My boys and I went to check out Promil Preschool’s i-Shine at Singing last Monday. It was held at Center for Pop in Cubao, Quezon City. Our son thoroughly enjoyed himself during the i-Shine at Acting conducted by The Trumpets Playshop last month, so we thought we might as well check this one out.

At first, I was not too sure if the hubby will approve when he finds out that the i-Shine at Singing workshop will be held at Center for Pop. While I know for a fact that Center for Pop has quite a handful of products who have made names for themselves, we really are leaning towards the classical way of singing, where you just don’t open your mouth and try to produce a melodious sound without much consideration on its dynamics. We have learned for sometime now, even as we are essentially a singing family, that sing the wrong way and you are bound to hurt your throat one way or another. This is precisely why we trust the services of Teacher Pau (our son’s voice coach and Music teacher). She hails from my reputable Alma Mater, UST. She’s from Conservatory of Music. But that’s another blog post altogether.

Coach Weng instructs Jed to do some vocal exercise

We always knew that our son has a knack for singing. He has been humming tunes since he can barely talk and even up to now, he’d either sing or hum first thing in the morning. This is also how we know he’s already awake. This is also why we would love for him to nurture his gift in singing. He has always been in tune since he was an infant and now he is already able to do second voice on his own.  His Papa sure is thrilled to be driving as he listens to his son singing second voice to the one playing on radio. I can’t even, for the life of me, get myself to even listen to a second voice. Much less sing to one.

Cecile Tamura, Vice President for Parents of the Philippine Association of the Gifted, was also there to offer tips  for parents on how to nurture our children’s potentials. “Pre-school age is a good time to start teaching kids to sing, since at this age we can expect them to do things by themselves. This is a time to learn what they can do individually like brush their teeth without any help, count 1 to 10 at least and sing songs. Kids this age are active, they want to move and singing is one activity that involves physical actions.” she said.

The kids with Cecile Tamura of  Philippine Association of the Gifted, Coach Weng of Center for Pop

The children enjoyed themselves as they played and serenaded us with a Christmas carol.

with fellow blogger mommies Mauie, Pehpot and her sis.

Meanwhile, have you joined Marriage and Beyond’s 4th Anniversary Giveaway yet? You have exactly a week from now to join. The books package itself will provide priceless teachings and learnings. And then there are the three other prizes which are fab all by themselves.

* i-Shine at Singing by Promil Preschool and Center for Pop Album

This workshop reminds us, parents, to look after our children’s future by honing their potential now. Thanks again to Promil for the i-Shine at Singing Workshop.

It sure is going to be an eventful two weeks for our family. Aside from the LA Galaxy Football Clinic that our son is going to attend this coming Friday and the friendly game of The Philippine Azkals vs. LA Galaxy, we are flying to Hongkong for our 10th anniversary celebration!

For those who have joined Marriage and Beyond’s 4th Anniversary Giveaway, please expect the winners to be announced a week after the contest. You have until 11:59PM, December 8, 2011 to join.

Meanwhile, we’ve been told that there is a sudden dip of temperature in Hongkong.

Weather Forecast via Accuweather

Looks like my cashmere sweater won’t be enough to keep me warm.  Here’s hoping that we will still be able to enjoy our trip. We have a handful of places to go to. We’re hoping to visit Macau as well, while we’re there. Oh and did I mention, Jed is so looking forward to Disneyland. Our little guy made sure he’s got a few leaflets and brochure printing picked out during the recent Travel Mart event we went to. I tried to book with Disneyland Hotel last year. Unfortunately, they had no more slots available for our travel dates.  Oh well, we did get a good deal within Kowloon. So we should be good. Here’s looking forward to an awesome week with my boys!

]]> http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2011/12/01/coming-soon-celebration-week-at-hongkong/feed/ 0 http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2011/11/17/stage-mother-mode-on-our-little-guy-to-join-la-galaxys-football-clinic/ http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2011/11/17/stage-mother-mode-on-our-little-guy-to-join-la-galaxys-football-clinic/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 04:38:57 +0000 Jennie http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/?p=8005 As soon as the hubby got hold of tickets for LA Galaxy and Philippine Azkal’s Friendly Game set on December 3, 2011, we immediately inquired about the Football Clinic that LA Galaxy is holding  the day before.  After learning that only the first 150 children would be accommodated, there was practically no deliberation. It was [...]]]>

As soon as the hubby got hold of tickets for LA Galaxy and Philippine Azkal’s Friendly Game set on December 3, 2011, we immediately inquired about the Football Clinic that LA Galaxy is holding  the day before.  After learning that only the first 150 children would be accommodated, there was practically no deliberation. It was to be an experience of a lifetime. Yes, we are probably more excited than the little guy. Haha!  Registration cost is P14,000/head, which is inclusive of LA Galaxy equipment (jersey, shorts, snacks and a soccer bag).

Although the LA Galaxy Football Clinic might not sound very cheap, I think with what’s included in the package plus the two chaperones who are allowed totally justify the cost.  And it’s the LA Galaxy Football Club for crying out loud! It’s the cost we pay for being with the top team. How often do we get the chance to be with David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane anyway? Yes, we’re pretty stoked! We actually have a couple of wedding invitations and a Christmas party/reunion that we had to turn down for this.

