AT SM SCIENCE DISCOVERY CENTER

We brought the boys to SM Mall of Asia last November 29 (Nikki's birthday) so we could all visit this new museum called the Science Discovery Center. It was all right, I guess. It had different topics and areas, it occupied 2 floors and had a planetarium. Pretty okay for a new science museum but the Sony ExploraScience museum in Japan was loads better. There were just more things to see and experience and was very memorable. But the boys still had fun at the Science Discovery Center. Nikki and Ruther went into the planetarium while I had to take care of Ethan who was cranky because he was sleepy. I also noticed that while the other kids visited the museum as part of their school field trip (they were in uniforms) and went along with their teachers and classmates, my boys had this experience with Ruther and me (which personally, I think, is loads better). Anyway, it was nice doing this "field trip" on our own. It was nice teaching Nikki about the coral reefs and robots and biology one-on-one. It was nice letting Ethan run around with no worries about "getting in line" or "staying with the group". Yes, I think homeschooling works for us for now and I love how things are going. Hopefully, when we have a trip to Corregidor, it will be another fun family affair. =D

Ruther wanted to try this out. Of course, I let him while the boys distracted him to no end. =D

Ethan was terrified of this burping guy. But Nikki found it funny. =D

Nikki with R2D2.

The Robot History...

Map of the World...

STAYING HOME

Ruther is spending the day with us. =D Am happy to hear that. I'm not too worried about him not going to work because he has a lot of paid leaves left so what's another day, right? I'm glad he's spending the day with me and have another opportunity to bond with the boys. =D

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My Uncle (my mom's brother-in-law) arrived from Canada the other night and he came to visit last night and to give me the pasalubong for my mom and relatives in Zamboanga. My sister and brother will be going home in a few weeks' time so they will be bringing those home to distribute to relatives. I got some chocolates from my Uncle. I would have been happy to get those if it weren't for my diet these days. I really hate how I look in the photos now so I need to lose weight fast or it will be so much harder to do so after the holidays. =(

FAMILY PHOTO

Before we headed out for a visit to the mall, we had this photo taken. I love and treasure our family photos. I think it's because we're rarely together (with Ruther gone most of the time) that I really and truly appreciate how wonderful it is to have a moment together and to preserve it in time. I am already looking forward to our Christmas photos. Last year it was just the 4 of us in Japan but we still had loads of fun taking wacky photos. Hopefully, this year will be the same. =D

COOL MORNINGS

I love the mornings. I think they are wonderfully cool. It really brings me back to the time when I had to wake up early to go to school and the mornings were absolutely chilly. I think it's nice to cuddle under a light blanket. It's really quite comfortably cool; not too much like the wintry mornings in Japan (although I do miss those still) and not as warm as a couple of years ago when it was already December and yet, it felt like we were in the middle of summer. Yeah, do love the mornings, these days...

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I watched Resident Evil: Extinction the other day. I guess it was all right. It's not as dark as the first 2 films and Alice's character has evolved a lot it's genetically astounding. I don't know how people can some up with these things. Those undead/zombies/corpses still creep me out though even if they were out in the sun. Still scary creatures. Loved the bird attack. Reminded me a lot of the 1963 movie The Birds by Alfred Hitchcock. Creepy. I guess I love this movie because of Milla Jovovich. Love her, love her, love her. Oded Fehr playing Carlos Olivera was all right but I think he had less exposure this time. And he died so that was a bummer. Ali Larter playing Claire Redfield was also okay. Good choice. I just didn't like Milla's hairstyle in this movie. It was weird. Nice twist in the end. Yeah, it was okay. I just wish I didn't have to think about those zombies so much.

WHITE PAW

Meet White Paw our new pet rabbit. I think you can all see why he is named that. =D Anyway, he is sooooo cute. If he wasn't so fragile I would squeeze him with one hand. He's just that soft and cuddly. My brother-in-law Ron wants to bunny-nap (is there such a thing?!?) him because he's just so cute. Anyway, he's only 2 months old. Now that Sushi is dead, I'm thinking of getting White Paw a partner while he's small. This way, he won't be too lonely. But that is still subject to consideration. Ruther has to agree before I get another bunny... =P

IN A NUTSHELL

Wow. It seems like ages since I last posted. Anyway, before I forget the events during the past few days, let me tell you a summary of what happened...

