"Kikay Meeting You"

You know that feeling where you do not exactly "know" each other but you grew up together, you know each other's families and you "see" each other on Facebook all the time that you feel you are so connected even though you're really not? Yeah. Creepy to some. For me though, I do have some of that. One time I felt like I did not need to introduce myself to this Filipina at church before talking to her  because we are " friends" on FB?! Shame! Such is the feeling I guess when you consider the fact that you MUST be connected because you are from the same  fishing village or heck, just because you are both Filipinos! Hahahahh. 

Anyway, due to some horrible and scary incident of my niece and her family en route to the Berkshires yesterday, I ended up meeting the most beautiful, sweet and kikay girl I know from my barrio/village. She is so natural, unAssuming and downright humble. AND I also felt she really genuinely wanted to see me in person. 

While posting my funny observation regarding a Chinese take-out place, she found out we were in her neck of the woods, so they say. She immediately text me to let me know she lives so close by and would love to meet up if we were not busy. It was past nine at nite, been driving the whole day and driving back home that same nite for more than 2 hours. Two hours, that's with a functioning car, not with a car that was towed because it concked out in the hi-way! The reason we were there to rescue my mini vacationers/favorite people. AND good heavens, it's pouring downright heavy! But I could feel her excitement and I was as excited.  Their parents struggled but they all went to school and all have been wonderful additions to our community. I've always known their family to be like mine. But most of all, every time she speaks of my mom, she has nothing but praises and love so how can I not meet her?

Tonite was so much fun! I can never miss that chance to finally meet Maritess! We kissed, screamed and hugged so tight like old friends!

She introduced me to her husband who I feel "connected" too! I introduced her to my niece and her daughter and of course my 2 beautiful kids. Mr. Hubbs and the Bunso are upstairs, little sick. Just like that, we started talking like we were old friends catching up. I suppose we really feel that way because we are! We talked about Punta, our barrio, our "so shameful shopping habits", her friends, her work which I pointed out I already know what she does and she asked me how and I told her she told me a long time ago and she was so touched I remembered! What touched my heart was how she was describing my mother to her husband with such loving words.  Wouldn't you be proud too?

Maritess also kept telling Steve, her husband how the kids are so intelligent and that she would describe every event about our lives to him via FB. Another touching moment was when she showed me a text message she sent to another barrio mate in Hawaii how she is so excited to see me! Yaiiks! I was teary-eyed! 

We could not stop talking but we had to because she is going to work! Hahahahh. She is working the nite shift but because she knows I'd be gone that nite she insisted we see each other. How sweet is that? 

Last nite, I truly met a friend. A beautiful, sweet and truly kikay like me.  We filled the lobby with loud giggles and karaoke type singing by Precious to which Steve quips-- you can sing karaoke even without karaoke! Hahahah. Her beautiful dimples aside, I can feel she is truly happy! 

She asked us to come see her home but I truly can't! I would have loved to. So she invited Fridah and the kids for afternoon ice cream at a local place. Just like that, they planned like old times. So jealous I won't be there for more giggles and funny anecdotes!

Thanks Maritess for a warm Berkshires welcome and a warm fuzzy feeling of home. Just like you, I am happy to see you and so honored to be a friend and barriomate. It's a date, I bring Filipino food  to the Berkshires, you let me stay in your home! Not a fair trade ha? Kisses to you and Steve! Thank you beautiful girl!

Last Day of School June 2013

Hooray! Today is Josh' and KC's last day of school. Pherry's was last Monday but he had an interview for a docent placement at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. 

Although I love that it's the last day but it seems the kids are not as excited as years past. I realize they have their friends and truth be told, they do love school. Here are the photos I snapped today. 

My princess darling is going to be on the 7th grade! Wheeee!

My Bunso is so adorable! Here he is with his big bro. Both of them just got haircut yesterday and their long hair is gone but  I assured them they are still as cute as before. Hahahah, it's my job to let my children feel good about themselves, so shhhh. 

