Mommy Moments - Pouting Face

Here are pictures of my Zoe who is obviously in her terrible two's. Hahaha.

Zoe sometimes cries when she sees me leave for work again after a long weekend vacation of our being together...

Taken in KFC on her actual 2nd birthday...we didn't want her to take a hold of the camera.

Lastly, here's Zoe (sitting in the middle) at the verge of tantrums on her 2nd birthday party:

Happy weekend everyone! Thanks Chris!

8 Tags from Dez

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To ..

1. Quarterly bonus today :-)
2. Zoe's summer class tomorrow
3. Kiddie birthday party to attend tomorrow
4. May Santacruzan tomorrow evening where Zoe will be a 'sagala'
5. Hunny's birthday in June
6. Giving birth to our second baby in September
7. Zoe's 3rd birthday party in September (hopefully I don't give birth on the same day)
8. A new job maybe after my maternity leave?

8 Things I Did Yesterday ..
1. Go to mass and pray
2. Work, work, work!
3. Lunch with a former officemate
4. Talked to my friend Carla on the phone
5. Did a paid entry
6. Last minute grocery shopping at Hypermart
7. Picked up my lunch bag repaired at Mr. Quickie
8. Super late dinner with hubby

8 Things I Wish I Could Do ..
1. Be a WAHM
2. Go back to Europe, this time with my hubby and kids
3. Have a nice haircut...soon!
4. Buy me a new SUV
5. Have a VBAC (keeping fingers crossed!)
6. Lose weight!
7. See my old friends again
8. Have a facial --- babaw noh?

8 Shows I Watch ..
1. Evening news
2. Barney and Friends
3. Barefoot Contessa
4. Clean House
5. ...
6. ...
7. ...
8. ...

8 Ladies I am Tagging ..
Does anybody want to try this tag out?

Thank you Dez!

I Heart Mother Earth

Thanks to Jona for passing on this tag to me.

Here's the rule:
~Click the badge and get the code then put the logo on your blog sidebar and post.
~Tell us what is your contribution to our planet? You live here for sure you've got something to share!! Post any pictures or share some of your ideas on how to help and save out planet Earth.
~Post these rules.
~Share this meme-tag to as many bloggers as you can think.

Here are some of the little ways that my family does to protect Mother Earth:

1. We segregate our waste. Our trash are classified to non-biodegradable, biodegrable and other recylable materials. And ever since I was a kid, we always had a compost pit in our backyard. It's great for making compost that can serve as a wonderful fertilizer for our plants.

2. We have a schedule for doing the laundry. Having one limits the use of water, thus, avoiding wasting it.

3. To save on electricity, it has been good habit for all family members to unplug all appliances when not it use. It really works!

4. We also plant trees in our surroundings! Yes, some of the big old trees in our village were planted by our very own parents.

5. We always have a car checked to avoid smoke pollution. Seeing a smoke-emitting vehicle on the road really irritates my dear husband and so we don't try to commit the same mistake.

Dear Readers - do you have more ideas to share?

Honest Scrap Award

Dear friend Tet sent me this award. Super thanks Tet! :-)

Honest Scrap Award Rules:

In sum, choose a minimum of Seven (7) Blogs that you find Brilliant in Content or Design to pass on this Award. Then list at least 10 honest things about yourself.

1. I'm so in love with my husband.
2. I'm a doting mom.
3. I'm a self-confessed workaholic.
4. I'm a messy roommate.
5. I love going to the mall for sale finds.
6. I love ukay-ukay shopping.
7. I'm an emotional eater.
8. I hate waking up in the middle of the night.
9. I don't like dogs.
10. I'm a loyal friend.

Can you share honest things about yourself too?

Penmanship Tag

Here are the instructions:
1. Write down who tagged you.

2. Answer these:
- your name / username / pseudo
- right-handed or left-handed?
- your favorite letters to write?
- your least favorite letters to write?
Write “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”

3. Tag five persons.

Here's my handwriting:

Thanks Kelly and Jona! Better late than never!

Grab this! :-)

A Nice Photo Meme

I snagged this nice photo tag while I was surfing through some sites, including an LDS Chat Room which I wanted to tell my friend about.

Here are the rules:

1. Choose the 4th folder where you store pictures on your computer.
2. Select the 4th picture in the folder, and post it on your blog.
3. Explain the picture.
4. Tag four people to do the same.
5. No cheating (cropping, editing, etc.)

