Hurting Vs. Helping Words

I found this great reminder as I was scanning last year's homeschool portfolio.  Are we building up our children with our words?

 

By Aethan, 8 years old

"Words have power, and we can either speak life or death into a situation...the Bible says that when we go to be with the Lord we will have to account for every careless word we have spoken. We pay for them here  on earth also. The price is too high to pay for something that can easily be controlled by our own will. We can speak love, joy, and peace into our world, or we can speak strife, hatred, deception, an all other manifestations of evil." - Stormie Omartian

Discipline and My Strong-Willed Son

     The first part of our homeschool day is always to read the Bible together.  Afterwards, My kids would write their reflection on the chapter that we studied.  I was reminded of this verse after I read what Aethan wrote.  “Behold, how happy is the man whom God reproves, So do not despise the discipline of the Almighty." Job 5:17 

     He wrote:
"This is me when I'm an adult. I am happy cause I was disciplined. Like how God's people discipline their children, I should also discipline my future children, too.  When I have my own children, I should discipline them and tell them what God's law and word are."

     I  was blessed to know that this is how Aethan views discipline now.  Afterall, he is a strong-willed child. There was a time when he questioned our every command and would willfully disobey.  It was also difficult for him to say "sorry" when he commits something wrong. He would test our limits over and over again. I cannot count how many spanks he received while growing up.

     Prov 13:24 says  "He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently."   God loves our children more than I can ever love them.  We discipline our kids in obedience to God's command because we know that He knows what is best for my kids, We spank them as needed even if it is difficult.   But we do not spank in anger but in love and as we learned in our church, we should do so only for 2 reasons - disrespect and disobedience.  Now, I praise God that spanking sessions have become a rarity in our household....the kids, especially, my strong-willed son, have grown more mature and more obedient, all by God's grace.

     Michael, my eldest, said before that my words hurt him more than my spanks so now I guard my tongue more.  My husband and I are very careful not to exasperate them (Colossians 3:21). There was a time I thought I did.  There were times when I thought I have broken  their spirit.  I have asked their forgiveness a lot times but in my mind, I was afraid that my words have scarred them for life.  I lifted my fears to God and prayed that my careless words won't have an impact on them as they grow up. I always pray that my kids will remember how much their dad and mom loves them that is why the one-on-one session that follows each "spanking episode" is longer because we want them to understand fully the purpose in what we did and assure them of our love and that we have their best interest in mind.  We end this time by hugging, kissing and most of the time, wrestling and tickling - because that is where we generate the most laughter. :-)  That is why Aethan's reflection meant so much to me.  It's an affirmation from the Lord that we are on the right track.

     Thank you, Jesus! All glory to You.

     "For those of us who have decided to follow Christ as our only hope for gaining truth, purpose, direction, and eternal security, there is no obligation that has greater significance than PARENTING. -George Barna

     The Layout was made using Leaving a Legacy Design's Halloween Glam kit. Yup, it's a Halloween kit but since we don't celebrate Halloween, I decided to make a non-themed layout for it. (Just shows how versatile the kit is, right?)  It's newly released today and it's 30% off!

Grab it HERE: 

This is the other layout I made with the kit.

Our family at Sambokojin - 09.16.13

     And here's a freebie for you! I hope you would like the torn papers that coordinates with the Halloween Glam kit.

DOWNLOAD HERE

A Mom's Prayer

     Being a mom is not at all easy but it is the most challenging & rewarding task I have ever had. It has brought out the best & the worst (really!!!)  in me which made me realize that everyday, in everything, I have to live in complete (absolute!!!) dependence on God. My kids know that I love them but I want it to be more than knowing - I want them to feel my love & communicate it in a way they understand. Like when I say I love them but can't even give them my undivided attention. :-(  I multitask a lot (like all moms) but because of this, my relationship and time with my kids suffer.
     I pray that everyday, I  would be able to really love them the way God wants me to, that I may speak their language and by His grace, fill their tank to the brim that they would overflow with love for one another, for us & for others.  I pray that through my example, they would understand that God is forgiving, compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.  I pray that someday, when they are already grown-ups, they would look back with fond memories of a happy home.
     Thank God His mercies are new every morning.  Every morning is God's gift to me, a chance to start over.  Jesus, please mold me to be the mom you want me to be, the mom my kids deserve.

credits: Verena Karolyi's Great Love kit  from GDS. Layout for the Supreme Team Contest Round 3

Debra Anderson's Black Balloon kit from GDS: Layout for the Supreme Team Contest Round 2

Mommy Fears

     I was just browsing at our old pictures and videos today and I got really sentimental.  My kids are growing up too fast ... really fast!  A few more years and my little boys would be teenagers. We don't even fit on one bed now.  My husband insists on having them sleep with us because he said a few more years and they wouldn't want to do that anymore.  We call it "siksik days" when we all would sleep on one bed - usually on weekends - and because the kids are growing big, mom and dad are not allowed to move and we sleep sideways til morning. lol.  I can understand him.  The backaches when we wake up (we're not getting any younger, right?) are nothing compared to the joy it gives us.

