tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29636819259542638232024-03-14T05:21:41.474+08:00Dear Sabrina BananaLiv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-37344031636779522072019-08-20T07:53:00.000+08:002019-08-20T07:53:04.180+08:00I Choose YouDear Sabrina Banana,<div>
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When I was a kid, I had a friend named K. K was pretty, she was always neat, she spoke well (and clearly), she was responsible, she went home from school with her hair, uniform, and bag all fixed neatly and perfectly, she was also smart and got amazing grades (she graduated Valedictorian from her grade school and high school). Gramma would always say "Look at K...". I resented that. I know now that what she was saying is "Honey, you have every thing and more to achieve what K is achieving...but you're not even trying"; but at that time what I was hearing was "I wish you were K" or maybe "I wish K were my daughter instead". That didn't feel good.</div>
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As a mom, I see those interactions differently. I know that no imperfection of mine would make my mom think less of me. I know that she would never ever wish I were someone else. I am loved. But that love meant that she cannot allow me to stay in a state that was less than my best. That love meant that it hurts for her to see me live and act so far below my potential. Yes, it hurt her. </div>
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I feel the same about you. I see you. I see the things you are amazing at. I see your struggles. I see the times when you are not even bothering to try. I see when you are doing just enough to get by. I see when you are not giving it your best. I see when you don't want to try out of fear. I see it all. Sometimes it frustrates me, sometimes it saddens me. But all the time, the love is constant. All the time I am happy you are my daughter. All the time, I would choose you over every one else. </div>
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Love, </div>
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Momma</div>
Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-67698219501515659012019-08-18T18:21:00.001+08:002019-08-18T18:28:11.158+08:00To The Daughter I Didn't Know I WantedDear Sabrina Banana,<br />
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It's been a while since I last wrote you a letter. It may be because I've been so busy. Or maybe it's because I find that I am now able to talk to you directly. I started this blog because I had this great fear of dying when you were very young and you not knowing about me or worse, you not knowing how much I loved you. Throughout the years I feel more secure in the thought that you will know and remember me and that you are secure in my love for you. I hope I am right in both assumptions.<br />
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I write this as you and Dad are watching a chorale concert. I refused to join for 2 reasons. First, the thought itself bores me to death. Second, whenever there's a chance for you to bond with your dad...I try to give way so you guys can have your time together. So anyway, back to this concert. I am so surprised that you asked dad if you could watch this. I've come to realize that being your mom is God's way of constantly surprising me. It's His way of reminding me "My ways are better than your ways..."-- He is, of course, right.<br />
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I had different ideas about motherhood you know. The time you were conceived, your gender, your interests, your attitude...I had specific ideas of what I thought I wanted in my child. I thank God every day that he didn't give me what I thought I wanted. Oh thank God He didn't. Every moment from the time I found out I was pregnant, it feels like being given a present...a present I didn't realize I needed and wanted but now can't get enough of. Sometimes I feel sorry for other parents who don't have this specific present to be honest 😝 (hehehe).<br />
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A few years ago, I wondered about the kind of young lady you would become. I imagined your preferences, your attitude, your disposition, your interests, your heart....God surprised me once again with the kind of lady He designed you to be. I love talking to you. I love the way your mind doesn't accept arguments just because people tell you they are true. I love the purity of your heart. I love your quest for finding out what's right and why it is right. I love the way you research topics to death. I love your wit and dry humor. I love how deeply you care....I am sad about the way you try to hide how much you do. I love the way you devote yourself so fully to projects and endeavors you care about. I love that you talk to me about your hurts. I love how I can talk to you about so many things that most kids can't handle yet. I love how your serious side is balanced by a crazy, silly one.<br />
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It sometimes hurts me when I realize that you don't see how wonderfully you were created by God. It hurts when I realize how you see yourself sometimes. I pray that God will allow you to see yourself in the way Dad and I see you. Or even better, that God will allow you to see yourself in the way God sees you! I pray that you also realize that Dad and I know that you are not perfect. No one is (though Beyonce and I are very close to being perfect). The thing is, when we see that flaw...it does not, it CANNOT lessen the love we have for you. Not even a little bit.<br />
