Holiday Diaries 1 – Pre-Christmas

I have to get this started somehow!  Kaya wala nang paliguy-ligoy pa….

18 December 2007

When I came to Abby’s school at around 11:45 to pick her, I was surprised to see a lot of the kids hovering by the door, where Abby usually waits for me alongside her other classmates who go home at noon.  As soon as the children saw me, they almost shouted in unison, “Abby’s crying!”  And they all pointed to Abby who was slumped on the floor crying with matching “hikbi”.  I rushed to her side, gave her a hug and asked her what was wrong.  She couldn’t speak because of her uncontrollable sobs.  And then somebody volunteered the answer, “The teacher took her candy cane away.”

Ms. Jessica, one of Abby’s teachers, enlightened me.  Poppy the Clown came to school today to entertain the kids and after her act, gave away candy canes.  Sweets are a no-no in school, but in the spirit of the holiday season, the kids were allowed to keep their candies which they can enjoy only after they finish their lunch.  Abby decided to take a “short cut” and threw her banana in the trash.  That’s why the candy cane was taken away from her.  

After Abby calmed down, Ms. Viola, the head teacher in her class, held the “confiscated” candy cane in front of Abby and assured her that tomorrow, Abby can have it after she finishes her lunch.  The candy cane will be put back in her cubby and will be waiting for her tomorrow.  Ms. Viola said she was sorry she had to take it away from Abby.

Abby was ok with the “deal” Ms. Viola came up with.  Whew!  In the car and several more times at home, I reminded Abby that it’s not nice to throw food away and explained to her why the candy was taken away from her.  She would nod in understanding.  I hope she doesn’t forget that tomorrow.

19 December 2007

When I dropped Abby off this morning, we found the candy cane in her cubby.  Before I left, I reminded her again that she can have it later in the day after she finishes her lunch.

At the usual time I pick Abby up, I was back in school and was very surprised that Abby is still asking for the candy cane!  Uh-oh, she probably didn’t eat her lunch again!  Ms. Viola came out of the classroom and told me she didn’t let Abby have the candy cane yet again.  Abby knew the deal that she had to finish her lunch first before she could have it.  So she came up with a grand plan.  During lunch time, she went around the classroom, offering her lunch to her classmates!  She was asking them to eat her sandwich for her!  She even asked Ms. Viola, “You eat my sandwich?”  Naturally, Ms. Viola said no, she won’t eat Abby’s sandwich. 

After hearing the story, I had to keep from giggling myself.  Ms. Viola handed the candy cane to me and let me decide what to do with it at home.  I explained to her that Abby also isn’t allowed to eat sweets until after she has eaten her meal.

Haaay, Abby!  You’re such a smarty!  I have to say, I’m so proud of you.  Hee hee!  Now that’s what they call, “maabilidad!”

20 December 2007

Today was Abby’s school “holiday party”.  That’s the generic term for Christmas party.  It’s not like the holiday parties we are used to back home as it was stripped of whatever funfare that is usually associated with Christmas parties.  The party was just lunch made special by the presence of some of the children’s parents and special treats for the children.  About a week or so before today, a list of what parents could bring to the party were posted by the entrance of Abby’s classroom.  We volunteered to bring the non-fruit snack.  The other parents brought holiday plates and utensils, goody bags, fruit snacks and desserts. 

The non-fruit snacks we brought were ham & cheese sandwiches in the holiday shapes of gingerbread, Christmas tree, snowman, etc.  I used the cookie cutters I got on sale at Wal-Mart.  We also brought corn dogs, but this time, I took the much less complicated route of simply buying frozen ones and heated them up in the oven.  There were no games, no dance numbers, nothing.  But it was fun for everyone just the same.

Other than hubby and myself, 5 other parents attended the holiday party, and three of them read stories to the children.  I decided to take pictures instead.   I really enjoy being around Abby and her classmates.  They are such a joy to be with.  

Abby shares a table with classmates Loren, Gabby and Olivia.

   

Storytelling time!

Isn’t she lovely?

21 December 2007

Today is the year’s last school day and parents were again invited to watch their children during dance class.  Hubby and I were just too happy to oblige.   The girls are just getting better and better, Abby specially.   Hee hee!  Because the weather has become so much colder, we bought Abby long-sleeved leotards.  Too bad she had to take off her tights before the class began because on the way to the school, Abby pulled a thread from her tights which resulted in an unsightly hole. 

   

every bit a dancer

dancers taking a break

Following is a short clip..my favorite.  I didn’t do any editing so you can see how Abby can easily grab the title role should there be a dance production. ;)  But you all know how I’m such a stagemom.

22 December 2007

My First Haircut

I finally got a haircut today.  I just have to say that I miss Matt, my hair’s main man.  He has been cutting my hair and doing my make-up for formal gatherings (including my wedding!) for the last 8 or so years.  Next to Matt, I miss the Pinas prices for salon services and the pampering I get from Emphasis Salon of the Peninsula Manila.

At first, I thought I’d get my haircut at Toni (Or is it Tony? Whatever!)  and Guy but had to do an about face after I saw that the rate for a haircut is $44.00 if done by the “artistic director”.  Hmp!  I went to another salon instead, the name of which now escapes me.  I ended up paying $35 dollars including tip.  Next time, I’ll probably give Cost Cutters a try.  Haircuts there are only around $15.    Oo na, kuripot na kung kuripot!  Hahaha!

Trail of Lights

We got word from our neighbor that tonight was the last night of the Trail of Lights at Zilker Park in Downtown Austin.  Not wanting to miss out on what probably was the most christmassy display in Austin, we braved the mid-30s weather and went.  Traffic on the way to the park was on the heavy side.  It looked like the entire Austin population decided to go to the Trail of Lights on the last day.  Grrr!  The park was a virtual ocean of people!  Nevertheless, we didn’t regret going.  

We really have to get out of the house on weekends even if it means going through the hassle of wearing layer upon layer of clothing!  Brrrrr!

The entrance to a magnificent display of lights.  It is actually more crowded than it looks.  That night, there was no such thing as personal bubble.  It was almost as bad as riding the MRT on rush hour!

We managed to squeeze our way through the crowd to grab a quick pizza dinner and some hot cocoa.

One of the cute displays at the Trail of Lights

The crowd favorites are huge displays featuring famous cartoon characters: Charlie Brown and friends, Dora, Spongebob, Disney characters, etc.

Would you look at that!  I didn’t even make it all the way to Christmas!   If I may borrow my friend Meeya’s words, “Holiday kwentos are quite a bit delayed but, like the miracle of childbirth, nai-ire din ang kwento.”  In my case, it’s gonna take more than just one big “ire” or worse, it might ultimately end in C-section much like what happened in real life.   So bear with me please!  I so admire bloggers who are able to update regularly.  How do you do even do it?

I hope your weekend went well and the week ahead, even better!   God bless, y’all!