Prayer of a Father and a Husband

Dear Jesus,  I place myself in Your presence. I put my whole life at Your disposal. I acknowledge my shortcomings and failures. I give up my pretenses and excuses. You lived among us and experienced a family. You shared the Father's love. You showed us how to be obedient and dutiful children. 

Today, my Lord, with Your blessing and guidance; I renew my marital commitment: 

to love my wife till my last breath, 

to serve and not to abuse, 

to cherish and not to forsake, 

to be faithful and not to betray, 

to forgive and not to accuse,

to protect and not to hurt.

With your grace, I also renew my obligation to my child: 

to take care of her as to give her a better future, 

to share my time as to let her feel that I love her, 

to give my love as to provide her a worthy life, 

to show her good examples as to rear her as a worthy child.

And for these, my dear God, I humbly seek Your blessing. Guide us against all harm and secure us from any danger. Let me live longer for my family. Let me be strong to work in view of their future. 

Make our house also Your home. Live among us and stay with us, dear Lord. May we live united as a family like the Holy Family at Nazareth. Amen.  

- Larry

How A Child Is Wonderfully Made By God

1st Month Week 1	You’re not pregnant. This is the week of the start of your last period. as the uterus sheds its lining and causes bleeding, the hormones are preparing another egg for release.
Week 2	You’re still not pregnant. The uterine lining is thickening and ovulation (the release of an egg) is getting ready to occur. You may feel a twinge pain as ovulation occurs.
Week 3	This could be the week. When an egg is released into your fallopian tube, it meets up with your partner's sperm. (There are 350 million sperms in the average ejaculation that have a chance at making the trip into the fallopian tube. The ones that make it will wait there for an egg as long as four days) when the sperm penetrates an egg, fertilization (conception) occurs. The fertilized egg is called a zygote. Immediately the egg begins dividing into identical cells as it floats down the fallopian tube to the uterus. Now you're pregnant.
Week 4	There’s lots of action going on that you are completely unaware of. your little zygote finds its nesting place in the uterus and is now called blast cyst. Once in the uterus, it divides in half: one-half sticks to the uterine wall and becomes the placenta (the life-support system that brings nourishment into your baby and takes waste out). The other half will become the baby. Transvaginal ultrasound shows a gestational sac (a small circle that will become the baby's home). by the end of this week, you will have missed your period, giving you the first sign that something's up. Some women see a slight spotting called implantation bleeding that happens when the blast cyst nestles into the uterine wall.
Week 5	At this point a pregnancy test can confirm the pregnancy. Your baby is about the size of an apple seed and is now called an embryo with a beating heart of its own. The placenta and the umbilical cord are in full operation. You would be shocked to see how rapidly your baby is developing: =) the head and tail folds are distinct =) the primary brain vesicles form =) the nervous system begins to develop =) two heart tubes are fused in the midline and begin to contract
Week 6	Your little embryo is dropping its calling card. This is the week the physical sensations of pregnancy usually appear: nausea, sore breasts, fatigue and frequent urination are all signs of this incredible growth process. The embryo looks more like a tadpole than a human, but the body is growing rapidly: =) the head, tail and arm buds are easily recognizable =) the optic vesicles and lens form =) limb buds are present =) the earliest form of the liver, pancreas, lungs, thyroid gland and heart appear =) blood circulation is well established. =) the heart bulges from the body =) the cerebral brain hemispheres are enlarging in the stomach area, the primary intestinal loop is present
2nd Month Week 7	=) the heart is completely formed =) the limb buds are present =) on the face, the nostrils have overhanging borders =) the eyes appear as dark spots =) the tongue is beginning to form =) permanent kidneys begin to form =) the heart is relatively larger =) the trunk of the main body is elongating and straightening =) the eyelid folds are forming =) in the middle area, the appendix and pancreas are present, and the midgut herniates into the umbilical cord =) the pituitary gland is forming in the middle of the brain =) spleen and liver ducts are forming =) the intestine elongate =) the cerebral cortex (the part of the brain that directs motor activity and intellect) can be seen =) the stomach and esophagus begin to form
Week 8	=) the embryo is half an inch long =) the leg buds have divided into thigh, leg and foot units =) the arm buds have divided in hand, arm and shoulder units =) the gonads, testes or ovaries are forming =) cartilage and bones are forming =) the hands are flexed over the wrists and meet over the heart bulge =) the feet are approaching the midline and may meet =) the external ear is well advanced in form =) the head is in a more erect position and the neck is more developed =) the limbs are longer =) cartilage appears where bones will later develop =) the head is bent forward onto the chest =) the eyes develop pigment =) nerve fibers connect the olfactory lobe of the brain, laying the groundwork for the sense of smell =) the brain stem is now recognizable
Week 9	=) the abdomen and chest cavities becomes separated =) eye muscles and upper lip develop =) using ultrasound, the first fetal movements can be detected =) the nerve cells of the eyes' retinas form =) the semicircular canals of the ears form =) the nasal passages open to the outside =) the nerve connections from the retina to the brain are establishes =) a distinct neck connects the head to the body =) all fingers and toes are present =) the urinary and rectal passages are completely separate
Week 10	=) the embryo now weighs 1/13 ounce and is 1 1/4 inches from the top of the head to the rump =) the eyes have moved from the sides of the head closer to the front if the face =) bones begin to replace the cartilage =) the palate and roof of the mouth form =) the stomach moves into its final position =) taste buds begin to form =) neck muscles are forming =) the clitoris appears in female and the ovaries begin to descend =) the two lobes of the lungs extend into many tiny tubes (bronchioles) =) the diaphragm begins to separate the heart and lungs from the stomach
