It is indeed difficult to live in a world that is full of standards. Those standards, sad to say, are based on what the majority thinks are appropriate based on how they see themselves. If we are not like them, most probably they think that we don't belong.

In the story, Emma, a young school-aged girl, is just average in physical attributes but she looks very pleasant. She is good and studious but she is left-handed and she stutters when she talks. Those traits of hers make her prone to bullying because some of her classmates feel that she is not normal as they are.

Due to this predicament, Emma feels that she is inferior and doesn't belong which prompts her to write using her right hand instead. She also stops participating in recitations due fear of being teased. Her classmates make her feel that she's abnormal. What makes her situation difficult for her is that some of her relatives, teachers, and friends consider her abnormal and they don't even extend their efforts and patience to help her cope up.

Despite being treated differently, Emma chooses not to fight back. She does her very best to show her classmates that she is not ashamed of who she is. Her strong faith in the God and the belief that those challenges shall pass keep her moving forward. 

When her teacher gives her a chance to be her class' representative for the spelling contest, some of her classmates show that they are not in favor of her. Their teacher defends Emma and encourages her that it's her chance to show everybody that she is a good student and she can succeed.

Emma does her very best. She studies very well as she prepares for the upcoming spelling contest with the support of her parents. She's able to win and she wins the hearts of those who treat her unkindly.

They ask forgiveness from Emma. Instead of getting getting angry and thinking of revenge, Emma forgives her classmates.

Emma has a good heart. This story proves that nobody can put a good person down and our greatest enemy is ourselves. Instead of channeling our energy to think of revenge, focusing on self -improvement together with prayer is one the best ways to conquer our fears and challenges. No matter what other people say about us, the acceptance and love of our family can keep us going against all odds.

Courtesy: im-just-a-girl.tumbler

Reading this book together with my Bunso who was diagnosed with mild autism two years ago made me relate it to his current situation. It is inevitable that not all people are going to understand his special needs. We can't shield him forever from people who don't understand and don't even bother to educate themselves that children with special needs may be different in our normal standards but they are unique in their own right and they see the world in a different perspective. We may be surprised that they see things differently and most of the time, it's amazing. It is only if we go inside their world that we can see how they think. They think better, love more, forgive easily, and show affection without hesitations or judgment and we should learn from them. What makes them different from our normal standards makes them more beautiful. If we only accept them the way we want others to accept us and if we only forgive the way they forgive, this world is going to be a better place.

Courtesy: picturequotes.com

I encourage you, dear parents, to get a copy of this book. It teaches so many values that your kids can imitate and they can pass those values to their children in the future. The book is filled with life's lessons about showing respect, treating others the way we want to be treated, conquering challenges and fears, strong relationship with God through prayer, being self-directed, honing God's given talents, being forgiving, and being beautiful inside out.

Courtesy: jarofquotes.com

Talking about quality, the book is made with high quality printing materials and surely, your kids can keep it, just make sure that it is handled and stored with care, until it's time for them to raise a family when they can read it again with their children.

Emma Kali-kaliwete! Emma U-utal-utal! by Meanne Mabesa Mijares is available in all St. Pauls Philippines branches. Grab a copy now and you'll love it too.

Time flies! It's been almost a year since I've written my thoughts here in detail about the Belo Baby product line. When it comes to loyalty, I can swear on Belo Baby when it comes to taking care of my family's skin. We are using it for exactly 10 months and we are happy with what it does.



When it comes to quality and safety, we can never go wrong with Belo Baby that guarantees to have 100% natural and 0% harmful ingredients. It's "all natural" and crafted with care for the most delicate skin, for the most meticulous moms, and for the whole family as well. 

We feel safe whenever we use Belo Baby because it leaves out some harmful ingredients present in other brands and is composed of these main ingredients:

Cocoa Butter, an ingredient that contains antioxidant qualities that protect skin from the outside. It keeps the skin healthy by strengthening and deeply moisturizing it. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it also relieves common skin irritations like rashes.

Shea Butter, a known super food for the skin, as well as the hair. It heals, protects, nourishes, and moisturizes skin from damage and dryness. Because it is natural, gentle, and soft, it is suitable for all skin types especially the delicate and sensitive skin of babies. It naturally heals common skin conditions of babies like eczema and diaper rash.

