MORE GAMES

While looking for online games for Nikki, we chanced upon a website: AddictingGames.com. It was a smorgasbord of games and Nikki spent most of the afternoon playing some of them. His current favorite is the Tauri Bedrock game. It's actually hilarious. Nikki is quite good at these type of games. Although he will encounter some difficulties, he could strategize and try different methods before asking for help. Well, I am not worried about Nikki playing online games. He is still very controllable and when I tell him, he can't use the computer yet, he does not put up a fuss or have tantrums. Because of this, I think he is all right. Who knows, he might be the next Bill Gates...=D

NIKKI AND A BEE

Nikki found this bee in their pool one morning. When he scooped it up in his cup, it was an instant lesson on bees. I let him look closely at the wings, the coloring and the size of the bee. He paid attention but after dumping the bee outside the pool, he went back to playing in the water. =D Oh well...

READY FOR KINDERGARTEN

I think Nikki is doing so great with our lessons here at home. He does not get bored with lessons and he enjoys answering his workbooks (which I know, not all students feel the same way). I just need to build his self-confidence a bit because Nikki gets so affected when he commits mistakes or when he is unsure of his answer. I tell him again and again, "Nikki, it's okay to make mistakes; it's okay to be wrong." I don't want him to think that he has to be perfect all the time. I want him to learn, to find out why an answer is wrong and why he should find better answers to some puzzling question. I want Nikki to be a thinker and not to just accept things as they are. So far, he is doing great.

When I saw this checklist, I knew that Nikki is on his way. It makes me feel good that despite not going to traditional school, Nikki is learning so much and is happy learning his own way.

.....

http://school.familyeducation.com/school-readiness/parents-and-school/38491.html

Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

While there's no perfect formula that determines when children are truly ready for kindergarten, you can use this checklist to see how well your child is doing in acquiring the skills found on most kindergarten checklists.

Check the skills your child has mastered. Then recheck every month to see what additional skills your child can accomplish easily.

Young children change so fast -- if they can't do something this week, they may be able to do it a few weeks later.

Listen to stories without interrupting
Recognize rhyming sounds
Pay attention for short periods of time to adult-directed tasks
Understand actions have both causes and effects
Show understanding of general times of day
Cut with scissors
Trace basic shapes
Begin to share with others
Start to follow rules
Be able to recognize authority
Manage bathroom needs
Button shirts, pants, coats, and zip up zippers
Begin to control oneself
Separate from parents without being upset
Speak understandably
Talk in complete sentences of five to six words
Look at pictures and then tell stories
Identify rhyming words
Identify the beginning sound of some words
Identify some alphabet letters
Recognize some common sight words like "stop"
Sort similar objects by color, size, and shape
Recognize groups of one, two, three, four, and five objects
Count to ten
Bounce a ball

If your child has acquired most of the skills on this checklist and will be at least five years old at the start of the summer before he or she starts kindergarten, he or she is probably ready for kindergarten. What teachers want to see on the first day of school are children who are healthy, mature, capable, and eager to learn.

FRUIT FACE

Ethan made this funny face out of the plastic fruits I bought the other day. I think this is a nice way to study the face. It is always harder to teach Ethan because I have to come up with creative ideas to keep him interested but when he gets really psyched about a lesson, it is sooo fulfilling. =D

21 WAYS TO ENJOY BEING A MOM

I think this article is pretty helpful for some moms who can't find time for themselves (like me sometimes). But despite the stress, I still can't and won't give up motherhood for anything... =D



http://www.parenting.com/parenting/mom/article/0,19840,1601705,00.html?topic=l1369


