Yes I am 41... Thank You...

     It has been a while since the last time I blogged or posted something. Yes, that will be almost a year. I have to admit I went to a very long hiatus, finding "myself", asking what am I really doing in this blogging world. Do I really fit in? Despite the many mommy bloggers that are really good. But then again, everytime I read post made by my favorite bloggers, I can't help but missed it. As of now, I will try my very best to go back to writing. Write whatever that pops out of my head. I miss reading too, I have lost my reading mojo as well. I will try my best to share the books I have read since last quarter of 2014. Honestly I still have A LOT OF BOOKS to read and hopefully share it with all of you.

     Today marks my 41st birthday. Yes, you read it right, I AM 41 YEARS OLD. And proud. I may not have that "slim" or "sexy" body that I used to have 18 - 20 years ago, but who cares. Yes every time I see some of the mommies who could maintain their figures the way it used to be, I get envious. I have to admit I have that lazy part in me to do some exercise, but doing all of the household chores in the house without help, for me is like a form of exercise already.mbut I know that is not enough. And I have to do something, to take care of my health for my family especially for my girls. I have those flabby arms, have those "love handles" or "bilbil" as they call it. But who cares?! 

     I may have all of those, I know my family, my friends (TRUE FRIENDS THAT IS), my girls loves and accepts me for who and what I am. I am thankful as well that my health the past year was good except for few asthma attacks and fever, but all in all I believe my health was ok. Thankful for my girls, who all did a great job in their academics last school year. Thankful that in my 41 years here on earth, I am thankful to the good Lord for all the happiness, loneliness, success, trials that came my way. Because of these things I am the woman that I hope my girls will be proud of someday.

     I will try my very best to write down my thoughts so that I have something to blogged about. I hope that you, my dear readers will give me some of your time to read my post, whether past or the current one. Thank you again... And yes I am 41 years of age...

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....

DIY Loot Bags For Amaya's 7th Birthday

     A month before Amaya's birthday, I started buying the things that I will be using for the loot bags, the things will be placed in the loot bags. Since my family is not really keen on celebrating such event, hubby and I decided just to give loot bags on her birthday to her classmates. Since DIY is the "IN" thing to do nowadays, I decided to do this as well, with the help of my daughter Joie. So let the pictures do the talking....

Bought this brown paper bags
at SM grocery for 25 pieces
this is worth 52.00 pesos

This Loony Toons and
Sesame Street pencil
cases I bought at National
Bookstore for 29.75 each

Since boys love Ben 10 and girls
love tinkerbell, I bought these
stickers at a local grocery store.

These puzzles I bought
it also at National Bookstore.

these cutie pencils I bought
at National Bookstore at 6.50 each

these small coloring books
with stickers inside, I bought at
a local grocery here for 5.00 pesos each.

These set of pencils with erasers
I bought at a local grocery store
for 13.50 pesos each.

these are some of the
washi tapes I bought at
the local grocery store.
Those long strips, I have to
put glue on it.

So this is what I did with the
brown paper bag. I placed the long strips
on the sides of the bags. Then in the
middle of the bag, my daughter
Joie wrote each of Amaya's
classmates names with simple design.
I also bought sticker paper at
National Bookstore.

This is the front part
of the paper bag. I put some washi tapes on
it too, then wrote holiday
greetings at a small sticker
paper...

     So there goes my DIY loot bags. And I tell the moms sent me messages via Facebook and told me how their kids loved the things I placed in each of the loot bags. By the way, I also put some chocolates and other kinds of "sugar rushed" foods for the kids. Hey it is Christmas so let them enjoy this one.

Happy Birthday Ate Joie!

     It was exactly 14 years ago of the same date that I gave birth to my 2nd daughter. As far as I could remember, I was done with ironing of our clothes when I felt that initial pain. Then after few more minutes there it was again. After few more, Francis (my husband) and I decided to go to the hospital already. My eldest daughter was left to the care of my mother in law. If I could remember it right, it was past 10:00 in the evening already that I was admitted then few minutes later I was brought to the delivery room already.

