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.

Merry Christmas 2012

There's so much to blog but I don't have time to post anything. I just wanted to share the Christmas Greeting Card that I sent to family and friends which is timely because it's almost Christmas. Merry Christmas to all and may you experience the true meaning of Christmas - "Christ" -> God's love today and everyday.

Happy 11th Birthday to my firstborn. The eleven years were so meaningful and I will cherish them always. To my son Aloysius, thank you for giving me that chance to be a mother. I may not be the perfect mom, but I will try my best to teach you the things you ought to learn in order to become a person of great value and purpose, not only for this world but more so for God. We love you Aloysius.

Our First Ski Adventure

Winter is almost over but we made it our most memorable one when we hit the road leading to Barrie's Ski Snow Valley. It was a thrilling (and mostly painful) experience. We looked forward to this March Break ski trip and we were not disappointed especially the kids who enjoyed the most. We left Etobicoke a little past 7:00 and arrived there around 8:17 am. We immediately proceeded to the ticket booths as more cars started to arrived. The first lessons started at 9:30 am but since we are first-timers we needed to have time to familiarize ourselves with the gears that we are going to use. Before paying for the tickets, we filled up forms for the rental of the equipment - ski, boots, helmet and poles. The crew assisted and taught us how to wear the boots and helmet. The boots are really heavy, it felt like walking with a bowling ball on your feet and walking on the moon. Only Lito, Miggy and I were given the gears because Kyle and Lex sizes were only available at the Kid's Village. Holding our 3 kids and the gears, we reluctantly proceeded to the waiting area. You can just imagine how we looked like as first timers gliding in the snow on the way to Kids Village. After paying for the Kids Ski and Play package for my preschoolers, I left them in the care of their instructors who will be with them one on one.

It took us 30 minutes (and 2 falls) to reach the waiting area. The instructor said we already missed the 9:30 class and advised us to wait for the 11:00 class. In between those, we had some picture-taking and tested our ski in the beginners area. The lessons had not even started but our bodies are already aching from the falls hahaha. We met our companions Randy, Gina and their kids already set up for the class. Lito then decided to just stay and wait for the kids who were about to finish at 12:00. If he took that class, no one would fetch the kids. It's a good thing too because he had a chance to witness how they did in their first skiing lessons.

Miggy and I together with Randy, Gina and Hannah took the Discover Skiing 1 with mostly kids in our class. We learned the right position, how to attach and remove the ski, how to slow down, break and do the turns and how to stand up when you fall down - the last one I mastered very well from the hard falls I experienced. I joined that class not only to experience how it is to ski but most importantly, to be on the look out for Miggy. But it seems that he doesn't need his slow-learner mom to learn and enjoy this sport. In fact, he learned faster and I think he only fell once when we were trying on the ski before the class started. He is very good for a first timer. The instructor who noticed that I always fall focused on me and was like a personal trainer to me until I went down the lowest hill without falling. She told me that my son is going to the medium hill (a steeper one) with other 3 kids who were able to do the skills from the beginner lessons. If I want to be with him, I should be able to do the skills myself. But by the time I was able to do all of them, I was already too tired and scared to try the next hill. Gina and I just finished the 75 minutes in the smallest hill. After seeing Gina's kids from the snowboarding class, we were relieved that this is over. From the ticket that we got, we should be practicing what we learned in the different hills but just looking at the lift going up, I could not even move my feet so we decided to call it quits and headed to the Picnic area to have our lunch. There we met Lito and the 2 kids from their class. From the looks on their faces, they must have enjoyed the lessons and I was right. Here are some of the videos and photos from this first (and hopefully not the last) ski trip our family had.






Kyle is in blue jacket.


Thank God that we enjoyed this day. I will share the tips on skiing and part 2 of our adventure later.

My 2011 Calendar will have my kids artwork in it

Yes, my kids won their first Safety Calendar drawing contest! The calendar's theme for the year is school safety and seasonal safety. Miggy drew a kid skating and it says "Never skate on thin ice" and Kyle drew a man drowning that said "Don't swim alone". Both their drawings will be displayed in the months of March and August respectively. I'm so proud of my children. I remember my boss asking me if I had anything to do with Kyle's drawing and I told him I didn't have any talent in drawing so it must be his work and not mine. He was amazed at how it was organized and colored by a 4-yr old boy, even the handwriting looked like mine but Kyle's handwriting is really good (akala mo me ruler LOL). Miggy's work is exceptional too. I just hope that these make a good portfolio when they apply for the Etobicoke School of the Arts in high school. Here are the photos with their prize and winning entries:

Merry Christmas in New York amidst a blizzard

We were celebrating Christmas in New York City with Irvin and Faye when a blizzard came. We have been in Canada for 16 months but we haven't experienced such a snow storm. Still the kids enjoyed playing in the snow.

