Grechie: Mommy, Wifey, and Friend

Right To Vote

2013-05-13T16:53:00.002+08:00

Today is one special day because we got to elect people that will truly represent each one of us. It is ELECTION 2013. Ate breakfast early today then went to the precinct where I was registered. Waited for 3 long hours just to cast my vote. Yup you read that right, 3 hours but then again I waited in line because the most important people in my life will benefit from it. So please my dear readers, there is still few more hours left for you to cast your vote. Remember to VOTE WISELY, choose the candidates that you think WILL REALLY HELP OUR COUNTRY to move forward.

NOTE: image is from google

On Being A Mom

2013-05-12T21:18:00.001+08:00

There are few more hours before this important day for all the mothers, moms, nanays, inays, mudras on earth left. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, single moms, working mom, work-at-home-moms, and stay-at-home moms (like me...). As they say being a MOTHER is the most noble job in the world, a job where there is no overtime pay, no bonuses at all, a job that you have to be a NURSE/DOCTOR when your kids are sick (which I really hate the most, I mean the kids being sick and all.); TEACHER, we are our kids' first teachers, we teach them from singing the alphabets to counting 1 to 10 (or at the most up to 20 or more); PSYCHOLOGIST because we really have to understand their behavior/s; FRIEND, we have to be the very first ones to listen to our kids woes and problems, what happened to them at school. Being a MOM is a job offers no degree at all.

Every time I read mommy blogs, I usually tell them that I am a mom of 3 daughters. Yup 3. I have 2 pre-teens already and a 6 year old. As they say kids nowadays are totally different with kids, let's say 10 years ago. And to this I totally agree. With my 2 older ones, if they are really makukulit already, I could just stare at them and they will totally behave. As in. But with my youngest, staring with big, wide eyes is not effective anymore. Nowadays, one thing I really pray is that I am blessed with MORE PATIENCE. My facebook friends knows what I am talking about especially when it comes to my youngest. Being a MOM to my daughters is not an easy task. I have 2 pre-teens that I have to guide, tell things that are not good for them, on how to choose friends, and everyday reminder to really study very hard, because cliche as it may sound, EDUCATION IS THE ONLY GIFT that my husband and I could leave them with. With my 2 pre-teens, I have to give them, as much as possible, HONEST TO GOODNESS answers, proud to say that I do have daughters who are way smart than I am when I was their age. As much as possible I NEVER LIE to my daughters because I do believe that being honest with them in return they will be too.

With me are my 2 older daughters,
Ate Joie (with the long hair) and
Ate Arielle (in white shirt)

My youngest Amaya, being a Mom to her is totally different cause she herself is different. As they say, NEVER COMPARE your kids to each other and I am sorry that I really can't help it. Hahaha! She is totally different in a lot of ways than her 2 older daughters when it comes to being disciplined, she wants HER WAYS to be followed, which will never happen (though once in a while, nakakalusot... hehehe). But like her two older sister, I am proud to say that she is one intelligent young girl too. Like now, I do instill on her the words, PO and OPO, of always telling the truth, teaching her to keep her toys in their proper places.

Our Amaya, the most
makulit among our 3
daughters.

When I became a mom, I never knew what to expect and now after 3 girls, it is STILL an everyday learning for me. Learning to know each one of them. Learning what they like, dislike, of what they want to become one day. I am learning to become a mom everyday because of them. I know I am not a perfect mother (but who is) nor a good one (hey, I do have a LOT of meltdowns as well) but seeing how other people see and praise my kids of being fine young ladies, I guess I do deserve a good pat in my back. I may be a stay-at-home mom but at the end of the day, I know my girls do appreciate everything I do for them. I am one proud Mom to these girls, who NEVER FAILS to make me happy and feel so loved. So to KATHERINE ARIELLE, JOSEPHINE THERESE, and AMAYA ISABELL, thank you for being my SOURCE OF STRENGTH, for THE JOY you girls bring, for the SMILE that greets me every time you come home from school, for the LOVE you give me.THANK YOU... I could never asked for anything more....

Me and My girls....
I love you girls so much....
You mean the world to me....

My New Discovery: Mustela Cologne

2013-05-06T15:13:00.003+08:00

A few weeks ago, I saw via Instagram the 3 fragrance of My Mom-Friday , one of the many mommy blogs I read. What caught my attention was the MUSTELA COLOGNE. I am not a fan of perfume or any strong colognes which causes my asthma. When I was in high school, I was introduced to this colognes called, DENENES, which I used until I was in college. It has only lately that I went back to using colognes. And since I was intrigues by this brand, the friend of My Mom-Friday gave me the cellphone number of Mustela.