Aside from the football clinic, we are also watching the Friendly Game live at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium on December 3, 2011. We actually bought two extra tickets for the match, which I think we are going to sell for the same price we got them for.  We We bought our tickets for the LA Galaxy vs. Philippine Azkals match via Ticketworld.

]]> http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2011/11/17/stage-mother-mode-on-our-little-guy-to-join-la-galaxys-football-clinic/feed/ 0 http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2011/11/08/jed-and-teds-raw-recording-of-the-way-you-look-tonight/ http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/2011/11/08/jed-and-teds-raw-recording-of-the-way-you-look-tonight/#comments Tue, 08 Nov 2011 04:29:01 +0000 Jennie http://www.marriageandbeyond.com/?p=7992 Our son is really enjoying the time he’s been spending with his Ninong Ted and Tita Rose lately. Aside from their regular “tea times,” they’ve also been busy recording music this last couple of weeks. I have already synced a few of them to my phone. Ted told me this is the first recording he [...]]]>

Our son is really enjoying the time he’s been spending with his Ninong Ted and Tita Rose lately. Aside from their regular “tea times,” they’ve also been busy recording music this last couple of weeks. I have already synced a few of them to my phone.

Ted told me this is the first recording he and Jed did. They sure had fun recording this and they both were plenty silly.

Click on the link to listen —> Jed and Ted The Way You Look Tonight

When I thought about retracing how My Nuffnang Story started, I’d easily see myself transported back to my early years of “working from home” through blogging. After installing the codes across all my blogs, I basically just left them there. It was not long when I received an offer I could not resist. I was tasked to do a couple of advertorials with rates that only my international clients could afford to pay back then. From then on, I was pretty convinced that Nuffnang is one legit entity. I have had seven decent payouts to date. Yay!

While the income that I receive from Nuffnang is something – it does not wholly comprise My Nuffnang Story. In fact, the income part really is NOTHING compared to how Nuffnang was instrumental to impacting my personal life.

Trixie of Nuffnang contacted me in August to write for Philstar Unblogged. I deliberated with myself quite a bit. With already too many shoes I need to fill in, I had my doubts but went right along anyway. With regular blogging, we bloggers basically get away with just about anything – typos that we easily overlook, for the most part. With a mom for a grammar nazi and certified OC at that, there was no other person more qualified to proofread for me. For reference, I have archived articles contributed to Philstar Unblogged by Marriage and Beyond.

At the bottom of one of Mama’s proofreading feedback she sent over email reads…

That was the note I almost missed.  Mama was proofreading my “Life in a Fishbowl” article. It was her response to my sentiments about my growing up feeling rejected. This is what vulnerability does to you when you blog.

I teared up a little lot. It is almost embarrassing to admit how a person can feel validated by one simple apology and affirmation. The reason is simple – it goes back to time immemorial. Backed by too many misunderstandings and personality differences, hurt and more hurts that piled up through the years. Plus all the dynamics common to a dysfunctional family. Which also brings about our resolve to be intentional in our parenting as we choose on a daily basis to be the family God has designed for us to be.

Nuffnang was instrumental to filling up that particular hole in my heart. It may not mean a lot to the majority who will come across this post. But it means the world to me. Parental affirmation that I was longing the whole time I was growing up, I was finally able to get a hold of now that I’m 35. Nothing is ever too late.

Yes, sounds melodramatic much. But there is no way I am to water down something so real to me. I bet my mom will be surprised even as she reads this. If it wasn’t for that writing gig I had to do for Philstar through Nuffnang that I had my mom proofread my articles for me, a part of me will probably still be wallowing at that tiny corner of my heart about being the least favorite daughter, living to die knowing that I was never good enough for my mom. That simple note made a world of difference in my life and I have Nuffnang to thank for. You were an avenue of my healing. Whether I win an invite to the Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards 2011 for this entry or not, I have always believed that it is right to give credit to whom it is due and my pondering along what My Nuffnang Story is brought me to this state of gratefulness. Thank you, Nuffnang!

Before our son turned two years old, Jeff was already set on having him enroll in Trumpets. I think they still had classes at Shangri-la Mall that time. Our leaning was always towards Trumpets as opposed to the more popular pop school because my husband wanted our son to learn about music and sing the correct way. Since it was already a given that our son is musically inclined from before he could utter a straight word, it was best that his inclinations be nurtured the correct way right from the start. I remember showing my husband a free workshop offered by a pop school and all I got was a frown. Teehee!

At 2 years old Jed can play the drums along his favorite Kids Praise songs and w/correct timing, at that.

As for Trumpets, we were not able to go beyond telephone inquiry and we decided to avail of the services of the very talented Teacher Pau of UST Conservatory of Music instead. It was very convenient that Teacher Pau does music lessons right at our home. But when my husband and I got an invite from Promil for its i-Shine at Acting Trumpets Playshop event, we just had to check it out. Another convenience of homeschooling is that we can call off our classes and go take advantage of things like this. The workshop was held at the STI Center of Arts in The Fort, Taguig.

Promil Pre-School and Trumpets Playshop and the Philippine Association for the Gifted, offered some tips for parents to help them hone their child’s potential at home. Cecile Tamura, Vice President for Parents of the Philippine Association of the Gifted, said that the pre-school age is the stage of development where kids begin to apply what they have learned in their earlier years, with emotional development beginning to partner with their cognitive development.

