#MommaDiaries | RAISING COMPASSIONATE KIDS

I had the privilege of meeting my favorite daily vloggers a few weeks ago. I had won a trip to the US for VidCon, but unfortunately could not go. KY went instead, and got to have lunch with Judy and Benji Travis of itsjudyslife. This was back in June.

Early last month, I received an email from Judy telling me that they were flying over for work with Convoy of Hope - the charity they had supported for Dancember, and that there was a slight chance we could meet!

Of course I was excited. But since this wasn't a sure thing, I had to keep mum about it, and only told my girls.

Judy and Benji Travis have been running Dancember, a seasonal fundraiser to give back to community, from their home garage for the past 7 years or so. Last year, their chosen charity was Convoy of Hope - an organization that helps feed street kids in the Philippines and other parts of the world. The Travis couple flew in to check on the progress of one of their projects in Iloilo.

After their trip, Judy happened to show their eldest daughter, Julianna, who will soon be 4, a video of the kids they were helping at Convoy of Hope. This is the video below.

As a parent, it warms my heart to see Julianna's compassion for these kids. Because I am tuned in to their daily vlogs, I see how Judy and Benji try to raise compassionate kids, and how they make it a point to stress the importance of sharing. I often wonder how my own kids would react to something like this.

A few weeks ago, for Linggo Ng Wika, RL came home to tell us this story.

RL, as Senator Manny Pacquiao for Linggo Ng Wika Day.

RL: "Mom, my friend Carlos came to school wearing a vest. He had no other shirt inside and the kids were making fun of him."
KAYE: "Awww. Did he cry?"
RL: "No, because I spoke to my classmates and told them to put themselves in Carlos' place. What if their moms made them wear an Igorot costume, and they had no inner shirt. And then their classmates would laugh at them. How would they feel?"
K: "Then, what happened?"
RL: "Then no one laughed anymore."

Parenting is hard work. But with kids like these, I guess we are doing something right.

#MommaDiaries | HE ISN'T FINISHED WITH ME YET

Sharing with you snippets from my Notes app on the phone. I tend to type down my thoughts when I don't have enough time to blog. RL had exams the past week, and this Momma's hands have been tied with a ton of things to do. And there are tough days, as most of you would know. But then, there are also good ones. This was from one of those bad turned good days. Yesterday, I was once again reminded that God is in charge regardless of our circumstances. Whenever there are days He seems absent and quiet, I have learned that trying times exist because He wants to show you He is God. So be thankful for the bumps, He's got you covered.



AUGUST 4

So this morning, yaya told me A had lost her wallet. The wallet had P3,000+ as she was supposed to pay her club fees last week (but couldn't because of time constraints and the long queue).

My initial reaction was true to yaya's threat to A right before she left for school: "Nako, hanapin mo yan, magagalit mommy mo!"

I was angry, and frustrated. I actually typed angry words as I started composing a message to A on Messenger. Then I stopped. Caught myself and prayed. I have been praying for a change in my relationship with A (we've hit snags through the years, and aren't exactly friendliest of friends - teenagers!). This morning, God reminded me of His unconditional love and never-ending grace. So I took back my words, and instead typed "...I pray God helps you find your wallet intact. I love you."

That was at 11 AM, and A replied to let me know she has searched everywhere to no avail.

Money can be replaced, but a child lost to anger is a child lost forever. I struggled to hold my tongue, as I prayed for God to lead me so my words come out right.

This evening, as I walked in the house, A tells me she found her wallet at the Lost and Found over lunch (even though she had gone to check all Lost and Found nooks earlier this morning). "But when I messaged you, you said you already checked!", I quipped.

She did. But after lunch, for some reason, she decided to check again. And there it was.

So yes, I know this was a Mommy lesson, in as much as it was a responsibility reminder for A. I know that the Lord is fixing my heart, and I am thankful He isn't done with me. Because, man, I know I have so much more to learn.

Makes you realize that we also have to be thankful when problems come our way. Our initial reactions are human reactions. I pray I learn to turn to God first when trials come. I pray I will always react with grace at first instance.


