Proud Parents

When we got here in US, we knew that school would be a big challenge for our kids. They entered school at almost the end of school year which barely gave them enough time to adjust. This was why when we transferred here in Houston, we didn't expect too much from them.  And yet they did well... 

My son was enrolled in a magnet school and passed the qualifying exam for his grade level.  When we got here, he still had a hard time in writing and reading words but he learned fast and now he's doing pretty well in school and more, having excellent marks almost all the time.  But what we admired most of him, is that he easily adapted himself in school, as if nothing has changed.  He easily got along well with his classmates and teachers... and had no problems in going to school, very independent indeed.

Our daughter also had very good marks in her card that she was recommended and eventually got transferred to their school's magnet program and also, became a candidate in joining an inter-school competition.  And although I'm the one who gets intimidated with her subjects (lessons I only encountered in high school and college... engineering, chemistry, advance math... they even have robotics), I always believe that she can handle these.  She never fails to amaze me when it comes to her studies... very reliable ate indeed.

We know that things will not be easy for us here in the US... even for our kids.  Everything is new and I can say, it's not our comfort zone.  That's why we are so proud that the kids are doing well with their studies and even excelling in some subjects.  We are so blessed to have them as our children... we will always thank the Lord for them... and cherish them, for as long as we live.  Yahweh bless.

Trick Or Treat Houston

It's our first time to really go house to house for the Halloween trick or treat.  The kids have long been looking forward to this since the start of October.  So, even if we already felt the autumn cold wind... we pushed through with our plan.  First, we drove downtown and went to the Children's Museum (I thought it was a free event, oh well (LOL!!!)).  The kids enjoyed the place since there were a lot of activities and learning stuffs prepared just for them.  The kids still wanted to stay longer but we had to move on with our main plan... Trick or Treating...

Being new to Houston, we had a hard time finding a place for the event.  But as we were about to call it a night, we found this village where people really go and accompany their children for the Trick or Treat (lucky us... thank you Lord).  Then the long walk begun.  It was a merry event... the homeowners (of really nice houses... whew) were prepared.  My kids collected two bucketful of chocolates and candies... and you could really see how delighted they were, that they didn't even had the time to mind the distance we walked.

 

There were still a lot of houses we had not been through and I know they still wanted to go on... unfortunately, we still had one more stop.  We needed to buy stuffs for the birthday celebration of our youngest (which will be on the following day, the 1st of November).

When we got home, we were all tired but fulfilled.  After a short late dinner and kids sorting all the candies they collected (and given to mom for safekeeping and control)...  It was I think the first time that we didn't even ask the kids to go to bed (that's how tired they were).  A great way to end Halloween with a smile.  Yahweh bless.

And The Summer Classes Begin

As the class just ended and the kids were so excited with summer, came a great news, their school required them to attend summer class.  I guess it's because they only had 3 weeks in school which wasn't enough for them to be evaluated.  And we're also glad they're having it, especially that they are still adjusting to a new environment and a totally different culture and language.  Although we had English subject in our country, still we know, it's a totally different thing having to speak pure English. I feel like they really miss the comfort of home where they can use their native tongue in expressing themselves or answering questions.  But as we keep on telling them, this place is now our home... we all need to adapt to what life gives us.  And with all the murmuring about why they still need to attend summer classes, we just simply answered that they very much need it... and I know, my kids are smart to understand it.

Getting to summer school here isn't a hassle at all.  The school sent us a letter of approval if we wanted our kids to take summer classes.  We just filled up the form for necessary information and they're good to go the following school day.  But they had to go to different schools now, since my daughter is going to be in middle school already.  And the experience will be tougher for my son, being used to having his sister around.  Yet we know that they will be alright by themselves, as we saw how protective the teachers here are to their students (they only let go of their students when a parent or recognized guardian is picking up the child).

We were just happy that the schools here for our kids are free of charge, which in a lot of ways help us with our finances especially that we are still starting our lives here in Texas.  And sending them to summer school became an easy decision for us.  We give high regard to their education... for the fact that it is one of the most important  things we can provide them to have a good future.  Yahweh bless.

Off To School They Go

I know in my country, the Philippines, the school ended last April.  But here in the U.S., it'll end up in June.  We wanted to enroll them as early as possible (since we arrived in February), but there were other things to consider (especially the mode of transportation and we had less knowledge about the place).  Then, when we finally had a car, we immediately roamed around our vicinity to find and choose a school for them (with the help of a GPS device).  Then when we finally chose one, we found out it doesn't work that way... The school administrator told us the zone where we belonged to and what school should our kids go.  Furthermore, their school nurse told us that we had to comply first with their needed immunization before we can enroll our children.

Don't get me wrong, when we had the immunization taken cared of, we easily had our kids enrolled and started the next following school day.  And the best part was, we didn't spend a penny for it.  Yup, no tuition  fee!!!  Although, it's not totally free... We still had to provide for the necessities; basic things (like bag, notebook, pens and other stuffs) and packed meals or meal allowance.  Child transportation on the other hand can be free (through a school bus ride), but we are located within the range that the school consider near, so we can't avail it.