     After an hour, I gave birth to a small baby girl. Despite the fact that I have anesthesia I was aware of what's going around me, that I didn't hear my baby cry, unlike with my first. Few minutes I heard her cry already and I felt so relieved. Francis came up to my room and told me that the pediatrician, Dra. Javillo, told him that our girl have to be supported by an oxygen cause she can't breathe on her own. Hours after, the oxygen was removed. God is really indeed good. The following day, I decided to visit my daughter at the NICU and there I saw how small she really was. After 3 days I was discharged already (Normal Delivery) but my baby has to stay behind for few more days at the hospital and that broke my heart. Three days after she was able to come home with us. 

That is Ate Joie....

     Francis and I decided to name her JOSEPHINE THERESE. Josephine was from hubby's sister who died immediately after she was delivered. Therese was from St. Therese of the Child Jesus. Since my family frequently hear mass at Mt. Carmel church and I usually see the life story of St. Therese posted at the right side of the church, I decided to add the name. Her nickname is JOIE, pronounced as JO-WEE. 

Here is Joie with her Ate Arielle 

     Joie wasn't until one year and a half when she learned how to walk on her own. She talked by the time she was 2 years old. I could say she was a late bloomer on some things and yet she brought joy and happiness to Francis, Arielle and me. Between my 2 older daughters, it is Joie and I who clashes the most. We clash on some things. To be honest, I see myself in her, in some aspects. She is hard-headed (like me when I was her age), she speaks her mind sometimes not thinking if I'll be hurt or not, BUT Joie is funny, intelligent in her own way. She inherited her father's artistic side. She loves to dance, sing, act, and do some art/painting stuff. 

     

one of her many art work that I truly love....

     During the times that landed the lead roles in the theatrical plays at her formal school, I tell you, I am one damn proud mother. Yup, I'm not embarrass to say STAGE MOTHER ako ( I am a stage mother). It was in grade 4 when she landed the role of Gretel, from the story, Hansel and Gretel. I have to admit, I was the one who was so nervous, my hands were sweating. she gave her best at that play. She really cried, sang her heart out yet she lost the best actress award to a gr.5 student. I have to admit, she was so disappointed and I got so frustrated because I know and most of the teachers knew she gave her best performance in that play. She was crushed and so was I. But then again, I have to uplift her spirit and told her that there is still a next time. And who knows, you might win that coveted best actress award.

     Indeed, the following year, during her 5th grade, she won the BEST ACTRESS  award for her role as a villain in the play THE EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES. And I tell you I cried when she won. I have never been so proud of her. 

Here she was as the villain
for the play The Emperor's
New Clothes

And finally the Best Actress Award...

       Joie and I may may always clash, have different likes, different things, and wants in life, but one thing is for sure, I AM SO DAMN PROUD of he, of her achievements, of everything. I could feel she may think and feel that I don't appreciate the things she does, but she's wrong. I DO ANAK, I DO.

     Always remember, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. Your tatay does too and so are your sisters. This family wouldn't be complete IF YOU'RE NOT IN IT. Now that your 14, there will still be clashes between us BUT I hope you will still follow me and be a good girl to tatay and me. Study hard anak, because you have a lot of dreams and I hope (and I know) you'll be able to achieve all of them. I am always here to guide you. Listen to you. Just here for you if you need anything anak. One rule will apply to you, NO BOYFRIEND yet. I Love You ate Joie, continue what you do best and you'll go places that I'm sure of.

     Let me leave you with one of the many conversations I have with her, when she was still 5 (or 6) years old.

      Me: Anak, magmadre ka na lang?

      Joie: Eh ano po ba ang ginagawa ng madre?

      Me: nagdadasal araw-araw. tumutulong sa ibang tao lalo na sa mga nangangailangan

      Joie: as in everyday?

     Me: Yeah. Ayaw mo nun magiging close ka kay Papa Jesus.

     Joie: ndi na ako magmamadre mom, tutal close naman kami ni Papa Jesus.

hahaha!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ATE JOIE!!!!    

