As to what movie to watch? We take turns. One day my daughter will choose and the next my son, and then me. If hubby is free to join us, he gets to choose what movie to watch. Ain’t it fun? Bonding without spending too much.

With the technology available these days, you are not limited to watching movies with a DVD player, you can even watch it with your computer. You just need to have a media player that supports professional media formats like VLC. You can have the vlc download free via the internet.

Yesterday, I tried running with my friend and I only lasted for half a kilometer and the rest was just brisk walking. Now, I can feel the panic setting in but I am trying to set my mind. I do not intend to win any trophies or medals. I am doing this for my health and for my son.

I will not pressure myself knowing that I tried my best whatever the outcome may be.

Just recently, I was tasked to make a video for my son’s graduating class during their recollection. Each parent was tasked to submit a baby photo, a recent photo and a family photo.

It was quite an arduous task putting together the video, but it was a labor love. Good thing there are a lot of scanner software in the market nowadays which makes it easy for parents, like me, to turn hard copies of photos into digital copies.

Doing the video, it was a trip down memory lane seeing these boys grow up right before my own eyes. These boys were together since Grade 1, being part of the honors class. All their activities I have compiled for the video showing.

While the video was showing, all the hard work was worth it when I saw the reaction of my co-parents. They appreciated my work I would gladly do it, given a chance.

Well, my boy was out since Thursday and today is my daughter’s last day of school. Two weeks of long undisturbed sleep which I am so looking forward to. I am also eagerly awaiting our annual family get-together which will be in a beach resort this time. I just pray that the weather will cooperate. Crossing my fingers!

These party favors represent the appreciation of the individual or the family for gracing their event. These small gifts or souvenirs are what matters when throwing a party, the more unique it is, the better. The most common souvenirs given during parties are cupcakes, cookies, chocolates and decorated brownie pops. For a sweet tooth like me, that’s truly heaven. My kids and I even choose from those different designs and flavors.

Choosing a unique party favor for your event will depend on your theme and budget. As much as possible, you should make it as personalized as possible. Customization also depends on your personality, most people love colors when they are fun and bubbly, some opt for pastel, everything depends on what you prefer and your supplier would gladly do it for you.

Now, I am thinking if I should make my own souvenir on my next party? Hmmmmm?

Son: “Ma, will you let me borrow your point and shoot camera?”

Me: “Why?”

Son: “’Cause I signed up for the Camera Club.”

With a smile, I immediately said “Yes” without even thinking about his lack of responsibility when it comes to taking care of things. I wouldn’t dampen his eagerness. The smile that it placed on my face was priceless, knowing that I was instrumental in making him be keen on this new leisure pursuit of his. A “photographer wannabe” is what I often call myself and I guess my boy was inspired to take on the same thing.
Each time we go on vacation and even weekend getaways, I can always see his interest in taking photos. He would often borrow my camera and show me his photos as he seeks some kind of approval from me. It didn’t occur to me that he would take it on to the next level and enroll himself to a “camera club.”
As a parent, I cannot help but feel proud and excited. Parents have a role in nurturing their children’s talents and skills. Our full support will give them a boost in pursuing the whatever gifts they are passionate about. Like the flowers in our own garden, we sprinkle water everyday, enough sunlight and a lot of love and care and they will bloom on their own.
It is not all about intellect or what we desire for them but we need to keep in mind that they can only be successful if they fully enjoy what they are doing. Now and again, we will stumble upon things or situations that we often do not agree with however, we should learn to discern and consider the point of view of our children. It is their life, we are only here to guide them.
As to my boy, although I still am having second thoughts in letting him use my point and shoot camera (wink), but I am not stopping him from pursuing this interest. I’ll probably search around for some cheaper cameras like casio cameras digital or other brands.

~~~

The photo above which I named sunshine coffee was taken by son using my Nikon D3100.

Although I have admitted more than once that I am not a summer person, however when my kids get excited, I too becomes so eager to go. I know Moms would agree withe me that whenever you go on a trip, be it land trip or by plane, when you happen to bring your children it becomes a “big production” number. Oh, believe me my husband can scratch his head in dismay but he can’t do anything about it.

No matter how I try, I cannot be a light traveler when my children are with me even now that they are big enough to tend for themselves. Call it OC or what? But for me, it’s better to gear up than be sorry.

Here are some of my travel essentials for our out of town trips:

• summer clothes (how many will depend on how many days will be out)
• beach wear, if needed
• sunblock, a must even if you’re not going to the beach
• wet tissues
• tissue
• mosquito repellant
• first-aid kit (includes band-aid, betadine, alcohol, paracetamol, etc.)
• toiletries
• Footwear – slip resistant or non skid, for trekking or hiking; slippers for the beach.
• Pastime for kids – board games, sketch pads, books or other reading materials

Alright, so those are just the essentials. What else to pack will ready depend on where we are going and what amenities are available. Good thing my kids are almost grown up or else the list would be longer.

It is always bring the right stuff when traveling with children. You need to make them comfortable if you want a relaxed atmosphere during your trip and for sanity’s sake.

I always remind her to play it safe. Prevention is better than cure. It includes knowing the rules of the game and using the proper equipment and gears. I have provided her with support braces for her wrist since she lifts and ankle to support her balance. Good thing there a lot brands available in the market such as aircast hand and wrist support.

When she complains about these injuries, I try to be a mom and show my concern while being strong by saying that if it really hurts then she will have to stop. The latter one I guess is not an option for her at the moment. Her passion for this endeavor is quite commendable for a girl her age.

Well, this is just me being worry wart. I can’t help it … I’m a MOM!

Although I still try to control the usage of these gadgets in order not to meddle with their studies. In fact, they are banned from using these gadgets during weekdays, they can only use the laptop for surfing their home work.

On weekends, when I tag them along during my errands, I find it handy for them to carry around portable gadgets so they will not get bored most especially my boy, who gets bored easily.

Techie gadgets is also a fun way to bond with your kids. Me and hubby take turns to play with our children using these gadgets.

I guess the downside of this is that they always look for updated versions and new downloads which can  cost  quite a lot. Tablets and Playbook are the “in thing” nowadays, and they both want to have one each since they only share with the iPad. Whoa! For now, I am not entertaining the thought…. they just have to contend themselves with what they have right now.

It’s a fun and exciting way to exercise. And I am making it more exciting by engaging my kids, especially my teenage girl. My boy is having a hard time but he’s trying his best.

In doing my research, I have learned that hula hooping dates back in Ancient Greek. They use wood such as bamboo during the old days. Now, you can purchase hula hoops in safe plastic in different sizes and colors. Doing the hula hoop looks easier when you see it, but it’s quite harder when you do it. Honestly, I can only maintain it for 3-5 minutes. LOL! That’s actually an improvement from 10 seconds, when I first started. It increases blood flow and your fitness level.

One of the best thing about it is that you can do it at home, it’s cheap! Now, my plans of purchasing used gym equipment, has been deferred. Hopefully, I can lose some weight doing this. I am crossing my fingers!