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On travelling:
Dindin: We’re going to New Yoorrkkk! We’re going to New Yoorrkkk!
Mama: No, baby, only to Cebu.

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On American accent:
Dindin: Blow the sexyphone, Mama.

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On asking help from Hulk:
Dindin: Hulk! Hulk!
Hulk (Papa’s voice behind Hulk toy): Yes, why are you shouting?
Dindin: Because I’m looking for you.
Hulk: Why? You need my help?
Dindin: Yeah. Dance ballet.

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On girl’s play of boys’ toys:
Dindin lets the four Avengers characters form a circle and she sang:
Dindin: Ring a ring o roses, a pocket full of posies. A-ti-shoo A-ti-shoo they all fall down.

Then The Avengers fell down. Weeee

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On modes of transportation:
Mama: Din, on Friday, you will ride the plane to go to Cebu.
Dindin: What’s a Cebu?
Mama: It’s a city like Bacolod. Then we will ride the boat to Ormoc City. Then we will ride a big bus to Tacloban City.
Dindin: I can ride the train, too.

Waaaaa Now she wants to ride everything. LOL

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On a bruise on her leg:
I saw a bruise at the back of Dindin’s left leg, just below her bum.
Mama: Din, why do you have a bruise again? Did someone hurt you?
Dindin: Yeah.
Mama (alarmed): Who?
Dindin: The chair.

Wahahaha Her skin must have been pinched between her weight and her chair when she sat down. And maybe to reassure me, she added, “It’s not ya-yay anymore.” hehehehe

In the past, I used to sunbathe a lot in order to achieve a crisp brown complexion. But as I grew older, I realized that it is not healthy especially for the skin on my face. Too much sun exposure, despite wearing sunblock, is causing premature wrinkles.

So now, I am thinking of using whitening products or getting at tan. But since there are no tanning salons here in our city, then maybe I should just try the spray on tan. I am yet to find out where I will get one but well, I hope I can find one. I just wonder though how it will work if, let’s say, you go out in the sun and you perspire a lot. But I am willing to try it. teehee

Anyway, for now, well, I just remain cooped up inside our room most of the time.

School girl Dindin

Signed by her Teacher Anya and Teacher Grace, the following was Dindin’s summer school report from Bright Kids. This was re-typed courtesy of her proud Papa. I did not expect this so when I read it while they were having their swimming activity, I had to step side because I couldn’t help the tears from flowing–tears of pride and happiness.

“Since the start of the summer class, Shawna has been one of the most adjusted kid in class. She did not exhibit any separation anxiety despite seeing other children crying or looking for their moms. The moment she walked in class, she seemed at ease and started playing and talking to teachers. She shows good social skills and mingles well with them. She now knows all her classmates’ names and if ever someone is absent for the day, she would immediately inquire why they were absent and whether they would be back in school the following day.

We like that she is polite and plays nicely with her classmates. She is a very welcome addition in class as her enthusiasm for doing things is contagious. She is very appreciative of whatever activities teacher has prepared for the day. She would often be heard saying comments such as “I really liked the story” and “that was fun.” It makes our work lighter to hear such words of appreciation from her.

In doing art works, Shawna does every given work to her neatly. She would also remind her other classmates to follow what she is doing and not to spill paint on the table. During the first 2 days of class, Shawna was hesitant to touch the glue and had to ask for a paintbrush from teacher to stick her collage. But as the days passed by and she has shown greater interest and fondness for doing art together with her classmates.

Shawna would always act like the little teacher in class. She would always follow what the teacher is saying and likes to volunteer in pointing to the colors and shapes on the board. Shawna talks and thinks like a big girl already. There are times when we forget she’s only 3 years old. Her expressions and the way she talks often bring a smile to our faces.

Academically, she knows her colors and shapes. Alphabets and the sounds are already mastered. Shawna has shown readiness for school. We hope that she enjoyed her summer class with us. ”

Awwww…What especially touched me was how she made her teachers feel good by praising their work. Everyone feels good when praised, so I guess we should say it to others more often. Thanks for teaching us this, Din.

Read related story: How to Improve Socialization Skills of Homeschooled Children

It is just that we do not want Dindin to be pressured to conform in a singular educational system. We would like to expose her to different things, different experiences, different peoples, and also cultures. We let her imagination expand by taking her to book shops and buying books for her to read at home. We let her watch educational but fun videos, take her to parties, outings, and also when we travel.

Yes, for me, one good way to learn about the world and how it operates is by traveling. The places you go to opens doors of wonders for the child. When we travel, it is just normal for us to point out things to Dindin. It not only keeps her occupied but this activity increases her learning and stimulates her to think.

