30 MINUTES TO 2014

Happy New Year!

Yey, I'm so glad I have a blog entry for all 12 months of 2013 :)  Hope to blog more in 2014.

Grateful for 2013 and praying for a deeper and stronger faith and relationship with the Lord and more consistent devotion to Mama Mary.  This I pray not only for myself but for the whole family.

Saw this verse from YouVersion bible app and would like to make this my verse for 2014:

Isaiah 40:31

New Living Translation (NLT)

³¹ But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
      They will soar high on wings like eagles.
   They will run and not grow weary.
      They will walk and not faint.

Happy New Year!

AMEN (11.07.2013)

Saw this on facebook.  

Very timely.  

Just overwhelmed at work.  This too shall pass.  Still thankful though.  

Can't wait to go home and just hug my kids and my hubby.  

Back to work :)

ON TRYING TO BE THE BEST MOM EVER...

Every mom struggles to be the best they can be for their family.  I am one of that too.  I struggle on a lot of things.  Patience is first on the list.  And I failed a lot of times that resulted to me shouting and ending up all the more frustrated.  I don't want my children to grow up in a chaotic or shouting environment... and yet sometimes I lose myself.  

Then, I saw this video.  This was so heartwarming.  Moms were interviewed and were asked about how they think of themselves as a mom.  And then moms were invited later on to show how their children think of them.  Oh those wonderful messages of love from children.  Can't help but be teary-eyed out of joy.

I guess because we, moms, wanted to make a perfect world for our family, we always feel lacking or we think the things we do is always not good enough.  And how reassuring to hear from your loved ones that, though there may be bad moments from mom, what our children remember is our love for them.  

Yeah, maybe we should be a little less hard on ourselves... Let go of some imperfections... Enjoy our family more... And choose our battles.

Here's the link to the video.  Cheers to all moms and thank you, Mama! 

These Kids Finally Say What They Really Think About Mom. And Her Reaction? Priceless. 

(Source: http://www.upworthy.com)

SUPERMAN DOES NOT DANCE

Dear Nathan,

Here is your supposedly dance performance for your 2013 Halloween Party at KDC.  For some reason, you did not dance :)  

Well, I think I know why...

Maybe you're thinking Superman (and other superheroes for that matter) is not supposed to dance but to fly and rescue people in need...

Or maybe, you are just sleepy...

Whatever the reason is, okay lang, because I still enjoyed watching this.  

And when I showed you the video and asked about something, here is what you have to say:

Mommy: "Nathan, what were you whispering to Moe?" (in the video Nathan whispered twice to Moe)
Nathan: "GO HOOOME!!! "

Hahahaha naman anak.  If you don't want to dance, wag nang mang-BI ng ibang classmates hahaha Classic ka talaga, anak!

Happy Halloween everyone!  Here's the video and hope you'll enjoy it even if Nathan did not dance :)

NAOMI, NAOMI, NAOMI

Dear Naomi,

Congratulations!!!  You did a good job being the first place in your class and you did a whole lot of other great things in just the first semester of SY 2013-2014.  You are 5 years and 4 months old as I write this letter.  Mommy and Daddy are just so proud of you.  Most importantly, I’m glad that you are enjoying school. 

Let me enumerate your milestones:

August 16, 2013 – First Parent-Teacher Conference (Kinder A, 1^st Trimester, SY 2013-2014

According to Teacher Dianne, this is more of a behavioral assessment.  This is what Teacher had to say.

