tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22774384741262956862024-03-05T19:06:27.096+08:00got any grapes?just sharing the blessings of family life, homeschooling and cooking from the heartjude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-83815287965932979822012-05-11T08:30:00.001+08:002012-05-11T08:34:34.767+08:00Winning and Losing<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Galations 6:9 </span></i></b><b style="color: red;"><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://christianteens.about.com/od/versionsofthebible/p/NIV.htm" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: verdana; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">(NIV)</a></b></blockquote>
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Three weeks ago, Jianne, our 5-year-old, attended her first Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS) in our church. It was a 2-day affair with a culmination activity on the third day. During the culmination, the kids get to dance to the songs they learned for the past two days. Following the song and dance and video showing, the awarding ceremony followed. Awards were given to kids who were most attentive, most obedient and who were best in crafts. Two students from each grade level were awarded with a certificate and a toy. I was unaware that Jianne was anxiously waiting for her name to be called. Every time the awards were Prep were announced, she would sit at the edge of her chair getting ready to stand up. One of her seatmates got an award and she proudly showed it to Jianne. I think this really did it for her. After the awards were given, she looked at me with angry eyes. She blurted out, "I don't want to attend this anymore. I don't like it!" "Why?" I prodded knowing what the reason for her anger. I gently told her that it's okay if she doesn't get an award since it was her first time to join DVBS. She wouldn't listen and was moping until the event was over.<br />
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When this little girl's mood turns sour, it's difficult to bring her back. Her Papa tried to console her but she just wouldn't budge. As we exited the sanctuary, the kids were given loot bags and tumblers as souvenirs. Those were not enough to cheer her up. While in the car, her Papa and I explained to her that not all the time she will be receiving an award or prize for something she did. She did not listen and her face showed how disappointed she was.<br />
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We headed to the toy store afterwards to buy Coby's gift from my mother. Mommy sent Coby money for his birthday and asked if we could just pick out the gift for him. I told Jianne that we would pick out a gift for Kuya and that I could her something simple (meaning cheap) because she did well on her first DVBS and danced well too. She said she did not want any thing but after much prodding she finally gave in. What child wouldn't want any toy? So we got her something really simple and she was happy after that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As construction worker</td></tr>
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The following night, we got a set of Pick-Up-Sticks for the family. While the family was playing, I noticed that Jianne was getting frustrated again because she could not get any of the sticks on the floor. Every time she tries to pick up one, the other sticks would move. After a few tries, she just gave up. She stood up and walked out on us. We called her back and she was sulking. Her Papa and I, again, explained to her that she doesn't always have to win the game. I told her it's her first time to play Pick-Up-Sticks and it's not easy to play it. I taught them some techniques on how to make sure the other sticks won't move. I added that if she really wanted to be good at it, she has to practice and practice. The same thing she did in her ballet class. When she started her ballet lessons there were some steps that she found difficult to execute but because of practice she mastered the steps.<br />
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After that, almost every night, Jianne and I would play Pick-Up-Sticks together. She is getting the hang of it and she is getting more sticks now! The last game we played, I won but it didn't bother her anymore. She was just happy to have gotten more sticks than in the previous games.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJv_cNZ3I_VAyO3D9ZwzXPyGykln3VuyIL3sVUfCmIvjB9cSPNwXXxS1UNypMLVv1AHytEEVzWxS5S0F6O6XCKPZX02586JzwbZq0GeG-smhdImnrjL5XzYtbVgAedpVQZGgyxASkjvoD-/s1600/pus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJv_cNZ3I_VAyO3D9ZwzXPyGykln3VuyIL3sVUfCmIvjB9cSPNwXXxS1UNypMLVv1AHytEEVzWxS5S0F6O6XCKPZX02586JzwbZq0GeG-smhdImnrjL5XzYtbVgAedpVQZGgyxASkjvoD-/s320/pus.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b></b>We would always tell the kids that in a game there would be winners and losers. Sometimes we're the winners and at times we're at the losing end. It feels good to win, of course, but more importantly is how you played the game. If we really gave our best and yet somebody else got the trophy, it disheartening but that's how it is. We need to accept that. Maybe in another game, we will be winners too.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: red;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; line-height: 18px;">Philippians 2:3 </span></i></b><b><i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; line-height: 18px;">Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.</span></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a href="http://christianteens.about.com/od/versionsofthebible/p/NIV.htm" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-family: verdana; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">(NIV)</a></b></span></blockquote>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-40267480437409851292012-05-09T11:32:00.003+08:002012-05-09T11:32:59.843+08:00Join the Philippine Homeschool Conference 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You might be hearing about homeschooling from friends or relatives and you are clueless about it. What is homeschooling all about? Join us at the Philippine Homeschool Conference 2012 on May 19, 2012 at the 5th floor of St. Francis Square Ortigas and discover the best education you can give your kids. Conference is a whole day affair from 8 am to 4pm. Learn from a homeschooler pioneer, Debra Bell, best-selling author of "Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling" and other Philippine-based homeschoolers and pioneers. Visit www.hapihomeschooler.com for more details. See you at the conference!<br />
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<br />jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-15141434794277888092012-04-24T13:15:00.000+08:002012-04-24T13:15:43.080+08:00The Holistic Homeschooler: 10 Ways to Ensure Homeschool BurnoutAs I searched the net for activities for the kids during the break, I was led to this site. This would serve as a reminder for me as we get ready for another homeschooling year. Credits to Michelle for this blog.<br />
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<a href="http://holistichomeschooler.blogspot.com/2012/03/10-ways-to-ensure-homeschool-burnout.html?spref=bl">The Holistic Homeschooler: 10 Ways to Ensure Homeschool Burnout</a>: In the homeschool community, we hear about homeschool burnout. Many of us have experienced it. There are many things written about how this ...<a href="http://holistichomeschooler.blogspot.com/2012/03/10-ways-to-ensure-homeschool-burnout.html">http://holistichomeschooler.blogspot.com/2012/03/10-ways-to-ensure-homeschool-burnout.html</a>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-92182834161852934842012-04-18T16:40:00.001+08:002012-04-18T16:40:13.945+08:00CompletedCoby completed third grade! It was a turbulent homeschooling year for the family. There were just too much to deal with last year. Moving out of my parents' house and venturing out on our own. Chores, chores and more chores. Jianne started homeschooling too. In and out of the house because of ballet and art lessons. Noisy and stressful neighbor. Online job but gave it up eventually. And a growing 8-year-old boy.<br />
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I am ashamed to narrate the gory details of how I acted during the school year not only as a mom but a teacher as well, but by the grace of God, I know I have been forgiven and I am forward.<br />
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The negative experiences not only highlighted my weakness and how I really needed God to watch over me every second of the day but it also opened my eyes to what God wants me to do. How he wants me to respond and not react, to speak softly and not to shout, to let go of situations I have no control of and to be patient with others and myself.<br />
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Here are some of my aha moments the past school year:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7842lvla_hctoEh63DNwRGDpf9p1EtAwHxvlbM4S58371KXVGHjo0YqwQok1CPb9aqU-A9EzRKdi0j32xh1uUXTjDWV03kv8AoiJLM6EuSTEnFUvFTXqzIlz3XpyMTT70x2MmL0i6lid/s1600/bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7842lvla_hctoEh63DNwRGDpf9p1EtAwHxvlbM4S58371KXVGHjo0YqwQok1CPb9aqU-A9EzRKdi0j32xh1uUXTjDWV03kv8AoiJLM6EuSTEnFUvFTXqzIlz3XpyMTT70x2MmL0i6lid/s200/bible.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<ul>
<li>Whether you're a homeschooling mom or not, it is a necessity to have a personal quiet time with the Creator before you start your day. It may 10 minutes or 1 hour, as long as you commit the rest of the day to Him, I am sure the troubles of the day would have less impact on you compared to having no time with Him at all.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>I saw that our homeschooling year for the third year lacked planning and scheduling. Because I just had too much to do doesn't give me the excuse not to plan appropriately the lessons to be covered. Whether you're new at home education or a pro, I believe nothing beats a parent-teacher who is prepared with the lessons and has extra tricks up her sleeves when the need arises. Diligence in planning and consistency in implementing need to be developed. </li>
</ul>
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg66AB3xB2rgjzLURrHXBrvU-QGLH0jvfuMZhHynbHtSsbmEq9V7XWDwHxRPPCKCeFVCiSgCEmwu-wk0t1Jr0plQVZoPxCcm8Hi89aaSKb4MfVK8x3T8TcbDGDaJCgu1fB88JaTnNuGJ-z/s1600/timeout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg66AB3xB2rgjzLURrHXBrvU-QGLH0jvfuMZhHynbHtSsbmEq9V7XWDwHxRPPCKCeFVCiSgCEmwu-wk0t1Jr0plQVZoPxCcm8Hi89aaSKb4MfVK8x3T8TcbDGDaJCgu1fB88JaTnNuGJ-z/s200/timeout.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<li>If the emotions are running high, run away from it. Don't let your frustration and anger get the best of you and hurt your child. You know yourself. You know what makes you lose it. So before you finally explode and do crazy things, stop and run away from the situation. Tell your child, you just need to step away for a while, you need a time out. Go somewhere where they cannot see you and breathe. Calm down and PRAY! There is no urgent need that a mother whose top is about to blow! Cry out to God to help you and I assure you, He will give you the grace you need for that moment. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Parenting skills and homeschooling work together. If you have not developed good parenting skills, you might find it difficult to to teach your child at home. How can you expect your child to do what is asked of him or her if obedience is not a trait demanded at home. I am not a parent expert but I seek older parents who share the same values as I do. Read books or blogs on parenting that are biblical and whose aim is encourage you to be a God-centered family. </li>
</ul>
<div>
There are a lot more aha moments this year but I focused on these first. I know I would be adding more to the list as the days go by. </div>
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As I computed Coby's final grades, I was amazed at the improvement. I showed him his grades and he was happy with it too. I thanked him for being patient with me and bearing with my flaws. Although, he is not yet graduating, I feel it's like a graduation of some sort for both us. Graduating from the childish ways and facing the challenges in a mature and Christlike way. We are both looking forward to the fourth grade with a new perspective, healed hearts and a new home. To God be the glory. </div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-75910937462673952232012-04-13T17:44:00.000+08:002012-04-13T17:44:10.495+08:00School Starts at Home: What You Should Know About Homeschooling<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a sunny Tuesday morning at the first day of swim
camp. The coach guided the boys and
girls to the other side of the pool, while their moms settled on the benches
nearby. One mom initiated a conversation
with another mom, “So where does you child go to school?” The mom would then
reply with a smile, “Oh, he is homeschooled.”
She paused for a while before replying while the other moms listened in
the conversation. “Oh, home school,” she
looked puzzled. “How about his
socialization,” she further inquired.
