Parenting: Back to School

It's back to school for my 3 year old boy. And, it's always a delight to buy school stuff for my son and prepare them. For moms like me, we want to make sure that everything is nifty and organized. Names are well-placed in every corner of the books, notebooks, envelopes, etc., I even put names on every color of the crayons, lol, this is in case if he left any at school, his teachers and classmates will easily know that it belongs to my son. 

For now, I only bought things that are necessary and inexpensive stuff that he needed for school. We already have some of the requirements, so we didn't purchase much this time. And I'm so happy that I was able to keep the budget, only it went 50php beyond I expected, but it was worth it :) So, here goes the list.

Colored Paper √

Single Box of Crayons provided

Mongol Pencil #1 √

Elmer's glue √

Scissors provided

Rags provided

Clay provided 

Drawing book √

Water Color √

Folder with fastener √

Pentel pen provided

Cartolina √

Manila paper √

Colored Envelope for Boys (Blue) √

And there goes my big savings, 9 out of 14 :)

So, moms the next time you buy stuff for your kids don't let it go to waste, keep them inside an enclosed storage to maintain its value. You can then use it next school year ;)

new and old stuff 

Books provided by the School

Single crayons for school and "so big" crayons for home study

new bag - gift from mamita

Look at the eraser, It has kodi's name as well :)

The red pen is mine, I use this for checking Kodi's activities at home

water color in transparent and with two brushes, because Kodi likes everything by two's :)

It's nice to have envelopes like these, makes the children learn the alphabet anytime they carry it.

Make sure to buy more than one or two pencils, always a clever to have an extra ;)

yes i know, even the scissors got kodi's name ^^

the many, the merrier :)

my super excited little student

with his adorable expression

Note: All photographs are owned by the author

Event: Eiga Sai

The much anticipated Eiga Sai (Japanese film festival) will begin it's production on the 1st of July 2011 on selected cinemas. Eiga Sai features ten (10) amazing Japanese contemporary movies with "Departures" as it's highly-recognized front-runner. This is in celebration of  Philippines-Japan Friendship month. I'm really excited for this event, last year I wasn't able to watch the films presented such as The Battery - Future in Our Hands, Fourteen, Miyori in the Sacred Forest, etc. This time, I have to be there and watch Japan's respected cinematic masterpieces. Definitely a must see not only for the Japanese enthusiasts, but also for the movie buffs out there.  Eiga Sai, expands our  understanding about Japan,  it's culture and arts. The festival will run from July 1, 2011 to August 20, 2011. Hey, it's free admission, so see you guys there! Now, I will have to convince my husband to go and watch it me :)

Thank you Ruvi for the invitation ^^

For the Complete list of movies, schedules and event invitation: 

Check out these sites:

 jfmo.org.ph

 Facebook Egai Sai

lalalove,

Odessa

Lookbook: Rainy Day Casual

Great wardrobe finds that made my rainy day fedy and comfy ^^

See, How you'll look and feel good even if it costs less :)

Orange Bangles 120php, this is my own craft, one of the few bangles left from my sold-out items on a bazaar *event.

I patiently handpainted all the bangles :)  

 Nike Sandals, from my cousin :)

Graphic Shirt 100Php, Glorietta

 Vintage Shorts 100Php, Glorietta

What's your Rainy Day Casual Outfit?! :)

 lalalove,

Odessa

When God Answered My Prayers…

I just want to share this again, from my previous blog way back in 2008..

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… Yes, God answers prayers.. i just want to share an experience of great healing that only God can give! …

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God"                                  

                                                 Philippians 4:6-7

         Lately, it’s been very difficult for me and my husband, we’ve been going through a lot of things.. financially, emotionally, physically, relationship matters, work related issues. But the one thing that really made us worried was that when our baby was diagnosed with pneumonia.. we were more than worried! I burst into tears when the doctor told me this after i handed to him the result of Kodi’s x-ray.. how could a mother not cry out loud when you hear that your baby.. a 9 month old baby has a pneumonia!??!! I was shaking and was speechless for a few minutes.. when i arrived home, i immediately told my mom.. she sees that i was not just half worried, i was in panic! she told me to calm down, she understands! of course, she have been through this with us.. my mom, she’s a strong person and a woman of prayer.. and i admire her for being "one wonderful mom"…   —-Then, when my husband called, i was hesitant to tell him everything because i know.. i know that he will be worried to death! but, we ended up the conversation with being positive and a prayer at hand. I went to my room, deeply prayed to God.. asked Him to heal Kodi and restore his health, asked Him for financial provisions, that we may find ways to buy medicine and pay for hospital bills. and my prayer ended with a thanksgiving.. thanking God for healing and an answered prayer.   After a week of medication, from health supplement to antibiotics, and after sleepless nights and endless monitoring of Kodi’s condition… Kodi was totally healed!!! …then, he smiled, his smile was the best smile i’ve ever seen! Yes, this time it was tears of joy, unspeakable joy that we also see in Kodi’s smile! It was all because of a prayer.. a sincere prayer that me and my husband quietly prayed together.. God is ever merciful, loving and sustaining! Now, we our giving Him our thanksgiving of His grace and mercy and understanding heart.

"Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it: I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security."         