PS. Dear cheekeegirl, sorry! Had to redo this post as something wasn't right. Didn't realize your comment didn't go through as it was on the previous one. So, publishing it here nalang. ;)

"OMG! I am touched with this experience you had. It's like me. That I need to watch my words and actions on certain situations. Thank you for sharing." - cheekeegirl

#AWOL

People, I haven't been blogging. I took a break from everything. As in everything. Even BentoMommas took a back seat, and I closed my kitchen for three whole months. Imagine that! I needed a breather. And yet, a breather I did not get.

Took two wrong turns in life, and found myself drowning in self-pity and what-not. But you know, God is good. His grace is forever sufficient, and today, I know exactly why those events had to happen.

So anyway, I am was AWOL. But you are hearing from me today, because I miss writing. I took an almost two-week trip to Sydney last month. Attended the Hillsong Conference and nursed a bad back. Came home with a cold, and a very bad case of acid reflux and IBS. Ouch.

Hillsong Church!

Day 2 of Conference!

Baking at home with my honorary godson, Marcus. Thanks, Maris, for this photo.

Obviously unwell, but loved bonding with KY.

But all is well and yes, I am eating well again. Oops. Today, I got back to BentoMomma duties, and I must say I am a tad rustyyyyy.

Back to bento-making. This one is a Pinkie Pie party for Katniss!

It's been pretty busy at work, and I need to prioritize. Unfortunately, the blog has been on the receiving end of time deprivation. :(

I hope you check back from time to time. And while you're at it, I hope you take time to follow my page on Facebook (and stay updated!).


See you around, Mate!

Back to the Daily Grind.

Hello folks, I am back. I have been away, and I will tell you why. 

OZ
I took a vacay. Well, not exactly since it was a working vacay. Flew to Australia for the Hillsong Conference and what a blessing it was to have been given this chance!

Harbour Bridge, Sydney. Taken from the Train Station at Circular Quay.

I wasn't prepared for the cold though. It is Winter in Australia, but the forecast all showed 13-18 degrees, only to find out it went down to even -3 degrees while I was there. Crazy!!! But what an experience it was!

Bondi Beach. Would you believe there were actual surfers and people in two piece bikinis that day?

The company I work for has been the exclusive distributors of the Hillsong brand since the 80s and this is the very first time we've attended their annual conference. Usually, during the June-July period, we fly to the US for a Christian Retailers Convention, but this year, after the Hillsong Worship concert, I had the desire to see and experience Hillsong for myself. Good thing my boss agreed and allowed me this opportunity. I am forever changed.

Hillsong Church has been holding conference for 30 years (it's their 30th next year). And wow. When over 20,000 people (plus a lot more online) come together to worship God in one place, it is more than amazing. I have no words, as words cannot fully grasp what my heart is trying to say. But it was awesome. It is awesome. I still have a hangover.

AllPhones Arena at Sydney's Olympic Park was full!! Amazing experience!!!

Imagine 5 whole days of worshiping with Hillsong? That's like attending 5 worship concerts - all day, everyday. 

Next year, the conference in Sydney is happening from July 5 to 8. If you seriously want to go, we are looking at forming a group. I have yet to confirm this, but do stay tuned.

SICK
I came home to a sick little boy. The first weekend I was home, RL didn't seem like his usual self. We even went to catch the Minions Movie, and he wasn't excited at all. Turns out, he had contracted Chicken Pox! Where? When? How? I have no idea. We called his school, his school bus, and no one recently had it. So we kept him home for the next two weeks. He is back in school now, and his blisters have all healed. He hardly has any on his face, thank goodness. He did miss a few vtrs. Boo, but we know God has something better planned for him.

My poor little boy with his babies. Hehe.

While RL was sick, I came down with the flu. Oh what perfect timing to get immunity down right when a highly contagious virus is present at home. But all is well, since I got the pox as an adult in college (I know, late). So I've been in and out of it since that Oz trip. But all is well now, and like I said... I am back to the daily grind.

Going through a ton of homework, tests and activity sheets he had missed! A TON!

RESPONSIBILITIES
Work has been crazy, and that is an understatement. We are planning something big at the office, and I have had to put the blog on standby. But I want to write! And all my blog drafts are in my head. Argh! But I can't quit my dayjob, nor can I sidestep my responsibilities at BentoMommas. Plus my momma duties are crazy! RL's daily homework and weekly tests have taken a big chunk out of my daily me-time. Sniff.

