Mommy Moments - First Smile

Zach's first smile captured on cam. He's the type na "binibili ang ngiti." But we were so surprised to see this devilish smile from a 3 month old.

Gabe was just a day old when he showed us his first smile. We were still in the hospital when this pic was taken.

To see some more first smiles visit or join here.

Snowflakes

Not that there's snow in Laguna. I was just amazed when I read some facts about snow in a book that my neighbor lends me for Zach.

The book says that the snowflakes has six sides. It's a hexagon. That's why they appear as they are in drawings. But what's more amazing is that no two snowflakes are ever exactly alike. You know, I cant imagine and I have never seen real snowflakes in my life (i wish) and i don't know how big is a big snowflake. Two inches? An inch? half inch? God is truly amazing.

If a tiny creation like a snowflake is made unique by God, how much more important are each one of us? God made us all different from one another. Biology says that no two DNA of men are alike.

You are special in God's sight.

After we read.....

Dragon Dance

Last Sunday, after our worship service, we had our time with what we can call our support group in church. They are also married couples like us who have kids in the same age group. I believe these couples would be good mortgage leads.

After our lunch, the men and women separated for a "men's talk" and "women's talk." We talked about what we are going through with our relationship with our husband and how are we doing as mommies. Oh I realized all of us in the group are stay at home moms. It really helps to know that there are women like me who undergo the same struggles as mine. And of course it helps to learn from each other's experiences and to hear sound advice.

The dragon dance ended our talks as our kids wanted to see it. Only to realize that the kids are afraid of the dragon and the banging cymbals. Especially Gabe who clings to me like a monkey.

I wonder what voice broadcasting is all about?

Mommy Moments: Latest Birthday Photo

This is my entry for last Friday's Mommy Moments. Sorrowy for the delay.

Can't find my eldest son's latest birthday photo so I only got my bunsoy's pics for you.

Dec. 3 is Gabe's birthday but Dec. 6 last year, when we celebrated Gabe's first birthday.

Join us here

Raking Awards

Now, I'm raking awards because of Mhay. Thanksie!

Cute Blogger Award

The Rules:
1. Each blogger must post these rules.

2. Each blogger starts with ten random facts/habits about themselves.

3. Bloggers that are tagged need to write ten facts about themselves. You need to choose ten people to tag and list their names.

Ten Random Facts About Me:

1. At first tahimik. Pero pag tumagal, makulit din pala.

2. There are times when I just want to stay quiet and don't talk.

3. I love to eat.

4. I have a heart disease since childhood.

5. I love music and singing on videoke but have not been up to lately.

6. I'm a very fickle minded person.

7. I didn't know I would want to stay at home before I had kids. But I resigned from work last 2007 when I was pregnant with my youngest. And now i'm a stay at home mom hoping to earn extra through blogging. kaching kaching!

8. I love photography and i'm now teaching myself the art.

9. I love lipsticks and I feel like I always need to put some on.

10. I was a totally different person but because of God's grace i was changed.


Here's another one.

I Am Fabulous! Award


The Rules for the Tag are:

1. You need to list 5 Addictions that you have.
2. You have to pass this Tag to five (5) or more people with fabulous Blogs.

My Five Addictions:

1. I'm addicted to blogging lately. Just keep those opps coming! Awryt!
2. Lipstick or lipgloss - can't leave home without them
3. I love watching The Foxy Lady. There's a catch up on QTV 11.
4. My kids.
5. My hubby.

Now you rake these awards too: Juliana, Lena, Maricel, Mommy Ruby, Sexymom and Roselle.

Feb is Here

January is running out from the calendar. Do you realize that it's going to be February next week?

I hope I'd have a chance to be with my mom on her birthday on the 4th.

It also means that Valentine's Day is here again. I'm dreaming of just relaxing on that day. Just laying down on a hot tub like lazy spa. It'll be so destressing and rejuvinating. Wow! that's a great treat for hubby who's been tired from work lately. Hope my massages satisfy him at the moment.

I wonder what food I'd be filled with SIL's treat for her birthday on the 22nd....

Picnic at the Park

We had a mini picnic at the park yesterday. Too bad the ice cream melted coz we forgot to turn the freezer nob higher. But still of course, the kids enjoyed eating the 'cream.'

Happy Birthday Blog!

Exactly a year ago, I started to create this blog. And for this year, one of my goals is to pursue my earning through this blog. It's not my number one goal for this blog though, but the benefits I get out of it could help financially. Especially that we only rely from hubby's income. If this online marketing career really blooms it would really be good to consult the channel advisor custom store. I'm happy that at the start of the year I've been getting tasks.