Trumpets conducted an intimate workshop for the kids who were present

“The child is becoming more and more curious. The character of the child and his interests will begin to emerge at this age. He inquires a lot and he starts developing passion for some things,” described Tamura. Irene Delarmente, Trumpets Playshop instructor, also finds the pre-school age a good time as she feels that this is the stage that children are at their most curious and imaginative.

“I personally think that if you plant the ‘creative seed’ in them this early and continually nurture their interest, enthusiasm and passion as they grow up… chances are that they end up as artistic individuals,” continued Delarmente. “Children are basically ‘sponges’ and if you give them the proper guidance and encouragement, any lesson that you introduce to them at this age will potentially become habit-forming.”

Representatives of Promil, Trumpets Playshop and Phil. Assoc. for the Gifted

She also said that introducing the art of performing to pre-school kids is beneficial in a big way because they will mainly learn about the values of being more confident, self-accepting and sociable. This will actually work for the long haul. Whether he actually becomes the scientist or robot maker he said he wants to be and maybe do Lodging Jobs on the side. As he also mentioned wanting to have a resort of his own someday.

As homeschoolers, I also find this the perfect “supplementary class” for my son. Although he does not exactly have a socialization issue. But this will help him nurture the said important values. We saw how he thoroughly enjoyed the workshop and told us that he can’t wait to enroll in Trumpets. We were told that another batch will start classes this November and we are hoping to hear from them soon.

Thanks to Promil Preschool for hosting an event that more than just have our kids enjoy such workshop but more importantly, remind us, parents, about our pivotal role in the development of our children’s talents.

If there is one thing we cannot ignore in our monthly roster of bills, it is the electricity bill — Meralco bill, for us who are based in Manila. Trying to ignore it is really not an option. Else you will find your family literally walk in the dark. I have mentioned in a few of my previous posts that I have a mom who is very prudent. I would like to think that this is one of  the few values I acquired from her through my growing years.

Meralco AppCal (Meralco Appliance Calculator)

I grew up being conscious of our Meralco bill/electricity consumption. Hence, it is a default for me to not just turn off but unplug appliances that are not in use. My 6 year old son is benefiting as well even as I see him doing the same. It was during an event by Meralco last week that I learned that the Meralco AppCal is now available for download via our gadgets - iPhone, Blackberry and Android. Talk about giving us zero excuse to not be informed when it comes to us being able to take control of our electricity consumption. Thank you, Meralco! My mom will really love this App! I will have to get her an Android unit though. Wait, did I mention that one of her routines during the day (aside from blogging and her soap operas) is checking the electric meters and jotting the readings on her notebook? It used to really annoy me. But then again, it’s the OC in her that we all can actually learn from. Maybe to help us become better stewards of things that are given us.  :-)

Aside from Meralco providing us this ingenious AppCal phone application, Meralco furthers their reach to their customers by their online presence. First, their improved website, which now has 2 sections: The Customers and The Company. The Customers provides the answers to customer concerns including electricity consumption, bill-related matters, and new account applications. While The Company is the section for corporate reports, business partnerships, stakeholder relations, and investor information. Aside from the website and the AppCal, Meralco customers can also interact through other Social Networking sites like Twitter (@meralco), Facebook and YouTube. How cool is that?

I especially find it convenient that I can Tweet and contact them via Facebook in the event that there is power outage.  Since everyone is basically connected through various social networking site through our mobiles, this actually can come in very handy.

Meralco is towards furthering their service. Here are a few that we can look forward to: Wider Power Distribution, Prepaid Electricity, Meralco Power Generation, the Automated Area Network, and Meralco-Powered Electric Vehicles. Check out meralco.com.ph and take a tour around the recently revamped, very user friendly and informative website.

When my husband and I decided on a whiff to celebrate his 36th birthday at The Boutique Bed & Breakfast in Tagaytay, we were talking about about our cancelled Boracay vacation. We were then in the hospital room where our son was confined for Dengue.

The Boutique B&B was the one place we have been meaning to check out. But for some reason we end up in another Bed & Breakfast in Tagaytay whenever we go swing by. Our son was discharged from the hospital late afternoon on my husband’s birthday. Because my man’s birthday is worth celebrating, I made arrangements as we waited for our clearance from the hospital. We also got our son’s doctor’s approval that it is safe for him to travel. We did realize that it was going to be night time when we arrive Tagaytay but decided to press on even if our B&B stay will not be maximized. This day of celebration was it!  We headed home, packed the bags real quick and drove straight to Tagaytay.

The lobby feels of a classic European design, with a quintessential chandelier and a couple of unique box couches.

From the receptionist when I called earlier that day to the staff who accommodated us upon walk in, to the chef who served us our dinner that night and later served us a cake to celebrate Jeff’s birthday, we were very pleased with how they all treated us through and through.

We were led to this quaint powder room as soon as we checked in where we got to choose the scents that we want from The Boutique’s very own “Pamper Me” collection. We chose the scents for our bath soaps, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and room scent. Being a scent person, this totally won me over. And we have not settled in our room just yet!

Our basket of scents

My boys chose Apricot soap and I, Lavender. Lavender for the room scent too, Milk & Honey for Shampoo and Conditioner and Aloe Vera lotion

When I called earlier that day I was told that the “i dream” room is not booked. But we chose the “i desire” room when we walked in because we were told that there is no booking scheduled the next day for this room. This means we can extend our stay an hour longer for free. Before we finalized our room of choice, we got to check out the respective spaces. The only difference of the “i dream” room and the “i desire” room is the wall color. Chocolate for the “i dream” and white for the “i desire” room.

