How to cure a kid's weak lungs!

Since birth M has a weak lungs and he was even hospitalized at the age of 3 months and was given an antibiotic, sad to remember coz it was administered through vein. The needle was inserted to his vein just to have an immediate medication coz he was really in a bad condition. Every 2 months we should hospitalize him coz it was getting worse. Until it took almost 1 yr that we decided to bring him in Philippines, thingking that M might recover from 'needle stigma'. Maybe he needs fresh air & food, enough space and lots of time playing outside. Because living in a condo in Vienna has also a disadvantage for kids especially when it is cold season. Heating can cause dryness of the air we breath and it is usually not good for kids with weak lungs like M. Luckily, we have our real home (Batangas) and have a nice sea where you can enjoy swimming and having fun underneath the sun. After 1 year of almost daily visiting the sea, just having a quick dip, walking in the morning with yaya H plus some vitamins to have healthy lungs, M did not even have antibiotics for a year.


Now, M is enjoying his life in Vienna, not anymore experiencing the 'needle stigma'.

never! (from kids' point of view)

Never...

1. Ask your kid to do their homework when you know it is Friday. In case you forgot, it is Friday, then he will look at you as if you are not his Dad and ask, 'Dad are you ok, it is Friday!'

2. Ask some favor when you know that your kids are watching their favorite show. In case you have no choice, wait until sunset (hmmmp) coz they have their own world.

3. Tell to your kid not to drink Cola and say it is not healthy because even a 5 yr old kid can validate your advise and tell you in your face, 'How come you are sleeping too late, you are surfing too much Dad, do you know that sleeping late at night is also bad for your health?' Ahmmmm... ehmmmm

4. Tell your wife that you have a salary increase in front of the kids. If they hear it, then 100 %, they will request for increase in allowance, etc. etc. etc.

5. Tell your kids that shouting with each other is not good if you yourself always love to shout as if you are talking to a deaf person.

Never underestimate your kids! They might be your mirror...

Bonding with kids can be done in so many ways!

Due to bad weather and heavy rain shower, water goes inside our garage. The tendency for us is to clean and remove all the dirt that the water carried. We did not expect that day will be a 'bonding day' for the whole family. Would you believe that J & M also did their best to clean and have fun at the same time. It was really a funny moment coz M used a broom that is really taller than himself. He did not find it a disadvantage but a challenge to him. 'Ahhh nadulas ako!' (I slipped!) M shouted. All of us laughed. And M stood again as if nothing happened and continue his job, 'to sweep the water going to the canal'.

Working together as a family could lighten some burden in life, try it also and you will appreciate that you have kids around.

How to have a healthy lawn ?(from my own experience)

- Water your lawn in a longer time (1 hr minimum) and deeper coz everyday watering of lawn is not also a good idea. My tip, as long as the grass can release moisture in the morning then it is a sign that I should not water it. I water also in the morning, the best time for me is around 6:00 AM. Why? Watering in the evening might increase fungi or other grass diseases to your lawn coz it takes longer time to dry the soil.

- Do aerating once a month starting April and it is a good habit to do it before applying fertilizer to your lawn. My tip, when it is summer period (June & July), I do it twice a month. Why? Because as lawns age and sustain heavy use from play, etc. compaction can result.

- Fertilize your lawn 3 times a year. My tip, do it on April, July and October. Why? If human body needs vitamins so do our lawn. My tip again. Fertilize 2 days after you had lawn cutting. If you have some yellow spot of grass, try to use organic vegetables (not lawn) fertilizer only at the affected area.

- Lawn mowing once a week on April & May. During hot season (June, July, August) it is advisable to cut just every 2 weeks. My tip, I cut my grass not too short and I see to it that the mower blades should be always sharp before using it.

'J you should study harder coz you will have a better future!'

One of my favorite Christian book as of the moment is 'The Utmost for the Highest' by Oswald Chambers. It was given to us by our dear kumpare and kumare (J's Ninong & Ninang) and also our previous leader in CFC who has been a friend, 'guardian angel' and adviser when it comes to our personal relationship with HIM. My precious time to read this book is not bedtime, not also when alone but when I am going to work in the morning while riding in ÖBB. Imagine, 35 minutes travelling from home to office, that would be a great time for me. One of the best passage that I always admire is 'Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you' Matthew 6:33

I am a person who always worried on how to live, thingking of certain amount of money ('I must be clothed! I must be fed') Sometimes my great concern is not the kingdom of God but how am I going to take care of myself, my family, my kids, my work, etc. Jesus reversed it and He likes if I get the right relationship with God first, making it as the primary concern of our lives and never to place our concern on other things in life.

'J how come you are not so serious about your studies, you have to think son that your good future depends upon on how you studied and be focused. You will have a better future son if you have a high profession. You can buy expensive things and when the time comes that you will have your own family, they will not have a miserable life if you will study and finish a high degree' words that always came out to my mouth when J is not learning seriously. But how about God's plan, I believe He has so much good plan for J, M and for every kid out there.