Typhoon Haiyan 2013- Canada… How to Donate

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Red Cross

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Gawad Kalinga Canada

To Donate via GK Canada

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“Great things are wrought through simple and small things. 

Like the small flecks of gold that accumulate over time into a large treasure, 

our small and simple acts of kindness and service 

will accumulate into a life filled with love..."

~M. Russell Ballard~

Deeper Friendships...

My greatest blessing found here in Canada is the friendships found and cultivated...

* Photo courtesy of Charlie Ng

Oh, the comfort, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person,

having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words,

but pouring them out, just as they are,

chaff and grain together; certain that a faithful hand will take and sift them,

keep what is worth keeping,

and with the breadth of kindness throw the rest away.

- Dinah Maria Mulock Crank

* * * * *

To the mommies,

Thank you so much for the friendship :)

Cheers!

Under the Big Top

We spent our Friday night at Willingdon Church. They had an event entitled Under the Big Top which let the kids wear costumes and do trick and treat, little booth games and a magic show inside a safe and indoor environment. 

* Ticket to the Big Top Event

It did not occur to me that costumes are encouraged and I dressed the kids in Fall outfit. It was good because they were coordinated anyway for their photo session.

* Colors of Fall

Even from afar, Kimi found the man with the yellow hat from his favorite TV show, Curious George. We asked for a picture and lo and behold, he got Curious George with him- LOL!

* Curious Kimi with the George's

Kenzo, on the other hand, was being pushed in his stroller, to and from each booth watching his older sister get loot candies for him to munch on...

* Love and Hate Relationship

* Simple joys from this little game booths 

There are no seven wonders

of the world in the eyes of a child.

There are seven million.

Walt Streightiff

* * * * *

UNDER THE BIG TOP

October 26, 2012

Willingdon Church

Burnaby, B.C.

From a Mother to being a daughter once again

It was nice to be a daughter once again. Not having to be the one taking care of everyone.

It was refreshing to be the one being taken care of this time around.

I didn't realize how much I miss my mom until we saw each other last September.

...How she listened, comforted and just loved me with all my imperfections. No judgement.

I wish you guys were not so far away...

Beyond all lessons, beyond the model she provided, 

my mother gave me a parent's ultimate gift;

she made me feel lovable and good. 

She paid attention. 

She listened; 

she remembered what I said.

She did not think me perfect, but she accepted me, without qualification.

-Fredelle Maynard

MISS YOU GUYS

For the Moms...

Adapted by Jim Fowler

If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,

but have not love,

I am a housekeeper ­ not a homemaker.

If I have time for waxing, polishing, and decorative achievements,

but have not love,

my children learn cleanliness ­ not godliness.

If I scream at my children for every infraction,

and fault them for every mess they make,

but have not love,

my children become people-pleasers ­ not obedient children.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.

Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on a newly cleaned window.

Love wipes away the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.

Love picks up the child before it picks up the toys.

Love accepts the fact that I am the ever-present "mommy,"

the taxi-driver to every childhood event,

the counsellor when my children fail or are hurt.

Love crawls with the baby, walks with the toddler, and runs with the child,

then stands aside to let the youth walk into adulthood.

Before I became a mother I took glory in my house of perfection.

Now I glory in God's perfection of my child.

All the projections I had for my house and my children

have faded away into insignificance,

And what remain are the memories of my kids.

Now there abides in my home scratches on most of the furniture,

dishes with missing place settings,

and bedroom walls full of stickers, posters and markings,

But the greatest of all is the Love

that permeates my relationships with my children.

Motherhood Choices

I admit that motherhood is not a walk in the park, yet it is the most rewarding role I could ever ask for. It`s hard to make decisions when you know that every decision may, and will, affect (you and...) your kids in the future. I have compiled some decisions we had so far and what we got from these decisions.

* * *

Some of you may roll your eyes on co-sleeping at age 2 and 4 but I really love having them close to me while they still want me. I know that soon enough, they will want their space.

CO-  SLEEPING

#1 Waking up to see Kenzo looking down at me, smiling and raining me kisses to start my day

#2 After a hard day's work, I love to see them sleeping peacefully in our bed and cuddling them. Makes me forget the day's fight and shouting matches. It's a perfect way to end the day, seeing them sleep makes me almost forget how active they were earlier.

#3 I love how Kimi instinctively reaches out in the middle of the night, still asleep, to look for the warmth of my body, and sighing contentedly upon finding me.

#4 I just love having hubby, Kimi and Kenzo within my arm's reach, makes me feel that everything I need are in this little space we call bed.

#5 Doing prayers with the kids at night time, it is so funny what comes out of the kids and I just love making small talks before they go to sleep.

* * * 

Doing part time work has it perks although sometimes I wish I could start my path toward whatever career path I want to take, to get a full time job that actually make a big contribution towards our monthly bill and to actually set aside something significant for our future, but we decided that the kids needs me more right now and that we can work on a budget with whatever salary we rake in at this point.

* December 2012

PART TIME JOB vs FULL TIME

#6 I get to see how they do day in and day out, which can be a bit too much for me sometimes but can be rewarding when you see them reach a milestone with your very own eyes.