Seriously, someone find me a partner, I am drowning here.

Overhaul.

Not this blog.

But life.

Well, okay. This blog, too.

But what's new?

I went on vacay and my brain went on an extra three weeks off. I totally zoned out. But let me tell you about the months that passed.

MY BROTHER GOT MARRIED.

All dressed up! 

WE CELEBRATED THE NEW YEAR IN PHUKET.

Flying a paper lantern on New Year's Eve.

WE GOT A NEW CAT.

Meet Sophie.  

I MADE A THOUSAND AND ONE CHARABEN BENTOS IN BETWEEN.

Baymax for one of 'em parties.

Life has been nothing short of toxic. I've been doing a lot of thinking (with little sleep, if I do get to sleep, that is) and soul searching. And I now know that it is time for a change.

I have had enough.

And yes, I learned it the long (winding!), hard way, but I suppose it takes time, these things.These realizations. These convictions.

Now I know that I need that change.

IT. IS. TIME.


~~~

Dear friends (and PR friends). I am back. I will make time for this blog. And for that backlog. I apologize for the long hiatus. But yes, back. So see you around.

Excusez-moi!

I have been having a very stressful last quarter. My brother is getting married first week of December, and I have been tasked many duties and errands. I hope to be back on the blog soon. 

Excusez-moi s'il vous plait!

I Went To London To Visit The Queen!

Hardly true. But I did make 60 detailed bento boxes for a London-themed party over the weekend!

Took me the whole evening to get all these bread done! But it was worth all the hard work. My client was pleased. Love how she took time to text me about my apple carving. Yes, I love carving apples. It relaxes me - haha, even if I have to carve 60+ slices (I actually did over 80 because I had another order before this one)!

Anyway, here's a closer look for your viewing pleasure. Each bento comes with my best-selling tri-noodle spaghetti, chicken nuggets, bread deco, and an apple treat.

And yes, this is why I am extra tired, and why I have been absent from the blog. But it pays for A's tuition and gives us extra savings for that rainy day. So I am not complaining. But I do hope to find time (and make time) for blogging. Lord, please give me strength.

Interested in Bento Catering? Send us an email today at bentomommas@gmail.com!

| facebook.com/bentomommas

I'm Back!

And hopefully, I can get back on the blog for good. When the year started, one of the things I promised myself was to make sure I blogged regularly.

And yet, once again, life got in the way. Mostly not my choice. RL got hospitalized for dengue, then right when we thought he was fine, he catches another bug - a viral exanthem that gave him a bad, bad rash. Last week, the skin on one of his palms started peeling, and we thought it was something bad. Good thing, he didn't get a fever, or I'll be worried sick again. And broke. Haha!

This was just the onset of the bad rash. Two days later, his earlobes and cheeks were so swollen.

Swollen cheeks. Sigh.

Then BentoMommas. Ohhhhh, BentoMommas. The girls and I see each other at least once a week, every week. Talk to each other every single, freakin' day. Pwede na kami magpalit ng mukha. Just yesterday, while talking to BM A, I asked her, "will there be a day that I don't call you at least once?" LOL. Because I do call her everyday. At least once. Seriously, give me a life!

With BM M, right before a Bento Demo... 

So yes, the past month or two, this has been keeping me extra busy. I work after office hours. I work even on weekends. And if I'm not working, I am in bed, trying to catch some shut-eye.

Tomorrow? Well, tomorrow's pretty light. That is, if the kids and I decide to stay home. So if we do, I am blogging. Have a lot (and I mean a lot - that's such an understatement) of pending posts, and I seriously need to get those published.

Let's keep those fingers crossed.

Life Update: FREAKING OUT!

If you follow my social media accounts, then you would know that I have been freaking out lately because of recent happenings in my neighborhood. In the past week alone, four people have been killed in our barangay - separate incidents, and on different days, but yes, possibly by the same culprits. What's scary is, a woman in her 20s was killed on OUR STREET! About four or five doors down the road!

