#BLESSED

Just so blessed to have you kids.  I pray that you will grow up to be kind, courageous, respectful, responsible individuals, and with so much faith in the Lord and reverence to Mama Mary.

I love you, N & N!

GREAT OCTOBER START

Grateful for a good October 2015 start.  And I must say, I look forward to even wonderful months ahead.

Oct 3rd... Papa celebrated his 66th birthday.  We had a really yummy lunch at Clawdaddy, Nuvali, and we're complete :)

Oct 4th... Papa had endoscopic ultrasonography of the pancreas.  Thank you, dear Lord, that the cyst is just a mass and there was no tumor... We continue to pray, dear Lord, that it will not progress to anything malignant.  All is possible with your great mercy and compassion.  Cover Papa with your precious blood, o Lord.

Week of Oct 5th... Praying for this week.  If this is for me and for the good of my family...  Lifting it up to you, o Lord.  Guide me in my "analysis" and may I arrive at a decision that is according to Your will.  Thank you in advance o Lord for your providence...

All of these, I lift to you, O Lord for your greater glory.  Not by my power or might, but by your grace... Amen :)

NATHAN DOODLES TOO :)

Dear Nathan,

You drew this last July 27, 2015 and proudly showed Mommy and Daddy your artwork.  Hahaha of course, it's about Minecraft, Stampy, the creepers and all.  And there's a dragon too.  

Keep it up, cool kid.  The drawings are starting to make sense hahaha  Just the same, I love them!

Your fan forever, 

Mommy

Do you see the dragon up there? :)

Stampy with the Creepers :)

8TH WEDDING ANNIV LOVE DOODLE FROM NAOMI

Dear Naomi,

Thank you for this lovely surprise for Mommy and Daddy's 8th wedding anniversary!  You even stayed up late last night to wait for us and to give this.

I hope you stay this sweet and thoughtful until you grow up.  I will never get tired of your love notes.  And you will be Mommy and Daddy's precious gift forever.

Love much,

Mommy 

WE SURVIVED JUNE

Yes, we did it!

I have written in a previous post that June is a period of transition not only for myself but for the whole family.  So how did we survive?  By trusting our instincts, by trusting the capability of kids, by believing in ourselves again, and most importantly by letting go and trusting in God's great providence.

Here's what happened:

• Naomi and Nathan went through their first day high's by themselves.  Yep, no Mommy with them.  I must confess I was so uneasy waiting for them to come home.  I was imagining so many things and was so worried they wouldn't find their school service or might ride the wrong one.  But God's protection is with them and legions of angels did guard my chikiting patrol.  So there, they went home safely and with lots of stories.

• No stay-in helpers.  I have two stay-out helpers who do the laundry and ironing of clothes.  Both go to our house twice a week.  Despite this, we badly needed a stay-in helper to cook food, do the dishes, watch over kids, and clean the house.  Since we did not have any for about 2 weeks, we needed to do things by ourselves.  Good thing the big kids cooperated.  They looked after the little kids.  They helped clean the house and washed the dishes.  Everybody contributed and extended a helping hand to keep everything in order.  So how did I manage cooking for the platoon?  I did not! hahaha I cooked once then decided to utilize food delivery (with the strong support of hubby)!  Isn't that cool (and expensive)?  But hubby kept telling me the cost is nothing compared to the stress of cooking.  So there, we survived.  But shortly after this, we were lucky enough to have been helped by hubby's sister and soon found a stay-in househelp.  But that short stint allowed everybody to do household chores again.  A discipline that will help these kids when they're on their own.  Also, this  allowed me to revisit parts of the house that need attention.  Most importantly, this experience reminded me that I am strong and that yes, I still have that extra energy to do chores to make a lovely home.  Not bad at all.

Nathan's first entry to his assignment notebook :)

• Nathan wrote his assignment all by himself.  How awesome is that!  Writing is a big chore for Nathan.  So this is really a big milestone for him.  I guess this time he does not have a choice but to write.