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Love,</div>
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Mom</div>
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<br />Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-80089322396952417632013-07-31T14:18:00.001+08:002019-08-18T18:22:27.702+08:00Lessons Everywhere<div>
I banned Spongebob Square Pants (the TV Show) from our home. This devastated Sabrina. She really enjoyed watching a few episodes of the show (she was given a dvd as a present) and couldn't understand why she couldn't watch it anymore. </div>
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I told her that everything we watch, listen to, read changes us whether we like it or not and that we need to be careful and mindful. It took a few times but eventually she understood the idea. </div>
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Yesterday I gave her this book: </div>
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It was supposed to be for our homeschooling but she was so excited that I let her read the two-page introduction. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: left;">Sabrina: Wow. Did you choose</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; text-align: left;"> this because I will learn things from this book?</span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">Liv: Yup</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">Sabrina: Like what?</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">Liv: Well first you'll learn new words.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">Sabrina: I know what this book is teaching me. It's teaching me that people who are different from us can also do great things.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">Liv: Oh wow honey. Yes that is probably something we can learn from this book.</span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); display: inline; text-align: left;">Sabrina: And that ____(name of her friend) is still special even if I'm taller than her/him.</span></div>
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I was floored!! Reflection and application? That's high level learning! Love it!</div>
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I wrote more about this book<span style="color: red;"><b> <a href="http://livathome.blogspot.com/2013/07/book-recommendation-who-is-helen-keller.html">over at my other blog. </a></b></span>Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-47639795055755180712013-07-25T10:38:00.001+08:002013-07-25T10:38:20.837+08:00Play with Andrea DayDear Sabrina Banana, <div><br></div><div>Most parents looking at me would think I spend all the time with you. Not a lot of people know that even if I am technically at home with you, I do have a lot of other things going on. I go to school, I train for our church ministry, i have bible studies, I do counseling, I do parent coaching and i do corporate training. </div><div><br></div><div>The time i have left is divided between you and dad. A lot of times we spend a big chunk of our time homeschooling and talking. It is a considerable amount of time but I somehow forgot that you are a kid and you need play. The other day you told me that I don't play with you as much anymore. This broke my heart. </div><div><br></div><div>A part of me wanted to get defensive and say "What? Are you kidding me? Do you know what I'm sacrificing to stay at home and teach you? And now you're saying that's not enough?"....that was my pride talking. I decided to take what you said humbly (whether or not it was accurate is not the point, you are sharing with me your perspective and I should honor that) and say </div><div><br></div><div>"I'm so sorry honey. I know I've been so busy. I really can't play with you tonight because i have a meeting then I have to go to school but i have an idea. On Thursday, I will not work at all the whole day. No studying, no computer, no playing games on my phone. This Thursday will be the PLAY WITH ANDREA day"</div><div><br></div><div>You were beyond excited. I asked you to plan our day. You started making a list of games and activities which even included dancing and some snacks. </div><div><br></div><div>You had a running countdown and last night you told your dad "Mom and I are going to play the WHOLE day! She is not going to work at all thy's why she spent Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday working so hard"</div><div><br></div><div>It takes so little to make you happy. Some games, some snacks, yet sometimes i forget. Thank you for reminding me and for loving me through my mistakes. </div><div><br></div><div>Love ya, </div><div><br></div><div>Momma</div>Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-91768847451587714602013-07-10T07:30:00.000+08:002013-07-11T13:02:33.671+08:00Think Happy Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dear Sabrina Banana, </div>
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God created you with such a powerful mind. You have the power to change things around you, to change yourself all with how you think. I hope and pray that you grow up knowing of this power and being able to harness for your good.<br />
