Day to Day Miracles

Father's Day is Coming

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:41:00 +0000

Just a few days ago, Hubby and I have been talking about my late father.I was telling him more of how my Tatay ( father in our language) was like when we were still small. Hubby never really got a chance to spend a lot of time with my Tatay since we were out of the country after we got married and only got to visit a few times before he passed away. Whenever I talk about my Tatay, I can't help but miss him terribly. It's on the month of June that he passed away, and it's also the month for Father's Day.

I'm just thankful to God for letting us have a wonderful earthly father though his time here on earth was just short, but indeed it's very meaningful and such a great blessing to many people.

Clay Art Lessons

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Thu, 06 Jun 2013 17:31:00 +0000

We found a Clay Art School here in the city last week. Our kids got excited and told us that they want to learn how to do clay art. But as we inquired of the classes, we found out that an hour session would cost 300 Baht per child and it's a continuous course that they have to learn for several months. We think that it 's too expensive and explained to our kids that it's not practical for them to take the course due to the costs. They got disappointed for awhile but got excited again that instead we will buy them new sets of clay and learn from Youtube.

True enough I found a lot of tutorials from Youtube and we will be starting our lesson this coming Monday. It's amazing how an expensive class can turn out to be FREE because of the internet. :) Who know they with their interest with clay, they might become future industrial designers and work for LSPceramics.com for industrial ceramics. ;)

Pork Pie Drums

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Tue, 21 May 2013 20:39:00 +0000

Pork Pie Drums. What are they? Though they may sound delicious and my son would be interested to eat them, but unfortunately they're not food but a famous brand for musical instruments. They have products ranging from acoustic drums to drum accessories. Even if they're not something to eat, I'm sure my son would still like to have some since he likes drums and is even wanting to learn to play the drums. :)

Questions from the Kids

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:44:00 +0000

I'm always amazed as to how kids think and ask questions these days. When I was kid, I never asked a lot of questions. I was the kind of child who accepts almost everything that is being fed by the grown ups without exploring the ideas much since I was more concentrated in retaining the facts in my head. Remember the difference between the 'smart child' and the 'gifted child'? They say that the smart child , answers the questions correctly but the 'gifted child' asks the right question. Well, that proves that I'm not a gifted child. lol! Anyways, back to my kids' questions, they ask me questions like this:

- on the serpent tempting Eve: ' I thought God made everything good ... why is the serpent bad?' question from my 5 year old.

- on Matthew 6 God taking care of the birds and the lilies .. ' God loves the people most, right? But why the birds don't have to work for their food but people have to work first to get food? ' question from my 9 year old

- on David and Goliath: ' But Goliath is sooo tall and big.. how can a stone kill him??' question from my 5 year old.

Oh, and there's so many other questions.. it's a good thing though that I know my Bible and I feel relieved whenever I hear their 'Ahhhs...' and see their eyes sparkle after I satisfactorily answer their questions. But for their more difficult questions like science and history, that's the time I tell them..'Let's check that on Google!!". Yes, Mr. Google is my friend.. :)

Saving for Legoland

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:29:00 +0000

Last year our kids prayed and saved up to go to Kidzania in Malaysia. They were so consistent with saving all the cash gifts given to them and gathering the small coins they see in the house that they met their goal in a few months time. And this year, they're desiring to go to Legoland Malaysia and started saving money too. I couldn't help but smile as my son showed me a small zip lock bag full of coins and asked me if the money inside is enough to go to Legoland. Oh, they still had a long way to go...unless they get to gather those precious coins from http://www.moderncoinwholesale.com . But even then, there's nothing to worry about since Legoland will always be there no matter how long it would take them to save up the right amount. But I know too that as they prayed and save, this will surely come to pass just as how they were able to go to Kidzania.

Baking Time!

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:48:00 +0000

It has been awhile since I baked a cake. I've been a bit lazy when it comes to cooking and baking lately. But since it's our assistant pastor and wife's birthday, I immediately bought the cake ingredients and made myself to work. Amazingly, I got excited when I started to bake. I already had a lot of cake designs on my mind.

