♥...Our Christmas, Then and Now...♥

"Our 2010 Christmas Tree in 2010"

"The girls's Photo op with Santa in 2009."

" Bridget's First Christmas ... in 2009 "

Santa's Elf...Moi. Pasko 2010

Photo op with Santa in 2010

♥ Our 2011 Christmas tree ♥

" Photo op with my Elle-2010 "

" My little helpers - Christmas 2010 "

" Cutting our own Tree...2010 "

" Christmas Morning...2011 right after we came home from church "

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

From Our Family to you! Merry Christmas everybody!

"It's easy to get caught up in all the business of Christmas, but I'm wishing you a peaceful Christmas full of the most important things."

Not again!?!

My heart breaks when I heard the news that again my country, the Philippines has been hit by a devastating natural calamity killing hundreds of people and leaving thousands homeless. Not again!?! We have not completely recovered from the previous ones yet and here we are again. I can't help but asked WHY?

I can't stop crying when I saw this photo of a father holding his daughter on his hand. It's heart breaking! It's something that you wouldn't wish to happen to anyone even to your worst enemy.

My heart goes to the people who lost their love ones, who's lives are never going to be the same. The sad part is that knowing our government? and how slow everything works, I don't think these people are going to be helped anytime soon. The saddest part is it's Christmas, how are these people going to celebrate the holidays? It'll be so hard to move on, but knowing us Filipinos and with our strong faith to God we'll stand up again from this trial. The help may not all come from the Government (cause it's impossible) there will be a lot of private citizens and organizations that will lend a helping hand. We'll get through this.

Read this link Storms pound Philippines in the thick of night, kill at least 436 and watch this video.



For Your CASH Donations:

BDO Dollars Account
ACCOUNT NAME: ABS-CBN INC.- SAGIP KAPAMILYA
ACCOUNT NUMBER : 39300-81622
SWIFT CODE: BNORPHMM

Fantasy of lights

We've been going here since 2005 but put off the last two years from some unknown reason I really can't remember . Last night we came after the rush so there will be no line waiting to get in and glad we did cause we were able to take our time. It was fun, fun for the three brats most of all I guess that is what's important. My eldest keeps screaming " This is the happiest night ever!" and my two year old was the happiest cause it's her very first time.

For $15 entrance fee I admit my expectations were a little too high. I thought there will be new lights display, but it's all the same so again I'm glad we put off the last two years so it was all totally new to the girls. Sort of. Then what bugs me the most is that the display is littered with sponsors billboard. I see more ads than lights lol! I think the revenue from the advertisement is not enough so they up the fee to $15 this year. It should be free. Aside from those and little things like, the car behind us forgot to turn his headlights off, staff forgot to hand us the 3d glasses my kids are expecting and the candy cane too in the end, we had fun. Our girls had fun, I hope!

How to thin out thick hair?

Oh how I wish that is me asking that question. How to thin out my thick hair? Cause mine is 'volume-less' and thinning. It is almost depressing. I'm just taking away my focus to my hair and look on the bright side. At first I blame it all to my three pregnancies within 6 years, they say it could be brought about by hormonal changes after pregnancy, but for the love of me, my youngest is now 2 aren't them hair supposed to grow back? Thick and luscious? Arrggh! I've been dealing with Alopecia ever since my college days ( which was ages ago btw!) yes they grow back, but every time I hear them doctors tell me I have an autoimmune disease,It scares the cr*p out of me. But it is not life threatening according to my doctorS (with an S, coz I've seen a lot) that is maybe why it's been disregarded by them and dermatologist I've seen a lot of times...:(

It's an autoimmune disease- I've had it since my late teenage years- a disease where the body attacks good parts of the body ,it is attacking its own hair follicles that is. It is not pretty, it really is not pretty. I've had steroid injections ,topical cream etc...the good thing is my hair grows back but it sure is not pretty. So how to thick out my thin hair? Minus 1 gorgeousness point for me,,Arrrghh! ... :(

Baby Talk: Bridget's Vocabulary

Additional New Words of Bridget As of 11/12/11



1. Puh-pol - Purple
2. Bul - Blue
3. Puh-puh - the Number 2, lol

as of 11/26

1. Dada hop hop- When she saw her dad limping ( dad injured his foot )
2. up - yay! she knows how to say up.
3. wan- number one
4. toh - number two

as of 11/30

1. wet - wet
2. tow - cold
3. tats - tights
4. top - blouse/shirt or top
5. pop pop - popcorn

as of 12/11

1. mama wash - when she wants to watch TV
2. wap - wipe
3. hun - hand

Her vocabulary is rapidly developing so all my previous worries are gone.

