#RileyTube | MY BIOGENIC WORLD!

The kids and I have been pretty busy - what with RL's exam week and all the activities we've had to do with BentoMommas. So glad we got to spend some time together as a family right before it got all busy - THANKS TO BIOGENIC ALCOHOL!

RL is about to launch his very own YouTube Channel, so I thought it was apt that we did a mini-vlog for this event. Excuse the newbie, I need a lot of practice!

So basically, Biogenic put up a mini-theme park of sorts for the kids, and provided their cleaning, disinfecting, bacteria-killing and moisturizing alcohol all throughout the event to ensure parents that it is okay for kids to get a bit dirty because Biogenic is there to help!

RL features this in his video below. Please make sure you give him a thumbs up on YouTube!

And yes, as RL pointed out, he wasn't the only one who enjoyed the event. Momma got to catch appropriate talks by Biogenic Brand Ambassadors, Jackie and Nikki.

Jackie talked about how moms can and must get some ME-TIME in their lives - something I have recently learned to actually make time for. And yes, because SHOPPING (!!!) is on the list (the hoarder in me rejoices, LOL).

Yes, Mommas, give yourselves a break. YOU.NEED.IT.

Make time for ME-TIME.

Train your mind that you need this to balance your life. No need to feel guilty, Mommas!

Look! ME-TIME includes Shopping! Woohoo!

Nikki gave us tips on how to bond with the kids, in spite of our busy schedules.

The struggle is real. I struggle with all three points. Ouch.

Well, there's a major idea for bonding time - clean the house. Hehe... Yoohoo, kids!

Nikki stresses the importance of spending time with the kids as they are only young for a short time.

Overall, the kids and I had fun. Plus I got to see my girl friends, Cai and Didi, too! Thank you, Biogenic, for a Sunday well-spent!

We love Biogenic!!!

It's a germ-free world with Biogenic Alcohol! It kills bacteria, disinfects, cleans and moisturizes. Comes in different sizes to suit your needs.

| facebook.com/officialbiogenicalcohol
| instagram.com/biogenic_alcohol

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BIOGENIC IS HAVING A GIVEAWAY! Here's your chance to win Biogenic Gift Packs for your family! Here's how to join:

1 | Like and follow the Biogenic Alcohol social media accounts. See links above.

2 | On Biogenic's Facebook Account, upload a photo of when you usually use Biogenic Alcohol.

3 | Caption your photo by completing the statement: "I ALWAYS USE BIOGENIC ALCOHOL WHEN I ______________. ANYTIME IS BIOGENIC TIME!"

4 | Tag Biogenic's Official Facebook Account and include the following hashtags:

#BiogenicAlcohol 

#MyBiogenicWorld

#BiogenicTime

5 | 10 weekly winners of Biogenic Gift Packs will be chosen!

WEEK 1: August 8 - 14

WEEK 2: August 15 - 21

WEEK 3: August 22 - 28

WEEK 4: August 29 - September 4

Promo period starts August 8, 2016 to September 4, 2016. Winners will be determined via  e-raffle.

GOOD LUCK!

#RILEYunboxes | ANGRY BIRDS HAPPY MEAL!

I hope you don't mind another post about McDonald's, one of RL's happy places. But the little boy has been bugging me to upload his unboxing video already. So here it is.

McDonald's launches its newest Happy Meal - ANGRY BIRDS! RL was all too thrilled, as he loves this game app. My dad loves it, too, so he was as excited as the little boy (and wanted to buy a whole set so they could play).

Excited for his Angry Birds Happy Meal!

McDonald's treated us out to catch a private showing of the new Angry Birds Movie two Saturdays ago. We loved it, and the kids can't wait to get it on video. Thank you, McDonald's!

RL and Red.

RL decided he wanted his friends and neighbors, Carlo and Alex, to join his unboxing video. I wasn't around to supervise the shoot, so A took over. But it started to rain that afternoon so she had to cut the shoot short. The rest of the shoot (part where RL features the different toys and what they do) was done in the office the next day using a different camera. The kids did pretty well, given the circumstances. Please do give them a thumbs up to encourage them!