By the way, here is the list of school requirements upon enrollment:

• Documents to prove the child's age and identity (such as birth certificate or other reliable documents like Permanent Resident (PR) card, passport, baptismal certificate, social security card, etc.);
• Proof of residence (like your driver's license, utility bill, house mortgage or rent statement or any official document that show your name and address);
• Vaccination/ immunization records. The school did specify to us what immunizations were needed;
• Past school report cards;
• And fill out necessary registration and other child information forms.

With everything made easy and provided free by the U.S. government, I think there's no reason for anyone not to bring their child to school.  And if I'm not mistaken, it's against their law to deprive a child of their right to education. Yahweh bless.

Our Longest Travel So Far

It was a long way to our destination... and we're traveling along with 2 kids and a baby, 3 huge traveling bags (22 kilos average), and of course our hand-carries.  I know it'll  be tough, but we had to go through it.  After having our farewells with our families, our journey begun...

We stayed overnight in Manila for the "finishing touches" transactions and  prepare/rest for the early flight the following day.  It was 4 hours before our scheduled flight when we arrived at NAIA, Terminal 1 (not to take any chances).  Events were such a series of long lines, carrying heavy loads, paper works, and thorough inspections... man, was I glad I had my wife with me.  Everything went well, then we boarded our plane heading to Nagoya, Japan, for a technical stop.

The travel lasted for 3 and a half hours, more or less.  We arrived in a cold and foggy Japan (the kids were a little disappointed not to see snow).  We already prepared winter clothing, but as first-timers, the weather was freezing cold as we got off the plane.  Though it didn't last long, it became warmer as we walked inside the terminal.  While we were there, got this funny experience; wanting to finish fast with the inspection I immediately hopped in to the metal detector.  As a consequence, the inspector found metals, had a more thorough inspection and had to go through the detector a couple of times.  In short, it took longer (LOL).  Tip: take every metallic object off, even coins...  After hours of waiting, off we went to our longest flight... Detroit, Michigan.

During the almost 14 hours of flight, there was nothing much to do.  Just slept (since the baby was sleeping most of the time), watched movie on the monitor (there's a lot to choose from) and walk/stand once in a while (or else you'll have a sore bottom).  We had no problem with food and beverages, the attendants kept on serving them.  One thing I couldn't ignore was how courteous Americans are, especially the flight crew.  Overall, the trip was very nice.

We arrived at Detroit seeing the ground covered with snow, which made my kids excited (us, we had our reservations).  We landed good, though we felt the plane slipped a little bit (understandable).  Then, after we were held in the immigration office to clarify some matters (long story), my wife and I finally took a well deserved nap (alternately, the kids were still there... hahaha).  And since we can't let the kids go outside the terminal, we accompanied them to roam around inside the terminal... it's still pretty amazing after all.

Then finally our flight to Houston, Texas came.  It's a shorter flight but still around 2.5 hours.  We were fetched at the airport, took out Whattaburger (first meal, huge servings), went to our apartment, bought some stuffs @ Walmart, and then sleep?  No, we all had a jet lag...  and were all wide awake...

We thank the Lord for our safe journey and for all the guidance and blessings He showered upon us...

Spending Easter With Kids

It's Easter Sunday.  After visiting the church yesterday, we passed by the nearby mall to meet up the kids with their cousins.  We were actually thinking of just roaming around and have some snacks with the kids, good thing the mall prepared a free film viewing in their activity center.  The kids enjoyed watching "Shrek" and "Rugrats", while we enjoyed the relaxing moments.

While inside, there were those selling items related to Easter.  There were bunnies and foods resembling eggs.  As it was a good marketing strategy, it was also perfect for parents as they need not go far to have something to keep their children busy while having fun, aside from watching the movie. 

Cozy mat for the guests.

Ate decorating her chocolate Easter egg.

Just making things clear, not all kids are mine... LOL.

More from having fun and free entertainment, we had a great bonding moment as a family.  I think that's the best part of the event provided for each and every family that was there.   With this, I commend the management of Abreeza Mall, hoping that this simple generosity will continue for the years to come.


And before I forget, happy 5 months to our dear Jacob.  To Yahweh be the glory... as always.

Kids And Halloween Scare

What is it with television programs today that they keep on showing scary and sometimes even morbid  horror movie and program clips?  And previews are usually shown on prime time, where our kids usually watch their favorite TV programs.   TV stations show it without giving regard to their viewers, without giving parents due precaution that they'll be showing something not suitable for kids.

It really becomes a problem, especially with my daughter.  At her age, she really believes easily to most of the things she sees on TV.  Now, no matter how I tell her that ghosts and "aswang"(monsters) aren't true and those she saw on TV were just people covered with prosthetics and make-ups, she still believes they're real.  She can't take a bath by herself in the middle of the day... light in the room is open the whole night... and she needs to be accompanied all the time.  I can't even ask her to bring her plate in the kitchen. 

