Monday, 24 December 2012
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.
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Reaping what was sown
I admit I didn't spend too much time teaching my kids at home especially when it's also a workday for me. Here in Canada, working mothers are expected to balance the time spent for the husband, kids, household chores and other errands because there's no household help. Our mornings are crazy - from waking them up, to eating breakfast and trying to make them wear appropriate clothes for the weather. Sometimes I would shout so loud that my voice is heard in the whole neighborhood trying to make the three boys listen.
Lately, the kids were comparing Progress Report Cards and I couldn't help but smile. It was also a parent-teacher interview this week and what a revelation. First, I got excited upon seeing my second son's teacher, she looked like Pippa, so gorgeous, can't take my eyes off her LOL! We had a nice chat. She told me nice only good things about Kyle. He really is very good with his handwriting, it's like the model's, straight and in-line, almost the same as what you see in books as patterns. He was a perfectionist that each time there was something off, he would erase it and start all over again. Pippa said that sometimes he gets frustrated and cries because he doesnt want to make mistakes. An opportunity there. He was also recognized for his nce drawings and the teacher asked me if there are artists in our family hahaha. Pippa showed one of his drawings and another book which looked exactly the same. I told her about my eldest who is also an artist and wants to go to the Etobicoke School of the Arts in Grade 9. Pippa knows Aloysius because of him being a bright boy (he graduated with Honors and Best in French in the same school last year) and also being one of the kids who were called in office for a little misbehaviour they committed - yes, I consider it not being popular in a good way (notorious?) Anyway, because Kyle was Pippa's student and she was excited to tell more about his progress, we talked more about Kyle. She said he was almost perfect for him and an advance reader for his age. The average reader's level for his age bracket is only 6 but Kyle is on level 14. He is now starting to read chapter books like Hardy Boys (inspired by his brother, and mother hahaha). Like Pippa, I am so happy to hear about all these.
My second interview was with Lex' teacher. She was Aloysius' teacher before so she told me that she already knew that Lex was a bright boy. She explained that Lex is a good leader, makes friends easily and firm. He would sometimes say no if he doesnt like to do stuff and would later join the group. He wants to play rough with the boys and sometimes makes the girls cry (I hope this doesn't happen in another way when he is older). He is always sleeping in school and sometimes gets tired easily because of his energetic behaviour. There are some things to improve but not really significant because he is still too young (only 3 years old when he started school) and adjustment will come later. The teacher said that all the things she mentioned are nothing compared to the sweet and thoughtful ways that Lex expresses. She said that every morning, Lex would hold her hand before going inside the room or if she is not outside while they are waiting in line, he would go and find her in the room and greets her "good morning". I feel so proud of my baby.
Lito and I went to Aloysius school together and met another gorgeous teacher. I feel like I'm in Hollywood, hahaha. As expected, Aloysius gets excellent remarks from the teacher. He really stood out from the class because he is only 10 years old and already in Grade 6 and joining the advance class with the Grade 7. What's unbelievable is, he is also making presentations and teaching these grade 7s. Lito is so happy because he said that that is the least thing he would do to stand in front of a lot of people and speak. I couldn't believe it either but the teacher said that he is confident, knows the subject very well (French - he took Extended French at Briarcrest) and articulate. My kind of boy...following Mom's footsteps and exceeding, he is starting early eh! His social skills are also improving and the effort done on every homework are recognized as well-thought of and brilliantly executed. If it were not for the bell ringing and the PA system telling us that it's wrapping up time, I wanted to hear more success stories. But I guess they can wait till the next time. The hours spent with reading, math exercises, Picollo in between the videogames paid off.
I can only say is that my prayers are heard and my God is an awesome God. Establishing a good and regular study habits at an early stage is something I can give as a tip for parents with children struggling with school. Let them cultivate that habit and when the time comes that you will have less time to spend with them, you will be confident that they will become successful because you have planted the seeds. A little watering will do in checking and reviewing them every now and then. But also don't forget to pray and seek God's help. Our children are God's gift and He also wants the best for them.