Catch the Angry Birds Happy Meal toys at McDonald's and bring the Angry Birds game to life!

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#RILEYunboxes | MAMON-IT-YOURSELF WITH MONDE!

Two weeks ago, Monde launched their second Mamon-It-Yourself six-pack, this time with the Kung Fu Panda theme. The BentoMommas are quick to sniff out anything bento-related. BentoMomma Monet first spied the packs when she went grocery shopping right before anyone announced it on social media. Cool beans!

A photo posted by BentoMommas (@bentomommas) on Feb 12, 2016 at 6:49pm PST

RL loves Mamon, so we quickly went searching for this. We didn't get to take a video of the previous Minion ones, because A would scarf the stuff down. This time, we made sure to film an unboxing video before his big sister got her hands on everything (although she did manage to eat a whole pack, good thing we bought two! Yes, she is a growing teenager with a huge appetite, LOL!). We filmed this at 11PM, hence the PJs. Excuse the cat meowing in the background. Louis has been very DQ lately. He is getting neutered next weekend. Hehehe.

Get a pack of Monde Mamon from leading supermarkets and Mamon-It-Yourself! The Kung Fu Panda theme is extra special for us because A especially loves pandas! So RL made sure we got these more for his big sister than for himself. I know, he's a thoughtful little boy. I love these kids!

Hurry and Mamon-It-Yourself while they're out!

Follow RL on social media:

FB | facebook.com/RileyCatral

#RLFunnies | MISS UNIVERSE!

YouTube capture.

We were watching the Friday night news.

The new reigning Miss Universe is currently in town visiting. Upon seeing her on TV, RL yells out loud...

"Hey, It's Pia Horseback!"

LOL!

*Apologies to our Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach. You are most beautiful, and my little boy RL loves you. He just can't pronounce your name. This was his best effort before we taught him the right pronunciation. Hehehe.

#RILEYunboxes | Snoopy Happy Meal!

RL spent most of the Christmas holidays at my mom's place. Now because KY has been vlogging, this has inspired RL to make more videos. When we got our complete Snoopy Happy Meal set, he was adamant that we film an unboxing video. He also made me promise to edit and post right when we finished filming. Now because my net connection at home has been intermittent (I swear, Globe must think it is amusing that their connection is in theme with the holidays - on and off like blinking Christmas lights!), I had to wait 5 hours to get this uploaded to YouTube.

Anyway... the Peanuts Movie starts showing in Metro Manila theaters today. While I promised RL we will watch, I am not sure where to fit that right in. My schedule for the weekend is packed! What with three parties, plus the kids' exams coming up. Oh well.

Over the Christmas holidays, McDonald's started selling their Snoopy Happy Meal - something that got all of us excited because we are Snoopy lovers. There are ten toys in this Happy Meal! In the following video, RL describes and demonstrates each toy. Don't forget to hit "Like" and subscribe!

Catch #SnoopyHappyMeal at McDonald's while you can! Get one toy with every Happy Meal you buy!

You know you want it.

| facebook.com/McDo.ph

| twitter.com/McDo_PH 

| instagram.com/McDo_PH

#MommaDiaries | McDonald's Burger Shop at KidZania!

A few months ago, the kids and I were invited to try out the new McDonald's Burger Shop at KidZania. I didn't get to publish the post right away, since I got entangled in the hustle and bustle of work, Sydney preps and BentoMommas. I finally get to sit down and write today. If you are a parent and you haven't taken your kids to KidZania, I suggest you save up and book a visit. It is worth it. Kids will enjoy the concept (you can read more about it here) and well, it trumps any other theme park in the country.

So when McDonald's finally opened its Burger Shop at KidZania, the kids were more than thrilled! Line up for the Burger Shop and have your child learn the ropes in making McDonald's iconic Cheeseburger.

