1st Summer Activity: McDonald's Kiddie Crew

     Few months ago when Amaya and I went to a McDonald's branch here in Lipa, a marketing assistant came up to us and asked me if I would like Amaya to joint their summer workshop as a kiddie crew. Instead of me giving the answer, it was Amaya who replied OPO (yes). And since she answered already, there's nothing I could do. So I filled up a form and paid 595.00. It was Amaya who chose which week she will be doing the workshop. She chose week 7 from May 12 - 16.

these are the things
your kid/s will be getting
during the workshop. 

     The workshop is a 2 hour, 5 days activity. For the week Amaya chose they were 13 kids. And on the first day Amaya has made a friend already. On the first day of the workshop, Kuya Randell (the name of the facilitator) asked each kids to introduce themselves by saying their name, age, and what is their favorite food at McDonald's. After the introduction the kids had a short tour of the store.

this is Amaya on the first day.
So sad that the shirt given to her
was really big. But if there's a will
there's a way... 

     Day 2: the kids had to paint their aprons.The kids had so much fun doing it.

on the lower left side,
that is the finished apron of
Amaya. hehehe!

   Day 3: The kids made their own cheeseburger. It was also their meal that day. hahaha! 

every time they do eat, the kids
were taught to wash their hands.
Amaya had a great time doing this, though
I helped her in wrapping it. 

     Day 4: The kids were given the chance to "work" behind the counters and had experienced assisting the older crews.

I was so proud of Amaya
cause she was able to "help" in making
the fudge and in preparing
the drinks.. Ako na talaga ang
stage mother. 

     Day 5: The last day was sort of the culminating activity where they sang the kiddie crew theme song entitled MAKE IT HAPPEN. They were able to receive pins and certificate that showed they were able to complete the one week workshop at McDonald's.

Never been so proud of Amaya

     WHAT I HAVE NOTICED:

          - Though the facilitator is well loved by the kids, I noticed that he wasn't that prepared, every now and then he has to leave the party place (a separate room where parties are held) to get this or to get that. Just by doing that, it wasted time.

          - This is also why there is a so-called REGISTRATION. I believe that most of the parents were able to do that BUT on the day itself of the workshop, the facilitator have to accommodate a parent who registered her 3 daughters, this is why the workshop has been disturbed a lot of times until the manager stepped in for the facilitator.

WHAT I LOVE:

          - Kuya Randell was so patient with the kids most especially to the 4 year-olds in our batch.

          - The facilitator gave leeway when it came to painting the kids apron. He didn't care if the paints are out of line already. Some face of Ronald McDonald after painting ended like a flower. He also allowed the kids to put their names on the apron which made it more personal.

          - There were some singing and dancing which made even more fun for the kids.

     

     Will I recommend it to other parents? Of course I will. It is a fun filled week where kids will be able to meet and make new friends. They will be able to know how their favorite foods at McDonald's are cooked and prepared. Amaya had a blast, for sure you're kids will have one too.  

The Big 4-0

     Today marked my 40th birthday. Yup you read it right my dear blog readers, I am 40 years old today. It has been a while since my birthday fell on a Holy Week thus Easter Sunday. Today, I celebrated my natal day by just staying at home with my girls. It is the second year that I celebrated my birthday minus my hubby who is at another country working. I just had a quiet time with my girls. Had a simple lunch with them. To be honest, I am scared but looking forward to being 40.

     Scared because health wise, I am kinda "heavy" which makes me prone to more asthma attack. I have been telling myself that I have to exercise and all but I always keep it off. Call it being lazy and all, I guess I have to agree with you. I have my reasons but then again, as I look at my pictures, and see that I am kinda "heavy" this makes me want to lose weight. Since I can't afford to go to a gym, the exercise I could think of that is "free" is running, and that I am going to do.

Since I have a good pair of
running shoes, for sure
"we" will have our dates soon.