     As I look at the pictures, I said, "Lord, can you just freeze time"?  Life is so much easier now.  Their present age - 7 and 6 yrs old - is just perfect for every parent.   But as they grow, I know we will be facing more challenges.  I really cannot hold their future, its in God's hand.  I know that. I believe that...and yet, sometimes, fear would set in. Would they also follow and serve the Lord? Will they grow in wisdom & in stature? Would they have good friends? Would they rebel?  Am I doing it right? Am I a good mom? Lord, were they scarred by my harsh words in the past? Are we teaching them everything they need to know? Will they remember all that we did for them - everything we talked about - every magic moment? Will I be there to watch them grow? The list is endless.  And the Lord just reminded me in His Word - "Which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life span?"  I can't  and so every time I feel like this, I just surrender all my fears to Jesus. I bring to mind the truth that God loves them and wants the best for them.  He holds my children close to His heart and they are precious to Him. Psalm 112:7 says "He will not fear evil tidings. His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord".

layout credits: gottapixel kits / cluster your heart challenge

                                  

Photo journal states: 

"Being present is not just carving out time. It's also leaving behind our jobs or other tasks in more than just body, but also in spirit". (T.Jones)
-As we give our kids our time - ourselves - we pray that someday, when they're all grown up, they would always love to go back home - a place where they felt a love unlike any other.

GDS challenge-Digidish challenge
summer afternoon kit by kuper doodles,maria designs my cuties 23 alpha

This is a nice song . :-)

Find Your Wings
by Mark Harris

It's only for a moment you are mine to hold
The plans that heaven has for you
Will all too soon unfold
So many different prayers I'll pray
For all that you might do
But most of all I'll want to know
You're walking in the truth
And If I never told you
I want you to know
As I watch you grow

I pray that God would fill your heart with dreams
And that faith gives you the courage
To dare to do great things
I'm here for you whatever this life brings
So let my love give you roots
And help you find your wings

Officially on Vacation

Yay! We're officially on vacation! Riel just had his 4th quarter portfolio review yesterday and Aethan took his Grade 1 diagnostic exam.  Praise God! (Thank you Teacher Girlie and Mommy Bles for blessing us with your encouraging words.)

When I told the kids that it's vacation time, Riel said, "Yippee! Can we now do our chemistry experiments, mom?" and when we were home, Riel again said, "Is it really vacation, mom? But I still want to study.."  Lol...Who said that learning stops during vacation time?

When friends and relatives ask me how long you need to homeschool, I would always tell them, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 12 months year after year.  Homeschool instilled in my kids the love to learn and as I look back at the day we decided to homeschool, there were doubts in my mind if I would really be capable to do it... Won't I be "short-changing" my kids.  Now that we will be on our 3rd year, I cannot think of even one reason to stop. I cannot imagine myself teaching chemistry, trigo or geometry but more than that I cannot imagine a life "after homeschool".  I know that I am not the most qualified teacher - there are more people who are better equipped to teach my kids - but my confidence comes from the knowledge that God has called me to do this and by His power, He has granted me everything I need (2 Peter1:3).  His grace is sufficient for me.


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Sharing again some more "quotable quotes" from my kids ...

3/3/11 (after watching the news that Paquito Diaz - the actor- died of cancer)
Riel: daddy, do all daddies die of cancer? (probably thinking of Alvin's dad who died of Cancer also)
Aethan: No kuya,only when you are old...
riel: I'm really going to miss you dad (crying, hugging dad tightly)... What if you're going to die in a month and its already Dec 25, how can we celebrate Christmas?


March 2011
Riel slept between me and Alvin and he woke me up at 2am saying:
"Mom, I can't sleep. Can you and dad both stop snoring first."


March 12, 2011
During our outreach (This was after the 8.9 earthquake in Japan), Riel sent me a text message using his Lola's cellphone: he said "Mommy, I am so worried about you! Are you and daddy still alive? I was worried when you didn't go home for lunch! Please text me when you have time. thank you."


March 29 2011
Aethan:  Mommy!!! Read this book first please.
Riel: Mommy!!! My book first please....
Aethan: Kuya, my book should be first because this book is about God
Riel: No, my book should be first because this is about the creations of God...


4/4/11
months before, Riel asked his dad what you call the fats on his tummy. Mommy said they're bilbil. Daddy said they're muscles.
Aethan: What is bilbil kuya?
Riel: Bilbil means muscles


4/6/11
On our way home from Wushu, when we take the cab, Riel and Aethan would hear me sharing the gospel to the driver.  Today, I slept instead of sharing the gospel and when we were home, Riel asked, "Mommy, why didn't you share the gospel today?" I told him I was too sleepy and he said "You should share the gospel even if you're sleepy mommy.".

Thank you Lord for giving me an accountability partner :-)


4/20/11
The Lord answered our prayer to have a Veggietales Bible for the kids.  From the time Riel got this Bible, his first words when he wakes up are: "Mom, where's my Veggietales Bible?" and then he reads and reads and reads....Mom, I want to be in Exodus next week...
To this aethan said 'Will you read the Bible even in the afternoon ? even at night?
Riel said: Yes, nothing will stop me from reading my Bible even If I'm about to die! I need it more than food!


4/20/11
talking to his dad, Riel said that one thing that would make him really sad is if his dad and I would separate just like what happened to his Lolo Papang and Lola Mamang...He said, "If that happens dad, I will always cry..."


5/3/11
Mom, why is gossiping a sin? what is bad about talking aobut other people?
Is it the same as tattling?


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Thank you, Lord, I would always treasure every moment, every memory, every word ....

Happy Birthday Dad!

 

March 21, 2011

Today is the birthday of the most wonderful man in the world.....My Alvin. He is the best husband and father in the world...and I love him so much! Happy birthday Dad!

