Freebie from Delifrance

Are you a sucker for freebies, like me? 

When the Japanese cosmetic brand, Shu Uemura, officially launched it's entry to the Philippine shores,  I remember agreeing to be a part of it's focus group.  It was held at one of the offices of a high-end shopping mall, and promised free product samples and catered snacks for the participants.

I was just newly-married then, and my husband was aghast that I would so willingly allow myself to be held captive for two or more hours, all for the sake of a bagful of freebies.  "Doesn't your time count for anything?" he asked.  Uhm, not really.  And besides, who can argue about the value of time when a bottle of the famed Shu Uemura cleansing oil is at stake? :)

Anyhow still on the topic of freebies, these came in my inbox a few days ago and I just thought that I'd share it with you.

Get a FREE Chicken Bourbon Sandwich sampler from Delifrance! All you have to do is to print out the online coupon from here.  Present the coupon to the cashier and say their tongue twister 3x fast! “How much bourbon could a chicken drink if a chicken could drink bourbon?”

Campaign ends October 31, 2010.

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Li'l Man Turns 6 with a Barbeque Party

My li'l man turned six recently, and to celebrate it, we had an outside barbeque... 

He had been asking for three parties in celebration of his 6th birthday.  I had to explain only celebrities do week-long parties.  We are just simple and ordinary folks so naturally we do what simple folks do - have a simple celebration.  "But I need three parties!!!  How else will I get a lot of gifts if I only have one party?" Hahaha! 

 

All of the food was prepared at home, save for the pizzas, which we ordered using a buy-one-take-one promo.  We used a grill which we got as a wedding present some many years ago. 

I saw some baby potatoes in the grocery while grocery-shopping for the barbeque, I thought they would be a nice addition.  I always include the skin when cooking baby potatoes as the thin, crispy skin provides a contrasting texture to the soft interior.   No worries, potatoes were nicely scrubbed and prepped before cooking. :)

Just toss in foil, put some garlic butter and a dash of salt and freshly ground pepper and roast till fork-soft.

Roasting corn is hands down a better alternative to boiling.  Grilling the cobs over charcoal brings out an intensity of flavors, mixing the bite of hickory with the sweet and juicy kernels.

Slice a pear thinly and roast it on top of the grill.  Melt some sugar on a pan and quickly toss in some roasted walnuts.  Layer them both on a bed of arugula or your choice of greens.

Grab a few cobs and slice off the kernels and add some diced mangoes. tomatoes and minced onion to make a roasted corn salad.  Finish off with a sprinkling of some lemon juice and a generous pinch of salt.

Grill some all-beef patties over high heat.... 

... add some caramelized onions and button mushrooms to make the tastiest burgers this side of town.

Fall of the bone baby back ribs.

Bottles of your favorite beer to gulp it all down with...

Cheers!  Maybe, some wine, perhaps?  A guest bought a bottle and was finished off right away.

But the birthday boy could not care any less about the food as he was overjoyed with the boxes of Lego toys he received!

He quickly got to work.  And while he needed no help making this....

... this one is too complicated and still waiting for Dad's help.

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What Are You Doing This Weekend?

There are so many things happening this weekend that I don't know where to go first.  I have short-listed all the events that are on my must-visit list.  This is going to be a very busy weekend...

1.  Manila International Book Fair ~ September 15-19, 2010.  This is an annual trek for us, and it would break our hearts to go against tradition by skipping this year.

2.  Hobbes and Landes Sale ~ September 16-18, 2010.  There is an urban legend going around that Legos go for upto 60% off during this annual sale. :)

 

3.  The Stork Exchange ~ September 18, 2010.  Here is the answer to all the baby items and other stuff that our kids have outgrown.  If you are interested to join this children's item swap, read the mechanics here.  It comes with a P299 entrance fee, but that is inclusive of food and drinks catered by M Cafe.  

4.  S&R Member's Treat ~ September 15-19, 2010.  I always look forward to S&R's sale! 

I got a foldable party buffet table at 50% off last year.  When it's not doing the party circuit, it doubles as my kids' study table so I can keep a sharp eye on them while I cook in the kitchen. :) This is the same place where

I got my super cheap bookshelf, also on sale.

