NIKKI ICE SKATES

Last Monday, the boys and I went to the mall together with my sister and brother. My sister wanted to buy some things there and we decided to tag-along to escape the summer heat and at the same time, have a bit of fun. Anyway, while we were there we passed by the skating rink and I thought that maybe it would be nice for Nikki to try it. (I decided against letting Ethan try it because I was not in the mood to chase him around the ice just in case he gets away from me. Besides, I had to video Nikki as well.) I asked Nikki if it was all right and he said yes. So, we inquired at the booth. I wanted Nikki to have a coach with him for his first time but I didn’t want to wait for a long time in case there was a queue. Fortunately, there were only a few skaters there so we paid the fees and Nikki geared up. He looked so cute with his yellow helmet. And he was so excited. Ethan was getting all excited too but I told him that Nikki was going alone and he could have his turn next time. We waited for a few minutes until a coach became available. Nikki’s introductory lesson was for 30 minutes. I figured that would be sufficient for a first-timer like Nikki. This way it won’t take too long in case Nikki gets tired. Anyway, the coach assigned to Nikki was nice and very patient. When Nikki refused to let go of him almost the entire time during their session, he did not mind. I just took photos and videos the entire time while cheering Nikki from the side. After fifteen minutes on the ice, they both came out of the rink. The coach informed me that Nikki had good balance but he was just too nervous about falling. He also told me that while they were on the rink and he let go of Nikki for a little while, my little boy told him, “I need somebody! Please don’t leave me!” Of course, he reassured the anxious Nikki that he would not let him fall. Anyway, Nikki thought that he was done but I told him to try again. Besides, we paid for a 30-minute lesson! So he gamely went out into the ice again with his coach and this time he was a bit more confident. When his lesson was over, he was all smiles and I was glad that he enjoyed the experience. The coach advised me that next time Nikki skates, it would be best for him to have a familiar companion who could skate along with him on the ice; one who was not afraid of falling or skating. So, I thought that perhaps next time, Ethan could have a go at it as well. This boy is never scared of falling, that’s for sure.

Come evening, we told Ruther about Nikki’s first skating experience. He was happy that Nikki had fun. Me, I’m just glad that Nikki had the experience. We still don’t know when another opportunity will come when we could pass by the mall again to ice skate but if we do happen to make it there, we’ll surely add it to our itinerary.

LITTLE ARTIST

Ethan and his favorite thing to do. =D

"GROWN UP" GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH

from foodnetwork.com

1 loaf Italian bread such as ciabatta
1 pound Teleme or Brie cheese
1 pound sliced smoked ham (applewood if available)
Butter
3 to 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 cup roasted red peppers

Cut loaf of bread in half lengthwise. Top the bottom bread slice with the Teleme cheese, then the smoked ham, distributing it evenly. Place top of bread on sandwich and brush with butter.
Heat a sandwich grill until hot. Set sandwich, butter side down in grill. Butter top side of bread. Place a heavy pan on top of entire sandwich to evenly distribute weight and cook until nicely browned and the cheese is melted, turning once, 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
Transfer the sandwich to a work surface and remove the top slice of bread. Spread the underside of the bread with mustard, and add roasted peppers, if desired.
Replace the top slice of bread, cut the sandwiches into slices, and serve immediately.

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN (DAY OF VALOR)

Every year on April 9, the captured soldiers are honored on Araw ng Kagitingan ("Day of Valor"), also known as the "Bataan Day", which is a national holiday in the Philippines.

On April 9, 1942, 12,000 American soldiers surrendered to the Japanese at the tip of the Bataan Peninsula, which juts into Manila Bay in the Philippines. For nearly five months, the troops had fought ferociously against overwhelming odds until they ran out of food, medical supplies and ammunition. As prisoners of war (POWs), they and thousands of Filipinos were taken to a camp run by the Japanese army. This grueling series of marches are now known as the Bataan Death March. The 60th anniversary of this tragic event will be commemorated during PBS' 2002 National Memorial Day Concert. Following are some compelling - facts about the March:

During World War II, there were approximately 78,000 Allied soldiers stationed in Bataan including 12,000 Americans and 66,000 Filipinos. The poorly trained Filipinos, most of whom had never fired a weapon, were thrown into frontline combat against highly trained Japanese troops. Americans from non-combatant outfits, such as air corpsmen, and in some instances even civilians, were also formed into provisional infantry units.

Following the surrender, the Japanese army assembled the captive Fil-American soldiers in the various sectors in Bataan, but mainly at Mariveles, the southernmost tip of the Peninsula. Although American trucks were available to transport the prisoners, the Japanese decided to march the soldiers to their destination.