Our 7 year old son, Riel, made this poem for his dad: I printed it and we placed it on construction papers and popsicle sticks.  He gave it to his dad at 12am this morning. :-)

Daddy I Love You

by Riel

Daddy, I love you

I love the things you do.

I love playing basketball with you.

I love what you do.

I love when you are near

because God is whom you fear.

Every time you have a test

Just be sure to give your best.

Dad I love you

and you know I always will.

Worth It!

January 14, 2011.
This morning, after we discussed how to write a biography, I asked Riel to write about anyone he likes. I cried when he gave me back this paper. It read:

"This is a story about my mom. My mom is so special. On November 5, 2003, she stopped working. She decided to homeschool me when I was 5 years old because she loved me. She always prayed for me to become a good man. She prayed for me to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, and mind. She always disciplines me. She also tells me what is right and what is wrong. She also teaches me the piano. My mom will always love me, forever and ever."

>Alvin and I actually decided I should resign when Riel was born - that was the date he placed on his note. I resigned while I was on maternity leave. I just cannot bear the thought that someone else would bring up my son. By faith, I gave up my career to be with my family. It was difficult financially but God is always faithful. It was one of the best decisions I made in my life. The returns are not just awesome but eternal, beyond what I imagined. And in moments like these when I hear these words from my kids - it just makes everything worth it. Thank you, Lord for the joy that you graciously shower us with ... thank you for the joy of giving us our Riel and Aethan...

Sharing with you photos from our homeschool journey.

Disclaimer: The scrapping kits / elements that I used in the layouts above were not made by me

From the Mouth of Babes Part 7

Written on June 29, 2010

This morning, my hubby and I had a little argument and Alvin rebuked me and said that the devil usually takes advantage of these situations to ruin our day. He reminded me that every moment we are together is important because it may be the last moment that we may be together... and these reminders are enough for me to pause, think and correct my actions. I am reminded of Ephesians 5:15-16 which says "Be careful how you walk not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil..."Relating this to our marriage, we should "redeem our time", make the most out of it and not ever waste it on things that are not at all important - yes, like arguments. The enemy undoubtedly works overtime to steal our time and our joy.

On his way to the office, Alvin texted and He thanked me for my reminders and then said "...take care of our kids, too. Since I will be gone for a while but after a while you will see me again..." This made me laugh because he is certainly going to the office and would be back tonight but I also felt a "tug" at my heartstrings because those are Jesus' words in John 16:16, before He died. It was to me a subtle reminder of the brevity of life. I remember a preaching that said the only thing that is equally given to everyone is TIME. We only have 24 hours a day, and it is our choice whether to spend this time arguing or creating "magic moments".

Thank you Jesus for teaching us everyday. Thank you for your patience and love for us and for your subtle voice that whisper in our hearts. Thank you that we can hear you in our marriage and that we feel your love binding us. Thank you for giving me a wonderful, wonderful husband who overlooks my weaknesses and brings out my strengths. May you continue to remove the things in us that fail to glorify Your name. Amen.

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More quotable quotes from my kids :-)

April 30, 2010
Riel: Mommy, Why are babies born without clothes?

May 2010
Aethan (talking to his kuya): kuya, when you are singing, you have to close your eyes. It means you are touched!

June 9, 2010
Riel: (while browsing his Zoology Book) - Mommy! This is exciting! We're going to make a bird feeder!We're going to put peanut butter then roll it....
Aethan: That is not exciting for me! I want to eat the peanut butter!

June 14, 2010
Riel: Mommy, did God create flies?
(As we were discussing this question, Riel said : Mommy, maybe we should go back to Genesis and see what the Bible says.

June 16, 2010
(While teaching how to introduce themselves in Filipino)
Riel:Ang pangalan ko ay Riel. Ako ay anim na TALONG gulang.
Aethan: Ang pangalan ko ay Aethan. Ako ay limang taong GULAY.

June 29, 2010
(I was listening to my kids - trying to keep myself from laughing-- while I was typing this exchange)
Aethan: When you die kuya, what will happen?
Riel:Then I will go to heaven but when my mission is not done yet, then God will make me alive again.
Aethan: How can that be? We only have one life.
Riel: Yes, look at Lazarus! He died and he was alive!
Aethan: What if someone shoots you with an arrow --- on your chest
riel: Yes, I can still be alive with Jesus help!
Aethan: How? You're not Obi-wan Kenobi!

June 29, 2010
Aethan: Mommy, kuya covered his ears while I was telling him something
Riel: Aethan, Why did you immediately tell mommy? We didn't solve the problem yet.

From the Mouth of Babes Part 6

Written on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at 8:39pm
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03.05.2010
"... Mommy, I defeated my giant!" These were the words that Riel uttered yesterday (3.4.2010) after their 'life dojo' class in wushu. I was surprised and asked him what he meant. He said that last week their teacher asked them to name their "giants", things that are difficult for them to defeat and he said, for him, it was disobedience because it was not always easy to obey. Riel said he has defeated that already.

Reflecting on what Riel said, I can say that obedience has never been a major issue with him. Ofcourse, there would be times when they would disobey by 'not obeying immediately' (delayed obedience is disobedience) but generally our two boys are obedient. You seldom hear them complain and grumble. They would joyfully and excitedly help out in chores like washing dishes, cleaning the room, washing clothes and sometimes they would go the extra mile and do things for me and their dad without waiting for us to tell them.

