim, we love.

If you do decide to try it, I guarantee you, you'd be one happier parent! :-)

Unfair

Last week, my Kuya Liam had their school's Recognition day!

He surprised both me and Papa when the award that he got was the Academic Excellence award! There are only five awardees in each class and only one got that award. He got a certificate and a gold medal for that.

Being new to everything we didn't know what to expect. Yes, we knew he'd be presented an award a simple certificate and that's it.  Everything that happened that day was a surprise for all of us.

We were all happy of course!

As a proud parent, I shared a short video and a photo of his medal and certificate on my FB account. Real friends sent their warmest and sincere greetings and we, especially Liam was really happy about it!

I just find it unfair when after saying, "Congratulations, Liam!" may kasunod na, "teacher kasi nanay e!" or "Syempre, teacher nanay!" or"Kina-career kasi ng Mama!"

May iba, hindi na sinasabi pero yun ang iniisip!

Grrrr!

So what if he's a child of a teacher?!

So dapat, lahat ng anak ng teacher sa buong mundo puro honor students na, di ba?!

It just so happens that his mum's work is in the field of education!

I find it unfair for Liam.

He has really worked hard to achieve that.

If you have only seen him give up his "gadget time" or play time, even his afternoon naps so he can finish off a book, do extra activity, or finish his homework. This, in addition to balancing his time and energy as he also has tennis training and swimming!

My son got the award not because I am a teacher, but because he deserved it!

Celebrating My Kids' Individuality

Do you have kids?

As of today, I have two growing kids, one is 3 the other is almost six.

Seeing them slowly grow up and having the privilege of taking care of them myself, I can't help but observe some similarities but a lot of differences.

This morning I was faced with fear and worry as we celebrated Kuya's school achievement. I got a bit scared and worried a bit for my little Sam.

While we were all in high heavens celebrating Kuya's achievements I was trying my best not to let Sam feel jealous or left out. I wanted her to see that she is part of her Kuya's success. I wanted her to celebrate with us. This early on, I wouldn't want them to feel that there is a competition between the two of them for our love and attention. That each of them is receiving our full 100+% of love, time and support. I would not like for Sam to experience the "emotional battles" I had when I was growing up, just as so I can prove myself to my peers and my  parents.

Thankfully, at this stage, I can't sense any competition between the two of them. For me kasi,  I'd rather prevent than cure so I'm making myself informed.

My goodness! To think I only have two kids! How much more those parents who successfully managed to raise more kids!

I guess I'm at the receiving end this time. I suddenly missed my small chats with my veteran mommy friends back home. I miss hearing their stories and learning from them.

I'm now challenged to make sure that both my kids will feel and realise that we are equally happy and proud with their respective achievements regardless on what field they choose.

I will be  working on that and I know it will not be easy!

How about you, how do you cele
brate your children's individuality and cultivate their uniqueness? Tips, please :-)

Best Rewards

Hi Kuya!

I can't wait for you to turn six as I have found myself really inspired to write your second letter for the year, today.

This week has been a great week for you. Wait, let me change that. This year has been a great year for you, don't you think?

This year, you started with Kindy and you have proven how clever you are! You have excelled academically. You brought home a lot of certificates and awards this year as a reward for all your hardwork. This has made me and Papa really proud and thankful. The school year is almost over yet you still surprise us with something almost every week! My heart leaped for joy when you handed our invites yesterday and yes, I am looking forward to attending our very first Presentation Assembly next week.

You have also excelled in sports. Your tennis skills have improved a lot. You can now rally with your coach and your tennis grade continues to improve each term. You have won first place in your Athletic's carnival for the 100m event. You have succeeded in passing your practicals for your swimming lessons and you are due to move up the next level next term.

This year, you have started attending a Music tuition. This morning, after watching you and the rest of the students perform for your year-end Christmas concert cum recital, I was again very happy and proud when they chose you among the seven recipients of the Outstanding Effort award from all the students from K-2. You have proven that you can also excel on that area.

Well rounded? Very much!

This week alone, I have been overwhelmed with that happy feeling because of all these achievements. I feel elated! But like what Papa and Mama always tell you, these awards are just bonuses. It's more important that you have done your best, tried again when you failed, learned from your mistakes and enjoyed yourself.

But you know what son, what makes us prouder are stories about you that proves what kind of a person you are.

Story 1. We attended Mindy and Molly's birthday party and you met a new Tito (sorry Mama forgot his name!). Tito was in-charge of balloon twisting and because you were amazed as to how he can make a lot just by twisting balloons, you decided to stay with him, observe him and share stories with him. When we were about to go home, Tito told Mama that you are such a beautiful kid. "Liam is very polite and well-mannered." Hearing that from a new acquaintance was music to our ears. I was very proud of you son!

Story 2. Mama promised to make it up to you as soon as I'm done with all my teaching blocks. The first day I brought you back to school, a fellow parent comes up to me and introduces herself. She tells me she's the Mum of one of your best mates. She tells me about how her son adores you and how her son has never forgotten your act of kindness. Your mate didn't have a hat so he was not allowed to play in the field during lunch (No Hat, No Play policy of the school!). He just stayed in the silver seats with no one to play with. Then here comes you. You left all your other friends in the field and stayed with your mate so he will have someone to play with! No one asked you to do that, not even your mate!  When I told you the story when we got home, you said, you can't remember it. Well, it proves that you really have a good heart! It may mean nothing for you, but for your friend, it did and he will forever remember it, anak!

These stories are the real rewards, anak. These are the best rewards for me and Papa!