One of the places that I would like Dindin to visit is Orlando, Florida. I have stayed with an aunt there for almost a month and I thoroughly enjoyed my visit there because of the sites to see. And these sites are just wonderlands for children. These places of course include the hundreds of acres of fun that Disney World is offering, the marine attractions at Sea World, and of course, the many other parks and entertainment centers all over the area. Looking at Orlandovacation.com, I am drawn to the many available packages should we want to travel.

The only problem is, we have to travel to America in order to go to Orlando. It is not like we are just living in another state and we could have a road trip there anytime. Well, I guess someday, we can do it. But for now, we will just have local travels and weekend trips with family and friends. These will provide so much learning experience for Dindin already.

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We were on our way home from cell group one night and Dennis and I were talking about the new building along Burgos Street.
Dindin: Excuse me, can I talk to Mama?
Mama: Okay.
Dindin: I’m so happy, Mama.
Mama: That’s great.
We went back to talking again…then….
Dindin: What are you talking about?
Mama: We’re talking about that big building back there with a big letter “V”.
Dindin: Oh…of course!

Of course the best thing to do is to keep in shape by eating a balanced meal of health foods and also by exercising regularly.

But because our food, drinks, and environment are already contaminated with toxic wastes, we also need to eat cleansing foods in order to rid our bodies of toxins and prevent the onset of debilitating diseases.

There is such a cleansing program called the Clean Program that was designed by a doctor. The logic is simple–to take nutritious cleansing shakes in the mornings and evenings while eating regular lunches. It sounds simple but it is a powerful way of cleansing our bodies. That is the path to rejuvenation and wellness–cleaning from within. Aside from the cleanse, supplements should also be taken in order for the body to function properly.

The Clean Program has been tried by celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore, and Mariska Hargitay who all swear to the benefits of this cleanse. Maybe we should do this, too.

Go swimming with your child's cousins

This is an anecdotal guide that we applied on Dindin and we noticed good results. You see, from the very beginning, we intended to homeschool Dindin for a variety of reasons. But many people keep on discouraging us and one of the disadvantages that they told us of is the lack of social skills. Read: Plans to Homeschool Dindin

Don't be too picky with your child's playmates. Dindin swims in an inflatable with the nieces of our helper who were on vacation with us. She loved the five days that she spent with them!

Here is a simple guide in improving the socialization skills of your child, homeschooled or not.

1. Remember the word “social”. It means the involvement of other people. Most people think that homeschooling also means cooping children up in the bedroom or the home without giving them social interaction. That should not be the case.

With Dindin's friend Gianna and David during a play date.

2. Parents should create opportunities of socialization for their children. We hold play dateswith other families who have little children. We would set aside a date, have a potluck dinner, then we the parents talk while the kids have supervised play time. We would have wanted to do this more often if our schedules allow.

Dindin attends Sunday school

3. Make use of existing situations where your child can have associations. For example, there are Sunday School, Children’s Choir, and the once a year DVBS in local churches. As much as we can, we let Dindin attend them. It is just unfortunate that we cannot go every week because we are also busy or can’t wake up early.

We always bring Dindin to family gatherings whether held in homes or at restaurants.

4. Bring your child to social gatherings where they can have social interaction. We do not have a babysitter so we take Dindin to almost every function that she is allowed. While most of the time only the adults are there, there are also occasions when some parents would bring along their kids so Dindin gets to play. During sit-down dinners, we would request for a high chair from the restaurant so Dindin can join in the meal. She gets to interact with both adults and kids alike on different occasions.

Enjoying an art activity during a birthday party that we recently attended.

5. Attend kiddie parties. These could be birthday parties, Easter parties, or Christmas parties. It is just so fun because kids get exposed to the colorful decorations, get to join in the games, play with other kids and of course, win prizes! They do not just learn a lot from the exposure, they interact with other kids! What a fun way to learn!

Dindin is not even afraid of mascots and clowns. In facts, she loves them!

6. Organize outreach activities. These will expose your kids to the “other side” of the society. Let them experience giving to others through these opportunities. Sometimes, when we go to the park, we bring some packed snacks that we give out to the children of the vendors. Then we teach them to put the empty bags inside the waste can.

You can organize a simple outreach program so that you can teach your child the value of sharing as well as giving importance to all kinds of people.

7. Go on outings with other people. A trip to a nature or wildlife reserve would be a highly educational and fun trip for your little ones. Just be prepared with your necessities like mosquito repellents, extra clothes, snacks, and water so that your little ones are comfortable.

Enjoying the scenery at the butterfly garden at Mambukal Resort.

Do these things work? They sure do! At 3 years old, we sent Dindin to summer class and by the time she set foot in the classroom, she totally forgot about me. No crying and no separation anxiety. She was well adjusted and did not have problems with playing with others. She was ready for school.