 Teacher told us that you are so lady-like.  You are so poised!  You are soft-spoken and yet starting to show leadership skills.  Teacher said you just need to learn how to speak louder and to work faster on your seat work.  Yeah, anak, you can do this.  And I’m glad to know that your first two months started well.  Mommy is just so anxious at first as to how you will adjust to the big school.  But look at you now :)

October 18, 2013 – Little Archers’ Olympics

 

Yes, finally, your dream of being a cheer dancer is now a reality.  You auditioned for La Salle’s pep squad and you got in!  I think you were about 3 or 4 years old when you started dreaming to be a cheer dancer because of the movie “Bring It On”.  And so your first performance happened last October 18, 2013, when you performed at La Salle Greenhills for the Little Archers’ Olympics.  Mommy and Daddy are so impressed of you because you woke up really early for it (without us waking you up) so we can be in school at 6:15 am.  You went to La Salle Greenhills without Mommy, Daddy, or Yaya.  Sorry, Mommy was not there to watch (parents can go to La Salle Greenhills but on their own).  But when I asked if you looked for Daddy and Mommy, you said no.  When I asked if you got sad because there was no Mommy or Daddy to watch you, you said no.  Gosh, Mommy was so relieved because Mommy was feeling guilty to have missed this.  But more than the relief that you gave Mommy, it was the thought that you are showing signs of independence that made me really smile.  Parents are not really there to protect and shield you all the time but it is more to train you to have the traits and values you need to live the life you have.  For some reason, Mommy is more concerned on how you’ll have a high emotional quotient than just being good at academics.  I’m glad that I see La Salle as a partner to that goal.  I’ve been seeing various activities in your school that I think train students to be independent and confident.  Ooops, carried away na naman yata ako.  Umo-OA na naman si Mommy.  Wala lang, I’m just so happy for you anak.  I saw your video in Facebook since Sofia’s mom shared it.  Ang galing!  Winner ang kembot mo hahaha

October 24, 2013 – Science Quiz Bee 

Another first, my princess.  We got a note from Teacher that you were chosen to be one of the representatives to the Science Quiz Bee.  When I got there, you just finished the quiz bee.  Good thing Daddy took a video of it.  And Mommy was really impressed.  Especially during the difficult round where there were no choices and wrong spelling will not be counted.  Example lang.  One of the questions was “Where do orchids live and grow?”  You answered, “pot”.  Tama yun, my princess hahaha you see naman that our orchids at home are growing and living in the pot (some of them lang kasi others are in a drift wood kaya nga si Daddy puno ang naiisip na answer hahaha). But the correct answer was “air”.  Hihihih that’s okay, anak.  This is just the start.  For sure, there will be more quiz bees for you.  And I really admire La Salle that they expose students this young to activities like this which I think train students to be confident and competitive.  Sige bawi tayo next time, my princess.  And don’t worry, we are still buying you a new pair of rubbers shoes ;)

October 25, 2013 – Card-giving day for the first trimester of SY 2013-2014

You did it!  You’re the first in class!  In fairness, ang galing mang-surprise ni Teacher Dianne.  She showed me first your Exemplary Deportment Award, discussed with me your grades, and finally showed the First Place Award.  Yiiiiiiiiii!  Can’t contain my happiness then.  Galing mo!  I remember Daddy would always tell you to aim to be number one because 2^nd place is the first loser.  Syempre to the rescue si Mommy because I’m not sure how you’ll take the pressure in school.  I just would like you to adjust to the “real” school first.  But look at that.  Maybe, I’m babying you a little.  Maybe, I should trust you more :)  Anyway, I’ll leave the pushing to Daddy and Mommy will be that safety emotional net ;)  Good deal? :D

 

Hayyy baby ko.  How time flies.  You are now starting to build yourself.  I hope and pray that you will continue to aim high, love learning, and act with integrity and with heart to others.  Pray always my baby and  know that your family is always here to support you.  

I love you so much,

Mommy

PRAYER OF JABEZ

I came across "The Prayer of Jabez" in 2004 and learned that it was a very powerful prayer.  In 2004, I was earnestly seeking for a new job and this was my prayer back then.  And yes, I got the job I was praying for.  I got in at Cypress.  Looking back, I could say God really works in wonders and that I am glad He made me wait to get the the job that was for me.

Nine years later, I am still with Cypress and I am finding myself turning to "The Prayer of Jabez" again.  I cannot disclose the details yet but I am up for "something".  I needed to face that "something" this morning and I was really nervous and at the same time excited.  I asked Naomi to pray for me and explained to her that Mommy would like to be a leader.  Naomi asked Daddy, "Dad, are you a leader?"  To which her Dad responded, "Yes."  Then Naomi said, "Mommy isn't but she will be today!"  Ahhhh... Awww... Sobrang na-touch ako.  Such innocent remark but I felt Naomi's confidence in Mommy and her love for me.  Shucks, kakaiba ka talaga anak!

