2017

Parents:  We need to book an appointment for the kids to see an eye doctor.
Vyn:  Why?
Parents: To make sure there is no problem with your eyes.  You guys have never had your eyes check.
Vyn:  But I can see fine...
Parents:  Just to  check.  So we can be sure you have perfect eye health.
Vyn:  It will just make me sad if they end up seeing something wrong.



After the memorial parade when Vyn did the drums with the fife and drum corp for the first time.  He had joined a parade a few months ago carrying the flag.
Vyn:  I hurt, sooooo painful....
Me:  Do you want some doze (we call medicines doze)
Vyn:  No!  I don't want you to put chemicals in my body, I just want pity.

2016

January

While the kids were bickering:
Me: ayyyy sooo alingogngog
Lyn: what is alimogmog? What is Filipino for mouth?
Me: "bibig" in tagalog or "baba" in bisaya
Lyn: like b u t t - b u t t ? Spelling it out...
Me: can't say anything else but laugh


June

Vyn:  ma I need an ....
Lyn:  why
Vyn: Because I need to fit in
Lyn: no you don't, you are unique


September

Me:  wow! you might be really tired if you still want to rest until now.  What time did you sleep at your friends.
Lyn: ma, nobody sleeps at sleepovers.


October

While scanning through birthday cards in the store.  One caught Lyn's eye then she reads:
"Dream A Little Bigger"
Lyn: mom that's kind of rude...

DIY Marbled Paper

From Meaningful Mama.  Found this project in my facebook feed and just had to try it.  The kids both still love art.  So here is our version:

 

 

Squirting of shaving cream on an aluminum foil.

Dropping food colors.



Making patterns

Paper placed on top of the swirled colored shaving cream.

Kids were like:  MOOOOMMMM you destroyed the design.  This was the paper side once you removed it from the foil.

Scraping the excess shaving cream.

Each had to take a turn.

Last scraping.

Voila!  Our own marbled paper.

 



Pre-employment/Health Screening

 

Monday, June 15, 2015 at 2:30 was my appointment to have my pre-employment and health screening. 

 

This was also our last day of camping, so we decided to just leave early so I can be home early enough to get freshen up and go to the hospital on time. 

 

I got there a few minutes earlier.  I had thought for it to be an easy in and out.  But the appointment took all afternoon.  I had forms to fill out, an impromptu test I was not expecting, picture taken, got my urine tested, my blood drawn and a chest x-ray done. 

 

Hoping that everything is how it should be. 

Hospital Orientation

I haven't work for eleven years now but I remembered when I was single I have transferred jobs a few times and this was the first time that I had to do a full day of orientation.  Some of the people I was with also have to go back for a few more days for more orientation.  I wonder if this was a new thing or my hospital now is just more transparent with their employees than the others I had worked for.

 

Monday, June 22  from 745 to 5 was spent at the hospital for new hire orientation. Learned a lot about the hospital, patient safety, hospital policies, infection control and so much more.

The kids also had camps scheduled for this week.  The only camps they were scheduled for this year also falls on my orientation.   Luckily a friend at church was able to do the driving around for me.

 

Orientation was interesting, there was a room full of people in the hospital conference room and we had a few presenters, got our picture taken, there were a few games, few breaks, free lunch and an interesting new hire who sat beside me who can't keep her eyes off from facebook.

 

All together a very long, interesting day.

 



Reviewing My Interview



The hubby and I discussed my interviews from both hospitals.   I mentioned the questions that particularly stood out for me.  These are not verbatim, but these were what goes on my mind when the questions were asked:

1. "How do you feel about being responsible for an instrument?"

As a medical technologist, I was a little startled to be asked that.  I have always assumed that being responsible for instruments is part of the job.  But the interviewer mentioned that some candidates don't want to be responsible for any instruments.

My hubby who helps in the hiring process for his team said that sometimes, he would fight for a candidate with C's who are willing to work hard and be responsible in their job without arrogance, than a candidate with all A's but with big Arrogance and a Know-It-All attitude.  Some workers will not do or accept extra work, don't want extra responsibility, yet still they want a fast track promotion.  If something goes wrong, it is always something or someone else's fault, accountability from some people are non-existent at all. 

2. "Am I willing to teach new technologists?" 