It would have been a prettier picture if we checked in on a day time. But then again, this does not look so bad. It’s a lovely room minus the view of the scenic horizon, which by the way, sweetly greeted us good morning the next day.

A bed full of fluffy pillows. They actually have a Pillow Menu, which we did not bother with anymore. We were really happy with the ultra soft pillows which I believe are a mixture of goose down and memory pillows.

That little guy right there was just discharged from the hospital a few hours before because of Dengue. Aside from my husband’s birthday celebration, it was actually a thanksgiving celebration that the Dengue fever did not hit our son so bad. Platelet count did not dive below 200. The last 2 days of his hospital stay, he was all pumped up with energy with no sign of being half sick. God is good!

I particularly loved this corner. Perfect for just lounging with a book and cuddling with either of my boys!

Aside from the complimentary fruits, hot chocolate and churros, we were also welcomed with these for snacks.

It was really fun that we got to celebrate still despite the not so good things that unexpectedly came earlier that week. Just like what my framed crochet masterpiece that hangs on our bedroom wall says: “It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do. What matters is who you have beside you.”

iPod ready speakers and dock – the source has tv cables too. We immersed ourselves with my husband’s favorite new wave music most of the night. Love the surround sound of these Harman Kardon speakers.

You gotta love the see through shower. Again, because it was night when we checked in, so there really is not much to see. Come morning, you’ll see the splendid view of  the Taal lake and the horizon at the comfort of this room (pun intended).  A “Hook Me Up” shower curtain is provided to cover the lower half of the window.

Complimentary hot chocolate and freshly made churros at bedtime

Complimentary fruits: sweet mango, apple and orange

The Boutique serves the best Hawaiian Baby Back Ribs, hands down.

I especially love that the chef managed to send this in. I actually just threw in a hint that we were celebrating Jeff’s birthday. They did not just send us a teeny weeny cupcake, but a real good, freshly prepared chocolate cake. The birthday boy was able to make a wish and blow his 36th birthday candle.

Our breakfast came in with this note to reinforce the already romantic and lovely atmosphere the room is enveloped in.

The view from our room. I completely forgot to  use my camera’s Panorama iSweep feature. It would have been a better capture. The above photo was taken using my Blackberry.

My ready-for-breakfast boys!

The bed table was a big enough spread to accommodate all the breakfast goodies.

My continental breakfast of pancakes, bacon, eggs and cornflakes (not in the picture) with Dalandan Juice

Jeff’s Filipino Breakfast: Corned Bulalo and rice with Mango juice

Our son’s scrambled eggs and spam breakfast

The  boys ate half of their plates alfresco

We initially planned to have our dinner the night before some place else. We thought of roaming about Tagaytay a little before we call it a night. But our room was too inviting that we just found ourselves staying and ordering in instead. We also had a complimentary massage. Facial cold stone for me and foot massage for the hubby. I enjoyed it thoroughly that I forgot to take photos.

We were handed with this box of sweets upon check out. Save for the scratchy bath robe I wore and took off in no time the night before, we really loved our stay at The Boutique. The bath robe, for me, was forgivable because everything else was just perfect. Did I mention that our stay was perfect timing too. We got a discount at P5,500 (Approx. $131) for the i desire room, they have an ongoing Pre-Renovation Promo until September 30, 2011. Regular rate for this room is P6,119.09 (Sun to Thurs) and P8,046.26 (Fri-Sat). Check out their regular published rates on The Boutique B&B site.

Rate/Room Inclusions:

• Specially prepared (all day) breakfast served in bed – for two persons.
• Complimentary facial cold stone massage or foot massage good for 2 persons.
• Selections of body essentials from the home made “Pamper Me” line.
• Hot chocolate with freshly made goodies at bedtime.
• Selections of pillows (goose down, microfiber, etc.) from our pillow menu.
• King size beds with soft feather cover and white percale in 300 Thread Count lines.
• Free Wi-Fi
• Wall mounted LCD TV
• iPod ready speakers/docks
• Free use of DVDs from library
• Free use of Board Games from Entertainment Library
• Check in time at 2:00PM/ Check out time at 12:00 NN

The Boutique Bed & Breakfast

45 Aguinaldo Hi-way
Silang Crossing East
Tagaytay City, Cavite
Tel: (63+46) 413-1885, (63+927) 363-2660 , (63+46) 413-1798 & (63+46) 860-2716

As promised, I am giving a more detailed entry about Hi-Precision Diagnostics Laboratory‘s role in the early detection of our son’s bout with Dengue fever.  We first had our son take the Dengue NS1 test when he had fever last June.  It turned out to be viral.

Hi-Precision Diagnostics has a total of 14 branches. I still did not know before that they have a branch in Pasig, or if it was already open then. So our default was to their main branch in Del Monte Avenue, Quezon City.  Whenever I go to have my son’s blood tested, I always get asked if I had a doctor’s request. Both times, I don’t. I always choose to have the necessary laboratory result ready when we go to the doctor. That’s just me being prudent and practical.  It is for my own peace of mind as well. Even if the doctor won’t request for a laboratory test, with the Dengue fever incidents in the Philippines growing at such alarming rate, it really is better to be safe.

