Moving Up 2014

We are finally here.

After 7 unforgettable years, highs and lows, of trips and staycations, of projects, homeworks and tests, Busy Boy has finally completed Grade School.

Busy Boy's grade school was comprised of learning and discovering himself. How to relate with other boys, with responsibilities. I may have wanted him to be like me, all reading and study (ehem!) but he's also Dad's son, just play and fun. So, I hope we were able to strike a balance. Being an OC, its hard for me to let the reigns loose but I have to. Or else, I'm setting him up for a more difficult life.   

Its such a bittersweet moment for all of us and I knew I was going to cry at some point during the ceremony. I am happy that all the people that helped me through this were with Dad and I during the occassion. Auntie A, Lola and Nanuy C.

So we will take a break from school for the next 3 months, before we embark on a new journey - middle school. But that's a whole different post.

2nd Trimestrals

Monday is the start Trimestral week.  Just a few more of these..

I hope Busy Boy comes out with flying colors.

So help us Lord :)

 

C is for Confirmed

is for card.  Report cards are out today.


is for confirmation.  Confirmed that we are out of Section A.


is for Cirilio Beltran. Busy Boy's new section this coming 4th grade.


is for can do a better job next time.

Respite

And just like that.. the exams are over and the third and last trimester of year will kick off by Tuesday.  Pretty soon it’ll be the finals once more and before I know it, Busy Boy will be a 4th grader..

How time flies!  Sometimes, I wish it would slow down, so I can enjoy his company longer.  Some other times,  I wish it would speed up, so I can get back some of my old life and he wouldn’t be needing me as much.

But this is what is is here and now.. I’ve had the baby moments, toddler, little boy and we’re nearing the end of the little big boy.  And where will I be?

Still at the sidelines.. We have a self imposed long weekend this week. Its pretty much do anything you want for both of us.. 

Shift to E-book

Last October 28, after much deliberation, debate and discussion in school, we finally brought home Busy Boy’s much talked about E-book reader.  It was a newly released 8.9” Samsung Galaxy Tablet.   It was neat-o as it was daunting.

At first, we didn’t know how things would work out.  This was supposed to replace the lot of books that Busy Boy was lugging around, climbing 3 floors in school everyday.  But only 3 out of the 8 books have been uploaded.  There were issues on security, warranty and what have you.  Some were forced to buy for fear of their sons being left out.  As most of the other co-parents, we were both apprehensive and excited.  But we needed to embrace this change (and set aside P4,000 worth of textbooks) as we support Busy Boy in this endeavor.  

After a month, all this e-book did was become an electronic assignment notebook for the boys.  I guess, we have to be more patient as we go through all these birth pains.  They still bring the un-uploaded books and now, we have to contend with them wanting to play the games.  I still don’t know know what they really do with the gadget the whole day.  Sigh!

Being a new released gadget, we couldn’t find a casing and screen protector available and it was fortunate that Dad had a quick trip to HongKong last week. (as of posting time, there are some available locally already).  We have to protect our 15-month to pay investment, so Dad got this cool, padded in the front and corners Viva faux leather casing.. 

And it can help stand the E-book in several angles due to its ridges which is just right when we’re doing homework (or when you’re reading or playing)  Over all, this project by the school was indeed a breakthrough in the way things will be as well as a test of how responsible Busy Boy can be.  We can only hope that its full potential will be reached and that all parties will be satisfied.

Will post an update soon.

Career Day Grade 3

Kinder 2 and Grade 1 he wanted to be an Engineer.

Grade 2 he wanted to be an American (take note) soldier.

This year, Grade 3, Busy Boys moves to the other end of the spectrum and choses yet another career..

Dad is as ever, supportive of what Busy Boy wants.  He even got the Derrick Rose jersey set in HK.  The feedback, is so cool!

I pray we are both there when the time comes for our son to seriously decide what he wants in life.  Until then, let’s enjoy the pictures, shall we?

