The "Drama" behind the birthday preparation

We moved to a new apartment after 7 months of staying in the old one. My kids have made friends in the old school and therefore needs some time to find new ones. So I thought a birthday party would be a good way to get new friends.

Since Daniele has given us a school award, has been a very good older sis to Nica, has been attended ballet class religiously (Nica sometimes feels lazy) and has been the most helpful in household chores. We with the support (co-sponsor) of our dear Tita Socky decided to give her a birthday party.

Yesterday, we spent around 4 hours in the mall - 1 hour of which spent choosing & fitting her dress and shoes!

Going back to my check list here's what we have accomplished -
Invites, plates & cups, loot bag & contents, prizes,2 dress, 2 shoes (1 for school she said :-)

Eli (short for elephant), Daniele's favorite toy (Auntie Sarah's gift) who sleeps beside her got to try her birthday outfit! I really think that's what made her choose this gown - it has a smaller version! The sweater Eli is wearing is new too, Daniele will have a change of outfit - so does Eli!

While we were looking at all the prizes and Daniele was showing us how the gown fits Eli, Nica is nowhere to be found.

She is busy in her room writing something. Before dinner she came up to me and gave me the letter attached. What a beautiful way to pressure Mom Nica :-)

Well, I still have 4 months to save up on that.

For the meantime I still have to download Camp Rock (Jonas Brothers) and Miley Cyrus (a.k.a. Hannah Montana) songs for the party later... still a lot of work :-)

I did not expect this to be different from the other Valentine's day.

I did expect the good food, the good company, but did not expect a surprise from my husband.

I was busy enjoying the different appetizers - I loved the mango salad and the avocado dip for chips - good eats.

I received a bouquet of flowers from a certain John Lloyd Cruz (my Filipino celebrity crush). My officemates said you're one lucky girl - I believe I am. My husband knows how to put a smile on my face.

But guess what Nica did for me - she made a paper handbag, she really knows her mother!

Daniele's card was given ahead of time so it's already displayed on my desk :-) Tim gave me a big hug and lots of kisses.

What else can a girl ask for...I was in good company, had good food and good family!

Nica always wears her Smarty Pants

Nica never ceases to amaze me... she says her pryer in French, counts in French up to 30 and today she sings in French at 6 y.o. WOW!

This morning we had this conversation before we said goodbye

Nica : bye bye sweetie pie..
Me : Wow, you call me sweetie pie now?
Nica : Yeah
Me : bye, have a nice day baby
Nica : I'm not a baby, I'm a princess!
Me : sorry, princess
Nica : See you later...CROCODILE
Me : WHAT??
Nica : I said see you later Crocodile
Me : later does not rhyme with dile... what animal can you think of that rhymes with later
Nica : Alligator???
Me : Laughing.... right, you're so smart!... me to her - see you later crocodile...
Nica : coz I always wear my SMARTY PANTS, you make me LAUGH Mommy!
Me : and you make me HAPPY!

One Proud Mama

Sometimes I think being a Mom to 3 kids is a thankless job. As I often tell them M is for MOTHER not for MAID.

Here in Canada, one student per level is selected every month by the Principal. The photos of these students are posted in the school's bulletin board to serve as inspiration to other students.

Last Nov. Daniele surprised us by bringing home a Principal's award "for keeping her school safe by helping others resolve their problems through peaceful actions."

Today, Nica brought home another Principal Award "for being a positve role model to her peers."

In times like these I can say that all the late nights, dirty dishes, cleaning up their mess and not having some quite time for myself is all worth it.

To think that we only arrived here 5 months ago,they really make us proud. Keep up the good job girls!

Tabagoning

Tabagoning is a sport of perseverance, determination, and being sturdy. But most of all it's a sport for the young and young at heart. I tried it twice and that was enough for me to know that I'd rather watch, take pictures & video. Although I had 2nights of backpain, it's worth it. Thanks to Auntie Charlotte for buying new tabagons just for the kids :-)

Celebrating Christmas

We had a potluck party in the office. Each one is requested to bring their native food. Of course the Filipino's "Adobo" was a hit.

Instead of spending for food our company decided to give it to a charitable institution. But nevertheless, we had fun knowing the different ways of saying "Merry Christmas" (see photo), watching a movie and playing games.

I guess companies are now taking their responsibility to the society seriously. Even my past emplyer in the Phils. donated their time and financial support in builing houses for the poor.

Times are getting harder but with companies such as these, we will surely get through. Cheers!

P.S. I miss the "big" raffle prizes though :-)