♥ Dad's B-day Surprise ♥

I've been meaning to post this pic but I keep forgetting.

Guess where these lil girls were going? To daddy's room we go!!!

They love their Dad soo much, sometimes I think they love him more than me! They really do. It's okey.

Some Things I'm learning from my kids and other kids....

1. Say "Cheese and Sprinkles" instead of saying "Jesus Christ!" and her reasons? you wouldn't believe her reasons behind. - from Doniella. my 6 yr old.

2. That it's okey to wear read socks if you wearing an open toes sandals. It actually looks good.- from Doniella

3.

Kid: Mom,this one is too expensive don't even try it on!
Mom: But I like it honey!
Kid: look mom,it's 100 and zero,zero. We can't afford it right?

- over heard
a kid talking
to her mom at
Macy's fitting
Room.
Lesson: don't try on something you can't afford, lol!

4.

Boy: Dad,do you know who Michael Korrs is?
Dad: I don't, do you?
Boy: He is a guy you know.

- A Kid to his Dad looking at
a Michael Korrs Shirt.

Lesson: Get to know the designer of the shirt you're thinking of buying.

5. Korin, my middle child is a one accident prone kid like me. She gets Boo-boo at least 4- 6 times a day or more. So I'm always ready with kisses but lately she's asking for not just kisses but hugs telling me " It hurts more so I need a Hug Mom...Kisses are for little boo-boos!"

Lesson : Kiss can't take all the pain away sometimes we'll get better faster with a big hug!

"Da Best Ang Pasko Ng Pilipino" ABS-CBN Christmas Station ID 2011

I miss Christmas celebration back home. It's been years!.

I'm Officially Vegetarian ... c')

After thanksgiving day,I don't know if it's just because of too much food on the table or what, but we decided to completely turn away from meat. And by that I mean we cleaned our refrigerator, our pantry and all. No trace of meat anymore, all gone! I've been doing some readings about becoming a vegetarian and there's a so many interesting things, a lot of good reasons for being a Vegetarian. As I continue educating my self, It will be a lot easier to adopt the lifestyle. I am going for it for Personal health reason, now the ethics and environment concerns that will follow. I don't don't yet If I'm going to take it that far,we'll see. It's a lifestyle I'm going to live one baby step at a time. I'm not really a big meat eater in the first place but I love meat,and Fish too. Becoming a vegetarian is not a one day process I know. I definitely need support cause I am an emotional eater, that's where my problem begins. Saying NO is one thing too, cause if you are Filipino part of our being one is to always being invited to take part in your friends and even neighbor's meal. The very famous Filipino line "kain tayo!?!" meaning "come let's eat?!" and since I'm new my taste bud is still not adjusted to it, I would still remember and smell my non vegetarian food. It' will be tough.

Learning different terms like Vegan, Vegetarian, Fruitarian...Flextarian is driving me coo-coo so I think I'll be cool about it for now and try not to fill my brain with too much info out there and again, take little baby steps. The adjustment won't be too much, that's for sure coz my kids are not really meat eater,thank goodness, my husband was a vegan for 11 years (returning now after many years, lol), basically for the most part, it's only me who needs all the adjusting. Yesterday I was really craving for meat, I went to one of my friends house they were having dinner,the piece of pork on her table feels like talking to me saying 'come take a bite',it's funny! Told my husband about it and when we got home last night he made me dinner (sweet huh?). It was a meatless & soy-free Gruyere chik'n cutlets made by Quorn, to my surprised it tasted just like chicken but It's a little bit on the pricy side. It's something we can't afford to do everyday.

look at this little cute piglets? now how can you eat them? ooops,Did I say I'm not going to take it this far? lol! well...they really are cute little thing though.

Wordless Wednesday-Just goofing 'round...can you read my Lips?

Tried on a red lipstick...The color I had doesn't match my skin tone (what is my skin tone by the way? hmmm? ) so it ended up being erased.

...The Randomness Of Me ...

So how was your day? ---- So far, not that good. My first grader has to skip school today coz she is not feeling good. Mr. Cough go away soon will you? please?!?

Really.What are you doing tomorrow?----No plans yet, the usual stuff,home chores and chores and chores.

Are you crushing on anyone? ----Nah,too old for that.

If So what is their name? ---- Mr. No one

What school do you go to? ---- I wish to go back to school soon if money and time permit!


Do you consider yourself fashionable? ----No, I wear what's comfortable even if it's so last year lol!

Are you a copy cat? ----No, cause I believe that what looks good on other people may not be for you.

Have you called someone a copy cat? ---- Oh yes!