God has given you everything that we have prayed for. It is only our prayer that you continue to grow up with a good heart and use everything that He has given you for His greater glory!

We are proud of you anak!

Keep up the good work!

Papa and Mama (and yes, Sammie too!) are here for you, all the time!

We love you to bits, Bits!

What makes me happier now is that you can now read all the letters I have been writing for you every year :-)

Love,

Mama

A Blessed 2013

Note: I posted this entry on a different title but I realised I forgot to add some so this is the edited version :-)

The year is still not over but I can't help but reflect on how it has been a GREAT year for us!

This year, thankfully, has been a better year (note that last year was a good one too!), and at this point, I really can't complain anymore!

I had to go and check my January 2013 blog to see if all the projects and goals I have set for the year has been met. I can only whisper a prayer of thanks seeing that all of them, and more has been achieved.

Career

This year was a year of good breaks for both me and Alvin. Getting teaching blocks was the farthest thing from my mind, but God has proven that He has great plans for me! Through these teaching blocks, I was able to meet the 180 day requirement needed for my accreditation at NSW IT (and I'm almost done with it! I'm claiming that I'll get to finish it before the year ends!), I was able to establish myself with two of the schools I usually work for and is now part of their "trusted casuals" and more importantly, we were able to bring my in-laws here in Sydney. Not to mention that I was able to contribute to our savings for our first home.

As for Alvin, he was given the right opportunity at the right time. He is still with BAT but was given a permanent post, in a different department. We are more secure knowing that even if (touchwood) the Manufacturing industry based here in Sydney is phased out, Alvin will still find work.

Family

Last year, I wrote that our marriage was better than ever so I really don't know how to describe it now. It's better-er? hehehe Alvin and I have grown individually and as a couple. It wasn't easy but I think we should both give ourselves a little pat on the back for a job well done. Our communication has greatly improved. We have learned to choose our battles. We became more appreciative of each other, more vocal in giving compliments to one another and in settling our differences. We became more in love with one another. We achieved this by praying for one another, supporting one another and more importantly, by His grace. 

It was a good year for me for I have finally come to terms with my differences with my in-laws. A new phase in my life. Although the road to acceptance, forgiveness and healing were not that easy, it was all worth it in the end. 

The kids are doing well too. Kuya started attending the big school and boy did he excel! Sam has grown as well over the year and we can only shake our heads in disbelief that she's already 3 this week! We are thankful that both our kids didn't encounter any problems in reaching their developmental milestones. There was no delay in all areas that could have made me and their Papa worry. More than the milestones, we are happier that they are growing up close with one another, happy and responsible. We are also happy that young as they are, they are slowly picking up the practices of our faith.

Health

Generally, it wasn't a good year for me when it came to my well being. I got sick and the kids got sick too. Nothing major, but it still was a hassle. It was a blessing in disguise as it was an eye opener for us to better take care of ourselves and to invest in our health! Earlier this month, we started to do some healthier practices at home. Hopefully, we will stick with it and it will pay off in the future.

Service
As for our service, there was a time I thought we were not doing enough, but through our weekly HHPMs and their sharing I was again proven wrong. God indeed works in ways we cannot see. I humbly reminded that He is in charge and that we are merely His servants. But we are are not getting complacent. We still want to do more, go farther especially when it comes to service. In His time, I know both me and hubby will be readier and bolder :-) This will probably something we can work on in 2014.

Finances
God has again proven how generous He can be! This year, I felt it's like Christmas everyday! Napagod at nagsawa na ako magshopping! Joke! Because of hubby's new position and my teaching blocks, it was a good year for us financially. We were able to upgrade one of our cars into a bigger car, we were able to have funds for the trip of my in-laws and was able to sustain all the expenses while they were here, that is in addition to our usual expenses and savings. We got more materially. We got a lot of extras. But more than that I am happier to share that through these financial blessings we were able to help more. We realised the value of sharing what you have in a way teaching the value as well to the kids. The thing there is, the more we helped and shared, the more financial blessings that came in. Parang hindi rin kami tumulong, di ba? I guess that is God's way of telling us that we should continue helping. We are mere instruments. We can only be thankful.

Travel

One of the plans that I wrote was the family will hopefully have one major travel locally or internationally for 2013. We didn't fly to another country because the budget was put to a better use, we had to finance the holiday of my in-laws here.  We also didn't fly locally, but we went on a lot of long drives, not to mention our first experience of real snow! Yes, I forgot all about our Snowy adevnture this year!!! Going to the snowy is usually part of the to-do list of Sydney siders :-) In addition, when my in-laws were here, we were out almost every weekend, doing long-drives --Canberra, Central Coast, South Coast. Sa isang lakwatsera na tulad ko, matagal bago ako maumay sa kalalabas, but this year I reached that state. I looked forward to just staying home during weekends! Napagod din ang lola mo. That might not equate to my definition of travel (flying) but if I'm not to be too strict about it, we did travel, a lot! We were able to explore more places around Sydney so I guess, we were able to reach this goal. Hoping 2014 will be a different story hehe plans for our first quarter trip is shaping up weeeee! 

On a serious note, the tragedies that have happened this year all over the world, more so in the Philippines made me look closer on the blessings that He has given us. It pushed me to look into things that I should be thankful for everyday, to look for everyday miracles. To look beyond material things.

I cannot complain anymore because indeed it was a great year. We had what we needed and what we wanted. 

Thank you Lord for 2013.

I can only pray that it will also end great to everyone.