On A Wonderful Day Like Today

Hong Kong October 2011 - Day 2

2011-12-01T19:04:00.007+08:00

After a restful night at Hongkong Disney Hollywood Hotel, we woke up early to pack and leave for the city. We boarded the Disneyland Resortline by 11am so we can be at the hotel at check in time.

From the Disneyland Resort line, we took the Sunny Bay train and head to Lai King interchange. From there, we had a few stops and then stepped out Jordan station which was only a few steps away from our hotel.

We left our bags in the hotel and proceeded to walk along Nathan. After having lunch in one of the Chinese restos along Nathan Road, we separated from our friends and headed to Central where we planned on spending the rest of the day.

First, we passed by this building in Central where we learned we could exchange our money for HKD at a cheaper rate. Boy, this place looked like Greenhills! :-) There were Pinoys everywhere!

Bossing is even here! Hahaha.

After that, we took a walk to get to the Peak Tram. This finicular is a very old but efficient transport to get to the top of HK Island.

And so we went and hopped on it and then headed straight to Madam Trussad's Wax Museum. Here are some of our many pictures taken inside the museum.

A view of Hongkong from above:

We went to Mcdonald's for snacks in the mall in The Peak and then went back down to the city to check out some of the malls.

We got tired of going around Central so decided to go back to the hotel, rest a bit and go to Mongkok Night market. We were able to buy some souvenir items in Mongkok. But then we decided to head back to TST to go to mass in the evening at the Mariner's. After that, we walk towards the bay and stayed at the Avenue of Stars and watch the Symphony of Lights show at 9pm.

We headed back to Jordan after than and took a night cap with our friends in the nearby Temple Road where there are lots of local food and drinks to enjoy.

Hong Kong October 2011 - Day 1

2011-11-01T21:57:00.021+08:00

October 20, 2011

My husband and I, together with good friends C and B, hopped on a plane from Manila to HK for a 4D3N vacation.

I barely had sleep before the flight because I have to finish many things in the office for I'll be gone for 2 days.

So here we are at the Terminal 3, about to board the plane.

Our friends C&B on true vacation mode:

Our plane opened for boarding just right on time. However, due to some traffic on the runway, we waited for it to take off only a good 10-15 minutes later than expected. So while waiting --- a random picture first:

After about almost 2.5 hours of flight, we landed safe and sound:

The weather was perfect in HK:

All smiles for Mr. and Mrs. P (I do look sleepy here, haha):

Right after we passed thru immigration, we immediately changed from money into HKD, bought Octopus cards, our day pass for Ngong Ping cable car and Disneyland c/o China Travel Service (CTS).

After that, we immediately headed out to the bus terminal to catch a ride that will bring us to Citygate Outlets where the cable car ride to Ngong Ping is just steps away.

Discounted shopping awaits those who pass by this mall:

But first, LUNCH at Food Republiq:

C & B ordered this chili chicken dish...

While I got this (can't remember what it's called but was A-ok!):

We left our baggages are the baggage locker room at the basement of the mall and then went straight ahead looking for the cable car for Ngong Ping:

The cable car to Ngong Ping Village:

It was a fantastic view!!!

When we got to the village - we decided to try to walk closer towards the Giant Buddha.

...ran into some monks along the way.

Had some picture-taking with the bubble machines...

This was the closest our feet could get us to the Giant Buddha.

And the closest my camera could zoom:

After an hour or so, it was time to head back to Tung Chung and Citygate Outlet mall:

From Tung Chung MTR Station, we went to the Sunny Bay station to take the Disneyland Resort Line so we can get to the Happiest Place on Earth ----Disneyland!

Our first picture taken at Disney:

After some photo ops at the entrance, we headed towards the terminal to get a free shuttle bus ride to our hotel. This was taken after we were able to eat some snacks and freshen up a little:

Welcome to Disney!

Disney was in Halloween Theme that time.

We never would want to miss that photo ops with Minnie...(sadly, Mickey was not around during the photo sessions).

And then photo ops with Donald Duck!

Indeed, Disneyland really looks magical:

We went to see the Halloween parade and waited around some more to view the fireworks.

The fireworks show did not disappoint. But our feet did. Hahahaha!

Wedding Anniversary - 6th

2011-11-01T19:15:00.003+08:00

It's our sixth wedding anniversary and we are at "The Peak". :-)

Photo: HK Trip: October 20-23, 2011

Let's Watch This

2011-10-05T21:33:00.003+08:00

This movie is due to be shown very soon in Metro Manila. It's official website is found here.

Quoting from Wikipedia:

"Reconciliation matters" is the main take away message that [Roland] Joffé expects from the viewers. Life, he said, is an opportunity to love: "It's a choice, and in making that decision you become free. You do not become free when you hate. The weird thing is when you really love, you feel it like a breath of freedom, you think ‘Oh my God, I’ve chosen this, and it’s beautiful’.” He emphasized that Christianity is about love and the teaching of St. Josemaria "encourages a spiritual relationship with God in 'very simple things', in cooking a meal, being with one’s family, or even having a fight." Joffé states that this is "a film about what it means to be a saint in this day and age."

The title refers to its theme exploring the unknown territories of hatred, guilt, and forgiveness, said the producer Ignacio G. Sancha. "There be dragons" is a shorter version of the phrase "here there be dragons" from the Latin hic sunt dracones, an ancient way of denoting in maps a place where there is danger, or an unknown place, a place to be explored.

2011 Birthday Celebration

2011-09-25T22:10:00.003+08:00

Luigi and Zoe turned 2 and 5, respectively last last week. It was a great birthday week! Mommy and Daddy got to go on leave on those days and it was priceless!

The kids had a joint birthday celebration that Sunday, September 11. Then on September 13, Zoe had a simple "The Fresh Beat Band" birthday party in school. Will post more pictures and stories about that next time.

A Back Post: Zoe's Moving Up Day

2011-05-25T16:21:00.006+08:00

Sorry for the late post...

Just want to document here Zoe's 1st Moving Up Day at her school.

They were asked to dress up in the 80's theme so we were very excited! I saw this dress from a department store and bought it immediately. It was initially big for Zoe so I had it repaired to fit Zoe perfectly. I also bought for her red Chuck Taylor rubbershoes, a pair of earrings in the shape of long-playing albums plus net gloves to match. The outfit turned out so nice!

When we got to the school, they were asked to wear blue togas and a cap.

Picture-taking!

The program started on time and Zoe enjoyed every minute of it.

She received several awards and we were so proud of her.

After the recognition rites, they all removed their togas and the girls danced to several 80's songs.

Here's the rest of the family giving all their support to the little girl...

...with gifts to match!

Congratulations, Zoe!

Pictures Delight!

2011-05-25T14:47:00.003+08:00

I must admit that I have not had enough time right now to give attention to this blog. There should have been so much to blog about but so far, time has not been on my side. My birthday and the birthdays of my loved-ones had passed and I’ve not even blogged about any of it. It’s because up to now, my daily schedule still seems super erratic since it’s been more than a month since the nanny has taken a vacation. She was supposed to come back today but with the strong typhoon coming our way tomorrow, I am not so sure it they would be allowed to continue with their trip via ship.

Anyway, I just want to add a little thing in this blog to make it more interesting. And what could be more interesting (and simple to add) than pictures! I’ve recently discovered and used a photo effect online and it’s so cool! You can also use their online photo frames to add a zing to your rather-boring pictures.

Here are some of my kids’ pictures which I’ve played around with using photo frame templates. Click on the links to have a little fun! See you all back soon! Adios!

Cute Dog holding Luigi's picture:

Toy Story-theme:

Zoe wants a black car...

...she also wants her Dad's iPod!

In London

2011-04-25T22:50:00.005+08:00

My Dad and Ninang had a short but sweet vacation in London a few weeks ago.

They clearly had a great time there for theyhad so many stories about the trip. Thanks to our friends C & M for showing them around! Thanks too for the wonderful London-stuffs which they brought back for us.

Thinking about it, sayang pala. They should have stayed a little bit longer to witness the William-Kate Royal wedding. Haha.

Mental note: this one will be in our to-do list next year. Hunny and I are itching to go there too!!!! With a lot of positive thinking and saving up, we can!

Happy Easter, Everyone!

2011-04-24T18:33:00.004+08:00

We spent the morning after Easter Mass celebrating by bringing out the inflatable pools!

The kids really had FUN!