It was an easy transaction. I sent my name and address via SMS. I asked few questions then decided to place my order few days after. I paid the item via BDO and after 3 to 4 days my cologne arrived. Yey!!!

The day I received my item,
it was delivered by LBC
(sorry I can't turn it around)

The moment I opened the
item I purchased the receipt
was included, and it is a legit one.
The amount in the receipt is of the cologne
alone plus shipping fee which is 120.00

the cologne was
wrapped in bubble wrap

the cologne, can't wait to use it

with my purchase they added
sample products to try...

I could spray this cologne a lot of times because the smell doesn't last long, but then again I am definitely happy with my purchase. I can't wait to buy their other products as well.

Mustela Facebook (click here)

I Am 39!

2013-04-22T15:34:00.001+08:00

Last weekend I celebrated my 39th birthday. Yup... You read it right, I am 39 years old already, one more and I will be entering the big 40. Compared to last year's celebration (click here), this year was kinda simple. The previous day, I went to David's Salon at Robinson's to have a trim, since it is summer and super duper ang init (it is really hot). Then after the haircut, went to Nailaholics to have a pedicure. On my birthday itself, the usual I went to hear mass at Mt. Carmel church. Instead of the usual cake, I decided to order a double chocolate cupcake with vanilla icing (yummy... and who cares about calories, it's my birthday... hahaha!) from BAKING MAMA (click link to her facebook page).

Around 10 in the morning I received a SMS that the cupcakes are for pick-up already. And just by the smell of it and the simple presentation, winner na ito for me, I am not that difficult to please when it comes to food especially chocolates, hehehe! Here are the pictures of the very delicious cupcakes.

Nice box....

The cupcakes that I ordered,
double chocolate cupcake with
vanilla frosting (yummy talaga)

the logo of Baking Mama

I thought the flavor I ordered will be too sweet since it is double chocolate right, but no, the taste is just right, not too sweet at all. The vanilla frosting is just right as well. Baking Mama didn't failed me at all. In the afternoon my kids and I went to the mall to have our mirienda (snack) at Pizza Hut. After eating we decided to go to National Bookstore, one of our favorite hang out place in the mall to check out if there are new books, but wala pa din.

It was a simple get together with family and having a great time with them is more than enough to have that celebration. Can't wait for my 40th birthday. (wink)

BAKING MAMA
Freshly Baked by Leonor Aquino
To order, call tel. no. 756-7778
Or Mobile no. 09354869210

Just Give Me A Reason: My Current Favorite Song

2013-04-16T16:31:00.000+08:00

The first time I heard this song from MYX, I instantly fell in love with the song. My daughter told me that Pink sang this. And I want to share it with you my dear bloggers my current favorite song...

Grad. Ball - Ate Joie's Turn

2013-04-15T15:13:00.001+08:00

Last March 16, 2013 was one of the unforgettable moments in my 2nd daughter's school life, it was their Graduation Ball. Mind you, she was only in grade 6 then. For any graduating students (whether grade 6, 4th year students) I know for sure, this is THE one night event that all of them will never forget. For my daughter's graduation ball, it was held at Luntian Resort here in Lipa City. It started with a Thanksgiving Mass followed by dinner then the program itself. Without further ado here are the photos from that special evening for the grade 6 students of Early Start Learning Center.

Ate Joie before going
to the place, with
simple hair and make-up

the girls who were
ladies that one special
night

Ate Joie with one
of her closest friends
Renzo

Joie with Earl, as the emcees
that night

my ever beautiful
Ate Joie Racal

the boys who were
gentlemen that night

the girls special
number

the boys special number

the much awaited, free dance

The wacky picture of
the ladies and gentlemen
that night.

It was one night that even us parents will never ever forget. We all had a blast event the teachers, for just one night, had fun and danced to their hearts content.

Rantings of a Mom....

2013-04-02T17:24:00.001+08:00

It's April already?! Whoa! Time really flies sooo fast that the first quarter of the year is done and summer vacation has begun. It will be 2 months with my girls around. 2 months of chaos (admit it moms out there) no matter how thankful we are that our children are in the house, most of the time it is chaos around. Shouting of the kids here and there, scattered toys around - especially on my part, which I still have a 6 year old daughter who just knows how to play and is not in the mood to keep her toys after she played with it. More time for the kids, especially with my 2 older ones, to spend on the computers or playing with their father's PSP. But then again, it will be just for 2 short months that these things will happen. 2 short months that my house will be in chaos. 2 short months that everyday of my life I will definitely hear shoutings from my 2 older ones to their youngest sister. 2 short months that I will be spending it with my girls, just laying around in the bed a little longer, watching our favorite morning serye, PLEASE BE CAREFUL WITH MY HEART. 2 short months that we will be enjoying to our hearts content.