The homeschooling mom asked back, “What about it?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Socialization starts at home</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a homeschooling mom now for three years, the question on
socialization would always be raised whenever I reveal that we are a
homeschooling family. I would patiently
explain that socialization is never an issue with homeschooled kids as some
would assume. The Encarta dictionary
says that to socialize means to take part in a social activity or behave in a
friendly way to others. ‘Social activity’
and ‘behaving in a friendly way to others’ is not confined solely inside the
classroom amidst 40 or so classmates. A
child can be friendly in any social setting, may it be in the kitchen with mom
and the helper, in the playroom with a younger or older sibling, in the
neighbourhood, in church, in family get-togethers—name it, there is always a
place where a child can “socialize”. I
believe that socialization really starts at home, as soon as the baby is born. The baby’s first connects with the mom, the
dad, brothers or sisters, the grandparents, helpers, relatives and
friends. The parents’ values, behaviour and manners are
unintentionally or sometimes intentionally modelled to the children. Homeschooling encourages bonding with the
family and for parents to teach and model character traits that teach
independence, responsibility, confidence and respect. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Math in the Kitchen</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One homeschooling program’s slogan says, <i>“The world is my classroom!” </i>How fun would that be if the whole world
or the universe is your classroom! Our son and I studied Science in the garden
as we planted new seeds, cared for them and watched them grow. He appreciated the lesson about caring for
the earth so he practices the three R’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycle at home. He is
fond of creating artwork from old cereal boxes, cans or disposable
containers. We learned fractions in the
kitchen by cutting one slice of bread into small squares and putting different
spreads on top, 1/6 has peanut butter, 2/6 has strawberry jam and 3/6 has Cheez
Whiz. Our son loves to write love
letters, so his grammar and writing skills are being developed constantly. One homeschooling family shares that for
social studies, they took a trip to Kawit, Cavite to visit the Aguinaldo
shrine, the site where our country’s independence was declared. Joy, another homeschooling mother of 4,
takes her boys to the park along with crayons, paintbrushes and lots and lots
paper to draw and paint whatever they see.
Homeschooling can be done anywhere.
Homeschooling families are not prisoners of the home. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Homeschooling accredited by DEPED</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Department of Education has allowed homeschool programs to
operate provided such programs are under the umbrella of a formal or
traditional school. Prospective
homeschooling families can choose from a variety of homeschooling programs
available including <b>The Master’s Academy
Homeschool Department </b>located in St. Francis Square Ortigas, Pasig City (<a href="http://www.tmahomeschool.org/">www.tmahomeschool.org</a>), The
Catholic Filipino Academy in Chicago
Street Cubao, Quezon City (<a href="http://catholicfilipinoacademy.com/">http://catholicfilipinoacademy.com</a>),
Victory Christian School in Parkway Avenue Bonifacio Global City (8171212), The
Living Heritage Academy of the Philippine School of Tomorrow located in
Levitown Executive Village Don Bosco Paranaque City (8224433). For more information on other homeschool
programs, visit the Department of Education website <a href="http://www.deped.gov.ph/">www.deped.gov.ph</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>More time to develop child’s skills and gifts/talents</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The concept of homeschooling allows the children to spend
more time in special skills or interests.
Since DEPED requires that homeschooling program adheres to the government
curriculum, Music, Arts and P.E. (MAPE) classes are required. Whether the child is interested in sports,
music or art, he or she can attend any classes offered by the homeschooling
programs or elsewhere. MAPE classes are
a venue for homeschooled kids to meet other kids. Since these kids meet regularly they eventually
become friends and can schedule playtime with them outside the MAPE
classes. Support whatever interests the
kids are inclined to. Who knows they might turn out to be the next Albert
Einstein, Beethoven, Eric Buhain, Lisa Macuja or Lea Salonga. Aubrey, a homeschooling mom of two, says that
homeschooling gave her daughter the freedom to explore her dreams of becoming a
ballerina. During her elementary days,
Alex would have school in the morning with mom and pursue ballet in the
afternoons and sometimes including weekends.
Now Alex is part of a prestigious ballet company in the country and has also
been competing internationally in ballet competitions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Character is priority</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my mother who is in the U.S. learned that we plan to
homeschool our first child, she was not really enthusiastic about it and I
understand why. She would argue that my
brothers and I grew in traditional schools and we ended up okay. But growing up in the 80’s is far more
different than growing up these days.
Kids these days are so in a hurry to grow up that you can’t keep up with
them. An 11-year-old girl would beg her
mom to allow her to have a boyfriend.
Young boys think it’s cool to smoke and tease other boys who don’t. Sad to say but in the generation that we are
living in now, it’s not all academics, it’s not how intelligent you are or
whether you got a 97 or 98 in the card. In one article I read about hiring employees,
the interviewer does not really focus on what school you went to or what were
your achievements, but the employer is looking at how you can deal with the
people around you, they are not looking for IQ but for EQ. Tita Girlie, who is one of the pioneering
homeschooling families in the Philippines just sent his son to one of the
well-known universities in Quezon City.
Before entering the university, Josh confidently spoke in front of a
panel of heads and professors of the university he is about to enter. He shared with his mom that he is quite
shocked by the way his schoolmates dress in school but he adds that he is
thankful for the Bible verses and the lessons he and his mom studied in his
homeschooling days. Once Josh was asked
who are his best friends, he proudly said that his best friends are his mom and
dad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-32622138514789949682012-04-13T17:19:00.000+08:002012-04-13T17:19:41.117+08:00Got Any Grapes?<br />
"Got any grapes?" is a catch line I got from a Youtube video our kids watched called "The Duck Song". No, this blog is not about ducks nor is it about grapes...if I could, I can talk about food too. I just love how our kids enjoyed the video that I decided to use it as my blog title.<br />
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Although, I kind of connected the grapes to one of the lessons I had years ago from BSF study. We studied the Life of Moses then and I remember the time when the spies were sent out to a foreign land to, you guessed it right, spy on the land. After spending some time there, the spies came back and gave conflicting reports about the land. Most of them were fearful and cautioned their leaders not to proceed with their journey. However, Caleb, who was one of the spies gave a different report. He said the land is promising and he even brought back gigantic grapes that were fastened to a staff and carried on the shoulder by two men. For Caleb, that land can become a blessing to the Israelites if they tread on.<br />
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Got any grapes?... Got any blessings? Despite negative circumstances and challenging people that surround us, God will always make sure we will have small blessings in our way. So... got any grapes?jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-79847593797820526292012-04-11T11:47:00.002+08:002012-04-13T17:21:06.329+08:00Mama Needs Her Me-Time<br />
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I have met moms last year whom I have shared the benches with nine months. All of us wait for our little daughters in their ballet class. I cannot say we have developed a deep friendship but I would say, each of the moms at least care for the well-being of the other moms. In one of our candid conversations, I have shared that all of us dedicated <img alt=":-)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1336659725g" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> moms should have our break, a day off or a Me Time. We need to get out once in a while just to recharge and think about ourselves even for just a few hours or a whole day even.</div>
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Thursdays are my Me-Time. My day starts with BSF, which is a bible study I have been attending for 6 seasons now or about 5 to 6 years. Check out BSF bible study classes all over the world at <a href="http://www.bsftinternational.org/">www.bsftinternational.org</a> After BSF, my BSF classmates, who have become friends through the years, and I have lunch in one of the restaurants nearby. We catch up on things, family, business and just about anything. It’s our way of reconnecting with one another. Keeping the friendship alive. After lunch I would usually do my errands, pay bills, do grocery shopping. I would do anything on that day. I will not teach during that day but would leave work for my son to do while I’m out. I don’t spend the whole day out because by the time we finish our lunch or my errands, I am just too in a hurry to see the kids once again with a refreshed mind, recharged body and renewed spirit, ready to serve again. </div>
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Some tips on how to spend your Me-Time:</div>
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1. Have an appointment with yourself. Moms need to have at least a few hours in one day without the husband, without the kids. Motherhood can be overwhelming most of the time because we are on call 24/7. That is why we need some alone time, just to step back and take care of ourselves.</div>
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2. Plan how to spend your day off. It may be a time to reconnect with old friends, who are also moms who need a time off from the family. Get together and have coffee and just have a good laugh. Laughter is good for the heart <img alt=":-)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s0.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1336659725g" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" />Maybe these meetings may spur new ideas on business or part-time work or even new inspiration to workout and be healthy. You may also inspire other moms. Build bridges, build relationships. When you became a mom doesn’t mean you have to be “alone” in your world.</div>
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3. Start a hobby. This may be a time to restart your old passions and just enjoy them. Passion for writing, for cooking, baking, arts and crafts, fitness, the outdoors. Or it may also spark an interest in reading. Spending your day off with just coffee and a book is time well-spent.</div>
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4. Have an eternal perspective. What do I mean by eternal perspective? Your life, where does it all lead to? Have you ever thought of where you are going to spend eternity? How is your relationship with God? Jesus Christ? We need to consider this when we think of eternity. This world and everything in it all are temporary. They will rot away, turn to dust and be destroyed. What is important is knowing who we are and where we are headed. Get to know God. Get to know Jesus Christ. You can do it on your own by reading the Bible or find a bible study group that help you get to know the God who holds the universe in his hand.</div>
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<a href="http://classfortwo.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/cross.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #d8471d; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-354" src="http://classfortwo.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/cross.jpg?w=692" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #e2dbd1; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(209, 191, 166); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(209, 191, 166); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(209, 191, 166); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(209, 191, 166); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 8px; max-width: 98%; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="cross" /></a></div>
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5. Beautifying mom. The current business trends today are food carts and spas or salon. There are a lot even in your neighborhood. Get the nails done, scrub those tired and achy feet. Treat that sore back with a massage. Not only will you look good but you will definitely feel good as well. I’m sure the hubby won’t mind touching those smooth and silky feet again.</div>
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It doesn’t matter where you spend your day off or how often you do as long you do have one. It is a must for moms! How can you give love and care to your family if you don’t care for your own body. You cannot give what you do not have. If your schedule is too hectic or you just can’t leave the kids, again as I said in number 2. Plan ahead. Ask a trusted person to look after the kids for a few hours. I don’t think they won’t mind, if they care about your well-being too.</div>
