Sobrina y Sobrino

getting by

2010-10-06T21:07:00.000+08:00

It will be a month tomorrow since my niece and nephew left for Italy. And although I cried several nights after, I can say that I'm recovering now. I no longer cry everytime I see pictures of them in Italy or whenever I chat with the girl on FB.

I'm still missing them so much though. But I can only think of the memories for now:

The girl and I enjoying a road trip with my barkada. I'm more close to her than the boy.
A conversation with the boy about crushes and bestfriends
The 3 of us malling, me giving them each baon (money) for them to spend
Helping them finish school assignments and projects (it's always fun and filled with occasional arguments! :p
Attending their school activities (always camera-battery draining moments) in behalf of their mommy and daddy
My sleep-overs at their house, with the girl always my bed companion.
Conversation with the girl about everything under the sun. Ahhm, especially boys!
Holidays filled with their laughter and excitement. Gift-giving mostly them as recipients.
Beach and pool fun. They love the water!
Just being with them.

We are all adjusting but the least we can do is to help each other cope. They're adjusting there as much as we are here. But for sure, everything will go back to normal again. Soon. :)

Finally!

2010-09-08T20:49:00.000+08:00

Words can't describe how everyone felt about this reunion. After 3 long years, they're together at last.
Will miss them so much. It's hard but seeing how happy they are now will make it easier.
Until we see each other again. :) We love you!

leaving soon

2010-08-28T20:12:00.002+08:00

My life has been full of hellos and goodbyes. The hellos are nonetheless the happy encounters that put my life with vigor and excitement.

What about goodbyes? No matter how I make myself see the brighter and positive side, it's still a manifestation that something and/or someone is being taken away from you. Of circumstances, the necessity and the reality.

My niece and nephew are leaving soon. It's only 8 days before they leave for Italy to be with their Mommy and grandparents for good. It makes me deeply sad. But I thought, it's too selfish of me to even feel that way. And so instead of grieving our loss, our loneliness for their leaving, I'd rather be happy knowing that after all the hardships and sacrifices their Mommy had gone through for them, finally, it all paid of. She'll not be missing her kids anymore.

It'll be hard for us, the ones they will leave behind. Missing them too much will be an everyday struggle. But I guess, knowing that they'll be happier soon makes it bearable.

Piccoli tanto tempo, ci manca sicuramente. Non bisogna mai dimenticare. We Love You, oh, così caro.

cars

2010-08-05T21:14:00.001+08:00

Jakob has this interests in cars, I think most boys do. And some girls like me. :p Back then, I was on the verge of buying the Hummer toy car in yellow at a mall had I not stopped myself because it's too pricey for a toy. And I don't think it's practical for me to buy one.

OK, I digress. I love Hot Wheels. And Jakob too so I bought two for him days ago-

I am wanting to have a collection of cars and I hope this will be the start. So that means I'll be buying for me and Jakob. Ah, that'll costs a lot so I'd be buying lang occasionally and if my budget permits.

Meanwhile, I'll let my nephew enjoy his Hot Wheel cars with his other toys. And here's hoping he'd take care and keep them safely. You know how the little boys are. :)

back on

2010-07-04T06:43:00.001+08:00

Ever since my last post which exudes a sad feeling, I never thought I'd be able to once again get the groove back to chronicle their day-to-day happenings.

But then again, I guess I was deeply consumed by a deep sadness knowing that someday, the very things I'll be posting here will no longer from what my eyes have seen and what I've experienced. They're growing really, really fast and somehow, everyday is always a big leap for the changes in them. The girl once quipped that I'm like kissing her like every minute when we're together.

They're back to school and I want to think that it's just a quick phase and all will be working out again. Waiting can be tiring, but all we could do is hope and pray that very soon, a reunion will eventually happen.

That one reunion I always pray for. The one we, who love them dearly, ardently wish to come true.

soon.

2010-03-26T20:13:00.000+08:00

I don't know where to begin but I know I'm slowly drifting away. Am I just readying myself to what will happen? Am very unsure. All I'm sure of is that I am afraid to face the inevitable. We might never see and be with each other again.