     Turning 40 makes me "feel" old. Hahaha! Is there someone out there who doesn't feel the same way? And to be honest among my girls, my youngest is more "scared" of me getting old. She doesn't like me daw to be old.She said, MOM DON'T DIE HA KASI YOU'RE GETTING OLD NA. What the?! Hahaha! But then again, aside from all my "fears" of turning 40, there are far more I am thankful for as I turn another year older.

     I am thankful for my girls. They are my strengths. They are the ones who makes me happy, makes me who I am today. I have 2 teenagers, Arielle and Joie. Sometimes, they give me "headache" but at the end of the day, we talk things and at the end of the day, we make sure that things are a-okay between the three of us. It is difficult to balance things out with them. It is a give and take between the three of us. I listen to them and they listen to me. I may nag all the time but they know all what I saying and doing are for their own good.

my 2 older girls
Joie (with cap) and Arielle

     And there is my youngest, Amaya. The one who usually gives HB (high blood, not literally... hahaha!) probably because of her way of thinking, the way she talks and the way she gives her point(s) every time we do our review time and during simple conversations. Amaya literally brings JOY and HAPPINESS to me and my 2 older girls.

As my friends tell me,
she is my
"mini-me"

     This year, I am so thankful for new friends I met, either online thru blogging and people I met cause my friends introduced me to them. Online, I consider the bloggers I really look up to as my friends cause they encourage me to continue doing what I am doing right now. I really wanted to meet Martine de Luna of Make It Blissful. I never fail to read any of her posts, it inspires me to become the "best" in my blog. One of the other blogger I really follow and read is the blog of Toni Tiu, Wifely Steps. I really wanted to meet them, big time.

     I am thankful as well to Francis, for being there for me no matter what happens, despite and inspite of. He is my ROCK and the WIND BENEATH MY WINGS (naks!) He is my partner in raising my girls. He is trying his luck in working overseas for the future of the girls. I have seen how hardworking he is. I have seen the LOVE, PATIENCE, AND UNDERSTANDING he is giving my daughters. I have seen the LOVE and PATIENCE he have shown me as well. And for that I am thankful that he is part of my 40 years here in earth.

This photo was taken
2 years ago, it
is the only photo I could post
that I find it "formal"
(hahaha!)

     I am thankful for my immediate family, my mom and brothers who never fails to make me laugh. They are the ones I could count on, no matter what happens. No judgement just LOVE....

my mom and brothers
with my niece Ela (in red shirt)

     So what do I look forward to being 40? Mmmm.... Simple, good health (which is far more important) for me and my family. More books to read (hahaha! and to think I still have other books that I haven't started reading). Hoping one day my blog will be known like the other blogs I follow. To see my girls take one step at a time and enjoy life to the fullest. And I have to make my own bucket list, so that there is something I could look forward to. 

And yes I am 40 years old
(sorry for the picture. )

A Mom's Oath

     This morning while I was browsing the feeds in my FaceBook, I came across with this picture. I can't help it not to share with all of you....

source

I am so Back

     The first quarter of the year is done. And now the second quarter is on. It has been a while since the last time I really put a post here in my blog. March has been one busy month for me especially as a mom. My youngest daughter, Amaya, graduated from Kindergarten. Yup, nowadays, graduating from kindergarten is a big deal already. And this coming June, Amaya will be in grade 1 already, that means more patience and understanding for me especially when it comes to her assignments and study habits.

     April is my favorite month. Because it is my BIRTH MONTH. I am about to turn another year. I am excited at the same time nervous. I know there are people who would rather consider their birthdays like any ordinary day but for me, I don't. I look forward to my birthday. Look forward to what will unfold on that day. Do I expect a gift, NO. Yup, NO. Hubby and my girls knows why. But it is definitely fine with me. As long as I am going to spend it my girls I am totally happy with it. Nervous, because I don't know what is in store for me as I enter the big 4-0.