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If all else fails and you can’t go out, do what my friend does. She tells her boys that she will be reading her favorite book in her room and that she needs them to help her enjoy the book by not knocking on the door unless it is important. So far it has worked for her. She did not even spend anything at all. She just needed her kids’ cooperation. Or else the monster mom might come out of hiding.</div>
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</div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-33637228257205506642012-01-25T16:51:00.000+08:002012-01-25T16:52:59.800+08:00Move the Body, Awaken the Mind<br />
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To say that our third year of homeschooling is challenging, is surely an understatement. Coby, who is now 8 years old, is still excited but not about school anymore. He is excited to use the computer and play his heart out doing construction games. He is so eager to watch his favorite cartoon shows on T.V. Sadly, for this third year, I have to compete with these insidious modes of technology.<br />
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I find it difficult to "talk about" the lessons with him now because he seems distracted most of the time. Although, these distractions can be good sometimes when he recalls movies or events that is related to the topic. Like when we were talking about MOTION in Science, he would interrupt me and get his matchbox cars to show me that the cars's position changed because they were in motion. But most of the time, these interruptions are not helpful at all, quite annoying in fact, for the teacher-mom.<br />
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His heart has been in the wrong place too, lately. He just seems disinterested and his eagerness to learn is dwindling resulting in the increase of my emotional outbursts. Because of this, we find each other crying and asking for forgiveness again and again.<br />
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Imagine my frustration every time we do school. My student is disinterested, distracted and just have no energy to work at all. Quitting, again, is the quickest solution for me. I just can't take it anymore. I have asked other homeschooling moms for tips on how to handle my predicament, which they say is common to all homeschoolers, but the advice just didn't work with him.<br />
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I read from one homeschooling blog that we cannot confine our boys to textbooks and sitting for a long time. They need to move around. They need to burn those tons of energy stored inside their small bodies. The writer suggests allowing these active kids to run around the house and do jumping jacks. One time, I asked Coby to do jumping jacks, he said he cannot do it and reminded me that he does not exercise.<br />
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Coby is not a sports person. He does not enjoy any sports activity at all. We tried soccer, swimming and even jogging but he is just not that into sports. Although, he loves to ride his bike and scooter.<br />
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But this morning, I secretly tried something new with him. He woke up early and had his breakfast. Since it was still early to start school and I have not yet completed my morning chores, I asked him to do some physical activity. Since he was riding his scooter inside the house, I asked him to take it outside and just ride it, without him knowing that he was already exercising. He did about 15 to 20 minutes of "scootering" and was huffing and puffing when done.<br />
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He said he was tired and wanted to rest first before school. I agreed with him and allowed him relax for a while. He took his bath and was ready for school. We completed all that we needed to for the day and an added bonus was Mama did not get angry! Yahoo! Coby was "pumped up" to work. He completed his work with minimal complaints. I would like to attribute that to the scooter ride. When his body moved, his brain was awakened so to speak. His sleepy mind came to work and it worked well, alright.<br />
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A new ritual is now part of our homeschooling day. I am praying that this would really work. I am hoping the effect would not be temporary as he surely enjoys riding his scooter or his bike. Next time, I will let him ride the bike, which would give him more energy, I hope.jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-59004443628800337782011-11-02T13:00:00.001+08:002011-11-02T13:00:39.303+08:00Rush RushRush...Hurry...Hasten...Run...<div>
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I asked Coby to read aloud his lesson in Language this morning. I noticed he was rushing through the paragraph without even stopping for the periods. I called his attention and reminded him to read slowly and with understanding. I would often catch him at times doing that, rushing himself to complete a task, a lesson or a project. And the results were always not so good. </div>
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There was a need to stop the lesson and discuss this attitude of rushing. When asked why was he in a hurry to read, he could not give me an answer. Maybe he just wanted to finish the lesson right away so he could do something else, play, draw, or watch TV. He did not admit anything though. I pointed out that there was no reason to be in a hurry. He was not in a race, nor is there someone waiting for him to finish. So, why the hurry? I reminded him of our talk a few months back, about having time for everything. There is set time to study. There is set time to play. To eat. To sleep and rest. </div>
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When asked if he could give me topic of the paragraph he just read. He stuttered because he couldn't give me the topic. That's because you were reading so fast you didn't have time to picture the words in your mind. Being a visual learner, Coby needs to have images in his mind in order for him to fully appreciate or grasp the lessons. I reiterated the need to understand the lessons well and not rushing to finish it just so he can complete the task. I told him I would rather that he completes a task in an hour with correct answers than completing the work in five minutes but with endless revisions and corrections. </div>
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I asked him to remember how he was able to create beautiful works of art in his art class. They were all done well because he was not in a hurry to complete the artwork. He just enjoyed what he was doing and so the results were fantastic. The same principle or attitude can be applied to studying or even life. Completing the task hastily would get the job done alright, but how would it turn out? </div>
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There is a time for everything. We don't need to rush into things or make things happen hastily. Everything has it's own time. </div>
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God's word says it best in Ecclesiastes:</div>
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<i>There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven:</i></div>
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<i>a time to be born and a time to die,</i></div>
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<i>a time to plant and a time to uproot,</i></div>
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<i>a time to kill and a time to heal,</i></div>
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<i>a time to tear down and a time to build,</i></div>
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<i>a time to weep and a time to laugh,</i></div>
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<i>a time to mourn and a time to dance,</i></div>
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<i>a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,</i></div>
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<i>a time to embrace and a time to refrain, </i></div>
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<i>a time to search and a time to give up,</i></div>
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<i>a time to keep and a time to throw away,</i></div>
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<i>a time to tear and a time to mend,</i></div>
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<i>a time to be silent and a time to speak,</i></div>
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<i>a time to love and a time to hate,</i></div>
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<i>a time for war and a time for peace.</i></div>
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<i>Ecclesiates 3:1-8</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-14656762887784335672011-10-19T08:03:00.001+08:002011-10-19T08:03:14.636+08:00Our Little Can ReadHomeschooling this year is different than the previous years. Primarily, because I have a new student. Our youngest, Jianne, just entered Kindergarten this school year. I have no idea how to divide my time between a third-grader and a preschooler. But again, I know that if God calls me to do this seemingly impossible task, He will equip me with patience and creativity. As expected, He never fails to do so. He has been faithful despite my impatience, my disobedience and my laziness. Despite my insecurity, He has blessed me recently with the first fruit of Jianne's homeschooling journey. In a matter of 6 months of homeschooling, Jianne is able to read independently.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMPKVpBsIlum1-KJ0nhmAIQwDqAOkhoFW386TmTGW79IShGEXUoalCvIALnqJXXJQ8dbxsImWpaGyoK3Y3uwiO5UjevLpaNXaPdHAf1xaX3U2yNEF4MHE7ToMJYCzO5Z8qG8bDJyTUG31/s1600/PA162066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMMPKVpBsIlum1-KJ0nhmAIQwDqAOkhoFW386TmTGW79IShGEXUoalCvIALnqJXXJQ8dbxsImWpaGyoK3Y3uwiO5UjevLpaNXaPdHAf1xaX3U2yNEF4MHE7ToMJYCzO5Z8qG8bDJyTUG31/s320/PA162066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We used the Sing, Spell, Read and Write Reading Curriculum for Kindergarten. The set includes a CD of songs included in the lesson, short vowel sound charts, two activity books for the student, a teacher's manual and five mini story books.<br />
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As many longtime homeschooling families attest to the effectiveness of the said curriculum, I need to find out for myself. The curriculum, as it is so implied in the name, allows the student to sing letter sounds first rather than memorizing the alphabet. The student listens to the songs in the CD, which is included in the curriculum set, and by heart learns the letter sounds. After a week or two of listening to the cd, she doesn't want to hear it anymore. She would just sing it on her own. There are also other numerous activities included in the curriculum that a parent or teacher can use to reinforce such learning. But because Jianne learns quickly, we skipped some of the activities as she gets bored with the repeated activities. I would download other activities for her to work on when she is not in the mood to work on her Sing-Spell.<br />
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She is just so excited to read, that on the first month of schooling, she is so eager to read the mini storybooks included in the set. She would be the one to tell me that would like to do school that day.<br />
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Like I said, just last month, Jianne started reading on her own. Both of us were ecstatic. I can't believe she can actually read. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach my kids. I am grateful that the time I spent with her paid off. I was doubtful of my own abilities in the beginning to teach my child to read but as God calls me, He equips me. I know I have nothing to do with it, it was all of God's doing, I was merely an instrument. I realized now that no amount of money can ever pay the opportunity given to me to reap the fruits of our family's obedience to God's call to homeschool.<br />
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Jianne was so hyped of this achievement that she prayed, "Lord, thank you for allowing me to read. I don't have to ask Mama and Papa to read me a book anymore. I can do it myself." But we still need to read to her. In fact, my husband and I still read to his older brother, who is now 8 years old. Not that he needs assistance in reading but he enjoys the time we spend together reading his chapter books. Time spent with your children is never a waste of time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET93cv4Nq_O-BQ0MajK1arSk80gSHWu8rwmJUR1QCZbLUSLA0mSY3PCUqgY_4E7TJ4F-xTDO50HRs1PY-PppoFyHtZJyITIN-b8Qd8UaRSJjw-EBSYRsuk-nhzKKjXqvSIW48Mx79pfOY/s1600/P8191964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhET93cv4Nq_O-BQ0MajK1arSk80gSHWu8rwmJUR1QCZbLUSLA0mSY3PCUqgY_4E7TJ4F-xTDO50HRs1PY-PppoFyHtZJyITIN-b8Qd8UaRSJjw-EBSYRsuk-nhzKKjXqvSIW48Mx79pfOY/s320/P8191964.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-53286256370448576532011-08-22T14:57:00.000+08:002011-08-22T14:57:44.963+08:00How Does Your Child Learn: The Different Learning StylesThe Science teacher explains the leaf system in class. Jonah, who sits at the back of the class, enjoys Science a lot and he is just too eager to learn about how leaves actually make food. Although, the teacher uses visual aids, Jonah still can't appreciate the lesson because he is just too far from the board. So what does he do? He gets bored and tries to strike a conversation with his seatmate. <div><br />
