THERÊcords

Shrinking Plastic Adventure

The boys and I had an amazing Saturday afternoon, bonding over shrunken plastic. We followed this tutorial from Instructables. It has detailed steps that are very easy to follow. Just hop on over there so that I need not elaborate on the process here. Now, onto our adventure...

Looking for a #6 plastic was already an adventure in itself. Who knew the number inside the triangle meant something! We settled on salad container lids. They still had labels on them, so we had to completely remove them along with all the sticky stuff.

Too bad we only had a black permanent marker this time. (Note to self: put colored permanent markers on the to-buy list.) Here are our drawings just before we popped them into the oven. Take note of their size in relation to the parchment paper.

Here's a picture of the baking process. It went so quickly that I didn't get a chance to get a better shot.

Post-baking, look at how they shrunk! Daddy's work was too long and skinny, that it ended up into a coil. I tried to straighten it out, but I ended up breaking it in two. Sad. Sorry, Daddy! But still, we're so happy with the results. Not only did they shrink, but they've become thicker as well.

And here are our finished products. A new necklace for Bluey. (Stage mom alert: Aww, his drawings are super cute!)

New bag accessories for the boys.

And a new bookmark for me.

This adventure will definitely have a part two.

Whatever Happened to CSA Forever?

A man enters an exclusive school then points a gun at a student right inside the faculty room.

Wow, that is headline material! Surely, anyone who has heard the news would have been outraged. If you are a parent or a student who considers school as a second home, you are probably seething with rage. For me, it was an act of TERRORISM. It is deplorable and sad.

It’s sad because it happened in my Alma Mater. It’s sad because it cast a shadow of distrust, scepticism and cynicism. It’s sad because it is dividing the Augustinian community. It has transformed many of us into an angry mob – some threatening to pull out their kids from school; some changing their minds about sending their future kids there; and some just throwing out inappropriate vexations and hurtful generalizations against authorities and priests. Sadder still that some of these are coming from people I know.

Terrorism is defined by the Merriam-Webster online dictionary as follows:

Systematic use of violence

to create a general climate of fear

in a population and thereby

to bring about a particular political objective.

Ok, let’s see…

Systematic use of violence: Check!
Create a general climate of fear: Check!
Political objective:
perhaps avenge his son and punish the other? Check!

Indeed it was an act of terrorism, nothing less. Grr!

Then I remember the CSA Mission-Vision that I had memorized all my life:

The formation of true Christian leaders who are committed to the building up of the City of God.

And then I realize who I am. I am and always will be an Augustinian. Wherever I am, whatever I have become, I am a Christian… a leader… and I am committed to build up the City of God. Hence, I will respond to this matter the way a true Augustinian should – through VIRTUE and SCIENCE. I choose to let peace reign, but at the same time allow the search for truth and justice to commence. I will not let this senseless act of terrorism by one man tarnish what I believe and cherish about my Alma Mater.

Onward and fight with our men of might, and show them that the very best of all is CSA!

This Is How Politics Should Be

It's Blue's second shot at school politics. He ran for Grade School Student Government Treasurer.

It was one week of making speeches in front of the different grade levels. The main event was the Meeting de Avance, in which the Parties gave mini-presentations to campaign to the crowd. After that, each of the candidates had to answer an impromptu question. Talk about nerve-wracking! Imagine, you had to think of an answer quickly and deliver it to a crowd as big as this...

and this...

That's a headcount of around 1200 people! Not to mention, the Principal and Assistant Principal (and a video camera) were right smack in front of the stage.

I would have cowered, stammered...and...DIED! Well, some of the kids actually did, even the older ones, but, Blue didn't! I'm a super proud mom! Imagine me waving a tiny red flag all the way across the gymnasium and shouting at the top of my lungs, "Go Blue!"

I thank God for giving Blue a gift of public speaking. But more so, I'm thankful for the way Blue has handled his defeat. (yup, unfortunately, he lost) Still, it was a great experience for him and we are content.