This post may be about my rantings and all but I so love my 3 daughters to the max. These girls are our (my husband's as well) strength to go on with our daily lives no matter how difficult it may be. So bring it on, the chaos and all, for I know I could really manage it.

Summer Get-Away

2013-03-26T17:50:00.000+08:00

Summer is OFFICIALLY here. It is sooo freaking hot and what is the best way to beat this heat than to go on an outing. My family had an impromptu family outing last week. It has been 2 years since the last time we went out on a family swimming. (click here) So when hubby talked to me that morning and asked me if we want to go on another swimming, we all said YES immediately. He told me of this resort,VALENTINO RESORT AND SPA. I didn't know that there is such a place within our area. So I immediately called if there is any cottage(s) available for a family of 5. And sure enough they accommodated us, but then again I have to pay 1 for Amaya since the amount we will be paying upon entering is just good for 4. Check in time is at 2:00 pm so we were there on the dot. We were that excited. Hahaha! Enough of this and let the pictures talk its way to you my dear bloggers.

This the reception area of
the resort

This is our cottage called
Contemporary

The entrance to the
house

As soon as you enter
this sofa set will
greet you

This is the dining table/area

the small kitchen minus the
refrigerator

the bedroom which will accomodate
3 to 4 persons, but they
could give you additional bed/s

I so love this lighting...

the flat screen...

the cabinet where you could
place your clothes

there is a phone whenever
you need something, they
are just a call away

the veranda

this is another lighting that I love

the bathroom with heater

the lavatory, which I like to have
in my dream house...

complimentary of the resort

this is the view from the
cottage we rented... how relaxing isn't it?!

the girls tried walking through
this and my youngest didn't like it though.

this is the pool nearest to
our cottage....

the reception area to the spa

inside the spa

one of the many rooms for massage,
this room is for couples who
want to have a massage together

once you're inside the resort,
you're not suppose to remove this bracelet
or else you have to pay a fine

this is the breakfast of my daughter

this on the other hand is the
breakfast of my 2 other girls

this is me with my girls...

When we got there, the maintenance of the resort where doing some cleaning and painting of some of the gates and all. There was no cable connection when we got there, but on the other hand this is on my favor because we were able to really bond and have a good time. The heater in our cottage is not really functioning well and the person who knows to do the work was on a day off that time. But as the saying goes if there is a will there is definitely a way. Don't forget to bring OFF LOTION because as soon as it gets dark there are really mosquitoes already. We had the 2 pools, which is nearer to our cottage, to ourselves. This is why we had a great time swimming to our hearts content. All in all this is one family experience my daughters, hubby and I would never forget. I could say that what we paid is really worth it. So if you want to go and just relax even just for few days, try this resort.

Valentino Resort and Spa
Brgy. Pinagtung-ulan, San Jose, Batangas
Tel. Nos: (043)783-0558, 09184952338, 09208025023
www.valentinoresortandspa.com

Stage Play: Finals 2013

2013-03-12T15:29:00.001+08:00

Yesterday I posted the video of my daughter singing the main theme song of their play, entitled BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (click here). So today I will share with you my dear readers, the annual Finals Play from the school, Early Start Learning Center. Actually the levels included in the plays are from grades 4, 5, and 6. Prior to the Finals last Saturday, March 9. There were an elimination held at the school grounds of the said school last March 7. The winners that went on to the finals were 2 sections from grade 4 and 2 section from grade 6. It was supposed to be just 3 winners that will moving to the finals but it so happened that were a tie so 4 sections went on instead. Anyway, I will share with you some of the pictures from the Finals of the Play.