But anyway who is your favorite atrist/Band
Why? ---- Bruno Mars as of now.

Whats your favorite song by them? ---- It will rain,Count on me,Grenade and so on....

Do you believe in love? ---Of course I do!


Has your heart been broken? --- Yes!

Do you want your ex back? --- NO!

What are you doing right now? ---- Answering this survey and I don't have any clue why I'm doing this.

When was the last time you cried? --- Last week!


Have you ever cried during a movie? --- All the time...it's embarrassing sometimes :)

What is your favorite show to watch with your children? --- Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, And The movie ' Gnomeo and Juliet ' which by the way, they super love!!!

What is your favorite memory from your children?---- Their birth dates, It was the hardest for me. I had 3 C-Sections and it was not easy like some of us were told. I had two breech babies that was why I can't have them natural

Have you ever been to family counseling?--- Almost.

Did you give something up or quit something in your life in order to have a family? --- Yes. Coming to America and being away from my family and friends. Giving up the job that I love there.

Are you at the place you thought you would be when you grew up? --- Not really. And by that I mean, I never really dream of living abroad or away from the Philippines.

Will you tell your kids what to wear or will you let them pick out their own clothes? --- as of now yes,with the young ones. I'm taking this opportunity that they're still young. Coz pretty soon I won't be able to do it like with my eldest.

Where are these babies?

It feels like yesterday, what happen to them? Where are my babies?

- Doniella was barely crawling here in this photo,now she is 6, can't stop her from growing and how time flies, Where is my baby Della?!

- This photo was taken when Korin was just 7 months old, She is now 4 yr old. Almost everyone thought she is a baby boy cause of my color choices back then but she's growing up to be a beautiful little girl.

My little two yr old Bridget was just 7 month old here too. I love my bridgeybrat so much.

I miss them when they were little babies, I miss their smell,nursing,babytalk,cooing,diaper bags ...etc. I miss everything about babyhood,even those moments that took my sanity away for a little while like the long nights lol. They grow up to fast.

Our turkey on top of the table playing 'Turkey in the straw'

Being her mom is one of the my many reasons why I am forever grateful. Here she did a Thanksgiving intermission number for us. She played Turkey In The Straw last night. We are so proud her!



She was very shy playing for us so she decided to play under the table instead so nobody could see her, lol!

Our Humble Thanksgiving Feast

My Favorite Candy Yam...love!!! I gotta have this every year or else,lol!

Guess who didn't make it to dinner?

Where's the peepz? all turkey out!?

Our honey baked Ham...yum!

I'm Filipina so there's gotta be something Filipino on the table..Pancit and Lumpia, kind of out of place there but glad I have it.

Made Lumpia from scratch,yay! not perfect but good enough!

Fun in the Winter Sun!

California is a perfect place, weather wise it really is. We have warm dry summers and mild, wet winters. I think we had one of the best Indian-Summer this year. Here we can still have outdoor activities with friends and family at this time of the year, we have lots of picnic areas to choose from with picnic tables. I am so lucky to live a minute away from the most popular regional park and recreation area of our County. I love that the playground equipments offers a wide array of play system. And the lake is just beautiful! The one thing I hate about it though is the goose poop, you see them everywhere. Forget throwing football or playing soccer in the field,you'll step on one for sure. Good thing they have many park benches to sit on.
With three kids, it is sometimes hard to spend hours at the park for their dose of outdoor fun. It's just too much for me cause they all go three different directions, even after repeating our only park rule "Stay Together!" hundreds of times. They're kids, what can I do?
Sometimes we settled playing inside or around the house. They don't love it as much as getting all dirty and sweaty at the park but it's enough. I just wish I have a nicer back yard, where I can let them play unsupervised without worrying they'll run off. A backyard where I can relax sitting on my Adirondack Chairs reading my favorite book,magazine or crocheting.

♥ My Thanksgiving message to ya'll ♥

I came across this quote/Poem online and I thought its is worth spreading!

"When we count
our many blessings;
It isn't hard to see
that life's most valued
treasures are the
treasures that are free.

For it isn't what
we own or buy
that signifies
our wealth.

It's the special
gifts that have
no price:
our family,
friends and health. "

I would like to take this opportunity to Thank everyone who reads my blog. All my friends, co-bloggers, new found friends and strangers who take time reading,joining,following and leaving wonderful comments on my blog. I appreciate it so much! You are one of the many reasons I am so thankful this year. Have a wonderful thanksgiving ya'll!

