They love exam week , huh??

Unlike me, the girls at FLAG love to take their exams.

With so many rainy days missed at school, they gotta do this.

She looks ready !

Gosh, she looks so serious.. she will ACE this one!

wow! she got it!

Love her smile!

They are on their way.

To become a doctor, teacher and or maybe an artist? 

Their dreams are finally coming true. Thanks to you!

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica 

the flood

If we have snow days, Philippines has flood days..

Unlike snow, this water comes from polluted rivers and sewage around the community.

No boots can protect you from diseases.

I remember when I was little, I would wash my feet as soon as I get to school and when 

I get home.

I would bring alcohol and towel , hope for the best that I don't catch anything.

Unless there is a  thunderstorm and torrential rains, I never missed school. 

Flood did not stop me from learning.

Tricycle is one of our means of transportation

This is our church. Thank God the water did not reach the inside of the church

They move on.

People will still need to buy food, go to work. Life does not stop.

They are not even wearing any protection. 

The girls are okay. Their families are not affected by the floods . Thank God.

They are thankful just to be there. 

I don't complain much about snow days and rainy days, cause I know others have it much worst.

Just be thankful you are here.

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica 

under the tuscan sun..

 

 

it was my dream to visit Italy when I turned 40


that dream came true this summer..


very thankful for the opportunity and an adventure I can never forget..


here are some of my highlights..

Ponte Vecchio, Florence

Cinque Terre

St. Peter's Basilica , Rome

Positano - Sigh!!

Tuscany Villa ( with 14 other friends and family )


as this summer draws to a close,


I look back on what happened to my life since the beginning of the year.

In summary:

Jan - Lost my Job after 20 years in the company

Feb - First visit to Hollywood with my close friend

March and April - Visit to the Philippines

May , June and July - sold my house in the suburbs,kids off to college

August - moved downtown and ITALY.

September - Back to school for me.

the blessings I received this year are overwhelming..

it inspires me to continue giving and sharing..


I'm back.. F.L.A.G updates to come...



Thank you for stopping by,



Hugs,

Monica







 

just the two of us..

today, we let them go.

spread your wings and off they go.

don't you worry we will be right here.

supplier of junk food, milk  and beer.

you will be fine.

as we know we taught you well.. although you sometimes feel living with us is like hell :)

mommy and daddy will enjoy their time

living the life downtown in their prime.

Greenwich Village, NY July 2012 , wanna be in Woody Allen movie

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica



BFF's

though miles may lie between us

we are never apart

for friendship doesn't count miles

it's measured by the heart

friendship comes in all sizes

friendship is sharing memories

friendship is about keeping me company while I wait..

friendship is acceptance..

Happy International Friendship Day from F.L.A.G

Thank you for stopping by,

Hugs,

Monica

one step ahead..

we are always hoping she will come around.. come out of her shell.

quite as a mouse.. will not speak unless spoken to.

she can barely read when we first met her.

Erika on the far left 2010

smiling in photos is rare for Erika ( had a hard time looking for a pic with her)

there's something about her eyes.. wanting to tell us something.

Erika ( 3rd girl from the left) 2011

she proved us wrong..

Her school moved her to Grade 2 level

she was to repeat Grade 1

no one can stop her now..

Congratulations Erika! We are very proud!

Thank you to teacher Rose, Pastor Rey and staff  for their

continuing guidance and support.





Thank you for stopping by,




Hugs,



Monica

new kids on the block

do you remember your first day of school?

or moving to a new one and leaving your friends behind?

well, they don't look sad at all..



Aren't they cute??

Learning is fun!!

hello Ms. Rochelle

listening is much more fun :)

It's been over a month since we started new school year at FLAG.

with too many rainy days, girls have missed school.


we hope for some sunshine soon !!!

Thank you for stopping by,




Hugs,


Monica