In my opinion, some people are at the top of their pedestals that teaching people they consider beneath them are a huge waste of their time.   If you can't be bothered to teach or boost confidence for new comers then what is your intelligence and greatness for?

Some people are just naturally intelligent that getting an A in exams are easy.  But being in a work force that need team work, hard work, camaraderie is something some people still need to learn.  They can't understand that not all people are as intelligent and capable as they are.  That even with their greatness in paper credentials, they still need to be able to work with mostly average people on a daily basis.  Unless of course your goal is to own a huge company or open your own practice right away.  Employees will just have to tolerate your Arrogant Greatness if they are lucky enough to be employed by these high and mighty people.

3. "Am I willing to learn from other techs?"

Of course!  Sometimes though when school is too easy, you get out of school thinking you know it all and don't need to learn anything anymore.  Life is not a textbook and so are jobs.  The textbooks and schools teach us most of what we need to know about our jobs.  Yet it is our experiences that really is the best teacher both in life and in work.  Willingness to learn from others will refrain us from repeating the same mistakes others already experienced. 

Interview 2

Banner from my alma mater: Velez College Website

Thursday, May 28, 2015

I received an email from another hospital I applied for and it goes like this:

Thank you for applying with ------------. After reviewing your application, I would like to schedule an interview. Would you be available 6/3 or 6/4 at 1 pm? Please confirm or propose an alternate time.

  

Of course I scheduled for the earliest one.  Why delay, right?

 

June 3 at 1 pm was yesterday and I had a great time talking with the manager and another technologist/manager.  They gave me a tour of the laboratory and I met some of the technologists, phlebotomists and other laboratory staff.  They were great and I thought we had a great rapport as well.

 

Questions asked were mostly about how I will react to situations and how I feel about things.  I think they approved of my answers.  Then the technical questions came.  Although I tried to read a reviewer, I still am not finish so I was not prepared for these questions.  The ten year gap of employment was only mentioned once.  ASCP is the required certification, they just asked if I am willing to take the exam. within six months of employment if I do get hired.

This time I left a copy of my written references from previous employers,  a list of current friends who are willing to be my references and a copy of my certification scores from the Philippines (PAMET), Canada (OSMT) and United States (AMT).

After the interview, I received a phone message from yet another hospital willing to give me a chance and would like to set up an interview.
 

Anyways, today Thursday, June 4, 2015 I was out most of the day.  When I got home I have a phone message from the human resources of the hospital.  I WAS OFFERED THE JOB!!!  Doing the happy dance....

Friday, June 5, I called the second hospital and cancelled my interview date.  It would have been a good way for me to get more interview experience and if hired I could negotiate for the hospital  willing to pay more.  But this hospital is almost an hour drive away and the one that offered the job is just a few minutes away.  

Hoping for everything to go smooth with this hospital that just hired me.

Interview 1

Banner from: American Medical Technologists





The day is here.  I actually just got home from my first job interview after more than ten years of staying home.  I got there 15 minutes earlier so I  texted my hubby and called him just to ask  him to send some "good luck" vibes my way.

A friend told me to be ready with some interview questions commonly asked.  I got my mind to think of answers but don't want to sound too scripted.  So I did not compile great answers to common interview questions.  I told her I will just go with the flow.  Thank you friend "M" for helping me and being one of my reference.

After the tour of the hospital laboratory, all three of us seated in the laboratory office.  Questions asked were mostly about me as a person.  They want to know how I handle stress, what was the most challenging event that happened when I was working and follow up questions to any answers I may have given.  They asked for instruments I used while working.  Luckily I got a copy of an old resume with me that included the list.

I think we had a good interaction, lots of good vibes going around.  But there was always the shadow about my not being at work for 10 years that always comes back.  "C"  mentioned it a couple times and it was what concerns her the most.  She is not familiar with AMT and prefers ASCP as well which I told her is an exam I will gladly take once I qualify for it.   "S" on the other hand, seems to be satisfied with me.

I left a copy of my list of  references and left the laboratory with a good feeling.  Hoping it was mutual all around.

Waiting for another email or phone call with GOOD NEWs...Hopefully.

Tuesday, April 21, 2015 was the day I received an email from the human resources of the hospital I had an interview with.

It was a big blow.  They had chosen a better candidate.  I know that the chances are slim but still I had hoped for it to be a positive outcome.  Friends have been very encouraging, telling me to just keep on applying. 

