House Plans

We went out last night for some coffee. Nic was not really happy about something. I think she was having a fight with Yanna. She was crying when we went home and she kept asking me to get a house and move out here.

I'd say its kids thought. But somehow, this had an impact on me. Lisette and I have been planning on staying in Olongapo and I feel that we need to have our own space. It may not be easy but we need it. Im getting tired of 'temporary' living.

Not that we don't have our own space. It's more like being on your own. I do not like living on other people's achievement. I don't know why but all these years I have been waiting for the time to finally have our own space. I thought the place we're staying in Kessing will be fine. But there are just some things that doesn't fit.

Anyway, since the kids were passionate about it, they did their own presentations expressing what they want in the "new" house. Here it is:

House Plans!! O_o



Nic’s plan for the house



It may appear childish but the thing about it is that it is a dream they own. That's the most important thing. We still do not have a fix on what house we'll be having but there are options we are looking at.

Medals

The kids got some medals from Kumon lately.  Its a form of recognition for a significant achievement.  Nic got a bronze medal for Math and Kuya got a Gold for reading.  Nic's bronze represents being ahead for one year level and Kuya's gold represents about three year levels ahead.

It's nice to see them getting recognized for their achievement even outside school.  They've been into Kumon for more than 5 years and it is a system that is learner based as opposed to the traditional school's 'lesson plan-based' learning system.  The learner progresses at his or her own pace with Kumon.  The traditional system on the other hand proceeds based on a quarterly basis based on the teachers lesson plan.

There are also medals for Tea Kwon Do for Nic and her loyalty award from Kumon.

More than the medal itself, this represents an achievement even at their very young age.  It may seem insignificant with the passing of time but it represents a significant building block for them for their future.

As a parent the future is something we all feat and look forward to at the same time.  We fear what will become of my children but at the same time keenly awaiting their adulthood to witness their life beyond my years.  Lisette oftentimes look forward to Vinz getting married so she can enjoy her 'apo'.  Weird but funny and exciting in a sense.

Nic getting married is another issue for me, THE DAD.  That will require scrutiny.

So Kuya, Nic, when you get to read this, don't say you've not been warned.  Hehehe....

Looking back, the only medal I got from being a child was that of landing in the TOP 10 of the class.  I still remember it- it was a yellow ribbon with the name of the school and my rank.  My name was not even on it. It was handed to me unceremoniously.  On the last day of my fourth grade class.  We were all gathered and the honorees were called up one by one.  No cameras, no parents.  Just a teached and her class awarding the best in the class.

It was a proud moment for me.  It's just too bad the bragging rights were not as grand.  I knew that I am not 'bobo' and it was enough for me.  After all, i did not bother reviewing for any final exams and still managed to pass (this IS MY bragging right) and make it to the TOP 10.  I think i was the 7th.  Falling from 5th from previous quarters.  Any longer and I might have missed being there. Harhar.....

Anyway,  I'm proud of my kids.  Achievements big or small matters.  And I'm glad their not 'bobo'  hehe.... Just don't make them crack jokes.

Memories from An Old Picture

I was sorting through some office files.  In my old desk I saw an old photo frame with Kuya and Nic in it.  They look so cute!

I still remember that photo was taken in the Konica Studio in Pangasinan.  As to when, I am not so sure.  Maybe 2004 or 2005, Kuya maybe was just 9 and Nic 6.  They've grown so fast. Imagine that!  In so short a time, Kuya now is in HS and Nic is in Grade 4.

Old pics help us relive our past and somehow, it is so full of good memories.  And sometimes that recall extends beyond that.

I remember when they were born.  Until they've grown big enough we just had them sleep on our chest.  We'd take turn having them close to our chest every night.  Never mind the inconvenience that it may bring us so long as we can feel them and respond to their cry.

It reminds me again of the project the I have been planning but haven't exerted enough effort to make it happen.  A scanner, a computer and some serious storage device is what I need to make it happen.  And probably a help from someone to have the old photos stored digitally.
 
This reminds me of a lot of things.  Kinda puts life in perspective.  You appreciate the gift of having a child.

More importantly, it reminds me that I have a responsibility and that it fuels me to do some more to make life a bit more comfortable for all of us.