McDonald’s President and CEO Kenneth Yang, Alonzo Muhlach, Play Innovations Industry Partner Director Cecille Mariño, and Play Innovations President and CEO Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas formally open McDonald’s Burger Shop with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Yep, a new McDonald's store is in town but it isn't like any other burger shop! It is kid-size, where kids as young as 4 years old are crew members - learning how to make burgers the McDonald's way. Welcome to McDonald's KidZania!

Getting briefed on what the task ahead will be. The kids had to wear specially-made McDonald's aprons in order for them to feel like they are real crew members inside a real McDonald's kitchen.

Both my kids have had McDonald's Kiddie Crew experience. RL, who was part of the Kiddie Crew two summers ago (he had a bridging program for first grade this past summer and couldn't join Kiddie Crew at the branch near us), was giddy and excited (more like, feeling like an expert, hehe).

Just like at a real McDonald's kitchen, the kids were taught the proper prep procedures in making the popular Cheeseburger. But first, they were reminded on the importance of cleanliness and proper hygiene.

First step: Cleanliness and hygiene! All participants must carefully wash their hands in a kid-sized sink that resembles what crew members use in every McDonald’s kitchen. 

Then it's Cheeseburger-making time!

Cai's little girl Y learns how to put Ketchup and Mustard on the Cheeseburger bun.

With every Burger Shop visit, kids will get the chance to put together the Cheeseburger - complete with all of its tasty ingredients - the 100% beef patty, a slice of American Cheese, tangy pickles (my favorite!), minced onions, ketchup, mustard and perfectly toasted buns.

Tin's little girl B assembling her Cheeseburger. Like B, tiny workers get the chance to play and learn important life values at McDonald’s Burger Shop in KidZania. Key lessons incorporated in the activity are the value of hard work, responsibility, discipline, and even self-confidence and social skills. 

“Making a McDonald’s Cheeseburger is an exciting activity in itself, but the real treat for kids and their parents is the experience and values learned while doing the activity. Together with KidZania, our hope is for kids to learn and appreciate the importance of hard work and responsibility, at the same time building their social skills and self-confidence,” said McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang.

Finishing off their cheeseburgers. A towers over the other children (and crew!). She's only 13!

The best part? They get to take home the Cheeseburgers they make!

Proud of their work at the KidZania x McDonald's Burger Shop! Next step: GRUBBING ON THEIR CHEESEBURGERS!

A and her Cheeseburger!

Funny RL and his cheeseburger.

“KidZania Manila is a place where kids can do big things and let their creativity run free,” said Maricel Pangilinan Arenas, State Governor for KidZania Philippines. “Here, they get to experience how a community operates, discover different careers, and learn while having fun by working closely with real-world brands that they know and love, like McDonald’s.”

Let your kids do big things. Have them experience KidZania!

KidZania Manila is located at Park Triangle, Bonfacio Global City. Open from 9AM-4PM on Mondays to Thursdays, and 9AM-2PM and 3PM-8PM on Fridays to Sundays. For more information, visit http://manila.kidzania.com.

Share your McDonald's Burger Shop photos! Don't forget to hashtag #McDoatKidZania!

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Twitter | twitter.com/McDo_PH

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#RLFunnies | Hiding!

I have been so busy at work. Taking a quick break just to update the blog a bit. I will be back with a giveaway! Soon, promise! So do stay tuned. Meanwhile, here's a short and funny story about my little boy.

Still capture from Max and Ruby.

A few weeks ago, RL went to the mall with my mom and KY. While they were at the rest rooms, the little boy decided to play a trick on his a-mah (grandma in Chinese) and went out of the rest room ahead of them. KY caught him hiding behind a wall but pretended not to see. After he was given the chance to catch his a-mah by surprise, this conversation happened.

KY: "RL, you shouldn't go off on your own because there are a lot of bad people. Do you want them to kidnap you? We won't see you anymore if someone decides to get you." 

After giving KY's lecture much thought...

RL: "That's why I was hiding so the bad people won't see me!"

Okay, I have a smart-aleck for a son. LOL!

#MommaDiaries | WWJD?