Friday, May 29 2015, I got an email from the laboratory manager:

Unfortunately, the recently posted 3^rd shift position has already been filled.  We will soon be posting an occasional position: I think that this may be a better way for you to get back into the laboratory.  It would allow you to get to a comfort level appropriate for a tech without the pressure of having to quickly move into a full time position.

I hope that this position will be of interest to you.

Hoping.................again.

Returning to Work



Photo from: Best Medical Careers



I am very ecstatic right now as I write this.  I just received a call for an interview at a hospital for a job.  Don't get me wrong, I love being a stay at home mom and would gladly be one until retirement.  This period of my life has been fun and I thank God and the hubby for making it possible for me to be with the kids.   I love the women I have become friends with too.

Working outside the home will bring a huge change in our family dynamics.  Although it will come with its perks,  it will also come with its own stress.  But the need to get back to the medical world outweigh the cons.  Fortunately,  medical technologists can work different shifts.  So we shall see.
 

The journey started in February 2015.  I wanted to try out other paths in this life journey.  Whatever the reason is, I realized that it was now time for me to decide and check out other options available for me.  I know a lot of women who went back to school once their kids were in school.   I already have the education and the licenses/certifications.  But with over 10 year gap in work experience,  I was hopeful yet unsure how my resume will be received.     I tried searching job openings in my field and sent out applications, just to see if my resume will still get noticed. 

I sent out resumes and online applications where you fill out questionnaires for hours starting in late February.  One of the questions asked was: when did you finished high school?   Yeah, right!  That question will really tell the human resource personnel how old I am.   Some local hospitals don't accept my certification which made it a little disappointing as well.  I applied to a few hospitals in the area, applied for available positions ranging from entry level phlebotomists, medical laboratory technicians to medical technologists.  I just wanted to see if I can get my "foot in" back to the medical field.

More on disappointments.  A month into the job search and I started receiving "declines" and "sorry but we found a better candidate" emails from some of the hospitals.  If you are a medical technologist, take the exam for ASCP, they are much more preferable than AMT nowadays, at least here in Michigan. 

 

I was beginning to think that maybe I should consider going back to school.  Or maybe try out to be a jazzercise instructor instead.  If only being on the stage is not a frightening thought, it would be a no brainer.  Concentrating in my soap making and growing the handmade business - against all odds - is another option I was contemplating. 

 

Fortunately, I got the most awaited phone call.   Today, April 2, 2015 more than one month after sending out applications, I received my first phone call for an interview. 

Next week on Wednesday, April 8 at 10 in the morning, I am meeting two hospital laboratory managers and who knows who else will be there.   Hoping that I would give them a good impression.  That we will get a good rapport out of each other.  That they would give me a chance to get back in to the work force helping patients and doctors.

 

Crossing fingers and Praying for a very favorable outcome.

Dow Run/Walk 2015

 

This year's Dow Run/Walk falls on a weekend when we also had a few other stuff going on.  We did the one mile run on Saturday morning with my mother in law.   As you  might already know, I jazzercise but I don't really run.  Most of my running are done only for fun with the kids and the dog but nothing serious.  Father and son were far ahead of us girls right from the beginning, then my daughter joined the grandma and they too went far ahead from me.  I came in 4 minutes later than my daughter and mother in law.  Vyn was 10th in his age group.

 

Came home after the run and did some birthday celebration.   We then had to go for the dance recital which lasted almost 4 hours.  Vyn and the hubby were both surprised that they actually enjoyed the performance and had fun.

 



 

The hubby ran the half marathon Sunday.  He ran faster than last year.  We saw a few neighbor friends who runs but the hubby said that the event was getting less participation than the last couple years.  Hopefully, they will be able to get more registration next year.  The route was changed a little but fortunately it still went through our road.  The kids and I were able to cheer as the runners as the ran pass.

 

Lyn and I went for the second dance recital in the afternoon.  She got an award as one of the hard worker in her class.

May to December 2013

December 28, 2013

 

Beautiful day for snow making

 

Bandit enjoying the snow.

 

We also made some craft.

December 25, 2013

Because of my surprise the hubby explained that it was supposed to be my 40th birthday present for 2012 that was not finished on time. So he decided to make it our 10th wedding anniversary present earlier this year. Hubby was about to cancel purchase but seller was finally able to finished design for today. Wonderful, Funtabulous, Merry Christmas to all!


