by The Happy WAHM
It’s that time of year again. The month when the Philippine Homeschool Conference happens. And this year’s theme is From Roots to Wings.
It’s been eight years. Eight years since we first embraced homeschooling. But I still can’t say that I know what I’m doing. We’re taking this journey one lesson at a time, one year at a time.
Early this year, I shared my fears about our homeschooling. We are no longer enrolled with a homeschool provider, so we are in this journey on our own.
Well, not really.
We get our support from fellow homeschooling families who selflessly share tips and encouragement in online fora. And conferences, such as this one.
I’ve been to two homeschool conferences, and this year is going to be my third. Some would say, if you’ve been to one, you’ve been to all. Some would ask, “What do you need a conference for? You’ve been doing it for eight years!”
Well, apart from the fact that it’s fun to connect with people who are in the same journey as us, it’s also important to be updated on how the homeschooling environment has been evolving through the years. I’d say that this year’s breakout sessions are even more exciting than last year’s.
Topics are spot on, and speaker line up is quite impressive.
- The Ins and Outs of Homeschooling in the Philippines, with Edric Mendoza
- Transitioning from Brick and Mortar to Homeschooling, with Jenn Punzalan
- Homeschooling the High School Years, with Racquel Guevara
- Laying the Foundation in Preschool, with Milona Barraca
- Paper and Pen: How “Low Tech” Reading and Writing Benefit Students, with Andrew Pudewa
- Transitioning to College, with Ivy and Bernard Marquez
- Starting Your Homeschool Journey, with Donna Simpao
- The Hows of Interest-led Homeschooling, with Alex Hao
- Homeschooling the Special Needs Child, with Jen Bellosillo
Plus, there are exciting activities for the kids, as well.
Write Pretty by Meg and Maddie (8:30am-10am)
Children ages 7 and up will enjoy learning a new skill with fellow homeschooled children Meg and Maddie Barraca.
Handlettering by Maddie (10:30am-12noon)
Join in the hand lettering trend by learning how to write calligraphy. To be conducted by Meg and Maddie Barraca. For children ages 7 and up.
Just Add Water – A Brush Calligraphy class by Marj Liwag (12:30pm-2pm, 4:30-6pm)
Little Miss Printer herself will teach this class for children ages 7 and up.
Inks and Lines – A Tangling class by Marj Liwag (2:30pm-4pm)
Learn about this relaxing art that creates beautiful images from simple patterns.
Challenge Island (8am-10am, 10:30am-12pm, 2:30pm-4:30pm)
Loosely based on the popular show, Survivor, children ages 5 and up will learn collaboration and cooperation the various Challenge Island tasks that they will be given to their tribe. Are they up to the challenge?
Crochet Along with Crafted Crafts by Marge Aberásturi (7am-6pm)
Marge Aberásturi of Crafted Crafts will welcome children ages 6 and up in her booth for beginning crochet lessons. Additional P250 fee for yarn and hook. Hey, this is me!
MEET THE ART MASTERS by Likhang Bata Creativity Center (7am-6pm)
Likhang Bata Creativity Art Center’s classes are a fun way to introduce the art masters to the children. The classes will be held in Likhang Bata’s booth the whole day.
SAFSOF SPORTS PLAY AREA BY TOPMnl (7am-6pm)
Let your kids move and play in our indoor sports play area! Crawl under arch gates. Swing your club in mini golf. Topple the cans with the soft catapult. Play bowling. Practice targeting skills with the Multi Ring Toss. All using SAFSOF safe rubber foam sports toys. For kids ages 3 years to 12 years.
SMILE TODDLER PLAY AREA (7am-6pm)
Children ages 1-3 will enjoy the various activities prepared by SMILE Group in the Toddler play area.
Looks like fun, right?
I assure you, it is! Especially if you drop by my booth!
Here’s how you can ensure that your registration runs smoothly…
See you at the conference!
by The Happy WAHM
26/365Challenge: Today’s a happy day! Never thought much about Valentine’s day. It’s not a day I got used to celebrating, but my son changed that for me.
Three days ago, he asked me if we still have origami paper. But unfortunately, we’ve run out. So next he asked If I have colored papers. And I gave him what’s left in the ream that I bought last year. I knew there’s something he’s trying to follow on YouTube, but I’m not one to go where I’m not invited, so I just let him be. I would hear him getting frustrated. And I would just shush him and say, “Patience, Jude.”
