The year has been good so far. I am blessed with 14 kindergarten students. There are eight boys and 6 girls. All are adorable. The parents are very supportive and very friendly. We are working hard in the classroom. These children enjoy almost everything. Learning new songs and doing computers seem to be their favorite things.
I have a new principal this year. She is young, nice, and very approachable. I like her very much. I tell her that she could be my daughter ( I have a 27 year old daughter).
I am sure that this year will go by fast. I am wishing and hoping that the Lord will bless me again with a fruitful, enjoyable, and safe year.
Those Were The Days..
In Phoenix, Arizona
Our Wedding Day
March 7, 1981
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Back to School
August 24 is the day when I get to meet my new students. I am very excited to see my little ones as they begin their first day of all day kindergarten. I have started preparing my room, decorating my bulletin boards, labeling books, etc. I have wondered if I will have kids crying this year.
The first day of school is usually the tough day. I will have to learn all their names, set up rules and routines, walk them to the library, bathrooms, lunchroom etc. I am usually exhausted by the end of the day. There was one year that I forgot to eat lunch. I was very hungry when I got home.
I have been blessed by the fact that in all my years at this school, I have never had any critical incidents. I treasure the positive comments (as well as negative). I am delighted by the experience of teaching each child that I have in my care. At the end of the school year, I am rewarded by the feeling that I have taught them well.
The first day of school is usually the tough day. I will have to learn all their names, set up rules and routines, walk them to the library, bathrooms, lunchroom etc. I am usually exhausted by the end of the day. There was one year that I forgot to eat lunch. I was very hungry when I got home.
I have been blessed by the fact that in all my years at this school, I have never had any critical incidents. I treasure the positive comments (as well as negative). I am delighted by the experience of teaching each child that I have in my care. At the end of the school year, I am rewarded by the feeling that I have taught them well.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Happy Birthday B U N SO
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JENNIKA NYDIA MCKUSICK. ALL OF US HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY YOUR PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES. WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH!
Friday, July 10, 2009
July Celebrations
One of the biggest celebrations in July was the much awaited birth of my "Texan" grandson.
His name is JACOB WESTIN GOLZ. He was born just yesterday, Thursday, July 9, 2009 @ 2:10 p.m. (Texas time). He weighed 6 lbs-5 oz, and length was 19.5 inches long. My husband and I are on our way to Grapevine to see and hold a yet another grandson.
Another celebration in July is the birthday of my youngest daughter Jennika Nydia, aka "bunso". 26 years ago she delighted my husband and me with her lovely entrance in the middle of the Arizona summer heat. Ever since, she has been bringing beautiful surprises along the way. Right now, she is busy with a full time job at a law firm in the valley and going to law school. She is my precious "doughto"(her own cutie language, called Jeekanese) and a great auntie for Alexa, Abby, Grady and Jacob. I love you so much Jennika Nydia McKusick and I thank God that you showed up in my life. The world is a much happier place with you in it!
His name is JACOB WESTIN GOLZ. He was born just yesterday, Thursday, July 9, 2009 @ 2:10 p.m. (Texas time). He weighed 6 lbs-5 oz, and length was 19.5 inches long. My husband and I are on our way to Grapevine to see and hold a yet another grandson.
Another celebration in July is the birthday of my youngest daughter Jennika Nydia, aka "bunso". 26 years ago she delighted my husband and me with her lovely entrance in the middle of the Arizona summer heat. Ever since, she has been bringing beautiful surprises along the way. Right now, she is busy with a full time job at a law firm in the valley and going to law school. She is my precious "doughto"(her own cutie language, called Jeekanese) and a great auntie for Alexa, Abby, Grady and Jacob. I love you so much Jennika Nydia McKusick and I thank God that you showed up in my life. The world is a much happier place with you in it!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Happy Father's Day
Here is another poem I wrote for you Daddy on Father's Day:
I thought I would see you again
I prayed to God to make it happen
It hurts that it wasn't the case
You left to see God face to face.
I wrote several poems just for you
To tell you that I love and miss you
I'll hang on the memories, by time not erased
In my mind and heart they will be placed.
My sorrows will not be overgrown
For I know you're not alone
You're now with God and mommy
Living in joy for eternity.
You left us the eighteenth of May
That was the saddest time for me
For I can no longer say
"Happy Father's Day" today.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
***********************************
To the best father of my children:
Brian Dennis Mckusick
H a p p y F a t h e r' s D a y with love from ME!
Happy Father's Day to my father in law,
Paul McKusick, my son, Josh. My son-in-law, Matt.
I thought I would see you again
I prayed to God to make it happen
It hurts that it wasn't the case
You left to see God face to face.
