Mommyhood Moments

Help Your Child Learn & Achieve #1

2012-01-20T17:28:00.000-08:00

Since this is predominantly a parenting blog, I will be posting tips from the book "365 Ways To Help Your Child Learn & Achieve" on a regular basis in order to help other parents like me in raising better kids.

I'll start with Tip #1:

"When your child asks a question you can't answer such as 'Why can't I see the wind.', write it on an index card. When you're by the library, get a book on it or check with the reference librarian to help you to discover the answer together."

I realized that the tip may have been written during the time when there were few computers yet and people are more used to going to the library... How lucky are we at this time and age when we can get information almost instantaneously through our phone, iPad, laptop or computer.

What I do is I "google" the information that I need every time my son asks me questions that I am not able to answer on the spot. :). This way, my son and I both learn together. :)

Happy parenting!

Family Ties

2011-12-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law who is currently working in the US as a nurse is thinking of becoming a Traveling nurse because she has some friends who are Travel nurses. However, what's stopping her from becoming one is the thought of being away from her family for long periods of time considering that they are a close knit family.

Her nurse friends on the other hand are encouraging her to apply. They already sent her some information on how to get started. Unfortunately, she's having a hard time getting started especially every time she sees her kids and her husband.

Recently, I just had a chat with her and she told me that she will postpone for now her plans of becoming a Traveling nurse. Her family is more important to her than any financial gain. Her priority is to keep her family intact. I couldn't agree with her more. :)

Mineral Makeup Raves

2011-10-25T08:21:00.000-07:00

I have been using mineral makeup for more than 5 years now... It started when I got pregnant with Kyle in 2006. I was super conscious of making sure that I eat the right stuff as well use the "appropriate" cosmetics for pregnant women that's why I decided to look for "natural" alternatives...

Mineral makeup was quite new in the Philippines then and most mineral makeups are ordered from abroad... I must have tried a dozen different brands before I finally settled on a few brands that work for me...

Although I started using Bare Escentuals (BE), I eventually found cheaper and better alternatives, which can readily be bought here in the Philippines at half the price... My favorite is the Ellana Mineral Cosmetics but I was thrilled to find out that Human Nature also came out with its own mineral makeup line (see top photo)...

So far, here are the mineral makeup brands/products that I enjoy:

1. Ellana Mineral Cosmetics - foundation/concealer (loose powder as well as stick concealer), lip palette and tinted lip spa, eyeshadows, blush (loose powder) makeup brushes

2. Human Nature - pressed powder, eyeshadows (I bought all the colors that they have!), blush, sunflower beauty oil - what I love about Human Nature mineral makeup is that they have their makeups in "pressed" form as opposed to loose powder (which is typical of most mineral makeups).

3. Maybelline - pure liquid mineral foundation (they have the most affordable liquid mineral foundation in the market, I think!); I also use Maybelline's B.B. Cream although I'm not sure if this is part of their mineral makeup line. B.B. cream is an "8-in-1 skin transformer" - it brightens, evens, smoothens, refines, clears, conceals, moisturizes and protects skin...

All the products that I have mentioned above are really affordable (nothing above P500 or $12) and easily available in the market... so stay beautiful and healthy!

Happy shopping fellow Mommies! :)

COMPLAINT AGAINST SHINAGAWA PHILIPPINES CANDELA HAIR REMOVAL TREATMENT

2011-10-07T18:35:00.000-07:00

I would like to warn everyone about my unfortunate experience regarding Shinagawa Philippines' Candela Hair Removal treatment! It was such a disappointing experience but what's more disappointing for me is Shinagawa Philippines' lack of customer orientation!

I availed of their Candela Hair Removal treatment last September 14 (Wednesday evening) for my lower legs by using a Metrodeal voucher. That same evening and the following day, my legs started becoming itchy. I wasn't sure if this was a normal reaction so I let it be hoping that things will subside eventually. However, things didn't improve and I noticed that my legs started becoming very dry (flaky) and super itchy with a few red spots.

Thus, I decided to call up Shinagawa on Friday (lunch time) to complain about what happened. The receptionist told me to go to the clinic for check up but I told her that I won't be able to go that same day because I have a prior commitment which I can't cancel. However, I told her that I will go to the clinic on Saturday morning to see their doctor regarding my legs. After my call, Rhonilie from Shinagawa texted me to tell me that she also experienced the same thing when she had her Candela hair removal but assured me that it means that the treatment is "working". I told her that the Doctor didn't mention about this "side effect" when I was being briefed about the treatment. I also asked my sister who had laser hair removal with another clinic and she said she didn't experience such a thing.