So homeschooling does not mean that kids will become unsociable or worse, anti-social. It depends upon us parents to open doors of opportunities for them. Now my problem about the homeschool set up is no longer the social issue but rather if I am competent enough to be Dindin’s teacher. hehe

Dindin's first day at Bright Kids as a Junior Camper.

What is separation anxiety?
According to wikipedia.org, “Separation anxiety disorder is a psychological condition in which an individual experiences excessive anxiety regarding separation from home or from people to whom the individual has a strong emotional attachment (e.g. a parent, grandparents, and/or siblings).“

Sugar and spice and everything nice. That’s what little girls are made of.

And indeed it is true in last Sunday’s birthday party.

Yana, the birthday princess, in a lovely full-skirted lilac gown.

You see, we were invited to a Disney Princess tea party. It’s the birthday of Dindin’s friend Yanna, who turned 2 years old that day. Organized by Happy Blooms Boutique, the event was just what you make little girls of. Check out the FB Page of Happy Blooms and what they can do for you.

The set up of the stage with the tarpaulin background. The fondant cake was truly a delightful centerpiece.

The party venue was the Terrace Garden of Mayfair Plaza, Bacolod City.

The fondant cake was made by Cakes by Nini and it was very pretty. It had such intricate detailing of the tea pot, cups, and the birthday girl. Check out more of Nini’s creations here – Cakes by Nini. Here is the FB page of Cakes by Nini.

The set up of the kiddie tables. L-R - Dindin and Buday.

The kids singing the birthday song for Princess Yanna.

The party favors, paper plates, cups, teapots and cups, and tarpaulin background by Innove Grafx were all about Disney princess. It was just so fun to look at. Check out the FB Page of Innove Grafx.

Then the guests were asked to come in their best tea party outfits. I dressed up Dindin in a simple peach chiffon dress with empire cut bodice. The hemline fell below her knees. The original dress had a different flower on the chest but I changed it with this bunch of peach flowers with dark green leaves and faux pearl accents. I used the same kind for her hair. I tied her hair at the back and scattered diamond and pearl accents all over her head. And oh, thanks to Manang Angel, Dindin was able to wear small lace gloves that she altered for the event. To complete the ensemble, Dindin wore white patterned stockings and white peep-toe sandals. She won best dressed in the party and went home with a toy meal set. teeeheee What fun! She got to look good and got rewarded for it.

We had a swell time at the party. Thanks Tita Raygee for hosting this beautiful event. This was our first tea party for kids and we loved it! Especially the part of dressing up. And thanks for the chance to dress up. Teehee Happy Birthday Yanna!

Dindin's peach chiffon tea party dress.

Dindin's tea party hairstyle.

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One thing that is not present in this party: machismo with testosterone supplements! This is for girly fun!

The big brood of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie

Wow! Six children between them since they started living together. Three of them are biological and three are adopted. I wonder how they manage all their kids! I mean even with so much help that they can afford, that is one big family!

But anyway, I salute Hollywood power couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt for taking care of three children whom they adopted from other countries and have given new life in the United States.

They had been living together for so many years as husband and wife that people have seem to neglect the fact the two are not yet married. But now, Brangelinais already engaged!

Angelina Jolie diamond engagement ring designed by Brad Pitt and jeweller Robert Procop

Ms. Jolie is now sporting a humongous diamond ring that her fiance took a year to design together with jeweller Robert Procop. It reportedly costs around $250,000. The date of the wedding has not yet been set but it was reported that the couple is building a chapel in their French chateau. So chances are, they are getting married there.

Well, what can I say but congratulations Brangelina!

Female ovaries

Those who are not yet ready to change diapers or push strollers now have a chance to delay their motherhood without fearing that their biological clock is ticking.

There is this new medical technology now in the United Kingdom called ovarian tissue banking that will enable to make women fertile even at a later age. It was explained in a report that I read that strips from a healthy ovary are surgically removed, frozen, and then surgically re-implanted again when the woman is ready to get pregnant.

According to the Daily Mail, Britain fertility specialists are already planning to open the first clinic that can offer this new procedure. It will cost as much as £16,000 to have the ovarian banking. The procedure for delayed fertility is already available in Denmark and Belgium in Europe and in the United States. By far, 19 babies have already been produced because of this procedure.

But experts claim the controversial treatment will soon become commonplace as it has been shown to be more effective than egg freezing and even IVF. It involves extracting about a third of the tissue of one of the two ovaries which usually contains around 60,000 eggs.

You may ask, why do this? Take for example the case of Stinne Holm Bergholdt. She is a physician who was diagnosed with cancer at age 27. Before she underwent chemotherapy treatment, her doctors removed part of her ovaries and had them banked. More than a year after her treatment, the tissues were implanted and now she has three kids.