I will miss the hugs, the laughter, the playfulness, naughtiness, everything. And it makes me ache. But I can't hold on to them forever.

I can only keep them in my heart.

I'm not wondering why...

2010-02-05T19:50:00.000+08:00

Two nights ago, Vinces sent a text message asking me if I have a copy of the song Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross. I knew why she asked but I still want to know her reason so I replied that I have none and I wanted to know why she wants it. She only texted, 'Gusto ko s'ya Tita.'

I then played it through youtube and I felt her longingness. And it hurt. :(

P.S. I'm trying to find a downloadable copy for her. If only to make her happy somehow.

the holidays

2010-01-17T20:27:00.000+08:00

I know I haven't blogged here for more than a month now. Blame my laziness and the lack of eagerness. :( So now, here are the happenings in pictures.

I'll post stories as soon as I have my groove back.

chilling at the mall

2009-12-05T20:22:00.000+08:00

I met up with Venus, Vener, Jakob and Vinces in Bauan earlier this evening. They came from SM City Lipa to shop a little and to simply celebrate Vinces' 10th birthday. The girl actually asked me last night to come but I told her that I can't because I have work. This morning, I called her up and had a brief conversation about a possibility of me coming with them. But in the end, though I really wanted to go, I passed.

They ate at Red Ribbon, shopped at the department store and watched New Moon.

Once we got home, the kids showed me what they bought. And they're happy. I'm thankful they are. I'll post pictures soon. :)

happy 10th

2009-12-04T19:34:00.001+08:00

It's her birthday today. :) happy, happy 10th Vinces. You're growing up so fast, but you'll always be our darling little princess. We love you!

the power of 10

2009-11-30T17:03:00.000+08:00

I can't believe Vinces is turning 10 in four days. And I have yet to buy her a gift. She's nagiging dalaga na. How time flies. So fast, in a blink of an eye she'll become a tween. I'm happy she's maturing pretty well but sad because she'll eventually be our little princess no more.

I wonder what her plans are, or should I say what she wants for her birthday. But I'm wishing that she'll be able to receive the things that are more important and the ones her heart desires. Most of all the happiness she is deserving of.

Toyota Kids

2009-11-09T19:25:00.002+08:00

Last friday, I was able to buy Vinces & Jakob caps. Blue for the boy and of course pink for the girl. I'm happy they're thankful for the gift. Will take a picture of them wearing the Toyota caps soon. :)

úber busy?

2009-11-05T19:17:00.002+08:00

Phone conversation on a Sunday afternoon-

Me: Vinces, what time tayo punta sa cemetery?
Her: Di ko alam Tita kasi punta pa kami sa SM.
Me: Ganun, di na kayo dadalaw ke Vien?
Her: Dadalaw Tita pero punta pa kami SM.
Me: So what time nga? Eh di nakakapagod naman yun.
Her: Di ko pa nga alam. Oo nga Tita eh, full schedule nga ako eh.
Me: Full schedule ka dyan. Sige, bukas na lang tayo maaga punta sa cemetery. Sabihin mo ke Tita Venus.
Her: Okay! Bye!

school projects

2009-10-18T11:30:00.004+08:00

Weeks ago, during a phone conversation, she cried after telling me that she got a line of 7 grade in Math during their monthly exam. I was so sorry for her and felt guilty that I wasn't able to be there to tutor her at the time of the exam. To make up for it, I told her that I'll help her do the projects at school. As a result, her project in Science did well and she got a 'Very Good' grade. In fact, among the projects, hers was the sole crafty and creative. She even boasted about it and was very happy. Of course, I was happier. :)

Next is her poem writing project. I'm the one responsible for the words and she'll only help me with the drawings and cut-outs. Only if she'll come over. You see, she's tamad to walk all the way here because 'Mainit kasi, Tita.'

I still have to compose a poem and asap coz such project is due tomorrow. Now, I will just take a nap. Zzzz.

her kind heart

2009-09-13T20:08:00.004+08:00

It's been a week since I was with Vinces. I can never forget the 2 nights I spent with her and how sweet she was.