</div><div>Katie, who is in the same class as Jonah, is seated in the front row, right in front of the teacher. She sees the chart, the colorful pictures shown by the Science teacher but she somehow dozes off to lala land without the teacher seeing her. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Matthew, who also finds the lesson interesting, feels that there is more to this Science class and sneaks out of the classroom to investigate in the school garden. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Jonah, Katie and Matthew learn differently from each other. All three students have different learning styles.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KV428StWLoBdEZmf1_LGIKzV_edhJZdL2MNPHQmDNGEbwZtJtIaxaxek9GJZOjppj2zqRAxxLioY-uP0WKi1QdogsJIgwa2kGqtoy_Wt_0IIFHf_hLoAsrI1Mgi56t_NKVJGIfcQs39n/s1600/FlashCards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KV428StWLoBdEZmf1_LGIKzV_edhJZdL2MNPHQmDNGEbwZtJtIaxaxek9GJZOjppj2zqRAxxLioY-uP0WKi1QdogsJIgwa2kGqtoy_Wt_0IIFHf_hLoAsrI1Mgi56t_NKVJGIfcQs39n/s200/FlashCards.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><i><u><b>Jonah: The Visual Learner</b></u></i></div><div>Because Jonah was seated at the back row, he could not appreciate the lesson. The lesson interesting to him but because he has no direct access to the visual aids he cannot completely grasp what the teacher is talking about. Visual learners learn more when they SEE the actual actual pictures or drawings being presented. They learn more when they READ themselves rather than somebody reading to them. Grasping the lesson would take time as they are trying to visualize or picture the subject in their minds. So, getting the attention of visual learners could be a challenge unless you provide them with vivid, colorful pictures or provide the actual objects. Field trips could also be beneficial too for these kids as they could see the real thing in real life. Visual learners would be delighted with art classes, photography classes, and cartooning.</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirr2G85lr2DFhyzGD8LCgujmmz4hMH547518xfmaIbuBbndfVSmuHDnrSPXI8askqj_0PcKlIxynYPQSujMN5C1shu0Ory8tgsAti5hyBV02KyiO17zliUr4PKIvHjH2kO52PWf3l6EQGk/s1600/auditory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirr2G85lr2DFhyzGD8LCgujmmz4hMH547518xfmaIbuBbndfVSmuHDnrSPXI8askqj_0PcKlIxynYPQSujMN5C1shu0Ory8tgsAti5hyBV02KyiO17zliUr4PKIvHjH2kO52PWf3l6EQGk/s200/auditory.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><b><i><u>Katie: The Auditory Learner</u></i></b></div><div>While Katie is seeing the pictures presented by the teacher, she feels overwhelmed because not only is she having a visual representation of the subject but she is also hearing it closely. Auditory learners, learn more when they HEAR the lessons instead of having a visual experience of it. I remember when Coby was in preschool, the teacher told me that every time the teacher explains a subject to him, Coby does not seem to be paying attention. But when the teacher asks him to repeat what she said, Coby would echo the lesson back to her in toto. He does not need to see what is being talked about, all he needs to do is hear the speaker. Auditory learners work well with music on their background. You will find them, sometimes, humming while playing, eating or just busy doing something. I would like to believe that they also love to talk and finds comfort in vocally expressing themselves. Auditory learners would be excited to learn how to play musical instruments, attend dance classes or take up singing lessons. </div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS63lEwqSic_XAgsX57WDeoxy57QIMC2NC6P6v2qJgFHuasNXnOBZrLm35ljr05Mw6MUtSwQYzxeXKBx1rbYpCEt6sFGeDPCHJ0ZQe2GvQplN76ub1QlmxTasdtRINvwuMPV6PshuD4WPo/s1600/clay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS63lEwqSic_XAgsX57WDeoxy57QIMC2NC6P6v2qJgFHuasNXnOBZrLm35ljr05Mw6MUtSwQYzxeXKBx1rbYpCEt6sFGeDPCHJ0ZQe2GvQplN76ub1QlmxTasdtRINvwuMPV6PshuD4WPo/s200/clay.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><u><i><b>Matthew: The Kinesthetic Learner</b></i></u></div><div>Matthew wants to absorb the lesson well, so he goes out and searches for plants. He wants to touch them, smell them and look at them. He needs to touch everything. He needs to manipulate objects and learn from it. He needs to move. In Math, kinesthetic learners would appreciate manipulatives like coins, pebbles, sticks and counters. They also love to use clay, play with sand or building blocks. These kids move around a lot, because their brains are telling them to. They do not do it intentionally to irritate people, it's just how they are wired. They also enjoy tinkering things. Small kids would accidentally destroy a toy because they want to find out how things work. Kinesthetic learners would probably enjoy sports or gymnastics. </div><div><br />
</div><div>All children, including adults have different learning styles. It is said that all three are seen in each individual but only would stand out which could help your child/student learn well. Figure out what your child's learning style is and provide the necessary tools that would enable him/her to absorb the lessons well. Just because one style stands out doesn't mean, the other styles should be left out. Allow the child to also develop other learning styles to create a holistic approach to learning. </div><div><br />
</div><div>You can check out <a href="http://www.homeschoolviews.com/quiz/quiz-child.html">http://www.homeschoolviews.com/quiz/quiz-child.html</a> to determine your child's learning style. Remember too that each child was created by God to have their own unique character traits, gifts, and innate intelligence. </div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-12204518300007990342011-08-10T21:46:00.000+08:002011-08-10T21:46:15.109+08:00Once There was a Storyteller...I received a phone call from my editor-friend, Beng Alba, two weeks ago. She said that she recommended me to fill in for her as a storyteller for a book table event of OMF Lit Pergola. I was surprised that she would even think of me, gosh! I would only read stories to my kids but I never imagined doing it "professionally" (naks). I was hesitant but Beng showed that she had faith in me and so I said yes.<br />
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A few days later, another call came from Gracia, the bookstore manager, who confirmed the gig. Again, I hesitated and shared with her that I was really nervous since it's going to be my first time and I doubted if I could pull it off. But Gracia, patiently listened to my whining and still insisted I get the job.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRdcYaBTJTGbg4n3y5kK0FUV3WXacekmvJqQYpCx013db3PwF1lPCEbanVqf-D_fvxkBMm93T4rTz0ljExk3g85muJpcYMaDtkliIlCAWwAQEPqF8ru_WO-s2TzLVoe3DNQM_z1Z_6YxV/s1600/viewer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRdcYaBTJTGbg4n3y5kK0FUV3WXacekmvJqQYpCx013db3PwF1lPCEbanVqf-D_fvxkBMm93T4rTz0ljExk3g85muJpcYMaDtkliIlCAWwAQEPqF8ru_WO-s2TzLVoe3DNQM_z1Z_6YxV/s320/viewer.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Boy Who Doesn't Like to Take a Bath by Beng Alba</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The book, "The Boy Who Doesn't Like to Take a Bath", which was written by Beng, was given to me so I could study it. It was a funny story so I immediately read it to my kids and it was my preparation for the actual storytelling session. I had to project my voice and use varying tones to highlight the different characters in the story. Both Coby and Jianne enjoyed the story and begged that I read it again -- for the next several days.<br />
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Friday came, my storytelling day! I was a nervous wreck! I changed outfits maybe three or four times. I had to pick the right clothes, you know. It had to be something colorful so the kids would pay attention (that's my personal theory, right there). So after asking God to be with me that day and my kids in tow, we headed to the preschool before 9:30 A.M.<br />
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The bookstore staff were already there because they had set up their book table. Gracia, with her contagious smile, gave me final instructions before the host/teacher called on me to start. With hands shaking and heart pounding like a jackhammer, I got hold of the mic and introduced myself to the little people. Taking my kids along really gave me a confidence boost because I know no matter what happens, they will support Mama.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xmFpPtw9Oz5_ap6GNuux-WWrHlOgx7WgrUzXiGt1pR3IcZAnEGq7z7xj0CQz4c4VPnYZWexw601u2XbEywb6YYzR6SaI2IG-0lPsE89owBeM3rYvgk7wNEIL6B-T4ager81zYIDIGtns/s1600/283977_1713453295124_1801946285_1125173_7803038_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7xmFpPtw9Oz5_ap6GNuux-WWrHlOgx7WgrUzXiGt1pR3IcZAnEGq7z7xj0CQz4c4VPnYZWexw601u2XbEywb6YYzR6SaI2IG-0lPsE89owBeM3rYvgk7wNEIL6B-T4ager81zYIDIGtns/s320/283977_1713453295124_1801946285_1125173_7803038_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Storytelling went well during the morning session. It was fun to hear the kids' reactions while I was narrating and some were even predicting what's going to happen next in the story. I guess some of the questions I prepared were a bit complicated for the 3 to 5 year-old's, so with the help of the other teacher, I modified them so the kids could answer. And the kids who answered correctly (all of them did) received a prize from OMF Pergoal c/o Gracia.<br />
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The afternoon session was different. The confidence kicked in and I was not distracted by the tantrums of one toddler. At the end of the session, I was surprised to receive a token and a Certificate of Appreciation from the school! I had it displayed on top of our bookshelf at home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw-4M0Yh2YrKvu9CleybeurUK5bfccF_6ZHeRsvAPuRet2u822DWkdM2kzg7xtcTpkWN0Qjd3daYAps_X2Sz3Xd1blkLFfO8dkOMHv2587fsWziE1U0GyKjjnkF-2vVK2Ck0uroS8Yxrw/s1600/224533_1713553777636_1801946285_1125374_1308687_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw-4M0Yh2YrKvu9CleybeurUK5bfccF_6ZHeRsvAPuRet2u822DWkdM2kzg7xtcTpkWN0Qjd3daYAps_X2Sz3Xd1blkLFfO8dkOMHv2587fsWziE1U0GyKjjnkF-2vVK2Ck0uroS8Yxrw/s320/224533_1713553777636_1801946285_1125374_1308687_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With Teacher Gina and Ms. Mara</td></tr>
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As we headed back home, Coby asked me. "Mama, what do you call yourself now?" he inquired. "I mean, what you did there in that school?" he continued. "Oh, storytelling and I was a storyteller", I replied. "Now you're a storyteller. You sure have a lot of jobs, Mama," he concluded. And I just laughed in agreement.jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-60690253243580814812011-07-29T19:17:00.000+08:002011-07-29T19:17:51.358+08:00A 100-Peso Afternoon with the KidsAfter days of rain, rain and more rain, the sun finally came out today... well, let's just say, the sun just peaked through the clouds. I thought of bringing the kids to the park or the soccer field in Ayala Alabang but I remembered the grass might still be wet and we might end up getting all muddy and messy. How about an indoor playground then for the kids to stretch those sleepy muscles? So we headed to the indoor playground in Alabang Town Center. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iMvbpTCs1hMhUm-xo9IgW3gNsDjXRm8CjdIkEdafPdd4ES_4ri4ZTfa6cOZTJnQV8uzzB0N4qx1a7j570SkUx2-UJQ_CpN-Bq6nOVAYCwLQX_NWmcFfiS25zVFBDxdurYg6L1g7sfItL/s1600/1versailles_alabangTownCenter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7iMvbpTCs1hMhUm-xo9IgW3gNsDjXRm8CjdIkEdafPdd4ES_4ri4ZTfa6cOZTJnQV8uzzB0N4qx1a7j570SkUx2-UJQ_CpN-Bq6nOVAYCwLQX_NWmcFfiS25zVFBDxdurYg6L1g7sfItL/s1600/1versailles_alabangTownCenter.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alabang Town Center before the renovation</td></tr>
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One of the perks of homeschooling, is that we can go to the mall anytime we want. And the best time to go is when all the other kids -- who are not homeschooled-- are still in school. The indoor playground in ATC was not full of kids and only a handful of toddlers were playing. Jianne enjoyed running around without fear of bumping other kids. She climbed up and down the ladder and the ropes. She had the monopoly of one this one horsey-springy-whatever ride that is. Don't worry there were three other horsey-springy-whatever-ride that-is that the other kids were able to hop on.<br />
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I thought when we arrived that Coby, our 8-year-old would run to the playground. But he just sat on the bench with me and as I watched his sister. I told him to go play but he does not want to. At first, I thought he was only shy but I realized playgrounds don't excite him anymore. He likes different activities now and it does not include playground time. I realized our Coby is growing up. Good thing his Papa saw that he was getting bored and decided to take him to Time Zone. So no more playground, Time Zone is the new playground for our 8-year old. <br />
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But before we left the house, I told my husband that we will just go out, allow the kids to play, and not spend anything. I don't want the kids to feel that every time we go out, we have to buy something or spend money. We can just enjoy our time together without spending... or so I thought.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-yQtNjPud66GwGcVoomTXixtXMG96vJLVUIzBf2uAScYXR2a1delXio-HjFVTiSfn0MynlWgNm9hI88JL-gckQk_ksm7sWegfb3nWBu2C4UfvKrYH6oEirYCnQa390hRvwjveNQSuijQ/s1600/ts.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-yQtNjPud66GwGcVoomTXixtXMG96vJLVUIzBf2uAScYXR2a1delXio-HjFVTiSfn0MynlWgNm9hI88JL-gckQk_ksm7sWegfb3nWBu2C4UfvKrYH6oEirYCnQa390hRvwjveNQSuijQ/s1600/ts.gif" /></a>Okay, so there we were at Time Zone, both kids wanted to play but I have to stick to my policy of "No Spending Today". Aha moment! I allowed them to play just one game each and that's it. Both kids agreed. Coby spent 18 pesos on his car racing game while Jianne spent 17 pesos for her mini-carousel. Total money spent on games, 35 pesos. After both their games ended, they readily went out of Time Zone with smiles on their faces. No crying, no pleading for more games. Simply calm and satisfied. <br />