#7 Shuttling them for play dates during the office hours and getting together with the other mommies and kids to compare notes share motherhood experiences. This is priceless and we can only do that during office hours...

#8 I get a bit of time in the office to re-energize and miss the kids so that I can be a better mom when I get home. Mom can get overloaded too when the kids is with you 24/7. A bit of grownup and office setting goes a long way to keep my sanity intact.

#9 I love taking the kids to places they can learn outside the confines of the classroom. Weekday means a little less crowd and more fun for them and less stress for me. Parks, Malls, Movies, Play Areas, Zoo, Farms... 

#10 I learned to do fun things on a budget, less work, less pay so you get to be creative with the budget you can work with ;).

* * *

School time is fast approaching and as much as I love Summer with all it's freestyle scheduling, school time means routine and we try to limit what goes in as the kid's extra curricular activity from September- June.

* 2011 Skating in Killarney

EXTRA-CURRICULAR(s)

#11 I know church is not an extra-curricular but we decided that Sunday mornings are our church days and with me volunteering in the kids ministry this Summer in Kimi's class, I am quite confident that she will be in good hands and learn a lot of Bible truths every week. I know I did...

#12 One extra-curricular activity guaranteed (if I can fit more, why not?). I signed up Kimi to skating lessons, which she has been asking for, this coming September and I have to juggle my schedule a bit to fit this in. It may take awhile for me to get another activity so as not to load her up too much and because I need some time to fit volunteering which is required from her school as well :(. 

#13 Chinese lessons. We decided to enroll Kimi for chinese classes on Saturdays and I might volunteer on the same organization just to help my chinese help instead of just loitering and waiting on the side.

#14 Choir. I am waiting for the church bulletin to print out an opening for the kid's choir and hopefully Kimi will be able to make it to the the age range.

#15 Sun-dates. A Special famliy activity on the weekend. Be it Satur-date or a Sun-date. 

How about you? What are your choices for your family and how did it affect your family? I'd love to get more ideas...

* * * * *

Children are only young once.

Polish Proverb

RBP's Bug Zone

We passed by the park near our house the week we had no summer classes and we saw tents set up with lots of butterflies and lots of kids. We decided to inquire and found out that it was a week long free program of Bible, Crafts, Games, Singing and with loads of prizes. I figured that it was a great way to get Kimi occupied first part of the day and Kenzo playing outside while waiting.

* Bug Zone Theme for this year's Vacation Bible School

* Stories, Crafts and Singing for Day 01

Day 02 was raining so we opted to stay at home...

* Day 03, grandpa took Kimi to the park 

I saw her  volunteering to hold the cheat card for the singing time.

* Day 04 was the last day

It was nice that the kids got a photo of themselves in the bug poster to put in the frame they are going to color. Kimi got herself a balloon butterfly from being such a well-behaved and model student for the day.

* * * * *

Don't let anyone look down on you

because you are young,

but set an example

for the believers in speech,

in life, in love,

in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12

* * * * *

RBP's Bug Zone

Transformed by our BIG God!

August 7 - 10, 2012

Burnaby, B.C.

Creative Dance (4yo) @ Shadbolt

I loved the casual and fun approach to this program. 

Mr Trevor called the students dancers/ friends and was quite entertaining in his class.

I was not able to witness the class until the last day wherein parents are finally encouraged to come and see for themselves what the kids have been doing the past few days.

* Friday- sneak peek

Before the class, kids got a few minutes of Free Play .

* Free play

Clean up was next as the floor was cleared away to make way for the dancer to do their thing.

My favorite part was the accompaniment...

* Mr Robert does the sound effects for the class

Some stretchings...

* Sample video from the class...

* Final Speech

Dancing with the feet is one thing,

but Dancing with the heart is another.

- Anonymous

* * * * *

CREATIVE DANCE

Mr. Trevor

Shadbolt Centre for the Arts

Burnaby, B.C.

Burnaby Montessori's Father's Day Coffee Date

Coffee date for the daddies and presentation of trophies made in school.

Someday I will find my Prince Charming

but my dad will always be my King

* * * * *

THANK YOU DAD

Fabulously 60

The things I miss most at home are the people and the events that happens even when I am far away.

I really wish that we were home or close (an hour of plane away) to come as we please for occasions such as this.

* Groovy Aunt, Mary

* 60th @ CHOI GARDEN

* Gifts for the Beauty Mama/Lola... 

** Photo Grab from Jason Tan

* 60th Dance Presentation


Love was really put into all the details.. Even my brother danced in this video... I didn't know you got hidden moves inside of you Ken!

* Greetings from Afar


The most important people in our lives leave imprints.
They may stay or go in the physical realm, but they are always there in your heart, because they helped form your heart.
There's no getting over that.


-Rachel Cohn


* * * * *


GREAT WORK 
COUSINS :)
* * * * *

HAPPY 60th AUNT MARY

Our Engagement- 6 years ago...

2006.05.14

We got engaged.

Customary Chinese traditions were followed.