Going back to what Riel said about his giant... I paused and realized that what their teacher did is one skill in mentoring that sometimes we, parents forget to apply. 'Handles' are things we can grab on to and it is given when we summarize truth and principle in a user-friendly manner (GLC-Making Disciples 3). Riel was able to understand and remember that his 'struggles' are really 'giants' that he need to face and overcome.

Alvin and I also noticed that at this stage, Riel and Aethan (6 and 5 years old respectively) are already capable of expressing what they feel and we, as parents, should listen closely and be sensitive because what they feel now would have a great impact on how they view life and God.

Once when Riel was having difficulty answering a Math problem, he said, 'Mommy, you know what I'm thinking when I can't answer something? I tell myself that I'm a sore loser'. I thanked the Lord for this opportunity to see what is going on "inside" my child. This is one privilege given to homeschoolers. I took the chance to make it a teaching moment for us. I told Riel and Aethan what makes a man a loser. I told them that someday they would fail at something that they do, they may make mistakes along the way, they may lose but it doesn't mean that they are failures or losers. And because Riel said he wants to be a scientist someday, I reminded him about scientists who failed thousands of times before they were able to succeed. I told him it is more important to learn a lesson or two every time he fails. I also took this chance to tell them of my own failures. I gave them my assurance of the unconditional love that their dad and I have for them. When parents give their children unconditional love, it wouldn't be hard for them to understand that we have a loving Father above who loves us unconditionally.


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Here's another round of quotable quotes from our kids ....
(I can hear my Riel saying, "memories, mommy, memories..." as he reads this. :-)


09/2009
Aethan: Mommy, can I eat a snack with my dinner?


09/2009
Aethan: Mommy, I want to be a tricycle driver!
Mommy: Why do you want to be a tricycle driver? Why not a scientist or a pilot or a doctor or a...?
Aethan: Okay mommy! I want to be a scientist who drives a tricycle!


09/20/09
Mommy: You know what babies, when we're already in heaven, we will always sing praise and worship songs there to Jesus
Riel: Mommy, can i bring our computer there?
Daddy: why would you want to bring the computer there?
Riel: Because I don't know all the lyrics to the songs yet...
(Alvin and I love to make music videos with lyrics of P&W songs and we sing it together with our kids.)


09/20/09
Riel: Mommy, I want to be an engineer, scientist and pastor
I want to be an engineer so I can build a church...
I will name it DCF. It means Disciples of Christ Fellowship


10/2009
Riel: Mommy, why do you know everything about me?
Mommy:(I explained why and then I said)... and because I also have a mother's instinct
Riel: Is there a son's instinct mommy?
Mommy: Ahh...I dont think so...hahaha
Riel: There is mommy! Son's instinct is to obey and to respect



10/6/2009
As we studied Solomon in our Bible reading
Riel: Mommy, Why is solomon the wisest king but he sinned and worshipped idols?


11/09/09
After talking about Jesus' baptism,
Aethan said, "mommy, can you baptize us using the pail in our bathroom?"


12/20/209
Daddy has the stomach flu. Aethan prayed for him and said "Lord Let daddy's poop be hard"
Dad said, "but not so hard aethan, okay"



12/28/09
One morning while Riel was reading his children's Bible,
he said : "Mommy, when I grow up, can I name my son Jesus, and my other son Moses?"
Mommy: ofcourse Riel
Riel: Will I forget that when I grow old, mommy?
Mommy: You might, that's why I'm gonna write it down.
You write it down too - so you'll remember when you grow up.


2/22/10
Riel and Aethan: MOmmy, you're now Rogue (from XMen) because we can see your white hair already.


2/25/10
(bedtime)
Mommy: It's story time! I'll read a short story before you sleep.
Get the book you want mommy to read.
Riel: (getting the book he prefers) Mommy, I want you to read my encyclopedia


2/28/10
While watching the episode of Tsuanamis in National Geographic,
Riel was listening to a couple relate how their son was saved.
Riel remarked, "MOmmy, I think Jesus saved that boy, because,
remember mommy, Jesus loves little children?"


3/1/10
(due to the extreme heat experienced recently)
Aethan: Mommy, if we get a pail as big as the sun,
fill it with water and pour the water on the sun, will it remove the heat?


3/2010
Heinrich (my nephew): No, No, don't tell mama, she'll spank me!!! di na tayo friends.
Aethan: Heinrich, I don't want to lie because I'm going to heaven!


3/25/2010
There was an earthquake this afternoon. When we felt the tremor, Aethan stood up and said, "Mommy, Let's pray." Riel said, "Mommy, I'll be the one to pray."
I praised God when I heard the words that Riel spoke. He said, "Lord, let there be no earthquake anymore but if it is your will for the earthquake not to stop, I pray that it will be your will for us to go to heaven now. Amen"

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That's from the mouth of babes! :-)

Questions Kids Ask

Written on May 2009
My kids ask a lot of questions and though not all parents like being bombarded with  them, Alvin and I do.  We delight in hearing our kids' thoughts and we really take time to answer each and every question they have.  And most of the time, one question would lead to another, and another, and another.

when Alvin and I attended a homeschool orientation, there was one statement that we will never forget. The speaker said that failure to address the questions is like starving our children and time would come when they would experience "lipas gutom".  They would lose their 'appetite' and this would lead them not to ask questions anymore simply because their hunger for knowledge was not met.  By answering their questions, (I'll borrow from a website), we are turning their 'Whys' into 'Wows'.