On Saturday morning, I was about to go to Shinagawa already but my son had an asthma attack so I had to stay with him at home. It also rained very hard in the afternoon so I wasn't able to go. However, I told Rhonilie on Saturday evening that I will just go to their clinic on Sunday.

On Sunday morning, I went to see their Doctor to show him my condition and ask him about the itchiness. He said that the itchiness could be due to shaving (which Shinagawa performed) or the laser hair removal treatment. He prescribed 3 medications for my legs and told me not to scratch them further: (1) Elica/Momate Cream or Lotion, (2) Cetirizine (antibiotics) and (3) Hydroxyzine (Iterax). I told him that the medicines he prescribed would probably cost more than the treatment itself!

On September 19, I sent a formal complaint email (together with a picture of what happend to my legs) to Mr. Besa (Shinagawa's Marketing Manager) to request for the following: (1) reimburse me for the cost of their prescribed medication as a result of their treatment, (2) refund me the Metrodeal voucher worth P300 which I wasn't able to use after the incident and (3) for them to inform future clients about this possible side effect.

I didn't receive any reply from Mr. Besa so I decided to call him up the following day to talk to him but the receptionist said that he's not around so I just requested for a return call (which I didn't get). I asked the receptionist if Mr. Besa received my complaint letter and she said no because he has a problem with his computer but when I asked Rhonilie if Mr. Besa received my email, she said yes. In fact, it's already being evaluated by the Medical Director. I told her that I'm expecting them to reply to my complaint email formally for consistency. I also asked her to give me the name and email of their Medical Director but she refused to give the information to me. I started wondering what kind of a company is Shinagawa because instead of attending to customer complaints, it appears like they are ignoring or hiding away from them!

Eventually, through my own research, I was able to get the name and email of their Medical Director Michelle Rivera Nuez. I sent her a complaint email as well last September 25 but she also ignored my email. I asked Rhonilie if the Medical Director got my email and she said yes. Up to now, I have not received any formal reply from Mr. Besa or Dra. Nuez! They didn't even acknowledge my email or get in touch with me to find out more about my situation. If Shinagawa is an honorable and responsible company, they would have been concerned about what happened to me.

My brother and sister-in-law are also doctors (although they migrated already to the US). I also have uncles, aunties and cousins who are doctors so I am appalled at how Dra. Michelle Rivera Nuez is choosing to ignore the situation and not think about the welfare of Shinagawa's clients!

Just this week, I already sent a formal complaint letter to DTI about Shinagawa Philippines (including a picture of what happened to my legs). I'm not sure if DTI will act on my complaint (I'm not even expecting it) but at least I want this incident put on record.

I know the amount involved is only small - it might not even be worth my time... I just don't think that what they did to me is fair. I'm the victim here and yet instead of being apologetic or concerned about my condition, they decided to ignore their responsibilities/obligation to their clients...

Update (as of October 22): Metrodeal "reimbursed" me for my voucher by giving me credits for future purchase(s). For your reference, the landline of Metrodeal is (632) 788-6591. I initially had a hard time contacting them but once I was able to talk to them, they didn't give me a hard time with the reimbursement.

As for Shinagawa, sadly, they have chosen to ignore my complaint, which only shows what kind of a company they are. I'm not sure if this is how their head office in Japan would handle the situation but the local franchise surely does not know how to treat their customers well... What a major disappointment! Paging Masako Uemori (President of Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics)!

Update (as of November 5): After almost 2 months since the time I had my Candela Hair Removal treatment, my legs haven't gotten back to normal yet and have remained super sensitive, experiencing regular dryness and itchiness! I don't know up to when this will last... but I surely regret availing Shinagawa's Candela Hair Removal treatment! :(

Steve Jobs: iSad, iMourn, iSalute

2011-10-05T22:18:00.000-07:00

(Photo taken from this site)

My husband and I were on our way to work this morning when we found out from the radio show of "kabayan" Noli de Castro in DZMM 630 that Steve Jobs passed away... We were SHOCKED! Although it was inevitable, I still couldn't believe that he died just a few weeks after he stepped down as CEO of Apple and barely 1 day after the launch of IPhone 4S...