I also stock up on liquid hand soap, body wash and shampoo.  My kids use the Ivory Body Wash, so I got several bottles at buy-one-take-one promo during the sale early this year.  They have just used up their supply so this is the perfect time to horde again. :)

People start coming in before the store opens; and the queues at the cashier are notorious, with people lining up for more than an hour to pay.

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Psalm 37

I just thought that I should share this with you, just in case anyone’s spirit needs some words of upliftment. Psalm 37 is one of the best-loved of David’s Psalms. I find myself reading it whenever I feel the need to re-discover the purpose in living a righteous life amid the wickedness that life unfortunately sometimes brings. 

This is a good verse to visit to remind us that when we trust in the Lord and continue to do good, He promises to give us the desires of our heart.

I have taken the liberty to give you excerpts of the verses which I find most meaningful, but should you want to read the whole chapter, you may do so here.

PSALM 37

1 Do not be provoked by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong.

2 Like grass they wither quickly; like green plants they wilt away.

3 Trust in the LORD and do good that you may dwell in the land and live secure.

4 Find your delight in the LORD who will give you your heart's desire.

5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust that God will act

6 And make your integrity shine like the dawn, your vindication like noonday.

7 Be still before the LORD; wait for God. Do not be provoked by the prosperous, nor by malicious schemers.

8 Give up your anger, abandon your wrath; do not be provoked; it brings only harm.

9 Those who do evil will be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD will possess the land.

23 Those whose steps are guided by the LORD; whose way God approves,

24 May stumble, but they will never fall, for the LORD holds their hand.

25 Neither in my youth, nor now in old age have I ever seen the just abandoned or their children begging bread.

26 The just always lend generously, and their children become a blessing.

27 Turn from evil and do good, that you may inhabit the land forever.

34 Wait eagerly for the LORD, and keep to the way; God will raise you to possess the land; you will gloat when the wicked are cut off.

35 I have seen ruthless scoundrels, strong as flourishing cedars.

36 When I passed by again, they were gone; though I searched, they could not be found.

37 Observe the honest, mark the upright; those at peace with God have a future.

38 But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.

39 The salvation of the just is from the LORD, their refuge in time of distress.

40 The LORD helps and rescues them, rescues and saves them from the wicked, because in God they take refuge.

The Psalm contains advice on how to achieve tranquility and peace of mind under difficult conditions.  Sharing the Bible Commentary below for a deeper understanding. 

1.  The first guidance begins in verses one and two:  Do not be provoked by evildoers; do not envy those who do wrong.  Like grass they wither quickly; like green plants they wilt away.

Because the wicked seem to prosper in this world, the natural reaction from the righteous is to become incensed, or to become envious of their success. But the righteous are reminded that success by the wicked is short-lived, and they will come to a distressful end.

2.  The second counsel is found in verse three: Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.

This means the righteous are assured security and sustenance. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name . . . ” (Hebrew 6:10).

3.  We find the third counsel in verse five: Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you.

God should be relied upon for whatever one undertakes in life. He will make your innocence as clear as the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. (Ps. 37:6).

4.  The fourth admonition is recorded in verse seven: Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

The admonition in this verse is to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.  Patience is a godly virtue. Clearly, a manifestation of patience is the art of learning to keep silent even when provoked into an argument.

5.  The fifth admonition gives us: Stop your anger! Turn from your rage! Do not envy others-- it only leads to harm.

And indeed it does. How often do people react to situations emotionally and then later regret the damage that has been done? We need not take matters regarding evil into our own hands. God promises to provide justice for the iniquity that is done under the sun.

For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the LORD will possess the land. (Ps. 37:9-11).

The wicked plot against the just and grind their teeth at them;   But the LORD laughs at them, knowing their day is coming.  The wicked draw their swords; they string their bows To fell the poor and oppressed, to slaughter those whose way is honest.  Their swords will pierce their own hearts; their bows will be broken.   (Ps. 37:12-15).

The righteous should be patient and trust in the Lord.  Better the poverty of the just than the great wealth of the wicked.  (vv. 16-17).

Notice the contrast between the reward of the righteous and of the wicked.

The LORD watches over the days of the blameless; their heritage lasts forever.

They will not be disgraced when times are hard; in days of famine they will have plenty.

The wicked perish, the enemies of the LORD; Like the beauty of meadows they vanish; like smoke they disappear.

The wicked borrow but do not repay; the just are generous in giving.