Happy Easter to all! May the risen Christ give us hope and happiness in our lives!

Scrubs for Me?

2011-04-24T17:59:00.003+08:00

I'm officially a stay-at-home-mom for 11 straight days. I had just left my job and incidentally, our nanny also went on vacation.

At any rate, so far, so good. I'm admittedly learning a lot when it comes to taking care of my kids. I feel like a mommy doctor (sans the cheap medical scrubs) since I feel my kids becoming more clingy each day as if asking for more attention even if they are not sick. At other times, I'm like a nurse and a 24-hours on-duty nurse, at that. Some of the things that I need to do which are simple but I find quite challenging: giving my kids a bath, making them take their daily vitamins, feeding them, carrying them, etc. Sometimes, I think that cheap nursing scrubs would be the best thing to wear in times like these. My house clothes are all soiled from sweat and stains from following my kids around. The nurses wearing those cherokee nursing uniforms must have a fresher feeling compared to me because those uniforms are 100% cotton.

Anyway, speaking of scrubs, this reminds me to look up on how to order these online. My good friend in the US is looking for some great designs to use for work. She recently got accepted in a hospital near their home so she's getting ready. Well, good luck to her!

Long Time No Write

2011-04-17T20:22:00.003+08:00

Dear Reader,

I know. It's been ages since I put in a post in here. Life has been so freakin' busy for the past how many months. But hopefully, with a recent positive development in my career, I'll be able to continue this little "passion" of mine of airing out the little ideas in my head.

So, I'll see you all back soon?

Keep your fingers crossed!

Love,
Vina

Looking For...

2011-01-15T18:01:00.002+08:00

My husband and I have been looking for the perfect investment these days. We’ve been surfing everywhere and didn’t stop until we found just the right thing for us. And who would have expect that the answer to our long search is right on our… ring finger! Yup. It’s gold that’s what I’m talking about. What could be a more secured investment that having a gold IRA.

I researched further and learned all about gold 401K accounts. In times when you cannot exactly know what to expect from the economy, having an investment in 401k gold may be your best bet just yet. We all know that from the stories of our older ones. At least from the anecdotes heard from my grandmother, they always made sure that they keep their gold and other jewelry safe in hard times like during the war. It will be what they will rely on when the times get rough. The same actually still applies up now since gold’s value will always go up no matter what.

Is Christmas Over?

2011-01-15T17:07:00.003+08:00

Christmas will be official over (in the Philippines) tomorrow with the Feast of the Sto. Nino.

As far as I'm concerned, it went by like a breeze. I was so busy and so sick over the holidays to even stop and really feel "Christmas". But eventhough this was so, I am so grateful for the feast of the birth of Christ. It all reminded us that we owe our life to the one who created, saved and who continue to guide us.

And so, with the end of the Yuletide season, we're going to pack all our Christmas things tomorrow and try to get on with life loving our Lord a little bit more each day.

One Thing I'll Really Miss

2011-01-01T17:00:00.003+08:00

Shrimps.

Love to eat them before but now got an allergic reaction to them starting 2010. I don't know what's with my system that made me become allergic to them oh so suddenly. We were having dinner in Dampa one time, eating shrimps and other seafoods, when I felt so itchy that it almost made me sick.

Now, every time I eat shrimps, that same allergic reaction comes back.

Just staring at this picture makes me itch (soooo sad).

I'll miss you shrimp (sigh).

Got a Nurse

2011-01-01T16:54:00.001+08:00

We recently got a part-time nurse in our company and it’s really a good thing for our employees. He came in with the health-company representatives who were clad in medical uniforms and was introduced to us last week/

We immediately got down into business and listed down all the needs of a typical company nurse. Intrigued by his uniform which were similar to doctors scrubs, I asked him where he gets his nursing uniforms and supplies. And so I learned that there is an online site where you can purchase wholesale scrubs which were nice but reasonably-priced. Anyway, it was sad to note that this particular nurse will only be temporarily-assigned to us up to the second week of January. Another nurse will be taking his place after that period. At any rate, I already had my blood pressure taken courtesy of this nurse. Hahaha.

The Year That Was...

2011-01-01T14:19:00.000+08:00

We already left 2010 and crossed over to a new year 2011.

I really wanted to do a comprehensive summary of the things that happened in 2010 but somehow, that would entail some quiet moment to remember and recollect the events that transpired in the year.

Now if you would allow me (of course, you have no choice, hehe), let me just recall a few memorable things that were eventful this year. We all had a very good year in general but here are some of the worthwhile things mentioning.

Zoe:

1. She started going to regular school this year and it helped her learn new things and skills more than ten times over compared to last year.
2. She, has more than ever, really manifested this year her love for singing. Now if only I could help her improve on her EQ so she can also have the patience to learn to play an instrument this 2011.
3. She has discovered the amazing things that can be done with the laptop and the cellphone and insists we buy her a touch-screen phone. Hahaha.
4. She has declared that's she's getting married, not once but twice. First she said that she will marry Bibin, her classmate, on one Friday (and that we were not invited). Lately, she keeps announcing that instead of Bibin, she will be marrying Zoe-boy, her other classmate, when they go back to school (not funny, sweetheart).

Luigi:

1. Luigi has been growing to be a cute lil guy. He has grown most of his teeth too.
2. Luigi’s first word: DAD. I’m not surprised.
3. He learned to walk on his own a few days after his 1st birthday. He learned to walk much earlier compared to Zoe and I’m a worrisome mom, fretting like crazy every time he tries to run around the house.
4. His appetite is enormous! He loves to eat anything and everything! That's super good news, if you ask me.

Dad:

1. Dad’s job has been smooth-sailing. Over and again, he has proven his determination to be successful in whatever field God has placed him in. He’s been given good work shifts and has been topping his performance and I’m mighty proud.
2. Dad also quit smoking (cold-turkey) this year. Woot-woot!
3. We replaced our Ondoy car around midyear and so far, the new one is doing pretty well and Dad is lovin’ it.
4. Dad has been so patient too with taking care of the kids when I’m not around. He’s the best dad around.

Me:

1. I made a big leap in my career this 2010. Whether or not it was a good decision or not, all I can say is: Omnia in Bonum.
2. I received my retirement benefit this year and I’m earnestly trying to keep it in my bank account. (smile)
3. I’m sadly at my heaviest this year and I really need to lose those extra pounds…promise!
4. My new year’s resolution: eat right, get enough sleep and pray like there’s no tomorrow.

Now, I’m leaving you all to celebrate this new year. On some parts of the world, it’s still the dawn of another decade in the new millennium. Hope you get your heart’s desires and more. And as a good priest said, “Dream and your dreams will fall short”.

Happy New Year Everyone!

2011-01-01T10:43:00.004+08:00

It's already 2011 on this side of the world (big grin)!

Thank you Lord for giving us so many blessings this past year. Please continue to guide us in the many years to come.

Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!

Two Days to Go

2010-12-23T10:39:00.002+08:00

Howdy everyone! Two days to go before Christmas. Pretty soon the long wait will be over. It'll be the birthday of Jesus and we were speading the good news of the birth that paved the way to the salvation of mankind. Wow, that's quite heavy stuff but really it's the truth.

Anyway, I'm online (sickies) now, waiting for some office emails to come in. So while waiting, I'm just browsing through my favorite sites that help me do blogging for money. It's been quite awhile since I dropped by. I've already been reading up on some stuff about boxhead 2. It's quite interesting. Stumbled upon something about age of war and saw so many things I've missed since I've been 'off-line' for so long.

Truly I've missed the goodies in the world-wide-web.

I really hope I came come back soon --- with a vengeance.

Meantime, advance Merry Christmas everyone!

Stay healthy and warm!

Most Recent Family Pic

2010-12-20T21:20:00.004+08:00

Here's our most recent family picture taken last December 11, 2010.

The kids are growing up pretty fast!

Teacher Zoe

2010-12-20T20:57:00.004+08:00

For her school's Community of Helpers Day, we dressed up Zoe into a person with a profession that's close to my family's heart. Taking after her Lolo, Lola and my sister, we decided that the most apt job for Zoe was to be a teacher like them!

Clad in a brown dress bought from the mall, with matching eyeglasses and white board, Zoe was all set to be a teacher for a day.

Serious Teacher Zoe...

Wacky Teacher Zoe!!!