1. Nikki turned 6 last Thursday, November 29. Ruther didn't go to work and we decided to spend the day at SM Mall of Asia which turned out wonderfully.

2. Friday, November 30, the whole family spent the day at Sun City for some swim fun! Everyone enjoyed but I think I had the most fun because Ruther was finally with us!

3. Friday, November 30, I found out that Sushi, our pet rabbit was sick.

4. Evening of Friday, November 30, Ruther got sick. My poor baby... I suppose the stress from the previous day plus the cold chilly wind at the hot spring resort just wore him down...

5. Saturday, December 1, Sushi died. I still can't tell why but I suspect she got depressed that I bought a new bunny (White Paw). But I still miss Sushi. She was such a joy.

6. Saturday, December 1, I went to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned, to have my left lower molar's filling redone and to have my upper incisors filled. I spent P1000 for all those which is pretty reasonable because when I inquired at the dental clinic near our home they wanted to charge me P400 for the filling (each) and another P400 for the cleaning!! Anyway, that day, Ruther stayed home to get better. But I think that didn't happen because the boys were home with him and surely stressed him more. =D

7. Sunday, December 2, Ruther took the Japanese Proficiency Exam (JTest). He wants to pass Level 2 badly so I hope he makes it. He did tell me that it was quite difficult but I told him to be hopeful and to pray for good results.

8. Sunday, December 2, Ruther's fever and cough is gone and he is all better.


I will get into more details when I post the photos. For now, at least I have updated you guys with the latest happenings in our lives. =D

Take care all and have a great week! =D

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIKKI!

Nikki is now SIX!!

Oh my god. So much has happened these past days I don't even know where to start! Which is why I decided to post this photo here first to get things started. Anyway, we didn't have a party or anything like that. We just spent the day together as a family, which I think is the best way to spend a birthday. We went to SM Mall of Asia and brought the boys to SM Science Discovery Center. It's a new museum here in Manila, actually first of its kind. So Ruther and I thought that it would be nice to check it out on Nikki's birthday. Anyway, it was fun and we got to take lots of photos (will post those later), and we also went around the mall. In the evening, we did some more picture-taking and then Nikki had his photo taken with his cake. Isn't he cute in the photo? =D I still can't believe my boy is now SIX!!!

WHICH ONE IS IT?

Is it "starve a fever, feed a cold" or the other way around? I can't be sure. (But if I remember correctly, I think it's the former...) Anyway, the reason I'm asking is because Nikki is a bit feverish today. Nothing really serious though. I think it's because he didn't sleep with a blanket last night and it got a bit cold so now he has a slight fever. I'm still observing him closely though. With his birthday coming up in 2 days, I don't want my baby to be sick then. =(

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It was pretty overcast today. I told Ruther this morning to bring an umbrella because I felt like it was going to rain by late afternoon and it seems like I'm right. He commuted today and I didn't want him to get wet. He catches a cold quite easily and I don't want him to be sick...

FUN AGAIN

Last night, Ruther asked me if I could meet him at SM Southmall after he was done with work. Of course I said yes. He said he wanted to check some things and that was okay with me. I told him we would leave the house early (he was off at 6pm) so that we would avoid the rush and the boys could play more. He agreed. By 445pm we were on our way. We first dropped by SM Storyland and the boys played in the paddleboats and after that had a hotdog for a snack. Then we went to Bioresearch because I wanted to get Sushi some more pine shavings but they had none available. Anyway, while we were there, we saw the cute bunnies and there was this black one that I immediately loved so I just had to buy him. He's sooo cute and so little and he has one white paw (front left) so we decided to name him White Paw. Creative, huh? =D Anyway, after that, I let the boys play in the bouncy castle for 30 minutes, just in time for Ruther to arrive from work. Then we had dinner at Max's (really one of our favorite restos and the chicken was yummy last night) and after that, we went around the shops. We got some ice cream for the boys before we left.

We didn't get to do much shopping but I really loved that we were together. I love it that Ruther wanted us to be with him when he could really have just gone by himself. Anyway, just glad we had a fun night, all of us. =D

WITH DARTH VADER

I know, I know. I'm like an idiot in this photo. But that's Darth Vader for goodness' sake! I'm allowed to act like an idiot, right? =D Anyway, I had lots of fun having my photo taken with him. But, uhm, dyu know who took his light saber?