The trophies for the best play

Trophies for every individual
who gave their all in their performance

This play is done by grade and the title
of this play is Wizard of Oz

These are grade 4 students as well,
characters are from Alice in Wonderland

This young lade, a grade 4 student,
is really good and played the role
of the Queen

Beast

Belle

Gaston

Lumiere and Cogsworth

Mrs. Potts (portrayed by my daughter)
with Lumiere

Belle and the Beast dancing

Mrs. Potts singing

The grade 6 students that did Beauty and the Beast

Earl, from grade 6, won best supporting actor

the grade 4 student (sorry forgot her name) won
the best supporting actress

Nat, from grade 6 won best actor

Janelle, from grade 6, won best actress

Grade 6 St. Francis won the best play

This year's play is bitter sweet for me and my daughters. Bitter because it is the LAST TIME that these kids will perform on stage, share their talents whether in acting, doing the props, directing, musical scoring and all. Sweet because they will be leaving on high spirits knowing that they won first place. To the parents of these students, congratulations as well. I guess the parents of these students are their number supporters. To the teachers who never gets tired of doing these plays every year, THANK YOU because it is one way of letting these kids show their other talents aside from doing good in academics.

One Proud Momma

2013-03-11T17:52:00.000+08:00

Hi! My dear blog readers, I know it has been a while since the last time I really posted. So for this month of March, my 1st post will be my daughter singing during the Finals of their Play. My Ate Joie sang the main song, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST... I hope you will like it... I have never been so damn proud, despite some out of tunes, that I have to admit but then again, who cares. This will be the last time my daughter will be singing on stage. So without further ado, here is the video of my daughter Joie.

Happy Hearts Day!!! (2013)

2013-02-14T08:26:00.001+08:00

It is my first post for this month and it landed on Valentine's Day. Hahaha! Happy Hearts Day my dear readers. Please allow me to be mushy and all, even just for today. It has been a while since the last time I received flowers from my husband. The last time he gave me..... Can't remember, I guess it has been that looooong... And this morning on the table I saw a single long stemmed red rose with ferro rocher chocolates. And it brought tears in my eyes... Hahaha! I got carried away I know. So to Francis, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.... And to my 3 wonderful and beautiful daughters, WE LOVE YOU SO MUCH girls! Enjoy this day people... And as to end this post... let me share the pictures of what my girls and I received from Francis.

The Rose... given by Francis

These are what Francis gave to her
3 Princesses....

The single long stemmed red rose,
it has been a while since I received
such flower... and it made me
cry this morning. hahaha!

the chocolates... thanks Franics,
don't care about the calories...

My Personal To-Do-List: 2013

2013-01-31T15:44:00.000+08:00

Since it is the last day of the month, this post is still IN. Since I am done with my TO-DO-LIST in BLOGGING (click here) now it is time for some PERSONAL-TO-DO list. I believe every woman, whether you're a mom, working, single, in a relationship, should have this kind of list so that you will be able to keep track of what you have done, what else that there is to do and which you want to continue in the future. Here are my PERSONAL-TO-DO LIST.

1. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Don't get me wrong with this one. I'm not fat (my apologies if I have stepped on by using this term) nor obese. With my height (I'm 5'0 feet tall), I believe I am overweight, by how many kilograms I don't know but I could really feel it. As soon as my MOMMY DUTY AND SCHEDULE is not that tight, I am planning to go to the WEIGHT MANAGEMENT, Mary Mediatrix Medical Center. Before I go on a diet or exercise, it is ALWAYS BETTER to consult a physician. Since I am asthmatic, I want to know what to do, which exercise is appropriate for me and what should be my ideal weight. I want to be fit (and slim) before I reach 40 (which will be next year). So let's get it on.

2. MORE ME-TIME
Last year my the only time I went to have "MY PAMPERING" moment, I could count on one hand. Hahaha! This year I plan to have MORE. This "ME TIME" doesn't have to focus on the "PAMPERING" moments, it could be watching a movie, going to a coffee shop. It is more of doing things on your own even just for an hour or two. NOT thinking much of what mess your kids would have done by the time you got home. It is just having that QUIET, PEACE of a moment time.

3. RUNNING
As they say one of the cheapest exercise, besides walking, is running. Last year my husband bought me a pair of running shoes, and I wasn't able to use it "properly". Although I sue them BUT not in running, it's SOLE PURPOSE, why hubby bought it in the first place. And since I want to get off some unwanted pounds, I wanted to give running another try and who knows where this will lead me to next.

4. READ
Since I returned to reading, my favorite, last year via the 50 Shades Trilogy (click here) I have been reading a lot. AGAIN. After a long time. And I have to tell you I LITERALLY HOARDED a lot of books since last year. And every time I see a best-seller or a must-read book, as much as possible I really try to buy that book despite the fact that I still have other books that are covered with plastic and I haven't read them. So this year I will try to finish ALL of the books I bought (hoarded) and I will try, as much as possible, to share them with you.