For those blessed by the Lord will possess the land, but those accursed will be cut off.  (Ps. 37:18-22)

God promises over and over to help the righteous. Those whose steps are guided by the LORD; whose way God approves, may stumble, but they will never fall, for the LORD holds their hand.

Neither in my youth, nor now in old age have I ever seen the just abandoned or their children begging bread.  The just always lend generously, and their children become a blessing.   (Ps. 37:23-26).

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Johnson's Baby Bedtime Freebie

Inviting all of you to participate in the Johnson's Baby sponsored online promo.  All you have to do is click here or on the Johnson's photo badge that appears on the right sidebar of my blog to take you to a short online survey.  Simply point your mouse to answer the questions, and if you are among the first 100 lucky respondents, then you win for your baby a special gift set from Johnson's Baby.

 

"For over 100 years, Johnson’s Baby has walked with millions of moms through their own journeys and intends to continue doing this for every new mom." 

Johnson’s Baby recognizes that modern Filipino moms are more conscientious in learning more about the best way to nurture and care for their baby that they not only rely on the pediatrician, but they also do their own research on the internet and ask tips and advice from fellow moms as well.

That is why Johnson’s Baby is reaching out to the Filipino moms through mom-bloggers that Filipino moms follow. The company's advocacy to make every night a peaceful slumber for both the mom and the baby. 

 

Johnson’s Baby shares this clinically-proven bedtime routine to help mom give their babies better sleep.   This simple and effective 3-Step routine includes (1) a warm bath, (2) a soothing massage and (3) some quiet time to drift baby off to sleep.

 For more on the Science of Sleep, please visit the Johnson's Baby webpage:  www.babycenter.com.ph/bedtime.

Hurry!  Freebies are limited only to the first 100 to take the survey.

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Manila International Book Fair 2010

Bibliophiles all over Manila must be counting the days till September 15, the day when the annual Manila International Book Fair (MIBF) opens its doors to its over eighty thousand book-loving loyalists.  The MIBF is the longest-running, most prestigious and internationally-recognized book event in the Philippines.  The event boasts of showcasing hundreds and thousand of books, magazines, periodicals, journals and other educational materials and equipment by 150 local and foreign exhibitors. 

Everyone in my family looks forward to the MIBF year after year.   For a very good reason, too, as it has proven to be the best place to buy books – from a title on the best-seller’s list to the hard to find elusive trade book;   there is always something for everyone as we browse for hours and hours.  While C and I are raring to search for the numerous titles in our list, the kids are bowled over by the plentiful freebies that some of the exhibitors are generously handing out – even without purchase!  The MIBF is a wonderful place of discovery for my kids – they have found new book series to collect; new titles to devote their time to for a couple of days; and  hopefully, a life long love for reading, too! 

If you plan to take the family (kids in tow!) with you, here are some of the booths that you might want to prioritize: 

WS Pacific – this is one of the booths that is a sure hit with my kids.  They have a wide selection of  children’s storybooks and activity books, all selection at very affordable prices.  A few years back, this is where I did my Christmas shopping for the children of my friends.

Adarna House – I love Adarna’s children’s books.  I love it that they have bilingual texts that allow for Filipino kids to get more proficient with the Filipino language.  If you get there early, they also sell some books with big discounts, but the selections disappear very fast.

Scholastic – The kids are such great fans of Scholastic.  The titles and collections are great.  One of the favorite books I bought from them is “I Love You Forever”  by Robert Munsch.   The booth has a lot of promos and freebies, too.  I remember J getting some Junie B. Jones scrap booking materials and stickers a few years ago; they were so liberal in giving that she was able to get a big bunch to share with her good friends.

National Book Store –  They have one of the biggest, if not the biggest, booth in the exhibit.   However, the off-site branches are also on sale, so if you are running low on time, you can opt to skip this.

OMF Lit-  This bookstore has a lot of Christian/Spiritual titles.  Some of the wonderful books I bought from OMF that have inspired me are:  Power of a Praying Wife and the Power of a Praying Parent, both titles by Stormie Omartian,  If you want to encourage your kids to get acquainted with the Bible, there are a few Bibles for kids sold here, too.  Last year, they gave away an eco-bag for every purchase, as well as a thick stack of bookmarks.