=D

Photo taken inside Toy Kingdom at SM Mall of Asia.

TV

Yesterday, I spent most of the day watching House episodes. I was able to catch up to the latest episode, thank God, but this was the longest I've spent in front of the tv. I don't think it's healthy at all. I feel like such a couch potato. As I was watching, I could imagine my fats thickening, my eyes blurring and my whole body protesting about the lack of movement and the unhealthiness of the radiation coming from the tv. Okay, I'm exaggerating but I still feel guilty. Today, I'm going to ask someone to bring up the treadmill so I could start my exercises again. I feel like such a delinquent brat (is that redundant?) because I haven't been exercising at all for the past 4 weeks!

My mom's gonna kill me.

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Yesterday after church, we went to SM City Sucat to order Nikki's birthday cake. He still stuck to his Incredibles motif and picked the cake design that he wanted. It was okay. Based on the photo, it had Mr. Incredible and Dash figures on it. The cake (size 12x16) cost us P1150 (approximately US$27). Not bad, I guess. I'm going to pick it up on Thursday because I want us to have the picture-taking on the 29th (Nikki's birthday). I will also prepare spaghetti and maybe get a bucket of fried chicken from Jollibee. Oh yeah, and I have to get Nikki's present as well. =D

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No typhoon came last weekend. And it's a good thing too. I was worried about the drips in Nikki's room but when it rained last night and I checked their room this morning, there were no more drips so I hope that one is fixed already (and won't occur again). But even if there was no super typhoon, the sky is still pretty overcast today and it still might rain. I suppose that's good news for everyone. =D

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!

Today is my Mom and Dad's 33rd Wedding Anniversary. I love my parents. I know that they have had their ups and downs over the years but it's the sticking together that makes me admire them a lot. My mom is very OC. My dad is pretty laid-back. My mom loves to read and watch tv. My dad loves to play golf. They are their own unique selves in a solid relationship. Ruther and I have different personalities too. I'm not saying we're opposites because we both like certain things but sometimes, we still have a difference of opinion on some topics. I like that about us. I like that we no longer fight, but we reason. I like that we listen to each other instead of making the other listen to what one has to say. I love that we take the time to laugh, to cuddle, to take it easy. I love our differences and our similarities. I appreciate knowing and learning all these things from watching my mom and dad as I grew up and how they take care of each other and settle their differences. I admit, I learned through emulation and really, how can I not be grateful for that? So for all the love and affection and good qualities you have shown me and my siblings all these years, for making me believe in true love and for making me wait for the perfect man to marry, for trusting my judgment and making me make my own mistakes and my own decisions, thank you, thank you, thank you! And I love you both so much!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I am thankful for...

... Ruther. My one true love, my rock, my joy, my source of strength, my partner, my heart, my soul, my everything. Without you, the world would be less colorful, less beautiful, less wonderful. You are the one person who truly understands me, sees the real me and accepts me wholly and completely. Sweetie, nothing compares to you and I love you.

... Nikki. My support system, my dependable son. You are what I hoped my eldest child would be: responsible, emphatic, caring, independent, smart. You are that and so much more. I see a lot of potential in you and I hope that I could help you be who you are meant to be in God's eyes.

... Ethan. My comfort, my breath of fresh air. You give us so much joy with your laughter, your unpredictability, your smile and funny antics. I hope that nothing will faze you, that you will remain adventurous and fun-loving and will stay true to yourself.

... My family. I am grateful for my parents - for their guidance and their love. I would not be who I am if it weren't for them. I am grateful for the wonderful way they have brought me and my siblings up. I am also thankful for my brother and sister and for our closeness and our never-ending bonding moments.

... Ruther's parents. Without them I would not have my soulmate. For that, I will be grateful to them forever.

... good health. I am thankful that my family has been relatively healthy all these years and has not been afflicted with a serious illness. I am thankful that Nikki's congenital illness was only mild and did not require serious or radical treatment and also that he has recovered from his Beta-Thalassemia.

... our trip to Japan. It was a magical moment for our family. It was a time when we learned to be by ourselves, to be by ourselves and to cope by ourselves. We managed, we bonded, we had fun and we learned so much. More importantly, it was a moment when we realized that when we're together we could overcome anything and everything.