Sweet Almond Oil, has the ability to lock moisture into the skin. It is also a good exfoliator to help remove dead skin cells and stimulate the development of healthier skin. It is generally safe for all skin types, including delicate baby skin.

Belo Baby provides a safer alternative unlike other baby products. Belo has taken meticulous care in choosing not only which ingredients to put in, but which to leave out.

Once more, I would like to stress out the things that our family loves about the following Belo Baby products:

(Php224.75)

- smells so good on skin and the scent stays longer

- makes skin from head to toe supple, moisturized, soft, and smooth without greasy after-feel; even a seldom lotion user like I do due to experiencing greasiness can be motivated to use it regularly

Among these three products that we truly love, Belo Baby Face and Body Lotion is our most favorite. I don't usually hoard, but see I have three on hand because our family can never let the day pass without using this.




My sons use this after every bath to keep their skin moisturized. Kuya, who is in his tween years, still likes the way it touches his skin. He can smell like a baby and it doesn't bother him anyway. 

Even though you're in your tweens, Kuya, you will always be my baby! . . Happy Baby Day, Kuya! I love you like I love Bunso! . . And because it’s Baby Day today, @belobabylove is giving away FREE #BeloBaby products to the first 1000 moms who register here: http://belobaby.ph/#!register . . . Hurry mommies! Here’s your chance to try the 100% certified natural Belo Baby products! . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmquotes #babyproduct #babycologne #babylotion #babysoap #bodywash #hairwash #2may2016 #mommybloggersphilippines #certifiedbloggers #bloggersngpinas #momswhoblogph #asianblogger #pinayblogger #giveaway #philippines

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on May 2, 2016 at 1:03am PDT

We have this massage ritual with Bunso at bedtime to address his sensory overload issues due to Mild Autism. Using Belo Baby Face and Body Lotion in his body massage makes him feel relaxed leading to uninterrupted sleep.

It's only during our kid's hospitalization that we have a chance to have a #staycation. Maybe you are wondering why I sound so positive about it. Yes, it is emotionally, physically, and financially draining but everytime it happens I do my best to look at it on a different perspective. . . Everytime we stay in the hospital, I become at peace with my faith in God. As the saying goes, PRAY MORE WHEN IT'S DIFFICULT TO #PRAY. I realize that I can do it. I am thankful because I have time to #REFLECT and realize that I am so blessed despite not being rich in material possessions. I have loving family and friends. . . When I told Kuya over the phone that Bunso would be admitted, he was crying and worried about his brother. I told him that it would be fine and he would be taken care of. The following day, Hubby brought the items in the photo and said that Kuya prepared them for his baby bro--- @belobabylove Lotion for his massage, his favorite books, new #HotWheels car. He even made a #Qixels doll to make Bunso happy. . . I was so nervous to be alone in taking care of Bunso because he was hyperactive during his previous hospitalization. I am so grateful to his therapists and teachers because now he is more matured and can easily follow directions. He stays in bed knowing that he has to rest and take care of his IV site. We just cuddle, read books, and play his favorite puzzles. His nurses and doctors are very caring and supportive too. It's evident that Bunso's recovery is quick. . . It's challenging when my kids get sick but it makes our family stronger and grateful. I know that it shall pass. . #richwellprime #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmusings #momblogger #autismmom #keepthefaith #lifelessons #strength #hope #love #faith #autism #mommybloggersphilippines

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Jul 5, 2016 at 2:34pm PDT

A day isn't complete without using this lotion. In my case, I use it as my daily face and body moisturizer especially when I just stay at home, I have a few favorite facial and body lotions that I use alternately but currently, this is my favorite because I never have a greasy after-feel now that the weather is so hot. I use it on my face together with Belo Tinted Sunscreen and I have observed that it gives my make-up a flawless dewy finish. No wonder that it was a recipient of Sample Room Awards 2016.