I was asked to fill out the Patient Registration Slip as soon as we got there.  During our first visit, I also had my son’s blood and Rh (Rhesus Factor) typing done, while he was already there for blood testing anyway. This earned him his Hi-Precision Diagnostics Patient Card.

The Hi-Precision Diagnostics Patient Card serves as his blood type card as well. My son’s blood type is printed on the covered portion of his card (above photo).  This card also serves as a discount card, 10% off on all laboratory tests.

As I mentioned in my previous Dengue post, I called the laboratory to schedule for a home service blood extraction. I could have been accommodated if I called a day earlier. Unfortunately, I called late in the afternoon, so their next day schedule was already filled up. So we went to the laboratory first thing the following morning. I already had a bad feeling about my son’s fever, given that it hardly responded to his paracetamol medication and the sponge baths that we gave him.

The medical technologists who do the extractions at Hi-Precision Diagnostics are really good. My son bravely announced that if it’s the same laboratory he was going to have his blood extraction done, then he’s okay. His basis was his first blood extraction with them which he said did not hurt at all.

The following are Hi-Precision Diagnostics Walk-In and Home Service Rates that I was able to inquire of. I did not ask for the home service rate for Blood & Rh Typing because I already had that done on our previous visit.  They also charge a home service fee of P450 for our place of residence. I think this depends on how far your place is from their laboratory.

NS1

Walk In  P 1,220                   Home Service       P 1,300

CBC & Platelet

Walk In        200                   Home Service               235

Blood & Rh Typing

Walk In        130

I think the price difference and the home service fee are reasonable, given that the patient will not have to travel to the laboratory and wait in line.  I’m thankful that we have access to such convenience despite our being third world country in so many counts.

I was given a piece of paper (above photo) with instructions on how to download the results online. They said to wait for the results to be available in four hours. I actually only had to wait for one and a half hours for the CBC Platelet result to be available. The Dengue NS1 came in around the fourth hour.

Hi-Precision Diagnostics played a substantial role in my son’s Dengue fever being detected early. When tests such as this is made available at our disposal, the number of deaths caused by this dreaded Dengue should go significantly low.

Hi-Precision Diagnostic Center, Inc. (Main Branch)
440 – 442 W. Long Building Del Monte Ave cor. Biak-Na-Bato, Bgy.Sienna, QC
Tel. No. 413-79-50
Fax No. 712-3471
Mobile: 0922-890-6664

Office hours: 6:00am to 6:00pm Mon to Sat
6:00am to 12:00nn Sundays

Website: www.hi-precision.com.ph

I flew back home yesterday from Davao practically groggy from lack of sleep. Spent time with my son while attempting to work on the side. He was blabbering about the many things he has been reading. But before that, we played “Hospital Story” on my phone for a while after our afternoon nap. I just had to sleep off the migraine that was kicking in.

When he just would not stop telling me about the solar system, facts about the moon, how a particular desert was once fertile enough that farmers toiled on it, I just thought I’d just stop trying to work altogether and give him my undivided attention. I thought of recording a video while he was deep in his thoughts.

It’s fun to see him enjoying all the books in his library at six years old! I can only remember loving to really read when I was in middle school. And he does not just read, he reads with comprehension and he started when he was four years old! Nurturing a love of reading in my son is one of the few things I am blessed to have been passionate about from the very start.

Last Sunday, Jeff preached about how God uses our friendships in our spiritual growth. It was yet again another insightful message he shared with us that day. He reiterated how people are wired for relationships and we should nurture our friendships by:

1. Helping each other grow.
Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love…”

2. Praying for each other’s growth.
Ephesians 3:14-19 “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

3. Admitting our own mistakes.
James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

4. Encouraging commitment.
Timothy 4:7b “Exercise yourself toward godliness.”

One of the more interesting things I learned that day was about a study made by UCLA. It was discovered that to be a healthy, fulfilled, satisfied adult; we all need 8-10 meaningful touches a day. For me, that’s a real lot! Coming from a family of origin where being demonstrative was not exactly a strength, I’d think I’ll be good with just five. This is in the same principle why some babies who are not caressed fail to thrive. (Failure to Thrive Syndrome)

In the middle of Jeff’s preaching, he had us, the congregation, rise and find someone we were not familiar with in the crowd. Introduce ourselves and hug! It was liberating to be able to do that. We were all smiling from ear to ear as we were done with the exercise.

The following days since he preached about it, Jeff made sure he intentionally gives me at least eight meaningful touches a day! Needless to say, I am one happy wife. Something I will surely look forward to from here on out. Of course, it is something I will initiate to give him as well. What’s so lovely about giving a hug is that it’s even lovelier when you take it back.

Today is our 9 years and 6 month celebration. Six months until we turn 10 years old. I can’t believe we’re turning a decade old! Where has time flown? For married couples, the monthly celebration is a good excuse to just get away from their usual schedule. We were like that during our first few years of marriage. But our drifting away from that practice does not mean that we love each other less. It’s just one of the phases of relationships that happens.

Like today, for instance. It totally slipped my mind once again that it’s the 8th of the month. I actually had a date today with my dear friend, Lelet. It was a lunch date followed by a time in the salon. I had a real fun time with her. I am grateful to be able to do these nowadays. Having a reliable remote secretary is indeed priceless.

