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! 

We took advantage of the long weekend because of Chinese New Year Celebration (Feb. 16 2018 was declared as a holiday here in PH) for a quick bonding with the young lady of the house, Thea.  It was a simple yet meaningful bonding moment for us.

Before Papa left for Baguio City on early morning last Friday, he told me to take Thea out. I said yes, I will. This is the plan! We will both get a trim at the nearby salon and then  take her to the bookstore to get some art supplies she's been asking since first week of January.  

When I told Thea about it, she immediately took a bath and dressed up. So, we left the house at ten in the morning.

First stop - Victor Ortega Salon, Kalentong, Mandaluyong Branch.

I know, I know! It's okay to have hits and misses in parenthood. But, sometimes it's kind of confusing that suddenly you feel guilty and ask yourself, Am I a bad parent? Am I raising my child/children well? 

But...no matter what happens, I will never ever stop loving my children. I will assure them that I love them more than I love myself. I will not let anyone or anything interfere in the way I am raising my own children. They are my own, I take the responsibility of LOVING and TEACHING them to become kind-hearted and God-fearing individuals.