It was a busy day for everyone here. We woke up and went straight doing house chores. I tried arranging the clutter in the other two rooms and I am pissed off at the BIG mess. Ella went in and out on both rooms the past week, rummaging through the boxes and trash bags of stuffs from Davao. Everyday she wear the Barbie and Tinker Bell costumes that I have got from our bale of “ukay-ukay” (gently used clothes) store. She had this on for a few minutes, acting like the characters while the other kids giggle on her little show. And now I called for a time-out. No one will enter the two rooms. I have it called the “forbidden rooms” and I can hear her tell this to her friends while she sat on the front door, not allowed to step out or else I would return to the store the box full of stuffs for her birthday.
Donald and a couple, Kuya Balong and Ate Edith (the mom and dad of Ella’s stubborn palymates) were here to weed around the churchyard. They are nice couple, I like them…only their kids were so stubborn. I went out to ask what to prepare for lunch as we should let them eat here with their 4 kids. At lunch we all eat out. We had grilled fish and fish soup for lunch and I have fun having company during lunch. We eat out 
Yes, outside the house. On the shed where my Children’s Class are gathered every Sunday. After the nice meal, I finished tucking the cheap table mantle that I have bought. Donald said our house looked like a real house now with it 
Ella seconded it too!
In the afternoon, I called Ella in the bedroom for a nap. The power went on and off for several times and I have to fan Ella as it is burning hot like an oven. I was just hoping it won’t rain in the evening as weather here surprises me always. Ate Edith made “biko” (sticky rice cooked with brown sugar and coconut milk) for afternoon merienda. It was soooo good and Ella finished one big serving. When everyone was full, we went back to our own things, scattered around the yard to finish the job by the time sun sets. Tatang and Inang were here twice, they are busy on their projects on lands and titles but promised to be here tomorrow to bring Ella quail eggs. Ella just loved quail eggs like us. We ought a dozen of it at the grocery store yesterday but it was not good. The fresh ones from Tatang and Inang’s poultry are a lot better or should I say the BEST among the rest
While I am writing this post, Ella begged for food. She has eaten dinner and had a glass of milk! She must be in a growth spurt. We went to the kitchen and gave her “biko” and water. After the quick midnight snack, she said “Mommy, alas-onse na o…” (Mommy it is eleven o’clock now) pointing on the wall clock. I looked at it and said “No, it is still ten o’clock.” And explained further how did I tell the time. “When the small hand is pointing on the number ten and the long hand is pointing on the number twelve, it is ten o’clock.” And the eleven o’clock and so on. Then she nodded as if she full understood only to fire me back with question that almost made me feel off my seat…she asked about the “second” hand….”How about the other hand? The fast moving one? Is it still looking for her OWN number?” 