RL has been learning about Jesus in his Christian Living class in school. The past two weeks, we've been reading his lessons over and over again. The kids are learning about how Jesus is God's greatest gift to us, and how we can be children of God by following Jesus' example. Today, RL got to apply this lesson. Momma ended up learning from it, too.

I took RL to the office because he was going to get picked up by his bus there today. A had a doctor's appointment so I didn't have time to drop RL off properly, as we were rushing to make it to the clinic on time. What I didn't know was that in the office, Lola B (who has been working for the family business for the past 30 or so years) saw RL and gave him a 500-Peso bill. She loves showering the grandchildren and great grandchildren with gifts, so this wasn't something unexpected. However, because I wasn't in the office, and neither was my dad, RL thought it would be wise to keep the money in his pant pocket.

RL has always been very careful about money.
He was really disappointed today.

Earlier this evening, when he got home from school, he was crying because he lost the money. He was saying he placed it in his bag, and when he got to class, it was no longer there. He couldn't have lost it, because he says he placed it in a small pocket inside a bigger zipped pocket where it would be impossible for it to accidentally fall out. Plus anyone who opens that pocket wouldn't see the bill. Besides, he never opens that part of his bag, because it isn't big enough to hold anything (well, except for a 500-Peso bill). I couldn't console him at first - he was feeling really bad about losing a gift. So I told him that it was just money, and that the person who took it probably needed it. Went on to explain that even if someone stole it, he needed to forgive whoever took the money. And that we should follow Jesus' example on being forgiving - even when people did things to hurt Him. Then we prayed. We asked the Lord to bless whoever took the money, but at the same time convict that person. And we asked God to take care of RL's loss, but also asked Him to teach RL to forgive. God knew exactly what happened and we don't. We didn't really see who took it, but He did. So we asked God to handle it. I then asked God to send his comfort and peace to overwhelm RL (so he'd stop crying).

After he calmed down, we assessed what had happened and how it happened. RL told us that when he was in the school bus, about halfway to school, he took out his handkerchief, and the bill fell to the floor. The bus lady saw him pick the money up from the floor and when he was about to put it back in his pant pocket, she goes "Put it in your bag! Put it in your bag!" And so he did. For all to see. There were only two other people in the bus - another first grader and his nanny. RL says his bag stayed next to him the whole time and no one else touched it. Except when the bus lady took it out of the bus when they got to school. It took a while for RL to get off since he sits inside and the other student and his nanny sit closer to the door. So when he got off, the bus lady handed him his bag, and he pulls it to the waiting area (a classroom) where he sits and waits for class. Bag stays next to him the whole time. Bag also stays next to him the whole time in the classroom. Again, no one touched it. After Music, which is the second subject for Tuesday, he decides to take a peek and finds the bill gone! He searches through his whole bag, but it is no longer there.

When I heard his retelling, I wanted to call the bus operator (a co-parent, who also happens to be a lawyer), and tell him about the incident. I also wanted to text the bus lady, but I decided to call KY first. After discussing the whole situation with her, and hearing my own advice to RL and our prayer in that retelling, I couldn't believe I reacted that way. We agreed that I should pray about it first, and that I shouldn't do anything just yet. Besides, we don't really know who took the money.

As I went back to tutoring RL, he tells me that he now feels better, because we had prayed for comfort.

RL: "Mom, why do we have to pray for those who hurt us? For the bad people?"
K: "Because they probably don't know that what they did was wrong."
RL: "But why?"
K: "I don't know..." 

I pause to think a bit, and my thoughts bring me to R and how much he has hurt us, and yet we choose to pray for him. Still.

K: "Because we can't do anything about it, and we can't control them, so we pray for them."
RL: "You know why, Mom? Because that's what Jesus would do. He prayed for those that hurt him. He loves them even if they sin."

Ok, so I learned something from the little boy.

Today, RL learned a good lesson on following Jesus' example. Momma learned that parenting actually is also about teaching yourself as much as it is about making sure your kids grow up to be good people.