     Since the girls are on vacation I could schedule my posts for this month. I will definitely make it up with you my dear blog readers. So for the meantime, have a great day ahead of you.

 
   

TFIOS: My First John Green Novel

     The first time I saw this book (and was highly recommended) was on the blog of Saab Magalona. She said good thing about it. Since the title is so intriguing, I decided to go to National Bookstore here at SM Lipa. When I asked about the book, it was out of stock. And the person I know at NBS - Madz - will reserve one for me as soon as their orders arrive.

     Few days after, I received a call from Madz that my book is finally there. Imagine how happy I was. Super duper happy, the copy I got was the hard-bound copy, keber na sa price (I don't care about the price anymore).

my favorite book... 

     I have to tell you that I was so excited to read the book. And as soon as I started reading it, I really got hooked with the story and the main characters namely: Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters. They met on the support group of young people who have cancer. This is my first John Green book that I read and I fell in love with it instantly. I never knew how these kids see LOVE IN A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE. They live for the moment. They live and enjoy life as if it's their last (to quote Hazel THEY ARE LIKE A BOMB). Despite and inspite of being sick, they LOVED EACH OTHER, ACCEPTED ONE ANOTHER.

     let me share with you some of my favorite lines from this book.

"Pain demands to be felt"

"Sometimes people don't understand the

promises they're making when 

they make them."

"I"m in love with you, and I'm not in

the business of denying myself the simple

pleasures of saying true things.

I'm in love with you, and I know that love is

just a shout in the void, and that

oblivion is inevitable, and that we're all

doomed and that there will come a day when

all our labor has been returned to dust,

and I knew the sun will swallow the only 

earth we'll ever have, and 

I am in love with you."

"Oh I wouldn't mind, Hazel Grace, 

it would be a privilege to have my heart

broken by you."

"But, Gus, my love, I cannot tell you

how thankful I am for our little infinity.

I wouldn't trade it for the world. you gave

me a forever within the numbered days

and I'm grateful."

"I love her. I'm so lucky to have her.

You don't get to choose if you get 

hurt in this world, old man, but you do have

some say in who hurts you.

I like my choice,

I hope she like hers."

     Now I can't wait for the movie version of this book which will be shown by June of 2014.

   

     How about you, have you read the book already? What is/are your favorite lines from the book? 

What's with Books?

     Since part of the name of my blog, aside from being a mom and wife is that I am a self-confessed bookworm. It is a term meaning a person devoted to reading and I could say that I am that. So I will try my very best to share with you books that I have read last 2013 and for this year too.  

     So what's with books? This is one question I believe that is quite difficult to answer unless you're a bookworm like me. 2 years ago and until last year I bought a lot of books, or better yet HOARDED (I guess this is more appropriate term) A LOT.  All the books I hoarded are well-kept already in 2 plastic containers (1 extra large & 1 medium). since there is no space yet for a bookshelf in the house, my "babies" - yes I call them that - are safe in their respective containers. So far I have 80+ books and counting. Have I read them all? I could safely say 1/2 of those I have. 

my books (blue container is the
extra large one and the other is the
medium one) 

     Lately a lot of gadgets like kindle have been available in the market so that it would be easier for one to read. You don't have any bulky book to hold, you don't need bookmarks, you don't need to "ear-marked" your book. No additional heavy book in your bag. With kindle (and other similar gadgets) one could easily download or buy E-books and read it right away.

     But pardon me, because I AM NOT A FAN of such. To those who loves and appreciates these kinds of gadgets, good for you. There is something in books that I can't explain. From the time I bought it, remove the plastic, to turning of the page(s), and the smell of a newly bought book. hahaha!  I don't mind holding a bulky book. I don't care about that "extra weight" in my bag as long as I have a book in my hand, I am a HAPPY ME. As they say, to each his own.

     How about you, what about books that you love or don't love at all? Share your thoughts....

