Graduation Day

After seven years of waiting for my son to complete elementary, finally ... it was graduation day. As early as 720am we were already at the school grounds. The ceremony took place at St. Francis Church inside the Lourdes School premises. As soon as I arrived inside the church, boy I feel so proud seating on a special seat designated for the awardees. The seat was located right infront of the altar with seats reserved with our name on it. Blame it on my pre-natal blues but I was so mushy and I cried several times during the commencement excercises. I was teary-eyed upon seeing my reserved seat, during the graduation march, walking with Ico to receive the award and lastly, the surprise graduation song for parents with a touching letter from the graduates. Though the ceremony was short, it was solemn and very memorable for parents. Anyway, allow me want to share some of Ico's graduation pictures (sorry, no cams allowed during the ceremony)

while waiting ... the boys happily goofing around


just me and kuya ... sam and mike still sleeping when we left the house

the special seat for parents infront of the altar -- of course, I was the only one who occupied the seat. His dad was seated somewhere. hehehe!

the graduates of VII- Produtivity


Ico with the proud mommy ...


the certificate and medals : Bronze medalist (3rd Honor) and Gold in Math proficiency

the graduation gift : Compaq Laptop. The husband immediately installed all the software so he can use it right after graduation.

and the good news ...

... I am pregnant.

After a few (actaully, lots of it ... and i am not complaining) attempts, finally it yielded a "positive" result. The anniversary get-away last February was a success! Though I am not sure if its "Made in Bangkok" or "Made in Manila", it does not mater. It's finally baby no. 2 for the husband and me! Though technically, baby no. 3 for me.

Everyone was so excited and happy with the news. Finally, the little bratinella will no longer be the reigning brat of the house. She'll be "Ate Sam" soon. And I just can't wait to see her the responsible and dotting ate to the new baby. Even my colleagues were happy with the perfect timing. If ever, I'll give birth by November or early December. Right timing as we close business for 2009. Less workload, less stress and less problems with all the holiday brouhaha in the office.

Anyway aside from the preggo news, I also received good news for my son Ico. His teacher called me last night to inform me he will graduate with honors this coming Friday. He'll graduate 3RD OVER-ALL of his batch. Of course,I was really happy with the news. Very bright kid. Really makes me one proud Mom. And because of this, I am not sure if I'll reward him with a new laptop or home theater furniture he's been eyeing for months now. Think this will be a perfect graduation gift.

March proved to be a good month for us. Despite the recent loss of my grandfather, He showered us with more blessings. And with these, I am really thankful. God is indeed good.

summer camp

Ever heard of summer camp for kids? I am looking for not your usual sports clinic or art classes confined inside the studio but I am in search of outdoor type of summer camp for kids. Like a two week camp away from home with kids going on a hiking, swimming, enjoying group games, arts and crafts activties and of course, learning how to start a bonfire party! For short, I am looking for the real thing outdoor summer camp. I only see this type of summer camps from movies and I am thinking if we can also have the same experience here in Manila. What do you think? Wouldn't it be cool if we can enrol our kids to a fun, outdoor activities than allowing them to be computer savvy geeks or couch potatoes for the entire summer. Or probably, if we can't find summer camps activity for kids, a road trip would be a lot better! There are a lot of rv parks availabble that the family can use for such outings and campings. These rv parks have such amenities compared to your traditional summer camps. Convenient and practical for that cross-country dream vacation with the family.

LV Neverfull Exotic

After the Neverfull Monorgram, Neverfull Damier, meet the Neverfull Exotic. Truly iconic and classic ... and very, very expensive! The third and most pricey version of the Neverfull series. Made of Mississippiens Alligator (american alligator) which is know for its suppleness and softness. The interior made of soft lambskin with striped monogram detailing. Really stunning. Selling price for MM size at $32,300. Haayy, wish I can own one but I don't think I have the guts (and heart) to buy it even if I have all the moolah in the world. LOL. Too much. I can only drool (and wish) over this new LV baby.

Ballet Class for Summer

As summer activity for the little bratinella, I enrolled her in a ballet school. She officially started today at Effie Nanas ballet studio at the 5th level, Shangrila Mall and so far, so good. Oh let me rephrase that ... so far, she's coping. I don't know if you'll call it as first day jitters, but she refuses to stay put! She was so excited an hour before the class, wearing her all pink ballet outfit. Running around the area. But, as soon as she went inside the studio, she transformed into a shy, inattentive and non-responsive student. Just when all the kids started enjoying the routine, she's making up several excuses to go out. Haaayyy... really don't know what gotten into her. But I am hoping (and praying) next session it'll be a better day for the little bratinella. Otherwise, I might consider engaging her on a different summer activity or probably get her nutritional health supplements to boost her energy. Anyway, posting below some of her ballet pictures in her best mood.

While waiting for her class to start

excitedly lining up together with her classmates

listening attentively with teacher; checking out her reflection in the mirror

Hooked on Frappuccino

Certified Starbucks Addicts. Ico with Mocha Frappucinno and Sam hooked with Green Tea Frap. Picture taken at Starbucks Promenade Greenhills, few hours before Sophia and Mateo's Party at C3 Event's Place. The kids can't resist getting these on a hot, summer afternoon. After getting wholesale items from our gadgets store suki at Greenhills, the kids requested for something refreshing from Starbucks. Truly a delight seeing them enjoying simple joys in life.

After our quick frappuccino break at Promenade, we immediately went to Jane's party. And again, we were greeted by Starbucks kiosk at the party. Hahaha! Thus, another frappuccino round for the kids.
MBAPs with the kids (picture courtesy of Abie)

While waiting for the party to start, MBAPs Mommas with sweet friend Dee.

Travel to Guam ...

...for the summer. I am lovin' the idea of traveling to Guam with the kids in tow. It originally started with a summer get away at Boracay. But after checking the airline fare, I've decided better to travel abroad with the same travel expense.LOL

Anyway, since we are planning for another baby next coming months ... this might be my last travel for the next three years. Need to prioritize baby expenses you know. And since this will be my birthday gift too this coming June, think the husband will agree with me to travel to Guam instead of having a birthday party. Better option.

I've checked with the PAL Swingaround promo and I can't believe that going to Guam seems affordable. Package starts at $280. Haven't checked the actual cost (taxes, fuel etc.) yet but the package is very, very tempting. Thinking of going to Guam before my birthday in June. Just hope the weather at Guam ok by that time.

Guam Travel Destination Clockwise : Tumon Bay, Tumon Entertainment District, Agaua Bay and Talafofo Falls

So much for our summer travel plans. For the meantime need to check on the web Allsup's provision for disability insurance. The company has a good track record of providing financial and health care services since 1984. With over 110,000 people granted with Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits by Allsup, this will be a big help for my aunt's patients in New York.