1. When you're tired, hand your kids a brush, point to your head, and tell them to play beauty parlor. When you're really tired, pretend that you're Sleeping Beauty.
2. Take your mother to a spa. While you're both getting seaweed wraps, tell her all your favorite memories of growing up.
3. Take a bath with your infant. Make sure your husband is around for the handoff, so you can relax until the last minute. (Don't forget to smell your baby right afterward. Heaven!)
4. At the end of every summer, take a family photo for the holiday card (you'll be happy to have this accomplished once December comes). Every year, add a framed 11-by-14-inch print to your front hall. Your kids will be proud now and laugh later at the funny styles.
5. On St. Patrick's Day, dye the milk and eggs green and turn the furniture upside down so your home looks like total chaos. When your little ones wake up, tell them that the leprechauns came.
6. The next time you have to go to a boring kiddie activity, invite another mom-friend along. Hide wine in sippy cups for the two of you to nurse undercover.
7. Play Freaky Friday with your husband and switch roles for a day. Enjoy his renewed appreciation for his Super Mom wife.
8. In the dead of winter, fix some snacks, get under warm quilts, and watch Happy Feet on DVD. Tell your kids you love them even more than the penguins love their chicks.
9. Go to the beach in the off-season. Throw rocks in the water and collect shells. Put them in a vase and use it as shelf décor in your living room.
10. Skip the Raffi and Barney. Turn your kids on to Bob Marley, They Might Be Giants, and Gwen Stefani.
11. Take your baby out to the movies at night. (Infants love the dark, and loud trailers make them snooze immediately.) Then you can sip your soda and munch your popcorn in peace.
12. Buy yourself that fancy watch, strand of pearls, or whatever piece of expensive jewelry you've been lusting after. Justify your purchase by rationalizing that you'll pass it down to your daughter (or son's wife) eventually.
13. Take your kids to live music performances from very early ages. Cheap ones outdoors are great to start with in case you need to make a hasty exit (like when a diaper explodes).
14. Use your kids as an excuse to do the things you want to do, like going to silly feel-good movies, eating mac and cheese for dinner, and jumping in the moonbounce. Use your kids as an excuse to get out of things you don't want to do, like going to a wedding or office party.
15. Every Mother's Day, have a picture taken with your kids. Keep the photos all together — along with special cards, ticket stubs, mementos, and anything else that makes you feel good about being a mom — in a shoe box. (Of course, you must get those new shoes you love in order to do this correctly.) Every year, look through your Goddess Mom box and see how much your kids have grown.
16. Give your kids quiet time every day. Let them learn to be by themselves with books, crayons, or blocks.
17. Let your whole family take a day off and hang out in pj's all day long.
18. Rent Sex and the City on DVD, and reminisce about the days when you were single and the biggest problem you had was whether the "He" of the moment was going to call. Let the romance of your youth seduce you. Then remember that, despite your freedom, all you really wanted was to fall in love and have beautiful babies.
19. Pitch a tent in the backyard. Use it as your outdoor reading room. Or when there's a full moon, plan a family campout with sleeping bags, a transistor radio, and s'mores, of course.
20. Invent a house fairy. Give her a name, and tell your kids that she is always watching them and counting up their good deeds.
21. Listen for the deep, happy sighs that come after your kids play or laugh really hard. Tuck them away in your heart.

Babytalk, March 2007

POOL FUN

IN ZAMBOANGA

We have been in Zamboanga for 3 days now. The boys have adjusted well to the new surroundings again. Nikki loves this place and chose it over Manila when I asked him which place he preferred. I am happy about that because I want him to be comfortable here. Ethan is is usual physical self. Because our house is spacious compared to the one in Manila, he could run and go from room to room as much as he wants. I think it's nice to see the boys doing so well. Nikki and I have already started answering his workbooks yesterday. We try to do the workbooks every other day so that he won't get too bored with it. I plan to go to town to buy some more materials for them to keep them busy for the next few weeks. Since we could stay in the garden pretty much anytime, we might get to do more arts and crafts for the next few weeks. I think this summer is going to be pretty fun! =D

AT THE PLAYGROUND

MESS

It has been very hard trying to focus on lessons and teaching the boys things and doing activities. The house is a mess, the construction is noisy and there is dust and dirt everywhere. It really dampens the lessons so we try to either learn outside the house or at the mall. So far, the boys have been cooperative. When we are home, we still do some lessons in their workbooks or we watch some tv. But they really love going to the playground near here. Which is a good thing because I don't want my boys to be couch potatoes.

I'm not really worried about our situation because we will be flying to Zamboanga on Saturday and hopefully there, we will be able to be more focused on our homeschooling activities.

FOR PARENTS

I think this article is very insightful.

http://www.parenting.org/archive/discovery/life_lessons/2003/Apr_May03_role_model.asp

Be a Character Role Model

One of the most powerful teaching tools parents have is modeling the behavior they want children to learn. In character education, that means "walking the talk," or being the person of high integrity you're helping children to become.