                                                                     Jeremiah 33:6

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I hope this serves as an inspiration to all of us, that our God listens to our prayers, and He truly answers us with a whisper that everything is going to be okay. :)

 lalalove,

Odessa

Twitter page and Tuesday to do's

I love my new twitter page, 

same with my blogger, it's white and minimal :) 

You see, I got my interests on track.

For the following and followers, I intentionally covered it that way to keep my tweet-pips private.

The images are all part of the background. The camera (image) only looks dim, because the side bar is set to opacity (default), so I have no choice but to leave it that way. Still, it looks great right?? :)

And now for my Tuesday To Dos

(oohh, fully-booked already and didn't get much sleep - hey, don't blame it on my blog, 

this is only a 15-minute break ^^ )

6am - babad and laba mode √ 

 9am - off to kodi's school - Parent's orientation √

11am - early lunch √  

1pm - Invitation for print √ 

4pm - check on my kids  √ 

6pm - prepare stuff for a client's baptismal photoshoot √ 

8pm - Dinner √ 

9pm -  Quality time with my kids √ 

12mn - start doing the design and lay-out for a baptismal invitation √ 

Sleep??? let's just see when I'm done :)

xiao,

Odessa

Happy Papa, Dad, and Father's Day...

The Three most important people in my life.. My Husband, My Dad and God..

They love us, comfort us, secure us and provide us with everything we need. 

To my Dearest Father, GOD Almighty

You are everything.

You always keep me inside your embrace and 

never let me fall from the

dangers of this world.

You clothed me with your sweet love

and every night you whisper words

of kindness, hope and guidance.

You've always been there.

And you love everything about me.

I love you Dear Father.

To my Loving Husband

It's been 8 years of being IN-LOVE with you

and will continue to be head over heels with you - FOREVER!

You've shown comfort and love to our children

and toiled day and night to

give them a good life.

We DON'T want you to be a PERFECT Dad,

We JUST want you being YOU!

And you have been just like that,

that's why WE LOVE YOU so much!

To my Dearest Daddy

Thank you Dad for being a great Dad!

We may only see and spend time 

together a month or two every year,

but you always make sure that

you are there when we needed you.

Thank you for all the hardwork and great moments.

God has truly blessed us with an awesome Dad.

You are kind, compassionate, and a helpful Dad ever.

Love you Dad!

My Dadi-yoh

with Mama Mamita ^^

      My dad loves reading books about God and he even writes his own book ^^

My Husband and Father to My Beautiful Kids

with our two babies - Kodi and Amika

The best angry birds bud watching Scooby Doo on big screen ^^

Happy FATHER'S DAY to all GREAT DADS!

Extended Stop-over at Powerbooks, Greenbelt

After a jiffy amazement on the sightly bright orange Koi fish at Greenbelt park. My 3 year old boy wants to see more than that (besides the endless "pangugulit" of "maman" - in which I think that it is a sweet persuasive word simply created for our toddlers to convince them in drinking water.. lol). So, I decided to take him to Powerbooks, because I know he's always fascinated with children's books and some superheroes on the cover of the graphic novel books. It was my first time to visit the store, at first look, I stood still and was seriously gazing on every corner of the store. Then, my son grabbed me and took me upstairs, and I was so surprise to see that it was much more lovely there. Leather cushion seats are situated in different areas. Bookstands are placed in distant angles, which creates space for walking along or reading while standing. The floor is made of white ceramic tiles, while other areas are carpeted. The best thing about the interior was the floor to ceiling windows, which made nature come inside. Also, I love the way that some books are stacked on the floor. And for Kodi, he got his own spot, he was busy placing Thomas and his friends trains on their track. They were actually adorable, because they were made of wood, looks so vintage..lol. And because he was super enjoying the wood trains, I got the time to take photos of some interesting nooks and subjects. So, the next time you pass by Powerbooks in greenbelt, dive in and read a two or three of your favorite books while having your kids read, enjoy and play at the children's section.

Rated!

Experience and Whatsoever: ☻☻☻☻

Interior and other exposed nooks: ☻☻☻☻

Interestingly page by page: ☻☻☻☻

Courtesy check: ☻☻☻

Figured!

☻☻☻☻ For a well-spaced establishment 

THE SPACE WITH A BULK OF INFORMATION, YET COZY AND RELAXED.

LOOK AT HOW MY BOY LOVES THE PLACE.. FUN AND LEARNING IN ONE PACKAGE

SMALL SUBJECTS WORTH THE FOCUS.. SO CUTE.. 
THESE ARE "THOMAS AND HIS FRIENDS" LITTLE 
WOODEN TRAIN TOYS.

Note: All Photographs are owned by the Author

Photoblog: Portrait: My little Adorable ♥

4 months and counting.. my beautiful baby is nearly growing to talk, walk, run and explore. Time really flies like a swoosh, and we can all see that come into being in every facets of our precious little baby Amika Shekinah. All babyish things are coming to her, she giggles, laugh, grasp on stuff that she always thinks are food, stares at bright colored objects, speaks in her baby language and endlessly moves her chubby feet. We can't wait to see her advance and learn new things as she grows. We love you so much baby! Keep the smile in your face and make people happy.. You are a blessing that inspires us. You are a beautiful bundle in our lives as beautiful as your name, Amika Shekinah (Amika means a loving friend, Shekinah means the dancing light and glory of God).

HAPPY 4 MONTHS BABY! from your Kuya Kodi, Momi, and Papa ♥

xiao,

Odessa

Note: All Photographs are owned by the Author