I've Got A Postcard!

It's my first time to receive a postcard from a post crosser and a friend, G. I felt quite special. The fact that the other person chose to share with you something you don't get to see everyday...I mean you don't get to see at all (yet, LoL!). Pardon the photo quality. It only goes to show that again, a phone camera's used.

The postcard by the way is a photo of Albrecht Dürer Haus in Nürnberg, Germany. Since I am not familiar of the place of course, it made me research about it. That's when I've learned that Albrecht Dürer is the best known son of the city. He was a painter, engraver and Mathematician. He was also tagged as the greatest artist of the Northern Renaissance. His "Melencolia I", well known as the the "Magic Square", is truly interesting. Did you know that this Magic Square played a big role in the novel "The Lost Symbol" of Dan Brown? Interesting, right? So, after reading his profile via Wikipedia, I came to admire such genuineness. Well, who wouldn't?

Read more...

The Best In Life

In life,

the best ornament is HUMILITY..

The richest wealth is

WISDOM.

The strongest weapon is

PATIENCE.

The best security id

FAITH.

The best tonic is

LAUGHTER.

Roey at 21 months

Let us all share them and be blessed even more.

Read more...

Dreams about Mama

August marks the 8th month since Mama passed away. I thought I've finally moved on and successfully passed the acceptance and recovery stages but I was wrong. Just the other night, I dreamed of her. The next day I found myself crying because of bereavement. I so long to kiss and hug her more. I truly miss her charm and smiles. I miss her words and her caress. T'was after a petty fight with the one who promised to take care of me. Right! It only guaranteed that promises are made to be broken.

I've realized how hard it was that I've gone through. And when I thought I've regained the torn me, I was wrong. I still loss some pieces just like of an unfinished puzzle. But, this incomplete person has been so blessed in so many ways and I truly praise HIM for that. I told Keanna just recently that I am so thankful I have her & Roey because if not, I could have lost my sanity. I am not only thankful of having my wonderful kids but my friends & relatives as well. I didn't imagine I'd be able to pass through that challenge. It was tough and made me a better person. I now know whom I can run to when I need someone. I now know whom I can trust and rely on. Anyways, I'm gonna visit you at the cemetery soon Mama. Again, THANK YOU so much for everything. I know you are happy where you are now. Please continue to be our angel. I love you so much!

Read more...

Time To Reflect

A friend sent this story to me via email, it somehow moved me. It reminded me of my old colleagues and so as my Mama. I still miss working. I miss the environment too but my kids are much of importance. They are my life. And, I will definitely stand for them!

The Pig And The Horse

Once, there was a farmer who collected horses. He only needed one more breed

to complete his collection. One day, he found out that his neighbour

had the particular horse breed he needed. So, he constantly bothered

his neighbour until he sold it to him. A month later, the horse became

ill and he called the veterinarian, who said:

” Well, your horse has a virus. He must take this medicine for three

days. I'll come back on the 3rd day and if he's not better, we're

going to have to put him down.”

Nearby, the pig listened closely to their conversation.

The next day, they gave him the medicine and left. The pig approached

the horse and said:

“Be strong, my friend. Get up or else they're going to put you to sleep!”

On the second day, they gave him the medicine and left. The pig came

back and said:

”Come on buddy, get up or else you're going to die! Come on, I'll

help you get up. Let's go! One, two, three...”

On the third day, they came to give him the medicine and the vet said:

”Unfortunately, we're going to have to put him down tomorrow.

Otherwise, the virus might spread and infect the other horses.”

After they left, the pig approached the horse and said:

”Listen pal, it's now or never! Get up, come on! Have courage! Come

on! Get up! Get up! That is it, slowly! Great! Come on, one, two,

three... Good, good! Now faster, come on... Fantastic! Run, run more!

Yes! Yay! Yes! You did it, you're a champion!!!”

All of a sudden, the owner came back, saw the horse running in the

field and began shouting:

”It's a miracle! My horse is cured. This deserves a party. Let us kill the pig!“

Points for reflection:

This often happens in the workplace. Nobody truly knows which employee actually deserves the merit of success, or who's actually contributing the necessary support to make things happen. Learning to live without recognition is a skill! If anyone ever tells you that your work is unprofessional, remember: Amateurs built the Ark and professionals built the Titanic.

Don’t look to become a person of success, look instead to become a

Person of value!

And when it’s our turn, remember to speak up for the pig.

Read more...