As for my husband and me, I’ll have to admit that we don’t go out on exclusive dates all too often. Having an only child probably does that to you. We kind of feel bad whenever we have to leave him behind. He’s alone already as it is. This is why we make the most of those little errands, that we don’t tug the kid along, squeezing in some quality time to spend together. We used to wonder if we could go back to playing regular badminton or even get a couple of yakima bike racks and explore a brand new hobby for a change.

Time restrains us from doing these things. Ministry is eating up a lot of Jeff’s time. But he does try to make up whenever he can. Plus, homeschooling and Jed’s supplementary classes, although they don’t have rigid schedules, we still have to attend to nonetheless.  This is why the travels we do from time to time means a lot to us.  Which reminds me, I still haven’t blogged about our Davao and Bohol trips. I hope to do that real soon.

The backlogs that I have in publishing entries all across our sites can be overwhelming, so I’m choosing to get back to regular programming by posting an entry on Jed’s 6th birthday celebration in Surigao City that happened early this month. A lot has happened this month. We traveled with Jeff’s family to Davao early this month. Then roadtrip to Surigao City. Daily Vacation Bible School and 8th Anniversary of SBC-Makati as soon as we flew back from Davao and our most recent Bohol trip.  Whew! All that sandwiched in one whole month!

Our birthday celebrator and me as we waited for Jeff at Gateway Hotel in Surigao City. Jeff was totally hands on as the family prepared for Jed’s simple birthday celebration that happened at short notice.  He bought stuff for the loot bag, grocery shopped for the ingredients of the food and ordered the cake. Thanks to the rest of the family who were all game in helping with the preparations.

The tickets for both our Davao and Bohol Getaway were bought September last year via the 21st Philippine Travel Mart in Megatrade Hall.  Each ticket only cost us P270, round trip, all in. A steal, I know! Makes the 4 hours of waiting in line worth it. Save for the one hour delay on our schedule going to Davao, our AirPhil Express experience was fine. This is a first for us to fly Air Phil Express. The one hour delay was forgivable. I have heard quite a number of horrible experiences some blogger friends had with them. But I think they are shaping up, basing from our experience in both round trip flights.

Jed’s cake was a gift from Auntie Nene and Uncle Johnny, made by Rose Cake Specialties.  It was the first time I have seen most of Jeff’s relatives based in the province. They are one bunch of beautiful people! I hope that we will be able to travel and visit them more.

Papa Jeff buried in a handful of balloons while the rain poured. All for the love for his son!

If it was not drizzling, the weather was mostly overcast for most of our stay in Surigao City. Thus, we did not bother to head for the beach. It was supposedly a beach party for the little guy. But the weather was not so agreeable. The lovely house in Guyanoland which is owned by Jeff’s cousin, who is based in the States, was a lovely place to hold the party anyway.

The place getting prepped for Jed’s simple party. I remember overhearing Jed requesting for balloons for his party as he was conversing with one of his teachers in Sunday School. He said that he’s never had a balloon in his previous birthday celebrations. Awww… So that’s what we made sure he has on this “party.” Save for the photos, Jed clearly has no recollection of the birthday party he had when he was a year old.

Thanks to Auntie Tonette for her yummy Spaghetti and Pancit. They were bestsellers! I just had to add that I loved the orange flavored cake too!

Jeff’s sister, Sheryl, took care of the party games for the kids. The kids enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Especially the gifts that came with every game and the loot bags too.

Our little guy, Jed, with his second cousins.

Jeff did not waste the opportunity to share the gospel to his nephews and nieces. Another spontaneous thing we decided to do. This is where the iPad, yet again, became very handy.  Since Jed has a bunch of books in both Jeff’s iPad and my iPhone, we just chose which best fit the occasion.

Since we were pressed for time, Jeff chose Noah’s Ark by Story Chimes. It was also fitting because birthday = gifts. And the rainbow represented a symbolic gift from God to Noah and His family. We witnessed some of the kids praying to receiving Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.  Our hope is in the truth that God’s word will not come back void. May the seeds that were planted in the hearts of these children grow  roots and bear fruit in God’s time.

Family picture with relatives in Surigao.

Of course, it can’t be complete without Jed’s silly antics. After looking for utility knife for the cake cutting, we finally found one that will do the job. Happy 6th birthday, Jed love!  I will post next on his birthday celebration in Manila Ocean Park.

Rarely does a Facebook application catch my attention. Aside from the occasional games I tried for sometime (all of which I have totally abandoned to date), this I Star App has got me thinking. All of us, girls, are sure to be good at one thing or another. Most of which, we hardly know about each other. So I thought it was fun to just stop and think of something that we star at.

I star at being able to juggle homeschooling with the rest of my online and homemaking tasks. It’s a challenge that I thank God I was able to pull through. Although I have already hired an assistant before 2010 ended, I was practically helper free for all the 9 years I was married. This, for me, is something, especially so that I grew up with a house help (a nanny when I was younger) for most of my single days.

On the funnier side, I also star at making my big toes dance. My husband is pretty amazed about it. It’s something that I thought, all along growing up, that everybody else is capable of doing. Turns out it is a rare talent and I have it!

How about you, what do you star at? You can head on over the app and share where you star at as well. It’s fun! Shine on, Sister!