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Iphone and I cannot thank Steve Jobs enough for coming up with such a cool product that's so easy-to-use! The guy is a GENIUS! I've read stories about his temperament, his obssessive-compulsiveness (OC) and his very, very high standards. But I am thankful for those traits because if Steve Jobs were less OC or less of a perfectionist, then we wouldn't be having such great products like the Ipod, Iphone and Ipad! His success story as encapsulated in his Standford Commencement Speech is so inspiring!

Just like the rest of the world, I'm sad... and I mourn the loss of a truly great man... I salute Steve Jobs for making our world a better place to live in through his innovative products...

Rest in peace, Steve Jobs! :)

Just Playing...

2011-09-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

My husband and I started attending First Steps (parenting course) at Educhild last month. I couldn't emphasize how happy I am to be taking that course. I wish we decided to take it much earlier when Kyle was just 1 or 2 years old... Anyway, at least we can still do something now...

One of our previous lessons is about the importance of PLAY in children. Apparently, lack of play in children is as serious as lack of sleep. As such, we shouldn't underestimate the importance of playing.

Here's a poem that I would like to share with you regarding PLAY. Happy parenting! :)

JUST PLAYING

By Anita Wadley

When I’m building in the block room,
Please don’t say, “I’m just playing”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play
About balance and shapes.

When I’m getting all dressed up,
Setting the table, caring for the babies,
Don’t get the idea I’m “just playing.”
I may be a mother or a father someday.

When you see me up to my elbows in paint,
Or standing at an easel, or molding and shaping clay,
Please don’t let me hear you say, “He’s just playing”
For you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m expressing myself and being creative.
I may be an artist or an inventor someday.

When you see me sitting in a chair
“Reading” to an imaginary audience,
Please don’t laugh and think I’m, “just playing”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a teacher someday.

When you see me combing the bushes for bugs,
Or packing my pockets with choice things I find,
Don’t pass it off as “just playing.”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I may be a scientist someday.

When you see me engrossed in a puzzle,
Or “plaything” at my school,
Please don’t feel the time is wasted in “play”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to solve problems and concentrate.
I may be in business someday.

When you see me cooking or tasting foods,
Please don’t think that because I enjoy it, it is just “play”
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning how my body works.
I may be a doctor, nurse, or athlete someday.

When you ask me what I’ve done at school today,
And I say “I played,”
Please don’t misunderstand me.
For, you see, I’m learning as I play.
I’m learning to be successful in work.
I’m preparing for tomorrow.
Today, I’m a child and my work is play.

- JustPlayingPoem.com

Baptism and a Diaper Cake

2011-09-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I attended the baptism of my friend's third child (a girl). It was a spur-of-the-moment decision for me to make a diaper cake as baptismal gift. I only bought the "ingredients" the night before the baptism and worked on the "cake" for 2 hours. I was quite pleased with the outcome considering that it was my first time to make a diaper cake...

During the baptismal reception, I joined the table of the officemates of my friend who works for a venture capital firm. Chatting with them brought back memories of the time I applied for different venture capital firms right after my MBA studies... Although I eventually decided to pursue a career in real estate, I have no regrets about my decision since I'm happy and satisfied with my current work.

I hope I can attend another baptism in the near future so that I can make another diaper cake, which is so fun to do! :)

S&R Sale Shopping - My Experience!!!

2011-09-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

It was my first time to go to a S&R sale... I was actually shocked by the number of people who went although I must say that the deals were really great! A lot of items are discounted by 50% (some even more)! I was able to buy a lot of stuff and spent more than 3 weeks worth of grocery budget! I'm actually thinking of going back although I'm trying to restrain myself... Talk about panic buying!

Anyway, here's a PARTIAL list of some of the items that I bought:

- Freshly baked Chocolate Chip Cookies (buy one, take one) - P249.95
- Applie Pie (buy one, take one) - P249.95
- Ghiradelli Brownie Mix (5 batches) - P499.95
- Sunshine Milk (I really love this!) - P199.95
- Olay Body Wash (buy one, take one) - P499.95
- Ivory Body Wash (buy one, take one) - P299.95
- Delimondo Corned Beef - P149.95
- Chips Ahoy Chewy (Kyle loves this!) - P127.95
- Chips Ahoy Chunky (Kyle loves this!) - P127.95
- Langers Orange Juice - P299.95
- Berri Apple Juice (Hubby loves this!) - P132.95
- DM Lotte Orange 1.5L - P99.95 (huge discount for this one!)
- Pantene Conditioner (buy one, take one) - P299.95
- Pantene Shampoo (buy one, take one) - P249.95
- Elida Shampoo (buy one, take one) - P99.95
- Ponds Cream - P399.95
- Jergen's Soap Pack (buy one, take one) - P169.95
- Ivory Soap Pack (buy one, take one) - P349.95
- Chicken Nuggets - P199.95
- Nesquick - P429.95
- Zip Dishwashing Liquid (buy one, take one) - P99.95
- Colgate Pack - P599.95
- Blue Bunny Chunky Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (Kyle's favorite!) - P254.95
- Cattle Drive Baked Beans - P64.95
- Herfor Corned Beef (15 oz) - P159.95
- Piknik Less Sodium - P84.95
- Kraft Caramels (1 pack) - P99.95
- Skippy Super Chunky Peanut Butter - P249.95
- Meltique Ribeye Steak (5 pcs) - P1,249.95
- Jasponica Plus Rice (5 kilos) - P277.95
- Sterilite Laundry Basket - P449.95
- Anchor Chip & Dip Set - P399.95
- Anchor Baking Dish - P249.95
- Libbey 13" Round Platter - P99.95
- Wine Party Set (12 pcs) - P599.95
- Christmas Stockings (buy one, take one) - P399.95
- Christmas Plush Toys (10 pcs) - P599.95

The list above is not complete since I actually bought more but I just wanted to give you an idea on the sale prices...

My husband and I went to S&R BGC at 8:00 pm and left at 12 midnight! That's 4 hours of shopping and lining up but I still think it was worth it! :) I hope they will have another sale during Thanksgiving! :)

Shamcey Supsup: Miss Universe 2011 3rd Runner Up

2011-09-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

(Picture taken from Starmometer)

For the second year in a row, Miss Philippines made it to the Top 5 of the Miss Universe Pageant. Venus Raj (Miss Philippines 2010) was 4th runner up in the Miss Universe Pageant last year... And now, it's Shamcey Supsup's turn... but this time, as 3rd runner up.

Shamcey, the "beauty and brains" from General Santos City wowed everyone with her winning smile, confidence and intelligence. She was the only candidate in the Top 5 who answered the question in English. She should be commended for this... My only comment is that her hair should have been styled better... I think her beauty would stand out more if she had a hairstyle similar to Venus Raj's hairstyle last year... or that of Miss Angola's, who incidentally, won the Miss Universe crown this year.

In terms of performance, Shamcey obviously did better in the question-and-answer portion than Venus Raj last year. However, I think Venus Raj stood out because of her grace, poise and regal bearing... Still, both ladies did very well and are equally deserving to be in the Top 5... We Filipinos should be proud of them!

Kudos Shamcey for your commendable performance at the Miss Universe 2011 Pageant! We are proud of you!!!

Montero Sport Sudden Acceleration Problem

2011-09-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

(Picture taken from Top Gear Philippines website)

Just recently, I read a blog compiling incidences of sudden acceleration problems of Mitsubishi Montero Sport vehicles in the Philippines. I was quite bothered by the write ups that's why I decided to inform my dealer about it.

Here are some excerpts from the official statement of Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation (MMPC): "the electronic throttle system of the Montero Sport has undergone extensive testing not only during its development but also during mass production to ensure that it will function the way it was designed to... If you are a Montero Sport owner and in any way bothered by these 'Montero Sport sudden-acceleration' Internet blogs, you may bring your vehicle to any Mitsubishi service center nationwide for a free checkup.... MMPC would like to assure the public that every vehicle developed by MMC and its components undergo extensive testing and are of the highest quality level, and that we are committed to your utmost satisfaction and safety."

I'm actually relieved and glad that Mitsubishi came out with an official statement regarding this issue. I wish we also have all state body shops for automobiles in the Philippines similar to the one in 320 10th St, San Francisco CA 94103 so that our cars can undergo regular and extensive car maintenance/repair and prevent things like this from happening.

Toy Story 3 Birthday Party Progress...

2011-09-10T02:39:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my previous post, I have already decided on a Toy Story 3 theme for Kyle's 5th birthday this coming October... Despite the rains, the 4-day weekend last August gave me the opportunity to shop for party stuff. and fnalize the party venue... Here are some of the items that I bought for the party lootbags, giveaways and prizes! I was surprised to know that there are a lot of Toy Story 3 stuff available at Japan Home (Panay Avenue, Q.C. branch)...