When she got to the school, everyone was dressed up in their favorite community helper outfit. Many were bakers and doctors. One was a soldier and a couple were nurses.

But Zoe was a teacher and was mightly proud about it!

I heard from the yaya that the kids had so much fun acting out the part. One baker even brought cupcakes to feed everybody in class! :-)

Anyway, when Teacher Zoe got home, they realized that there was one more person who also wants to become a teacher...

See Teacher Luigi! :-)

Pwede! :-)

If Only I Could...

2010-12-20T20:33:00.005+08:00

Lately, my work-life balance is so beyond me and I'm really getting so tired already. I want to be with my kids now more than ever but I couldn't and that really pains me a lot. They have been sick the past days and I have sort of need to put that fact aside because I have deadlines. What kind of mother I am? I'm a bad mother! In addition to that, I also want my prayertime back coz I feel that someone forcibly stole it from me. And especially now that it's the Christmas season, I want to feel the "Christ" in the season but, somehow, it's not what's happening.

If only I could, I'll really want to shift to become a housewife-mom again. Maybe I can just stay as a blogger or just be get into web hosting and get to help people with their sites and more. Website hosting would be a more interesting thing to get into if I had a choice. I'll help other people manage their multiple domains to build more exposure and business.

But I do have a choice now?

Sigh.

Toy Sale Finds

2010-11-29T13:03:00.009+08:00

'Tis again the season of Christmas and parents are in a rush trying to find the best Santa gifts to give to their kids.

Well, inasmuch as that I'd like to be one with the true spirit of Christmas, it's a bit of an exception when it comes to my kids.

We went to all the toy sales in town. Name it, we were there, bwehehehe. Here are some of the 'major major' toy finds that we got (as far as I can remember).

Chicco Circus Suprise at 50% off:

Barbie Cash Register also at 50% off:

Mickey Mouse bike for only 1k:

Chicco Talking Driver at 50% off (speaks English and Italian! Hahaha!):

Thomas the Train Kiddie Ride On for less than 500 pesos:

A kiddie tent with 100 balls (perfect for bahay-bahayan):

We also bought lots of toys for our godchildren. But I'll have to keep mum about it unless I want them to find out early on what they're getting for Christmas.

Happy shopping everyone!

Our 5th Wedding Celebration

2010-11-29T12:22:00.003+08:00

On our anniversary weekend, my hubby and I (with a couple of friends) trooped to Tagaytay in search for a stress-free, love-filled weekend.

Our feet led us to One Tagaytay Place, a relatively new hotel. The place was just right: warm and cozzy.

We had taken time out to go to Sonya's for a full-body massage. It was wonderful, as usual. We also enjoyed dining at the usual Tagaytay eating places (more on that later).

The following day was spent on going to Sunday mass at Lourdes Church and then passing by Tierra Maria as a thanksgiving to the five wonderful years of our being together. We pray for many more years of happiness and love.

Happy Anniversary Honey.

Holiday Today

2010-11-16T14:59:00.002+08:00

Thank God (or should I say Allah?) for holidays. Today is a holiday for Muslims and everybody’s happy because there’s no work. Yahoo! For someone like me who has been going home from work early in the morning for several weeks already, this holiday is a welcome surprise. Never mind if tomorrow is back to the “asylum” . At least, I got to sleep and rest a little to recover from all the stress that I’ve been going through in the office.

I’m actually just trying to make good use of time now at the computer before leaving with my hubby today for a quick merienda date. Busy couples like us need that important pocket of time to be together, to talk and just update ourselves with the things. I want to check out this newly-opened restaurant in Katipunan and try out their specialties. Afterwards, I’m planning on tagging him along to a place where we can check out some ceiling fans. You see I have an idea to put a ceiling fan at the attic. We’ve already pulled up our old sofa into that area and it’s going to be like an mini-living room soon. In this regard, I really want to find out who makes the Best Ceiling Fans here! Our existing ceiling fans are similar to Hansen Wholesale Ceiling Fans and I’d like to get those soon. Now good luck to our shopping adventure date today!

5th!

2010-10-29T13:51:00.003+08:00

Technically, "the" day is still tomorrow...

But since we're having a short getaway to celebrate the occasion, let me just insert this post na now. :-)

I love you hunny! Happy 5th.

Happy Family

2010-10-04T23:58:00.001+08:00

This is our latest family picture.

We had the best time during the kids' birthday party! More pics when I find the time. :-)

There are some things we'll rather forget...

2010-10-04T23:26:00.003+08:00

...and these are some of those things.

Ondoy was a rather sad and painful experience for my family, our neighborhood and thousands of other people. It left a huge dent on our finances, our properties and our lives. We would rather forget and hope that something like this will never happen again: not to us nor to our children's children.

Afraid of Geometry? Not Me!

2010-10-04T23:03:00.003+08:00

My teenage "brother" approached me last Sunday night to ask help for his Math homework. He is now (again) in his 3rd year in high school and as you know, juniors take up Geometry. Maybe F forgot that I took Geometry about 20 years ago because he looked so sure that I could help him answer his assignment in a split of a second. Hahaha. Yeah right.

Anyway, his homework was about triangles, particularly on SSS congruency. The problem was to prove that the triangles drawn on his notebook were congruent. It was easy enough! Why? It's because I had a secret Math problem solver by my side. You see, for free math help, you can just click on a button and your answer pops on the screen instantly. Now Math homework help is right on your finger tips. It's easy as one-two-three.

...and because of this, doing F's homework has never been easier.

Yummy Cupcakes

2010-09-30T20:03:00.002+08:00

These were the cupcakes which my cousin made for Zoe and Luigi's birthday party.

They look so nice and we're honest-to-goodness yummy! Drop me a line if you want to order from her.

Anyway, I'll be back with more posts, including my kids' birthday party pictures and suppliers' ratings (if I find the time to finish it!). Hehe.

Scrub-ba-dub-dub

2010-09-30T19:17:00.005+08:00

I have a friend who needs to wear scubs for work daily (she's a nurse by profession, that's why). Anyway, I always fancy her nicely worn scrubs. They're so pretty that it doesn't seem to be scrubs at all. So I asked her one time about where she gets her supply of cute scrubs. She told me that she buys the textile to be used and brings it to her dressmaker for sewing. They are nice but bottomline was, it ends up very expensive.

To cut on the cost of her uniform, I suggested to my friend to check out an online scrub store where she can find a wide array of scrubs for men and for women. And oh how her eyes gleamed with joy when she viewed their website.

Buying scrubs has never been so easy as before! You can pick the design you like and have it shipped right to your doorstep.

How cool is that?

Confused

2010-09-30T18:46:00.004+08:00

I found this little doll sitting on our side table in the bedroom and I felt a little confused.

I asked myself, "What's wrong with this doll?"

...then I realized that it was Ariel (The Little Mermaid) in Snow White's dress.

...I wonder if the Seven Dwarfs will notice. Hehe.

Or maybe Snow White decided that she's had enough of Prince Charming and is now frolicking somewhere with Prince Eric together with Ariel's fish friend Flounder?

Hahaha. Oh, it's like freaky Friday!

Hoping Against All Hope

2010-09-30T18:32:00.003+08:00

If there is one thing these days that’s bugging me, it’s F’s very low grades in school. I feel that he is not making an effort to improve on his studies. After being sent home to the province for a year and enduring the hard life over there, it still doesn’t seem enough for him to learn and change for the better. He still seems to be cutting on some of his classes, still doesn’t ask permission when he goes out of the house, still plays basketball all weekend long, still doesn’t wake up early, still doesn’t do his assignments…etc. etc. My list of “frustrations” goes on and on. Are all teenage boys like that?

How I wish that some day, he will soon realize that all the hard work to answer the Math questions in school will result to something good for him in the future. I hope all those Geometry help which I offer him will do a lot of good in training him to be patient, observant and analytical. I hope he realizes that all that Chemistry help which we get is going to be someday good for his character as these are not just academic subjects but also something that could teach us life lessons.

I am hoping against all hope? I hope not. :-)

Party Preps

2010-09-13T22:24:00.004+08:00

Most of the stuff above came from my favorite place downtown - Divisoria! And it definitely made our party so "Sesame-Streety" and only for half the price. :-)

L-R Sesame Street candy-pull (aka pinata), bargain toys from 168 (consists of good ol' yoyos, bubbles sticks, fans, jackstones, plastic wallets, white boards with characters, mini-rubix cubes, and lots more), kiddie lootbags (only 35 pesos each), lootbag contents (Lays, Oreo, Moo chocolate drink), chocolate candies, candy souvenir for each guest, signature frame (only 150 each), bubble gums!