We really, really love Belo Baby. As I've mentioned on my review last year, it exceeds my expectations and is consistent in giving best results. The packaging is very attractive, functional, and durable. It has superb quality and clinically proven all natural, gentle, and safe for everybody and reasonably priced too. It's economical because the product goes a long way and only a small amount is needed for every use. I've heard good feedback from my friends, loved-ones, and even strangers that can attest how highly recommended it is for the entire family. Babies and adults can have healthy skin and smell fresh and pure all day!

Now, I would like to take this opportunity to greet Belo Baby a "Happy First Anniversary"! #BeloBabyTurnsONE! Yay! Our family wishes you more success and fruitful years of developing more all natural products for us to enjoy! Thank you for taking good care of our family's skin naturally.

1. Upload a creative photo of your Belo Baby moment with any Belo Baby product on Instagram. 

2. Make sure to write a catchy caption or description. Please include the hashtags #BeloBabyxAllAroundPinayMama , #BeloBaby , and #BeloBabyTurnsOne.

3. Follow and tag  @belobabylove and @allaroundpinaymama so that I can see your entry easily.

4. Only one (1) entry is allowed per Instagram account.

5. Here's a sample entry:

I seldom capture a moment like this because Bunso is camera shy. Maybe he is so happy with his body massage using his all-time favorite, @belobaby Face and Body Lotion  and it shows through his huge smile! Happy first anniversary, Belo Baby! Thanks for taking care of Bunso's skin naturally! @allaroundpinaymama #BabyBeloxAllAroundPinayMama #BeloBaby #BeloBabyTurnsONE

Contest runs from March 17 to 23, 2017 and is open to Philippine residents only. My family will choose one (1) winning entry. The winning entry will be announced on March 24, 2017 and Belo Baby will be responsible in shipping the prize to the winner. I'm so excited to see your entries!

In this life we call a "journey", we have the power to choose what we want to be and the road that we want to travel. In my case, I always choose to take the road less traveled. I always believe that I am on the right track when the situation gets tough. All I have to do is to purge all my resources and energy positively to keep going.

Having a difficult and sad childhood up to the extent of being stripped off with everything in young adulthood while figuring out how to earn for a living as a breadwinner, summarizes the darkest days of my life until I decided to get married and build a family of my own. I believed in those moments that "It shall pass", and it did. I faced reality and held on to the truth. I trained my mind to find something good in every bad situation. Having distasteful moments could teach more than losing more. The most important aspect of it was I learned who my true friends were and faith kept my sanity intact.

My life has been a continuous struggle but it doesn't stop me from being self-directed and optimistic. There was one time that I had a chance to converse with a friend priest and I told him my life story. These were the exact words that he said, "If that situation of yours happened to someone else, he or she might get crazy." Yes, it was easy to just give up and be selfish. I was young and there were opportunities in store for me that could be attained by being alone... But I chose to stay and be with my mom and brother. I didn't run away from my problems. I initially chose to stay away from negative people and that helped a lot. 

I am now married to my best friend, the best husband and dad, the person that God has given me in those times that I've needed someone to understand me. We have two wonderful boys and the youngest has been diagnosed with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder. We have so many blessings to thank for despite having a challenging family life. We may not be rich in material possessions but I can say that we are happy. Our togetherness is truly a gift.

Trials come and I can face them bravely and conquer them gracefully because I am surrounded with good people. But at the back of my mind, am I truly contented? Am I completely free from my ugly past?

Honestly, there comes a time when I feel that there is lacking despite planning my life purposefully in accordance to what I know that is best for myself and the people I love. I feel this way when everything turns out unwell despite being prepared and righteous. Maybe, subconsciously, I feel that life is very unfair despite doing my very best to make it fair for myself and the people that I hold dear. I have a strong faith in God and it's very wrong to ask Him "Why me again? All is well and good, but why another misfortune? Mabuti naman akong tao at wala akong inaapakan. Bakit ako na naman?" Well, I am not always thinking like this. It seldom happens but it hurts. I feel this way whenever I am bombarded with too much problems all at the same time.  Itutulog ko lang at nagiging okay naman ako kinabukasan. I keep moving forward. I stay optimistic and do the things that I trained my mind and body for including repression and suppression of feelings. But still, I feel that there's an empty space in my life that needs to be filled in. 