The iRig that the hubby ordered through Amazon arrived via Johnny Air last week. He has been on it every single night fiddling with its effects, settings and whatever other things I probably might never get myself to figure out. There are just so many buttons! He also downloaded different applications he will need as he goes about his brand new music recording hobby.

Here are few of the apps that he downloaded from iTunes: (got the list from the email from iTunes ). But I’m not really sure what he used for this particular music.

1. GarageBand, v1.0, Developer: iTunes S.a.r.l. (4+) $4.99
2. AmpliTube FREE for iPad, Complete Fender Bundle, Developer: IK Multimedia US, LLC $14.99
3. AmpliTube FREE for iPad, Flanger, Developer: IK Multimedia US, LLC $2.99
4. AmpliTube FREE for iPad, Chorus, Developer: IK Multimedia US, LLC $2.99
5. AmpliTube FREE for iPad, Wah, Developer: IK Multimedia US, LLC $2.99
6. AmpliTube FREE for iPad, Clean Amp, Developer: IK Multimedia US, LLC $4.99

As soon as we got back from the the dentist’s office this morning, the hubby sat down and recorded the different instruments for the music. The song he chose to record was Hillsong Australia’s “Here in My Life.” When he was done recording all the instruments, he had me google the lyrics and got me to sing the song. If you have been following me on Twitter or Facebook, you’ll know that I have all but 7 stitches right around the site of the odontectomy procedure I underwent last Monday. I can already talk but cannot yet open my mouth wide. Laughing hurts and my left jaw is still bulging. I have been pretty much in Oatmeal Diet since the surgery. So please bear with me as I sang the song with but a barely opened mouth. It’s the hubby’s first raw recording using just his iPad, with the dynamics of the iRig and all those apps installed in it. The iPad is one nifty tool. My son and I use it in our homeschool classes, Jed has tons of books in it and the hubby is able to record music through it.

Without further ado, here is the hubby’s rendition of Hillsong Australia’s “Here in My Life.” It was an honor to be chosen to do its vocals despite my current handicap. As much as Jeff wants to do this post himself, he is now busy recording a song he composed. In his words, “Enough with covering songs. It’s time to do originals.”

Here In My Life via Garage Band <== (click the link to listen)

I have never walked on water
felt the waves beneath my feet but
at Your word Lord, I’ll receive Your
faith to walk on oceans deep

and I remember how You found me
in the very same place
all my failings surely would have drowned me
still You made a way

You are my freedom
Jesus, You’re the reason
I’m kneeling again at Your throne
where would I be without You here in my life
here in my life

You have said that all the heavens
sing for joy at one who finds the
way to freedom, truth of Jesus
bought from death into His life

and I remember how You saw me
through the eyes of Your grace
and though the cost was Your beloved for me
still You made a way

“Here in My Life” is a timely message as we remember God’s sacrifice on the cross for our sins. We also had an intimate Lord’s Supper celebration at home with my brother in law, Ted and two of our youth leaders who are sleeping over tonight. This is how we spent our Maundy/Holy Thursday.

Forgive my lack of posts. Our family has been busy with the little guy’s graduation from ABC’s with Ace and Christi. We have been rehearsing since last week and the week before that was his Karate promotion for Yellow Belt. Whoever said that a homeschooler’s life can be boring couldn’t be more wrong.

Thank God for my reliable VA a.k.a. remote secretary, who is able to deliver jobs that I otherwise had to bury my head in. The below video is my son with fellow karate students during his Shotokan Karate promotion to yellow belt. Forgive the amateurish video. I had to squeeze myself in the crowd. Then I had to pass the camera to the hubby just so I can take photos via the dslr. Yes, I know, it’s one of our many stage parents moments.

We’re thrilled to be enjoying these milestones as our son levels up in both academic and his non-curricular lessons.  Now that we’re back to regular programming, we no longer have to travel several miles for graduation rehearsals, we’ve done a few celebrations – feasted, watched Jed’s favorite “Sound of Music” complete with our makeshift-can-do-for now home theater speakers, sang along and just spent time with each other. We’ll be off to visit Jed’s grandfather in Davao with my husband’s relatives next month, so that’s yet another celebration.

Scrapbooking is one of the things I have always wanted to get my hands on but never really had the chance to get around to doing. That is, until last weekend when All About Scrapbooking and Hallmark got us to our feet and challenged us to get in our artsy-craftsy mode.

The closest I got to scrapbooking was when I got some photos printed in books via Arts Cow and my wedding album recovery attempt.

All the stuff we needed for scrapbooking were provided for us during the Scrapbooking workshop. We were told to bring photos that we could use for our “projects.” So I brought with me the photos I got printed last year to replace the ones that we lost to Ondoy.

Although we were told before hand to think of a theme that we could work our project around, I really had no idea. Browsing through my photos got me to one theme, our son. A child in the family, or children, for that matter can easily be the default for a mom like me. But I figured since I have already a digiscrapped book printed with my son in it, I’d have this particular project on me and my husband, Jeff.

Bloggers getting busy with respective scrapbook projects.

Admittedly, I hardly am the most creative person I know. While I love all things beautiful, I haven’t really gotten my hands on into advanced craftivity (if there’s even such a word) like Scrapbooking. Although, my being a homeschooling mom forces me into doing simple crafts, I haven’t really put considerable time on something this grand to consider myself half adequate.