I'm glad that I was able to accomplish a lot in terms of birthday preparations during the long weekend! Can't wait for Kyle's upcoming birthday! :)

Let's Vote for Shamcey Supsup!

2011-09-05T07:15:00.000-07:00

(Photo taken from the Miss Universe website)

The Miss Universe Pageant is scheduled on September 12. We can do our share in helping our "kababayan" Shamcey Supsup land the top 10 of the Miss Universe Pageant by voting for her online.

Here is the link where you can vote:
http://www.missuniverse.com/members/profile/599558/year:2011

Let's hope and pray that Shamcey will be able to duplicate if not surpass the performance of Venus Raj last year in the Miss Universe Pageant!

Good luck Shamcey! We're rooting for you! :)

S&R Sale (September 14-18)!!!

2011-09-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

I found out that S&R will have a "buy one take one (50% off)" sale in all its branches on September 14-18 (8:00am-9:00pm). Yay! I love going to S&R and I do my grocery shopping there almost every week. I am excited about the upcoming sale although I heard that the lines can get pretty long... Let's see...

Happy shopping, everyone! :)

Toy Story 3 Birthday Party!

2011-08-27T17:49:00.000-07:00

I have finally decided to hold Kyle's 5th birthday party at McDonald's Greenbelt 1 with a Toy Story 3 party theme. I have less than 2 months to prepare for the big day... Anyway, it will just be a simple celebration with less than 70 guests... Hopefully it turns out well like his previous birthdays. :) Excited to prepare already! :)

Whirlpool Warehouse Sale & Mandaue Foam Furniture Sale

2011-08-25T18:31:00.000-07:00

Good news to people who are in the process of furnishing their homes! There will be 2 upcoming home sales...

1. Whirlpool Warehouse Sale (up to 60% off) - August 26-27, 2011 (10am-5pm)

"Save on washing machines, refrigerators, microwave ovens and other appliances. Enjoy big discounts on slightly scratched or dented but perfectly working Whirlpool appliances at the warehouse. Major credit cards accepted."

Address: Lot 3, Block 4, Phase III Dennison Street, Sterling Industrial Park, Libtong, Meycauayan, Bulacan; Tel No: (02) 712-0535

2. Mandaue Foam Furniture Showroom Anniversary Sale (up to 40% off) - August 27- September 15, 2011

Branches:

Cainta, Rizal - Km 23, Ortigas Avenue Extension (656-6804)
Quezon Avenue - Corner BMA Avenue (711-0801)
Las Pinas - 487 Alabang Zapote Road (669-5041)

I LOVE, LOVE Mandaue Foam Furniture! Most of the items we have in our new home - from our beds, mattresses, pillows, lampshades, chandelier, shelves, tables, chairs, etc. all came from Mandaue Foam Furniture! I find their products really reasonably priced and of good quality. :)

Happy home shopping everyone! Let's all enjoy the LONG weekend! :)

Rizal Dairy Greek Yoghurt

2011-08-20T18:47:00.001-07:00

I have always loved yoghurt but a recent addition to my "yoghurt addiction" is the Greek yoghurt from Rizal Diary Farms, which has a stall at Market! Market! BGC.

I love Rizal Dairy's Greek yoghurt because it's thick and buttery (unlike the commercial yoghurts sold in the grocery which have a diluted consistency)! It's also quite reasonably priced and worth every penny (the cheapest is P55 a cup while the bigger containers cost P110)...

For today's breakfast, I ate the yoghurt with honey (for some sweetness) and fresh strawberry puree! Healthy and yummy! I'm actually craving for more so I might buy again later...

Aside from Greek yoghurt, Rizal Dairy also sells regular yoghurt, buttermilk, kesong puti (white cheese), muscovado sugar, etc.

Catholic Mass Schedule

2011-08-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

This is a timely post since it's Sunday...

I normally forget the mass schedule of the churches that we usually go to so I have decided to post them here lest I forget again. I'm sure this will also be of help to others...

Sunday is family day and the best way to start it is to hear mass TOGETHER as a family. I grew up in a family that hears mass together every Sunday (or Saturday)... I wish to do the same for my family now...

Happy Sunday everyone! :)

Catholic Mass Schedule at St. Michael the Archangel Chapel (Taguig)

Catholic Mass Schedule at Santuario De San Antonio Parish (Makati)

For other mass schedules, please visit Philippine Mass Schedule.