Friends are Treasures

source

     Throughout our lives we meet different kinds of people. Some are what we call cliche friends; others, friends whom we could really count on , no matter what happens. I have my high school barkada, whom until now we still keep in touch.

my high school BFFs (Best Friends Forever)

     

     I have my college friends and thank you to Facebook, we are all still in touch. Since I got married, I have met friends, who turned out to be good friends of mine too, because my husband introduced them to me. They treated me as one of them. 

these ladies are my
friends introduced by my
hubby, Francis.

     I have my mommy friends too. These are my friends because our kids are classmates since Junior kindergarten here at LCC Silvercrest.

the mommies and grandmoms
who are my friends because
our kids are classmates.

   And I have found a new friend whom I became close too because of the social media, TWITTER. Yup. One could make good friends via social media. And through this that I have met and known Chaye. She was introduced to me by Marife (the sexy momma, my term of endearment to her). Who would have known that because of twitter, a friendshop or barkada was formed. Our barkada includes Chaye, Marife, Rachel and me. 

     And last January 9, 2014 we had a post Christmas get together at Starbucks here in Lipa. Since there is no one to look after my youngest, she came with me. It was a happy, super enjoyable afternoon. We talked anything, as in anything under the sun. Up to the point already that I don't know what topic we're talking about. Hahaha!

my new barkada
(left to right)
Chaye, Marife, Rachel

we still have one thing in common
our love of Yosi Samra.
(hehehe)

     One can never have too many friends in their lifetime. I am so blessed that I have met these wonderful and beautiful ladies, have formed a different kind of bond and friendship to each group and individuals. I know there are the people whom I could really count on, no matter what.

     Thank you ladies for being so nice to me. Accepting me for who and what I am. Cheers to GREAT FRIENDSHIPS. 



*most of the photos posted are from my personal Facebook and Twitter account*

Yosi Samra: My First Pair

     Ever since I saw a pair of Yosi Samra in Instagram worn by some of the mommy bloggers I follow, I wanted to own even just one pair. I am not the high-heeled type of girl, even when I was single. Though I appreciate any high heel shoes I see. It's just that I am not comfortable wearing them. I am a sneakers and flat shoes kind of girl/mom. So far the love of flat shoes, Yosi Samra is one of my "dream" flat shoes. So when hubby gave me the go signal to buy one, I got so excited that I just can't hide it (huh?! did I just sing? hahaha!)

   So last November 23, 2013 while I was with my family, I went off to Yosi Samra store at the new wing of Alabang Town Center, also known as ATC for us from the South. To be honest, I can't choose, it was difficult. The first 3 types I liked was out of stock for my size, imagine how frustrated I was. Until I saw this...

The flat shoes I liked.

     I asked if they have it in my size (7) and finally they have it. I can't contain that big smile on my face. My brothers who were all teasing me to wear it already. And I yes I gave in. Ako na ang excited. Hahaha!

I am wearing it already here.
(hahaha!)

     I tell you, it is very comfortable. I love the fact that this flat/ballet shoes is foldable. you cold just pack this cutie in your bag. And when you're tired from wearing your heels, you could just pull it out from you bag. 

here are my Yosi Samra pair,
placed inside the plastic

 

here is the pouch where you could
put the flat shoes then
just placed it inside your bag.

     And if you're travelling somewhere and you want to bring this along, it is so easy to pack because it will not occupy too much space. This is one kind of flats/ballet shoes that I am willing to save up and buy another pair. 

Poems About Love

     Happy Valentine's Day my dear readers. Today will be a different Valentine's for me and my girls. It will be the very first time that we will celebrate it without Francis, hubby and tatay to girls. Although he is not around, I don't want this day to go on without giving something to the girls. To my older girls, I gave each of them a red balloon with 3 pieces of Ferro Rocher. To my youngest, though she is not fond of eating chocolates, I bought her a red balloon too. As for me, I bought myself some chocos, never mind the calories. Hahaha! 