You may be a good role model now, but remember, you don't have to be sick to get better. Everything you do, and don't do, sends a message to children about your values. Be sure your messages are about doing the right thing, even when it is hard to do. When you slip (and all of us do), act the way you want your children to behave when they make a mistake - be accountable, apologize sincerely and work to do better.

The following "Parents' Pledges" were developed by the CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition to help parents focus on specific behaviors they can model as part of their teaching. Perhaps they will be a source of inspiration for you.

A Parent's Pledge: Trustworthiness
I will be as honest as I want my children to be.
I won't lie to my children or in front of them.
I will not treat honesty as a rule of convenience by excusing acts of dishonesty or deception as exceptions.
I will avoid hypocrisy like preaching against smoking, drinking or drugs while doing those activities.
I will demonstrate consistently the strength of my moral convictions by paying whatever price necessary to do what I think is right, risking loss of money, approval and even employment.
I will treat my word as my bond in all cases.
I will avoid legalistic escape hatches in dealing with my children, honoring the spirit as well as the letter of my promises.

A Parent's Pledge: Respect
I will listen with respect and treat my children's views seriously.
I will avoid selfish and petty behavior and power plays, especially where my children are concerned.
I will exercise self-restraint and maintain the kind of self-discipline I expect from my children with respect to violence, yelling or other displays of temper.
I will use only the kind of language I want my children to use.A Parent's Pledge: ResponsibilityI will demonstrate a willingness to admit when I am wrong and to take my medicine, and expect the same from my children.
I will avoid shifting the blame and making excuses regarding my own shortcomings or mistakes, and expect the same from my children.
I will assign reasonable age-appropriate responsibilities to my children and see that there are meaningful consequences if they fail to perform their duties.
I will insist that my children keep their commitments at home, at school and in extracurricular activities.

A Parent's Pledge: Fairness
I will not resort to arbitrary power to get my way when I have taught that general rules of fairness are applicable.
I will treat all my children equally and fairly.
I will be open and reasonable to discussion and criticism.

A Parent's Pledge: Caring
I will remember that my children are stakeholders in everything I do.
I will demonstrate compassion and respect for others, especially my children.
I will be visibly charitable and involve my children in choosing charities to support.I will not discount, belittle or trivialize my children's feelings and fears.

A Parent's Pledge: Citizenship
I will obey the law in all matters.
I will vote in all elections and perform other civic duties such as jury duty, testifying as a witness and reporting crimes as the opportunities arise.
I will conserve energy and avoid littering or other forms of pollution.

8 WAVES; MARCH 10, 2007

BLOCKS

"I'm making a house, mommy, with roads and bridges..."












"This chimney refuses to stand!"

"Last block..."















"All done, mommy! Take my picture now."

THE BEST TOYS FOR LEARNING

http://parenting.ivillage.com/tp/tplearning/0,,s52r,00.html

by Siobhan Adcock

With so many toys being marketed as "educational" these days, how's a mom to tell which ones will really help her child learn -- and be fun enough to hold a three-year-old's attention for more than five minutes?

The best educational toys, according to child-development experts, are those that encourage the development of specific skills, as opposed to toys that present facts or simply claim to "improve learning." "Enhances cognitive development sounds technical, but is really too general to be useful," writes psychologist Susan Hardwicke, in the October 2003 issue of Toy Directory Monthly. Hardwicke, whose work focuses on educational testing, continues, "The truth is that all experiences develop the brain. The key to cognitive educational toys is to develop a number of different skills that are ultimately used in complex ways later in life."

Okay, so back to the pressing question: Which toys do that? The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, an independent consumer review organization that evaluates children's products, publishes a yearly list of toys tested by a national panel of grownups and kids in the hopes of answering this very question. "We often think of educational toys as those that are related to school skills, but the educational value of toys and play is much broader than right and wrong answers or simply knowing the ABCs or 123s," says Joanne Oppenheim, child development specialist and cofounder of the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio. "A rich variety of play gives children opportunities to learn and develop their physical, social, creative and intellectual skills. For example, through 'pretend,' children develop language and imagination -- the underpinnings for reading and writing. A craft or construction kit involves fine motor skills and building dexterity, along with the ability to read and follow directions, working in a step-by-step sequence and staying with a task that is less than instantaneous."