Would you do the ovarian tissue banking procedure if you were given the chance?

In the past, I used to write for national magazines as a freelance contributing writer. I would also do events management, layout, come up with creative concepts and the like for local companies. I would do all sorts of odd jobs after I left the corporate world about 10 years ago–including blogging.

Blogging has been one of my sources of income for the last three years already. The income has not been regular or sizable, but for me, every penny counts. And it has also improved as I continued to develop my blogs and write content that is relevant to my readers.

But it had not always been like this. If I remember right, I started blogging eight years ago using the Blogger platform. It was just a blog about my rants and raves. Then I shifted to WordPress where I just wrote about my devotions. It was not until three years ago when I met my friend, Ruby of Pinay Mommy Online, who bought me a domain and hosted it for free. That was my first domain blog, Posh Post. She taught me how to get started and eventually, I learned to tinker with my blogs. I am still not very good about the back-end part but at least I get to put up blogs that look like these.

Then I gave birth to Dindin. I used to blog about her and motherhood in my marriage blog that was hosted by Blogger. But Ruby encouraged me to buy a domain for it, hence the blog, Lovingly Mama.

I may be considered a professional blogger in the sense that I already get paid for what I do. That’s what my brother said. If you do something and you get paid, that is already a profession. Though I still have a long way to go in the financial and influence side of blogging (not that I really intend to be influential), but I am happy to be earning from it. No, I am not one of those who earn hundreds of thousands just by blogging. But I am already happy to be able to supplement our family income from my online pursuits. I also feel a bit more accomplished now that my Adsense earning is picking up and I have already been paid twice.

I would be happy to blog about companies who would give me loot bags. I just hope that they notice this blog. And piggy banks, too, like in my article on Insular Life (Preparing the Future Education of Our Children) that rewarded me a cute little piggy bank (literally!).

A piggy bank from Insular Life

And no, I don’t get loot bags often. Actually, the piggy bank was the first one I got. I live in the province and PR companies in Manila do not often reach out to people here. But that is fine. And I still would be happy to blog about a loot bag.

I am not ashamed to say that I would blog about loot bags and piggy banks. As long as I have a steady stream of income from my blogging endeavors and I am not selling my body or my soul to do it, then I am a happy and content momma. If you ask me why most of my articles have grammatical and syntax errors when I am supposed to be a professional writer, well, I hate to say this but I don’t usually edit what I have written. You see, I am quite OC about my writing and if I start to edit it, I would not be able to post it because I will just keep on editing it. LOL

So bear with me. As long as you get my drift, that is fine with me.

Dindin's classroom at Bright Kids. Day 1 photo.

On the first day, however, I went inside their classroom during their free play session. It was a lovely big air-conditioned room with learning materials pasted on the walls. It was clean and had nice and colorful kiddie chairs–not Adirondack furniture. Dindin joined and played but then it was already time for us to leave during their lessons.

Dindin as a schoolgirl. Day 2 outfit.

So here are her lessons:
Day 1 – Dindin reported that she made an “M” with macaroni and that she was sad because she did not know how to sing the song “Hello…hello.” Whatever it was. She said that she just clapped her hands at her classmate who knew how to sing. Awwww…that melted my heart so the next day I went to see the teacher and asked what the song was.

Day 2 – I asked the teacher about the macaroni thing. I wasn’t sure about her story because after all yesterday was just the first day. Teacher Grace told me that indeed, they colored uncooked macaroni and pasted them somewhere. The song was, “Hello, hello, hello how do you do?”, I was told. The teacher also assured me that she will just learn to sing it because they are going to sing it every day. When Dindin came home, I asked her about her lessons and she said that her teacher put her hands together then they pasted leaves in order to make a tree. Okay, I didn’t doubt her anymore. They had a homework–to bring stickers the next day.

Day 3 Outfit. If there is an award for Best Dressed, I think Dindin should get it. LOL

Day 3 – Dindin said that she still didn’t sing because she would rather sing the “Goodbye” song. Fine. Today, she brought a pad of Tinkerbell stickersas her homework. She said that they placed the stickers on a letter “S”. I cannot picture it out but okay I believe her.

Day 4 – I did not ask her about the singing again but Dindin said that she arranged the stars and painted them. Okay, fine.

Teehee At least she has a report for me everyday. And that is her first week in summer school.

I am not sure if they will have a graduation or not or if Dindin will get an award or not. But one thing I am sure of, if there is an award for Best Dressed student, I think Dindin will will it no doubt. LOL  By the way, I don’t let her wear dresses to school because they always end up in the playground so it is best that she wears pants or these stretchable leggings.

The playground at Bright Kids. After their lessons, the kids proceed here and are allowed to play for awhile. Then the caregivers are called to pick up their kids.