PPBC9: hey Shawty, it's your birthday!

Hosted by Doc Joey

Topic of the week: BIRTHDAYS!

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My entry is quite short and simple, but it was one of the best memories ever that we can tell our kids and grandkids.

it was the first birthday of our firstborn, Kyle. July 15,2006 MCDonalds Greenbelt. Everyone special was there. Close family and friends were there to celebrate the birthday of the first grandchild and great grandchild in my mom's side and the first male grandchild and great grandchild in hubby's side of the family.

Little did they know that it was a double celebration. we were waiting for the right moment.

when it was our turn to share our message/birthday wish to kyle, i gave the chance to hubby to tell the whole world that kyle is going to be a big brother in 6 month's time. imagine the shock and happiness in the faces of those who heard the good news. it was a memorable moment indeed. i was blessed with child again, and a healthy offspring to call my own.

and as i type this entry, i recall another birthday - my mom's which falls on the eve of new year, so it's always a double celebration with the family. never ending food.

the memorable part was, my uncles and aunts were able to get my mom and dad drunk. they were wasted than a college student. mom was laughing loudly that usual, dad was upstairs, puking. that was by the way, the first and last time my mom let her siblings give her something to drink. it was a great relief to see my mom, for once let her hair down and just go with the flow.

and so, these 2 birthdays tops the list when i get to share it with family and when the kids grow up.

PPBC # 6: What type of Parent are you?

This edition is hosted by Daddy Angel, you can view the submissions here:

Today's Topic: What type of Parent are you?

From what i noticed with myself in terms of taking care of the kids, i'm more of a mom-in-between. i'd like to think of myself as the fun mom/parent but at the same time the disciplinarian as well.

Me being the fun mom: i've created a lot of make believe games and funny tricks to make my kids go to bed, eat their meals, stay put or just do what they're being told to do. and not to bad mouth hubby or anything, but for obvious reasons, the kids prefer to play with mommy than with daddy. i find it heartbreaking for hubby's part but, you have to give him credit in making all the effort for them to play with him. on the lighter side is, the kids have their own games with daddy as compared to mine. so i guess it's just a matter of preference and mood.

Me as a disciplinarian: there are times when they do test my patience, i do give them warnings, when i exhausted 3 warnings and they still continue to do it, i get their hands, palms facing up and spank them - not too gentle and not too hard either. just enough to let them feel the spank. but then after the deed, i explain to them what merited them the spanking. amazingly, we only had a few lapses. the spankings are at a minimal level since they know when to stop when they hear mommy's angry voice and see mommy's angry face.

Personally, i think i'm a student parent as well. i learn so much from my kids that i can never learn from school. my kids are one of the best teachers. i've learned to appreciate the little things, to laugh all out and without a care in the world, that it's ok to ask, that nap times are the best, hugs and kisses are free, that it's ok to cry. and in return i teach them to figure things out for themselves, to pursue what they want, never be afraid to be curious, to fight for what they believe is right, the privilege to argue/debate, and to know that we, as their parents can be their friends as well.

wow. i had fun with this week's topic. looking forward to the coming topics!

Pinoy Parenting Blog Carnival # 3: Generations

This edition of the Pinoy Parenting Blog Carnival posts the following questions:

1. What are the things your parents did that you would definitely still follow?
2. What are the things your parents did that you would do differently?

This is this month's topic. if you want to join or view other entries by parents such as myself, visit Doc Joey's blog HERE

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i grew up under a disciplinarian and strict family. certain rules have to be followed or else:

1. when you happen to do something bad or gets the disapproval of my parents, it entitles you to a good spanking - either by hand, by belt or hanger. depends on the gravity of the misdeed.

2. prayers are strictly enforced. 12noon angelus, 3pm prayer, and 6pm angelus. and of course, night time prayers.

of course, there are upsides in my family:

1. gatherings are sacred. birthdays, weddings, christmas, new year any special holidays deserve a good celebration with the whole clan.

2. kids are given free rein on what they can do during their playtime as long as they are within the vicinity of the compound and within sight of the adults.

3. books are highly encouraged. they even shove books for you to read.

4. there is always food. as long as you finish what you get.

5. respect for elders, they don't require you utter po and opo after every sentence but the tone of voice when conversing is sometimes enough for them as a sign of respect.


so far these are the things that have been etched in my mind while growing up. i'd certainly enforce these to my kids except the first part. as much as possible i avoid spanking them. the only time that i spank them if they have been given 3 warnings about their bad behavior. and after an explanation why such behavior deserved the spanking. other than that, all these have been great influences on my upbringing.

i've been blessed with a family that believes that families should stick together no matter what and we're the first and last people we run to when we get stuck in a rut. and there's always unconditional love to go around, anytime. and free hugs too!