Anyway, that something is "done" and I lift to You, O Lord, the results.  Sorry if I thought about the prayer now that I have "something" again but I believe that You hear me.  Your will be done.  Amen.

---oOo---

THE PRAYER OF JABEZ

SEPTEMBER 1 CHRISTMAS GREETING

This has been a tradition for me every September 1, i.e., to greet those who are dear to me a Merry Christmas :)  Even my friends are expecting this every year.  Such a nice thought that Christmas is just around the corner.  Merry Christmas everyone! :)

PANIC MODE

Shucks, 2 days na lang start na ng "ber" months.  And I only have 4 weeks to complete 3 major projects at anik anik SOX testing.  Goodluck na lang talaga sa CSFs  ko (Critical Success Factors which is the basis of quarterly performance).

Awww, sakit ng tyan, puso, at ulo ko.  Nakakataranta!

O sya, nag-hi lang sa blog ko at missing in action na naman ako.  Daming pending posts :)

Yun lang.  Back to work.  Bow.

CONFIDENCE

Hubby called and narrated his conversation with Naomi today at lunch time:

Daddy:  Are you the smartest in the class?
Naomi:  Yes.
Daddy:  You think teacher will say the same?
Naomi:  I think so.

Awww, ikaw na, anak!  Hahaha I am just so proud that Naomi is so confident of herself.  

Just  a background why there was this kind of conversation, today at 3 pm will be Naomi's 1st performance review with teacher.  So we will meet with teacher later and both hubby and I are just so excited to hear how Naomi is in school.  And this conversation of hubby with Naomi just makes me smile and hopeful that such confidence will be with Naomi as she grows up.  I just don't remember myself being that sure of myself when I was Naomi's age :)

I better log out now as I need to finish work so I can leave the office early.  Will blog about the result of Naomi's performance review later :)

MEET SUPERMAN, GREEN, AND FLOWER :)

This is a rather late post.  I just found time writing it now because I am currently confined at St. Luke's BGC for my annual executive check-up.

Anyway, I wrote about Nathan's first pet here.  That is Sam the fish.  Sadly, Sam passed away last month.  Not sure why.  We bought Sam a new house, or should I say an aquarium, but after about two or three days we found Sam floating.  The pet store saleslady said it might be due to stress.  Hmmm, puede nga siguro because I think Nathan got too excited about Sam's new house, he kept on poking him.  Oh well, so long Sam.

And so we decided to buy new pets for the kids.  Hubby and I believe that having a pet is a good way of teaching responsibility to the kids.  So this is what we got for the kids: new pet fish and two turtles!!! 

We named the fish, Superman.  Only because Nathan likes superheroes.  Even as we bought Superman, I don't think Nathan realizes that Sam is gone.  That's okay.  For the turtles, we named the darker one Green (male) and the lighter one, Flower (female).  Initially, I asked Nathan if he liked to name his turtle Blue.  I remembered Blue from Rio the movie which is his favorite.  But then Nathan looked at me and said "Green?"  Josme tawa ako ng tawa.  He looked at me like he is saying "Shouldn't it be named Green instead because of his color? Duh, mommy???"  Oo nga naman.  Shucks, eh anak, name naman pinag-uusapan natin at hindi color no! Hahaha of course I did not argue anymore.

That's it.  Enjoy your pets, my adorable gremlins! :)

PEACE

Ako lang ba ang nai-stress sa pag-manage ng helpers?  I guess not.  Gosh, for some reason, helper issues really drain the energy in me.  I feel like I'm being robbed out of my peace.  Ewan, bakit parang super affected ako every time may helper issues.  Andyan ang mga pasaway, mga liars, yung tipong kung lulusot eh lulusot, mga personality clash, intriga nila sa isa't isa, etc etc etc to the nth power.  Bottom line is ang hirap magtiwala.  Nakakapraning lang kasi you are entrusting your household to them.  Moreso, your children.  I have been blessed naman to have some trusted individuals at home pa rin pero gosh madalas ang gulo nila.

