Saturday, December 30, 2006
More Snow photos
We did not get the Second Phase of the winter storm that the weather forecasters predicted. Thank goodness! We had enough snow!
Today turned out sunny- not warm, though. Still the sun made us head out, take a drive and our destination today was a mall that is about a 40 minute drive. This mall has a Carousel and Mary just loves to go on it.
We almost did not stop at the mall. It seems like everybody else had the same idea- get out of the house while the sun is out. There was a lot of traffic coming out of the mall, a long line of cars and we were thinking we did not want to get stuck later when we try to leave. However, we did not want to disappoint Mary (as she loves this mall because of the merry-go-round) so when we found a not-so-busy part of the parking lot, we decided to take a chance. Maybe, by the time WE leave, the traffic would have eased up.
Mary sure had a lot of fun going round and round that Carousel.
We did not get the Second Phase of the winter storm that the weather forecasters predicted. Thank goodness! We had enough snow!
Today turned out sunny- not warm, though. Still the sun made us head out, take a drive and our destination today was a mall that is about a 40 minute drive. This mall has a Carousel and Mary just loves to go on it.
We almost did not stop at the mall. It seems like everybody else had the same idea- get out of the house while the sun is out. There was a lot of traffic coming out of the mall, a long line of cars and we were thinking we did not want to get stuck later when we try to leave. However, we did not want to disappoint Mary (as she loves this mall because of the merry-go-round) so when we found a not-so-busy part of the parking lot, we decided to take a chance. Maybe, by the time WE leave, the traffic would have eased up.
Mary sure had a lot of fun going round and round that Carousel.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Winter Storm Round 2
That's what one of the local news channel is calling the snow storm that is passing through in our area. What's different this time is Mary's daycare is open today. About a foot of snow has fallen overnight and I was not about to drive into work. I have the fortune of being able to access my work computer from home so I can work from home. It wouldn't have been easy if Mary had to stay home as well.
Jack took her to the daycare. He had to get the car "defrosted". Again, another thing different from last week's storm, our neighborhood HOA (Home Owners Association)had made sure the driveways and sidewalks were shovelled the very next morning. So Jack did not have to shovel the driveway. About a foot has fallen on the street, though and he had to barrel through to get going. I'm glad and very grateful I can rely on him to do the driving in this kind of weather. I get scared when the tires slip --- I'd rather not be driving.
That's what one of the local news channel is calling the snow storm that is passing through in our area. What's different this time is Mary's daycare is open today. About a foot of snow has fallen overnight and I was not about to drive into work. I have the fortune of being able to access my work computer from home so I can work from home. It wouldn't have been easy if Mary had to stay home as well.
Jack took her to the daycare. He had to get the car "defrosted". Again, another thing different from last week's storm, our neighborhood HOA (Home Owners Association)had made sure the driveways and sidewalks were shovelled the very next morning. So Jack did not have to shovel the driveway. About a foot has fallen on the street, though and he had to barrel through to get going. I'm glad and very grateful I can rely on him to do the driving in this kind of weather. I get scared when the tires slip --- I'd rather not be driving.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
This morning, Mary woke up crying. Nothing unusual there, she usually wake up crying, she doesn't like waking up alone. But this morning, she was cryng for a different reason.
"Mommy, you forgot about me..."
"I didn't- I was in the living room, waiting for you to wake up."
"I had a dream, for real."
"Oh, yeah- what was it all about?"
(By this time, I got her in my arms, on our way to the bathroom.)
(As she was sitting in the toilet...)
"I dreamt Ninong (my brother who is in the Philippines and one of Mary's godfathers) came for you and took you to the Philippines ---- without me!!!"
(and she cried harder with this statement--- and I thought I got her cheering up a little bit.)
"Mary Esther, I will never go the Philippines without you."
"What if they do not let you?"
"There is no way that I wil go to the Philippines without you. Mama Mer and Lolo (grandparents in the PHilippines)would send me back if I do not have you with me--- they would rather see you than me."
"Mommy, you forgot about me..."
"I didn't- I was in the living room, waiting for you to wake up."
"I had a dream, for real."
"Oh, yeah- what was it all about?"
(By this time, I got her in my arms, on our way to the bathroom.)
(As she was sitting in the toilet...)
"I dreamt Ninong (my brother who is in the Philippines and one of Mary's godfathers) came for you and took you to the Philippines ---- without me!!!"
(and she cried harder with this statement--- and I thought I got her cheering up a little bit.)
"Mary Esther, I will never go the Philippines without you."
"What if they do not let you?"