I am beyond freaked out. I am more than paranoid. I do not even want to leave the house. In the mornings, when I have to bring A to school, we rush to the car. At night, I sit in my parked car for a few minutes to check on motorcycles passing by our street. I've been cancelling meetings left and right. I want to be home before dark. Earlier tonight, I rainchecked on a guest appearance on Live, Love, Lolz. As much as I want to meet Karrots in person and fulfill BentoMomma duties, I had to think about my safety, and that of my kids. Really, the situation is out of control. I do not care if the mayor says he is on top of it. Right after his radio interview Saturday night, where he assures residents that he has ordered police to catch the perpetrators, another victim falls prey the very next day - and at 9PM! So early! There I was thinking I'd be safe as long as it's early in the evening; I guess not. Nyar.

Already, my mom has been asking me to assess the situation, and maybe move back in with the family for a few months. Sigh.

So readers, may I ask for your prayers? I know that the Lord is in charge, and that His protection covers me and my little family. But just the same, please cover us with prayers.

God is my refuge and strength! (photo from www.wildwoodbytheriver.com)

Psalm 91 (NCV)

Safe in the Lord

Those who go to God Most High for safety

will be protected by the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, “You are my place of safety and protection.

You are my God and I trust you.”

God will save you from hidden traps

and from deadly diseases.

He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you can hide.

His truth will be your shield and protection.

You will not fear any danger by night

or an arrow during the day.

You will not be afraid of diseases that come in the dark

or sickness that strikes at noon.

At your side one thousand people may die, 

or even ten thousand right beside you,

but you will not be hurt.

You will only watch 

 and see the wicked punished.

The Lord is your protection;

you have made God Most High your place of safety.

Nothing bad will happen to you;

no disaster will come to your home.

He has put his angels in charge of you

to watch over you wherever you go.

They will catch you in their hands

so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.

You will walk on lions and cobras;

you will step on strong lions and snakes.

The Lord says, “Whoever loves me, I will save.

I will protect those who know me.

They will call to me,

and I will answer them.

I will be with them in trouble;

I will rescue them and honor them.

I will give them a long, full life,

and they will see how I can save.”

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.

Yaya Diaries: AY, PERLAS!

Let me interrupt normal programming to bring you another Yaya story. Yes, Yaya J is back (thank goodness!) and so are her quirks.

Yesterday morning, while in the middle of making the bento for A, I had asked Yaya to go get my earrings from the accessory basket in my bedroom.

Photo from: Pearlhours.com on the www.

Kaye: "Ya, palihog naman. Paki-kuha naman yung hikaw ko sa basket sa kwarto. Yung perlas."
Yaya: "Anong klase, yung maliit o yung malaki?"
K: "Yung perlas, iisa lang yun dun. Medium yung size."
She comes down with a pair of silver stud earrings.
Y: "Hindi naman 'to perlas. Wala naman perlas dun."
K: "E sa'n mo yan kinuha? Hindi naman sa basket yan nakalagay e, sa bedside table yan nakalagay. Sabi ko sa basket."
Y: "Ah! Oo nga, sa basket. Sandali lang."
She then proceeds to go back up... as she reached the second floor landing, she yells...
Y: "Ano ba dito yung perlas? Yung bilog o yung dyamante?!"

Yaya, perlas nga. Perlas. LOL.

PHOTO: Bagong Buhay.

So. I've been driving my daughter A to school the past two days, and did so again this morning. Today, I was in the office at 640am.

Check out the clock register when I finally got my lappy running.

I'm thinking maybe I can do this the whole year. I've been trying so, so hard to wake up early, but can't get my system to rest before midnight. I realized though that once you're up and running by 430am, your body gives off the "I'm-exhausted-let-us-please-sleep-NOW" signal by 10pm or even earlier.

Ahhh! To catch dawn each day.

Let's do this. I want to do this.

Fastest Driver's License Renewal Ever!

I needed to get my license renewed. I thought I'd run that errand early this year (to save from paying the penalty), so I went and got it done 3 days before my birthday. 

I've had my license renewed at Satellite offices in the past - once at Robinsons Galleria and once at Farmers Market. I remember it being faster at Galleria, plus the mall was cooler than Farmers, so I was set on getting it done there again.

I googled for their number, and called ahead of time to check on traffic. The lady who answered the phone at 3PM told me there weren't many people in line, and that I should come right away.

At 4PM, this was the crowd at LTO Robinsons Galleria.