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Your mind can also work against you. When you focus on things which are bad, you start to feel bad...you start to look bad...you start to be bad. Avoid this by feasting your eyes not on things on this earth but on God above.<br />
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Love ya,<br />
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MommaLiv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-86339485330512196512013-07-09T08:50:00.000+08:002013-07-09T08:50:00.587+08:00Conversations with Sabrina: Of Giants, Evil Robots and Secret Code NamesWhile reading the book "The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe" Sabrina and I came across a giant named Rumblebuffin. We both found this name adorable so I started saying that since her dad is so tall we can call him Mr. Rumblebuffin, I will be Mrs. Rumblebuffin and Sabrina will be Rumblebuffin Jr. We called these our "top secret" code names. I did this just for fun but Sabrina wouldn't have any of it unless there's a reason. So I told her:<br />
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Liv: What if, there's an evil robot who looks just like me and you need to find out who your real mom is. So you have to ask us "What's your secret name?" and the one who can give you the correct answer is your real mom.<br />
Sabrina: Please (in a very bored way as if I'm talking nonsense) why don't I just throw water on both of you and the one who gets broken is the evil robot.<br />
Liv: Yeah, that's a better plan.Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-85463705346673497972013-07-04T09:55:00.002+08:002013-07-04T09:55:56.712+08:00How to do Time Outs - Tips for Disciplining your ChildHop on over to my other blog to see tips for doing time outs:<br />
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<b><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://livathome.blogspot.com/2013/07/faq-time-out.html">CLICK HERE!</a></span></b>Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-12741577084064931642013-07-02T13:37:00.001+08:002013-07-02T15:08:55.055+08:00We Can Do ThisDear Sabrina Banana,<br />
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A few weeks ago, you asked me why it's hard for you to draw and color like the other kids could. I felt my heart break into so many small pieces right there and then. I haven't told you about your fine-motor delay. When I see you struggling with things other kids do so effortlessly, I feel my heart tightening. A part of me says "This is so unfair, why do we have to go through four times the work to achieve the same results as other people?".<br />
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I realized that it's such an arrogant and self-centered way of thinking. Why not? God gave everything to us, why can't he give us this small bump that can probably mold our character in the future? Why not give it to you? God allowed me to have the education and the training to handle kids psychologically....who better to have a kid who needs help?<br />
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I looked at you as you asked this and I said "What does it mean honey when something is hard to do?". You look at me dejectedly and say "It means we haven't practiced enough". And you know what, as it says in the bible "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".<br />
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Love,<br />
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MommaLiv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-51136165818196029032013-07-02T13:00:00.003+08:002013-07-02T13:00:53.935+08:00Conversations with Sabrina -- TummiesMom, why do you have a big tummy even if you're not pregnant?<br />
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OUCH!Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-64165101025814080962013-07-01T07:21:00.002+08:002013-07-01T09:14:24.807+08:00From the Mouth of BabesOne of the things I started doing was asking my daughter how I can improve as a parent. <b><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://livathome.blogspot.com/2013/06/how-can-i-improve-as-parent.html">I wrote about the practice in my other blog</a>. (Click to go to the blog post)</span></b><br />
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Here is what happened:<br />
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Every couple of months, I sit down with Sabrina and ask her how I can be a better mom to her or what I can improve as mother. She takes this to heart and today i asked her the same question:<br />
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<i> Liv: Sabrina how can I improve as your mom? </i><br />
<i>Sabrina: I think you should try to have a better attitude?</i><br />
<i>Liv: (really? my daughter is telling me I have a bad attitude? Is this really happening?) Okay, what do you mean by i should have a better attitude? What does that look like? </i><br />