So there. I hope that I will be able to do all of these especially my weight management. So wish me luck.

How about you, share with me your personal-to-do list?

My To-Do-Lists For Blogging 2013

2013-01-24T14:59:00.001+08:00

Hi! I'm still here! I know, I know we're in the third week of January and I hope ding this post isn't too late. Anyway, one of the many blogs I follow, Dainty Mom, has made her own "to do lists" for her blog. Inspired of what she has done, I decided to make one as well. Here it goes:

1. BLOG DESIGN
- I have been saving up to have my blog designed by Ms. Pat but every time I am about to get her services the savings I have, I spent it to the expenses of the kids at school. But I promise, to myself, that before April, (my birth month) this blog should be ATTRACTIVE and BEAUTIFUL already. *wink*

2. BLOG POSTS
- I have to admit last December I was able to do a lot of things and I was supposed to make a post/blog of each fun and meaningful activity I had but due to the crazy schedule of my 3 daughters (2 pre-teens and 1 in kindergarten) imagine how tiring my schedule was. BUT since I want to be known as a "blogger" and I wanted to be serious with this, I have to update this blog as often as much as possible.

3. BE INSPIRED BY OTHER BLOGGERS
- I have to admit there are those times that I am having a difficult time thinking of what to post/write/blog BUT when I read other blogs there is this voice inside me that says: I SHOULD HAVE WROTE THAT. So by this time, I will try to post whatever I want to post, of course with discretion and all. And as well be inspired of the other BLOGGERS that I follow.

4. TRY TO GUEST OTHER BLOGGERS
- I have been thinking of this since last year but I always "chicken out" asking WELL KNOWN BLOGGERS to guest post here in my SMALL blog. But if I really wanted this blog to take off I guess it is not bad at all to have guest bloggers here. I have to have that courage to ask them do some post here, (crossing my fingers)

So these are my MAIN TO-DO-LIST for blogging 2013. Hoping I will be able to do all of these this year. How about you, care to share your TO-DO-LIST for blogging?

New Name Blog... for the nth time...

2013-01-14T12:49:00.000+08:00

Yes! You've read the new title of my blog. I named it after my nickname, which was given to me my godfather. Most of my relatives, family members, and friends know I do have a very long name, as in. Here it goes: MA. TERESA GRECH QUIATCHON RACAL. People who knows me usually calls me Grech or Grechie. And since I am using Grechie20 in twitter might as well use my nickname minus the number.

As much as I want to put "MOMMY" before the name, which a lot of the blogs I follow have it, I decided to against it. I have nothing against using the word but I just want to be kinda different from the blog name. It took me a while to really find the "perfect" title that one way or another will really fit my blog URL. So to my blog readers (and followers), Welcome to my blog and I hope you will have fun reading. Will definitely blog soon.

Thank You 2012... Welcome 2013

2012-12-31T15:46:00.000+08:00

It was just like 2012 was starting and now we have to bade our goodbye to the year it was. But before I totally welcome 2013 let me say a few thanks to the past year, 2012. I have to be honest that 2012 has been a good and at the same time trials came, and these 2 made me a better person than I was before. As they say LIFE IS NOT A BED OF ROSES. Trials in life will either make or break you. In my case, "MY" trials in the past year made me A BETTER PERSON.

On my being a WIFE to my husband

Francis, I could just say that where ever we

are right now, I am so thankful to the good Lord

that we have maintained a good relationship.

Despite and inspite of. And on this note, I

would like to say THANK YOU very much for just

being there for me. And for his Christmas

gift, thank you so much. You

knew how much I love it.

On my being a MOTHER to my 3 beautiful,
intelligent daughters. I don't think I am even half
way of what my own parents has done
for me and my siblings. But then as I see my 3
girls growing into fine young ladies,
I guess I could give my self a pat in the
back and I could say I AM DOING
A GOOD JOB and CONTINUE doing it so.

On my being ME, as my own person, I guess I
haven't forgotten to really look after my whole-being.
Once in a while I go on my "ME TIME",
whether just going to the public market, doing
grocery shopping, or just staying
at my favorite place, National Bookstore.

It was only this year that I have rediscovered my love of reading. Thank you to the mommy bloggers I follow at twitter for the big fuss they made out of the 50 Shades Trilogy and yes I do have them all. After 50 Shades, I started reading other authors like John Green ( the first book that I read was The Fault In Our Stars, and I loved it), Paulo Coelho (I am a late bloomer that is) and Mitch Albom ( I love his latest story, The Time Keeper).

