What's in a Name?

On the way to the school last Tuesday, I overheard the two guys talking. It goes like this;
Xandrei: " When I go to college, I will not call Mommy and Daddy anymore."
Zach: "Why? What will you call them?"
Xandrei: "I will call them Dad and Mom."
Me: "Why?"
Xandrei: "Because by that time, I am already grown up. And I don't want to be called Xandrei anymore."
Me:"What will we call you then?"
Xandrei: "X-andrei, you know that is what Jeanette  calls me, X-andrei."

Indeed, by that time you can decide on what to do with your life. You can tell us what to call you, nor how you can call us. I can't wait, though, the kiddy voice that will call me someday as "Grandpa."

Way to go, "Coco." Oppss, can we still call you that?

TRANSFORMERS

When was the last time you feel idiot infront of a young kid and won't accept it? Me? I always have the feeling of being one whenever I am with Coco and Zach watching the Transformers movies (1 and 2).

Recently, as a treat for being good at their "home study" classes, we brought them to see Transformers:Dark of the Moon. Right after coming from duty, Mom (took a 30 minute nap) heroically joined us (thinking that she might be able to doze off while inside. We took the matinee shows (for economic reasons) and headed to the theather 30 minutes before the show. That was one of the best decisions we made that day, for minutes after we sat down, droves of people  came in looking for the best seat in the house. While we relaxedly sat others were forced to occupy the very front seats (some even sat on the stairs (reminiscent of our Philippine movie experience way back then) were one can have the most eye irritating view.

As usual, the story is about good vs evil, full of chasing, fighting and banging (thanks for the jokes inserted in the dialogue, it made the scenes bearable and fun). As a person who knows nothing about transformers, I couldn't catch up the names based from their images. I only knew Bumblebee and Optimus prime, the rest are unknown. Thanks to Coco and Zach, who supplied the information in order for me to understand the whole movie and its characters.

Indeed, never understimate the mind of the kid which is so young, fresh and can absorb anything.

For us, they are our tranformers. They open up our minds on what the present can offer. We can only play along and wonder.

Dad's Day!

Why are we happy  to celebrate Father's Day! Was it  just a recognition day for being a Dad, or was a day to honor being a Father.

There is no greater significance in celebrating Father's Day if you don't recognize who made you a father. No matter how people greet you, nor honor you, it all goes back to the fact that without your family, you can never be a father.

But, to be honest, it is humbling to belong to the group called Fathers. I can never end in being thankful to God for sharing this gift to me. Looking back this morning, I was reflecting what would happen to me had I not married Jaz ? Would I been a different person?

God really has a fun way of making things right. I know I screwed up right after I left the SVST, but there was still more than 60% chance that I would be coming back. But, of course, it didn't happen. 

Right now, I am greatful for having Zach and Coco to lighten the day. They are full of surprises and you simply can't predict what would be the end of everyday being with them. I know from time to time I didn't live to the expectations, but God has a way of supplementing whatever my failures and missed opportunities were.

Indeed, these are the moments that I can't simply afford to pass. We are having a good time this summer. It is an opportune time for us to bond together. Not enrolling them to YMCA and even sending them to the library for a common reading  was simply the best decision that we made.

As the father of Mr. Popper tells him, " Hug and kiss your young ones while they still allow you to kiss and hug them. " That is what I am doing.

Fathers, indeed can be a happy thing.

RECONNECTING

 

After months of absence, we finally met again tonight. Thanks to the new baby of Kris and Cathy. With pizza, chicken wings, popeye’s chicken and grilled pampano the evening seemed just old times again. As usual, the banter and “kulitan” are still there; but this time, its more mild. And indeed, whoever is absent is normally the talk of the town. But, we didn’t dwell on one person alone.

Today was kind of slow and lazy for me. Except for being faithful to the kids’ schedule, all I did was to watch movies and lay down on the couch. An attitude that I hate to realize at the end of the last movie. But what can you do, we are on vacation.

The HOA seemed rude and devoid of common sense. Last Friday, I received a letter demanding us to remove the tree stakes in front. At firs, I though it was a joke or a missent letter. But the last part of the letter demanding a fast and swift compliance proved to be authentic. Furious, I demanded an explanation and hurled some complaints. (dirty pool, speed limit, splash park and recreational spots). Later today, AMI sent their very informal reply answering all my queries. However, none satisfied my questions. It is just annoying sometimes that HOA tend to focus on the things that make the  subdivision ugly and not look at it generally. 