This is a picture of Zoe (at just five months old) in the arms of her grandfather, with her fingers touching the picture of her late grandmother. I think it's a lovely photograph. My dad never had a penchant for exuberant expression but this one picture showed his emotions quite well. I think he looked so proud to hold his very first grandchild here. At the same time, I think that there is a bittersweet expression in his face too, maybe thinking about the somewhat sad fact that my mother never lived to see and hold her own grandchildren. When she was still alive and healthy, I remember her urging me to get married so that she can just retire from teaching to take care of her grandchildren. But God had other plans for her. She went ahead of us because He thought she was ripe for heaven. Anyway, I know and believe that my mother, from heaven, always looks below us with pride and looks after us like an angel would. She is now our guardian angel.

Special Day

Special Day

This is our family picture during Zoe's baptism last Oct. 07, 2006 at Sta. Maria della Strada, the same church where Teng and I got married.

This second picture is my layout about Zoe's 1st birthday party. We had a Hello Kitty-themed party and we all had a blast!

Summer Outing

Zoe's first summer outing

A picture with Daddy to remember by...

All smiles with Mommy...

Thanks Chris for Mommy Moments!

Kreativ Blogger Award

Co-mommy blogger Eds sent me a suprise award today! I'm so happy. Thank you so much sis! Let's keep blogging!

The rules that go along with this blogger award are as follows:

Name 7 things that you love then pass this onto 7 other kreativ bloggers.

1. God
2. Hunny
3. Zoe and Baby #2
4. My family - my Mom, Dad and Ate, Kiko, Step-mom, In-laws
5. My relatives
6. My friends - old and new
7. My job

Let's pass this award to Ai, Dyes, Jesse, Jean, Pat, Tracy and back to you Eds!

Another Tag

I found this tag in the internet and thought it's going to be fun doing it. Thank you to who-ever-you are!

1. Are you taller than your mom? Yes. I'm definitely taller.

2. What color is your curtain? Cream-colored bought from Robinson's.

3. What is the closest thing to you right now that is red? I'm looking at a pretty red phone in a Fashion Site that I'm also browsing now in another window. It's a Nova Scotia Pomegranate phone that is super hot-looking! :-)

4. What is your ring tone? Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go! Is that the title (I'm not sure)?

5. Does anything hurt on your body right now? My head, my knees, my eyes. :-(

6. What color is your favorite pillow? My regular pillow in the bedroom. It's so comfy, I love it!

7. What is/are your favorite video game? Does solitaire count? I'm not a video freak, sorry!

8. Had a nap today? No. I'm at work so it's a no-no to nap. Besides, I'm too busy to nap.

9. Gold or Silver? Gold, definitely. It can be white or yellow gold too.

10. Is there an animal that creeps you out? Snakes and crocodiles!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Life is Grand

I saw Vannie a.k.a. Ozzy's Mom tagged me this meme. So even if this was ages ago, I thought I'd try it out. Thanks Vannie!

Here is the rule of the tag :

List five reasons why you think that Life Is Grand and then pass it on to five people.

Life is definitely grand because:

...God gave me life (when He could have freely decided not to).
....I have a great family who are my constant inspiration.
...I have received many gifts and blessing in life (and I know that I have to give back somehow).
.....There is a new life inside of me (and I can't wait to be a second time mom!).
......I have received the Catholic faith and a unique vocation from Him.

What to try this? Jean, Mandy, Jacqui, Nikki and AiDiSan?

Couples' Survey

For a change, I'm inserting an interesting tag for couples which I grabbed from one of the blogs that I visit:

After 3 years of marriage and years of being friends, it's nice to be able to reminisce our years as a couple.

What are your middle names?
Teng: Villegas
Vina: Oblena

How long have you been together?
3 years as a married couple, 11 years as friends.

How long did you know each other before you started dating?
1 year. I said 'yes' on the anniversary of the day we met.

Who asked who out?
He did. We had an EB. :-) hahaha.

How old are each of you?
He's 4 years and 1 month older.

Whose siblings do/ did you see the most?
His (he has 7 siblings). My only sis is in Iloilo.

Do you have any children together?
Yes, 1 and a 1 more soon!

What about pets?
Nope. Our dog Kikay is my family's dog.

Which situation is the hardest on you as a couple?
When someone gets sick.

Did you go to the same school?
Nope. But we did both go to Ateneo for some gradute studies (on different years).

Are you from the same home town?
Nope. But both start with "CA..." - Caloocan and Cainta. Haha.

Who is smarter?
Me thinks both lang. I don't think it has to do with the school or something.

Who is more sensitive?
Me.

Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Pancake House, Ilonggo Grill (years ago), Mongkok

Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
Singapore.

Who has the craziest exes?
HIM!!

Who has the worse temper?
HIM!!

Who does the cooking?
Our helper. He also cooks occasionally.

Who is more social?
Him.

Who is the neat-freak?
Him.

Who is the more stubborn?
Meeh!

Who hogs the bed?
Zoe.

Who wakes up earlier?
Me.