A Party Brought to You By...

2010-09-13T21:33:00.006+08:00

...the letters L-U-I & Z-O-E!

And of course, with a little help from the letters D-A-D and M-O-M!

Happy Birthday kiddos! We love you Zoe and Luigi!

More pics to follow!

Happy 4th Birthday Zoe!

2010-09-10T10:04:00.003+08:00

We prepared a school party for Zoe on her birthday.

It's her first time to actually celebrate like this.

We got Jollibee spaghetti and hamburger for the kids, plus lootbags and balloons. It was so much fun!

Here are the pics.

Happy birthday Zoe girl! We love you!

Happy 1st Birthday Luigi!

2010-09-10T09:44:00.007+08:00

I don't remember anymore if I was able to blog about our past monthly birthday celebrations for Luigi.

Anyway, just to recap, we had these cakes for his 10th month:

And then we this for his 11th month:

And this one is for the FIRST BIRTHDAY!

Happy Birthday my sweet little Luigi!

We're going to have a big party for you on Sunday! I hope the weather cooperates!

We love you!

Where in the World Was I?

2010-08-19T20:02:00.005+08:00

Gawd. I missing blogging. I miss writing. For the past weeks, I found myself just plain TOO BUSY with work that I've forgotten what joy it brings me when I start to pound on my computer and just talk about anything under the sun.

But most of all, I miss journalizing about my life, my kids, my family. I actually hate it when I feel that I've missed out so many of my kids' milestones because I'm too pre-occupied with deadlines and reports.

How I wish I can go back to my old blogger life. Pray that it will happen. Hay.

Meantime, let me indulge you with some of the party preparations which I've been doing. Luigi is turning 1 while Zoe is turning 4 in a few weeks. How fast time flies!

These are part of their birthday invitation. I did it myself. Aren't my kids so cute? :-)

We're having Zoe and Elmo of Sesame Street theme. I've already booked the place, the magician & host, photographer, the venue decor supplier. What are still lacking are the caterer, souvenirs, final invite design, tarp and food carts. Whaaa! It's rush time once again!!!

Howdy

2010-07-08T12:19:00.003+08:00

Just when I thought I was back to regular pro-blogging, I had to let blogging be set aside again for more important things namely, work, Zoe's school and other domestic stuff.

I had already missed out blogging about several interesting things about my wonderful (?) life. Generally, I'm still in transition stage with my new work and new responsibilities. Hopefully, by month's end, I'll be a back to a normalcy which I have been hoping for. That's in terms of my interior life, my financial status, my family life and love life (ahem).

Anyway, hope to see you guys around soon.

Feel free to leave a comment.

Back to Regular Pro-blogging

2010-06-20T16:23:00.008+08:00

Is it just my appetite or is my photography really improving? I gaze into this bowl of strawberry ice cream from Mandarin Paseo Uno and my heart (and stomach) just screams ICE CREAM!

Actually, I almost had given up blogging (notice how seldom I post anything now). I'm starting on a new job tomorrow (wish me luck!) and I'm setting myself some high goals which I think may cut the time for extra curricular activities such as blogging. But then again, I love blogging so much that I even changed industries for my career from banking to IT! Haha!

Seriously, when I come across a nice item (like this ice cream picture) which I'd like to talk about or just a simple thought I want to share, I still couldn't stop myself from taking up blogging again. Still, my fingers yearn to blog! And just when I thought that I have really given up on the web hosting services I've gotten this year, I come across some piece of web hosting news and I suddenly I go back to blogging and publishing again.

Now tell me, is this ice cream yummy or what?

Tons of late posts to follow!

For my Tatay - Happy Father's Day

2010-06-20T15:53:00.005+08:00

To my dear Tatay~

You are the best father (and grandfather) in the world.

You (and Nanay) are my inspiration and I take so much pride to say that I am your daughter. You have acted like a father to thousands of other people (your many many students, your teachers, our other relatives) but Ate and I are the only ones who are so lucky to really come from you. We owe you our vocation and the life we are living now. Thank you so much, Tatay.

I love you!

Your daughter,
V.

*pics taken during my dad's birthday last May 22.

First Day of School Ever

2010-06-20T15:26:00.004+08:00

Zoe had her very first day of regular school this week. She’s three years old and is enrolled as Senior Nursery. Funny, I kept telling myself: one day down, 16 years to go! Hahaha. That's how I really felt. My daughter's no longer a baby ~ she now officially a student and will be in that status for so many years more. And you know what? On that very first day, even while in the car, she kept telling me "bye Mommy!" as if she wanted me to scram, go home, go away, I'm-on-my-own-now, that kind of thing and as I reaction, the more I hugged her and didn't want to let her go. But oh she did very well. She never even looked back as I left her room. Oh, the adventures of being a mother. Truthfully, I couldn't stop being sentimental.

Anyway, would you believe that on her very first day and for the rest of the week, she already had to do homework?! Bah! She has books on Math, Reading and Science and the teacher gives them around 1-2 pages of homework each day. Bah (again)!

Well, of course, at this age, their assignment is still quite easy. Actually, it can even be so much fun! But by the time she’s in immediate level, assignments could feel excruciating! She might even be needing professional Math help, who knows? And I suppose that by that time there will be Algebra problems that will sooner later crop up in their Math problems. Of course, I can still give her some Algebra help, if that’s the case. However, life will be much easier with the Free Algebra help available online especailly if the problems become more complicated for my mind. And don’t forget about the fractions! Personally, this is my weakness (since I think it’s so much easier to just tap on the computer or calculator to do the problems for you.) Anyway, I guess I can still rely on homework help online and no one will notice that I asked a professional’s help to do my daughter’s homework for me. Haha! That is, unless we later on discover that Zoe is a genius and wouldn’t have to ask for any help from me at all.

Oh the adventure begins!

SAHM - Me!

2010-06-15T09:19:00.006+08:00

Wee! I am officially a Stay At Home Mom for one week...and it feels really good.

After working for 13 long years with the same company, I am finally FREE! (Well, at least for 5 more days.) :-)

At any rate, I think Zoe is doing a bit of "lambing" by getting a little sick last night. She and I cuddled together until she fell asleep. Hay, my kids are really my heart. They make me who I am and I love them so much.

Wish me luck guys on my next endeavor!

Translation Services

2010-06-11T14:34:00.002+08:00

I still remember when I went to France a long time ago. It was a wonderful and unforgettable experience. I love the food they served us and the romantic places we went to. I also kept those lovely little trinkets which I bought as souvenirs. I also still have those little key chains and statues that I got from a religious store in Lourdes and they have been memorable keepsakes of my trip there once upon a time.

The only thing I wish I had known about during that time were the available translation services that would be extremely helpful in my trip there. There is also an available service de traduction now that could have helped me in touring along the different places in France.

Anyway, there might still be a chance to go back, who knows? And I really hope to go back there again. You see, that time, I was only there for about three days. That's so short a time to really tour the country. But one thing I do know. If I had stayed a bit longer, I may have to get professional translation services already for I couldn’t talk French at least one tiny bit. LOL.

Me Likey!

2010-06-02T19:16:00.002+08:00

Cara Mia is in fault for the added pounds in my weight this week.

In particular, this is the main culprit!

Now I'm feeling some kind of heartburn... a yummy kind of heartburn.

How My Birthday Went (in pictures)

2010-05-17T09:11:00.009+08:00

The good Lord granted me another year of life and I'm very grateful for the many blessings that He has given me all these years.

And so, to give thanks, we travelled on a pilgrimage to Antipolo on my birthday, May 13, the feast of Our Lady of Fatima.

Being Mary's month, many folks go up to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage to visit the Black Madonna and pay homage.

Masses are held every hour from 5am to 12 noon and then again in the afternoon starting at 4pm (I think).

After the mass, we headed to the pasalubong area. A trip to Antipolo is never complete without these good ol' suman and kasoy.

And then we headed to ever-reliable McDo for a non-stressful breakfast.

We went back home after that and then left again to do my b-day-related government errands: a trip to Philhealth for a correction in the name of a dependent (their fault, argh!), my driver's license renewal, and trips to the municipal hall (for cedula), the baranggay hall (for baranggay clearance) and the police station (for police clearance) - all these were needed for my new employment requirements.

