Hello My Friend

Walking home one evening with my 7-year-old girl, MC; a man was shouting in the darkness, 'hello, my friend.'

I didnt take notice. Thinking he was talking to somebody else.

Then MC told me, 'I think that was the man who's been trying to talk to me.'

I was alarmed so I encouraged her to tell me more.

It seems that she's been seeing that man regularly around the area.

She even told me her cousin, who is much older than her, also warned her not to talk to anyone, even that man. 'I dont talk to the man, mama, ' she assured me.

I know I could trust MC, but I dont know about the man. He might just be friendly but I am not taking any chance.

I told her to avoid the area anymore. And if she absolutely must go there, dont go alone. Better yet, go there only with her papa or with me.

And I thanked her for talking to me. She nodded and continued happily skipping while firmly holding my hand.

But of course, I did more when we arrived home:
1. I told the whole family about the story.
2. I asked them to watch out when they are in the area.
3. I told them that either of the kids should go there alone; or better yet to avoid the area.
4. Always remind the kids never to talk nor accept anything from strangers.
5. Talk and listen to the kids.

It's our 8th

Eight years ago, I realized I found the man I wanted to marry.

Eight years ago, the man I wanted to marry realized he wanted to be married to me.

Today, we are celebrating our 9th wedding anniversary.

The yearly wedding anniversary tradition was to dine in the hotel/restaurant where we had our wedding reception nine years ago. We always celebrate with our two girls, since they are the blessings from our being together; since they sealed our marriage with additional love.

What are we going to do tonight? Let's wait and see. All I know is that waking up together is already a celebration.

She's got her own cellphone

MC got her own cellular phone a few weeks ago. Since my husband and I were both busy out of the house most of the time, we've decided to give her one because our phoneline at home were down for a long time.

She got her cellphone attached with the following instructions:

1. Dont bring it out of the house.
2. Dont give her phone number to anybody unless we agreed.
3. Dont dial any numbers unless approved by us.
4. Dont tinker on keypads unnecessarily
5. She alone is responsible for taking care that the cellular phone would be working properly.
6. She alone is responsible for making sure that the cellular phone would not be lost or misplaced.

We also emphasized to her that she's got a budget for her prepaid phone. She must use it responsibly or else she could not reach us if there is something really important that she wants to share to us when we are out of the house.

It wasnt easy for her to keep to her budget, but slowly yet surely, she's learning. Most important of all, she takes care that her phone is always within her reach and she has so far followed our instructions.