The Death March was really a series of marches, which lasted from five to nine days. The distance a captive had to march was determined by the point at which he started on the trail. The full route was 55 miles long from Mariveles, Bataan, to San Fernando, Pampanga. At San Fernando, the prisoners were placed into cargo trains and transported to Capas, Tarlac, a distance of around 24 miles. They were then marched another six miles to their final destination, Camp O'Donnell.

It is estimated that about 24,000 men died during the March as the tired, sick and starving troops were repeatedly beaten and denied food and water. Many of the soldiers lost their lives to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Those who tried to stop for water or to accept food from the local people were also killed.

Approximately 1,600 Americans died in the first 40 days in Camp O'Donnell. Almost 20,000 Filipinos also lost their lives in their first four months of captivity in the same camp. O'Donnell did not have the sanitation sub-structure or water supply necessary to hold so many men and there was little medicine available to treat the dysentery and beriberi that was common among the POWs. An inadequate diet also contributed to the high death rate.

On June 6, 1942, the Japanese transferred all Americans to Cabanatuan, north of Camp O'Donnell, leaving behind 500 as caretakers and for funeral details. They in turn were sent to Cabanatuan on July 5, 1942. The Filipino prisoners were paroled, beginning in July 1942.

Cabanatuan, for most prisoners, ended up being a temporary POW camp. The Japanese had a policy - in direct violation of the Geneva Convention - that prisoners were to be used as a source of labor. Most were sent to various other camps in the Philippines, China, Japan and Korea, where they were used as slave labor. Some worked in mines, others in farms and factories, while yet more unloaded ships in port areas, for the remainder of the war.

Most Americans did not find out about the atrocities that took place in Bataan until January 28, 1944, when the U.S. government released a joint report from the Army and Navy. This was compiled from the sworn statements of officers who survived the March and POW camps.

Bataan Day is a national holiday in the Philippines when large groups of its citizens solemnly re-walk parts of the death route and pay homage to the victims of the March. The battleground of Bataan is now a national shrine. In the U.S., the Bataan Memorial Death March takes place each year at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. More than 3,000 marchers from across the U.S. and from overseas tackle a 26.2-mile route through high desert terrain in honor of those who served.

H-O-T!

Last night was one of the hottest nights this summer. Even the boys were restless in sleep. Ethan kept on changing positions. I know because I'm a light sleeper and he would move from my side to Nikki's side and then after a while, he would transfer to my side again. I had to turn on the AC in the middle of the night just so we could all have a comfy sleep. It was that warm. It's a good thing our AC has a timer or it would have been on the whole night (and then imagine what our electricity bill would be like!). Anyway, I hope that tonight would not be as warm. And I hope that we would have less nights like this this summer!

.....

Because of all this hot weather, I'm now considering having my hair cut - SHORT. Really. I mean, if my constant hairstyle this summer is a ponytail or a bun, then I might as well have a bit of length snipped from my tresses. Anyway, I'm still thinking about it though. But if this weather doesn't let up then I'm off to the salon! (Dyu hear that, weather?)

.....

Last Monday, my sis, bro, the boys and I went to the mall. I wore my Levi's jeans and guess what? It fitted me really nicely! When Ruther bought that for me (hey, I'm a stay-at-home mom, okay, so I need my husband to buy me stuff =D) it was a bit tight around my tummy (you know, the part that expands when you're pregnant?). But last Monday, it wasn't tight at all! Yay! It was like a small victory and I feel really great that at least I'm losing some weight these days. I think it's because of the weather. You could perspire buckets in this heat. But then again, I don't care! I lost some weight! Hahaha!

Okay, I'm being silly but still, I'm happy! =D

IN THE POOL

Having loads of fun in the pool! When I told Nikki I was going to join them, he promptly said, "But Mommy, you can't come in! You're too big!" Ouch.

=p

ASIAN BEEF WITH SNOW PEAS

from family.go.com

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice wine
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 pound beef round steak, cut into thin strips
8 ounces snow peas

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine, brown sugar and cornstarch. Set aside.
Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium high heat. Stir-fry ginger and garlic for 30 seconds. Add the steak and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until evenly browned. Add the snow peas and stir-fry for an additional 3 minutes. Add the soy sauce mixture, bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Lower heat and simmer until the sauce is thick and smooth. Serve immediately.

