Teddy Bear Day

I snagged these photos at the teacher's page of the Kindergarten.  This  was one of the  activities that they did for the last school year, it's called  a "Teddy Bear Day".  Students were   allowed to bring their favorite teddy and talk about it in the class.  My son brought two  of them because one of his friends does not have one ( the Mexican boy).

The teddy that he brought is the teddy bear that my husband sent me when I was still in the Philippines.  It's one of those things with sentimental value to me so I brought it   when I came here in the US.  I am glad that I did because I get to tell my kids about it and it's one of their favorite  stuffed toy.

I hope everyone had a great memorial day  weekend!

How to choose a nursery

Choosing the right nursery can feel like a bit of a minefield. One person might tell you their child loved it and never wanted to go home, whereas someone else might say that their child had a terrible time and begged not to go every day. You know what is best for your child, but it can be difficult to know what to look for in a nursery. Luckily, help is at hand, and we have some handy pointers to help you spot a good nursery.

 Firstly, while you'll get a lot of conflicting opinions, make sure you ask the parents of children who are already there. If possible, try to arrange the start or end of your visit to coincide with dropping off or picking up time so you can ask the other parents what their children think of the nursery. While staff will be able to tell you the facts, their views will be biased, so ask the parents for the most honest opinion.

 Also, check the facilities. Particularly important is whether or not the nursery has outdoor space. This means the children will get the chance to go outside and let off steam, along with getting some exercise. There might be opportunities for outdoor games and sports, and find out if there is any sporting equipment such as balls for the children to play with. 

 How do the other children seem? If they're all laughing and playing nicely together, this is a good sign. Don't necessarily take it as a bad sign if a child starts crying during your visit. Children cry a lot at this age, and this doesn't mean that they're not happy. See how the staff attend to them, as this will speak volumes about the sort of care you can expect for your own child.

 The condition of the toys and the environment can also tell you a lot about the nursery. If everything is clean and well-maintained, this is a good sign. Also check if the toys and games are appropriate for the age group. Look out for signs of artwork and crafts. If your child is creative, this gives a good indication that they'll get the chance to use the art materials. Ultimately, it's up to you and your child. No matter how much you like it, if your child doesn't like the feel of the nursery, don't force them to go. The main aim is to find a place they'll be safe and happy, so consider all these factors and weigh them up against how your child reacts to each nursery.

Music Recital

My daughter takes piano lessons at Torrence  Music Studio.  They had a rehearsal  last Saturday for the Annual  music recital  to be held  at Memorial Baptist Church.  Her teacher talked to us and told us that  she should have given our daughter  a much  difficult  song but they have to  submit the song months before the recital and she did not know that Ms. Burrito will do really good.  She said that next year,  she definitely knows what piece  she would give her.

We arrived early during the recital so  the kids got the chance to go see the big squirrels  feasting  on nuts under the trees beside the church.  It also gave us time to take some family pictures outside.

While we were seated on the pew and waiting for the program to start, Ms. Burrito told me that she   is nervous.  She even went to the restroom   for the last minute.  I know that she will do good but I understand how she felt that day as  it  was her first time  playing with audience.  To add to the pressure, she is the very first number.

We invited our  neighbor family to come and watch.  Lolo and Lola Fancher came and Sarah and Angie Howells came  as well.  The Howells brought  Ms. Burrito a bouquet which   helped  her forget her nervousness for a while.

The program was beautiful, Ms. Burrito did not mess up a thing and she did pretty well.  We went to  the Mexican Restaurant, Chico Fiesta, after the program as a simple celebration.  I will make a separate post about that.  Below is the  video that I recorded from my point and shoot camera.  I forgot that I can't rotate the video so pardon if  it is not how it needs to be, just listen to the song and ignore the  picture lol.  Her part starts after the introduction of the teachers.  Enjoy!

Finding Great Gifts For A Baptism Day

It really can be confusing if you schedule for an exercise to find your loved one's gifts for a baptism day. For one, you will have to consider various aspects and weigh them in contrast to your personal preferences and taste. And while doing all that, you must factor the intended person along with their taste and personal preferences too. This then gives you a daunting task, all in the name of fulfilling your wish or even promise to them. Among the factors to consider will be their age and gender in addition to the already mentioned taste and preferences.

The best approach to finding the intended gift is by taking it from the target person's perspective. You will need to first conduct some simple search as to what they will probably be fascinated with. However, you have to ensure you take them by surprise while doing all that. They are not supposed to know or even contemplate that you are inquiring what they like, as this will virtually reduce the perceived value of your gift to the. Best gifts are ones that come by surprise, even when they are very much expected. you therefore need to do it indirectly, most preferable via their friends or associates who are considerably open with them.