Wala lang.  Gusto ko lang mag-vent.  Kasi dapat hindi ako affected.  Yun nga lang kasi pag family involved naprapraning ako.  Lalo na, I'm a working mom.  Hindi naman lahat kayang imonitor.  

So eto post post muna ng mga inspirational chuva.  Got the images from https://www.facebook.com/TheHappyPlace

  
And I think what's really important is for me to lift all these to prayer.  A lot of things in my life is beyond my control.  I just have to have faith that everything is in His good control and that He will take care of my family and our household.  Yes, good things are going to happen... is happening :)

LITTLE EINSTEIN

Hubby and I decided to have Nathan's eye checked because we noticed that he would always tilt his head to the left whenever he watches the television (even if the television is just in front of  him!).  It was a red flag for me because my sister and my niece had the same habit when they were about 5 to 6 years old (can't remember exactly when) and that was when they started wearing eyeglasses.  

So I had Nathan scheduled at the American Eye Center, at Shangri-la Edsa, on July 27, 2013, for consulation with a pedia-ophthalmologist.  Our doctor is Dr. Catherine Qui-Macaraig.  Actually, she is the same doctor that we consulted when Naomi was months old.  Naomi had discharge in her eyes (sort of pus-looking discharge) when she was a baby.  We learned that it was because her tear ducts were closed.  According to the doctor, some babies are like that but it opens up sooner or later.  If it did not, then a surgery was needed.  Good thing, Naomi's tear ducts opened and with the help of some eye medications, all was well.  I guess her tear ducts were too open that's why she easily cries now that she is a toddler hahahah (joke lang, Naomi, you're such a bubbly kinda maligalig lang kid hahaha).

Anyway, going back to Nathan, the eye tests resulted to him having astigmatism.  Below is his prescription.  The first number is the lens grade and the next number is the astigmatism.  For the last number (180), I forgot what it is for :)  

The doctor told us that we can have him wear eyeglasses to correct astigmatism.  If he stops tilting his head after wearing eyeglasses, then Nathan may be feeling the comfort of the lens support. Although sometimes, at his age, some kids just have certain habits.  And the tilting of his head may just be behavioral.  So we just need to remind Nathan every time he tilts his head.  

Oh well, I hope the astigmatism will be corrected soon.  The challenge is to have him wear the eyeglasses longer.  Nathan can only wear it for a minute or less.  I guess he is comparing the vision with and without eyeglasses and it may still be weird for him.  I don't blame him.  I also find wearing eyeglasses such a hassle that's why I opted for contact lens :)  O sya, for now here is our cutie little Einstein :)

DISCONNECT TO CONNECT

I saw this video shared from Facebook and I thought it was a nice and gentle reminder for us who are so hooked up with our gadgets (click on the link below to view the video).  Yes, I am so guilty of this too because it seems that the instinct nowadays is to check first all updates in e-mail and/or social media sites that we get so warped with our gadgets rather than talk with our family, friends, or whoever we are with.  I guess from time to time, we really need to disconnect to connect :)  

A Silent Message For All Of Us

POSTER

Here's another picture taken by my brother last May 2013 at Splash Island.  I so love the picture I thought it was a great material for a poster.  So I made one below and used a favorite verse from the bible.  

I just feel blessed to have these adorable kids :)

THE MONSTER IS BACK!

I just can't resist making a comic out of these cutie pics of Nathan (which my brother took last May 2013 at Splash Island).  Certified kenkoy at monster talaga si bunso.  Hangggkyooot!!! :)

1ST DAY KINDER HIGH!

Dear Naomi,

Congratulations!  You are officially a schoolgirl now.  Yes, a Kinder at De La Salle University.  This is what Mommy calls the "big" school.