"Train children to live the right way, and when they are old, they will not stray from it." Proverbs 22:6 (NCV)

Thank you, Lord, for today.

#AlexaAndRiley | RL's First Egg Surprise Video!

We've been thinking this through for the past year - contemplating on whether we should create a new YouTube channel for the kids, or just maintain one (and keep our sanity). Because among the three of us at home, we already have too many social media accounts. So the kids and I decided to just maintain one YouTube channel (given that I still have that inactive nappycakes account on it as well) because they all get featured on the blog anyway. So yes, all videos will be under this account (for now, until they are old enough to manage their own channels). I was able to edit the channel name to include this blog. Will figure out more as I read up on YouTube. 

So RL has been bugging me to record this Egg Surprise video. If you have a child under 8, then you should know how popular these videos are. My little boy has a list of must-watch YouTubers, and he has them all saved up on his app.

Anyway, I purchased the Inside Out Eggs from a supermarket in Sydney - not sure now if it was Coles or Woolies, but yes, one of 'em. Only got two because I wasn't so sure it would survive my too-full luggage. Teehee. We were set to film this video back in July, but RL got Chicken Pox. So we had to wait out some healing. You can still see two marks on his forehead. Thankfully, the only two marks on his face.

So excuse the amateur editing - you can see my finger on the lens somewhere along the way because RL moved away from view. Enjoy! Oh and yes, thumbs up on YouTube for more, please! And do subscribe. Thanks!

 

No real eggs were harmed while filming this video. 

| youtube.com/c/KayeCatral

| facebook.com/RileyCatral

#RLFunnies | GOD CAN DO EVERYTHING!

Sophie, after her bath at 12midnight!

Let me share a brief backgrounder to this story. Yesterday, right when I got home from work, our nanny tells me that Sophie, our cat, is missing. Not only was she missing, but she has been missing since early afternoon. Apparently, Yaya J searched high and low, to no avail. Long story short, we found the cat. But not after I freaked out, because I spoke to the nanny 3x throughout the day yesterday, and she thought it best not to mention the fact that my baby cat was missing-in-action. Also, it took a while for me to join the hunt because I had to take the kids to the nearby mall to get their visa photos taken. So yes, I was antsy.

While getting the photos, I had a talk with my kids. I learned that they didn't even stop to pray. I asked A if she prayed for God to help her find the cat, and she says she didn't even get to think about praying because right when she came into the courtyard, her nanny quickly asked her to search the attic. RL says he didn't pray as well, but used his magic powers and incredible brain. So I took the opportunity to teach them about seeking God first.

This morning, on the way to school, I quizzed RL to see if he learned anything from last night.

K: "So what was the important lesson you learned last night?"
RL: "To pray!"
K: "Yes, you must always remember to call on God first. If you need help or if you are in trouble, ask God for help. You can say, 'Lord Jesus, help me!' okay?"
RL: "Okay."
K: "Your first reaction should be to ask God first. Don't try to solve things on your own or to ask others before you ask God. He should be the first one you turn to for help. Do you understand?"
RL: "Yes."
K: "Because you know, man can't do everything, but God is all-powerful. He can do anything!"
RL: (silent)

After a few seconds, he blurts out a nagging question.

"So God can lick His elbows?!!"

Hahaha, how would you answer that question? I told him to ask God when He gets the opportunity. Hehehe.

My funny little boy. 

#RLFunnies | Dear God...

Because he was absent from Christian Living class when his teacher explained the Four Kinds Of Prayers, I took it upon myself to teach and explain the lesson to RL the day before he went back to school. Checking their online assignment app, I learned they were having a test on his first day back. So we studied all night.

The next day, I decided it was wise to review the lesson.

K: "I will say a prayer, then let me know what kind of prayer it is, okay?"
RL: "Okay."
K: "God is great. God is good..."
RL: "Adoration!"
K: "Okay, how about... 'Thank you, God, for the food'."
RL: "Thanksgiving!"
K: "How about... 'Bless us, Oh Lord, and these Thy gifts which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ, our Lord, Amen'?"
RL: "RECESS!"