... Ruther spending Christmas with us this year. Christmas is always a big deal for me. And this year is no different. Having Ruther with us this year makes it really special and wonderful. Guaranteed.

... God's many blessings and graces. I know that my family and I have been receiving many of these through the years and for every little grace we have received (and will receive), I am so grateful; be it having food on the table, coming home safely from a trip, having enough money to last the month, being safe after a mishap or seeing my mom and dad one more time. I always count these blessings and will always be grateful for the generosity of our Father. I am humbled by His love and His giving heart.

... my friends - old and new. Thank you for the lessons shared, the experiences revealed, the friendly advice and all your love and warmth and concern. The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

PAROL

Parols are Christmas ornaments from the Philippines. They are traditionally made out of bamboo and paper although plastics are sometimes preferred and elaborate ones are made from capiz shells. They are traditionally star-shaped, and is thought of to symbolize the star of Bethlehem. They are usually hung outdoors on doors, patios, windows and other. They are the equivalent of Christmas wreaths in the western world. (from Wikipedia)

Filipinos adorn their houses with parol (Christmas lantern influenced by the Mexican piñata) during Christmas. Most of these lanterns are made of bamboo sticks and thin sheets of paper (called Japanese paper in the Philippines). They are lighted up at night. More recent innovations of the parol are those made of capiz (seashells) that have dancing lights, which originated in Pampanga. (http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Tagalog_Default_files/Philippine_Culture/paskong_pilipino.htm)

ALL BETTER

I am very happy to report that Ethan is all better today. When he woke up this morning, his skin felt cool to the touch and I was so glad that he's no longer sick. It was wonderful to see him run around again, make noise and irritate Nikki once more. Really, I am so happy that my boy is all right again. =D

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We had weird weather again today. It rained pretty hard during the night and early morning but by afternoon it got warm. The good thing is that the boys spent the afternoon riding their bike and playing with some of the boys in the street. At first, they were throwing pebbles everywhere and I didn't like that so I gave them some colored chalk and they ended up drawing and writing on the road. It was nice to see Nikki and Ethan interact with the kids (and contradict my mother-in-law who says that my boys will be anti-social because they are homeschooled). Anyway, it was an okay day for me too. I fixed the cabinets and also watched a few House episodes (the ones that I missed after I got back from Japan). Then, at around 6pm, I started to cook dinner and Ruther came home at around 730. It's a bit late but he left for work later than usual this morning because he commuted. Tomorrow might be rainy as well because I heard that a typhoon is coming into the country probably during the weekend. Bummer.

AWARDS

Mhay has generously granted me the following awards:

Thank you so much Mhay! As always, I am grateful for all the friendships I have formed through blogging and I am even more thankful for being appreciated by friends I have only met through cyberspace. Thanks for the awards then and now. Although I have only begun blogging, I thoroughly enjoy connecting with people and learning new things and reading about lives and experiences. Everyday is always a learning experience for me. Thank you all so much!

OUR BOYS

Our boys, one quiet afternoon. They decided to take their nap in our room so we got their sofa bed and when we looked at them, Ruther and I remembered the time when they used to sleep this way, side by side. So we decided to take their photo. They just don't look like babies anymore... =(

SMALL TALK

I just woke up from a nap and this is what I saw on the laptop (on Google Talk) between Ruther and my 5 year-old-son Nikki:

Ruther: Hi! Did you get my email?
Nikki (using my account): Are you there in the office?
Ruther: Yes. Is this Nikki?
Nikki: Yeah!
Ruther: Where's Mommy?
Nikki: Sleeping in her bed, right Daddy
Ruther: Ok, don't wake her up.
Nikki: Is it time, Daddy?
Ruther: Tell Mommy later that Daddy has an email for her
Nikki: There's Ethan sleeping on Mommy's back. I will just tic toe (he means "tip toe"), right Daddy
Ruther: Okay, just be a good boy.


Isn't that cute? After I read this I felt like they were talking to each other. Actually, the other day, Ruther was asking me when we're giving Nikki his own email account. I told him it's too soon but I know that Nikki would love to write letters and messages to my mom and dad. =) Maybe we could do that next year. =D