Yes, they were pancakes,my pancakes :)

How can one screw up a pancake? easy, let me make it for you..lol! That's me. I'm an expert....wahhh! I was just trying to make it from scratch. And it came out like this. My mother in law made some from scratch when she was here and the kids love it. My pancake is hopeless, I'll just go back buying ready mix pancake or stick with the french toast,now that's easy.

Carpet and kids....Love!!!

We clean our carpet at least twice a year, or three at the most. With three kids though I think I need more than that. I have two kids under five yrs old, the living room is now their territory, it's their playground,their kitchen sometimes their bedroom. So don't be surprised when you visit me and see my super messy carpet, it is not the greatest looking carpet in the world I admit.

It's been months since I had my carpet cleaned. And the mess is extended inside our car. Oh our poor car, there's cheerios, french fries, you name it it's there. I need a Car carpet cleaning tips please. But anyway, I'm sure I'm not the only one. Right? It definitely needs a professional carpet cleaning cleaners Austin. Here's a link to The Steam Team, the number one choice for carpet cleaning in Austin and Dallas, Texas. So if you live in those area definitely check them out @ http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-cleaning-services/ they will provide you with the most complete carpet cleaning service anywhere and they guarantee their work. I have a friend in Dallas that told me her office is using this guys services and they rock!

Bestfriends For Life?

Yes they are. Sometimes. But lately I've been hearing a lot of "You're not my friend anymore!", " You're ugly!", " Leave me Alone!" Oh there's many days of silly squabblings and crying over who hit who and who took away what...They are so affectionate with each, other one minute they don't want each other in their lives.

There's many days of verbal barbs as they grow up. It's driving me nuts. I miss those days where I hear " Where's my hug and kiss Dela!" Or "I'll miss you Korin!" and my most favorite line from Elle to her little sisters, " You are my best friends for life!" . Gone are those days, I feel like I'm raising three teenagers in the house now. Even my 2 yr old is learning how to fight back. I try to be neutral because if I punish the guilty one I feel like I'm giving in to exactly what they want me to do. I make sure they deal with their own little dispute by themselves, apologize to each other and then my favorite line..." or else..." lol! or else they can't have their privileges like watching TV, Ice cream or play at the park. It works,all the time. And I always tell them how lucky they are for having each other and that having siblings is the greatest gift they could have in life.

How to look amazing wearing scrubs?

You don't need to sacrifice your style to wear scrubs that are saggy, fits like a trash bag, unfashionable medical uniforms and scrubs , though I always love it when medical staff wears something with a cartoon character on it like the 'most hated' (I guess)tweety bird scrubs. It lightens up the patient room, works like magic! At least for me and my kids.

If you want a well fitted scrubs go to http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/ and experience what many satisfied customers are talking about. I don't work in a medical facility or health care trade or business but it is a perfect gift idea for my friends who does. It's a perfect gift for your friends too. When I purchase stuff online I always check reviews first, you pretty much get ideas of what you are actually getting base on other peoples experience. Most customers who ordered medical lab coats, scrubs sets and nursing uniforms were happy and celebrated their purchase. So give it a try. But always remember being fashionable means wearing your clothes with confidence.

Patience

Patience- It sure is something! The Pastor's message this morning really hit me where it matters. It's almost feel like he wrote his speech specifically for me. Patience is something that I'm lacking lately and I hate to admit it's taking a toll on my marriage and my relationship with kids. Yes, sometimes counting one to ten and breathing in and out doesn't work.
It's the time of year where, my brain is occupied with too much. I was like a kid, I can't wait to be 6 yr old, to be able to do this...to do that..I can't wait , I can't wait! I even told my self, I can't wait for my kids to grow up so that I could find a job. I worry a lot thinking I could accomplish things by worrying, the truth is No, I don't.

Today's sermon was a breather, I needed it so bad. Stopped me from wanting my time to move forward and hurry things up. It Reminded me of how important it is that I should enjoy my life now as it unfolds. That my kids are not going to be kids forever,that time flies super fast. That in times of hardship it's your attitude towards life that matters,it's the joy of living life every single day in spite of bad circumstances that will make you say, I live!

Bruno Mars - It Will Rain [Official Music Video]

The Lyrics : I didn't really like the lyrics but I love it's melody so much that I keep singing it everywhere I go, Whatever I'm doing. Bruno Mars you're the man!

If you ever leave me, baby,
Leave some morphine at my door
Cause it would take a whole lot of medication
To realize what we used to have, We don't have it anymore.

There's no religion that could save me
No matter how long my knees are on the floor, oh
So keep in mind all the sacrifices I'm making
Will keep you by my side
Will keep you from walking out the door.

