Going back to Scrapbooking

If there's anything that I missed while I was super busy with work - it's blogging and doing digital scrapbooking.

I challenged myself recently to try it out again -- I knew that my photoshop skills are going a bit rusty --- by creating Zoe's school party invitation DIY.

Hmm...although this looks okay - I think I need to practice some more. :-)

Hope I find more time to sit down to create more cute stuff.

Our St. Nick

St. Nicholas of Bari is a popular saint often associated with asking for financial assistance, protection of children, and of course, Christmas gift-giving.

Because my husband and I have been praying to him to keep our finances sound and our kids and house safe for the longest time, we've always wanted to get a St. Nicholas statue for the house. It is also to replace/complement our already-dilapidated St. Nicholas novena prayer card that is posted on our cork board near the telephone in the living room. :-)

Happily last March, I was able to find a lovely wooden figure of him from Deinar. Fina of Deinar handed St. Nicholas to us with the reminder that we can truly pray to him to give us money, a lot of money, but just enough.

So, here he is.

The figure fits perfectly at the wall adjacent to our main door. And as we had the figure blessed and then hung on the wall, we pray that he continues to be one of the guardians of the kids, the house and our wallets. :-)

For more info and stories on this saint, click here.

The house got robbed.

I never thought I could be writing something like this in my blog or anywhere else. Yup, our house (mainly our house annex) was broken into last Saturday in broad daylight. Nobody discovered it until it was already about nine in the evening. When the yaya got into her quarters, she couldn't seem to open the door to her room. She sensed that something was wrong so she immediately went down to ask F. "to look for her keys". So when F. went up, he found the doors of the two rooms destroyed, the room broken into and everything in chaos. He immediately tried to wake us up but to no avail since my husband, kids and I were already in deep sleep at the time. So he decided to ask the help of our neighbor instead to check the vicinity of the house just in case the burglar is still hiding or is still around the area.

Anyway, that's then that they discovered that all the valuables of the two house assistants were already stolen. The two rooms were a total mess and it seemed as if the trespasser was there inside for quite a long time since he was able to find all the hidden money and jewelries that our maids have and own.

Oh it's so sad.

We think that the robber went through our wall at the back or maybe through the garage. Plus I really hope he won't come back and try getting inside the main house (dear God, no!).

On our part, we're planning to build a higher wall with barb wires, pieces of glass -- the works -- so that this won't happen again. I also have been looking for a garage door remote that probably help us in terms of safety. With a garage door remote, we don't need to go out of the house to open the garage for the car that's coming. I saw the Linear and Genie brands and I think it's both good.

At any rate, please pray that this kind of thing would NEVER EVER happen again.

Thank you for the greetings!

Thank you to everyone who remembered me on my special day. God bless us all.
Yeah, I'm one year older (and wiser) today.

I Want.

Hunny, if you're reading this, this is want I'd like for Valentine's...

...or my next birthday (if shipping gets delayed). LOL.

And if you're extra generous, maybe you can pitch in another one that looks like this:

Thanks in advance and happy valentine's day dear. :-)

Photo Effects Galore!

I was browsing through some blogs yesterday and found several people doing the 365 picture project. I think it’s kinda cool! I would want to have started something like that too if only I have the time, especially now that I got myself a nifty camera from the States. But things are, as usual, pretty busy so I would have to side that aside for now.

Anyway, I think I would rather satisfy myself with using online funny photo effects during my free time. If you are follower of my different blogs, you would notice that I am a certified fan of fun photoshop effects. I think my kids are the main driving force for my keen interest in funny pictures effects and in photos in general.

Having said this, I am just so pleased to have tumbled upon another cool site that offers a new photo effect – everyday! Now, you and I now have a reason to be creative with our pictures day in, day out.

I checked out the site and was just at awe at the numerous free choices that they have for blogger moms like me! (There are so many that it literally took me so many minutes to try out each and every single application!)

And naturally, what would be the subject of my photos but my two adorable kids?! I love these pictures to bits! Lookie here! Cute! Cute! Cute!

Happy picture-taking everyone!

What Happened to me today.

For the past two days, I secretly felt that something “bad” will happen and what’s worse, I felt that that “bad” thing will happen to no one else but me. I don’t know where the feeling came from but it sure was there. And a lo and behold! Murphy’s Law ("If anything can go wrong, it will") did happen and it left me with aching bones and several scratches.

Today, I fell on my tush in the middle of the street as I was getting off the van that I was riding to go to work. I was about to go down (I know my voice was loud enough to inform the driver that I was going down, promise!) when the driver suddenly stepped on the gas without looking behind, leaving me (with my bags and the big tray of spaghetti that I was lugging for our breakfast potluck today) down on the ground. And worse still, I was wearing a skirt!!! I heard shrieks from the people riding with me as I fell. It was like in the movies when a kidnap victim is trying to jump off the moving car to get away from her kidnappers! It was crazy!