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As we hopped on the escalator, our little muncher, Jianne, said she wanted to eat. This little girl loves to take a snack every so often. She would always tell me that her tummy is biting her and she needs to eat. Drama queen, don't you think? :) Just then we saw the Panaderia Illustrado stand near the exit. Each of them chose the glazed doughnut, so one glazed doughnut --- 30 pesos, times 2 is 60 pesos. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LLs7LWAKhdI8CRuORAwCe4NkW7G5fBVF9Lpo1moNruTmdrPwf_3-wpELT2lJnMo9FWtUe8fmzrwktgUuIYfsB6MmFvf1vd63ehXxZBv1GfO3HVudd1PTGkmhyphenhyphenoYvL33Hrf7k_KFmuxQf/s1600/0013HT59C94B40456054E3m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7LLs7LWAKhdI8CRuORAwCe4NkW7G5fBVF9Lpo1moNruTmdrPwf_3-wpELT2lJnMo9FWtUe8fmzrwktgUuIYfsB6MmFvf1vd63ehXxZBv1GfO3HVudd1PTGkmhyphenhyphenoYvL33Hrf7k_KFmuxQf/s320/0013HT59C94B40456054E3m.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panaderia Illustrado's doughnuts</td></tr>
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I always bring with me their water bottles wherever we go. Not only do we save money on drinks but the kids are always reminded to drink water all the time. <br />
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Total money spent with the kids on a Friday afternoon, 95 pesos--- very cheap. But time spent with the family--- truly, truly priceless.jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-1490517811173069462011-07-27T20:45:00.000+08:002011-07-27T20:45:06.465+08:00Ligo Sardines Levels Up<i><u>Disclaimer: I am not a professional food critic nor am I a product reviewer. Just sharing my two cents on certain food products my family consumed over the last month or so. </u></i><br />
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This would be the first time I would be "reviewing" a product in my blog. Well, this post is not really a review but merely a sharing a positive experience I had with the Ligo Sardines Gata (In Coconut Milk) Style. By the way, I was not paid by Ligo Sardines to post this :-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1MjVstMoX29KppPi16EcNrAueMtTMK9dmW3pgOk3t2J8Q2u-LObShzV-8fi87l01yrUqwEjXQ1bbagfmCjDBQOKMse2c8dyRwdx_bT1t-ak-iuEv8WAX59kEZ0f_BDhpB7nUdRxiiBWE/s1600/P7071933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS1MjVstMoX29KppPi16EcNrAueMtTMK9dmW3pgOk3t2J8Q2u-LObShzV-8fi87l01yrUqwEjXQ1bbagfmCjDBQOKMse2c8dyRwdx_bT1t-ak-iuEv8WAX59kEZ0f_BDhpB7nUdRxiiBWE/s320/P7071933.JPG" width="168" /></a></div><br />
I saw on TV that a certain local brand of sardines has included a "gata" variant in its sardines line up. Being a certified gata-dish-lover, I searched for this brand in the nearby supermarket but to no avail. I was about to leave the supermarket aisle downhearted but then I saw Ligo, another brand of sardines, also has a gata variant, so I grabbed it and headed to the cashier. <br />
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I love sardines -- ordinary, spicy, even the mackarel or the white kind. I especially enjoy it for breakfast combined with scrambled eggs and fried rice and a warm cup of coffee. But that evening, I decided to try out this gata sardines for dinner.<br />
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I prepared my crushed garlic and sliced onions for sauteing. As I opened the can, I was surprised to see a slice of ginger inside, the size of a one peso coin. Ask any gata-dish lover out there, any gata dish would not be complete without the flavor of ginger. After sauteing happily for a few minutes, I just garnished the dish with spring onions and served it to my hungry husband for dinner. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_9WJ-4HC1dLkSuglx9qSvKMPNcRIknJCVCirV7e4Dpo2jVzNBCamjj9vvfJHnsfsHIqajWJV6kBE-Xr75DYLG_-iwVaRaNJ03uWsOB0jDT5AEurp0PR05cVNITZAloZq80eRQZUURjxl/s1600/P7071942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_9WJ-4HC1dLkSuglx9qSvKMPNcRIknJCVCirV7e4Dpo2jVzNBCamjj9vvfJHnsfsHIqajWJV6kBE-Xr75DYLG_-iwVaRaNJ03uWsOB0jDT5AEurp0PR05cVNITZAloZq80eRQZUURjxl/s320/P7071942.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One bowl is not enough for the two of us</td></tr>
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As the kids munched away their macaroni dish, my husband and I savored every bite of this spicy yet flavorful surprise. The coconut milk overpowered the fishy taste of the sardines that we hardly noticed that we were eating canned fish. Washing the dishes afterwards was a cinch as our plates were all cleaned up!<br />
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<a href="http://www.ligomanila.com/">www.ligomanila.com</a>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-82010413104955930292011-07-27T01:01:00.000+08:002011-07-27T01:01:16.517+08:00tapwriter: New Family Routine Brings Blessings<a href="http://gotanygrapes.blogspot.com/2011/07/new-family-routine-brings-blessings.html?spref=bl">tapwriter: New Family Routine Brings Blessings</a>: "Our family's Sunday night routine recently included a family devotions hour. I have been wanting to start this 'ritual' with my family but ..."jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-13645753446428001232011-07-27T00:57:00.000+08:002011-07-27T00:57:52.669+08:00New Family Routine Brings Blessings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeYod0Xu-pJP3RPtZn0u6dZendwCjv8PmEXGJz7UYvqLEFI01EpBMLw-bs5iafArK-UXLk_j8rb8bA9ZYgpYsl_Rv08Xb8nKrEPIuBzN7eYT7IKMfOG5ALUxr3x_tn_LHTjYhXjCFkbGK/s1600/family-hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeYod0Xu-pJP3RPtZn0u6dZendwCjv8PmEXGJz7UYvqLEFI01EpBMLw-bs5iafArK-UXLk_j8rb8bA9ZYgpYsl_Rv08Xb8nKrEPIuBzN7eYT7IKMfOG5ALUxr3x_tn_LHTjYhXjCFkbGK/s320/family-hands.jpg" width="262" /></a></div>Our family's Sunday night routine recently included a family devotions hour. I have been wanting to start this "ritual" with my family but I have yet to allow my husband to initiate it. Good thing our pastor introduced the family devotions booklet to the congregation last Sunday and my husband was encouraged to start spending time with the Word as a family. <div><br />
</div><div>Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." My husband led the kids and I in reading the verse and talked about what the verse meant and how we can apply it to our lives. The devotions booklet also included questions related to the verse and the kids readily answered them. Although Jianne could not really understand the what we were talking about, at least she was hearing our insights as well as her older brother's thoughts and learning from us too. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Just before we ended the devotion, our son Coby expressed his doubts whether he will be going to heaven or hell and he was quite fearful about it. This became an opportunity for me to share the gospel to him. In my mind, how come you still have that fear because I know that we have been studying about eternal life and salvation since he was 5 years old. Anyway, after the devotion I explained to him again what salvation is, why we needed to be saved and who can save us. I saw that was able to grasp what I explained to him, I even illustrated it on paper. </div><div><br />
</div><div>After making sure he understood the truth about our salvation, I asked him if he wanted to do something about what he just learned. Without batting an eyelash, he said yes to me. So I led him to pray the sinner's prayer. I congratulated him afterwards and told him that he is now officially a Christian, a follower of Christ. His eyes widened in amazement when he realized that he is indeed a Christian, that Jesus is now living in his heart. And then his questions kept coming... how will Jesus talk to me? Will I hear his voice? Will I still sin? All those questions made me realize that he really understood what had just happened. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Like all of us who chose to follow Jesus, living in this world is not easy, in fact, it is impossible. But because God continues to supply us with his grace moment by moment, we can go on in this difficult but joyful journey of life with Him guiding us. </div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-58072865409123770712011-07-12T20:33:00.000+08:002011-07-12T20:33:13.029+08:00To Multi-task or not to Multi-task<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(Imported from my previous blog)</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Women, or more precisely, moms have been known to be great at the science of multitasking. I, for one, has succumb to the call of the times to do hundreds of things all at the same time. In my pursuit to juggle the daunting task of raising kids, managing a household, loving a husband, not to mention homeschooling and working from home, I am surely tempted to perform all these responsibilities, as they say, in one sitting. I must admit that I have been a victim of this art, as some people describe it. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that multi-tasking is a crime. Like I said, I was and still am (in some instances) a multi-tasker but I am able to let go of its hold on my life.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Dictionary.com defines multitasking as the concurrent or interleaved execution of two or more jobs by a single CPU. Really? CPU? As in computers? I had to laugh for a while after reading this definition. Multitasking was originally referred to as a task of computers. No wonder I find it stressful! First and foremost, I am a human being created by God with feelings. I am not made to last a millennium. And second of all, I can REALLY only do so much. Hey, even computers break down right?</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When I began to juggle all my do-lists altogether, at first, I felt a sense of pride. Wow! I was able to do complete my list, I must be very good. This multitasking thing is great! I would unashamedly share the experience with other people who don’t have the ability to do it… or so I thought. Unfortunately, reality bit me and it bit me hard. Yes, I could teach my son, work with my abstracts, take care of my little girl and entertain calls at the same time but it’s just too stressful. So, here I am doing three to four things at the same time but what kind of ME is in it. I mean, I have to divide ME in all these tasks, so I only give let’s say 1/4 of me in teaching, 1/4 in working, 1/4 in caring and 1/4 in calls. Now is that giving my best? Where’s the quality control here? I am only giving a part of me, not the whole of me and the recipients are getting not only a portion of my time but the worst of me, the stressed-useless-angry-frustrated me.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Here is how my schedule looked like while I was still multitasking:</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Wake up stressed already. Be on the computer requesting for work while having breakfast. Wake up the kids and hurry them up, “Faster, I have to do a lot of things today”. After kids’ breakfast, school starts with the frantic mom always in a hurry thus creating tension between the teacher and the student. While teaching, I log on again and download work load for the day and constantly standing up to check on the progress of the download. Not to mention the text messages I have to reply to (do I really have to). Just thinking about it makes me sick really. Then the self-induced stress continues throughout the day leaving me exhausted to the bones.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Again, as I always do in my aha moments, God has always been the author of my realizations. I cannot think of solutions on my own, He gives me the wisdom and I owe it to Him always. So, as I tread on the dangerous (for me) journey, God has opened my eyes to the reality of the craziness I am in. I am putting my sanity on the line and He is not pleased with that. Daughter, how about prioritizing things? Well, I do prioritize but I put them all in number 1. I realized that there should be a hierarchy in all things. I don’t have to pull my hair every waking moment thinking of how I could accomplish everything I need to do.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So I asked God. What do I do first? What would my day be like if I choose not to multi-task but instead order things and do my best in each task I am set to do? I tried slowing it down and it worked, really worked.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Now, after realizing that I was spreading myself too thinly I decided to intentionally change the way I manage my day, my life. I start my day with a conscious effort to read His word first and ask Him what He wants me to focus on for the day. I leisurely take my coffee or tea for breakfast and listen to soothing music. I check on the subjects we need to do for the day and remind myself not to put burden on our school time too much. After giving 100% of my time to teaching the son and assisting my daughter in her writing, school ends for the day. Right before lunch time, that is the time I turn on the computer, check my email and request for work load for the day. While having lunch with the kids, I download the files to save time. After lunch and playing with the kids for a few minutes, I prepare my mind to write those abstracts. Depends on the how much load I have, I try to finish it before 6PM so I could spend some time with the kids again and prepare for the arrival of my husband from work. If the workload is light, I could squeeze some time in the gym for my boxing session. At the end of the day, though exhausted still, I feel less frustrated, more grateful and looking forward to the next day.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I am not saying that multitasking is bad. I still do multi-task but on a minimal level only like watching TV and texting or meditating while taking a bath <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1293711082g" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /> But that was my personal experience and if other people can manage it well, good for them. I was just probably not wired to do it or just getting old <img alt=":-)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://s2.wp.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif?m=1293711082g" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" /></div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-11018344453605607302011-07-08T16:09:00.001+08:002011-07-08T16:11:46.299+08:00Homeschoolers' Flag CeremonyWhen we started homeschooling three years ago, I thought I could skip teaching my son about our National Anthem. Although, we have encountered the national symbols including the national anthem in our Social Studies class in Grade 1, I never really took the time to explain to him what the lyrics mean. Until about last year, when the concept of nationalism came up in one our conversations. I will not dwell on the actual conversation per se but it dawned on me that our homeschooling is not complete without paying homage to our motherland and instilling in our kids minds that we are Filipinos and must be proud to be one.<br />