I wrote several poems just for you
To tell you that I love and miss you
I'll hang on the memories, by time not erased
In my mind and heart they will be placed.
My sorrows will not be overgrown
For I know you're not alone
You're now with God and mommy
Living in joy for eternity.
You left us the eighteenth of May
That was the saddest time for me
For I can no longer say
"Happy Father's Day" today.
++++++++++++++++++++++++
***********************************
To the best father of my children:
Brian Dennis Mckusick
H a p p y F a t h e r' s D a y with love from ME!
Happy Father's Day to my father in law,
Paul McKusick, my son, Josh. My son-in-law, Matt.
Happy Birthday in heaven, Daddy (June 9)
Heaven is celebrating your birthday today, Daddy. I Love you forever!
Here is a poem I wrote for you, on June 9, 2001, 22 days after you passed away.
I wish I were there, to tell you how much I care
I wish I'd seen your face one last time in earthly space.
I keep thinking you are still there, sitting in your wheelchair
Waiting for my call only to realize you'll not answer at all.
For you have gone to a place, where there is beauty and peace
Where you have no more tears and sorrows, no more fears of tomorrows.
Say hello to mommy for me, I'm sure she's now very happy
Together you will walk side by side, up there with God to abide.
Goodnight, enjoy God's light, rest awhile if you might
I will dream of you tonight.
Here is a poem I wrote for you, on June 9, 2001, 22 days after you passed away.
I wish I were there, to tell you how much I care
I wish I'd seen your face one last time in earthly space.
I keep thinking you are still there, sitting in your wheelchair
Waiting for my call only to realize you'll not answer at all.
For you have gone to a place, where there is beauty and peace
Where you have no more tears and sorrows, no more fears of tomorrows.
Say hello to mommy for me, I'm sure she's now very happy
Together you will walk side by side, up there with God to abide.
Goodnight, enjoy God's light, rest awhile if you might
I will dream of you tonight.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Memorial Day-May 18th
In Memory of Samson Guran (June 9, 1925-May 18, 2001)
Last night I learned my daddy has passed away
To be with his Lord and Savior and see my mommy
Even though I knew his end would come this way
It hurts to think he will now be so far away.
I know my daddy is relieved and very happy
To be completely healed from his ailing body
He will be surely missed day by day
Starting today, the eighteenth of May.
I love you mommy and daddy
I will forever cherish your sweet memory
Goodbye for now my beloved mommy and daddy
Until we meet again in heaven's glory.
A TRIBUTE TO MOM AND DAD is a poem I wrote when my dad passed away on May 18, 2001. This day was also my baby sister's 46th birthday. Happy Birthday today Eian.
Last night I learned my daddy has passed away
To be with his Lord and Savior and see my mommy
Even though I knew his end would come this way
It hurts to think he will now be so far away.
I know my daddy is relieved and very happy
To be completely healed from his ailing body
He will be surely missed day by day
Starting today, the eighteenth of May.
I love you mommy and daddy
I will forever cherish your sweet memory
Goodbye for now my beloved mommy and daddy
Until we meet again in heaven's glory.
A TRIBUTE TO MOM AND DAD is a poem I wrote when my dad passed away on May 18, 2001. This day was also my baby sister's 46th birthday. Happy Birthday today Eian.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
A Wild Spring Break (Partying With Abby)
It was a trip that I have long wanted to do. I was looking forward to seeing one of my granddaughters, Abby. This was also a different trip from all the other trips I have done as far as Abby is concerned. When I first saw her in Pittsburgh, she was just over 2 months old. All I did was just cuddle her, take pictures, and take videos. This visit gave me an opportunity to be around her. Those were precious memories with her!!
Abby, now 14 months old was so much fun. She babbled, talked, smiled, and walked. I got to do a lot of things that I have never done before with her: go for a walk with her, put her down to nap, watch her eat, and I even changed her diapers. Doing this and other things gave me so much pleasure. I know that by the time that I come back to Grapevine in late July, her routine will have changed. She will be much bigger, doing more, and interacting more with people around her. I am looking forward to doing this again as a full time babysitting service when the next baby comes in August.
Overall, it was a wonderful visit and trip (got to celebrate uplifting Easter service with the Baptists). I have to hand it to my husband ( my super-duper safe driver). I couldn't have done this without him doing all the driving (driving the 80 mph speed limit in Texas would have scared me to death). It was fun driving with my Briney!
Abby, now 14 months old was so much fun. She babbled, talked, smiled, and walked. I got to do a lot of things that I have never done before with her: go for a walk with her, put her down to nap, watch her eat, and I even changed her diapers. Doing this and other things gave me so much pleasure. I know that by the time that I come back to Grapevine in late July, her routine will have changed. She will be much bigger, doing more, and interacting more with people around her. I am looking forward to doing this again as a full time babysitting service when the next baby comes in August.
