The Holidays

Thanksgiving

We did our usual dinner at the Mata residence while hubby worked.  Uncle Joey introduced “The Princess Bride” to my kids and it has become a favorite.  My mom shared with me the “history” of our Thanksgiving tradition and it warmed my heart.  Sometimes friends really do become family proving that blood is not necessarily thicker than water. My favorite part was the day after Thanksgiving when my family of four sat around our dining table and shared what we were thankful for over a Mc Donald’s breakfast.  Such simple traditions remain priceless.

Christmas

The highlight of my Christmas has got to be being able to watch  “The Gospel of John” with my kids on Noche Buena.  I am amazed by JC’s biblical knowledge.  His love for the word and learning reminds me of the same enthusiasm and curiosity I had when I was his age.  What’s more impressive is that his knowledge is not learned in Sunday School nor is it ingrained by me or Chris, rather he reads his ESV bible and makes his own connections.  To hear him share the wisdom he has attained  blessed my heart.  It just goes to show that “training a child in the way he should go,” does not necessarily involve taking him to church every Sunday or making them memorize bible verses, it’s equipping them accordingly and allowing them to explore on their own as well as being there for them when questions are raised.

I was also able to share The Story of Christmas with my kids which my daughter claimed she did not understand at all.  I didn’t push any of it on her. I asked that we just close the book and re-read it another day.  Other parents I’m sure would have forced their children to understand the “biblical” aspect of Christmas, I for one do not agree with that method.  To my surprise my way worked wonders.  We took a trip to the Norton Simon Museum with my cousins and when Mika saw a painting of Mary and the Angel Gabriel she made a connection to the story we read.  She understood everything after all and was able to reiterate the story in her own way and in her own time.  My cousins were amazed by her knowledge just as I was.

New Years

We gathered in our room and had a picnic on the floor while watching the count down and we shared our goals for 2008. Another family moment frozen in time.

Celebrate the Reason beyond the season

Feeling loved and proud

Dear Mommy.

I love you very. very. much. You are the best mommy in the wrold! I love when you cook spagdy.

What was your favrit subject in fourth grade

Can you give me 20 kisses and hugs pleas.

Why do you like Sabby Chic?

Love,

Mika

With that I gave her 20 kisses and 20 hugs and answered her questions…

I think I loved reading and writing even in fourth grade

I like Shabby Chic because it’s my style. What’s your style? Bright and bold?

Hello Kitty Hospital

As much as I love Pink and Hello Kitty, I just don’t like them together. I’m a classic Kitty girl. The red, white and blue!

I found this on my favorite apartmenttherapy.com website

www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/hot-or-not/hot-or-not-hello-kitty-maternity-hospital-071424

So nauseatingly cute. Cute over kill! Total over stimulation for newborns, mommy’s and even the hospital staff ;p

I guess whatever tickles your fancy!

Recession affecting the kids

Today was a joyful occasion. As I’ve posted practically everywhere, my kids made the honor roll again! Being that it’s a school night and we were not attending bible study, hubby and I decided to let them stay up a bit later and take them to the mall. They were allowed to go to one store each just to look. That was a part of their treat. It may sound boring but since the age of two, they have been taught that we don’t buy anything just because we’re in a store. To this day, they have never thrown a tantrum over not getting what they want. Of course there are times when we go for the sole purpose of actually shopping, but the rule for that is they need to get rid of one toy to buy another, same with books. It seemed impractical to go toy shopping when I know for a fact they will receive plenty for Christmas!

My son chose the Lego store…of course and my daughter chose Libby Lu…of course!

That’s when the recession “hit”. I read on the the counter that Libby Lu will be closing as of January 2009. I asked the sales attendant if it will only be the Glendale store. Sadly, all 98 stores including the one in Downtown Disney are affected because of the Economy. I looked at my daughter and saw her eyes glistening with tears. My heart sank. She attempted to enjoy herself but I knew she was bothered. As we left the store I asked, “Mika, are you okay?” and she responded with “Mommy, that’s my favorite store” and “Why do they have to close?” With that came the lesson about Recession on our way home.

It went something like this…

People don’t have money to buy.

When people don’t buy from stores, stores don’t have money.

When stores don’t have money, they close.

We could have stopped there but we decided that there’s a greater lesson in this

When stores close

People lose their jobs

When people lose their jobs, they don’t have money to buy and when people don’t buy, stores don’t make money so they close.

With that final sentence my son responded with “It’s like a life cycle!” My sweet smart boy!

And so, the lesson concluded with

You may feel sad that you’re favorite store is closing but imagine how those people who will lose their jobs feel? Imagine how their family’s feel? Do you remember when Daddy didn’t have a job?

A mere lesson about Recession concluded with it’s not always about us, it’s not always about you and always be grateful!

It was a great evening after all!