But sometimes you’ll tell yourself, what can you do?

Anthology of Adventure (2011 Summer)

 June 7 - Story Time and HEB Raid

We started the day with swimming at the subdivision's pool. Thinking that Tuesday would be a good time to swim since according to the pool schedule, they are going to clean the  poo on Mondays, yet it proved to be otherwise. The pool's sorrounding was unswept, its water is full of unknown "residue". I wonder if indeed they clean it on Monday.  Nevertheless, since its only the four us (including the lady who was sunbathing) we dived into the unknown until 10:45.

Next, Story time at Barnes and Nobles: this was our first time to attend story telling at B and N. The lady who conducted the reading was quite energetic. She started by asking the kids to sing familiar baby songs. There were a handful of  parents who were there (including a number of Filipinos who where conversing from behind). With all sort of kids attending, you can't  dismiss the possibility of kids and babies crying while the story telling is being done. And so it was. Zach and Coco enjoyed the sing and dance portion though.

Afterwhich we went to Hobby Lobby to pick up some art materials for sketching.  Since we couldn't stick to our budget, I ended up paying it from my meager savings account.

H.E.B was different. I knew that it's going to be a challenge to stay more than 30 minutes at H.E.B without me having to experience hypoglycemia. No matter how I rushed the  kids in getting what were on our list yet we ended up staying for more than 45 minutes When my vision started to blur and my energy started to sink, I grabbed the shopping cart and rammed  to the bakery section where I found free samplings of cupcakes, dips and (thankfully) tortilla. I grabbed whatever I could get, unmindful of Coco's begging, who for unknown reason was as hungry as I was. Thanks for the freebies, I was able to regain my footing. Next time, I know where to go, whenever I would like to have some freebies.


HARVEST TIME

We were lucky with the pechay and tomatoes this time. Out of the generosity of God we were able to harvest a couple of pechay and a lot of tomatoes. I mistakenly forgot the ampalaya, but I was able to save two for our breakfast tomorrow. Coco had fun harvesting the pechay but Zach was not into it.

PATINTERO

Budget is hard this year, hence, we cancelled YMCA. But still fun is unlimited if you are just creative (and the kids need not  notice your bank account). Tonight, I introduced Patintero to Zach (Coco was watching TV and doesn't want to be bothered). After a few instructions, Zach picked it up and we were up fighting for our turf. I was up laughing again and having fun. (He didn't know I was being a kid again)  I remembered the days when we were kids sweating it out playing patintero under the watchful eyes of the moon (there was no electricity then, it was the late 70's). Fund then was limited, but fun is limitless.

After a while, we asked Coco to join us. Thankfully, he did. A few seconds more, he was already competing with us. Feeling out of breath and sensing my lowering stamina, I begged off to play with them. Still, it was fun watching them play.

Introducing his own brand of play, Coco showed us some games that he claimed to be his own making. 

This is a fun day for the three of us. I have not ever enjoyed summer until now. I am looking forward to some other things on our list.

We don't have to go out of state to be in tthe state of summer fun,

See you tomorrow!



June 6 – Burning Calories:

Determined  to lose calories and get back to where we were five months ago we trekked the trails of Lakes of Savannah going to Lina’s donut (for our breakfast) before we plunge into our subdivisions kid’s park where we met Speedy (a turtle on his way to his next vacation spot).

On their music practice today, Ms. Chanta was all praises for the two kids for their great performance during their piano recital. We hope they don’t lose sight of this skill.

I got the scare of my life this pm on our way to Kroger for gas. I knew we had bad weather,but I didn’t know the extent of its impact. Right after we pulled over for gas, the lights went out. My problem though was Sienna’s gas light was on, and I knew it spells trouble if Citgo or Shell are out of power too. Good thing we didn’t run out of luck, we were able to fill up Sienna just on time before the lights of Citgo went out too.

GOOD NEWS: It rained and it soaked our ground. We can save some water for the next few days.

TRANSFORMERS: Coco and Zach have been transforming me to a near like idiot when we are talking about Transformers. They know the names of the characters at the tip of their fingertips. I have never been so fascinated with their interest to this saga.

PRAYERS: For Rey Olmo who is sick.

“Life is too precious to be ignored.”

