Anyway, the end of school year (gasp, I am talking about the end of school year in September?), was very eventful here at LlagaLand. Karmina is promoted to middle school. She was an honor student all the way! I am truly proud of KC. She is very hard working and focused. I know this year she will be more focused because she can not go to her planned Edmonton Canada and European trips ( France and London with my good friend Grace) if she does not have all A's with allowance for a B. She was also a part of the school play The Wizard of Oz--she was both a witch and a flower. This is her 3rd school play. She was Snow White in 4th grade and played a role in Velveteen Rabbit in the beginning of her 5th grade.
As always, I am truly proud of her. Aside from her honor roll certificate, she was also awarded Perfect Attendance. She excelled in swimming, joined track and field for the first time and she is part of the student council--the youngest member of the student council! What more can I ask?
None.
KC receiving her Honor Roll certificate.
My family. I love the boys' hair---don't tell.
Christopher/Pherry had his promotion to high school later in June. It was held at Tirrell Room in Quincy. That venue is beautiful! Seeing Pherry with all the 8th graders was so surreal. Is it really happening? I am going to have a high schooler? Wheeew, time really does fly. In 2001, he was just a crybaby in the airplane ride from Philippines to Boston. Throughout middle school, Pherry is in the AP class-Advance Placement. As such, he was always very busy. He did not have any academic special award which did not surprise me because when he moved to middle school, he was acting like me when I moved to high school. I did not want to look like a dork so I focused on being under the radar---high grade is NOT cool. Nevertheless, he was " the walking encyclopedia" to his classmates and peers. Chris and I need not talk about it but I know he was feeling so proud too. With 3 kids and teenager in the house, we never had any major issues with the Three Little Monkeys. They are not into drugs, no bad friends, not too demanding of high priced items and I know they listen to me about being "responsible". So, as they were calling his name, I was near tears. I can not believe it! my eldest---my baby, my firstborn is going to high school! I know he's got big dreams---- that I know, and they are within his reach soon. AND no, I was not near tears becasue I was thinking of sky high college tuition---although, might as well be---I was truly near tears because even with me and Chris workign so many hours, he excelled. He won the citywide essay competion twice---3rd and second placer respectively, AP class all the way, excelled in swimming, always in his school's Lego Robotics competing team and I just got called to the principal's office once! What an achievement! 
The proud parents.
The Llaga's of PE---my kids' cheering squad.
Pherry and some of his middle school buddies. I am sad because most of his friends went to North Quincy High. I could have sent him there but I like to adhere to the sentiment of my Tatang--- the students make the school and not the other way around.
So, yeah---I have a middle school beautiful girl and a very promising high school student.
My Three Little Monkeys are growing--- 9th, 6th and 4th graders!
Yes, I am ready.
Yes, it is scary.
But I know we can do this.
The environment and community may influence who we are, but I believe family is still the greatest and best influence of our lives.
No, I don't like to think about college tuition.
yes, they will have academic scholarchips.
Yes, they will ask for financial scholarships or loans.
Yes, I am sking them to stay close and not fly to the West Coast for schooling.
No, no boyfriends or girlfriends.
Period.
Anything is possible but I know my prayers will be answered---my kids will be safe and healthy, happy and responsible individuals and successful community members. My success happens ONLY when they are successful.
Lead me Lord.
