“MOMMY, IT'S YOUR CHOICE…” - NAOMI

Last night, I had a “gigil” episode with Nathan.  I was reviewing Nathan for a quiz and for some reason I lost my cool because he couldn’t focus on what we’re doing.  Nathan kept giving me wrong answers.  I totally broke down.  Gosh, sobrang OA reaction ko and I still feel guilty about it as I write this…

Anyway, good thing we ended the night in good terms.  We said sorry to each other and we both ended the night with love.  When we were on the bed with Ate Naomi, Nathan was starting to get kulit again.  I told him, “Nathan, do you want Mommy to get angry again?”  Aba, biglang singit si Ate Naomi sa usapan and said, “No, Mommy.  It’s not Nathan.  It’s you.  You have a choice if you want to be mad, sad, angry… It’s you.”

TOINKKK!  Straight to my face.  Nagpaka-mature si Ate!  Parang last week lang yan ang speech ko sa kanya when I was talking to her about managing her crankiness.  I paused.  Di na ko kumontra.  Did not say any excuses.  I just acknowledged her. 

Yes, Ate, you’re right.  Thanks for reminding me.  And thank you for remembering that we always have a choice on how we will react to situations.  That we are responsible for our own actions.  Made me feel good na nag-sink in naman pala sa yo long speech ko.  And again, thanks for reminding me about it.

Naomi and Nathan, I am so sorry if Mommy tends to raise her voice when trying to make a point.  I love both of you very much and I only think of what’s best for you.  When Mommy loses her patience, yes, it’s her and not you.  You are both very special, kind-hearted, smart kids.  I have faith in you, my adorable gremlins.  I love you!

BIG SISTER IN FORM AND SUBSTANCE

June 25, 2014, Wednesday
 
Dear Naomi,

I want you to know that I am beaming with pride to see you accompany your little brother Nathan to his classroom today.  You know it's only Nathan's third day in big school and he is still building up his confidence and courage to be on his own.  Nathan got clingy to Mommy when I brought both of you to school this morning.  Of course, the teacher in charge wouldn't let Mommy in the classroom area and Nathan wouldn't go without me.  Good thing you offered to bring Nathan to his classroom even if you're almost late for your own class. 

Awww, such a sweet sister.  It's like you were reassuring your brother that it's okay and he can do it, without babying him.  At that moment I felt like you were his source of strength.  You were all smiles to him.

I really pray that you both grow up to be like that --- supportive and loving of each other.  Because people will come and go through your life but your family will always be there for you.

I love you both, my adorable gremlins.  And thank you again, Naomi, for being a real big sister for Nathan.

Love, hugs, and kisses,

Mommy :)

OVERWHELMED

Yeah, it's that time of the year when it seems like all to-do's need to be completed at the same time.  I'm talking about work and the multiple deadlines.  Not complaining though.  Just sayin'.

Yes, I am overwhelmed with work.  I am overwhelmed with expectations.  I feel proud that others have high expectations but somehow they are misaligned.  I am overwhelmed with organizational movements.  

And it does not help that I get a little emotional about companies reducing their workforce and the thought that it would greatly impact not just one person's life but his/her whole family.

Times like this, I remind myself that these "incidents" are what you can call "good disturbers" in our life to remind us to:
- Be grateful always.
- Count our blessings.
- Do great in every task.  Love our work.
- Be on the top of our toes and two steps ahead of our boss.
- Be kind.
- Have faith.

At the end of the day, I still thank the Lord for His great providence to our family.  For the loving family that unconditionally supports me.  My family who I can trust about career concerns (super thanks to my hubby!).

Here are some quotes which I got from Pinterest.  I hope these will inspire you too.

Good vibes to all of us.

I MISSED MARCH!

Shucks, I did not have any blog posts in March 2014.  It seemed to have passed by so quickly with all the milestones of the kids, catching up with my projects in the office, family events, and family getting sick.  Oh well, I still hope to document the kids' milestones soon!!!

On another note, here are some marriage prayers and quotes which I really can relate and which I think are worth sharing.  Hubby and I had our episode last night, i.e., a good conversation which ended sourly.  I guess I still have to master the art of being tactful.  Or maybe my words are really reflecting my innermost feelings... or self-made "ghosts" and "wild imagination", I should say.  It's a struggle but it's a challenge I am up too and would gladly take because I love my my husband, our marriage, and our family so much.  Anyway, I hope you too find inspiration in these prayers and quotes.  

http://unveiledwife.com/blog/

http://unveiledwife.com/blog/

http://unveiledwife.com/blog/

https://s-media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/bd/95/47/bd9547c8bb5246bc416425dc797c355d.jpg

http://radioteopoli.tumblr.com/post/36490660688/important-tips-for-those-who-marry-a-good-read

http://luvzangell.tumblr.com/post/30796796453

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/242209286182399276/

https://s-media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/originals/33/4d/7f/334d7f6c184ac654060deef9a8799bda.jpg

SULIT CARD G.O.L.D.