As an adult observer, I can't help but be amazed at the children's camaraderie. I was humbled by the kids' genuine friendship and mutual respect. The world would definitely be a better place if politics were as innocent as this:

when political parties are set aside in favor of genuine friendship

While walking in the corridor, a candidate from another party told Blue, "Good luck tomorrow, bro!"
Blue says "hi, ate!" or "hi, kuya!" to other candidates, even if they're from another party
I saw kids from different parties hanging-out together in the cafetorium

when showing your support for a candidate is as easy as pie... without fear of judgement or ridicule

Kids who do not know Blue, even those from higher grade levels, give him a high five, or a tap on the shoulder, saying, "Good job!" or "I will vote for you!"

when defeat is accepted without questioning the results; and with the knowledge that there is still much work to be done, even when not in position

Blue: Mom, I didn't win.

Me: Are you ok? Did you cry?

Blue: Mom, why would I cry? I'll still be part of the working council anyway. Besides, I'm still President of my class.

Me: sniff...sniff

Prince of Mischief

Oct. 8, 2011 - Navy, Prince of Mischief, how is that your mischievous smile lets you get away with anything? Today, I have bruises on my lips after you punched me and tried to push me off the bed. My lips would be swollen for a day or two, but my love for you will remain forever.

Pedring = Brotherly Bonding

Sept. 27, 2011 - Typhoon Pedring has been raging all night. Navy woke up and mimicked the howling wind outside. "Rrrrr!" he said while he tapped Kuya Blue to wake up. "There's a pig!" Blue said, half-awake and perhaps still in dreamland. The two enjoyed peeking out the window until the rain started to get inside, ending their morning bonding.

What Saved Me This Morning

Found this stress quote online. It pretty much summarizes how crazy my morning was.

STRESS IS...
WHEN YOU WAKE UP SCREAMING
AND YOU REALIZE YOU HAVEN'T SLEPT YET.

Rewind...rewind...I was running super, super late for work. I just got off the phone from a frantic phone call. In my hand I had a piece of paper where I had scribbled some things. I also had my sign pen -- the cover of which I left on my desk upstairs.

The kids were having breakfast. Navy screamed as Mommy passed. "Ok," I thought, "I'll take a quick bite so that I can squeeze in some time with the kids." I put my paper and pen down on the dining table. Blue made a sandwich for me while Navy breastfed. In less than ten minutes, Blue had gone upstairs and Navy was satiated. Me, I had popped the sandwich into my mouth and was ready to resume my crazy morning.

That's when I noticed something was written on my paper. Hmmm... I didn't write that.

Here's a closer look, in Blue's handwriting...

Awww. This saved my day!

Is it Possible to Change Overnight?

Sept. 2 – Friday Blue handed me a folded letter from school. I nervously opened it to find an invitation for Blue to join a seminar. It read “Leadership Training Seminar for selected student leaders.” I felt proud that he was selected but the thing is…it would be held overnight…in school…without me.

Sept. 5 – Monday I sign the reply slip with Blue’s details, but I leave out the box asking whether I am giving consent or not. While this is not the first time for Blue to be away from home, it’s his first without a familiar adult. I say to myself, “I’ll think this over one more day.”

Sept. 6 – Tuesday I finally give my “yes” then I whisper a little prayer as I send the reply slip back to teacher.

Sept. 9 – Friday A heavy rainfall floods most of the city. I arrive at 3:10 with a heavy heart, knowing that I have very little time left to bond with Blue. (seminar starts at 4pm)

I fetched Blue at his usual waiting area and he said sadly, “Bye, mom!” I told him, “I’m not leaving you yet. I have to help you change your clothes and show you your stuff.” On the way to the car, Blue said, “Mom, can I come home with you? Can I not join the seminar?” Awww. My heart was shattered.

In the car, we rushed into changing his clothes and all the last minute reminders. With teary eyes we hugged and kissed. But we both promised we wouldn’t cry. Blue laughed. He insisted that if he doesn’t cry, I should give him a reward. “I’m not calling this bet!” I said. We both laughed and headed out into the rain. I felt the rain was sympathizing with my broken heart.