Bayanihan Once Again

     Last Friday, November 8, Typhoon Yolanda - described as one of the MOST DISASTROUS TYPHOON in world history - had hit the Philippines hitting the Visayan part of the country, particularly Tacloban and Leyte. As I watched the news, it was said that Yolanda or Haiyan, was far more worse than Hurricane Katrina, which hit the United States years ago. After days of the devastating typhoon that hit us, our fellow countrymen are starved for they have not eaten for the past 3 or 4 days. No clean water, no clean clothes and others. This is the time for each one of us to help, whether in small or big ways, it will be helpful. As I watched news and one of my favorite shows in the morning, Kris TV, they were able to tell WHAT ARE THE BASIC NEEDS of each family.

1. FOOD - As the show said, for every family of 4 or 5, a 2-kg. of rice will definitely go a long way. If you could buy canned goods that is an easy open can, it will be better. As for me, I bought corned beef that is in a pouch kind of packaging, so that it will be easier for the family to open it. For every family of 4 or 5, 4 bottles of 500ml of bottled or distilled water is needed. Though it will be too difficult, as for now, to cook instant noodles, I still placed 4  so that if there will be ways for them to cook, there is an available food for them.

2. CLOTHES - PLEASE, do not donate WORN OUT CLOTHES, these people need decent clothes. For sure each one of us have clothes that is NOT NEEDED ANYMORE but still can be used. As for underwears, PLEASE DO NOT DONATE THEM ANYMORE, if you could provide, KINDLY BUY NEW ONES.

3. TOILETRIES or HYGIENIC KIT - These should include: SOAP, TOOTHPASTE, SHAMPOO, NAPKIN (for teenagers), DIAPERS (for toddlers/babies)

4. MEDICINE

     As I have shared in my FaceBook status a while ago, I know that what ever my daughters will be donating is not going to be enough BUT I know that they will be able to feed a family one decent meal. Sharing doesn't have to be grand as long as it comes from your heart and you know that YOU will be helping a family, I think that is far more important than anything.

http://www.redcross.org.ph/

Conversations With Amaya

     Everyday our kids usually say the craziest and darnest things that most of the time we, parents, are caught off guard. And most of the time, napapaisip tayo ng, AY OO NGA NAMAN or MAY POINT SYA. Every day I have that moment with Amaya, the youngest among my girls. She will be turning 7 this coming December and I tell you everyday, she never fails to make me laugh. Every time she tells something to me, I usually share it in my Facebook and I tell you most of my friends really find her hilarious and all. So starting today, I will be sharing with you my dear readers of our daily conversations. Hoping that it will make you laugh or smile.

    Here is one conversation that happened just this morning, while we were reviewing for her quarterly exams in Language.


     Grech: Amaya ano ba yan? Nalilito ka na?

     Amaya: Mom, you know why ako nalilito?

      Grech (kinda irritable already): o why?
   
     Amaya: My brain is spinning inside my head that's why I'm nalilito na.

     Grech: ganun?!

     Amaya: yeah mom, ganun?!

     Grech: o sige na sumagot ka na.


     Hahaha! This is one of the many hilarious or funny moments I have with my youngest. This is why even though I am so tired from the whole day of working here at the house, this daily conversations I have with my Amaya is one of my stress relievers. I hope I made you smile or laugh with this one...

   

The Sunshine Award: 11 Random Facts

     As I was reading Wifely Steps, (one of my daily reads) post about her 11 Random Facts (click here), which I really find interesting, about herself. And at the end of the post, I can't believe my eyes that I, (a newbie in the world of blogging), was included among the 11 bloggers she nominated. To Ms. Toni, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

     So before I answer the 11 questions Ms. Toni posted, here are the rules:

1. Acknowledge the nominating blogger.

2. Share 11 random facts.

3. Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you.

4. List 11 bloggers you believe deserve some recognition and a little blogging love and push.

5. Post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate. Answer and let all the bloggers know they've been nominated.

6. You cannot nominate the blogger that nominated you.

     So let's get this on! Here are 11 Random Facts about me.

1. I am a huge Harry Potter fan. 

2. I am so addicted to Candy Crush (which I'm on level 210 and still stuck here for days)

3. I hate HEIGHTS, meaning I hate tall buildings and other very tall places, I easily get dizzy.

4. I am afraid of snakes, even just looking at the picture of it, gives me goosebumps.

5. I am a bookworm. I have 2 plastic containers full of books. 

     

6. I am old school when writing my thoughts down, I use the ever reliable pencil and a notebook

7. I am a "shirt-shorts-sneakers" kind of girl, whether dropping of my youngest at school or doing some grocery shopping.