And oh, while waiting for the results of the drug and medical test which I needed for my driver's license renewal, I was able to find some time to go to my favorite places: the Booksale...

Bought this!!

...and Pancake House.

Happy Birthday to me!

Thanks Hunny for making it extra special by being there with me the whole time (no kids in tow this time! hahaha).

My Sister and My Kids

2010-05-14T09:58:00.006+08:00

My sister arrived last week from Iloilo for a 2-day visit.

She bonded with Zoe and Luigi to the max and it shows in the pictures here.

Also, with my sister here, I also realized that Zoe's eyes really look more like hers than mine.

Let's compare.

Zoe and Tita:

Zoe and Mommy:

See?

Our Team-building Activity

2010-04-30T16:12:00.006+08:00

We had a team-building activity last April 17.

It was my first time to have something like this in my 13 years of working with the company. And although I had already had a "secret" plan cooking up (more on that next time), it was, I think, worthwhile experiencing.

Anyway, here are some of our pictures.

Our current feelings:

Jumbled-up letters activity:

Lunch-break:

Group pic:

(Sigh) ~ I'll miss OAGC.

Investment

2010-04-30T15:52:00.002+08:00

With these recent hard times, it's always good to save. With every bit of earnings that one receives, a portion of it should always go to savings and investments. And what other better investment there is, where there is no loss nor depreciation, but in precious metals a.k.a. gold and silver.

With the markets very unpredictable when even the biggest companies have a possibility of crashing, wise individuals buy silver bullion as investments to avoid the effects of the volatile market. Rather that put all their money in just one basket, it is always good to diversify. And one of the oldest and safest form and method of investment is in investing in gold.

Our forefathers have done it and we should definitely learn from them.

Looking Forward to...

2010-04-27T10:35:00.000+08:00

:-)

:-)

:-)

Happy Birthday Pope!

2010-04-16T16:25:00.003+08:00

My prayers and sacrifices are offered up especially for you today.

Happy Birthday to you, our dear Roman Pontiff!

Lunch Buffet at Paul Calvin's Deli

2010-04-14T09:16:00.003+08:00

To celebrate the receipt of our annual performance bonus, a friend and I decided to treat some co-workers to lunch by taking them to Paul Calvin's Deli located at Forbes Town Center, Rizal Drive, Bonifacio Global City.

It was my first time to eat here so I was quite excited.

Here is the buffet set-up.

The salad is refreshing.

And the pasta is cooked on the spot which makes it better. That time, you can get either carbonara or pomodoro. I'm not sure if these are the only choices every single day.

There's just one thing I didn't like. I saw a small roach running around the table where they laid the plates and bowls. I cringed a little at the sight. Well, who wouldn't? (I hope they can take care of that soon.)

I am a LION! RRRrrrrrrrroar!!!

2010-04-08T10:43:00.003+08:00

Zoe's final project for Kindermusik before they end the semester is to bring a home-made animal mask. Tough. Tough. Tough.

So I asked the little girl what animal she wanted to be and, without batting an eyelash, she said she wanted to be a LION! :-)

I immediately (read: hurriedly) worked on our lion project the morning before the class.

This is how it turned out.

During show and tell time, Zoe got so so excited to come out of hiding and act the part. She said "Grrr!!! Rrrroar! I'm a lion!"

...I'm a proud mama. :-)

See the reflection of her lion face in the mirror behind her.

Happy. Happy. Happy.

No Blogging on Lenten Triduum

2010-03-31T15:49:00.004+08:00

Tomorrow will be the start of the Lenten Triduum and as a form of sacrifice, I'll be resting from blogging in the next few days.

I hope all of us Catholics will have a prayerful and meaningful Lent.

Meantime, as a pabaon, I am leaving you with this very recent picture of my kids...

Until then, advance HAPPY EASTER to all!

Luigi's first time to eat solids

2010-03-29T13:54:00.007+08:00

...what a very decriptive title. LOL.

After delaying doing this for 2 weeks (he got sick with stomach flu on his 6th month birthday like the rest of the family), we finally got a go signal to start with solids last week (March 21).

I know that the common trend now is to go organic and natural. I have been doing that now too. However, for this first time, we just gave him the ever-trusted Cerelac.

He liked it a lot.

During this big event for baby, we also had to manage a minor issue with the big sis. She cried and cried while we fed the baby and didn't want Luigi to eat because she said "he had no teeth yet". :-)

Anyway, I think Luigi was born with a big appetite. He was a natural. He giggled and kicked his legs (as if with joy) after his first taste of solid food.

Now, I have already given him squash, avocado and mashed boiled potatoes. Yum-yum!

Need to Smile?

2010-03-24T14:57:00.004+08:00

QUESTION: Who is the cutest?

Hmmm...intriguing question.

••••••Here is THE ANSWER!

☺☺☺☺☺

It's Definitely Summer!

2010-03-22T16:43:00.004+08:00

...and the kids are really enjoying it!!!

Luigi at 6 months

2010-03-18T13:28:00.008+08:00

After a long bout with stomach flu in the family, I am now able to post some updates on this blog.

Our Luigi was sick on his 6th month anniversary. He had suffered from a gastro problem (like Zoe, Hunny and myself) and was taken for a check up with the pedia that same day. Thankfully, he didn't lose his appetite so the doctor only gave him and Zoe some mild medicine to be taken for 5 straight days.

Looking like an angel here with his favorite stuff toy "Moose":

In this next picture, don't you think he looks like a little "bad boy"?

His birthday cake c/o Goldilocks:

Happy birthday baby boy! We're halfway through the 1 year old mark!

Squid Fries

2010-03-01T16:49:00.004+08:00

My friend told me about one of their company's products which is already available in your nearby Robinson's supermarkets.

It's 100% local squid fries!

We cooked a pack last weekend, made our own dipping sauce and it was such definitely a delightful treat. :-)

*pic from website of DCIEi.

Sad News

2010-03-01T16:44:00.000+08:00

I was just listening to the news this morning and heard about the death of Marie Osmond's son, Michael Blosil. Michael, who is only 18 years old, jumped to his death from his apartment building on February 26, 2010. He was said to have been in severe depression in recent years and has reportedly undergone rehab for undisclosed reasons.

Hearing about that piece of news is certainly not the best combination to my morning coffee. It's certainly hard when people in the family have an addiction and need this kind of help. What is really the best is to find a center which can refer you to the best places where your loved one can be treated for whatever addiction he or she is going through. If you live in Winsconsin, you can actually try calling a toll-free number for a referral to a good Wisconsin Drug Rehab. Other than that, you can also fill out an online form and you will be given apt advice on the available Wisconsin Drug Rehabilitation center which you can contact. Drug Rehab in Wisconsin is now within you and your loved ones' reach. Do something about that addiction, get help now and soon you or your loved one will be on your way to recovery.

Our Valentine's Date

2010-03-01T11:29:00.004+08:00

Our Valentine's was spent on a date with my uncle and aunt who are visiting from the States.

My aunt said she wanted to do something cultural before she returned to the US so we bought tickets to see the Philippine Madrigal Singers at the Meralco Theatre last February 13. I personally was so happy since I love The Madz! What's more it is that we were seated at the 3rd row which means we got to see the concert in its meaty goodness.

My relatives loved their kundiman medley which, I think, brought back memories of their younger days here in the Philippines. I, on the other hand, loved all of the songs in the second half which were a mix of popular local and foreign (and more updated) songs.

For a great and enjoyable Valentine's, seeing the Madz would always be on top of my list.

Bad Blogger.

2010-02-24T17:31:00.005+08:00

That's me. And add the word "lazy" na rin. Hehehe.

I just realized that I haven't updated this site for a couple of weeks already. I've been mighty busy plus I've been feeling like a wreck for the past few days.

I promise to be a "good blogger" soon with more interesting updates. But that's until I start feeling better about myself.

And I wish that happens soonest.

P.S. My updates are mostly written here.

Mad(z) About Love

2010-02-11T09:15:00.002+08:00

Yes, we're going!

Madz About Love

February 13, 2009

7:30 p.m.

Meralco Theatre

For the benefit of KALFI and Project Brave Kids.

Twinkle, Twinkle

2010-02-10T14:13:00.005+08:00

After our boat project in school, the next show-and-tell activity that Zoe had in Kindermusik was to make a pair of home-made binoculars.