 

Time flies when you're having fun indeed! I am truly proud of my kids! It's a long journey when We can finally say we are successful in raising respectful, successful and responsible children but we know we are getting there. Nevertheless, seeing these smiles assures me I have a spot in heaven! 

June 20, 2013

It's 6 pm and the day is finally winding down but my energy level is still up there although the body is giving up. 

KC and Josh had a big day today. KC went to a field trip at Canobie Lake with her class and Josh had the moving-up ceremony.

I volunteered to help in the day's activities and I was assigned pool duty. I made sure the transition between classes was smooth. There were lifeguards but still. 

I was at school at 8am and finished by 11:30 but had to stay for the ceremony itself at 12:30pm.

Just picked up KC at her school from he trip.

What's for dinner? Oh, by the way, tomorrow, I volunteered to help oversee the yearbook signing of the 4th graders during breakfast. What crazy idea got into me? Volunteer back to back? Oh well. I think I had more fun than the kids. 

Will let you know details of the awarding in another post. But I can tell you now---because I can't contain my happiness --- Josh is one of the very few kids who was awarded the presidential academic award which his brother and sister got too!

Brag Day- Josh

What did I tell you? Josh is the sweetest! Wanna see?

Don't say I didn't tell you! Isn't he the sweetest of all?

Here's one more for today's BragDay.

Joshua has always been very independent. Lemme change that. The Kids have always been very independent when it comes to school. I know I shadow them a lot by I still let them know its all up to them. One thing with me, I am very vocal to my children. I let them know everything. We talk about drugs, sex, unemployment, smoking and anything some other parents feel taboo. For us, there is no better way to communicate those values if you do not talk to them within the confines of the home and without the shame of other people being around. Mr. Hubbs and I take every opportunity to educate the Kids about everything. When sitting in the car listening to news, we take advantage if there are news we want to reinforce to them. Believe me, they may not seem to listen but they do or I just think that letting them know is better than no communication at all. 

But anyway, this is what I am so proud today. Joshua's class was asked to make a picture summary of a story they have read. Joshua quickly borrowed the Princess' book and waaahLah! 

Wouldn't you be proud?

I love how he puts "depth" in his illustrations/drawings. 

C'mon, tell me what you are so proud of today! It can be about your kids, work or just a simple random act of kindness you did. Better yet, something you have done you never thought you'd ever do.

Share. There is nothing wrong in being proud of yourself and your family or the little things we do. If you share, it might inspire one person to do the same and this world will be a better place!

Friday Mommy- Daughter Date

You all know how the Three Little monkeys love books. I try to read all the books they do read but unfortunately I've been so behind! How can I catch up with all 3 readers in the house. One versus three? Not fair! In fact I don't even know what series KC is reading now which brings me to say "slacker mom". Ha!

As KC's prize for getting all A's for this school year, she got another book series, and was almost shrieking when she found them because apparently, it's hard to find especially together! I can see myself in her where my heart would pitter-patter every time I can borrow a book. Yes, borrow--- my parents can't afford books! But that's another story.

Anyway, on Friday, KC and I went to the mall to bond. First stop--- Starbucks! The  girl loves her Starbucks. Then we just wandered around Target--- my certified crazy hellhole! We went around the mall some more and just window-shopped. She laughs on how I go gaga over make-up even though I don't buy or how I notice everyone's handbags. Ha! We saw some stuff and laugh at the same stuff. Funny how we do that!

Then, we "accidentally" ended at Crumbs which just opened a new branch at South Shore Plaza. Oh, how the princess devours those humongous cupcakes! Question, if they are big, are they still called cupcakes? And why are there mini cupcakes now? Isn't cupcake mini for cake? So now, there is mini for mini? What about cake pops? Hahahahah! 

Anyway, we went to Barnes and Noble in search of that one missing book of the series she is currently reading. Boy, was that a mistake!

 She was giddy as can be when she found " oh my God, this is crazy, I thought I can't find these anymore ever, this is so great, I love you mom" kind of giddy. Who can ever say no?

Oh we'll, I'd rather spend my hard earned moolah buying books for the Three Little Monkeys than whatever else.