I had an issue at home that pushed me to stay temporarily [or rather sleep] at theirs. The first night, she and I were left to watch TV and when she's sleepy already, she realized I won't be going home. Next thing I knew, she went upstairs and when she came back, she had a pillow and handed it to me. She also left the fan on telling me that it'll make me comfy but I told her to turn it off and uttered my thanks. Before she walked up the stairs, she asked me if I'm OK and before I could answer, I choked.

It was so sweet of her and the only thing I managed to say was, 'Goodnight.'

The following night, I decided to sleep with her since her Tita V won't come home for the night. Again, she was the sweetest. She prepared our bed and made sure I have a blanket and a pillow. I cried myself to sleep silently afraid it might worried her. That night will always be a remembrance of how mature she is and a thoughtful child. The following morning, she asked me if I'd sleep again for the night and I said yes. But I didn't come back then, I was already home and already settled things.

I explained to her what happened in a way she can understand but I know she won't. All I want is for her to know that what I did was wrong. I miss her now, it's been a week since we've been together. And I haven't thanked her enough.

in bullets

2009-09-06T21:09:00.009+08:00

I'm becoming a little lazy updating this blog [an apology is sent your way]. I'd rather do some randomness about the events that occured last month.

the kids had a beach outing on the last Sunday of August to join Lola S' birthday celebration

Linggo ng Wika was successful because they've done well. Vinces was hailed 'Lakambini of FKA 2009'

I just realized that they had a 2 days full of activities-August 30 was the beach outing and the Linggo ng Wika on the 31st. They both have the youthful strength I gather. :)

the first book I gave her

2009-08-02T13:06:00.005+08:00

I always enjoy immensely browsing through those piles of books at the Book Sale. But the thing is, it made me a little sad because I realized I never had searched for books I can give to Vinces. :( You see, her Mommy loves books and is well-versed. I know she'd be passing that passion to her.

So while I was scouring for back issues of magazines I usually buy, I came across the children's corner and it offers a line of books for them. Happily, I saw one with a cheap price tag to it. Not that I want something cheap to give but having to find a book with a minimal price tag is very fulfilling to me.

That book is Wastelanders by Ian Strachan. I sent her a text message to tell that I bought a book for her and she was excited. It did not matter that the book is not new. At the back of my mind though, I was worried that she won't like it. But as for me, I knew I'd be sharing with her the joys of reading.

I look forward to searching books for me and of course for her too in the future. :)

scrappy too

2009-07-19T18:57:00.002+08:00

And here's for the boy--

Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com

He's getting taller now. And we do hope he'd gain weight too.

scrappy

2009-07-19T18:44:00.002+08:00

I happened to find an interesting simple scrapbooking tool. I so liked the result--

Photo Tinks by WiddlyTinks.com
Very apt for a pretty girl, don't you think? :)

SM Treat

2009-07-13T19:28:00.009+08:00

Maybel treated Vinces and Jakob on a Sunday, including us [Vener and me] at SM City. She's home for a one week vacation. We ate first at Burger King and strolled a little. While walking, I felt we were all apprehensive if the movie treat will materialize because the kids were getting impatient already.

While we're at a shoe store, we sort of thought that it will not push through since Maybel was already engrossed with shopping. And so the two poor little fellows were in a bad mood-

They thought they'd not see Transformers: The Revenge of the Fallen. We didn't have the heart to prolong their dismay so we told them that we'd actually watch it and lo and behold, they changed moods. Aha! :) So off we went to check the screening time while Maybel decided not join us to save time. She and D will watch it anyway together in Singapore. The movie was nice. Vinces and Jakob indeed enjoyed the movie and as I wasn't able to watch the first installment, Vinces helped me by explaining some things I needed to know about the story. It's a good thing they both introduced me to Optimus Prime. :)

first day on a high!

2009-06-16T12:05:00.010+08:00

It's first day of classes last Monday but Vinces and Jakob had a blast already. The school had a sort of acquaintance day for the students. It's a good thing because they both were able to enjoy and have some fun. Vinces was too eager to tell me about her day.