    In time for this day, one of the books that I really like (and worth buying) is the book entitled LOVE & MISADVENTURE by Lang Leav. When I saw the ratings of this book via GoodReads, I decided to buy a copy and see what it is really all about. It is a book consist of poems divided into 3 parts namely:

 

               - MISADVENTURE

               - THE CIRCUS OF SORROWS

               - LOVE

the book
(got this from my Instagram)

     In every poem that you will be reading, for sure you will be able to relate. Love of what happened in the past, of what is going on right now and what is your feeling as well. It just took me an hour and a half to finish this book. Even my eldest daughter loved this one. This is one book I could really recommend to you. Let me share with you my dear readers, some of the poems/lines from this book. 

"Love is a game

of tic-tac-toe,

constantly waiting,

for the next X or O."

"Love is good,

it is never bad-

but it will drive you mad!

When it is given to you,

in dribs and drabs."

CLOSURE

"Like time suspended,

a wound unmended-

you and I.

We had no ending,

no said good-bye.

For all my life, 

I'll wondery why."

"She thanked him for his gift of music

and poetry but above all else -  for showing

her sadness because she had known

neither of these things before him.

But it was now time for her to go away - 

to find someone who could show her

what happiness was."

LOVE LETTERS

"Every letter

that she types,

every keystroke

that she strikes - 

To spell your name

again and again -

is all she ever wants to write"

     These are just few of my favorite lines or poems from the said book. For a change, why not give a gift of book to someone today. 

     Happy Valentine's Day! 

All Moms are Loved

     It is the love month already, time LITERALLY flies so fast. 10  more months and it is Christmas once again. Hehehe! Anyway, as I was reading all the feeds on my facebook, a friend of mine shared a link about a letter of a WORKING MOM to a STAY AT HOME MOM (like me) and vise versa... So let me share this link with all of you...

here is the link:

http://carolynee.net/a-letter-from-a-working-mother-to-a-stay-at-home-mother-and-vice-versa/


     So to all the moms out there, always remember YOU ARE LOVED... Have a great day ahead of you....

My Favorite Song: Say Something

               
  The first time I heard this song was during the AMA's and I fell in love instantly with the song. The music and the song itself. The sound of the piano and all. Watching the video made me teary eyed especially when I saw this 2 old couple, the woman is (I assume) dead while the husband is crying and just looking at her wife. Here is the video, in case you haven't seen it yet.

Here are my favorite lines from the song:

     

"Say something I'm giving up on you

I'll be the one if you want me too

Anywhere I would've followed you

And I will swallow my pride

You're the one that I love and I'm saying goodbye

I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you.... "

                  

A Different Christmas

     For 15 years that Francis and I were married last Christmas was the very first time (as well as New Year's Eve) that we celebrated it far from each other. As our respective families, relatives and friends know Francis left early this year to try his luck to be an overseas worker. It was difficult for us, especially for the youngest Amaya, to comprehend why Tatay (as we fondly calls him) have to work abroad.

     The first 5 months were the most difficult for us, especially for me because I HAVE TO DO EVERYTHING, no one can "substitute" for me anymore. The transition from a 2-parents in the house to a "single" parent household was difficult as well. Since Francis' schedule of work is very erratic, most of the decisions that have to be made now falls on my shoulder, meaning before I give in to the girls, I better think it a lot of times before I say yes or no. So far, so good.

     I am just so thankful to the good Lord for blessing me and Francis 3 beautiful, intelligent and VERY UNDERSTANDING daughters, especially my 2 older ones - Arielle and Joie. Though there are still some questions on  their minds, every now and then, as much as possible Francis and I tries to give them honest answers.

     Last Christmas, each of my girls, made a love letter to their tatay...

this is from Ate Arielle

from Ate Joie

From Amaya

     Hoping (and crossing my fingers) that in a year or 2 (or 3) we will be one complete family again in celebrating Christmas and New Year.