Luckily, I managed to get up after a kind lady who was standing in the side walk helped me. I felt horrible! My knees were shaking as I got up and as I saw the van sped away without stopping to help me. My elbow had scratches and a big dark bruise. My shoulders hurt too. My wrist watch also had several ugly scratches on the crown and on the glass (and I think that saved me from bearing more wounds on my hands and fingers). Good thing, the spaghetti tray that I was carrying, though it got deformed, was intact.

Anyway, I already reported the incident to a contact from the group of drivers who service the people going to Makati. And you know what the driver said? He said that he didn’t notice anybody falling off from his van. What a liar! Anyway, tomorrow, I might see him again and I’ll really face him head to head.

Meantime, I just want to go home now. I could only think of hot tubs and relaxing spas now. Thus, I’m calling the maid in a minute so that she can prepare the bathroom at home where we have a Private Brand Hot Tub. And then I could relax and sulk (ahem) for an hour or so on the tub tonight...and try to get rid of all body aches and negative thoughts once and for all.

Speaking of thoughts, one happy thought is that you can actually buy your tubs online where you no longer need to pay retail prices and state sales tax (except in the state of Florida). Happy thoughts, happy thoughts…

Zoe and Macy

This is Zoe with our neighbor's Precious Moments doll named Macy. Zoe loves Macy! She often visits Macy at our neighbors and takes her outside for a walk. The doll's owner is almost tempted to give the doll to her but of course, it's hers plus it has a sentimental value syempre. Anyway, one afternoon, we took a picture of Zoe with her holding Macy and look how much they seem to look alike. :-)

Have You Started Your Xmas Shopping?

OMG. It's only today that I realized that I have not even started to do my Christmas shopping and I am already about to end my supposedly "free time" a.k.a. maternity leave. Gosh. Gosh. Gosh. I also realized that I have not been out of the house more than 4 hours and I don't know how I'll managed to go on a longer shopping trip without feeling engorged and most importantly, without missing the hubby and the kiddos.

Anyway, going back to shopping. I will try though to do some shopping next week. I need to buy some new office clothes that'll fit since I'm in between sizes now (smaller than preggy size but bigger than my usual pre-preggy size --- how about that?!). I also need to pick up a few Christmas gifts na for my inaanaks and friends since some Christmas parties are already happening as early as November for me.

Sounds easier said than done right? I think I'm in panic mode!!!!

Ready, Get Set, Hello!

Pending the results of my next ultrasound this Wednesday, the likelihood of a repeat CS for me is almost sure.

We discussed with the OB our birthing date possibilities last Saturday and we ended up agreeing on September 01 (Tuesday) at 7:30 in the morning. Our initial date was actually August 22 but she told us that she will be out of town that day and will only be back in the evening. As for August 23, she told us that the hospital will have to charge us extra since it's a Sunday, so we didn't want that either. anyway, with my husband's approval, I told the doctor that I opt for September 01 instead. So she checked her schedule and after seeing that there was no conflict, she immediately instructed her secretary to call Cardinal Santos Hospital to reserve the delivery room on that date. Luckily, the schedule is still open and the DL still available. After issuing us the admitting form, it finally dawned on us that we will be seeing and hugging our baby boy very, very soon!!!

In just 5 weeks, it's gonna be READY, GET SET, HELLO BABY BOY!!!

Making your weekly menu work

For the past couple of weeks, we have been trying to really follow our weekly menu plan for the family and although so far, so good, we've also come across some bumps along the way.

After analyzing it, here are the points that need improvement:

1. If part of your aim is to save some bucks by doing this exercise, you need to make a meal plan that avoids buying expensive ingredients such as meat, out-of-season vegetables and the like. Rather, it's better to make use of the "kitchenomics" method wherein you can benefit from cheap but nutritious ingredients such as vegetables and other helpful extenders and not necessarily having an all-meat dish or something like that.

2. You have to make clear with the cook (or the helper) on how you want the meal done especially if the dish is new to her. Having experienced some communication problems with our helper, I always have to make it a point to show her or tell her clearly how things are done. Sometimes kasi, what you think as common sense may not be so common after all.

3. If you are doing the grocery only once a week, make sure that you prioritize cooking the more perishable goods ahead of the other foods. For example, I've seen the helper throw out some vegetables in the trash because it already wilted even before it's scheduled to be cooked. In addition, maybe you can also emphasize the need to be flexible, i.e. she should take the initiative too to cook a vegetable or meat or fish already to avoid it from becoming "non-edible" in time.

One-day Break

Because of the headache I got upon waking up and just to get rid of my anxiety over the surrounding influenza A (h1n1) scare, I decided to get one-day off from work today. School was out too because of a typhoon signal number two (which wasn't evident in the skies).