Yep, I have a silly boy. LOL!

RL Funnies | BUYING A BIRD!?

We were in the car on the way to Rockwell for a workshop. Yaya J was telling me about her sideline. She has started selling all sorts again, because she will be sending two kids to school next year.

J: "Kanina kasi, kaya di mo ko mahanap, pinatawag ako ni Ma'am Catherine. Bibili kasi siya ng Avon. Regalo daw niya sa sarili niya sa pasko." (When you were looking for me earlier, I was at Ma'am Catherine's. She is going to buy things from Avon as Christmas gifts for herself.)
K: "Nagbebenta ka na ulit ng Avon?" (You're selling Avon stuff again?)
J: "Yup, kasi alam mo na, dalawa na papasok sa school next year, so kailangan kumayod ng extra." (Yup, because I will have two kids in school next year, so I need to make extra money)
RL (interrupts): "What? Tita Catherine is going to buy a bird?!!"

LOLOLOL! All this time, RL was eavesdropping!

If you're reading this and you don't quite get it, the tagalog word for bird is ibon. Hehehe. That's what happens when toddlers eavesdrop on conversations.

I thought this was really funny. Did you think so too?

Bagyo.

Binabagyo buhay ko. Literally. Aside from the fact that life has been pretty stressful, busy, toxic... (insert negative adjective here), it took a turn for the worse when just yesterday, the little boy was admitted to the hospital. 

UPDATE: Latest test result confirms dengue. Sigh.

I am not one to complain about trials and every bad lemon life throws at me, but yesterday, I found myself asking the Lord why? This, after finishing the Book of Job, and learning that God allows storms in our lives for us to realize that they are not really to punish us, but to see how strong we stand during the storm.

But yes, Lord, why? I say this exactly one week before tuition payments are due at A's school - right when I had come up with a plan to get enough funds to meet the deadline, this happens. Plus, Lord, diba I have that bento catering order on Friday (thank goodness it got moved from today)? How will I get that done when my son's in the hospital, and I have no choice but to make all those boxes on my own with no help? 

Sigh.

Life and lemons.

How hard is it exactly to find joy in suffering? Today, as dozens of people posted about the storm and how they don't have power in their areas, my little boy and I lie comfortably in an airconditioned room, complete with free wifi and hot food. When my daughter A texted from my mom's house about how the tree from across the street fell on my brother's SUV, I realized God kept my vehicle safe. I park out in the open (a perfect target for flying and falling debris), but last night, my car was kept safe inside the parking tower across the main hospital. 

A week ago, while driving home, I realized how important it is to build one's life on solid rock. When I was a kid, I learned a Kids Praise! Song from Psalty that had this phrase...

"...you have to build your house upon The Rock,

Make a good foundation on a solid spot.

And the storms may come and go...

But the peace of God you will know."

So yeah, I am in the middle of this storm right now, but I sure am glad my life is standing on solid ground.

RL Funnies: BABY POWDER!

I took RL with me to do the groceries last night. On our way to check out, we passed by the mass display of Johnson's Baby. He pointed out the new Johnson's Baby Active Fresh baby powder and this conversation ensued:

RL: "Mommy, we should buy the new powder, because it's so hot in the house."
K: "But you still have powder at home."
RL: "But this new one is nice. I always get pawis kasi."
K: "What's so special with this powder?"
RL: "You put it on my neck, so that when my pawis touches the powder, sasabog ang bango!"

LOL! Isa lang masasabi ko: effective ang commercial! May retention sa bata. Hahaha! Sasabog ang bango sa bagong Johnson's Baby Active Fresh baby powder.


PS. This isn't a paid ad, and yes, it really happened. 

| Video from Johnson's Baby on Youtube

RL Funnies: THINGS.

My little boy cannot pronounce TH-. There are some words that begin or end with TH that he says with an F.

For example, the word bath becomes baF: "Mommy, I need to go and take a baF." or "Mommy, ate won't open the door to the baFroom."