Learning about the upcoming e-course, "The Roadmap to a Fulfille Life" by Miss Viviene Bigornia, just came right on time. I seldom read posts on Facebook for a couple of days due to my very busy schedule and it was the first post that popped up! Maybe God was sending me a message. Maybe involving myself in this course could take all my unresolved issues away.

These four statements struck me the most when I visited the website that prompted me to take the course:

- Learn the foundation and the very first step in finding God's calling

- Know what is a fulfilled life and how to experience it.

- Unearth your past experiences and discover where God is leading you.

- Get yourself prepared to transition from where you are to where you should be.

I am totally submitting myself to this course. Enrollment starts today, April 28, and ends on May 15. Upon enrollment, I can get an access to the following:

- Free Ebooks
- Free Printables
- Exclusive Access to its Private Community

You may go to http://thefulfilledwomen.com/fulfilled-life/ for more details.  If you feel that you have a situation closer to mine or if you are still finding your purpose, I invite you to learn with me. I believe that this will help us break the chain of resentments and pain to find more meaning in what we do.

This is a very long post, my dear friends. Para ito sa mga batch mates and schoolmates ko sa Philippine College of Health Sciences, Inc., who worked hard to be the best and finest nurses not just in the Philippines but abroad. Para ito sa mga professors and clinical instructors namin who guided and taught us. Para ito sa mga nanay tulad ko na gumagawa ng paraan para i-improve ang sarili amidst their very demanding job as a homemaker, mother, and wife. Para ito sa mga kakilala ko at ibang tao na hindi ko kakilala na hindi nagtapos sa "top' or "prestigious" universities or colleges in the country na underestimated and discriminated.

I will always be proud to be a mom, teacher, BSN graduate, Thomasian, PNUan, and most of all, PCHSian! 

**************************

October 29, 2018- 1:30 PM: This date will be etched in my mind and heart forever. I am writing this piece and going to share this to the entire world to serve as a reminder for all moms and the people who didn't graduate from "prestigious" universities or colleges to never stop dreaming even if you are tied with our responsibilities, never stop believing in your capabilities even if there are people who underestimate you, and never doubt in the power of your mind and body no matter how many obstacles you are facing. 

My hands are tied and as you all know, I am a full-time mom with no helper or someone to depend on to look after my child with special needs. I do freelance work, do blogging, manage my social media accounts, maintain a mom community with my mom blogger friends, and help my mom in our home-based business while homemaking. Well, It's the start of the semestral break and this is the only time that I can acquire important documents or inquire/apply for something including requirements for further studies because Hubby's at home to look after the kids. Yes, after nine years, I feel that it's about time for me to go back to school again because aside from the love for learning, I am doing this for Bunso, my autism angel, and for my professional and personal growth as well. I want to be equipped with strategies and knowledge for me to extend at home what his teachers teach him in school. For me, education is the pinnacle of human evolution. Why? Because the intrinsic urge of the human race to learn and explore and go beyond the limits of our current self is what makes us evolve into better beings.

So, I took note all the universities and colleges where Bunso's teachers graduated because all of them were good in what they do. Then yesterday, with all necessary requirements on hand, I hurriedly went to this college in the university belt who is claiming to be the top college for teacher excellence. The secretary of the dean was on leave so the dean herself accommodated me. She handed me the application form for the graduate school entrance test and the list of fees. While I was about to fill up the form, she asked for my Transcript of Records (TOR). The document that was in front of the file was my certificate of honorable dismissal and under it were three pages of my Transcript of Records when I handed them to her.

She said, "Wait, don't fill up the form yet. You graduated from Philippine College of Health Sciences (PCHS). It is a diploma mill school. Did you check the reputation of this school before you enrolled? Then why did you attend so many universities? I couldn't think of words to say this nicely but tatapatin kita, I can't accept you because I don't want our school to be tainted with a school with a bad reputation. We don't want our school to be associated with PCHS. Here in the university belt, we know each other. Tatapatin kita ha? I don't want you to waste your time and money na pakukuhanin kita ng entrance test 'tapos you will not be accepted here."