I still don't have their pictures taken in the morning before they're off to school. I'll post them some other time. Ah, I'm happy to see their excitement and how they look good in school uniform. They're growing up so fast na talaga. :)

Jakob's 7th Birthday

2009-06-01T20:28:00.004+08:00

I apologize for being away for awhile. I've been pre-occupied with things that disrupted me from updating this blog.

Anyhow, I'm back with a happy update! Jakob just turned 7 last May 25. His party was held a day before though because his birthday falls on a Monday. Here are some glimpses of the FUN party!

Vinces did the Opening Prayer. I hosted the event which to my chagrin is so maingay according to Jakob! Games included newspaper dance, the infamous 'Hep, hep hurray' participated by the oldies, longest greeting, 'Bring Me' and 'the Best Dancer'. I asked Vinces and her friend Hazel to do a song number but they both declined. Card Making contest didn't materialize too and the game I called 'How well do you know Jakob.' Nevertheless, it was FUN. The kids and the kids at heart enjoyed. And most importantly, Jakob was happy.

I was a bit emotional at times but I prevented myself from being so. I know that distance will never be a hindrance to show and give love. His mommy called several times and I noticed how Jakob's smile will show and his eyes would lighten up everytime he heard her voice.

Pictures and videos captured that day for Mommy and his Lola Inay and Lolo Dy. It'll be enough for now. Because someday soon, they'll be celebrating birthdays together. :)

roadtrip

2009-04-30T21:29:00.004+08:00

Last sunday morning, Vinces called me to ask what I'm doing. I told her I'm online and in passing, I informed her that I'll be going to the bank with Daggie an Riffy. After an hour, she called me to ask if she can come along and I instructed her to text Mommy and inform her of such. Every now and then though, she would call me several times what time we'll be leaving. When I asked her why she's kinda impatient or excited for that matter, she said she's kinda bored already with just staying at home. Jakob didn't join us because he prefered playing his PSP.

And so we went on a roadtrip as far as Taal aboard D's car. As we stopped by at a garden somewhere in Alitagtag, she obliged as I asked her to pose for my cam phone--

I know she enjoyed because though she calls our public market 'dirty palengke', she never threw a tantrum nor complained. And she told me that she hopes to have another roadtip again. :)

P.S. I'm still in awe of how big she became. The t-shirt she wore used to be mine and the last time I wore it was just last year.

Is summer ending so soon?

2009-04-21T18:52:00.001+08:00

It's only April and we're now having rainy days already. But with the scorching heat for the past weeks, rains are very welcome. But not really!

Last saturday, I invited Vinces and Jakob over. It was supposed to be their 'puter time but the internet connection was not working pretty well. So they ended up playing with their PSP and Nintendo DS instead.

Meanwhile, I flipped the magazine pages hoping I'd find something that we can do together. Good thing I found a crafty section from a local magazine. Vinces got interested but the crafts needed materials that we'd have to find first- necklace made of straw and bracelet made of buttons. Really cute! We decided to re-schedule our crafting time some other day and I tasked her to ask her Lolas if they have buttons they will not use anymore and their Lolo for straw.

As of today, we haven't made our project yet. And such will be delayed, I think, upon knowing from her that their vacay in Marikina will push through. That'll be more FUN!

I look forward to hearing their stories about their trips and the places they've gone to. Our project then will be shelved for now. :)

beeday!

2009-04-12T10:15:00.000+08:00

A day before my birthday (another year older!), Vinces sent me a text message asking what my handa would be. I replied "Wala! he he he".

I was actually planning to have a simple feast so I informed Enot and the kids to come over for merienda. Of course, di mawawala ang pancit (for long life). I bought ice cream instead of a Red Ribbon cake because I thought Vinces and Jakob prefer the ice cream. She particularly loved the strawberry flavor!

