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!