"There is no way that I wil go to the Philippines without you. Mama Mer and Lolo (grandparents in the PHilippines)would send me back if I do not have you with me--- they would rather see you than me."
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas and the 12 Dancing Princesses
Fall of 2006, the Barbie movie - "Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses" came out in DVD and we got it for Mary Esther. Of course, the dolls and accessories came out soon after that. Mary wanted them and since it was close to Christmas, I told her she would get them then. So, I started collecting them.
The Barbie people sure know what they are doing---- coming up with a movie that has TWELVE characters- one would almost like to have ALL twelve. I did. Lucky for Mary, I wanted all 12 dolls as much as she did.
I don't know who was more anxious to see them all lined up, me or Mary.
Fall of 2006, the Barbie movie - "Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses" came out in DVD and we got it for Mary Esther. Of course, the dolls and accessories came out soon after that. Mary wanted them and since it was close to Christmas, I told her she would get them then. So, I started collecting them.
The Barbie people sure know what they are doing---- coming up with a movie that has TWELVE characters- one would almost like to have ALL twelve. I did. Lucky for Mary, I wanted all 12 dolls as much as she did.
I don't know who was more anxious to see them all lined up, me or Mary.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas to one and all!
It is Christmas Eve here in Colorado. Having grown up in the Philippines, a warm and tropical climate, there not that many traditions that could translate to a cold and snowy time.
I took Mary for a walk---- still a lot of snow on the ground, our street is still not fully plowed and the snow packs are turning to ice. If our street was a busy one, I would not have taken out walking. Most of the sidewalks still have about a foot of snow, for a clear path, we had to go on the street most of the time. As it was, we had to be very careful going through ice. Aside from the treacherous roads, the weather was nice, sun was shining, we were warm in our coats and boots.
We made it to the playground in the neighborhood. Mary got some swing time- always a favorite.
It is Christmas Eve here in Colorado. Having grown up in the Philippines, a warm and tropical climate, there not that many traditions that could translate to a cold and snowy time.
I took Mary for a walk---- still a lot of snow on the ground, our street is still not fully plowed and the snow packs are turning to ice. If our street was a busy one, I would not have taken out walking. Most of the sidewalks still have about a foot of snow, for a clear path, we had to go on the street most of the time. As it was, we had to be very careful going through ice. Aside from the treacherous roads, the weather was nice, sun was shining, we were warm in our coats and boots.
We made it to the playground in the neighborhood. Mary got some swing time- always a favorite.
Friday, December 22, 2006
Blizzard of 2006
At least 24" of snow fell from Wednesday morning till Thursday afternoon. I was able to get off early from work on Wednesday- real early, left work at 11:00 am. Roads were starting to get busy. The usual 10 minute drive home took twice that long, not bad... If I had stayed and left work at 4 pm, that 10-minute drive would have turned into hours. I heard stories of 3 hours just travelling a distance of 1 mile in some of the highways.
Only way to enjoy a blizzard is when you are nice, cozy and snug at home.
At least 24" of snow fell from Wednesday morning till Thursday afternoon. I was able to get off early from work on Wednesday- real early, left work at 11:00 am. Roads were starting to get busy. The usual 10 minute drive home took twice that long, not bad... If I had stayed and left work at 4 pm, that 10-minute drive would have turned into hours. I heard stories of 3 hours just travelling a distance of 1 mile in some of the highways.
Only way to enjoy a blizzard is when you are nice, cozy and snug at home.
Monday, December 18, 2006
My Little Gymnast
One of the things I am most grateful with having Mary Esther as my daughter is that she loves gymnastics. If she had her way, she would go to gymnastcis everyday--- actually, when I first enrolled her in the classes, she wanted to LIVE in the gym.
I was twelve when I saw Nadia Comaneci on TV during the Montreal Summer Olympics. I so wanted to be a gymnast. But in the Philippines, one do not have the opportunity. You're lucky to have an outdoor volleyball court and a field of grass in school, let alone a gym and gym teacher with knowledge of gymnastics. What I remember of PE classes? --- calisthenics (mostly arm exercises - circles, lifting them forward, up over your head, across, then you have waist bends, squats, jumping jacks), jump rope, some form of dodgeball, kickball and playing tag in the schoolyard.
I hoped and prayed that my daughter would want to be a gymnast. I would not want to push my kid into a sport or activity that they do not enjoy themselves.
Seeing Mary Esther doing her "freeze and stick" just about put tears in my eyes. I am so proud.
One of the things I am most grateful with having Mary Esther as my daughter is that she loves gymnastics. If she had her way, she would go to gymnastcis everyday--- actually, when I first enrolled her in the classes, she wanted to LIVE in the gym.