Finally, I settled with the sunflower since it's summer and the colors are more on the neutral side since it's a husband and wife's birthday. So, the photo above is the final product. Now, I'm so motivated to bake again and can't wait to bake another cake for my daughter's upcoming birthday. We're planning to have a simple birthday celebration in her Sunday school so, no need for catering or order for spandex linens. Just a kiddie party with cake, finger food, games and fun!

A Blessed Resurrection Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 19:43:00 +0000

Today is Resurrection Sunday or what is commonly known as Easter Sunday. I know it's just a terminology, but I would rather call this day as Resurrection Sunday to truly remind us of our Lord's Resurrection. Personally for me, once Easter is mentioned, I could easily imagine cute fluffy bunnies and colorful eggs. But we know that the real essence of this day is to celebrate and declare that Jesus is alive!! He is so much alive in our hearts and in our lives!

Have a blessed Resurrection Sunday to ALL!!!!!

Intermission: Sky Garage

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 19:35:00 +0000

I saw this video awhile back. I thought that it's just one of the hi tech ideas that hasn't been implemented yet. I thought, where to find car lifts like this? But I was surprised to know that this hi tech sky garage or I would call as a car lift really does exist in Singapore. I'm curious about it and would like to see one 'live'.

Ready for School?

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 19:27:00 +0000

We might be sending our son to a regular school as soon as we move back to Hubby's hometown. My daughter also attended the same school for a few months when we were there and she liked it. But as for my son, whenever we talk about him going to school, he doesn't like the idea. Maybe it's because he still can't imagine how school is going to be since he hasn't been in one. So, we try to motivate him by telling him about the playground, school lockers, play time, classmates and etc. but he still seem unconvinced. Anyways, we will surely make a short visit to the kindergarten so he can see for himself and we can decide from there.

Fun Week for the Kids

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 19:22:00 +0000

Last week was indeed a fun and enjoyable week for our kids. They attended a 4 day children's program, met their old friends and met knew ones. They also had bible stories, learned about different countries, sang songs, played games, did crafts and other activities. I think one of their favorite activities was face painting. They were so excited to have their face painted and even refused to wash them off! My son was painted as a native from Papua New Guinea while my daughter had more of a stylish painting.

Favorite Song Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 19:13:00 +0000

I would like to share with you my son's favorite song. Whenever we are in the car, he always request to play his favorite song countless of times. I'm quite amused listening to his garbled lyrics but after hearing the song for the nth time in the car, it's always a good idea to change the song.

Here is Lyle's favorite song and it's called Born Again from the Newsboys. I don't know why he likes this song when it's a bit on the 'noisy' side with drums, electric guitars and the best electric piano . Listen and judge for yourself whether it's a good song or not . :)

Don Lyle

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 01:51:00 +0000

My son likes to be like a 'grown up' these days. If you see him now, he's with a wrist band and a ring. And sometimes he likes to use his father's sunglasses. Well, he does look like a grown up and I could just imagine how he looks like at 18 and with ray ban cockpit. Oh, I think he become a handsome man. (lol! of course I'll say that because I'm the mom)

Anyways, with his get up yesterday, he looked like a 'Don' and we started calling him Don Lyle, for fun.He actually liked it and the more he acted like one. ;)

A "Small One's' Testimony

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:21:00 +0000

Our son is a Lego fan. He has always been telling me of his friend's Lego toy and he wants to play the game online. But last Sunday, he got the biggest surprise when our friend gave him the same Lego toy that he liked. Oh, he was ecstatic and I couldn't count how many times he hugged our friend and thank him for the gift.

Then afternoon came and still with his Lego toy at hand, he was running around the church grounds. Until, he came to a realization that many parts of his toy were missing. He cried as he told me that his Lego parts were nowhere to be found in the big church ground. So, his sister and I went out and helped him look for the tiny Lego pieces. When we were looking through the grasses and plants, I could hear him praying out loud that he could find the parts. Then, one by one we found the parts and he just shriek out of pure joy whenever we find a piece.