December 17, 2013

Last night, hubby went to get the newspaper came back with nothing.
hubby: did we pay our newspaper bills, we don't have delivery today
me: we did not receive any bills yet, but its been a while.
I know, we can sign up for autopay and it will be our family Christmas gift.
Vyn: NOOOOO, that is boring

December 12, 2013

We've been having single digit temperatures and Bandit decided to find a new place to hang out when we are not around. His basement bed is not as cozy anymore. Caught him a couple of times snuggled on the kids' beds these past few days.

 

 

December 4, 2013

 

I thought I was just helping/volunteering but I got my first check after 8 years of being out of the workforce. What a delightful surprise.

 

 

December 1, 2013

 

The Turkey basketball tournament.  The boys are learning how to play the game and handled the ball better.  More fun watching the game this year than last year.

 

November 30, 2013

 

PANEM (Philippine Association of NorthEastern Michigan) gala.  This is my second gale with the association and the hubby decided to join us this year.  It was a fun night with the whole family and Filipino friends.

 

November 23, 2013

 

My friends and I held a fundraising event to help victims of Typhoon Haiyan/ Yolanda which hit the Visayas region of the Philippines.

 

It all started when my mother in law called saying she wanted to donate her handcrafted jewelries to a fundraising event.  She called me on the 13th of November and then the ball just started rolling with friends willing to help in any way possible.

 

So proud of my friends who made this possible.  It was a successful event even when our area was hit by a storm days before the event and some friends have no electricity for a couple days.  It was also a cold and snowy day but still people showed up to support the cause.  A Great Thank You to Eveyone.

 

We are able to send funds through UMCOR of First United Methodist church, given some funds to a friend in Michigan whose family is directly affected and some of the funds also went to my friend in Cebu who is directly buying necessities and going to affected areas to help.

 

 

 

October 19, 2013

 

Vyn: How old can a person live?
Me: depends if a person don't get into accident, don't get any serious illness and take very good care of their body, then 80 to 100 maybe if we are lucky.
Vyn: Can a person live till 900?
Me: not that I know of.
Vyn: how about in bible days?
Me: don't know
This goes on for a few minutes, me insisting it is impossible to live till 900 and he insisting there is.
Vyn: I have proof, then he went to his bedroom and came back with the bible with the proof page open for me to read.

 

 

October 17, 2013

 

This morning:
Me: be done already, you are using too much water, the world will run out of water.
Lyn: the ocean will not run out
Me: you will not like to shower with salt water
Lyn: God will give us more water. He will tell us to break rocks or crack mountains to get clean water.

 

 

September 14, 2013

 

Me: Don't do that, you don't know what kind of poop or whatever is on the ground.
Vyn: Ma, you are too sensitive, the whole world is full of germs.

 

 

Lyn: ma I wish school is more funner.
Me: why, are you not having fun?
Lyn: I can't finish anything, everything is timed.

 

 

September 2, 2013

 

First day  pf school was great.
Lyn: I want to ride the bus home tomorrow.
Vyn: I love school. It's so fun.

 

 

September 1, 2013

 

Lyn: Ma I have a thousand butterflies in my tummy.
I am soo glad there will be some familiar faces when she start kindergarten.

 

August 22, 2013

 

First ever sleep over for Vyn

 

 

August 19, 2013

 

Hubby announced: I already bought my birthday gift, so you're off the hook. Of course his birthday is still months away. Me on the other hand just have a few days more to buy my own birthday gift.
While shopping, somebody asked his back " do you work here"
Hubby while turning around: I don't work here, upon seeing the person, I work with you.

 

 

August 13, 2013

 

Vyn: dogs are like people, when hungry they get cranky.

 

 

August 10, 2013

 

Lyn: My hot chocolate is very hot.
Vyn: Mine is hotter.
Lyn: No mine is hotter.
Me: Here we go again.
Lyn: Ok, it's time to ignore each other.

 

 

No more milk:
dad: oh we should just milk Bandit.
Vyn: but he is male
Lyn: there is nothing to squeeze.

 

 

July 21, 2013

 

Lyn: Nooooo, only me can do that. Tickle me when I am bad.

 

 

July 19, 2013

 

While playing skylander
Boy 1: You guys can play it first because I am already awesome at this game.