My firstborn is Future Aces student of the month

I was surprised to hear the good news yesterday and when Lito and I went to their school this morning, I still couldn't believe that finally my child is getting his rewards. I was relieved to hear that here in Canada, there is no ranking. The school system is only after meeting or exceeding the standards set by the Province. My Aloysius never got the chance to be number 1 in the Philippines. I was glad to find out that even though the school is following the District Boards standards, it still gives recognition like this and it really motivated my son. Who wouldn't? Aloysius is so happy to receive the Future Ace Student of the month in their class.

The Future Aces philosophy is based on the belief that positive attention contributes to and reinforces a person's self-esteem. Future Aces focuses on the positive rather than the negative, by recognizing and encouraging attitudes and actions that are desirable and constructive. Founder Herb Carnegie says that "being a Future Ace means being a good person with feeling in your heart."

Kyle's first day of school as JK

Thinking it was going to be a hard time for him (separation anxiety), I took the day off from work on Kyle's first day as Junior Kindergarten at Eatonville School. But it didn't turn out as I expected. Gone are the first day blues for my second born. I thought it's like our first time in the Spring Program - Jump and Play where he wanted me to stay near because he cries when I'm out of his sight. I thought I would be staying in the school during his class and he would always look for me. On our way there, I saw a worried face in him then we passed by an area where there are little children lining up. We passed by them because I wanted to take a picture of him in front of the school. When we returned and asked where Achilles class is, his name cannot be found. Not as Achilles though but he was listed as Kyle. After finding out who the teacher is (they talked for a while) - she was a pretty lady, I think Kyle already felt comfortable with her. While waiting for the bell or signal for them to go inside, I stood beside him in the line. I was surprised because he said, "Mommy, you're the only mom here" "You can leave me now" I was dumbfounded! My little boy is no longer that clingy baby. hahaha. I'm glad he'll be independent as his elder brother is now. My other student who is in Grade 4 now and enjoying his French class in another school at Briarcrest. The fun part is, I get to learn his French too.

Aloysius with Lex

Happy Independence Day Philippines!

It's more meaningful when you celebrate the Philippine's Independence Day overseas. You can feel that patriotism. My only prayer is that God makes a miracle on the new government and that Filipinos unite and continuosly pray for the healing that our country needs. We have our own celebration here and the kids performed a folk dance called carinosa. My Aloysius has 3 partners, he can't decide which one to turn to LOL.

My KPM Results

Since I became a stay-at-home mom here in Canada, I thought I will forget my ISO lingo. I admit I have been an advocate of the ISO systems (QMS, ISMS and EMS) in my work and without noticing it, I have applied the principles of these systems in our day-to-day activities. I would consider the achievements of my children as my KPM (Key Performance Metrics) where I played significant roles in helping them get their own targets. I'm proud to present my KPMs: My first born's cursive handwriting and his answers in multiplication practice sheets although he skipped some of them because the exercise is timed. Notice that he wrote his name in no lined paper.

Would you believe that Aloysius learned to eat on his own when he was 6 years old, Kyle when he was 3? Back in the Philippines they were spoon-fed by yayas and that went on and just stopped when we didn't have a yaya. Well, sometimes the grandparents helped them. When we arrived here, they were already told that no one will spoon-feed them so they have to learn how to eat by themselves. With Lex, I didn't have a hard time because he sees his older brothers. He just observes how they use the spoon and fork and when he learned how to climb the chair, I just saw him finishing Kyle's food when he went to pee. At first, he used the fork with his left hand and also uses the fork in putting food into his mouth. He was a little stubborn but I showed him how to do it and it was not long before he mastered it. Sometimes, when he can't get the food in his spoon, he just picks them up with his fingers and put into his mouth. The video was the very first time I gave him his own plate, spoon and fork and look how he enjoys it. Lito and I are always amazed at how fast he learned this skill and a sure way to exceed my target, hahaha. I hope he learns how to potty without sweat too.