4 servings

IT'S NOT EASY

I must admit, it's not easy homeschooling 2 boys with totally different personalities. I thought in the beginning that it was going to be quite easy because well, all we had to rely on were workbooks and textbooks but boy, was I ever more wrong. Homeschooling, as I later found out, is more than just books and academics. It's building character, making my boys enjoy learning and teaching them values. It's spending quality time with family and discovering new things and places together. It's appreciating the things around them, be it as simple as a leaf or as wondrous as a rainbow. What I thought at first was a nut, is in fact a huge tree! And then, just when I thought I had the hang of homeschooling, God drops onto my lap this really unique person (in the form of Ethan of course) that just literally wrecked my whole homeschooling plan.

Of course there are days when I ask myself, "What the heck am I thinking?" Of course there are times when I wonder "Will I be able to do this?" I get worried that we're doing too little. Then I get worried that we're doing too much. I get worried that Nikki might not be learning enough Math, or I get worried that Ethan will never be interested in worksheets. I get worried that the boys will one day question this choice I've made for them just as I've questioned some of my parents' decisions in the past. Yes, homeschooling is not all roses and yes there are days when I just want to spend one day not worrying about something.

But then, when Nikki comes to me all excited about a new song he played on his toy piano, or when Ethan shrieks in happiness about a bug he found, my spirits lift. When my boys learn from the other without any help from me whatsoever, my heart swells. When Nikki takes care of his brother and when Ethan listens (but rarely though) to his Kuya and obeys, I feel proud. When we walk to the park and we talk about the sky, the cloud formations, the fruit trees and the farm animals, I get inspired. And then I want to continue on this journey. I want to spend as much time as I can with my boys but at the same time, I want them to discover who they are without pressures and without labels. A recent news story about 3rd graders who wanted to hurt their teacher alarmed me somewhat. Although that happened many continents away, I realize how impressionable, vulnerable andmisguided some kids are these days (I said "some" okay?). I want my boys to have strong values so that when they go out into the world on their own, I am confident that they will not easily be swayed by the wrong things.

It's not easy being a 24/7 mom, but it's harder being a teacher to 2 totally different homeschoolers. But if the fruits of my labor are going to be all good, then by golly, I'm going to climb that tree until I reach the top.

SAY AAAHHH!

Took this photo in Baguio. Wish I could do something like this as well. Or perhaps something less creepy.

=D

FORGOT SOMETHING

April Fool's has come and gone and I forgot to mention something and why April 1 will always be remembered by Ruther and me.

Seven years ago, when Ruther and I were newly married, I found out that I was pregnant on this day. Yup, April 1, 2001 was the day when the strip revealed 2 lines and I discovered that I was going to have Nikki. Ruther was in Saudi at this time so I emailed him the news. I didn't realize that it was April 1 because I was all excited. He, of course, thought I was joking. I told him no and he got it. He knew he was going to be a dad! He was really happy and even wished that I was carrying twins (uh, okay, he's lucky I'm the one carrying the baby for 9 months). Anyway, shortly after that, he gave me a sweet card and a CD recording telling me about his excitement and recorded some songs that were special for both of us.

So yeah, April 1 may be a day of fools for some (which I think will include Ruther and my boys in the future) but for me, it will always be something special. =D

MAC AND CHEESE

from cookinglight.com

Stove-Top Macaroni and Cheese with Roasted Tomatoes

3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
Cooking spray
1/4 teaspoon black pepper object
3 ounces sourdough bread, torn into pieces
1 teaspoon butter, melted
12 ounces large elbow macaroni
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded extrasharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup egg substitute
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated low-fat milk

Preheat oven to 375°.
Place tomatoes in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with black pepper. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until browned, stirring occasionally.
While tomatoes cook, place bread in a food processor; pulse 2 times or until crumbly. Toss crumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the crumbs on a baking sheet, and bake at 375° for 12 minutes or until golden, stirring frequently.
Cook macaroni in boiling water 7 minutes; drain. Return macaroni to pan; place over medium-low heat. Add cheese and remaining ingredients; cook 4 minutes or until cheese melts, stirring constantly. Stir in tomatoes. Sprinkle each serving with about 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs.

8 servings

THE FAN

Just when I thought things weren't going to get any hotter our electric fan suddenly just decided to die on us. Well, it didn't just die, it let out some smoke first and then it died. Yeah, it had to stink up the room first before being discarded. Uh, okay. You choose to die now, when it's summer?? Thanks a lot, fan.

Anyway, we can't not buy another electric fan because as it is, the house is already having some fan shortages and it's just so darn H-O-T. The living room downstairs does not have a fan and I guess that's only because we don't usually have parties and visitors these days. Also, we can't very well just rely on the AC to keep us cool so yeah, I NEED to buy another fan. And we did that today.