While playing pool
Boy 2: I am better at this than any of you.

 

 

July 14, 2013

 

In the hospital yesterday visiting family:
F: I am perfectly healthy until I came to the hospital.
During questioning:
Healthcare: Do you have any problems falling?
F: No, but I have problems getting up.

 

 

July 9, 2013

 

Vyn: Mama she is tattle telling a lie...

 

 

June 20, 2013

 

At karate this afternoon with other parents. While talking about vacation plans and pros and cons of camping.

A: What do you prefer, country life or city life?
Me: I like it both, but I miss city life because I like people watching, the street cars, buses, subways,every restaurants and conveniences all in walking distance.
M: (walking into the room ) Lots of rude people in big cities, drivers thought they own the roads
A: drivers like that are present here.
M: Midland is a big city.

 A: No, it's a little town with an attitude.

 

 

June 12, 2013

 

Vyn: I am done eating. You girls are so slow.
Lyn: That is how princesses eat... slow....

 

More observation for the day:

Vyn: Why is it that when we don't have a dog, we usually don't have anywhere to go. Now that we have Bandit we are always on the go?

 

 

May 20, 2013

 

while planting our flowers this afternoon:
Lyn: I love gardening...

 

 

May 19, 2013

 

Vyn: my favorite in school is gym, art and science.
Lyn: my favorite is birthdays, art, reading and small group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 

 



 

Bandit - Adjusting

Bandit has been house trained when he was young.  But has been living in an outside kennel for years.  He surely adjusted very well to being an inside dog with us.  He walked into our house the very first day Wednesday, May 29 and did not chew or bite anything.

Thursday, May 30,  we were sleep deprived.   I decided to introduced Bandit to our normal house noises like the dish washer, the laundry washer and dryer and even vacuumed most of the house.  He did not seemed disturbed at all.  He also proved to be a very good and alert watch dog.  He is aware of every jogger/walker and other dogs and creatures that walked passed our property. 

Saturday, June 1,  I allowed Vyn to walk with Bandit alone around our yard.   I also let Lyn try walking Bandit by herself in the backyard.  A big kudos to Sam who took care of  Bandit before us.  He was able to let Bandit become a good walker, gentle enough to allow kids to walk him.

Monday, June 3, we all had a good sleep.  Bandit did not even whimper.  He just went to bed and stayed until I got him out to go potty this morning.  He is definitely catching on our daily  not so regular routine. 

As for toilet business, he has been going twice a day, morning and night but eats only at night.  After learning that he does have a lot of walking/outside time during the day,  he decided to change his routine.  He ate only a few bites last night, Monday, June 10 and only did his toilet business in the morning.  He did finished all his food Tuesday morning but did not eat anything at night.

Bandit was scheduled for his oral Bordetella booster and heart worm prevention injection.  We heard a little complain for the injection but he was a very good dog even when they had to extract some blood for the heart worm test.  He also behaved when other pets came in the waiting room with us.

Inside the exam room

We had his previous medical records transferred to a closer vet office and learned that Bandit is officially going to be 5 years old tomorrow, June 12.

Bandit

Our nine year old "Vyn" has been asking for a dog since he noticed he was the only one among his friends who don't have a pet dog.  We are not against having a dog, but with our experienced with our last puppy, we had no plans of getting another one.

Fortunately for us, a friend is relocating to Hawaii and since Hawaii requires pets to be quarantined plus the travelling, they decided to find a new home for their pets.  We are so honored and privilege to be given the opportunity to be the new family for "Bandit".

Bandit is a Great Pyrenees and Australian Shepherd mixed.  The combination results in a very cuddly, huge mini bear.  When I saw his picture on facebook and that they needed a new home for him, I know he is just the right dog for us.  The first time we met him, Bandit just sat and allowed us (Lyn and I) to touch and pet him.  He was calm enough that Lyn who usually won't even go near any dog was able to pet him.

I will not go through the details of our decision making process.  When it becomes unanimous that we will now have a dog included in the family, everybody was excited  and a little worried since he has been living in an outside kennel with another dog, has a job of guarding fruit trees and a huge acreage to roam around.  We don't have that space here in our place.   But I just have this feeling that he will be perfect for us and so far he is.