Aside from napping, we also went to my ob-gyne to advance my monthly check-up. I was so surprised to learn that I even lost weight even if my tummy obviously grew. I guess my dessert and soda ban really worked for me. Hihi!

I'll be going back to the hospital on July 08 for a biophysical assessment and a non-stress test. I guess I'll have to take another leave then. Yipee!

Happy Thoughts, Happy Thoughts

I don't know what it is with pregnancy that makes me feel so susceptible to various forms of anxiety.

You see, I have been feeling so anxious lately about this new virus going around in the country and in the world. In particular, the school where our helper's son is going has already report two positive cases of the virus. And now that he is likewise having fever, cough and colds right now, I am pretty much "scared" to be exposed to the virus. I am scared for myself, my unborn baby, my 2-year old daughter, my husband and the rest of the members of the household. I kept saying to Him, "Oh God, please spare us!!" and leave it all up to him.

We really do not know a lot about it, how it is spread and it affects. Those are the reasons why I feel anxious. I definitely do not want to be the next victim. Anyway, I hope not to lose hope . I want to believe that prayer can be so much powerful than any virus in the world.

Thus, let us not be fearful. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts!

Happy Birthday Hunny!

To the guy whom God has chosen to be my husband and partner in life...
To my daily inspiration and anchor in my life...
To my best friend and confidante...
To the love of my life...

Happy, happy birthday!

I love you hunny!

What's a Busy Mom Gotta Do?

It's like a never-ending cycle.

I wake up at 5:30 in the morning, fix the bed, help bring our baby down to the living room, eat a fast breakfast, take a bath, go to work, work, work, work, maybe even stay up to 9 in the evening, go home, eat dinner, get dressed, and then finally go to bed. Then it's the same routine again the next day.

On top of all that, I have to take care of my interior life and make sure that I fulfill my plan of life. Plus, I have my mommy and wifey duties to think of.

On the side, I also have to make sure that the house is running smoothly: the clothes are washed properly, the food is ready, the household bills are paid, things are in their proper places, the pantry has enough stocks, the grocery is done on time, the students of the house are guided and tutored, etc. etc.

Sometimes, I do get an overload of things to do...

With the new baby coming, I really don't know how I'll manage.

But even if it looks like a never-ending cycle, I always look forward to another day ahead of me because that is a BIG BIG BLESSING in itself. God gives me another day to challenge my faith and see how much I should learn to trust in Him.

I Wish...

I wish I was this thin again...

This was me back in 2005. I was lovingly staring at my husband-to-be, with no inkling that being married and pregnant (for the second time) would be mean having an additional 50 lbs to my then weight. Whaaa!!! Sad as it may seem, I wouldn't exchange this life for anything in the world.

Helper on Vacation

I'm just realizing it all the more now ~~~

How difficult it is not to have an all-around helper at home. I swear, I've been more panicky now than ever since our helper left to go on a vacation today. She'll be gone for about a week or so and I'm worried about how I will manage the household without an assistant.

My problem would be our daily meals. It's been such a convenience that someone at home wakes up earlier than everybody else in order to cook breakfast. So now, I think I'll have to do it myself. Next is the preparation of the other meals. Being a working mother, I haven't really been cooking a lot in the house. In fact, I've mostly relied on the helper to do the cooking. What I do is the grocery shopping and that's it. Besides, being pregnant and very busy at work, I almost have a valid excuse not to dab in cooking. I'm really just too tired when I get home. After all, my workplace is a good 1 hour and 1/2 from home. Traffic just drains most of my energy really.

Anyway, I promised myself that I'll be more organized especially this week that the helper's gone. I've already come up with a menu for the week and an updated market list to boot. I just hope my cooking abilities are still intact. :-)

For My Birthday

I'll be turning ___ next week!

For my birthday, we are planning to go on a short trip to Subic.

Maybe go to Zoobic Safari in the morning...

And then head for some adventure at Ocean Adventure!

Of course, I hope to eat, eat and eat along the way! Hahaha!

I hope it doesn't rain!

Holy Monday

The Christian community will be celebrating the Holy Week this week. Good thing for Filipinos, Monday on Holy Week was declared a holiday as well as Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This means that will have more time to pray, reflect and talk to God. I hope I can do it and I hope you will too.

Advance Happy Easter to all.

Pausing for a Quiz

You Are Sincere and Sensible

When You Are Comfortable: You are a practical, efficient worker. You know how to go after what you want, and you're not afraid to work hard. People see you as a loyal, genuine person. You are down to earth, and upfront about who you are. When You Are At Your Best: You are a determined and responsible. You strive for success, and you know what it takes to get things done. People find you to be trustworthy and a good leader. You treat people well, and they benefit from your wisdom. When You Are in a Social Setting: You are very unique and talented. You solve problems well, and you have a creative approach to life. People see you as straightforward and level headed. You can see opportunities when others only see troubles.

What Do Your Initials Say About You?