Here are some of the comments from the Progress Cards:
Aloysius Miguel responds to challenges with a positive attitude. He follows daily routines and instructions with no supervision. He strives to carefully complete assignments and homework on time and uses an agenda to record what needs to be done. He observes, questions and explore options before starting to work. Excellent marks in all learning skills and work habits
Achilles has adjusted to the rules and routines of the grade one program. He approaches new learning situations with confidencs and enthusiasm. He completes all assignments conscientiously, paying careful attention to detail and with a high level of organization. PE, Drama and Music are the only subjects marked Progressing well, all others Progressing Very well.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from.
Lately, the kids were comparing Progress Report Cards and I couldn't help but smile. It was also a parent-teacher interview this week and what a revelation. First, I got excited upon seeing my second son's teacher, she looked like Pippa, so gorgeous, can't take my eyes off her LOL! We had a nice chat. She told me nice only good things about Kyle. He really is very good with his handwriting, it's like the model's, straight and in-line, almost the same as what you see in books as patterns. He was a perfectionist that each time there was something off, he would erase it and start all over again. Pippa said that sometimes he gets frustrated and cries because he doesnt want to make mistakes. An opportunity there. He was also recognized for his nce drawings and the teacher asked me if there are artists in our family hahaha. Pippa showed one of his drawings and another book which looked exactly the same. I told her about my eldest who is also an artist and wants to go to the Etobicoke School of the Arts in Grade 9. Pippa knows Aloysius because of him being a bright boy (he graduated with Honors and Best in French in the same school last year) and also being one of the kids who were called in office for a little misbehaviour they committed - yes, I consider it not being popular in a good way (notorious?) Anyway, because Kyle was Pippa's student and she was excited to tell more about his progress, we talked more about Kyle. She said he was almost perfect for him and an advance reader for his age. The average reader's level for his age bracket is only 6 but Kyle is on level 14. He is now starting to read chapter books like Hardy Boys (inspired by his brother, and mother hahaha). Like Pippa, I am so happy to hear about all these.
My second interview was with Lex' teacher. She was Aloysius' teacher before so she told me that she already knew that Lex was a bright boy. She explained that Lex is a good leader, makes friends easily and firm. He would sometimes say no if he doesnt like to do stuff and would later join the group. He wants to play rough with the boys and sometimes makes the girls cry (I hope this doesn't happen in another way when he is older). He is always sleeping in school and sometimes gets tired easily because of his energetic behaviour. There are some things to improve but not really significant because he is still too young (only 3 years old when he started school) and adjustment will come later. The teacher said that all the things she mentioned are nothing compared to the sweet and thoughtful ways that Lex expresses. She said that every morning, Lex would hold her hand before going inside the room or if she is not outside while they are waiting in line, he would go and find her in the room and greets her "good morning". I feel so proud of my baby.
Lito and I went to Aloysius school together and met another gorgeous teacher. I feel like I'm in Hollywood, hahaha. As expected, Aloysius gets excellent remarks from the teacher. He really stood out from the class because he is only 10 years old and already in Grade 6 and joining the advance class with the Grade 7. What's unbelievable is, he is also making presentations and teaching these grade 7s. Lito is so happy because he said that that is the least thing he would do to stand in front of a lot of people and speak. I couldn't believe it either but the teacher said that he is confident, knows the subject very well (French - he took Extended French at Briarcrest) and articulate. My kind of boy...following Mom's footsteps and exceeding, he is starting early eh! His social skills are also improving and the effort done on every homework are recognized as well-thought of and brilliantly executed. If it were not for the bell ringing and the PA system telling us that it's wrapping up time, I wanted to hear more success stories. But I guess they can wait till the next time. The hours spent with reading, math exercises, Picollo in between the videogames paid off.