I actually snapped this photo right before leaving.
But it looked the same when I arrived, except that I was the only one inside the center. LOL!

It is pretty easy to get your license renewed here. Make sure you have your old license (card) since you will need to surrender this when getting a renewal.

This was hanging on the wall, but I shall outline the step-by-step procedure to help you guys out. 

I had to follow the steps below in order to get my license renewed:

STEP 1: Go to Window 2, and present your old license for inspection. The guy will look at it, check the expiry and give you an application form.

STEP 2: Go to Window A and pay P200 for your medical exam. They will give you a number, and will ask you to fill up the form while waiting for your number to be called.

I used that table to fill up my form. Took less than 2 minutes.

STEP 3: Once the form has been filled up, you must wait for your number to be called. An attendant will call your number, and you will be ushered into a small side office (left of Window A), where someone will check for your weight, and have you do an eye exam. I was asked if I wore corrective glasses, so I mentioned I actually wore corrective lenses (and that I have them on all the time, except for when I'm in bed at night). I was asked to read the last line on the eye chart.

STEP 4: You will then be asked to go back to Window 2 to give back your application form, with notation on your correct weight, and remarks from the medical exam. You must then wait for your name to be called.

STEP 5: The person manning the photobooth at Window 6 will call your name, and have you sign on their tablet. Then he will have you sit for the photo. SMILE! I smirked for my photo. Argh! 

Tablet on the left (on table) and chair for the photo on the right.

STEP 6: Your name will be called once again by the person manning Window 1. Here you would pay for your license and other fees. I paid P418.00 for my license.  

No extra penalty fees if you renew early!

STEP 7: Wait for your name to be called once again by the person manning Window 2. Once he calls you, you will be presented with your Official Receipt. You will also be asked to sign their logbook.

STEP 8: They will then ask you to wait for a few seconds. Then your actual Driver's License card will be presented to you.

Voila! All blurred, of course. Hehehe.

That's it! The whole process took less than 10 minutes! I was surprised it was that fast! Feels good to actually have a government agency working efficiently for your benefit.

When renewing your license, don't forget the following:

1) YOUR OLD EXPIRING OR EXPIRED LICENSE.

2) MONEY - P618.00 (if your license isn't expired)

3) PATIENCE. LINES COULD GET LONG (not in my case, though, hehe). 

Thank you, LTO Robinsons Galleria! That was super fast!  

| Call ahead! LTO Robinsons Galleria: (02) 631.1559

LTO Robinsons Galleria

Basement 1, East Wing

Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm 

In the Hands of the Potter.

I've been wanting to blog about this for so long, but I thought I'd ask Joy first if it was okay. This isn't an easy subject, given the circumstance. 

It was back in 1992 when I first learned of what happened to Joy. I was in the US, and my aunt and uncle had arrived from Manila and had mentioned this. Because her brother was my classmate back in grade school, the story hit hard. I had asked the Lord why He would allow something so tragic to happen to a pastor's daughter. Last year, Joy's testimony was featured on CBN Asia. Two weeks ago, for Holy Week, her story was once again featured for CBN Asia's Tanikala Special - this time, with Pastor Peter Tan-Chi's insight on what happened to his family. Below are the videos of that particular feature (thank you, Fermin Fajardo, for uploading!):











You don't have to be Joy's friend to know that something like this affects you forever. I admire her for coming out to tell her story - more for using something as tragic an experience as rape for God's greater glory. I know some people will never come to understand the whys - why they chose to forgive over seeking vengeance, why they chose to tell their story, why they chose to forego suing the perpetrators, etc. But see, when you choose to leave everything before the Lord, He promises to make something beautiful out of it.

"You changed my sorrow into dancing. You took away my clothes of sadness, and clothed me in happiness." Psalm 30:11 NCV