Then we went inside for the Sunday service and during the testimony time, I simply asked Lyle if he wants to share any testimony. He immediately went in front, smiled at the Emcee and slowly took the microphone and said, " I thank God that I found my Lego toys!"... then paused as if to say something ..and then said, 'That's all!" lol! Oh, that was the cutest and most precious thing I've seen! Glory to God!

Movie Nights

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:10:00 +0000

With a 'no TV' rule in the house, Friday movie nights in the house are much awaited by the kids. By the middle of the week, they already have their plan laid out for Friday, like what movie they want to watch. Sometimes, with a borrowed LCD projector, they get more excited and have a more wonderful viewing experience. Maybe if we have all the good sound system and mpc renaissance , then it's already a 'theater-like ' experience for them.

Anyways, this Friday's movie in the house is Spy Kids. Anyone wants to join us? Just make sure to bring popcorn!

Arts and Craft

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 21:01:00 +0000

We have been so trying to keep up the pace of our homeschool schedule after a long break from our Philippines trip that I've totally forgotten about music and arts and craft for the kids. Even though my kids have their own 'unsupervised' arts and craft session during the free time, but it's different when we do something planned and 'purposeful'. Anyways, I just found a project that can interest my kids and it's called decoupage. I actually found a decoupage store in the city in which they had everything decoupaged from cigar boxes to straw hats. I thought I could check it out online first before buying their stuff and to my surprise, we can truly make our own decoupage without buying a single item from their store. So, now I'm geared up for arts and crafts and I hope my kids will be as excited as I am with this project.

Thankful!

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 04:02:00 +0000

As I remember the times we had back home in the Philippines, I can't just help but be thankful to God for all the wonderful times we spent with family and friends. I'm especially happy for my little ones who truly enjoyed their time with their cousins too. They've learned a lot more about being a 'Bisaya' or "Pinoy" this time, from using their slippers inside the house to saying 'Ayooo!!...lock man! ' ( Lyle said that) outside a locked gate. There were petty fights and 'sumbong sumbong' among the cousins but all these were erased with the sorries, the hugs and the kisses.

Oh, we will truly miss family back home... but it's time to move on and just pray for everyone as we remember them.

Thank you God for the special memories.. thank you Lord that you have also protected us and provided for us during our entire stay in the Philippines. It is our prayer that as we look forward for the things that you have entrusted to us..our hearts will be filled with expectations for the things that you have in store for us. Amen

Tagalog Worship

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 03:55:00 +0000

Last Sunday, we had to opportunity to attend Sunday worship service in Manila. Being a Cagay-anon, it has been a looong time since I attended a Tagalog worship service. It was only then that I realized that how I missed all the Tagalog praise and worship songs I used to sing during my university days. I love their worship songs and I'll be searching in YouTube more Tagalog songs. Later, I might be singing my heart out.. but without Kustom Amps at musicians friend ... lol! Oh... I think I'm just missing the Philippines now, after being there for a few weeks.

Into Arts and Creativity

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 26 Jan 2013 03:48:00 +0000

I love the arts and I want to think that I'm creative. But then, these things take time and practice to be developed. As for this year, I want to develop on this things and I know that there can be great uses for these. As for starters, I need to read more and practice my photography and maybe look for online design tool to apply these on. Just last week, I met a relative who's doing personalized mugs, tshirts and give aways, I'm really interested on how to do these things... maybe next time I could learn these too.

Regular or Decaffeinated?

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:44:00 +0000

Choices are great except when you are the one responsible for those changes. It can be a real hassle to plan and make both regular and decaffeinated coffee and get it all right without a lot of waste. With an on demand coffee maker you can have it all – enjoy a decaf or regular K-Cup coffee any time you’d like and provide guests with their beverage of choice any time.. There are hundreds of K-Cup® flavors in both regular and decaffeinated, along with all sorts of interesting roasts and blends; it’s easy to try new flavors and experience a broader range of hot beverage options with a single serve coffee maker.

Perhaps you’ve seen them at the car dealership or in a small office – the typical on demand coffee maker takes coffee pods or inserts – pop one in, put your cup in position and press a button – in under a minute you have a piping hot cup of fresh and flavorful coffee. Not only does it taste great, it’s hassle-free because there is not coffee pot or carafe to clean, no need to scoop and measure coffee and no warmer to turn good coffee into a scorched and undrinkable mess.