8. I so love going to the wet market (or palengke in tagalog). It's one of my "ME TIME" (hahaha!)

9. I easily cry, whether I'm pissed off, angry, or even just watching movies or tv series. 

10. I am ASTHMATIC

11. One flavor of pizza that I like (and will not get tired of eating) is PEPPERONI flavor with lots of cheese.

Here are the questions that Wifely Steps gave that I have to answer.

1. What advice would you give your 17-year old self?

     The advice I would give to my 17 year old self is to have that BALANCE between studying hard and having fun. 

2. What color makes you look extra beautiful?

     I have this PINK TOP that was given by my husband and everytime I'm wearing it I feel "extra" beautiful.

3. If you could cook only one dish perfectly all the time, what dish would it be and why? 

     The one dish I could cook "perfectly" is SINIGANG NA BABOY, because its my kids favorite and I consider it my comfort food as well.  *wink*

4. Do you think you'll consider cosmetic surgery in the future? Why or Why not? 

     No, I wouldn't consider cosmetic surgery in the future because one, I have low tolerance for pain and another is there are ways how to stay beautiful (or fit) without resorting to cosmetic surgery.

5. Have you ever been so involved with a tv show you cried when the season/run ended? 

     One of the many tv shows that I followed that made me cry when it finally said goodbye was FRIENDS, especially the scene where they have to leave their keys.  *sniff*

6. Who's a fictional character you'd like to best-friends with? 

     The fictional character I'd like to be best friends with is Augustus Waters from the book The Fault In Our Stars because at the young age he knows more about what LIFE is. 

7. What's the first thing you do upon waking up? 

     Combing my hair is the first I do upon waking up.

8. How superstitious you are? 

     There are some superstitions that I do believe in, and there are others I don't believe in.

9. What would you like to achieve with your blog?

     Aside from sharing anecdotes and stories of me being a stay at home mom, I want my blog to have its respective followers, be of help to other mothers out there base on my experience. I want this blog to be known - if this is not too much to ask (or dream about)

10. When faced with stress, which do you go for: Fight or Flight?

     When I'm stress (tired), I'd rather take a "flight". I'd rather be alone first than do or say something that I might regret later.

11. What song calms you down?

     The song that calms me down (and I wouldn't get tired of listening to) is A THOUSAND YEARS by Christina Perri.

For the 11 bloggers, here are my questions:

1. What 1 books would you recommend that is really worth reading (&buying)?

2. What 3 things that's always in your bag that you can't live without?

3. Choose 1: wash the clothes or iron the clothes?

4. If you could splurge on one thing, what would it be and why?

5. What comfort food do you eat when you're down?

6. One movie that you could watch over and over again?

7. Name your favorite breakfast food?

8. If you're going to have dinner in your house and you could invite 5 famous people (dead or alive) who would it be?

9. Name 1 guilty pleasure that you did just recently.

10. What 1 advice would you give to a newbie blogger, like me?

11. What do you pray at night?

And now the 11 bloggers I nominate are:

1. Martine 

2. Rachel 

3. Alison

4. Patty 

5. Denise

6. Melanie

7. The Phenomenal Mama

8. Mommy Practicality 

9. Aimee

10. Fleur

11. Jackie

Cupcakes... Anyone?!

     Hello! Dear blog readers.... I know it has been a while since the last post I made. The past month was not a good one for me, health wise. I was down for 2 weeks due to MEASLES. Yup, at my age, I did catch it. Anyway, I am glad to say that after a week of full rest, I am okay, back to my normal routine and all. So I would like to claim that this month, OCTOBER will be a good one for me and my kids. October will be good to me.

