GRATITUDE JOURNAL

"I will <*** insert verb here ***> when I'm 8", Jake would usually say. So now that he has just turned 8, what's new? Well, among other things... ...he still talks a mile a minute ...he has expanded his food preference to include more veggies. Recently he ate with much relish the pasta dish with "malunggay" (moringa/horseradish tree) disguised by his Uncle Steve and Aunt Eya in pesto sauce. Haha! ... he has learned to take a shower by himself. He may be late or early compared with other kids, but what's the right age anyway? :). When he was asked what he cleans first, he proudly said, "...my b*tt!" and proceeded to brag "I soap it twice". LOL ...he finished Grade 1 with an exemplary grade that qualified him for his first academic silver medal. For somebody who often got reprimanded by his teachers for his excitable behavior in class, this is truly a milestone! And we are so looking forward to June when we and his

Since summer break started and during times when the 15yo and 8yo sons are together, the frequency of the bickering has noticeably escalated. The scenario would be one where the elder taunts the small one and the latter retaliates against the former or the other way around. "Ma, look at Di-hia (Kyle) oh! He's (***insert mischievous antic here***) me!", Jake would whine. At other times, "Jake, shush, you're too noisy!", Kyle would impatiently snap. Thus, my usually quiet days (or nights) would be punctuated with quick ear-popping reprimands directed at the bubs. Oh well... That is why I immediately whip up the camera to take pics (stolen or otherwise) of them when they are all snuggly or cuddlesome around each other... It's only momentary and could change in a heartbeat. :D Last night... This morning...

It's the boys' summer break and last Friday's weather was perfect for inflating the newly-bought mini pool and having a swim party of sorts with the Villaruel cousins who live nearby. Because it is the Lenten season and we don't eat meat on Fridays during Lent, we prepared seafood pasta, tuna apple salad, freshly boiled crabs and rice. Yes, the members of the over-60 year old part of the group were so delighted to have their fill of the cholesterol-laden crabs and passed up on the sweets instead. Teehee. It's amusing to see Pa, Ma and Aunt Didi digging into their plates with their bare hands. It's the best way to enjoy crabs after all - very Filipino. :). I hope Pa doesn't get any gout attacks... Thanks to cousin Mimi who brought big bags of chips and popcorn for the kids to munch on, plus the much-hyped Magnum ice cream from Selecta, I was able to taste. Wee! The latter was very good but we know better not to indulge. ;) *click he