Put on your most comfortable shoes and bring your largest eco-bag!  Be prepared for an afternoon's worth of book shopping ... I'll see you there!

The 31st Manila International Book Fair is happening on Sept.15-19 at the SMX Convention Center, Seashell Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. 

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Look Where Yummy Took Us For Lunch

I make a terrible food blogger!  Every time I make an attempt to write a post about a fabulous hole in the wall resto that we just discovered, alas, there are no food photos to go with the article!  I just happen to be the mother of the three most starved children this side of the universe. :)  Their hands dig in the moment the plate is put down.  And let's be honest here, what's a food post if there are no mouth-watering photos to match the narrative.  

Take the absence of visuals on my AmoRoma Ristorante Italiano blog post, for instance.  No amount of enticing text can stand up to a lip-smacking, delectable photograph.   The post did manage to convince a few friends to give it a try.  But I am sure a lot more people would have wanted to try it out had we not been the gluttons that we are and took a few minutes off to manage some photo op with the food. :)

When I learned that Yummy Magazine had arranged for me and my family to dine at Mr. Jones, I decided straight-away that I should do a post about this much-celebrated modern art-deco diner, if only to scrutinize if they are indeed deserving of all the exposure and hype.  I have a very poor memory (blame it on an appendectomy and three c-sections) so I had planned to photo journal everything, taking notes and photos as the meal progress.  Which would have been convenient - if I remembered to lug along the D90 with me.  

In its absence, I decided my Nokia camphone would do.  I had used it before to take photos for a blog post with satisfactory results.  So I clicked away while we waited for our orders to arrive.  The place has a retro vibe to it; highlighted by a vintage jukebox in one corner and zebra printed couches.  There are several huge cookie jars on display above the cashier stand which contain an assortment of toys typically found in your neighborhood sari-sari stores:  yo-yo's, pick-up sticks, jack stones, et al.  My kids were delighted to be offered a pick of any of the selections, and they hurriedly took it up with pleasure. 

B ordered the tomato soup, which arrived with a cheese and watercress micro-greens panini on the side.  She found the tomato too tangy for her taste, and quickly shoved the plate away.  I guess everyone found something wrong with it that after doing the rounds in our table it was left alone, which allowed me to take a photo unhurriedly.

Right about the time when the server puts the second platter on our table, an order of Truffled Mac and Cheese, six stubby hands go right in.  They loved this grown up and sophisticated version of Mac n’ Cheese with three kinds of macaroni, bacon, four cheeses, Portobello mushrooms, and with a generous drizzle of truffle oil on top.   Here is one hand reaching out for seconds, accidentally taking a swipe at my arm while I was clicking the shutter button ..... sorry for the blurry pic.

And then my camphone ran out of battery...

Still, having no photos is no excuse not to enjoy our meal, especially if it's one that we didn't have to pay for. :)  Our server was right when she said that the Tapa and Garlic Overload is one of their popular dishes.  And rightly so!  The thin slices of beef topped with crisp garlic chips was soft to the bite and very flavorful.  It is served with your preferred style of eggs, garlic rice and atchara. 

The bechamel sauce of the Melted “Old Bay” Crab and Dory Thermidor is too annoyingly creamy that it overpowered the crab and fish.  Will not order again.   

Two Dogs in Bed, 2 wienerli franks sandwiched in a hotdog bun with sauerkraut, sweet relish, fresh onions, wholegrain mustard, ketchup, jalapeno peppers.  French fries and coleslaw served on the side.  This is something that I think I can easily do at home so I am not really impressed.  The key to replicate this dish is to get the franks from a reputable delicatessen. 

For dessert, the kids agreed to get the Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes,  5 layers of  absolute goodness served with powdered sugar, candied lemon twists, whipped cream, maple syrup and whipped butter. 

The servings are true to the tradition of American diners which allows for sharing.    A free dessert is also dished up if you pay using a partner credit card.  

Just for the Truffled Mac and Cheese, this place deserves another visit!

Mr. Jones 

Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Vill.

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

(02) 501-3682 to 83

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Yummy Cooking Demo

If you are in the Quezon City area on August 28, 2010 and have nothing better to do you might be interested to join Yummy magazine's cooking demo at  Landmark Trinoma.

