It is another school year here (in the Philippines).  My kids transferred to new school. Well, my eldest Thea is a returning student for she spent few years there, from Kindergarten to Grade Two. She's now in Grade 7, while Yohan is in Grade 2. 

Classes officially started last Monday but before that, I attended the 1st PTC and Orientation last  June 12 and 16. Meetings for each department were conducted separately.  

During the Junior High orientation, parents were informed about the rules of the school and marking system. Apart from that, we also got acquainted about the 7 C's of 21st Century Learning during the Primary School session.  This serves as one of the guiding principles of the new K to 12 curriculum.

Vacation is almost over for students here in the Philippines.  In fact, classes in all public schools already resumed last Monday, June 4.  On the other hand, my children will be going back to school on June 18. We still have few more days to relax and prepare for the upcoming school opening. Before writing this post, I've already listed the school supplies we are going to purchase this weekend.  We will also pick up their books and uniforms on Saturday. 

BTW, Sorry if I haven't updated this blog for two months.  I encountered family issues in the past couple of months, thus lost the energy to even compose a simple article.  I got busy on my job as well.  I am happy to share that I'm doing okay now- family and career-wise.

Meanwhile, allow me to share snapshots  of what happened since April.

My Unica Hija Thea graduated in elementary last April 4, 2018.

Thea turned 12 last April 25. 

Moi, amazingly happy at 41. 

Summer is here but my family has not gone for vacation or out-of-town trip yet.  We are reserving it for May, when our youngest returns. He spent the entire school year in the province and will be back in May, for good. 

We just relaxed at home and shop a bit for Thea's graduation. Meanwhile, let me share this photo with my unica hija. 

quote not mine

We're on the 3rd month of 2018 already. Things are not easy during these past few months because of some challenges in parenting, career and finances. But I firmly believe that these too shall pass.. I will continue to hold on with my faith in God for I know all of these are just temporary.

Stress is bad for our health... I can't wait for weekend to come, I'm going to buy few new plants, de-clutter and re-organize at least one area in our humble abode. Wish me all the luck, please! =)

Prior to consulting Mr. G, I am confused with mother of thousands and mother of millions - two succulents from Kalanchoe genus. But I think this plant I'm featuring in the post is a mother of thousands. 

This plant has a story. It was given to me by my colleague, a fellow plant addict. The mother plant is from another colleagues hometown (Nueva Ecija). This baby was previously placed in my desk along with some other succulents.  However, it was not growing properly there due to insufficient sunlight. So, I decided to bring it home. Before, it has a very slim stem and unhealthy leaves. Now, it's growing like a normal mother of thousands :)

Based on my research, here's how to spot the difference between the two:

THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IS THE SHAPE OF THEIR LEAVES - sublimesucculents.com

Mother of Thousands has a broad, tear-shaped leaves.  They always grow in pairs, each leaf on opposite sides of the stem.  The next pair of leaves rotates 90 degrees, so that the new leaves do not block the sun from the old ones! Great! This leaf pattern is actually common in plants, and helps ensure all the leaves get enough sunlight. Each leaf has little ridges on the edge- this is where the baby plantlets form.

source

Now I know!