You probably may present to them a personalized item, for example a bible that is customized on the cover showing it was particularly intended for them. In this approach you may just purchase a standard bible but replace the outer cover with one that you personally designed but done professionally to show artistry and uniqueness altogether. If you can also add their names on the cover design it really will be an icing on the cake!

On another approach, jewelry could make a big impression too. If with feminine gender, consider something like a necklace but one that is of precious metal and get their names engraved on it.  This really can be fascinating especially with the three most regarded precious metals; gold, silver and bronze. And while the necklace may not work with everyone, some other kind of jewelry certainly will. All you will ensure is its quality and uniqueness. At least that is what spells out your effort and value in finding them some presentable gift for that memorable day.

One good thing with jewelry is that it will always remain to be seen, so the gifted person will always stick to the beautiful memory of that day!

Other forms of gifts may come as a service, and that can be confirmed with the intended person before the day. Also you may consider edible eateries whether as stand alone gifts or supplements. Some nice soft drinks and delicious dishes and at some gorgeous environment will add to the spice up. Also consider trips and styled photos on that day.

Even as you strain on the baptismal gift, what really makes it valuable and compelling is the personal touch that comes along with it. And, this impact on the other hand is determined by their personalities and taste other than yours. Be sure to factor all the above points even as you search for the best gifts for a baptism day.

Photo taken during the baptism of our friend's daughter  two years ago

School Olympics at St. Joseph School 2013

WARNING!  Photo Overload...

I like the school where my kids are in because the population is small, hence, everybody knows everybody.  It's a close community  where everyone supports each other.  Parents and other patrons  help out the school by  volunteering  with events and other programs of the school as they don't really get  the full funding from the government.  We pay  tuition fees, buy our children's  stuff, pay for different activities but it is worth it.

Last May 23, they had the  school Olympic, a fun way of closing the school year.  Family and Friends were invited so I went and took a lot of pictures while cheering for my kids while they competed.  My husband said that he  will take a day off next year as he missed this year's  event.  

Congratulations EJ!

Great effort Burritos!

Mom and Dad are proud of you Burritos!

As you can see in the photos, teachers and parents are so involve while the kids are doing their best. Believe me, I almost lost my voice cheering lol.

Our son placed 1st in three different games which includes ,50 meter dash, potato spoon (he's got great balance on this one and never dropped the potato on the floor), and wheel barrel with his partner Dominic. Our daughter's class placed 2nd in tug of war event.

The kindergarten has a pizza party after  the  event.  The teacher bought them pizza and  cake for dessert.

Happy faces of 2nd Graders with their teacher

The kindergartner with their proud teacher.

The school year ends with a day of fun and a celebration of mass at church on the last day.

Excited for our Vacation

My husband confirmed our hotel reservation last week to make sure that everything will goes  smoothly with our upcoming vacation next week.  Seven more days and we are  leaving, we are visiting a state that we all have never been to yet.  This would be a new life adventure for all of us.  I bought my kids some stuff that we would be needing while we are there as it is hot  in there right now.  I got them new pair of sun glasses and some new tees.

We initially planned to stay at a friend's house while we  are on vacation but  my husband found a very good vacation package and we got a great deal for it so we chose to just  forego for the hotel stay instead.  We do appreciate the offer of our friend though, it could have saved us  money but when you have kids in tow, it would be a challenge.

The kids are on the countdown for the remaining days before we  leave.  June will be very busy for us.    It started with my daughter's piano recital  yesterday.  Next Saturday, two days before our flight, we will be going to Kennywood  for my husband's company picnic.  Then Sunday, we have to bring our dogs to the kennel to board them there while we are gone for a week.  When we come back, we were invited  by my father in law's sister for her 80th birthday celebration in Ohio.  So yeah, our June is packed with  schedule of activities for the whole family.  Not to mention that it's my  big month too as  my life will finally begins weee.

I am  praying that our vacation will be a fun-filled one and no one will get sick before  we leave or  when we come back.

Young Warriors

Aside from the Yoga pants and Tee, here are the other products that Warriors in Pink sent me.  My kids are very happy to be part of the  great cause that Warriors in Pink are supporting and that is the fight against breast cancer.  When you visit www.fordcares.com and buy their products , 100%  of the proceeds goes to the organizations that supports breast cancer.  I admire   companies that   pushes this kind of  action as it  greatly helps those who are in need.

If you are looking for a  Father's Day gift ideas, check out the selection of clothing at Warriors in Pink.  Not only that you will make your Dad or husband happy but you will also  help a great cause.  I highly recommend their clothing, my kids love their Young Warrior Tees and I love my Yoga pants  and Tee as well!  Thank you once again Warriors in Pink!

Disclaimer:  I received the above mentioned products for Free in exchange of my  honest review.  The author of this blog did not receive monetary compensation in facilitating the review.