<i>Sabrina: I think you should forgive people faster! Like remember when it took you so long to forgive Dad even when he said sorry? </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yHcxzeS8AU-EmWOKqzF3vW5U8qEBnogOYUDc8dgCbjNaYEy178yubXsf0PvTFux0Oc-Numb-jpwYHWyOJGljvmw0yIAX4NSbBQeexMjpRjwMUoERvE5en-FxcAvrHCSBZEZK-wnyVOFE/s960/923030_10151557976648291_455197048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yHcxzeS8AU-EmWOKqzF3vW5U8qEBnogOYUDc8dgCbjNaYEy178yubXsf0PvTFux0Oc-Numb-jpwYHWyOJGljvmw0yIAX4NSbBQeexMjpRjwMUoERvE5en-FxcAvrHCSBZEZK-wnyVOFE/s320/923030_10151557976648291_455197048_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>How humbling!! This incident happened over three months ago. What happened was, I was talking to Ruy about something and then he received a text message. He then spaced out and started replying to the message on his phone (which took about one to two minutes), then he put his phone away and was quiet for around 5 minutes before asking why I was so quiet and if something was wrong. I was so pissed that I kept quiet. Then he kept bugging me and I finally told him that he was so rude and that he actually forgot we were in the middle of a conversation. I felt very justified about being offended. I felt even more justified at not being forgiving right away even after he apologized. Sabrina was in the car with us when it happened (and no, no shouting or cursing was going on. It was a very quiet and civilized discussion despite my irritation) and I didn't realize she was watching what I was doing. She soon butted in and said I should be more forgiving. YIKES. It took me five minutes to accept Ruy's apology and Sabrina still couldn't forget it. I apologized again to Sabrina yesterday and told her I'd try to be more forgiving.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i>We don't often realize what our kids see in us. And more importantly, we don't get to choose what they remember when they see us. It's a wonderful reminder to be more mindful of how we act around our kids.</i></span></span>Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-63787613762584236562013-05-27T21:25:00.001+08:002013-05-27T21:25:03.514+08:00Of Love and Cheese BreadsDear Sabrina Banana,<div><br></div><div>You have grown so much in such a little time that your dad and I would just look in wonder as we listen to the things you say. </div><div><br></div><div>You get especially animated when you come from Sunday school. Last Sunday, after Sunday school you started talking about a little friend of yours who wasn't happy with something he received. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCTUUPaAseZX8MbhDs5w_3Zflu3LP1AhBme_tWlEN_NCu1OF3ErcS3Lng_-OaeQyyu5J46UNJSA_TMaId35OzyMQPeDCw1KHCB6BB8FcVVfiJweFkIWFVtap3l0-LDCHVaD_GLxk8PeKk/s640/blogger-image--811784156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCTUUPaAseZX8MbhDs5w_3Zflu3LP1AhBme_tWlEN_NCu1OF3ErcS3Lng_-OaeQyyu5J46UNJSA_TMaId35OzyMQPeDCw1KHCB6BB8FcVVfiJweFkIWFVtap3l0-LDCHVaD_GLxk8PeKk/s640/blogger-image--811784156.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>"He should be glad for what he's got.", you said with so much conviction and certainty. You then went on to say that he needs to have a thankful heart in order for him to have a happy heart. </div><div><br></div><div>Dad and I giggled as we listened to you. We know you were reciting lyrics of a song. That made it funny. But behind the humor, I was beaming with pride because you were understanding the message of the song. Not only that, you were able to diagnose the root or the heart issue of your friend. </div><div><br></div><div>You asked us why we were laughing and I said we were just happy and enjoying listening to you talk as we were surprised you knew so many things. What you said then surprised us...</div><div><br></div><div>"I know a lot because I grew up with my mom and dad loving Jesus like I love cheese bread"</div><div><br></div><div>Wow. Like you love cheese bread? That's a whole lotta love!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Love ya, </div><div><br></div><div>Mom</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-10594125781134355512013-02-14T11:59:00.001+08:002013-02-14T11:59:55.879+08:002012, What a year!Dear Sabrina Banana,<br />
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Hi baby. It's been so long since I last wrote you a letter here on this blog. I have been busy...we have been busy together. 2012 had been such an adventure for us hasn't it? So much has happened and I feel like you have matured in so many ways.<br />
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We started homeschooling in 2012 and to be honest I approached this with much apprehension and doubt. You have always been shy. It seemed counter-intuitive to pull you out of a traditional school where you would have regular and day-to-day interaction with people your age. So many people tried to stop me, but we talked about it and God is really leading me towards homeschooling and I had to follow him. Boy, am I glad I did.<br />
<br />The development and growth you have shown is astounding to me. There is no way it was because of me, you are growing so beautifully all by God's grace. You learned fractions, time, money, adding, subtracting, energy, simple machines and so many other things but those aren't the things I'm most proud off. What I'm proud off are the moments when you say "Mom, I feel shy but I want to try and talk to her", or "Mom, I want to be a Christian. How can I become one?", or "Mom, I love popcorn so much but not as much as I love God". Those are the moments when I feel like God is blessing me in what I'm doing with you.<br />