     So on with my blog post today... Yup... You read it right, CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES. YUM. I am a self confessed chocoholic. So when I learned that one of my co-mommy did a cupcake for one of her clients, I immediately wanted to try it. So last Friday, I sent a message to her via facebook that I would like to order a dozen of cupcakes... Chocolate that is. And she replied that I will be able to get the cupcakes by Tuesday morning (which was today...). I paid 300.00 pesos for a dozen. And now may I present to you the chocolate cupcakes.

the chocolate cupcakes

     I know you want to know how was it? Well, the cupcake itself is soft and moist. The icing is not too sweet, as my daughter said, MOM HINDI SIYA NAKAKAUMAY... I really like it, as in. So the money I saved for buying this is really worth it. I am sure my older daughter will love this too.


     So if you're within Lipa area, here is her number for inquiries - 0918-985-0122 and look for Mahel Gutierrez. Aside from cupcakes, her other products are Brownies (which I really do love too), cookies (different ones), crinkles.
   

Arielle: Not A Baby Anymore

     Today, August 28, 2013, is the 15th birthday of my eldest daughter Katherine Arielle, or as we fondly call her Arielle (or Ate to her closest family members). In the past 2 posts, which I wrote a letter for her (click here) and the second was when I posted her pictures when she was a baby up to the time she graduated from elementary (click here). And now I decided to share 15 things (facts) about my eldest. I hope she will love this, and my darling Ate, this is just for fun...

1. Arielle's birthday coincides with St. Augustine' feast day. And according to my cousin who is the senior sacristan in our church, St. Augustine is the BISHOP AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH.

2. Her full name is KATHERINE ARIELLE...
     Katherine - was from the character of a TV series Beauty and the Beast which my husband loves to watch. There's a catch though, I never knew that the main character's name starts with a C. I just assumed that it began with a K.

     Arielle - was from one of my favorite cartoon movie, THE LITTLE MERMAID, Ariel. Ever since I was watched this, I claimed already that name for my first born child. Since the name is spelled like it was meant for a boy, I decided to add -LE at the name...

3. At the age of 3 and a half, my husband and I decided to enroll her in the nearby barangay day care center. I am one proud mom cause every time I fetch her, she has all these stars stamped on both of her arms. Her favorite toy, is  PUZZLES. You could do 2 or 3 puzzles at the same time and you could finish them in just minutes.

4. At the age of four, she began to watch her first ever movie, HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE. From then on, she had her fair share of Harry Potter movie collection...

Arielle's Harry Potter collection

5. Music wise, at the age of 5, she started listening from boy bands like Backstreet Boys, Westlife to Josh Groban and Michael Buble. And now, as a pre-teen, you introduced me to such singers like Taylor Swift, Green Day, Paramore, and others. Yup she loves listening to different types of music.

6. One of our favorite past time when you were like 6 or 7 was watching Meteor Garden. Arielle, her sister Joie and I went crazy over these group as well. If I am not mistaken you're crush in the group was the White "chinito" guy (sorry forgot the name already).

7. Arielle's favorite vegetable of all time is Squash (kalabasa). She started eating the mashed squash at the age of 1, and probably this is why she has a good eyesight.

8. Arielle's nickname is NINA. I took that nickname from one of the many movies of Jennifer Aniston, while I was pregnant with her. Though it didn't stuck with her, that nickname belongs to her.

9. If Arielle, is QUIET, as in not in the mood to talk, it's either she's PISSED OFF, DISAPPOINTED, or ANGRY. This she got from her father.

10. Just like me, she loves to write. She would write things randomly. And because of this, she was part of the ESLC's school paper from grade 4 to grade 6. Some of her writings were published there as well.

11. Since she was in grade 1 until she graduated from grade 6, she just had one crush. Yup, one. hahaha!

12. From the "one length" style of her hair, all of a sudden she decided to have a haircut just like Pauleen Luna's hair...

Her used to be long hair

And here is Arielle's hair cut, she is
the one in white...

13. She has her own collection of books and it is still growing.

These are growing collection
of books. 

14. She is one stubborn, "makulit" and jolly young lady but despite of it all, deep inside, she is one hell of a young lady who knows her priorities in life.

15. One of your dream is to go to London/Paris.... I know that books and Harry Potter has influenced you on this, and I know one day, you will be able to go there. 