Busy Boy looks big here but he’s only 8 y.o. Seriously.  :)

LSGH Career Day, August 2011  photos by Auntie (who else?)

Reading Consultation

Sometime in July, I posted about attending a Math consultation for Busy Boy. The teacher met with me after 3 not so awesome test results.

Busy Boy did great in Math after this consult and its even his highest in the last trimestral.

Unfortunately its Reading’s time.

We may have overlooked.. or concentrated too much in Math.. and its his lowest, actually just 7 mistakes in the trimestrals. Blame it on carelessness?

It never really ends..and it can get tiring.  At the back of my mind, what’s so difficult with Reading?  But then again, Busy Boy is not me and I cannot impose on what to like or not to like.

Its another challenge Busy Boy has to overcome this 2nd trim to maintain his place in class.  Being, OC, we’ll make sure he will.. support and guidance and a little pushing, here we go:(

First Trimestral Exams- Grade 3

Its been 3 months since the start of the school year.  And its trimestrals once again. Time to go back to what Busy Boy has painstakingly studied the past months which we will review again in one afternoon.  His school, LSGH, uses a trimestral calendar unlike the other schools who are doing quarterly.  Its going to be another epic episode full of cajoling, pleading, threatening, crying and hugging.

I will be taking 4 days off from work (ergo, tons of to get back to) but thankfully, my colleagues agree and understand, Busy Boy’s stint at the Honor’s Class is more important.  For sure, I will be enlisting my sister’s help (hi Auntie) as a substitute and additional moral support.  I’ve prepared the materials and I’m gearing up.

I pray for patience and understanding as I help Busy Boy review.  I pray for wisdom, confidence and knowledge for Busy Boy as he takes the tests.

It is always a bittersweet moment every time my son reaches a milestone.  Its both happy and sad that he’s growing leaps and bounds and soon, this will all be over. So I’m taking as much as I can, while Busy Boy still wants me around him.

Math Consultation

After 3 not so good test results, we got letter from Busy Boy’s Math teacher for a consult next Monday.

We knew we had it coming.  Although 14/20,  15/20 and 16/20 scores are not technically bad, its not great either, considering you’re in an Honors Class. Unfortunately  Busy Boy’s mistakes are not because he didn’t know the answer. Its plain carelessness.

Utterly irritating and just carelessness.    

The thing is, I’ve soooo many things to do, I couldn’t afford to leave the office for this.  I’m soooo torn because I don’t wan’t to not attend and not be there for my son especially since Dad, won’t make the time or day but that would mean me rescheduling a whole week of clients.

Busy Boy was in this same situation last year and by nothing less of a miracle, we made it.  But what about this time?  I’m glad the consultation is earlier and we have about 3 more tests to go. 

I’ve never really liked Math.  It doesn’t come to me as easy.  On the other hand, Dad, won’t / doesn’t like to assist during studying, so what do I do? And since I help my son with his studies, I try hard not so show it but does the animosity get inherited? 

Red Vest

One night, Busy Boy told his Dad and me that he applied for a ‘red vest’ in school. Turns out a red vest are vests worn by boys who are assistants to prefects.  In LSGH, the boys also have Prefects, just like Harry Potter (remember Percy?)  The Student Council officers, class officers and SCO volunteers wear yellow, green and black vests, respectively and this, the red vest.  

After weeks of speculation, Busy started donning his red vest in school last Tuesday. Though I have still to decide whether this responsibility is a blessing and a curse, or both.  Apparently they ‘work’ during recess or lunch and Busy Boy’s duty this week was the lunch hour. 

On one hand, I’m worried about a)  his eating and break time; b) whether he’ll too tired for classes and c) your usual perspiration-soaked uniform going to an air conditioned classroom situation.  

On the other hand, I am happy that apart from being excited, I think Busy Boy really wants the responsibility.  Its a chance for him to own up be someone and do something even Dad and I aren’t around to help him. He is one 10 boys from the 3rd grade.  That first day, even he’s literally tired, he was still excited to share to us how his roam around duty went. 