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I am so proud of you honey.<br />
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Love ya,<br />
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MommaLiv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-396332667892648172012-08-13T19:43:00.000+08:002012-08-13T19:46:51.953+08:00Sleepover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4Z2V6E5cFotVazruHgO5rmiMqEP8jncQphjm7n49bkSY6cRH8jDOYF0ko-95uHIYrOR5u8017WMVPr645No6Myvu4xvatkO_uhbMjBv5ku2koJWbp4AHMJtd7p3fQIcRDiLMMwNUTiS7/s1600/4687699-pajama-kids-with-clipping-path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4Z2V6E5cFotVazruHgO5rmiMqEP8jncQphjm7n49bkSY6cRH8jDOYF0ko-95uHIYrOR5u8017WMVPr645No6Myvu4xvatkO_uhbMjBv5ku2koJWbp4AHMJtd7p3fQIcRDiLMMwNUTiS7/s320/4687699-pajama-kids-with-clipping-path.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dear Sabrina Banana,<br />
<br />
"Why don't you want to take care of me anymore?"<br />
<br />
You have been asking us this question more and more lately. You see we are slowly training you to learn how to take care of yourself. Maybe daddy and I should have done this sooner, but we cannot help wanting to take care of you. We do realize that we need to let you grow into the person God wants you to be. So we need to start training you to be more independent.<br />
<br />
Last Friday, you were invited to join a sleepover and despite our apprehensions . We trusted the people you were going to be with and I knew they loved you and would take care of you like we would. We were glad that you were able to experience this. You were just as apprehensive as we were. You were wondering who would take care of you, etc<br />
<br />
You did it. You told me you were nervous during certain parts of the sleepover but you still tried your best. I couldn't be any more proud. I'm looking forward to more activities that would help you grow in your relationship with other people.<br />
<br />
Love ya,<br />
<br />
Momma<br />
<br />Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-20338352023776456422012-08-01T19:38:00.003+08:002012-08-01T19:38:41.946+08:00Teacher MommyDear Sabrina Banana,<br />
<br />
We have been homeschooling for around 2 months now and it has been a breeze so far. I am loving every single moment of it and you seem to be adjusting well. I thought everything was going well until you started reacting to my corrections a little negatively. I don't normally shout at you, in fact, I very rarely do. Yet somehow you feel somewhat affected. One time, I asked you to write all the letters from A-Z. I looked at your work and said "Great, you're done. Now let's look at the letters. Tell me which letter you think you can improve". You started to cry and say "You don't like my work".<br />
<br />
I said we should take a break. I asked for a break not because you needed it but because I did. I wasn't expecting that reaction. I realized that despite everything going well you are still adjusting to our new roles. From mother-daughter to teacher-student. I realized that I unknowingly coddled you with too many compliments and now it's harder for you to receive feedback from me.<br />
<br />
We're working on this. We're slowly processing things and doing things better (I think). The beauty about this is that I know, that you know, just how loved you are and with that as our foundation, I know this glitch won't affect you much.<br />
<br />
I realize now that we'll go through more of these issues through our homeschooling journey but I know it will be worth it so I say...bring it on.<br />
<br />
Love ya,<br />
<br />
MommaLiv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-22009207951110346302012-07-26T13:07:00.002+08:002012-07-26T13:07:52.921+08:00IQDear Sabrina Banana,<br />
<br />
I was lucky enough to have access to the most famous IQ tests there are and so I took advantage and you were assessed. Daddy and I marveled at the results. The thing is, you were tested by students and daddy wanted to know if we should have it done officially. I said no. What's the point? I merely wanted to know if your fine-motor delay was hindering you in other ways but other than that, knowing the actual/official IQ doesn't really do anything for me. Are we going to love you more or less? Nope! Are we going to treat you differently? Nope!<br />
<br />
I also wanted to avoid bragging or ego. We have nothing to do with your intelligence (or lack there of) it's all from God. And whether your IQ is 70 or 160, it's our job as parents to nurture that regardless. So what's the point of making the results official? Nothing. =)<br />
<br />
Love ya,<br />
<br />
MommaLiv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-70268771369074235522012-07-17T20:15:00.002+08:002012-07-17T20:15:35.623+08:00The Best Things in Life are Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkSH6BRGPpcykFypd76MJSGUlfe4PPu6prqGmrMXzCGgCwB8EQ5ITYfFy154_0tdJOdDhyphenhyphenEN3yrxE3PE89KbMnWCrH3X3J-2GebP8VRJDD7hN-bQvT90r4h34ApKgaKKeHuP0mZ6xDE0c/s1600/photo+(6).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkSH6BRGPpcykFypd76MJSGUlfe4PPu6prqGmrMXzCGgCwB8EQ5ITYfFy154_0tdJOdDhyphenhyphenEN3yrxE3PE89KbMnWCrH3X3J-2GebP8VRJDD7hN-bQvT90r4h34ApKgaKKeHuP0mZ6xDE0c/s320/photo+(6).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Dear Sabrina Banana,<br />
<br />