I tried to list several questions my kids asked in the past weeks. It was difficult for me to answer some (if not most) of them (LOL!) because I was never good in science.  Good thing, that's Alvin's forte. If he's not around, I would check google and research.  I won't stop until my answer satisfies their curiosity.  How do I know they are satisfied? They stop - for a time - giving me a breather of at least a few minutes or hours before they start asking a string of questions again.

Here are some of the questions that I was able to take down.

1.  Why are there no sides on a circle?
2.  Why are there no round TVs?  
3.  Mommy, Why cant I hold water on my hand?
4.  Mommy, why does water put off fire?
5.  Why cant you touch gas?
5.  Why do we have shadows?
7.  Mommy, can oysters swim?
8.  (One rainy day) Mommy, can Hawkman still fly if his wings get wet?
9.  (While helping mommy cook) Mommy, What makes the fire blue? and what makes it orange?
10. Why is the iron hot? Why do we need it to be hot for us to iron clothes?
11. What is a legend and what is a myth?
12. Why can we see ourselves in the mirror?
13. Daddy, Is it dark in outer space?
14. Dad, why do we float in outer space?
15. Mommy, how can I drive the space ship if I would float in outer space?
16. (while riding the MRT) Why don't we use steering wheels for trains?
17. Why are there bubbles on water?
18. Why are there bubbles when I rub my hands with soap?
19. Why are candies junk food? Why can't you just put milk in candies and make it healthy?
20. Mommy, why do girls pee sitting down?
21. why were the dinosaurs wiped out on earth? Why don't they exist today?
21. Are the dinosaurs good or bad?
22. What are the predators of the T-rex?
23. What is a pattern?
24. Why do people smoke if they know it is bad?
25. Why do people become old and die?
26. Why did Adam disobey?
27. Why can't Adam and Eve eat the fruit from the tree?
28. Why are light bulbs hot?
29. How can there be morning and night? why does it become dark at night?
30. Do animals go to heaven when they die?
31. Mommy, when Jesus fetches us and we will float on air, can a lightning hit me?


I don't only answer these questions for the purpose of satisfying Riel and Aethan's craving for knowledge but more so because I know that my answers will shape the way they view the world around them - most especially, their concept of God.  In Dt.6:7 it says that we should talk of God with our children 'when we sit in our house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down and when we rise' - practically every moment of the day - every time we get the opportunity.  Our kids need to appreciate the presence of God in everything they see.  They need to know that our God is the God of the universe and He is in control of everything.

This morning, while Riel is taking a bath, he said, "mommy...". (Hearing this, I braced myself for another series of questions) I answered, "Yes, baby?" He continued..."...Why does the water in the pail feel colder than the water coming out from the shower?"

From the Mouth of Babes Part 4

Here’s another round of quotable quotes from my kids.  Words from them that I would always want to remember. They make mommy and daddy laugh, they speak to our hearts, they fill our memory bank with tons of priceless treasures. From these words flow rivers of “senti” and fun times spent with each other. Every day with our kids is a time to fill our tanks and theirs, an opportunity to make memories. And with a whisper, we pray that someday Riel and Aethan will look back to a childhood full of joy… and borrowing from Pastor Peter - a glimpse of heaven on earth.

Esther 9:28
So these days were to be remembered and celebrated throughout every generation

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December 2008
Riel: Mommy can I sleep beside daddy tonight?
Mommy: Why do you want to sleep beside daddy?
Riel: I want to sleep beside someone with big tummy

12/22/08
Riel:  Mommy what are your toys when you were young?
Mommy:  Oh I only had a few barbie dolls, a toy telephone …
Riel: Maybe you didn’t pray when you were a baby mommy….

01/12/09
Aethan: Mommy, I think Jesus was crucified on a big, big cross because I heard from  my Sunday school that He is a big God.

1/19/09
Riel cannot sleep without his Ernie (of Sesame Street)- a hand-me down stuff toy from his Uncle Johlo. One night, he said:
Riel: MOmmy, can I bring my Ernie to heaven when I die?

Jan 2009
Aethan: Daddy, do you put shampoo on the hair on your armpit?

02/02/09
(Listening to Riel and Aethan talk about Riel’s poor eyesight…Riel is 5 years old and Aethan is 4 years old))
Aethan: Kuya, did you watch near the tv when you were a kid?
(talking as if they are not kids)

Feb 2009
(while taking a bath)
Riel: Mommy, you said we will grow taller if we sleep in the afternoon, right?
MOmmy: yes baby. why?
Riel: Didn’t you sleep when you were a baby, mommy?

Feb 23, 2009
Riel: Mommy, the commercial says “Zero Cavities for Filipinos”
Mommy: Yes …. why?
Riel: “I am a Filipino mommy but why do I have cavities?”

Feb. 25, 2009
Riel: Mommy, I think I’m going to ask a pilot to bring me to the U.S. so that I can discover more dinosaur fossils there.
Aethan: Kuya, I’ll bring you to the U.S. because, remember, I’m going to be a pilot!

Feb. 26, 2009
Mommy: Who was afraid of the big waves when we were on the beach?
Riel: Aethan!
Aethan: I’m Peter, mommy, remember?  (referring to the time that apostle Peter was afraid to walk on water)

March 12, 2009
Riel: Mommy, I want to have a kid!
Mommy: What? A kid?
Riel: Yes, mommy, a baby goat,remember?