First Attempt at Baking Cupcakes...

2011-08-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

I have decided that I want to learn how to bake cupcakes so I looked for some recipes in the internet and decided to bake with Kyle. It was a good bonding moment for us and Kyle enjoyed putting sprinkles in the cupcakes. I'm not yet used to decorating with icing so the cupcakes looked "horrible" but the taste more than made up for the look. :) They were moist (just the way I like them) and rather good. Next time, I'll try a different recipe to see which one is the best...

This is how the cupcakes looked like when I took them out of the oven.

Kyle and I put some vanilla buttercream icing in baby pink color with some pink sprinkles...

I'll try to do better at decorating next time! :)

It's that time of the year again...

2011-07-29T21:14:00.001-07:00

July passed by in a blur and in 2 days, it will be August already... I have to seriously start preparing for Kyle's 5th birthday party...

This year, I'm thinking of throwing a McDonald's birthday party for him since he simply LOVES McDonald's food! In fact, he orders the following items time and time again: spaghetti, "crunchy" chicken, french fries, chocolate sundae and iced tea! This is his 'complete McDonald's meal'.

I'm still deciding whether to hold the party in Makati or Taguig although I'm leaning towards having it in Bonifacio Global City... Let's see... I have to do an ocular of the different venues first...

In terms of theme, I really don't know which one to choose - Toy Story 3, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or Ben 10... Mickey Mouse Clubhouse seems to be the more appropriate choice but we already had that theme last year for Kyle's 4th birthday. As much as possible, I don't want to repeat a theme since we'll be inviting the same people again... My second choice is Toy Story 3 but Kyle doesn't seem to like it that much...

Actually, Kyle likes Handy Manny but I don't know if there are enough stuff here in Manila to go with that theme... Plus, Handy Manny theme is not available in any of the fastfood chains here...

Oh well, let's see how things go....

Suka't Sili: My Fave Hole-in-the-Wall

2011-06-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I were in Quezon City last week because of some errands for our new house so we decided to pass by Suka't Sili to have lunch. Suka't Sili is my favorite hole-in-the-wall that serves simple Filipino comfort food. Too bad I can't go there as often as I want to since it's quite far from where we live...

Suka't Sili's specialty is the Crispy Hito which is said to be the favorite of Erap (Yup! Erap has been to this small restaurant)...

Although I love all the food that they serve in the restaurant, Cristy Hito is my favorite (same as Erap's!) that pairs well with their salad of ripe mangoes, green tomatoes, shallots and bagoong (fermented shrimp). Of course, one cannot eat the Crispy Hito without the restaurant's special concoction of "suka't sili".

Not to be forgotten is their special "halo-halo", which is similar to Razon's...

Comfort food indeed that is light on the budget! :)

Suka't Sili
158-E D. Tuazon Street, Lourdes Quezon City
Average Cost Per Person: P200-P300 ($4-$7)

Kyle's First Day in (Big) School

2011-06-14T20:42:00.000-07:00

I didn't think that we will be enrolling Kyle in a big school this year since his previous schools are rather small... But less than 2 weeks before school started, Hubby and I made the "spur-of-the-moment" decision to enroll Kyle in a big school already...

We contacted the school that we had in mind on June 2 to ask if our son can still enroll for SY 2011-2012. They asked us to go to school on June 3 so Kyle can be tested and interviewed for admission. Thankfully, Kyle passed the exam but we were not 100% sure whether Kyle would like to study in a big school so didn't enroll right away. It was only on June 9 when we decided to enroll him and buy his school uniform... We contacted and interviewed the school bus operator on June 11... Talk about "last minute" school preparations! :)

On June 13, I took half day off from work so I can bring Kyle to school. My husband and I agreed that we will bring Kyle to school during the first day but he will start riding the school bus with Ate L starting on June 14.

Kyle was actually excited to go to school albeit a bit apprehensive... I accompanied him to his classroom and thankfully, he entered the room without any qualms. He sat in one of the chairs and started playing with the wooden blocks on the kiddie tables. As I watched him play, it suddenly dawned on me that my son is now a "big boy" and is ready for the "big school". To my embarrassment, I became emotional and started to shed tears! I quickly wiped my tears away and started taking pictures of my son! :) I stayed inside the classroom with him until the class was about to start... I noticed some kids crying... I was proud that Kyle didn't cry at all and he seemed to be comfortable in class already... He even started talking to the other kids...