3rd Month Week 11	=) the head is almost half the size of the fetus =) the eyelids have fused and will stay that way until week 24 =) the external sex organs are developing =) the hair follicles of the skin are forming =) the ears are still abnormally low on the sides of the head =) teeth are beginning to form
Week 12	=) a skeleton of cartilage is forming =) the gallbladder secretes bile from the fetus =) the lungs are completely formed =) the thyroid gland and pancreas are now complete =) it the forehead is touched, the fetus will turn its head away =) the liver is functioning to make blood cells. This organ accounts for about 10% of the entire weight  of the fetus.
Week 13	=) the fetus is about 3 inches long (double its lengths at week 7) =) the fingernails appear =) the beginnings of finger and footprints begin to form =) tooth buds appear for all 20 baby teeth =) the vocal cords begin to form =) the trachea, lungs, stomach, liver, pancreas and intestines develop into their final functioning form
Week 14	=) the ears have moved from the neck onto the head =) the sex organs have fully differentiated into male or female =) the digestive glands are complete =) the taste buds are numerous and the salivary glands form =) the vocal cords are complete
4th Month Week 15	=) blood vessels can easily be seen through the skin, which is very thin and translucent =) the legs are longer than the arms
Week 16	=) the fetus can make a fist, open its mouth, move its lips & swallow =) the fetus may suck its thumb =) fine lanugos hairs can be seen on the head =) the nails are well formed =) the heart is beating 117 to 157 times per minute =) the stomach is producing digestive juices =) the kidneys are producing urine
Week 17	=) brown fat begins to form =) the period of rapid growth rate begins to slow down =) white fatty material begins to enclose the nerve fibers of the spinal cord =) between the 17th and 20th weeks the hearing develops; the fetus can hear internal-organ and outside world sounds
Week 18	=) the skeleton can be clearly outlined on x-rays of the fetus =) ears stand out from the head =) lanugos covers the entire body
5th Month Week 19	=) parts of the leg have now grown in proportion to the rest of the body =) you can feel the fetus kick, move its arms and wiggles its fingers and toes
Week 20	=) a skin covering called vernix caseosa forms to protect the baby's skin from the amniotic fluid =) delicate eyebrows are forming
Week 21	=) body parts, tissues and organs continue to mature
Week 22	=) the eyelids are very well developed =) fingernails are completely developed
6th Month Week 23	=) eyebrows and eyelashes are forming =) lips are becoming more distinct =) eyes are becoming more developed, but they still lack color =) the first signs of teeth appear beneath the gum line
Week 24	=) blood vessels in the lungs are developing =) the head is still large compared to body size =) the baby can swallow
Week 25	=) her body is beginning to become plump =) the skin becomes wrinkled =) if the baby was born now, she would attempt to breathe =) taste buds are forming
Week 26	=) the face and the body generally assume the appearance of an infant at birth =) baby begins to make breathing movements although there is no air in the lungs =) will respond to touch
7th Month Week 27	=) the network of nerves to the ear is completed =) the fetus takes some breaths and although breathing in water, not air (in the uterus, babies breathe in amniotic fluid through the lungs and exits back into the amniotic sac) it is good practice for their lungs =) because the retinas of the eyes are not finished forming yet, an eye problem called retinopathy of prematurity can occur in babies born at this time
Week 28	=) brain tissue continues to develop =) the baby begins to dream =) the eyes open and close =) the baby sleeps and wakes at regular intervals =) although the lungs are still immature, they are capable of sustaining life in the event of a premature birth (often with the help of a respirator)
Week 29	=) your baby can turn his head to find the source of a bright light =) the fat layers continue to form =) fingernails are budding
Week 30	=) in males babies, the testicles move from near the kidneys through the groin en route to the scrotum =) in female babies, the clitoris appears large and exposed because it's not yet covered by folds of skin called the labia =) the baby's head is getting bigger
8th Month Week 31	=) lungs and digestive track are nearly mature =) the baby can see the womb (if you shine a bright light on your belly he may move his head to follow the light out to touch it) =) eyebrows and eyelashes are completed
Week 32	=) layers of fat are being deposited beneath the skin =) arms and legs are fully proportioned in relation to the size of the head =) the baby is passing water from his bladder =) the baby's movements may be less frequent and less forceful because he is running out of room to move around
Week 33	=) the baby is practicing breathing by inhaling amniotic fluid to exercise his lungs =) some babies have a full head of hair by now; others have only a bit of fuzz =) boy's testicles are descending into the scrotum
Week 34	=) the skeleton hardens although the head remains pliable to maneuver through the birth canal =) the skin becomes less red and wrinkled =) the toenails are present and the fingernails have reached the tips of the fingers.
9th Month Week 35	=) babies born at week 35 have a 99% chance of survival. the lungs are fully developed and the respiratory problems that used to kill these preemies are now easily treated
Weeks 36 to 37	=) more fat layers are added to help control body temperature after birth
Week 38	=) the baby is now "full term" this means that if he's born today, he'll be considered a full grown baby. Babies born before 38 weeks are called premature babies
Week 39	=) the baby sheds her fuzzy layer of lanugo hair and the vernix caseosa, which is the skin coating that covers a fetus to protect the skin. The baby swallows this waste and will discharge it as his first bowel movement in a blackish mixture called me conium =) all organs are ready to function outside your womb =) the lungs are the last organs to mature. They should be fully developed by this time
Week 40	=) bingo! This is the due-date week when your baby just might make her entrance. But then again maybe she did that last week or will wait until next week. Remember that due dates are rarely exact. (only 5% of babies are born on schedule) even carrying a baby to week 42 is considered normal. After that, the baby is post-term.