Yes, I know it's Halloween, but isn't it that the whole idea of the occasion is for kids to have fun and not to scare them off.  More, aside from the scare, it's really not healthy for them to see such violence in a horror flick.  It's giving them wrong notions and we can't always be beside them, to give them guidance.  Stations should also be responsible to what they show on TV.  It wouldn't take so much to give some warning before showing it live or maybe move it late night or choose some not so scary parts.  

Let us think of our children's welfare above the income we are trying to achieve.  It is part of our responsibilities as adults, to mold them in the best person they will be someday.  And I don't think scaring them would help... Yahweh bless.

Planning Ahead

Our elders constantly reminded us when we were young, that the only thing a parent can give their children which cannot be stolen away from them is education.  And that is what we are now carefully planning and preparing for our children.  Especially that we have plans of migrating in the United States and their education there is one of our primary concern. 

Since it's a different country, we expect that their system of education and their curriculum will somehow differ from what we have in our country, and that's what concerns us.  Just in case that coping up will be hard for the kids, we are definitely open to the idea that we might need some help like tutoring for instance.  And choosing a reliable and competent school tutoring, would be a crucial decision to make. 

Moreover, since our daughter would be going to high school education a few years from now, we're just as concerned of her college education there.  But considering that in the US, they have scholarships given to those who passed their National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP), then it would greatly help.  But getting the scholarship isn't that easy, to be able to qualify, one still needs to pass this eligibility and qualification test known as the Preliminary Scholarship Aptitude Test (PSAT).  Whew, good thing there are PSAT tutors that would greatly help in providing the needed support to make students pass this exam, providing them a head start or edge compared to others.  

Adjustment to changes isn't easy but we are truly confident that, with our support, proper guidance and constant follow up, our kids will make it through any challenge they might encounter in their studies and in life in general.  Above all, we have faith in the Lord, that He will always guide them and provide for what is needed.  All in His glory.  Yahweh bless.

It's A Boy!

The long wait and guessing ends.  We finally had a chance to personally witness the gender of the newest member of our family through an ultrasound monitor.  Since she  was already in her 7th month, the gender was a bit clear and very visible... it's another boy!

Even months before, we already had a guess of 80% probability that our baby is a boy, basing on our experience.  Our daughter's movements were more finer and slower than our son's.  And there were just a lot of similarities in my wife's condition when she was having our first son.  More, people around us were thinking the same thing.  My mom told us that my wife's rounded belly indicates that it's a boy and she also noticed that my wife's nose was a little shiny same as when she had our son...

But the OB Gyn told us, that isn't always the case.  And I believe her, since the only reliable source of gender result was the ultrasound.  However, we're right anyway, aren't we?  LOL.

So, it's another boy, another one who will try to strangle me until I can no longer breathe and who would ask me to give him a horse ride in my back until I'm wasted.  Worst, play a physical game with me and gets me on my weakest spot.  Just thinking of it, gives me the creeps.  Oh what the heck, it's a great way to die.  I guess I just have to prepare more rugs to wipe out the scribbles on the wall, before my wife kills me... hahaha.

Kidding aside, I really don't have any gender issue, whether a boy or girl.  I was just thankful to the Lord that everything's well with my wife and our baby, as the result showed.  Yahweh bless.

Enjoying The Pouring Rain

It was raining one afternoon and the kids asked us if they can play in the rain.  We were hesitant at first thinking they might get sick.  But then I remembered, how fun it was doing that, so I asked my wife to let them.  And before we knew it, the kids were already running around and playing in the rain.

Watching them, I can't help myself recall of how careless we were then when we were kids.  We would play in the rain for hours, even after the rain stopped.  We would run in the muddy waters not knowing what was in it, oh yes, we didn't care.  We would even play with mud as if it was clay, using it to form something we can use for fun.  Then we would play tags all day long with our clothes just dried up while wearing it.  And as soon as we were finished we took a bath to wash away rainwater, as we were always told by elders, that being soaked with rainwater would make you sick.

It's okay to be protective with our kids, especially that there are a lot of diseases today.  But being overly and sometimes unreasonably promoting strict measures just to keep our children safe is another thing.  We must also let them enjoy things and exposing them to these conditions will somewhat improve their immune system since our body is created to adapt and build its own defenses naturally, just as that when we were kids. 

After minutes in the rain, they were ready to hit the shower and we made sure they clean themselves thoroughly.  Oh well, my boy got a minor cut on his foot when he accidentally removed his slippers while playing.  But they were really both happy, and we received hugs and kisses for allowing them.

There will be risks along the way, but they will only be kids once... I just can't take that away from them.  I enjoyed mine, its time they enjoy theirs.  Yahweh bless.

Superheroes and Fairytales: Wordless Wednesday

To Yahweh be the glory... :)
...............-...............-...............-...............