     So to you, our Ate Arielle, Happy 15th birthday! Continue to be a good girl to me and to your tatay. Be a good older sister to your siblings. Enjoy life while you're still young. "LOVELIFE" will come to you when you're ready my dear. And besides, your Tatay isn't really ready for that yet.

    We love you so very much my dear.... 

It Has Been A While....

      Hi! It has been a while ( a long while actually) since I really blogged a well-written post that really comes from my heart (and with sense plus those thoughts that usually comes in). I have to admit since the last post I made, I got TOO LAZY to write down small and big details of what is on my mind. But as I read in on of the many blogs I follow, Dainty Mom, whether there is someone who reads your post or not, one should continue writing and posting it. Besides, since I wrote my first post of August last year, I told myself, that I would write of my routines, the little things that happens to me everyday as a mom of 3 girls (2 pre-teens and a 6-year old)


     I may not have a following yet but I know one day, I will be having those followers and who will patiently read my posts and at the same probably, leave comments as well. As Dainty Mom, told me, it is not bad to dream big for one's blog, and I want to claim it... Right now, I am willing to write down thoughts that comes up in my mind, the every day anecdote I have with my Amaya, cause she really say the darnest things. Hahaha!

    So until my next post... Hope to hear from you my dear blog readers....

What Would A Parent Will Do

     This morning while I was browsing my facebook, this video was on my feeds. And as I watched it, I can't help but cry... Buckets. What a love of a parent will do for his/her child. Please read, the summary of the video...
There are no words to describe what you're about to see. 

A Son asked his father, "Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?" The father who, despite having a heart condition, says "Yes". They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons. The father always saying "Yes" to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his fater, "Dad, let's join the Ironman together."

To which, his father said "Yes".

For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer) ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180.2 kilometer) bike ride and ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island.

Father and son went on to complete the race together!

    Have a blessed weekend people...

note: this video is from YouTube via Knowledge of Today's Video... 

Happy Father's Day, Francis

     Since there will be a scheduled brownout here in our place tomorrow, I am doing this early post for my husband and father of 3 girls. Francis, this is for you. I hope I could do justice in doing this post. Hehehe! You are the very FIRST PRINCE CHARMING and FIRST LOVE OF THE GIRLS, from the time they were born and I knew until they get a life of their own. THANK YOU is not enough and I know will never be enough for trying and giving a good life to the girls and to this family. You are trying your very best to provide a good future for the girls, give them a good education. I know you're working your ass out just to give them what they NEED. And despite your hectic schedule, you always find time to spend it with us. I know these memories will forever be in the girls' hearts.

     The girls, especially the 2 older ones, knows that once you try to share your "wisdom" to them, they totally listen and I know they really keep it in their heads and hearts. As much as possible even their "wants" you try your very best to give it them. Just seeing you spending time with them makes me smile and I know these are the precious moments that the girls will never, ever forget.

   

Proud Tatay when Ate Arielle
graduated from elementary 2012

Taken during the treat
for Ate Arielle during her graduation
2012

During Ate Joie's graduation
last March 2013

This is one photo that I took
wherein Amaya is so sweet. You will
always be her LOVE...

We never had a photo taken na
matino. hahaha! 

During the last swimming
that we had as a family. The kids really
enjoyed this one.

Some of your BADMINTON trophies...
You are one good player.

     So to you, Francis, Tatay to the kids. Happy, Happy Father's Day. Thank you for everything that you have done for the kids and I know you're still trying your very best to do everything for them. Always remember that the kids and I really LOVE YOU SO MUCH... You're the best TATAY! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING.... 

Back To School....Again

     Aside from Christmas shopping one of the one thing kids look forward to is shopping for their school supplies, we parents should admit that buying the things needed for our children is one of the most stressful part of the year as well. Our children looks forward to buying new school shoes, bag/s, lunch boxes, socks and others. Nowadays time is really difficult, aminin, so if there are ways and means to save we always do it. As a mom of 3 girls (2 pre-teens and a 6 year old), I have to stretch the budget that my husband gives me. So I would like to share with you some tips on how you could save and stretch the money that you have.