I’m keeping my fingers crossed and although I pester Auntie enough about this, I’m kinda relieved she’s there to see how Busy Boy is doing.  In fact,  I wouldn’t have this coverage if not for her. One of the many privileges of having an Aunt work in the same school :)

The quadrangle

Ka-red Vest

With classmate Eze and friend Dom

His roam around duty is on rotation and he’s up first this week.  Dad doesn’t see the glamour in ringing a bell, but its the ‘responsibility’ training that we’re going for here. His colleagues eat and play while he 'works'.

More action

Rumo-ronda

That's enough photos Auntie

Bye Auntie

Advanced Class Orientation

I’ve had my share of orientations in school since Busy Boy first enrolled in 2007. There was the mandatory New Parents’ Orientation,  the Kinder 1 Orientation, Kinder 2 Orientation and Grade 1 Orientation.  We also have the yearly EPA (our version of the PTA) Elections and for Grade 2, an orientation for the First Holy communicants.  

This year, we were requested to attend the Orientation for Parents of the Advanced Classes.  Its our second year in the advanced section so I had nothing new to know (and I read the Handbook).  But I had a responsibility to do and with Daddy unavailable, I requested Auntie to join me.

What I thought was a yawning session turned out to be a heated discussion on the launch of the use of an Ebook for our boys.  This took up most of our time and we ended after 2 hours.  I just hope that LS will be able to iron out the kinks and make sure that the implementation is right.  Or else, feel the wrath of a lot of parents.

But going back… I was surprised to find a lot of parents in attendance.  Mostly moms and a few couples, but nonetheless, we were a lot.  Being in the Advanced class is a challenge for the boys since they have to study harder and compete with the best among your batch.  I couldn’t agree more with a co-parent that we are the most supportive group of parents as our schedules would have to revolve around our son’s schoolwork.  True!!!    That we have to be the cheerleader, tutor and assistant all rolled into one.

Sharing experiences with the other parents gave me a nice feeling that I’m not alone in this journey.  Its hard and sometimes, I wish Busy Boy wasn’t in this class but  I also wouldn’t have it any other way :)  

Last Minute Preps

Arriving home early from my fieldwork in Baliuag,  I took Busy Boy to Sta Lucia Mall for a few more last minute going back to school requirements.

Being a mom is a challenging job as it is.  So what’s a working mom like me to do? I often get teased of being an OC and being the living epitome of the girl scout motto (be prepared - or I try to be), but who cares,  I don’t need the extra stress.

After being done with the majors (enrollment, books and uniforms), we’re now on to the remaining relatively minor stuff you need to buy or go to, to wit:

a) hair cut -  we let Busy Boy’s hair grow long during the vacation months to have a break from his usual crew cut and semi crew cut looks.  Normally done a few days before or during the last week before classes to give our student that neat and clean look.

b) visit to the dentist - Auntie couldn’t get an appointment for the weekend, but normally done in June and December.  Nice to have those pearly whites clean for those ID pictures and we can’t have the Busy Boy being having tooth problems during the year. :)

c) shop for shoes - we always do this last, while we’re still in the growing up stage. Back when Busy Boy was 4, I made the mistake of buying shoes on sale in April.  I had all the allowances I could but come June, we couldn’t do anything else but give it away.  Nice fit, comfortable, not too heavy and should be sturdy enough to last the school year.

d) check on socks, underwear, hankies and undershirt (sando) -   I prefer to have supplies for a week so as to not to avoid unnecessary stress in the mornings (its bad enough that we will wake up early).