Cause there'll be no sunlight if I lose you, baby
There'll be no clear skies if I lose you, baby
Just like the clouds, my eyes will do the same
if you walk away
Everyday, it will rain, rain, rain

I'll never be your mother's favorite
Your daddy can't even look me in the eye Oooh
if I was in their shoes,
I'd be doing the same thing
Saying there goes my little girl walking with that troublesome guy

But they're just afraid of something they can't understand Oooh
well little darling watch me change their minds Yea
for you I'll try, I'll try, I'll try
I'll pick up these broken pieces 'til I'm bleeding
If that'll make you mine

Cause there'll be no sunlight if I lose you, baby
There'll be no clear skies if I lose you, baby
Just like the clouds, my eyes will do the same
if you walk away
Everyday, it will rain, rain, rain

Ooooh Don't you say goodbye, don't just say, goodbye
I'll pick up these broken pieces 'til I'm bleeding
If that'll make it right
Cause there'll be no sunlight if I lose you, baby
There'll be no clear skies if I lose you, baby
Just like the clouds, my eyes will do the same
if you walk away
Everyday, it will rain, rain, rain...

Cutest Little Thing!!!

Fell asleep on the couch looking like this,so cute! She was watching her favorite show last night "Little Einstein" on disney channel. hmmm, Must be a long day sweetie?

here she is sitting on her favorite spot in our living room, her daddy's big chair ♥!

Striking a pose for Mommmy!

Thanks to my friend Roche for this photo below. Love her in Puh-pol!

Parent Teacher Conference

We all went to Doniella's school yesterday for Parent-Teacher conference. The " D-Gang" lol, the five of us coz we didn't have a sitter. It supposedly just Parents, but the teacher was so nice to let the kids in, made it so easy for us. We're just lucky the little bratz were so behave inside the classroom, my husband and I were able to have a nice talk with the teacher.

We are so proud of all the positive feedback from her first grade teacher. Our little Elle is doing really good in school, her reading and writing skills are excellent and her artwork is remarkable. That we are thinking of getting her real ones (art supplies,I mean) and see how she'll do. And today we decided to enroll her at Young Rembrandt, one of her school's enrichment program. So aside from learning Violin, roller skates,riding her bike and school, we'll add art to her list of activities. After all, she always wanted to be an artist when she grow up.
A Teacher and an artist. She's going to be one busy 6 yr old. With all these I'm hoping not to hear the words "I'm bored Mom!" ever again. She loves school and so glad that she is doing great.

Jealousy: He said,She said....

I'm dealing with a current family situation that is totally hilarious. I never remember my family as dramatic in dealing with life's situation anyways, I always remember us taking life's challenges very lightly. Now, I'm torn between believing or laughing, I guess I chose to just laugh about it. My parents, after almost 35 years of being married suddenly doubted each others love. At first I thought I was just being insensitive to even joke about it, or maybe part of my brain is hoping it isn't really happening. Jealousy tsk tsk tsk.... :)

I talked to my mom on the phone last week and listened to her side of the story. Honestly I felt bad, I was angry at my Dad. I told her " You guys are too old for dramas like this , Mom!" I worry a little bit. My only concern was being too far away from my Mom, that when she needs me I can't be there for her right away. But now after talking to my Dad, I thought It was really funny. He told me everything and we started laughing about it. But I also told him to do something, talk to my mom and try to deal with the situation like adults and not act like teenagers. OMG,good thing they don't have Facebook,I hate to read their status updates. As a married woman I could go on and on about how sometimes we feel unloved, lonely, neglected, that marriage becomes less and less intimate as we grow older. It's hard when insecurities are slowly eating you. I don't really know what my mom is going through right now but I promise her that what ever happen I'll always be there for her and that she is not alone.

'7 New Wonders Of Nature' Named

And my home town is one of them. Puerto Princesa City's Underground River made it, I can't help but be proud. I remember my first time here(It was ages ago), t'was our class field trip back in '96. I was excited but scared, it's an underground river, it's tight,it's dark and I wasn't too adventurous back then I guess. But it was an amazing experience. Today it is one of the main attractions in Puerto Princesa Subterranean Park. and not to mention the beaches. I can't wait to bring my family here, I'm sure my girls are gonna have a blast.

coz it's Veterans Day

Wordless Friday : Photo of my "11-11-11"

Mommy Pampering 101

OMG, I'm finally being pampered! I needed it so bad, don't remember the last time I had my nails done :-(

Bridget just came over to me,took my hand and started coloring my nails. Apparently she saw her older sister Elle color her nails using colored markers.

Seriously sweety,GREEN? Oh well.I love it! Thank you mahal ko!