As we trudged along the crowded walkway (sleeping bag and all), we passed by a kid who said, “Oh, look, Blue is part of the leaders’ training!” Blue looked back at me and smiled, “I’m happy! Oh, mom, I have mixed emotions!” I smiled back at him, feeling that somehow, things will be all right.

We went to the second floor and Blue found his room -- Room 7, the red group. Some parents were still lingering in the other classrooms. Most have already set up their child’s sleeping provisions. I start to set up Blue’s and noticed another mom in the room. She was nagging the same reminders that I had given Blue. Hahaha! It is kinda funny when you hear it coming from somebody else!

Meanwhile, Blue started to get excited. He went out to visit the other classrooms to see who else are there. Obviously, he has forgotten about mom. :(

Then it was time for me to go…kiss and hug, and some more reminders. Blue said, “Mom, I’m OK. You don’t have to repeat everything that you told me!” Ouch! But that’s assurance enough for me.

Ok, I admit. I lingered a bit more outside the room. In the other classroom, I saw a dad hugging his daughter so tightly. I looked away, afraid that it might make me cry. Blue kept running around. He was clearly thrilled! I gave him one last kiss. One of his roommates came out and joked, “My turn, can I have a kiss, too?” I took that as my cue to leave.

Sept. 10 – Saturday I had a rough night. I just couldn’t sleep while worrying if my baby is ok. I so wanted to go to school early. I turned to the computer to keep me occupied.

I arrived in school 15 minutes early. I told myself, “just right…not too anxious!” It turns out, a lot of parents were more anxious than me. Hehe. Booo! I tried not to listen to their stories about yesterday’s goodbye and their restless night. I tried not to listen because I knew their stores all too well. Their stories were mine.

I finally saw Blue. He was the first to say, “Hi, mom!” I replied, “Hi, baby!”

In the car, he had so many stories to tell, too many new friends to talk about. I asked, if it was still OK for me to call him baby. “Why, of course” he replied, “I AM still YOUR baby!” My heart smiled.

When we got home he said, “I’ll go upstairs to say hi to my friends!” By friends, he meant TV and his toys. I followed him and gave him a tight hug! “I really missed you, honey!” “I missed you too, mom…a lot!” But he said this while his eyes were glued on his TV show.

Ah, my Baby Blue is back! But somehow, I know something has changed in him. Outside, he still is my baby. But I know that overnight, he has grown into a responsible young man.

Paper Whistle

I got this activity from www.artistshelpingchildren.org. I gave the instructions to the kids to keep them busy on this stormy day. However, we couldn't make it work. I honestly got a headache from too much blowing. It literally took the air out of me. Whew!

Do try it and help us figure it out. (Click on the image for a better view.)

Poetry by Blue

Haiku
Trees

sturdy like tall mountains
green like slithering snakes
bears fruits sweet delight

Rhyming Poetry
The Sun

The sun is very hot
It's bigger than a lot
It goes away and comes to set
It never gets wet

The sun is very yellow
It doesn't have a shadow
When you look at the sky you'll see it glow
The sun shines until we grow

The sun is very high
It's so hot that you will sigh
If you touch it you will cry
As the sun goes down I say bye

Free Verse
Plants vs. Zombies

Once you enter the dangerous field
With thin zombies and exotic plants
There are random levels.
You'll encounter a green lawn, deep pool
and at the end of the game you'll have to defeat
the BIG BOSS
Many different kinds of zombies
Come to eat your brain
So you must!
Protect your lawn

I ♥ Blue's Tacos

Daring To Begin

Another year has come to pass. Indeed 2010 was a great year. Still, I'm overwhelmed by things undone, and feats yet to be accomplished. Today I find myself wondering what 2011 has in store for me. More so, I'm daunted by the things I want for myself this new year. Quite frankly, I don't know where and how to begin.

In the last few days of 2010, I found inspiration in these:

A prayer amidst holiday merriment said,

"We may not be where we intended to be, but we are definitely not in the same place we were before."

A song in church said,

"Help us to begin where we are."

And so, here I am, letting go of what-might-have-beens... and, totally in agreement with whoever said that "Making the beginning is one third of the work." Five days into the year I say,

Happy New Year, everyone! Here we go, 2011!

