Saturday 19 April 2014

Aloysius' name is now written in the Book of Life


We watched Toronto Passion Play today.  This is our third time to watch this musical and each time we feel blessed.  This is a very special one because of three things: it's Sharyn's first time, we were seated on the fifth row from the stage (yes, this is the closest) and Aloysius surprised us.  Lito and I had a fight because he didn't want to go because we've seen it twice already and Sharyn might still be in jet lag.  I was thankful that Lito bought the tickets anyway and he chose the 2nd day where the show is not that jam-packed.  Back to Aloysius, I was not seated next to him because Lex slept and I had to support his neck.  I could only see both Aloysius and Kyle clapping and responding to the moving scenes in the play. At the break, the last scene was the crucifixion and Pastor Billy came up the stage.  He asked us to close our eyes, pray from the heart and with everybody's eyes closed, raise our hands if we believe and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.  After that, the altar call. Those who responded and raised their hands were asked to come to the front near the stage to affirm their commitment to God's call.  People were starting to come and there were children too. At that time, I was trying to talk to Kyle and asked him if he is understanding what is happening, hoping that he would respond to the call but his attention was in something else. I looked up the stage and I was praying for the people who accepted when suddenly Aloysius stood up and looked at me and he asked, "Mom, can you come with me to the front?" I immediately followed him and I was crying and praying and praising God while we were walking to the front. I prayed for and with my 12-year old and  I felt very happy because he made the decision by himself without any influence from me or Lito (which I was trying to do with Kyle). He was moved by the play and God must have spoken to him even yesterday because we were doing The Bible series marathon. I admire my son's boldness in his faith, I remember not doing the altar call in my first time and only did it when I was revived at the ACCM center many years after I first accepted Christ. Until now, I feel wonderful about this milestone in my first born's life. Thank you Lord for adding his name in your Book of Life. Praise God for a memorable Easter weekend.

Tuesday 1 April 2014

Book Review: No Dragons for Tea (Fire Safety for Kids)

When we were at the library, I heard one of the moms who were there was talking to the librarian and was telling about her daughter a 16-yr old read a book to the kids at the community center.  So it's confirmed I was eavesdropping but I learned that they were talking about this book called, "No Dragons for Tea (fire safety for kids)".  I heard the librarian said "Oh I need to borrow the book and read to it my niece then." After that, I went to the other side of the library and checked the gardening books. When I returned to the librarian's desk to check out the books, I saw that the Dragon book was still there and asked her if I could add it to the books I'm checking out, she said "Of course" and I felt like I won a prize or something. Haha.

So when we arrived home, Aloysius read the book at once and while I was preparing the snacks, I heard him retelling the story to Kyle. I was intrigued and when it was storytelling time for Lex that night, I chose to read the book.  The book is entitled, "No Dragons for Tea (Fire Safety for Kids)" written by Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrated by Martinez Gourbault.  The story is about a little girl meeting and playing with a dragon. Later on, she invited the dragon to her house for tea. But then, when the pepper was sprinkled,  the dragon sneezed and fire got out of his mouth and nostrils, setting fire on the table cloth, curtains and then spread to the house. The book described how the little girl responded to the emergency and showed the dragon the right things to do. Does your child know what to do in case of fire? Fire Safety does not need to be a frightening topic. No Dragons for Tea provides an ideal opportunity to teach children about fire safety in a non- threatening way. Children will pick up lots of safety tips as they follow the dragon and the little girl through the story. But it is also important for children to know what to do in their own home, school, or other places.

Here's the Dragon's Fire-Safety Rhyme that was part of the book:

When the smoke alarm sounds, here's what you should do;
Leave your toys all behind, cause there's only one you.

Get down and stay Low, crawling under the smoke,
Because breathing those fumes in might make you choke.

If your clothes catch on fire, don't run about,
"Stop, drop and roll" till the flames are all out.

Don't open a door if the handle feels hot.
Find another way out to your planned meeting spot.

Even when scared, you must never hide,
And once your outside, don't go back inside.

Go and find this book, children and adults alike will definitely like it.

Cricut and scrapbooking

Last Christmas, I received a very special gift from Hubby, my own Cricut Expression, a scrapbooker's dream and I didn't use it until March break when I had a time off from the office. My Cricut only came with the standard Cricut Classic Font and Playtime cartridges. I was happy to try and complete my scrapbook pages with decent titles where I could use different font sizes and styles using base, italics and shadow effects. Amazing!

I was very happy with my latest toy but then when I searched for other things I could create from my Cricut, I was overwhelmed by millions of projects. I couldn't wait to have a full day with it so that I can create more. I saw this when I was looking for 3D flowers design for an upcoming wedding and I can't help but drool. Look at how lovely these flowers are.
Anyway, I know I have another goal now but I have to catch up and finish all the scrap pages from all the photos I had printed from last year.  I have lots to learn and I'm glad that I met a Cricut  consultant who is very passionate about this craft and is also very willing to answer my questions. I now miss my scrapbooking buddies in the Philippines.

Next step would be to Learn how to explore the Cricut Craft Room (CCR) and maximize the features of my new toy. I just wish I have more time to do it. The reality is when I do scrapbooking, I either forgot to do my chores like cooking or sleep very late at night when I have to wake up early the next day. I don't want to starve my family or sleep while attending a meeting, that would be unforgivable. Well, I know if I like what I'm doing I will have time for it. I just have to manage it very well, like less time "facebooking". LOL!