Oh by the way, I may or may not have gotten more David Yurman pieces. May not. 

Have about you, how do you bond with your kids?

Gone Fishing

You can take a girl out of the islands but you can never take the islands out of that girl. Oh yeah! I'll always be an Aparriana.

I would still love the ocean, the breeze, sand, sun, the smell of it all, the seashells, the blue waters, the crushing wind, the golden sunset and the blanket of darkness. Oh, I can't tell you enough but needless to say, I feel lucky to have called the Baystate my new home because Massachusetts is a home to the US' best beaches --- Cape Cod is close by my city. 

This is my view on the way to Falmouth. Lovely ha, especially driving besides a Ferrari. Hahahahah. I can dream and dream I do!

Needless to say, I splatter every time I am within sight of ANY body of water. It reminds me of my whole being! I could tell you it reminds me of my childhood but that would be a lie or an understatement--- because the water is my life! It is my family's bread and butter. My whole being!

Any chance I get, I take advantage. With my life now though it's a little hard. But hey, we go all the time. Pool, sea, ocean--- even ponds!

Today let me show you my happiness!

To show you how happy I am! Not that I need to! 

While Mr. Hubbs is busy fishing, I just soak in all the array of senses the surrounding brings! By the way, he caught 61 fishes! That's my man!

What better treat than this? Whooh! Perfect punctuation to a wonderful day!

The hard part of fishing? Cleaning the fish! But don't worry my friends, after all, I am from a fishing village whose livelihood is fishing. So it's easy for me. Anyone needs lesson? I have to be honest though, I feel like buying it is easier! Hahahahah, but the point is the fun and bonding time I spend with Mr. Hubbs is priceless. Don't you think?

Oh well, nothing beats fresh produce! 😘💃. Makes me happy every time!

KC's Honor's Banquet 2013

Hi. Once again, KC is invited to this year's Honor's Banquet. To those  unfamiliar to this, it is a year-end activity given by the school to honor academic achievers for the school year. Honors is awarded to students who earn all A's and/or Bs with allowance to one C and High Honors is all As with allowance of one B. Of course, my little princess is High Honors. Woohoo, I am such a proud parent.

Going to the Farm on Sunday

Hello! Feels like I can update the blog better if I write after an event--- no need to sit down and think about anything.

So this Sunday, after hearing mass, we drove to Smolak Farms to strawberry pick! Only the farm is still closed for picking! Bummer! But why be sad when you can do something else. Besides, with the Llaga PE in tow, we can never run out of fun things to do.

Just on the way there, I heard so much giggling from my passengers---3 girls. I heard singing, boy stories and plain silly jokes that erupted to big laughs! Oh, if only I can tell you all their stories, you won't believe what a 45-hour drive can do!

The farm is not as big as other farms we've been to but definitely still picturesque. Check out these views.

Due to some poor planning, strawberry picking was not available and would only start this coming Friday. Bummer! We went all the way to the North Shore for nothing. By the way, the houses we passed by were humongous, nothing short of mansions considering they all are in a golf course. Duh! Sarcasm alert!

But we are not to be defeated. We still enjoyed the interesting farm animals and Sunday was Dog Day at the farm ( who knew?), it was still a lot of fun. The farm baked goodies were absolutely good. See how much fun we had here.

Always excited to be with Kuya

Oh, Id love me some massage. Wait, its for dog only.

where's the ice cream shop?

Check out this antique jetmatic water pumps

Oh, how they love it!

Farm model?

my property is as far as the eye can see? really?

Jem, the future veterinarian

Oh, this is a show off !

What' a farm without this little farm house?

And, if you go to the farms, do not forget to eat their baked goods. They are all so good. Fresh off the oven!

Yummy cake?

Afterwards, we went to Boston at Quincy Market for some afternoon sightseeing. We watched some street performers and just basically relaxed.

 The cousins all bonded together via pets, ice cream and yup, taking selfies! Oh, to be young and carefree.

Afterwards, we capped the day with seafood dinner at The Clam Box. Awesome Sunday!

How about you? How did you spend your weekend?