Chess Queen

Dec. 1, 2010
Blue's School Diary Entry:
Bring costume for Human Chess Game on Wednesday. Role: QUEEN.

Mom: Why queen? Aren't there girls in Chess Club?
Blue: Yes. There are 3 girls.
Mom: So why are you the queen? Do you want me to write teacher to...
Blue: But, Mom! I want to be the queen. It's the best piece!"

Dec. 8, 2010, before school
Blue gamely poses for the camera, wearing his tiara & veil.

Dec. 8, 2010, after school
Blue sees me waiting for him at the school entrance. He couldn't contain his excitement and was shouting at the top of his lungs. "Mom, we won! We won!"

Awww. My heart is smiling. It was smart of Blue to have chosen to be queen. He also didn't mind being ridiculed for being a girl. He even learned to play with a team. Who cares if he sat on the tiara and broke part of it! My boy was queen for a day, and he was, in all aspects, A WINNER!

Navy's First Halloween

Pink Navy

Oct. 30, 2010 - Navy breaks out with pink spots all over :(

Guess Where We Found Navy This Morning

Love at First Sight

Isang Hamon Sa Mga Magulang sa Pagtatapos ng Buwan ng Wika

Patapos na naman ang Buwan ng Wika. Salamat sa Diyos na ako ay isang guro. Salamat sa pagkakataon na maibahagi ang kulturang Pilipino sa maliliit na bata at sa pamilya nila.

Noong isang linggo, puro “Baby” ni Justin Bieber and naririnig kong inaawit ng mga bata. Ngayon, may malalakas na hagikhikan pagkatapos nilang awitin ang “Dyip ni Mang Juan.”

Dati-rati, sa tuwing naglalaro, isa sa mga mag-aaral ang mahilig mag-“air bending” (hango sa “The Last Airbender”). Ngayon, paulit-ulit ang hiling niya, “Teacher, maglaro naman tayo ng luksong baka!”

Noong isang linggo rin, hilig ng isang grupo ng mga mag-aaral na ihanay ang mga upuan nang magkakasunod. Umuupo sila roon at sinasabing sila ay nakasakay sa tren, at tutungo sa Hongkong Disneyland. Ngayon, may dalawang magkaharap na hanay ng mga upuan. Sa dulo ng bawat hanay ay may nakatalikod na silya. Umuupo sila roon at sinasabing sila ay nakasakay sa dyip, at tutungo sa “beach” upang mag-picnic.

Datapwa’t ang sinisigaw pa rin ng mga bata ay “Ready or not, here I come!” hindi mapapantayan ang saya nila tuwing naglalaro ng Taguan Pung.

Para sa mga batang hindi mahilig kumain ng prutas o gulay, masaya ako dahil nagustuhan nila ang matamis na manggang pinatikim ko.

Para sa mga batang wikang Ingles ang nakagawian, masarap pakinggan na sambitin nila ang “Magandang Umaga,” “salamat,” at “paalam.”

Nawa’y ipagpatuloy ng mga bata ang pagmamano sa mga nakatatanda. Nawa’y maging totoo sila sa pangakong hindi lang puro “video games” ang aatupagin. Lalabas na raw sila ng bahay upang maglaro ng Patintero. Sanaý patuloy rin nilang kagiliwan ang “Bato-bato-pik” at “Sawsaw Suka.”

Maliliit pa ang aking mga mag-aaral. Sayang! Hindi pa nila maiintindihan ang “Langit Lupa Impiyerno.” Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Mas lalong mahirap ipaliwanag sa kanila ang “Siato” na paborito naming laro noon.

Sa aking pagtatanto, napakasarap maging isang bata, ngunit higit na masarap maging batang Pilipino. Nawa’y marami pang mga batang mamulat sa mga laro at kaugaliang Pinoy. Isang hamon sa mga kapwa ko magulang – gawin nating kasing-saya ng ating kabataan ang paglaki ng ating mga anak.

Ngayon din nga pala ay Araw ng mga Bayani. Ipinagmamalaki ko na sa aking munting paraan, ako ay may nagawa para sa kulturang Pilipino.