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

Liezel Magno Castro & Proverbs 31

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Proverbs 31:10-31
New International Version (NIV)

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

I'll Make it Clear: I AM THE MOM

Ever heard yourself saying these lines? . . . .



Most Moms do and I'm no exception. I can still clearly hear my own Mom saying these lines and God, I miss her so much. Now that I am a Mom myself, I'm beginning to say these things too to my daughter, Leecia.

Do we nag when we do that? Nope, we only love. We want our children to grow up as organized individuals,  mature, independent and with greater sense of responsibility for themselves, to other people, to mother earth and love for God.

Mom's Song (We Think We'll Keep You)

Moms are special people

They hug you all the time
They help you do a lot of things
You might be scared to try
They take us to the playground
The movies and the zoo
Mom, we're really lucky
Cause we've got you

When we get in trouble
As little angels can
We know we're gonna get that look
From our biggest fan
She lets us know we messed up
And sometimes she gets mad
But even then, she's still the best mom
To kids ever had

Oh, Mother, we need you every day
We think we'll keep you
Oh, Mother, we love you
Even more than songs can say

You're funny and you're smart
You finish what you start
If we could, we'd elect you
President of the Mothers
No matter where you go
We hope it always shows...
You're the very best Mom we know

Oh, Mother, we need you every day
We think we'll keep you
Oh, Mother, we love you
Even more than songs can say

You're the very best, specialest person in the world

Ben 10 Omnitrix

Our children are our biggest treasure from God. They are the most important members of our family. It is important to us that we take care of them and make them happy. Our children are happiest when they are at play. While playing, they enjoy their life and are out of everything in this world. They live in a wonderful world, full of joy. Toys are one of the most important elements of their play. Playing with toys prepares them for social role and provides entertainment while teaching them about different things. Toys help in the physical as well as the mental development of our children.