March 15, 2009
Riel: Daddy, I want to be a soldier someday
Daddy: It’s not an easy job. When you are a solider, you will be assigned to different places.
Riel:  It’s okay daddy, I’ll put you in a safe place.

March 15, 2009
Riel went with daddy to the bank to withdraw money
Riel: Wow! Daddy, do we have a lot of money now? Can we go to the U.S. now?
Alvin: (Smiling) No baby, we need more money to go there.
Riel:  When I grow up daddy, I want a job and I will work so that we can have money to go the U.S.
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Just recently, Alvin and I made it a habit to tell our kids things we remember from our childhood. This is during the time we bond most - at night.  We replaced bedtime stories with “our stories”.  It’s amazing that when we started this, memories just came flooding in.  We saw the delight in our kids’ eyes as they listen.   From then on, Riel and Aethan would always ask us, “mommy, daddy, do you have more memories to share?”.  My kids are growing so fast… I would truly miss this time but I’m happy to have saved a lot of these moments in my heart, my treasure box.

From the Mouth of Babes Part 3

“Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior. So are children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them” (Psalm 127:3-5).

Alvin and I consider our children a reward from the Lord.   One of the greatest privilege the Lord has given us is to be — PARENTS!  It is sometimes tiring but in no way tedious. It is challenging and never dull. At times it is frustrating but not at all hopeless.  My quiver is full, and I am indeed blessed.
I constantly pray not just for wisdom in sharpening “my arrows”  but patience and perseverance to do it.  Taking care of 2 boys aged 4 and 5 can sometimes be backbreaking physically and emotionally but it is very rewarding.  I can echo what Mary felt in Luke 2:31, “…and His mother treasured all these things in her heart”.  Every moment I have with my boys is a treasured moment.  Surely, they are my heritage, my inheritance.

My prayer:
Dear Lord, Give us wisdom that we may raise our kids Your way.  We pray that our children will seek You and know You in a personal way and follow You all the days of their lives. In Jesus mighty name we pray. Amen.
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Sharing with you some moments that made Alvin and I smile and laugh.  Riel read it and he laughed because he vividly remembers them.  He said: “Mommy, can I read them again… and again … and again…”
FROM THE MOUTH OF BABES PART 3
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1st quarter, SY 2008-2009
I was teaching my 3 year old son, Aethan the different animals and their habitats.  He mistakenly called the kangaroo - “rabbit”.
So that he won’t forget, I told him, “Aethan, remember, ‘Roo’ in Winnie the Pooh?, They call him Roo because he is a kangaroo…
After a few days, we reviewed the same subject again, I asked him the same question.  I was glad when he said,
Aethan:  “mommy, this is like ‘Roo’ in Winnie the Pooh”
Mommy:  Very good Aethan, you remembered!
Aethan: Mommy, this is a “Roobit”
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September 2008
During one of our “family nightly rituals”  - aka story and tickle time - Alvin pretended to “collapse” and “went unconscious”.
Riel: (crying) - Daddy!
Aethan: Kuya, Daddy is still alive - see! (forcing alvin’s eye to open)
Riel: “Wait daddy!” (Riel poured water on his cup. With Alvin still lying flat on his back, Riel poured the water on Alvin’s open mouth saying “”Daddy, please get well soon…here Daddy, you need this water…a lot of water.”
Alvin: (almost choking from the Water) Baby, why did you pour the water on me?”
Riel: Remember Daddy? When we are sick, you keep on telling us to drink a lot of water so we will get well soon.
Aethan: You said that before, remember? See you’re OK now? That’s so fast! Very good Kuya!
Riel:  Thank you Lord for the water…and for healing our Daddy now. That was fast Lord! Thank you Lord…In Jesus Name, Amen.
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October 1, 2008 While in the Ocean park…
Riel: Mommy, where is the gun of the soldier fish?
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Oct 19, 2008 while dressing up
Aethan: Mommy, I want to be a good soldier when I grow up. I will catch all the bad men.  If I see people pulling down the shorts of other kids, I will arrest them.
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October 2008
Of my two boys, Aethan has more fears. One day, Aethan was crying and his kuya comforted him with these words: “Aethan, don’t be afraid, remember, Jesus is in your heart”.
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October 2008
I had a terrible backache that day and I told riel about it. He immediately closed his eyes and prayed, “Dear Lord, please heal my mommy’s backache, You are our great doctor! In Jesus name we pray, Amen.”
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November 2008
One morning, there was only 1 Koko crunch left in their snack box. Aethan said, “Kuya, will you sacrifice for me and give me your Koko crunch?”
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November 2008
Riel: “Mommy, why does my book say ‘Love your enemies?”
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November 2008
Riel: “Mommy, If the devil was an angel before, who gave him the name devil?”
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November 19, 2008
I told Riel that someday Jesus will fetch us on earth.  His eyes grew big with excitement when I said that someday Jesus will change our bodies and that we will “meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thess 5:17)… he said,”Mommy, I’m excited for Jesus to come fetch us. I’m ready to die!”
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November 20, 2008
Alvin and I bought Riel and Aethan a coloring book with short descriptions of the apostles and disciples of Jesus.  I told them about Stephen, how he died a martyr and how he saw Jesus when he gazed into heaven (acts 7:55) Riel said, “I know what Jesus told Stephen, mommy!”  Then He got his coloring book, opened it to where the drawing of Stephen was and wrote (spelled as is…) -  “Stephen, you are good, come wiht me to heven”
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November 26, 2008
Riel suddenly woke up from his afternoon nap and said, “mommy, when I grow up, aside from being a pilot and a doctor, I also want to be a garbage collector”.  I hugged him and asked, “why do want to be a garbage collector baby?”. Riel answered “so that when people throw garbage on the road, I can pick them up and put them in a trashcan.”
… such simple dreams from a kid who wants to make a difference in the world!
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November 2008