Or if I'm really interested I will need to put http://imonlinegroup.com blog as a daily read. Just look at how efficient imonlinegroup designed the ebay store.

I feel so blessed that God is really setting us up for this new year.

First Date

Doing one of goals this year, hubby and I had our first monthly date last Saturday. Take note, he was the one who planned it. That's after I followed it up from him coz the month is nearly over.

Since there's nothing to spend, hehe, we just had a quiet time/date in our village park. O diba, uso parin samen ang date sa park. We read this passage in Ephesians 3:

15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. 18Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

21Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

We exchanged our thoughts about it then we prayed together. We went home after that but when we found out that the kids are busy - zach was playing nickjr.com and gabe's in dreamland - we went back to the park with the camera. More or less it's just a hundred steps away from our house ;)

We tinkered with the cam since hubby wants to learn how to use the manual mode. Here's our first try with M mode:

Yehey! I know how to do it. But obviously, I still need to practice the techniques and creativity.

I enjoyed our date coz I learned something new together with hubby. Hoping for more coz I don't remember the last time we had a date with only the two of us together.

Still want to blog some more but I can't resist my back to bed now. Good night and good morning!

Welcoming 2009 - Late Post

Late post. Was looking for zach's latest bday pic when I saw this from hubby's picasa album. The two kids are wearing army uniforms, Christmas gifts from my mom. I guess it would be fun if they wear football player costume. hehe!

The kids didn't appreciate the fireworks that much as to our surprise. zach really felt sleepy while Gabe was afraid of the booming firecrackers.

I missed welcoming the new year with my parents and siblings but it's a new experience though. First new year in our own home.

My Mama and Papa

This was during their barangay fiesta. Mama called me this morning and told me to watch their video. hehehehe! Galing talaga humanap ng attire.

I'm happy that at their age they still enjoy their relationship. Other times they will just sing on videoke or play scrabble together. I love seeing how they enjoy their partnership.

I love you Ma and Pa. I pray for your good health and long life.

New Car for the New Year

It's not a BYD E6 Electric car but we're thankful that we have a car to use. It's FIL's old car. He handed me his car key two weeks ago when they arrived in our home bringing our househelp.

Hubby started practice driving just last Friday and last Sunday we used it already going to church. With two kids, it's truly more convenient than to be commuting. I can't wait to go farther and go to different places when hubby acquired a license already. Everyone wishes for a hybrid car like the ones made by BYD but this will do for now.

Noblesse Oblige

This Award is presented to bloggers who display consistency in any one or a combination of these conditions:

1. The Blogger manifests exemplary attitude, respecting the nuances that pervades amongst different cultures and beliefs.

2. The Blog contents inspire; strives to encourage and offers solutions.

3. There is a clear purpose at the Blog; one that fosters a better understanding on Social, Political, Economic, the Arts, Culture and Sciences and Beliefs.

4. The Blog is refreshing and creative.

5. The Blogger promotes friendship and positive thinking.

The Blogger who receives this award will need to perform the following steps:

1. Create a Post with a mention and link to the person who presented the Noblesse Oblige Award.

2. The Award Conditions must be displayed at the Post.

3. Write a short article about what the Blog has thus far achieved – preferably citing one or more older Post to support.

4. The Blogger must present the Noblesse Oblige Award in concurrence with the Award conditions.

5. The Blogger must display the Award at any location at the Blog.

I'm honored to receive this award from Chris. Thank you po.

One of my goals for this blog is to share God's word as how it helps me in my everyday living. And as well uplift the spirit of the readers who can relate to the same situation as I am. I am not trying to preach through this blog but I want to let people know that God's word is the ultimate guide for anyone's life in every circumstances. I hope I'm reaching my goal so far.

Through this blog also, I have gained lots of blogger friends, mostly mommies who share the same struggles and thoughts like mine and vise versa. I think the struggle of fighting everyday to fit blogging in my schedule as a stay at home mom is an achievement too. I had lowdown for some months last year but I'm glad to be up again.

This blog is having its first birthday this coming Jan. 23. And I hope I could really continue on because I love doing this and it helps me grow in some way.

I'm giving this award to Cheerleader, Cielo, Daei and Mhay.

Seven Signs

I've realized lately that I've been complaining about my skin. It's so tempting at this time to visit MYA Cosmetic Surgery for their skin treatments. They offer the best breast augmentation uk so they might also have the best skin regimen. The 'seven signs of skin aging' looks visible on my skin. That's being exaggerated though but I've noticed wrinkles on my face and dry spots on my skin. I've also noticed some scars that I didn't know I have before.

I hope it's normal for my age or I'm not really that young already. Either way, I feel sad for having these skin problems.