Where was your first date?
We met in Mary's Chicken in Greenbelt but ended up eating in Shakey's. Now both places have been demolished with the renovation of Greenbelt.

Who has the bigger family?
Him. He has 4 sisters, 3 brothers, 14 nephews and nieces. I only have a sister (and she's single).

Do you get flowers often?
Nah.

How do you spend the holidays?
With family.

Who is more jealous?
I don't know.

How long did it take to get serious?
agad. :-)

Who eats more?
Now? Me. LOL.

Who does the laundry?
The labandera.

Who’s better with the computer?
Hardware - him, some software applications like Excel, Word - me

Who is funnier?
Him. I think his sense of humor is better.

Who is the better driver?
Definitely him. I'm practically afraid of driving since I bumped the car years ago. But I still do drive sometimes.

Who is in charge of the money?
Me.


Grab it!

Cute Blogger Award

Pat sent me this cute blogger meme. Thanks Pat!

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.

Here are my ten random facts/habits:

1. I'm a certified lefty. I was just reminded of this when I heard that Obama is a lefty too.
2. I still have a cabinet-full of clothes which no longer fit (wishing that someday, I'll lose enough weight to start wearing them again).
3. I really don't go for chunky fashion jewelry. I prefer real classic gold jewelries.
4. I used to know a bit of piano but lost interest because my teacher (Mrs. Zummel) was "amoy-lupa na" and I hated it! Hahaha!
5. I have yet to find 'the' hairdresser to give me that perfect cut.
6. I've been super grouchy lately. Bleh ~ bleh ~ bleh ~
7. One time, I cried when I saw our electric bill. Long story.
8. I'm a lousy bag-owner. Maybe that's why my husband would probably never give me a bag that's worth more than 10k.
9. I love to read but I seem to have not found enough time to read. I'd rather sleep really.
10. I think that I love to eat more than I love to cook. I also like drinking occasionally but not often enough to undergo alcohol detox.

Passing this meme to Iris, Jown and Alpha.

Cute Blog

Chris sent me this award/tag some time ago and I only got to do it only today. Thanks Chris! Keep them coming!

Here are 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.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and also to read your blog.

10 Random facts/habits about me:

1. I'm the youngest in the family. Actually, I have one sister lang.
2. My parents and sister are all teachers. Thus, I'm the only one in the family who's not.
3. I earned my college degree from UP Diliman and my MBA from Ateneo.
4. I met my husband on my first year of working. He was a former employee of the company I'm working for.
5. I got a boyfriend at 22, married him at 29, gave birth at 30. Now I'm 32.
6. I'm an avid fan of Agatha Christie and CS Lewis books.
7. I love to sing. However, haven't got any practice these days...maybe I need to buy that WOW Magic Sing soon!
8. My most favorite food is pasta. Anything pasta.
9. I also like the color pink.
10. I really want to be the best mother I could be (as great as my own mother was to me).

Fours

I can't remember who I snagged this from but I did it because I thought it's fun.

Here’s the instruction:

Click copy/paste, type in your answers and tag four people in your blogroll! Don’t forget to change my answers to the questions with that of yours.

Question # 1. Four places I go to over and over:
Home, Office, Church, Mall

Question # 2. Four people who e-mail me regularly:
My boss, my boss, my boss, my boss.

Question # 3. Four of my favorite places to eat?
Conti's, Teriyaki Boy, Pancake House, Mandarin Paseo Uno

Question # 4. Four places I’d rather be?
Home, home, home, home...

Question #5. Four TV shows I could watch over and over:
Sesame Street, Dora, Barney, House of Mouse (because Zoe likes those)

I won't be tagging anyone but if you like to do this meme, feel free to answer it.

Christmas Wish List

Vannie tagged me about my Christmas wishes. Vannie was like reading my mind because I have been aching to write about my merry wishes for this year. Apart from personal wishes such as a new job, a second baby and being finally debt-free, I also got a wish or wishes (if I may) for Santa this year. Here goes...

1. I want a CEIVA digital photo frame. Through the years, we have accumulated and collected hundreds of pictures of our family trips, parties and the daily milestones of Zoe. I thought it would be great to be able to share these pictures to my sister, Dad and relatives abroad. It would be fantastic if they are able to see how we are just by a click. More than that, this year, we can even join their contest and win $500. What a great deal, right?

2. I also want new planner. If I can't get the Starbucks planner, I just might get a moleskin (if there's a budget) or just a generic one from National Bookstore. I just want something simple so I can put order in my schedule for the whole year.

3. I want a new pair of blue jeans too. It's been ages since I got myself one. My existing pairs are either for repair already or looks too old to wear. I still haven't decided on what brand to get but hopefully I'll be able to get a new one by New Year's Day.