I was twelve when I saw Nadia Comaneci on TV during the Montreal Summer Olympics. I so wanted to be a gymnast. But in the Philippines, one do not have the opportunity. You're lucky to have an outdoor volleyball court and a field of grass in school, let alone a gym and gym teacher with knowledge of gymnastics. What I remember of PE classes? --- calisthenics (mostly arm exercises - circles, lifting them forward, up over your head, across, then you have waist bends, squats, jumping jacks), jump rope, some form of dodgeball, kickball and playing tag in the schoolyard.
I hoped and prayed that my daughter would want to be a gymnast. I would not want to push my kid into a sport or activity that they do not enjoy themselves.
Seeing Mary Esther doing her "freeze and stick" just about put tears in my eyes. I am so proud.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
O, Christmas Tree, O, Christmas Tree
We went and got our Christmas Tree yesterday. It was an easier and more pleasant ordeal than last year. We got them from the same place (Home Depot) as last year but this year, their trees are not bundled and tied so it was easier to choose one. They even have a couple of associates trimming the stump and branches off the end. The tree gets wrapped in a plastic mesh and off you go to the cash register. We stowed the tree in the trunk and we were on our way back home ten minutes after we strolled into the store.
Jack got the tree all set up. Mary helped. She had a great time hanging ornaments. The day tired her out and she fell asleep under the tree.
We went and got our Christmas Tree yesterday. It was an easier and more pleasant ordeal than last year. We got them from the same place (Home Depot) as last year but this year, their trees are not bundled and tied so it was easier to choose one. They even have a couple of associates trimming the stump and branches off the end. The tree gets wrapped in a plastic mesh and off you go to the cash register. We stowed the tree in the trunk and we were on our way back home ten minutes after we strolled into the store.
Jack got the tree all set up. Mary helped. She had a great time hanging ornaments. The day tired her out and she fell asleep under the tree.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Happy Birthday, Mama Mer!
It is Mary's grandma's birthday today--- at least, it's one of the grandmas, the one in the Philippines- Mama Mer! And also today- meaning December 16 (not quite "today" where I am writing this blog but today, December 16, where Mama Mer is.)
December 16 is also the first day of the Novena Masses before Christmas day. This is a Christmas tradition of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. For nine days before Christmas Day, a special Dawn mass is celebrated.
I remember attending the first mass every year when I was growing up. After all, it is my Mom's birthday and us kids (especially the daughters) are right there celebrating with her. I enjoyed this early morning jaunts to Church. The church is usually packed to the rafters (especially on this first day) and we would spend most of the time outside the church, enjoying the cool crisp air. These dawn outings are just about the only time when we sport sweaters in this tropical climate. There would be food vendors--- plying rice cakes, sweet, pink popcorn, hot peanuts and "cornik" (roasted corn kernels)... There would also be peddlers of fragrant sampaguita leis, ballooons and handmade toys. The atmosphere outside the church was much like the summer fiestas rather than the solemn devotion to the birth of Jesus Christ.
The challenge every year was to complete the Novena (attend all nine dawn masses). I remember one year that I was able to do it - Two times, maybe? and that's even stretching it - I know for sure, one time during my high school years that I made an effort to go to all nine days.
Now, I wish I was in the Philippines, with Mary, my daughter and Mama Mer's granddaughter, going to Mass and sharing in my Mom's day. I dedicate this day to my Mom.
Mom, I love you!
Mary Esther says I love you, too.
It is Mary's grandma's birthday today--- at least, it's one of the grandmas, the one in the Philippines- Mama Mer! And also today- meaning December 16 (not quite "today" where I am writing this blog but today, December 16, where Mama Mer is.)
December 16 is also the first day of the Novena Masses before Christmas day. This is a Christmas tradition of the Catholic Church in the Philippines. For nine days before Christmas Day, a special Dawn mass is celebrated.
I remember attending the first mass every year when I was growing up. After all, it is my Mom's birthday and us kids (especially the daughters) are right there celebrating with her. I enjoyed this early morning jaunts to Church. The church is usually packed to the rafters (especially on this first day) and we would spend most of the time outside the church, enjoying the cool crisp air. These dawn outings are just about the only time when we sport sweaters in this tropical climate. There would be food vendors--- plying rice cakes, sweet, pink popcorn, hot peanuts and "cornik" (roasted corn kernels)... There would also be peddlers of fragrant sampaguita leis, ballooons and handmade toys. The atmosphere outside the church was much like the summer fiestas rather than the solemn devotion to the birth of Jesus Christ.