Today, I got my Sulit Card G.O.L.D.  What is this? A discount card you wish you will never have.  Well, it's Pfizer's discount card for Norvasc, maintenance meds for high blood pressure/hypertension.

I don't like it :(  Tumatanda na ba ako?  Maintenance meds at 38 years old?

Actually, I started taking Norvasc 5mg in October 2013.  I took it for one month because the doctor said 130/100 blood pressure (BP) is not normal for my age.  I just had it for a month and just continuously monitor my BP.

Then two weekends ago, I started to feel like my head was expanding.  I was thinking it may be due to back pains.  So I went out to see an Ortho who gave me pain reliever and muscle relaxant.  Still there was the "expanding" feeling in my head and when hubby checked my BP on Feb 11, 2014, it was my all time high: 150/100.  I still went to the office that day because I still feel well.  I don't feel anything alarming.  Not even dizzy or whatever.  When I got to the office, my BP went 160/100.  That's when I decided to see a doctor because even if I'm not feeling anything, I know this is not normal.  They even say that hypertension/high blood is a traitor.  Nakupow, wag po muna.  My kids are so small.  I felt fear... not for myself... but for my kids who are only 3 and 5 years old.  Emergency prayer talaga na wag Nyo muna po akong kukunin... kawawa naman kids ko... pati si hubby na rin.

Anyway, I went to St. Luke's Global, since it's near my office, and consulted a cardiologist.  Doc asked me to have blood tests (chem 8), urinalysis, ambulatory BP (BP monitor for 24 hours), and 2D echo with doppler.  Buti na lang di ako takot sa mga tests, sa hospital, or sa doctor.  Did all that last week and today I went to my Cardio for interpretation.  

Results?

Blood chem - Normal

Urinalysis - Ok

Ambulatory BP- Average BP was 150! Josme, average?!?!  And I did not realize that I registered a 173 BP in the afternoon of Feb 11 and while sleeping highest BP was 150.  Gosh, sleeping na nga 150 pa rin.

2D echo - Aorta a little dilated that's why I really need to bring my BP down para hindi mapagod ang puso at di mag-expand.

I asked Doc what may be the cause.  I may have inherited it from Papa and Mama (family history raw) and due to diet (sabi nga ni Doc Noel Aquino mag-ingat sa mga kinakain ko!!!) :)

Oh, dear Lord, I am so thankful I am still okay today.  Normal and alive.  Parang yung iba kasi nasstroke na yata sa 160-170 BP.  Waking up alive and well everyday is a gift from You, Lord.  A blessing indeed.

So what's next?  Eh di eto will start to live healthier.  Starting to check our daily meal plan.  Hirap.  But anyway, it's a matter of getting used to it.  Besides, this is not a joke.  I still need to live for my family.  

TULIPS!!!

I just need to post this :D  Hubby gave me my fave flowers on V-day (02-14-2014)... TULIPS!!!

Wala lang feeling special :)  And sharing positive vibes to all of you.  Spread the L-O-V-E everyday! :D

THIS IS IT, NATHAN! :)

Dear Nathan,

Mommy finally submitted your Nursery application form to the big school and you are having your entrance exams on Feb 22, 2014 :)  Do great my little gremlin!  You will be one real school boy starting school year 2014-2015!

Actually, Mommy is excited for you and at the same time a little anxious.  Mommy would like you to stay one more year at Kids Discovery Corner because there the teachers will really have the time to help you improve your skills (writing and reading).  But Daddy and I talked about it (even your Ate Naomi) and they believe that you can do it in the big school.  Don't get me wrong my little gremlin.  Sigurista lang si Mommy.  When your sister entered the big school she was well prepared and knew how to write her name.  I just would like you to be as prepared as Ate Naomi.  Right now, you are in the developing stage and is starting to learn the alphabet, the numbers, and even writing basic lines and coloring.  Oh well, Mommy just have to trust your own strength.  Besides, it is really in school where you are expected to learn and master these skills.  I guess, I just have to erase that thinking that you should know all these basics even before you enter the big school.

I just wish you well my baby, este, big boy.  More than learning, I want you to enjoy school and learn to build healthy relationships.  For the meantime, medyo cramming lang tayo ha.  Let's practice your alphabet, numbers, and writing in preparation for Feb 22.  Most of all, lets PRAY!!! Hahahaha :D

On another note, here is your assessment for the 2nd sem of school year 2013-2014.  Good job for you, my adorable gremlin!  And yes, you are the king of pretend play.  You are just one funny kid.

I will love and support you all the way, my gremlin,

Mommy <3

PSALM 91:9-11

Claiming this prayer... claiming your protection... Amen.

*****

Psalm 91:9-11
New Living Translation

9     If you make the Lord your refuge,
          If you make the Most High your shelter,
10   no evil will conquer you;
          no plague will come near your home.
11   For he will order his angels
          to protect you wherever you go.