Overall, it was a wonderful visit and trip (got to celebrate uplifting Easter service with the Baptists). I have to hand it to my husband ( my super-duper safe driver). I couldn't have done this without him doing all the driving (driving the 80 mph speed limit in Texas would have scared me to death). It was fun driving with my Briney!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Milestones
My Mother (Adela Lota Guran)
Today, April 6 is my mom’s birthday. If she had lived to this day, she would have been 80 years old. I miss my mom so much. There isn’t a day that passes that I don’t think of her. I could still hear her laughing and crying at the same time. When I called her, she would always ask, “When can I see my grandbabies?”
When I became a citizen, I filed a petition to allow my parents to come to the U.S. They were thrilled to know that they would finally get to be with their grandchildren. There were more visits following the very first one. There were more memories made of them and us.
Then, the unexpected happened! Just months after they returned to the Philippines from the U.S., my dad suffered a debilitating stroke. This hindered them from traveling any further. Then, the family decided that it was our turn to visit the Philippines. During the summer of 1994, we arrived in Manila. Before the trip, this place was just a blurry picture in the minds of my husband and my children. Now, the Philippines was a real place to them. We had many great memories. For the first time, my family met cousins and other relatives. It was overwhelming, to come back after 14 years. This trip coincided with my parents’ 49th wedding anniversary. More memories were made. Oh, how sweet they were!
This would be our last chance to see and visit with my mom. She died the following year (June 4, 1995) at age 66.
Happy birthday today Mommy! I love you!
My Dad (Samson Moralde Guran)
Life had to go on for Daddy after Mommy died. He missed her a great deal. He missed the companionship that she had given him for most of his life. She had taken good care of him.
Yet, despite the loneliness of not having my mom by his side, he still managed to have a good outlook on life. From his seat in a wheelchair, he would visit with friends, sing, and tell jokes as part of his everyday life. I remember one joke that he told us. He told us that even though his body was not good; his mind was still very good. The punch-line was that he could still remember everyone who owed him money. He could recite the complete Gettysburg Address. What a smart dad I had!
My dad lived 9 years after the death of my mother. On May 18, 2001, he closed his eyes for the last time and opened them in heaven to see Jesus and Mommy waiting. My dad was 76 years old.
Today, April 6 is my mom’s birthday. If she had lived to this day, she would have been 80 years old. I miss my mom so much. There isn’t a day that passes that I don’t think of her. I could still hear her laughing and crying at the same time. When I called her, she would always ask, “When can I see my grandbabies?”
When I became a citizen, I filed a petition to allow my parents to come to the U.S. They were thrilled to know that they would finally get to be with their grandchildren. There were more visits following the very first one. There were more memories made of them and us.
Then, the unexpected happened! Just months after they returned to the Philippines from the U.S., my dad suffered a debilitating stroke. This hindered them from traveling any further. Then, the family decided that it was our turn to visit the Philippines. During the summer of 1994, we arrived in Manila. Before the trip, this place was just a blurry picture in the minds of my husband and my children. Now, the Philippines was a real place to them. We had many great memories. For the first time, my family met cousins and other relatives. It was overwhelming, to come back after 14 years. This trip coincided with my parents’ 49th wedding anniversary. More memories were made. Oh, how sweet they were!
This would be our last chance to see and visit with my mom. She died the following year (June 4, 1995) at age 66.
Happy birthday today Mommy! I love you!
My Dad (Samson Moralde Guran)
Life had to go on for Daddy after Mommy died. He missed her a great deal. He missed the companionship that she had given him for most of his life. She had taken good care of him.
Yet, despite the loneliness of not having my mom by his side, he still managed to have a good outlook on life. From his seat in a wheelchair, he would visit with friends, sing, and tell jokes as part of his everyday life. I remember one joke that he told us. He told us that even though his body was not good; his mind was still very good. The punch-line was that he could still remember everyone who owed him money. He could recite the complete Gettysburg Address. What a smart dad I had!
My dad lived 9 years after the death of my mother. On May 18, 2001, he closed his eyes for the last time and opened them in heaven to see Jesus and Mommy waiting. My dad was 76 years old.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Happy March Birthdays
March 25th is my daughter Janice's 27th birthday. I can't believe that she is this old already! But then again, it's hard to believe that my son and son-in-law just turned 32 years old this March. It seems like it was only yesterday that I arrived in U.S. I did not know then that I'm about to experience motherhood. It seems like it was only yesterday that I got to hold this precious living baby, nursing and nurturing her, and caring for her for the time being. Now she has her very own baby doll to care for and enjoy. Happy Birthday to the March birthdays: Josh, Gabe, Matt, Janice, and Auntie Evie.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Meet a Blessed Bicolana
I am a blessed Bicolana indeed! Since I emigrated from the Philippines (my beloved old country) to the U. S. (my adopted country) in 1980, showers of blessings have come my way.