4 weeks ago, I whined and whined to Daddy that I feel so bad because we don't have any decent library for you to enjoy here in the Philippines. Daddy said I should make the best out of what God has given us here in the Philippines. So I sighed...made one call and found this darling library near us for free!!<br />
<br />
This was like a dream come true for you. You were so excited that you were literally pulling on my hand trying to get me out of the door. When we opened the door to the children's area...you looked on a bit shyly. You stepped on the rug uncertainly. It was as if you weren't sure that all this goodness is real.<br />
<br />
We stayed there for 2 hours that first time...we have returned 4 times since. I am so happy that such little things can give you such a huge amount of happiness!<br />
<br />
Love ya,<br />
<br />
MommaLiv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-27593500379112201802012-07-17T19:39:00.001+08:002012-07-17T19:39:39.644+08:00Conversations with Sabrina -- HomeLiv: Honey, you know what your home is in my heart!<br />
Andrea: Huh, why? Did you eat my house?Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-29440391383454716402012-07-13T10:55:00.002+08:002012-07-13T10:56:28.432+08:00Homeschooling AdventuresTo the people who read this blog, specifically those who are emailing me and asking me to share homeschooling stories, I'm sorry but I really meant for this blog to be for my daughter, if I have anything noteworthy to share, I'd probably post it on my personal blog: <a href="http://www.livathome.blogspot.com/">Liv at Home</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope you understand. </div>Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-35603220273084840152012-07-13T01:34:00.001+08:002012-07-13T01:34:32.696+08:00In Your ElementDear Sabrina Banana,<br />
<br />
I have spent a big chunk of my life trying to find the things that make me happy, those that make me "me". I think people in general go through their whole life finding that place they belong, or that person that makes them more of who they are.<br />
<br />
It's always tricky being a mother. There's that fine line between guiding you or imposing my will on you. 2 years ago for example, I made you play soccer. The moment you were on the field, I knew you didn't belong there. You weren't into it. And though you went through the entire session, I knew I shouldn't have made you go through that. I know better now, or at least I think I do.<br />
<br />
Last summer you started bugging me about gymnastics. I don't know where you got that idea but somehow you wanted to learn this sport. Your Wowa was a gymnast so maybe it's in your blood. Nevertheless I wasn't sold on the idea. I thought it was too dangerous, and that you were too young and that our lives were busy enough as it is without this extra activity. You persisted and I realized that it wasn't just a passing fancy. So your dad and I agreed to let you go.<br />
<br />
You weren't great from the start darling. In fact you struggled. Your motor issues made it hard for you but you were determined to learn it. Now 4 meetings after and you have conquered your fear of the balance beam and doing everything you need to do. It made me realize how important it is to listen to you. To be in tune with your passions and talents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCkKymxZFflFKPdJ-cOA_AwrvkGQ1n8IEBlhGBvo2OZThgE4bhTzzcw1KkKXZgbkoIQ-97UlcvVVrYPE7fbkgPvDCY1nwtAaB7vPrLG-cN8dpY5QLVDsz7E7m4RiRFk41zIO1UTCs3YTu/s1600/IMG_1631%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCkKymxZFflFKPdJ-cOA_AwrvkGQ1n8IEBlhGBvo2OZThgE4bhTzzcw1KkKXZgbkoIQ-97UlcvVVrYPE7fbkgPvDCY1nwtAaB7vPrLG-cN8dpY5QLVDsz7E7m4RiRFk41zIO1UTCs3YTu/s320/IMG_1631%5B1%5D.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
I don't know if you're going to be an Olympic gymnast one day...and frankly I don't care. I do care that you are learning how to be committed to something. The daily exercises and the long walks in the sports center are no jokes but you rally through it. I also care that you are toughening up. Last time I saw you hit your face on the beam and I asked you during your break if you were hurt and you looked at me as if I just asked you the silliest question and you said "I always get hurt in gymnastics" then you ran back to the beam as if it's the most natural thing on earth. I care that you are beginning to understand the value of persisting on something even if it's not easy. Lastly, I care that you are happy.<br />
<br />
Love ya,<br />
<br />
MommaLiv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-42814106591160614672012-07-09T16:26:00.002+08:002012-07-09T16:28:33.955+08:00How to Make a Bowl of CerealsDear Sabrina Banana,<br />
<br />
Today you asked me to take a video of you and I obliged. This is the unedited result:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/OK1lCDD0DLk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
Not bad for a first timer!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
<br />