Cinco Sana

 

On the way home, Coco asked me if I know the song, “Cinco Sana”.

“Never heard of it,” I told him.

Zach, “No, Daddy we just sang it this morning, it goes like this, “Cinco Sana, Cinco Sana, cinco sana, cinco saaana.” (to the tune of Sing Hossana).

Indeed, kids wisdom that keeps you going.

Job Description

 

Another bits of life.

Last week, after all the hustle and bustle of the afternoon, as I was trying to relax in the family room at around 9 p.m., Zach called me and asked if I could get him milk.

I told him, “why don’t you come here and we’re going downstairs to pick up your milk and vitamins.”

Without hesitation and to my surprise, he said, “Daddy, that is your job!”

Thank you for outlining my job.

Growing Pains

 

I was quite successful in  introducing small but significant changes in the house while their Mom is away.

Right now, I was proud to convince them to move in to their room (instead of sharing with us). They really like their new set up. They never even bother me in the middle of the night. They slept soundly the whole night.

Tonight, I was just trying to test whether they are really completely into it. I asked Zach if I could sleep with them. His response was not one of my expected answer. (I was hoping that he would gladly welcome the idea. Instead he said, “Daddy, no, we sleep by ourselves here. You have your own room.” Just to affirm their resolve, he even asked the confirmation of Xandrei by asking, “Right, Xandrei?”

Well, this can be considered one of the growing pains. This time however, its mine.

The Sound of Silence

 

When our kids were yet babies, and every time we brought them to the Church for Sunday mass, I was the most tensed compared to Jaz. I was always conscious of what might other people think about how noisy they were in the Church.

We would normally picked the last seat so as we don’t disturb others, the furthermost one so as we don’t catch any attention, or the closest to the door so as I can easily storm out in case they cry.

This was partly the reason why we transferred to St. Michael even if I loved St. Louis’ architectural design and ambiance.

I can feel how the moms and dads feel whenever their kids scream, shout, cry or utter “unfamiliar noises”. It is one of those moments where you would just want to fade.

But it is not the worst as dads or moms may think. Coming from the side of those who are trying to “worship” on Sundays, the sounds that babies make are not the worst. In fact, I always take it as a magical sound, coming from a human being so full of life.

You know what is the worst sound I hate in the Church? The stares of people looking back trying to see and find where the baby sounds are? They are the silent sounds of impatient and inconsiderate ones.

Next time you hear a baby sound/noise in the church on Sunday masses, let it pass and consider it coming from an angel, or from the one who will make up our Church someday.

Have a good Sunday Mass.

Messing at the Museum

 

We have finally decided to check out the museum in Houston. We started with the Natural Science ( I can’t afford to be in the Children’s Museum, running around with two fascinated kids will certainly drain me out).

To be honest with you, it was worth it. Although their collections in their permanent exhibits is fewer than those we have visited, yet they appear very cool and real.

The IMAX theater though tops our experience today. Zach was very fascinated with the Sea Rex show. Unfortunately, Coco seemed not interested for he slept most of the second part of the movie.

Trying to get a good Friday dinner, we checked out Golden Corral. It proved very dismal since their collection of “Seafood Section” is but a tiny fragment of the ocean’s treasure. (We could have gone to a Chinese Restaurant in Pearland).

I have not checked my newly planted tress today, nor watered the veggies (hopefully the dew or rain will take care of them).

All in all, the first week that Mom is off seemed not be a problem. I know I can manage everything. Judging from the hours that I have misspent, I know I can do better.

Of course, we don’t know what happens when school day comes.

Life’s Kaleidoscope

Today’s is Mom’s one week away from us. ‘Twas fast but slow. Fast because you hardly notice how the sun set when you are doing a lot things in so small time. Slow because she is so far from us and we are dragging the days when she steps out of the door of IAH.

Spring break has come and gone. Indeed, in life, you can only do as much. No matter how much you have planned the day, you always end up short (of what you wish to accomplish).

Today, after spending a hundred more dollars,  I was able to complete the plants at the back. I have done my part, now its time form them to grow and bear fruit.

Coco and Zach are ok now. After last nights ear infection of Coco, it seemed that the meds worked.

The bad thing is, its my turn to get sick. I am just trying to ride this one and hopefully I can overcome this.

Tomorrow is the big test, it’s the last one requested by Dr. Argao. Hopefully the two guys cooperate.

10 days to go before Mommy comes home.