Or say, the word throw. He says, Frow or Frowing like "Momma, ate is Frowing her food!"

I've been correcting him lately, and he is mindful of his TH words, but tends to exaggerate that I always end up snickering (bad momma, I know). He says baT for bath now - without emphasis on the word having an H because it almost always ends up as baF. But he tries.

Yesterday, while in the car, on the way to Araneta Coliseum for work, he was asking if we could go to my mom's house (A has been sleeping over since school ended because she is spending time with my mom and KY).

RL: "Can we go to Ama's (Grandma) house tonight?"
K: "Nope. I don't think so. We will finish late."
RL: "But I haven't been to Ama's house for plenty of days already." (he has no concept of weeks)
K: "Why? What will you do there anyway?"
RL: "I want to see if Ama has new Fings." (meaning things)
K: "What are Fings?!"
RL: "I want to see if Ama has new stuff pala! STUFF! Not the other word."

Aba, mautak. He knows his synonyms. LOL!

RL Funnies: GUILTY!

This post was initially part of the last post about being sick. I realized, however, that since that post had a giveaway, I thought I'd post this separately. Not that I want the whole world to know, but I can't resist sharing this tidbit from Friday morning. You'll know what I mean when you read my retelling below. Hehehe.

Photo from candywarehouse.com

Funny thing that happened Friday morning... (my son will probably kill me for posting this story one day, LOL) I bumped into RL on the way to the bathroom. I suppose he was surprised to see me come out of the bedroom. He probably thought I was still taking a bath. When I walked back into the bedroom, I saw him on A's bed, with his hand in his pants.

K: "What are you doing?!!"
RL: "My tutuy's ouchie..."
K: "Well, don't touch it. It's going to be more painful if you keep touching it."
I wanted to check but knew he wouldn't come near me if I asked to see... So, I dressed up and right before going down to make his bento lunch, I called him near and asked for a hug. He comes and I took the opportunity to check and see what was wrong.
K: (pulling his pants down) "Let me check and see if it's red."
RL: (quickly pulls his pants up) "No!"
K: "But I want to see if we need to put medicine."
RL: (squirms a bit, and hesitates) "No."
K: "Why?!"
RL: (looks at me with guilty eyes) "There's candy!"
So I pull open his underwear and find two squished Trolli Strawberry Puffs inside his briefs, next to his you-know-what!!! He was smuggling candy! We told him he couldn't have any because of his cough. I couldn't stop laughing!!! And RL? Well, he cried (bad Momma).

Hunny, you can't get away with it. You have the same look your dad has when he doesn't tell Momma the truth. LOL!

Ah! The things kids do nowadays! 

Starting Them Young

RL and I have revived book reading time at night. I don't know what happened, but I got too busy the past year - so much so that it seems I hardly get to catch him awake on a school night. Well, anyway, that definitely had to change. So as a resolution, we promised each other we'd make time for books. That also means, Momma has to come home early from work!

My little book reader.

Anyway, I have resolved to read him at least 3 books a night. Two weeks ago, we decided we were going to include the Bible. Permanently. That means, he can get at least two other books, but the Bible stays in the book list every night.

When my siblings and I were kids, we were encouraged to read the Bible everyday. We would sit together as a family, and my dad would conduct family devotions. I would want to emulate that. And although we haven't had the chance to have devotions together regularly, I am happy to say we've made leaps with RL's Bible and book reading. You can see how he has changed especially with his prayers. 

Yesterday, while ironing out 2014 plans for my blog, my friends and I thought it would be cool to launch a year's worth of giveaways. Yes, you read that right! A giveaway every week until the end of the year. The catch is, the giveaways won't be announced. They come discreetly within a post (like this one), so I am sure only my regular readers get to join the giveaways! But then of course, if your friends join because you shared the post, that would be great, too. Hehe.

So anyway, to start off this year of generosity, here's that first - oh wait, second giveaway for 2014!