Mommy is so proud that you did well on your first day on June 20, 2013.  You woke up early (even if you slept very late the night before), took a bath without questioning "why", and dressed well with your P.E. uniform.  We were ready just in time as the school service arrived at 6:30 am.  And we arrived in school at 7:05 am, way too early for your 7:45 am start time.  But that's okay.  At least you (and I) had enough time warming up in school.  You were clingy to Mommy when we got into your room.  But you eased up when you saw your KDC friends.  And yes, you said goodbye to Mommy easy breezy.

You really are a big girl now, Naomi.  I hope you do well in school.  Sabi nga ni Daddy, "No. 1" hahaha  But more than learning, I really hope you enjoy school and you embrace the good Christian values that La Salle will be teaching you.  Mommy and Daddy will support you and will always pray for your well being.

Go for gold, my adorable valedictorian gremlin hihihihi

Watching proudly your milestones,

Mommy <3

P.S.  Here are some pics to remind you of your first-day-high in Kinder :)

Kinder A Classroom :)

Syempre dapat may souvenir photo with Mommy <3

Listening attentively to Teacher Diana :)

NOTE TO MYSELF

Dear Jeng,

There will always be more work than time.  So stop questioning that fact, instead, learn to manage your time.  Besides, "work" is a blessing; whether that "work" pertains to office or your household.  Be grateful for it, do it with love, and do your best always.

Now you know that a mother wears so many hats --- a wife, a mom, guardian, home maker or household supervisor, a friend, and all other roles you can think of.  Yes, it can be overwhelming, especially when there are simultaneous pressures coming from those different roles (may be a deadline, demand of time from the kids, a friend in need, etc.)  Just the same, pray, and try to be the best person you can be.

Lastly, you entertain so many fears.  Nothing is certain in this life.  A lot are beyond your control.  Almost all are.  Except your attitude.  So pray earnestly about it to the Holy Spirit so that you can move on, accomplish things, and enjoy life.  Remember one of your favorite verse/song?  "Teach me to trust in You with all of my heart.  And lean not on my own understanding.  I just forget, You won't give me what I can't bear."  (ahihihi more of a song pala :) Gary V song :))

Now that you've vented this out, quit the drama, post this entry, and get back to work.  As you may notice, you are always like this when you are pressured from work and when you feel the consequences of procrastination.  

Let's do this!  Let's get this done!

Love yourself,

Jeng

BYE DIAPER

Dear Nathan,

For about five nights now (actually even more), you no longer wear diaper at bedtime.  You must be enjoying the comfort of your brief, especially your Superman brief :)  Oh and yes, you did not wet our bed.  Not yet.  And I hope never.  

You are now 3 years and 1 month old.  Yey, hooray for you!  Mommy and Daddy are proud of you and are excited at our cost savings hahahah  Let us really really say bye-bye to your diaper.  

Next project will be "Bye Feeding Bottles" (this is actually for you and your Ate Naomi)

Watching your milestones with love and pride,

Mommy :)

MY INSPIRATIONAL WALL

In my May 2013 trip to our corporate office in San Jose, California, me and the whole Internal Audit Team had a chance to visit my boss' house.  His house was filled with frames (paintings, photographs) and knick knacks (souvenir displays) from the different countries he visited.  But what struck me were the frames.  He had so many frames but it did not look cluttered at all.  I even loved the idea of the frames which were lined up on the wall along the stairs.  

This then made me realize that I have so many bare walls at home.  I was so afraid that having so many frames would not be too pleasing to the eyes so I did not explore the idea before.  But the visit to my boss' house got me inspired... thus, my INSPIRATIONAL WALL!  Tadaaaah (see pictures below)!  I chose to buy inpirational frames since we have kids at home and I wanted to fill the house with positive vibes.  I got these frames from Lucina, located at Paseo de Sta. Rosa.  They have lovely home decors there.  Also, I added a frame in my console table which is a Joy Manifesto that I downloaded from Simply Fresh Designs.  I just had it printed and I bought a frame from Metro Department Store (less than P200).

This just feels good :)  Next project would be some sort of wall collage of family pictures.  But for now, let me present to you my inspirational wall (and console table).  Positive vibes everyone!

