Jonas Blurb

Spring Fishing at the Pond!

2014-03-22T14:41:00.001-07:00

Oh the weather outside is perfect; perfect to go fishing. So, Kyle got up and prepped himself to go fishing. Little later, he came back home with two fish in the bucket! He is into fishing now after his Dad took him to several fishing trips at the lake; but, this is much better just walked and fished right into your yard. Anyhow, Kyle always come up with his fashion of what to wear. Take a look of this chosen outfit...

Definitely, he is into fishing! He spent most of the day being out in the pond...

Surprise Gift!

2014-03-14T12:16:00.001-07:00

Our son, who is 10 years old now, always wanted a pet... He had fish and turtle before but it didn't suit him. He wanted a dog, but it will be impossible because he has hair allergy reaction on it. One day, he decided to have a dog, a short- haired dog because it didn't seem to bother him. Since we moved to our place, he has been wanting to have one... We wanted him to have one but it has to be a surprised one... So, after a long three weeks wait it finally came true.

We were out in the yard prepping for our garden when two dogs excitedly greeted us... Our friend Mike was behind carrying a tiny puppy... Kyle asked him, "Why do you have three dogs?" Mike replied, "Well, I heard that you have been doing so good at school and you want to have your own dog." So, this puppy's parents are here to give you their puppy!" Kyle still didn't get it, he asked Mike back, "What do you mean?" Mike answered, " This is your puppy now!" He handed the puppy to Kyle. Kyle was in disbelief and so surprised that he didn't know how to react. He was in awe and totally elated! He said... " Mommy, I have a puppy now." He held the puppy with his tender care with his big smile and about to cry.

Mommy's Blooper

2013-08-19T20:59:00.001-07:00

First Day of school is my most anticipated day as a mother. Unfortunately, I can't do it this time, so I asked my husband to do me a favor. But today, it didn't turn out right. The only thing I asked from my husband is to take Kyle's picture during drop-off time. Unfortunately, Kyle convinced his father of not doing it because it embarrasses him. I was so disappointed when I found out that no picture had been made. So, I decided to wait on him at the bus stop and take his picture. I waited for almost 40 minutes and these are some pictures that I took out of my boredom

weed flower (love the color)

ant hill

spider on his web

Then, I saw the bus approaching. I was so excited to see my 4th grader! Then, he saw me with a camera, he started screaming, "Oh no! No picture, Mommy!" I begged him to be still so that I can take picture, but he was so defiant. I told him that I waited for 40 minutes just to see him but it didn't work. Until, I pulled out

the last card and I said,

" Kyle, I need to do this because this is one of my precious moments to look at when I get old :)." Finally, he said, "OKAY!" Now, he is calmer. So, I continued, "It will be nicer if you show me where Daddy dropped you off so that I can take a picture." He instantly replied with his wide eyes of disbelief, "MOMMY, are you serious?" After looking at me pitifully, he agreed. Basically, we redo the scenario this morning, pretending I'm dropping him off. I'm so proud of him for doing it all over again for his mommy. Definitely, he deserved a good treat!

So proud of him!!!

First Day at School

2013-08-19T11:25:00.001-07:00

Today is Kyle's first day at school as 4th grader. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to drop him off. So, I asked my husband to do me a favor of taking his picture after being drop-off, but Kyle refused to have his picture taken because he is big now. It crushed my heart. My husband added that Kyle said, "It just embarrasses me." I certainly couldn't believe it. So today right after work, I will make sure to get home on time so that I can wait on him right at the bus stop. Today is his first time to ride a school bus too. So, I definitely need to take his picture because it is significantly important for my scrap book :)

Happy Anniversary!

2013-06-11T19:26:00.000-07:00

Today, we celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary; it doesn't seem that long. The man I married hasn't changed, and he remains sweet, kind, and thoughtful. Sometimes the meanness in me resurfaces, he stays calm, and subtle. I might drop the dishes intentionally because the dishes are not done; he would just say, "I can do that." Or, I might fussed because the clothes were not folded right, he would just say, "I'm sorry, I tried." Perhaps, I was just looking for any reason in order for him to get mad. I surely brag my sweetest husband; even though, I don't oftentimes cook hot American meals for him. He is perfectly fine if I go to Publix and just get a combo-meal. But selfishly, I cook Filipino food more often just exclusively for me. It is so unfair, but he doesn't care at all. I think, he had rather eat that way than eat the unappetizing meal. Obviously, I'm not a very good cook and Kyle can attest to that. Wow, I sound like I domesticated my husband big time. Not only is he the sweetest husband, but he is a wonderful father to his kids. He always brags about his three boys, and his grand-baby Gaige. Happy Anniversary, asawa ko!