This year, Busy Boy will finally able to wear the Giordano socks I bought in Singapore in 2007 (yes, they were also on sale at S$15 for 3pcs).  They’re quarter socks, very comfy and not to thick, great for wearing the whole day.   He is also trading his briefs for boxerbriefs (he already prefers Bench).  They still fit so I won’t be buying new ones for now.  And since they’re not as worn out, hankies are leftovers from grade 2.  We’ve brought out the new undershirts that we’re given over the years as gifts,  as last year’s already graduated to home / sleep use (pambahay or pantulog).  Thank goodness I didn’t have to buy :)

e) 2x2’s and 1x1’s pictures -  for seat plans, birthday posters, personal info, IDs and where ever the teacher will require it.

f) art paper, construction paper, oslo paper, A4, Letter and Legal paper - I’ve seen officemate moms rushing home since the child needs materials for artwork.  I don’t need the additional stress of rushing the homework and late nights.  

g) printer ink - yes, Busy Boy has homework that requires to be printed already.  Better be ready than have Busy Boy disturbing Auntie next door for an unfinished assignment.

School’s due to start in 5 days… Let the countdown begin as our vacationing days are nearly over.

School Stuff

Today I took a leave from the office to complete the things my Busy Boy need for school.  

Its become a tradition we started 4 years ago that every first Friday of June, Busy Boy and I go to school for his uniforms, books and school supplies.  Its great the the school bookstore already prepares these materials in bulk that all you need to say the grade level and tadaa…

Supplies!

We also took the opportunity to check out his classroom for the next 10 months.

Bigger Boy in the new classroom

Busy Boy now moves to one of LS’s old buildings and section A is up on the 4th floor! That’s quite a workout if your lugging a big bag daily, but I guess the A boys are expected to be fit mentally and physically! 

I’m glad he’s back in honors class and its going to be another tough year ahead. I’ll write about it here for sure. 

Ever present Mommy

 We left LSGH to have the uniforms repaired over at Auntie Joy’s in Kamuning Market. Lunch at Chicboy’s Timog,  a trip to National SuperBranch in Cubao and finally grocery in Shopwise. All in an afternoon.

Man I’m tired…

A (still) in A!

Cards Day! Almost forgot about it. Good thing Auntie was in school and decided to check.  The big question at the back of our minds since vacation, the result of all our hard work.

Busy Boy gets to stay in section A. Which means, another year of pushing, pleading, cajoling and begging. Not to mention the handwork. But my son doesn’t want it any other way.

What’s the catch being in the advanced class? For starters, I think its prestigious in school.  Then the perks of being around ‘good’ boys. All cut from the same cloth, all achievers.   Also, there’s the premium of being chosen for special activities and literally the first section in line. Eventually, if we make it all the way to Grade 6, we are accelerated to HS.

This year, LSGH is starting to use ebook system for their books. And since this an experimental program, who will they use it on? All section A in Grade School and High School.

Well, its going to be a tough but loving year ahead. Thank you Lord for giving him (and us) another opportunity.

First Communion

I came from a mixed marriage, when it comes to religion.  My Papa was an Episcopal Baptist while Mama was your traditional Catholic.  Due to my Lola Con's insistence, Papa had to 'convert' to be able to marry mom in Catholic rites in 1971.

Growing up, we were never a complete 'family' when it came to going to church as Papa eventually reverted back to being a Protestant. My sister and I were baptized as Catholics and went to the traditional all girl school. Our situation was different and I didn't mind.

It was no surprise and no major adjustment to me that I got to marry a man of different faith too. Dad was a Presbyterian Baptist (makes me wonder how many kinds are there) and I refused to convert just so I could get married.  We did via a Christian ceremony though since it allowed me, to remain as such.

When Busy Boy was born, Dad was adamant that he be not baptized but be dedicated instead.  I was sad and bummed at first but the hubby had my father as an ally so.. I got my way however when I enrolled BB in a Catholic school for boys. 

Every 2nd grade, the boys in school are administered their First Communion Rites.  I am happy that Busy Boy got to experience this and I hope that this will help him grow with the Lord.  The rites were simple and touching and the boys moving at a snappy pace placed a lot of smiles to the our lips.  Its like they trained in the army as they stood and sat in unison.  2-A had their ceremony with 2-J.

First Holy Communion official photo (not liking the OA rosary though)

Another smilestone hurdled :)