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Dec. 01, 2008
While watching Meet the Robinsons
Alvin:”Who wants to be a smart kid?”
Aethan: “I don’t want to be a smart kid.”
Alvin: “Why aethan?”
Aethan: “Because I want to be a pilot. A pilot should be an adult not a kid…”

Foundation Day CCA

 Written on October 3, 2008

         We were all looking forward to the foundation day celebration of CCA most especially when we learned that Riel and Leana were chosen to represent Kinder Daniel in the Little Mr. & Ms. CCA. Aside from that, all students were to participate in the mass demo and cheering competition. They devoted a whole week for practices.
          The night before the event, Typhoon Nina brought heavy rains. We had a lot of prayers that were answered with regards to this event that Susan (Leana’s mom) and I knew in our hearts that the Lord will give us a fair weather the next day. And indeed, the Lord granted each and every parents’ prayer not only for 1 day but for 2 days - throughout the duration of the event.
          We thank the Lord for these miracles.
1. A week before the event, someone volunteered to decorate the float that Riel and Leana are going to use for a minimal fee.
2. 2 days before the event, a co-worker from Susan’s school (where she works as a teacher) said he was willing to let us use his ‘owner’ for the float - FREE OF CHARGE!
3. We asked our dear friend Bombie if he can make a tarpaulin for us. Being Riel’s ninong, he said he can do it FOR FREE! praise God! We were able to get the tarp the night before the event.
4. The Lord’s guidance in making the tarp
5. We thank the Lord that more than these, he gave us new friends - Susan and Andy.
          Walvrood said that every “prayer of a believer are immediately heard by God. The tiniest whisper from a believer on earth is shouted at the courts of heaven. God hears us when we pray and our petitions reach him the moment they are formed in our hearts”.
          Though daddy was not there to witness the performance of our angels…he stayed in one street corner and waited patiently for our float to pass before he went to work. And Alvin shouted “Riel, Riel, Daddy’s here!’ at the top of his voice when our float approached the street where he was waiting.
          After the parade, we watched Aethan perform the ‘Mosquito dance’ with his classmates. Riel also participated in the mass demo and cheering competition.
          I was so proud of my ‘babies’ and it was a delight to see them participate in these activities and as I watch them, I can only mutter to myself, ‘Big na ang babies ko”.

From the Mouth of Babes Part 2

Written on June 29, 2008

One of the things I pray for is for Alvin and I to have the privilege to grow old with our kids - to see them graduate in college, to see them work, to meet their God’s best and to see them serving the Lord.

Someday, I want them to read my journal.  I want them to read the struggles and challenges we have encountered as a family.  I pray that they will treasure God’s faithfulness and lovingkindness to us.  I want them to remember all our thoughts and prayers for them when they were kids.  I want them to know how they brought so much happiness to our life.

I have listed below some of the “funny moments” we had.   Riel and Aethan never fail to make mommy and daddy laugh that sometimes, they make us wish that they will forever be kids…


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One morning, Riel and Aethan were fighting and arguing over their Batman toy.  I asked them to go out of the room and patch things up. When I went outside to peek, I saw riel punching Aethan lightly. And I asked him why…He said, “Look mommy, I’m punching things up.”

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Riel:  Mommy, why don’t I have hair on my armpit
Mommy:  Because you are not yet an adult, baby. When you are an adult you will have hair on your armpit
Riel:  Why don’t you have hair on your armpit mommy?

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Riel saw daddy removing mommy’s white hair.
Riel: Mommy, are you a grandma now?

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Alvin scolded Riel.  Riel said, “Daddy, I’m sorry, please forgive me. I will not do it again”.  Then he continued quoting a verse in the Bible, “Daddy, Don’t be angry, I give you good news of great joy that will be for all the people”.

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Aethan:  Mommy, why do girls wee-wee (pee) using their buttocks?

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041908
While  I was teaching Aethan, he said “Mommy, I am Murdock” (referring to the ‘Daredevil’, a blind superhero).
And I said, “Okay, Murdock, continue writing …”
Aethan close his eyes and wrote on the paper.
Mommy: “Aethan, open your eyes so that you can see what you are writing”
Aethan: “But mommy, remember, I’m blind…”

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May 2008
Riel: Happy Mother’s day Mommy! I have a gift for you!
Me:  What’s that?
Riel: ahhh…I’ll give it when we are at Jollibee…
Me:  Why, Do you have money to buy me something from Jollibee?
Riel: Mommy, can you buy me money so that I can buy something from Jollibee for you?

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June 2008 - On Father’s day
Riel: Daddy, I have a gift for you.
Daddy: What is it?
Riel: Secret … You’ll like it.
Daddy: Really? What is it, baby?
Riel: A toy, daddy!
Daddy: But I don’t play with toys now baby, I’m big now.
Riel: Daddy, I’ll give you a big toy!


Blessings!