Well, I thought that since they are in the topic of music, movement and stars, it's apt for her binocular's theme to be STARS.

So this is how our binoculars turned out:

I used two tissue paper rolls, black gift wrap, glitter glue (from NBS), a red and gold ribbon and then some puffed star stickers which I got from Greenhills.

She loved it and I'm so glad.

Relatives from Abroad

2010-02-05T13:05:00.004+08:00

My uncle and aunt were on their way out when I asked them for a quick pose together with the kids. They were going home to the province that day while we, on the other hand, had to accompany Zoe to school that afternoon (look at Zoe holding her boat) and also go find some car accessories to replace the ones which got destroyed during the flood.

Anyway, this is my Tita Tita holding Luigi and my Tito Jerry sitting beside Zoe. Smile!!!

A closer look at Luigi and Auntie Tita...(oh boy, what a big head you've got Luigi!)

A solo picture of Zoe with her Kindermusik project:

Anyway, I took the afternoon off the other day in order to accompany them to go to Greenhills to check out the bargains. We were all so eager to go and get the best buys available there. I even took the taxi from the office just to get home as early as I could. However, we all got there only to find out that the tiangge shops were closed that day and will only resume on Friday. Tough luck! And so, we might just try to go back there tomorrow and see how it is. I really want to avoid the crowds because it's no joke for my uncle and aunt to be walking around for hours given their age and health condition.

Wedding Gift

2010-02-03T15:16:00.004+08:00

As part of our gift to our newly-wedded friends, M & C, I had this photo personalized through a site on the internet, had it developed at a photo store in Greenbelt and then placed it in a nice wooden black frame which I got from a frame distributor that incidentally had a booth at the Glorietta activity center last Friday.

Let me just say that I'm beginning to like personalized gifts!

M & C's Wedding

2010-02-02T11:45:00.007+08:00

We had just attended the wedding of my good friend C last Saturday. It was a very simple but nice wedding. We helped C out during the preparations since she only just came back from London, where she is currently based.

The ceremony was held in a nearby church, just around 10 minutes away from our house. It was a small church. The priest who ministered to them was a new and young priest so the wedding was not so tensed. They had no big entourage. It was only the parents and C's sister (and her boyfriend) who stood as the entourage.

The small reception was held at the adjoined function rooms of Conti's in Greenbelt, Makati. Anyway, apart from a small glitch with the room arrangements, the dinner was good and tasty. I love the fact that as soon as you go out of the restaurant, it was like "back to reality" again for us and for the newly-weds. This is because nobody was really that made-up or dolled up. It was just the couple, their families and some close friends. It was just like we got invited to a special dinner get-together with good friends. There was no need to be extra cautious of what to say or how to act, compared when you have to attend a formal event or something. It felt natural and I think that's a good thing.

Anyway, as part of our wedding gift, we bought the souvenirs for the guests. This was a last minute thing since C had insisted that we skip this detail. But for me kasi, a wedding is not a wedding without giveaways! Haha! So my husband and I made a quick stop at a certain mall and was able to score lovely bracelets.

So where will they have their honeymoon, you might ask. Maybe they are planning to go a trip somewhere in Europe when they both fly to London . They can go to Germany or Italy or whatever. I heard that they can try Golf Platzreife. I'll tell them to visit this helpful website http://www.golfakademie.com/ and maybe they can carry on their honeymoon swimming, playing golf or shopping at the Golfshop.

Will post pictures in my other blog.

Build Me a Boat!

2010-02-02T09:47:00.004+08:00

Zoe had an "assignment" for her Kindermusik class the other week and this was what we came up with~

In fairness, me thinks Zoe's boat is lovely. :-)

Zoe just needs to learn how to restrain herself during class so that the teacher wouldn't have to keep on telling her to sit down and wait for her turn. And since she couldn't wait, she ended up in tantrums and we had to miss much of the class because we had to step out as courtesy to the rest of the students. Really, it's sayang since I think my little girl deserves some consolation for bringing a pretty red boat.

Anyway, next week, we're bringing home-made binoculars. *-* Ayayay! Wish us luck.

Oblena Reunion

2010-01-21T10:05:00.003+08:00

Our balikbayan relatives set a date for us to meet some of our Oblena relatives based in the States. We all had a fun time (minus the "nosebleed" haha) eating, talking, picture-taking, etc. etc.

For dinner, we served kare-kare, lumpiang shanghai, pancit malabon, crispy pata, pata tim, humba, beef kaldereta, banana crumble, carrot cake, pudding, ice cream, ripe mangoes, bibingka, and lots, lots more! Truly a genuine Filipino dinner!

I'm thinking of Ezy Roller, toys, Chistmas and many other things

2010-01-20T14:34:00.005+08:00

With Christmas just recently over, I gathered my kids' new Christmas toys in one big bag while thinking of where to store all these new loots. These were mostly toys given by godparents and thoughtful relatives and friends. For Zoe, her favorite toy now is the twist car that she received from her grandfather (I'll post the pictures after I transfer the files from the cellular phone). It's something like an Ezy Roller but it's made of plastic. She also got some personalized pillowcases from her aunties and a nap mat.

Anyway, while carrying away the toys to the play room in the attic, one of the things that crossed my mind is how I, as a parent, can provide an example of the true spirit of Christmas amidst the many and almost unavoidable spirit of "consumerism" that tags itself along with Christmas. By that I don't want to mean we will get rid of the idea of receiving gifts altogether next Christmas. I just want to my kids to be more reflective about Christmas as they grow up and not just look forward to the season just because they will be given new toys and new clothes.

At the top of my head, I am thinking that maybe it would be better to take advantage of the Christmas season to give them good experiences, rather than just good gifts. I read somewhere that part of your Christmas tradition (and resoultion) as a parent should be getting to spend more quality time with your children. This could range from getting off from work promptly to be with them, cooking for them a special meal every Sunday of Advent, bringing them to a fun show or to the park, driving to a nearby town to explore nature...you know, things like that. Of course, giving them a new book or a new bike would be an awesome thing for a kid especially during Christmas. It's still a good thing to do but it shouldn't just end there. As a parent, our aim is to give our children the best, both in material and non-material things. Why? Because we love them.

1st Christmas

2010-01-05T13:46:00.006+08:00

When Zoe celebrated her 1st Christmas last 2006, we made sure that she had a nice picture taken. This was her picture (taken c/o Great Image):

This year, it's Luigi's turn to wear the exact same outfit. We did a shoot for Luigi right before Christmas. We didn't exactly had the chance to bring him to a professional photographer so we made do with the camera of Teng's niece...

I love it.

A Back Post...

2010-01-05T13:39:00.004+08:00

I almost forgot to post Zoe's pics taken during their Kindermusik Christmas Party.

The kids were asked to come in Christmas colors...

Obviously, Zoe had so much fun!

Belle de Jour 2010

2010-01-05T13:32:00.003+08:00

...for sale!

Just like last year, I am selling an extra Belle de Jour power planner.

For more details, pls. visit this post on my other blog.

On Demand, In Demand

2009-12-28T12:37:00.003+08:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.

Belated Merry Christmas everyone! How were your holiday celebrations?

Well, as far as I'm concerned, Christmas was just wonderful. It's always great to be able to spend it with my family and the people I love. Plus this Christmas is extra special this year with the new addition to our family: baby Luigi. With the gift of the new baby's coming, I just wouldn't ask for anything more.

Speaking of gifts, I'm still holding on the decision on what to give my husband for Christmas. I was only able to buy him clothes and a pair of shoes (which I don't think officially qualify as Christmas gifts since the money used literally still came from him). Anyway, I'm thinking of applying either for a DSL connection for him or getting him Charter digital. Problem is, I really don't know much about HD TV. I actually clicked on the web to learn more at charter.net/ondemand and found out what I needed to know. Plus, I now get updates and fun extras on Charter’s Facebook page to see what they have in store for my husband once we subscribe to On Demand.

Do you think my husband would like this Christmas gift idea? Well, we'll soon find out!

Merry Christmas to Everyone!

2009-12-23T08:51:00.001+08:00

Make your way to Bethlehem, go up to the Child, rock him in your arms, say warm and tender things to him, press him close to your heart... I am not talking childish nonsense, I am speaking of love! And love is shown with deeds. In the intimacy of your soul, you can indeed hug him tight. (The Forge, 345)

Have a merry Christmas to you and your whole family!

