Thursday, January 18, 2007

Children's Day

It was Children's Day in Thailand last 13 January. It is usually held every second Saturday of January and it's the time when it feels like Christmas for most children in Thailand. However due to uncertainty of events here. We opted not to celebrate. What should have been our second one became a camp inside the house. The decision was also based on the advise of the UN security regarding police warning of possible attacks.

This year's celebration is actually bigger--more fairs, more freebies but also more military equipment and armies in the guise of exhibits and as hosts. Fortunately, no untoward incidents were reported. While we (the kids) missed the air shows, the exhibits, the freebies, we decided to go out the following Sunday.

We missed the big event but we definitely hit it big time during that day--we watched Open Season! :D

Saturday, January 13, 2007

Nel's transformation

Nel's first year was spent with her "Mama" Loi (my Aunt) as various reasons prevented her from coming with us to Australia. When we came home and got Nel, she was very quiet would hardly smile.
Nel when we arrived in 2005 It did not come as a surprise to me as I know she "inherited" her "Mama's" traits. My Tita Loi is a very kind, quiet lady--yes she hardly say a word. So, when we got her, though she's almost 1, she has yet to learn a clear audible and sensible word (comparing to her sisters, who started communicating as early as 11months!), but we waited.


Nel, originally uploaded by jimboombastic.

When she turned 2, it was as if she changed overnight! She was babbling words we've never heard before (not baby talk anymore), she was very active playing with her sisters--even initiates fights! She lost the inhibitions that she got used to and we're glad that she's expressing herself more.

This photo was taken during our Singapore vacation, she was leading her sisters to sing. And boy! they all got some talents! Nel, actually is a good dancer, not sure yet with her singing, though. :D

She's turning 3 come April 12 and yes, she's growing and learning fast!

Thursday, January 4, 2007

We escaped mishap in Thailand

In case you didn't know, Thailand recently had a violent crisis. It experienced series of bombings last December 31, 2006 as it prepared to welcome the new year. Jim already blogged about our close call experience but for the benefit of this site, I'm going to mention some details.

On that day we were with a family friend along with my brother-in-law and his friend. We had a great time celebrating the coming new year especially our daughter Nira. Well, that afternoon, close to the time that the bombs were about to go off, Jim suggested that we take a bus going home. As we are carrying some take homes, we took the cab instead.

The bus ride would have entailed passing through Saphan Kwai then we'll get off Victory Monument. We needed to go home that night as we are preparing to go to church for a new year's welcome service of prayer, praise and worship. The church's location is near Sukhumvit Soi 63. We also urged my brother-in-law to go to the countdown celebrations at Central World.

Jim's colleague, who's a Thai national, called him to inform us of what's on the news and asked us to cancel all planned outing. We cancelled our plans for the night and immediately called other Filipino friends who might be going out that night including the family friend that we just visited earlier. We also phoned the Philippines to inform relatives in advance, before they get the news, and assure them that we are safe.

The personnel officer of Jim's organization sent an SMS message informing the incidence and warning against going out in public gatherings. The UN security also sent the same message and regularly sent updates.

As details become clear, 6 bombs went off during the first wave of bomb attacks. The sites included Saphan Kwai, Victory Monument and Sukhumvit Soi 62. A second wave of bombings occured right after midnight--one of three bombs was in Central World.

It was clear that God's hand moved in an amazing way that we didn't get a bus to go home nor went a bit early to church. The places we planned to go were the very place or were near the bombing sites. We do not consider it coincidence or luck but one thing we are certain is that the hand of God moved to protect His children--we still have a mission!

Jim was grateful about God's work that he blogged about it and emailed friends to inform them about what happened and assure that we are safe. We were overwhelmed with the response of support both on email and comments on Jim's blog.

God is great! God is faithful!

Despite all things, this will be a blessed, happy new year. This was taken in front of Central World during Christmas. A week later the other side of the road almost parallel to this location will be bombed.Despite all things, this will be a blessed, happy new year. Photo above was taken in front of Central World during Christmas. A week later the other side of the road almost parallel to where we stood in this photo was bombed.

As to the victims of this senseless violence, our prayers are with them.

Batgirl???

Whenever we go malling, whether it be in MBK, Siam Paragon or anywhere here in Thailand, our second daughter, Nira, always has a special eye on something whenever we pass by a particular store--the superhero costume store.

She would drag her father to the store and ask him to let him try the masked superheroes--from Spiderman, Robin and yes, Batman. During new year's eve, we had a good time of celebrating in advance the welcoming of the new year with a family friend.

One of the happiest in the family was Nira--well as you can see in the photo she got to wear her dream costume!!! We were all happy as she enjoyed her batsuit (I will try to make her own batgirl costume--I will try!). So, Jim took some photos!

Nira as Batgirl!Nira was really feeling her suit that she lifted her sister! Go Batman! errr, Batgirl!

Go Batman! Nira (with the batsuit) and Nel