I Am Home... Again

     Last December 24th, one of my agendas as to why I decided to come home to Calamba earlier than the usual is to pay a visit to the place where I spent most of my childhood. To visit my second home. To show my 3 girls, particulary, my 2 older girls, the family who, one way or another, let me feel part of their family.

this is the driveway,
where kuya Warren and I
used to play. 

this use to have
bermuda grass, but since
my Lolo Cano got sick
it was difficult
for them to maintain it.

that huge mango tree

this huge tree
gives sweet indian mangoes
during summer

my girls and their cousin
are so lucky to have
seen this place, still intact

my Amaya playing with Ela, my
brother's daughter

     Mr. Canuto Pabale, DOC to the veterinary world, but Lolo Cano to me, was my god-father (ninong) when I was baptized. Lolo Cano and his wife Lola Ellen, became my second parents. Since I was an ONLY child then (it took my parents 7 years before I have my 3 brothers) and so is their son, whom I call Kuya Warren, so in our hearts we consider each other as siblings.

     I can't recall how young I was when I started sleeping every weekend at their place. My dad usually brings me to Lolo Cano's place on a Saturday and picks me up the following day. It was Lola Ellen who taught me how to fold the blankets and fix the bed as soon as I wake up. If my memory, serves me right, to earn some money for my school allowance, I usually pick the leaves that falls off from this huge mango tree. As my dad told me and my brothers, Lolo Cano is also called MR. CLEAN by his colleagues, close friends and relatives for he doesn't want to see any dirt on his backyard, not even a leaf. I guess the acronym OC (obsessive compulsive) applies to him as well.

     But January 19th of 2013, my Lolo Cano passed away. I have to admit there were guilt feelings cause I wasn't able to visit him especially when he was at a critical condition already. That when I learned of his passing, I cried, buckets. As one of my older cousin, Ate Tina Francia , said to me at FaceBook, I WAS THE DAUGHTER HE NEVER HAD.

     So going back to a place where most of childhood was spent was bittersweet for me. Missing my Kuya Warren who is in the States and has a family of his own already. Lolo Cano't not there anymore. Though it was nice seeing Lola Ellen, who is doing fine and trying to be strong despite the face that she still cries. She was busy preparing some snacks for us. It was so nice to Walter, the youngest brother of Kuya Warren, who introduced us to his pet, Belly.

Lola Ellen and I were updating
each other about
our respective lives. She was
busy preparing some snacks for us. 

"TITO" Walter. hahaha!!! hey
brother!!! 

Walter's pet, a pot-belly pig
whose name is Belly. hahaha!!! And
we miss her already.

     Before I left, the girls and I have a photo-op with Lola Ellen. I have a photo also taken beside the ashes/urn of my Lolo Cano.

Moi and my Lola Ellen. Susme!
parang ndi natanda ang
Lola Ellen ko

My girls, Ela and Me with
Lola Ellen.

Miss you Lolo Cano.

     To Lola Ellen, THANK YOU for the warm welcome you gave me and my girls. Be strong. I know that it will take you awhile to really MOVE ON. But I know that Lolo Cano is guiding you, Kuya Warren and Walter from up above. Take care of your health as well. Thank you for the aguinaldos you gave the girls.

     To Walter, THANK YOU for allowing my girls to feel at home in your place. Take care of Lola Ellen. Whether you like it or not, WE'RE SIBLINGS too. Hahaha! Thank you for introducing Belly to us. We miss your pig so much too.

     To Kuya Warren, I know you're in the States already, but I would still like to say THANK YOU for being a good older brother (kuya) to me. You're the older brother I never had. Thank you for being so patient, kind, understanding and loving as well. Hope to see you soon here at home.

     To my Lolo Cano, I know words are not enough to say my heartfelt THANK YOU for everything you have done for me and for my family. I know that wherever you are I know you're guiding us, especially your family. Thank you for all the LOVE you've showered on me. Thank you for ACCEPTING me as part of your family. My heartfelt THANK YOU. I love and miss you Lolo Cano