For dinner, we had grilled tilapia and I prepared a mango salad. Vinces and Jakob were the last to eat because they're engrossed with the internet games.

mango salad ingredients:

green mango
salted egg
white onions
tomato

In a nutshell, it's a simple celebration but I was happy nonetheless. I was greeted by friends and family. And of course, having the kids around meant a lot to me.

achiever

2009-03-31T15:18:00.001+08:00

Tomorrow is the graduation day for Jakob. And boy, he's the Outstanding Student ofthe Year. We're all so proud especially Mommy. She composed Jakob's speech and it's touching. I even asked Jakob if he truly understand what his speech means. He just snapped at me! ha ha He's intelligent and so her ate Vinces.

Vinces is 2nd top achiever of her class. And again, we're proud nonetheless. We're happy that they enjoy school and are consistent achievers. I'd love to attend and witness the celebration but I have already filed a leave for the 2nd of April (my sis departure to Singapore) so it'll be unacceptable for me to file for another one not if I don't want to be questioned by the management.

We love you Vinces and Jakob! *hugs*

prelude

2009-03-07T19:14:00.000+08:00

I still have to blog about Vinces and Jakob's recent school's fieldtrip but I'm so lazy these past days to even wrap up the words. More so, I've accidentally deleted the original pics. Good thing though that was after I edited and re-saved the kids' pics.

Anyhow, I'd be blogging about it when I'm in the right mood to do so. :) For now, here's a quick peek--

Chips Delight factory

at play

2009-02-21T18:40:00.000+08:00

While I was paying my supplies at National Bookstore-Robinson's Lipa, the cashier personnel informed me that I have cash points in my Laking National Card. So after paying, I scoured for board games which I thought would be fun for Vinces and Jakob.

I picked Snakes and Ladders primarily because it has 'good deeds'. I actually commend the makers of this board game because they are imparting values to children.

Honestly, I'm not in favor of allowing kids to play PSPs nor Ninteno's or internet games for that matter. I am keen on encouraging them to learn to appreciate and play with other kids for socialization and for more fun of course!

When we arrived from a birthday celebration at Tiaong, Quezon, we decided to play the game and Venus cooked fries and squid balls. We had so much fun especially Vinces and Jakob and it was a treat! We're looking forward to play again sometime soon! :)

updates and more

2009-02-07T18:46:00.000+08:00

Wow, it's been a month since my last post. Forgive me but I was pre-occupied with work pressure and a recent trip to Baguio. So here are some things I want to share--

a new cp

Her Ninong Philip bought a Nokia mobile phone for her last week which he sent late January. When I was in Baguio, I received a text message that goes like this--

'Tita Rlen, this is my new number. Vinces'

I was surprised so I called the no. and indeed it was her. Truly, my 9-year old niece already has a mobile phone. :) Since then we're exchanging text messages while I was still in Baguio. Vinces is such a sweet girl and you can see by her texts that she's already mature. It seems like I'm texting with an adult. She's enjoying it but she can only use it from Fridays to Sundays. :)

Potato Fries

I bought 3 kilos of potatoes in Baguio (it's ONLY P15/kilo), and after we've given some to my Titas, we still have many. I thought of cooking fries this afternoon and have Vinces and Jakob use the computer for games and internet surfing, including YouTube and Y8 for their regular 'puter time. :)

OK, I digress.

After work, I bought mayonnaise and chips. As dip, I mixed mayo with sweet sauce. Here's the potato fries--

And here are Vinces [enjoyed singing 'If I Were A Boy' by Beyonce] and Jakob [enjoyed using Paint]

Noticed that Vinces gained weight? :) This is Jakob's art--

I learned from Venus that Jakob already has a Computer Subject and is now using Paint at school. Nice! Ah, the things I missed.

back to school

2009-01-06T19:20:00.000+08:00

Classes resumed yesterday for Vinces and Jakob. Earlier, as I dropped by to say hello, her daddy is helping Vinces with her assignments. At home, Vinces called and asked for 2 slogans about 'respecting other people'. Her daddy wrote down the 2 slogans I composed. Hayyy, assignments and tests na naman. :p

~*~

Last saturday, we went to SM to watch Ang Tanging Ina N'yong Lahat and buy games for Vinces' Nintendo DS and Jakob's PSP. Jakob wasn't able to find any though and bought toys (Naruto) instead. The kids had fun but got tired with walking around because they fell asleep on our way home.

she's nervous!