Then yesterday, he finally admitted that he could not finish it all by himself. He needed someone to hold the folded paper with two hands, while he used his hands turning the paper to its shape. When I commented that it’s looking good, he said, “It’s for you, Mommy.”
By afternoon, he asked me if he could borrow my glue gun. He needed it to attach the wire stem to the leaves and the flower.
Again, he was frustrated. He’s not used to using a glue gun, and it hardens before he could attach. So his dad finally offered to help him. We don’t normally offer to help. We have to be asked. That’s what we teach them. Figure things out by themselves, and ask for help when they can no longer do it on their own.
So Daddy showed him how to simply use the white glue and roll the paper around the wire.
This was the photo I posted on Instagram.
And this is where it is now, holding that special space on my lap table which also serves as my crochet project table. The crane is from my middlechild. I wonder what our firstborn will have for me this Valentine?
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by The Happy WAHM
Last Monday, April 13, my favorite firstborn and I had our first summer fun date. More like a treat for her high school graduation, really. Gosh! I can’t believe we’ll have a college student this June, and she’s only 15!
Since she has been attending regular school, she really missed out on a lot of field trips and dates that I had with her two younger siblings, who are still homeschooled. But for the few times that she took a trip with me to the city, it has always been for something connected to arts and crafting, like the crochet workshop that she asked as her birthday present last October.
So when she learned that I had been invited by Memory Crafters to the media launch of the Summer Art Sessions by Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, she jumped at the chance to go with me.
Launched in partnership with Manila Workshops, Tuscany at McKinley Hill’s Summer Art Sessions is a weekend arts and crafts workshop series happening every Sunday beginning April 19 and will run until May 10, from 1PM – 5PM.
Summer Art Sessions is open to all arts and crafts enthusiasts and will be led by some of Manila’s finest artists, who will be sharing their knowledge and expertise in a variety of workshops to be held at several restaurants in Tuscany.
Fun and exciting art activities await those who will register including workshops on the basics of doodling with WeeWillDoodle founder Nelz Yumul at Lucky’s Burger Bar, and Basic Paper Cutting by Hey Kessy at Banapple Pies and Cheesecakes.
Those who are into calligraphy can take part in the Basic Brush Calligraphy class of Mimai Cabugnason, also known as Sharkmaine in the art scene, at Marciano’s, while those who would like to learn how to do their own rubber stamps can go to the Rubber Stamping class by Manila Workshops at Sophie’s Mom.
More fun art workshops await aspiring artists at the Summer Art Sessions including an Acrylic and Oil Workshop by The Artologist at the Sauceria. Meanwhile, Do-It-Yourself guru Nica Cosio will be sharing lessons on how to spruce up one’s own tote bag at her DIY Tote Bag Designing class happening at Sophie’s Mom.
Aside from fun and learning-filled art classes, sumptuous dishes and treats will also be served during the workshops. Moreover, Josh Villena of pop band Autotelic will be serenading participants during the first edition of the workshop series on April 19.
Those who would like to join the Tuscany at McKinley Hill’s Summer Art Sessions can register now by logging on to Manila Workshops at manilaworkshops.com or by calling 0926-6167720.
Registration fee of P2,000 per session is inclusive of food, art kits and materials. Limited slots are available per workshop, so better register early.
As for me and my girls, we are hoping to attend the Acrylic and Oil Workshop by The Artologist, and the Rubber Stamping class by Nica Cosio.
My firstborn has been practicing the basic brush calligraphy that she learned at the launch, and sharing the knowledge with her younger sister. The mommy in me is hopeful, though, that we can explore partnerships with StabiloPH to support my middlechild’s passion for arts, because at 9, she drew this…
And at 11, she made this…
I’ve also featured some of her art here, here and here. I believe she’s a natural, and I support her passion wholeheartedly. We just need a little extra boost on the resources. 🙂
But anyway…
Kudos to Marciano’s for the sumptuous food that we shared at the launch. So sumptuous that I only have one photo to show. As I always say, I’ll never be a food blogger. Ha ha!
So again, I invite you to check out these cool Summer Art Sessions and don’t forget to use my code – CBTUSCANY-THW – when you register.
Hope to see you there!
by The Happy WAHM
I always write when I’m emotional. And this morning, I’m feeling just that.
I have just turned over my cross-stitch hobby kit to my middlechild. Out of nowhere, the thought just came that it’s time. A decision was made. She will have my cross-stitch kit.