The challenge every year was to complete the Novena (attend all nine dawn masses). I remember one year that I was able to do it - Two times, maybe? and that's even stretching it - I know for sure, one time during my high school years that I made an effort to go to all nine days.
Now, I wish I was in the Philippines, with Mary, my daughter and Mama Mer's granddaughter, going to Mass and sharing in my Mom's day. I dedicate this day to my Mom.
Mom, I love you!
Mary Esther says I love you, too.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Took the day off today to do some things with Mary and one of them was to take her to the doctor's for a physical exam. Mostly her daycare requires it and we had to get it done.
A good thing, too. I have suspected that her vision is not as good as it should be. And I was right. They did a Vision Test and she could identify the different shapes but not at 20 paces. We would have to take her to an optometrist and maybe get glasses soon.
Not surprising. Jack, her daddy, had started wearing glasses when he was at Kindergarten. Though I had perfect vision til about 10 years ago, both of my younger sisters wore glasses at an early age. So, it is in Mary's genes. Her one condition was, the glasses has to be PINK!
A good thing, too. I have suspected that her vision is not as good as it should be. And I was right. They did a Vision Test and she could identify the different shapes but not at 20 paces. We would have to take her to an optometrist and maybe get glasses soon.
Not surprising. Jack, her daddy, had started wearing glasses when he was at Kindergarten. Though I had perfect vision til about 10 years ago, both of my younger sisters wore glasses at an early age. So, it is in Mary's genes. Her one condition was, the glasses has to be PINK!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Dawn or dusk?
Can you tell which is which? Both spectacular. I took these pictures sometime two weeks ago.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Kindergarten Blues
Mary will be in Kindergarten next schoolyear.
There is one public elementary school quite nearby to our house and we were thinking of sending her there. As it turns out, it is not our "home" school so we would have to "open enroll" her. Our home school is about the same distance away as this one in the opposite direction from our house. What we do not like about it is the traffic on the road right by our house. This school has Kindergarten through high school so a lot more traffic of buses and parents taking their kids to school.
Today, we visited the school that is not our home school. Heard a lot of good things about the place. Had a good feel to it. Mary wanted to start "work" (schoolwork) right then and there.
Can't believe she is going off to REAL school.
Mary will be in Kindergarten next schoolyear.
There is one public elementary school quite nearby to our house and we were thinking of sending her there. As it turns out, it is not our "home" school so we would have to "open enroll" her. Our home school is about the same distance away as this one in the opposite direction from our house. What we do not like about it is the traffic on the road right by our house. This school has Kindergarten through high school so a lot more traffic of buses and parents taking their kids to school.
Today, we visited the school that is not our home school. Heard a lot of good things about the place. Had a good feel to it. Mary wanted to start "work" (schoolwork) right then and there.
Can't believe she is going off to REAL school.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Here comes Santa Claus (or not...)
It has been a while- I'm sorry not to have kept up with my blog. I promise, from today, I would post everyday and share more pictures of my little darling, Mary Esther.
Today, I thought we would go to the mall and visit with Santa. We go to Flatirons Crossing Mall in Broomfield and I thought today if we go early, we won't encounter ay lines to see Santa. I checked the mall's website and it said that they are open 10 am till 9 pm. And one do not have to buy a photo package for Mary to go sit on Santa's knee. That was one of my concerns. I have a perfectly good digital camera, why do I have to pay for someone else to take a picture.
I told Mary she can draw a picture for Santa and here she is preparing one.
We got to the mall and the parking lot was not so busy yet. That's a good sign, the mall must not be too busy yet. Got to the area where Santa was. Must be at least 25 other famiilies waiting to see Santa. And what's worse, Santa was getting to go on his lunch break. So, for today this was the closest that Mary got to see Santa.
We'll try to see him on a weekday.
It has been a while- I'm sorry not to have kept up with my blog. I promise, from today, I would post everyday and share more pictures of my little darling, Mary Esther.
Today, I thought we would go to the mall and visit with Santa. We go to Flatirons Crossing Mall in Broomfield and I thought today if we go early, we won't encounter ay lines to see Santa. I checked the mall's website and it said that they are open 10 am till 9 pm. And one do not have to buy a photo package for Mary to go sit on Santa's knee. That was one of my concerns. I have a perfectly good digital camera, why do I have to pay for someone else to take a picture.
I told Mary she can draw a picture for Santa and here she is preparing one.
We got to the mall and the parking lot was not so busy yet. That's a good sign, the mall must not be too busy yet. Got to the area where Santa was. Must be at least 25 other famiilies waiting to see Santa. And what's worse, Santa was getting to go on his lunch break. So, for today this was the closest that Mary got to see Santa.
We'll try to see him on a weekday.