On me being a mommy blogger, I know I am only beginning my "career" as a blogger but with people who leaves comments on some of the posts I do, they are my inspiration that I could do better. I may not be the best like the bloggers I really look up to, but sharing my thoughts once in a while, what I love to do and read is far more than enough. I am looking forward to more posts though this coming 2013.

So to 2012, my heartfelt THANK YOU. Thank you for ALL THE TRIALS that came my way. It took me a while to bounce back but here I am still standing and I made it. Thank you for the wonderful time you have given me, my family, my friends and my blog. You really made me a better person, 2012.

Thank you and good bye.... And now looking forward to the New Year, 2013...

Amaya's First Hair Cut

2012-12-28T17:13:00.002+08:00

After 6 years, it is only yesterday that my youngest daughter, Amaya had her first real haircut at David's Salon here at Robinson's Place Lipa. If you're wondering who cuts the hair of my Amaya, Me. Yes, Me. Since she is uncomfortable of going to the salon I did her hair cut for the past 6 years. And so when she agreed to have a hair cut, My 2 older daughters and I really cheered on her because she might not get the hang of having her hair cut at the salon. And since it is indeed her first I took my ever reliable digicam with me. Here are the photos.

Finally! Amaya got comfortable
washing her hair, because she
hates cold water it took a while
to pacify her. hahaha!

Yey!!! the first cut... Finally done
by a professional. hahaha!

And now on to the blow drying

Why the face? because she
hates the noise of the blow dry makes
and hates the hot air
that comes out of it. hahaha!

Voila!!! Newly cut hair by Sir Mark of
David's Salon Robinson's
Place Lipa.

Amaya's World

2012-12-01T11:43:00.001+08:00

I can't help but share this little funny story. Ever since Amaya learned how to read and learned a lot of things from school, feeling ko nalito na ang bunso ko. Here's what I mean:

Amaya (reading her Filipino book): KA-MA-TI

Grech: KAMATIS, Amaya with an S.

Amaya: oh, madami pala.

Me and my 2 older daughters can't help but really laugh our hearts out... Haay Amaya!!!

Must Go: The Mind Museum

2012-11-29T16:44:00.003+08:00

Ever since I read this Mind Museum from one of the mommy bloggers I follow (click here), I have always wanted to go there with my kids and husband. And last Sunday, November 25, it happened. Yes I feel a kid who is so excited to go on a "field trip". I have to admit, my husband and I really saved up for this. For a 3 hour trip within the museum, it cost us 2,550.00 pesos. And I could really say that it is really worth it. My 2 older daughters really don't know where to start, where to look at, excited to go to the next floor. While my youngest, really enjoyed. It is THE one museum where I really allowed my youngest to really touch everything but of course with my guidance and my hubby's as well. Anyway, without much further a do, let me show you, my dear readers, via photo our trip.

Warning: LOADS OF PHOTOS... Enjoy....

Me and my daughters at
the lobby of the Mind Museum

This is KAL, as soon as you
enter the lobby, you will definitely
meet him

See how amazed my Amaya
with KAL

Here we are waiting for the
time to go inside the museum
(excited much!!!)

As you enter, you will definitely see this,
just a few reminders while inside
the museum

This is Aedi, spelled the idea
backward

Here is one of the guides
whom shared a few things
before we really explore the whole museum

Meet Stan, and my Amaya is
scared of this.

This is one of the things I really
liked, I tried it and I tell you my hair even
in my skin really stand up. Look
at my older daughter's hair.

The periodic table. You will what products
symbolizes each element

Lucky for us we were
able to see simple experiments
from these two guys.

It is nice to be an archaeologist
even just for a few minutes. hehehe!

just like in the movie Jurassic Park

The different parts of the brain

The evolution of men. And I tell
you that woman with the long
hair really looks kinda real. It scared me
the first time I saw it.

The following pictures are inside the Mind Museum Store

My daughter taking picture
of some of the cards. While at the back
are some drinking bottles and other toys.

There are shirts and caps as well.

Books for the kids

This is nice a gift, a USB. too bad
I wasn't able to buy one.

The next photos are taken at the Mind Museum park

My Ate Joie, tried making
this giant bubble but when she
was about to stand up,
it burst.

This eagle, you could peek behind the holes
and you could see how the eagles
see at things.

the slides, where my 3 daughters
really enjoyed the most.

This is one trip wherein my daughters and I really had a great time. So if you're not busy this coming weekend or this coming Christmas break, try going to the Mind Museum.