A few days ago, we were [again] at National Bookstore to pick up a book I had them keep for me. It was a book I saw during their warehouse sale. I thought of getting it for my friend and partner, as I know that her family is into Star Wars. But knowing that they also frequent the bookstores and are avid collectors, I did not buy it outright. I first wanted to find out if they don’t have a copy of it yet. But she took a long time replying to my text message [like I texted her about lunchtime, asking if she would like to have this Phantom Menace book, and she replied early evening that yes, her husband and son would love to have it]. So suffice it to say that I lost the opportunity to buy that book for her. But, persevering soul that I am, I called up NBS to ask if they still have a copy. Alas, hardbound Star Wars books on sale go in a flash, so no, they no longer have a copy. But because I’m social that way, I was able to make a teeny-tiny request of them calling their other branches to see if there are other copies lying around, and if they can have one reserved for me. So a few days ago, I received a call from NBS, telling me that they have found a copy for me, and that they have it reserved, waiting to be picked up.
But that’s not what this entry is about. 🙂
On that trip, my son asked for a fresh supply of clay and some popsicle sticks for his project. You know that feeling of being unfair to the other child when you buy something for one? I had that exact feeling. I just felt that it was unfair not to have something for Bea. So I asked her to choose one from the shelf, as we were on the arts aisle. She picked a cross-stitch kit.
And here is that kit now. Still unfinished, but you can see that for a first project, she’s doing a great job at it. Not to mention that she’s enjoying the craft.
So why choose today to give her my collection?
Well, today, I’ll be meeting up with former officemates at the mall. As is my routine, each time I need to be out of the house, I ask my kids who would want to go with me. It’s my way of involving them in my activities, and at the same time giving them the opportunity to go out and socialize.
This morning, my favorite middlechild joined me in the bed for a cuddle. I always have that time in the morning, before getting up, of cuddling with any one of the kids. This morning, it was Bea.
She knows about my afternoon out with girlfriends, so I asked if she wants to go with me. Surprise, surprise! She did not want to go. When I asked why, she said she’d rather stay home to finish her cross-stitch project.
And so I got up, opened the drawer where I keep all my hobby kits, and showed her my collection of cross-stitching books, aida cloths, skein threads, patterns, finished and unfinished projects and in between, told her stories of how I chose a particular pattern to work on, how I got into the hobby, where I got my first crosss-stitching book, etc. Most of my projects have dates on them, dating back to 1994. And then I showed her how I use old magazines to tape each pattern on, so that individual patterns that I buy are organized and kept like a real book of patterns, and how I make markings either on the cloth or on the pattern as a technique in making my life easier. 🙂
We spent half of the morning just talking about the hobby. And while I’m writing this post, she’s busy finishing her first project.
I don’t know if her interest in cross-stitching will last, or if it is just a passing fancy to match the crochet projects of her older sister. But whether this is just a phase or a life-long passion, I commit to support and encourage her all the way.
Meanwhile, I still have my quilting and sewing kits left in the drawer, waiting for the next set of hands to own them.
Do you have questions, comments or feedback about this post?
Please leave me a message, or post them, at my Facebook Page.
by The Happy WAHM
I first heard of Balik Bukid last year. But only after people were already talking about it on Facebook. From the photos and the blogs, the fair seemed like fun. So I made a promise to myself and the kids that we’ll be at the next one.
And we were.
We’ve just arrived home from this year’s Balik Bukid at Hacienda Sta. Elena. And boy, it was indeed fun! Come to think of it, fun is an understatement. It was exhilarating. More so for the kids. Each of them had a personal high.
Xia riding a horse. And a big one at that!
Bea conquering her fear of heights. I was truly worried that she’d feel the fear halfway up and panic, but she was able to hold on and finish the climb on her own, and go back down again. Truth be told, I was only able to take a total of three shots of her on those ropes. I was shaking. Very frightened that she’d have an episode. I know that feeling so well. The paralyzing fear of heights. But she was a real trouper. Even asked if she could do another climb. But my heart could no longer take it. So, no.
Jude catching a fish.
And I had a personal high, too.
I did something that I have not done even in my teen years. And not even when I was moonlighting as a production assistant for live concerts.
Today, I finally had the courage to ask a celebrity for a photo op. Look at this!
Well, I actually approached her with: “Ah, excuse me, but can my kids have a photo with you?” And my kids were like: “What? Why? Sino s’ya, Mommy?” So I explained: “Sorry, my kids don’t watch TV and they are not familiar with Philippine show business.” And she replied: “Oh, that’s okay! I don’t watch TV myself, and I wouldn’t know me either if I’m not me.” Ha ha!
