Soulful Thoughts of Rachel

We took advantage of the long weekend by having a nice family getaway. We went to Laiya San Juan, Batangas.  My husband and I had a great time snorkeling and our son enjoyed making sand castles.  The weekend is over too soon. I wish we could have a longer vacation but it’s back to school for my son tomorrow.

Are the kids cooped up in the house because of the rain? Make staying inside the house during a rainy day worthwhile for the kids by doing fun activities together. Here are some suggestions:

• bring out those old game boards and involve the whole family in a fun game
• put together a jigsaw puzzle
• dress up in fun costumes and play pretend
• make funny home videos
• bake something nice and easy and let the kids help out
• draw fun pictures with the whole family and make it into a contest (give a simple token or incentive for the winner)
• bring out the kids’ favorite toys
• make some popcorn and watch a nice movie on DVD

Teacher Julie started a nice weekly meme at her other blog, GreenBucks. The rules are simple: Just post and answer the question provided by Teacher Julie weekly on your site. Enjoy reading about other participants’ answers by visiting their blogs.

Q: What valuable lessons have you learned from your father?

My Dad has taught me many wonderful things in life and he has inspired me in so many ways…

• Creativity - My Dad is a very artistic creative person. He inspired my love for art. He taught me the basics of drawing and painting. He encouraged me to join art contests in school and he always made me feel like a great whether I win or not.
• Honesty - My father taught me how important it is to be honest in everything I do. When I was a young girl, the cashier at a restaurant handed my Dad more than the expected change. We were already outside the restaurant when my Dad counted the change. He insisted we all go back to the restaurant to give back the money to the cashier.
• Faith - Both my Dad and Mom taught me to have good faith in the Lord. I admit I easily get discouraged in life but whenever I seek help from my parents, I always get enlightened. They always tell me to pray and ask for God’s guidance.
• Strength and Courage - My Dad is a kind and gentle man but he is always ready to defend his family against people with bad intentions. He taught me to be kind but at the same time to be strong and brave. He told me never to be afraid to speak up and pursue what I believe is right and just.

Visit more Camera Critters participants here.

I dedicate my entry this week to my Dad in honor of Father’s Day. This photo was taken last month while my parents were having a vacation with us. My Dad developed a nice bond with our dog, Bruno. My Dad enjoyed taking Bruno for a walk twice a day around the village. Whenever Bruno would sense my Dad’s presence nearby, he would wag his tail and bark enthusiastically. When my parents left for the States, Bruno lost appetite for a day or two. It showed how much he missed my Dad.

I asked Yohan to describe his dad.  “My Dad is good. He likes to play fun games with me. He takes good care of me.” His answer may be brief but it means so much.

Advance Happy Father’s Day to my husband, Jules.  I also want to wish my Dad a wonderful Father’s Day. To all the great dads out there, may you have a memorable celebration tomorrow.

Yesterday, my hubby, son and I took my parents to the airport for their flight back to the States.  I tried my best not to cry but tears still rolled down my cheeks when it was time to say goodbye. My son patted my back and said, “It’s OK mommy. Don’t cry.” I said a quiet prayer for my parents to have a safe trip.

When I woke up today, I felt a sudden surge of loneliness.  I realized my parents are not here anymore.  I’m going to miss them very much.  I hope to talk to them later once they arrive home.

What do you do on rainy days?

On a rainy day, it is best to turn off the TV and the computer, especially when there is hint of thunder and lightning in the sky.  Take this opportunity to bond with the family. There are many fun things that you can do on rainy days.

Here are some things we usually love doing as a family…

• Art Time - This is perfect time to draw, paint and make fun art projects with your child. It’s fun and educational too. Yohan loves art time.

• Play - Spend time playing with your child. Yohan loves trains. The other day, my hubby and son built tracks in our living room and they brought out Thomas and Friends die-cast trains. I played with them too.

• Read - Find interesting things to read. I usually let my son decide on what book he likes and I read it to him.

• Bake - Hubby and son loves baking together. They enjoy baking different yummy goodies like cookies, muffins and chocolate cake. I’m the taste tester.

• Make Warm Drink -  My hubby loves making hot chocolate on a cold rainy day. Yohan loves small marshmallows on his hot chocolate.

• Sleep - Cuddle in bed and enjoy a nice nap.