I wasn't much into blogging so I'd like to collage document it in my blog this year to remember that important event in our life.

A strong relationship starts with two brave people who are ready to sacrifice anything for one another.

-unknown

* * * * *

Karl and Mel Engagement

2006

Mother's Day 2012

It took me a week to finally post how we celebrated Mother's Day this year.

* All you can eat at The Buffet

* Flowers from my favorite girl

* And some gaming after dinner ;)

Being a mother enables one to influence the  future.

-Jane Sellman

* * * * *

THE BUFFET

Riverock Casino Resort

Richmond, B.C.

- HAPPY MOTHER's DAY :) -

Mother's Day Tea Party and Concerto 2012

I love the School's Annual Mother's Day Tea Party.

Aside from being the guest of honor, I just look forward to being there to see Kimi perform and build her confidence as she sings her songs and the kids served the mommies for a change. :)

* Flowers as centerpiece for each tables

The mommies shuffled inside the classroom and took a seat. Each one finding a place to sit on that would get them to take the best angle possible of their kids.

Kimi was right at the center of the group. She sat calmly as if this was just an everyday thing for her. No butterflies in the stomach.  Atta Girl!

* Kimi waiting patiently for the show to start

* Showtime!

The first song was actually a repeat from the previous presentation...

It was Kimi who presented the song

* Five Pretty Mommies

Five pretty mommies I once knew,

Fat ones, skinny ones, tall ones, too,

But the one in the middle that belongs to me...

I love her and she loves me!

Down to the grocery we did go,

Wibble - wobble, wibble - wobble, to and fro,

But the one in the middle that belongs to me,

I love her and she loves me!

* Mother's Day, Mother's Day

( To the tune of Jingle Bells...)

Mother's Day Mother's Day

It is almost here

It's the time when we say

Thank you mother dear

Mother's Day Mother's Day

it is almost here

Hugs and kisses to my mom

I love you mother dear

* Skidamarink Song

Skidamarink a dink a dink,

Skidamarink a doo,

I love you.

Skidamarink a dink a dink,

Skidamarink a doo,

I love you.

I love you in the morning

And in the afternoon,

I love you in the evening

And underneath the moon;

Oh, Skidamarink a dink a dink,

Skidamarink a doo,

I love you!

* Bushel and a Peck

I love you, a bushel and a peck! 

A bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck! 

A hug around the neck, and a barrel and a heap 

A barrel and a heap, and I'm talkin' in my sleep. 

About you. 

About you! 

'Cause I love you, a bushel and a peck 

You bet your pretty neck I do! 

Doodle, oodle, oodle. 

Doodle, oodle, oodle. 

Doodle oodle oodle oo.

* I love my mom mom mom mom

(To the tune of I've got Joy, Joy, Joy)

I love my mom mom mom mom down in my heart (where!)

down in my heart down in my heart

I love my mom mom mom mom down in my heart (where!)

down in my heart down in my heart

and I`m so happy

so very happy

I love my mom and she loves me so much

and I`m so happy

so very happy

I love my mom and she loves me so much

* * * * *

After the song numbers, it was time to present the mom with their works. I especially loved the readings of the kids who are in the school for 3 years (it was a new addition this year). They made a dedication which they have written and read it out loud for all the mommies to hear. I hope they do that next year when Kimi reaches her third year in Montessori as I was teary eyed as the kids read their letter which really touched my heart.

* Artworks for Mom

* Handprints as flowers

I especially loved the dedication at the back.

M-O-T-H-E-R

"M' is for the million things she gave me,

"O" means only that she's growing old,

"T" is for the tears she shed to save me,

"H" is for her heart of purest gold,

"E" is for her eyes, with love-light shining,

"R" means right, and right she'll always be,

Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER",

A word that means the world to me.

- Howard Johnson (c. 1915)

* * * * *

I thought that there were only 2 artworks being distributed but then the teacher start taking off the flower decors on the wall. Turns out that the kids also made those and it was nice that they were incorporated as a part of the wall that makes up the backdrop of their stage.

* Flower Tissues for our dearest moms

* Kimi with her flower- smile?

* There :)

* Kimi's work of arts

* Kimi with Teacher Doreen, Teacher Su, and Teacher Tanya

* Kimi gets sweet with Olivia

A loving and careful  mother both recognizes 

and even protects her daughter's autonomy 

and also helps her dance out confidently on to a wider stage.

-Rachel Billington

* * * * *

MOTHER's DAY TEA PARTY 2012

Burnaby Montessori

Burnaby, B.C.

A Trek up Shannon Falls

The first leg of our trip was a short trek up the Shannon Falls.

4 kids, 4 adults. 1:1 Ratio; not bad :)

* Water and Rocks

Short Legs + Endless Chatter = Long time to get to the top :)

* Kimi and Aimee, chummy chummy

It was hard to get the kids to look at the camera and it was the best I could do that time...

* Little friends

* Papa and Kenzo Boy

It's not what you look at that matters,

it's what you see.

- Henry Thoreau

* * * * *

SHANNON FALLS

Squamish, B.C.