Rubbing Elbows...

2009-12-22T16:07:00.005+08:00

...with the President (and other VIPs).

...that's how our annual office Christmas party has always been.

Boring? Well, not really. It's actually kinda enjoy to eat and party with our bosses once a year. :-)

(My other less serious party here.)

Same Time Last Year...

2009-12-14T16:55:00.004+08:00

About a year ago, it was just all about two pink lines...

Now, it's about two BIG eyes...and MORE! :-)

I love you baby!

You Must be an Angel!

2009-12-08T15:25:00.008+08:00

Does Zoe look like a real angel here? So cute, right?

While looking for Free Wordpress themes for my old vinanini wordpress blog (my original blog!), I found this cute thing online. I managed to use one of Zoe's photos and upload it into this angel picture. (Oh, the many enjoyments of blogging and the web!)

Speaking of angels, I remember this conversation we had with Zoe a few days ago.

Mommy: What would you give to Daddy and Mommy this Christmas, Zoe?
Zoe: Magpapakabait na po ako (I'll be a good girl already).
Mommy: Why? Hasn't Zoe been good?
Zoe: Hindi, si Luigi lang ang mabait. (No, only Luigi has been good).

"Paawa" effect pa ha.

On the side, I'm giving myself a mental note not to compare the two so as not to bring about sibling rivalry or something to that effect.

In Honor of Today's Feast

2009-12-08T13:34:00.006+08:00

The Immaculate Conception of the Escorial
c1678 Museo del Prado, Madrid

Almighty God, Omnipotent and Infinitely Wise, had to choose his Mother. What would you have done, if you had had to choose yours? I think that you and I would have chosen the mother we have, filling her with all graces. That is what God did: and that is why, after the Blessed Trinity, comes Mary. Theologians have given a rational explanation for her fullness of grace and why she cannot be subject to the devil: it was fitting that it should be so, God could do it, therefore he did it. That is the great proof: the clearest proof that God endowed his Mother with every privilege, from the very first moment. That is how she is: beautiful, and pure, and spotless in soul and body! (The Forge, 482)

Looks Good on Luigi

2009-12-02T13:47:00.004+08:00

In case you're wondering, 98 stands for September 8 (Luigi's birthday). :-)

Part of my Christmas Wish List...

2009-12-02T13:32:00.005+08:00

...this one I want to either my sister (as a teaching aid) or Zoe (for future use). Just don't know how I'll have it shipped here.

From the website:

Music Ace Deluxe™ combines 36 of the highly-engaging music lessons from the award-winning Music Ace and Music Ace 2 products into a single, carefully sequenced product.

Designed by music education professionals, Music Ace Deluxe is a comprehensive series of music lessons and games that teach beginning music students of all ages the basics of music theory, rhythm, pitch, note reading, listening, and the keyboard. No previous musical experience or instrument is required.

Under the guidance of animated tutor Maestro Max, students are led through a carefully sequenced series of music lessons. Used alone or as a complement to traditional music lessons, this program will challenge, engage and motivate music students and help them succeed by mastering important music concepts and skills.

Music Ace Deluxe also includes the creative Music Doodle Pad that allows beginners to easily compose and hear their own musical creations. The Music Doodle Pad alone provides many hours of fun and learning.

This program will challenge, engage and motivate music students and help them succeed by mastering important music concepts and skills.

You know it's time to lose weight...

2009-11-26T11:52:00.008+08:00

...when somebody asks you when you're due when in fact, you've already given birth more than two months ago. YIKES

That happened to me the other day. I don't know if the person was just absent-minded or was set to ruin my day.

At any rate, I forgive her...but I have yet to forgive myself.

Trick or Treat at Kindermusik

2009-11-24T11:41:00.005+08:00

For the culminating event for Zoe's Our Time class and also in line with the Halloween celebrations, they were asked to come in their favorite costume.

We got Zoe a Little Red Riding Hood outfit from SM and boy did she look so cute on it! :-)

Here are some pictures.

Little Red Riding Hood Zoe:

During class with T. Jeannie:

Handing out of the certificates:

Goodbye-time:

After a couple of Our Time classes, Zoe is now ready to join the Imagine That classes next semester. I'm sure it will be a lot of fun!

Kidz Kraze Loots

2009-11-19T11:15:00.008+08:00

We were one of the early birds to the first day of the Richwell Toy Sale in Libis. Okay sana but the line to the cashier was super duper long...I was so tired to the max! Pero ganun ata talaga ang sacrifice para sa mga gustong makatipid. But I swear, I won't ever fall in line like that ever again.

Anyways, here are some of my loots (among other things I bought for my kids).

Leapfrog Disney Princess Laptop (Zoe loves it!)

Pads for the "milking cow" me.

For baby Luigi.

For Luigi (again) -- This was a major purchase kaya despite skimping on other stuff, our total cost was super laki pa rin.

Back to Work

2009-11-19T11:02:00.009+08:00

"Mommy, hwag ka pasok sa office! Hindi na! Dito ka na lang house."

That's what Zoe said to me upon waking up and seeing me already in my black office suit this morning. Hay. Really it breaks my heart to leave them at home while I go very early to work and not return until the evening.

I had replied by saying, "Mommy has to go to the office today, Sweetheart".

"Sa ___ (says name of my office)? Well, okay. Ako, wowork din dito na lang sa house." (By this she means she will play with her new laptop which I got from the Richwell sale --- found in my next entry).

Oh well, that's the life of a working mom. This is the life I choose to live so I better just make the most of it.

Which Side Are You On?

2009-10-30T16:25:00.004+08:00

My hubby and I have been on our toes watching the first two games of the World Series. This year, the championship is between the New York Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies. While the Phillies are the defending champions, we are still happily rooting for the Yankees. We've come to love this team even with its ups and downs in the last few years. I like them so much that I was so tempted to name our new baby "Derek" (after Derek Jeter) instead of Luigi. Hahaha.

The current standing is tied to 1-1. After two games held at the new Yankees Stadium, the whole pack is flying to Philadelphia this weekend for game number 3. We're keeping our fingers crossed that the Yankees will win. Meantime, I'm doing a torrents search for some online baseball games that could keep me entertained while waiting for Saturday night's game.

How things are now...

2009-10-29T11:45:00.002+08:00

Hi guys!

How are things with you? For me, things have been mostly the same day in, day out. It's made up of constantly breastfeeding Luigi, chasing around Zoe, reading, praying, taking a bath, eating. That's it. I seldom get the chance to go out of the house especially since the car is out of order. Neither do I get "me time" but I feel din that it's not a loss for me (you can just imagine how my hair is now --- totally not presentable!). For many, I don't really seem to get anything much done. But I swear --- I could go on like this forever! I just want to cherish these days with the babies. I know that I won't be able to repeat this experience once I go back to work again. This kind of bonding is so priceless.

Sunny Days

2009-10-21T11:51:00.003+08:00

Just a snap shot of the kiddies with our reliable Ate Cat.

Mornings are definitely sunnier with them around!

A Glimpse of Ondoy

2009-10-16T09:14:00.004+08:00

It's so hard to post pics here lately because of my slow internet connection...

So these are the only pics I can come up with at the moment regarding the recent tragedy called ONDOY.

The first one is taken infront of our house on Sept. 26, 2009, the day of the flood. The water rose up to 8 feet deep outside in the street. It may not look so deep from here but you see, our house is already more than 7 feet elevated from the street.

This second pic is taken almost from the same place/angle, but this time, the water has now subsided and our neighbors are beginning their clean-up efforts.

Crazy, huh?

Dear Lord, may this never happen again.

Sobrang Busy

2009-10-16T08:54:00.003+08:00

Hi! Just wanted to drop a line or two here because I've been missing blogging. I've been so busy kasi with family life that I almost never get to do other things, much less go online.

Anyway, this week was so packed. After Ondoy, I literally had 'binat' and was feverish for days. My husband had to rush me to Cardinal Santos one time because my fever just keeps coming back. Anyway, they put me on a round of antibiotics to clear the infection that I seemed to have. And then, amidst this, we still decided to push through with Luigi's baptism last October 10 (with the reception held at home). It was a small and intimate party, both intentionally and unintentionally. Meaning, we only invited half of the number we invited compared to Zoe's baptism but then maybe because of the lack of time to invite and the hangover from Ondoy, only half of the invited were able to come. Anyway, at least nakaraos na. Then come Monday, I had to go to my scheduled annual retreat. It was my fist time to really be out of the house that long (I'm so not used to it anymore). I had to pump milk in-between the activities, hahaha. Sure, it was sort of distracting since I really ought to be continually praying. But who says you can't pray while expressing milk? It's weird but actually doable. :-)

So now, I'm back at home. I just love being with the kiddies and my sweetheart that I think I can stay like this forever...