Four men and a new haircut

After The Haircut

Before the haircut

Kyle and Lex didn't have their haircut eversince we arrived here in Canada and that was almost 8 months ago. Kuya had his haircut done by his dad and needed to be fix. Lito had his last haircut before the start of winter. It's about time that they have a new do, so we went to Bro. Ben Bumanlag and spent quality time with churchmates after the service while their hair is being done. We are so thankful, free service na, with free dinner pa. Good thing, it's Ben's birthday I might have turn down the offer otherwise, hehe. Look at my family, all grown up and good-looking, my precious.

African Heritage Performance

My son Miggy had a part in the African Heritage Performance which we watched at the Grenoble school gym this evening. I was not aware of this until I received the invitation yesterday. On our way home, I asked Miggy what's in store for us:

Miggy: Some will dance, some will sing, some will do drums...
Irmee: So what's your part in the performance?
Miggy: Our class will go back in time, we will ride the Magic School Bus.
Irmee: So that's it? You're going to ride a bus lang?
Miggy: (smiling) You'll see...
Irmee: (sighs and can't hide her excitement)

We left for school at around 5:45pm and Lito met us on the way. He and Miggy had to run because we're running late. Curtain time is 5:55pm and we're still at the apartment. The Gym was almost full when we arrived and Lito got a seat for us at the back. We got excited when Miggy and his classmates came into the stage. Our camera's battery had only 1 bar and good thing, Miggy's performance is at the middle, we were able to charge it during the first performance. Kyle was shouting Kuya, kuya, when he saw his brother in front (idol talaga!)

Their class' presentation is about the significant people from the African race. From Luther King, Mendela, Owens to Ali, Jordan, Jackson and many others who have made names in history. Miggy had a short dialogue where he hold the microphone and said: "I know his name Herb Carnegie. Can we go visit him Friz?" (telling the teacher to go to the time of Carnegie). Knowing that my child is very shy and seeing him do that, I feel proud and was speechless, hehehe. Good Job Miggy! We had a nice chat with one of his teachers after the performance congratulating him too. After that, we headed to McDonald's for a French Fries and Strawberry Sundae treat. (True, even if there's snow outside and it's freezing, they can still eat a cold treat).

Here's the video, Lito was not able to take pictures because there's only 1 bar in the battery life of the camera.

Christmas Celebrations

We spent our first Christmas here with Irvin and Faye. They arrived from New York City a little after lunch while I was still busy preparing our Noche Buena. Good thing my bbq and Spaghetti Carbonara were cooked right in time for their late lunch. The kids enjoyed opening the gifts after dinner. Oh, I almost forgot, we had sumptous dinner - Baked Salmon, Potato Salad, BBQ and the remaining pasta from early birthday celebration of Miggy. He just turned 8 today. Of course, the Chocolate Brownie cake was our finale after Miggy blew the candles. Miggy enjoyed decorating his cake and the cupcakes too. Here are some of the photos in our first Christmas in Toronto:




On Christmas day, we went to Mississauga to visit Tito Nilo, Neil and Keli. We had late Turkey lunch because we arrived late. It was raining, Lito and I had to take TTC. Faye cooked Mechado and I prepared Baked Macaroni as our potluck share. We were full when we left the table but still had room for fondue. The kids enjoyed their gifts. Lex had fun too.

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay

Today, we, especially my son Miggy witnessed the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay which transpired near their school and passed by our apartment at around 8:30 a.m. The usually busy Don Mills Road were cleared of vehicles and replaced by floats, police cars and people awaiting to witness the event. The torch bearers met at the corner of Gateway Blvd and continued the flame's journey across Canada.

Lito was able to capture this moment from his cellphone and Miggy had photo opportunities with the torch bearer who is also an Olympian:


I'm not yet interested in Winter Olympics because I still have to learn the games. I'm not even sure if Hockey is included. Hockey is the favorite game of Kyle and he said he wants to play and be on TV when he grows up. Now I have something to look forward to. Go, Kyle, Go.