Toys are our children’s joy and these toys are found in many different forms.  They may be represented by dolls, animals, infants, soldiers, tools and many more. They also include different types of vehicles like cars, buses, motorbikes, trains, trucks, and airplane etc. Children’s toys could also exist in the shape of building blocks and puzzles. A puzzle is a problem that challenges human’s ability in applying ideas to solve a problem. In solving a puzzle, one has to recognize a pattern or create a particular order. Children with good deductive skills are able to solve puzzle games easy and faster than other children.

There is a wide variety of children’s toys available in the market that gives each child the chance to choose. Most children are interested in collecting different toys. To some, they have a complete collection of action figures, cartoon characters, Barbie dolls, teddy bears, stuffed toys and animals, super heroes, cooking sets, doll houses, matchbox cars, and many more.

My five year old daughter, Leecia has collected a lot of toys from friends and relatives, although half of her presents were mostly books. She has no specific collection of anything except that she loves stickers and her stuffed animals.  Aside from toys, her other favorite includes watching educational children shows, the Simpsons, Ben 10, Smurfs, Pacman, Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go and so many other kids’ shows. 

This year, my daughter’s most prized possession is her OMNITRIX (Ben 10’s). She has convinced her Papa to buy it for her last July. From then on, she wears the Omnitrix every day, day in and day out. She only removes it when she takes a bath. From the day she got the Omnitrix, she has never worn her dresses and sandals. According to her, those girly clothes will not match her Omnitrix. She also had her hair always pony tailed.  She said that the Omnitrix has given her powers that she survived 5 vaccines, fought bad aliens in her dreams and stayed brave in everything that scared her. She has the complete seasons of Ben 10 and Ultimate Ben 10.

Children are entertained by playing with their toys as they think of them as if they are real. Toys’ main purpose is to bring joy to children. They are very helpful in preparing children in learning new and bigger things.  We may not notice it, but toys play a very important role in the development of our children’s well being.  Children’s desire for toys changes over time because their needs vary from one stage to another. She may not remember how she played when she was still a baby or how much she liked to put things together, yet it will show in the person she has grown into.

Mommies are Angels Without Wings

Larry and I settled down in our mid 30s.  Two years after our wedding, we were blessed with a child.  Considering our ages and our health, I said to myself that one child is just enough and she will be the only one we will ever need and love. It was an awesome feeling when the pregnancy test showed a positive sign. We offered thanksgiving prayers. I began a scrapbook documenting my child’s development from the time she first said “Hi Papa and Mommy!” in the pregnancy test, up to the time I gave birth to her. In one of the scrapbook’s pages, I have this conversation between a child and God. This is how it goes. . .

Once upon a time, there was a child to be born. One day, the child asked God: “God, I was told that you are going to send me to earth tomorrow. How am I supposed to live there when I am so helpless and small?” Then God replied, “Among the many angels, I chose one especially for you. She will wait for you and she will take care of you.” 

“But God, here in heaven, I do nothing but sing and smile. Those are enough for me to be happy.” “Every day, your angel will sing and smile for you, and you will feel your angel’s love and be happy.” “But how will I understand them if they talk to me?  I don’t know their language.” “Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweetest words you will ever hear. With patience and care, your angel will also teach you how to speak.” 

“What will I do when I want to speak to you?” “Your angel will teach you how to pray by placing your hands together.” “They said that the people on earth are bad men, who will protect me?” “Your angel will defend you. She will sacrifice her life just for you.” 

“I think I’m going to be sad because I will no longer see you.” “Don’t be my child. Your angel will always talk to you about me. She will teach you the ways for you to come back to me here in heaven.  I will always be next to you.” 