After the Storm

2009-10-07T10:18:00.005+08:00

Hi guys! I'm back from the dead. Hahaha.

Maybe some of you are already wondering whether we're okay or not since it been well reported in the news that our area has been one of the hardest hit by the storm Ondoy. Well, it's true. Actually, our village is no longer a stranger to flash floods when rains comes. However, this last time was different. I've never seen anything like it - no flood as high as this one. Thank God for parents who constructed a house that is "ridiculously elevated" that we only experienced ankle-deep flood inside the main level of the house. But you see, to put things in perspective, the ankle-deep flood inside our house already translates to about 8 feet-deep water outside which means that a normal person would have to swim through the muddy and dirty water already if he has to evacuate to a safer place.

Anyway, with the four days of flood, what suffered the most damage is our car which was left in the garage and which was fully submerged in the floodwater for days. Since nobody expected the water to rise that high, we had no choice but to surrender and just leave the car (and everything inside it) as it is. Losing the car is way better than losing a whole house, right? Besides, our family and our next-door neighbors who stayed with us are all safe. With that in mind, I think we are still very blessed. At any rate, we can always look at used cars if we save enough money to buy another car in the future. Meantime, my husband is uber-busy dismantling the car now and drying it up properly. Hopefully, in time, the car will work again.

P.S. I'll post some pics in my next entry!

Adjusting

2009-09-26T10:33:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone!

Luigi is now more than 2 weeks old and we're both adjusting well so far. His cheeks are getting chubby now and his body is already getting filled up with some fat. I'm proud to be a breastfeeding mom (for the very first time) and happy that the baby is benefittng a lot from it.

I wish I could show you more pics but I've got no time for that just now. Life is quite a blur these days, ya know. However, it still feels good even as we practically just let the days pass spent mainly taking care of the baby boy and the "super makulit" Ate.

I'll be back with more kwento! Stay dry and safe amidst the stormy weather.

P.S. Naku, please pray that the rains would stop na so that the flood wouldn't rise and reach the inside of our car which is parked in the garage!!! Whaaaa!!!!

He's Finally Here!

2009-09-08T20:59:00.003+08:00

No words can express our happiness...

Welcome JOSE LUIGI D. PINEDA! Born September 8, 2009 at 7:09 a.m., 5.5lbs via RCS at Cardinal Santos Medical Center, San Juan City.

Prayers on Sept. 8

2009-09-07T15:41:00.003+08:00

Hi everyone!!! Just making a quick post now before we leave for the hospital this afternoon. Was at the doctor's clinic this morning and she finally gave me the "sentence". At 39 weeeks and 6 days, she wants me to undergo CS tomorrow, Sept. 08 (Mama Mary's birthday), at 6:30 a.m. It seems that my cervix just won't open and so...I need to be opened up to delivery the baby via caesarean section.

Pls. pls. pray for me because I'm honestly so scared of undergoing another operation: the needles, the incisions, the wound, etc. etc. However, I want to be positive and think that this is all a part of my being a mother. I prayed so much for a VBAC but maybe God has other plans for me and baby boy. As long as the baby is healthy and good, I am willing to undergo the pain all for him.

Hopefully, I'll do very well. Will try to be up and about as soon as I can. It'll be Zoe's 3rd birthday on Wednesday, Sept. 09. Given that, I'll have to make advance preparations so that the little girl won't feel so left out since her daddy and I will be in the hospital that day. Maybe the official party will just follow this weekend (once I can stand on my own already!).

Pls. keep me and my whole family in mind tomorrow and the following days. Will keep you all posted! Thanks in advance!!!

Still Here...

2009-08-20T08:44:00.004+08:00

...and still preggy.

Sorry to have been sort of neglecting this little space of mine in the net. I've been so busy with so many things: getting ready to go on leave (turn-overs are so much pressure), preparing the house and the baby stuff, and most importantly, getting ready to give birth.

This pregnancy has had its many twists and turns and I don't think it will end until THE DAY. Just went to the doc yesterday (I'm now at full-term at 37 weeks) but my cervix is as it is: VERY CLOSED (sigh). Plus, my amniotic fluid is becoming less and less just like my first pregnancy. And so, we continue to pray for a safe delivery (however it will be) and a healthy and happy baby. Pls. pray with us!!!!

Thanks!

A Mini Reunion

2009-08-12T16:39:00.003+08:00

My cousins and I had a short get-together last Friday night to bid Jay Anne, Mike and Basty farewell as they were leaving for the States to stay there for good.

It was so much fun chatting and eating with them. For sure, without Jay Anne's family during our usual family holiday celebrations, there will be sort of a hole in our hearts. They will be sorely missed!

Here are some pictures:

Getting bigger and bigger by the day...

Basty with my cousin Jojie:

Zoe with Aila:

To Jay - hope you come home to Manila once in a while! We will miss you and everyone else!

An Ode to Kikay

2009-08-07T14:19:00.004+08:00

Kikay, a Maltese and Japanese Spitz combi and our pet dog since 2004, suddenly passed away today. Actually, she is Francis' pet. And since Francis was suddenly sent back to the province to continue his studies there a few weeks ago, it may be that his dog felt the emptiness with his amo's sudden departure and died.

Overall, Kikay was an amazing pet. She would bark to protect us (and protect us she did many times!). She was loyal, fun and beautiful. She always put a smile on our faces as she would pounce around us when we arrive from work.

Memories of Francis a.k.a Kiko (circa 2005) with his dog Kikay:

We will all miss you Kikay (most especially for Kiko). We love you!

Rest in peace, Kikay. You will always be remembered.

It Never Fails...

2009-08-04T13:18:00.005+08:00

...that whenever Zoe sees someone wearing anything with SPONGEBOB on it (whether big or small, be it on a shirt, bag or even on a shoe), she couldn't resist screaming --- "SPONGEBOB!!! SPONGEBOB!!!"

As the parent, I sometimes feel guilty how I let her be so ecstatic over a cartoon character. *-*

P.S. And do you know how she would answer when asked the name of her teacher in Kindermusik? She'd say "Teacher Jeannie Neutron!!!" Gosh!

Back to School

2009-08-03T14:06:00.006+08:00

I almost forgot to blog about Zoe's classes at Kindermusik (Our Time - Wiggles and Giggles) at Teacher Jeannie and Company.

On the first day of classes, I unfortunately left the camera in the car so didn't have pictures to show (tsk, tsk). And so, for the second class held last Saturday, I made sure that I was armed with a cam to capture her moments in schoool.

Obviously, Zoe is having a blast in school.

Here she is holding her Zig-Zag, practicing her "Wishy, washy, wishy, washy, wee!!!!"

Zoe carrying her Wiggles and Giggles bag:

We were one of the early birds to arrive in school so Zoe had time to play around the area:

Here she is smiling at the camera for Mommy:

Zoe getting her star stamps from T. Jeannie:

Looking forward to the classes until October!

From Low to High

2009-07-30T17:02:00.004+08:00

Just went for another ultrasound yesterday to check fetal biometry and the position of my placental. We were praying hard that the baby is still doing great and for my placenta to go up.

And so after minutes of checking, the Lord has indeed answered our prayers. The baby is very active and he is now in cephalic position (Zoe before was insistently in breech position). My amniotic fluid (which was also my problem the last time) is still at the normal level too. As for my placenta, it has gone up and is now considered high lying instead of low lying as it was a couple of weeks ago. Praise be to God!

...And He even gave a bonus --- I think we could now try to have a VBAC this time around. Exciting!!!

I'm a happy mommy!!!

5 weeks to go...

2009-07-27T18:16:00.002+08:00

Only 5 weeks to go before I pop!

We finally settled on September 01 for my delivery date. I already got my admitting slip from the doctor last Saturday and we have already reserved the DL in Cardinal Santos at 7:30 in the morning. Though I still need to have another ultrasound this Wednesday to check my placenta, all is set for the BIG DAY.

Now, all I need to do is to appear. LOL.