Protection From Dengue

And since there is a Dengue outbreak in some areas here in the Philippines, we have to be prepared. As we have been made aware of, Dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes which could be carrying Dengue virus. And did you know that there are 4 different Dengue viruses? It is just so scary that most victims are infants and kids. There was a report I've heard and seen from a news program that another child victim passed away. Really saddening.

As a parent, I have to really be on guard. So, we use these and so as an insect repellent lotion to protect my daughters. Paranoid much? I don't think so, it is protecting the ones you love most.

Read more...

Patience Test

They say that everything you say to your child is absorbed, cataloged and remembered. I think so too if I base it on my experience as a child. As an only child, to be exact. I just can't help but wonder why my 9 year old daughter is at a stage where she acts and talks as if she's absorbed and remembered nothing. I frequently find myself giving out a deep big sigh just so I'd let go of the eagerness to give her a slap..err, i mean tap...no, i mean pinch! I really don't want us to come to that point. I think every parent passes through a moment like this. She is definitely very sweet and she knows what's right, she's been well-taught by my (late) mom. I just heard myself last night and this morning asked her - "Do I always have to remind you that?" "Do you not get tired that you have to hear the same reminders everyday?" "Where is that smart Keanna I used to know?"... I am hurt throwing those questions to her but I just have to. I even told her that she will understand my point by the time she become a parent herself, or when I am no longer around. My patience is put into a test, really. Glad that I was trained and gifted with a lot of it.

I guess this is a phase we really have to go through as a parent that no early childhood education degree could help us avoid. Maybe, I will have to look up for a Guide to Online Schools

and see if they have any "later" child education classes. It must be true that kids do pass by a attitudinal change inevitably. They tend to be influenced by a lot of people and things. That is where communication is very crucial and important. I just pray for me to be guided as well because soon, I have to face adolescence and answer questions that may rise about puberty. Waaah! I miss my baby Keanna!

Read more...

Girls' Stuff

There are 2 princesses in the house and what do you expect? Lots of Pink stuff, right? And here are just some...

The Nokia 6610i was originally mine. I gave it to Keanna but she's no longer using it since it started acting up. The battery can no longer last for a day. It is now used by little Roey as a toy cellphone. =)

Read more...

Get To Know My Toddler

This photo was taken when Roey was just 11 months. When all she can do to communicate was smile and cry. The lovely dress was a gift from my friend Gizelle (Thursday Brownies host).

Now, Roey is at 21mos- she can already talk and shout too! LoL! There are times that her words though different in meaning, sounds almost the same. She calls her sister Keanna, "Tate" (minus the T, it's Ate). She calls her father "Dadee" and that's always clear, while she calls me "Mhey" which obviously is shortcut for Mommy. Sweet, right?

This little miss surprises us with her wit and talkativeness. There are several TVCs she would imitate and certain kiddie product jingles she can sing along with. She moves like crazy when she feels like dancing. She know the songs "Price Tag", "Just The Way You Are", and "Fireworks" - can hum and say the words "uhh and yeah". But, her lyrics are most of the time in her dinosaur language. LOL!

Here are other things she can:

- She keeps her pillow and folds the blanket imperfectly as soon as she wake up in the morning.

- Always eager to personally hand the helmet to her Daddy.

- Eats on her own (using a spoon or just her hand - that's how "cowboy" she is).

- Eats freshly sliced tomatoes, garlic and onions.

- Can count from 1 to 10.

- Sings "Blues Clues"song, "Mr. Sun", "I Have 2 Hands" and "Our Father"

- Already started doing the "sign of the Cross" and "Amen".

- Can draw a smile and sun rays on an unfinished sun drawing.

- Volunteers to remove Ate Keanna's socks as soon as the latter arrives from school (eww!)

- Can already say names: "Papa Jesus" (may sound Jeswu sometimes), Sponge Bob ( Spangsbav), Popo and Jollibee (Jaaamibee)

- Recognizes fruits like Apple, Banana (with matching Uh-uh-Ahh-a sound effect), and Grapes

- Recognizes shapes: Circle, Stars, Moon

drawings: shoes, flower, Hello Kitty, heart, umbrella, dog, pig, cat, bag and more

- Knows how to use the cellphone and can say "Hello, musta?" (Hello, how are you?)

- She already know when to say "No" and "Oh no!"

- Can already appreciate things by saying "Wow!"

- Says "Hi!" and "Bye!" and do the "bless" act (Mano)

- Can manage to strike a pose in front of the camera (as long as Mommy's behind it)

These are just few of the many things our Roey can already say and do. Of course, along with the list is her unique tantrums. Unique because if it strikes, it is a combination of cry, shout, whips, kicks and body bending techniques. Something we would like to avoid of course.

Read more...