The day we picked him up Wednesday, May 29 2013 in the afternoon.  I picked Vyn up from school and we went to the friend's house.  Everybody was there to say their goodbyes to him.  We got information and tips from them and have Bandit jumped up the back of my car.

His very first hour with us, we stayed outside and walked around the yard.  We also have to crate him an hour after since we were scheduled for an event to go to for two hours.  He calmly went to his crate. But I bet he was so nervous, since when we got him out of the crate and up from the basement he was not able to hold his pee long enough to get out the house.  Luckily, he did it right by the door on a tile floor.

He then followed our night ritual and calmly went back to his crate for the night.  But he woke up at midnight and kept barking till after 0300 in the morning.  I brought him out 3 different times  but it did not calm him down.  Maybe he missed his dog friend that he sleeps with all these years or a new place and separation anxiety finally kicked in or all of the above.  He eventually did go back to sleep though.

His first morning, I brought him out again before the kids morning ritual.  He waited for the bus with us.  We did a few minutes of walking around the yard again and he just followed his new routine without complaints.  He would go to his crate when we have to leave the house and calmly do his business when I brought him out again.  Last night was sooooooo much better, he went to bed and was silent all night long.  He just waited for me to bring him out again in the morning. 

This reminds me of a friend who mentioned that pets for the kids usually ends up being the mama's responsibility.  Good thing, it is I who felt that we are ready for a new addition.

Hopefully, he has caught on with his new routine.   This blog is going to have updates on Bandit from now on as well.

Thank you for visiting.

January to May 2013

I noticed that I haven't been recording the cute exchanges/dialogues/comments the kids would just blurt out every  now and then.   They still says things that make adults smile, but I sometimes thought of writing things later and it would not sound the same anymore.  I have been so wonderfully distracted with my quilting that most of my me time is spent watching/reading on quilting/sewing. 

May 11, 2013
While shopping yesterday, the hubby was thinking how Home Depot was splurging on great shopping carts for the customers. On his way out:
Home Depot associate: Let me cut the tag off this cart for you.
Hubby: Did I just buy this?

April 28, 2013
Ok so it has become a joke in our house:
hubby accidentally said "aso" while playing with languages he knows
Me: oh you just said dog in Filipino, it is "Kaww" in Fukian and "iro" in bisaya
hubby: so in Chinese it is "cow" for dog. That is why it's hard to understand you sometimes...
Me: No, it's not Cow, it is Kawww.

April 19, 2013
Jazzercise and Midland schools close for 2 Fridays in a row. We have school in BC so Lyn have me for her Just Dance partner today.
Lyn: Ma, I am getting all the crowns and I don't even go to jazzercise


April 18, 2013
Me showing Vyn some boy clothes I might be able to sew for him.
Vyn: No I don't want clothes, I want a bag
Me: But I can't find patterns or tutorials for boy bags.
Vyn: Some things you just have to make without people teaching you how to do it.


While watching Care Bears:
Lyn: Ma I want hot buns
Me: What? Why?
Lyn: They make your hair designs beautiful
Me: skip the commercials
Lyn: No, because I want to know what to like


March 12, 2013
After kindergarten round up tonight:
Lyn: I love kindergarten


February 16, 2013
While contemplating finishing his karate papers:
Vyn: Why do I have to write papers?
Me: So you can prove to Master Angel how much you have learned already. Then you can promote to higher belt when you test and show him you remember all the moves.
Vyn: What a waste of brain space.


January 7, 2013
While putting on her winter gear for school today.
Lyn: I like school, but I don't like all this drama.


January 5, 2013
Me: Why don't you play a board game or something that is not too physical so you don't get hurt.
Lyn: You want us to play a boring game?

Red/black Belt and Christmas Pageant 2012

Vyn has been very nervous since Wednesday, December 12th.  His karate instructors just informed him that he will be promoting to red/black belt that Sunday, December 16th.  Of course it was also the day of our Christmas Pageant at church.

He can't wait for the weekend to be over, so he can breathe again and relax.  He also mentioned, he will be one of the happiest kid at the pageant since the pageant was scheduled after the promotion.

The promotion was held at 3:00 in the afternoon and he did great.  He have to be excused early since we have to be at church by 430.  We were able to make it on time and both Vyn and Lyn together with the pageant casts all did a wonderful job.

 

 

 

 

October-December 2012

December 24,, 2012

hubby: What's that?
me: Oh, that's your gift for me...