WIN THIS! A book of godly virtues to include in your kid's book list!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

That's it! Just follow the steps on Rafflecopter and you're in! I shall draw and announce the winner next week! This giveaway starts at midnight tonight and will run until 11:59pm, Sunday, February 9. I will ship the prize to the winner, so make sure you use a valid email address when logging into Rafflecopter.

Note: THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO ANYONE WITH A PHILIPPINE ADDRESS. THE PRIZE WILL BE SHIPPED LOCALLY. NO INTERNATIONAL ADDRESSES PLEASE.

| Prize sponsor: My brother KM. Hehe. He gave us two of these - one for RL and one to giveaway. How sweet!

RL Funnies: A-B-C!

I took the kids to Centris Walk yesterday - it was SaturKIDSday. SaturKIDSday happens when I feel I've been so detached from home - mainly because of work, and then sometimes because I get so out of whack.

So anyway, the kids got to ride Wowowheels as much as they wanted to (we had unlimited vouchers) and got on the bungee gym for three minutes each. Pretty soon, they were spent and wanted drinks.

We went to nearby Chatime for some Chocolate Mousse drinks. While waiting for our drinks, RL declares we were to play a game. "A-B-C! A-B-C! Let's play the game where we say words with the letters!" My mom always plays this game with him to help him with patience (this game to while away time so he doesn't notice and gets bored). So ok, we were about to play when he told us his rules. 1st round, animal names; 2nd, fruits; 3rd, veggies.

K: "Ok, I go first. A! Animal, anteater."
RL: "Great job, mommy! My turn! B! Fruit... Uh... (Shrugs)"
A: "Fruit, RL!"
RL: "I don't know!"
A: "B! Buuuuhhh... You know, your favorite fruit!"
RL: "B? Buuuuhhh... Ah! B-ango!"

Lol! Pang-Eat Bulaga anak ko!

Little Boy, No More.

My little boy got a haircut to welcome the new year. No, not my choice as I love, love, super love his long hair. Alas, my mom had a different opinion. So the other day, to mark the new year, she took the kids to Greenhills for a haircut.

RL now has regular hair. LOL!

This was New Year's Eve! Still with his long do.

January 2 - Bah! Short hair. :( He doesn't quite look like my son. Sob!

Haha! In bed yesterday, before he dozed off, we discussed his new look.

K: Do you like your hair?
RL: Yes. Why? You don't like it? (emphasis on DON'T)
K: I liked the long hair better.
RL: But now I can wear gel and look like Uncle KA. 
K: I thought you hated hair gel...
RL: I like it now. It makes me look handsome.

LOL! Where did my little boy go? In other news, Pot and I were discussing this little boy's capacity to understand situations at his age. We've been keeping a big secret from his older sister, and he was so concerned with how we were too obvious and how we could have spoiled the surprise. At four (he turned four last month!), my little boy is no longer a baby!

Itty, bitty baby boy*...
Daddy's dream, 
Momma's joy. 
Smallest in the family,
But great is the love that you bring... 
To your Daddy and me. 

And, yes, it's true
That you will not always be small. 
And, yes, I know 
You'll grow to be strong and tall. 
But my little guy, 
You're just the right size today 
To hold in my arms, 
To look in your eyes and say...

Itty, bitty baby boy...
Daddy's dream, 
Momma's joy. 
Smallest in the family,
But great is the love that you bring... 
To your Daddy and me. 

*Itty, Bitty, Baby Boy by Rita Baloche from the CD Bless My Little Boy (Available at House of Praise stores)

RL Funnies: Squished!

My little boy and I have been playing "squished" for more than a year now. The trick was to pretend I was asleep over some part of his little body, squish it with body weight and see him attempt to get free.

It's been pretty fun the past year or so. This morning, I attempted to play "squished" with him, but with a little more difficulty.

K: "Squish!" (I lie across his upper body and pretend to be asleep)
RL: "Ooooof!!!" (Struggles)

After struggling for about 10 more seconds...

K: "Oooouuuuuccccchhhhh!!!!"

He bites me.

Lol! I'm never playing this again.