After hearing this, I was actually in shock because it was my very first time to hear a "Teacher" discriminating someone because of her last school attended and saying degrading words against a school. She didn't even check my TOR to know the answer why I attended so many universities. She didn't even ask me about how we were taught in PCHS. Then I explained, "Ma'am, I finished my degree in Bachelor of Science in Botany from the University of Santo Tomas. While teaching (I didn't mention that I taught in Xavier School for five years because I thought, "Is it necessary?"), I took up Certificate in Teaching Program from Philippine Normal University. I didn't just take 18 units as a prerequisite to taking the Licensure Examination for Teachers but finished the entire course including the practicum. In PCHS, I took up Bachelor of Science in Nursing and graduated with honors in 2009. When I was a student, I wasn't mediocre, Ma'am. I gave my all. I studied hard." Actually, I felt uncomfortable mentioning to her that I graduated with honors because again for me, "Is it necessary?". But due to my situation that time, I thought it might help. Pero sana hindi ko na lang sinabi. In my opinion, what I achieved was just a bonus or reward for enjoying learning. For me, honors or awards are just titles. They can be celebrated but they don't define who a person is. 

When was about to defend my BSN alma mater that she considered a "diploma mill" which I found very unfair, she said, "Bakit doon ka pumasok kasi madalian lahat? Bakit nag-St. Jude ka then you transferred in PCHS?" I answered, "Ma'am, PCHS was the only institution who catered for working individuals and moms like me who wanted to do further studies in nursing that's why I transferred. The curriculum was designed for working individuals and people who couldn't do further studies at daytime during weekdays."

Unfortunately, because I was in the state of shock, I wasn't able to tell these to her because I could see that there was no point in doing it after all which I regretted the most. I should have told her, "In PCHS, we were taught by the best professors and clinical instructors, we did our Related Learning Experience (RLE) in the top public hospitals in the country and different health centers and communities in Metro Manila. We had to pass the one-on-one revalida of all the major subjects that we took before we would be allowed to graduate. We had our thesis writing. We did our research-based work. We were encouraged by the institution to keep going despite our own personal concerns. Our professors were considerate but firm. The institution wasn't mediocre. It might be a flaw for PCHS to accept anyone but it shows that EDUCATION IS ACCORDED TO EVERYONE REGARDLESS OF THE STUDENT'S CIRCUMSTANCES AND MOTIVATION TO LEARN. The responsibility of our teachers there was to provide the avenue for learning and to give unbiased inspiration for the students to grasp their aspirations."

Then she didn't even checked the requirements that I provided but rather wrote her cell phone number directly on the brown envelope and said, "I will show your transcript of records to someone higher than me. Give me a call after two days to know if you will be considered or not." Then I told her while returning the application form, "I already wrote my name on the application form, Ma'am. I hope you'll give me a chance. Try me. I can handle pressure. Ma'am, if I need to take the basic subjects, I am very much willing to do it." Then she let me keep the form. I courteously said goodbye and left her office. While riding the jeepney going home, with all honesty, I felt so low but eventually what happened made me more motivated to keep going. 

What am I feeling right now? I have mixed emotions. I feel sad because I wasn't given a chance by the dean to even take the entrance test much less fill-up the form. That if I pass the entrance test, I can enhance myself through education in that institution but rather making me feel that my current situation is a hindrance for my growth. She repeatedly told me, "Hindi mabilisan dito. Baka hindi mo kayanin ang pressure. Hilaw ang background mo para kayanin mo dito. Here in our college, our undergraduate students are equipped with basic knowledge. Ikaw, worry ko lang baka hindi mo kayanin dito. Your CTP units are not enough." She didn't answer back after I asked, "Will you not consider my teaching experience?" 

I may be feeling sad but I also feel motivated because I believe that there is a college or university out there who is very much willing to accept me for who I am without any prejudice.

Will I call her to check if I will be given a chance or not? I still don't know because this keeps playing in my head, "Why MA Sped? Kasi very lucrative ang course? Malaki ang kita lalo na when you go abroad? Actually, you are the 18th person whom I declined because we don't want our school to be associated with a diploma mill school (I wasn't sure if she was referring to PCHS graduates only.). 'Yong iba nga doctoral degree pa." "I want to take MA Sped because I want to help my son with autism. He is my motivation for doing this. I have no plans of going abroad at the moment," I replied.

