Kurikuchikuwa

Most night, Riley and I have our bedtime stories where we invent any stories we like. Ewan ko ba san nggaling ang pangalang Kurikuchikuwa pero bigla ko lng naisip ipangalan sa istorya ko at magmula nuon plagi na syang bida sa aming bedtime stories.

FYI: Kurikuchikuwa is a lizard :)

EQ

It happened again yesterday in a bookstore. Riley wanted to buy a sharpener but when I ask the price, it is a little expensive for my taste.
So I told Riley to put the sharpener back where he got it.
Riley is a bit sad but quietly walk and put back the sharpener.
Then the cashier told me "Kung ibang bata yan mam, magwawala."

That's the second time that it happened.
Dati naman, we were in Newstar and he really wanted to buy a Spongebob Squarepants stuff toy. But again, I thought it's expensive so I told Riley, we'll buy it next time.
Riley put back the toy then cried quietly while hugging me.
The lady next to us told me "Ang bait ng anak mo, kung iba yan hindi papayag at magwawala."

That's one of the things that I am proud of with my son.

Supernova

While in a jeepney,

Riley: Mama, what is a supernova?

Me: A supernova is a supernova (hehe. kunyari alam ko.)

Riley: A supernova is the exploding of the star. It's a big big explosion! (with matching action pa)

Me: Where did you learn that?

Riley: Miles Of Tomorrowland!

Me: Ok, cge pwede ka mnuod ng show na yun araw-araw :)

No To Bullying

I got upset with Riley because he kept on putting his zombie flag in my face.

Me: Ayoko na! Huwag na tayong magHalloween party mamaya!

Riley: (crying) I'm sorry mama. I won't bully you again. 

Then he show me this note: 

Well, all is well now (bati na kami!) and I am surprise that he knows what bullying is at his young age. Kudos to Clarion teachers! (Because I'm sure that is where he learns it)

4 Days Before My Birthday

For some reason, my tear glands decided to make its existence known today. Maybe the fact that I'm going to turn 35 on Saturday is to be blame! :) But seriously, I stopped counting my age years ago. I only count all the good memories now. It's the treasured moments that I value now.

Some people think that I have a perfect life. Just because that's what they see. That's because that is what I let them see. In my FB account, I never ever post any negative things. Because what's the use? I only have ONE life. Why waste it in anger? Why waste it in envy? Why waste it in bashing someone? Why waste my time in things that didn't matter at all? But that's easier said than done. Because whether we like it or not, once in a while life throw something back at you that makes you question God "why me?" Sometimes you just don't know what's happening that makes you angry and confused and betrayed and left alone and you just wanna scream at the top of your lungs! Sometimes, I wonder why am I the way I am? Why are things harder for me but not to other people? Why do I always feel like on the outside looking in? Why do I always feel different from other people?

I thought I am going to sleep tonight with a heavy heart. But then while we are brushing our teeth, Riley asked "Are you a God pleaser?" Ako: Ano yun? Riley: God pleaser, you gave your best for God.

Then it dawned on me. I am feeling this way because I am seeking the approval of other people. I was so busy trying to win over the world that I forgot to please God. I was reminded again of who I really am. I am a daughter of God. I am loved, I am special, I am not alone. I'll never be alone! Whatever I am feeling right now - insecurities, worthlessness, emptiness, doesn't even matter in the greatness of God!

And what a wonderful revelation four days before my birthday!

PS. I really don't know how Riley came up with his comment. SO I therefore conclude, all kids are wiser beyond their years. We (and by we I mean the adults) should listen more to what kids have to say!

Riley's 6th Birthday

Today, my one and only beloved son Riley turned 6! Six chaotic but blissful years of my life! There are times I still can't believe I bore this child and how my life has never been the same. Sometimes, when I wake up in the middle of the night and found him soundly sleeping beside me that I just stare at him and ask myself what did I ever do to deserve someone as innocent and as pure and as lovable as him? It never cease to amaze me how this little human can bring soooo much happiness to me! I gave him life but really, he gave me mine.

I never expect to have a child, I didn't. He came as a surprise. It's like a gift I never thought I wanted. I was hoping for a house and lot, expensive car, successful career, things that a single woman wanted. But instead God gave me a son. And you know what?! It's way BETTER than any material things this world has to offer! So I am forever thankful for this precious gift that God has blessed me with. I may never have another child again but having him is more than enough for this lifetime. He is my little miracle.