Update on Aloysius Progress Report Card

Today, I met with the teacher of Aloysius to discuss the report card and I was relieved. First, he said that my son improved since the first day where he doesn't even answer teacher each time he is called. He is slowly gaining confidence and according to teacher now he raises his hand to answer the question before the other students do. The only problem is, he is the only one who can hear his answers LOL. Teacher said he needs to speak louder in class. Second - About PE, Mr. Coleman told me that he praised Aloysius during the Ice Skating excursion yesterday because he was able to learn how to skate in just 20 minutes and now he wants to join the class. I remember Miggy dreaded to attend gym class because he was afraid to fall in skating. He told me he wanted to skip the class that day and I told him not to join his classmates when he doesn't feel like it (D na pala ang katumbas nun). That was a month ago and now he is enjoying it. I guess he really needs to try it first to experience it because it's really hard to convince him. Third, I asked what is Miggy's standing/ranking in class with the kind of grades he has and the teacher said, they don't rank the students here (he can only speak for elementary) because it's stressful for the kids at their young age to be thinking how to be no. 1. The education system here encourages children to learn at their own pace and also gives them more time to play because it's true that they are still very young. I remember back at Bethany that when Miggy had a chance to be No. 1, he became conscious of how he fares in all his exams and not on how much he learned that he never got back to that status.

Although I already know that my son is bright (kaya mega-react), I was told that he learns fast, is creative (I saw his projects displayed in the corridors and I was so proud) and can do things without much supervision. hanggang tenga na ngiti ko dito. Given the situation that he just joined the grade 3 class when just finished Grade 1, I'm proud of his achievements. I know he is still in the adjustment period and hopefully will get on track in no time. A Filipina mom-friend told me "ikaw kaya, mag-iingles at di taglish kung saan ka sanay para maintindihan ng mga kasama mo, di ka ba maninibago nun, e ang bata pa kaya ng mga anak natin." I was just laughing at the remark, but it's true. And I'm also laughing at myself for the violent reaction.

Aloysius got a D in his report card HMMP!

I just received Aloysius' report card for this term and I was not too happy. Well, he's got a D in PE. The rest of his grades are okay, more on Bs, some Cs. I believe he can still do better than that. Lito says it's okay because he is still adjusting and Aloysius is in Grade 3 now where he is supposed to be attending Grade 2 class. Maybe, I'm just expecting too much or maybe it's also my grade in teaching him so I'm thinking I didn't do well, haay. That D is what I can't accept. It says in the report card that he still needs encouragement in participating in games and sports and in the other subjects, he needs to be active in class participation. My little boy is shy and now it reflects in his grades. I hope he overcomes his shyness and develop self-esteem. I also hope I will just accept the things I cannot change and help him change the things we can.

I hope this doesn't happen to me or else...

I have met and become friends with some mommies of my son's classmates but I don't remember their names. I only know their's son's or daughter's names so I call them Elman's mom, Rifath's Mom, Andrea's Mom, Soliman's mom. One morning, I saw Soliman and his mom kiss each other before the boy lined up. I was kinda envious at the sight because Miggy was not that expressive to show his affection to me or his dad. Then, I also remember seeing Soliman's mother and Teacher Coleman talking about an incident during lunchtime. The boy accidentally (?) pushed a classmate while playing tag. Miggy and Soliman was also playing tag after school but I didn't see him push. This boy is bigger, a regular-sized 8-yr-old so you can imagine how I would feel if he pushed Miggy.

Today, I was about to talk to Teacher Coleman regarding Miggy's Project but I stopped on my way because he was talking to Soliman's mother and another teacher. I noticed that Soliman's mom was teary-eyed as they were talking. I asked Miggy why and he told me the story. Soliman's seatmates caught him copying the poem they were asked to do. It's a poem about Remembrance Day (which we are celebrating today) but Soliman continued copying and the seatmates started complaining. There was already a commotion in the last table where they were seated and Soliman was heard saying, "NO! I am not!" then shouted "I feel like slapping all your faces!" This made the teacher call their attention and they were all called to his table to explain the incident. When they were finished. Miggy heard the teacher telling Soliman, "You're going to the Principal's Office" in a manner like a Policeman telling a criminal "You're going to Jail! (this was the exact words of Miggy LOL) That's the most dreadful words that a student wants to hear but what's more dreadful is that the parents being called in the Office with the student.

I saw the dismal in Soliman's mom while she was talking to Teacher Coleman and the other teacher whom Miggy later confirmed as the Vice-Principal. I hope that doesn't happen to me, I would have wanted to be buried right there so that other moms and dads will not look at me. It was so shameful. But I was told that this is not the first time that Soliman was called in the Office and that they were to return with Soliman's dad tomorrow at the Principal's Office (sounds like courtroom to me). I guess the verdict is either a suspension or expulsion depending on the severity of his other cases. I really hope and pray that this doesn't happen to me or else I'll go back to the Philippines and never return. On our way home, I told Miggy how I felt about this but he assured me, "It will never happen Mom." I hope so.

My little grown up boy (Me Binata na ko!)

