Sunday in the Park with Gabi and Bela

Off the cuff we went on a picnic, Gabi, Bela and I . For once I was spontaneous. No planning was involved. I decided to go and in ten minutes we were on our way.

I grabbed our banig and a few toys for the kids, filled two thermos with water and bundled the kids in the back seat with Manang Tim. (Impromptu though my decision was, I was still not crazy enough to take both Gabi and Bela by myself in the car.)

To UP we went. In front of Abelardo Hall, to join other picnickers who were obviously more prepared. They had food baskets and stools and bikes and lots of toys. All we had was a toy ball and a small container of Bela's cereals.Yes, we went on a picnic without food.

Yet, what we had was more than enough. We had fun! Lots of fun!

Bela loved the grass. And the leaves. All she did was touch them, and play with and on them.

 

Gabi in turn loved the new setting for his role playing games. He had new bridges to cross. New  obstacles to overcome. And bigger dragons and aliens to slay.

And when I asked them what their favorite part of the picnic was they both replied unanimously, "the ice cream!"

It was truly an enjoyable excursion. Something we'll definitely do again soon. But next time we'll bring a bike, sandwiches and chips, a book or two for me...

Hmm, then again maybe not. Planning too much might just spoil it. We'll just wing it again.

My Brave Little One

A picture of strength and of cheerfulness you were, dear Bela, all throughout your five day hospital confinement.

You hardly complained and you did not cry, even when they put the IV needle through your tiny little hand. Papa and Mommy were more scared of the procedure while you were your curious self  examining the gauze, the needle and the IV tube.

And you remained in high spirits, despite the discomfort, despite the pain. Always greeting your doctors and nurses and the service staff with your smile, with your laugh and with your wave.

You my dear one, and your good health, are truly a gift to me, Mommy and Kuya this new year. We love you!

Hand Made Gifts

One family tradition I'd like to continue in my young family is the practice of making our own gifts.

My parents always encouraged us to make our own gifts. Gifts we create ourselves, they always stressed, would certainly be appreciated more. It was their way of not only shielding us from the over commercialization of Christmas but more so of encouraging us to be be creative and imaginative.

And so for many years, from when we were toddlers up to our teen years, the week before Christmas was spent secretly rehearsing and writing and drawing and painting, each in his own corner, creating that special gift for Baby Jesus and our parents.

At times it was a poem. Or an essay. Or a letter to Baby Jesus.

At times it would be drawings. In pencil and in charcoal. Or paintings in water color, pastel and even oil.

At times it would be a performance. A song. A dance. Once, even a one act play.

1972: With siblings Wawel (left) and An (right), we sing Christmas carols to the Baby Jesus

It was a lot of hard work. But also a lot of fun. And we all looked forward to sharing our gifts during Noche Buena.

Thanks to his teachers in Little Sandbox, my four year old Gabi has started to put this tradition in practice. His gifts to Patty and me this year were all made with his own hands. All created in school over a two week period. All made with love.

2010 Calendar

Key and Pen Holder

Hand Print Weight