I can only say is that my prayers are heard and my God is an awesome God. Establishing a good and regular study habits at an early stage is something I can give as a tip for parents with children struggling with school. Let them cultivate that habit and when the time comes that you will have less time to spend with them, you will be confident that they will become successful because you have planted the seeds. A little watering will do in checking and reviewing them every now and then. But also don't forget to pray and seek God's help. Our children are God's gift and He also wants the best for them.
Here are some of the comments from the Progress Cards:
Aloysius Miguel responds to challenges with a positive attitude. He follows daily routines and instructions with no supervision. He strives to carefully complete assignments and homework on time and uses an agenda to record what needs to be done. He observes, questions and explore options before starting to work. Excellent marks in all learning skills and work habits
Achilles has adjusted to the rules and routines of the grade one program. He approaches new learning situations with confidencs and enthusiasm. He completes all assignments conscientiously, paying careful attention to detail and with a high level of organization. PE, Drama and Music are the only subjects marked Progressing well, all others Progressing Very well.
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from.
Saturday, 10 November 2012
BHAG and BHAP (Goal setting and prayers)
BHAG is a corporate buzzword. Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal. We set goals to improve continously. Since I belong to the department in charge of continuous improvement, goal setting- meeting and exceeding them is one of our normal activities.
To come up with a plan to be successful in reaching the goal, it is important to follow these guidelines: PBANR
1. Determine the PURPOSE -ask yourself "why am I making this my goal? What is it for?"
2. Consider your BASIS - these are the numbers or statistics that can help you in setting the goal. What was the earnings / savings last year? How can I increase profit? Based on last year's consumption, What months can I start conserving electricity?
3. Develop the ACTION PLANS - List down the strategies in meeting your targets. Use Visual strategy, display reminders to keep you focused on your goals. Think of the roadblocks, things that prevent you from meeting the goal and stay away / prevent them. Be mindful of the tasks you need to do, list and review frequently. Raise the awareness levels, use checklists.
4. NIKE - Just DO it! Do everything to keep you meeting the target, once you reached the goal, move on to the next higher level, exceed the expectations and be successful.
5. REVIEW the results, see how far have you come. Exceed, repeat the cycle.
Now for a Christian who believes that God answers, goal setting and prayers are used interchangibly and the power of Divine intervention works.
BHAP - Big, Hairy, Audacious PRAYER is something every Christian need to have in order to keep and increase faith in God. We know that God is a gracious God and whatever the prayer is, as long as God wills, it will happen. Mr. Wiersebe, the author of the book "Pray Big" mentioned in his book, the story of a Pastor who always pass by a land in his hometown and praying for it to be the site of their new church until the land was awarded to him and eventually became their church.
PBANR guidelines are applicable to BHAP but enhanced to fulfill God's words:
1. PURPOSE - Is it fulfilling the "Great Commission"? What is the impact of my prayer to others?
2. BASIS - What does the bible says about my prayer?Based on Scripture?
3. ACTION PLAN - Pray, Read God's words, visual reminders.
4. NIKE -Just DO IT! Attach all actions to Goals, Purpose, BHAPs.
5. REVIEW - Is this what God wants? No Answer, maybe there's another and better answer, WAIT.
Here are other pointers:
BE SPECIFIC.
SHARE / Find a Partner.
STARTS WITH ME. Change in lifestyle. "You are a new creation, the old is gone and the new has come."
If you can't pray, PRAISE.
We are reaching the end of the year and God answered most of our prayers. But as we look forward to the coming year, we can start setting our goals for 2013 following the guidelines above. Take our prayers to the next level by making it our BHAPs.
Remember:
WHILE PRAYING WHILE WAITING
READ God's words READ God's words
BELIEVE BELIEVE
DECLARE TRUST
OBEY OBEY
Maligayang Pasko and maraming answered BHAPs sa bagong taon!