So here she is with my girls.
The little boy was at that time having fun boating with his dad, which was a good thing, coz I wouldn’t have had the courage to approach Maricel had the dad been around. He frowns on these things. Being a fan and taking pictures of celebrities. It’s simply not in his zone. So it was a good thing that he was not around. 🙂
We met a couple of fellow WAHMs. Hmmm… now that I think about it, these WAHMs are both artistically gifted. Ginnie of The Green Mailbox and Nica of Carlos and Veronica. Awesome talents, these ladies!
And Xia had a bag personalized with her name by Ima, who also does calligraphy. And what do you know, the other lady in the photo below is also named Isabelle. She’s actually one of the angels of Manila Workshops.
Thrilled also to have re-introduced myself and the kids to a cousin-in-law, whose online store will be launched next year. But for now, you can find her here, and below, with my treasures. Jude really was in his element this whole day, making faces for the camera.
And lest I be accused of turning my site into a photo blog, I’d better stop posting photos here.
To the organizers of the country fair, thank you for putting up such an organized event. The attendants were all so accommodating and helpful. The facilities were well-maintained. Like the toilets were cleaned after every use. Alcohol bottles and paper towels in every turn. Attendants maintaining cleanliness of the grounds. Security personnel so snappy. All the kuya‘s who assisted my kids through the horseback riding, the carabao ride, the rope climb, the feeding, the boating, the fishing… kudos to you! You were their heroes! Until the next Balik Bukid!
by The Happy WAHM
Oh, my goodness! After that, I’m speechless.
Today is the worst, so far. Coz it rained yesterday and the field is muddy. But those shoes are what I deal with everyday.
It’s been 54 days since my kids started soccer training, and boy, am I so proud of them! Six days a week, Monday to Saturday, they’d wake up at the crack of dawn and prepare to go to training. Milk, cookies, shower, get into their jerseys, get the shin guards and line up for Mommy to put on their socks and shoes.
Well, at least for the two younger ones. My 13-year old can actually put on her shin guards and knee socks, which can sometimes be a challenge. 🙂
I’ve never been athletic. I tried to be, back in high school. But dance was, and will always be, my passion, so it took precedence. Although come to think of it, dance is a sport, right? So I can claim to be athletic. Except that I danced cultural, not the power dances that are considered as sports.
I did gymnastics for a short time. Then softball as a shortstop, a bit of volleyball, did sprints on the track and field, and badminton. But I’d really rather be practicing my sway balance and waltz than do strenuous sports training. So yeah, I’m no athlete.
That’s why it’s been quite a challenge to keep up with the kids’ schedule this summer. Daily training for soccer, from 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM. Since the field is still a good 30-minute drive, we have to leave the house at 5:30 AM, which means we actually wake up at 4:00 AM so we can have time for a light breakfast and shower. While they train, I study my lessons on my tab. Yeah, I’m a Courseran, too! 🙂 Glutton for punishment, right?
Then we make a dash for home, take a quick meal and a bath, and off again to the Drum and Lyre Band training ’til 11:00 AM. We take a quick lunch and give the kids another shower and prepare again for their piano lessons at 1:00 PM. Sometimes, I’d just grab my laptop and my pocket wi-fi so I can put in some work while I wait up for the kids ’til 4:00 PM, instead of leaving and coming back to pick them up.
It’s a good thing that the piano lessons and the band training are only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Otherwise, I’d be dead by now. 🙂 And have I mentioned that I handwash their jerseys and socks everyday?
They’ve been to two tournaments, and looking forward to at least one more before summer ends. By then I’d be an expert sports mom. The first tournament we went to, we were so unprepared! I thought it was a single game kind of thing. What do you know! Tournaments, even for kiddies, are whole day affairs. So the next one we went to, we were more armed with the necessities. Like a cooler full of water and ice, several shirts to change to after each game, towels, an umbrella and a visor cap. Next time, I’d remember to wear rubber shoes and bring long sleeved polo to protect my arms. The heat and dust in these events are not for the fainthearted.
So while I am really supportive of whatever my kids choose to do, there are days that I feel like I’m way over my head. Like today, when I have to deal with muddy shoes. And socks! Thank God for my eldest who helped with the clean up, and the fact that it’s Tuesday, so no band practice to run to.
The kids? It’s another story. They voluntarily sleep early, they look forward to each training day and seeing their new-found friends. They seem to not get tired at all. They’re having the time of their lives! And that in itself is a reward.