Similarly, I know a lot of people will never understand my reasons for standing for my marriage. But my hope is in the Lord and not in man. He brings me true joy and strength. I am not pining for R, and yes, we are friends. I choose to be his friend. And if others see something wrong in that, it's their problem, not mine. It is not an easy choice. It is easier to just walk away. But what does that say about my faith in an omnipotent God? I pray the Lord protects my children, and instead have them see Christ in our situation. This is my conviction. No matter how ugly the past may be, God still meant it for good.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." Romans 8:28 NCV

I was just telling my friend A how I've set my eyes on the prize, and even if I don't get to see it in my lifetime, I am fine with it. I know this is the purpose God has planted in my heart. I pray God uses my life and testimony for His glory. So far, He has allowed me to encourage a few friends going through similar battles - just as He has used Joy's painful experience to minister to women who have been raped and abused.

No one wants to go through pain. The Tan-Chi family didn't think something like this could happen to them. I never asked for a broken marriage. But it is what it is, and I can only hope that God uses the broken pieces and molds it into something extraordinary.

You know how it is when a potter works on his clay? He molds it, and sometimes, the clay doesn't turn out the way he planned it to be. He takes the clay, kneads it again, then molds it once again to make something beautiful. It is the same with life and God. He is the Potter, and we are the clay. Do we allow Him to knead us into something beautiful? He can repair those chips, He can mend your broken life!

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart." Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV

Joy and I crossed paths again in college. I remember it was sometime junior or senior year when Edric (her husband) was telling us how he was planning on courting Joy. Edric is KY's godfather, and he is like a brother to me. When I heard how he liked Joy, I wondered if he knew. I know Edric to be this super idealistic guy (sorry, Sioti, totoo naman e, but of course God changed you, hehe) and I didn't know if that would matter to him.

Once, when discussing Joy, he tells me, "She's beautiful, Kaye. It isn't just her face. She is beautiful inside and out. Her beauty emanates from within." And right there, I knew. He knew and it didn't matter.

God had already made something beautiful out of it.

The ways of man is nothing compared to the ways of the Lord. He allows tragic things to happen. If He allowed it, He must have a plan. Is there anything too hard for the Lord?


| Read more about Hope on Joy's blog Teach With Joy. 

Yaya Diaries: GATAS PA DIN!

So the other night, after writing the post on Yaya and her "gatas ng bear", I kinda mentioned to her how I blogged about it, and how people found it extremely funny (and ridiculous). She was a tad defensive at first, but later on, laughed because she really did think the milk of that particular brand wasn't really milk-milk.

Later that evening, we had this conversation...

Y: "Kung gatas pa din pala yun ng cow, hindi pala honest ang N" (referring to the company that carries the milk brand).
K: "So teka, di ka na iinom ng Bear Brand?"
Y: "Ay hindi na, kahit yung gatas na choco nila kasi gatas pa din pala ng cow."
K: "Ganon?"
Y: "Alaska nalang iinumin ko next time, kasi yun sure ako, gatas ng tao."

People, this really, really happened.

Ay, ewan talaga.

Yaya Diaries: GATAS NG COW

Our nanny doesn't eat beef. Nor does she drink or eat any beef/cow/cattle/carabao by-product. And that includes milk and selected ice cream. Apparently, this is something associated to a traumatic childhood experience. 

She used to eat this particular ice cream brand, but once, when we were buying a scoop at the mall, she saw a sign that said "made from fresh carabao's milk"... and almost puked.

Two days ago, I saw her drinking milk.

K: "Aba, Ya, nagbagong-buhay ka na?"

Y: "Bakit?"

K: "E gatas yan e. Diba, ayaw mo ng milk kasi gatas ng cow?"

Y: "Hindi naman gatas ng cow 'to! Tingnan niyo, 'Bear Brand'! Gatas ng Bear!"

Bwahahaha! Ay, ewan! 

UPDATE: Missing In Action

Yaya Diaries: BOOKING A PROMO FARE

Our nanny is going home this summer to officially get married. She's been with her boyfriend for the past 6 years, have two kids (born a year apart), and have been planning this vacation for months!

Photo from thefineyounggentleman.com

Last week, she had asked me to look out for promo airfare. I had asked why, when it is cheaper for her family of four to take the bus, because they pay for two adults and the kids (a 4 and a 5-year old) just sit on their laps. 