1. MAKE A LIST  - always, always make a list of the THINGS NEEDED.... repeat that NEEDED. There are schools that usually give the lists of the things, specifically, for every level (especially for the nursery, kinder and preparatory students). You're lucky if you have these so that you could buy immediately. While there are schools that usually sells their OWN NOTEBOOKS with the school logos and all (but quite expensive compared when buying at the bookstore).

2. When buying things especially needed by your children, buy brands that are trust-worthy. I hope parents will understand what exactly I mean. Example, last year, I bought my 2 older daughters school shoes from a good brand, and I tell you this year my daughters will still be using the same shoes we bought. Because if you invest or buy things with good quality it will definitely go a long way.

3. When buying school supplies, especially if you're going to bookstores, PLEASE LEAVE YOUR KIDS to someone you could trust. I tell you every time my I go to the bookstore and look for the latest books, there are kids crying, mothers who are hot-headed already because her children WANTED something else. So to lessen the dagger looks by the moms to their kids, leave them behind and besides it will be easier for you to shop cause you will be able to buy things that are within your budget.

4. As early as April, I am done already with all my school shopping, why is that so? Because when I had a money on hand, I started buying things that my kids will be needing, so that the remaining money that will be handing to me will be allotted to something else. Now that is what I call BUDGETING.

5. Don't forget to bring your reusable bags, as many as you could bring, so that it will not be added to the items that you have to pay for. A price for a reusable bag, could go for 25-35 pesos each, so sayang naman if you have to pay an extra for that.

6. Wear comfortable clothes. Since it is not yet rainy season, wear something comfortable especially if you will have to go to the mall and buy the things needed for the coming school year.

7. RECYCLE - In some schools, they usually give the free hand to the parents/students what kind of notebooks the want to buy. So if there are still few leaves from the past school year left, reuse it. You saved from spending, you helped Mother Nature as well.

     I hope with these simple tips from a mom of 3,  have helped you. Enjoy school shopping Mommies

On Being A Mom

     There are few more hours before this important day for all the mothers, moms, nanays, inays, mudras on earth left. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, single moms, working mom, work-at-home-moms, and stay-at-home moms (like me...). As they say being a MOTHER is the most noble job in the world, a job where there is no overtime pay, no bonuses at all, a job that you have to be a NURSE/DOCTOR when your kids are sick (which I really hate the most, I mean the kids being sick and all.); TEACHER, we are our kids' first teachers, we teach them from singing the alphabets to counting 1 to 10 (or at the most up to 20 or more); PSYCHOLOGIST because we really have to understand their behavior/s; FRIEND, we have to be the very first ones to listen to our kids woes and problems, what happened to them at school. Being a  MOM is a job offers no degree at all.

     Every time I read mommy blogs, I usually tell them that I am a mom of 3 daughters. Yup 3. I have 2 pre-teens already and a 6 year old. As they say kids nowadays are totally different with kids, let's say 10 years ago. And to this I totally agree. With my 2 older ones, if they are really makukulit already, I could just stare at them and they will totally behave. As in. But with my youngest, staring with big, wide eyes is not effective anymore. Nowadays, one thing I really pray is that I am blessed with MORE PATIENCE. My facebook friends knows what I am talking about especially when it comes to my youngest. Being a MOM to my daughters is not an easy task. I have 2 pre-teens that I have to guide, tell things that are not good for them, on how to choose friends, and everyday reminder to really study very hard, because cliche as it may sound, EDUCATION IS THE ONLY GIFT that my husband and I could leave them with. With my 2 pre-teens, I have to give them, as much as possible, HONEST TO GOODNESS answers, proud to say that I do have daughters who are way smart than I am when I was their age. As much as possible I NEVER LIE to my daughters because I do believe that being honest with them in return they will be too.

With me are my 2 older daughters,
Ate Joie (with the long hair) and
Ate Arielle (in white shirt)

    My youngest Amaya, being a Mom to her is totally different cause she herself is different. As they say, NEVER COMPARE your kids to each other and I am sorry that I really can't help it. Hahaha! She is totally different in a lot of ways than her 2 older daughters when it comes to being disciplined, she wants HER WAYS to be followed, which will never happen (though once in a while, nakakalusot... hehehe). But like her two older sister, I am proud to say that she is one intelligent young girl too. Like now, I do instill on her the words, PO and OPO, of always telling the truth, teaching her to keep her toys in their proper places.