I saw a nice looking guy in Safeway, the day I arrived in Globe, Arizona, November 24 (this was his birthday). Who would have thought that this nice looking guy would become my husband three-and-one-half months later. He always claims that I was his 31st birthday present, but he did not get to take off the wrappings until March 7th (1981) “Our Wedding Day”. We had an instant family. I was supposed to also be a birthday present for Brian’s 3 year old son who would turn 4 the following day. This darling boy (Joshua) was the first child to ever call me “mom”. That was in itself the biggest blessing I had received since arriving in U. S. Oh well second biggest, the first and foremost was,my beloved husband of 28 years. Joshua is now 32 years old and married to Kelly. They have given my husband and me two precious grandchildren, Alexa and Grady.
March 25, 1982, my beautiful darling daughter, Janice was born. She was a beautiful baby, a very smart student, and a typical teenager. At 22, she married her hubby, Matt (her brother’s best buddy). They have lived all over United States: Arizona, Utah, Pennsylvania, Texas, and who knows where is next. On January 22, we were again blessed by my daughter’s baby; her name is Abby Elizabeth . In August, another precious baby is coming (a brother or a sister for Abby).
Blessings after blessings! My beautiful “surprise” daughter arrived on July 27th 1983. Her name is Jennika a.k.a. darling “Bunso”. She was also a beautiful baby, smart student, and a typical teenager. She is now determined to finish law school. She also works full-time at a law firm.
In 1985, the family went abroad for the first time to Canada to visit my youngest sister. This year was also the year I became a U. S. citizen. Since then, we have made other trips to Canada and the Philippines. In 1986, my parents arrived for the first time to meet my family. Later, they returned for several more visits.
I was a “stay at home mom” from 1981 -1987. Once in a while, I volunteered at my children’s school. In the fall of 1988, I landed a full-time teaching job at the same school my children attended (Holy Angels Catholic School). I am currently in my twenty-first year of teaching at Holy Angels School.
“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29: 11 (My favorite scriptures taken from Good News Bible)
“The Lord’s unfailing love and mercy still continue. Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. The Lord is all I have, and so in Him I put my hope.” Lamentations 3:23-24(Good News Bible) –This Scripture was read on our wedding day.
I saw a nice looking guy in Safeway, the day I arrived in Globe, Arizona, November 24 (this was his birthday). Who would have thought that this nice looking guy would become my husband three-and-one-half months later. He always claims that I was his 31st birthday present, but he did not get to take off the wrappings until March 7th (1981) “Our Wedding Day”. We had an instant family. I was supposed to also be a birthday present for Brian’s 3 year old son who would turn 4 the following day. This darling boy (Joshua) was the first child to ever call me “mom”. That was in itself the biggest blessing I had received since arriving in U. S. Oh well second biggest, the first and foremost was,my beloved husband of 28 years. Joshua is now 32 years old and married to Kelly. They have given my husband and me two precious grandchildren, Alexa and Grady.
March 25, 1982, my beautiful darling daughter, Janice was born. She was a beautiful baby, a very smart student, and a typical teenager. At 22, she married her hubby, Matt (her brother’s best buddy). They have lived all over United States: Arizona, Utah, Pennsylvania, Texas, and who knows where is next. On January 22, we were again blessed by my daughter’s baby; her name is Abby Elizabeth . In August, another precious baby is coming (a brother or a sister for Abby).
Blessings after blessings! My beautiful “surprise” daughter arrived on July 27th 1983. Her name is Jennika a.k.a. darling “Bunso”. She was also a beautiful baby, smart student, and a typical teenager. She is now determined to finish law school. She also works full-time at a law firm.
In 1985, the family went abroad for the first time to Canada to visit my youngest sister. This year was also the year I became a U. S. citizen. Since then, we have made other trips to Canada and the Philippines. In 1986, my parents arrived for the first time to meet my family. Later, they returned for several more visits.
I was a “stay at home mom” from 1981 -1987. Once in a while, I volunteered at my children’s school. In the fall of 1988, I landed a full-time teaching job at the same school my children attended (Holy Angels Catholic School). I am currently in my twenty-first year of teaching at Holy Angels School.
“I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29: 11 (My favorite scriptures taken from Good News Bible)
“The Lord’s unfailing love and mercy still continue. Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. The Lord is all I have, and so in Him I put my hope.” Lamentations 3:23-24(Good News Bible) –This Scripture was read on our wedding day.
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