I lost a lot of weight after I gave birth to my youngest and I still have not recovered. That I think might be one reason of those skin problems. But the number one factor I think is that I need to have daily vitamin supplements coz I'm still breastfeeding my son. I've been taking vitamins before but I stopped coz it's making me sleepy all throughout the day, which I coudn't do.

What My Kids Are Eating

Zach enjoying his peanut butter sandwich. Finishing four loaves.

While Gabe

three front teeth

what are you eating?


leaves!

Mommy Moments - First Picture

I decided to join because pictures really brings you back to the sentimental moments in your life. And as well it's a good way of getting to know each other more here in the blogo.

This is one of Virgil Zachary's first pictures. He was born on July 8, 2005. Need to find his very first pic, the one when his cord is still attached. While this one is literally, may gatas pa sa labi.

Winter Gabriel was born on Dec. 3, 2007. His first 24 hours, he didn't want to drink milk so he he needed to be observed in the NICU and have an IV to help maintain (or maybe add) sugar to his blood. After having IV for a day (poor baby), he finally took his milk. When I see this photo I remember waiting for him in our room and this is how I first saw him.

Zach Schooling

Sometimes, when the school bus arrives, Zach would excitedly peek out and watch as the kid neighbor gets off and until the bus leaves. He would say he will be riding the school bus when he goes to school.

I'm feeling a mix of emotions when I imagine him schooling already. Excited because he'll be learning new and important things for the future. And sad because it would mean he's really growing up and starting to have plans of his own and exercising his budding independence.

I'm also worried about the pressures he would need to face. Firstly, the adjustment of everyday preparing to go to school, homeworks, reviews, exams. And also the pressure of meeting new people, kids and being in a new environment.

Zach is turning 4 years old in July. Honestly, I want as much as possible for him to spend more time at home to as much as possible avoid exposing him to other influences. But at the same time I don't want him to start schooling and learning late for his age. That's why I'm considering Kumon.

From what I know, in Kumon, the child goes to class only twice a week but has homeworks to do during the days that he's home. That means, the mother needs to be there to assist the child and I like the idea of like homeschooling him.

I got more interested when my friend whos child is in Kumon said that it's a one on one class. So the teaching is focused and based on the learning pace of the child.

I found their website and I'm happy to know that there's a branch near our place. I need to inquire more especially about the cost. Still I will be inquiring from schools in the area. Weighing the costs, advantages and disadvantages of enrolling in Kumon versus in a regular school.

What do you think?

Love Is My Word

Your Word is "Love"

You see life as possibility to form deep connections with a few people. Relationships are the center of your world, and you always take time to bond with those you love. You are caring and giving. You enjoy helping those you love. And when it comes to romantic love, you feel passionately ... even in a very long term relationship.

What's Your Word?

I really believe in LOVE.
If God didn't love, then man wouldn't be here. And if after God got tired of loving, then life would've been extinct millions and millions of years ago.
My favorite verse that I memorized (uhm before) is

1 Corinthians 13

Love

1If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,^[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.

4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

BBRRRRRR

The Northeast or (west?) monsoon or hanging amihan, brings this cold winds that we have lately. Especially during midnight. We seldom turn on our fan during the day and instead just open some windows. I like this weather, cold but not rainy. Makes us save energy too.

I wonder how hot the summer would be. Coz I believe, global warming brings extreme weather. Am I right?

Help Finally Arrived

My in-laws came yesterday afternoon with our new house help. I just pray this time it's a good one. First impression, ok naman. The kids like her. Nothing much with her so far, except that for the colds. She said it's brought by the cold weather since the new year. I'll just give her some medicine.

But wait! There's more! FIL handed me his other car's key. What great parents we have. Early blessings for the new year.

How about you? How has God blessed you lately?

Started with a BANG!

...literally and figuratively speaking.

Minutes before 2008 ended, hubby and I wrote our goals for this year 2009. And so far, not so good hehe! If I'm going to summarize those goals, it should be for the better of ourselves and of our family. It's a guide where our marriage relationship is going.

First day of the year, major BUMP! We seldom have one and this time, it's a bang. Don't worry, it all happened with no violence. But it's a record breaking 4 days of cold war. We're able to talk only on the fourth day. I'm glad we're able to sort things out. We both had expectations that we're not able to communicate with each other so when they were not met, there came the bump. But of course love is sweeter the nth time around.

It's just so sad coz we were not able to celebrate hubby's birthday last Jan. 3. When these things happen, sometimes we become too emotional, prideful and selfish that's why lots of time is wasted. Time supposed to be spent just being happy just came passing by. Anyway, the month's not over yet. Need to be reminding hubby of our date which should be at least twice a month as one of our goals.