To come up with a plan to be successful in reaching the goal, it is important to follow these guidelines: PBANR
1. Determine the PURPOSE -ask yourself "why am I making this my goal? What is it for?"
2. Consider your BASIS - these are the numbers or statistics that can help you in setting the goal. What was the earnings / savings last year? How can I increase profit? Based on last year's consumption, What months can I start conserving electricity?
3. Develop the ACTION PLANS - List down the strategies in meeting your targets. Use Visual strategy, display reminders to keep you focused on your goals. Think of the roadblocks, things that prevent you from meeting the goal and stay away / prevent them. Be mindful of the tasks you need to do, list and review frequently. Raise the awareness levels, use checklists.
4. NIKE - Just DO it! Do everything to keep you meeting the target, once you reached the goal, move on to the next higher level, exceed the expectations and be successful.
5. REVIEW the results, see how far have you come. Exceed, repeat the cycle.
Now for a Christian who believes that God answers, goal setting and prayers are used interchangibly and the power of Divine intervention works.
BHAP - Big, Hairy, Audacious PRAYER is something every Christian need to have in order to keep and increase faith in God. We know that God is a gracious God and whatever the prayer is, as long as God wills, it will happen. Mr. Wiersebe, the author of the book "Pray Big" mentioned in his book, the story of a Pastor who always pass by a land in his hometown and praying for it to be the site of their new church until the land was awarded to him and eventually became their church.
PBANR guidelines are applicable to BHAP but enhanced to fulfill God's words:
1. PURPOSE - Is it fulfilling the "Great Commission"? What is the impact of my prayer to others?
2. BASIS - What does the bible says about my prayer?Based on Scripture?
3. ACTION PLAN - Pray, Read God's words, visual reminders.
4. NIKE -Just DO IT! Attach all actions to Goals, Purpose, BHAPs.
5. REVIEW - Is this what God wants? No Answer, maybe there's another and better answer, WAIT.
Here are other pointers:
BE SPECIFIC.
SHARE / Find a Partner.
STARTS WITH ME. Change in lifestyle. "You are a new creation, the old is gone and the new has come."
If you can't pray, PRAISE.
We are reaching the end of the year and God answered most of our prayers. But as we look forward to the coming year, we can start setting our goals for 2013 following the guidelines above. Take our prayers to the next level by making it our BHAPs.
Remember:
WHILE PRAYING WHILE WAITING
READ God's words READ God's words
BELIEVE BELIEVE
DECLARE TRUST
OBEY OBEY
Maligayang Pasko and maraming answered BHAPs sa bagong taon!
Monday, 8 October 2012
Happy Thanksgiving Day Canada!
I once asked my officemate, "What do you do on Thanksgiving day?" And he replied, "Families get together, we eat Turkey, have beer and chat to make up for the one year that we have not touched base." I felt sad because he didn't mention about saying grace or a prayer to the Almighty God who created everything including our existence. He is supposed to be the reason why we celebrate Thanksgiving- to give thanks to God.
1 Timothy 4:4-5 - For
everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it
is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word
of God and prayer.
Sunday, 30 September 2012
Whose child is this?
Offline in social networking but online with kids
Our tablet was not functioning for a week because it didn't charge. It is working now but while it was off, my kids were happy because they didn't see me - as Kyle put it, "Facebooking". I realized that it took most of my time and less time spent with the kids. Now they got the chance to play with me, tell their stories from school and heard stories told by me. We had the time to walk around the block on a chilly night just to go to the library because we ran out of books to read. I am so happy making up for the lost quality time with them. I know it is still not enough and I hope I will always remember to play with them first before anything else. Parents play a big part in the child's learning and development. Research indicates that "children whose parents play with them ultimately develop superior social skills."
Here's a poem I found on the pamphlet from Lex Kindergarten class. This is for the parents and teachers.
Whose child is this?
"Whose child is this?" I asked one day
Seeing a little one out at play
"Mine", said the parent with a tender smile
"Mine to keep a little while
To bathe his hands and comb his hair
To tell him what he is to wear
To prepare him that he may always be good
And each day do the things he should."