I'll end this post with an appropriate poem that I was able to find in Turn Back to God:

First Day of School Poem

He started school this morning,
And he seemed so very small.
As I walked there beside him
in the Kindergarten hall.

And as he took his place beside
the others in the class,
I realized how all too soon
Those first few years can pass.

Remembering, I saw him as
he first learned how to walk.
The words that we alone made out
When he began to talk.

This little boy so much absorbed
In learning how to write,
It seems as though he must have grown
To boyhood overnight.

My eyes were blurred but hastily
I brushed the tears away
Lest by some word or sign of mine
I mar his first big day.

Oh how I longed to stay with him
And keep him by the hand
To lead him through the places
That he couldn’t understand.

And something closely kin to fear
Was mingled with my pride.
I knew he would no longer be
A baby by my side.

But he must have his chance to live,
To work his problems out,
The privilege to grow and learn
What life is all about.

And I must share my little boy
With friends and work and play;
He’s not a baby anymore –
He’s in Kindergarten today.

Plants & Flowers in the House

2011-05-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my previous post, we are pretty much settling in our new home. Part of moving into a new home is fixing the garden and deciding on what indoor plants to put in the house...

Here are some of the plants and flowers that we have inside and outside the house. We decided to have roses, gerberas and hydrangeas in the garden so that we can use the blooms in house if we need to... Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take a picture of the hydrangeas so this will have to do for now...

Lovin' our New Home!

2011-04-30T00:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the irregularity in my posts! I have been extremely busy these past 3 months! We transferred to our new home (finally!) last March 31. Although we haven't fully settled in yet since there's still some stuff to be unpacked and the extension of our laundry area is not yet finished, I can say I'm pretty much lovin' our new abode. Even Kyle is enjoying our new place since he enjoys biking around the subdivision and making new friends...

One of the things that hubby and I both enjoy doing is gardening. We are currently busy finishing our garden. Hubby has also started planting some vegetables - tomatoes, ampalaya, pechay, eggplant, etc. I have likewise planted some herbs like basil, oregano, mint, flat parsley, etc. We also have "anti-mosquito" plants like malvarosa, citronella and marygold (?).

Last night, I was able to get some free coffee ground from Starbucks. We used it as soil supplement to our garden. Hopefully, our efforts will "bear fruit" in no time (literally and figuratively)! :)

Oh, did I tell you that Hubby gave me 3 fresh roses from our garden already the other week?! :) Ah, the joys of gardening! :)

Food Trip at S&R

2011-03-20T19:19:00.000-07:00

I recently became a member of S&R Shopping Club and I must say that I am really happy with my decision thus far... There are a lot of things that one can buy in S&R which are not readily available in the grocery stores in Manila... I also feel that their chocolates and other imported stuff are "fresher/newer"...

Anyway, aside from grocery shopping, I also love the food sold at S&R. Here are a few of my favorites:

Chicken Caesar Salad - I can finish this all by myself! I don't know what they put in their dressing that makes it so addicting!

Pizza - There are several flavors to choose from and each is highly recommended! The servings are huge! One slice can be shared by 2 people. I normally ask them to split a slice into 2.

Clam Chowder - This is perfect for a cold, rainy day to keep the stomach and the body warm...

Last but not the least is dessert! I can't leave S&R without ordering my favorite ice cream - mint chocolate chip! Yum!

Birthday and Valentine's Celebration...

2011-02-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

It was Hubby's birthday last February 10 so we decided to celebrate his birthday and Valentine's from February 10-14...

On February 10, Hubby, Kyle, Ate J, Ate L and I had dinner at Momo in Ayala Triangle Gardens. I also asked Ate J to buy chocolate truffle cake from Sugarhouse to further celebrate Hubby's birthday... Lastly, I gave a collage of our family pictures to Hubby, which he really liked!

On February 11, we attended my brother's 40th suprise birthday party and slept in my parents' house...

On February 12-13, we stayed at Discovery Suites Ortigas to continue our celebration (post birthday and pre-Valentine's)...

On February 14, I was out of town the whole day for work and just returned at 6:30pm in the evening... Good thing the plane arrived on time. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to spend Valentine's with Hubby... We decided to just have late dinner at Omakase in Ayala Triangle Gardens, which is just walking distance from our place...

What a great way to celebrate a birthday and Valentine's! :)