Click here to visit their website: The Mind Museum

My Current Favorite Song

2012-11-27T21:41:00.001+08:00

Before I go to bed, I just want to share with you my dear bloggers my current favorite song. Thanks to my 2 older daughters for introducing me to this song, ate Arielle and ate Joie. So enjoy it my dear blogger friends and readers. Good night... Sweet dreams... ;)

The Time Keeper: My Favorite Quotes

2012-11-22T11:59:00.000+08:00

So the last post I talked about my current favorite book, The Time Keeper. In every book that I read, or we read, there will be those lines that will really stands out and that will remain in our heads. What I usually do is I have a stabilo or marker beside me so that I could underline or mark those lines that I really love.

just like in the photo... this is
what I usually do. hehehe!

From this book, let me share with you my favorite lines or quotes...

- " Man alone measures time.

Man alone chimes the hour.

And, because of this, man

Alone suffers a paralyzing fear

That no other creature endures.

A fear of time running out..."

- "Mankind is connected in ways

it does not understand -

even in dreams..."

- "It is never too late or too soon.

It is when it is supposed to be."

- "You marked the minutes. But did you

Use them wisely? To be still? To cherish?

To be graceful? To lift & be lifted?"

- "Remember this always:

There is a reason God limits man's days"

- "But man who can take

Anything will find most things unsatisfying.

And a man without memories is just a shell."

- "Time flies with you"

- "We all yearn for what we have lost.

But sometimes, we forget what we have."

- "What will you do with the time you have left?"

- "A heart weighs more when it splits in two;

It crashes in the chest like a broken plane"

- "Knowing something and understanding it

were not the same thing."

- "Living without love was something he knew

More than any soul on earth"

- "When does it stop hurting?

Sometimes never..."

- "Time is not something you give back. The very

next moment may be an answer to your prayer.

To deny that is to deny the most important part

Of the future. What's that? HOPE"

- "Ends are for yesterdays, not tomorrows."

- "With endless time, nothing is special,

With no loss or sacrifice, we can't

Appreciate what we have."

- "There is a reason God limits our days.

Why?

To make each one precious"

- "There was always a quest for more minutes,

More hours, faster progress to accomplish,

More in each day. The simple joy of living

Between sunrises were gone."

- "Everything man does today to be efficient,

To fill the hour? It does not satisfy. It only makes

Him hungry to do more. Man wants to own his

Existence. BUT NO ONE OWNS TIME."

- "We do not realize the sound the world makes -

Unless, of course, it comes to a stop. Then, when

It starts, it sounds like an orchestra."

- Dor: "I tried to stop your suffering"

Alli: "We cannot stop what heaven chooses"

- "TIME FLIES"

How about you? Have you read the book? What are your favorites? Can't wait to hear it from you...

Happy 13th Birthday Ate Joie!

2012-11-20T15:05:00.003+08:00

Today, is the 13th birthday of my 2nd daughter, Josephine Therese better known as Joie in our family and as called by her friends as well. Since last year I made an open letter to her already, (click post) this year I decided to use pictures as to let everybody knows how my little girl is now a young lady. Naks!

Joie when she was in

junior kinder at ESLC

Ate Joie member of

the school choir

Ate Joie and her sister Ate Arielle

are both members of the

school newspaper

With me, during our

family outing here at Laiya

goofing in front of the

camera with Ate Arielle

Ate Joie...

another profile picture

taken during the time we

went to MOA

Ate Joie's achievement as a

runner-up in the Binibining Kalikasan 2012

Another feather in her cap... She placed

5th in School Press Conference,

and she will be going to

Tagaytay on December

To our Ate Joie, thank you anak, for always making me and your tatay so proud of all the achievements you have done... And I know you will go places for you know how to really strive hard. I love you so much anak, always remember that... God bless you... :)

Book Rave: The Time Keeper

2012-11-19T14:29:00.000+08:00

I have seen this book, The Time Keeper, on display at the National Bookstore here at SM Lipa. Since I have been looking what book to read after The Fault In Our Stars by John Green, a good book by the way. This book caught my attention. To be honest, it will be my first time to read a book by Mitch Albom. Since it is one of the best-sellers I bought it immediately.

But then due to my busy schedule as a mom to my 3 daughters, it is only recently that I began reading it. I would usually read the book every morning after my 2 older kids have left for school, and while my youngest and husband are still asleep. And last Friday, I finally finished reading the book. Yeah it took me a while to read it. But I could say IT IS INDEED ONE DAMN GOOD BOOK.