It was so peaceful in heaven that moment, but voices from earth could already be heard. The child was in a hurry, she softly asked God: “If I am about to go now, please tell me my angel’s name.” “Your angel’s name is not important; you will simply call her “Mommy.”

I constantly remind myself of that heavenly duty entrusted upon me. It is a lifetime loving commitment I promised to my child, to my family and most especially, to God. All Moms share this same sentiment, don’t we? We’re blessed to be Moms.

A Child’s Commandments to Parents

Look through a child’s eyes and you will see the real meaning of life. Being a parent means you have been given life’s most miraculous and rewarding gift. A child gives you the chance to share genuinely the love and passion that dwells within your heart and soul. The moment a child enters your world, your life will definitely change.

As parents, it is our goal that we prepare our children. It is not necessarily an easy thing, but a simple one. We may fall short at times, but don’t get discouraged. Just keep doing your best and ask for heavenly guidance, for He knows the key to each of our children’s heart and how to mould them best. Below are a child’s commandments to parents on how to take care of them.

1. My hands are small, so please don't expect perfection if I make the bed, draw pictures or throw a ball. My legs are short, I may not keep up with you, so please be slow. 

2. My eyes have not seen the world as yours have. Please let me explore safely and don’t restrict me unnecessarily. 

3. Housework will always be there and I'm only little for such a short time. Take the time to teach and explain to me about the things in this beautiful world, and do it so willingly. 

4. Please be sensitive to my needs, for my feelings are tender.  Never nag me all day long. For sure, you wouldn't like to be nagged for your inquisitiveness. Treat me as you would like to be treated. 

5. Please treasure me for I am a special gift from God. Hold me accountable for my actions. Give me guidelines to live by and discipline me in a loving manner.

6. Please go easy on the criticism. Keep in mind that you can criticize the things I do without criticizing me. I need your encouragement and praise for me to grow.

7. Please give me the freedom to make decisions about myself. Allow me to fail so I can learn from my mistakes and someday, I'll be prepared to make the kind of decisions life requires of me. 

8. Please don't do things over for me, because it will make me feel that my efforts didn’t measure up to your expectations. I know it's hard, but please don't try to compare me with my brother or my sister. 

9. Please don't be afraid to leave for a weekend together. Kids like us needs vacations from parents too, just as parents need vacations from their kids. Moreover, it's a great way to show us that your marriage is very special. 

10. Please take me to worship regularly, setting good examples to follow. Strive to be the greatest parent you know you could be and eternally strive for growth and development.

Our God above has entrusted to us the care and love for these angels of His. They were sent to us as gifts and blessings. They are the hugs and kisses of our past and the love and comfort of our future. They deserve every right to be kids. Every child retiring to bed happily at night brings blessings, peace, and love to the family the next day. God who sent them to us is always watching and He never leaves them until the day that they go back to the place where they are truly loved.

Job Description for Wanna-Be-Parents

Parenting is one of the greatest roles one can ever play. It is one of the major tasks a couple will perform when finally they have kids of their own. It is very obvious though that there is no such thing as ‘perfect’ parents, considering that no two children are the same. To get you started on becoming better parents, here is a job description for wanna-be-parents like you. This will guide you on what to do and what to expect in order to be great Moms and Dads for your children.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: DADDY / MOMMY
• Long-term team players needed for challenging permanent work in an often-chaotic environment.
• Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which includes evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. 
• Some overnight travels required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in faraway cities. 
• Travel expenses are not reimbursable. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• For the rest of your life, must be willing to be hated at least temporarily, until someone needs cash to go skating or buy something. 
• Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. 
• Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone crying wolf. 
• Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. 
• Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. 
• Must have the ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. 
• Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
• Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys and battery-operated devices. 
• Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. 
• Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. 
• Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PROMOTION
• Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPRERIENCE
• None required, unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION
• You pay them, offering frequent raises and bonuses. 
• When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS
• While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered, job supplies unlimited opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

Time flies so fast for our own comfort. Our children were once only little sleeping babies tenderly cradled in our arms. The next time we know, they are crawling, walking, jumping and trying the threshold of our patience and wits! Ah, the joys of parenting and the many happy challenges that goes with it. Overall, it is a wonderful lifetime experience.