December 23, 2012

While driving this afternoon. Vyn was testing his sister's math skills.
Dad: That is very good for a preschooler.
Vyn: Lyn is going to be very smart when she is in 3rd grade.
Me and dad: hmmmm
Vyn: Lyn is lucky to have a brother.


December 22, 2012

Me; you guys watch a movie
Dad: ok, let's see we have Barbie Christmas Carol.
Vyn: No, it's booooring
Lyn: It's NOT boring, it's girlie.

December 20, 2012

Lyn: Ma, I don't like cold hot chocolate.


December 19, 2012

While walking around this afternoon:
Lyn: Ma, it looks like it is going to be a green Christmas.
Me: agreed
Lyn: I still hope for snow on Christmas Day though.


December 15, 2012

While reading a horoscope in a deli this afternoon. Vyn's sign says: Former colleagues will open new doors....
Vyn: Why do they need to open doors for me. I can open doors myself.


December 13, 2012

Vyn: Why do we need to have lots of tests?
Me: So the teacher will know if you are remembering the things she is teaching
Vyn: Why.
Me: So you can go to college and get a good job
Vyn: Why
Me: So you can buy a nice house and nice things.
Vyn: Why do people invent things. Why can't I just live in a house made of sticks like the Indians do and plant my own food. I just want to relax and enjoy life.


December 7, 2012

Me: Do you want to go visit Santa House?
Vyn: Let's go when there is snow.


November 30, 2012

Vyn after his shower.  How did Jayden get cancer?  Why did Jayden have it?  Now I can't see Jayden again.  I am sooo mad at cancer.


November 3, 2012

Hubby:  I am going outside to do some yard work.  Nobody notices how hard I work in the weekends.
All:  We notice....
Vyn:  You should get an allowance.
Me:  How about me, should I get an allowance too?
Lyn:  No, you just take care of us.


October 8, 2012

Me:  You go to preschool to learn not to be pretty.  I need to dress you warm because you will be outside a lot and if you end up being warm and pretty it is a plus.
Lyn:  Right mama, and I am always pretty anyways.

Basketball Tournament/PANEM

This year when asked what sports he would like to do, Vyn said he wanted to join basketball, nothing else.  So I registered him to his first basketball clinic provided by our high school.  He had fun learning about the game and handling the ball.   I also learned about the turkey basketball tournament and registered him for it.

Saturday, November 24 was the big day.  It was his first real basketball game and it was a tournament against 4 different schools.  They did very well but it was clear that most of his team were new to the game.  Vyn was able to dribble the ball down the court and passed the ball to a team mate very well.   After the third game I was a little worried that he might be too tired for an event that night.  Since we were up since 7 in the morning and he was physically running a lot during the games.  It was a great way for him to experience what a tournament was like and the fact that he was able to run the ball makes him/us very proud as well.

PANEM (Philippine Association of Northeastern Michigan),  I always thought this is a nursing association and have not thought of joining their events.  It was founded some 35 years ago and it is for Filipinos in Michigan not just nurses.  This year, I was informed and was told that some friends are going to be there.  So I joined the gala for the first time.  It was fun and a great experience specially for the kids.  They get to see other Filipinos and watched some folk dances.  Definitely a great way to end our busy day. 

On our way home, I told them it was later than their usual sleeping time.  So we won't be doing everything we usually do before bedtime.  Lyn asked "can we read a book still".  I said, no that will have to go for tonight.  We will read tomorrow instead.  Not a good answer because she started to whine and said " how about 1 page only".  Me:  No, we just have to go home and start with other parts of our night-night ritual and it's time to bed.  Or else, we will not go to any parties at night again.  Saying that makes me feel guilty but it worked.  We got home, did what needed to be done and off they went to bed.

Today, we woke up to a few inches of snow.  These 5 days of thanksgiving weekend is complete with all Michigan weather of sweater days and snow gear days.   

April - June 2012

June 8, 2012

The two were bickering at each other. Lyn is starting to cry.
Me: enjoy each others company, do not fight, soon school will start again.
Vyn: Ma, it's the first day of summer vacation. Geez!!!

June 4, 2012

Vyn arranging bathroom paper cups with water around the bathroom sink.
Me: What are you doing, it will just get soggy and wet and messy.
 Vyn: That is how one becomes a scientist ma, experimenting with wet and messy.