Today is class photo shoot day and Miggy requested that he wears his tie for the occasion. I cannot find the old tie we brought and he didn't have a long sleeved polo that's why Lito had to purchase a new set of wardrobe for him. When he slipped into his new red polo with a matching tie and his new trousers, I was surprised to see a young man in front of me. My first born has grown up. Me binata na ako!

Now I wonder why did he want to be "japorms" (looking cool) in his photoshoot day, is it a girl or girls? hahaha. When we arrived in school this morning, the girls from his class swarmed him to check out what he was wearing and I heard remarks like "Wow, Miggy is wearing a coat and tie!", "Ohh, Cute!", "You look like a college boy", "I wanna be seated beside Miggy in our class picture". The girls never left his side until the bell rang, the boys just looked at him in awe. His look made him the envy of his boy classmates or was I just imagining a scene from a movie hahaha.

Here's my GQ model and an onlooker:

How to carve your pumpkin (Jack O Lantern)

Miggy made a new project out of the pumpkin that he brought home from the fieldtrip at Riverdale Farm. I was planning to cook a pumpkin soup but he said he will make a jack-o-lantern out of it. This is our first time we're making this in time for our First Halloween here in Canada. Here's how Miggy carve the pumpkin (with the help of daddy):


"BEFORE"


1. Make a hole on top of the pumpkin. Position the knife in 45 degrees angle before you carve. This will make the top stay in place. Remove the meat and the seeds.


2. Draw the face of Jack on a piece of paper


3. Copy or Trace the face you drew from the paper to the pumpkin.


4. Start carving, use the drawing as your guide


5. Complete the face by carving all the details.


6. Ask someone to hold the pumpkin while you carve the corners


"AFTER" - the finished product

Putting thanks into Thanksgiving

Thankfulness has more to do with who you are more than where you are. I thought Thanksgiving celebration here is the same in the US but we celebrate it today. It really doesn't matter where you are and when do you celebrate it, what's important is you recognize who you are, what you have become and realize where all the blessings in your life came from. For some especially those still recovering from calamities, it will be harder for them to see life as something to be thankful for but the reality is we have been given all the things to be thankful for - our day to day survival, the food we eat, every breath we take, our life - no matter how it turned out to be. Maybe this is a time to reflect and think about God and our purpose in life, have we been thankful everyday? Let us take this opportunity to give thanks to the One who made all things including our existence - God.

My firstborn sang in church today. Part of the song says "You took my sin and my shame. You took my sickness and healed all my pain. Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord" I'm so happy that he did this in front of hundred plus people. I'm a proud mom and thankful too. Well, we didn't have turkey in our first thanksgiving dinner but I'm glad we have put thanks into proper perspective. You deserve our Thanks Lord God!

My First Born's Photobook

Aloysius didn't have a scrapbook like Achilles. I made a photo album for him using clear sheets and plain white paper and since I cannot find the negatives of his baby photos, I didn't made a new scrapbook for him. While I was doing Kyle's First Year Scrapbook, he helped me cut the papers using craft scissors and put rubber stamps. I just told him, I cannot make him something like Kyle's because I don't have his old pictures anymore, I didn't want to destroy the plain white paper scrapbook I made for him either (actually, I'm just tamad. BTW, I sprayed acid-free mist to his album to preserve them). I still remember that look on his face and I promised myself to make him a growing up scrapbook before his 7th birthday. But last year, the situation is difficult. I was busy with work, the new baby and taking care of them because Lito was not here, his 7th birthday celebration which is supposed to be a blast was not even close to his first birthday. I know, I was a bad mommy to my firstborn and it's time to make amends. I hope that when he receives the photobook on his birthday this December, he will remember my promise and that I fulfilled it.

Making the photobook was sentimental. I was teary-eyed seeing the old pictures of my first-born (well, only those captured in digital cameras while he was already in 2 years old). I remember vividly how cute he was having some babyfats and now I can't believe that he was turning 8 and telling me "I can do this by myself, I'm not a baby". I made the pages in chronological order and the 30 pages was not enough for all those I selected. Because I was reminiscing, I forgot to save the file and lost the 10 pages I added when I accidentally hit the back button. GRRR talaga! But then I realized, I was supposed to be making a 20-page 8x8 photobook to avail the freebie. haay!

Anyway, here's the link so that you will know why I'm being sentimental. Check out Miggy's Growing Up Years and enjoy. (I hope more paid blog opps come to replenish my Paypal account hahaha.)