2008-12-31T09:04:00.000+08:00

I have to go directly to our Titas and Titos place thinking Vinces is already made-up after the Mass. When I saw that she is, I immediately told her I'd take pictures of her first before going to the parish hall for their dance presentation at the Holy Family Parish yearly party. As always she was a wee bit irritated when I snap here and there. I'd tell her that it's important and be cooperative since I'd be showing the pictures to Mommy. She obliged a bit but cranky most of the shoot.

And here's the short video I took during their presentation. I say short because as they started dancing, my phone didn't cooperate at first, when I put the video cam on, all I saw was 'busy: try again later'! Ihad to turn the phone on and off and that's the time I got to go on a video mode. I panicked and forgot to change the settings hence the malabo coverage. Lesson learned: check details and be ready.

She's not smiling, I asked her why and she told me, 'Eh kasi Tita, kinakabahan ako.' :p

shall we dance?

2008-12-29T17:03:00.000+08:00

Vinces and the other kids will dance tomorrow after the Fiesta Mass. They've been practicing often with Gary as their instructor. Attire would be a sky blue shirt and white shorts.

Her brother Jakob just watch while they practice but I'd notice he would do the dance steps discreetly at the back. He told me his Daddy didn't allow him to join his ate because it's another expense. So he enjoyed with just dancing at the back from time to time.

On the side, while I was inside (the practice is being done at a neighbor's place), he came running and showed me his tooth in front- almost falling out with blood. I made him gurgle with tap water and salt and told him not to run and play anymore. We'd waited until her sister is finished with the practice and they headed home with Tita Mildred and Niña.

Will definitely take pictures and videos tomorrow. :)

Vinces as 'The Little Mermaid'

2008-12-28T15:23:00.000+08:00

Vinces was included in the 'Under The Sea' Theme. She's 'The Little Mermaid'. She danced to the tune of 'Tiny Bubbles' with the other 2 students. I don't want to boast but she's so pretty and very charming too in her orange outfit. Her Tita Enot did her make-up and costume. I was grateful I got there a few minutes before the presentation started. It's overwhelming to see her dance with poise and grace. She's really becoming a lady.

So before I tell you how touching it was while watching her, here's the video I took (I didn't get to stop and take pictures of her afraid I'd miss a moment). I apologize for a seemingly poor take but it's better than nothing. :)

She's so pretty, 'no? :p

I am Joseph.

2008-12-28T14:00:00.000+08:00

Jakob played 'Joseph' during their school's Christmas presentation last December 19, 2008. I was not able to take pictures properly because I can't get any closer to the stage. Besides, tickets were distributed and seats were numbered. I was just plain crasher. :p

Before their part, Jakob and his 'Mary' (I forgot the name of this cutie little/shy-type girl) were seated and behaved at the back pew. I was keen on taking their picture together but poor lighting failed me. Anyways, I got some access to take a short video during their play--

They're both behaved and did their part remarkably well. Cute 'no?

P.S.

His daddy Vincent did his fake beard and was later on re-touched and made even darker by the school's principal.

Growing Up!

2008-12-28T13:30:00.000+08:00

Hello.

I started this blog with just one thought in mind. I wanted to document my niece and nephew- Vinces and Jakob's day-to-day stories and memorable happenings- for their Mommy.

Initially, I make it a point to take pictures and videos, at any day and most especially during events to post on their Friendster account so that Mommy would see and be updated. But I'm not contented with just that. As I wanted to upload recent videos I took (with my humble Moto Razr V2) at Friendster, I failed and after several how-to's, I stopped trying. And then it occured to me that there's more to just pictures and videos. I would want to tell stories of them.

Mommy is in Italy right now and I somehow ache that she's not here to see how Vinces and Jakob have grown. And so in my own little way, I've put up this blog for her.

I just hope that through my simple words, pictures and videos, she'd somehow be able to witness her children growing up--until such time that they're together again.

For Mommy,
-
Tita Anggen