Our Amaya, the most
makulit among our 3
daughters.

     When I became a mom, I never knew what to expect and now after 3 girls, it is STILL an everyday learning for me. Learning to know each one of them. Learning what they like, dislike, of what they want to become one day. I am learning to become a mom everyday because of them. I know I am not a perfect mother (but who is) nor a good one (hey, I do have a LOT of meltdowns as well) but seeing how other people see and praise my kids of being fine young ladies, I guess I do deserve a good pat in my back. I may be a stay-at-home mom but at the end of the day, I know my girls do appreciate everything I do for them. I am one proud Mom to these girls, who NEVER FAILS to make me happy and feel so loved. So to KATHERINE ARIELLE, JOSEPHINE THERESE, and AMAYA ISABELL, thank you for being my SOURCE OF STRENGTH, for THE JOY you girls bring, for the SMILE that greets me every time you come home from school, for the LOVE you give me.THANK YOU... I could never asked for anything more....

Me and My girls....
I love you girls so much....
You mean the world to me.... 

My New Discovery: Mustela Cologne

     A few weeks ago, I saw via Instagram the 3 fragrance of  My Mom-Friday , one of the many mommy blogs I read. What caught my attention was the MUSTELA COLOGNE. I am not a fan of perfume or any strong colognes which causes my asthma. When I was in high school, I was introduced to this colognes called, DENENES, which I used until I was in college. It has only lately that I went back to using colognes. And since I was intrigues by this brand, the friend of My Mom-Friday gave me the cellphone number of Mustela.

     It was an easy transaction. I sent my name and address via SMS. I asked few questions then decided to place my order few days after. I paid the item via BDO and after 3 to 4 days my cologne arrived. Yey!!!

The day I received my item,
it was delivered by LBC
(sorry I can't turn it around)

The moment I opened the
item I purchased the receipt
was included, and it is a legit one.
The amount in the receipt is of the cologne
alone plus shipping fee which is 120.00

the cologne was
wrapped in bubble wrap

the cologne, can't wait to use it

with my purchase they added
sample products to try... 

     I could spray this cologne a lot of times because the smell doesn't last long, but then again I am definitely happy with my purchase. I can't wait to buy their other products as well.


Mustela Facebook (click here)

I Am 39!

     Last weekend I celebrated my 39th birthday. Yup... You read it right, I am 39 years old already, one more and I will be entering the big 40. Compared to last year's celebration (click here), this year was kinda simple. The previous day, I went to David's Salon at Robinson's to have a trim, since it is summer and super duper ang init (it is really hot). Then after the haircut, went to Nailaholics to have a pedicure. On my birthday itself, the usual I went to hear mass at Mt. Carmel church. Instead of the usual cake, I decided to order a double chocolate cupcake with vanilla icing (yummy... and who cares about calories, it's my birthday... hahaha!) from BAKING MAMA (click link to her facebook page).

     Around 10 in the morning I received a SMS that the cupcakes are for pick-up already. And just by the smell of it and the simple presentation, winner na ito for me, I am not that difficult to please when it comes to food especially chocolates, hehehe! Here are the pictures of the very delicious cupcakes.

Nice box.... 

The cupcakes that I ordered,
double chocolate cupcake with
vanilla frosting (yummy talaga)

the logo of Baking Mama

     I thought the flavor I ordered will be too sweet since it is double chocolate right, but no, the taste is just right, not too sweet at all. The vanilla frosting is just right as well. Baking Mama didn't failed me at all. In the afternoon my kids and I went to the mall to have our mirienda (snack) at Pizza Hut. After eating we decided to go to National Bookstore, one of our favorite hang out place in the mall to check out if there are new books, but wala pa din.

     It was a simple get together with family and having a great time with them is more than enough to have that celebration. Can't wait for my 40th birthday. (wink)


BAKING MAMA
Freshly Baked by Leonor Aquino
To order, call tel. no. 756-7778
Or Mobile no. 09354869210