As a guideline, Oppenheim identified the following six categories for playthings that enhance learning. Plus, check out recommendations for specific toys that top Oppenheim's recent award lists:

1. Building toys: Legos, Tinker Toys and blocks for younger kids, and more complex building projects (like Knex or Rokenbok) for older children. "Building toys for each age group are among the best playthings for developing children's spatial reasoning as well as their ability to stick with a task. The younger the child, the more open-ended the building material should be," says Oppenheim.
One to check out: Lego Duplo Block-o-Dile by Lego Systems, Inc.; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, 2005

2. Art supplies. "Art exploration introduces children to the science of how colors work together, and allows for creative and nonverbal self-expression."
One to check out: Finger Painting Party, by Alex; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award, 2005

3. Props for play-acting and role-playing: "These are the food for imagination and language development."
One to check out: Pretend & Play Doctor Set by Learning Resources; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, 2004

4. Board games that involve matching, counting and turn-taking.
One to check out: Letter Factory Game by LeapFrog; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award 2005

5. Sports equipment. Playing sports "develops coordination and big muscles along with a sense of teamwork and fair play -- important learning that is often overlooked."
One to check out: Mini Golf by Alex; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award, 2005

6. Puzzles. "These develop visual discrimination and patience to stay with a less than instant task."
One to check out: Beginner Pattern Blocks by Melissa and Doug, available at Imaginarium.com; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award, 2005

For more top toy picks from the Oppenheimer Toy Portfolio, visit: http://www.toyportfolio.com

NIKKI GETS A HAIRCUT

I think these experiences are a learning tool as well. Here's my little boy getting a haircut...













Nikki is no longer scared of the electric razor.

That tickles!

No, mommy. I don't like barbers and I'm not going near the chair...


















Finishing touches.

REASONS TO HOMESCHOOL

I found this more extensive list on the internet. I hope reading and re-reading this will help strengthen my resolve to continue to homeschool the boys. (God give me the strength to not cave in to the pressure...)

.....

http://www.lovetolearnplace.com/HomeSchoolFacts/reasonstohomeschool.html


Reasons to Homeschool

Christian ...
#1 ... Glorify God
#2 ... Christ-centered curriculum
#3 ... Christ-centered graduations
#4 ... Being proud of Christ-centered, self-disciplined, hard-working, well-educated young adults God has given families to rear
#5 ... Building godly characters
#6 ... Build on skills learned and mastered in each academic discipline (precept upon precept)
#7 ... Teaches the homeschooled scholar the relationship between academics, the "real" world and their Christian duty
#8 ... Training warriors in the Christian faith in all areas of life including academic (e.g., math, science, history, grammar, phonics, literature, etc.). Teaching Christians do not compartmentalize. All things are for His glory!
#9 ... Transferring knowledge and experience from one Christian generation to the next
#10 ... Teaching good stewardship and protecting the environment (i.e., no utilization of buses)
#11 ... Biblical worldview interwoven into all subjects areas with the homeschooling student witnessing God's providential care
#12 ... Homeschooled youth will not have their beliefs ridiculed, mocked or contradicted before they are fully prepared to join the battle.
#13 ... Strong Christian witness in the community lets others know you take your faith seriously, not just on Sundays and/or Wednesday evenings, but every day.
#14 ... Fulfillment of the Christian duty to their offspring as presented in Deuteronomy 6:7