"Whose child is this?" I asked again
As the door opened and someone came in
"Mine", said the teacher with the same tender smile
"Mine, to keep just for a little while
To teach him how to be gentle and kind
To train and direct his dear little mind
To help him live by every rule
And get the best he can from school."
"Whose child is this?" I ask once more
Just as the little one entered the door
"Ours" said the parent and the teacher as they smiled
And each took the hand of the little child
"Ours to love and train together
Ours this blessed task forever."
Our tablet was not functioning for a week because it didn't charge. It is working now but while it was off, my kids were happy because they didn't see me - as Kyle put it, "Facebooking". I realized that it took most of my time and less time spent with the kids. Now they got the chance to play with me, tell their stories from school and heard stories told by me. We had the time to walk around the block on a chilly night just to go to the library because we ran out of books to read. I am so happy making up for the lost quality time with them. I know it is still not enough and I hope I will always remember to play with them first before anything else. Parents play a big part in the child's learning and development. Research indicates that "children whose parents play with them ultimately develop superior social skills."
Here's a poem I found on the pamphlet from Lex Kindergarten class. This is for the parents and teachers.
Whose child is this?
"Whose child is this?" I asked one day
Seeing a little one out at play
"Mine", said the parent with a tender smile
"Mine to keep a little while
To bathe his hands and comb his hair
To tell him what he is to wear
To prepare him that he may always be good
And each day do the things he should."
"Whose child is this?" I asked again
As the door opened and someone came in
"Mine", said the teacher with the same tender smile
"Mine, to keep just for a little while
To teach him how to be gentle and kind
To train and direct his dear little mind
To help him live by every rule
And get the best he can from school."
"Whose child is this?" I ask once more
Just as the little one entered the door
"Ours" said the parent and the teacher as they smiled
And each took the hand of the little child
"Ours to love and train together
Ours this blessed task forever."
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Survivor Philippines 2012 et al.
Today, I was greeted by many of my officemates telling me that they have watched the pilot telecast of the Survivor: Philippines 2012 last night. I didn’t get a chance to watch it but I assumed it was shot in the Caramoan Peninsula, the same location where Survivor-France and Bulgaria versions were taken. I feel proud and I wanted to find out how my country was shown. I didn’t like how it was shown in the Bourne Legacy, although it was the true representation of our country, mas maganda pa rin ipakita yung magaganda di ba? For those who were not able to see it yet, here’s the video version:
I’m proud that I have been and seen those places, Mayon, Tarsier monkey in Bohol, Caramoan – WOW Philippines talaga ! Indeed, very beautiful! Something happened though. I was speechless, I didn’t know what to say when they asked me, your country is very beautiful, why did you choose to migrate here? I just shrugged and later on told them, I didn’t like the tropical weather. Now as I am contemplating, I realized that I have not been patriotic - leaving my country and chose to live in a foreign land. We are now applying for Canadian Citizenship after 3 years of stay here and that thought added salt to injury. If it were not for corrupt government, abusive leaders and selfish, undisciplined people (mostly, I’m not saying all), I could have stayed and raise my family there. I have not given up on these, I always pray to God that there will be change for the better. I believe that there is still hope and a bright future on my country - the Philippines. Now, seeing the video motivates me to come back and visit. I miss the beauty of the places on the countryside, the noise of the city and the smile of the people too. God willing, I hope to see my family and friends soon.
Monday, 17 September 2012
My first Ninang stint
When Hannah asked me to be one of the Principal sponsors in their wedding, I was surprised, not her marrying at a young age, but at the thought of being a Ninang. Di ba mga thunders lang ang kinukuhang ninang? LOL! But the reality is, I'm old enough to be her mom, so I can be her Ninang. My privilege ksi ang ganda naman ng inaanak ko hehehe. Here I am in my first Ninang stint at RJ and Hannah's wedding:
My Hair from the back. Thanks Anabel!
Congratulations Hannah and RJ!
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