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</div><div>One day, an idea came to mind that I should start a regular flag ceremony day in our homeschooling schedule. </div><div>So I searched the net for an mp3 version of our national anthem, downloaded it and saved it on my desktop. I knew that our "Panatang Makabayan" or National Pledge has been changed years ago, but I have to admit I have no idea how the revised version is like. So again, I searched the net, saved a copy from the net and wrote it on a piece of cardboard so the kids can read along with me as we recite it. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I also got an idea from Coby's DVBS (Daily Vacation Bible School) two summers about doing a pledge to the Bible. Since we are a Christian homeschooling family, who believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, we needed to commit our homeschooling journey to the Bible, God's Holy Word. </div><div><br />
</div><div>To complete our flag ceremony and pledge day, we needed a flag. I really didn't want to buy a mini Philippine flag because I know that the kids will just play with it. So I asked Coby to draw a Philippine flag on his sketchpad and we can just stick it on our wall or behind the front door. Not only did we save money, we also used the resources we have i.e. Coby's art materials and artistic hand. :-) </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqp70Fuee_lLm-it6LqhwgCYq4mqXVc2rSi2o6RNQx4r9VSDw6OMNtVg1TEwqd_gF01UU5Zjy6vqE9m-QKaGAIqgyYb5rOCkZo9NHrOcdTMCcUzCIsyE9lYlK_VLndPOIsHUkRl5OAMcU/s1600/P7021897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEqp70Fuee_lLm-it6LqhwgCYq4mqXVc2rSi2o6RNQx4r9VSDw6OMNtVg1TEwqd_gF01UU5Zjy6vqE9m-QKaGAIqgyYb5rOCkZo9NHrOcdTMCcUzCIsyE9lYlK_VLndPOIsHUkRl5OAMcU/s320/P7021897.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our own Philippine flag</td></tr>
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</div><div>With all our paraphernalia ready, we started our first flag ceremony two weeks ago. I decided to do it every Monday to start the school week off. But first we discussed what we needed to do every time we hear our national anthem. Wherever we are, we need to stand up straight, put our right hand over our chest (heart) and sing the song proudly. No unnecessary movement whatsoever. Even though Jianne does not know the song, she would hum along with me and was really serious at it. </div><div><br />
</div><div>After singing along with the music, we recited the pledges. I held the cardboard of pledges and asked Jianne to follow Kuya and Mama as we recited the Panatang Makabayan, Pledge to the Bible and Pledge to the Christian Flag. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh372Ogb-rc6YdH45cv4jXe6JfIM_8OsUD0oxAtJS8oJwMsYo_ZAr6PXBUbjBgYGj93xhCsx81b4o5dMbFUBCTpCvE3pC95aCT_DFbvReYNLl6tcmfuljYIb3rQNNQZqT7cjHMlu4dak1BK/s1600/P7021906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh372Ogb-rc6YdH45cv4jXe6JfIM_8OsUD0oxAtJS8oJwMsYo_ZAr6PXBUbjBgYGj93xhCsx81b4o5dMbFUBCTpCvE3pC95aCT_DFbvReYNLl6tcmfuljYIb3rQNNQZqT7cjHMlu4dak1BK/s320/P7021906.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgj7NewYwLUTaRO6U5o0q1l6ZIN2Jf1GonjurfggmU3WuV2-fSd9a9aXecCQLLu6XEEGteB5505oF9fAJ2l5Z6VZ8saC2h32nm0eyUhH-nFHZJtT1DaFl2Ob8cfMXPERmHiHFlJoTzBCCU/s1600/P7021901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgj7NewYwLUTaRO6U5o0q1l6ZIN2Jf1GonjurfggmU3WuV2-fSd9a9aXecCQLLu6XEEGteB5505oF9fAJ2l5Z6VZ8saC2h32nm0eyUhH-nFHZJtT1DaFl2Ob8cfMXPERmHiHFlJoTzBCCU/s320/P7021901.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pledge to the Flag</td></tr>
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</div><div>I thank God that He has prompted me to include a flag ceremony day in our homeschooling. Now I can say that we are proud to be a Pinoy homeschooling family! </div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-52954241261482273622011-07-01T18:01:00.000+08:002011-07-01T18:01:16.681+08:00Goodbye ChipsOur weekly trips to the supermarket would not be complete without passing the chips aisle. Each family member will pick one to take home for the week. After watching Jaime Oliver's Food Revolution and how he advocates for healthier snacks for kids, I felt ashamed as a parent. I mean why would I feed my kids and my husband these oh-so-crunchy-and-oh-so-salty snacks? Although, we do not eat chips everyday, probably once or twice a week, I still feel the need to really take it off our grocery list. <div><br />
</div><div>One of the things I am thankful for is that my kids love fruits. I failed to mention that aside from chips and other snacks, our grocery cart would also include apples, oranges, pears or bananas. Coby, our eldest, loves munching on these healthy snacks when he runs out of chips. Somehow this habit has rubbed off to his Jianne who would fight over the last piece of banana with his kuya. </div><div><br />
</div><div>For moms and dads who find it hard to deprive the kids of the chips, I suggest doing it first and be a model to your children. My husband is a certified chips junkie. As my sister-in-law says, they were deprived of chips and processed foods like hotdogs when they were young, so it is only now that they are enjoying these "sinful" food. When I talked to my husband about letting go of his chips, he was hesitant at first because he says he needs the "crunch". But he told me he would just get the nacho chips without salt, the one you use for making mexican nachos. I on the other hand is not really fond of chips. In fact, I cannot consume a bag of chips on my own. But I must admit that I have a sweet tooth and I would die for chocolates! Letting go of my dark brown buddies is not easy but I have to for my sake and also for the kids sake. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So here are my healthier snack alternatives that you might want to try with your own kids. </div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj-D5sQMff4jmd4od6Ig4Byh0rJdPGw9qU3ayxUq6P4D4Mg48w5EtbkgWKLhuMHkvkNdm0Z0w6wxiA1WcfOAgZUnh6VxBpA9reqfXy0qRooK4oVZDmBo5firtPQLPQpzYTbH3PdUM0ykE/s1600/fruits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWj-D5sQMff4jmd4od6Ig4Byh0rJdPGw9qU3ayxUq6P4D4Mg48w5EtbkgWKLhuMHkvkNdm0Z0w6wxiA1WcfOAgZUnh6VxBpA9reqfXy0qRooK4oVZDmBo5firtPQLPQpzYTbH3PdUM0ykE/s200/fruits.jpg" width="200" /></a><u><i><b>Fruits, fruits, fruits.</b></i></u> I do not need to emphasize the importance of fruits in our diet. Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants that our family needs every single day. If your kids, don't like fruits, let them see that you are not only eating them but enjoying them yourself. Kids model their parents right? So whatever we parents do, our kids will follow. For smaller kids, parents can cajole them into eating by making up stories about fruits or reading them books about fruits and vegetables. Fruits are very colorful so let them see those bright red apples, sunny bananas, juicy watermelons, yummy mangoes and delectable grapes arranged in nice bowls sitting on the kitchen counter or on the dining table. We have to patient in cutting up the fruits into smaller portions for our younger kids.</div><div><br />
</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkmCmQbj316cbhMl5sTVXGkpmwQ5c8LjQLUG9kSSkEip7s5Y57YyxWNgoMrAB8acVd2ZhV5B2gPcEIZA-DVfWm5wFn0NFlDPDKM_uu6etSEwfnAWDOrLzlGHxzNoFpifjZBwqrIahj5-U/s1600/yogurt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmkmCmQbj316cbhMl5sTVXGkpmwQ5c8LjQLUG9kSSkEip7s5Y57YyxWNgoMrAB8acVd2ZhV5B2gPcEIZA-DVfWm5wFn0NFlDPDKM_uu6etSEwfnAWDOrLzlGHxzNoFpifjZBwqrIahj5-U/s200/yogurt.jpg" width="157" /></a><b><i><u>You go, Yogurt.</u></i></b> Ice cream is good but yogurt is better and a healthier choice. There is huge range of flavored yogurts to choose from in the supermarkets and pick ones your kids will like. One trick I got from the net is to insert a Popsicle stick in the middle of the container and let it freeze, ergo, yogurt Popsicle! By the way, you can also add fruits to the yogurt to counter the sourness. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYDFHPnrUHDEjkcej8mBgzyvWPnL2O4nYPOU0NNs9tSqKOMUbk655LyYNAmVvU_vllIY8szEdRT4j7Faen4w8pDOJOOyhNc78heVkSo2p2MBWcySgvz5VSrgCisYWYZRgAp7CumookFyv/s1600/popcorn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpYDFHPnrUHDEjkcej8mBgzyvWPnL2O4nYPOU0NNs9tSqKOMUbk655LyYNAmVvU_vllIY8szEdRT4j7Faen4w8pDOJOOyhNc78heVkSo2p2MBWcySgvz5VSrgCisYWYZRgAp7CumookFyv/s200/popcorn.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><i><u><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br />
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</u></i></b></div><b>Pop-corn my heart.</b></u></i> Yes, popcorn is a healthier choice than chips. But you need to get the ones with plain, low salt or natural flavor. We usually buy the natural ones and we don't add salt anymore. They smell and taste like the good 'ol popcorn from the movie house and it gives you the crunchiness regular chips give. </div><div><br />
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</u></i></b></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWTsKSQGzGCgccas08KZzhLP8yinu6nfytguswsxoeKShbBmlDvPqAn74LgGs72oBNG60FCDSkr1-Eh6OWE0Ts93qC_qPJrPCWZ6FCobdb2i6BCs-NzZX0uC5jVi7G4DOL3rRwpuY9_Q0/s1600/cheese+and+crackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWTsKSQGzGCgccas08KZzhLP8yinu6nfytguswsxoeKShbBmlDvPqAn74LgGs72oBNG60FCDSkr1-Eh6OWE0Ts93qC_qPJrPCWZ6FCobdb2i6BCs-NzZX0uC5jVi7G4DOL3rRwpuY9_Q0/s200/cheese+and+crackers.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><i><u><div><b><i><u><br />
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</u></i></b></div>Extra Cheese please.</u></i></b> Slice up some cheddar cheese and arrange them alternately with plain crackers on a brightly colored plate. Again, plain crackers with no salt or low salt plus creamy cheese is a great combination for a light snack. </div><div> </div><div><b><i><u><br />
</u></i></b></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxD9hXrmQnBLTWRLtC7ZyXcEYO94q4rd_8guaJoggxzzazbeb9ET1-q5-KyW6FeJ4o2xyO2HiJBuBOnRlnZFJQJU-XpHxnMGvtw1SKAeSBByo8Bo8w8pFEDFmHnnfYzuMZd242S_2R_vU/s1600/fruit_juice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxD9hXrmQnBLTWRLtC7ZyXcEYO94q4rd_8guaJoggxzzazbeb9ET1-q5-KyW6FeJ4o2xyO2HiJBuBOnRlnZFJQJU-XpHxnMGvtw1SKAeSBByo8Bo8w8pFEDFmHnnfYzuMZd242S_2R_vU/s200/fruit_juice.jpg" width="133" /></a><b><i><u><div><b><i><u><br />
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</u></i></b></div>Bottomless Fruit Drinks.</u></i></b> Freshly squeezed fruit juice is best. If you have the electronic juicer at home or just the plain handheld juicer, use this to prepare fresh fruit juices to the kids. If squeezing is too tedious for you, try to get the canned fruit juice in the supermarkets. They are a little more expensive that the powdered juice drink but remember healthier is always better. Dads can also make fruit shakes or smoothies at home. Get any fruit in season and shake, shake, shake! </div><div><br />
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</u></i></b></div><div><b><i><u>Please Pass the Veggies.</u></i></b> Carrots and celery cut into strips matched with dips like pesto dip, cheese dip other homemade dips will get your kids to eat those dreaded vegetables. Steamed corn is also one of my daughter's favorite. If I can't get the cobs packed ones in the supermarket, I get her the canned whole kernels and she enjoys them just the same. Instead of frying french fries, try baking them which eliminates the use of too much oil. Try to find baked potato wedges recipes on the net. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VjETjvkkwDzwVG40wqhCRSVZhDq8IVdMaAHqS-HMag2NlJQqrXg77pC_LVuR1J7P4mw9D6ERovourviYWoxyEIm-lBVUzP7Z4u90W44XRtVLrP0ma6wXEiVShTs0oxnmaEpKSDi_vuNQ/s1600/veg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9VjETjvkkwDzwVG40wqhCRSVZhDq8IVdMaAHqS-HMag2NlJQqrXg77pC_LVuR1J7P4mw9D6ERovourviYWoxyEIm-lBVUzP7Z4u90W44XRtVLrP0ma6wXEiVShTs0oxnmaEpKSDi_vuNQ/s200/veg.jpg" width="184" /></a></div><div>These are just some snacks our family has tried and has been enjoying up to this time. Remember we need to be intentional parents. We must be involved in every thing our kids are doing especially what they eat. It would take much of our time but it's all worth it. Let's not take our health or our kids's health for that matter, for granted. Happy munching!!! Don't forget to brush your teeth too :-)</div><div><br />