If you are in my position, what will you do? How would you feel?


**********
October 30, 2018 at 4:20 PM

Bunso is under the supervision of his therapists and SpEd teachers for two years. He still feels very excited to go to school to learn with his teachers and classmates and it shows that he is well taken cared of and being loved by them.

One of the things that I am thankful for is my dear Bunso is surrounded with so many people who love him unconditionally. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts #CereCare Teachers! Thanks for the surprise #birthday treat that you gave Bunso. His 6th birthday was indeed a blast! . To our loved ones and friends who sent their warm wishes and celebrated Bunso's birthday too, thank you very much! . May God bless you all! We are so blessed to have you in our lives. . 📷@kheygingo #blessed #loved #thankful #allaroundpinaymama #aapmkids #autismmom #igersmanila #momswithautismangels #aapmmusings #27november2016

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Nov 27, 2016 at 1:43am PST

Aside from dealing with Bunso's wholistic development, we encountered financial difficulties along the way. His therapy sessions, education, and daily expenses are expensive. It was never easy and will never be easy to support a child with special needs. In short, our family and I know that other families with members with special needs are experiencing huge changes when talking about family mechanics and setting priorities.

We are so blessed that our dear Bunso belongs to the upper spectrum which means that he is highly functional. His hyperactivity is encompassing but he learns fast and adapts well to his environment. We are so glad that he can now express himself through words and actions, not that much yet but he is doing his best. He can follow instructions, become more affectionate, start engaging in interactive play, read words, write numbers and letters, draw simple objects, identify things, and helps at home and school. 

I must say that I and the people that we know who usually don't see him often observe positive changes in him and also see him do antics that kids like his case do but it's okay. What we find important is we keep on supporting him and guiding him to reach his full potential. As days come and go, each step with him becomes more challenging but it boils down to four things on how we manage the situation. First, WE ACCEPT HIM FOR WHO HE IS. We don't compare him to other kids. We know that he is unique like the rest of us. Our genuine acceptance, we believe, makes him acceptable for all. We are open with his condition and it makes him more accepted and loved if not by all, but by most people around him. Second, WE TREAT HIM NORMALLY. We don't give him special treatment. We talk to him and deal with him like we do to the other members of the family. Third, WE BELIEVE THAT HE CAN. Like any person, may be normal in our societal standards or with special needs, we know that he can live a normal life independently and he can be successful in anything that he chooses to be in the future.

One of the things that we encourage him to do is to follow his passion according to his own pace. We don't pressure him at all. He is now into playing educational games, solving easy and difficult puzzles (Yes, he can solve puzzles that adults here at home can't.), painting, reading story books for children, and helping do the chores.

Bunso was in the mood doing cutting, craft punching, pasting, and writing today. I couldn't think of a title of his recent artwork but Vincent Van Gogh's "Starry, Starry Night" popped in my head. So I called it Bunso's "Super Starry, Starry Night". . . . To justify the title, as you can see, he has placed so many stars on the entire craft paper. LOL! . . . Bunso was loving our bonding time so much! After this, we had lunch; washed clothes, did the laundry, cooked pancakes together with cuddling and story telling in between; created the alphabet using clay; raised toy cars; and did another cutting activity! (Not to mention that I did my own chores in between too...) . . . Whew! In a time like this, I feel so blessed to be a former preschool teacher. My son is non-stop and I have to keep up with him by giving him different activities to enhance his skills. . . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmkids #preschool #art #cutting #pasting #craftpunch #carlcraftpunch #stars #sky #instadaily #instagood #parenting #teacher #teaching #autismawareness #autismspeaks #mildautism #autismmom #mommybloggersph #momswhoblogph

