The King of Crafts strikes again!

This is too cute not to share!  Do you remember my artsy fartsy Angel Raphael?  Click here and here to refresh your memory.  He's the recycle guy in the family.   Wrappers, boxes, paper, foil, sticks, caps, etc, name it, he has everything saved for his endless projects.  Last weekend, my boy was busy making these cool sunglasses.  

                             

Can you guess what it's made of?  They're corrugated cardboard!  And you know what's cooler?  He brought it last week to school and a number of boys like it and placed an order.  So he didn't waste anytime and proceeded to work.  But the coolest part is, he is selling them  and 100% of proceeds will go to his class' Bigay Puso, a charity program that his school supports.  This year, the beneficiary of his grade level are the children of inmates.  It warmed my heart to see his excitement in making his glasses and he can't wait to count how much he can contribute to his class' piggy bank!  He is now thinking of other projects he can do to help raise funds for Bigay Puso.  

Packaged and ready for delivery!

Rapha's friends said his glasses can pass as Lady Gaga's accessories!  What do you think?? :-)

I would love to hear your thoughts.

No DS or PSP?? ... No Worries!

In this modern age of computers, gadgets, virtual and cyber toys, it's quite impossible not to get in the trend.  My son Rapha would always ask when is he worth getting a DS or PSP or maybe a Wii, and a lot of times, I have been tempted to get him one, especially when he's been really a good boy and does well in school.  But then again, I know that it's not the best toy for him (that's my personal opinion, of course.).  If those hi-tech toys start finding their way in our home, what would happen to Rapha's arts and crafts?  What would happen with his recycling?  His little fingers might stop being creative, they might forget how to cut, saw, fold and twist.  His eyes might stop finding the beauty on used cartons, cups, boxes and papers.   He might stop being creative and imaginative and worst of all, he might stop bringing me paper flowers.  No!!!  I won't let that happen.  We survived the no TV and computer on weekdays policy.  Our family believes that books are necessary, store bought toys are luxury.    It would be a shame not to continue practicing what we have started.  What do you think?  Will I be getting the 'Most Uncool Mom' award for not buying a DS or PSP for my children?  

These are some of Rapha's recent projects.  The blue monster made out of brown paper bag.  Paper plate plus yarn equals a dream catcher.  Worry doll made of yarn and clothespin.  Scrap paper, straw and paper cup becomes a Vietnamese (don't ask me why he chose it to be Vietnamese!) dragon. 

Rapha said he's going to make me my own worry doll so I can also tuck it in my pillow at night and it will take away all my worries.   I think that would be one of my special gift this Xmas and I can't wait!  It will be magical to have a little clothespin wrapped with yarn do its work in vanishing all my worries!  Now that deserves the 'Coolest Toy Award!'  Won't you agree? :-)  Do you have similar toys like these at home?  Maybe you can share them here at 40andbeyond.  Have a worry-free week ahead of you, my dear readers!

I would love to hear your thoughts!

Mama Moment

Please allow me to indulge this time as I fondly share with you another pride and joy brought to the family of my son, Raphael.  This morning, he represented his class in the Gr. 4 level interpretative reading.  I was amazed with the talent of the 13 boys who competed.  They all did well, considering that the material they read was only given  10 minutes before the contest proper.  I saw how Rapha enjoyed his reading, maybe that's why he didn't show any sign of nervousness at all.  And of course, I was just praying the whole time!  (hahaha!!)  We were happy that he was chosen to represent his class and even happier and prouder that he won 2nd place!  And as all Ateneans are taught, all the talents that were shared in the competition are given back to God.  Ad Majorem Dei  Gloriam!   

The silver medal with the Certificate of Merit.

The top 3 winners with the judges.

Friends and classmates flock Rapha as they congratulate him after the contest.  They were shouting "Rapha, Rapha, Pizza!  Pizza!"  Silly boys! :-)

Happy Mama!

Proud Papa!

I would love to hear your thoughts!