Disclosure Policy

2013-05-15T19:50:00.004-07:00

This policy is valid from 06 February 2012
This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact Jona (bookofjona@yahoo.com).

This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. I believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, I always give my honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

Cub Scout Graduation

2013-05-15T19:30:00.003-07:00

It has been three years since Kyle began his journey as a cub scout. Last Monday, he has his graduation as a Bear cub to Webelos, a closer rank of becoming a boy scout! Woohoo! Cub Scouting is a great opportunity to help develop his interests and skills, strengthens family and more. He loves it so much that I sometimes talked to him of quitting. But, Kyle's dedication and commitment to his pack is solid! Apparently, he is having a great time learning and venturing the fun task assigned to him. We don't have any reason to make him quit, but just our laziness to chaperon him :(

He is looking forward to his another journey as Webelos!

For the boys!

Kyle is wearing his complete baseball uniform underneath his class A uniform shirt because he has a game right after the ceremony.

Egg-Drop Project

2013-05-15T11:53:00.001-07:00

Few weeks ago Kyle told me about his egg-drop project. He explained to me the details and how he needs my help. I never done this before, but I am optimistic that we are in the right track. Thank goodness my hoarding trait has paid off. I am not an extreme hoarder, but I surely save stuff that are usable in the future.

The rules are strictly written to use any materials that can be found at home. So, we used bubble wraps, elastic (remnant from my sewing), empty box (X'mas ornament box), spray paint (left over).

Here's how we did it:

I spray painted the empty box then Kyle decorated it. He wrapped the egg, and we attached the elastic. We chose the elastic to hold the egg from touching the the corners. Once the box has dropped , the wrapped egg will just bounce and will prevent from breaking. We didn't try it at home because we are convinced it will work.

Indeed, Kyle was so excited to tell me that his egg has survived! Team work works!

Online Threats Solution

2013-05-14T20:30:00.001-07:00

We are living in a modern time where everything can be done by the touch of our finger. Evidently, the electronics demand are becoming necessity for our day to day living. For example, we manage our finances through online, we store valuable information in our PC, tablet, smart phone, and etc. However, we are aware of the online threats that can be damaging to our electronic devices and most importantly to our personal records. That is why, we need to take responsibility by keeping it safe through using protection against viruses and other online threats. Stopzilla AVM is recently scored a 100% detection rating when Westcoast Labs issued its "Checkmark Certification & Platinum Award regarding our flagship product. These products are developed, built and serviced out of Boca Raton, Florida. This product has been proven to protect from any viruses and and online threats. Be protected, and use STOPzilla.

Tortang Talong

2013-04-09T16:02:00.001-07:00

Eggplant is commonly known as "Talong" in the Philippines. You can cook it in anyway you'd like; for example, baked, boiled, grilled and etc. But, my most favorite way is the grilled and fried. So, I decided to cook today. I bought this giant eggplant from Walmart. At first, I was hesitant to buy it because of its enormous size unlike the homegrown ones in Philippines . Nevertheless, I bought it just to satisfy my curiosity. Surprisingly it turn out good! So, I thought to share it to you all.

This is how I cook it.

Sliced it lengthwise
Baked it in the oven 400 F for about 30 minutes (lined your baking sheet with parchment and spray cooking oil on it to avoid sticking).

Scrambled 2-3 eggs (coat)

Sliced onions

Flour to coat

When the eggplants are done
Take it out from the oven. Remove the peeling (it's hard) unless you like to work on it.

Season it with salt, pepper and garlic

Dip it in eggs then coat with flour.

Fry 'em

Serve with rice ( I used brown rice).

I had this for my supper!

Disclosure Policy

2013-04-09T14:29:00.000-07:00

This policy is valid from 06 February 2012 This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact Jona (bookofjona@yahoo.com). This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. I believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity. The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content. The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

Kyle's Creation

2013-03-28T20:52:00.001-07:00

Few weeks ago, Kyle and his pack had their pinewood derby where they made their own car from a block of wood; thereafter, they had a race. So this year, he decided to make his favorite game character - Steve! Lately, this has been is favorite game on the computer. He could not exactly turn it into real one, but it resembles of "mine craft" which I think it's fair enough. After he designed it, his Pack leader helped him cut it by using fancy cutting machine. Through the process of making it, Kyle demonstrated an excellent skills in implementing his plan from start to finish. He loves being a cub scout, and we are so so proud of him because he did it all by himself!