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Apr 11, 2016 at 12:34am PDT

Bunso loves art activities whether they are being done in school or at home. He is more focused and determined to accomplish the given tasks but he's still adjusting to the feeling of getting his hands too dirty. LOL! . . Thanks for sharing this, Teacher @kheygingo! This made my day! I feel so proud of my little boy! Have a happy weekend! ♡.♡ . . regram @kheygingo Finger Prints � ❤️❤️❤️ @allaroundpinaymama . . P.S. Thank you, @jazonlineshop, for the pretty paper cut-outs that I got from you at @ahandmadeaffair! They made our mom and son #cottonart lovelier! . . #allaroundpinaymama #autismmom #autismappreciation #autismawareness #autismspeaks #momblogger #mommybloggersphilippines #makeitblissful #mib_cleanandbright #igersmanila #fingerpainting #art #instacolor #painting #2september2016

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Sep 1, 2016 at 11:39pm PDT

Bunso was still high on Eric Carle's "Pancakes, Pancakes!" upon waking up and he requested me to cook and eat pancakes with him like we did yesterday. It was fun as always! . . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmkids #allaroundpinaymamacooks #pancakes #ericcarle #storybook #book #bookworm #raisingreaders #simplejoys #instadaily #instagood #food #foodie #sweet #magnolia #mommybloggersphilippines #cooking #aapmparenting #momand son

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Apr 11, 2016 at 5:29pm PDT

A few days ago I captured a photo of some baked goodies, finished products of our family baking activity. It was a day after my #cupcake #baking workshop at @themayakitchen1 with Kuya (big brother in Filipino), my eldest son. Before coming up with a nice photo of these delicious-looking and best-tasting cupcakes, the whole process, from prompting the kids until decorating, was very messy, noisy, and shall I say chaotic? Kuya was so excited to bake with his baby brother that by just telling him so, he became hyperactive and wanted to do everything by himself! . . It took me at least 20 times to capture this perfectly. If you can relate to me, I would like to invite you to join us by telling your stories through photos #behindthefeed. Due to the advent of social media, we tend to just share what is flawless and perfect. We create a good image that we want to portray making others believe that our lives are so perfect but in reality, they aren't. . . It is so liberating to be natural and real that's why I submit myself in joining the movement. . . I encourage you to check out what other #mombloggers are up to by going to the hashtag #behindthefeed. Somehow you can relate like I do. . . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmusings #mommybloggersphilippines #certifiedbloggers #momswhoblogph #igersmanila #igphilipines #aapmkids

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Jun 9, 2016 at 1:48am PDT

His most favorite chore is laundering clothes and he knows all the steps especially the moment when it's time to put fabric conditioner without looking at the washing machine's timer. His senses are highly sensitive. By just hearing the flow of water, he knows when to do it. He also loves helping me cook. I really, really like it when he helps me because he is such a perfectionist in a peculiar way. I admit that he can do things better than I can sometimes and it makes me happy.

Naku, naku, naku, Mars at Pards! Naiinip na ba kayo sa next blog post ko? Ako rin, naiinip na. LOL! I hope that I can start my #AAPMfavorites series soon. While waiting, I would like to share a quick & easy left-over recipe na patuk na patok sa kids and young at heart. Presenting my Luncheon Meat Pizza... Super dali lang gawin. All you need to do is to spread HUNT'S SPAGHETTI SAUCE PARMESAN CHEESE FLAVOR sa @gardeniaph TOAST. Sprinkle with grated @edencheeseph followed by baked PUREFOODS LUNCHEON MEAT bits. Then top again with grated EDEN CHEDDAR CHEESE. Heat in the oven toaster until the toast is light brown and the cheese is already melted. To make it look like real pizza, I cut the toast into two triangles pagkaluto. Easy lang di ba? I made this recipe with Bunso kaya mas lalong sumarap kasi may kasamang pagmamahal. Happy weekend! Let's spend our time with our family. Love, love, love... ❤ . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmfavorites #allaroundpinaymamacooks #pizza #homecooked #oventoasterpizza #spotmyfood #instafood #foodie #pizza #foodie #yummyph #wimyummy #pepperph #huffposttaste #foodblogger #momblogger #mommybloggersphilippines #certifiedbloggers #momswhoblogph #nofilter #nothingbutanokia #lumia630