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Scholastic Clearance Sale

My family LOVE books!  Just look at our partial collection here.   We do not favor a particular genre, every topic is interestingly devoured.  Read this and know what is one of my favorite things to do on a lazy afternoon. :)

The kids have their own library, almost as big as mine, which is also full of books, most of them with worn out pages.  We do not mind indulging them with purchases of new ones as the books inspire the kids to get creative, like right here.

When they were younger I remember the kids loved the adorable "If You Give"  series...

Geronimo Stilton is also another well-loved series...

And, when we go out, we usually make a stop at our favorite bookstore before finally heading home.

So, it is only but natural for me to be excited in sharing with you about this fantastic book sale by Scholastic! This will be August 27-30 and September 1-2, 2010 at their warehouse in Pasig.  

Discount on books can go up to 75% off! Imagine buying a book as low as P30 only!  The selections available include best-sellers, award winning titles, past season items, stock-outs, samples, and display copies.  What's more they also offer Bag-All-You-Can at P495.00 or  Box-All-You-Can at P1,495.00

Here is how to get there:

1st Scholastic Clearance Sale 2010

August 27-30, Sept. 1-2, 2010
Friday to Monday, Wednesday to Thursday
8 am to 8 pm
 

Scholastic Warehouse
No. 70 C. Raymundo Avenue,
Rosario, Pasig City
Telephone Numbers: 900-1537; 628-4487
Mobile Number: 09175804784
Email address: scholasticbookfairs@scholastic.com.ph

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Food Around The Globe

Ever since my kids can eat table food, we have always encouraged and exposed the kids to try a variety of food.  When we go to restaurants, we order “adult food” and do not go out our way to order kiddie fare for them.  As a result, they have developed quite mature taste buds, and they embrace the world's diverse cuisine as their own. It's not inconceivable, and in most days when I have the time, it would seem that they are traveling the world for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Eating Polish kielbasa and Filipino tapa for breakfast; Persian beef keema and Indian curried vegetables for lunch; Italian pasta for mid-afternoon snacks; and for dinner, a bowl of hot Korean miyeok-kuk (seaweed soup), Japanese beef teppan and mung beans.

When they were much younger and not able to properly verbalize their preference, I never understood why they would be the only kids not excited to see fried chicken and sweet-tasting Filipino style spaghetti frequently served at kiddie parties.   It wasn't until J was about 7 when she asked me why the spaghetti served at birthday parties doesn’t taste anything like our home-made marinara sauce.   I had to explain Italian style marinara sauce vis-à-vis Filipino sweet-style.  And so now she knows that not all tomato sauce are equal.  She has become a tomato sauce snob.  Preferring hers to have the full flavors of Italy, it used to be courtesy of my handy and ever reliable McCormick Gourmet Collection Italian seasoning. But ever since I started growing my own herbs,  I now always use the fresh ones from my own pots.

From Italy, the kids love pasta al pesto Genovese, cacio e pepe, aglio e olio. 
 

Japanese is another favorite cuisine with Beef Sukiyaki, Kani Sushi and California Maki Roll ranking high on the family's list of fave food.  So much so, that on a recent birthday celebration the party provisions was fused with some Japanese platters.

Long before I discovered Mario Batali’s recipe for Pasta Cacio e Pepe, B was already eating her pasta that way.  I remember we were invited to go on a play date and when snacks was served, she would not let the host put tomato sauce on her pasta, emphasizing, “just parmesan cheese would do, thank you”.  At that time,  I did not even know there was an Italian name for it… Cacio e Pepe.

Mario Batali's Pasta Cacio e Pepe (Pasta with Cheese and Pepper)

olive oil

dried pasta

butter or olive oil

Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated

finely ground black pepper

dash of salt, to taste

In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil over high heat until it is almost smoking. Meanwhile, cook the pasta in the boiling water according to the package directions, until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving the cooking liquid, and add to the saute pan with the oil. Add the butter and toss over high heat 1 minute. Grate plenty of cheese and black pepper over, add salt if necessary and serve immediately.

Happy Cooking!