Changes this holiday season

This year we’ve opted for simple changes in which values are instilled rather than society’s view of consumerism and that of self. Our children are getting older and it is our hope to be an example to them even in the manner of finances, gift giving and the true spirit of the season.

The day after Thanksgiving, Chris the kids and I had a family breakfast (from Mc Donalds) at home. We each took turns to give thanks and both my children were grateful for “a family who loves them.” At the end of the meal we made sure that the children were aware that giving thanks is not just a one day celebration but rather giving thanks is a lifetime commitment.

I for one believe that it is important to be grateful for not only the present and the future, it is of greater value when we can look back and remember those that have made a difference in our lives whether they still take part in our lives as well as the circumstances and experiences that have allowed us to mature. This from a person who also believes in severing all ties. I certainly have grown.

In regards to gift giving. All year Chris and I have planned to purchase the Wii as a “family gift” so that we can use it for “family time”. We have decided along with the kids that it is not practical. Spending $400 for “family time” is such a ridiculous thought after all. Though the practicality of it all played a part in our decision, what gave us a change of heart was my husband. A cause close to his heart after five years of wanting to make a difference yet not knowing how found its way to us. God answered our simple whisper. It is amazing! Most of our shopping money will go there a long with time that will be invested. The children are thrilled but I on the other hand find myself misty eyed because they are learning that life is best lived when we give up of ourselves. They’re taking after their father…that is true joy for this mother’s heart.

The spirit of the holiday season is not just for a season. Lesson learned.

What a weekend

Hubby was able to get a whole week off unfortunately due to tennis elbow.

I fell down and hurt myself at school on Thursday. I hurt my both knees and within 24 hours the impact of the fall was evident. My body knee and my back is still in pain.

My daughter has a high fever which fluctuates. She had nausea all day yesterday. According to the urgent care doctor, they don’t know what’s wrong exactly. They assume it’s a viral infection but we won’t know for another 2 days.

I have a 6 page Philosophy paper due tomorrow morning which I have not started on.

I have a 5:30 – 9:30 Sociology class tomorrow night.

I have a 6 page Child Development Theory paper due Tuesday morning which I have not started on.

I have 3 more weeks before the madness ends and never again will I do this to my family.

I have a supportive husband who will be up with me while I work on my papers and who will be playing both the mommy and daddy role while I recover from the craziness of this weekend.

Parenting and the Cruzes

Many parents brag about how smart, talented, cute and sweet their children are. You’re a parent so by all means, you must be entitled. These parents even have their children perform “tricks.” I’m sure you’ve seen them, “anak sing your ABC’s,” or “what color is this?” and even “what’s the opposite of?” I’m so not impressed! Tough critic I know. Most children can be taught such things otherwise we would have really stupid adults!

Chris and I make a conscious effort not to be like those parents. I blog a lot about my kids but I don’t brag. In blogs it’s up to you to read about it whereas if you’re talking to someone about your child or having your child “perform” right there and then, you don’t give people much of an option. Their only choice is to be polite. Our reason for wanting to be different? Well, such criterias are subjective. We would rather not impose our views about our kids on other people because we would much rather have them experience and see for themselves. For such reasons, other parents are very curious as to how we raise our kids. We answer questions accordingly and people are often surprised by what we share and what they see.

With that said, the one thing I would consider bragging about after 7 years of parenting is that my children make good choices, they have a conscience and they never lie. Such observations have been confirmed through other people thus making it a valid boast according to my standards :p

Building their character above anything else has been my goal. The attainment of that goal was evident when they turned three and in more recent times have been exercised further in their school environment. I am beyond proud. I can only hope and pray that such qualities will continue as they enter their teens and even through adulthood. I never request perfection. I only ask for honesty, good choices, reasons as to why such choices were made (good or bad) and that each of them learn from their mistakes and move forward.

Tonight at the Cruz residence, I saw Mr. Kai’s character being developed. Through simple observations, I saw what a wonderful job his Mama and Papa are doing. I have to give credit where credit is due. You guys are doing the best you can and it is evident.

I’m reminded that when I was a “paranoid newbie mom,” it was Chelly who shared with me the importance of building my children’s character. I’ve taken it to heart. No surprise that they are doing the same thing with Mr. Kai.

Missing “normal” and rambling

During lunch, Chris shared his admiration for single parents while I on the other hand acknowledge the incredible working moms. I have been slacking lately and hubby has been picking up the slack. That’s where such thoughts come into play. He is the “single” parent, while I seize to exist or at least co-exist.

Five more weeks and we’re back to normal.

Lessons learned:

No winter class

No more full loads

College might take longer but family takes precedence

Breathe

Even she noticed

Mika: Why is everything made in China?

Mommy: How do you know that?

Mika: Because I read it on everything

Mommy: Oh. Why do you think it says that?

Mika: Cheap?