MommaLiv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-25872869459197806352012-07-04T14:00:00.001+08:002012-07-04T14:01:15.916+08:00Conversations with Sabrina-- God and French Fries<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Today's lesson: God made me and I will live for him. After a long conversation...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Liv: Who in the bible lived for God? </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Andrea: Not Eve, not Cain. Abel did!</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Liv: How come?</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Andrea: Because he gave his best when he offered to God.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Liv: Who else.</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Andrea:Noah cause he was different. He was nice when everyone around him was mean. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Liv: Right, so when you're in Mc Donald's playing at the play place and</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> everyone's being mean what should you do?<br />Andrea: I'll tell them to stop being hurtful.<br />Liv: Exactly. You don't do things just because everyone else around you is doing it.<br />Andrea: I have a question<br />Liv: What?<br />Andrea: When I'm in Mc. Donald's in the play place where will you be?<br />Liv: What do you mean?<br />Andrea: Will you be there buying french fries for me?<br /><br />From God to food....it always ends up this way.</span>Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-84505722465991578942012-07-03T14:02:00.000+08:002012-07-04T14:03:09.150+08:00Conversations with Sabrina - Love and Marriage<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Andrea's been bugging me about anniversaries...after the nth question ...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Andrea: What's an anniversary?</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Liv: It's the birthday of your marriage</span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Andrea: But you and daddy don't have marriage, you have love!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Ano daw?</span>Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-62868906965931836322012-06-29T14:06:00.000+08:002012-07-04T14:06:53.734+08:00A Child's Prayer<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Our prayer before lunch today was awesome:</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Dear God, </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Thank you for all the nice things you have given us. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Please help us catch the wild daddy-mal when he gets home from the office. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Please help us find great hiding spots so that he won't see us. </span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Amen. </span>Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-7126969559244233192012-06-22T16:57:00.001+08:002012-06-22T16:58:38.644+08:00Super Swamp HeroesDear Sabrina Banana,<br />
<br />
I am writing this for documentation sake, because I feel we have broken down a barrier, one i've been trying to break down for the past couple of month.
You see honey, you've always been so concerned with right and wrong, so much so that you're not so keen on imagining things. This bothered me because I strongly believe in the importance of creativity and the imagination and your penchant for being exact and right is hindering you from exploring your creative side.<br />
<br />
I don't know if it's homeschooling or if it's from your gymnastics lessons but somehow this week you started feeling more empowered to imagine! It started when you drew red and yellow clouds the other day. I was thrilled! I told you that I wished we could really see yellow clouds outside...we dreamt about what it would taste like if we licked them.<br />
<br />
Then today you came to me with your own story -- with a title! You called it the Super Swamp Heroes and here's how it goes. (This is written in the way you relayed it to me)<br />
<br />
- There were 4 super heroes who live in a swamp.<br />
- Then a robber came and put all their costumes in a sack and took them away.<br />
- The next day the super heroes went to the house of the robber to get their costumes back because they can't help people without their disguise.<br />
- The robber was not home because he went to the supermarket to buy breakfast.<br />
- He bought cereal and 3 kinds of milk, the white kind, chocolate and strawberry.<br />
- He also likes pancakes with regular syrup, maple syrup and strawberry syrup!
I had a blast listening to this story.<br />
<br />
I told you we could turn this into a book so your daddy can read it when he gets home from Davao.
Please keep on dreaming and imagining. <br />
<blockquote>
<i><span style="color: #741b47; font-size: large;">There's such a beautiful world inside our minds and I hope you don't go back to being afraid of exploring it. --Liv</span></i></blockquote>
Love ya,<br />
<br />
MommaLiv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2963681925954263823.post-72074036455647930242012-06-22T14:08:00.000+08:002012-07-04T14:09:15.477+08:00Conversations with Sabrina - Beauty<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Liv: I think we should look really pretty when we pick Daddy up from the airport. I'm going to wear a dress!!</span><br style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;" /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Andrea: But we don't need that, we're already pretty!</span>Liv Reyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07074493782899336873noreply@blogger.com0