4. I also want a new digital camera. My old camera got lost last July when my sis used it for her trip to Australia. I miss my old camera. I just need to save up for a new one by May. Maybe we can also save up for a DSLR this year. Hunny?

That's all folks. I can't think of anything anymore. Snag this tag if you like!

Shot on Spot

Thanks to Pat for sharing me this tag.

We just got back from Shangri-La Mall and also Duty Free and I'm so tired...I swear, my darling baby is so heavy. My whole body aches from carrying her and pushing her stroller around. If only I can still photoshop my face right now...hahaha.

Here are the rules:
1. Take a picture of yourself right Now! (the moment you read this tag)
2. Don't change your clothes, don't fix your hair, just take a picture.
3. Post that picture without editing.
4. Post these instructions with your picture.
5. Tag 10 people to do this. And don't forget to leave them a message about the tag.

I am passing this on to Ai, Aidisan, Agnes, Jenny, Mari, Nikki, Jody, Mich, Vannie, and Trinity. Have fun!

Coffee Ver. 1.43

Jan wants to know: What is your most celebrated milestone in life?

Well, as for me, there are lots but I guess what's really the thing to beat is our wedding day. It really changed our lives. Getting married was like the turning point in our lives. On our wedding, we vowed before God that we will completely "donate" (not just share) our lives to each other and become as one. Heavy stuff right? Yes it is! So for those who are contemplating marriage, better think twice, thrice, and a million times because marriage makes a lasting mark on your person and your soul. And make sure you marry the person that you are willing to be your better-half for the rest of your life.

Thanks Jan!

Coffee Break Ver. 1.42

I really don't think this is the spookiest ever but I'm writing down here the most recent paranormal story I experienced.

This happened only last Sunday...

My Dad and Ninang (my dad's new wife) were browsing through old photo albums of my deceased aunt from Germany and pictures of the trip to Germany of my deceased Lola. You see, my Ninang never got to meet my Tita and she said she wanted to see how she looked like. So while looking at the pictures, all of a sudden, our tv in the living room opened. I thought I sat on the remote control or something because I was the last one to use the tv. Anyway, the remote was nowhere near anybody because it was there just beside the tv itself. Of course, many may say that maybe the tv was unintentionally put on timer or wake up mode. But no, I don't think so because as I said, it was I who used it last. The scary part was, the tv opened at Channel 6 which was a dead channel (meaning, there's nothing showing there) and it made a very loud zzzzz sound that made us all jump.

Now I wonder if that was my aunt and lola's way of welcoming my Ninang into the family...

Viral Linking

Vannie got me infected! LOL.

{Start Copy Here}
Rules:

1. Copy paste from {Start Copy Here} to {End Copy Here}
2. Please link back to the person who tagged you and PASS this tag to many of your friends
3. If you have more than one blog, please post this to all of your blogs, the more the merrier.
4. The use of NO FOLLOW on links is not allowed, Let’s all be fair!
5. Remember to come back here at JENNY TALKS (pls. don’t change this link)and leave the exact post url so I can add you to the master list to help increase our rankings and improve our Technorati Authority.
6. Spread the virus.. oooopps I mean the VIRAL LINKING and happy blogging!

BLOGGERS:#1. Scraps & Shots #2. Simply Jen 3. This and That 4. Fab & Chic Finds 5.A Slice of Life 6. Jenny Talks 7. Tech Stuff Plus 8. Food on the Table 9. Aussie Talks 10. When Mom Talks 11. Moments of My Life 12. My Crossroads 13. A Life in Bloom 14. Because Life is a Blessing 15. Digiscraptology 16. BLOGSILOG 14. Cherry’s Comfort Zone 15. DigiScrapz: Captured Memories 16. Buzzy Me 17. Fab Finds, Etc. 18. Thinking Out Loud 19. Wishing and Hoping 20. PRC Board Exam Results 21. Jobs Abroad 22. My Blog Portfolio17. Race Corner 18. Mommy Talks. 19. Home and Health 20. All Kinds of Me Stuff 21. Ink Baby Studios 22. The Salad Caper 23. Winding Creek Circle 24. Aggie Scraps 25. Momma Stuff 26. We Are Family 27. Gandacious 28. Busynessworld 29. Folcreative 30. Swanportraits 31. Rumination Under The Clouds 32. Consciously Think 33. Sprawt 34. Healthy Skinny 35. Geekyology 36. When Mom Speaks 37. Rumination 38. Etc Atbp 39. When Silence Speaks 40. When Sahmone Speaks 41.FunFierceFabulous 42.Ozzy's Mom 43.Kidd Designs 44.Me,Myself+2 45. On A Wonderful Day Like Today 46. House Everything 47. Your blog here.

{END Copy Here}

Passing this "virus" to Sheryll and Jhona!