"Matagal pag-traking! Kawawa naman mga bata!" 

So today, upon seeing a promo on Facebook, I called her and asked for her final dates. 

K: "Kailan mo bang balak umuwi?"

Y: "April 20, uwi muna ako Bulacan. Tapos sa 24, lipad na kaming Bohol."

K: "24? Eh, Holy Week yan, wala nang promo fare. Hindi ba pwedeng May 20, kasi ayun o, P5,000+ lang, apat na kayo."

Y: "Mabibitin naman kami. Magpakasal pa ako."

So I told her I'd check another airline, and will her call again. Later...

K: "Ya, meron dito, sa ibang eroplano, may April 21, pero P7,000+!"

Y: "Ay, mamamatay na ako sa utang niyan."

K: "E sabi mo hindi pwedeng March, di din pwedeng May, yan yung pinakamalapit sa April 24 na may promo. Yan na pinakamura."

Y: "Pwede bang isa lang muna bayaran ko?"

K: "Ha? Ikaw lang sagot ko no. Hindi ko na kaya kung tatlo kayo tapos uutang ka pa ng dalawang buwan. Kita mo naman enrollment ng mga bata sa May."

Y: "Hindi nga, pwede bang isang ticket lang bayaran sa eroplano, tapos hulugan yung bayad ko sa kanila?"

K: "Walang utang sa eroplano no. Kailangan mo ng credit card!"

Y: "Magkano ba isang ticket?"

K: "Mga P1,800..."

Y: (Thinks for a while then says) "E ba't P7,000+, dapat wala pang P4,000 kasi kakandungin lang namin si A at D!"

K: "Ya, hindi pwedeng ikandong ang 5 years old at 4 years old."

Y: "Ha! E bakit sa jeep at bus, pwede? Wala bang promo na libre ang bata?"

Ay ewan.

It Never Ends!

Today, I came home to two bickering siblings. One was complaining that his sister was making faces at him (and he was whining to no end), and the other? Well, she was making sure to irk her brother, waiting to see if she could make him cry. And so the little one starts picking on his sister - kicking her, poking her, touching her things, etc. And then the sister cries (pikon din pala). It becomes a crazy cycle! Kulang nalang talaga mag-wresting sila! Kaloka!

I've written about this before. It can be very frustrating when you get involved. Today, I decided to be Spectator Momma. I let them be, and watched them 'til they got tired. Eventually, A went up to sleep. And I finally got some peace. RL's disposition immediately changed - you'd think someone switched on his happy light (if there is such a thing).

I've been told that they will outgrow this phase. And I tell you, I cannot wait 'til that day comes.

Don't get me wrong. I don't want them to grow up just yet. I just pray that the kids learn to get along. The little boy loves and adores his older sister, but A sure loves to pick on her little brother. Did I ever do that to my younger siblings? I asked my brothers and they remember how I used to exert superiority (being the older sister) when we were playing with our Lego sets. "You used to get all the nice pieces to build your village. You had mansions, tapos yung sa amin, squatter!"

Okay, okay, I get it. I was a bully, too.

Two weeks ago, I started a new reading plan on my Bible app - Parenting By Design. I have made it my mission to make sure I pray for my children everyday. There are things out of my control, but it comforts me to know that I can pray for my kids, and that God is very much in control of any situation they find themselves in.

Parenting by Design Daily Devotional.

I love the reading plan because it is a good supplement to my 365 Days Bible in One Year reading plan. Plus, the daily devotions aren't long. I can spend more time praying after. If you want to try it out, you can download the Bible app by YouVersion and search their reading plans for it.

Here's today's devotional:

Each devotional comes with a verse for you to reflect on. I love how the Bible is also a great instruction manual on parenting. I'd be lost without it!

Meanwhile, I pray my kids get out of this season of fighting soon. I am getting old playing the referee! Seriously, you should see all my gray hair. Ack!

~~~ * ~~~

As I've mentioned in my post yesterday, I've had to move this week's scheduled giveaway to next week. The sponsor had asked to move it. Timely, too, because what better thing to giveaway than this...

WWE Rumblers Rampage Devastadium Playset - retails for $25 - $30 in the US!

Yes, win this WWE Rumblers Rampage Devastadium Playset! Can't believe I'm actually giving this away. Okay, it's not an expensive gadget, but it's still a nice prize, right? Hehe. Plus, it's brand new, original and imported.

You know what to do. This week's giveaway will run until Wednesday night, next week. You must have a Philippine address to join. You must also use a valid email address, so I can notify you properly should you win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What do you do when your kids fight?