My Inspirational Wall

"Everyday may not be good.  But there is something good in every day."

With a not very kid-friendly word but we chose this frame anyway because we want the kids to be always on the move :)

  

Family Rules!

  

"Do something amazing today"

"Never, never, never give up!"

The console table with the Joy Manifesto frame and 2 little orange lamps which I got from Metro Dept Store  :)

The Joy Manifesto

LET'S CELEBRATE LIFE

Shared McDo's photo in Facebook on May 29, 2013

The fact that we are able to wake up everyday is a blessing, something to be thankful for, and a reason to celebrate life.  Very fitting for me today especially that last night, we had an accident.  A motorcycle bumped the back of our car, near the tires, when we turned left to enter our subdivision.  We had dent in our car and some parts of the motorcycle were stuck in the tires.  Good thing though, the rider (who is a lady) is alive.  But her mouth was bleeding and her motorcycle was a total wreck.  I do not want to go to the details but just being involved in an accident, even if we did not suffer any damages in our body, is still a very energy-consuming experience.  I can't explain what I feel. What my husband and I are feeling.  One thing for sure, it does not feel good.  Much as we want to blame and ask the lady rider why was she speeding that way, we still feel for her and her family.  The lady driver was not very well off so even if she's injured and needing stitches in her gums, she and her husband decided to go home and look for a cheaper hospital.  Another question is why won't she use her health card and stay even for just a night?  We're puzzled.  Oh well, that is their decision.  Haist.  I still feel weak just thinking the what-could-have-been's...

Dear Lord, I thank you for keeping Noel and I safe last night.  I thank you that the lady driver is alive.  I pray for her quick recovery and please bless her family as well.  Last night, was a humbling experience.  Makes you reflect once again about life, death, and what really matters in our lifetime.  I lift to you my family and seek your protection from any harm, danger, or evil.  Again, thank you very much for the gift of life.  Mama Mary, keep us under the mantel of your maternal protection.  St. Joseph, pray for us.  Guardian angel and all the angels, please pray for us and guard us.  Amen.

(MAY 22, 2013) NAOMI'S BAKING PROJECT: BANANA CAKE

Oh yes, Naomi had another baking project last night.  This time we did banana cake using Maya Oven Toaster Banana Cake mix.  Actually, I thought this would not push through because we started doing it past 8:00 pm (almost 9:00 pm, I think) but my adorable gremlin still have the energy.

I'm so glad Naomi likes baking.  I am a frustrated baker but now I get to share this activity with her.  I know we are just using instant cake mixes but I plan to gradually do the "real" baking thing with her... Slowly :)  And both of us can learn at the same time and make this our bonding moment.  This baking project started with kutsinta mix, puto, and now banana cake.  Next, I'll teach her how to make choco oat chip cookie which is the only thing I know how to bake.  My friend and I even came up with a business because of this cookie (called Cookie Creations) but that's another story.


Anyway, here are the pics of the banana cake baking project.  For some reason, Naomi reminds me of Tessa Prieto in these pics hahaha  And for the record, the banana cake is really yummy (not because I'm her mom but yes of course I'm a proud mom!)  Parang Purple Oven banana cake sa sarap :)  

The ingredients!

Proudly showing off her batter :)

Tessa Prieto, is that you? hehehe

Isa pa ulit pose :)

Ready for baking!

At syempre another pose with oven toaster :)

  

Done baking!

Ready for eating

Mommy tried plating 2 slices using whipped cream, marshmallows and candy sprinkles :)

Hmmm, medyo kulang sa art si mommy hahaha

  

Slices!  No pic na nga lang with Naomi coz she was busy watching the tv na upstairs.

Therefore, si Nathan na lang nag-photo shoot with the finished product hehehe

A very happy customer!  Yum Yum raw talaga :)

Nathan: "I can eat all of these!"

*Pictures of past baking projects of Naomi*

1st baking project: kutsinta!  We did this first week of April 2013.

April 9, 2013 puto project ;)