With an on demand coffee maker waste is eliminated – you brew only what you need at the very moment you want it. Freedom of choice is guaranteed as each cup is individually brewed and custom made; one person can make a flavored coffee, another decaffeinated and a third can easily brew chai, tea or hot chocolate – it all depends on what they are in the mood for. Paper cups can be replaced with coffee cups or mugs to reduce waste.

Worth it!

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 18:50:00 +0000

I'm truly thankful to God for giving us a chance to go home this year. Even though we really didn't originally plan to come for the holidays this year and therefore we spent quite a lot on flight tickets and stuff.. but, I still say that everything is worth it. There's no price attached on the time spent with family, nor the joy of seeing my kids so happy to be with family on this side of the planet, letting them know of their roots and experience half of their culture...

And since our time here in the Philippines is slowly ticking to an end, I have mixed emotions since I'm sad to leave this place yet I'm excited to be 'home' and reunited with Hubby again.

Dream Come True

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 18:41:00 +0000

Kids' dreams are usually so simple yet fulfilling these wishes or dreams gives them great joy! One of my son's 'dream' was to ride a horse. A few times we've attempted to let this dream of his come true but failed.. like we went to a few places in Malaysia where they have horseback riding , only to find out that they closed their facility. But last week, my son's dream finally came true as we went to Dahilayan where the kids can go horseback riding. Oh, my son was so happy and ever so thankful to God for the opportunity to have his 'wish' granted.

Here he is.. look at the face! He looks so excited and happy! We could have brought a cowboy hat to complete the look but instead we only have mens beanie at that time.

Power Outage

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 09:07:00 +0000

There was power outage in the whole city last night . I'm not sure what caused the power failure but it seemed quite bad since it came without any warning and I think the entire city was affected. The power outage lasted for several hours. It's a good thing though that the weather was a bit cold so, it's quite ok for the kids to sleep without fan or a/c. It wasn't really too cold to the point of calling hvac calgary for furnace installations calgary. But the weather was cold enough without having us to use a fan. Our only 'enemies' were the mosquitoes that were able to go inside the house and feasted on us. ;) My daughter only cried a bit after being disturbed from her sleep from thet mosquito bites. As for me, I was just waiting for the electricity to bet back. Oh, it was such a relief after the electricity returned after a few hours.

Electricity and water. The things we easily take for granted but quite a bit difficult to live without during these times. Some people would prefer not having electricity as long as there is water. But I would rather have both. :)

A Blessed New Year to All!

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 06:06:00 +0000

Everyone is excited for the new year. Every new year is like new beginnings for each one of us, each one expecting new experiences and greater things. It is our prayer that God will indeed bring to fulfillment all the promises that He has in store for each of us.

God bless you all and once again, a blessed and fruitful New Year to you!!

Paris

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 03:04:00 +0000

I've just watched a movie that was set in Paris. I really think that it's a very beautiful city. I would love to see the Louvre museum and see all the original masterpieces of the famous artists. Of course, the Eiffel tower must be a sight to behold and I would very much like to taste authentic french cuisine. Oh, Paris! Will you only be in my dreams? It's too late for Hubby and I to go on a paris honeymoon maybe we can plan to go there for our 25th or 35th wedding anniversary? ;)

Travelling

noreply@blogger.com (JLaine) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 18:36:00 +0000

We will be traveling back home tomorrow.. and thankfully not by a human-driven cart as pictured above.. lol! but by airplane.

Every trip that we make is truly a testimony of God's favor in our lives. As a family of 4, it's not cheap to travel back to our hometown where we need to travel to the capital (either Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok) by car or train and then from there from by plane to Manila and then another flight to our city. We really didn't plan to go back home this Christmas, but since we didn't get to spend a lot of quality time with family last year due to the tragedy that happened, we thought it's just best for us to go back and this time spend a wonderful Christmas with family.

We're praying that indeed we will have a safe and pleasant trip back home and have a beautiful time with family, church members and friends.