Academics ...
#15 ... Academics tailored to needs of individual scholar. (Many different types of books could be in use for homeschooling due to the learning style of the scholar.)
#16 ... Encourage student to work in areas they have talent (e.g., math, science, grammar, musical instruments, etc.)
#17 ... Help student to master areas they are weak in
#18 ... Ability to forge ahead in various subject(s) without having to be held back for slower students (e.g., learning Shakespeare, challenging mathmatical concepts, etc.)
#19 ... Experiencing subjects, like grammar or math, do not have to be miserable and can actually be fun !
#20 ... Ability to learn history as it truly occurred and not how it has been changed for the politically correct
#21 ... not learning new math, new new math, etc.
#22 ... Having fun learning geography
#23 ... Reading literature at an earlier age and not having others spoil it
#24 ... Ability to learn foreign languages at an earlier age and not when a child is older when it becomes more difficult (Note: Many homeschoolers consider Latin to be part of Language Arts and not a foreign language).
#25 ... Able to view academics as something fun, interesting, and exciting and even if it is not to have the self-discipline to learn same
#26 ... No sick/inclement weather days. School need not be missed due to sickness or bad weather. Academics can be adjusted accordingly.
#27 ... No school phobias. Scholars look forward to participating in school.
#28 ... Learning becomes a way of life and not a compartmentalized part of life.
#29 ... No unecessary, tedious busywork so idle hands do not get into mischief.
#30 ... Testing can actually be utilized the way it was intended from a Christian worldview (ie., to forge ahead in strong areas, strengthen weak points, preparation for those times when God tests us, etc.)
#31 ... In-depth study that homeschooled scholar is interested in
#32 ... Teaching and disciplining are possible as parents are better able to determine the causes of acadmic problems and solve them than government schools (such as whether a child is having difficulty learning the material or just not trying or being stubborn or unruly)
#33 ... The homeschooled scholar is not held back by slower students or dragged forward by faster students. The pace of the studies is tailor made to each student's individual needs.
#34 ... Homeschooled students' studies are not determined by the latest unproven fad or trendy teaching method.
#35 ... Homeschooled students' are not forced to be a part of a grand social engineering experiment.
#36 ... The homeschooled student will not be sitting under the counsel of the ungodly (Psalm 1). Moreover they are not urged or forced to become a companion of fools (Proverbs 22:15) unlike the false, steril, anti-social environment that breeds the dysfunctional socialization in government schools.
#37 ... Homeschooled scholars avoid government control via peer socialization
#38 ... Able to complete the thought/project working on without being interrupted by bells and whistles in the hallways (unlike the government school's Pavlov's slobbering dogs system)
#39 ... Do not have to ask permission to go to the restroom or take prescribed medication (e.g., asthma, kidney, etc.).
#40 ... Do not have to accept inappropriate labels or submit to inappropriate medications (e.g., ritalin)
#41 ... The government schools have "out-lawed" God, and therefore become inappropriate places for Christians to send their children.
#42 ... Homeschooled youth become excited when their curriculum arrives wanting to start it immediately unlike their government school counterparts that whine and complain when Government classes start.
#43 ... Homeschooled youth do not need a pass to be in the halls or the restroom.

Family ...
#44 ... Building close relationships between parent / child / siblings
#45 ... Ability to build close relationships with extended family members (e.g., grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins)
#46 ... Ability to tap talents of extended family members and have them teach the homeschooled scholar in those areas they excel in
#47 ... Ability to learn family history FROM grandparents and aunts/uncles
#48 ... Learning home economics in an appropriate setting ... in a home with a family ... and watching how it applies to REAL life
#49 ... Learning shop skills in an appropriate setting ... in a home with a family ... and witnessing how it applies to REAL life
#50 ... Participating in civics at an earlier age with family members (e.g., voting, participating in campaining for political candidates, working to pass bills, etc.)
#51 ... Ability to teach and encourage younger siblings or encourage other young homeschooling scholars
#52 ... Parents are also educated during the homeschooling process. It is not uncommon to hear "I have learned much more teaching my children than I ever learned in school!"
#53 ... Meets the needs of a family schedule
#54 ... Frees the family from the tyranny of the government school calendar
#55 ... Parents set the standards and rules for what types of play are acceptable at "recess"
#56 ... Parents and other family members teaching, encouraging and re-enforcing courtesy and honor.
#57 ... Teaching daughters that being feminine is a good thing and that it is their duty to obey God with what He calls them to do
#58 ... Training sons to demonstrate courtesy and honor to females without fear of condemnation from the politically correct crowd
#59 ... No more having bad days due to racing in the morning to shuffle children off to various buildings.
#60 ... Youth experience positive interaction with those in the community of all ages and backgrounds
#61 ... Students learn how to interact with other from mature adults.
#62 ... Homeschooled youth are able to live and study in an environment free from drug/alcohol abuse, profanity, and other anti-social behavior.
#63 ... A family's privacy is not violated at government schools by being forced to answer intrusive, personal questionnaires.
#64 ... Students eat healthy food prepared fresh everyday while thanking God for this provision. They are enabled to eat in a friendly, decent manner free of food fights or other anti-social behavior.
#65 ... The family does not need to go to a doctor or spend money unwisely to get a piece of paper to explain why a student was sick with the flu for three days.
#66 ... Students can attend family weddings, funerals, baptisms and other important events without having to get permission from a government official.
#67 ... Families may take their vacation in the spring or fall when the weather is nicer, the prices are better, and the crowds are smaller.
#68 ... Child's self-esteem. Homeschooled youth KNOW that their parents do not consider them to be nuisances and only tolerable in small doses. Homeschooled children know they are loved and wanted. Homeschooling families like each other.
#69 ... Parents (and not the government through our neighbors' taxes) are responsible for the training of the children they bear.
#70 ... More time together to build a strong family and good Christian character in children is required. An 8-hour school day, sports, music, homework, etc. does not leave much time for family.

