This morning, I read to my son the story of The Sparrow and The Farmer. It is such a beautiful story about self-dependence and something the boys could surely relate when I retell the story to them.
MOMI LEARNS| Don’t pretend to be better than others
Last April 26 was Firstborn’s School Recognition Day. He placed second honors. I attended the recognition together with my three other boys. Sadly, my other son should have been part of the program as well but was stripped of all his privileges when he allegedly bullied a classmate. My grade 7 boy received Needs Improvement grade in Conduct which meant he is no longer eligible for any honors. He should have placed third given his consistent impressive academic grades.
Anyway, as we were walking toward the school auditorium, Second Son bumped into a classmate. “What are you doing here? Don’t tell me you got an award?” was the boy’s question to my son. My boy had humbled himself in reply, “I am here for my brother. I got none.” And though I was several steps away, I heard the classmate’s rather teasing answer, “Hahahaha. Maynigo has no award. Hahahaha.”
My 11-year-old boy, who must have felt the mockery thrown to his brother quickly asked the classmate, “How about you? Why are you here?” The classmate proudly replied, “I got perfect attendance award!” To which my Big Bunso uttered an exasperated snort, “That was it? Perfect attendance only?”
The classmate who was full of confidence that moment suddenly backed out and shied away.
Borrowed Feathers
Don’t pretend to be better than others
This morning, I read to my 20-month-old son the story of the Borrowed Feathers. Very timely that I could relate the story of the bird to that of the proud classmate.
MOMI LEARNS| Learn from the mistakes of others
Momi Berlin and her little 20-month-old son read the story of the Lion and the Fox. Very timely that a recent incident similar to the Lion and Fox’s story happened at the small house.
The Lion and the Fox
MOMI LEARNS| Learn from the mistakes of others
MOMI LEARNS| The Golden Rule
Momi Berlin read to her 20-month-old son the story of the Ant and the Dove. And she remembered something similar that occurred more than 20 years ago.
The Ant and the Dove
The Golden Rule
MOMI LEARNS| Do not attempt to hide things which cannot be hid
For today’s story, I read to my 20-month-old son the story of The Goat and the Goatherd. After reading the Aesop’s Fable, I made this entry straight away. A similar incident happened two days ago which my boys need to understand and learn something from.
The Goat and the Goatherd
Do not attempt to hide things which cannot be hid
A Goat strayed away from the flock, tempted by a patch of clover. The Goatherd tried to call it back but in vain. It would not obey him. Then he picked up a stone and threw it, breaking the Goat’s horn.
The Goatherd was frightened.
“Do not tell the master,” he begged the Goat.
“No,” said the Goat, “that broken horn can speak for itself!”
The Car and the Firstborn
MOMI LIVES| Water Birth for our Fifth
I am 27 weeks pregnant and I plan to have a water birth at Shiphrah Birthing Home. A birthing place in Taytay Rizal, Shiphrah Birthing Home is run by missionaries and midwives. Their goal is to help empower pregnant women and guide them to make informed choices.
At first, I opt for a water birth at Shiphrah because I would want to be practical and save our family from the high hospitalization cost. As I compute it, we will be needing more or less P100,000 for my normal vaginal delivery. At Shiphrah, we will not even pay half or one-fourth of my estimated birthing cost. And as I read more about water birth, the more I am encouraged to experience a more mother-focused birth. This means it would be I who direct my labor and birth with the help of welcoming midwives. Plus, there will be no pain-relieving drugs or medical intervention during my labor which, I believe, is both beneficial to my baby and myself.
Sadly, though, my mother and husband are not in favor of my initial decision. This made me doubt my own choice and go back to the traditional way of childbirth – normal vaginal delivery.
Not until I met again and this time had an inspiring quick chat with Ms. Betty San Luis, CD. She is a certified doula and the main childbirth mentor of Birthing is a Blessing. Aside from conducting childbirth preparation classes, she is trained to assist a mother during childbirth giving the mom an empowering birthing experience. I saw her again at the recently concluded Smart Parenting Baby Shower in Crowne Plaza Manila Galeria.
MOMI LIVES| Water Birth for our Fifth
MOMI SHARES| A friend in need is a friend indeed
Last Holy Week, my Second Son has been very busy. He serves as an acolyte in our parish and has gained a number of friends. Sometimes, his friends would go to the house to fetch him so they could go to church practices and meetings together.
My mother used to warn me of Second Son’s two new found friends. She described the two as “someone you should not trust.” They unlawfully occupy an unused land and claimed it as theirs. Their father has no decent job as well.
Last Thursday during the Washing of the Feet play at our parish, I noticed that Second Son’s two friends weren’t there. Then I learned from my mother that the two boys were kicked out from being sacristan. Their father went to the church one day and made a scene. Our parish priest did not like what happened and ordered the two not to attend anymore.
Second Son and his two friends
This reminded me of an incident before. Second son came from a church practice, and instead of going home, he went with his two friends to play basketball near their place. After the game, they let my boy go home alone without even giving him some water to quench his thirst. My son walked real far.
MOMI LEARNS| Kindness begets kindness
My little man is enjoying his afternoon nap, so I decided to finish this post. I wrote the preliminary draft last week, and it’s a shame not to post this as the story of the Kindness of the Farmer is truly worth sharing.
MOMI LEARNS| Look before you leap
For the past few days, I have been reading to my little man who has been ill. He dislikes eating, and it worries me too much. I would read to him to entertain the little guy and in the process, lure him to eat.
Anyway, one story we read was about The Mongoose and The Child.
MOMI SHARES| How to prepare for earthquake
Yesterday, April 8, an earthquake hit Batangas province. The quake measured 5.9 on the Richer scale and was the second and strongest of three that occurred over a 20-minute period. No reported casualties, but the power was cut off in several areas, including in our place. We live in Quezon City.
Given this, Momi Berlin shares this helpful infographic on How to Prepare your Family for Earthquake. Also included is a list of important necessities one should put in his emergency bag.
How to prepare for earthquake
Earthquakes are inevitable. But the potential damage can be lessened. Preparation is essential to surviving a disaster. Start today than putting off until tomorrow what you can do today.
And stay safe.
- Newer Entries
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- …
- 12
- Previous Entries