Below is the wooden block where Kyle had drawn his design for cutting

He chose these colors to resemble the mine craft setting, and Steve is the popular character of this game (I helped him with this using pizza cardboard.)

The den with their award! Although he did not win, but he is proud of his own creation.

Kyle Hari ng Padala!

2013-03-07T11:52:00.001-08:00

Kyle misses his relative in the Philippines, and wishes he could come back soon. When it was Lola's (grandma ) birthday; he personally filled up the Money gram form for Lola's gift. But because the line was long, he asked me to get in line while he filled up the form. When I checked it , he got it all right!

The Heat!

2013-02-05T10:59:00.001-08:00

We have few more games to go and then basketball will be over. Kyle started slow because he did not play basketball for more than two years, but after few games, he loosen up! His team-the Heat is so far the undefeated team, and last weekend, they really stepped it up and made the game more interesting. They won it by one point! Kyle really played aggressively, and helped his team. Go Heat!!!

Cash in Hand

2013-01-29T16:34:00.001-08:00

This is what I got from my mail today, a brand new dollar bill and an opportunity to be chosen to do a radio survey. I am so excited because I am an avid radio listener! I drive to highway 280 everyday to go to work, and in order to alleviate my boredom I tune in to radio talk show! Now, I have given an opportunity to rate them, and a free money for drinks! In the following weeks, I will be receiving a booklet to fill up! This is going to be Fun because I get to make a diary of it! Fun tuning in!!!

Jonas Blurb: My First Own Made Siopao Asado!

2013-01-26T19:54:00.001-08:00

Jonas Blurb: My First Own Made Siopao Asado!: Siopao is one of Filipino's delicacies, and its literally name is "steamed buns." I grew up eating them. So, I decided to make my own using...

Macaroons!

2013-01-26T19:13:00.002-08:00

This is my favorite dessert every time I go to Chinese buffet restaurant. It wasn't hard to make except for the mixing part.

Original recipe makes 1 dozen Change Servings (from allrecipe.com)

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
5 1/2 cups flaked coconut
1/4 teaspoon salt

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, coconut and salt. Stir in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla using your hands until well blended. Use an ice cream scoop to drop dough onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about golf ball size.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until coconut is toasted.

Chicken Ball

2013-01-26T17:46:00.001-08:00

My chicken ball is scrumptiously good! Thank you Julie for the recipe, you are the best! I thought Glenn will eat the entire chicken ball, but he saves some for the next day. It's definitely easy to make, and the ingredients are easy to find, and affordable too!
I attached the finished product and the ingredients, and they are definitely good with "Wheat Thins"!
All you have to do is to combine all the ingredients together, and form it to ball, actually mine is not a perfect ball. Put it in the fridge for about 10 min and serve.

My First Own Made Siopao Asado!

2013-01-24T19:01:00.003-08:00

Siopao is one of Filipino's delicacies, and its literally name is "steamed buns." I grew up eating them. So, I decided to make my own using the recipe online. I was skeptical at first, would it taste the same? Fortunately, I did good! I surely tapped my back after I ate the first one. So here's the "Siopao"! Voila!

If you follow the directions, you will make a good siopao! Thank you "Panlasang Pinoy", for this yummy recipe!

Siopao Recipe

Ingredients

Dough:

2 cups warm water
2 ½ tbsp sugar (added to yeast mixture)
½ cup sugar (added to the flour mixture)
1 pouch dry yeast
5 cups all purpose flour
1 ¼ tbsp baking powder
6 tbsp shortening

Asado Filling:

2 lbs pork, chopped into small pieces
3 tbsp lard or shortening
2 tbsp garlic, minced
1 large onion, minced
2 tbsp cornstarch, diluted in 1/4 cup water
4 tbsp soy sauce
4 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce

Cooking Procedure

Cook the Asado filling by heating the shortening in a pan
Saute the garlic and onions
Put-in the pork and cook until the color of the outer part turns light brown
Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar then mix well. Simmer for
40 minutes
Put in the corn starch (diluted in water) and mix until the texture of the sauce becomes
thick then set aside
Make the dough by placing warm water in a bowl then add the yeast and sugar and mix well.
Leave the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes
In a mixing bowl, put-in the flour, baking powder, shortening (or lard), and the yeast-
sugar-water mixture then mix well (bubbles should have formed on top by then).
Knead the combined mixture until the texture of the dough becomes fine. Let the dough
rise by setting it aside for at least an hour (place in the mixing bowl and cover the top ).
Knead the dough again then cut into individual slices (this will be the dough per
individual siopao).
Flatten the dough until a round shape is formed using a rolling pin.
Put the asado filling on the middle of the flattened dough and wrap. (refer to the video for the technique if interested)
Place the siopao in a steamer and steam for 15 minutes.
Serve hot. Share and enjoy!