I decided to bring the boys along so they could have some fun at the mall. Anyway, we picked a fan that was not too big, not too colorful, not too weak and definitely not a desk fan. Nikki helped me choose. He was the wind gauge-r. He would tell me, "this fan is not strong, mommy" or "I like this fan, it's really fast". I guess he knows his stuff. So we ended up with a nice, black, really fast stand fan which I hope will last years and years. Anyway, after we got the fan, we bought some other things like juice and chips and chocolates (can't forget that!) and then we had some snacks after that and then I paid the bills and then we went home.

I quickly assembled the fan in no time. I think one of the plusses in having your husband away all the time is that you learn to be a handyman on your own (just don't let me do the plumbing - anything but that!). So yeah, I guess I could assemble a fan with my eyes shut. I don't even have to look at the instructions! Nikki was really happy with the fan. He immediately told me, "Steady the fan here, Mommy" as he was lying on the bed. You could tell who the fan fan is. =D

RAMIELE IS OUT

I just read that Ramiele Malubay, an Americal Idol finalist, was eliminated. That's just sad. And it's not just because she's a Filipina. I know she has got a lot of talent in that small frame of hers. Maybe it's just not her time right now. But I know that other doors will open for her in the future. She really made us proud and hopefully, she will continue to follow her dreams.

Well, since Ramiele is out, I guess that leaves me with my favorite Carly then. I think this woman is a born singer and performer. She really just adds so much soul and heart into her singing that I really can't wait for her first album. I would really love to hear it. So go go go Carly! Good luck! =D

CLICK!

Here's Ethan with his toy camera. When he realized that I was going to take his photo, he got his own camera and tried to take MY photo. =D

HERO SANDWICH

from recipezaar.com

1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 dash garlic powder
4 drops Tabasco sauce
1 sesame baguette, split
1 lb assorted deli turkey or deli roast beef or deli ham
sliced swiss cheese
softened butter
1 tablespoon honey dijon mustard
lettuce leaves
thinly-sliced pickles
sliced pimento stuffed olives
sliced tomatoes

Combine mayonnaise, vinegar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and Tabasco.
Butter baguette- this acts as a seal to prevent the sandwich from getting soggy, and it tastes good too.
Spread with mustard.
Layer deli meats, cheese, lettuce, pickles, olives and tomatoes.
Season tomatoes lightly with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Spread mayonnaise over.
Cut baguette into 6 sandwiches, on the diagonal.

COOLING OFF

It's been so warm these past few days so I decided to fill the boys' pool with water so they could have fun and cool off at the same time. They really enjoyed splashing and playing with their toys in their birthday suits and in the shade of the garage. I wouldn't want them to get any more darker. While taking their photos, I teased Nikki that I was going into the pool to join them and he told me, "But Mommy, you're too big for the pool!" Ouch. Anyway, after they got tired, I covered their pool with a shower curtain to prevent mosquitoes from breeding there. They played in it again yesterday (twice) so now the water has to be replaced. But instead of just throwing it away, I'm planning to use it for watering the plants. Gotta do my part in saving earth's resources, right? =D

.....

I dreamed about Ruther last night. I dreamed that he came home unexpectedly from Japan and surprised me!! Wow. That was really a nice dream. Now, if only that could really happen...

.....

We're having overcast skies today! Woohoo! Anything that could block out the sun for a few hours is great because that means, we're not going to have another sizzling afternoon. I went to the bank yesterday while the boys were asleep and whew! it felt like my skin was burning. I suppose everytime I go out now, I would have to use sunblock (which I terribly hate by the way because it makes my skin so oily/greasy but my wonderful mother insists I use it otherwise I would look older than her and who am I to disobey?) but our current sunblock is past the expiration date so I would have to get another bottle - soon. Hmm. Maybe I should get a bottle for the boys as well.

MASK

Happy mask. =D

Photo taken at Tam-Awan Village, Baguio City.

CHICKEN BALLS

2 cup ground chicken
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup onion (minced)
2 tbsp. ground garlic
1 cup celery (minced)
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tsp garlic salt (or less if the cheese is the salty kind)
1/2 C grated Cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon oil
1/2 cup crumbs of flour
1 teaspoon baking powder


Mix all except the last three ingredients very well. Form into small balls.
Roll in breadcrumbs or flour mixed with one teaspoon baking powder.
Fry in hot oil or bake. Serve with desired sauce. Serve hot.
Good for 6 persons.