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Feb 18, 2017 at 1:35am PST

Bunso loves Oreo lately but only eat its filling. So we always have the cookies left uneaten. Since he also loves #cooking and he never fails to surprise me, by the way, I let him do this #Oreo #RefrigeratorCake all by himself with minimal assistance. I unpacked the ingredients and gave him instructions one at a time. He was sort of an "OC" or perfectionist that he was able to do it way much better than I did before. 😄 . We used 500 ml Alaska Crema All-Purpose Cream, 250ml Alaska Condensed Milk, Graham Crackers, and 3 packs of 137 grams Oreo Vanilla filled sandwich cookies without filling. I told Bunso to mix the cream and milk together and layer the ingredients alternately on rectangular microwave oven safe containers. Here's the other version: http://www.allaroundpinaymama.com/2014/08/oreo-surprise-by-the-vanilla-housewife.html . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmfavorites #aapmkids #food #foodie #sweets #spotmyfood #huffposttaste #wimyummy #yummyph #sweettooth #playwithoreo #autismmom #autismawareness #mildautism #foodblogger #momblogger #mommybloggersphilippines #certifiedbloggers #momswhoblogph #nban #nothingbutanokia #lumia630

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Feb 20, 2017 at 11:57pm PST

Lastly, WE ARE ALWAYS HERE FOR HIM. With me as an exception because I am taking care of him full time, Paps and Kuya always give time for him despite of spending more time in work and school respectively. Constant communication through words and actions is very important with family members with special needs. We talk to Bunso, hug and kiss him, and we show him that he is being loved and accepted by us and in return, people around him love and accept him which make him confident to face the world without inhibitions. We make sure that Paps and I do "parenting" instead of only "herding". We "date" him and his Kuya in separate occasions so that they can feel that they are special. We see to it that we also spend time together as a family. It doesn't matter where we are, as long as we are making good memories.

Paps and I are doing our "parenting" duties. He is in charge of Kuya while I am dating Bunso. . As parents we have to spend our time with each of them one at a time to know them better and to make them feel special. Masasabi nila na ang oras na ibinibigay sa kanila ay para sa kanila lang at walang kahati sa attention. Then "herding" follows which means that we spend our time together as a family. . Happy new year! . #allaroundpinaymama #aapmmusings #parentingvsherding #parenting #momblogger #momswhoblogph #certifiedbloggers #mommybloggersphilippines #igersmanila #mommylove #momduties #30december2016

A post shared by SJ Valdez (@allaroundpinaymama) on Dec 29, 2016 at 7:08pm PST

We don't know when Bunso shall overcome the challenges of his condition. What we do now is what we believe can determine his future. 

Bunso has been dealing with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorder for the last four years. Having habits that linger or recurrent is part of his condition. We have already accepted that. What Paps and I hope and pray is that he may continue to improve as he enjoys his life every day. 

As days pass, we discover little by little his love for cooking. I know that it is an answered prayer. Paps and I would always say when we converse about Bunso, "We hope that he continues to be functional. We hope that one day, he can discover the passion that he wants to focus on, something that he can do for a living. So that when the day comes that we are no longer here in this world, he will not be a burden to his brother and he will live independently and happily."

Cooking particularly making desserts is what Bunso likes to do best. He feels giddy whenever we give him a chance to watch his favorite YouTuber, Kusina Chef. He would imitate her as she talks while imagining himself making desserts on his own. He would tell us that he is going to crack and beat the eggs, mix the ingredients, or assemble them all by himself whenever Paps or I cook. 

He couldn't contain himself when I told him that he would be making his own desserts using Mr. Hat Gulaman. He was so excited doing all the processes--- from buying ingredients up to the taste test with a little assistance from me, of course, especially in the steps where using sharp objects were required. I asked him what desserts he would like to prepare. He told me that he would love to do Mango Float and Strawberry Ice Cream. I requested him to prepare Peach-Mango Float.

Here are the recipes.

Additional Ingredient:

Mr. Hat Gulaman Mango Jelly Powder

This ingredient made the Mango Float more sturdy. The cream won't run easily too.

Procedure:

1. In a bowl combine cream, condensed milk, and about three tablespoons of jelly powder dissolved in a little cream; mix until well incorporated. 

4. Decorate it, cover with plastic wrapper, and chill overnight.