• Naomi does her assignment and washes herself without yaya's help.  Yep, because in the first place we don't have a yaya.  This has now become a routine for her so Mommy just checks and reviews her when Mommy gets home. 

• Gab's timing of college is a blessing in disguise.  Good thing Gabs will start college not until August 2015.  So back in June when we did not have anyone in the house, there's Kuya Gabs watching over the kids when they get home from school.  And if you're reading this Gabs, I want to thank you so much for taking care of your little siblings and for reviewing them.  Not just a big help for me but most of all for Naomi and Nathan.  You get to review them while there is still energy left for the day.  When they are not cranky yet.

So there. That's it.  And right now, even with our stay-in helpers back, we still do some chores.  It's much more relaxed now.  And we are not afraid.  

I just love my family.  And I thank you so much dear Lord, for helping me and the whole family get through this.  More challenges to come.  But you have shown so many times that you are with us.

P.S.  I am so busy as of this writing because of tons of office deliverables.  But I just have to write this now because my heart is just full of gratitude :)

FACE YOUR MONSTERS

I subscribe to Bo Sanchez's Soulfood Newsletter.  And the July 6 post struck me real hard.

As I wrote in my previous post, June is a period of transition for the whole family.  We survived June well.  Still the transition continues.  And lately I have been feeling another adjustment with regard to work schedule.  I was not very comfortable about it and I fear so many things.  I was not very graceful in coping with the changes that I end up hurting the love of my life, my hubby (to which I really am very, very, very sorry).  All these changes that is happening right now including the thought of having a new job is making me uneasy.  Fear is over-powering the blessings that are actually being given to us.  The good prospect for hubby and I are lost in my own negative imagination.  And yes, I'm not only hurting myself but my hubby too who only deserves support, love, and understanding at this time.

Oh Lord Jesus, open my eyes, my mind, and my heart to the great possibilities these "transitions" will give me and my family.  You have greater and bigger blessings outside of what we already have.  Help me to trust in your goodness.  Don't allow me to leave your side.  Set our thoughts to what is good and right.  And in all these, dear Lord, thank you very much.

Amen.

JUNE 2015

June, please be good to me.

I think June 2015, or the whole year 2015, is a period of transition for me.

... Re-org at work resulting to my office's shutdown with an option to transfer to the company's plant.  I am not finding the company's plant an option.

... Helpers on vacation leave.  Not sure who's coming back.  June 1 and I don't have a helper.  School starts in a week.  So good luck naman.  I really have to adjust my sleeping schedule so I can cook breakfast, baon, lunch and dinner.  Good thing though our college kids will start school in August.  So they are a big help especially in looking after the little kids.  May be hard at first but I can do this.

... Career opportunities.  Starting to explore.  Let's see what the future holds. 

These transitions make me uneasy.  It's really moving me out of my comfort zone.  But I hold firmly to this:  IF GOD PUTS YOU TO IT, HE WILL PULL YOU THROUGH IT.

So June, please be good to me.  Great even.  

Holy Spirit and Mama Mary, guide me as I go through these transitions.

Amen.

REVELATION DAY

And so corporate office has revealed their plans for SSC.  

On March 12, 2015.  

So I guess it's bye bye time.  

Just a bit sentimental because I would have wanted to still work for CY.  I even thought about it as my retirement company.  And I can say that I am one of the founders of  the Internal Audit Group.  But right now, my personal plans are different from what CY has for me.  

On to the next chapter of my career life.  I just hope that the next one will allow me to fully perform my mommy and wife duties.  Praying and claiming for the next best thing for me and my family :)

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 :)

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.  

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!

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 :)

THE AQUINO FAMILY

I think this is really cute.  I've been wanting to have a car sticker like this too.


Got this from http://www.widdlytinks.com/myfamily/stick/.  However, I still am trying to figure out how I can put this in my blog site.


Just sharing.  Go create one for your family.  Enjoy! (",)