From the Mouth of Babes

   Written on February 29, 2007

   The Bible says, "A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones".    This is very much true.   I am blessed to have a husband who has a good sense of humor.  My kids never fail to make me laugh, too and their laughter is music to my ears.
    I’ve written below some excerpts from my journal.  I wrote them so that I can recount them to my kids when they are older.  I never would want to forget them.  They will be kept in my journal and in my heart forever.   My babies will not be babies forever.  In time, maybe they will prefer the company of their friends more than my company.  That is why I preserve as much memory as I can … I try to freeze every moment, every hug, every kiss, every story, every laughter.
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RIEL: Mommy, Hopper is bad because he kicked Flik (talking about the characters in ‘A Bug’s Life’
MOMMY:  Yes. He is bad.  Don’t be like Flik Okay? No Kicking!
RIEL: But mommy, Why is Uncle Johlo Kicking the soccer ball?
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During our dentist appointment last May 5, 2007
Dentist:  I’m going to put some ‘pasta’ (fillings) on your teeth Riel
Riel:  Hmmmm!!!!  That’s Yummy!!!!
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While watching Elmo in Grouchland:
Riel: Mommy, what’s the name of that girl, the one with the long ‘pansit’ on her head like that (pointing to the girl with curly hair)
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During one of our pretend plays:
Riel:  Mommy, I’m a Rhino-receros
Mommy:   Riel, it’s RHINOCEROS
Riel:   Rhi-no-re-ce-ros
Mommy:   Repeat after me.  RHINOCEROS
Riel:  Mommy, I’m a donkey!
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Aethan:  Mommy, I’m a burglar! (my babies love to check the doors if they are locked before they sleep. They check for ‘burglars’ before they sleep when they are in their lola’s house)
Riel:   Aethan, all burglars are bad!
Aethan:  Daddy, I’m a good burglar!
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MOmmy:  I have a surprise for you
Aethan: Mommy, what’s the surprise
Mommy: Secret. (gives the surprise)
Aethan:  Mommy, Where’s my secret?
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Mommy:  Aethan, Please kill the ants. There are lots of ants near the door
Aethan: Okay Mommy, Where’s my baseball bat? (Proceeding to kill the ants using the baseball bat)
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While in the bathroom: Poo Poo time  (after watching a Dinosaur movie)
Aethan: Mommy, my poo-poo is hard!
Mommy:  Is it? Is it there now?
Aethan: Yes Mommy, it’s hatching!
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My babies love Dinosaurs! T-Rex, Triceratops,Troodon, Brontosaurus or Apatosaurus,  Euplocephalus, Spinosaurus, etc, name them, my babies know a lot of them by heart.  One afternoon, while Alvin and I were playing Scrabble, Aethan picked up the Thesaurus and asked:
Aethan: "Mommy, What is this?"
Mommy: "That’s a Thesaurus, baby."
Riel, who was playing in a corner of the living room overheard what I said and asked: "Mommy, Is that a Dinosaur, too?"

I Love You Mommy

Last week, as I was cleaning our room, Riel called me and said, "Mommy, close your eyes, I have a surprise for you …".  He led me to the computer and showed me what he typed.  The message read:     

            From Riel
            I love dad
            I love mom
            I love Aethan
            I love Jesus
            Jesus loves Riel, Daddy, Mommy, Aethan

        Riel was beaming with pride as he showed his message to me.  A few weeks ago, Riel also wrote me a note which says ‘ I love you mommy’.  I hugged him and I praised God for giving me such wonderful
and thoughtful kids.

        Yesterday morning, Riel and Aethan woke me up singing "Iingatan ka".  It was Riel’s graduation song and it talks about the love of a child to her mom. We explained the meaning of the song to our ‘babies’
(we still call them as our babies .. ) and from then on they have been singing the song to us.  Before they sang the song (to wake me up), Alvin heard them talking.  Riel said, "Aethan, mommy will be sad when we grow up because we may leave her, but when we grow up we wont leave her, okay?  We will wait for mommy and daddy, we will bring them to this place and that place …".

        Yesterday afternoon, as I was teaching Aethan to write.  There are times when I would lose my patience when he loses his focus.  Then he looked at me tenderly and said, "Mommy, Are you proud of me?". I felt as if someone poured cold water on my head.  I hugged him and told him that I am very proud of him, that not all kids can do what he does,  that I love him and forever will love him." He smiled and hugged me back.

        Sometimes, my zeal to teach and discipline my kids is out of place. I sometimes forget that  Aethan is only 3 and Riel is only 4. When I have my ‘temper outburst", I am reminded by what the Bible says, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.(Eph 6:4)". By being overzealous, I may not be sowing love but instead anger.  And I don’t want that to happen. I pray that the Lord will give me more and more P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E, more and more love.

        Loving our kids is simple but we sometimes make it complicated. Our kids feel loved not with the toys or money we give them but with the little things we do for them and with them.  I want to be a mom who will impact the lives of my kids as they grow.  I want them to see Jesus in the way I live.  I want them to feel God’s love in the love Alvin and I have for each other and for them.  But I cannot do it on my
own.  That is why I pray, "My Lord, change me everyday that I may be the wife and the mom that you would want me to be. Amen".

The Love of a Parent

Written on Sept. 2007

Being a mom is one of the greatest source of my joy. It is where I learn how to give unconditional love, expecting nothing in return.  It is where I really understood what Agape means; Why God gave His only Son for our salvation.  Feeling the pain of the parent seeing His Son blameless but crucified, I learned to appreciate God’s love more and more.

I try each day to communicate this love to my children -  hoping and praying that someday it will bear fruit. And as I spend more time with my kids, I can see clearly why Jesus said, "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (NIV Matt 18:3)