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Fashion For Less For The Li'l Fashionista

I have noticed of late that the li'l lady and li'l girl have been increasingly asking to frequent Zara, much too often for my comfort.  I try to make sure that the shopping jaunts are well-timed during SALE season... nay, make that the first day of SALE season.  It's best to cut off the shopping addiction before the claws dig itself too deep.  :)

 

The little lady has been looking high and low for a pair of jeggings in black and washed-up denim.  What serendipity to find the last pair available in the whole store was her size, and discounted at only Php 500?  When I first heard the term, I threw up one eyebrow high up in the air as I could.  What the....?  Just when I thought skinny jeans could not be any skinnier, fashion throws jeggings right at me.  Tsk! Tsk! :)

If you've been a long-time reader, then you must have heard of J's minor issue with shoes.  She is a shoe addict whose shoe cabinet strongly rivals mine.  Her collection of Havaianas flip-flops alone puts mine to shame.  Her love of shoes has led me to call her octopus lady.  Whenever she begs for a new pair, I always come up with, "Why do you need a new pair for?  How many feet have you got?"  We always end up laughing.

She particularly loves the designs from Steve Madden.  While we now have the same shoe size and can make several shoe purchases more cost-efficient, I am not particularly fond of the idea of sharing shoes.  Sadly, even with her lady-sized feet, she is still a spunky little girl who loves to skip and run.  

Her feet grows at an amazing rate, too, that buying an expensive pair doesn't really make it worth it.  Yet, who knows, at the rate she wears her shoes, they might be worn out even before she outgrows them. :)  So bye-bye Steve Madden; hello, Target!  

My online cart at Target is filled to overflowing with shoe boxes for my two girls.  Most of the collection offered are very similar to department store brands, but at very affordable prices.  I have made a "Fashion for Less"  spread below.  Enjoy it!

This sophisticated ruched and buckled sandal from Steve Madden looks amazing with the coolest dresses, skirts and jumpers.  I got her an amazing look-alike hooded sandals from Target at a fraction of the cost

This bohemian gladiator inspired flats looks divine with short or long skirts or dresses that are just the right length to allow the bejeweled ankle design to peek through.

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Case of the Tutor Mom

It is exam week in my kids' school this week - all three of them!  You cannot imagine the chaos that goes around when study time comes.  I have them all gather around the dining table where I can see each one of them at my every turn.  I had no sooner turn my back from the first child to attend to second child than I catch some playful banter behind me.  

Just when everything is quiet and there's some semblance of studying going on, a closer inspection would show some creative doodling on paper.  Or worse, "Mom, I am soooo sleepy!"  Of course a Nazi mom's solution to droopy eyes would be a quick trip to the bathroom sink for a splash of cold water on the face. :)  There!  All awake now! :)

Where my kids go to school, Singapore Math is in the curriculum.  Singapore Math is an entirely different math from what we all grew up with.   The hallmark of the curriculum is the careful guidance of students, done in a child-friendly pictorial language.  Singapore math programs have a consistent and strong emphasis on problem solving and model drawing.  For this reason, what I know as simple addition is now being taught as “number bonds.”  

The Singapore method is poles apart from the traditional way of teaching math that my son’s school is offering a free seminar to all interested parents who want to know more about it.  The Singaporean lecturer emphasized that should the tutor/parent not be familiar with the Singapore method, then it is best to leave the teaching to the school, lest any outside  intervention is bound to confuse the child even more.

Having said that, it is of course disastrous that I did not bother to attend any of the said seminars.  I was already this close to pulling out all of my hair in frustration as I desperately tried to explain to R the concept of looking for the missing addends – the Singpore math way.  “What do you need to add to 2 to get 6?”  I said for the second time, pointing to the circles, while my fingers gripped the pencil ever so tightly.  Still no answer.

In desperation, I called for back-up.  I called my 7-year old, “B, can you please explain to your younger brother how you do this.”  She said matter-of-factly, “this is easy R.  First, you look at the two circles on this side, and then look at the two lines connected to these two circles directed toward one circle in the opposite side.  These two circles are called the parts, the other circle on the opposite side with two lines pointing to it is called the whole.  Blah, blah, blah….  I swear, she sounded a lot like a math teacher.  

That did it.  R aced the exam. Mommy is happy.  Case closed.

As I picked the girls up from school today, J tells me how challenging the Filipino exam was.  How she found the Filipino language reading comprehension extremely difficult.  “Mom, I didn’t understand some of the words in the story.”  B cuts in, “consider yourself blessed, still!  I didn’t understand almost all of the words in my Filipino exam!”  Sadly, my math genius is totally lost in her Filipino class.  

A-ya-yay! And the cycle goes on...

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