My prince charming

Ahh, my dazzling darling little Riley. He is so sweet, this boy. The things he do unintentionally but are nonetheless heartwarming. There never goes a day that Riley didn't give us a kiss or a hug or sweet words. It's just the way he is. Riley would always say to me "I love you mama. You're my best friend!" Or sometimes out of the blue, he'll ask "Can I hug you mama?" or "Can I kiss you mama?" Or he would say "You are beautiful, mama!" Or sometimes, when I'm busy doing in whatever it is that make teachers busy, he'll call my attention and say "Mama close your eyes, I have a surprise for you!" And he will give a drawing of the two of us with letters 'Riley love Mama'. Or when he fetched me from my school, which he always did, and he saw me teaching my students, he'll whisper in my ear, "You are a great teacher mama!" He also made a song for me, which he happily sings screams for me whenever I requested for him to sing. hehe. Or how he waits for me to come home and tells me "Tagal mo mama, namiss kita!" So many sweet words and I thought my favorite is "You are the best mama in the world. Thank you napalaki mo ko!" But just yesterday, he said to me "Mama, you're my hero." Gahhhh, I was holding back my tears when Riley said that to me. How often do you hear that from your child? I couldn't wait for him to grow up because I know more surprises are coming our way!

But then again, I think I can wait a little longer for him to grow up. In fact, I want a slow motion button so I can relish every single moment with him! I want to remember every tiny detail about him - the way he performed at his school, to how loud he laughs when he watched something funny, down to his singing in the shower. I don't want to forget how thrilled he is every time we go to Kidzoona or how his big eyes glow in the dim of the light while watching a movie in the cinema, to how frustrated he is when I say no to a toy he desperately wanted to buy. So many treasured memories that I never want to leave behind. I know the day will come when he'll be taller and bigger and older. He'll do different stuff and change all his childish ways. I know he won't be my little baby boy forever. One day I'll wake up and he will come of age and he will be all grown up. But right now, I am going to cherish every single day with him and celebrate life together. We are going to revel in our own little infinity. Today, I am going to love him like there's no tomorrow. Ayan, naiiyak na ko. (sniff!) haha!

Dear Riley,

I thought I would have to take a leave from work today but surprise, surprise biglang naging holiday ang birthday mo! I am so happy because there's nothing I want more than to be with you on this day! I don't know who's more excited on your birthday, you or me? Hehe. Finally natupad na din ang wish mo na magbirthday ka na! At cyempre ang matagal mo ng inaasam asam na pagbili ng toy! Kagaya na naman last year, sobraaaang tagal mong mamili! LOL. Pro sulit naman kasi masaya na ko pag nakikita din kitang masaya.

Riley, thank you for all that you do for Mama and Ina and Ninang Janice and Ninong Eddie-Boy and Daddy. How lucky are we to be showered by your love and affection! Your mere presence is a delight to all of us. Thank you because of you I became stronger, braver, calmer, and happier version of myself. Know that you are loved and accepted just the way you are.

So anyway, as tradition, here are my 6 wishes for you:
1. May you know God and Jesus more.
2. May you always have good health (tama na kasi ang paginom mo ng juice at pagkain ng junk foods!)
3. May you never get tired of telling how much you love us.
4. May you always be contented with what we only have.
5. May you grow up to be a good kid.
6. May you always be happy and jolly and gay!

Happy 6th birthday ulit anak! I love you with all of my mommy heart! Mwah!

Love,
mama

Sweet as Candy

While eating dinner,

Riley: You are the best mama. Thank you napalaki mo ko.

Me: 😳

This boy is soo sweet I swear! 

Showing Respect

Sa tuwing pinagagalitan ko si Riley:

Riley: Mama, that's bad. Cross out kita! That's not showing respect!

Wow! BIG words! 

6 Facts About Riley

In less than a month, Riley will turn 6 years old! My wee wonderful wildling. Oh how time flies! It seems like yesterday na iniire lng kita! LOL. But now, look how big you've grown! I've been writing about him since the day he was born. More then than now not because I have nothing to write, but because of the lack of time and energy. Pero dahil wala pasok bukas, I'm able to blog again! A lot of things have changed. It's a bittersweet feeling seeing him becoming more and more independent and needing me less and less by the days. He is definitely becoming his own person. So I decided to write 6 facts about him. There are so many fun facts about him that I can share but let's leave it with only 6. For now.