</div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-64056233125087955152011-06-29T16:05:00.002+08:002011-06-29T16:05:59.040+08:00Mom's Milk<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Created June 24, 2011</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Breastfeeding is still best for babies…</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I was a young girl when I first a mother breastfeed her child. I was shocked to see our helper exposing her breast while her little baby boy tried to latch on. I tried to figure out what she was doing then I realized she was feeding her baby boy. I did not know that those two frontal bumps had milk in them. After suckling on her mother's breast, the baby boy fell asleep and our helper put him down and went back to work. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">When I became a senior in high school, we were required to submit a term paper. As I browsed through magazines at our school library for interesting topics, an article in bold letters struck me, it said, "BREASTFEEDING: BEST FOR BABIES". I forgot what magazine that was but I knew this topic would be great for my first term paper. I researched on the topic and finally got to finish my paper in time. After submitting the said project, our English teacher, Mrs. Lee then asked us to defend our project. When it was time for me to do the defense, she asked me about the benefits of breastfeeding which I quickly answered. Then her final question was, " If you have a baby of your own in the future, would you breastfeed then?" Without batting an eyelash I answered, "Of course!". Then she followed it up with, "What if you have to work, how will be able to feed your baby?". "I would stop working in order to breastfeed my baby," was my reply. She gave me a smile and gracious grade after that.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">In 2002, I became pregnant with my baby boy. My husband and I attended a breastfeeding seminar at the Asian Hospital. There we learned how breastfeeding really works. We were coached and taught by the wonderful breastfeeding advocates who later became very good friends. It was my goal then to really breastfeed my baby.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I gave birth a few months after and tried to breastfeed him. I would go down every 2 or 4 hours to the nursery and try to feed him. But I found out later that the nurses gave the babies formula in the nursery that is why whenever I try to nurse him, he does not seem interested. But still I tried as per the nurses’s instruction. We went home that afternoon and the baby was crying relentessly, I gave him my breast but he was pushing it away. I tried for a few minutes still the same response. I felt frustrated and cried because I felt he was rejecting me. I asked the helper to buy formula because he would not stop crying. I was so disappointed with myself and could not stop crying. I tried to breastfeed him for 2 to 3 months only combined with formula feeding. Until I finally gave up and let the formula do the feeding.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">After a while, I became so envious of mothers who breastfed their babies for a long time. My sister in law breastfed all her babies until they were a year old, a friend who breastfed until 3 years old (gosh) and my best friend who did it for 2 years i think. I secretly wished I did the same. Though I knew it was the best food for babies, I failed to give my son the best. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Three and a half years later, I became pregnant again. This time I vowed to give it my best in feeding my baby. I had to undergo a C-section this time because of fetal distress. I remember asking for my baby girl to be roomed-in just after a day. I wanted to do things right this time. The pediatrician asked me if I really wanted her to be roomed in despite my stitches and I said yes. So there she was, my baby girl,so tiny. I tried to latch her on and feed her. And that continued until she was 2 years and 8 months old.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Those three years (almost) were filled with joy and frustration. When she was teething, oh boy, one cannot imagine the pain and I would not share how I felt that time. Every bite would bring tears to my eyes and vow not to feed her anymore. Babies grow 20 teeth for the first two years of life, now how many bites would that be? Not to mention the accidental-bite-the-nip-because-the-baby-is-sleepy thing.... But you know what? It's all worth it. If I could have one more child, which my husband and I planned not to anymore, thank you very much, I would still breastfeed. I see it as God's wonderful design for mothers and children too. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Now that she is almost five years old, she would sneak her hand in my shirt once in a while. Of course, I would stop her especially when she does it in public. She would also put her head close to my breast when she sleeps. Lately, I asked her why she keeps putting her hand on my breast. She tells me, "because your dede (breast) has a magnet!"</span>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-84784164173616306332011-06-29T16:03:00.002+08:002011-06-29T16:03:53.732+08:00Why I Love Homeschooling<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">created Ma 23, 2011</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Why do I love homeschooling, let me count the ways...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I love homeschooling because ...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it gives my child the flexibility to learn and master a particular lesson before moving on to more complicated lessons without being labelled as slow or lazy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it allows my child to explore the world and everything in it without strictly sticking to the lessons</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it gives my child the opportunity to know God more through his creation and to learn to love him</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it causes my child develop a love for reading and learning</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it allows my child to have immediate life application of the lessons he learned at home</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it opens opportunities for my child to be creative by enhancing his or her talent in the arts, dancing, and sports</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it encourages my child to talk confidently to other people not only to kids his age</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it enables my child to develop long lasting friendships with other homeschooling kids and non-homeschooling kids as well</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it deprives my child the stress of mom him waking up early in the morning just to reach school on time</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it develops Godly character in my child as it is taught intentionally and unintentionally in all our lessons</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDmzH1EmCmjx0ouzw-otaV1VkeePODjMm6EOTM6h6NUS6iMzZSk-HyioYg-37Byf5MVXhfc5XArjmg2XDBuZ93HAJg2GwPvl1PM12qM61QAVhyphenhypheno3zwvWLe8bfbq5sdv3tM7oTbmbxKaU/s1600/P5031822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #bf9000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuDmzH1EmCmjx0ouzw-otaV1VkeePODjMm6EOTM6h6NUS6iMzZSk-HyioYg-37Byf5MVXhfc5XArjmg2XDBuZ93HAJg2GwPvl1PM12qM61QAVhyphenhypheno3zwvWLe8bfbq5sdv3tM7oTbmbxKaU/s320/P5031822.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">As a parent-teacher...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it pushes me to lean on God more and depend on Him alone as He equips me in this task</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it allows me to see my faults, ask for forgiveness from my child and God and start over again with a new heart</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">As a family...</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it gives the family the freedom to express one's feelings toward another without being talked down to or criticized</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">it creates a bond which is founded on God's love that would last a lifetime</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0mBKU03_5n-iKRs0rvy_sCEXCvRrmId-CI9oEX0mPdW_sYUd1iDJTvkSoAOARSInkj0qjTTQev1DuqzzM8ieTRUFV0d0YNCsELTtKp54s-Qv1A-qYOd0S2CBWCGwLeh1HH_DYrztTZI/s1600/P4141768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #bf9000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0mBKU03_5n-iKRs0rvy_sCEXCvRrmId-CI9oEX0mPdW_sYUd1iDJTvkSoAOARSInkj0qjTTQev1DuqzzM8ieTRUFV0d0YNCsELTtKp54s-Qv1A-qYOd0S2CBWCGwLeh1HH_DYrztTZI/s320/P4141768.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-64993466715577589592011-06-29T16:02:00.001+08:002011-06-29T16:02:29.034+08:00Math Drills Before School Starts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Created May 19, 2011</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">As I headed to the bookstore last week to get art supplies for my son's art classes, I was surprised by the long queue and this reminded me that school is just around the corner. When I got home that afternoon, I heard my 8-year-old arguing with my 4-year-old on whose turn is it to use the computer, again! This has been a typical scene every since Jianne (the 4-year-old) learned how to play games on the computer. Although, her use is still limited compared to Coby (the 8-year-old), every time she tries to use the older one tries to lure her into something else just to keep her off the PC.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Vacation is almost over and I need to study which curriculum I am going to use for the two kids. As I do this daunting task of selecting the correct curriculum, I need to review as well as prepare Coby for his Math. I used to give him pages of Math drills which to me is really overwhelming and gets boring at the same time. So I decided to cut small pieces of colored index cards and write either an addition, subtraction, multiplication or division problem. This method helps him because he can focus on only the problem written on the card and not get distracted by the other problems written in that short bond paper. I thinking of assigning different colored index cards per operation like pink for addition, blue for subtraction, blue for multiplication and yellow for division. I think this would also brace him for the problems he needs to solve. Like if I give him a blue index card, he knows he will do multiplication and recall his multiplication table.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWiMFP1B1Rnnot1EXxz0zCf1yZja3ha38JbITn0etZAi8AhSVYvI9Ms5AH8TLrOMbV1yazA4Ah0DbxwAql5grt0PcJaZq10AVE2ASp_kJIrarfucd-4gfaIcwVoj8T9ssFglWKw5tUvg/s1600/P5181848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #bf9000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWiMFP1B1Rnnot1EXxz0zCf1yZja3ha38JbITn0etZAi8AhSVYvI9Ms5AH8TLrOMbV1yazA4Ah0DbxwAql5grt0PcJaZq10AVE2ASp_kJIrarfucd-4gfaIcwVoj8T9ssFglWKw5tUvg/s320/P5181848.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iR4SPsm0YPY50AgFasqKLR8njdZMW7HrgiBW0fC6vQeMiQjBAW-1x4Rnpx_srRLc6-ubSUDKMtn4O4xLGZ9p0XCP3v7pLQcSE9bKuKk61xuF7r0gHebZyQYbznbR71P621KPGseAb04/s1600/P5181847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #bf9000; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-iR4SPsm0YPY50AgFasqKLR8njdZMW7HrgiBW0fC6vQeMiQjBAW-1x4Rnpx_srRLc6-ubSUDKMtn4O4xLGZ9p0XCP3v7pLQcSE9bKuKk61xuF7r0gHebZyQYbznbR71P621KPGseAb04/s320/P5181847.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The index card worked for him and me as well and as an added bonus I gave him an incentive. For every index card completed with the correct answer, he is given 5 minutes to play on the computer. I tried this during the third quarter and the result was impressive. He not only solved the problems correctly but he did it so fast because he wanted to play right away. Not only that, because of the limited time I gave for each index card, he wanted to do more drills so he could spend more time on the PC but he cannot exceed one hour.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Philosopher; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">As we prepare for Grade 3 this June, we will do the cards again and hoping that we find our own way of doing Math and this time encouraging each other.</span>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-91869490904776706862011-06-29T15:55:00.000+08:002011-06-29T15:55:59.797+08:00The Summer I Met My Son<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“The word of the Lord came to me saying, Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1: 4-5</em></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://gotanygrapes.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/big-boy0001.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-62" height="225" src="http://gotanygrapes.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/big-boy0001.jpg?w=300&h=225" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; clear: both; display: block; height: auto; margin-bottom: 12px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="one year old coby" width="300" /></a></em>He was a typical one-year-old boy. He was full of energy, strong and loved to laugh at lot. People would comment that he is a happy baby because he smiles a lot.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Then God added years to his life and he began to “mature.” At three years old, I thought something was wrong with him. As a wife of special education teacher, I was always on my toes trying to assess him because if indeed there is something wrong with him, I want to address it right away and seek early intervention ASAP. I searched the net for the “signs” he was exhibiting. It seems to me he was defying everything I tell him. He would be opposing me all the time and I found that very frustrating. So I saw the condition related to autism which is Oppositional Defiance Disorder or ODD. So I prematurely concluded that Coby has ODD. I searched the hospital for a developmental psychologist right away to confirm my “findings”. Finally, we went to see the doctor and we waited while he assessed Coby. After such time, the doctor spoke to me with a tinge of sarcasm, “Mommy, stop over-analyzing your child. Nothing is wrong with him. He is as normal as any three-year-old could be.” I really felt embarrassed and then I jokingly replied, “Doc, do you think I need the assessment?” The doctor laughed in agreement.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Throughout the years he has developed close friendships with the kids of former cell group members. Since they are mostly of the same age, he easily bonded with them and looked forward to every meeting with them. He also made friends in Sunday school. Coby looks forward to visiting his cousins and playing with them too.