May 31, 2012

I get to chaperone my 8 year old class' field trip today, will be riding the school bus for the first time in my life. So I kept on saying to Lyn my 4 year old.
Lyn: But you are too big for the chairs in the bus.

Day before Mother's Day 2012:
Hubby just announced: "Tomorrow you are going to be pampered so you better get caught up with laundry and the dishes today

April 17, 2012
After reading about a baby bear wanting to be like his mama bear, I asked Lyn: Do you want to be like me?
 Lyn: Nooooooo
Me: Why
 Lyn: Because I like to be ME. I love to be myself.

Who Made God

Last night, after reading a children's book about the human body, specifically about the human brain.

Vyn said " wow God is so amazing to be able to design brains".
I agreed and smiled. 
Vyn " is Jesus the first person God made". 
Me: No, there are already lots of people before Jesus.  Adam is.
Vyn:  If God made Adam, who made God?

If you have a strong Christian faith, am sure you guys will just say, he is eternal, he just existed, nobody made him. Now, if you have been reading my blog, you know how limited my knowledge is when it comes to God and Christianity.  Questions like this from my kids increases my curiousity about other religions as well.  What do parents say to answer such innocence and honesty? 

I grew up a Catholic, but my mom also prays to our ancestors and practices Feng Shui.  We have Jesus, Joseph, Mary and Santo Nino, Bagua and Ying-Yang symbols in our house and we talk about afterlife, karma and about the teachings of Confucius.  These days increasing number of people are practicing Tai Chi and yoga for health and inner peace.  People consult Feng Shui books when building houses, new communities have cul-de-sacs instead of a road dead ending into a house and others. 

Please click on this link: religionfacts.  The site explains the different religious facts.  No agendas and does not try to convert you to a specific faith.  Some religions have thousands, millions and billions of followers.  The origins started from about 550 B.C. to about 1990s.  Some believe in God, in a number of Gods or no God.  The goal for most is to have good life on Earth and good afterlife if they believe in afterlife, others don't.

Spreading the Word of God and evangelism is very important to followers of Christianity.   Some people readily accepts God and Jesus.  Some steadfastly hold on to their old beliefs.  How do you go about telling people, we are all created in the image of God.  We should love everybody.  But at the same time tell people, that they will not have a place in heaven unless they start praying the same way we did.   What do Catholics really think about the other Christian denominations and vice versa?

Kids October 2011 - March 2012

March 11, 2012

Sometimes long weekends are too long. This is from last night.

 Vyn: Ma how are babies made
Me: When you are older you will know how
 Vyn: Can I make babies now
Me: No, you have to be married to make babies
 Vyn: how
Me: ok, when daddy's sperm cell meets mama's egg cell it becomes a baby.
 Vyn: how
Me: Remember your teacher talking about geometry now but not when you were in kindergarten. You just have to wait till you are older so I can tell you how. It is kind of complicated.


February 15, 2012

Scolded Lyn for being whiny. She pouted and went to her room. When she came out after a few minutes, I asked if she is ok already. She told me " Mama. you hurt my feelings".


February 11, 2012

Time to ask if Vyn wanted to be registered to play soccer this season:
Me: Do you want to play soccer this season?
Vyn: Not this year mama, I want to focus on karate.


January 17, 2012

OK, sooo we are all so ready for school. While waiting for the bus, we noticed it was sooo quiet. I checked online and found out we don't have school today. Snow Day.  Now I have a 3 year old crying because she wants to go to school...


January 10, 2012

Upon hearing the news of Uncle Steve's return.
Vyn: Yeay!!! He survived!!!!


December 23, 2011

Me: am looking for something to cook for tomorrow.
 Lyn: mama make a birthday cake for Jesus too.


December 19, 2011

Vyn has been telling me that most of his friends/classmates are U of M fans and making chants about MSU thumbs down and others.
So this morning when he grabbed his MSU winter hat, I asked him if he is sure he wants to wear it. Vyn said: Don't worry mama, I am strong!

November 10, 2011

Lyn was sooo excited: Mom it is snowing. snowing, snowing....


October 30, 2011

Vyn  singing "have a holly jolly christmas". 
Lyn followed along: " have a sunny sunny christmas"
Then realized it's not right: "have a holly holly christmas"...