NOTE: I am not really what you could call someone who is a book critic. It just so happened I love reading books but what I am going to share is how I felt about the book, the story and yes it made me realize a LOT OF THINGS... and most importantly ABOUT TIME.

The 3 main characters are Dor, also known as the Father Time. Victor, a self made billionaire and married to the beautiful Grace. Sarah, a fat but intelligent girl. Three different stories but they have one thing in common: TIME. Dor, wanted to know more about time; Victor, wanted MORE and LONGER time despite of his old age and that he is sick. Sarah, on the other hand wanted to slow the time so she could spend a little longer with Ethan (the boy she thought "loves" her).

I could honestly say that as one reads this book, one way or another, you could related to either of the 3 main characters. On my part, I could really relate more with Dor and Grace ( yes the wife of Victor). I admire her love for Victor despite her husband's busy schedule, travelling here and there, she still stood by him. Knowing that their marriage or relationship as husband and wife were greatly affected. On the other hand, I admire Dor's love to his wife, Alli. For Dor, his world is his wife and kids. His never-ending love for Alli, I felt that.

MY THOUGHTS/REFLECTION:
As every second passes by be sure to really make a good use of it. Never waste any single moment dwelling on the past because it is IN THE PAST. What had happened cannot be UNDONE anymore. What is important is that we still have the PRESENT, to at least correct whatever wrong doing we may have done in the past. This is why it is very important for me, as a mother, to have a good relationship with each of my 3 daughters. I could do so much as a mom. The rest are still up to them.

As for me being a wife, being in a marriage, is really a TOUGH JOB. Both of you must REALLY STRIVE to get the relationship going and working. I could assure you, every relationship, whether you're married or not, has really its ups and downs. All relationship go to tough times and it's up to both of you how are you going to resolve it.

Now I believe that TIME IS INDEED GOLD and we should not waste a single second. If you're working, work hard but DON'T FORGET the people around you, especially your family. They are your backbone, I tell you. If you're "SINGLE" enjoy being one until the "right" one comes along. If you're YOUNG, enjoy your youth, for it will only come once.

Lastly, don't forget to ENJOY LIFE for this too is just a once in a lifetime for all of us.

Remember this: TIME FLIES

A Fun Day at Swimming Class

2012-11-08T15:15:00.001+08:00

Today is the last day of the swimming class of Amaya and her classmates. The teachers had a fun day of just having a contest among their students. They were grouped into 4 with 3 students each. All of the lessons they have learned in the past quarter were used. Here are some of the photos of the class.

The kids are being grouped

into 4 members

This is my Amaya, instead of using

the kick board, she just clinged

to the neck of the teacher and kicked

her way to the other end. Hahaha!

The teachers let the kids use

the NOODLE, so that they

could kick and paddle

Amaya doing the bubbles... Instead of

putting her whole face down the

water, she is just LITERALLY

doing bubbles on top of the water.

Hahaha!

The whole class with teachers from
Bert Lozada Swimming School

To the ever reliable swimming teachers from the Bert Lozada Swimming School, on behalf of all the mothers of the students, our heartfelt THANK YOU for all of your patience, understanding, and love you have given to our kids. We know that it is difficult to teach these kids but it paid off. Until next year. See you again.

I Am Still Here

2012-11-05T15:05:00.002+08:00

Hello!!! I know... I know... it has been a while since the last time I blogged. It was a busy one for me last month, October. My 2nd daughter was included in the Binibini at Ginoo Kalikasan, where she won as 2nd runner-up in the division level. For a first timer, she was really lucky. Here is my Ate Joie.

Her gown is made out of
plastic and the upper part
of the gown are made out
of straws

Then exams for my girls came up so I have to be guide my 2 older ones while I did the reviewer for my youngest. I really did missed blogging. But there were those times that I don't know what to blog about, what to write about. But there are those times that I have ideas that I want to share but I am so shy to share for some might think that it is so shallow to be shared. And now that I don't have to be embarrassed if there are simple ideas, or thoughts in my mind that I want to share. Because THIS IS MY BLOG. Hahaha! So for the time being, this is going to be my first post for this month of November and I will definitely be blogging regularly.

Amaya's Girls

2012-10-08T14:49:00.000+08:00

A few weeks ago, Amaya drew this, in a scratch paper. She told me: Mom, I am the one in the middle, (the big one actually... hahaha...) and the 3 girls on the left and on the right are her friends, whom she calls MY GIRLS. Hahaha! I am so proud of her drawing.