Special Day

2013-01-21T08:46:00.000-08:00

This is the cake that Kyle has planned out, it wasn't perfect, but he was happy when he saw the outcome! I have to admit that I need to enhance my skills in cake making for a greater result. Kyle incorporated delectable ideas for this project!

A Taste of Snow

2013-01-20T22:25:00.001-08:00

Few days ago it was forecasted that it will snow in Alabama, and the day finally came. Kyle was so anxious to be outside; however, he has to go to school. Despite of the treacherous road, I managed to drive safely and picked him up. When I got to his school, there were still snow coming, and there were few on the grassy area, but not enough to play snow ball fight. When we got home, he was disappointed because the snow was gone except the ones on my car, so he managed to make some snowballs to throw at me :(

Our Birthday Boy

2013-01-19T10:05:00.002-08:00

These are just few of distinguishing characteristics of our birthday boy who turns 9th today!

It doesn't seems that long when we welcome him to this world, and surely the time flies quickly.

As the years go by, Kyle is turning into a fine, unique character that resemblances some traits from us. The daily schedule has change, but the nightly schedule hasn't change like reading together at night, but to different genre. Reminding him of taking shower, brushing his teeth and flossing will always remain, I think.

He is definitely in charge with his homework, but hates it when we found flaw on it.

He is very perfectionist, but somehow it doesn't work in choosing the clothes.

He his very independent that he refuses any of my suggestions of what to wear.

He gets in trouble from talking too much, but won't back down when he thinks he is right.

He enjoys mine craft, but hated it when his timer goes off.

He is a Math savvy that he calculates everything, but when I borrow his change he would add fifty percent interest on it; if Daddy asks it, he'll give it to him for free!

He is very competitive, astute, and shrewd that he makes all A's, but still in trouble at school from talking too much.

He loves playing baseball and basketball, but hated football unless Auburn wins!

He is a Bear cub and soon to be crossing over to be a boy scout!

He still loves to watch Phineas and Ferb , but criticizes every episode on it.

He loves Star Wars and Indiana Jones, but considering of changing the scene of Hunger Games!

He loves to eat pizza for as long no veggies on it, and when the veggies touch on his food, he rather be hungry!

He loves his Sunday school that he gets mad if he misses it!

He plan out his birthday celebration today, so we are just followers...

We are so blessed to have a wonderful boy!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 9th SON!

Kyle's Favorite Filipino Snack

2013-01-11T20:11:00.001-08:00

Our son Kyle is hard to please in terms of food; I have to trick or lie to him about the ingredients just to suffice his taste buds. So when we went to Philippines last summer, I was very worried on how to feed him, surprisingly, he fell in love with "pandesal". Pandesal is a classic Filipino bread rolls, and every morning he would wait the delivery guy just to buy a freshly baked pandesal and he'd eat it for breakfast. When we got back in the U.S., I taught myself on how to make it, but it become jaded so I quit making. Meanwhile, my cousin who lives an hour away from us, has been bragging about her Filipino delicacies that was so appetizing, even in the video, so I decided to make some. Initially, I made it just for myself, and when Kyle asked me about it, I simply compared it to a pandesal except it's steamed. He wondered, but decided to try, and guess what? He loves it! He would eat it, as his snack when he gets home from school! The photo above is "Puto", a new snack for Kyle!

Flashback of 2012

2013-01-03T20:39:00.000-08:00

The last entry I made was a month or two months ago. Wow! I was definitely a slacker! Well it's good thing it's a New Year, and I can do better, hopefully :). Where was I? The the last entry I made was about the Halloween, so I guess I have to write my entry about Christmas, don't I? Seriously, the last quarter of 2012 was a busy year, juggling in between, work, schooling, and family can definitely tire you out. I am so thankful that the year 2012 went smooth with "little bumps on the road" (Obama). My husband is doing great, and our son is doing great at school! Above all, the highlight of last year was when Kyle and I went to the Philippines.

It was an unforgettable moment when Kyle and his kinfolks finally met. The whole family was waiting for that moment to finally see Kyle in person. The few weeks of time spent with them was priceless, and irreplaceable. The memories of meeting them still linger to his mind, and hoping to see them again soon. He misses them a lot!

Overall, the year 2012 was another blessing, and a year to remember. We are so thankful to be surrounded with great family and friends. I am hoping that this year of 2013 will be another blissful year.

Jonas Blurb: Post Halloween Party

2012-11-03T21:46:00.001-07:00

Jonas Blurb: Post Halloween Party