But what do you know? I made it! We were given all the necessary stuff we need. The pattern for the butterfly flaps of the book, the instruction, embellishments and everything else.

A peek inside my project. I wasn’t able to put captions with the photos yet.

While my project leaves a lot to be desired, my painstakingly working on it to be perfect, browsing through the photos, just soaking on the love I have for this person I am doing this for, I realized what the entire essence of scrapbooking after all is to dedicate time to the object of who you are doing the project for as you document memories through this art of scrapbooking.  Because, clearly, Scrapbooking isn’t something you can work in an instant. I was so giddy when I was done with my project that I was so thrilled to see the hubby that night and show him my surprise. It has been a while since I last did something special for him. We used to be lovey dovey in this artsy kind of way when we were still dating. But whoever said that it all has to stop in marriage?

This was our other project for that day – a pop up scrapbook photo holder. Looks complicated, eh? But the not so artsy me was able to pull it through. I made it myself! Of course, through the step by step instruction of the beautiful people of All About Scrapbooking and Hallmark, who I wish to thank for stirring in me a love for Scrapbooking.

The Scrapbooking Bloggers with our works of art.

Meanwhile, fresh from its successful launch in Glorietta 5, Scrapaholics’ World is back and ready to raise some serious scrapbooking fun in the east! Catch all the action on APRIL 3, 2011 at the Robinsons Metro East Activity Center and earn your place in scrapbooking history.

Kindly “Like” my entry on All About Scrapbooking on Facebook and check out the latest on Scrapbooking events and promos on their page.

With over a hundred applications installed on my iPhone and the hubby’s iPad, one of the more interesting ones that I have recently discovered is the KinKast iPhone Video Sharing Application. For one, I have never found any other video application that processes just as fast. Second and more importantly is the option of privately sharing the videos.

There are YouTube and Facebook video sharing options all right. But all of them are all out in the open, unlike KinKast. Parents like us take videos of our child every so often. Those who have been regular followers of my blogs, inluding ChristianHomeschooler.info know that for a fact. We can’t miss out on all those milestones, right?

Here are some of the details about KinKast:
• Record and forget (your videos upload automatically in the background)
• Easily share with friends (they receive a private viewing link with no login required)
• No size or length limits (even on free accounts)
• You can upload videos from other cameras to KinKast.com
• All of your videos are safely backed-up on KinKast servers
• Works on iPhone 3GS and 4G and iPod Touch 4G

KinKast App is by far the easiest way to privately share video clips. Record a moment and share it in two taps! Yes, it’s that fast.

· No waiting (video uploads in the background)
· Privately share with friends (they receive a link with no login required)
· Safely back-up your memories on KinKast servers
· Can also post to Facebook

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

One of the many things I have learned by being a hands on mom of almost 6 years now is the importance of showing my son I value him by allowing him to usher me in his world of play. It is often easy to see a kids ongoings as petty and all. But I find that it means a lot to him that I indulge him as he creates robots and out of this world creatures out of lego pieces.

Jed calls this his tunnel tree.

With a lot of things in my head as being the lone person to take care of the house (and everything else), you can just imagine how easy it is for me to get distracted and do something in between the conversations of one robot to the other.

It is also during these time when I get amazed at how creative a child can be. His creations of medical computer carts out of his toy pieces. I also noticed that he loves tying his toys together and just pretend them to be trains as he claims to be the train engineer. How he would rather create things from scratch.

These things, for the most part, are all but petty stuff for us adults and just don’t have the time for in our regular day. But it is about knowing more of your child than just being this energizer kiddo running around the house all the time. The skill of giving your child’s interests your undivided attention is an acquired one that we parents can get around to doing. It is telling your child that you have time for him and you are interested in his world. Five years and counting, I still consider myself a work in progress.

At what age should kids start to have mobile phones of their own? Not that this is a dilemma for our family now. But given that our son now habitually sends SMS to his papa everyday he is out as they send each other sweet nothings, I know that it is just a matter of time that this little guy would want to have his very own cell phone.

I personally used to frown upon very young children with cell phones. But I figured parents have legitimate reasons for allowing their children to lug around with mobile phones.  In the event that they will have to leave them somewhere and needs to have an instant form of communication with their children.

This thought brought me right back to one of On Becoming Babywise’s Principle, which is “Freedom Comes with Responsibility.” Nothing can be more practical than that. With that incorporated in our parenting style, I think we will not hand our son a mobile phone unless he learns to be responsible with things, which he is, to some degree already are. We really cannot hand him a phone he could keep before he is able to conceptualize the value of things. Simply put, if he constantly misplaces his regular things, giving him a piece of technology, no matter how basic, will just not make sense at all.

Having said that, being confident that our son has learned has to pack away his stuff before he turned one, does that give us the confidence to give him a phone now that he’s five? I really don’t think so. First, he is rarely out of my sight. If I leave the house, he is with my folks, who I can call anytime I need to. So there really is no need yet. If at all, I might have to hand him a phone when he goes to regular school. But even then, I don’t believe I should give him a smart phone. We are going to have to stick to the mobile’s purpose. But that will be far down the road. This is also aside from the fact that experts warn against children’s use of mobile phones for potential health risks.

All that said, more than the age, the child’s maturity level, the purpose (child’s safety and ease the concerns of the parents) and the child’s responsibility should all be factored in when it comes to allowing children to lug around with their own mobile phones.