Peers ...
#71 ... Learning appropriate socialization skills
#72 ... Not wasting time in standing in line, changing classes, collecting money, discipline, etc.
#73 ... Field trips that meet academic needs and interests of the homeschooled scholar
#74 ... Not being restricted to like or dislike what the "in crowd" at government school approves of (e.g., not having to have a "herd mentality")
#75 ... Homeschooled scholar is able to be their own person without being manipulated by same-age individuals
#76 ... Homeschooling is more enconomical as the family does not have to purchase school clothes that are "in", school lunches, extracurricular activities, being bullied into helping with fundraisers
#77 ... Students do not have to deal with the risk of personal danger of assault from bullies on a constant, daily basis. The family helps the homeschooled scholar with quick one-liners for those occasions the homeschooled scholar runs into bullies.
#78 ... Families spend their money wisely in making educational decisions for their students.
#79 ... Children are not forced to artificially "grow up" too fast; however, since they are allowed to grow at their own pace, homeschooled children tend to mature in character more quickly than government schooled children.
#80 ... Homeschooled youth are allowed to have their own opinion.
#81 ... Children with learning diabilities are freed from a system that is embarassing, failing, and exposing them to the ridicule of their classmates.
#82 ... No group showers after P.E. or other encroachments on your personal privacy.

Older Students ...
#83 ... Ability to do volunteer work for others less fortunate (e.g., geriatric facilities, SPCA, VFW/American Legion, etc.)
#84 ... Ability to do intern work for local veternarians, medical practices, attorneys, etc. to determine if that is the area they would like to purse
#85 ... Ability to meet with adults and not be intimidated or obnoxious
#86 ... Older students are available to work when same-age peers are in school. Homeschooled scholars are able to adjust their study schedule so they can obtain the best employment opportunities in the community
#87 ... Older students reinforce their learning by teaching younger siblings
#88 ... No more false government school generated "generation gap," "generation X," etc. by separating young adults (teens) from their parents during the years they most need them. Young people are forced to find role models and standards in immature friends rather than in their adult family members. Instead, homeschooled families are experiencing the "all inclusive generation" that enjoys one another's company.

Younger Students ...
#89 ... No staying up late and going crazy doing science fair projects.
#90 ... Extra hugs and kisses while cuddling on the couch homeschooling!
#91 ... Homeschooling may be done in jammies (which works especially well when a child or parent is ill).
#92 ... Academics can frequently be disguised as "play" which means homeschooled students have lots more time for play
#93 ... No more running to the store to figure out what to buy all those teachers for Christmas. Instead, that time can be devoted to family endeavors and church/community projects.

ARCADE

Yesterday, Nikki got a taste of the arcades and he loved the race game that he tried out. I took a video of him playing that game and he still laughs his head off whenever he watches it. Here are some photos of my boy in action:

"this is fun!"

"uh-oh! my car wrecked!"

Nikki, having a fun time...

MORE PUZZLES

Look at my Chicken Little puzzle, mommy!

HAVEN'T BEEN BLOGGING...

Things have been a bit hectic here at home because of the renovations being done on the house. I had to check for our things and clothes and it took me some days to put some order in our room. I also had to pack some of the boys' clothes and toys to send to Zamboanga to keep there temporarily and to give some away to the poor kids in the barrio. Aside from that, I have been bringing the boys to the mall and they have been having a blast! Despite the hectic schedule, we still regularly read books, do exercises in their workbooks and play with their educational toys. Hopefully, once we get to Zamboanga, we'll have more focused lessons...