Fact No. 1
He always remove his shoes! Sa church, sa Jollibee, sa sinehan, sa sasakyan, even sa faculty namin, he removes his shoes the first chance he got.

Fact No. 2
He can't sleep without his feet inside this particular unan. Kung yung iba hindi nakakatulog pag walang kulambo, si Riley kailangan may unan sa paa. When we went to Calaguas, he cried and had a hard time sleeping because we left his unan! And when his lola washes his unan, he'll patiently wait for it to dry.

Fact No. 3
His toothbrush always looks like the one on the left! The one on the right is mine. Ever since, he learned to brush his teeth, his toothbrush will always look like that. Sabay kami ngpapalit ng toothbrush pro sa kanya una naluluma. And take note, one week pa lang yan!

Fact No. 4
He prefers wearing cap and long socks. Yeah that's his style. One time, one of my students saw us in a mall. The next day, she said "Ma'am nakita ko kayo kahapon may kasama kayong bata na mahaba ang medyas!"

Fact No. 5

He is a Thomas the train fanatic. Aside from Po, Spongebob Squarepants, Plants vs Zombies, and Hi 5, Riley loves Thomas the train. He said he wants to have a toy train collection just like in the videos he watched. Well, goodluck with that! Hehe. Anyway, this is also the reason I'm thinking of a Thomas and friends theme on his 6th birthday!

Fact No. 6

He's pretty much my most favorite person of all time in the history of ever! And that's a fact! Anywhere, anyday with this boy is a joy. 

♥   I love you Riley and I will always be here for you and I will always be your no. 1 fan kahit minsan ang weird mo lng! Hehe. Just continue to be your bubbly self and I pray you'll be a good boy all the time. Love, mama ♥

I Love You Joyce Ann!

Riley draw this for me and after a while he said "I love you Joyce Ann!" Bestfriend kita.

So weird hearing him say my name. 😛

The Good Guy

Riley: I don't like to be bad guy. I want to be a good guy.

Riley: I want to be a good guy like Captain America.

Me: Riley, the ultimate good guy is Jesus. Dapat sabihin mo I want to be a good guy like Jesus.

Riley: I want to be a good guy like Jesus.

Me: 👍😇

Bestfriend

2.29.2016

Riley: Mama, mama love kita. You're my bestfriend forever! 

Me: ☺️

The Greatest Love

I woke up this morning with the loud sounds of "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" from our neighbor's stereo. Valentines na valentines, bitter lng ang peg? Hehe. Actually, the incident inspired me to blog again with my favorite topic to write - LOVE. Who doesn't want/need love?

But sorry to the composer of the song, I beg to disagree. Love is more than enough. Love is always enough. And I am not talking about the romantic kinda love (Bet you think this is what this entry is all about!) I am talking about GOD's undying and unconditional love for all of us. If you don't know it yet, it would be an honor to tell you this truth: GOD loves us soooo much!

God gave up His only son for us. If that's not love, I don't know what is. Only love can do what God has done for us. Jesus gave up everything so we could have everything. When my father died last year, I ask God why do people have to die? Why can't we just live forever? Now I understand, I feel that way because God meant for us to live forever! God wired our brains with that desire because it's His idea! We can have an everlasting life in our next life because of what Jesus did on the cross for us. May forever dahil kay Jesus. God wants for us to live eternally with Him in heaven, but only  if we accept Jesus as our saviour. If you haven't accepted this gift of love from God, please wag ka na choosy!   

Our life here on Earth is "but a small parenthesis in eternity." Our life here is temporary. So if you're feeling lonely today, no one gave you flowers or chocolates, or you don't have a date, never ever forget that someone loves you! Someone is waiting for you para mapansin mo xa sa buhay mo. Someone promises you much more than this world has to offer. Someone promises to love you for infinity! And that someone is GOD. His LOVE won't never ever fail us. 

Oh man!

02.10.2016

Riley: Pwede na ko maglaro iPad?
Me: Hindi pa!
Riley: Oh man!

Santan Surprise

02.06.2016

Riley: I have a surprise for you!
Ako: Ano? 

Riley: Flowers for you!

This guy loves throwing surprises to her easy to please mama!

First Note

02.06.2016

Riley gave me this note after he cried and begged me not to leave him for work.

Happy Lang

Sa tuwing nagagalit ako kay Riley, sasabihin nya "Happy Lang, mama!" :D