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">This summer however, I realized something about our eldest son when he attended our church’s Daily Vacation Bible School (DVBS). Coby has been attending DVBS for three years now but this year the DVBS program was changed which incorporated more time for games and bible study. Whenever we get invited to kiddie parties, Coby would not join any of the games. Despite our prodding, scolding and encouraging, he would glue himself to the chair and not move at all. Unfortunately, for him, DVBS has more games now and they encourage all the kids to join. As I looked at the the other kids excitedly joining the games, I watched Coby sit on the sidelines and do something else. I would observe him everyday for one week and really felt frustrated that despite the teachers’ encouragement, he would still not get up and join any of the games. One afternoon after DVBS I talked to him and explained to him how fun it is to join those games. He insisted that he did not like joining because of the noise. I just ignored his reasoning and continued to talk him out of it. The following day, I thought my so-called talk with him worked. He stood up to join but did not finish the game. I was fuming mad and acted like a stage mom at that moment. I was not so proud of how I acted that time, I let the enemy take hold of me. After that moment of drama with Coby, I told him to go back to his group.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I was asking God, why is my son like this? Why is he not like other kids. I admit that I was jealous of the other kids’ moms because their kids are “like the other kids”. But then I realized after much prayer, that each child is unique. Like what God said in Jeremiah, He was the one who formed Coby in my womb. He was the one who gave Coby his unique traits, his character. He already knew Coby was going to be different from the other kids because he created every one special in His eyes.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He does not lack social skills as some would put it. He relates well with his friends, his cousins, older people and new acquaintances. He talks, talks and talks a lot. I realized he is just not like me. I am the outgoing, extrovert type while he is more introspective and has a quite nature. That is why he enjoys drawing because there is not much fanfare when he does this. Drawing and music relaxes him. In fact, up to this time he would hum a tune whenever he draws or creates something out of his Lego. Sometimes too he would hum while munching on his favorite cheezewhiz sandwich. Although he enjoys playing with other kids, he would prefer being in a small group only. He does not thrive in big group settings because it overwhelms him. This is who Coby is. This is how God created him but I know in God’s time Coby would come out of his shell. In fact, he has been showing confidence in talking to other people and “reporting”. Because he loves to talk, I told him he could be a reporter someday. He said no, because he wants to be an inventor (see, even his career is introspective). Then I said, well maybe after inventing something, you could explain your invention to other people then he said that it was a good idea.</div><div class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_65" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #f1f1f1; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #333333; display: block; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-width: 632px !important; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; width: 310px;"><a href="http://gotanygrapes.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/p2251659.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #0066cc; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-65" height="225" src="http://gotanygrapes.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/p2251659.jpg?w=300&h=225" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-style: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-width: initial; height: auto; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: auto;" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" width="300" /></a><div class="wp-caption-text" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #888888; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, 'Nimbus Sans L', sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Coby sharing what he knows about dinosaurs to his Papa</div></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I realized that I need to accept how my child is different from other kids, even how different he is from his sister. He has God given qualities that make him who he is.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I suggested he take soccer for summer, he does not like he says. Then what kind of sports do you like? I want golf Mama! Uh oh! Me and my big mouth!</div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-9797357096147351142011-06-28T17:30:00.000+08:002011-06-28T17:30:46.140+08:00Pinoy Characters You Meet at the Mall<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When was the last time you went to the mall? Was it yesterday? Last week? Pinoys flock the malls to shop, dine in restaurants, meet up with friends and family, do grocery shopping, pay the bills, or just to simply hang out. As a frequent mall-goer myself (because of the 5-minute walk time to reach the mall) I have observed a bunch of characters who go in and out of these huge, air-conditioned establishments. And here are some of the few I often catch while malling. See if you spot them the next time you’re there.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Lovebirds </em></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QD6r5RL-OV93tAG6eKQ_DOIPSwtmmC8xDUrKRJ7Yn5vJKQ7Od1NH772VcOf5eOAk6WZBQGRe5LR-dRjRIlzTnkEBpYUqAKK4c0r30XM30Kt74GelF1EQriLl20Eqge2ZtESRsIzu2nWP/s1600/holding+hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QD6r5RL-OV93tAG6eKQ_DOIPSwtmmC8xDUrKRJ7Yn5vJKQ7Od1NH772VcOf5eOAk6WZBQGRe5LR-dRjRIlzTnkEBpYUqAKK4c0r30XM30Kt74GelF1EQriLl20Eqge2ZtESRsIzu2nWP/s1600/holding+hands.jpg" /></a>The lovebirds are the college sweethearts. One could easily spot them simply by the young lass’ college uniform and she would then be holding-hands-while-walking (HHWW) with her young escort. Funny how the young escort proudly carries his girlfriend’s pink-floral-studded-with crystals shoulder bag or purse on his own shoulders. They are oblivious to the busyness of the mall and walk as though time is slowing down for them. If you are in hurry, better overtake these two as they could cause mall traffic.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Royal Family</em></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LZm7V0byfxK8WFFt_WIC3jP8gnCJZqTTrlkm_PTcvBU8dl7x0vtLuOE1r3b6XSeyff63JuVMdnk7MnGlorThH5fBViucLAJWoUPvr3SaVEaR-FIPMYA0Cy3e9IqXxUM-HA2ndLAOVyVI/s1600/richie-rich.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LZm7V0byfxK8WFFt_WIC3jP8gnCJZqTTrlkm_PTcvBU8dl7x0vtLuOE1r3b6XSeyff63JuVMdnk7MnGlorThH5fBViucLAJWoUPvr3SaVEaR-FIPMYA0Cy3e9IqXxUM-HA2ndLAOVyVI/s200/richie-rich.jpg" width="200" /></a>This group usually comes with an entire entourage of yayas and drivers/bodyguards. The signature-outfit-clad mom with aviator shades resting on her head would be strutting like a model while the yayas are busy tending to the whims of the toddlers strapped in their expensive Maclaren strollers. From the mom’s outfit alone you would know they belong to the upper or upper middle class of the society. The dad would also be there but would usually walk far behind his brood as he tinkers with his iPad or talks on his iPhone4.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Hurried Mom</em></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgejQCCYXh-CwAkMloiOHnvy4jYubLFC-UwTMKkqiAm5pFOYSjLEUTSsw06mHbEWcb5RitZgueXhoDKhCx9HCxOsK4CWvA6CRRtPRNn4QPVXPcihvv2VGa0v936zUoGA92Zzmt38qS40d1/s1600/shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgejQCCYXh-CwAkMloiOHnvy4jYubLFC-UwTMKkqiAm5pFOYSjLEUTSsw06mHbEWcb5RitZgueXhoDKhCx9HCxOsK4CWvA6CRRtPRNn4QPVXPcihvv2VGa0v936zUoGA92Zzmt38qS40d1/s200/shopping.jpg" width="200" /></a>Whether the mall is owned by the Spanish-mestizo clan or the Chinese tycoon, malls would never be without the hurried mom. She is a stay-at-home or working-part-time mom who after dropping her kids to school would rush to the mall to buy groceries, pay the bills or run errands. She would either be wearing jeans or capri pants with either flip flops or sneakers with her hair tied in a ponytail. You also have to keep away from her because she has a schedule to follow and there is no dilly-dallying for this mall rat.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Posse </em></strong></div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt9_v43-cb_GRNnHUcaEGK7kBtbnL0pLRa3MajfaIRwD6weH1ah4qQeV7PizqAiF6pKH_0yS1aULK3NA_UnXJ2ZCYAcWAj4zqtNuwihNE7a6KT1L5d5TrkPW7oU7_N9V-qj93GT7lCdul/s1600/OurGang4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyt9_v43-cb_GRNnHUcaEGK7kBtbnL0pLRa3MajfaIRwD6weH1ah4qQeV7PizqAiF6pKH_0yS1aULK3NA_UnXJ2ZCYAcWAj4zqtNuwihNE7a6KT1L5d5TrkPW7oU7_N9V-qj93GT7lCdul/s200/OurGang4.jpg" width="200" /></a>These, to me, are the official mall rats. They are a group of more than five teenagers you would see slumped on the floor in front of a photography studio or just hanging out at the basement food court. They are easily spotted not only because of their number but because of their trademark look –oversized jerseys on top of oversized-low-waist trousers accessorized by bull caps worn backwards. Mall guards are wary of these groups because of the threat they supposedly pose.</div><div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Bitstream Charter', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">These are just some of the many characters I would meet at the mall. I am sure there are more interesting characters that are uniquely Pinoy which I am hoping to spot very soon. Is there any particular mall-goer that I missed? Or perhaps you are an outrageous character inside the mall yourself?</div>jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2277438474126295686.post-35849487885719999482011-01-24T23:06:00.000+08:002011-01-24T23:06:37.970+08:00Face the bookI can't even remember the day I signed up for Facebook. I have heard of it through my sister in law who at that time had 200 or so Facebook friends. Friendster was the in thing that time as well as Multiply. Of course, I had to maintain my own accounts on those two social networking sites. New words were added to my social siting vocabulary: reconnect, upload,post and shout outs. I began reconnecting with old friends, really old friends and waited patiently for the new pictures to be uploaded. Until again, I was re-introduced by my former supervisor to Facebook. He told me that it's definitely much better than Friendster. So I did. I registered and created a profile. It was unfamiliar yet simple. I said to myself, It's like a upgraded and more sophisticated version of Friendster. <br />
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Months have passed and I was completely into it. No longer was I logging in to my Friendster account and I deleted my multiply account too. I found a new friend - Facebook. Some of the older older friends I haven't seen in ages, I found in Facebook. To some extent, it has indeed reconnected me with people close to me in the past whom I just lost touch with after many many years. It's great to see them again, all grown-up, with their own families and even some having a life outside of the country. I get a sneak peak of what their life is at present... it's like having Showbiz Central or The Buzz in real time, the only difference is that the celebrities are my friends and family. <br />
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But the pitfall of being lured into the Facebook community is my addiction to the games. I think it was two years ago when I started receiving invitations to be someone's neighbor for so and so game. I enjoyed playing these games. One lets me have my own cafe/resto world where I could cook international dishes and decorate my restaurant at the same time. Another allows me to have a virtual pet whom I can take care of by building it a its own house and buying stuff for the pet I chose. But my favorite is the one that takes me to the countryside, the rural setting and allows me to plant and harvest, plant and harvest and plant and harvest. I got so addicted to this game that I even forced my husband to have his own farm so we could be neighbors. This went on for months until my marriage was being affected. I remember creeping out of the bedroom when my husband is sleeping at midnight only to check my crops if they are ready for harvesting. The game has engulfed me and my time.<br />
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I remember having arguments with my husband because of the length of time I spend playing these games. He would always be checking on me when I'm logged and telling me, like a child, to stop it already. I would always frown and wish I did not have any husband to check on me all the time. It became an addiction until God already intervened. <br />
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During those times when I pleaded for more time from my husband, I knew he was praying that I come to my senses and stop. He would always say, "It's just a game. It's not real!" These were constant utterances from him until finally, I stopped. One day, I just felt a tug in my heart telling me to stop and I could even hear my husband saying those words again over and over. So I did realize that it's not real, that it's just a game. <br />
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I was in hibernation for quite some time soon after that. I tried my best to stay away from my favorite games and with God's grace I was able to control my planting and cooking urges. <br />
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Lately, though, I can see myself getting back to the gaming world again. But I believe its different now. I don't stay up late or creep out of the room at night to expand my city or rearrange my shops. I set aside a certain time for this in a day and do something else. Something worthwhile. Something more productive. Something more pleasing to my Father in heaven. It's really embarrassing for Him to see me spending too much time on things man created instead of spending more time with Him.jude agbayanihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02604137046822476311noreply@blogger.com0